Bleep. Bleep. Bleep. That’s what Jones had heard all day. His girlfriend was in hospital but she had been asleep since they performed CPR. Jones sat on the chair next to the bed. She looked so peaceful, lying on the bed. He brushed her hair out of her face. Checking no one was around, he whispered to her, “Please wake up Livy. There was something I was going to ask you yesterday. I was just building up my courage when you shouted out in agony. I was so scared Liv, scared you were going to die.” He paused, hoping for some kind of reaction. “I don’t know if you can hear me but I love you Olivia Brown.” Then there was movement. Her eyelids fluttered.
“I love you too. What… what were you… what were you going to ask?” She managed to say, opening her eyes. She tried to sit up in bed but winced in pain.
“Livy! You’re awake. Doctor, she’s awake.” Jones exclaimed, pushing her gently back on the bed so she was lying down. As a doctor came rushing over to her bed, her question was forgotten.
“Olivia Brown. Good, you’re awake.” The doctor said, checking his notes on his clipboard.
“What happened to me?” Livy asked, peering up at him.
“It was your cancer.” He said.
“Excuse me for being blunt, but isn’t that obvious?” Jones pointed out, frowning
“Right, it was a pain attack and we’re afraid there’s not much we can do. If you get them again many times, it could be fatal.” The doctor replied, saying it as if this news was nothing. Jones clutched her hand. “I’ll check on you later.” The doctor said, looking at his watch. He strode off.
The two stared at each other for a second. Then he kissed her on the cheek. “How are you feeling sweetheart?” He asked, stroking her hair.
“Like I’ve died and come alive again with aching lungs.” She replied, groaning.
“Well, they did have to perform CPR.” He said. “Can I get you anything to eat, drink or do?” He asked.
“You could get me a glass of water if you don’t mind.” She said, sitting up.
“Let me plump your pillows first so you’re more comfortable.” He said, plumping her pillows.
“I couldn’t have a better boyfriend. Thank you.” She said, lovingly.
“And I couldn’t have a better girlfriend.” He smiled, going to get a glass of water.
He came back with the water to find her sleeping. “Liv.” He paused, waiting. “Liv, I’ve got your water.” He said, shaking her softly.
“Thank you.” She said, sipping the water. “So, when will I be out of here?”
“I’m not sure. We’ll have to ask.” He replied, looking around for someone to ask. “Doc!”
“What is it?” He snapped, coming over to them. “My name is Doctor Taylor not Doc!”
“Sorry Doc…tor Taylor. When can we get out of here?” He asked.
“When I say so.” He replied, grumpily.
“Well, when do you think that will be?” He asked him, sighing.
“I can’t say. Maybe it will be a few days, maybe a week.” He told them and walked off.
“What, a week?” She groaned, shocked and disappointed.
“Don’t worry sweetheart. He’s probably just exaggerating.” He said, patting her on the hand. “What’s up with him anyway? He has no people skills and acts like a grumpy ogre.”
“I don’t know. Maybe he’s just having a bad day.” She replied, yawning.
“Maybe you’re right. You’re tired Liv, you go to sleep. I’ll just be here.” He said comfortingly, looking concerned.
“But you’ve got to go to work!” She exclaimed.
“Don’t worry. I’ve taken a week off to be with you. Don’t worry about anything. It’ll be fine, I’ll look after you when we finally get to go home.”
“We go home? You can’t stay all week! What about your case?” She said, clearly agitated.
“My case? My lovely girlfriend is much more important. Why not? I can’t leave you! I’d be worried sick. No, I’ll stay here.” He told her.
“They won’t let you.” She said, still uncertain.
“Well, they’ll have to drag me off the ward.”
“Mr Jones! Be sensible you can’t stay here. They will drag you if they need to!” She said.
“In that case, let them, Miss Brown!” He said defiantly, smiling.
Soon, visiting hours had ended. “Mr Jones, I’m afraid we need you to leave. It’s the end of visiting hours.” A kind nurse told them. He winked at Livy.
“Oh, that’s a shame but I’m not visiting, I’m staying, so it won’t affect me.” His tone was quite polite even though what he was saying wasn’t.
“I’m afraid you can’t stay, Mr Jones.” The nurse looked a bit agitated.
“I’m sorry nurse but I’m staying, full stop!” The nurse went off to get reinforcements.
“Mr Jones! Leave – now!” The grumpy doctor was back. He said it in a ‘no arguments’ voice.
“Excuse me? Who do you think you’re talking to? Livy’s my girlfriend; I’m not leaving here, even if you try to drag me!” He said, just as stubbornly.
“If you don’t leave, I’ll have to call security. Look Mr Jones, you’re distressing your girlfriend, you could make her health worse so leave now!” He said.
“I’m not leaving! Do you have a girlfriend, doc?” He asked, holding Livy’s hand.
“That’s not relevant and I told you before – it’s Doctor Taylor not Doc!” He snapped.
“Oh but it is relevant! Imagine your girlfriend was in hospital with cancer, would you leave her? Would you just go home, no arguments, not even thinking of her? No, I love Livy, I can’t leave her and if I go home I’ll worry all night long.” He said stubbornly, crossing his arms.
“Well, worry you must as you have to leave, now. I promise we will look after your girlfriend to the best of our ability.” He argued, getting his phone out.
“Do you even care about your patients? Are you human or just an inconsiderate robot? And to the best of your ability? Exactly, to the best of your ability doesn’t mean you’ll look after her well. Go ahead, call security, just you try and drag me.” He said. The doctor called security and they came, trying to drag him out. After twenty minutes Mr Jones was exhausted, he had succeeded, he had won. They had tried to drag him out but he had stayed strong. Now, he had just flopped down next to Livy.
“Why did you do that?” Livy asked.
“What? I thought you’d be pleased.” He was surprised.
“Pleased? Pleased that you’ve made such a fuss and all the hospital were watching as if it was an interesting TV drama? I appreciate that you’re still here because you love me but it’s not like I’m going to vanish the moment you turn your back! Is that what you’re scared of?”
“No! I’m not scared, I just love you Liv! Look, go to sleep. We’ll talk about this in the morning.” He said, trying to ignore the glares from the grumpy doctor.