Chapter Seven- Questions Answered
Jess felt herself becoming more and more caught up in what was happening to Lucy. She knew it wasn't good to get involved personally, but she could barely stop herself. Of the small conversation she had had with Lucy, it had begun a tiny glimmer of curiosity within Jess. Who was David, and just what had he to do with Lucy? Had he really saved her? She knew in normal circumstances she would have spoken to Dan, but it seemed so daunting- it was so much easier to cut him off completely, as much as it hurt. She felt so humiliated by her own behaviour she couldn't even look him in the eye. It troubled Jess greatly, but she could find no alternative.
It was as she was just leaving to check on another patient when Lucy woke up. She looked at Jess, and even gave her a weak smile. Jess ran to her side. No matter what Charlotte said, Jess couldn't stop her hopes going up. It must be a good sign, it had to be a good sign, that she was talking.
"Hi there Lucy, I'm Jess, your nurse. You might remember me from when you woke up earlier?"
Lucy nodded. "I was just wondering if you could pass on a message for me."
Jess nodded, slightly surprised of this request so soon after she had begun speaking. "Sure, I can do that for you- can I ring somebody for you? Husband or sister…"
Lucy laughed weakly. "Oh no, I'm not married! No, there's not really any family I can ring- my parents both died a few years ago and my sister's overseas."
"I'm so sorry…" Jess began, but Lucy shook her head.
"No, no, I'm not after sympathy. I was just wondering if you could tell David something for me. You've probably heard of him- he's in this hospital as well. I want to thank him. When the building began to collapse he leapt in front and pushed me out of the way just in time. He broke his leg in the process, but if he hadn't done it I would have died instantly. It was such a brave thing to do."
Jess felt curious but was also alarmed to how much Lucy was speaking. Her voice was already straining.
"Wow, he sounds like a great friend."
"He is," said Lucy. "He's unlike anyone I've ever met. We've known each other for years, and he means the world to me. I just wish we could have spent some time together before it was too late."
"I don't understand…" said Jess slowly.
Lucy gave a sad chuckle. "Well, David was always more than a friend to me. From the day we met. We just clicked- you know what I mean? He was everything I had ever wished for. And soon, powerful feelings were overtaking me- I tried so hard to convince myself he was just another mate, but it was useless. I had fallen hopelessly in love with him. And never have I regretted anything in my whole life as strongly as I do now. If only I had been honest, we could have spent months, years together. But I was too frightened that he wouldn't feel the same way. Too afraid the friendship would be ruined. What I didn't realise is that life is short, and you have to live it to the full. You have to be honest with each other, otherwise you just waste your life, dreaming but refusing to allow yourself to fulfil it."
Jess's felt herself shaking, as tears welled up in her eyes. This story sounded all too familiar.
"And now, Jess, here I am about to die, so I'd just like you to pass this message on for me."
"No Lucy, you don't know that you're going to die! You're here, talking to me. You might be perfectly fine! Then you can tell this all to David yourself!" Jess pleaded.
Lucy shook her head sadly. "No, Jess, it's too late for me. But for my final wish, could you tell David that I have loved him all along, and I'm sorry I never told him."
Jess nodded silently, tears trickling down her cheeks.
"Thanks, Jess. I hope that you will remember that too."
There was silence for a moment, and a peaceful time as Lucy closed her eyes. Then, the moment was broken, as the machines surrounding her started going irregular. Alarmed and very shocked, her heart beating fast, Jess shook Lucy slightly. "Lucy? Lucy, can you hear me? Open your eyes." With no response from Lucy, and the machines indicating a very critical stage, Jess tried not to panic and wound down the bed until Lucy was lying completely flat. She hit the alarm near the bed. With no immediate rush of assistance, Jess felt the panic rise in her throat. "Can I have some help in here?" she called desperately. At the moment, Charlotte, Von, Frank and Cate all ran in, looking alarmed and pulling on gloves, meanwhile assessing the situation.