Page 46 of Take Her On

Maya ran her fingers over the bandage and laughed, but Carly didn’t join in.

“I’m serious, there was so much blood.”

“I’m fine now though, look.” She’d held up her bandaged hand, and Carly traced over the dressing with her finger. Electricity trailed where she touched, and Maya looked at her, insides squeezing at the concern swirling in her friend’s eyes. All these tingly feelings were new to her, but she knew something was special between them. “You don’t need to worry…” Maya gave her most convincing smile. She hated it when Carly was sad. “I’m sure we can still play tomorrow.”

Carly giggled in that way that made Maya’s heart triple in size. Making her laugh was her favourite.

“It’s annoying,” Carly said. “Even if they did chop your hand off, you’d still beat me.” She’d squeezed her hand, and any remaining discomfort had fizzled away.

Mum had been working that day, too.

A short white woman wearing blue scrubs appeared in the waiting room, pulling Maya back into the present.

“Excuse me,” Maya started. “Do you have any news about Mr George Thomas? He came in with a suspected stroke, but we haven’t heard anything.”

The woman flashed a practised smile of perfect teeth. “I’m sorry, love. It’s not my department. Someone will be along to keep you updated when they have news for you.” She combed the waiting room with her eyes, checked the watch hanging from her pocket, and turned to leave.

“Wait! I’m sorry, but…do you have anything I can cover my grandma with? A blanket or anything?” Maya motioned over her shoulder, and the woman’s gaze followed. “She’s shivering, and I can’t find anyone to ask. Please. I don’t know how long we’ll be here.”

The woman’s eyes softened as she took in Maya’s appearance for the first time. Maya was still wearing her Millton University T-shirt, and god knows what state her hair was in. The woman let out a small sigh and smiled, taking pity on her. “Alright, love. I’ll see what I can do.”

She never came back.

* * *

Just as the sun was beginning to rise, casting warm orange sunlight through her window, Maya pulled the curtains across and crawled into bed. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so exhausted. She lay there for a little while, listening to the sounds of the Hamptons waking up next door—Mrs Hampton’s hairdryer, then the kids’ excited squeals as they bounded up and down the hall. The sounds were faint through the walls, but amplified by the silence in their house.

Maya’s body told her to sleep, but her mind was in overdrive.

Grandpa had suffered an intracerebral haemorrhage, and due to the fact he was already on blood thinners, a substantial amount of blood had leaked into his brain tissue. He’d had a seizure too, but the doctor assured them this was fairly common, and didn’t mean he would develop epilepsy.

Maya didn’t know how to respond to that. As if there was anything remotely normal about any of this.

The hospital was keeping him in overnight. Then, depending on his responses, he’d be monitored further or else released to a rehabilitation centre near their house. The nurse said they could discuss more tomorrow when Grandpa had recovered a little.

Grandma and Maya were going to head back in a few hours. She needed to sleep, but the doctor’s words and her grandma’s tear-stained face continued to spin around her brain. Seeing her cry was the worst, and Maya couldn’t do anything about it.

Realising her phone was still off, she switched it back on, the bright light making her close her eyes. It vibrated to life, followed by the ping of several messages.

Mum: I’m driving back now, sweetie

I’ll be there in the morning

Jamie: I saw the ambulance outside

Are you okay?

She clicked on Jamie’s message. Before she’d even thought about whether to reply, her fingers were flying across the screen.

Maya: It’s Grandpa

He had another stroke

To her surprise, Jamie replied straight away.

Jamie: God Maya, I’m so sorry

Can I do anything?