In Search of Lucy (21 page)

Kyle placed Lucy gently on the bed and stacked the pillows up behind her back. The room was dark except for a light on between the two beds which barely shone beneath the thick golden lampshade.

“First we have to get your ankle elevated. I need to find something to prop it up with.” Kyle disappeared into the bathroom and returned with a stack of towels. Lucy was impressed with Kyle and watched in awe as he took charge and took care of her. Slowly he lifted her foot, pushed the towel stack underneath, and then lowered it back down. “How’s that?”

“Okay I guess.” Her face squinted. “How do you know about all this stuff?”

“My brother Alex,” he said, slipping the shoe off her foot. “He was the athlete in the family. But he was always getting hurt. One day it was a sprained ankle or broken foot, next it was a dislocated shoulder. Ooh, this is a little swollen.”

“Is that really bad?”

“Maybe not. Let me run down the hall to the ice machine. You may want to take that time to call your sister, let her know you’re okay.” His voice and expression made it sound like a question, but Lucy took it more like an order. He was right, though. She shouldn’t let everyone worry, especially now that she knew Rick had gone out looking for her. So before he even got out the door, Lucy was on her cell placing the call. After several rings, it was Katie who answered the phone. Lucy got right to the point. No small talk or even questions about whether or not Linda was still there. She simply apologized for taking off, let her know she was at the hotel with Kyle, and assured her that she would be there first thing in the morning. There was no way she was going to mention her ankle. No matter what, Lucy was going through with the surgery. She’d fake it if she had to.

Next she took the time to text Anne. She was starting to feel bad that Anne had to ride out all this drama. But reliable, faithful Anne responded as Lucy had expected, with sympathy and understanding. She wondered why Anne stuck with her and how she was lucky enough to get a friend like that. When she thought about it, she actually had some great people in her life. That thought made her feel both gratified and saddened. How many times would they come back after she pushed them away?

Kyle opened the door just as she was setting her phone down. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, thanks to you.”

His smile said it all. Whether he was there because he truly wanted to be with her, or just out of some sense of male chivalry, either way he looked pleased with himself. Lucy knew he deserved it and was not about to take a shot at him. Kyle took the plastic liner from the ice bucket and filled it with ice. Then he sat down at the end of the bed, and when he draped it over her ankle, she grimaced and whined, “Shit, that’s cold.”

“Sorry, but it’s really necessary.”

“I know. Thank you for taking care of me.”

“It’s my pleasure.” His smile diminished when he noticed Lucy’s eyes were morose and somewhat glazed. He scooted closer to her so that their faces were just inches apart. “Hey, don’t be upset. It’s going to work out.”

“I’m sorry you came all this way for me.” She looked down, away from the power his gaze held over her.

He stroked her hair, her cheek, and then he leaned in and whispered, “I’m not.” Softly he swept his lips across hers. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be than right here.” He paused for a moment, peering deep into her eyes. There was so much heat between them she sensed her ice might start melting. On impulse, Lucy grabbed ahold of his collar and pulled him into her for a long, hard kiss. She needed to show him what she always had trouble telling him, even though it was something Kyle had known all along. She felt his hand slip behind her back, drawing her body into his. Neither wanted to pull away, to give up the intensity they were experiencing, but eventually Kyle did. He wasn’t going to risk everything by rushing things and not thinking it through. It would be so easy to just give in.

For a moment they both stared at each other, wondering what to say next. Under normal circumstances this would have been an ideal situation. Alone in a cozy hotel room. Together on the bed under low lighting. Add to that the obvious physical attraction between the two coupled with dramatic circumstances. You couldn’t make a better recipe for romance. Unfortunately, they both knew a bad ankle and an impending surgery was standing between them.
I can wait if you can,
his face seemed to tell her.

Little did he know that it was killing Lucy to do just that. It had been so long for her, mainly because she never let herself get close enough to anyone. She wondered if her own image of the perfect man had sabotaged her struggling love life. Since she’d lacked a male father figure for a good part of her life, her ideal was based more on fantasy than reality. But now, for the first time, fantasy and reality had melded together in the form of the perfect man: Kyle. If only she could hang on long enough to create something lasting, something stable.

Taking their minds off one sensitive topic, Kyle bounced to another—the surgery. He asked Lucy if she was ready, mentally that is, to go through with it.

“I’m not afraid to do it, if that’s what you’re asking,” she replied. “I’m more afraid of what would happen if I didn’t.”

“How has your sister been since you’ve been with her?”

“I can see her illness taking its toll. Growing up, we both got kind of used to push away any kind of pain. I know she’s doing that now. Katie is very strong.”

“She gets it from her sister.”

They both exchanged a smile and some more small talk. Then after about an hour, Kyle took the ice off and asked Lucy if she could move her ankle. She complied, turning it around in a few circles. But when Kyle did the same and pressed it backward with the palm of his hand, she flinched and pulled her leg back.

“How bad did that hurt?”

“Just a little really. I think it scared me more than anything.” She straightened her leg. “Try it again.” Lucy gave him a trusting look and braced herself on the bed. Gently he picked up her foot and nudged it back just slightly, watching for her reaction. With eyes locked on each other, Kyle continued to move the ankle in different positions until he finally set it back down on the bed.

“I’m pretty sure it’s not broken. My guess is that it’s just a slight sprain.”

“But do you think I can get by tomorrow? I mean, obviously I won’t be doing much walking, but someone will see me when I first walk in.”

“I guess that depends on how well you can fake it. Why don’t we get you up and see how you walk?”

Kyle helped Lucy to her feet and stood waiting for a cue. Lucy was still for a moment with most of her weight balanced on her good foot. Slowly she bobbed back and forth putting more and more pressure on the injured ankle.

“How do you feel?” Kyle asked, wondering if she was being a trooper or if Lucy was willing herself not to feel pain.

“I…think…it’s not too bad.” After a few more sways, she took hold of Kyle’s arm and slowly walked in a semicircle around him.

“But how’s the pain?”

“It’s a little sore. I’m sure there’s nothing broken.”

“Seems like the swelling has gone down some as well.”

“I can pull this off. I have to.”

“You know I’ll help you in any way I can.”

Just then Lucy’s text alert went off on her phone. Any correspondence in the eleventh hour was bound to make her jumpy. She flopped down on the bed and scooped up her cell. Kyle caught a smile forming on Lucy’s face when she read the text from Benny.

Are you okay?

Don’t worry, I’m fine,
she quickly typed.

I tried to call you to wish you luck for the surgery. Then I tried Anne and she told me what happened. You know I worry about my girl Lucita.

Kyle watched in silence, concern spreading across his face.

I’m sorry, and I’m really fine now. Let’s talk after tomorrow. Take care.
Lucy set her phone down, and realizing that he was going to ask anyway, said, “That was Benny.”

Kyle sat down next to Lucy and stared at his own hands in his lap. “Seems like that guy really cares about you.”

“He does.” Her voice was sincere, and her thoughts went to the night on the road when she and Benny shared a kiss. She had been emotional that night, and Benny had always been her rock. Lucy had felt a closeness to Benny that night, but she knew now that kiss was nothing compared to what she felt when she kissed Kyle.

A pained smile flashed across his face. He wasn’t one to hide his emotions, and right now Lucy clearly read his concern about Benny.

“Should I be jealous?” Kyle searched deep into her eyes for the answer.

“Benny has been a great friend to me lately. And I don’t have too many of those. He was there for me…and he helped me through some bad stuff.” Lucy put one of her hands into Kyle’s hands. “But no, you shouldn’t be jealous.” Lucy leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. Her slight pause was just enough for Kyle to turn his head and move in, meeting their lips once again. Only this time it was slow and sensuous—a declaration, a promise. Kyle was still squeezing Lucy’s hand when she pulled back. “I hope that was convincing enough for you.”

“I’ll take it…for now.” He displayed an adorable smile like an embarrassed schoolboy. “But I’m going to need some more convincing later.”

Kyle and Lucy lay serenely together in the bed. Side by side, facing each other, they talked for hours. She was honest and he listened. She told him everything that came into her head and didn’t hold back. There were some things that surprised him, but other details made perfect sense. At times it was actually comforting to him because it was more pieces to the puzzle that made up this woman he was falling deeply in love with. She spoke about her father. Not the sweet man who raised her and was taken away before she even reached her teens. But her real father, a man she had never even known by name. Lucy told him of her decision to find him after the surgery, even without Linda’s help. She felt strongly that finding out about her father was the key to finding herself.

“I think that’s great, Lucy,” he whispered in the darkness. “And I’ll do everything I can to help you. But…I already know who you are.”

“Who do you think I am?”

“First of all, I don’t think, I know.” He ran the back of his hand along her arm and interlocked his fingers with hers. “You, Lucy, are a beautiful, smart, caring…” he lifted his head slightly, “…yes I said caring, strong young woman who is always trying to take care of everyone else…except herself.”

Minutes easily turned to hours as they exchanged contemplations, feelings, and experiences. At once she felt both sleepy and euphoric. No matter what the future held, Lucy knew this night would deeply penetrate the force that propelled her toward her destiny. That was her final undeclared thought, and only when Lucy finally succumbed to her slumber did Kyle close his eyes too.

She didn’t intentionally plan to cut things so close. It was just way too difficult for Lucy and Kyle to leave the sanctuary of their hotel and reenter reality. Lucy texted that they’d arrive by noon, about half an hour before they had to be at the hospital, and she hoped that would be acceptable. Back at the house, she was greeted with affection and excitement.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” Anne said. She was the first to greet Lucy with a giant hug. She looked like she was ready for a half marathon, dressed in all Nike workout wear.

“Cute outfit,” Lucy commented like it was just a typical day.

“I dunno. My dad sent it to me, but I thought maybe it’s a little too Sporty Spice and not enough Posh Spice.” She extended her hand and a wide smile to Kyle. “Nice to finally meet you, Kyle.”

“Hi, Anne. You too.”

Just then Katie and Rick walked in from the bedroom, both dressed casually, Rick holding Katie’s overnight bag.

“Looks like we’re all ready for a workout,” Anne cut in with a giggle.

Hugs, hellos, and handshakes were exchanged all around. Rick busied himself with last-minute duties while Katie gave them a quick update, explaining that George had picked up Carly and would bring her to the hospital later. Then she added, “Mom’s not here.”

“I didn’t say anything,” Lucy returned defensively.

“I know. I just wanted to let you know. But…I couldn’t talk her out of not coming to the hospital.” Katie shrugged helplessly. “So you may run into her there.”

“Let’s just try to focus on this day and what we need to do.” She squeezed her sister’s hand and gave her a wink. “Let me throw a couple things in a bag, and I’ll be right out.”

Since they weren’t met at the door, no one had seen Lucy walk in, or favor her ankle. Kyle stuck close behind like a lost puppy as she walked toward her room. He was trying to block their view of her. But Anne seemed to notice and followed them back.

“Lucy, what happened? Are you limping?”

Lucy collapsed onto the bed and removed one of her shoes. “Cheap-ass shoes, gave me a blister.”

“Oh, do you need a Band-Aid?” Anne gestured back.

“No, I’m good. Thanks.” Lucy’s response and smile revealed that she was ready, both physically and mentally.

Waiting with Katie in pre-op, Lucy surveyed the room and tried to wrap her brain around the surreal nature of what was happening. This would be the last time Lucy and her sister would see each other until recovery. Seemingly a mirror image of herself, Katie lay in a bed opposite her wearing an identical blue gown. It almost felt like they were having some sort of hospital fieldtrip and sleepover. For the first time in this whole ordeal, Lucy’s stomach began flip-flopping. She tried to rub the clamminess from her hands. Then suddenly she began to shiver.

“Are you okay, Lucy?” Katie asked from across the room.

“Fine. Just a little chilly.” Lucy couldn’t believe how calm and together Katie seemed.

“Yeah, these hospital rooms are always cold. They’ll give you a heated blanket if you want.”

Lucy shrugged. “Mmm, maybe later.”

“Later you won’t know what you’re feeling.” They shared a giggle as a heavyset, African American nurse entered the room. “Hey, Rita, I’m so glad it’s you.” Katie’s greeting was cheery and casual like they were meeting for lunch.

“I told you I would be here today,” Rita answered with a wink and a smile toward Lucy.

“Rita, this is my sister Lucy.”

“I kinda figured.” Her voice was raspy like she either smoked or had a cold. “Nice to meet you, Lucy.” Rita nodded at Lucy as she worked a few vitals on Katie.

“Hi,” Lucy responded. She glanced around the room for something, anything, to take her mind off the surgery. She wondered why they had all those crappy magazines out in the waiting room and then nothing back here where you really needed it.

After checking both of them, including a concentrated glare at their charts, Rita announced, “Okay, ladies, you two hang tight for a bit, and we’ll be back for you shortly. I’ll let your families know they can have one more quick visit before showtime.” When she reached the doorway, she paused and channeled her inner Florence Nightingale: “Everything’s gonna be just fine.”

After a brief moment of silence, Katie said, “How lame would it sound if I said thank you?”

“Not lame at all, but not needed either. I know you’d do the same for me.”

“I would, Lucy. In a heartbeat.”

Just when the two finally made their way past all the obvious, life-affirming rationalizations and proclamations and relaxed into casual conversation, Rita returned with another nurse and rolled Katie out of the room. As the door swung closed, she caught a quick glimpse of Rick and Linda walking down the hall beside Katie. “The nerve of that woman,” Lucy said aloud to herself. But then she swiftly put herself in check as if she were psyching herself up for the big game.

Lucy knew Katie’s exit meant that hers would follow shortly. Anne and Kyle peeked in for a last boost of morale, both displaying plastered smiles. She tried to tune out their chitchat while idle, disturbing thoughts ricocheted around her head.
I’ve never even been put out before. What if I don’t wake up? What if Katie doesn’t wake up?
Lucy smiled and nodded, completely unaware of anything they were saying. Then she felt a pang of guilt for not showing her appreciation. She should have at least thanked them, told them both how much she appreciated their support. But she just couldn’t bring herself to get into that. Fortunately for her, the two were scooted out as two different nurses arrived to gather her up and deliver her to the operating room. All she could think of while she was being wheeled down the hall was how she felt like she was right in the middle of an episode of
ER.

Just like a kid on Christmas Eve, Lucy thought there was no way she would fall asleep. She’d heard about people trying to fight the anesthesia or it not being strong enough to keep them out for the whole surgery. But it seemed like mere seconds after the anesthesiologist plunked his face in front of hers that the room faded to black.