by Laura Sweat
“Jeriley,” she quietly calls to her and holds her breath waiting for a response. Still holding Jeriley’s hand, Lydia sits like this for what seems like a very long time.
It hurts. What’s the matter with me? Why am I hurting? Where am I? I can’t seem to speak, but I have all of these questions. It’s dark. Then I realize that my eyes are closed. I turn my head, or at least I try.
“Jeriley.” It’s a quiet voice calling my name. I just don’t think I can answer right now; I’m so sleepy and weak. Someone is holding my hand. I try to squeeze as hard as I can as if to hold on to whomever it may be.
“I’m here, Jeriley. It’s me, Lydia.” The voice is sweet and soft. I should know who this is. I struggle to open my eyes, but it’s too much. I just can’t. I want to doze a while longer.
“It’s alright. Take your time. I’ll be right here. Everything is okay,” she says.
So I stop trying to wake up and attempt to sleep. I am in between sweet, silent sleep and the awake place where only my mind is busy with thoughts and yearnings for more sleep. I fade in and out, back and forth from sleep to that awkward state.
Finally, my eyes open to what appears to be white squares. My eyes slowly adjust as I try to focus. It is a ceiling. I concentrate first on this initial scene, then on what I can feel. I am laying down with my head slightly elevated. My back hurts. Something inside hurts. I’m sore all over. Someone is holding my hand. I shift my eyes to my left and see her. She is sitting, leaning in close. She is smiling.
“Hey you,” she says easily.
I don’t answer right away. I am still trying to decide if I’m awake or dreaming. I am so confused I don’t know where to begin to sort it all out.
Someone else walks in and looks at the machine next to me. “Well, hello Missy. How are you feeling?” She is dressed in scrubs, like a nurse or something. She leans in over me and looks into my eyes, smiling.
“Can you tell me how you feel?” She is gently trying to prompt me to answer so I search for my voice.
“Hurts,” I whisper hoarsely. I can barely get anything out. I feel weak and all I can tell her about is the pain.
“Can you tell me where it hurts?” She wrinkles her brow as if she is concerned by my answer.
I move my right hand from my side, slightly underneath to indicate that my back hurts, quickly realizing it isn’t completely accurate. “Everywhere,” I grunt.
“Okay. It’s alright. I’ll get you something in just a minute.” She is still checking the things around me when a doctor walks in. I’m a little clearer now and recognize that he is a doctor much sooner than I recognized the nurse.
“Hi. I’m Dr. Wheeler. How are you feeling?”
I feel irritated that he would ask me the same question that I just struggled to answer, but I don’t say that. “Hurting.” I clear my throat. “I’m hurting.” I finally get it out with a slightly stronger voice.
“That’s to be expected. We can get you something to help. Do you feel like answering some questions for me?”
“I think so,” I answer weakly.
“Good. Do you know where you are?”
I look around the room trying not to move my head much. I see the room and the furniture. “Hospital.”
“Yes. Do you know this lady?” He points to my left.
I look over and smile. “Lydia.” She smiles back.
“Good. Can you tell me your name?”
“Jeriley O’Connor.”
“Do you remember what happened?” This question stumps me so I don’t answer immediately.
“There was a car accident.” He waits, watching me. I try to think.
“I don’t remember,” I answer.
“That’s okay. It may take a little time. We want you to rest and take your time. You are doing great. If you need anything just let us know.” He gives the nurse some orders and they walk out of the room.
I turn my head to face Lydia and realize that she is still holding my hand.
“How long have you been here?”
“The whole time,” she answers.
“How long is that?”
“It’s been six days.”
“Six days?” This alarms me.
“Yep. The wreck was pretty bad. Your injuries needed time to heal.”
“Which hospital is this?” It occurs to me that I don’t know what town I’m in.
“This is Bay Medical Center. It’s almost two hours from home.”
“You’ve been here the whole time?”
“Yes. I didn’t think you should be alone,” she says simply.
I let this soak in. I remember that I know her from work. She has always been so sweet to me.
“What about work?”
“It’s fine. Mr. Donovan was nice enough to let me take some of my time that I have built up to stay with you.”
“Mr. Donovan.” I know the name. “Alex Donovan.” I can picture him now. “I work at Donovan.” Snapshots of my life start coming to me and I remember more.
“That’s right. He has even come to see you a couple of times.”
“Oh, that was nice of him.”
“Well, he is a really nice guy,” she replies lightly. “Everyone at the office has been worried about you.”
I just smile and turn my head back to face forward again. I need to rest. Already I am tired and I need to think about things.
“I think I might nap for a little while. I’m exhausted.” I feel as though I should apologize for not being able to stay awake with Lydia. She has already spent so much of her time with me. I feel guilty somehow.
“Take all the time you need. I’m going to walk downstairs to make some calls. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Alright. Take your time.”
Lydia stands and pauses, looking at me. “I’ve been praying for you, Jeriley. Lots of people have. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Thank you. That’s sweet and thank you for staying with me. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I wanted to. Get some rest and we can talk later.” I watch as Lydia slides her chair back and walks around my bed and out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Now that I am alone, I take inventory of myself in this bed, hooked up to monitors and IV bags.
There is a slight, quick knock on the door and it opens before I have a chance to say anything.
“I brought you something for your pain. This won’t put you out, but it will give you some relief.” She hooks into my IV line and gives me the pain medicine before checking everything one more time.
“You should feel better soon. If you need anything, my name is Anne and you can call me with this button right here.” She points to the red “NURSE” button on my bed before she walks out.
Everything is quiet and I am still a little groggy. I try to make sense of the fact that I have been sleeping for six days. Even more confusing is the news that I was in an accident. I need to remember, so I try to recollect anything that I can before today. I recognized Lydia and I know we work together at Donovan. This is a good start, I think so I try to picture the office. It is a big place. I close my eyes and nothing comes.
I stay this way for an undetermined amount of time before I look out of the window across the room. It is dark out. The clock says it is after nine thirty. I look around the room to see if there is anything at all in here that will trigger my memory. I am not panicking yet, but I do want to remember. I am not totally freaked out, I guess, because I know who I am and I know Lydia. I am suddenly very glad she is here.
There are a few items in the room that are obviously not hospital property. These must be Lydia’s things. It looks like there is paperwork of some sort on one of the tables, along with a disposable cup by the window. An overnight bag sits on the floor in the corner with a sweater or something on top of it. My e
yes move on around the room, searching. They land on the window ledge beside the chair that Lydia was sitting in. There is a Bible closed and turned so that it is only slightly hanging off. That must be hers, too. Suddenly, I remember eating lunch with her at Boomer’s. I remember the booth we sat in, the food we ate, and the talk we had. We discussed our grandmothers and their faith and maybe some other things. We were late returning to work, but it was okay.
After work, I went home. I was reading. No, I’m missing something. I can’t remember anything after I got home. This is too hard. Maybe I should just rest. I struggle to pull my cover up around my neck and close my eyes. I try to turn my thoughts off. This takes a great deal of concentration, but I try until finally sleep comes.
CHAPTER 24
Stephen is eager to report back to the One about his meeting with Jeriley. Of course, He already knows all there is to tell, but he can not wait to hear His response. He approaches, humbly and bows.
“Yes, Stephen.” The sound surrounds him but is only meant for him.
“As you know, she was receptive to your message. She had questions and seemed bewildered.”
“She is strong-willed. She will go far.”
“What now, would you have me do concerning Jeriley?”
“Stay near and keep guard over her. She will need your protection for a little while longer.”
“Of course, Lord.”
Stephen is dismissed and returns to the hospital to simply stand guard.
Adrian is brooding. He is furious and unwilling to give in to what seems to be inevitable. A hedge has been built up around Lydia that he cannot penetrate, and since he can not get near her, he has been cut off from his prize. The more he thinks about it, the more furious he becomes. He has been stalking around in the natural, using different disguises, hovering over and around her room, trying to gain entry anywhere. He is blocked at every turn. He has Zain to thank for this. He was so close he could taste his victory. He would have had her agreeing to anything he asked before the night ended. All he had to do was get her back to her house and spend a little time…
Once again, his imagination was getting away from him. He had become obsessed with this one. He replayed scenarios over and over again, depicting her submission to him. He relished in the thought of her giving in to him and pledging herself to him. He had gained a personal interest in her although he was never allowed to do so. He wanted her, was convinced that she belonged to him, and now it was all ruined. He had gotten carried away. Perhaps that is where he made his first mistake.
If he could get to Zain, he would make him pay, but he has no idea where to find him. It might be worth it to do some snooping to try and find him, but for now, he must concentrate on his next move. It would be unwise to stay idle for too long. His master will be expecting news soon and he does not want to take him the current report. He has never disappointed him before.
Adrian changes position and looks for a point of entry again in the spiritual realm. If he can get to her one more time, he will accomplish his task and have her for his own. There it is again. His obsession is overtaking him. He realizes that he doesn’t want to turn her over to another; at least not completely. He will just have to worry about that later. He has to win her first. He finds a window to her room guarded and moves around the corner to the other one.
“You have lost her.” Stephen seemingly steps out of nowhere and blocks his approach to the window.
“Don’t be so quick, Stephen. She has not decided. She is still fair game.”
“Oh, but she has.”
This stops him in his tracks and he stares at Stephen. This cannot be. She is more heavily guarded now, but that is just precautionary. Surely it doesn’t mean that she has decided. He looks Stephen directly in the eyes, bewildered that he could have failed. He feels disappointment and anger begin to build.
“You lie!” His voice is so low, it is almost inaudible.
“You know that is not likely.” Stephen remains calm and quiet.
Adrian’s thoughts begin to whirl out of control. He considers attacking this menace and doing away with him once and for all, then decides that a confrontation would do him no good now. There must be some loophole he hasn’t found. It is never too late. Then a thought occurs to him.
“She has not been conscious. She has not had the opportunity to decide.” Relief washes over him and a smug expression replaces his scowl.
“She has been enlightened. She knows the truth. She knows who I am and my purpose. She knows who you are and your purpose as well.”
“It doesn’t matter. She can still choose me.” He stops short, but not short enough. He has disclosed his deepest secret to the enemy.
“Choose you?” The question sounds more like a statement. Stephen notices the change in the adversary’s eyes. Jeriley has become more than an assignment to Adrian. It becomes clear what his Master meant when He said she would need further protection.
“I will find a way.” Adrian’s answer is quiet and menacing. He is determined.
“You will only be allowed so much time.”
Adrian knows this to be true. His impatience gets the best of him. “When?” It is a shout.
“In His time.” Stephen’s calm is too much to bear. He wants to find something or someone to take his anger out on. Lydia comes to mind. She is around here somewhere.
CHAPTER 25
It’s dark outside and a little chilly, but she didn’t think about grabbing her sweater. She finds a quiet place just outside the main entrance to the building and calls Alex at home.
The phone rings only three times before he answers.
“Alex.”
“Hey. It’s Lydia.”
“Hey, Lydia. Is everything okay?” He sounds a little concerned.
“Everything is fine. I thought I should let you know that Jeriley is awake.”
“Really? That’s good news. When did she wake up?” He straightens in his chair in the den and puts the paperwork away that he was trying to concentrate on.
“Just a couple of hours ago. She is sleeping again for now, but she seems well.”
“That’s great news. Have the doctors said anything specific about her condition?”
“Not really. Her memory isn’t completely regained, but the doctor said that it could take a little time.”
“What does she remember?” His curiosity is peaked.
“She knows her name and she recognizes me. She knows we work together at Donovan, but she doesn’t recall the accident.”
“I should drive over and see her. I can be there in the morning.”
“If it is alright with you, I’d like to stay on with her for a couple more days.”
“Of course. She needs you. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I told Jeriley that you have been in to see her a couple of times and that everyone at the office has been thinking of her.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m glad she has you there.”
“I couldn’t have just left her here. I have never heard her talk about family or anyone from home other than a grandmother that has passed on. I’m not sure if she has anyone or not.”
“She has us.” His reply is followed by a brief quiet and silence fills the air.
Alex clears his throat breaking the silence before he answers.
“Tell Jeriley that I’ll see her tomorrow and that we are all ready to see you both back at the office.”
“I will. Thank you again, Alex.”
“Anytime, Lydia. Get some rest. I’ll see you soon.”
They hang up and Lydia sits back thinking about the way Alex has changed since all of this occurred. She can’t quite put her finger on it, but there has been a change in his demeanor since Jeriley’s accident. He is such a private person that she knows very litt
le about his personal life. She only knows that he isn’t married and takes his work very seriously. The business is his life. He is very kind and takes good care of his employees. She realizes that before now she has never given any thought to Alex Donovan as a person.
Out of habit, she looks at her phone to check the time and gets up to go back inside. She isn’t paying any attention to her surroundings and doesn’t notice the man approaching from the parking deck.
Alex drops his head in his hands when he hangs up the phone. He is leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. Looking at the floor, he feels a weight lift from his shoulders at the news that she is finally awake.
“Thank you,” he whispers. He doesn’t know what else to say. He feels undeserving that a prayer would be answered for him, especially now. He prays, but not nearly enough. He gives God credit, but not nearly enough. He has been trying to do better, but he feels that he still falls short.
The clock on the wall says that it’s after nine thirty. If he goes to bed now, maybe he can get a good night’s sleep and leave early for Bay Medical in the morning. It is doubtful that he will get much sleep, but he should at least try.
His mind wanders to thoughts of Jeriley as he goes through his routine. He doesn’t see her unconscious. Now he pictures her awake, sitting up with her hair falling over her shoulders in soft waves. He sees her smile and can almost hear her voice welcoming him into the room.
He has almost finished brushing his teeth when he looks up into the mirror and notices his blank stare. He has gotten carried away again. This time, he is daydreaming about what it will be like to see her awake since his mind has been taken over by her.
How will he react to seeing her now that he can’t get her out of his mind? He lets out a heavy breath and lowers his head. He can’t look at his reflection. He is the only one who knows what he has been thinking; the only one who knows how he feels. He doesn’t feel guilty. He just doesn’t know how to react to what has happened to his mind.