I think I was in shock as I walked out of the cabin and toward the car that would be mine for the immediate future. I got in, buckled my seatbelt, pushed the start button, and said, "wow! Did that just happen or am I dreaming?"
My hand moved back up to my lips on its own accord and I took a deep breath. I could analyze this later, but I had to get back to the hospital to Kedron. I pulled into the parking garage with an over abundance of selections since it was a Sunday. No scheduled surgeries and no clinic visits. I parked not far from where Wam had been parked the last two times I rode in his SUV. The SUV was so big, so black, and perfectly polished. Certainly not my style, but it fit Dr. Wam Teton's personality perfectly.
This compact, white car, was much more my speed. I was relieved it was an automatic when I put it in reverse in Wam's driveway. I was taught to drive a manual transmission as a teenager. Dad had taught both me and Kedron. I couldn't help but smile at the memory of Kedron letting the clutch up too quickly and jerking down the highway until it stalled. Since he was the boy, dad had him go first. It was great entertainment, a rare moment when I did something physical, better than my brother. Kedron was a great athlete and was scouted his senior year by several colleges. Sadly, after Mom and Dad passed, we both gave up the dream of college. The life insurance was barely enough to pay for their funerals, even though they were cremated. We received some memorials, but only enough to buy a used truck to share between the two of us. Of course we called it Kedron's truck because he drove it most of the time, but it belonged to both of us in spirit. The truck was at Kedron's previous employer's parking lot, and I couldn't get to it from here. I was lucky to get a taxi to transport me from work to the hospital, but it had cost a whole heap more than a pretty penny. I've never understood that saying, "a pretty penny". Now days it didn't matter if money was paper, metal, or a plastic card to swipe. Heck, some places amazingly allow you to pay from your phone. How cool is that? Of course, in my opinion, paying with your phone is dangerous if you were to lose that phone. All that private information falling into the wrong hands could be disastrous.
Shaking off my spacey mind, I grab my purse off the passenger seat, and step out of Wam's car. Oh my... I'm driving Wam's car, staying at Wam's cabin, and I just kissed Wam. For some reason that didn't sit right. What would others think? No time to worry about that now. I need to focus on Kedron and him getting better. I had to use the powers of prayer and positive thinking since Kedron was likely unable.
I pushed the door of the car open. A compact four door that although used, had all the bells and whistles. It didn't take much to open the door. I stepped out, and my body chose that time to alert me a bathroom stop would be necessary soon. I pressed the 'lock' button on the key fob and began to pick up speed walking toward the entrance.
I got about half way to the door when I heard someone calling my name, "Ms. Knutson? Kynlee?"
I stopped and turned toward the voice, thinking to myself, this better be quick...
"I'm so glad I caught you Ms. Knutson. Kedron's temperature seems to be slightly lower, and his lung sounds are better after starting the extra respiratory treatments. We will keep a close eye on him. Hey, what are you doing in the Physician's parking level? Did someone drop you off?"
"Umm, no Dr. Adams. I was lucky to have a friend offer me their car for the foreseeable future. Thank you for your concern, though I'm where I need to be." I restarted my mad dash to the bathroom before I had to change my clothes again.
"I'm sorry Ms. Knutson, but without a doctor sticker, you cannot park on this level. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to move your car please."
Surprisingly, Dr. Adams actually did look sorry for inconveniencing me. Good to know she had a heart in that perfect body, with that perfect hair, and her straight, bright white teeth. For some reason, I liked Dr. Adams less now, than before I heard those nurses talking briefly about her strong libido, big pool of doctors, therapists, nurses, etc.. Now that I knew she had come on to Wam, I wasn't sure I wanted her touching my brother either. That was just silly considering Wam had turned her down, and... what the hell am I thinking? I have no stake on Wam. I wouldn't mind putting my brand on him, but that was a rather immature thing to do. In high school, there were certain couples that seemed to like to mark each other with reddish-purple hematomas (hickies), along both sides of their necks. It was almost like they were part vampire, and were trying to get to that blood.
"Well if you don't mind Ms. Knutson, I'll check the car you parked for a 'physician' sticker, and then I'll let you be on your way. I'm sure you understand. Just doing my job." She gave something between a friendly smile and a smirk.
"Sure. The compact white one over there was what I drove. I'm sorry, but I need to get to the restroom. If there's a problem, I'll be near Kedron until visiting hours end. Then I'll be available by phone. Sorry, gotta go." I moved even faster, like a speed walker, but trying to hold my legs together for good measure. Once in the bathroom stall, I pushed my lower clothing down in one motion, sat down, and relaxed. I held it, but just barely. The caffeine, stress, lack of sleep, and little to eat made for a touchy stomach these days. Once I finished my business, I washed up, and began a more leisurely walk up to the ICU. It hadn't occurred to me until now, but I hope Wam doesn't get in trouble for me parking his car I'm borrowing there. I just figured it was probably safer in that area. Oh well, I guess we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Maybe I should give Wam a heads up though in case? Just to be safe, I fired off a quick text while in the elevator.
Kynlee: Wam, I parked your car in the physician's lot. I didn't think about it since you always park there, but Dr. Adams came out as I was entering and tried to tell me to move it. I simply directed her to your car, and walked away. I'm sorry if I caused you trouble.
Wam: Kynlee, you could never be trouble to me. I enjoy your company and you are a great young lady. Thanks for the heads up, but please don't worry about it.
Kynlee: Okay. Well if it becomes an issue, I'm sorry.
Wam: I lent my friend a car in time of need. Dr. Adams has no reason to say anything as all cars with 'physician' stickers are allowed to park there.
Kynlee: So what if they sell or total a car? What happens to the all important "physician" sticker?
Wam: Employees are required to remove the sticker if at any point the car will no longer be theirs.
Kynlee: Are you home safe yet?
Wam: on my way, but talking through the car, hands free. So it's all good. (Smiley face emoji).
How funny. Again with the emojis. I cannot help but smile when he does that. I sure hope Dr. Adams doesn't give me too much grief once she realizes it's Wam's car. If she likes him like the nurses said, it could be difficult to say the least. Oh well, I guess we are both big girls.
My cell phone rang and I hurried to pick it up. Likely Wam wanting to talk instead of talk to text. "Hello?" I said as I pushed the button and put it to my ear.
"Just so I have this correct, you drove Dr. Teton's white compact car to the hospital?" Dr. Adams asked.
"Yes Mam. I'm stuck in Rochester with no transportation, so planned to take the bus. Dr. Teton was nice enough to borrow me his car. He says he rarely uses it anyway. He may be consulting on Kedron's case, but there was no harm in borrowing a car to a friend. He also said if there are any problems, I am to give them his number." I did my best to sound respectful and sweet as saccharine. I was not going to give her any reason to have an issue with me.
"I guess I'm just curious why you parked in the physician's VIP garage since you aren't a physician?"
I'm normally not a manipulative person, but maybe if I make Dr. Adams believe she is upsetting me on top of everything else, she would back off? Worth a shot I guess..."I'm so sorry Dr. Adams. I simply figured I didn't want anything to happen to the car. I'm guessing the physician vehicles are paroled more, and I'd feel awful if anything happened to the car since he was so nice to help me in my situation. So...so I can be with... Kedron." Even without trying, my voice was weak and breathy at the end. So unlike me.
"Okay Ms. Knutson. I was not trying to upset you. We are simply suppose to verify every car in the physician lot. Now I have, thank you!" Dr. Adams finished.
I took a deep breath, you've likely noticed I do that a lot these days. "Thank you for keeping everyone safe and for helping my brother to recover. I'm grateful for your skills and caring."
"Oh, umm you are welcome. Have a good day now," and Dr. Adams hung up.
I sincerely hope I've dealt with this and it's done. Unfortunately, an alarm is flashing in my head saying, 'DANGER, DANGER'. So I will keep my eyes and ears open and try not to rock the boat or become unaware.
Nurse Nancy greeted me upon my return, "welcome back. You look much better with fresh clothes and your hair combed."
I couldn't help but smile, "thank you. I feel better clean, and at least slightly put together." I sat down in my usual chair at bedside and grabbed Kedron's hand.
Nurse Nancy asked me, "did Dr. Adams contact you? She had called for your cell number saying she needed to update you.
Hmmm, that's certainly not what she discussed with me. She did tell me his temperature was finally starting to decrease, but that was not over the phone. To avoid a long, drawn out answer, I simply replied, "oh yes. She reached me. Thank you."
I then buried my nose in my cell phone and updated Kedron on today's happenings around the US and our area. Kedron's color was less flushed, but still had a ruddy shade, more so than usual. Thank goodness he wasn't nearly as warm as this morning.
Just then the noon whistle went off. No wonder I'm starting to feel hungry. I love cappuccino, but it's not great on an empty stomach and does not meet my nutritional needs. I decided in that moment that I would stop at the grocery store on the way home tonight and grab some quick but healthier alternatives to all the hospital and fast food I'd been eating recently. Hopefully my body would appreciate it.