Nineteen
Previously –
She felt even guiltier later, when she spoke to the police officers.
Grimmjow lay propped in the bed, an IV attached to his arm, and an oximeter on her finger. Underneath the plain hospital gown, his stitches were already starting to itch ("A sure sign that its working").
A grey haired doctor with a cross patterned tie shuffled sheets of paper on the clipboard in his hand. He looked from Grimmjow, to Aizen, who was sat by his son's beside, his hands clasped tightly together.
"Well, Doctor Ishida?"
"I can see no reason as to why he shouldn't be out today. The stitches have taken place, but they will need redressing daily. I'll recommend you rub some Neosporin cream on the wound before you start the dressing. I'll get the prescription for you now. Some vitamin C capsules wouldn't go amiss either. Your stitches will start to dissolve within a week, maybe two at a push, but I'd recommend you visit your doctor or come back to the hospital for a check-up, after the first week. Who did you say your doctor is?"
"He's registered with Doctor Kurosaki," Aizen said.
"Ah, a good man that Kurosaki! Well Mr Jaegerjaquez, it was a pleasure to meet you, eben under unfortunate circumstances, but I wish you all the best with a speedy recovery!"
The doctor inclined his head, and left Grimmjow with his father.
"Can I get you anything?" Aizen asked, adjusting his glasses.
"Some more clothes wouldn't be a bad idea," Grimmjow smiled, resisting the temptation to start scratching his stitches.
"I'll be back soon ok." Aizen ruffled Grimmjow's hair before he left.
Stretching his arms, and wincing from the pull on his stitches, Grimmjow reached for his phone, which lay on the wheeled table in front of him. He grinned at the picture that was his wallpaper – Rukia wearing oven mitts, doing the jazz hands, with a playful grin on her face. That was a good day.
He opened his call log and selected Rukia's number. The constant bring bring of the phone sounded until he heard a voice. A male's voice he knew, on her answer phone…
"Hi this is Rukia's phone. She's currently cruising on the open road, and there are certainly a few bumps ahead."