Page 73 of Hell House
“You can go back in. She’s going to be alright. She’s lucky to have friends like you.”
Yeah, I’m sure all good friends set their friend’s rooms on fire. I let the guilt wash over me before I stride into her room, every bit the asshole she loves to hate.
Salem looks guarded and tired, but every bit as beautiful as the first time I saw her.
“Wow, you look like shit.” She doesn’t pull any punches and I fucking love it.
“You’re one to talk.”
“Ha. Ha.”
“We’ll find him Salem.”
“What if it was a woman.”
“Then they’ll be every bit as dead just the same.”
She sucks in a breath. I let her see just how serious I am. She bites her lip.
“Where was this kind of energy last night when your dad was calling me a whore?”
“Things with my Dad are complicated, but you’re right I should have said something. I’m sorry.”
“What was that?”
“What was what?”
“Those words. Did I just hearthePierce Ledger apologize or am I high off the hospital drugs?”
“Definitely the second one.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“Alright, Ms. Knox. You’re all set to go. Just remember to change your bandages every 4-6 hours and follow up with a doctor within two days.” The nurse says as she comes in with a roll of bandages and ointment for her to take. “You’re allowed to take some ibuprofen for the pain. One to two 200mg tablets when you change your bandages. Do me a favor, drink it with water. We just had a kid who swallowed them dry and they got stuck in his esophagus.” Salem makes a grossed-out face.
“I promise to take good care of her.” I say.
Salem narrows her eyes at me. “I can take care of myself.”
“It’s not a bad idea to accept some help. The wounds are hard to reach.” Salem looks thrilled at the nurse’s words.
“Well, sorry we had to meet this way Salem.”
“What’s your name?” She asks.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Jacqueline. Your bag of items is right over there by the window. Please let me know if you need any help getting dressed.” She leaves again, leaving Salem scowling at me.
“Need me to turn around while you change?” I point at the bag Walker left. She grabs it, sucking in air between her teeth with the sudden movement.
“Ok. Listen I know that nurse saw a lot of my parts, but would you mind…”
“I don’t mind.” I say grabbing the back of her gown’s strings. I pull gently letting her remove her arms from the material. She covers her front with the blue floral gown as I check the bag for a shirt.
“Well, there’s a bra in here if you want it, but I think it’ll rub your wounds if we try.” She shakes her head. “No bra it is.” I scrunch up a plain black t-shirt, working her head through the hole careful not to knock against her bandages that go from the nape of her neck down to her mid back. She works her arms in, letting me guide her when she needs it. She glances down.
“Underwear?” She asks. I dig in the bag, retrieving a back lacy see-through pair. I raise my eyebrows.
“Who does Skye think you’re going to need these for?”
