The Very Thought of You
Chapter 27
Charlie sat patiently in the hospital corridor waiting for news of Joey's condition. Joey had revived on several occasions during their journey to the hospital but each time had only muttered a few words which, Charlie couldn't understand and had blacked out again. The Doctor told her it was one of the ways the brain dealt with trauma.
At last a nurse walked up to the Policewoman.
"Are you WPC Buckton?" She asked.
"That's right." Charlie said standing, beginning to feel her heart race with fear. "Is Jo-Josephine Collins going to be alright?"
"Well, Doctor Armstrong reports that she has a couple of badly bruised ribs, much bruising around the throat and neck region, but thankfully, no permanent damaged done to the larynx. Mind you, she'll find it hard to communicate for a few days and will have a very sore throat." The nurse informed Charlie.
"May I see her?" Charlie asked.
"Well, I suppose so, but no questioning please. She has been given a mild sedative so is likely to be very sleepy." Instructed the nurse.
"I wish to see her - as a friend, not a Police Officer." Charlie smiled.
"Okay. Please come this way."
The nurse showed Charlie into a ward. Joey's bed was on the right hand side, in the middle. The nurse paused just before they reached the bed.
"Please don't stay too long, Constable Buckton. We do have rules!"
The Police Officer smiled and thanked the nurse for her kindness. Charlie walked slowly around to the side of Joey's bed. The patient was indeed sleeping. Charlie smiled as she sat down and took the other girl's hand.
"Jo. Are you awake?" Charlie asked quietly. Joey continued to sleep. Charlie was happy just to sit and look at her friend, even though her friend's body was beaten and bruised. At least she was safe now from that monster.
Suddenly, Joey's head started to roll from one side as though in some distress. She mumbled something which Charlie couldn't make out.
"Joey, it's me Charlie." She almost whispered. Joey's head rolled back towards Charlie. "Joey! Everything is alright now."
Joey's eyelids fluttered a few times and then half opened. She was looking directly at Charlie.
"Charlie!" Joey huskily whispered then promptly fell into sleep again.
Charlie smiled and blinked back the tears. She lifted Joey's hand to her lips and kissed her fingers.
A few moments later, the nurse reappeared. "I'm afraid I must ask you to leave now Constable."
"Thank you." Charlie said, standing up. She gently squeezed Joey's hand and quietly said, "I'll see you tomorrow." and reluctantly walked away only pausing at the ward door to glance once more towards the girl who had become her world.