"W-Where am I?" He said panting. "Am I dead?"
"Is this heaven?" The man asked me.
I smiled.
"No, you're not dead, and definitely not in heaven."
Soon, the expression he wore on his face changed. He seemed to recognize me- the body I was in, and at the same was shocked for some reason.
"Dr. Bates, you're alive... But how?"
"Okay, the only reason I'm going to let this go is that I just woke you up... But I swear to my father if someone as much calls me--" I said but stopped as soon as he hugged me.
He immediately realized how uncomfortable it made me feel and let go.
"Pardon me, sir, it's just that seeing you here..." He said in awe. "And you don't look hurt or anything, it's amazing... The entire lab was lost to the explosion in a matter of seconds and you were the closest to it... but yet you're still alive."
"So was that what caused all of this? An explosion?" I asked.
"You don't remember?"
I gave a slight nod.
"How can you not remember? We were all at the company's facility, running the mirror bridge project, your lifes work. It was going smoothly at first until the reactor shut down. You volunteered to go start it up manually and it worked but all of a sudden, boom! Without any warning of any sort. He paused for a moment then continued. I saw my whole life flash before my eyes as blast spread from the reactor chamber to the rest of the facility, and I thought I was dead for sure."
That's all? I asked.
You dont seem satisfied with my recap. He pointed.
Yes, clearly this vessel should be in a morgue right now but it doesn't explain why I am here."
"Huh?" The recuperating man echoed looking completely perplexed.
I shook my head and sighed in frustration. He didn't understand what I was saying.
"Okay, here's what we are going to do... What's your name?"
"Pardon me sir, but are you suffering from some sort of memory loss? First, you didn't know about the mirror bridge and now you don't know my name."
"Even if I tell you who I am, you wouldn't be able to comprehend half of it; I barely understand what is going on here... Now, I don't like to repeat myself, what is your name?"
"I'm sorry sir, my name is Anthony... Tony."
"Tracy, good!"
"No, I said Tony."
"That's exactly what I said. Now, Tiffany, here's what we're going to do. You are going to take me to where that science experiment was carried out and then I will figure out what really happened."
"But won't we have to check out first?"
"Shh, get up and do as I say, there's no time to waste!" I said raising a finger as I turned around and headed straight for the door.
"Erm, Dr. Bates,"
I sighed.
"What is it?"
"I also don't think it would be proper to leave the hospital like this... you are a bit exposed, sir," Tony said with a hint of disconcertment in his tone.
It occurred to him for the first time that all he had on was a hospital gown now revealing his buttocks. After staring for a brief moment admiring the view, I concluded.
"This Dr. Bates guy has an attractive physique! I beamed And what's wrong with going out like this? Think about all the sensual escapades I could have in this.
"Uhm, I don't know..." The assistant said getting off the bed. "I'll just go to changing room and get some clothes... Wait right here, sir." Tony added as he rushed to the door. He looked left and right in caution and as soon as he saw nobody, ran out down the hallway.
He made a turn to his right at the end of the hallway but turned left again moments later. I didn't see the need to wait for his return so I decided to follow him. The hallway was filled with busy nurses and doctors, some with files, trooping in and out of wards paying no attention to Tony or me. Tony stopped as soon as he got to a door, deliberating whether to go in or not.
"Why are we stopping?" I said close to his ear.
"Oh my God!" He said almost jumping in startlement.
"And why are you bringing my father into this?" I chuckled, amused by his reaction.
He took deep breaths and placed a hand on his chest as he tried to calm himself down.
"I thought we agreed that you would wait behind while I go look for clothes? We don't know who is on the other side of this door... What if someone sees you like this?"
Beads of sweat were beginning to gather around his forehead. I could tell he was nervous.
"Oh, get out of the way!" I said brushing him aside. I reached for the doorknob and opened it.
"You were right Trudy!" I said out loud. "There are a lot of clothes to pick from here.
"Shh," Tony said pushing me inside and shutting the door behind himself. He went on to start selecting outfits.
"Okay, I know this poor sir," He said as he ransacked the lockers. "But we have no other choice... How is this sir?" He said holding blue jeans and a grey top. "They look like your size and they could go well with... these boots!"
"Let me see."
He tossed them over to me and turned around for me to try them on as he continued his search. I took off the hospital gown and put on the clothes and shoes, they were a perfect fit.
"See, it's like they were made just for you," Tony said with a smile.
"But it's not there yet," I said not yet satisfied with my look. Suddenly, my eyes glimpsed at a brown jacket hanging up on a door. "There! Give me that."
Tony reached for the jacket and handed them to me which I tried on immediately.
"Perfecto!" I said with a smile as I admired my look in front of a mirror.
Asides from the tall masculine physique, this Henry fella was quite handsome too. He had dark hair with a set of sparkling brown eyes and a low beard. He could have been a hit as a stripper too if he wanted.
"Okay, I'm done too," said Tony who was now wearing a sweatshirt on blue sweatpants.
"Alright then, let's head out."