Jonathan Creek – A long way home
Chapter 5:
"Well at least let me get you to the hospital"
"No, I'm fine, thank you," She said not so convincingly, The blood kept pouring, she had mud on the side of her face and her hands with covered in mud with grazes going up to her arms.
"Oh, look at you," She said as she handed her a tissue for her head. "You will need to get that checked out"
"No really I'm fine, I don't want to bother you, you have done enough" She protested as she started to head down the alleyway, she stumbled like she was drunk.
Sally went to follow her and suddenly as she approached Maddie collapsed to the floor. Sally grabbed her phone and started dialing to call 999.
Beep, beep, beep, beep.
The sound kept ringing out as Maddie started to stir. She could see lights above her, so bright, it took a while for her eyes to adjust, she could feel something in her hand, it felt so cold, she looked down and could see a tube coming out which was connected to a drip. The beep kept going, as she looked over to see that familiar face looking over at her, a smile suddenly appeared, and a hand rested on hers.
"Hey, Welcome back"
"What," She said trying to get up
"What am I doing here?"
"Take it easy," Sally helped Maddie lay back down, trying to make her comfortable. She fluffed up her clinically white pillows for her and pulled her covers up to keep her warm. Maddie gazed at this woman in amazement, there was such kindness in her eyes, she was gentle and sweet, it was something Maddie had never experienced before.
As she looked around she could see some flowers on her bedside cabinet, some lovely red and yellow flowers, she wasn't quite sure what they were as she stared at them, as she wasn't much of a gardener. She looked back to the lady who had settled herself back down in the big hospital chair in the corner. She had the sweetest of smiles, short shoulder-length brown hair and brown eyes. She was very well presented, the way she dressed and sat.
"There is that better?, That should be more comfortable for you"
"Uh Yes Thank you" Maddie replied smiling back at her, though she still felt so dazed
"You collapsed, after your attack, Do you remember?"
Sally said as she took hold of Maddie's hand again, giving a little squeeze of support.
"Yes, kinda I remember the attack but not much after that" As she placed a hand on her forehead, she could feel a big plaster on it.
"You had to have some stitches as you had a gash on your head, they said you were dehydrated and malnourished, so they have you on a drip to rehydrate you and they are going to keep you in for a few days,"
Maddie shifts up in her bed, slightly sitting as she takes it all in.
"Right, So how long was I out for?"
"About 2 hours"
2 hours, that was probably the best sleep I've had in a while.
Suddenly the Doctor came in through the door a pretty young nurse followed in quickly behind him. He came in and picked up Maddie's notes, he had a blue stethoscope around his neck, a white doctor's jacket, and some green trousers. He looked up at Maddie, with a warm comforting smile.
"Hello, Maddie, isn't it? Is it okay if I call you Maddie?"
"Yeah sure"
"Okay, my names Andy and I'm the Doctor that is going to be looking after you and this is Nurse Lucy, who will be coming in from time to time to do some observations on you and give you any painkillers you might need."
He said continuing to broaden his smile as he approached the side of her bed.
"Ok Thank you"
"No problem, So just to recap, can you recall why you are here?"
"Yes I think, I remember I was attacked but I can't remember much after that"
"Right ok Well after your attack, you collapsed, due to the shock and blood loss. You had a gash on your forehead which we cleaned and stitched up for you. It's not a big gash we just put 4 stitches in for you, we will be caring for that while you're here and when you go home we will give you some information on how to care for it at home, but we can discuss that when we discharge you"
The Doctor stated, he took in a deep breath….
"Sorry if I'm going to fast, let me know if you want me to slow down or repeat anything?"
He said smiling
"Your okay, Thank you"
"Okay" He continued
"We also found you were very dehydrated and had a low blood sugar level, so we put you on a drip to get some fluids and glucose into you. Ok?"
"Yes"
"Okay, We are going to keep you in for a few days, just to keep an eye on you, and to give you chance to make a full recovery and get so much needed rest, and then we can look at getting you back home and getting you some help just to keep an eye on you for a few days at home and give you any help you need there"
"I don't have a home"
She said with great sadness in her voice
"Right," The Doctor said as he took a moment and perched down on the end of her bed resting his hands in his lap
"Right, any family or…."
"I don't have a family"
She said the words catching in her throat, a pain that had haunted her, her whole life.
Sally could see the pain in her face, and it made her feel such sadness for this woman who she had found so alone. She wanted to do something about it and so she would, without hesitation.
"She can stay with me" She spoke up
"Oh good"
"I'm Sally and a doctor so I can help with her care and get her anything she needs, keep an eye on her, We have plenty of room and I can get her back to health"
"Oh, brilliant," The Doctor nodded agreeably and turned to Maddie smiling.
"Well it sounds like you will be in good hands"
He stated as Sally smiled and grabbed hold of Maddie's hand.
"Brilliant, Ok Well, I will let you get some rest, and I will come back and check on you later, but if you need anything, in the meantime, or you have any questions, just press the buzzer"
"Thank you so much" she felt much more reassured.
He left the buzzer on her table and smiled as he stood up and went on his way. Maddie looked over at the wonderful women who still had a tight grip on her hand, her warmth and comfort radiated from her, as she smiled.