Part 5
AJ leaned against the wall across from the room where Stormy was and waited. It wasn’t a long wait before the doctor came out.
"How is she?" asked AJ practically pouncing the doctor.
"It doesn’t appear that she’s been raped or suffered from any physical abuse although I expect mental abuse since she doesn’t talk. No serious injuries…just malnourishment and dehydration. As soon as the police run their missing person’s check, she’s free to go."
"I told them she’s going home with me. You can send me the bill for this," said AJ. "Is she awake?"
"No, not yet, but Mr. McLean…"
"I know…you don’t suggest I get involved any more."
"No, I wasn’t going to say that. You’re obviously already involved and she seems to trust you. I’m just concerned that there may be other issues that you aren’t able to deal with."
"I’ll take my chances."
"It’s your decision. The nurses have cleaned her up some and dressed her in a pair of scrubs. When she wakes up, you can take her home but she should rest for a couple days until she’s gotten some strength back."
"Thank you." AJ pushed the door open and went in only to find ‘Stormy’ awake. Taking her hand, he smiled, "Hey…the doctor said you weren’t awake yet. He also said you could go when you do wake. I’m gonna take you to my house until you’re strong enough to go wherever you’re gonna go."
"Let me go tell them that we’re leaving." AJ started to get up but Stormy held his hand tight stopping him. "I’m just going…."
Stormy reached beside her and pushed a button.
AJ laughed, "I didn’t think of the nurse call button."
A minute later, a nurse appeared in the room. "What….Oh!! She’s awake."
"She woke when I came in. The doctor said she was free to go."
"Let me get you something to put around her to keep her dry," and the nurse disappeared.
As AJ grabbed his jacket from the foot of the bed, he glanced at Stormy and was surprised. "Is that a pout I see?"
‘Stormy’ blushed as she reached for his jacket.
"Okay! Okay!" laughed AJ. Handing her the coat, he said, "You can have my jacket. I’ll dry out."
He helped her get it on and the nurse returned with a raincoat.
"Thanks, but we don’t need it," said AJ.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." AJ looked at ‘Stormy’ and thought he saw a slight smile pass her lips. Was this a sign? "You ready to rock and roll?"
Stormy leaned to him wrapping her arms around his neck as he picked her up.
"We can put her in a wheelchair if you like?" offered the nurse.
"No, thanks," said AJ. "We’re just fine like this."
The nurse held the door open for AJ and watched as he carried her out into the night.
