Shocking Sapphires - Ann Omasta Page 0,4
we’ll get you taken care of.”
“Is the baby okay?” I asked her frantically, even though I knew she couldn’t possibly know the answer.
Her kind brown gaze darted to a young nurse, who had been assisting with my assessment. Evidently understanding the silent request, the woman quickly offered, “I’ll go find out.”
Her rubber-soled shoes quickly squeaked out of the area. I stared at the square, white ceiling tiles, trying to hold back my fearful tears, as the doctor checked me out. I did my best to accurately answer her questions, but I wanted nothing more than to run out of here, find that sweet child, and make sure he was getting the care he needed.
It seemed like an interminable wait, but was probably only a few minutes before the nurse came back to our area. The doctor had just finished my initial assessment and announced that I seemed to be fine, other than some minor cuts and bruises, but that she wanted to monitor me for 24-hours to make sure no internal issues arose.
My eyes felt like they were going to pop out of their sockets as I stared at the nurse, willing her to say that the baby wasn’t injured. Seeming to sense my desperation, she quickly assured me, “He’s okay.”
The air whooshed out of my lungs as the overwhelming relief surged through my veins. The nurse gave me a warm smile as she came to stand beside my bed. The doctor seemed curious, too, as she wrapped her stethoscope around her neck and awaited a more thorough update from the nurse.
“They are still checking him out upstairs, but the initial review looks very promising. Rumor has it that you shielded him from the oncoming vehicle with your own body.”
My cheeks heated at the warm gaze she gave me. I turned my lips up into a half-smile, but tried to downplay my role by saying, “Anyone would have done the same thing.”
My doctor shook her head as she said, “To have that quick of a reaction to protect a child is instinctual for some, but not everyone has it.” She beamed down at me as she continued, “That is a sign of mother’s love at its finest.”
The urge arose to correct her, but I did feel a mothering type of love for the infant, so I remained silent.
“Would you like to go up and see him?” the nurse asked me. Seeming to catch herself, she quickly darted her gaze at the doctor before saying, “If it’s okay with Dr. Bailey.”
I didn’t care if the doctor approved. I wanted to go see with my own eyes that the child was as healthy as could be expected under the circumstances. Nodding a little too vehemently, I said, “Yes. Oh, please, yes.”
The doctor chuckled before saying, “I think that will be fine, but keep it quick.”
The warning was aimed at the nurse––likely because she sensed that I wouldn’t have the willpower to leave the baby.
My head throbbed from the over-exuberant nodding, but I didn’t give any indication of it because I didn’t want them to shut down my visit.
After telling me she would check in on me later, the doctor scurried out of the curtain-walled room. Within moments of her departure, two large orderlies appeared to help get me into a wheelchair.
I could hear Dani’s frantic voice escalating as we approached the desk, “She’s practically my sister, and I’m a doctor… I need to see her. Just tell me where she is.”
The drone behind the desk said in a monotone, nasally voice, “Ma’am, we can’t share private patient information with anyone outside the family––even a doctor––unless you have medical privileges at this facility…”
Without bothering to listen for the rest of her canned speech, I called out, “Dani!”
My brother’s love interest turned and rushed over to me. Her voice was filled with relief as her eyes scanned me. “Molly, thank goodness. I’ve been trying to find you.” She paused to dart a glare in the direction of the emotionless clerk at the reception desk before turning her attention back to me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Who is with the baby?” My screechy question betrayed the irritation that flared over her decision to leave him. Although I appreciated her desire to check in on me, I was not the one who needed an advocate.
“He’s in good hands,” she reassured me. “Want to go up and see him?”
I was already nodding in answer as the nurse continued pushing me toward the elevator. Grabbing Dani’s hand, I