In a world of just in time

Chapter 17

Damon's POV

I have been sitting outside Elena's room for nearly an hour now. Apparently in the night she freaked out and no one is allowed to go see her until the doctor is finished trying to calm her. I should go in there. I can actually help. Well I think I would be able to.

I look around when I hear the door to Elena's room open and then close quickly when an older looking female doctor walks out. I stand up and walk over to her before she has a chance to escape the corridor Elena is in.

"How is she?" I ask but I can barely get the words together.

"Are you family?" I hate when people answer a question with a question. "Kinda. My parents just became her foster parents and I am her boyfriend." I know I am not but maybe if she thinks that she will just tell me what is happening. "I am sorry but I can't tell you, I would have to speak to your parents."

"Please just wait a moment. My mother will be right back, she just went to get coffee. Please." I think she can see the desperation and tiredness in my eyes as she reluctantly nods her head.

After a few minutes my mother walks around the corner with two coffees in hand. Handing one over to me she begins to talk to Elena's doctor, "Is everything okay?"

"Your son wanted to ask about Miss Gilbert but I can't answer without her parents or guardian." She responds.

"Yes how is she?" My mother has been hoping she will be able to leave the hospital soon. She thinks she will be able to heal better at home as she will now actually have a home. And at home she can be cared for by family rather than by doctors who see her as just another patient.

"She's exhausted." The doctor begins to answer with sorrow clearly heard in her voice. I suppose anyone would after knowing what Elena has been through and seeing her. "Her physical injuries should heal pretty quickly as long as she is kept well fed, has plenty of water and doesn't get an infection. The injury to her leg was deep and she did lose a lot of blood but no major arteries have been damaged and no bones have been broken. We gave her stitches so it time her leg will be perfectly fine. The bruising will take time to go and the scarring will remain. But mentally there is a lot of damage that will not heal as easily. Firstly the reason for her panic last night was a male nurse was sent to change her IV. She immediately panicked and she has done every time a male attendant has entered her room. She hasn't yet spoken or gone back to sleep. And she won't come out from under the table. When she first woke in the night she went under there and has not yet come out. I believe it's because of her previous living conditions, under the house was her home and safe space which she is now seeking again in this time of stress. She's under there for comfort. We aren't going to force her to come out but under there with her resisting us we can't help her. I can recommend some therapists but right now she needs time to calm down and process what has happened."

Once she has finished speaking I immediately speak, "I want to go in there. I can get her to come out. She knows me and trusts me." I plead.

"I don't think it would be wise. As I said she doesn't handle the presence of a male well, some time and space would do her good now." The doctor says.

"Just let me go in there. For five minutes. Both of you can be there also and if she freaks I will leave straight away. At least let me try." I don't know if I will be able to calm her or help but I at least need to try.

"I'm sorry but I can not recommend you going in there." She tires to reason with me but I need to go to Elena and I am not letting this go. "Did you know she is pregnant?" I ask, looking quickly towards Elena's door.

"We know, it is in her medical records but we are unable to check on the pregnancy currently. We haven't been able to complete a scan or listen to the heartbeat. Our main priority currently is Elena. We can't drag her out to check on the foetus." She says but with less sympathy in her voice this time. "She's pregnant with my child. And I need to go be with her and let her know she is not alone and be there for her every need. Please let me be there for the people I love and if she freaks out I will be the first to leave and I will not beg to go back in there until you recommend. I can help."