Miranda – A New Beginning

Chapter 36

AT THE HOSPITAL

Miranda and Gary are at the hospital. Dr. Gail is still unconscious.

Dr. Gail suddenly stirs but doesn't wake. He mutters… "Miranda… Miranda... "

Gary glances at Miranda. She is watching Dr. Gail with tender concern. Despite himself, Gary feels jealous; even though he knows that Miranda loves him. He also feels powerless to say or do anything; after all, how can he object?

Mrs. Gail comes rushing into the room.

Mrs. Gail – "Oh my god, my poor little Peter Rabbit!"

She throws herself across Dr. Gail's chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Miranda and Gary are shocked at her outpour of emotion.

Gary – (Whispers) "You didn't tell her he was dead, did you?"

Miranda – (Whispers) "No! Well, I don't think so. You'd better say something."

Gary – (Whispers) "Me? Why me? She's never even met me before!"

Miranda sighs, and then gently pats Mrs. Gail on the shoulder to get her attention. There's no reaction. She taps again, a little more firmly. Still no reaction. Miranda then realises that she has got her bracelet caught in Mrs. Gail's hair. She pulls gently to release it but it won't come loose; so she gives an almighty tug. The bracelet comes loose, pulling out a chunk of Mrs. Gail hair. This does at least get Mrs. Gail's attention.

Mrs. Gail – "Ouch!"

Miranda – "Oh, I'm so sorry Mrs. Gail, my bracelet was caught."

Mrs. Gail – "Oh; that's alright Miranda, dear. Oh dear, I'm not sure what came over me."

Gary jumps up and comes forward.

Gary – "I'll get you a cup of sweet tea Mrs. Gail."

Gary leaves the room.

Miranda sits down.

Miranda – "Mrs. Gail, there hasn't been any change; but the Doctors are monitoring Peter very carefully."

Mrs. Gail – "Yes, yes of course. Thank you so much for calling me and for being here with Peter; you are so special to him."

Miranda – "Oh. Err."

Mrs. Gail – "There's no need to be shy my dear, Peter is completely and utterly devoted to you. In fact, he never stops talking about you."

Miranda – "Oh."

Mrs. Gail – "Yes, it was obvious from that night you came to my little party. He's never felt this way about anyone before."

Miranda is feeling desperately awkward and can't think what to say.

Gary returns with a cup of tea for Mrs. Gail.

Gary – "There you go. Drink that up while it's hot."

Mrs. Gail – "Thank you, you're very kind. I don't think we've met. Are you a friend of Peter's? Or a colleague from the surgery?"

Gary – "Um, no. I'm a friend of Miranda's."

Mrs. Gail – "Oh, really?"

Dr. Gail stirs again. Mrs. Gail clutches his hands tightly.

Mrs. Gail – "Peter, darling, Mummy's here! Mummy's here to take care of her little Peter Rabbit!"

Dr. Gail mutters… "Miranda… Miranda... "