Survivor

Chapter 9

We walk in to Vikki's room first; only to see her still asleep. Her parents are asleep on their pull-out couch cuddling together with the blankets a mess. They are all quiet sleepers; the only noise in the room is the monitor beeping from her heart. I'm glad she's doing better. I wonder if what Jake said is true, they're playing with me or really want to be my friends?

"She seems to be doing good, still. Maybe a little pain, see the spikes in her breathing." I nod, looking at the monitor. "She seems to be breathing at a normal pace, so don't worry."

"Easier said then done," I say with a deep breath.

"It'll be okay. She's doing fine; the meds are working..."

With that Vikki squirms in bed. She winces in pain, and I hold onto Jake's arm. He chuckles, "It's okay, I believe she's still asleep." No sooner her eyes flash open, and she screams out in pain. I hide behind Jake and her parents go running to her.

"What's the matter? Where does it hurt?" he father asks.

She doesn't answer, but her breathing increases. I'm so scared. "Carol?" Her eyes begin to water and she shakes uncontrollably. I do, too. Why is she saying my name? I don't like this. I wonder what's going on? What's happening to her?

Her mom takes her hand and tries to hush her. Her father speaks up, "It's alright. I'm sure she's doing just fine, Sweetie. No need to worry."

She's still breathing fast, "Where is she? What happened?"

Her mother speaks up this time, "You've been in a car accident, and have some injuries. I, we, haven't seen Carol yet, to know how she's doing."

Just then a female nurse come running in. "Hey, Victoria. How's it going?" the nurse asks. She walks up to Vikki, but takes a quick glance to the monitor first. "Wow! You're vitals are spiking tonight. Did you have a bad dream or are in any pain?" the female asks.

"She woke up screaming out 'Carol', but as to the pain, I'm not too sure?" her father says.

"Mmm. That is strange," the nurse says. She faces back to the monitor, "Her vitals?"

"Good, but a little high on her heart beat. She needs to calm down," the other nurse says.

"Do you see any sign of pain or stress?"

"A little, but it's mostly just her breathing,"

"Okay." She turns around and faces Vikki. "Hey there. How are you doing? Any pain?"

Vikki just stares at her, "Where is Carol? Why won't anyone tell me where she is?!"

"Easy, Victoria. Caroline is doing just fine at the moment. Right now we need to take care of you, okay? Will you let us do that?" the nurse asks.

Vikki looks at both of the nurses, takes a deep breath and nods. Both nurses smile and the one in front says, "Good, now are you in any pain?"

"A little," Vikki answers.

"Okay, can you tell me where, and how bad?"

"My leg, arm, and my head. Nothing too bad, it's tolerable?"

"So, everywhere you got hurt at. We'll give you something for the pain. It'll knock you back out, but it will help with the pain."

"Thank you." The nurse turns around and mumbles something to the other nurse. "Miss?"

"Yes? My name is Heather; please relax, sweetie."

"Can you at least tell me how Carol is doing? Is it possible for me to see her?" I'm shaking; I want her to see me. I'm scared for her, but I'm glad she's doing better now. After what we discussed earlier, though, I still wonder why she's worried about me.

Heather takes in a deep breath, "I'm sorry, Sweetie, I wish I could, but I'm not allowed to discuss another patient with others. I can let the doctor know you are asking about her, as well."

Vikki looks sad, "I understand. Thank you, I'd appreciate it that."

"I'll be back soon to check on you, but if you need anything in the meantime; hit

this red call button, I'll come running in."

Vikki nods, "Thank you."

"My pleasure. Take care now." Heather turns around to administer the medicine. Then they leave the room.

Jake turns around to face me, "Are you okay? You've been hiding behind me the whole time."

"Sorry," I reply, moving slightly away from him. "I'm okay. Just hearing her shout out my name really scared me."

Her parents are beside her again holding her hands, "Shhh, sleep now. We're not going to leave you. We'll be here when you wake up, and if you're up for it, and the doctor agrees, we'll take you to see Caroline," her mother says.

"I would like that very much. Thank you."

"It's my pleasure, dear."

"Me, too," I say quietly, and I feel Jake give me a gentle squeeze.

"Come, let's go check on you. Seems like the medicine should kick in soon," he says. I smile slightly and we begin to walk out. Before we make it to the hallway, I glance back at Vikki and she looks so calm, so peaceful. I see the time on the clock next to her and it's almost six in the morning.

"Come. She'll be okay. It'll all turn out just fine," he says.

I turn around and walk with him towards the doors. "How? How do you know? I just feel like everything is falling apart, and it wasn't supposed to be this way."

"Hey, it's okay. It will end well. I have a good feeling about you. Come. let's go." I smile and we walk to my room in silence.