Kay's Story pt 18 - Late Night Conversing

When they arrived at the large, grey hospital where Jasna had been taken, Elianna rushed in ahead of Ferdinand.  She was nearly frantic to see that poor girl who had just promised to write her earlier in the day.

            On the third floor of St. Anne’s hospital, Elianna stepped into a room with big windows along one wall, and a clock over the east doorway.  There were four beds, which were all empty save one.  Two nurses stood in the room, one hovering by Jasna’s bed and another changing bed cloths.  Elianna was instantly at Jasna’s side, clasping those white, frail hands that had braided her hair not so long ago.  The hands were cold, and Jasna hardly moved.  Elianna held back the little cries that rose up in her as she saw the scrapes and bruises across Jasna’s face, neck, and left shoulder. 

            Elianna spoke tenderly to her, as to any injured child.  Jasna answered faintly and with some remarks like, “I’m glad I was there to slow down that auto or it might never have stopped.”

            Elianna mustered a weak chuckle.

            “Oh Elianna, it’s alright.  If I can’t feel my legs that’s just one less thing that can hurt right now.”

            Elianna shushed her with a reproachful look.  She was searching for something to say but she was helpless.  Everything that might come out of her mouth seemed trite just now.

            “I’m just glad you called for me,” she finally said.  “I don’t have the right words, but I’m happy to be here for you, even if I have to delay my journey.”

            With a slight hand squeeze Jasna whispered a “Thank you” that range with sincerity.

           

            Ferdinand and Elianna took turns reading to Jasna late into the night.  The shock and trauma of the incident had made it difficult for Jasna to sleep.  Her parents had been away on business and would not be able to arrive till the following morning.  It was three a.m. before Jasna’s breathing became heavier and her eyes closed.  Ferdinand had drifted off in his chair about an hour before.  Elianna felt utterly worn and weary.  She knew she couldn’t stay awake much longer. 

            Kneeling by the bed quietly, she began a whispered prayer for Jasna.  Before she could finish she felt a hand stroke her head lightly.  She stopped and looked up to see Jasna’s eyes glistening. 

            “I thought you would pray for me.  That’s one of the first reasons I wanted you to come.  It warms my heart.  I’m sorry to interrupt.”

            “Oh no, I was just—”

            “Shhhh…Ferdinand needs his beauty rest—we mustn’t wake him.”

            “I was just finishing.  I really hope I didn’t wake you with my praying…”

            “I never fell asleep to begin with,” Jasna smiled girlishly.  “I was hoping you would think me asleep so I could hear you pray.”

            “Why you mischievous eavesdropper!” Elianna said, no longer suppressing a great grin.  She poke Jasna in the ribs, and they both stifled laughter.

            “Lianna!  Oh, you must be gentle with invalid patients!  Of all the nerve!  You would make a terrible nurse.”

            The mock indignation lasted only a second before more muffled giggles spilled out of them.  When they both snorted simultaneously, they convulsed with more laughs, all the while shushing each other.  Elianna grabbed an extra pillow and buried her face in it.  Ferdinand twitched and started to snore loudly, which sent them into further gales of laughter.  

            “Doesn’t he look just dreamy and kissable with that little stream of drool flowing from the corner of his mouth?” asked Jasna.  Elianna smiled ridiculously and said, “Gross,” bringing her pillow down on Jasna’s face.  A little muffled squeal echoed through the large room.

            “You awful, naughty nurse!” she exclaimed, eyes shining.

            “Oh just wait till I give you a shot!”

            The sound of the door opening abruptly silenced them.  A nurse stepped in.

            “You ladies, let me remind you that this is a hospital, and there are patients below you trying to sleep.  Please keep your noise to a minimum.”  Both girls nodded their heads with a quick, “Yes ma’am.”  Ferdinand still snored valiantly even after the nurse had gone.  The girls snickered and smirked their way to a synchronized sigh, looking at each other with impish gleams in their countenances.