I wake slowly. I'm extremely confused, not recognizing my surroundings.
I hurt - a lot. My head aches and it hurts when I breathe. What happened to me? And where am I?
I hear a steady beep beep beep from right beside me. It takes a few minutes for my vision to focus clearly.
There's someone sitting in the chair next to the bed I'm in. I'm slowly realizing I'm in hospital. I'm in a gown and the beeping is what I assume is a heart monitor I'm hooked up to.
It's Alex Cabot sitting in the bed next to me. She's flipping through a magazine but when I move my hand she puts it down and looks at me. She smiles, her blue eyes full of worry.
What a beautiful sight to wake up to.
Why is she here? And what happened? I can't remember anything.
"Casey! You're finally awake. How are you?"
"What - " I try to sit up more but it's extremely painful. I wince and Alex puts her hand on my arm. Jesus, was I shot? I quickly pull up the gown and realize I'm wrapped tightly around my ribs. My eyes go to Alex . "What happened to me?" My voice is even more hoarse than usual.
"You have a bad concussion and a few broken ribs. The doctor said you might not remember what happened. You've been out for almost two days." Alex smiles at me again. "I'm glad you're awake."
"What happened?" I repeat, becoming frightened. My face hurts too and I reach up and touch my cheek. It feels swollen. And so does my lip.
"You were attacked in your office," Alex says softly. "Do you remember? You were working a case with Olivia. She went to get coffee. She said she was gone about fifteen minutes. It happened when she was gone. I was working late too. I...I found you." She swallows harshly. "You were unconscious."
It seems hard for her to recollect. I have no memory of it whatsoever. I don't even remember staying late. The last thing I remember is running into Alex in the bathroom when I was trying to get a stain out of my shirt.
I'm glad she's here. I'm glad it's her and no one else. She has such a comforting presence. I feel like anything is possible around her.
She's staring at me intently. She shifts uncomfortably in her chair and clears her throat. "I'll let the doctor know you're awake. But first there's something I want to tell you."
I have so many questions to ask but Alex seems like something is bothering her so I just nod.
She takes a deep breath. "Casey, I - "
"Look who's awake."
I turn my head and see Olivia standing in the doorway. She's smiling at me and steps into the room, turning her attention to Alex. "Arthur Branch is here. He is looking for you."
Alex sighs. "Of course he is." She reaches out touches my hand. It sends a spark through me, making me feel like a million dollars. I'm surprised I wasn't spontaneously healed by her touch. "We'll talk later. Okay?"
It's more of a promise than a question and I nod. She gets up from her chair and heads for the door. I'm vaguely aware of her turning to look at me one more time before leaving.
My heart hurts. I wish she would come back. I felt so much better when she was here. Now all I'm focused on is pain and confusion.
"I wanted to check up on you." Olivia sits down in the chair that Alex vacated.
"I don't remember what happened. Alex said I was attacked. Who did it?" I ask.
"We don't know but we will find out. I promise you." Olivia laughs lightly. "Alex is on our asses about it. She was the one who found you. She rode with you in the ambulance on the way here. She's been here almost the whole time."
Really? Alex did that? Why? I wouldn't call us friends. I've always just admired her from afar. Our interactions have been limited to passing each other in the hallways and small talk. I've worked some cases with her but our conversations were strictly work related.
I wish I knew more about her. I wish we were closer. The only thing I could tell you about Alex Cabot is that she is breathtakingly beautiful and when she is stressed she keeps adjusting her glasses. When she speaks to you it makes you feel privileged, like you're the most important person in the world.
Olivia alerts the doctor that I'm awake and he comes in to talk to me. Basically the same thing Alex already told me; a concussion and broken ribs. Take it easy next couple of days, will be prescribed pain meds, etc. I have to stay one more night in the hospital.
I only have listen to what Olivia is saying to me after the doctor leaves. I hope that Alex keeps her promise; I hope she comes to see me again.
Alex Cabot is good medicine