Back To Me

Chapter Three: Always

"It should take six to eight weeks for the ribs to heal. The bruises should start to fade in a couple of days. For now, we are just making sure she's breathing comfortably, taking deep breaths and pain management."

Dr. Deveaux kindly informed both an awakened Kennedy and Octavia as he went over the healing steps for Kennedy once she would be released from the hospital. The older man stood by the side of Kennedy's bed as he informed those who were in his hearing about her condition. His gray hair spoke of a life full of wisdom as did the calming yet full tenor of his voice. It was obvious that he had done what he was now doing before, each patient different from the last but all in need of the same kind of doctor: one that cared about their health and recovery. If Dr. Deveaux had seen patients in worse conditions than Kennedy before he didn't let on about it, he handled her with the knowledge of a skilled physician, but with the heart of a man who had a daughter her age. for that, Octavia was thankful. So far, his recommendations were easy enough for Kennedy to follow, there would be rehab for her fractured and broken ribs. Dr. Deveaux was careful in explaining the next steps for Kennedy's recovery and was particular about her pain medication since he didn't want her to form any kind of addiction from a stronger dosage. He took special care with prescribing her low dosage medication under the watchful eye of Octavia. Of course they were going to keep her another night to monitor her breathing and now that she was awake, the police did want a statement from her for their report.

"What are some things that she can do at home to help her recovery?"

Octavia asked as she scribbled things down on a notepad while the Doctor started to list off recommendations. On the other hand, Kennedy while listening to the exchange between Octavia and her doctor she kept her mind of her breathing. She winced with every deep breath that she took. The stifling feeling a harsh reminder of the mess that she had gotten herself into. The breathing reminded her of the coolness of the bathroom tile floor.

Inhale.

The blood that was trickling from from her busted lips. Inhaling took her mind back to once foggy memories that were becoming so clear she couldn't mistake them for anything else.

Exhale.

Her body shook lightly as the pain coursed through her bones like static. Exhaling felt like fear. The fear of not knowing how much time she had left before her face felt the sting of the brass knuckles that adorned his right hand.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Ex...

Soon Kennedy's breathing swallowed as her heart began to race. Her surroundings began to fade as hot tears streamed down her cheeks. She felt completely out of her body, out of her mind, out of control. Scared wasn't a word to rightly describe how she felt as the memories of the night before came over her in waves.

It was the shrieking of the monitors that drew Dr. Deveaux and Octavia from their conversation to a panic stricken Kennedy. Instantly Dr. Deveaux sprang into action, carefully but quickly, calling her name as the nurse on call to her room came in to check her vitals and to be of any assistance to Dr. Deveaux. Octavia took a step back, her heart just as erratic allowing the nurses to do what they were trained for, but kept a steady eye on Kennedy.

"Kennedy, you're okay, you're in a safe place, no one is going to hurt you here."

The soothing voice said calmly but clearly,

"Lets count to ten as we breath slowly" he said as he counted slowly to ten as Kennedy's breathing slowly returned to normal. After sometime, Kennedy came to herself, her tears no longer due to fear, but to embarrassment. Her vulnerability was on full display and even though she was fully clothed, wrapped in bandages and a hospital gown and under light covers,nothing else made her feel so exposed.