Chapter Three
Nelson :(Enters the emergency room with the police officers) Here they are officers ( pointing at me jack)
Lucy's mom: Mom!! (stands up). What are you doing here?
Lucy's grandma: Just shut up !!
Officers, here he is (pointing at Lucy's dad ), arrest him immediately!!
*Officer1*: Mr. Jack Hickman, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of your daughter "Miss Lucy Hickman "
(one of the officers moves closer to handcuff him but he pulls his hands away..)
Jack: Officers wait...you all are mistaken. (chuckles nervously) hmm...honey! (turns to his wife) please tell the officers what exactly happened to our daughter ...
Lucy's grandma: Would you shut up (she yells). Officers, this man over here (points at him) shot my granddaughter with an arrow after abusing her mom physically. Then he locked me up in the room and left with both of them...
Jack: What! ...officers... The... This (stammering) woman here is on drugs, she is seeing things!! She is an old woman who doesn't know what she's saying.
Fine then, you said I locked you up in a room then how did you manage to escape?
Lucy's grandma: I!... I broke the door down (she yells back)
Jack: This old woman is been delusional... I... Hmm...my daughter was hurt outside my home earlier today and... Hmm, i... took her to the hospital... Bu...but on our way here my car broke down and I had to take a cab to the hospital... We... Hmm, we even left our phones in the car... That's why we weren't able to reach anyone or even... tell them about our... where about...
A voice from behind: And you just said all of these with a lack of confidence, and even the words are finding it hard to come out of your mouth because you are guilty!!
(Everyone turns around to see who said that and lo and behold...)
*Officer 1*: Doctor Nora!!
Nora: Officer. (enters into the room dramatically and stands in the middle). Good day everyone and thank you officers for honoring our call...
Officers :(in the chorus) it's our duty
Nora: Mr. Jack, do you think we are wearing diapers? , well apart from granny here who is wearing diapers. (turns to granny ) no offense granny!!
Lucy's grandma: not taken (smiles)
Nora: Now as I was saying,
(clears her throat) hmm... You know what let's just wrap this up cuz this environment is not conducive for the patient here (points at Lucy) she is still in a critical condition and she needs her peace!!.
So Mr. Jack, (moves closer to him) you seem to have forgotten that this hospital is under a twenty-four hours camera surveillance including this room so I can go to the camera room and get the footage of you struggling with your wife and threatening her that if she tells anyone the truth, you would kill her and her daughter...
Mr. Jack: Yes... But that was for something else
Nora: OH shut the fuck up!!. there is no need for you to lie, I also have it on the phone record!
(takes her phone and plays the recording of Mr. Jack confessing that he was the one who shot his daughter with an arrow. ..)
Nora : ( stops playing the record) So Mr. Jack, do you need any other proof that you are nothing but an asshole ugh!!. Officers (she calls...) please take him away ...
*Officer 1*: Sure we'll handle it from here. Mr. Jack, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of your daughter Miss Lucy, whatever you say or do would be used against you in the court of law
(the officers handcuffs him and takes him away. While leaving the room...
Jack :( takes a good look at Nora..) You're a peasant
(as he leaves the room with the police officers, Nora yells back at him...)
Nora: how about you try picking someone your size for a punching bag. Idiot!!, asshole. Come close to me and I'll use this surgical scissor to cut out what's in between your legs!!
(turns around and noticed everyone staring at her..)
Nora: sorry for the wrong choice of words. Excuse me!!. (she opens the door and walks out of the room)
(Soon it was evening, most medical officials are already preparing to close from work...)
Nora :( talking to herself while walking in the hallway )" to be sincere I love night shifts it's the best . At least I won't be hearing Linda's voice still noon tomorrow (chuckles softly) ".
A voice from behind: The most beautiful and intelligent doctor that I know...
Nora: (turns around) Eric!! (she said with a smile on her face)
Eric : (smirk) Nora
(he moves closer to her and hugs her)
Nora : ( looks confused)
Eric: what's up with the face? (said with a charming tone)
Nora: well... I... Hmm (seems lost in his eyes) ... (shakes her head and stands upright) what are you doing here?
Eric: I decided to drop by and say "hi.
Nora: OH really!?
Eric :(chuckles ) yea ...
Nora: you could have at least told me you were coming
Eric: I tried reaching you but you weren't picking your calls and also Linda was trying to reach you too. So I decided to come over and check on my princess
Nora: Linda sent you here?
Eric: Yea something like that.
Nora: Well you've seen me and now you can go. Hmm... Sorry for the missed calls, been busy today
Eric: Sure I understand; you don't seem to care about your friends anymore even though they care about you!
Nora: And what's that supposed to mean? (moves closer to him and gaze into his blue sparking eyes )
Eric: Am just giving my candid opinion about the character you're exhibiting lately ( gaze at her)
( they were both silents for about one minute until Nora broke it)
Nora :(whispers) gosh!! Your eyes are beautiful!!
(she gave herself a tender slap to snap out Eric's charm. (.. Eric is so cute with his well modified facial looks and muscular body, any girl can get lost in those eyes of his)
Nora : (shakes her head) so sorry about that. Hmm... you were saying something... (snapping her finger as she tries to recall )
Eric: About your new character!
(he interrupted)
Nora: Thanks. Eric, I do care about my friends and everyone around me OK!!. The truth is no matter how hard I try explaining things to you, you won't understand!!... so the topic for another day OK
Eric : ( stares at her for a while with a smirk on his face)
Nora: what!!?
Eric: Nothing just felt like looking at you
Nora: Well if you may excuse me I have other things to do
Eric: Am sorry.
I brought something for you (gives her a bag)
Nora : (takes it from him and opens it) food!!
Eric: yea that's Linda's idea, she thought you haven't eaten so she told me to get something for you
Nora: Well thank you, I appreciate
Eric: Don't mention it What are friends for, Oh well I have to go home now (hugs her again) and make sure you pick up your calls so that some people won't die of heart attack OK?
Nora : Sure !!(smiles)
Eric: one more thing; learn to tell your friends about your whereabouts
Nora: Dude I'm at work, not that I went to a party or someplace, and I told Linda I was gonna work overnight...
Eric: I guess she forgot about that
Nora: Yea ... She's really bad at remembering things. Once am done I'll give her a call, cool with that?
Eric: yea (smiles) and hmm... make sure you eat your meal
Nora: yea I will
Eric :(walks away)
Nora : (talking to herself) OK!! That was weird, I think I need to start wearing glasses, a tinted one so that whenever am around him he won't notice I'm looking at his eyes. Gosh!! Those eyes of his (chuckles) so cute!!, if I have such eyes, I'll constantly stare at myself with a mirror, with the way I was looking at him, I hope he doesn't think I... am... (muttering)... "I can't even say the word " in Lo.. O. Lo (sighs) you know what (she continues to talk to herself) if I had the opportunity I'll remove both of his eyes from their sockets and place it in a jar In my room close to my bed (she whispers to herself) so that I can keep looking at it every day and night (laughs evilly). OK that's creepy, so fucking creepy (takes a deep breath with a smile and laughs hysterically...)
...(becomes self-conscious)what! why are you staring at me like that?
Doctor Nicole : (stares at her) you're weird!!
Nora: what!! , you haven't seen someone who talks to herself before!?
Doctor Nicole: whatever (walks away).
Nora: hmmm!
(she turns around and sights Nelson...)
Nora: Nelson!! (she yells out)
Nelson: what's up? (walk up to her)
Nora: I was looking for you!
Nelson: yea me too but when I found you, you were with your lover boy and I didn't want to ruin the "romantic moment" you two were having ( smile sheepishly)
Nora Nelson all of a sudden my fist feels kinda itchy and am not gonna hesitate in scratching it on your face!! (frowns)
Nelson: hmm... I... Hmm ( stammering) I... Am sorry OK, forgive my manners
Nora: well it's cool. To be sincere I have been hearing this particular word since today and I have also been saying it too and I'm sick and tired of it!. Bu...but I would say it for the last time today "thank you "(sighs).
Nelson : (chuckles) you're welcome
Nora: glad that has been settled.
Here (gives him the food pack)
Nelson: I thought your friend got it for you?
Nora: yea he did but I don't have the appetite, that's why am giving it to you !!
Nelson :(hesitating)
Nora :its from de'vogue 's restaurant..
Nelson: wow!! ( seem excited) I'll take it. Any meal from that restaurant is the best!
Nora :(chuckles) I know, that's why I gave it to you cuz you'll love it
(Nelson was about to say something else when Nora uses her hand to stop him)
Nora: Don't mention it, please!!
Nelson: yea sure (walks away with the food pack in his hand)
****
Nora : (washing her hands in the hand basin in the lady's room)... Something isn't right (looking at her reflection in the mirror...). There's something weird about my reflection
(she's taking a close look at her reflection as she tries different standing posture, but all that she's doing is the same thing her reflection is doing)" for crying out loud it's your reflection Nora "(at the same time at the same speed no difference)...
Nora: I just got this strange feeling that my reflection is... Hmm..., I don't know maybe it just...
Doctor Nicole : (barges into the lady's room without knocking) it's 2:00 am and you're still awake?!
(Nora turns and not noticing the sudden change of Her reflection In the mirror "it blinked" as Nora's attention was on Doctor Nicole)
Nora: I don't see how that's your problem!
Doctor Nicole: No, not at all... I was just been concerned about the health of my fellow medical officials
Nora: that's good but I don't need your concern ( walks to the hand dryer and dries off her hands)
Doctor Nicole: you know!! You are one strange heck of a doctor
Nora: well that's good, I could be "doctor strange the second" (chuckles softly)
... (Nora steps out of the ladies room then into her office)
Nora: ugh!!... " am concerned about my fellow medical officials!!"( mimicking doctor Nicole as she enters her office..)
it's late now( talking to herself), I need some shut-eye before anything comes up (said to her self)
(she lays on the sofa and tries to get some sleep but she couldn't, she constantly changes her sleeping position but all to no avail...
...she sits up and grabs her handbag and searches for something..)
Nora: (exclaims) damn me!! , stupid!!! stupid!! stupid! (shakes her head) . Of all things to forget it's my sleeping pills ( exclaims again)
Well look at the brighter side of things "am on night shift so sleeping isn't necessary " (smiles). (...She continues...) I'll just quickly freshen then go grab a cup of coffee and hmm... go to the veranda to sit and view the environment, after all, it's a great view from up there (chuckles)
(... She freshened up, Changed into another outfit and doctor's coat. She went to the veranda and stayed there as the atmosphere changes from midnight to dawn and later on, the sun finally rises without her closing her eyes even for a second...)
Nora: wow!! It's already morning, (looks at her wristwatch ) "exclaims " it's 7:00 am already!! and it's like I sat down here for only thirty minutes. Hmm... I think we're having a long day and shorter nights (said to herself )
A voice from behind: Doctor Nora!
Nora : (turns back) Lucy's mom!!
Lucy's mom : (moves closer to her) good morning doctor!
Nora: morning Lucy's mom, how was your night?
Lucy's mom: short, what about you?. It looks like you haven't slept at all...
Nora: yea, am on night shift so I gotta keep these eyes of mine wide open in case any emergency arises
Lucy's mom: but I gotta ask I thought night shifts is when you come to your working place in the evening and stays overnight then leave in the morning!?
Nora: yea you're right, but I decided to do mine like this, and no one's complaining (smiles)
Lucy's mom: well that's good
(... suddenly Both of them became silent, standing in the veranda and viewing everywhere, then Nora broke the silence)
Nora: it's a great view from up here ugh?
Lucy's mom: yea!
Nora: So, how's Lucy doing?
Lucy's mom: she's OK, stable although hasn't woken up... My mom is watching after her.
Nora: Good to hear; soon she will wake up, she's such a strong girl.
Lucy's mom: yea (chuckles softly)
Nora: Don't mind me asking but what were you planning on doing once your daughter regains consciousness?
Lucy's mom : (no response)
Nora: were you planning on going back to his house?
Lucy's mom: I wasn't thinking about that or anything else.
To be sincere doctor Nora, all of these are my fault, all because I was trying to make him a great dad for Lucy. You see our marriage was a contract marriage which was meant to last for four years after which we'll have a divorce. he wanted a higher position in his office but first, he has to be married to show how responsible he is. So he met me and explained everything to me and I accepted to do a fake marriage. It all started well until the four years lapsed and I realized that I was pregnant with Lucy ...
Nora: so did you tell him?
Lucy's mom: off course yes! He didn't want to listen to me (sighs) he tried paying me off to leave his house But I refused because I was pregnant (sobs)
The last thing I wanted was to do is to bring up my child without her father cuz I know how that is and didn't want my daughter to go through that "growing up without a father " experience. To make matters worse my mother has no idea that the marriage was fake meaning I got pregnant out of wedlock just like my mom ...
I decided to stay with him because of the shame I would get from the society and questions that my daughter might start asking once she grows up if am to leave his house (her eyes filled up with tears as she continues to talk). He made my stay in the house so unbearable even though I try as much as possible to stay away from him. Michael was the one who helped me from the pregnancy stage to her birth and for the past thirteen years, now that I'm thinking about it "Michael acts more like a father than Jack (finally tears rolls down her cheeks)
Nora: hey!! (consoling her) it's okay but I gotta say something.
Lucy's mom: sure (wipes the tears off her face )
Nora: the life of a child is every mother's priority and anything that seems to be threatening that they run away no matter what others say. I do adore mothers who take risks just for the safety of their children.
Lucy has been alive after this horrible encounter is life-giving you a second chance (smiles) so rather than shading tears, you should be celebrating OK!!
Lucy's mom: you're right (smiles back at her) and thank you for everything
Nora: Nah!! Don't mention it
Lucy's mom is serious! You don't know what you have done for me, am extremely grateful! (said happily)
Nora: OK you are welcome
(... Doctor Nora! " feminist voice coming from inside yells out her name )
Nora: Duty calls! .I'll come to see Lucy before I go home OK
Lucy's mom: yea sure
Nora: one more time; don't consider society when you are deciding your life, cuz society is filled up with people who judge others in the comfort of their couch without trying to walk in the person's shoes!
Lucy's mom: I will next time
Nora: good to hear, now please excuse me.
(Nora walks inside, then moves to the nurse counter)
*Nurse1*: Good morning doctor, here is Mrs. Chloe's file (gives her the file)
Nora: Oops totally forgot about that (takes the file )thank you but she would be discharged today so do you mind sending a soft copy to the food nutritionist?
*Nurse 1*: sure I'll do just that!!
Nora: thank you
( She leaves the nurse counter and enters into the ward)
Nora: good morning everyone
Mrs. Chloe: Doctor...
Angel: Morning doctor!!
Nora: hey champ (smiles at the little boy)
Mrs. Chloe: oh doctor meet my grandson " Luke", Luke this is my favorite doctor.
Nora: Hey Luke how are you doing today?
Luke: Am fine (said softly).
Nora: Mrs. Chloe you are ready to be discharged, I'll call the nurse to remove the" line " and the food nutritionist to give you a list of what to eat and what not to eat OK, and please make sure you take your drugs this time and follow the doctor's advice please because I don't want to see you here again only for checkups and if you want to see your little doctor (chuckles softly)
Mrs. Chloe: Sure doctor Nora (gave her an old lady kinda smile) Luke :(Jubilating )ye...eh granny's coming home, granny's coming home!! ( said cheerfully)
Mrs. Chloe: yes handsome ( chuckles)
Nora: please excuse me.
(...Nora Walks out of the ward and Hears a very smooth but creepy kinda voice whispering her name "Nora!!"...
Nora: yes Mrs. Chloe (enters into the ward) did you call me?
Mrs. Chloe: No child.
Angel: No doctor, no one called you here.
Nora : (seems puzzled )
Angel: Doctor Nora are you Okay?
Nora: Yea (chuckles nervously)
(... She walks out of the ward and hears the same creepy voice whisper her name again, she looks around to see who was calling her name but everyone seems to be busy with their affairs...
....she makes her way to the emergency room then stops in the hallway. She turns around cuz she feels the presence of someone but no-one was following her,
she was about to move when something catches her attention, "there is a rectangular mirror that was placed on the wall at one end of the hallway. She looks at the mirror and saw her reflection change into a young age woman with pale skin dressed in the same outfit and doctor coat Nora had on her. Her eyes were completely dark with her nails dripping blood. The reflection seems to have her (Nora) face with long wet hair.
Nora moves closer to the mirror wondering if she's seeing things. The reflection was wearing a mischievous smile on its face and you can see right through it, Nora moves even closer to it with a little fright on her face, just as she was about to touch the mirror...)
A voice from behind: Nora!! (yells out her name)
Nora :( shakes out of shock)
The same voice: are you okay?
Nora :(slowly turns around) nurse Kelly!!... No... (turns back to look at the mirror only for her to see her reflection and nurse Kelly standing right at her back) um...yes!!! yes!! (shakes her head) am good... Just exhausted!.
Nurse Kelly: yea you look exhausted. I think you'd need to go home and gets some shut-eye
Nora: yea. You're at work early!!
Nurse Kelly: not really, I just arrived an hour ago and spent close to thirty minutes watching you admire yourself in the mirror
Nora: really!! (puzzled)
Nurse Kelly: yea and it's after ten Already (checks her wristwatch)
Nora: Oops gotta run!!, I have a patient to see before I leave ( said in a hurry and walks quickly to the emergency room
(...nurse Kelly stood there all confused and lost, she's like "what just happened? ".
Nora enters the emergency room, although she's still confused about what happened a while ago...)
Nora: hey you're up (surprised)
Lucy: yea (said in a calm voice )
Nora: hmm... Good morning everyone!
Lucy's grandma: good morning doctor
Lucy: doctor Nora!, this is my friend Grace from the same school (points at the girl sitting on the bed) and that's Michael my wonderful friend (pointing at a tall chubby looking light-skinned guy standing close to her mom) guys this is doctor Nora!! my new favorite doctor (smiles at her and holds her hand)
Grace: hello
Nora: hi
Michael: hello doctor, thank you so much for everything!
Nora: it's my duty
Lucy: Doctor are you okay? your palm seems cold.
Nora :(chuckles nervously) what! Of course am fine. so how are you doing? ( Slowly let's go of her hand), you know I thought you would be awake by noon but am happy you are awake (smiles) Lucy: well am fine although I felt a lot of pain all over my body earlier on now I don't cuz the nurse gave me an injection and that eased the pain.
Nora: Well I glad you are in a better position unlike yesterday
Lucyyea (smiles)
Nora: OK I have to go home now but I'll come tomorrow OK, to come to see you (said softly)
Lucy: Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then
Nora: yea
(Nora walks to the door and opens it then turns around)
Grace: So Lucy!, now that your dad was arrested, is he gonna go to jail?
Lucy: hell yeah!! (said in sharp voice)
Grace: That means you won't have a dad again, that's too bad
Lucy: Grace I rather not have a dad than have "a monster as one "
(Nora Looks at her as she said those words and it kept echoing in her head. )
Nora :(takes a deep breath and wall's out of the room)...