Chapter 13
At dinnertime, Dr. Drake pushed the door open to find Dominique standing by the window staring out at the ocean. He could see that she was playing with the ring on her finger that had appeared two days ago. He had guessed it was from Richie since he’d been there that day but he’d never asked.
“How do you feel?” asked the doctor when Dominique realized he was there.
“Well, I don’t feel like I have spiders crawling all over me.”
“That’s a good thing,” laughed the doctor.
“I do have really bad cramps.”
“It’s to be expected. Do you think you’d feel better at home?”
That brightened Dominique’s mood. “Are you serious?”
“Very!”
“YES! I’d feel MUCH better at home in MY bed. It’s been forever since I’ve been in my own bed.”
Dr. Drake smile. “I imagine you’d like to be able to talk to Richie too without all the nurses hanging around.”
“He’s coming in tonight and I have been looking forward to walking on the beach with him.”
“Well, you can go with him tomorrow. I just want you to come by my office tomorrow so I can check you out.”
“Thank you, Noah!” she bubbled as she hugged him.
Holding on to her, he said, “You’re welcome, Nikki. I’ve already signed your release papers and Sonny is on his way to pick you up.”
“I
promise, I’ll be by tomorrow right after lunch.”
“I’ll see you then.”
Dr. Drake passed Sonny as he left the room. When Dominique saw her father, she rushed into his arms.
“My beautiful little girl! You look so much better,” he said as he hugged her tight.
“I feel better and once I get home, get a shower, and some clean clothes, I’ll feel even better.”
“Your chariot awaits. Are you hungry?”
“STARVING!”
“Maria is fixing chicken and sausage tortellini with pesto and fresh vegetables….your favorite.”
“Especially Maria’s. Let me get dressed.”
“I’ll wait outside for you.”
Dominique quickly dressed in jeans and Richie’s shirt, grabbed ‘Star’, and joined her father who put his arm around her. Together, they made their way out of the hospital to the waiting car.
