It is finally here, and I hope it doesn’t disappoint. Enjoy the finale of Christmas at Tiffany’s…
When Drew went back to the hospital, he went through the main entrance. He didn’t want any distractions or anyone stopping him for questions. He went straight to the 4th floor and through the double doors. A brief stop by the nurse’s station and he entered Elizabeth’s room.
There was a pallid cast to her skin but the rosy glow budding on her cheeks filled him with hope. He knew it would be a long night, but for the first time in weeks, he felt optimistic. A small smile worked its way across his face as he settled into the chair near her bed and promptly fell asleep.
~*~*~*~
“Dr. Carter?” the soft female voice sounded concerned as she shook his arm gently. When his eyes opened, she continued. “You asked me to wake you a half hour before my shift was over.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you, Kathy. Anything interesting happen?”
“No. That man? He’s been asking to see Ms. Bunting. I didn’t know what to tell him.”
“Oh! Yes, I’ll take care of it. Do you think you could let him come back for a little while?”
“Dr. Adams said no visitors. That’s the problem.”
A smile played at the corners of Drew’s mouth. “Well, then I suppose you should respect the good doctor’s orders. I’ll go around and come in from the other side and let him know how she’s doing. Any changes?”
“Her heart rate’s returned to normal and she’s breathing on her own, but she still hasn’t woke up yet. I really don’t expect her to wake up for a few more hours anyway. She’s been through quite the trauma.”
“I agree. I have to go start my shift, but page me if there’s any new developments or if she wakes up?”
There was no mistaking the lump that consisted of Cullen in the waiting room. If they weren’t there for the same person, Drew knew he would pity him. As it was, he decided to do the charitable thing and woke him up. Cullen shot up in a startled state before remembering where he was and why he was there.
“Elizabeth?” he asked.
“She’s doing better. She should be awake in a few hours. Perhaps you’ll get to see her then.” Drew watched Cullen’s face fall and his heart softened. He realized this man was no threat to him, though he knew how much he cared for Elizabeth. It was written in every line on his face, in the stubble that hid his features, and in the wrinkles of his clothing. ”I’m sorry, Cullen. It’s hospital procedure. They will let you see her as soon as it’s safe for her.”
“Have you seen her?”
Drew’s first instinct was to lie, and he didn’t understand it. He didn’t need to hide anything from this man. He cleared his throat to cover his discomfort. “Yes, I have actually. I stopped in a little while ago.”
“How..how does she look? I mean under the circumstances?”
“She looks good. I think she’s going to be okay. I really do.” He watched as Cullen’s face brightened. “Look, I have to start my shift. Any of the staff here knows me. Have them page me if you need me, okay?”
~*~*~*~
He’d called to check on her several times during his shift, but there was no news. With each passing hour she didn’t wake up, the weight of the box in his pocket grew heavier. His optimism was waning. The first chance he got, he went up to check on her. As he entered the room, her eyes opened. Her pained expression made it impossible to tell if she were trying to smile or grimace.
“Hi,” he said.
“Hi,” she answered.
“Should I call for the nurse?”
“No. I’ve been awake for awhile.”
His eyes turned to the floor even as his brows hunched together on his forehead. “Oh. I…I asked them to call me when you woke up.”
Silence darkened the room and he felt his heart slow down.
“I know. I asked them not to bother you.” Tears stung her eyes and she blinked, not wanting him to see them. She didn’t realize that he could stilll have this much of an effect on her a year later. His eyes dropped and her heart leaped but she ignored it. She wasn’t going to allow herself to get all worked up over him again. She had greater issues to deal with.
“Oh, I see. How are you feeling?” He didn’t see though. His heart was in panic mode and threatening to burst out of his chest.
A wry laugh danced in the air. “I’ve been better.”
“Have you talked to your parents?”
“Yes. They called a little while ago. They told me you called them. Thank you.”
“Of course. Has, um…has Cullen been in to see you yet?”
A small smile worked its way across her face.
“Yes. Poor Cullen. I sent him home. It’s Christmas. He should be home with his family. You know I’m going to send you home, too. You should be home celebrating Christmas with Dougie.” She watched the emotions cross his face and tears spill over. He crumbled to his knees beside her bed. “What? What is it, Drew?”
“Oh God, Elizabeth. Dougie’s gone. He’s gone. He died yesterday. Some Christmas, huh?”
Shock registered on her face as she tried to reach out to Drew and her arm wouldn’t move. She wanted to embrace him but her arms wouldn’t move. An anguished cry filled with grief for Doug and for herself as she remembered erupted from her throat. The tears she’d held at bay spilled over.
“What?! Oh, Drew. I’m so sorry. Oh GOD!! Why can’t I hold you?! Ahhh!”
He moved his face to her hand and rubbed his gruff cheek against it. Silence filled the room as they grieved together. After a few minutes, Drew stood up again. He reached out and wiped a trail of tears from her face. He looked deep into her eyes, allowing himself to be carried away in the grove of chestnuts he found himself in. For the first time in a year, he felt like he was finally home.
“Oh, Elizabeth. I was so scared I was going to lose you, too. I have been such a fool. Such an idiot. I never should’ve let you go. It was the biggest mistake of my life, and now I’m scared it’s too late.” His head dropped down to his folded hands that enclosed hers. “Can you ever forgive me for my stupidity?”
Tears cascaded down her face as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the blue box. He looked at the clock on the wall above them. In less than a minute, Christmas would be over. He pulled the lid off the box and lifted the smaller velvet one out and popped the lid open. A small gasp came from the bed. He sank down on one knee, still holding her hand.
“Elizabeth Bunting, I love you. The only future I see has you in it. Will you marry me?”
A smile broke through her tears. She looked at the ring sparkling in the bright flourescent light as he slid it on her ring finger.
“Even if I never walk again?”
“Even then. You are my life.”
This week’s Write on Edge RemembeRED prompt was based on Personification. We were challenged to tell a piece of your story from the point of view of an object who bore witness in 400 words or less. Now, remember that this is memoir so this is not my usual fiction.
