“How many times did he strike you?” Dr. Asgood asks, looking at Scarlett’s back but not touching her. Her eyes are sharp, and they flash with anger at the destruction in the flesh.
“F-f-fourteen,” Scarlett replies.
“The wounds are drying, so we need to get you cleaned up. It will hurt. I’m sorry for that, but I’ll give you a sedative and some pain medication to take the edge off.”
Scarlett bites her lip and watches me with pleading eyes.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I assure her, and she nods. “I’m right here. You and me. We’ve got this, babe. Let’s talk about something happier while they clean you up. Maybe we should go shopping for something extra beautiful in a few days when you’re feeling better.”
“Shoes,” Scarlett says, and winces when Cheryl places the IV in the crook of her elbow. They get some fluids going, and Cheryl injects something into the line.
“This is the medicine,” Cheryl tells Scarlett. “It’s going to take the edge off the pain for you. You might feel a little sleepy, too. There’s also an antibiotic in here, in case there’s any kind of infection.”
“Okay,” Scarlett breathes. “Am I okay here on the edge of the bed?”
“That’s perfect,” Dr. Asgood replies. “You can lean on your friend if you need to.”
“I’m an excellent hugger,” I say with an encouraging smile while dragging a stool over to sit in front of her. “Seriously, tell me where you need me.”
Scarlett nods, and the eyes that held some fear and pain soften a little as the medicine takes effect.
“What kind of shoes do you want to look for?” I ask her as the doctor and Cheryl lay the supplies out behind Scarlett and get to work. “Heels? Sneakers?”
“Both, I’m not picky.” She hisses with the first contact of the cloth on her back. “Oh shit, that fucking hurts like a bitch.”
“I know, sweetheart,” Dr. Asgood says. “I’m so sorry. We’re going to work carefully but quickly. Hang in there and let me know if you need a break.”
“Breathe with me,” I encourage Scarlett. “Take a deep breath.”
“If I ever have a baby, you have to be in the room with me,” she says, watching my face and taking a deep breath. “You’d be really good at that.”
“Do you want babies?” I ask her, trying to keep her distracted.
“Maybe. Someday. I think I have to quit this job. I can’t go back into that playroom, Lu.”
“You don’t even have to think about that right now.” I brush my fingers over her forehead and frown because she feels warm. “Does she have a fever?”
“She might,” the doctor confirms. “It’s a normal response to this kind of physical trauma and fear.”
“How is it that I’ve known you for such a short time, but you’re the best friend I ever had?” Scarlett asks, her voice slurring. “Maybe we’re soulmates. It doesn’t have to just be for romantic relationships, you know.”
“I totally think we’re soulmates,” I confirm, and notice the two women behind Scarlett share a smile. “What’s your favorite comfort food? I’ll make it all for you after you get some sleep.”
“Cheeseburgers,” she says. “With greasy fries. And a chocolate shake.”
“I can make you all of that. Should we watch some chick flicks, too?”
“Yeah.” She winces again, and it makes my stomach clench. God, I hate this for her. “Or some reality TV.Housewives of Beverly Hillsor something?”
“I’m down for that.”
“Can you text Luke for me?” she asks with a whisper.
“Of course.”
I pull out my phone and bring up his contact.
“What do you want me to say?”
