Thanks for all the reviews on the last chapter… most I've gotten in a while, and as a result, you get the next chapter sooner! ;) I'm not withholding chapters from you guys, I swear I write them as I go along! But, you inspired me to update faster. So, here's Chapter 14.
Enjoy!
~JOEY~
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
-The Hours After-
Chapter 14
I kept my eyes fixed on the ceramic floor of the hospital as I slowly but surely made my way towards the desk to sign myself out. I might as well, they can't stop me from leaving, but at least it will save the panicked phone calls that would surely be made to my mother and/or Faith when they realize I'm missing.
As I approach the desk, I lean forward onto the counter, supporting the weight of my body, and hang my head, waiting for the receptionist to get off the phone.
"Just hold on a second…. How can I help you, Sir?"
I clear my voice before I speak, not quite sure what exactly I'm going to say, "I, uh, need to sign out."
She doesn't respond immediately and I look up to see if she's heard me. She heard me alright, her eyebrows are raised in a 'you're kidding me' expression. When I don't waiver from my request, she shakes her head in disbelief, "Okay then, who was your Doctor?"
I think for a second. I don't know who my Doctor is. I just moved down here this morning.
"I don't know," I note how rough my voice sounds. I proceed talking in a much quieter tone to minimize the coarseness, "The name's Boscorelli."
She reaches for a folder lying directly in front of her, "I haven't even had time to file this yet," she pauses and stares at the folder for a second before returning her gaze to me, "Didn't you just come in from the ICU this morning? You do realize that you'll be signing out AMA, don't you?"
I'm getting frustrated with this lady's judgments. Give me the damn paper to sign and I'll be out of your way.
I don't bother answering her, figuring it will only make things worse. I look her in the eye, hoping she'll see that I'm serious and not in the mood for questions, "What do I have to sign?"
The receptionist shrugs at my bluntness and rolls her chair over to a cabinet behind her, shuffles through a drawer, and emerges with a yellow piece of paper. She jots down some information then hands it over to me, "Sign here," she says, making an x on a line at the bottom of the sheet.
I take the pen and sign my name. My hand doesn't feel like cooperating, and I'm glad I don't have to write anything but my signature - no one can tell if that's a little shaky.
I look up to her and she motions towards the elevators, "You're free to go, Mr. Boscorelli."
I nod my thanks and use my arms to push myself off the counter before proceeding towards the elevator that conveniently opens in front of me, releasing two doctors. None of them pay any attention to me as I push past them and into the elevator.
I have no idea what floor I'm on, but I decide to leave out of Emergency, at least I know where the exits are in there. I press the button and brace my body against the stainless steal supports when I feel the downward movement.
I suddenly regret my decision, realizing that I know far too many people in Emergency. My chances of running into someone familiar are pretty damn high. I recognize that it's too late to change my mind when the doors slide open. I take a shaky breath before slowly walking out into the busy area. A strange cramping sensation is forming in my legs - must be because they've been immobile for so long.
I shove my hands in my pockets, partially because that's what I do when I'm anxious, but also to keep my jeans from falling down. I must have lost a lot a weight because my clothes are awkwardly hanging off of my body.
I notice Proctor working with a patient in an open-curtained exam area. I tilt my chin into my chest to shield my face. Just a few more steps before I get out of here unnoticed. I hear the automatic doors slide open and sigh lightly in relief when I step out into the sun.
About 20 steps out of the hospital, I stop walking and slowly take in the panoramic view while allowing the warmness of the sun soak through my cold skin. After thirty seconds of much-needed sunbathing in the middle of the ambulance bay, I decide it's time to find a cab and make my way home. I can feel my body trembling slightly and I know it will only get worse until I sleep.
Luckily, a cab immediately pulls up beside me when I reach the curb. I slide into the vehicle and shut the door, my aching muscles warm in relief. I tell the driver where to go and I tilt my head back and close my eyes, feeling the soothing movement of the cab beneath me. Just a few more minutes until I can enjoy the warmth of my own bed. Just the thought excites me. It's so close, yet so far away.
"That'll be $6.50"
I open my eyes and realize that I had slept the very short ride away. I gingerly reach into my back pocket and pull out my wallet. I wince at how tight my muscles are. They seem to be shortening by the second. I hand the driver a ten and don't bother waiting for the change before I pull my body out of the cab.
I know it's only been a about 10 days since I've been home, but it feels like years. I guess that's what people mean when they say traumatic events can add years to your age. The cab pulls away as soon as I manage to shut the door.
Pulling my keys from my pocket, I make my way towards the front door of my apartment building. My hands are shaking, which makes it difficult to maneuver the key into the key-hole.
Faith's gonna kill me. I don't know why this occurs to me as I fumble with my keys, but I can see her livid face as she yells and calls me moronic and stupid, among other things. Oh well, I've always had to deal with the consequences associated with my actions. This shouldn't be any different. It's just that I can only take so much of one place before I completely lose my mind.
The door pushes open before I am able to insert the key completely. I grab it and tailgate my way in as a business-like woman rushes out of the building. I sigh in relief, which turns into painful coughs. It doesn't last for long, but leaves a stinging sensation present in my rough throat.
I look around, no one seems to be watching. I don't know why I'm so paranoid. It's not like I know anyone in this building. There are a couple chairs pushed up against the wall by the stairs and I make my way over to them. I just want to sit down for a couple minutes before I tackle the stairs. I know that there's a stock elevator around here somewhere, but I'm too tired to seek it out.
I gently lower my shaky body into the chair and tilt my head back until it's resting against the wall. Closing my eyes, I dream of my bed waiting 3 floors above. So close, yet so far away.
***********************
I'm awoken by a tightness in my chest and it takes several milliseconds before I realize it's because I'm coughing. I pull my arms around my stomach and lean forward. When the painful coughs finally ease off, I feel my whole body shaking and realize just how cold I am. I squint and look towards the entrance, only to see that the sun is no longer out. I don't know what time it was when I left the hospital, but it sure seemed like mid-day. How long have I been sitting here? And more importantly, how many people have walked by me? Instinctively, I reach back to find my wallet where I left it. At least no one robbed me.
Though my body is screaming at the thought of moving, I use all my willpower to pull myself into a standing position. I feel a violent shiver rip through my entire body and I pull my jacket closed while wrapping my warms around my stomach in an attempt to retain any bit of warmth. My legs seem to be moving independently from the rest of me, but somehow I'm making my way up the stairs. Step by step, I inch my way closer to the comfort of my apartment. Every flight seems to take an eternity to climb. About halfway up the first flight, I remove one hand from my body-hug position, and clutch the banister, using it to pull myself forward.
Despite the shivering, I can feel a film of sweat forming on my face. My legs begin to cramp and I'm suddenly glad I don't live any higher than the third floor. I pull out my keys as I approach my apartment door and force my hands to become steady enough so I can manipulate the key into the lock.
Swinging the door open, I stumble into my apartment. I manage to shut it behind me, but can't be bothered locking it. Making my way over to my couch, I kick off my shoes then flop onto the familiar pillow-padded piece of furniture. While pulling my jacket tighter around my shivering body. I can hear my teeth chattering and realize I should probably have made the extra effort to go into the bedroom to curl op in the warmth of my bed. For now, the couch will have to do. I know I'm lying in an awkward position that I'm going to regret waking up in, but I'm just too tired to readjust my body. Instead, I allow myself to fall into an exhausted sleep. At least I'm home - and the bed gives me something to look forward to. Right now, I've just gotta take things one step at a time.
TBC. Please review!
Enjoy!
~JOEY~
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
-The Hours After-
Chapter 14
I kept my eyes fixed on the ceramic floor of the hospital as I slowly but surely made my way towards the desk to sign myself out. I might as well, they can't stop me from leaving, but at least it will save the panicked phone calls that would surely be made to my mother and/or Faith when they realize I'm missing.
As I approach the desk, I lean forward onto the counter, supporting the weight of my body, and hang my head, waiting for the receptionist to get off the phone.
"Just hold on a second…. How can I help you, Sir?"
I clear my voice before I speak, not quite sure what exactly I'm going to say, "I, uh, need to sign out."
She doesn't respond immediately and I look up to see if she's heard me. She heard me alright, her eyebrows are raised in a 'you're kidding me' expression. When I don't waiver from my request, she shakes her head in disbelief, "Okay then, who was your Doctor?"
I think for a second. I don't know who my Doctor is. I just moved down here this morning.
"I don't know," I note how rough my voice sounds. I proceed talking in a much quieter tone to minimize the coarseness, "The name's Boscorelli."
She reaches for a folder lying directly in front of her, "I haven't even had time to file this yet," she pauses and stares at the folder for a second before returning her gaze to me, "Didn't you just come in from the ICU this morning? You do realize that you'll be signing out AMA, don't you?"
I'm getting frustrated with this lady's judgments. Give me the damn paper to sign and I'll be out of your way.
I don't bother answering her, figuring it will only make things worse. I look her in the eye, hoping she'll see that I'm serious and not in the mood for questions, "What do I have to sign?"
The receptionist shrugs at my bluntness and rolls her chair over to a cabinet behind her, shuffles through a drawer, and emerges with a yellow piece of paper. She jots down some information then hands it over to me, "Sign here," she says, making an x on a line at the bottom of the sheet.
I take the pen and sign my name. My hand doesn't feel like cooperating, and I'm glad I don't have to write anything but my signature - no one can tell if that's a little shaky.
I look up to her and she motions towards the elevators, "You're free to go, Mr. Boscorelli."
I nod my thanks and use my arms to push myself off the counter before proceeding towards the elevator that conveniently opens in front of me, releasing two doctors. None of them pay any attention to me as I push past them and into the elevator.
I have no idea what floor I'm on, but I decide to leave out of Emergency, at least I know where the exits are in there. I press the button and brace my body against the stainless steal supports when I feel the downward movement.
I suddenly regret my decision, realizing that I know far too many people in Emergency. My chances of running into someone familiar are pretty damn high. I recognize that it's too late to change my mind when the doors slide open. I take a shaky breath before slowly walking out into the busy area. A strange cramping sensation is forming in my legs - must be because they've been immobile for so long.
I shove my hands in my pockets, partially because that's what I do when I'm anxious, but also to keep my jeans from falling down. I must have lost a lot a weight because my clothes are awkwardly hanging off of my body.
I notice Proctor working with a patient in an open-curtained exam area. I tilt my chin into my chest to shield my face. Just a few more steps before I get out of here unnoticed. I hear the automatic doors slide open and sigh lightly in relief when I step out into the sun.
About 20 steps out of the hospital, I stop walking and slowly take in the panoramic view while allowing the warmness of the sun soak through my cold skin. After thirty seconds of much-needed sunbathing in the middle of the ambulance bay, I decide it's time to find a cab and make my way home. I can feel my body trembling slightly and I know it will only get worse until I sleep.
Luckily, a cab immediately pulls up beside me when I reach the curb. I slide into the vehicle and shut the door, my aching muscles warm in relief. I tell the driver where to go and I tilt my head back and close my eyes, feeling the soothing movement of the cab beneath me. Just a few more minutes until I can enjoy the warmth of my own bed. Just the thought excites me. It's so close, yet so far away.
"That'll be $6.50"
I open my eyes and realize that I had slept the very short ride away. I gingerly reach into my back pocket and pull out my wallet. I wince at how tight my muscles are. They seem to be shortening by the second. I hand the driver a ten and don't bother waiting for the change before I pull my body out of the cab.
I know it's only been a about 10 days since I've been home, but it feels like years. I guess that's what people mean when they say traumatic events can add years to your age. The cab pulls away as soon as I manage to shut the door.
Pulling my keys from my pocket, I make my way towards the front door of my apartment building. My hands are shaking, which makes it difficult to maneuver the key into the key-hole.
Faith's gonna kill me. I don't know why this occurs to me as I fumble with my keys, but I can see her livid face as she yells and calls me moronic and stupid, among other things. Oh well, I've always had to deal with the consequences associated with my actions. This shouldn't be any different. It's just that I can only take so much of one place before I completely lose my mind.
The door pushes open before I am able to insert the key completely. I grab it and tailgate my way in as a business-like woman rushes out of the building. I sigh in relief, which turns into painful coughs. It doesn't last for long, but leaves a stinging sensation present in my rough throat.
I look around, no one seems to be watching. I don't know why I'm so paranoid. It's not like I know anyone in this building. There are a couple chairs pushed up against the wall by the stairs and I make my way over to them. I just want to sit down for a couple minutes before I tackle the stairs. I know that there's a stock elevator around here somewhere, but I'm too tired to seek it out.
I gently lower my shaky body into the chair and tilt my head back until it's resting against the wall. Closing my eyes, I dream of my bed waiting 3 floors above. So close, yet so far away.
***********************
I'm awoken by a tightness in my chest and it takes several milliseconds before I realize it's because I'm coughing. I pull my arms around my stomach and lean forward. When the painful coughs finally ease off, I feel my whole body shaking and realize just how cold I am. I squint and look towards the entrance, only to see that the sun is no longer out. I don't know what time it was when I left the hospital, but it sure seemed like mid-day. How long have I been sitting here? And more importantly, how many people have walked by me? Instinctively, I reach back to find my wallet where I left it. At least no one robbed me.
Though my body is screaming at the thought of moving, I use all my willpower to pull myself into a standing position. I feel a violent shiver rip through my entire body and I pull my jacket closed while wrapping my warms around my stomach in an attempt to retain any bit of warmth. My legs seem to be moving independently from the rest of me, but somehow I'm making my way up the stairs. Step by step, I inch my way closer to the comfort of my apartment. Every flight seems to take an eternity to climb. About halfway up the first flight, I remove one hand from my body-hug position, and clutch the banister, using it to pull myself forward.
Despite the shivering, I can feel a film of sweat forming on my face. My legs begin to cramp and I'm suddenly glad I don't live any higher than the third floor. I pull out my keys as I approach my apartment door and force my hands to become steady enough so I can manipulate the key into the lock.
Swinging the door open, I stumble into my apartment. I manage to shut it behind me, but can't be bothered locking it. Making my way over to my couch, I kick off my shoes then flop onto the familiar pillow-padded piece of furniture. While pulling my jacket tighter around my shivering body. I can hear my teeth chattering and realize I should probably have made the extra effort to go into the bedroom to curl op in the warmth of my bed. For now, the couch will have to do. I know I'm lying in an awkward position that I'm going to regret waking up in, but I'm just too tired to readjust my body. Instead, I allow myself to fall into an exhausted sleep. At least I'm home - and the bed gives me something to look forward to. Right now, I've just gotta take things one step at a time.
TBC. Please review!