Steve makes great time heading into Phoenix and avoids the inevitable congestion. Aurie was correct, there seemed to be no shortage of crazy drivers on the freeway. Despite that, traffic flows easily and at nearly one-thirty that afternoon finds the University Medical Center without a problem.
Getting inside is a different story. He's almost forced to drag Aurie in.
After another minor argument, she walks into the ER with him under her own power rather than test whether he'd follow through on his threat of slinging her over his shoulder. She decides she isn't in the mood for that but does think of bringing in a clean change of clothing for later.
To their luck, it's slow in the ER. They're immediately directed to the triage station. Hovering in the background, Steve observes as the nurses assess Aurie. When they ask what's the reason she's coming in, Steve cuts in, explaining her involvement in the accident earlier that morning, making sure to point out the wound she may need stitches on and that she may also need a tetanus shot, earning a baleful glower from Aurie.
After the nurses finish the initial triage, they instruct Aurie and Steve to wait in the seating area surrounding the triage station until they get called back.
"This is going to take forever," Aurie grouses, slouching down in her seat once they settle in a spot nearby.
"It's necessary. I've seen people get sick from tetanus. Lockjaw is not fun," Steve points out.
"You're not the one getting poked and possibly sewn up with sharp, pointy needles," she looks over at him in annoyance.
"I'll make it up to you later," Steve irritably offers, using a line his dad used on him a lot when he was younger.
"How?" Aurie arches a brow.
"Ice cream?"
"Could at least say booze," she mutters, looking away briefly before noticing his pointed glare. "But ice cream is a much better option," she hastily amends.
"I think so," he smugly agrees.
To their surprise, their debate is interrupted when Aurie is called back into the ER. Another nurse who introduces himself as Zach, spends a few minutes completing the intake, asking more questions about Aurie's insurance coverage, checking her vitals again, etcetera. When finished, Zach escorts them to a section where observation/exam rooms with sliding patio-type doors line the walls. The center area across from the rooms were storage rooms, areas for the ice and coffee machines, computer stations, and work areas for the doctors and nurses.
Zach leads them to one of the rooms, ushering them inside.
"All right, you've got to change out of your clothes into a hospital gown," Zach explains, having pulled a gown from a cabinet drawer in the corner of the room next to the bed. "Once you're changed, lie down on the bed and wait for the doctor," he finishes as he hands her the gown. Turning to Steve, he adds, "Just step outside to give her some privacy while she changes."
Reaching over, he starts pulling a curtain that's set up in front of the sliding glass door for privacy.
"I'd like to head to the cafeteria to get us some food, can I bring it back here?" Steve asks before stepping out of the room.
"Unless a patient is being admitted where food service would deliver a meal, you can't bring in food from the cafeteria," the nurse explains. "Otherwise, we've got graham crackers and sandwiches available."
"It's been hours since breakfast and I'm getting pretty hungry," Aurie tells the nurse before Steve can answer. "Crackers aren't going to cut it. What kind of sandwiches?"
"Usually, we have ham or turkey with cheese. However, we're out of ham," Zach explains.
"They sound like vending machine sandwiches," Aurie replies.
"Yeah, they're like that," he agrees.
"Ew," Aurie scrunches up her nose in disgust. "I'll pass."
"Hey, Zach, let the man bring some food back for himself and his kid," a different voice interrupts. They turn as a state trooper approaches the open door. "Just pretend not to notice the food tray and let him back into the ER."
"It's policy," Zach protests to the state trooper.
"And these two are heroes," the officer gestures at Steve and Aurie. "This man kept that lowlife you guys finished examining who just got shipped to the county lockup from shooting Trooper Davidson. Then he helped pull out the passenger you guys got in surgery. And his daughter got the baby out before their SUV went up in flames."
Zach hesitates in thought when Steve's curiosity gets the better of him.
"How is Trooper Davidson doing?"
"They're about to clear him to go home," the trooper replies before extending his hand. "I'm Trooper Dan Nguyen."
"Steve Sloan, nice to meet you," Steve shakes his hand.
"So, c'mon, Zach," Dan goads as his hand drops away. "Let him get something better than the crap you've got back here."
"Fine," Zach rolls his eyes. "If I get in trouble, I'm blaming you." Turning to Aurie, he adds, "Get changed, please."
Aurie nods and pulls the curtain closed as Zach closes the glass door for her. He gives Steve instructions on how to find the cafeteria and how to get back into the ER before leaving him with the state trooper.
"I know Trooper Davidson is going to want to see you before they bounce his butt out of here. Is it all right that I tell him you're here so he can stop by and talk to you before he's discharged?" Dan asks, strolling with Steve in the direction of the cafeteria.
"Sure," Steve agrees. "You said the passenger, Mr. Lovato, is in surgery. Do they expect him to be okay?"
"How'd you know his name?"
"While taking my statement, Trooper Noperi mentioned the family who was injured in the crash were the Lovatos."
"Gotcha," Dan nods in understanding. "Well, I heard mention of a lacerated liver or something and then they rolled him off to surgery. They're expecting him to be okay."
"How about the wife who was driving and their baby?"
"Besides a lot of bruises, Mrs. Lovato has a couple of broken bones and a concussion, but nothing requiring surgery. The baby is in the best shape of all. Mrs. Lovato has family they were coming to visit in Tempe, so they're going to pick him up later while his parents recover."
"That's a relief," Steve nods. Having reached the exit door, he shakes Trooper Nguyen's hand again. "Thanks for letting me know. I'll update my daughter when I get back from the cafeteria."
"Hey, no problem, man. We appreciate what you guys did."
With that Trooper Nguyen heads back into the ER while Steve makes his way to the cafeteria, which is not too far and on the same floor as the ER. He's impressed by the selection and quality of the food items available. Even he admits it's better than the food at Community General. He didn't think they could possibly be surpassed.
Mentally he kicks himself for not asking Aurie what she'd like to eat, but he also didn't know what would be available. Ultimately, he settles on personal-sized pizzas, one plain cheese and the other with pepperoni, figuring she can pick which one she'd like, and he'll eat the other one. Remembering her ordering a Coke during their first lunch at BBQ Bob's, he grabs a bottle for her and a bottle of tea for himself.
After paying he heads back to the ER. Finding his way through the maze he enters the exam room Aurie is in. Laying on the bed she had been listlessly flipping through the channels on the TV mounted high on the wall in a corner of the room across from her bed but perks up when he enters the room.
"Has anything happened while I've been gone?" he asks while closing the door behind him.
"Nope," she shakes her head.
"At this rate, we should be able to eat comfortably," he sighs in frustration. "I didn't get to ask what you'd like, but figured pizza should be a safe bet," Steve explains, setting everything on a nearby rolling tray table.
"Yes and thank you!" she confirms in relief. "Zach brought me one of those turkey sandwiches anyway. Was as gross as I thought it'd be."
Sitting up she shifts her legs over the side of the bed to get up.
"Better stay in bed," Steve suggests. "The floor is cold for your bare feet, and they'll scold you for being out of bed. You're a patient until they say they're done with you."
"Probably," Aurie rolls her eyes as she settles back in bed, causing him to smirk.
"You've got two choices, plain cheese, and pepperoni."
"Hmmm, both are good," she muses thoughtfully. "I'll go with cheese, please."
"Okay," Steve nods.
While he opens the cartons containing the pizzas and grabs a couple of paper towels from the dispenser above a nearby sink, Aurie uses the multi-purpose remote connected by a long wire to the wall to adjust the bed. It controlled the TV, adjusted the bed, and had a call button for the nurse. Steve updates her on the Lovatos while rolling the table tray over, positioning it over her lap, and handing her a paper towel for a napkin.
"I'm glad they're all going to be okay," she states while he pulls a visitor's chair closer and sits down.
"Especially since they were minding their own business traveling to visit family," he replies while picking up a slice to bite into.
Both fall silent to eat and watch TV. The channel Aurie had stopped at when Steve entered the room with lunch started showing the spaghetti western 'Sabata.' Not bothering to change the channel, they watch the movie while eating. When they finish, Steve gathers the trash and puts it in the garbage can when there is a knock on the door.
"Come in," Steve calls out.
The door slides open, and Trooper Nguyen sticks his head in.
"Oh, good, the doctor hasn't come around to treat and release you," he comments, stepping inside.
"All the ER clocks are stuck in slow mode," Aurie quips, causing both men to laugh.
"They're always in slow mode when you want to get out of here," Dan agrees. He turns to Steve. "They just cut Trooper Davidson loose and he wants to stop in for a minute."
"I'm fine with that," Steve nods before looking over at Aurie. "Is that okay?" he asks her.
She's surprised to be asked but nods.
"Sure."
"Great," Dan smiles.
He disappears out the door for a couple of minutes before returning with Trooper Davidson.
"I didn't get a chance to introduce myself out there, but I'm State Trooper Carl Davidson," he steps forward to shake Steve's hand. "I also didn't get a chance to thank you for saving my life."
"I'm glad I was in the right place at the right time to help out," Steve replies, standing to return his handshake. "I was focused on the wreck and happened to look over and see the suspect swing at you."
"Good thing you did," Carl nods. "That first punch knocked the wind out of me. I should've been ready for an attack, but I honestly didn't think he could be upright after that crash."
"Neither did I," Steve agrees. "I made sure to give Trooper Noperi my contact info. You guys let me know if that jerk goes to trial, so I can be back here to testify."
"Absolutely," Carl agrees as Dan stands behind him nodding in approval. He looks over at Aurie. "I got scared shitless when someone said a kid had gone in to get the baby out because the SUV was already becoming a bonfire. You shouldn't be in situations like that, but you did a great job saving that baby. He wouldn't have made it otherwise."
Not sure of how to respond, Aurie smiles slightly and nods.
"Okay then," Carl smiles reassuringly. "We've got to leave you at the mercy of the doctors, or our supervisor is going to chew our butts out for dragging this out. Thanks again and take care."
"You too," Steve replies.
Aurie waves to the two troopers as they step out the door. Steve barely settles back into his seat when Zach wanders in followed by a doctor.
"Hi, I'm Dr. Donato," the woman introduces herself. "I'll be checking out that wound on your back to see if it needs to be stitched up. Then we'll be giving you a tetanus shot."
"Sounds good," Steve replies as Aurie nods in understanding.
"There's an observation area nearby, Mr. Sloan. Please wait there until we're finished," Dr. Donato informs Steve.
"Is the exam going to be so invasive that I can't stay in the room?" Steve asks, frowning in confusion.
"No, but I've read all the notes and saw that you only recently became Miss Acevedes' custodial guardian. California may have granted you custody, but it's not recognized in Arizona yet, is it?" Dr. Donato asks.
"Not yet," Steve reluctantly confirms. "Getting that recognition has raced to the top of my agenda for this trip."
"I understand it's an inconvenience," Dr. Donato explains. "But right now, as far as the state of Arizona is concerned, Miss Acevedes is an independent minor with no guardian, and we must treat the situation as such. Even if she gives permission, I can't allow you to remain. Zach can bring you back in here as soon as we're done."
"I understand," Steve sighs, rising to his feet.
"Follow me," Zach states, ushering Steve out the door.
They walk past other exam rooms into another section with a similar layout of exam rooms lining all four walls of a large room with a center area for the workstations and storage rooms. In the final section, the open room isn't as large, but there are many recliners lining the walls, even in front of the exterior wall with windows to let the natural light in. Some of the recliners have rolling IV poles ready for use next to them. Zach points out the restroom to Steve and leaves to return to Dr. Donato and Aurie.
Sighing again into the empty room, Steve pulls out his cell phone and eases into one of the recliners, deciding it's the perfect time to call Mishayla's friend. To his surprise, the lawyer answers. They chatted for several minutes when Steve mentioned the accident he and Aurie got tangled up in earlier. Then the lawyer informs Steve that he already took care of everything, and the state recognizes his custodial rights. He'll have the necessary documents dropped off and waiting for Steve at their hotel when they get to Tucson later that night.
Steve's relieved when he hangs up with the lawyer and is about to call his dad when Zach comes back to let him know Aurie's finished. Within moments they're stepping back into the room. Aurie's alone since Dr. Donato had left already.
Standing by the bed she's stuffing her dirty clothes into a plastic bag. She had changed into a lightweight, striped V-neck shirt with long sleeves and another pair of jeans.
Zach hands her a few sheets of paper.
"The prescription for the antibiotic has already been faxed to the pharmacy. If you experience any pain or discomfort, just take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for it. One of those sheets is a copy of your signed discharge release form. One is a copy of your patient rights. The last is the instructions we went over for your wound. Follow up with your doctor in about two weeks. Do you have any questions?"
"No," Aurie shakes her head.
"Good," Zach nods. "One last thing, if you aren't in too much of a hurry, Mrs. Lovato wants to see you two. She heard you were in the ER. They don't have a room ready for her and haven't taken her upstairs yet. Can you stop by and see her for a few minutes?"
Unsure, Aurie looks over at Steve who shrugs.
"It's your call. If you feel up to it, we've got the time."
She looks back over at Zach.
"Okay."
"Great," Zach smiles. "Let me go check if a doctor isn't in with her, and I'll be right back."
As he leaves, Aurie sits on the bed.
"I asked them to send the prescription they want me to take to a pharmacy near my school. By the time we get to Tucson, it should be ready."
"Good thinking," Steve agrees. "Did you end up with stitches?"
"Yeah," she nods, folding the sheets of paper and stuffing them into the bag with her clothes. "Two stitches. A waste of thread," she grouses, causing Steve to twitch slightly in amusement. "They checked the one on my arm, but that didn't need any. They cleaned it and rewrapped it. Then they gave me the tetanus shot. Kinda bitched at me for not knowing if I ever had one before. I didn't know I was supposed to know that stuff."
"Normally that's something your parents are supposed to keep track of," Steve smiles at her. "As I said earlier, we'll get that sorted out with Dad and that won't be a problem for you anymore."
"It won't if I don't end up in the ER anywhere anymore," she sullenly replies.
"I hope not," Steve smirks before he looks confused again. "If you don't have proof of immunizations, how are you going to school? Doesn't matter the state, those are required documents."
"Because they forgot to ask," she admits. At his incredulous expression, she elaborates. "When I got into Youth On Their Own they asked and I told them I don't have proof. They said I would probably have to get all those shots again to continue going to school, but no one ever mentioned it again."
"And you conveniently didn't bring it up again either."
"Nope. But I was focused on school and work. Anyway, I remember getting some vaccines, but not what and didn't have proof. I didn't bother reminding them and didn't want to get jabbed all over again."
"I don't think you're going to avoid that."
Looking unhappy at the idea, Aurie opens her mouth to retort when the door opens again, and Zach pops his head in.
"Ready to go see Mrs. Lovato?" he asks.
Aurie nods and slides off the bed. Steve takes the bag from her and rests a hand on her shoulder as they follow Zach to another exam room in the opposite corner of the section they're in. Zach knocks and opens the door when given permission, ushering Aurie and Steve inside.
"They're here, Mrs. Lovato," Zach states to the woman lying on the bed cradling her baby. "This is Auralia Acevedes and her father, Steve Sloan."
The woman's head is wrapped and her left leg is encased in a drying cast.
"Thank you so much for stopping by," Mrs. Lovato gratefully smiles.
"No problem, Mrs. Lovato," Steve replies since Aurie only shyly smiles. "How are you feeling now?"
"Please, call me Annalise," she insists. "I'm sore, but it would've been a lot worse without the airbags. My husband Lorne got the worst of it, but his side is where we got hit before we rolled. The doctors say he should be okay after surgery."
"That's a relief," Steve smiles.
"I wanted to thank you for helping to get my husband out," she looks at Steve before looking over at Aurie. "And thank you so much for getting our baby Dennis out." Her voice cracks and her eyes glisten as she briefly glances down at the sleeping baby in her arms. "The state troopers told me if you hadn't climbed in, he would've died in the fire. It would've been too late by the time firefighters arrived."
Unsure of what to say, Aurie shifts uncomfortably under everyone's gaze before finally replying.
"I didn't think about it and don't think I did as much as the people who got you guys out," she softly states, having trouble meeting their eyes. "I was small enough to get in there at least." Smirking in amusement she adds, "Dennis is a little fighter too with a strong kick. I think the bloody nose I had afterward was because he nailed me a couple of times in the face when I got him out of his seat."
Everyone chuckles as Annalise fondly strokes Dennis' little head.
"Sounds like he's going to be a soccer player when he gets older," Zach quips.
"He'll have that chance if he wants to, thanks to you. Actually, thank you both for saving us," Annalise smiles at Aurie and Steve.
"You're welcome," Steve replies when Aurie remains quiet. "You've been through a lot today and need your rest and we've got to continue to Tucson. Hope you and your husband recover soon, Annalise."
"We're working on it," she smiles back. "Have a safe trip."
Steve nods, ushering Aurie out as she waves to the woman. Zach steps out with them and escorts them out of the ER. At the entrance, Zach wishes them a safe trip before disappearing back inside.
Walking together in silence, they navigate through the parking lot toward Steve's truck. It's nearly five o'clock and the sinking sun casts deep shadows everywhere. He helps her get in then puts the bag containing her dirty clothes and discharge papers in the back before climbing into the driver's seat. After a brief stop at a nearby gas station to fill up the tank, they're soon back on the freeway.
"Although it's getting late, we can still stop at Picacho Peak," Steve finally breaks the silence when they leave the metropolitan area behind.
Briefly considering it, Aurie shakes her head.
"This has turned into a really long drive, and I just want to get to Tucson now. I'll go with your suggestion of getting something from California later since Christmas is only eight months away."
"Never too early to get your Christmas shopping done," Steve quips, causing her to smile and nod. Glancing over at her again as the silence stretches out, he observes, "You seemed uncomfortable earlier."
Frowning slightly, Aurie looks over at him in confusion.
"When?"
"When Trooper Davidson was praising you for saving the baby and when Mrs. Lovato was thanking you." Glancing over he notices her eyes lighting up in realization as her head drops down a little. "You're not shy and most of the time you don't have any problem responding to anyone, even if it's one-word answers or telling someone off. But you hesitated both times like a deer in headlights."
Several minutes pass as he waits for her to answer.
"I didn't do anything great," she finally replies, her voice low. "Getting the baby out was something I could do in that moment. Anyone else could've done it." She pauses for a moment. "I'm not used to anyone saying I did good on anything, and I didn't know what to say when they thanked me."
"You're welcome." Glancing over again, he sees her confusion and smiles. "Maybe someone else could've saved the Lovato baby, but you were being thanked because you did it. Doesn't matter whether anyone else could've. And when you can't think of what to say when someone rightfully thanks you, simply stick with 'you're welcome.' It's not that hard," he smirks.
Aurie considers his words before nodding.
"Probably not. Thanks."
"You're welcome," Steve quips then laughs when she rolls her eyes, not even hiding her smirk as she shakes her head.