Chapter thirteen

Gail opened her eyes to the glare of a rectangular ceiling light. She closed her eyes, rolled to her right side, and snuggled into the pillow and mattress. Her knee was hurting, but seemingly less, and with a different type of pain. Her brain was hazy, but she attributed it to sleepiness and the influence of painkillers. There was no question of where she was. She was more curious about how long. Not that it really mattered. She was safe, warm, dry, and beginning to feel human again. Gail swallowed. Her mouth was dry and in need of a toothbrush. She opened her eyes again and saw that Tannen sat a short distance from the bed reading the newspaper, unaware that Gail had awakened. The platinum hair showing above the paper was not the giveaway of Tannen's presence. The evidence was in the air as Clive Christian drifted lightly throughout the hospital room. Soft footsteps entered Gail's private niche of the hospital.

"Good morning, Gail," the aide said.

The corner of the newspaper turned down and Tannen popped her head around the side. She smiled when Gail winked at her.

"How long have I been here?" she asked quietly, watching while Tannen folded the newspaper and placed it on the floor next to her chair.

"Two days," the aide said. She placed a digital thermometer in Gail's mouth. "Under your tongue. We've been working on your fever. How are you feeling?"

Gail waited the few seconds until the thermometer beeped. "Tired. Thirsty. Hungry."

"Good. We need to hear that." The aide checked the thermometer. "Ninety-nine," she read aloud, and placed it on the tray. "That should be enough to get you back home. Your doctor will be in later. You're on Demerol for your knee pain. You'll have another dose soon, if you want it." She walked back to the door and disappeared around the corner.

Tannen stood and placed her arms on the security railing of the bed. She leaned close to Gail.

"You're very nice to awaken to, Ms. Albright," Gail whispered.

"It's very nice to see you awake. How do you really feel?"

"A little stronger, but tired. My knee hurts. Is it broken?"

"No. You tore the hell out of the cartilage and they performed arthroscopic surgery to cut the torn tissue. Aside from that, and a very bad bruise, you could have done worse."

Gail looked at the plastic I.V. tubing on the back of her right hand. She followed it to two plastic bags that hung piggybacked behind her head. "Antibiotics?" she asked. "I must have needed a gallon."

"Electrolytes and saline, as well."

Gail looked at the tubing again.

"Don't worry, darling," Tannen said, and Gail looked back at her. "I have no syringes with me."

Gail's eyes widened in shock. A sinking feeling came over her. She could never take back the words she had said to Tannen.

"It was a joke," Tannen ran her fingers along Gail's cheek. "Not a very good one, I can see." She bent to kiss Gail's forehead, but Gail pushed her away.

"No," she said.

"Darling, it was a joke at my expense." She stroked Gail's arm.

"My mouth tastes like I've been licking the inside of a toilet bowl. Close isn't good." Gail felt her left knee. Heavy bandages padded the joint, but she felt no cast. "Help me sit up." She pushed the bedding away, and Tannen reached to give support. Gail lifted her bandaged leg with one hand and then turned her body. A slight dizziness hit her brain, and she grabbed the bed to steady herself. "Wow. I didn't expect that." Tannen held on to her.

A man in a white lab coat entered the room and joined Gail at her bedside. "Feeling better, Gail?" he asked, and extended his hand. "I'm Dr. Taylor."

"Hello, Doctor. I'd feel better if I could have a glass of water, brush my teeth, and eat a peanut butter sandwich."

He laughed. "You can do two of the three and we'll send up a tray soon." He looked at Gail's chart. "We did some work on your knee. You can bend it, but I want you on crutches or a walker for one day, beginning today. You can touch your toe on the ground as you walk. After tomorrow, you can use the foot at your comfort, but use a cane or walker until you feel comfortable without them. I suggest some therapy to recover range of motion. Let's see," he said and read from her chart. "Ribs, uh," his eyes scanned the line, "not broken but badly bruised. We're also treating you for dehydration. The wounds on your arms and hands had you near sepsis, so we're also treating you for infection." He closed the chart. "You're responding well to treatment. We had a hard time getting your fever down, but it's looking pretty good. It may go up during the evening, but don't worry about that. Just rest at night and try some walking during the day. We'll see if we can get you out of here and into a jar of peanut butter before long."

He grabbed a set of rubber-soled socks from the bedside cabinet. Tannen assisted with putting them on Gail's feet. "Scoot to the edge. I want you to do a little walking." He took the walker from against the wall, opened it, and placed it near Gail.

"Is this going to hurt?" she asked as she eased herself from the bed.

"Probably," he said, and stepped back from the bed, but remained close enough to assist if Gail lost her balance.

Tannen assisted with the I.V. bags and, after a successful but painful trek to the bathroom, Gail brushed her teeth and washed her face. She took a small drink of water from the tap. She held on to the walker and stepped gingerly to the chair. Gail plopped down heavily and Tannen pushed the wheeled I.V. hook behind the chair.

Dr. Taylor busied himself with Gail's chart. When he completed the final notation, he looked up at them.

"Okay, Gail. The kitchen will send up some gelatin and broth in a few minutes. I'll make sure you receive some yogurt with it. We'll graduate your food to something more substantial. In two days, you can have your peanut butter, if you think your system will tolerate it. Your weight is low for your frame. If you gained fifteen pounds, it wouldn't hurt. Try some high carbs when you're eating normally again. You must drink fluids for hydration but not alcohol. Stay away from anything with caffeine for at least a week. The nurses will monitor your intake. Too much is not enough. I'll remove your stitches in five days. My office will call you with an appointment. Any questions?" he asked before taking a breath.

"Will my knee heal okay? When can I go home?"

"Yes, you've managed to keep a little cartilage, but you won't be running any marathons, at least not any time soon. I'll come back in two days. Keep your fingers crossed for the 'home' word. Good-bye, ladies." He walked out, closing the door behind him.

She looked at Tannen and started laughing, and then coughing, from her dry throat. Tannen poured some water and handed it to Gail. After a long drink, Gail said, "Who was that masked man?" She reached for Tannen's hand. "Hi," she said softly.

Tannen pulled a chair next to Gail's and took her hand. She was careful of the tubing and tapes. "Hello, writer lady. Your prognosis sounds very good." Gail nodded and kept looking into Tannen's eyes. They had experienced a lifetime of emotions in a short period. Gail listened to the voice that she wanted to hear every day. "I insist you stay at my flat until you can get around on your own."

"Okay." Weary now, she reached over and toyed with Tannen's hair. "I don't know what to say. I said terrible things to you and Karen. Especially you, Tannen."

"I don't disagree, Gail," Tannen responded, "but I believe the entire scene had to happen for your benefit. I'm not angry. Maybe still a little hurt, but we can discuss that at another time." Tannen leaned closer to Gail. "When Karen told me about Olivia, my heart fell to pieces for you. Darling, you've been harboring so many emotions all of those years. Why didn't you seek professional help for this?"

"I thought there was no need. I tucked everything away and lived the way I thought I needed." Her eyes glistened. "Olivia became a fleeting but painful thought now and then. You shocked me when you mentioned the bottle at Talley's." She laced her fingers with Tannen's. "I never forgot her. I never will forget her."

Gail wiped her eyes with her hospital jacket. "Will you accept my apology? I don't think you're a monster. I would have done the same thing, under the circumstances." She looked toward the bed. "Would you hand me the blanket?" Tannen pulled the white cotton blanket from the bed and draped it around Gail's shoulders. "Thanks."

"I accept your apology."

"I ran hard from you that day. You fed me the perfect excuse." She looked around the small, sanitized room and then back at Tannen. "I'm surprised you didn't react after I ordered you out."

"I saw nothing but revulsion in your eyes, darling. I wanted us to continue talking, but you threatened me with the authorities. I'm not a citizen, and I couldn't risk confrontation."

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart."

Gail grew quiet, reflecting on recent weeks.

"What's that thought on your mind?" Tannen asked.

A soft knock sounded at the door and then it opened. Karen peeked in as Gail answered, "Karen's garage."

"It's under repair," Karen said as she stepped into the room. "Don't think about it until you get the bill." She walked over to Gail's seat and playfully pulled her hair. "One hell of a dent you put into that puppy. You'll want to get Tenfold filmed just to pay-"

"Help me up," Gail said. Both women assisted her, and she fell into Karen's arms. Crying again, she let Karen hold her until she regained composure. "I'm so sorry about everything. I feel very foolish."

Karen continued the embrace. "Foolish isn't the word. You're probably the biggest pain in the ass I've ever known, but I love you. Actually, I'm relieved that things happened the way they did." She pulled back. "I hate to think of this fine woman next to you not receiving the full Gail Prescott. Now sit," she said. "The worst of it, on my end, is the garage. You did quite a number to your bedroom."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Gail said, looking at Karen and then Tannen. "What's wrong with my bedroom?"

"You really don't remember?" Karen asked.

"Clueless. I remember yelling at Tannen and then you. I recall driving into New York. The next thing I remember is Harry helping me and then taking me to Tiffany's."

"Who's Harry?" Karen and Tannen asked in unison.

"The homeless person I met the day after Tannen left for London. I told you about him, Tannen."

"I remember now," Tannen said.

She quickly turned to Karen. "What's wrong with the bedroom?"

"You went completely whacko."

Gail shook her head. "I don't remember anything like that."

"I took the liberty of calling a carpenter, and he's getting things back together. Your gardener has been watching over him."

"What the hell did I do that my bedroom needs carpentry work?"

"You took out a window with a bookcase that was too large to go through it. Another one saw better days before a dresser drawer sailed through. I also had the kitchen window glass replaced and the burned sofa taken away. I didn't replace that. You ruined the beautiful Kostabi that-"

"Shit. Not the Kostabi." Gail covered her face with her hands. She leaned over and rested her elbows on her thighs. "It was worth a small fortune."

"'Was' is the correct word," Karen said. "It's probably with the sofa, on a barge, and heading for Jersey about now."

"Thanks. Just get the bills to me. The Volvo I borrowed is probably impounded somewhere, or at some chop shop." Gail sat back and sighed heavily. "I've left quite a trail of damage. Maybe the paper was right: GAILFORCED...WINDS. Hurricane Gail certainly struck the tri-state area."

"Everything can be repaired, darling," Tannen said. "Not the Kostabi, but you can get another."

"Sure, new stuff," Gail said with a nod. "It seems my life is entering a new-stuff phase." She looked up at Tannen. Hopefully. If she'll have me.

"I have to go, honey," Karen said. "I'm meeting Jeff for lunch. He sends his love." Gail pushed off the chair and stepped onto the floor. Karen gave her a hug. "Don't worry. We have some things to hash out when you feel better, but we'll be fine."

Karen pulled back and separated herself from Gail. She looked at Tannen and then back at Gail. "I want both of you to listen to me: Stop dicking around, and get this relationship off the ground. End of story."

Gail hugged her and kissed her cheek. "I love you," she said softly. "Thanks for stopping to see me. I'll call you tomorrow."

Karen released Gail and hugged Tannen. "See ya, Albright."

With her best, overpronounced American English, Tannen answered, "See ya, Maines."

Karen left and Gail patted the bed. "Will you sit with me?"

"Are you okay, darling? Are you in pain?" Tannen asked.

"No. I feel okay," Gail responded quietly. "I just remembered the man that was driving me to your apartment. He was going to the East Village. A tree mangled his car because I had asked for his help. I wonder if he got to his destination."

"A lot of people were hurt during the hurricane. Some died. You were very lucky," Tannen said.

"I was lucky to have met Harry," she said.

The nurse returned and handed Gail her afternoon dose of Demerol. She poured a full glass of water. Handing it to Gail, she insisted, "Drink all of it." Satisfied with Gail's fluid intake, she removed both I.V. bags. "A get-well present from the doctor, but keep drinking." She walked out the door and returned with a food tray. "Enjoy," she said, and set the tray on Gail's table.

Gail turned her nose up to the tray full of liquids and gels. "Can I get a shower?" she asked.

"If you feel up to it. I'll bring a shower stool. I can't leave you alone in the shower, so I'll have to assist you."

"I'll assist Gail," Tannen said.

Gail cocked her head and shot Tannen a questioning look.

The aide looked at Tannen and then at Gail. "Is that okay with you, Gail?"

"Yes."

In the shower, Gail sat on the stool and Tannen fixed a plastic wrap to Gail's bandaged knee. She untied Gail's hospital gown. Suddenly bashful, Gail held on to the material at the neck. Tannen took her hands away and stepped back.

"Darling?"

"This is unbelievable." She looked up at Tannen. "I'm nervous about you seeing me." When did "shy" happen?

"I've seen your body, Gail. I've touched you."

"Yes, but I feel uncomfortable. I feel dependent. Vulnerable."

"You need assistance right now. If it makes you feel better, I can call the nurse back to help you," she said. "Maybe a professional will be more comfortable for you."

"No...I..." She looked away from Tannen. Her fingers tightened on the collar of the jacket. From the corner of her eye, Tannen's clothing moved. When she looked up, a nearly nude form was standing in front of her. Gail smiled and relaxed. "Come closer," she said as Tannen returned the smile.

Tannen stepped closer. "Less vulnerable now?"

"Less vulnerable." Gail reached forward and pulled Tannen's bra straps over her shoulders. Tannen opened the front clasp. "Very unvulnerable."

Tannen turned the water to a comfortable temperature. Gail took all of three seconds to glance over the smooth curves of Tannen. After the quick pass, her gaze returned to blond curls that now dripped with water.

"You have a nice body, Tannen." She leaned forward and kissed the slight puff of Tannen's tummy. Her hand grazed the side of Tannen's breast. "I think I'll keep you."

"You're not so bad yourself, writer lady, and you had better keep me. I was so worried about you. About us." Tannen looked into Gail's eyes. "Now sit back and let me bathe you." She lathered Gail's shoulders and breasts.

"About us." I like the sound of "us."

"I vaguely remember going to your apartment," she said, enjoying Tannen's touch. It felt relaxing and it felt like home.

"Do you remember opening the bottle?"

"Yes. I hope you-"

"Olivia's ashes are placed safely away until you return for them." She kissed Gail's bare shoulder.

"Thank you. I need to bury them...her," Gail said sadly. "I'll see to arrangements when I get home."

"I'll do what I can to help."

I'm tired of feeling sad. You understand, don't you, Olivia? I need happiness. I need to be with Tannen. Karen's been telling me for years and I never listened. Karen. Gail laughed.

"I can't believe Karen said 'dicking around,'" Gail said.

"I can't believe we played cat and mouse for so long," Tannen said. Her fingers dug into Gail's shampooed scalp. "Your hair really needs this."

The shower took twenty-five minutes and Tannen helped Gail back to her bed.

"How do you feel now, darling?" Tannen held Gail's hands.

Gail looked into Tannen's eyes. They sparkled less; Gail knew it was from the fluorescent lights. Her eyes still warmed Gail. She was comfortable, and she looked down at their hands. Tannen squeezed with both of hers. Gail's eyes returned to Tannen's. Then she grew serious.

"I'm in love with you, Tannen. I don't want to push you away any longer."

"What do you think we should do about it?"

"I'd like us to start over, beginning this moment. I want to open my life, my heart, and my mind to you." Gail was surprised with Tannen's shake of her head. Her heart sank. Have I destroyed this? I didn't hear this in the shower. "No?"

"No. I don't want a new beginning with you, Gail. It means there was an end, and I don't see it as an end. All that we've been through has strengthened us. We've grown. You certainly have, and I've managed not to impale Jordann's head onto a pike. We've actually had a few conversations in these past days. How's that for growth?" Tannen asked, cocking her head to the side and smiling proudly.

Gail laughed and shook her head. "You are definitely to be commended for that, sweetheart."

"Thank you," she said graciously and then became serious. "No, darling, no new beginning, but I do want us to continue. Your process was a mean one, but both of us have won the woman named Gail. If you agree to our continuance, may I please have a kiss from that woman?"

Gail felt love in her heart. She felt blissfulness like never before. She leaned forward and Tannen gently pulled Gail's mouth against hers. The kiss was not a quick peck. It was a kiss delivered with great warmth and love.

Gail rested her forehead on Tannen's shoulder. She pulled Tannen close to her.

"My life has been an unpublished novel, shredded and placed into an airlock. Every now and then, a word or two, sometimes a sentence would blow out and I would think, 'Okay. This fits. I'll do this today.'"

Tannen rubbed her cheek against Gail's. "Are you becoming the drama queen, darling?" she asked playfully.

"I guess I am," she said and pulled away. "Really, though, you've brought me together. You've brought substance and reason."

"I'm to be commended for that as well, then. If I didn't mention it earlier, I'm in love with you, too, Ms. Prescott." Tannen sealed her words with another kiss, then she pulled the blankets to Gail's waist. Gail propped herself against the back of the bed. Tannen brought the food tray to her and placed the walker close to the bed. "I have to run out for a while. Do what you can with your liquid dinner. Tonight I'll bring some soda for you." Tannen touched Gail's cheek and then gathered her belongings. "See you later, darling." Tannen closed the door quietly behind her.

Gail put her hands beneath her head. She stared into the ceiling light and then worked her way to the edge of the bed. Grasping the walker, Gail eased herself from the bed and walked gingerly to the nurses' desk.

"Hello, Gail," a nurse in drab green scrubs said cheerily. "It's good to see you up and about."

"Thank you," she looked at the nametag on her tunic, "Grace. I was wondering if a priest was available to see me tonight?"

"I'll call Father Monahan and schedule some time for you."

"Thanks."

Дата добавления: 2015-08-27