“Ugh, I smell like smoke from the fire, but I don’t think I have the energy to wrap everything then stand in the shower to get clean. Plus, I don’t think you know how to braid my hair the way Ella does. I guess I can wait until the morning when she can help me.”
“I’ll help you, sweetheart.” At her look, I add, “I know you’ll sleep better if you’ve freshened up. I may not do the fancy braids like Ella, but I can do two simple ones that should hold you until the morning.”
Helping Phoebe shower is an exercise in control, that’s for damn sure. She’s a bit groggy because of how long we sat around the bonfire shooting the shit, but that doesn’t detract from her overall beauty. While she stands there, I take her braids down and shampoo her hair, loving how silky it feels as I run my fingers through it. Her arm looks a little bit swollen, and I make a mental note to text Ella to have her check it out tonight instead of waiting for the morning. I don’t say anything, however. It’s probably just my protective nature roaring to the surface.
“Mmm, that feels so good,” she says, her eyes closed.
I bite my tongue because I’d like to take her good and raise it to phenomenal, and if I was a teenager again, I’d push the issue. Instead, I’m in control of my body, despite the fact that my dick is bouncing against my lower abdomen. It doesn’t take long tofinish her shower even though I took one at the same time. Once I have her in a nightgown and all the plastic protective wraps have been removed, I decide to talk about how her arm looks.
“Phoebe, I don’t like how your left arm looks. It’s swollen and warm to the touch,” I say as we curl up in bed. She’s feeding Kevin again and once she’s done, I’ll take him into the bathroom to try and express his bladder. The vet says it’s something the mom cats teach their kittens but with this one being an orphan, it’s up to me. Thank fuck that Thelma gave me a box of gloves.
“I noticed it earlier, so Thelma drew more blood and sent it in to the hospital to be checked, Eli,” she replies. “I might have another trip to the hospital in my future but I’m holding out hope that it won’t happen and what we’re doing here will turn things around.”
I don’t say anything, I just watch her with Kevin and when she’s done, I take him so I can do my part of the feeding process. Once he’s settled in for the night, I call out, “Do you want anything for pain before we go to sleep?”
“I’m only an hour away from the next dose so I should be just fine,” she replies. “I can’t thank you enough for taking this off Ella and Thelma’s hands.”
“I told you already, but it bears repeating, Phoebe. Whatever you need, if it’s in my power to help take care of it or do it for you, I’ve got you.”
It doesn’t take long to give her the pain meds and once again, I marvel at how far modern medicine has come. While I’m not a healthcare professional, I know if this had happened several decades ago, she would still be in the hospital. At least this way, she can recover in the relative comfort of the RV.
As she drifts off to sleep, I hear her mumble, “She called me mama.”
CHAPTER
TEN
Phoebe
With the majorityof the Steel Raiders MC here and working to clear more roads, we’ve managed to get every person who was previously trapped rescued. While most were okay health wise, there were a few who ended up in the hospital. Now, we’re here for those who have returned to their homes, as they manage to get sick or injure themselves. I can honestly say that this past week has flown by, but that might have to do with my two-day admission to the hospital. I ended up with an infection and this time, I had to be knocked out completely while they did a surgical debridement. The good news is, they got all the infection, but the bad news is, I’ll have the wound vac a little bit longer since they had to widen the initial wound to ensure they got it all.
Still, even though I’ve been limited, only being able to triage those coming in to be seen is just as rewarding. Most things are simple, but because of this contract, I’ve been able to get some continuing education credits knocked out.
Right now, I’m sorting through the packages that have finally arrived and I grin because I might have gotten a little bit one-click happy after I first got hurt. At least the things I got for the kids can go to them now since they’re actually here. And I know that Eli isn’t going to object to the adorable outfits I got for Cami.
“Whatcha doing?” Ella asks, plopping down in a chair next to me. She hasn’t had to go out in the field for a few days since most people who need help are brought down by one of the men who are still clearing brush and debris.
“I went on a morphine fueled retail therapy spree,” I admit, giggling. “So, I’m trying to sort stuff into the appropriate boxes because that way, they can just take the boxes and voila! No shipping for me!”
“Uh, Fee, what all did you buy?” she questions.
“Let’s see… new clothes for Cami as well as PJ since they’re both growing like weeds. Teethers for both of them. Activity mats for tummy time. Several soft blankets because you can never have too many of those and it’s a good idea to start them early, so they learn. Several outfits for the older girls that match since they’re all thick as thieves, especially Mina and Becca. New dolls for all four of them as well. A few front clasp bras for me to make it easier to get dressed. Face masks for us so we can have a girl’s night, and you can spill the tea about Data. Yeah, that’s about it, I think,” I advise.
“Good thing you took this contract so you don’t have to worry about affording this adventure,” she teases as she opens up one of the boxes. “I’ll help you since there’s not much going on.”
“Whatever you do, don’t say it,” I warn. “I’m still not much use to y’all with Wanda the succubus attached to me and this dang PICC line.”
“Eh, you can always triage,” she retorts, sticking her tongue out at me.
With my bestie at my side, it doesn’t take long to get everything I bought sorted. Thankfully, one of the prospects was walking by and he gladly delivered everyone’s goodies. Ella’s carrying my box and we’re heading to the RV for a bit of girl time.
“So… Eddie?” I ask once I’ve fed Kevin and he’s snuggled up against me, purring.
We have our facial masks on right now, I’ve still got some pain meds flowing through me although I’ll need another dose soon, and am feeling pretty dang good, all things considered. While I can’t have wine and Ella won’t since she’s still technically working, she refilled my tumbler with fresh ice and some lemonade, so I’m not complaining.
“It’s so complicated, Fee,” she replies. “He’s the one I fell for, hard, then he disappeared without so much as a note. He broke my heart because I was able to picture us long term, you know what I mean?”
“Yeah, I get it. So, have y’all talked about it?” I probe. “Because Eli said that’s why you weren’t out at the bonfire.” I watch her face turn brick red and start to giggle. “Let me guess, the RV was rocking, huh?”
