Permanent Resident at the Purse Table (14 page)

Ava moaned.

“Hello. Ma'am? Sir? Are you okay?”

It felt like somebody must've smacked the front of Ava's head with a hammer as she grabbed her head and replied, “I . . . I don't know.”

Ava's eyes opened enough for a slit of light to come through. The sandpaper that replaced her esophagus gave her a constant desire to cough. Her right arm and forehead were competing for the award for most painful part of her body. She recognized faces and heard mumbling, but couldn't form any words of her own.

The smell of sterilized metal and mopped floors bothered her nose. Plain white sheets, walls, and window blinds tipped her off that she was in a hospital bed. She recalled someone hitting her from behind and losing control of her car, but not a thing after that.

What happened between that moment and now? What was the extent of her injuries? Who was going to pay for the hospital bills she was sure to stack up? Sure, she had insurance, but nowadays the 20 percent co-pays were through the roof, and all of her extra money was tied up in her catering business.

When she uttered a weak moan, the mumbling around her ceased and she heard a familiar voice. “Alex, get the doctor. Your sister's awake.”

Somebody's hand slipped into hers. “Ava, baby. It's Daddy. We're all here.”

“Ava? It's your momma.” She caressed her daughter's cheek.

Ava lifted her head. Hearing familiar voices soothed some of her worry, but she'd rather be at her house in her own bed.

Her brother entered the room. “Hey, sis. We're glad you made it out all right. The front of your car was toe up from the flo' up.” He pointed to the ceiling. “God is good.”

“All the time.” Elaine patted Ava's leg.

Ava's father kissed her forehead. “You can't be scaring us like that, baby girl.”

The doctor entered the room, clipboard in hand. “Hello, everybody. I'm Dr. Griffin.” He ambled to the side of the bed. “Ah, Ava, you're awake.”

“Doctor, she hasn't said anything since she woke up.” Her mother's worry lines were front and center.

“Don't be alarmed. That's normal. Her mind is still wrapping itself around the accident and she's in pain. I gave her something for that so she should be a little more comfortable. And when she does speak, she may not remember many details of the accident so we'll need to be patient. She has a minor concussion.” He turned to Ava. “And, Ava, I believe your right wrist is broken. Looks like you tried to brace yourself with your hand against the dashboard as the air bag popped out.”

Ava nodded as a tear fell down the side of her face and into her matted black hair.

The doctor silently read from his clipboard. “I'm not certain where the break is because we haven't done an X-ray yet. We put a brace on it for now and that should keep everything in place. There are some complications with the pregnancy. We're going to keep you here and monitor the baby until I feel it's safe for you to go home.”

“Baby?” Her mother walked over to the doctor and looked over his shoulder. “She never said anything about being pregnant. Are you sure you have the right paperwork, Doc?”

Shoot.
If only Ava had been awake when she arrived at the hospital, she could have told the doctor to act as if he were playing a baby shower game, and couldn't say the words “pregnant” or “baby” in front of her family. She'd wanted to tell them in her own time.

“Yep. It says Ava Alexander right here at the top. We did an ultrasound and she looks to be right at about twelve weeks.” He looked at Ava with raised eyebrows.

Her mother stepped away. “Twelve weeks?”

“Well, I'll let you all get back to spending time with her. A nurse will come in few minutes to take her for X-rays of her wrist now that she's awake. Also, I told the detectives on your case to come back tomorrow. It's important to keep your blood pressure down.” Turning to her mother, Dr. Griffin said, “Please be sure to keep her calm.”

Ava's mother waited for the doctor to leave the room. “Ava, you're pregnant?”

Lowering her eyes, Ava turned her head to face the wall.

“Shake your head, nod. Something.” Her mother couldn't contain her anger. “What is everybody at church going to think? That I raised some floozy?”

“Now, Lydia, what did the doctor say about keeping her calm?” Her father grabbed her mother by the arm. “Come on. Let's go down to the coffee shop and sit awhile.”

As her father escorted her mother out of the room, Alex slid a chair next to the bed, his wife standing right behind him. “Ava, please tell me it's not Ishmael's baby.”

The warm sting of guilt rushed to Ava's face. There was no need to start lying to her brother now. He could read the difference between the truth and a lie in her face anyway.

“Ah, sis. What are you doing?”

“I don't know, Alex. I truly don't know.”

His eyes lit up. “You're talking?”

“I could talk before. I just didn't want to say anything.” She needed to save fielding questions from her mother for another time. Ava pointed to the paper cup on the table next to her bed. “Can you hand me the water?”

He lifted the cup to her mouth and assisted her in taking a sip. “Well, we were going to wait 'til all of this kind of settled to share our good news, but I guess now is as good a time as any.”

Ava lifted her head. “Yes, please. I could use some good news.”

Alex looked back at his wife. Elaine stepped forward and put her hand on Alex's shoulder. “I'm six weeks pregnant!”

“That's awesome. I told you, girl.” At least someone had great news to bring to the family. Ava was elated for them and also knew her mother would now be preoccupied, so this news worked out for everyone involved.

“Looks like our kids will be born within months of each other.” Alex tapped Ava's hand. “They'll be close in age and get to grow up together.”

“I'm happy for you guys. I know you've been trying quite a while. And them growing up together sounds great, but I don't know. I can't keep Ishmael's child.” Ava hung her head. “I'm thinking giving it up for adoption would be the best thing to do.”

“That would work too.” Ava's brother shook his head. “Now, look, Ava. I know Mom and Dad may be unhappy about you being pregnant, but I know they'd want to know you're able to talk.”

“I know. I needed a minute first. I didn't want you guys to find out like this. Can you give Toni a call for me?”

“Already did. She's on her way.” He kissed her hand. “I'm going to get Mom and Dad. I can't sit here and let them think you can't speak. Come on, baby.” He grabbed Elaine's hand. “We'll be right back, Ava.”

She knew Alex would be able to vent his real thoughts to his wife on the way down to the coffee shop. Ava understood he didn't want her feeling any worse than she already did, nor did he want to say what he truly felt in front of his mother. Ever since Ava and Alex were little, he had been her protector. Their mother found fault with almost everything Ava did. Or didn't do. So the brother and sister team consistently displayed a united front.

Ava lifted both hands to pray, but her right forearm screamed at her to keep it still. She closed her eyes. “God, please heal me and the baby. I don't understand all this, but I know I don't have to. All I have to do is draw close to you and you can handle everything. Please help my family deal with the news of the pregnancy the best they can. And, Lord, guide me through all of this mess. Thank you for all that you do. In Jesus' name.”

Praying to God was the only thing and the best action she could do from that hospital bed. She'd need to go to the Lord a lot the next couple of days. Her head settled into her pillow as she closed her eyes. Maybe if and when her parents came back, they'd think she was asleep and leave.

Only a few moments of alone time were granted. Toni knocked and opened the door at the same time. “Ava?”

“I'm in here.”

“Oh, Ava.” Toni covered her mouth, scampering over to Ava's bedside and gently hugging her friend.

“It's all right, Toni. I'm going to be okay.” She pushed out a smile.

“Okay? Ava, you are in the hospital. What happened?” Toni wiped the tears from her eyes.

“I don't know. I remember a car following close behind me. It hit me and I woke up in here.”

“And your family? Where is everybody?”

“They went down to the coffee shop. Finding out from the doctor I'm pregnant didn't sit too well with my mother.”

Toni's eyebrows rose as she took a seat. “Oh.”

“Well, at least it's out now. There are no secrets.”

“Yep, no secrets.” Toni struggled to get comfortable in her seat. “Speaking of secrets, I couldn't let you sit in here and not tell Rene. I called her on my way over here.”

“You didn't have to do that. I'm sure she doesn't care.” Sadness controlled Ava's eyes. Rene coming to visit her would be nice, but she suspected Rene wanted to stay as far away from Ava as possible, injury or no injury.

Toni scooted closer. “I don't care what's going on between you and Rene. She has the right to know. Plus, I know she cares about you, Ava. She sounded worried.”

Ava scoffed. “Mmh.”

“I'm serious. I wouldn't be surprised if she showed up here to visit first thing in the morning.”

Ava lightly shook her head. “Rene is not coming here to see me.”

“You don't know that.” Toni leaned on the bed.

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.

Toni yelled, “Come in.”

The door slowly swung open. Rene stood there in tears.

The lump in Ava's throat increased her need for more water while her heart danced the hokey pokey in her chest. Ava couldn't believe Rene stood in the doorway of her hospital room. For all three ladies, words were scarce, but tears were plentiful.

Toni bounced up out of her seat and gave Rene a hug. “Hey, Rene.” She looked back at her other friend. “See, I told you, Ava. Nothing can separate you two.”

Rene strolled over to Ava's bedside and sat down.

“Thank you for coming.” Ava wiped tears with her healthy hand.

“I had to.” Rene interlocked her fingers on the bed and stared down at them. “I know we haven't been speaking, but I'd never wish any harm on you. I was so scared when Toni told me what happened. I'm upset with you, Ava. But I still love you.”

Watching from a corner of the room, Toni said, “You know, I'm going to head on out. I'll check on your parents. Visiting hours are almost up. We can all just come back in the morning.”

“You don't have to go, Toni.” Rene tossed her hair out of her face.

“No, it's quite all right. You and Ava need to catch up.” Toni placed her hand on Ava's leg. “Do you want me to bring you something from your apartment?”

“No, I don't need anything.” Ava smiled. All she needed was in the room.

“Okay, girl. You hang in there and I'll see you in the morning.”

Rene, keeping her eyes on Ava, put her hands in her lap. “So what exactly happened?”

“Details are still foggy, but someone chased me down the street. I was almost home. They hit me from behind. I lost control of the wheel and that's all I can remember. The doctor said details may be foggy for a while.”

“Did you see anything?”

“Nope. I couldn't tell what kind of car it was.”

“Mm. A hit and run.” Rene's attorney's mind was in full effect. “Are there any witnesses?”

“Not sure. I just woke up a little bit ago. The doctor instructed the detectives to come back in the morning to get my statement. He said I needed my rest.”

“Oh, well I can go.”

Ava cleared her throat. “I wish you would stay.”

The two sat in silence. When the nurse entered, Rene moved out of her way and watched as she checked Ava's blood pressure and heart rate. Soon a second nurse came in the room and together they wheeled Ava to the X-ray room. Hopefully, Rene didn't leave before she got back. She may've just come to see that Ava was okay, and decide to leave after she found that out.

Ava went through the process of taking pictures of her wrist from all sides, complete with the lead shield apron over her belly to protect the baby. By the time Ava returned to her room, Rene was busy spreading out a blanket on the boxy recliner chair.

“I told the nurse I was your sister and wanted to stay the night.”

Hearing this decision of Rene's to stay the night made a warm feeling travel through Ava's body. God really did answer prayers. And fast, too. “I'm glad you decided to stay. We can catch up.”

“That'll be nice.” Rene smiled. “Looks like the verdict is out on your wrist. They put a cast on it, huh?”

“Yep. The doctor says it's fractured in two places.”

“Well, Toni and I can help you for the next couple of weeks.”

Ava grinned. “I'd like that.” Soon, the dose of pain medicine kicked in and she was out like a base runner at home plate.

When morning rolled around, Ava heard Rene rustling around in the bathroom. Ava adjusted herself in the sheets.

Rene turned off the water in the sink and walked out the restroom. “Good morning, Ava. How are you feeling?”

“I'm better. I think. My side doesn't feel too great.”

“You want me to get the nurse?”

“No, I'm sure it's nothing.” Ava pushed herself up. “Wait.” She placed her hand on her side. Something didn't feel right. “Maybe you should get the nurse.”

Rene dashed out of the room.

Ava's right side of her stomach felt like someone was drilling a hole in it. She nervously reached for her cup of water and knocked it over on the ground. The aggravating pain came in shots. “Ahh.” If this was what it felt like to have a baby, Ava wanted no part of it.

Rene scurried back into the room a few seconds later with the doctor on her heels.

Dr. Griffin eyed Ava's heart rate from the monitor that was hooked up to her index finger. “What is the problem, Ava?”

“My side hurts and I think I just urinated on myself.”

Dr. Griffin lifted the bed covers. Blood covered the sheets under where Ava lay. Rene stood back in the corner of the room wide-eyed. Once Ava saw the blood-drenched sheets, panic set in. What was happening? She took back what she said about wanting no part of giving birth.

“Ava, it's going to be all right. It's an effect from the trauma of the accident. We'll get you into an operating room and do another ultrasound to assess any damage.”

“It will be okay, Ava. I'm here with you.” Rene moved over and held Ava's hand as the nurses wheeled her out of the room.