Hospital
(Santana)
Brittany didn't answer my calls. I'm sure that she did something with her chip or lost the cell. If it wasn't the reason, then I had no explanation for her disappearance. I didn't believe that she would leave me aside purposely. Brittany figured dancing sexily in the Mily Cyrus' latest video clip. While that former Hannah 'Banana' sang badly and rocked her hips against the pelvis of a muscular guy without any brain, Brittany was at the bottom of the screen sliding her body on another dancer like she was bending down to perform oral sex. I only saw the video clip once. The music was rubbish and I couldn't see Brittany like that.
What's worse is that none of the old gang had news. Mercedes was in Chicago studying design while trying a record deal. Kurt, who was studying fashion design in Los Angeles, also had no news. Your other Glee friends didn't leave Ohio. Artie and Tina went to OSU. Finn and Sam joined the Lima Community College. Without any contact, the only way to see my Brittant was to wait for the show and try to make a more direct approach. In other words: I bought tickets.
Matt and I were on our way to the theater where "Across The Universe" would be staged. Rachel was excited because the advertising and the anticipation surrounding the musical play that would debut in December after nearly three months of rehearsals. Soon, Rachel and the main cast would be doing press conferences, promotional parties, in short, things that happen for disclosure. I've never seen my sister so happy: she was part of a Broadway play in a big Broadway theater. She wasn't earning that much yet, but her carrier was just beginning.
Matt spent the day urging to visit my apartment in Brooklyn. He thought he was my boyfriend just because we had sex once. I also had a one night stand with Izabella and she didn't say she was my girlfriend to anybody in the campus. The sex with Matt was good, though: we were together in his apartment in order to do a search for a class, but he lit the weed, I smoked, we drank some beers, we fucked and I was kind of high to care about Quinn's lectures when I got home that day. That was it. I didn't regret to have sex with Matt, but I wasn't look forward to have the experience again, mainly because Brittany was coming. Meantime, I vowed that next time that I have to work on a project for the college in pair, the business would be done only in the library.
It was a shock when I heard a classmate refer to me as "Matt's girlfriend." I spent the week trying to avoid him, but it was difficult when we had two classes together. Being Matt's "girlfriend" wasn't that nice to my popularity. Of course he was a pretty guy, a Mark Ronson kind of beauty that attracted part of Columbia's female population. But he was also known as the ambitious pothead. In the "boyfriend" position, Matt wanted to know more about me and my family. There was no secret to say that I was living with my sister and two friends in Brooklyn, and that Rachel was an actress. Still, he insisted to go to my place and know my friends, but I didn't want to take him home. He would thing that we could fuck there. No way. Even if I wanted a go one more time, it would never happen in my bedroom: it was my sacred place.
"Really, are you going to Miley Cyrus' concert?" Matt was pulling my leg when we were en route to the theater.
"It's not for that no-talent being. My sister is a thousand times better than her. God, I'm a thousand times better!"
"So?"
"My best friend is one of the dancers." Matt was pleased with the response.
We found Quinn on the theatre door talking on the phone. She looked serious.
"Hi Quinn!"
"What are you doing here? I thought you hated the rehearsals."
"I hate them, but Matt was curious."
"Matt?" Quinn raised an eyebrow and looked at the clock suddenly. "Hell! My apologizes, San, but I need to run to do an insane Gabriela's request. There was an emergency with the scenario and I need to solve, and take the flyers at the printing company…. Just tell Rachel that our movie night is kind of canceled."
Then, Quinn ran to the street desperate for a cab. I always thought we would move faster by bike in this city. Well Mike defends this theory after had working delivering things with one.
"Wow. What a hottie!"
"She is." I said simply.
"She is your friend?"
"Kind of."
We entered the theater and looked at the stage where several award's musical plays happened. And yes, all these stories came from Rachel. We found my sister sitting in the back rows, with legs stretched, enjoying a salad and bread with strawberry jam. Bread with jam was great. Bread with jam and salad had no way of being that good. Rachel had a more eccentric taste and loved odd combinations. Especially in snacks that she prepared home to save some money.
"Santana!" She waved an exaggerated way, as if I hadn't seen her first. Since she was a dramatic dwarf, that was not surprising. "Who's your friend?" She cleared the fingertips on the napkin to greet him.
"Matt!" He smiled to match the handshake "The boyfriend!"
Rachel looked weird at me for a moment. I would look at me weird. She knew a little about of my friends from college and she knows about my brief history with Matt. But then self-proclaimed boyfriend was another story. I honestly didn't understand if he was trying to force a relationship or just messing with me for some reason.
"Nice to meet you, Matt!" She made a theatrical grin. She always did it with uncertain strangers, which I hated. I thought it was too cynical and false. "Rachel Berry." She cut the Lopez from her stage name. It makes her name easier and also it was a tribute to Daddy.
"Santana said you were twins. But you don't look alike."
"We are dizygotics twins!" Rachel answered the question that was sought. "That means we were generated by eggs fertilized by two different sperms..."
"Rachel!" I interrupted her. "Matt doesn't need biology class." I didn't want to give explanations about the peculiar situation involving our birth. I didn't say a word about the high possibility of Rachel and I being genetically half-sisters, or that we had two dads and a mother who received a lot of money to donate her eggs and get pregnant. Actually, for some reason, I felt that the less information Matt had the better.
"What play are you doing?" Matt continued the small talk while I was staring into space.
"Across The Universe." Rachel took on the loose. It was better to sit. "Is an adaptation of a film directed by Julie Taymor, who in turn was inspired by the Beatles' songs. I don't know if you had the opportunity to watch, but it is a spectacular story about the struggle for freedom and ideals , although the romance between the characters Jude and Lucy is the front line."
"And are you Lucy?"
"Oh no! I am Sadie, who is an aspiring singer from New York and lives with Jude. She has a relationship with guitarist Jojo, but also has to deal with Prudence, who is a girl in love with her." I didn't could help but laughing. That was almost the life of my sister when she was dating Finn and had to deal with Quinn's jealousy. In real life, the girl won. In the play, the guitarist won.
Prudence was played by Sarah Kleist, who was a very interesting blonde. I met her right there in the backstage. Unlike what Quinn thought, my gaydar hadn't found the slightest gay vibe on Sarah. To me, that was her jealousy was getting louder. Quinn didn't care for the romantic scenes between Rachel and Luke Hibbs, the beautiful young black actor who played Jojo. But she squirmed every time Sarah and the this kiss scene were mentioned in the same sentence. I hadn't seen it, but I would have the opportunity to check it in the dress rehearsal.
"Speaking of Prudence, Quinn left a message that your date that is standing until further notice." Rachel looked confused at me. "I met Quinn in front of the theater and she was on a rush to solve a problem with the scenario, I think, and asked to give message."
"Oh!"
"You can go out for pizza with me and Santana." Matt suggested while I and Rachel exchanged glances again. It was a sister thing. Sometimes we didn't need words to know what the other was thinking. Rachel told me telepathically that she didn't like Matt.
"It would be lovely, I'm sure." She said politely. The assistant director called out by Rachel. It was time to her take some action.
I sat in the chair and saw the other half of the sandwich that Rachel had left in the ziploc. I tried and it didn't taste that bad. I was even a little hungry. I settled down in the chair and watched the rehearsal, which were quite tedious for those who saw them off. Maybe Matt didn't feel like going away by his own, so I had to give him a reason.
"Let's go to your place. Didn't you say the station is near?" Matt said suggestively close to my ear. "I have some weed so that we can stay relaxed..."
"Not today!" I looked serious at Matt. "Actually, I wanted to avoid being rude, but we need to clarify some things about our alleged relationship. We're college friends, we hooked up once days ago, but we are far from having an established relationship. I hate that other people change my relationship status on my Facebook without my knowledge. And please, don't confuse me with a junkie. I can even smoke a little sometimes. But it doesn't mean that I am pothead, ok?"
"Honestly I thought we had a thing going on, but maybe you're just a slut that want to fuck all the guys and maybe some girls on the campus."
"I think you should go."
"I think I should."
What an asshole! I overestimated Matt: he wasn't as smart as I thought. He left the theater without saying goodbye and it me it was a relief.
I took my computer and started working on some outstanding essays. My house wasn't that close and I could always enjoy a cab with Rachel and save some of my metrocard. Rachel started singing. "Your day breaks , your mind aches / que you find all her words of kindness linger on / when she needs the longer you" . I stopped writing and watched Rachel singing acapela. "She wakes up , she makes up / she takes her team and does not feel she has to hurry / she needs the longer you" . This song wasn't in the film, but Rachel had mentioned that there were some significant differences in the play and in the songs. She had more solos and lines than movie's Sadie, and this song was an assumed example. "And in her eyes you see nothing / no sign of love behind the tears / Cried for no one / Should Have a love that lasted years." I couldn't help but think in Brittany. Seemed Rachel was singing to me. "You want her , you need her / and yet you do not believe her / when she says her love is dead / you think she needs you."
I was afraid of the reason for not having in touch with Britt was because she doesn't want me anymore. I was afraid by that music became a reality. It had been a year and something since I saw her in person. It was late October, the fall was present in New York. Brittany appeared to be living very well without me.
…
That fucking bastard pothead was the most well-connected guy in New York City. A friend' friend was the head security at the Miley Cyrus's concert. In summary, we would all have backstage free passes. It was great to be able to sell the tickets I bought to hysterical disturbing teenage girls for ten bucks more.
Johnny told the news the week before the concert when he went to my place for our monthly beer. When he heard we were going to the concert and the reasons, he said he would like to go with us, and maybe score a dancer. Since this dancer wasn't my Brittany, that's all ok. Rachel refused to even get near the place. She said that if she heard Cyrus' voice, she could have another labyrinthitis crisis. My sister spent the week complaining of a pain thin above the hip but blamed it the rehearsals, which became more physical with the dance numbers. If Rachel was staying, Quinn was also staying and I was sure she would take advantage of had the apartment to themselves.
So, three of us went for the show: Mike, Johnny and me. It was weird being in that environment. There were some fans of the old TV show, a lot of people from the gay community and others who had nothing to do with me. But I wasn't there for the singer who would still be able to use playback. Mike and I joined Johnny in the arena and I move as close as we could to the stage. We walked up to a closer and yet secure distance to not be overwhelmed by gang of fanatics who were in the front of the stage.
The concert began with all possible cliches: increasing sound, the band appeared, the silhouette of dancers through the smoke, Cyrus talked to the public at a pyrotechnic distress here and there and the music begins. I still couldn't see who interested me because of the lights. Come on, turn on the lights Cyrus production. What's the point to produce a show that the audience barely see the singer and vice versa.
"Look! That's Britt!" Mike pointed and stirred.
I had no doubts. I held Johnny, who was physically stronger than Mike, and asked to stay a while on his shoulders. I could search better for Britt in the top. The lights at the end of the song fumbled, but when it all lit up for singer talk to the audience, I saw her dressed in sexy outfits next to a shirtless dancer. She was beautiful. Brittany shone. She went beyond the stage and stared at me as if to confirm that I was me. Then, she opened a grin and waved at me before go back to choreography.
"BRITT!" I was the only one screaming it throughout the show, which itself didn't interest me. The people next us had started and looked curious. Small wonder: 4,997 people screamed for Miley Cyrus: only three shouted by Brittany: Johnny and Mike also helped me, and maybe a guy near us who thought we were messing screaming for Britney Spears.
Brittany, in turn, was more on the side of the stage. It was as if she wanted to do a private show for us... for me.
"She is amazing!" Johnny yelled in my ear. "That's really your ex-girlfriend?"
"You bet!" He motioned ghetto that meant respect. Well, Johnny hated the music, but I was sure he was having fun with us.
At the end of the show, Johnny led us to the backstage, where the friend's friend was waiting for us to facilitate our entry. There was a lot of movement of dancers, the production and the usual personal guests. Also had some accredited persons who paid a fortune just to have access to the backstage for five minutes to take pictures and get autographs. And we just crashed there.
"Britt!" Mike shouted.
She saw us and ran towards us. Mike hugged her and then she hugged me. It was as if nothing else existed.
"I can't believe you're here." The smile on her face was enormous.
She then held my face and gave me a kiss in my lips in front of everyone. That surprised me because I expected a cooler approach after so long time without seeing each other. Britt had even these things and I wasn't complaining at all. God knows how much I dreamed with this moment since I saw that crap poster on the subway station. I wasn't even cared if the depraved Johnny was taking pictures of the moment. One, of course, came up with my middle finger raised well ahead.
"You don't know how much I missed you!" She finally told me with tears in her eyes. "And you have no idea how happy you made me now!"
"Same here, Britt. Same here!" I kissed her one more time before we go back to our friends. "This is Johnny." I finally introduced him. "He's the guy you always want to have around."
Baggy, he greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. But I was so happy that I even cared.
"We have so much to talk..." She held my hand.
Before I say anything else, a man from the staff called her. Brittany asked us to wait her right there, that it wouldn't be long. That's when my phone rang. It was Quinn. I thought it strange.
"Santana?"
"What?"
"San, I'm here at the Alexander Fleming Hospital, in Brownsville. Rachel got sick and I need you to come here ASAP."
My heart stopped.
"Alexander Fleming Hospital, Brownsville." I Repeat - "I'm coming." I looked at Mike and Johnny. "It's Rachel, she is in the hospital and Quinn asked me to go there!"
"Hospital?" Johnny asked.
"Alexander Fleming, Brownsville. Johnny, could you stay and give my phone number to her... I had to go! I don't know what happened to my sister, but Quinn was really afflicted."
"Go!"
I trusted him. Mike and I took the first cab we saw.
…
"Rachel Berry-Lopez!" I said rather breathlessly for the woman's from the desk at the entrance of the huge and crowded hospital.
"What?"
"A patient got in ER. Rachel Berry-Lopez is her name. I'm Santana Berry-Lopez, her sister."
"Look, the waiting room is down the hall on your left. There is an attendant who can inform you about your sister's status."
Mike and I walked rushed to the indicated place. We came across a relatively large room with some people waiting for something. Among them, Quinn was crestfallen sitting on the bench. We went up to her. The first thing she did was hold me tight. Her eyes were red.
"Sorry, San. Sorry for disturbing you."
"What happened?"
"We were coming back from that pizzeria when Rach began to feel sick and vomit. She said that the pain had increased a lot. She was fever, inclusive. So I took a cab and brought her here. After staying almost half an hour waiting with her sick, a doctor met us and said she had to go to emergency surgery and asked me to wait here." Quinn was nervous and tearful.
"Rachel is on an emergency surgery?" I could see how worry was Mike and Quinn just nodded.
"Okay, stay calm. I'll find out some information, ok?" I was worry as hell, but I had to keep my head in place.
"Go on San!" Mike put his arm on Quinn's shoulder to comfort her.
I went to the attended that didn't seem very friendly. Perhaps the routine of desperate people seeking information didn't commove her anymore.
"Excuse me. I'm here looking for Rachel Berry-Lopez, who was in the surgical center."
"Rachel?"
"Rachel Berry-Lopez. I'm Santana Berry-Lopez, her sister." I rushed to show her my identity.
The girl checked the system and said with a monstrous indifference.
"Yes, Rachel Berry-Lopez. Here she is. She is still in the operating room. Dr. Durakovic is doing the surgery. He will come here to give you news as soon as the procedure is performed. At the most, miss Berry-Lopez, you must wait."
I had a thousand questions, but it wasn't time, so I went to my friends. Mike was embraced with Quinn. I sat beside her and held her hand, which was shaking. And so we stayed like that: holding hands in that waiting room with nothing to do but pray. I don't know what to do but cry like Quinn wasn't an option. The last time I stepped a foot in a hospital for an emergency situation, my daddy was dying. That was one of the worst and saddest moments of my life.
What distressed me the most was the lack of news. I didn't know that Rachel had. I looked around and saw at least three more groups waiting. You could see some doctors entering private rooms on the sides and some security guards circling. That hospital had strong screening policy. Papi always said that organization is fundamental, but sometimes the bureaucracy created for it acted as a cancer. That was happening on that hospital. The bureaucracy made my sister wait for 30 minutes to see a doctor, and then go to surgery whatever the reason was. That was one of the flaws in the system. And look that my sister must be felt a lot of pain.
I've always hated witnessing the suffering of others. Still, I met my best friend from a life in a hospital. The Pierces had a car accident and Mrs. P. was the only one in the family that arrived in serious condition. She needed a surgery to stop an internal bleeding and who did the procedure was my father. Brittany didn't hurt so much. She only had small cuts, then was taken by the nurse to the children center: that was the place in which Rachel and I used to stay when we had to accompany my father to the hospital for some reason. I was drawing dragons and castles while Rachel played school with two kids who were there. Brittany came over and asked what I was doing. Our empathy was instant and the rest is history. We were seven.
A doctor fresh out from the surgery center shaft, but he wasn't for Rachel. He stood in front a woman hugging a teenager. Maybe he was her son, I don't know. The news was the worst possible and the two began to weep bitterly at those automatic phrases such. "We did everything possible," "The damage was too large", etc. My eyes filled with tears. It was impossible not remember Daddy and worst day of my life. I hate hospitals! The woman didn't stand it and fainted. She needed to be attempt right there because of her nervous breakdown. That was too much for me. My nerves were not steel. I left that room in need to breathe. I crossed the hall and went through the front toward the door. That's when I saw her accompanied by Johnny.
"Britt? You came? You came?"
Brittany hugged me tight and I get carried away by the comfort of her arms and body.
"Have you heard of Rachel?" She asked me as I thanked Johnny with a wave.
"Not yet. She is still in the operating room."
"All right. It'll be fine."
"Thanks for being here!"
I felt stronger. Brittany was my medicine. I guided my two good friends to the waiting room, as the hospital had no driving restrictions in that sector. We were there together waiting anxious for news. Another doctor fresh out of the surgery center and said something to the receptionist, who pointed in our direction. I breathed deeply.
"Are you miss Berry-Lopez's sister?"
"Yes sir I'm her sister. What happened? Is she ok?" I put myself ahead.
"Your sister was admitted to hospital with severe pain caused by acute appendicitis.
"Are you serious?" Suddenly, I was so relieved. It was just an appendicitis? "Thank God!"
"Well… what?" the doctor was very confused.
"It's not like that… my father is a doctor, a surgeon, and he use to say appendicitis is a procedure for interns… not that you looked like one… so, what's happen?"
"I suppose you very aware what this is about, anyway, we forwarded your sister immediately to the operating room for appendectomy. As I suppose you know, such surgeries are usually simple and fast, but your sister had a slight complication due to leak pus and the exotic location of the appendix. The problem was solved successfully, but there was a need to put a drain in her. Because of that, she will have to stay in the hospital a little longer. Your sister is in the recovery room of the ICU at this time and she can't have visits there." She checked his watch. "It's really late and she will be sent to the room only in the morning…" and he put his hand on my shoulder. "I suggest you to go home, take a shower, get some sleep and come back in the morning to stay with her. There's nothing else you can do here." I nodded. The doctor was right, Rachel was safe.
"Thank you doctor..."
"Durakovic."
"Durakovic" I repeat. "Thank you so much."
It was just an appendectomy! So much drama for that? My God, how I was relieved and grateful. I had appendicitis when I was 14. I was a freshman at McKinley High and I felt bad in one of my firsts training as cheerio. That left me a month out. Apart the pain and the discomfort, I loved to stay two weeks at home doing nothing and being pampered by daddy. We watched lots of sci-fi movies and discussed silly things.
"So… that's a family stuff?" Quinn allowed herself a bit of humor and cynicism now that all was well. What can I say? She was beside me when I had the crisis. Maybe she was the one that caused it in us, Berry-Lopez. Yes, Quinn would always be guilty in some way.
Brittany held my hand out in the hospital and we walked a bit to ease the tension before took the cab. Mike, Quinn and Johnny were right behind us.
"Rach will get well soon. She is strong!" I was sure of it, but to hear Britt saying was much more comforting.
"I bet she'll complain horrors tomorrow." I smiled. "Thank you for coming. You were crucial."
"Your friend was very cool to not only warn me but also to accompany me. I don't know almost anything in New York." I looked back to see Johnny talking animatedly with Mike. Quinn was still serious aside. I owed a bit to that bastard. "Don't forget to give her a kiss for me"
"Are you leaving?" It was too early and we even had a chance to have a proper conversation. Brittany couldn't do this to me.
"My flight is now in morning with the entire team. I have twelve more shows with Miley and think that's it. Then I'll start rehearsing for a dance performance of my company in Los Angeles. Isn't it cool?" I was ready to beg her to drop everything and be with me in New York, but that would be selfish of me. Brittany was doing fine and I had no right to interfere.
"This is great!" I was happy and sad. Why out time was so short? It wasn't fair. "Britt can I ask you something?" She nodded. "Why didn't you answer my calls?"
"I lost my phone in Vegas a month ago, so I had to buy another one but I couldn't remember your number. Whenever I tried to call Kurt and get your number, but didn't know either! He said to send you an e-mail or leave a message on the Facebook. But I was so busy with Miley's tour that I forgot. Do you forgive me?"
"Of course. But are you with your new phone here?" She nodded and picked up it of the bag to me registered my number. Then I called to my phone to register her new number. Done. "Would you call me?"
"Always!"
We found a cab on duty. It was our moment of farewell. I tried to show all the love I had for her in our goodbye kiss. When we parted, it was as if I was in the clouds. No matter how many people I date or just hookup: Brittany was the one who made me happy.
"I think your friend took more photos." While Brittany smiled wide, tears ran down my cheeks.
"He will send the files to me later." I heard Johnny's scandalous laughter. "Take care, ok?"
"I love you San!"
"I love you more, Britt."
One more kiss and my guardian angel got in the cab. Comforting hands went behind my back. Quinn. I looked at the clock on my cell phone. It was three-thirty in the morning. Sleep was out of the question. The deal was showering, tidying up some things for Rachel as fresh clothes and toothbrush, and go back to the hospital. Quinn ran her hands over my shoulder. We had a work to do.
…
Rachel was at the hospital room with a pitiful bad mood. She complained of the pain, the drain (oh, I wanted to watch when the nurse would remove it later without anesthesia), the medicine into the vein, the hospital gown, the lighting in the room (it was really bad), that she was dying of thirsty. I served a glass of water while Quinn sat up in the chair and stared at the ceiling. That was how she avoided a fight with my sister sometimes.
"This water is too cold. It will ruin my throat." I took a deep breath. I was exhausted by the emotions of the day before. I hadn't slept a wink yet, so just kissed her forehead fondly.
"That kiss was a Brittany's request."
"Brittany? She was here?" Sweet stoke of curiosity: the best way to tame Rachel's state of unbearable bitch.
"She was in the hospital, but left town earlier today."
"Were you good? Why didn't she call you anymore?"
"She lost her phone and you know how she is too lazy to internet."
"But you got the new number, right?"
"Of course... Ray, I told our parents about your surgeon. Papi said he wouldn't leave Lima for an appendicitis, but he asked me to steal the medical report and read it to him. Then, he made a million recommendations that I sure he will repeat all topics as soon as he call you. Shelby sent you a kiss and asked if she could call you later."
"I hope she doesn't hold her breath for that."
Since we got back from Spain that Rachel refused to have a civilized conversation with Shelby. It hurt me too that she didn't accept papi's propose. I just didn't think that it was the case to break off relations altogether. Shelby wasn't the person I loved most in the world, but she was my mother and I answer her ever time she call.
"She is your mother, Rach!" Quinn got in the subject line, but she had a second intention there: the less contact we had with Shelby, the less contact Quinn had with Bth. "For the umpteenth time, Shelby did nothing wrong when she said no to your father. She's worth your consideration."
"Do as I say, don't do as I do." Rachel muttered to Quinn.
"You guys fought before Rachel got sick?" I asked.
The atmosphere between the two wasn't good and silence meant positive response.
"Your sister is a headstrong, that's all!" Quinn replied as if it were no big deal. Not that Rachel was a headstrong, but I bet it wasn't the reason for the fight.
"Mind if I know what happened?"
"YES!" Both answered together. At least they were agreeing on something.
"Okay! I think I'm going home to sleep. Quinn, I will come to the hospital after lunch."
"Ok. If she got out of control, I'll gag her." My sister grumbled loudly. Nonsense.
"It's a good tactic."
Lunch? I used my time to sleep and rest. In the middle of the afternoon, I packed my things to allow Quinn to rest. Computer, books and hope to have mood to study a little. Check! When I got back to the hospital, I entered the room without knocking and caught Quinn practically on top of my sister doing contortions to circumvent the serum, the drain and place of surgery. Comical if it weren't disturbing.
"Glad you made amends." I said loud. Quinn was startled, lost her balance and crashed to the ground. Rachel tried to lift herself too suddenly to see Quinn on the ground, but the pain made her lie back. "What a beautiful thing!" I directed my best cynical smile to my sister before offering my hand so Quinn could get up.
"The nurses at least have the education to knock." Rachel grimaced and complained among other pain.
"I should sue you for taking advantage of an invalid in a hospital!" Quinn gave me a weak slap on the back and Rachel snorted. "What are you thinking? You can just make out in this condition."
"We were just making amends!" Quinn said in a petulant tone.
"Isn't this the cutest thing?" I ignored then changed the subject - "Dr. Durakovic was here?"
"Yes." Quinn served herself a glass of water. "He said that the recovery was great, the drain would be taken this afternoon and that if everything continued at this pace, Rachel can leave tomorrow in the afternoon."
"That was until you provoke further injury to my sister!"
"Santana!" Rachel complained. "Turn the page."
Quinn left the hospital after somebody from R&J called her to solve some problem. I had a opportunity to sleep a little, but she wouldn't had the same chance. Poor girl. She would be exhaust when we do the rotation at night.
Mike and Johnny went to visit. Mike brought flowers and Johnny said he would take us all to meet "the most amazing place in New York." I wasn't sure if he was talking about the city or the state. Anyway, if he said it will be fun, I believe him. What a guy! Johnny sometimes made some snide remarks, but never lacked respect for me, Rachel or Quinn. He knew half of the NYC underground world and a lot of musicians, indie producers and pub owners. If you want to know if this or that band is good, call him. Johnny was better than New York Times critics. He smoked marijuana but I never saw him stoned and he never offered it to us, even when he heard I smoked it too. We knew he was a 25 years old from Connecticut who dropped out NYU. I didn't know why. We knew he worked in a tattoo studio and did odd jobs to supplement his finances. He lived in a small studio in the Bronx, a place that was fairly decent and clean (you could use the bathroom without feeling disgust). Johnny didn't talk about family, but we knew that his parents had died and he had an older brother. At the most, even after a year, he was still a mystery.
In the late afternoon, Dr. Durakovic made another visit and took the opportunity to remove the drain. It was the best scene of the day. I should had recorded and posted it on Youtube. After ten minutes crying in anticipation without allowing the doctor to do the duty (and I lamented the lack of a bag of popcorn), Rachel resigned.
"Take a deep breath and hold it. One…" And he pulled off the drain.
"Madre de Dios. Esto duele como El infierno!" She shouted with all the air held in the lungs.
"I never thought she would shouting in Spanish." Dr. Durakovic was amazed.
"You lose more air yelling in Spanish. It's also better to swear in Spanish. The words are longer." I smiled while Rachel was there stretched in bed with tears in her eyes, mentally cursing the doctor. She would survive!
"Okay... her healing evolution is very good: no signs of infection, she is reacting to the medication as expected and the drain is already off. But I still want her to pass over the night in the hospital. If things continue in this pace, tomorrow I make my final recommendations and your sister can go home."
"Thank you!"
Quinn came back almost nine of the night. She was bathed and brought a blanket: good luck to her with that damn chair. Rachel slept under the influence of medication and didn't even realize when we exchanged our rounds. My sister went home in late afternoon on Tuesday. Dr. Durakovic said she needed at least three weeks out before coming back to work, but knowing Rachel, she would torment us to let her back before. Mike and I enjoyed that morning cleaning the apartment. It was good to receive Rachel with everything in place. I was blessed: my sister was alive and healthy.