“Well, I’m glad you’re awake,” the nurse replied. “It’s time to check your vitals.”
“Do you know what time Miss Cartwright left?” the blonde woman asked just before the thermometer found its way into her mouth.
“Would that be your friend that was here earlier?” Rose nodded. “She left shortly after I went on duty so I’d say about an hour or so ago. She left you a note.”
It was only then that Rose saw the cream colored paper folded in half sitting on her bed tray. She reached for it but her arms were not long enough. The nurse handed it to her before wrapping the black blood pressure cuff around her upper arm. Rose let the note lay on her chest until the nurse was done, preferring to read it in private. She grimaced as the cuff constricted more and more around her small arm. When she thought it could not possibly get any tighter she heard the hiss of the air being released. “Fine. Your pressure is good and your temperature is normal. At this rate you’ll be out of here in no time.” The nurse removed the Velcro fastened cuff and made a notation on the chart. “Your dinner will be here shortly and I’ll be back later to check on you.”
“Thank you.” Rose smiled, she had been put back on solid food the day before and her appetite had returned stronger than ever.
Once the nurse was gone Rose picked up the note and unfolded it. There on Cartwright letterhead was a note from Veronica.
Rose,
I had to return to the office to take care of a few things. I’ll be back in time for Jeopardy. Try to rest and don’t be afraid to ask for more painkillers if you need them. Leave some room after dinner. I hope you like Chinese food.
Ronnie
The young woman’s fingers slid over the textured paper. Where her own handwriting was small and neat, Veronica’s was full of flourish and style. She grinned at the comment about leaving room after dinner. When it came to food, Rose knew she could always eat everything in front of her and then some. She pressed the remote for the television, once again silently grateful to her benefactor, and noted that the local news was on. That meant less than an hour before Veronica would return. Rose took the plastic comb off of the table and ran it through her thick golden hair, trying to make herself look a little more presentable to her new friend.
“My friend,” she said aloud, smiling at the thought. She thought about the way she had cried so hard earlier and how good it felt to be held by Veronica. In her arms, she felt safe, cared for, comforted. Strangely, Rose found herself wishing for that feeling again, to be held in those strong arms, to smell the light scent of perfume on the tall woman’s tanned neck, to feel the compassion and tenderness within her touch and voice. Rose still did not understand why Veronica had chosen to befriend her but she was grateful that she had.
Wheel of Fortune was half over when Rose was treated to the sight of Veronica entering the room, a small bag full of delightfully smelling food in one hand, the ever present attache in the other. “Hi there.”
“Hi,” the young woman replied, happily sniffing the air as Veronica set the bag on the bed tray and, after tossing her leather bomber jacket across the back of the chair and setting the attache on the floor, took her usual seat next to the bed. “Smells wonderful.”
“Did you save room? I’ve got shrimp chow mein and boneless barbecued spare ribs,” Ronnie said while pulling the white boxes out of the bag along with two sets of plastic utensils.
“When it comes to food, I always have room,” Rose replied, taking the plastic fork offered to her. Her legs were throbbing but somehow the pain seemed to be diminished by the presence of her new friend.
“They didn’t give me any bowls or plates so we’ll just have to share,” Veronica said as she opened the boxes to reveal steaming hot food. “I didn’t know what you liked but I figured I couldn’t go wrong with the ribs.”
“I’ve never had shrimp chow mein but yeah, the ribs won’t last long.” Her fork was already headed for the box.
“Oh, you’ll have to try it. It’s really good.” She pulled out a forkful of the chow mein and put it into her mouth, drawing air in at the same time to try and counteract the burning hot temperature of the food. Rose was making quick work of the barbecued pork ribs, pushing several small pieces of meat into her mouth and humming with delight.
“Oh, this is sooo good,” she mumbled around the mouthful of pork. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. We’ve even got fortune cookies for dessert.” Since Rose did not think anything of talking with food in her mouth, Veronica relaxed and did the same. “I didn’t have time to stop anywhere for dinner so I figured I’d pick some up and have it here.”
“Oh, I’m glad you did. This is delicious,” Rose said. “Thank you.” She pulled the box of chow mein close to her mouth and pulled out a forkful of vegetables and shrimp. “Oh, this is good.”
“Told you,” Veronica smiled, pleased that her choices were so well received. “So did you rest well? I’m sorry I had to leave but I had some matters to take care of at the office.”
“Is everything all right? You’re helping me isn’t causing any problems, is it?” Rose asked with concern, not wanting to do anything to add stress to her new friend.
“No Rose, my problems are with one of the divisions.” She set her fork down and gave a polite burp. “Oh, that was good. I’ve forgotten how tasty Chinese food was.” The theme music for Jeopardy began on the television followed by the host introducing the contestants. “So you didn’t answer me. Did you have a good rest?”
“Yes, I slept very well, thanks.” She turned to catch the deep blue eyes of the older woman.
“Thanks for staying until I fell asleep.”
The nurse returning interrupted their picnic. She took one look at the two empty boxes and the guilty looks on the women’s faces and frowned. “You really shouldn’t be bringing food into the hospital,” she chastised. “Miss Grayson, you’re not on any special diets, are you?”
“No. I’m sorry. I asked her to bring it,” Rose said, trying to take the blame.
“In the future you really should stick to the food we serve. Our nutritionists work hard to design a meal…”
“Who is Abraham Lincoln,” Rose blurted, her attention on the show and not on the lecture she was receiving.
“Naw, it was Johnson.”
“No. He didn’t take office in February, he took it in April.” The host verified that Rose’s answer was correct complete with the dates that the presidential succession took place. The nurse looked at the two women focused on the television and gave up her attempt to explain why the Chinese food was not as good for a patient as hospital food. She left the room knowing full well where she was going to go on her dinner break.
Just as the theme music was ending the announcement came over the loudspeakers that visiting hours were over. “I guess that’s my cue to leave,” Veronica said reluctantly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She stood up and picked up her jacket. “Oh, I almost forgot.” She reached into the pocket and pulled out a business card and pen. “Let me leave you my number in case you want to call or if you want me to bring you anything.” She scribbled her private phone number down on the back of the card and set it down on the bed tray before picking up the empty food boxes and bag. “Really, if you want or need anything, just give me a call. I’m usually up until eleven.” She smoothed an imaginary wrinkle on the blanket before donning her bomber jacket. “Rest well, Rose. I’ll see you tomorrow.”