I am not sure how many hours later it was, but Dr. Young, did keep his promise and return. I gave him the information he needed to send the billing for care through the federal government channel. Then he sent Kyle away on the pretext of his going home to get my backpack, sweater and phone (that Kyle had somehow acquired and had there for safe keeping).
After Kyle had left, Dr. Young double checked some of my vitals and decided they were still fine and announced his decision to release me from hospital care in the next hour, or so. He insisted on giving me a script for additional antibiotics, which I hesitantly accepted.
'I am pretty sure I don't need these.' I thought, looking at the piece of paper in my hand.
Then, Dr. Young asked me if I wanted to fill out the paperwork to take legal action against Kyle.
I hesitated in answering. 'That's kind of a big deal, doing something like that.' I thought. 'I don't really feel I want to. I don't want to bring any more attention to myself or my situation any more than I already have to.'
"I don't want to fill that out right now." I told the doctor. "I feel like making a decision like that; that has the potential for large consequences, needs to be made with a clear mind, not one as tired and muddled as mine feels."
"Ah, I see." Dr. Young said. "You know you can always come back here if you do decide to fill it out, later on down the road. I will sign it as your witness and from a medical standpoint. Your time spent here will be on the hospital records.
I also want to let you know that the hospital is a safe place to come to if you ever need somewhere to be in case of emergency."
I looked at him with confusion.
"We have branches for mental health and support networks and care for abuse survivors. We support people going through any of the forms of abuse." He paused. "I just wanted to make sure you know that."
'He thinks I am being abused?' I wondered.
Although I wanted to question him about it, I never got the chance. Just then, Kyle showed up, holding my backpack and two plastic bags in his arms. I was sure glad to see my backpack, and unzipped it right away, breathing a sigh of relief when I found my wallet, with my money and cards all still inside.
Kyle then handed me a plastic bag. "It's got your sweater. But I never got around to washing it for you."
"Thanks," I said, "Do you know where…"
"Your cell phone is right here." Kyle interrupted, taking my phone out of one of his pants pockets and handing it to me. "But you don't need to thank me. It was actually Serina who gathered your belongings up, while I went searching for you."
"Oh!" I said with surprise. "Then I will have to thank her for sure!"
"This is for you as well." Kyle held out the second plastic bag.
"What is it?" I asked him as I took the bag from his hand.
"It's some clothes of mine. They might be a bit big for you. But at least it is something to wear for now."
"Right." I said.
'I guess this was better than leaving the hospital in a hospital gown!' I thought. 'Not that it makes my wearing his clothes any less weird.'
"Why don't you go get changed in the bathroom over there." Dr. Young suggested, pointing out the bathroom door to me.
Once inside the bathroom adjoining the hospital room, I took the clothes out of the plastic bag and had a look at them. 'The sleeves and pantlegs would be too long.' I thought. 'I guess I could just roll them up?' The clothes were good quality, though plain, and had been washed recently as they still smelled of fabric softener. There was a hoodie type sweater, jeans, socks, an old t-shirt, a pair of men's boxers and a pair of really old running shoes.
'Oh, Lord!' I thought, as I considered my dilemma; my cheeks turning pink. I really did not want to wear someone else's underwear, even if they were clean, but on the other hand, I wasn't brave enough to wear the jeans without any undergarments.
"Why couldn't he have brought me a pair of like, sweatpants, or something?" I said under my breath.
In the end, I took off the hospital gown, and put on the boxers, socks, jeans and shoes. It was as I was pulling the worn t-shirt over my head, that I realized; unlike all the other garments, that smelled freshly laundered, the t-shirt smelled like him. After I had the shirt on all the way, I lifted up the bottom hem, bringing it nearer my nose. 'It is not my imagination.' I decided. 'It definitely has his scent on it.'
My brain catching up with me, I let go of the hem and the fabric draped as it normally would. 'What the heck?' I thought. 'Stop sniffing the dang t-shirt!'
I quickly pulled the hoodie on and left the bathroom, plastic bag and hospital gown in hand, hoping I wasn't running around with as noticeable a blush on as I felt I had.
In the end, I left the hospital gown on the hospital bed and threw the bag in a nearby garbage can. I grabbed my backpack and the other shopping bag and walked with Kyle to the front of the hospital building.
I took my cell out, to call a cab, but it was too late, my phone was completely dead and had powered itself off. I borrowed Kyle's cell, he was kind enough to dial a cab company for me.
We waited outside the front of the hospital for about ten minutes, when my cab arrived. I said goodbye to Kyle.
"See you at school!" I called to him over my shoulder as I got in the back of the cab.
"Bye!" he called as he waved.
Inside the car, I told the driver to please excuse me, as I wasn't going to be a great conversationalist, and told him I was still tired after my hospital stay. So, he smiled at me and just told me stories about working as a cab driver the whole ride.
When we stopped in front of my driveway, I paid him, grabbed my stuff and got out.
At the front door, I found the door locked, and so I unlocked it using the key from my backpack. Once inside, I took my stuff to my room, and then looked for my mom. I searched the house, calling to her, but she wasn't there. I also didn't find any note. I looked at the kitchen clock and realized she wouldn't be home from work yet, even if she did get home on time.
Feeling hungry, I got myself something to eat and then went to lay down on the couch, so I wouldn't miss seeing mom as soon as she got home.