If It's What You Want A Harry Styles Fanfiction || h. s.

Chapter 52

           

He'd cancelled her flight reservations, the hotel, various transport services, and called his family. They were understandably disappointed but understanding. He nodded off periodically while waiting for the doctor to come back.

A light knock brought Harry awake again.

"Come in," said Ashley.

Harry stood and walked forward to shake the doctor's hand.

"How's she doing?"

"Sleep is her first complaint."

"We can do something about that. Ashley, may I talk freely in front of Harry?"

"I suppose."

"That's a yes or no question."

"Sure."

"Okay, your white cell count is high, causing your body to work hard to fight the infection. That can result in an increase in heart rate. I'd like to add an antibiotic to the IV you already have going. I can give you a light sedative to help with sleep. We don't want to give you something to promote deep sleep. This tends to cause more shallow breathing, and we need you to breath really deeply."

"I'm trying, but it's beginning to really hurt."

"That's to be expected. I'm going to order another chest x-ray to see if there's a change from yesterday. The tech will come in soon. In the meantime, eat and drink if you can, the nurse will be in to start the antibiotic and give you something that might help you rest. I'll be back this afternoon unless I'm need before then. Alright?"

"Yes," she said.

"I'm sorry about this, Ashley. I know you were intent on leaving today. Hopefully, your aunt and uncle can work everything out."

"Okay."

"Harry, I'll check in periodically."

"Thank you."

"Ashley, can I get something for you to eat?" asked Harry.

"Would you call my aunt? I'd like to see her. I think I'll try to eat some cereal and have a little coffee. I don't want much, but I'll get a caffeine headache if I don't drink some."

"Okay. Just rest."

Harry stepped out of the room and found a quiet corner in which he could talk privately with Margarite. She answered on the first ring. "Good morning, is everything okay?" asked Margarite.

"Yes, the doctor was just in. Ashley would like for you to come."

"I'm almost ready to leave."

"Margarite, I have to ask you something."

"Of course."

"Ashley asked me to get something from her purse. Her wallet fell open and . . . "

"And?" Margarite interrupted.

"Her driver's license."

"And?"

"It's apparent there is more to Ashley's story than what she's told me."

"You'll need to speak with her once she's well," said Margarite.

"I'm not sure I can wait that long."

"Give her time, Harry."

"To what? To be honest?"

"I don't believe she's been dishonest," defended Margarite.

"By omission . . . not telling someone . . ."

"You don't understand her situation."

"I haven't had a chance to."

"You've known one another just short of a month. Do you honestly believe she'd tell you everything about herself in such a short time?"

"I'll see you when you get here."

"Harry?"

"Goodbye."

Ashley's phone chirped from his pocket. She had two text messages, one from Steve and another from a girlfriend. He texted them quickly letting them know she was in the hospital and suggested they might wait to come later in the day.

Ashley was sitting up coughing when he walked back into the room. "God that hurt's," she said wrapping her arms around herself.

"What is it?" The pain in my chest is awful.

Harry grabbed a pillow from the chair he'd been using earlier. "Here. When you have to cough, hold this tight to your chest."

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock. "Come in," said Harry.

"Hi, I'll be your day nurse. I have lots of good stuff here," she said.

"Great," said Ashley.