The Christmas Miracle by Barbara Avon

Author:Barbara Avon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbara Avon
Published: 2020-06-18T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-Three

As the sun rises, I'm thankful that my cell is still muted. It vibrates endlessly in my jeans pocket, allowing my head to stop from exploding. Last night, the saga had continued in my sleep. My mind was polluted with horrific images and none of them had to do with either Laura, nor Briana. In my dreams, I was eighteen years old again. I was wandering on a deserted highway, with no recollection of how I got to be there. I jutted my thumb out at passing cars and each one that stopped, had a different creature behind the wheel, wicked in their intent. Finally, when an officer pulled over to help me, he shot me instead. The blood was sticky on my clothes just as my mouth is now sticky. I answer the phone, my voice hoarse.

“Peter Travis, speaking.”

“She's awake, Mr. Travis.”

“Who's awake?” I asked, confused. I sat up in bed, “Who is this?”

“It's Doctor Crawford. We met yesterday morning. I've been trying to reach you for the better part of an hour.”

Doogie.

“Laura is awake?”

“Yes, and she's asking for you.”

“My God, but how!? This soon?”

“Yes, her improvement is nothing short of miraculous.” His voice levelled off, “However...”

It's amazing how one small word can make your entire world implode.

“However?”

The kid cleared his throat, “I have to caution you, Mr. Travis, that she is acting peculiar. She insists that her name is Laura Sayder.”

“That's...her maiden name,” I told him, feeling my insides go cold. The Scotch gurgled in my empty stomach. I hesitated before asking him, “Does she have amnesia, or, worse?”

I could hear Little Drummer Boy in the background. He was either calling me from his office or the cafeteria. I looked at the alarm clock. I had slept until noon.

“We don't know anything yet. She'll be staying in the hospital so we can run a series of tests. You are welcome to see her, though. Like I said, she's asking for you.”

“So, she knows me,” I stated, silently praising whatever god I believe in.

“It would appear so. I warn you not to say anything that might upset her. Don't mention her past, or her present, for that matter. Keep the conversation neutral for now.”

How the hell am I supposed to do that? I searched for a clean shirt while holding the phone to my ear with my shoulder, “Does she know about the fire, Doctor?”

“I'll let you tell her that. All she knows is that she's been in an accident. I'm needed in the E.R. Mr. Travis. I'll follow up with you soon.”

“Thank-you. Oh, and Doctor? I wish to apologize for my behaviour yesterday. It was uncalled for.”

“Say no more. Love makes us do crazy things,” he said, sounding less like a doctor, and more like a lounge singer.

“That it does. I'll be there shortly.”

I hung up, threw on clean jeans and a navy button down and ran from the room. In the bathroom, I quickly shaved and brushed my teeth. I gargled for an extra long time, hoping that I could mask the Scotch lingering on my breath.

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