The next morning, Marty found herself in a comfortable bed in the hospital. She felt much better… but her chest hurt. The doctor came in smiling.
"Good morning," he said. "We had to do some minor surgery, but you'll be alright. I'm Doctor Thorndyke."
Marty smiled. "Could you explain why my chest hurts? I get it; I had surgery, but my ribs are throbbing."
"You have two bruised ribs, and you had a collapsed lung… you also suffered a moderate concussion. My son told me about how he helped you breathe."
"I think his name was Alex…?"
"Yep," the doctor said proudly, "that's my boy! He works in this hospital as a paid intern; wants to be a doctor like me. He also wants to visit when he gets off this evening."
"Sounds great," she replied.
"Everything looks good, so off I go. I'll have the nurse bring you some food in about two hours. Can't eat right after you wake up from anesthesia."
Marty relaxed and thought of last night. She'd been attacked, she remembered that much. Her attacker was a girl… but she couldn't put her finger on which one. She remembered Alex, though. Her vision had been a little blurry, but she remembered dark brown hair and, when he got close enough, blue eyes. He'd been very gentle with her, and caring. She sighed as the food was finally brought in.
"Thanks," she said softly.
"Martina?" Her mother walked briskly into the room. "Sweetie I was so worried! Thank God that boy was able to save you!"
"I'll be fine, mom," Marty said with a groan.
"Who did this to you?"
"Some girl… don't know who though."
"Let's talk to the police when you're better, honey."
Marty nodded, smiling as she ate. The food wasn't bad for hospital fare.
The Pink Ladies were next to arrive.
"Knew you'd make it," said Rizzo. "We all pitched in and got an apple pie; dig in, guys."
"So," Marty said, enjoying the pie slowly, "Turns out Alex is the doctor's kid. He works here and wants to visit."
"Ooh!" Frenchy said excitedly. "Do you like him?"
"Saving her life probably earned him some points," Rizzo quipped.
Marty giggled. "I'd say so."
Alex walked in a few minutes later.
"Hey guys… I can come back if…"
"Have some pie, Alex," Marty said invitingly. "It's really good."
"Okay!" Alex sat in the last available chair digging in. "So, Marty… are you feeling better?"
"Yeah… are you okay?"
"Last night sorta shook me up," Alex replied, "but I'm better."
"So you're gonna be a doctor?"
"Yeah, that's the plan, Marty… Marty's gotta be short for something… Margaret?"
"Martina, actually," Marty replied. "I never could figure out how they got Marty from Margaret… that's a stretch, honestly."
"Martina's a pretty name."
"I'll take either one… but what about you? What else do you do?"
"Well… I like history, classical music… of course I like the stuff they're putting out now; Chuck Berry's my favorite. Cars are also a hobby of mine. I just got done souping up an Imperial Crown. Black with red leather seats. Yes, I'm licensed."
"Seems all that's missing is your own place."
"Once I graduate medical school, I'll start working here as a doctor and find my own place to live."
"Makes good sense," Marty said, nodding. "I enjoy anything sophisticated… but I won't say no to the usual stuff… bowling, Frosty's…"
"Cats?"
Marty gasped. "I love cats!"
The group talked until visiting hours were over, and Alex walked away with Marty's phone number. Oh, yes… this would be a great summer!