Lacy's Lane

by Patricia Strefling

  “And you’re not?”

  “Not compared to her. Just warning you.”

  “Our patient, don’t mention his name by the way, should be back in his room by six tomorrow evening.

  “Thanks. You’d better get going before Heather decides she doesn’t want to eat steak at midnight!”

  Chapter 30

  Lacy watched two old movies back-to-back on TCM station, then flipped off the television with the remote and slid down into the hospital bed and turned on her side.

  Twice she woke and saw the blue letters keeping time and both times she prayed for Thad, to sleep and to heal and to know that God loved him. Then she drifted off again.

  When she heard quiet knocking on the other side of the door that led into the hallway, she whispered for them to come in.

  An aide smiled, set her tray on the bed table and pulled it into place.

  “Good morning.” Lacy noted the young girl’s cheery voice . “Did you sleep well?”

  “Like a baby.”

  “Good. Enjoy your breakfast.”

  A quick glance at the clock again and it was nearly nine am. A long day was ahead of her before Thad arrived in the room next door. She would have to find something to do.

  She ate, leaving not a single morsel behind. She marked lunch and dinner, circling every item on the list and placed the menu where they would be sure to see it. She’d starve to death around here.

  After two morning shows and a few more boring pages of a magazine, she took out the paper pad and wrote down, “books, donut, and sewing needle, thread, material and scissors. Her hands longed for something to do.

  Around 11:30 a tap sounded from the hall door and in bounced a spunky dark-haired woman, talking as she came into the room, just like Allison.

  “My name’s Justine. I’ll be with you for the next twelve hours. You and I are going to be friends.”

  The first thing Lacy noted was her big smile. The big voice didn’t match her tiny frame. She began peeking inside the window frame, curtains and lamps, then ran her fingers underneath the counter, over bed tray and guest chair. “Just looking for bugs. “ She bent awkwardly looking inside lamps.

  “Bugs? What kind of bugs? In a hospital?”

  “Not the kind you smash with your foot! Oh, can’t stand spiders.” She shivered. “ I am looking for the kind that sneaky folks try to get in so they can hear conversations.”

  “Oh, those kind. I thought you meant roaches or something.”

  “Child you better not tell folks you seen roaches in this hospital. You and me both’d be fired. And I can’t afford to lose my job. I got two girls to raise. So, you are hungry?” She picked up the menu noting Lacy’s selections and laughed. “What do you need? I’ll go down to the gift shop. Anything you want?”

  “Anything?” Lacy played along.

  “Anything they got,” She laughed.

  “I’d love a donut, a book, needle, thread and material. Oh . . . and scissors.”

  “Can’t help with the needle and thread or material, but I can get you books—all you want—and that donut.”

  “That’ll do just fine. Sweet Romance, historical if you can find it.”

  “Come to think on it, Jon’s wife sews all the time. She makes my girls the prettiest dresses you’ve ever seen. Made two matching ones for Sunday church and started a fire. Every mother in that church wants one of those dresses for their girls. Now mine won’t wear theirs ‘cause everyone else has one.”

  Lacy laughed aloud. “Justine, you are hilarious.”

  “Me? I’m just little old me.” She straightened the blankets.

  “So what do you want to be making with that needle and thread?”

  “Oh, I was thinking maybe some table napkins. They’re easy to cut out and you hem the edges. Done in a flash. I could make a whole set in one afternoon.”

  “Let me call Jon and see what Miss Heather can think up. Right now I’ll go on down to the shop. Anyone come snooping around you just act sickly okay? We’ll be bringing our patient down about six o’clock and we don’t want any foolishness.”

  Justine stood with one hand on her hip and made eye contact with Lacy. She was serious.

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Oh stop calling me ma’am.” Justine belly-laughed on her way out.

  “She’s gonna be a wild one,” Lacy’s heart felt lighter.

  She punched the buttons and called Al to catch up on the news. No news. Kew and Dario were outside running. Allison stayed by the phone.

  “Kew is very athletic, Lace. She outpaced Dario. And she has a strong will. She wants to do gymnastics. Whenever they could see a television, she and her friends watched reruns of the Olympics. It’s her dream to be a teacher.”

  “Really? That’s great, Al. I’m glad to know it. She doesn’t sit still for long, that’s for sure. And she hates to sew. Mei Le already tried to teach her. Guess she’s not cut out for it.”

  “She sure isn’t. She watches her diet, drinks only water and juice. Would you like me to check into some classes? I think we can find something. If not maybe you could hire a coach for her.”

  “Have to think about that, Al. Maybe if I sell the farm . . .”

  “You’re actually thinking about it, Lace?”

  “Not sure. I’m going to need some income pretty soon. Dad and Mom’s money won’t last forever.”

  “I know. You spent almost half of it for my education. I’ll check for coaches and if I can afford it, I’ll pay for them.”

  “No, you won’t. You just bought your condo and I know you love to travel. I’ll look into it, Al.”

  Silence.

  “Lace?”

  “Yeah.”

  “You have always been the oldest and ever since mom and dad passed, you’ve had to be my parent. Why don’t you let me help? You’re still in charge, but let me help, okay? I’m doing well at my job. If I can’t afford the classes, I’ll let you know. Promise.”

  “Right. You’re right, Al. Check and see what you can find out. I appreciate it. You’re so much better at investigating than I am. Thanks.”

  “Yep. Well they’re back from their run, doing cool downs in the drive out front. Better get some lunch on the table.”

  “You doing alright up in that room, Lace? I bet you are bored stiff.”

  Yeah, pretty much. And it’s not even been 24 hours yet.”

  “How is Thad doing?

  “They said he’s doing well, but they haven’t brought him down yet. Should be about 6 o’clock. I don’t know if they’ll let me see him, but it’ll be good to know he’s right next door.”

  “Glad you’re there. Stay safe. Gotta run. Talk to you later.”

  Lacy pressed the end button, so proud of her sister.

  Chapter 31

  The afternoon crawled. Justine brought Lacy a chocolate-covered cream-filled donut. She closed her eyes as the succulent sweet pastry melted in her mouth. And the tea served in a Styrofoam cup reminded her of the English tea she once drank out of a fine China teacup at Kippy’s. She drew her legs up and started reading. Justine had chosen great books. Romance, historical, clean, a bit of mystery.

  After lunch, as she neared the end of her first book, she heard activity in the hallway. She noted the time was 3:30 and wondered if they were bringing Thad down. Justine had not been in for 3 hours.

  Hushed voices and scuffling feet in the room next door turned her stomach into knots. Obviously he was doing all right or they wouldn’t be bringing him to his room. She was anxious to see him with her own eyes. Talk to him, if he wasn’t too drowsy. She threw her feet over the side of the bed.

  Her phone rang and she quickly turned the volume down.

  “Lacy here.”

  “Lace. Good news.” Allison said. “Ting’s arriving early. Something about a plane with extra seat space. Dario, Kew and I are headed for the airport. We’re going to spend the night in a hotel and be up bright and early. She should arrive around 10:45 a.m., but wil
l have flown all night and then some. We’re going to take her back to the hotel and let her rest for the night and then drive home.”

  “That sounds great Al. Things went all right with the signed permission? They got ahold of you. I assume?”

  “Yesterday.”

  “Good, looks like you’ll have your Ting home safe and sound.”

  “Thank you Al. You have no idea…” Lacy pressed two fingers over her lips.

  “Nope, none of that.” Allison cut her off. “We’ve actually enjoyed learning about Kew and we’re really glad she can speak the language. Oh by the way, they sent a pic to us so we’d know how to find her. I’ll send it to you.”

  Lacy’s heart hurt. She felt like she was missing out. “Thanks Al. And will you tell her…”

  “I’ll tell her your situation and let her know you will be her guardian. I’m taking a photo of you, Sis.”

  “Ah, I never thought of that.”

  “You’re right where you are supposed to be. This’ll work out. Thad will get better and you’ll be home before you know it and so will he. At least he can get around…his face will have to heal and his ribs but he’ll be fine. He’ll be getting on your nerves in no time.”

  “Oh my goodness, I didn’t even think about where he’d stay. He can’t be alone, Al, that’s for sure. What if something happened?”

  “Not to worry Lace. Cross that bridge when you come to it. Right now, you’re his support. And that’s important. So cheer up, rest while you can, because I think when you get back home, you’re going to wish you were laying there on that bed with a book in your hand.”

  Lacy laughed at Allison’s keen sense of knowing her so well. She was indeed laying there with a book in her hand.

  “Safe travel and send me a photo as soon as you can.” she ordered.

  “As soon as I get off the phone, emphasis on phone!” Al laughed.

  Two minutes later Lacy opened up the message to view a photo of her new girl. Her sad eyes did not go unnoticed despite her weak smile and beautiful, delicate features Lacy prayed for Ting and knew that this young woman was in a safe place. At least for now.

  A tap came from the door connecting her room with Thad’s.

  “Come in.”

  The young surgeon, Dr. Miller, came in. “Looks like we have a problem on our hands.”

  He smiled, but Lacy’s breath caught in her throat.

  “He’s ready to go home.”

  She let the breath escape and she shook her head. “That would be Thad Gannon.”

  “Think you can keep him busy for a few days? Help us out. He’s going to need some rest and possibly therapy afterward. Not to mention psychological therapy.”

  “For what?”

  “He’s pretty cut up. It could affect his career.”

  Lacy really hadn’t thought too much about what he would do, but she knew it meant a lot to Thad. “Hmm…. I’m just glad he’s okay.”

  “We all are. But he’s the one whose life will change. That’s why we’re glad you’re here. He seems to want to talk to you as soon as he can, so we’re going to let you visit in a few minutes. But no matter what he says, no more than ten minutes. He’ll have nurses around the clock for forty-eight hours. And they’ll allow ten minute visits every three hours.”

  “Okay. Fair enough.”

  “Thanks for staying and helping out. The Producer-Man is shelling out a lot of money for his actor.”

  Lacy nodded as Dr. Miller turned to leave.

  She turned to the mirror, combed her hair with the tiny brush she kept in her purse and washed her face. She didn’t want to scare him. She brushed her teeth and paced.

  The purple robe, courtesy of the hospital, fit loosely and tied around her middle. It was as decent as she was going to get under the circumstances. She pondered that while praying and nearly jumped out of her slippers when the knock sounded hard on the door.

  “Come in.”

  “We’re ready. Miss Linden, is it?”

  The man looked grumpier than a dog without a bone.

  “I’m ready.”

  “Don’t stay too long. Don’t mention anything about his injuries. Let the staff handle that. And don’t be fooling around.”

  “Fooling around?”

  “You know what I mean.” He looked over the top of his glasses.

  “I would have you know, we don’t fool around. We’re friends, doctor.” she looked for his name tag but it was swinging on the lanyard.

  The old crab released a sarcastic puff of air signaling his disbelief.

  Lacy wanted to punch him in the nose and send him to the operating room with a broken face.

  Calm yourself, Lacy Lee Linden. You’re here to help Thad. “One more thing, Miss Linden …”

  Lacy clenched her fists.

  “Under no circumstances are you to let anyone in this room. Do not answer any knocks or requests to come in. Staff only.”

  She nodded, but knew her lips were pressed so tight she would spit if she opened her mouth.

  She stepped across the threshold and saw Thad. A hard knot caught in her throat. Barely aware of the nurse watching her, she made a face at the plastic bottles and bags of meds hanging with tubes weaving in and out. All she could see was his head. One side of his face hid beneath a thick mesh of bandages. She wondered if he could even move his head. She moved closer. One eye and half his nose was visible. Bandages encased one of his hands and by the bulkiness beneath the blanket, she detected bandages on his chest. A nurse called his name and he answered with a mumble.

  “You’re in your room now. Miss Linden is here. If you need anything tell her to push your button, okay?”

  Lacy heard him answer quietly.

  She moved closer careful not to touch the bed or him. “I’m here, Thad.”

  He groaned. Lacy saw the nurse use a hypodermic needle and add something to the IV.

  After that, Lacy didn’t hear a peep out of him. After about five minutes, two nurses came in and read the numbers and made notations.

  “Thank you, Miss Linden. Next visit time will be in three hours.”

  She went to her room, relieved he was okay, but sorry he wasn’t awake more.

  Relieved, there was nothing to do but wait for dinner, so she picked up her book, lay it on her chest, prayed for Thad and read.

  * * *

  Lacy continued visits with Thad in 10-minute sessions every three hours for a couple days. The doctors, all except Dr. Grump, were pleased with his status. He would be allowed to go home in four days if he promised to do what the doctors asked. Word was Producer Man wanted him out of there too.

  Lacy spent her time sewing. Jon’s wife Heather had sent some beautiful linen material in a soft green sage color, needles and plenty of thread. She had completed four of the six table napkins and hoped to finish the last two so she could give them to Heather.

  She would be leaving tomorrow morning. She’d been there four days. Thad would be home in four more days and she wanted to get the house ready. Now that Kew and Ting were there they’d have to double up and use her parents old room, so Thad could take the purple room. Oh boy, he is going to love that. Then she remembered, Thad couldn’t be upstairs with the girls. They would definitely struggle with that arrangement. He’d have sleep on her sofa. It was probably the most comfortable place in the house.

  The next morning, bag packed, she headed out the secret door and down a small hallway away from other visitors.

  Twice she had been eyed by cameramen and one had even followed her out to her car, asking questions.

  “Who? Who?” she played dumb and guessed the cameraman figured she didn’t look like the type of woman that would be Thad Gannon’s girlfriend, so they left her alone. She laughed as she drove out of the parking lot, glad to be free of those gowns, and out in the beautiful weather.

  Lacy stopped to visit Gannon and Mrs. Anderson. It had nearly killed her to see Gannon’s eyes flood over with tears at the good news. His grandson was
going to be all right. Lacy felt joy swell inside her chest, especially when she drove down the dirt lane named after her. Green-turned-yellow leaves lined the lane, foretelling the coming of Autumn. She pulled her truck into the garage. As she stepped out into the fresh air, a body slam knocked the air out of her. Kew hugged her fiercely. Dario gave her a quick hug and then Allison hugged her long and tender.

  One face stood out from the crowd. The quiet one. The one with the sad eyes. She’d seen that look before and opened her arms.

  “Ting.”

  Ting let herself be hugged, but Lacy could feel her muscles tense.

  “Let’s go in. I’m hungry.”

  Kew translated and they moved forward like a passel of skunks…all grouped together.

  “Oh my.” Lacy looked at her kitchen. It was rearranged. A pot hanger hung from the center of the kitchen over a new island, small but very efficiently designed.

  “Thought you might like to have more storage space.” Dario smiled.

  “Thanks Dario. I love it. And Al, you painted the walls didn’t you? You know I’ve always wanted them vanilla.”

  Kew frowned. “That is ice cream. Vanilla?”

  “Yes it is.” Lacy laughed. “We have the color of ice cream in the kitchen.”

  Kew translated to Ting who smiled ever so slightly. Up until now, the only word Lacy heard from Ting was yes-yes. She said the words together in a soft whisper.

  “I’ll make us something to …”

  “Dinner’s ready. We made lasagna and salad. Kew even learned how to make a chocolate cake!”

  Lacy laughed and Allison looked at her through one raised eyebrow.

  “What?” Lacy smiled.

  “You’re happy.”

  “I’ve always been happy,” she said softly.

  Allison met her sister’s eyes and turned to set the table. Kew and Dario challenged each other to a short run. First one down to the end of the road wins.

  Lacy took Ting’s hand and led her to the living room.