CHAPTER TWO

Two days later found Erik to be coming along very nicely and one of the more popular patients on his floor with the nurses. His foreign accent and Old World charm had even Dolores fawning over him. Never having attention from females before, Erik did not feel guilty about taking advantage of this newfound experience. He coaxed and flirted shamelessly, getting his way with almost everything from his favorite foods from the kitchen to having his pillows fluffed regularly.

His curiosity about the time he had been transported to was voracious and he had a couple of the nurses read him several of the daily papers to keep him informed of the world's events around the globe. His genius's mind devoured the information with a rapidity that was astounding. Erik watched TV every day as well, discovering that he enjoyed soap operas and having Dolores teach him how to read the TV Guide. Soon she was sneaking into his room on her breaks to keep up on her favorites since they seemed to be the ones Erik liked the most as well.

On the third day he'd been in the hospital, Dr. Edwards came into his room with another man following him.

"Hello, Erik. How are you doing?"

Erik smiled. "I'm OK, and you?"

Edwards chuckled at his use of the new word. "Just fine. Erik, I want you to meet Dr. Stepanik. He's our top plastic surgeon and he's quite interested in your case. I'm going to leave you in his capable hands and I'll be around to talk to you soon."

"Very well, Dr. Edwards. Thank you," Erik responded with a nod of his head.

Once Dr. Edwards had departed, Dr. Stepanik sat down on the chair next to the bed and held out his hand. "It's good to meet you, Erik. I understand that you're being well looked after," he said smiling.

Erik took his hand, giving it a firm shake. "Yes, the nurses here are quite remarkable to be sure," he agreed.

"I came to talk to you today about the kind of surgery you'll be needing. Dr. Edwards has filled me in, but I need to perform an examination for myself. Is that alright with you?"

Erik leveled a steady gaze at Stepanik. "Dr., I am very willing- no make that extremely eager to do whatever is necessary to repair my face. I hope that Dr. Edwards has informed you that most of the disfigurement is quite old, though."

Stepanik nodded. "Yes, he did. Now, I'm going to take off your bandage and take a look at what we'll need to do." So saying, the doctor took out a pair of small scissors and proceeded to cut away the gauze wrapped around his head. When he was done there was no exclamation of fright from the doctor as Erik had expected. The man was totally professional, turning Erik's head this way and that with gentleness and patience. After a few moments had passed the doctor straightened and smiled grimly at Erik.

Dear God, it must be beyond repair! Erik began to panic, imagining how horrible he must look.

"You're right, Erik. The scarring and disfigurement are very extensive."

Erik hung his head, hope dying within his breast.

"The good news is that I've seen worse and although it may take two or three operations, I can help you."

Joy surged through Erik as the doctor's words sunk in. "You're saying that I may have a normal face yet?"

Stepanik nodded. "Yes, Erik. I can give you a normal face, perhaps we can even make you good-looking."

"That would be wonderful. Tell me, what is all this going to cost me? I'm afraid I've not much money," Erik told Dr. Stepanik in a worried tone.

Stepanik held up his hand. "Let's not worry about that right now. We'll talk about that later. Right now I want you to rest and let yourself heal some more. Your burns are still too raw to do anything with right now." He walked over to a cabinet and extracted a large roll of gauze and one of surgical tape. Carefully he rewrapped Erik's head, making sure to leave his eyes, nostrils and mouth clear.

"There, now be a good patient and I'll be back on Monday to take another look and let you know more about the kind of procedure we'll perform on you. Have a good week-end," Stepanik told him and turned to exit the room.

"Dr. Stepanik? Thank you very much."

"You're welcome," the doctor smiled and then left Erik alone with his thoughts.

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