A Stroke of Serendipity

Chapter 6

"You see Doc it's a really funny story, you're going to laugh." I started, he gave me an unimpressed look. "I was putting on my heels and I put one on just fine and I just couldn't find my balance when I tried to put on the other. So I did a not so smart thing and grabbed the door for support. I ended up toppling over and I managed to slam my fingers when I fell." I ended my story laughing airily, "funny right." The lie came out smoothly, I was surprised at how convincing I sounded.

"Well that's a first." I heard the doctor say. He then started to examine my hand, he looked at the fingers one by one and to say it didn't hurt would be a lie. It killed but I wasn't going to cry in front of Eli. That was just not going to happen.

I looked over to where he sat, he looked upset and even angry. Through the pain I was confused. Why is he so mad? My thoughts were interrupted by the doctor asking me to change into a gown so they could get some X-Rays.

I sighed as I hopped down from the bed and lead to another section of the hospital. Eli and I walked next to each other as the doctor lead the way. We soon approached an area where there were changing stalls and three doors.  A lady approached us,

"She will be taking your X-Ray today" said the doctor, "once you're done I will temporarily bandage your hand and we will see if you need a cast or not." I nodded understanding
the lady came up to me,

"Have you done an X-Ray before?"

I nodded, yes.

"Okay I need you to change into this gown, take everything off except your underwear." She instructed, "I'll meet you in this room over here" she told be before disappearing.

I walked into one changing stall and tried to unzip my dress. After struggling for a few minutes I gave up.

"Eli?" I called,

"Yeah?"

I walked out of the stall towards him, "could you unzip my dress for me please, I can't do it."

I saw him gulp, "yeah, no worries" he said  I turned around, his breath fanned my neck as he gently unzipped the dress.

"Thanks" I said quickly before going to the stall, feeling a bit weird from the close proximity. I was able to quickly change into the gown and I went into the room. I followed the nurses instructions and after fifteen minutes I was done. I walked back out to find Eli leaning gain at the wall.

"Are you done?" He asked,

"Yeah" I said looking up at him. I went back into the stall slipping into my clothes. Again I couldn't zip up my dress, I quickly folded the gown I used and put it on the bench and exited the stall.

"Eli, could you zip up the dress?"

"Yeah" he said walking up to me and quickly zipping it up.

"Thanks" I said calmly as my heart was beating rather quickly. I needed to get my head straight, what is wrong with me today?

Both of us found the doctor near his office filling out some forms.

"Okay since we are not exactly sure what we are dealing with. I'm going to bandage your fingers. Your family doctor will receive the X-Rays in four to five days and you will be notified on what to do next." He explained. We walked into one room  and he got out the supplies he needed to bandage my hand.

I'm not going to lie this part hurt like a bitch. I don't know how I got through it without screaming my head off. My eyes even watered a bit. Once he was done I sighed in relief.

"Okay all done." Said the doctor, "now it would be beneficial to ice your hand to reduce the swelling. Also do not use your hand for the next few days. You may have to get surgery if you are not careful." He explained.

I nodded understanding what he was saying. Soon both Eli and I were walking towards the car with our unfinished box of donuts and my bandaged hand. We quickly got into the car and made our way out. Not before paying the parking fare, which I fought over paying but he flat out ignored me.

"You hungry?" Eli broke the silence,

"We are heading home, I can eat there. Unless you want to eat out or something."

"Wanna go get something to eat?" He asked hopefully,

I shrugged, "your choice." I leaned back closing my eyes. My hand was throbbing and shots of pain went through my arm. I just wanted to take a hot shower, clean my face, brush my teeth, crawl into bed and cry.

Eli pulled into a Pizza Hut that was open 24 hours. I was not up for this. We made our way inside, the place was deserted. A server lead us to our table, handing us our menus and asking us what drinks we would like. Both of us decided on iced water. We quickly order a small basket of garlic bread and a small cheese pizza. Within twenty minutes our food arrived.

I grabbed a plate for myself along with the knife and fork. How was I supposed to eat this with a knife and fork. No, how was I going to use a knife and fork. Eli must have noticed me looking at the food on my plate with confusion. Before I knew it he took the plate and slowly started cutting the pizza as well as the garlic bread into small bit size pieces.

"Thank you" I said looking at him he simply nodded and continued eating. I happily stabbed each piece and slowly ate what was on my plate. In the end I successfully paid for the meal, which Eli didn't seem too happy about. I smiled as we entered the car once again.

Finally, I thought, I'm going to be in my comfortable bed soon.

"Don't forget to ice your hand okay?" Eli said,

"Yeah yeah don't worry." I said dismissively,

"I'm serious," he said looking at me.

"Eyes on the road buddy. You don't have to worry. My hand will be fine and we will go back to you insulting me and ruining my days."

"No, I won't. I'm going to make it up to you. I intend to keep that promise. I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm an asshole I know. "

We were almost home. "Don't worry about it too much. Just forget this ever happened. Let's not get involved with each other's lives.  Besides after this wedding we probably won't see each other anymore." I said remembering how both of us would be starting university this coming September.

Eli pulled into the drive way, and punched in the pin code, the gates opened. I didn't even question how he got the pin knowing my dad was  probably the one who gave it to him.

"Thanks for taking me to the hospital." I said looking at him into his green eyes. "You should get some sleep once you get home."

"Don't forget to ice your hand. Don't use your hand for the next few days. You have to remember that." I rolled my eyes.

"Chill a little bit. Bye" I said before exiting the car. I opened the garage door using the keypad and made my way into the house. It was almost five in the morning. I made my way into the kitchen and was not surprised to see my dad sitting there.

"How did you break your fingers?" He asked sternly. And so I told him the same story I told the doctor.