Chapter 12:
A little after 12:30 a nurse popped in and asked if Julie wanted a food tray.
"No… I don't think so… she hasn't been up yet."
She smiled and went on her way.
"Maybe I should get us some food…?" Eric offered.
Tim sat up.
"I tell you what… why don't you both go and get something and relax for a few minutes. I'll stay with Julie and call you when she wakes up."
Tami and Eric both gave each other the "Why not?" look.
"Okay… tell us what you want to eat and we can bring it back."
"Oh… I'm good with anything. Where will you go?"
"Um… Applebee's? That's pretty quick but can be relaxing."
Eric nodded thinking about having a beer.
"Okay… if Tyra's working, she knows what I like. Or just a burger is good."
"Okay."
About five minutes after they left Tim got up and sat in Tami's chair close to Julie. He reached out and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
"God Julie… I am just ready for you to wake up and talk to me and make me laugh some more." He mumbled.
"Ask and you shall receive." She whispered with a smile.
"Hey! Your parents just went to lunch. I'll call them back."
"No don't. Let them eat… You stayed?"
"yeah… I told you I'm not going anywhere as long as you want me here."
She sighed and blinked a few times trying to wake up.
"I'm glad."
"Why is that? I'm not complaining but why do you like having me here?"
She looked like she fell back to sleep then popped her eyes open.
"I like having you here Tim because I trust you more than anyone and I like spending time with you. I like just being with you. You relax me without even trying."
She stared at him with her beautiful hazel eyes.
Oh shit… maybe I said too much. She thought.
Damn… that was an amazing answer. He thought.
He smiled which made her smile.
"I feel that way too Julie and if you don't remember this because of the drugs I'm gonna be pissed."
She laughed.
"If I don't remember you have my permission to remind me."
He moved his face closer to hers slowly.
Her heart rate increased.
He kissed her cheek. Then chuckled looking at her heart monitor.
"I think I do something else to you too." He whispered backing up a little.
She reached for his hand and interlaced their fingers.
"Is that a good thing?" She asked innocently.
He kissed her lips. A peck really.
"I think so… you?"
"I think you should try that again… with feeling." She smirked.
He arched his eyebrows. Ohhh a challenge… challenge accepted.
He leaned forward and put his left hand on her jaw.
He pressed his lips to hers and let his tongue sweep all over her lips.
He didn't pull back until he needed air.
"How was that for feeling?" He asked.
She had a big goofy grin.
"Good." She giggled.
"Seriously if you don't remember this I'm going to be so pissed off."
"Relax Tim. I think we just exited the friend zone." She smiled at him.
"Okay… well...how does your wrist feel?"
"Heavy… I think I do still have drugs in me because it doesn't hurt but it doesn't feel good either."
"Are you hungry?"
"Uh… yes and no or I guess yes but I don't want a lot."
"Well good because your parents said no to a lunch tray so all you have are graham crackers."
He handed her a package and she handed it right back.
"What?"
She smiled.
"Oh I'm dumb. Sorry."
He opened the package and handed her one cracker.
"Not dumb. You just have two working hands."
"At least I don't have to feed you…"
"Not yet… if I have something with a fork or a spoon it will take me some time. I'm basically going to have to relearn everything left handed. It's gonna suck."
He made a face.
"Yeah…you're parents made this plan for this weekend but I don't think they know how much help you are going to need at home."
"Can I see the plan? Yeah… I don't know either."
"Sure… here."
Julie read the plan and frowned.
"This is stupid. They both need to be at home and with Gracie Belle. I'll be okay here. I have nurses."
"And me… but I am not gonna play your nurse."
Julie smiled and bit her cracker.
"I think they just want to be with you."
"I get that but they need to rest and relax before I get home and drive them nuts."
Tim nodded.
"I agree. Not with the nuts part just with the rest and relax part."
"And you… do you need to rest and relax."
Tim pointed behind him and Julie noticed the messed up bed and the TV on sports center.
"You just moved on in?"
"I mean… you still want me here right?"
She smiled.
"Yep I sure do. Hey… where did they go for lunch?"
"Applebees."
"Oh good! Tell them to bring me mozzarella sticks please."
Tim raised his eye brows.
"You've had one cracker in a day and a half and you think you are ready for fried batter and cheese?"
She blinked.
"Well… maybe not…"
Tim pushed the call button.
Puppydog nurse appeared.
"Hey uh… she is awake now and is hungry and wondering what else she can have besides these?" He asked holding the wrapper as Julie devoured her second cracker.
"Glad you are up Julie. My name is Lisa. Well you don't have any restrictions so let's see… we have all kinds of things on this floor. Muffins, pastries, applesauce, fruit, granola bars, popsicles, Dr. Collin's promises all his surgery patients ice cream so he will likely come ask you for a flavor at some point today when he checks on you… um… I think I could even probably find you some pretzels or chips. What do you feel like having?"
"Uh… all of that sounds good. I'm not sure… could I have some fruit and maybe a muffin?"
"Sure… hun, you want anything?" She asked Tim.
He blushed. "Oh no… I'm fine thanks."
"Tim…"
"Okay um… I'll eat whatever."
"Okay kids, I'll just get a little variety and you can share."
"Thank you… Lisa."
Tim called her parents and handed her the phone.
"Tim? Everything okay?"
"Hey daddy, everything is fine. I'm just letting you know I'm awake now."
"I can hear that. You feeling okay?"
"Yes… currently about to devour a muffin and some fruit."
"That sounds good baby… we will pay the bill and come right back."
"No. I'm okay. I like my nurse, Lisa, and Tim is keeping me company. Why don't you two relax and then go home and take a nap and see Gracie Belle. I know you are both exhausted and now that I rescued my phone from Tim I can call y'all if I need anything."
"Are you sure Jules? We want to be with you."
"I know that dad and I'm not kicking you out, I just think you and mom need some rest. Soon enough I'll be home and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need a lot of help."
Eric didn't disagree, the arm was bad enough but then adding in the ribs… she was in for a rough ride.
"Okay sweetheart. Tell Tim thanks. We'll come back and bring dinner. You can text us what you and Tim want."
"Okay. Bye daddy."
Lisa did not disappoint. She brought back a blueberry muffin, a chocolate chip muffin, a piece of cookie cake, 2 bags of pretzels, 4 different granola bars, sliced pineapple, grapes and 2 cans of coke.
"Well dang… nothing left for any other kiddos?" Tim asked.
"Well… they got lunch trays and she didn't." Lisa defended.
"He's teasing Lisa. We appreciate it very much. Thank you." Julie offered.
She smiled.
"You're welcome. Need anything else?"
Julie blushed.
"Actually yes… I have to pee."
"Okay."
Lisa unhooked Julie's IV. Then pulled the blankets off of her.
"Actually are you... could you help?" Lisa asked Tim.
Tim shrugged.
"If Julie's okay with it."
"I mean… I don't want you going to the bathroom with me."
"No hun. Tim is it?" He nodded. "Once I stand her up if you can just support her arm and stand in front of her. That would be great."
Julie was grateful she said in front of. She knew the gown was open in the back.
Julie had trouble even lifting her arm off the pillows.
"Tim. I need you." She almost cried.
Tim helped as best he could.
He lifted her arm way up high and rested her arm on his shoulder.
"Ahhh that works."
He smirked at her.
Lisa pulled her gown closed and then Tim pulled her up close to him and they all walked slowly to the bathroom.
At the toilet Julie carefully cradled her arm and Tim stepped out.
She peed and then looked at Lisa.
"Um… this is awkward… I'm right handed… how do i…?"
"Well you want to use your left hand and just go slowly." Lisa instructed.
Julie followed instructions.
"Um… when can I have clothes?"
Lisa smiled, it was a common question. "Whenever you want. Although. Buttons and snaps should be avoided for a while if possible."
She flushed and washed her one hand.
They didn't need Tim on the way back. Julie managed while Lisa kept the gown closed.
Tim helped cover her up and Lisa propped her wrist up.
"I'm gonna get you an ice pack Julie. That will help with pain and swelling."
"Thank you Lisa. You are amazing." Julie said as she reattached her IV.
Tim can you text my parents? Julie dictated the message.
They said I can change into my own clothes! Thank goodness! Please bring me my fuzzy pajama pants and some underwear and a tank top and 2 of some kind of soft shirt without buttons and some shorts maybe. And my phone charger. And maybe a book from my desk? Thanks! Love you!
The reply came after a few minutes and Julie knew it was her dad.
Yes boss.
They ate some food and then found a movie just starting and decided to watch.
"Tim?"
"Yep…?"
"Do you think you could…"
He raised his eyebrows at her.
"Could I what Julie?"
She bit her lip.
"If I scooted over… I mean… would you… um…"
He really had no idea where she was going with this.
"Would you cuddle with me and hold me?" She growled out quickly.
"That was your sweet voice asking someone to cuddle?" He teased.
She blushed.
"Yes or no?"
He smiled. "Surprisingly, I'd love to. But I'm worried about your ribs and the IV. I don't want to hurt you."
"Let's try. Um… slowly."
It wasn't a big bed but Julie was small and they made it work. He helped her slide all the way to the right with her arm on a pillow on the bed rail.
Tim slid in on top of the covers, since she was basically naked, the IV arm rested on his thigh and the tube just drifted across him and then he wrapped his right arm around her shoulder.
Julie then leaned her head on his chest.
"Sorry if I stink… it's been a long night… and day." he said.
"You smell fine. Are you comfortable?"
"I'm great are you?" He asked crossing his ankles.
"Perfect." She patted his thigh. Then she closed her eyes already falling asleep.
Tim's left hand carefully slid the bed rail back up so he didn't fall on the floor then he kissed her forehead and closed his eyes as well for an afternoon nap.