*The introduction and chapter one were originally one but I felt it better to split it into two.
Focusing on the bright lights above her head, Nichole blinked at least twenty times before keeping her eyes open. She didn’t move - didn’t want to move. She was scared, shocked, and in pain. She sat still and just looked around, not knowing where she was, not knowing what to do, afraid to open her mouth. She heard a door slide open then closed, some shuffling to her left. Nichole wanted to call out, see who was there and who could help her but in the back of her mind she was scared. So, she just kept quiet and waited. Part of a women’s pony tail came into view in the corner of her eye and Nichole’s body stiffened, terrified of making any movement.
“All right, let’s see here-” when the woman’s brown eyes met Nichole’s blue ones, her face was in total astonishment. “Doctor!” She called out into the hallway. ‘Doctor’ remained in Nichole’s head and it clicked to her: she was in a hospital, one of Nichole‘s biggest fears. “Doctor, she’s awake!” More people entered the room and Nichole wanted to jump out of the bed and escape. There were three women and two men. The two men were obviously doctors since they were the only ones not in green jumpsuits and had on long, white cloaks.
“Nichole? Nichole, hunny, can you hear me?” One of the pretty nurses called out, her green eyes big with anticipation. ‘What do I do? Can I even talk?’ it felt like forever to Nichole since she’s used her voice, ‘It probably has been forever.’
“How long have I been here?” Were the first words croaked out of Nichole’s mouth. Her voice hurt and was very mute. The nurses in the room looked around at each other before the green eyed nurse looked back down to answer her.
“Sweetie, you’ve been unconscious for two weeks. You’re in the University of Pennsylvania Health System hospital in Philadelphia. Do you remember anything that happened at all?” She asked, placing a hand on Nichole’s cold arm.
“Remember anything of what?” Nichole’s brows burrowed together. The nice nurse once again looked around, unsure about something before one of the doctors nodded.
“You were in a car accident.” When she spoke the words ‘car accident’, memories came flooding back into Nichole’s mind. The slippery roads, the storm dark skies, the smell of alcohol in the air, the bright lights, screaming out her mothers name. When Nichole thought of her mother, she instantly sat up and looked frantically around.
“Where’s my mother?” She demanded, trying to get out of the bed. One of the doctors made his way around the bed and gently pushed Nichole back down.
“You cannot get up yet, Nichole. Your legs are too weak, you need rest.” He reassured her, pulling the covers back up over her shoulders.
“But my mother! Where is she? Is she okay?” She asked, raising her voice as loud as it would go. The nurses looked hesitant and the doctors looked worried.
“Nichole, do you remember anything that happened two weeks ago?” One of the doctors asked, removing his glasses.
“I remember being in the car with my mother and she was drinking and bright lights, but that’s it.” By this point, Nichole was annoyed. “Just answer my damn question!” Her command didn’t sound as threatening as she wish it could have, her voice was weak.
“Well, as you can see you made out with a few broken ribs… nothing that won’t be healed within a few weeks. You’re mother, on the other hand, made out worse.” Nichole didn’t even come to think of any injuries she might have before, but now as she was told of her breaks she couldn’t help but to feel for them. Her stomach was swollen and it ached to move her torso.
“What happened to her?” Nichole looked wearily up at the doctors, her eyes filled with fright.
“Your mother at the moment is still in a coma, we expect a wakening in a few days. Her right arm and wrist are broken as well as both her ankles and right leg.” The doctor informed.
“Are you her doctor?” Nichole recalled seeing two doctors in the room.
“No, I’m Doctor Michaels - you’re doctor. Doctor Grea over here is your mothers.” Dr. Michaels introduced the other doctor, a much younger looking one.
“Good evening, Nichole.” Dr. Grea greeted, “Your mother is in good hands.” He reassured her with kind words.
“Thank you…” Nichole rested, placing a hand to her head.
“Are you okay, Nichole?” Dr. Michaels asked, hovering over her instantly.
“I’m just a bit tired.” Nichole closed her eyes. “I feel like sleeping.”
“Well, it is two in the morning.” One of the nurses commented. “It would be a good idea for her to rest.
“Of course.” Dr. Michaels rose from Nichole’s bed. “We’ll check up on you when you’re awake.” Nichole was already asleep before they were gone.
...
=P ]
