Chapter 10
"Well...Ms. Isles, I...I think you should wait to make that decision until you're discharged from the Hospital." Nurse Linda smiles over at me and lifts my little baby girl out of the small plastic crib. Maura, you're being ridiculous! This child belongs to the state of Massachusetts, not you.
I nod my head reluctantly, but decide against arguing the matter further. Nurse Linda places the infant into my bruised arms. Pain ebbs from minor stab wounds and contusions as the baby settles in my cradled arms. The pain is worth it. She is absolutely beautiful.
The infant has perfectly sculpted lips, the color of a spring rose pedal. Her full cheeks are soft and beautiful. The baby's button nose twitches with the visions of her dreams. She opens her little mouth and lets out a long yawn, stretching her arms above her head.
"I'm afraid I'm being paged, Ms. Isles. I will be back to collect the little one in about 15 minutes." Nurse Linda bustles out of my room. I observe the tiny infant in my arms. I'm so sorry about your parents, baby. I am so very sorry!
I brush my index finger over her rosy cheek. She turns her face in the direction of my finger, opening her tiny mouth once more. Rooting Reflex; one of the primitive human reflexes that disappear with age. I am fascinated. I sit studying the baby's face for the entire 15 minutes that Nurse Linda is away.
"You are welcome to visit her tomorrow, Ms. Isles. You're to be discharged tonight, actually. After I stroll the little miss back down to the Nursery, I'll be up to discharge you." Nurse Linda smiles at me as she transfers the infant from my arms to the plastic crib next to my bed. I nod my head sadly. The infant took my mind off of Jane for a short period of time, but all I really want is Jane. Jane…
"Can you please find out what room Jane Rizzoli is recovering in?" The question comes out a little harsh and my eyes flit to the poor nurse. Maura, honestly, what is wrong with you? I look at Nurse Linda apologetically, hoping I have not offended her. She nods her head curtly and strolls the slumbering infant out of my room.
I fidget nervously with my fingers. I hope Jane is lucid and conscious because I need to hear her voice. There are so many things I need to say to her. Although nearly every part of my body is in pain, I have decided that my emotional crisis takes precedence. Jane.
Nurse Linda returns with discharge paperwork that I need to sign. I oblige and we exchange a few words, but my thoughts are overwhelmed with Jane. I have never been so utterly distracted. I just need to see her; to know that her heart is beating.
"Angela brought you a change of clothes; she said they're in a bag in your bathroom. Jane Rizzoli is in room 417a on the 4th floor. Take care of yourself, Ms. Isles!" Nurse Linda pats my foot gently on her way out. Such a nice woman…
"Thank you." I breathe, lifting my legs off of the side of the bed eagerly. I'm draped in a large cotton gown with triangles and circles printed all over it. I slowly make my way to the restroom inside of my room. I strip off the cotton hospital gown and slide the dress Angela brought me over my head. She knows me well...
My tan coat hangs from the hook on the back of the restroom door. Angela really did think of everything. I gingerly slip my battered feet into nude colored heels. I will have to remember to buy more sensible shoe wear... And a large thank-you gift for both Angela and Frankie.
I brush my teeth with the complimentary tooth care package sitting wrapped on the sink's edge. A hairbrush and several rubber bands sit opposite the dental hygiene package. I pull my hair up in a loose ponytail. Nervous butterflies swim around inside of my stomach. Jane.
I exit the restroom and look over my room once, making sure I haven't forgotten anything. Taking a deep breath, I walk out of my hospital room and down the hall to the elevator. All I can see is Jane's beautiful face. All I can feel are her lips on mine. The elevator beeps and the steel doors slide open slowly.
No one is occupying the empty elevator, so I walk into the small space and press the number 4. My heart beats wildly and my fingers tremble inside my coat pockets. Calm down, Maura. I anxiously watch the light flash the floor numbers that I am passing. 6, 5, 4. The elevator beeps, telling me we've reached our destination. Deep breath and go.
Shakily, I step out of the elevator and stride slowly down the entirely too white hallway. I want to run to Jane's room, but I also want to run away in the opposite direction. There are so many conflicting emotions coursing through my mind. I have to see Jane. I need to be with her. Reading the ascending room numbers, I reach room 417a.
I pause outside the closed door. The woman I love is through that door. My best friend is lying in the hospital bed inside of this room. I close my eyes for a moment and take another deep breath. I stare at the wooden door for a moment and then knock lightly three times. No turning back…
I grasp the cold metal door handle and slowly push the door open.