Chapter Five

Chapter 5

“Where is she?” the question tumbles out of my mouth like a locomotive train.

“She’s at the Memorial Hospital,” repeats the stranger.

“How far is that from here?” I ask.

“It shouldn’t take you long. I’d say about 10-15 minutes.”

“When did you find out about this?”

“I was there when it happened!” he said.

“You what?” I stop in my tracks, frozen by what this stranger has revealed.

“Well, I was a witness during the whole thing. By the way, my name is Derek.” For the first time, I take stock in his appearance. He’s around my age, has a cut on his forearm, and looks like he got into a fight with Mike Tyson and lost.

“Okay, Derek, my name is Victor,” I extend my hand in friendship.

“I know about you Victor,” he paused, looking my hand then back at me. “You’re the star quarterback right?”

“Yeah, that’s me,” I gush. It’s hard keeping the fame from spreading.

“Okay then, I’ll tell you along the way.”

“Um…I don’t know if that’s a good idea…”

“Well, you want me to tell you what happened right?”

“Yeah I do, it’s just…sure why not?”

“Okay, where’s my car?”

“It’s up the hill,” I point in the direction of my car.

“Cool. I have one more request.”

“What is it?”

“Drop me off in the alley behind the hospital.”

“How’s she doing doctor?” I ask.

“She’s doing quite well actually. You’re lucky the attacker wasn’t able to finish off the job,” Dr. Martin, a short-haired black lady said.

“What do you mean?”

“Apparently, the attacker had plans to rape this unfortunate young woman. While he attacked her, a young man had came in and scared off the attacker. From what we’ve gathered, the attacker had a knife, and was of medium build and height. The young man told us that he fought the guy, but he cut him really good on his forearm.”

“I’m thankful that guy was there to save my friend. Do you have any clue what his name is?”

“I’m sorry miss. We weren’t able to confirm his identity.”

“What happened?” I ask.

“Well, after the fight, he called 911 and ran. By then, other shoppers had gathered around and called 911 again. Anyway, I need to go. I have a patient whom I need to check up upon. I’ll update you about her condition Miss Banks,” she smiled at me. “Don’t worry, she’ll be fine.” Turning towards the door, she looks back at me and waves and then disappears to help out another patient.

“Oh Alexia, I wish I was there to protect you,” I grab her hand and kiss her check. Alexia smiles back at me.

“Don’t worry Claudia, accidents happen. I guess I shouldn’t have tried on so many clothes,” Alexia smiles again and tries to laugh at her own joke.

“Okay Alexia, I’m going to let you be. Get some rest.”

“What did the doctor say?”

“She said that you’ll be out of here in two days. She also told me that you should stay off your feet until the end of the week. Now get some rest.” I kiss her check again.

“Mmm sleep…” I walk out of her room and step out into the hallways of Memorial Hospital. I look around and see nurses smiling and walking from room to room. Looking at these nurses bring joy in my heart. I love helping out with people and helping them get better. Perhaps I should be a nurse.

“Hmm..I think I’ll have a snack,” I say to myself. As soon as I go down the hallway, I familiar voice hits my ears.

“I’m looking for a Claudia Banks,” it’s my boyfriend Victor!

“Sorry, there’s no Claudia Banks here,” a middle aged woman responds.

“You’re kidding! She HAS to be here! I was told she was nearly killed today!”

“Who was killed Victor?”

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHH! CLAUDIA! DON’T YOU SCARE ME LIKE THAT!” I saw tears in his eyes. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me as tightly as humanly possible.

“argh Victor, can you please let me breathe!” he was crushing my ribcage!

“Oh Claudia, you don’t know how scared I was. I thought I had lost you.”

“What do you mean?” He grabs my hand and sits me down on a sofa.

“I was told by this guy named Derek that you were attacked and nearly killed today.”

“Derek? Who’s that?”

“I have no idea. Listen, I was in the park waiting for you when he told me the horrible news. He told me what happened on the way here. I…I…” he starts crying.

I take the moment to cuddle with him. “Don’t worry baby. As you can see, I’m just fine. Please don’t worry about me. I love you and I wouldn’t want you to get scared about me.”

After I told him about Alexia, Victor felt better. He offered to take me out to dinner. We headed to Red Lobster where I got shrimp pasta and washed it down with Coke. Victor had a plate full of shrimp. Then, Victor and I headed to his house. While there, we cuddled and talked about the upcoming school year.

“You know something Claudia,” he said, “it’s amazing to think summer is already over. It seems like yesterday, we were getting out for the summer.”

“I agree with you, but I’m excited about the upcoming year. Just think: we’re seniors now! Top of the school chain buddy,” I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Yeah, and this is my year to shine in football. Don’t forget, on October 13th, we have the rival game versus Lincoln County High School.”

“Don’t worry baby. I’ll be there. You can count on it.” Victor tilts my head back, and kisses me. I return the kiss and we spend the rest of the night talking about our future.