Great Expectations. - Now Complete

Chapter 44

"How serious is serious?" Alice asked anxiously. She felt panic growing. "You can't tell me that he's in a serious condition without explaining why!"

"Alex has a bullet lodged in his shoulder. It has shattered his collarbone and has left bone fragments in the soft tissue. He's lost a huge amount of blood and is still bleeding. This is very serious and causing great concern. There is clearly some major tissue damage which needs to be dealt with to stop the bleeding. However the surgeons need to find out where the bleeding is coming from and then fix it."

Alice nodded slowly. "Could he...could he..still die?"

"The problem with an injury like Alex's, that won't stop bleeding, is that the blood loss can lead to cardiac arrest. The heart becomes too strained but the surgeons are the best in their field Alice. He's young and strong. You have to bear that in mind whilst we wait for further news."

"Can I go and wait for news near the theatre?"

The doctor shook her head. "It's best you stay here Alice, to wait for news. Let me take you to your room. You can wait there."

"The only thing that I want is to see Alex again."

The doctor led a very reluctant Alice to a pleasant room, complete with ensuite facilities.

"This will be your room whilst you are with us Alice." she was told, "You are welcome to have a shower or take a bath. There are clean clothes laid out for you or if you'd prefer, there's some pyjamas. The room is yours for as long as you need it. I suggest you rest. This button here is for you to call for a nurse if you require any help. Also, if you go through to the door on the left," she pointed outside the room, "You'll find a kitchen if you would like to make yourself a drink. You've missed the evening meal, but we can get you something to eat if you're hungry."

Alice shook her head. "I couldn't eat anything," she whispered, "I just want to know how Alex is."

"As soon as there's any news I will personally come and tell you."

Alice nodded.

"Would you like someone to stay with you whilst you shower or bathe?"

Alice nodded. "I feel scared of being on my own." she admitted.

The doctor smiled. "It's a perfectly normal reaction Alice. Don't worry."

The doctor called for a nursing assistant to stay with her. A lovely woman called Sarah helped her to run a bath then took away her soiled clothes as she got into the water. As she lay in the water, Alice felt her body begin to relax. She scrubbed every inch of herself, noting the new rainbow of bruises covering her whole torso. She wondered where George was and how he would react when he saw her. Her thoughts then returned to Alex. Her anxiety returned.

"Sarah!"

"Yes?"

"Is there any news on my son, Alex? The doctor said she'd find out for me."

"Do you want me to go and check for you? Will you be OK on your own?"

"Please!"

She heard the door close. She sat for a moment then began to feel vulnerable and scared on her own. Cautious of getting the dressing on her hand wet, she got up slowly. She dried herself quickly and dressed in the clothes she had been given. She sat on the bed, shivering slightly, suddenly cold. The door opened.

"Alice, we've got some news for you," said the doctor, "Alexander has come through the surgery successfully. He's currently in recovery. However, if you're ready, I can ask Sarah to take you up to where he is and you will be allowed to spend some time with him."