Sneaky

Chapter 29

After the transfusion, Herschel seemed to have noticed my inability to turn my head whenever I attempted to glance at Lori, whose hand was firmly placed on my shoulder.

I'd already gotten scolded about my hands; It wasn't difficult to notice the fresh blood on my palms after the initial panic of helping Carl. Apparently digging your fingernails into barely scabbed wounds makes them bleed again.

"Come out here for a moment." Hershel motioned at me after he'd finished removing the— thing from my arm.

I rolled my shoulder, trying not to shiver, and pushed out all thoughts about what had been inside my arm. Carl got what he needs from me, that's what's important.

My stomach rolled a little as I stood up; slower than I should have for someone who just gave as much blood as I did, and this sharp old man definitely noticed the grimace I tried so hard to disguise.

I pat Rick on the shoulder and squeezed Lori's hand before I followed the doc out of the room.

Herschel had me follow him into the dining room and bandaged up my hands before taking a look at my neck.

"Turn your head for me" Hershel's calloused fingers reached for my neck and I jerked back.

He put his hands up much the same way Rick does when showing he doesn't mean any harm. Hershel reminds me a little of Dale in that regard.

I ducked my head, clearing my throat and looked back up stiffly; allowing Hershel to touch my neck. No matter how hard I tried though, I couldn't stop myself from trying to lean away. Having a stranger's hands on —or anywhere near— my neck is disconcerting to say the least. Doctor or not.

Hershel motioned for me to turn my head, feeling around my spine and pressing on the sore muscles. I did turn but didn't take my eyes off him.

It feels weird and definitely hurt in places but nowhere near as much as my ribs do right now. Starting like that before brought on a new bought of searing throbbing.

"You got lucky. It's just a muscle bruise near a nerve cluster. It'll heal up on it's own in a few days. It'll be sore for awhile. Try not to aggravate it. Now lift your shirt please. Let me see about those bruises."

I lifted my shirt without resistance this time(as long as his hands get away from my neck), so he could poke and prod at my torso.

The sharp intakes, and horror stricken faces of the blonde woman, T-Dog, and the porch girl(who I'm 45% sure is sweet on Glenn), aren't helping my attempt at a positive outlook.

Hershel barely put any pressure on my ribs before I grabbed his wrist with a sharp exhale out my nose.

I let go a second later and beared with it, grinding my teeth as he poked around. Literally.

"Well, good news is they're not broken, just cracked. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do for these either. They'll heal on their own in a few weeks but we'll see about something for the pain in the meantime."

"Maggie, could you get her some painkillers and fix her something to eat? Make sure she drinks some water."

"Course" Porch girl Maggie nodded, motioning for me to follow her and I stood before doing just that.

I watched her shake out a few pills from a bottle of ibuprofen, grabbing a glass from the cupboard and filling it in the sink before handing both to me.

I popped the pills into my mouth, and as soon as the cool water hit my throat I chugged the whole thing. God I didn't realize how thirsty I was. Or how good tap water tastes.