by Marilyn Turk
She moved her finger in front of his eyes. “Can you follow my finger?” His eyes obeyed, and he blinked again. Excitement bubbled inside her, and she wanted to run down the hall to tell someone. But no one else was on the floor.
“My name is Nurse Smithfield. You’re in Bellevue Hospital in New York City. You were injured in the Pacific, taken to California, then brought here. Your dog tags were missing when you were found, so we don’t know your name. Maybe you can tell us sometime.”
He continued to watch her every move. She touched the healing wound on his head. “Does this hurt?”
He didn’t blink, but his gaze remained fixed on her. She stroked his broken arm in the sling. “Your arm is broken, but it is healing quickly. Perhaps you can get the cast off soon.”
What else could she talk about it? She was running out of things to tell him. Without a response, conversation was difficult. “Is there anything I can get you? Some water, maybe? I’m sure you’re looking forward to eating real food.”
Still no response.
Lexie straightened his covers, then said, “We usually give back rubs to our bed patients, but I’m afraid to move you without doctor’s permission. This will have to do for now.” She put her hands on his shoulders and gently massaged them. His eyes followed her everywhere, making her self-conscious. She smiled at him, hoping to draw a smile from him in return. Perhaps she wanted too much too soon. However, she was certainly thankful for the progress, no matter how small. Sleeping noises filled the air, and John Doe needed to go to sleep as well.
“I better go now and let you rest. Good night, John, or whatever your real name is.”
Even in the dim light, she could still feel his eyes on her as she left.
Chapter Fifteen
Sunday morning when Lexie walked into the residence living room, Russell was waiting with his welcome smile, standing with his hands behind his back.
“Good morning, sunshine!”
Lexie bounced over to him and stood on tiptoes to plant a friendly kiss on his lips.
“Why, that’s a nice surprise! Did you miss me?”
“You know it.” When he didn’t embrace her, she got curious. “Hey, what’s behind your back?” She leaned around to see what he was hiding.
He angled his body so she couldn’t see. “Something’s behind my back?”
She placed her hands on her hips. “Russell…”
When he revealed his hands, he extended a bouquet of yellow roses toward her. “You mean these?” He laughed. “Pretty roses for a pretty lady.”
Lexie gaped at the gorgeous bouquet. “Russell! They’re lovely! But what’s the occasion?”
Penny happened by and, seeing the flowers, said, “Watch out, Lexie. He’s been up to no good.”
Russell shook his head. “Nope, not me. I’ve been as good as gold. I just wanted to surprise my sweetheart.”
“Well, you sure did. Thank you.” Lexie grabbed his neck with her free hand and pulled his face to hers. She gave him a kiss meant to show her appreciation.
“Wow. I think I need to give you flowers more often.”
“It can’t hurt,” Lexie said. “Hold on a minute and let me find something to put them in.” She disappeared for a few moments and returned with the flowers resting in a crystal vase. “The housemother had one.” She set the bouquet down on the coffee table. “I think I’ll leave them here for everyone else to enjoy until I get back.”
“Good idea. It’ll help my reputation with the ladies.” Russell winked at her.
Lexie gave him a playful punch, then grabbed him by the crook of his arm. “I’m the only lady you need to impress, and don’t forget it!”
Russell laughed out loud then escorted her through the door. “Couldn’t convince Penny to go today?”
“No, she said she had to study.”
“That’s too bad. Just keep asking, and maybe she’ll change her mind.”
They rounded the corner and turned up the street. “I think the main reason she refuses is because she doesn’t want to be a third wheel. You know, she feels a little out of place with us.”
“Maybe so.” Russell snapped his fingers. “Say, I know a fella at the hotel that might like to go, and then Penny will come with us too. Why didn’t I think of that before?”
“You know she can’t date right now.”
“Perhaps not. But there’s no rule against going to church.”
Walking arm in arm down the sidewalk with Russell was one of Lexie’s favorite things. And the fact that they were going to church together made it even more special because it reminded her of a time when she was a little girl going to church with her family. So long ago, before everything changed. Now they were all gone, and times had changed, but thanks to Russell, this Sunday tradition had returned to her life.
“Are we going to the church you suggested, the Marble Collegiate Church?”
“Yes, if that’s all right with you.”
“Sure, I’d like to see what it’s like. I’ve heard good things about the pastor.”
They arrived at the old church at the corner of Fifth and West Twenty-Ninth Street noted for its marble exterior and for being one of the oldest Protestant congregations in the country. Lexie pointed to the wrought-iron fence surrounding the building. “Someone told me they put up the fence in the 1800’s to keep cows from rubbing up against the marble. Can you imagine cows grazing on Fifth Avenue?”
“Pretty hard to believe, with all these buildings and concrete here now.” Russell placed his hand on Lexie’s back and ushered her inside the building where throngs of worshippers were gathered to hear the popular minister. Lexie opened a hymnal to “Amazing Grace” and tried to memorize the words so she could sing them to the patients next time she was in the ward. Russell glanced down at her with raised eyebrows before turning his attention to the front of the church.
Dr. Peale’s sermon was motivational, encouraging, and inspirational, and Lexie noticed many of the congregants smiling and nodding as he spoke. Even the young men in uniform looked hopeful. Worshippers eagerly shook Dr. Peale’s hand when they exited the front doors of the sanctuary, thanking him for his positive message.
As they walked away, Russell said, “I liked what he said about our attitude—‘Change your thoughts and you change your world.’”
“I like that, too, and I wish it was that simple.”
“You disagree?”
“What about the war? Can we just change our thoughts about it and it’ll go away?”
“Think of it this way. Hitler has changed Germany by changing the thoughts of the people. Of course, that kind of change is bad. But couldn’t we do the opposite? For instance, at the hotel, if we act like we’re happy to be there, then others will be happy to be there too. I’m going to try it and see.”
Something about what Russell said touched a nerve. “Russell, are you saying you’re not really happy? You have to pretend?”
The hint of a shadow passed over his face before his smile returned. “Sure I am. I’ve got the perfect girl!” He gave her an arm hug.
“Russell, you don’t have to pretend with me. Aren’t you happy with your job at the hotel?”
His expression became more serious. “I wouldn’t say I’m ‘happy,’ but the job is good and steady, and I’m thankful to have it.” His perpetual smile returned. “But I’m happy to be so near you.”
“Russell, seriously. Do you have any regrets about coming to New York?”
“No, I don’t. I’m sorry we had to leave Jekyll, but that couldn’t be helped.” He shrugged and lifted his hands. “I just have to get used to the change, that’s all. Make the best of it. These days, everyone is having to make adjustments.”
They continued down the sidewalk passing other couples dressed in their Sunday best. “Where shall we go?” Russell said. “Would you like to go to Madison Square Park? It’s just down the street from here.”
“I’d love to,” said Lexie, “but can we get something to
eat first?”
“Did you hear my stomach rumbling in church?” Russell laughed and rubbed his midsection. “There’s a little cafe around the corner. Let’s go there.”
At lunch, Lexie continued reflecting on Dr. Peale’s message.
“Russell, I wonder how being positive can work in my job. Do you really think I can make people well by being happy?”
“I don’t know that you can make them well, but perhaps you can help them feel better. You know, emotionally. Don’t you feel good when you’re happy? Maybe if you’re cheerful, it will improve your patients’ attitudes too.”
“I do try to be helpful … and positive. It actually says in our manual that we should portray a cheerful attitude to the patients. I’ll try to do a better job of that. Sometimes it’s hard to be cheerful, though, when you see sad situations.”
“I’m sure it is. But you can do it. After all, you changed my world for the better.”
Lexie’s heart swelled. “You always know what to say.”
After lunch, they strolled in the park, looking at the various statues and fountains before stopping to sit down on one of the park benches. Russell sat beside Lexie, spreading his arms out along the back of the bench and tipping his hat back to look up. From their vantage point, they had a good view of the Flatiron Building, the once-tallest building in New York, rising high above the park’s trees. A cool early-summer breeze blew the foliage gently, and Lexie’s attention was attracted to movement on the red lantanas blooming nearby. She pointed and whispered, “Look at that gorgeous butterfly.”
Russell followed her gaze and nodded, smiling. “He’s attracted to those colorful flowers.”
“I wish I could bring some back with me to the ward.”
“The city fathers might not appreciate your gesture if you remove the park’s flowers.” Russell winked at her.
Lexie elbowed him. “I don’t mean take these flowers! But I wish the patients had more color in their lives. The hospital is so drab, with white floors and dull white walls.”
“If the market’s still open, maybe you could pick up some flowers to take to the hospital. We could stop on the way back and get some.”
“I’ll have to see if it’s allowed first. Nobody brings flowers to the men in the psych ward, and they need something cheerful as much as any other patients. But hardly anything is allowed in their wards in case it would present a danger.”
Russell arched an eyebrow. “How dangerous could flowers be?”
“You’d be surprised. For one thing, the vase might be used as a weapon. Plus, I’ve even heard of patients eating flowers. On second thought, I doubt flowers would be allowed.”
Russell shook his head. “I’d never considered those possibilities. That’s too bad.”
The tune of a hymn they’d sung in church that day ran through Lexie’s mind. “Russell, do you miss playing piano for a church like you did at the chapel on Jekyll Island?”
He studied the ground for a few minutes, then lifted his gaze. “Yes, I do. Sometimes I slip away to the piano in the ballroom and play a little, just for my own enjoyment, but those times are few and far between.” He faced her. “Why do you ask?”
“I was just thinking about how much I missed the tranquil atmosphere of Jekyll, especially listening to you play in the chapel. Life is so different here.”
“It certainly is.” He gave her a wink. “The bands I play with don’t play hymns. They’re not exactly dance music.”
“No, I guess not.” Lexie studied Russell’s face as he gazed at the scenery. “You seem like a different person when you’re playing with the band.”
He turned toward her. “Different? Maybe not as spiritual?”
“Maybe not. Guess it’s just the different atmosphere.”
Russell slapped his thigh and put both feet on the ground. “I’m tired of sitting. Ready for a stroll down Fifth Avenue?” He stood and extended his hand to her.
“Sure.” She accepted his hand and stood. He didn’t let go, and they walked along the sidewalk swinging hands. Sunday was the day to promenade down the city’s main streets, a decades-old custom. Women dressed in their Sunday-best clothes, complete with matching hats and gloves, strolled alongside well-dressed men in their suits and ties, their fedoras perched on their heads, and their handkerchiefs folded just right to peek out of their suit pockets.
Lexie enjoyed people-watching more than window-shopping, especially on a day that wasn’t so crowded and hurried like the weekdays. A group of sailors in their white Cracker Jack uniforms walked by, and Lexie paused, seeing her brother Robert in each of them.
Russell watched her, his brows knitted with concern. “Is something wrong?”
She shook her head. “No, I was just thinking about Robert when he first joined the navy.”
Russell squeezed her hand. “He loved being in the navy.”
Lexie nodded, her eyes moist with tears. “He was so proud to wear that uniform.”
Putting his arms around her, Russell gave her a hug. “He was doing what he wanted to do and serving his country.”
Lexie wiped her eyes and pushed away. “What happened at Pearl Harbor was just so wrong, so unfair.”
“You’re right, and that’s why those guys joined up.” He nodded toward the guys who had walked by. “They’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
“I hope they’ll be successful.”
“They will be. We won’t be caught off guard again.”
They stopped to look in some store windows, all decked out in red, white, and blue. Everywhere they looked, there was a symbol of patriotism. Posters advertising war bonds were plastered on windows, as well as signs promoting service to the country by rationing. Every storefront proudly displayed a Victory sign.
“Say, I’ve got an idea,” Russell said. “How about going to the top of the Empire State Building?”
Lexie looked ahead at the highest building in the world and shuddered. Shaking her head, she said, “No, I can’t do that.”
“Lexie Smithfield, where’s my brave girl?” he teased.
“I don’t like heights.” She could barely stand to look up at the tall building. Seeing people on the outside gallery sent shivers down her back.
“They didn’t seem to bother you when you were in my office tower at Jekyll, not to mention when you climbed a tree from the second-floor window of your house.”
“Russell, that building is a whole lot taller than the tower at Jekyll and the tree I climbed! There’s no comparison.”
“Are you sure? I’ll hold your hand if you want to go up.” Russell gave her a wink. “Don’t you want to see the view from up there?”
“Maybe someday, but not today.” Or never. “I’m content to admire it from here.”
Russell laughed, displaying his endearing dimple. “Okay. You let me know when you change your mind.”
They walked past more stores before Lexie stopped to admire a navy-blue dress with white polka dots. While she peered through the store window, she caught the reflection of someone who looked familiar. She spun around and saw the backs of two men walking away. She wasn’t certain, but the blond man looked like Cal Miller, and based on the smoke ring around his head and the nervous way he looked around, the other man was the man she’d seen with Cal. Funny how she kept running into these two men from the train in a city so full of people.
“Who are you looking at?” Russell asked.
“Those two men over there. They looked like the men on the train.” Was she imagining they were the same men?
“I can’t tell from their backs, but they also look like some men staying at the Martinique.”
“Then those are the same guys.” Somehow, Russell’s affirmation didn’t make her feel better.
“What about them?”
“I don’t know. It just seems strange that I keep seeing them.” How could she explain the feeling of uneasiness the two men gave her?
“Guess you travel in the same ci
rcles.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I’m not suspicious anymore, or I’d think they were following me.” Why did she even admit the thought that entered her mind? Of course they weren’t following her. Why would they? Her old paranoia was trying to creep back in, but she pushed the thought away and wouldn’t let it.
They spent the rest of the afternoon strolling around the city, even spending a little time at the library. Lexie enjoyed the relaxing time with Russell, and, for a while, it felt like the time they spent together back on Jekyll—peaceful and unhurried.
As they exited the stately library, Russell paused to admire one of the stone lions guarding the entrance beside the steps.
Lexie crossed her arms and studied the statue. “Looks pretty powerful, doesn’t it? Wonder which lion it is—Fortitude or Patience?”
“Whatever he wants to be,” said Russell with a wink. He glanced down at his watch. “Say, don’t you have a test tomorrow?”
Lexie’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh! I do! I completely forgot about it. Guess I better get back and do some studying.”
As they scurried down the rest of the steps to the sidewalk, Lexie saw the men again. She halted, and Russell stopped beside her. He followed her gaze and nodded when he spotted them.
“So we cross paths again,” he said.
“And you don’t find that odd?” The uneasiness crept back in.
“Lexie, it’s just coincidence.”
Hands on her hips, she said, “Of course it is. But I hope they hurry up and leave. I’m tired of running into them.”
Russell looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Why? Did they make a pass at you?”
Lexie sighed. “No. I just have a strange feeling about them, that’s all.”
Russell raised an eyebrow. Lexie knew he must be thinking she was being overly suspicious. She faked a laugh. “Oh, don’t worry, Russell. It’s nothing, I’m sure.”
He took her by the arm. “Let’s get you back to the nurses’ residence so you can study. I’m going to hang on to you tightly so some guy can’t steal you from me.”
“Oh, Russell. Steal me? Don’t be silly.” She peered up at him.
“Well, just in case…” He tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow.