Obscurity

Chapter 21: Charger

Alma

I wake up to bright orange rays of light peeking through the edges of the curtains. Rolling over, I wipe the sleep from my eyes. Today is the day. I pray I'm getting out of here.

Sitting up, I look around the room. Sierra's bed is still empty. She never came back from Medical last night. My eyes wonder over to the table next to the wall. There's a clear plastic bag setting on it with what looks like my clothing from laundry.

I get up and pad over to the table. Yep. It's my clean clothes. Finally. I was getting sick of these scrubs. I take my clothes out of the plastic bag labeled 'Weaver -5B' and carry them to the bathroom with me.

I shower quickly. I don't have time to waste today. I need to be ready when Dr. Summers comes onto the floor. I brush my teeth faster than usual as well. I rip the cheap plastic comb through my chestnut colored wet hair. It hurts but there's nothing else I can do when they don't give out hair conditioner. They only gave me some cheap hospital issue soap and shampoo. I suspect both items are the same crappy formula, just disguised in different packages.

Staring into the large bathroom mirror, I examine my mousy hair hanging pitifully and limp. What I wouldn't give for a hairdryer right now. I lean on the counter and assess the bags under my eyes. I reach up and press on the dark puffy pockets. I look like I haven't slept since I got here.

I make a mental note to drag myself to the spa when I get out of here. A good massage and facial will work wonders. I smile at the thought.

My pale complexion in this lighting is making me look ghostly. I reach up and pinch my cheeks gently to create a blushing effect. With no cosmetics here, it's the best I can do. I pull my hair back into a low ponytail and fluff my bangs. Good enough.

I exit the bathroom and retreat to my bed. Sitting on the edge, I quickly put my socks on. Why is it always so cold in here? I wonder as I smooth out my pants and straighten my sweater.

"Hey there, good morning, Alma." Cindy knocks on the open door. "Breakfast is here." She cheerfully announces. I smile to acknowledge her.

"You look nice today." I tell her, observing her off-white blouse and navy slacks.

"Thanks Alma, you do too! Those green scrubs were awful. I wouldn't wish 'em on my worst enemy." She laughs."See you at breakfast." She says as she turns out of the room.

I take a deep breath and mentally ready myself for the day. Today will be a good day. Today will be a good day. I chant to myself as I push up off the bed and make my way down to breakfast.

I'm one of the first to the day room. I assume my seat near the windows and realize I still haven't seen Sierra. My eyes scan over the few people sitting in here. Then, I look over to the hallway and nurses station. Nothing. No sign of her.

Nick rounds the corner and our eyes meet. I give him a smile and point to the chair opposite of mine. Why not have breakfast with a friend? Friend? Is that what he is? I never really thought about it before. I guess he could be a friend.

He shuffles over to my window-side table and takes a seat. We both look towards the elevator when we hear the squeaky wheels of the food cart coming our way.

He glances back to me, "How's your morning going?"

"It's going well." I reply giving him a warm smile. "Yours?"

"Same as always." He laughs. "I woke up in a strange bed, in a strange place. I couldn't be better." He jokes.

"It could be worse, you know..." I chuckle. He raises his eye brows in question. "You could've woke up in someone else's bed, in their strange place."