Sorry for the delay but Anatomy is kicking my tail. I only have two more weeks of summer school and then my posts will be more often.
Please tell me what you think. It helps me to continue to write. Thanks.
*******************************************************************************************************************************************
Chapter Four
A sudden bright light blinded Charlie's eyes as she tried to open them for the first time. She had to rapidly blink away the pain; she was eventually able to focus on her surroundings. A cold room filled with fluorescent light and the sterile smell of medical equipment flooded her senses. She had remained calm throughout her careful analysis of the room, but she finally realized a strange feeling within her throat. She immediately began to panic from a fear of her air supply. Consequently, this caused her heart rate to increase and set of her monitors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rachel rushed into the room in time to stop a panicked Charlie pulling her breathing tube out, but she still had trouble controlling some of Charlie's hectic movements until some fellow nurse came in to assist her. With the others holding the patient down, Rachel was able to focus on just verbally calming Charlie down.
"Charlie. Charlie we need you to calm down. "Charlie paused when she recognized the gentle but firm voice. "It's just a breathing tube Charlie. If you relax and simple breath in everything will be fine."
After following Rachel's simple rules, Charlie visually relaxed further and was rewarded with a cool filling blast of air. "We cannot take the tubes out until we do some test to prove that your lungs are able to function on their own. Now that you are calmer and awake we'll get started on those tests, ok."
Charlie was desperate to say something, so she used her hands to show that she wanted to write something down. Rachel quickly understood and gave her a blank chart to write over.
Ruby
"I'll call her right away. You just get some rest and don't pull anything out." Rachel simply smiled and left the room.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Joey had rushed into the kitchen just as Leah answered the house phone. "Ruby, we really need to get back to the…"
"Yes, Rachel we'll be there as soon as possible." Leah quickly hung up the phone and turned to the group that had immediately quieted at the sound of Rachel's name. "Charlie's awake!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The tests on Charlie's lungs were completed quickly and should that although still weak her lungs were fully capable of functioning on their own. Rachel was able to remove the tube without any complications, but because of its long term use Charlie's throat was completely dry. She immediately began to cough when the air in the room filled her lungs.
"Charlie, here drink some water. Slowly." Charlie complied and soon the cooling water soothed her troubled throat.
"Ru..Ruby?"
"Everyone is on the way. You'll have a room full before long." Charlie tried to smile but she was just too exhausted and simply laid her head down and drifted own to sleep.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When the group arrived at the hospital they found Rachel waiting for them at the door.
"Rachel, is she …can I.."
"She's doing fine and yes you can go in."
When the entire group tried to follow Ruby into the room, Rachel was quick to add, "Alone. At least at first." She gave to command with a smile, but the group knew by the sound of her voice that it was better not to question her.
After Ruby had entered the room, Rachel quickly pulled Joey over to the side. "Joey, you need to be prepared for the fact that Charlie may not be ready to see you."
"What do you mean, Rachel?"
"Most patients that have been in a long term coma do not realize that they have been asleep for longer that a day or two, let alone a whole month. Joey, she most likely does not even know that you are back, and seeing you may cause a shock to her system."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ruby listened as the door closed behind her. Charlie was asleep, and Ruby almost felt guilty for waking her from her slumber when she reached the bed. Almost.
"Charlie?!"
Charlie immediately stirred at her sister's voice, "Hey."
"Hey. You really had me worried there."
"I know and I am really sorry Rubes. I never meant to cause you any pain."
The younger sister simply smiled and pushed a stray hair out of Charlie's face. "It's ok, as long as, you promise never to do anything like this again."
"I promise. Where is everyone else?"
"They're out in the hall. Do you want me to go get them?"
"After I tell you something. I know that I have not been the greatest sister these past months, but I promise that I will do better. I may never get over losing Joey, but I will never hurt you again."
Ruby nodded and gently hugged her sister, "I'll hold you to it."
Without think about the mention of Joey's name, Ruby went to the down and motioned for everyone o enter the room. Charlie was filled with a sense of family while she watched to others enter the room. Leah and Aden, both sent her a warm smile, but a shadow slowly darkened the door. Her breathing nearly stopped when the figure came into view.
"Joey?"
