Once in a Lifetime

Leaving the Hospital

After about a week, I was finally released from the hospital. I was so glad to be getting sprung! Jimmy had been with me most days, even I though I know there were things he could be doing to get ready for the show to come back from hiatus.

Jimmy had tried to keep most news reports about the whole mess from me, but I did watch it in the evenings about what happened in the studio. What I didn't realize that there was a camera going the whole time, from Kyle dragging me into the studio until the paramedics had taken Jimmy, Miles and me from the room. But they were doing a monologue rehearsal, so I figured the cameras were rolling anyway. I was also shocked by the outpouring of well wishes from so many people that I would have a speedy recovery and hoping Jimmy would have me on as a guest as soon as I was able.

I think that floored me the most. People actually wanted to meet me. I wasn't sure if I would be up to that, but it was nice to know some were accepting of me and my weight, something I was definitely not used to.

The Roots and some of the writers, including Miles, came to visit a couple of times. The Roots had an impromptu band rehearsal in my room one evening, really cheering me up. They played Iggy Azalea's "Fancy" and Nico & Vinz "Am I Wrong"' those being my two favorite songs. I couldn't thank them enough for their jam session. Some of the nurses and patients even sat in and they took requests, staying well past the end of visiting hours. But I figured most that were there needed that pick me up as much as I did.

Jimmy had gone to my hotel a few days before and collected my bags and checked me out because I couldn't really stay there by myself. I tried to protest, but he wouldn't hear of it. My arm was going to be in a sling for at least three weeks and I couldn't dress on my own, let alone pick anything up. So it was decided that I wouldn't be staying at the hotel anymore. Only I didn't really know who I would be staying with, but I had a pretty good idea where.

The day I was released, Jimmy had gone downstairs to get his truck while one of the nurses came to get me. We were leaving the room, me in a wheelchair clutching the teddy bears that the Higgins and the Roots brought me. We got to the elevators, the nurse pushing the down button.

"You're one lucky girl," she said as the doors opened and we entered the elevator. I had heard this a few times during the week. I glanced back at her before asking, "I am?"

She smiled as we got off at the lobby. "Yeah. Jimmy really likes you. I'm glad. He seemed to be a little down after he and his wife split. I really wish you the best." I smiled back at her, realizing that some people were okay with Jimmy finally finding a woman he could love, despite how I looked.

We had just made it to the front door of the hospital, Jimmy pulling up in his truck when I saw a camera lens out of the corner of my eye near one of the bushes. The nurse was helping me stand up when Jimmy came around the front of the truck, so I didn't give it much thought.

I was almost into the truck, standing on the running board, Jimmy trying to help me in. All of a sudden, a few people came up, taking pictures and trying to shove microphones at Jimmy. "Jimmy! Is this the girl that was hurt at the studios last week?" "Ma'am, what's your name?" Jimmy is this your girlfriend?" I heard the latter one asked a few times.

I tensed up, not used to people invading my privacy. Jimmy noticed as he helped me to sit in the truck, whispering, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." He shut my door, standing in front of it. I could hear his voice loud and clear. "Yes, this is my friend that was hurt at the studio. Please respect my privacy along with my friends privacy as we continue to heal before our show's hiatus ends."

Jimmy then went around the truck and hopped in, leaving the reporters in shock as we pulled away from the hospital. He took my good hand, squeezing it as we pulled into into the crazy New York traffic. "It's going to be okay babe. I promise. For now, all they have to know is that we are friends. Later on, when you feel ready, we can announce that we are seeing each other."