It had been just over an hour since I received the text from Wam, and I kept looking at the doorway, expecting him to walk through. I was beginning to get antsy, worried, and a little scared when he hadn't shown up. What if something happened to him? I turned to Nurse Yin, "Dr. Teton is coming for a consult, but I'm going to go use the restroom. If he arrives while I'm gone, please tell him I'll return shortly." Nurse Yin smiled and nodded in response.
The closest bathroom was near the elevators, so I headed that direction. Imagine my surprise when I saw Wam in the hallway with Dr. Adams. His hands were in his pockets while she stroked his tie. I ducked into the lounge so they would not see me, but I could hear parts of the conversation.
"Well since you're here, how about a drink for old time sake...Wam?" Dr. Adams said in what sounded like a flirty voice.
"Dr. Adams, we have discussed this. I'm here to check on my patients from last week. I have things to take care of at the cabin," Wam said in a stern voice. "Now, if you'll excuse me... please."
"How about I bring a bottle of wine to the cabin tonight? We can talk about the first thing that pops up," she suggested.
I heard Wam sigh and shoes move on the hallway floor, but I couldn't see what was going on. "Kelly, you need to stop this. I've no interest in dating you. We are work colleagues and need to keep it that way. Please, stop this?" He said in a pleading tone.
Dr. Adams made what sounded like a snort before responding, "it's that little whore Kynlee isn't it? Are you sleeping with her now?"
I heard a gasp from Dr. Adams, and my curiosity got the best of me. I poked my head around the corner to see what had startled her. Wam was removing his hands from her forearms and was now arms length away from her. As I studied Wam, I saw his body was rigid, face tight with a muscle twitching in his jaw, and his eyes were dark as night. He looked murderous. It then dawned on me what I'd heard Dr. Adams say, and I opened my mouth to respond. Luckily, Wam beat me to it. In a sharp tone, he said, "I've told you repeatedly Ms. Knutson and I are friends. If I ever hear you make a disparaging comment about a family member or patient again, especially in a public area of the hospital like this, I will report you. Jealousy is not a good look on you Dr. Adams!" With that, Wam walked around her and headed to the nurses' station and logged into a computer.
I watched as Dr. Adams stormed off down the opposite direction in her heels. Who the hell wears heels when they are on their feet all day? I take a deep breath and ensure the coast is clear before continuing to the restroom to relieve myself. Hmmm so Dr. Teton and Dr. Adams do have a history. I wonder why he hadn't told me? All he had said was he wasn't dating anyone and they were colleagues.
I stepped up to the sink to wash my hands before returning to Kedron's room to face Wam. As I scrubbed my wet hands with soap, the bathroom door opened and in walked Dr. Kelly Adams. The last person I wanted to be in an enclosed space with. She had been cordial since the parking garage incident, but obviously still was not a fan of mine. I watched her enter the bathroom in the wall of mirrors above the sinks. When our eyes met, I nodded, "Dr. Adams."
Her face looked strained, jaw clenched, hands in her white physician coat pockets, stethoscope around her neck, and hair in a perfect chignon. How does anyone's hair stay that perfect? Mine is forever sticking up, my clothes wrinkled... why wasn't Wam interested in her? Even I as a heterosexual female can see she is beautiful.
"Ms. Knutson. I hope you are well," she choked out in a fake voice. It was obvious to me she didn't mean it, but at least she tried.
"I'd be better if Kedron would regain consciousness," I answered.
"Yes, of course. I'm sorry that hasn't yet occurred. Dr. Teton just arrived. Maybe he will take a look at Kedron? Although, I'm sorry to say, it seems to be a waiting game at this point."
"Yes, well.." I said as I wiped my hands on the paper towel. "I've never been a patient person. Goodnight Dr. Adams." I tossed the paper towel in the trash, exited the restroom, and took several deep, cleansing breaths to calm myself on my return to Kedron's room. As I retook my bedside vigil, still no Wam. I then noticed my phone had a missed text message.
Dr. Wam Teton: I got held up, but I'll be there shortly. Just checking on a few things.
Well, at least he had the decency to tell me he was running late. I hoped the enchiladas were not drying out in the crockpot at home. Home? No... Wam's cabin. Calling it 'home' was dangerous. He had told Dr. Adams we were just friends, so I needed to obliterate any hope in this immature, inexperienced brain of mine that, there could ever be more. Wam was a friend and that's all he could be.
Finally Wam came strolling in with a huge smile and wave in my direction, but went to Nurse Yin with questions. After a brief discussion, he began to examine Kedron. Vital signs and lab results were either normal or much improved. Yet, Kedron still had cords and tubes going every which way, a machine to breath for him, and he remained unconscious. The bruises on his face had lightened considerably, and the swelling was almost gone.
I was likely just impatient, but I had hoped one week after the accident, Kedron would be much
better off than he is. When Wam finished, he pulled a folding chair up next to mine and sat down. He studied me for a few seconds before I said, "what?"
"Kynlee, I wish I had more answers for you. Kedron is improving. His lab results, vital sign readings, and the decreased need for ventilator support all say so. Yet, he remains unconscious. It could be days, weeks, years, or he may not wake up."
I gasped at Wam's admission that he wasn't sure and Kedron may or may not wake up. "That simply isn't an option Wam! Kedron has to wake up. You said to be positive. I positively need him in my life. You hear me Kedron?" I squeezed his hand as I rose my voice. "You need to wake up! I need you."
Wam had a pained look on his face. I felt tears fighting to overflow my eyes but looked up at the ceiling and took deep breaths to prevent it. Now was not the time nor place.
"Kynlee..." I met Wam's gaze, and he continued, "if I had a magic wand or some other way to fix Kedron's injuries and wake him, I'd do it in a heartbeat."
I sighed, "I know you would Dr. Teton. I'm just impatient. Waiting has never been a strength I possess." I tried to smile at Wam, but it likely came out more of a grimace.
Wam patted my forearm as he stood, folded the chair, and put it back against the wall. "I'll be in town all weekend, so certainly can check back on Kedron again. I have a few loose ends to tie up here, then I'll be heading out for the night okay?"
I simply nodded. As he turned to leave though, I spoke up, "Dr. Teton..." he turned and met my gaze again. Wam's eyes were so intense. "Thank you....for taking the time to examine him."
Wam smiled and nodded, "you are most welcome." He turned on his heel, and walked out.
I spent a few more minutes talking to Kedron before I bid, "goodnight Kedron. I love you and will see you tomorrow." I kissed Kedron's cheek, and headed for the car.
I felt defeated and exhausted. Yet, I had a meal to serve Wam at home. 'His home', not mine.
The drive seemed short but allowed me a few minutes to regain my composure. I beat Wam to the cabin and began to finish up supper. Just as I was placing all the fixings on the table, Wam arrived. He slipped off his shoes, placed his bag in his room and came back to the open concept kitchen and dining room. "Anything I can help with Kynlee?"
"No, I think everything is ready. What would you like to drink Wam?" I placed two ice waters on the table, and we both sat to dish up. We ate for the most part in companionable silence except when I asked Wam about his sister and Hal.
Wam explained about the possible seizures Hal was having and that testing was needed to pin down the cause to know the best treatment. I immediately grabbed his hand with mine and proclaimed, "oh Wam, I'm so sorry. You could have stayed in Red Wing if you wanted to."
Wam gave me a weak smile and squeezed my hand in return. "He is still in the hospital and Yank, one of the hospitalists, has my number if he needs me. I just have to keep my phone close. There isn't much I can do for him until we get the test results back. Mom, Mona, and Alec are all there to help Wanda and take turns sitting with Hal."
I was leery of his answer, "okay, if you're sure. I won't lie, it's great to see you again." This time I gave Wam a genuine grin.
"I'm glad to be here. I've always enjoyed the cabin. Now that you're here, it's even better." Wam returned my smile and I felt my face heat.
I got up and began to clear the table. A part of me felt bereft at letting go of Wam's hand. I put the leftover food in containers and rinsed the dishes. Wam placed them in the dishwasher and pressed 'start'.
As we were leaving the kitchen, Wam said, "thank you Kynlee for supper. It was very good. You can cook for me anytime," and he winked at me.
I felt my heart speed up and my eyes went wide. I took a breath to calm myself before I answered, "it was my pleasure. It's the least I could do. Besides, I enjoy cooking. There is just something about combining raw products and seeing how the final product turns out. My mom was big on fresh herbs and different flavors. I'm nowhere near the cook she was."
"Well I feel honored. Thank you."
We decided on an action flick, and settled in on opposite ends of the couch to watch it. We talked very little during the movie and about 10pm, headed to our separate bedrooms.
After my bedtime routine, I tossed and turned as my mind raced. No matter how tired I felt, I could not shut my mind off. All the 'what if's' ran through my mind. What if Kedron never wakes up? I applied for medical assistance for Kedron through the state, but what if they deny him? What if Kedron wakes up but can never work again? What if Wam gets sick of having me around and kicks me out? The tears began running down my face as I laid in bed, overthinking everything. I turned onto my side and gave into the tears. I must have cried myself to sleep. The thought that crying does no good flitted through my mind, but I don't remember anything after that.