Osprey Calling by Ellen Hoil

Author:Ellen Hoil
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: lesbian romance, wildlife photography, introverts, returning home
Publisher: Desert Palm Press

Chapter Nineteen

WHEN NICOLE WOKE UP, it took her several moments to get her bearings. She raised her arm and saw the IV needle. “Ugh. Still here. I was hoping for a miracle and that this was all a dream. Maybe I should have let Sara come out here. No. Convincing her to wait until I was better was the right decision. I’ll be okay. I always am.”

After a week, though, she was getting tired of the pastel blue walls and the chemical smell of the hospital. She had a view out her window of the rotary on Route 58, but watching cars go around in a circle had lost its amusement. She heard a light knock on her closed door.

“Come in,” she said, assuming it was one of the staff coming to check something or give her more medication. She hoped it was the former. The drugs they gave her before they cleaned her wound were making her feel dopey all the time. She hated the sensation of not being in control. What she hated the most, though, was the pain from flushing and caring for the wound.

Michele’s head popped into view. “Am I bothering you, or are you up for a quick visit?”

“Sure. I’m feeling a bit stir crazy. I’m bored and still a bit freaked out about what’s under this bandage. It has me scared, to be honest. So, you’re a godsend.” Nicole's heart rate picked up, and her hands grew clammy. She was a little shocked at her answer.

I never share how I feel. Especially with someone I barely know. Maybe I’m just desperate for company, but I’m usually fine on my own for hours, even days. Then again, there is nothing usual about Michele Blake or this situation.

“I get that. It can be hard. The pain alone can be exhausting. Then getting a good night’s rest is almost impossible, and you can only watch so much TV. Hopefully, I can help distract you from it all for a while.”

Nicole flinched as a sudden sharp pain ran up her leg. She gripped the sheets tighter, waiting for it to pass.

“No. I’ll be fine. I don’t want to bother you. You don’t have to stay if you’re busy or have other stuff to do.”

“It’s no bother. That’s what we do as nurses. We care about you and your comfort. You look like you could use some better pain management, too.”

Nicole frowned. Am I just another case to her? A patient. She can’t. At least not after the last week. I don’t know. She sounds sincere and caring. I guess. Could she have changed that much since high school? I don’t know.

“No, it’s fine. I can wait until the doctor stops by later.” At that moment, pain shot up her arm and she cringed.

“You suck at lying,” Michele said, her voice tinged with emotion.

Is it anger? Nicole thought.

Michele continued her censure.

“Honestly, I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn, because I don’t think you can wait. Maybe you should stop and let someone help you.

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