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Chapter Five
Molly didn’t look any too happy. “Hi, Mom,” she frowned. “I hurt.”
She started to lift a hand to the bump on her forehead, but Jonas checked the attempt. “That’s to be expected. You banged your head,” he told her. “The ER doctor said most likely you’ll be all right, though,” Jonas added. “You’re lucky that truck didn’t hit you.”
Molly didn’t seem to care. “Mom, how’s Satin?”
“She’s fine,” Bridget smiled, a fine mist of tears brightening her hazel eyes. “Like you, she has a few cuts and probably some bruises.”
“I want to see her.” Molly tried to ease off the bed but it was too high for her to get down without help. She gave up when Bridget shook her head.
“Not yet. First you have to get cleaned up, then you can worry about your horse.”
Jonas nodded his agreement at Bridget. “The nurse said she’ll be right back. They want to make sure her condition is stable first. Molly’s scheduled for a CAT scan but she seems to be doing okay.”
Bridget was happy to wait for the nurse. She had no intention of leaving Molly’s side. She moved closer, her smile slightly weak and tremulous.
“Are you sure you’re all right, honey?” she murmured.
“I think so.” Molly began to shake a little. “I was so scared, Mom.”
“So was I,” Bridget laughed softly. “Whatever made you do that?”
“I don’t know,” Molly shivered. “I just didn’t think about there being any traffic.”
Jonas and Bridget stepped to one side when the nurse returned.
“Your top is pretty well ruined, Molly. I’m going to cut the sleeve away. Sorry about that.” She glanced briefly at Bridget. “Is that all right with you?”
“Of course.”
“What’s she going to do?” Molly eyed the nurse warily.
“I’m going to clean those scrapes on your arm and leg. The dirt and bacteria can cause infection,” answered the nurse.
“I don’t want you to.” Molly drew back against the hospital bed, mutiny darkening her eyes as she glared at the nurse.
“Molly, you have to,” Bridget said, trying to think of a way to placate her daughter.
“I don’t care. I don’t want anyone to touch me,” Molly declared.
“She’s as stubborn as you are, Bridget.”
Bridget flushed. Maybe Jonas meant the remark as a joke, but she wasn’t in the mood for a joke. The feeling of resentment came back, but Jonas didn’t glance her way to see it. Bridget exhaled and focused on what needed to be done right now.
“You don’t have any choice in the matter, Molly,” she said firmly but reasonably. “There are other patients in the ER waiting to be seen, and you have to cooperate.” She glanced at the nurse’s name badge. “Audrey has to clean those scrapes.”
Molly only nodded. Gently, Audrey took hold of the torn sleeve of her blouse and began snipping the cloth to expose the wound, but Molly tried to twist away.
“Molly, please hold still,” Audrey said patiently. “These scissors are sharp,” she warned.
With a huge sigh, Molly submitted at last and the nurse began cleaning the abrasion that ran almost the length of her arm.
At the touch of the antiseptic against her skin, Molly flinched and Bridget winced sympathetically, knowing it had to bum.
“That really hurts,” Molly protested.
A corner of Jonas’s mouth quirked upward. “Sometimes it helps not to think about it.”
