Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ All Star Dreams (Ver. 3) ❯ Chapter Thirty Seven ( Chapter 37 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

All- Star Dreams: Chapter Thirty-Seven
By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki
© Bekka Mouri-Hibiki 2007



Branslav looked at his watch. He knew Betty had a doctor's appointment but didn't know when she'd be getting out. The team had just finished practicing but they were ordered to stay in Carson City. Though they were barely thirty-two miles from Reno, they were not allowed to venture home for anything outside of a family emergency.




Branslav had tried to call Betty a few times earlier in the day but just got her voice mail. He was dying to tell her that he had seen her on TV and how wonderful she looked. He also wanted to find out what the doctor said. He wanted her to be doing well because he was pretty sure she wouldn't make it to the game if she weren't.




Daniel came into the locker room, the other players turning away from him as he walked past them. They were still being snotty in spite of playing along with Branslav and Daniel's game plans. They still felt like they were being treated like dirt in spite of the win so they treated Branslav and Daniel that way in return. Tremain was the only one civil enough to wave at Daniel and greet him.




“ Good practice man, “ Tremain said quietly. " I like you as our squad captain. You're pretty good. "




“ Thanks. You're doing pretty good out there yourself, “ Daniel patted the nineteen year old rookie's shoulder. “ Keep it up and you'll be a great player. “




“ Thanks, “ Tremain muttered.




Daniel continued to walk towards Branslav, rolling his eyes when he saw he had his phone out. “ What are you doing? “




“ I was just checking the time, “ Branslav put his phone back in his bag quickly. “ Betty had an appointment... “




“ And you've got your watch on so I'm not buying the time story, “ Daniel said. “ Why did you have your phone out? “




Branslav frowned, “ Why did you roll your eyes? “




“ Every time I look at you anymore you have that thing out. Just give the girl some space. We'll be home day after tomorrow, “ Daniel shook his head. He sighed, “ Just let her breathe and see her then. “




“ She doesn't want to see me, “ Branslav said. “ She told me yesterday right before Robert took the phone back. “




“ Oh, “ Daniel said. “ So are you going to wait until Saturday? “




Branslav looked at the floor, “ I don't want to but she doesn't want me to come over. “




“ Then don't go over, “ Daniel said. “ She might freak if you show up. Look, she really needs her rest considering what's wrong with her. “




“ But I might not have the time to wait, “ Branslav said. “ Worst case scenario, I have seven months left and that's if we make playoffs. “




“ We always make playoffs, “ Daniel said. " We just have to keep improving. "




“ True, “ Branslav said. “ But still... “




Daniel sighed, “ Let her recover from this. You'll still have time. “




“ But will it be enough? “ Branslav said. “ Is the time I have now even enough? “




Daniel shut his eyes, “ I don't know man. I just don't know. “




“ That is why I want to spend as much time with Betty as possible, “ Branslav said then looked at the locker room. " Let's blow this place. I don't want to talk about anything else here. “




“ Oh alright. Just let me get dressed. Where do you want to go anyway? “ Daniel picked his gym bag up off the floor.




Branslav got his phone out and looked at the time again. “ Well, it's three-thirty. Let's go see what we can find. “




“ If you take me to the railroad museum again, I'm killing you. We go every time we're in town, “ Daniel pointed his right index finger at Branslav.




“ Fine. We'll go somewhere else, “ Branslav sighed.




Daniel started to take off his clothes then realized something. He looked at Branslav, " What do you think Coach Sweet is going to do to us? I figured he was going to make us practice longer but he didn't say anything. "




" He looked distracted during practice, " Branslav replied. He had watched Coach Sweet during practice and noted that. He seemed like his mind was somewhere else, like something much bigger than punishing Branslav was on his mind.




" Now I think about it, " Daniel said. " He was. Maybe something going on with that thing. "




Branslav nodded, " Could be. We'll have to talk about it later though. We can't say anything here. "




" Yeah, " Daniel nodded. " That wouldn't be a good idea. "




**





Robert sat across from Betty in the exam room. The doctor's office was in the hospital complex. The nurse had informed Betty she would be getting a follow-up MRI done. She had sent Robert back out to the waiting room as she filled out Betty's paperwork then called him back in once she was finished taking her vital signs.




Betty wore a plain lightweight black sweater and plain jeans. Her hair was still the way it had been for the interview but she had brushed out some of the hairspray the stylist had used. She had also washed off the make -up they had put on for the interview, opting to go with a more natural look. Robert still had on his favorite black shirt with the tribal pattern and jeans which he had worn that morning as well.




Robert looked at his watch then sighed when he saw the doctor was thirty minutes late, “ Why can't doctors be on time? “




“ I know, right? “ Betty muttered. “ They're so adamant about the patients getting here on time then they take forever to get here. “




“ Exactly, “ Robert said. “ It used to irk me so much with Alex. We'd rush to get him somewhere on time then the doctor would be late. Alex hates doctors so being in the exam room for too long makes him a nervous wreck. “




“ Poor kid, “ Betty said. “ I hate waiting too. “




“ Who doesn't? “ Robert asked as the door opened.




“ Miss Rogers-Skogan? “ A man asked.




“ Yes sir? “ Betty said as the doctor walked in. She took a sharp breath when she recognized him. “ Oh, it's you again. “




“ It's nice to see you again, “ The doctor shut the door behind him then furrowed his brow when he looked at Robert. “ Oh. You're not who I was expecting. “




“ Sorry, “ Robert said. “ Something came up and I'm taking care of Betty now. “




“ Oh, “ The doctor nodded as he offered his hand to Robert. “ I'm Doctor Andrews. “




“ He saw me in the Emergency Room when I hit my head, “ Betty told Robert as the men shook hands.




Robert nodded, “ Oh. Okay. “




“ Yes. She would have been in trouble if it weren't for Mr. Korbel, “ Dr. Andrews said.




“ I know, “ Robert said. “ She told me. “




“ I see, “ Dr, Andrews nodded. He then looked at Betty, “So how do you feel? “




“ I'm tired all the time, “ Betty said.




“ That sounds about normal but are you having any other problems like with your balance or memory? “ Dr. Andrews said as he got out a pen light and started checking her eyes.




“ Not really. I got up too fast Sunday and hit the floor but I didn't hurt myself, “ Betty tried not to squint as he shined the light in her eyes. “ My vision's cleared up a lot since it happened but it's still a little fuzzy. “




“ It could be fuzzy for a while yet but it should clear up. You need to be careful still, “ Dr. Andrews said. “ You could be in serious trouble if you hit your head again before you're fully recovered. “




“ I haven't got up fast since, “ Betty said. “ I've taken it nice and slow. “




“ Good idea. Now, how are your stitches? Do they hurt at all? “ Dr. Andrews put the pen light away when he was done looking at Betty's pupils.




“ Not really, “ Betty said. “ I've almost forgot they were there. “




Dr. Andrews gently lifted her hair and looked at the stitches, “ Well now. You're healing quite nicely. The scaring will be minimal if you keep healing this well. “




“ That's good, “ Betty smiled a little. “ It's at the hairline so it really wouldn't have been that bad to begin with, right? “




“ Well yes. Make sure to keep it very clean, “ Dr. Andrews nodded. He then glanced at Robert, “ Have you made sure she hasn't been straining herself unnecessarily? “




Robert nodded, “ Yes sir. I've made her take it easy. She insisted on doing some light dusting last night but that's all I let her do. Someone close to me had a concussion once so I have some idea of what to do. “




“ Very good. I wasn't for certain that other fellow knew what to do, “ Dr. Andrews said.




Robert chuckled nervously, “ I was pretty sure he didn't either. I guess that's why he called me. “




“ A good move on his part, “ Dr. Andrews nodded. He looked at Betty again, “ How's your ankle? “




“ It still hurts but I'm getting around on one crutch, “ Betty lifted her left leg a little. “ I've been keeping it propped up when I sleep. "




Dr. Andrews nodded, “ I'll take a look at it. “




Robert watched as Dr. Andrews unwrapped Betty's ankle and removed the splint. He watched as the doctor rotated Betty's foot to see how much pressure the ankle could take. Betty grimaced some but didn't cry out. From what Robert could see and what he knew from his education, she looked like she was healing up quite well.




“ It looks like you're doing alright, “ Dr. Andrews said. “ You can start putting a little pressure on that ankle so it doesn't get weak but take it easy. You're healing but it can easily be undone if you put too much pressure on it too soon. “




“ I understand, “ Betty nodded. “ I'll be careful. “




“ Good, “ Dr. Andrews said. He looked at his watch, “ I'm going to call the Radiology lab over at the hospital and see if they're ready for you. “




“ Okay, “ Betty nodded.




Robert and Betty watched as Dr. Andrews left. Betty looked at Robert, “ Hand me my purse. “




Robert picked it up off the floor and carried it to her, “ Here. “




Betty opened the purse and pulled out the bill for the Emergency Room visit. Several bills had come while they were getting ready to leave and she fished the ER bill out of the batch. “ I want to go pay this when we get out of here. “




“ Whatever you want babe, “ Robert said. “ Where's the office? “




Betty opened the bill and found the address, “ Right here. “




Robert took the bill and looked at the address, “ Oh. The same place it was when I lived here. “




“ Then you know where it is? “ Betty asked as she handed Robert her purse.




Robert nodded as he set the purse down on the small counter that had a computer sitting on it, “ Yeah. We can walk there from here if you're up to it. “




“ Good. I don't know where it is though, “ Betty said with a chuckle.




“ I'll show you the way when we get out, “ Robert said.




“ Thank you, “ Betty said.




Robert patted her right hand, “ No problem. “




The door opened and Dr. Andrews poked his head in, “ They're coming from Radiology to come get you. “




“ Thank you, “ Betty said and watched as Dr. Andrews shut the door again. She looked at Robert again, “ I noticed Mr. Hollister didn't leave right away this morning. Why? “




Robert sighed, “ He had some things he wanted to say to me. “




“ Oh? Like what? “ Betty cocked her head to the side. The stern talking-to Mr. Hollister had given her was s till fresh on her mind and she wondered what he had said to Robert.




Robert didn't want to upset Betty so he decided not to tell her everything. He was still pissed off about the man's unwarranted suspicions “ He just want to remind me to get the doctor's report. “




“ Ah, “ Betty said. She didn't want to mention that Mr. Hollister seemed wary of Robert. He had made some valid points but she didn't think Robert was the person Mr. Hollister suspected him of being.




Robert then smiled, trying to forget how Mr. Hollister had made him feel like some kind of creep. “ You know what? “




“ What? “ Betty's eyes locked with Robert's. Her heart jumped from the way he was looking at her.





“ I think I forgot to tell you how beautiful you looked this morning, “ Robert said.




“ I was surrounded by all those TV people, “ Betty sighed. “ I was surprised they all fit in my living room. Where did you end up anyway? “




“ In the dining room, “ Robert ran his fingers through her hair gently. It was still a little stiff with the hairspray so he was careful so he wouldn't pull it too much. “ It was the only place with room besides the bedroom or the bathroom. “




Betty shut her eyes, “ True. “




Robert leaned closer, kissing her lightly on the lips. She kissed him back and he smiled then sighed, “ I've been dying to kiss you all day. “




“ Me too, “ Betty muttered. Robert's breath tickled her lips and she was pretty sure her breath was doing the same to him.





“ When we get back to your place, “ He murmured then stopped, hoping Betty's imagination would fill in the blank.




“ Okay, “ Betty whispered. She blushed a bit, “ I wanted to last night but I was too tired to. “




“ I know, “ Robert kissed her lightly again. “ I did too but I didn't want you wear you out before you big TV debut. “




“ How considerate, “ Betty murmured then kissed him back.




The sound of the door opening startled them and caused them to separate quickly. Dr. Andrews looked at first Betty then Robert before arching an eyebrow. “ They're ready for you, Miss Rogers-Skogan. Just give them these papers when you get there. “




Robert grabbed the papers, setting them with Betty's purse before grabbing her crutch. Dr. Andrews helped Betty to her feet before she got the crutch. He then held the door as Betty walked out of the exam room, Robert following with her purse and the papers. Dr. Andrews was still giving him a queer look but he ignored it, wondering if the doctor had heard any of the conversation before coming in.




“ Do you know how to get to the hospital from here? “ Dr. Andrews asked.




Robert turned to him, “ Yes sir. “




“ Just checking, “ Dr. Andrews nodded. “ I'll see you when you get back. “





**





Bransl av and Daniel walked through the state museum. They were looking at the displays but not reading any of the information. Since they had been a few times before, they really didn't need to. It was still too early in the day to go to dinner and there was really not much to do until the sun set so the museum was their only option.




Daniel and he had dressed down, both of them wearing jeans and sweaters. Branslav's was blue and Daniel's was black. Over that, they both had worn leather jackets. Since they had walked to the museum, they had their sneakers on.




Branslav got his phone out of his jacket pocket, checking the time again. It had only been a hour since they left the arena and he was fighting the urge to check on Betty He glanced at Daniel to find him giving him a disapproving look. “ What? “ Branslav said.




“ Nothing man, “ Daniel sighed. “ I give up. “




Branslav flipped his phone open and it started to ring. He furrowed his brow at the number on the caller ID the looked at Daniel, “ It's Lotte. “




“ I thought she went back to Reno, “ Daniel looked surprised.




“ So did I, “ Branslav said then answered. “ Lotte? “




“ Where are you? “ Lotte asked sharply.




Branslav looked around, “ At the state museum. Where are you? “




“ At the arena, “ Lotte replied. “ Get back here as soon as possible. “




“ Why? Coach gave us the rest of the day to do... “ Branslav started.




Lotte stopped him, “ I don't care. Get back here as soon as you can. “




“ But why? “ Branslav looked at Daniel when Lotte let out a hard sob. It was then he realized she sounded like she had been crying.




“ I'll tell you when you get here, “ Lotte said then her voice cracked. “ Now hurry. “




Branslav listened as Lotte hung up then snapped his phone closed. He glanced at Daniel, “ We need to go. “




“ What's wrong? “ Daniel asked as he followed Branslav towards the exit.




“ Lotte needs us to come back to the arena, “ Branslav explained. “ It sounds urgent. “




Daniel arched an eyebrow, “ Everything is urgent with her. “




“ But this sounded really urgent, “ Branslav said as they reached the exit and headed out to the street. There was a taxi van waiting at the curb, the driver waiting outside of the car smoking a cigarette. Branslav waved at the driver, “ Hey. “




“ Yeah? “ The driver said. He looked like the typical cabbie type, an older Persian man that looked like a grandfather.




“ My friend and I need to get back to the sports complex as soon as possible, “ Branslav motioned to Daniel.




The cabbie looked at the museum and sighed, “ I'm waiting on someone but I think I can make it there and back if I hurry. “




“ I'll pay you extra, “ Branslav said. “ Just get us there. “




The cabbie threw the cigarette away, “ Yes sir. “




Branslav opened the sliding door and climbed inside, Daniel climbing in behind him. The cabbie got in and started driving before they even had their seat belts on. Daniel looked at Branslav, “ What's going on? “




“ I don't know, “ Branslav said. “ Lotte was crying though and she never cries. “




“ Your sister? Crying? “ Daniel muttered. “ Shit. It must be big for her to show emotion at all. “




Branslav took a sharp breath, “ You don't think that guy went ahead and did it after all do you? “




Daniel thought about it then shut his eyes, “ If he did, we are so screwed. “




“ Yeah, “ Branslav said.




The trip took all of five minutes because the cabbie was driving as fast as he could. He pulled to a stop in front of the arena and Daniel jumped out as Branslav gave him a fifty. He glanced at the cabbie as he got out, “ Thank you sir. “




“ No, “ The cabbie looked at the money. “ Thank you. “




Branslav took off for the players' entrance with Daniel right behind him, looking all around for Lotte. He got out his phone and dialed her number. “ Where are you? “ He asked when she answered.




“ I'm in the gym. Are you here? “ Lotte sounded like she was trying not to cry more.




“ I'm in the hall outside the locker room, “ Branslav said. “ I'm coming right now. “




“ Is Daniel with you? “ Lotte asked.




“ Yeah, “ Branslav said.




“ Tell him to wait outside, “ Lotte said as Branslav reached the doors to the gym. “ It's family business. “




Branslav glanced at Daniel, “ She wants you to wait out here. It's family business. “




Daniel nodded, “ Okay man. I hope it isn't anything too bad. “




Branslav went cold, wondering exactly what kind of family business it was. He started to worry something had happened to his mother, stepfather or Tomaz. He opened the door to the gym and found Lotte behind the bleachers in a corner. The gym was dark, only a few lights on here and there.




“ Lotte, “ Branslav said when she looked at him. Even in the dim light, he could see her face was blotchy from crying, her eyes red and swollen. He had only seen her cry one other time since they had left Slovenia. She was usually pretty good at hiding her emotions, usually turning cold and hard instead of shedding tears.




“ Branslav, “ She sobbed as she pushed off the wall and wrapped her arms around him.




“ What's wrong? “ Branslav was a little shocked at the way Lotte clutched to him. The last time she hugged him was when he was twelve so it shocked him.




“ He's divorcing me, “ Lotte sobbed against his chest. “ And he's taking the boy with him. “




Branslav furrowed his brow, “ James? “




“ Yes. James, “ Lotte sobbed. “ He told me when I went home. “




Branslav lifted his arms and put them around his sister carefully, unsure of what else to do. “ And he's taking James Junior? “




“ Yes, “ Lotte sobbed sharply. “ He says I'm too into my work to be a good mother. “




“ I'm so sorry, “ Branslav held Lotte, not really sure what else to say. He had always thought Lotte had married James as insurance against getting deported. When he had seen them together, he detected very little love. The relationship seemed more business than anything even after James Junior had come along.




“ Is there anything I can say or do to make it better? “ Branslav asked. Lotte felt so delicate and frail in his arms, trembling like a scared little child. He had always looked up to her because she seemed so strong and determined but he realized he had to be the strong one at that moment.




Lotte shook her head a little, her face rubbing against his sweater as she did. “ Just hold me until I can stop crying. I've been trying to since I left Reno. “




Branslav sighed, “ Okay. I'll do that for you. “




**





Dr. Andrews sat at the computer, looking at the result of the MRI from the Emergency Room and the one that had just been done. He took off his glasses and sighed, “ You seem to be healing quite well. It seems to have been a mild concussion after all. “




“ That's a good thing, right? “ Betty asked.




Dr. Andrews turned around, “ Yes. You still need to take it easy though. It is still a head injury and it could take you a while to recover. “




“ How long is a while? “ Betty arched an eyebrow.




“ A couple of weeks to six months, “ Dr. Andrews sighed. “ You see, head injuries are mysterious things. Sometimes, a hard bump on the head like you had affects someone for the rest of their lives and with others, it's barely a blip on their radar. From what you told me and your lack of memory problems, I feel it may just be a blip for you but it's still too soon to know for sure. “




“ Okay, “ Betty nodded. “ So what do you want me to do? I'm get tired so easily... “




“ Just take it easy and gradually get back into your routine, “ Dr. Andrews said. “ As you heal, your energy will return. The reason you get tired quickly is because you're recovering. All you energy is going into getting better. “




“ I see, “ Betty said. “ Do you have some instructions on paper I can have with precautions and information on it so I have it at home? “




Dr. Andrews nodded, “ Yes. I have some booklets about it and I can have my nurse print out some general instructions for you. “




“ Can I get something specific though? “ Betty asked.




“ Specific? “ Dr. Andrews furrowed his brow.




“ For my manager so he knows when I can get back to work, “ Betty said.




“ But I thought you said you weren't employed the other night, “ Dr. Andrews looked confused.




Betty looked at the floor, “ Not in the traditional sense. I'm a writer and this accident made me cancel a signing tour. My manager wants to reschedule but he need to know when I can travel again. “




“ Ah, “ Dr. Andrews said. “ I understand. If you can give me your manager's fax number, I can type something up and fax it later. “




“ Thanks, “ Betty said. “ He needs to know how soon I can fly. Robert? “




Robert looked at her and saw she was pointing at her purse. He grabbed it up again, handing it to her. “ Here. “




Betty opened her purse and pulled out a small metal case just the right size for business cards. She opened it and got out a business card. She looked at it and offered it to Dr. Andrews. “ Here. This is his card. “




Dr. Andrews nodded, “ Well the concussion isn't the problem at this point. I would have recommended not getting on a plane for twenty-four to forty-eight hours for that but since that's past, I want to focus on your ankle. All of that sitting could leave you in considerable pain and could cause a blood clot besides. Unless it's a flight where you can move around at will, I wouldn't recommend it for at least another week. “




“ I see, “ Betty said. “ Would I be better off waiting until it's completely healed? “




“ I would prefer that yes, “ Dr. Andrews nodded.




“ So could you put that in your report? “ Betty said.




Dr. Andrews gave her a terse smile as he walked to the exam room door, “ Yes. “




“ Is there anything else she should avoid doing for now? “ Robert grabbed her crutch.




Dr. Andrews stopped and scratched his forehead, “ Nothing that comes to mind. I think I covered everything. “




Robert nodded, “ Okay. I just wanted to make sure. “




Dr. Andrews nodded then opened the door, “ I'll get that report typed up and sent as soon as I can. Now, if you'll see the nurse, we will make arrangements for the bill and you can make your next appointment then as well. “




“ Can I pay the bill today? “ Betty asked as Robert helped her off the table.




Dr. Andrews blinked, “ If you wish to do so. “




“ I do, “ Betty said.




“ Whatever you wish to do, “ Dr. Andrews said. “ Have a good day. I expect to see you again in a month. “




“ Yes sir, “ Betty said.




Betty and Robert watched as he left then followed. They headed to the nurse's desk, the older woman sitting there looking up as they approached. “ Ah. Miss Rogers-Skogan. “




“ Yes, “ Betty nodded.




The nurse looked at her records and frowned, “ No insurance? “




“ No ma'am, “ Betty said, steeling herself against the look the nurse gave her when she admitted to having no insurance.




“ I see, “ The nurse sighed. “ Your total for today's office visit will be ninety-five dollars and then the visit in the ER will be another two hundred. Now, Dr. Andrews instructed me to bill you if you can't pay today... “




Betty swung her purse forward and unzipped it again. She pulled out her wallet and pulled out three hundred dollar bills. She laid them on the desk and gave the nurse a terse smile. “ I don't think that will be necessary. “




The nurse glanced at the money, her expression changing just slightly, “ Oh. I guess not. “




Robert watched as the nurse unlocked a desk drawer and gave Betty her change. The nurse printed up the receipt and handed it to Betty. She shoved it down in her purse and zipped it again. “ And he said he wants to see me again in a month, “ Betty said as she took her change.




The nurse turned to the computer and entered the appointment. “ Is three o'clock good for you? “




“ Yes it is, “ Betty said and the nurse handed her an appointment card.




“ Is that all? “ Robert asked.




The nurse nodded, “ Yes. Have a good day. “




“ You too, “ Betty said and turned towards the exit. Robert followed her to the elevator. He pushed the button and they waited for the car to arrive. “ Now to pay the other bill. “




“ Yes, “ Robert said then smiled. He stepped closer to Betty and slid his arms around her waist. He pulled her to him then purred, “ Then we go home. “




Betty shivered, the word 'home' sending a wave of heat through her. She looked into Robert's eyes, being drawn in by the tenderly sweet look on his face. She wasn't surprised when he took her lips in his, her right hand going to his left shoulder as they kissed.





They had to separate when the elevator dinged after they reached the first floor, Robert taking a step back before the doors slid open. He smiled at Betty, “ Ladies first. “




Betty blushed and stepped off the elevator, Robert following her. She stopped and turned to him. “ You know where we're going. “




“ Oh yeah, “ Robert smirked. He had been enjoying the view for behind. Even on one crutch, he still found her movements graceful. He moved ahead of Betty, “ Follow me then. “





Betty let Robert get in front of her then gasped like she remembered something. " Let me call Mr. Hollister and tell him the doctor's faxing that paper to him. He said for us to call as soon as we got out. "




" Oh yeah, " Robert said. " Can you talk and walk at the same time? I mean, with the crutch and all. "




Betty got her phone out and turned it on. She looked at the time and frowned, " The billing office closes in twenty minutes so I'd better try it. "




" Okay, " Robert fell back so he was beside Betty. Her phone vibrated and he furrowed his brow. " A call already? "




" I have five messages from... Branslav, " Betty sighed the last part.




" Five? " Robert looked at the screen. " Damn it. "




Betty shook her head, " It's okay. Let me just call Mr. Hollister and I'll listen to those later. "




" I wonder why he called you so much? " Robert said as Betty had her phone dial Mr. Hollister's number from memory. She started walking slowly as it rang, Robert keeping with her as she did. " He probably got to see you this morning on TV... "




Betty put the phone on speaker as she held her hand up to shush Robert when Mr. Hollister answered. " Betty, " He said. " How are you? "




" The doctor says I'm doing better but he couldn't give me that paper you wanted, " Betty explained. " He's going to write it and fax it to you later. I gave him your card so he had the fax number. "




" Oh. Well I guess that is fine then. When did he say you could travel? " Mr. Hollister said.




Betty looked at Robert as he tapped her shoulder and pointed down a hallway. She nodded and turned. " He wants my ankle to be healed up before I can do anything. He's afraid that the air pressure from flying will make it swell and I'll get a blood clot if I sit too long on a commercial flight. I have to be able to move about at will and he's afraid I won't be on a regular flight. "




" Well I can arrange for us to get private flights. It's in our budget, " Mr. Hollister said




" Well he still says the air pressure will make my ankle swell and I'll be in a lot of pain, " Betty sighed. “ I'd rather not fly until it's healed. “




" We'll talk about it later. And what about your concussion? " Mr. Hollister asked.




" He said I'm healing fine but I'll be exhausted for a while yet. He wants me to ease back into my routine, " Betty stopped when Robert tapped her shoulder again to point to the billing office. " He said I'm going to be tired for up to six weeks. "




Mr. Hollister sighed, " I see. Well, I'll look at the report and we can decided what we're going to do after I see it. You caught me on my way out so I need to go. I'll talk to you tomorrow. "




" Yes sir, " Betty said as they stopped right outside the billing office. She snapped her phone closed after Mr. Hollister hung up and looked at Robert.




" What did he say? " Robert asked.




" We'll see what we're going to do once he gets the report, " Betty said then looked at her phone. She bit her lip, " I don't know if I can listen to Branslav's messages now. "




Robert took the phone, " You worry about paying your bill right now. We'll deal with him later. "




“ Okay, “ Betty said. She looked towards the bank of four cashiers then at Robert. “ Ready? “




“ Yeah, “ Robert said as he got the door. “ Remember not let them get to you. “




“ I'll try, “ Betty nodded.




The last cashier looked up at her. She was an older lady with gray hair and dishwater blue eyes. Her glasses were on beaded chain that hung on either side of her face. She looked at Betty then at Robert, frowning slightly.




“ May I help you? “ She said, still eyeing them critically.




“ Yes, “ Betty said as Robert set her purse on the counter. She opened it and fished out the bill. “ I would like to pay this. “




The cashier took the bill and looked it over. “ No insurance? “ She her frowned deepened.




“ No ma'am, “ Betty tried not to take offense to the woman's annoyed tone. She watched as she typed something into the computer, probably bringing up Betty's record.




The cashier sighed heavily as she pulled a form out of an unseen drawer below the counter. She handed it to Betty, “ Fill that out and give it back to me. “




Betty furrowed her brow as she looked at the form. “ 'Charity Request'? “ She read the top of the form out loud.




“ Yes, “ The cashier said. “ If you fill that out, the hospital will review it and will consider writing off your bill. “




Betty pushed the form back towards the woman, “ Right. I don't need it. I said I was here to pay my bill. “




The cashier took the paper back, “ Fine. “




Betty got her checkbook out of her purse and opened it but noticed the woman was still giving her a sour look. “ Is there a problem? “




“ What's the number on your check? “ The cashier arched an eyebrow.




“ Six thousand nineteen, “ Betty replied as she started to write the check.




“ Oh, “ The cashier said. She watched as Betty wrote the check out then took it. “ If you'll excuse me for a moment. I have to take this to the back. “




Betty shrugged, “ Whatever. “




After the cashier left, Robert leaned into Betty's ear, “ She's probably calling the bank to see if it's good. They used to do that with me all the time. “




“ Don't you guys have insurance though? “ Betty furrowed her brow.




“ Yeah but the kind we have we have to pay first then send the bill in and we get reimbursed, “ Robert said.




“ Oh, “ Betty nodded. She then gave Robert a smirk, “ I have more than enough to cover that little trip to the ER. “




“ I'm sure you do, “ Robert murmured. “ After selling all those books, I'd be worried if you didn't. “




The cashier returned, sitting down in her chair and started typing. A few moments later, she had Betty's receipt and offered it to her, “ Here you go Miss Rogers-Skogan. “




“ Thanks, “ Betty took the receipt. She looked at Robert, “ Let's go. “




Robert grabbed up her purse and headed for the door so he could hold it for her. He watched her as she crutched out, following her once she was in the hall. He glanced back at the billing office then at Betty, “ I'm glad that's over. “




“ Me too, “ Betty said. “ Can you believe her nerve handing me a charity form? “




“ Yeah, “ Robert said. “ That was just plain rude. “




Betty shook her head then sighed, “ Oh well. It's over so that's what matters. “




“ True, “ Robert said. “ Let's just get back to your place. “




“ That sounds good, “ Betty said quietly.