The Life and Times of Bonnie Chance

More Trouble

"When you were unconscious for a day, you also called out that man's name, always..." Memphis said, getting angry. "Who is he?"

"No, Memphis... don't misunderstand," Carol said. It was at that point that Bonnie returned with more painkiller for her, and a few maids entered the room with fresh bedding.

"What's going on here?" Bonnie asked when she saw the way Memphis was leaning over Carol, looking menacing.

"Misunderstand? Then you must explain... Who is Ryan? What is he to you?" Memphis asked fiercely, grabbing one of Carol's arms.

"Not so rough!" Bonnie scolded him. Again, she was ignored.

"Ryan is my big brother!" Carol said nervously.

"Your big brother?" Memphis asked.

"That's right!" Carol said. "He's living distant from us: 3,000 years in the future..."

"3,000 years...? In the future?" Memphis asked.

"Yes, he is looking for me... I know because I always hear his voice calling me..." Carol said. In fact she could hear it right now.

"Carol and Bonnie, wherever you are, please come back... Mom is sick because of missing you!" Ryan said.

Carol could see him. She knew that Jimmy was with her brother, looking for them.

"Carol and Bonnie... if you go somewhere at least give your family a word!"

"Brother Ryan... Jimmy," Carol said, sitting up as she stared at something only she could see. "Even if I inform you, you still can't come to us... We're distant from each other for thirty centuries... a gap that can't be transcended..." Bonnie watched her with concern. She couldn't hear or see any of it, and that worried her.

'Is Carol hallucinating?' Bonnie wondered, furrowing her brow. 'But she has no fever, so she shouldn't be delirious, and she's wide awake right now... Could it be that all the stress of everything that's happened is getting to her?'

"Poor Carol... Perhaps the wound still troubles you, that's why you keep on blathering!" Memphis said, pulling her into his arms and kissing her. He looked back at Bonnie. "Can't you find good medicine for her?"

"I have a painkiller here, but I think the best medicine would be rest," Bonnie said. "Giving her a bunch of medicines all willy-nilly will just make her sicker."

"Well, give her the painkiller!" Memphis said, as if she had been the one causing the delay in treatment, not him. Bonnie was a little annoyed, but she didn't complain. She was saving that for something more serious.

"Here you go, Carol," Bonnie said, giving Carol the cup of medicine and some candied dates to help get rid of the nasty flavor after. Carol knocked the medicine back and quickly shoved two dates in her mouth, chewing frantically to release their sweet flavor and chase away the medicine's taste.

"Your Majesty! Good news!" Unas said as he came running over to them. "Your gift has come!"

"Very good! I'll come there right away!" Memphis said. "Come with me, Carol! I want to give you a surprise. You may come as well, Bonnie." He helped Carol stand and kept an arm around her as he rushed to go outside, making Carol go faster than she wanted.

"Ah! My feet still hurt..." Carol said, wincing. The painkiller hadn't taken effect yet, and the wound on her foot felt like it was opening again. Bonnie frowned with concerned as she followed them. Her frown deepened when she saw Carol pale and sweat dripped down the side of her face. "Why is there a need for haste?" Memphis didn't answer, he just kept rushing her forward. 'He is too forceful... doesn't listen to me at all...'