Fire On Fire

Chapter 22 - Incentives

The throbbing pain in my shoulder brings me to consciousness, and despite trying to ignore the pain for sometime, i eventually open my eyes, and stare into space. Fortunately, right at this very moment, the nurse shows up with my next dose of medication.

"Good morning Mr. Bishop" she murmurs softly, pushing a crash cart into the room.

"Good morning" i respond, looking in her direction.

"How are you feeling this morning" she asks.

"I've been better" i murmur.

As she comes close to me, i check the time and find that it's 6am now.

I need to sit up, so that i can be attended to, but Ella is lying on my arm and shoulder on my other side, and I hate to have to wake her up, because she looks so peaceful and content right now.

The nurse stands on the side of the bed, waiting.

"Antonella..." i murmur against the side of her head, my fingers running through her hair.

She groans and looks up, smiles and kisses my neck.

"Good morning" she whispers happily.

"Good morning baby" i respond, rubbing my fingers on her scalp.

"Mmmhhmm mhhmm" the nurse clears her throat.

Ella looks up at her abruptly.

"Oh hai... Good morning" she utters, sitting up and getting off the bed.

Despite how much i enjoyed having her next to me...i immediately feel relief as her body weight gets off of mine. I also feel lighter, like i can finally breath.

"You need to sit up like this" The nurse says, starting to help me.

I look over her shoulder at Ella and wink at her and she smiles, just before going to the bathroom.

Yesterday, i had a headache, and pain on my arm and shoulder continuously after the accident, but today, everything hurts. I feel like a ton of bricks fell on me and everything feels sore.

I sit up with some difficulty and the nurse proceeds to ask some questions, and administer the medicine.

"The doctor will be in to see you at eight, but in the mean time, someone will be here with some breakfast" she says before walking out.

I nod as i watch her leave.

"How do you feel" Ella asks, when she returns from the bathroom, her face still wet from it's wash.

I slowly lean back against the bed.

"Like i was in a wrestling match and i lost" i say with my eyes closed and i hear her chuckle.

I feel her sit next to me and open my eyes again.

"I'm so sorry you feel that way...." she pouts, and kisses my cheek.

"This view makes me feel alot better though." i say, covering her hand with mine.

"Me too" she responds, looking at me.

Before long, People start showing up, filling the room with chatter and noise.

"Here, it's Mom" Nick utters, handing me the phone.

As i speak to her and Dad consecutively, i spot Ella somewhere in the room talking to Ally. Even after my phone call is over, i spend a few moments just watching them interact.

Now half sitting on the edge of the bed with my feet on the ground, i look at both of them, and realise how much Ella reminds me of her.

"Ready to go now?" Nick asks.