Post by Dead Eye on Apr 22, 2018 0:12:40 GMT -5
“Confirmed Fears of Multiple Types"
•February 26, 2016•
•2:00 AM•
•Manukau City Medical Centre•
•Manukau, New Zealand•
•Camera: OFF•
•Entrer•
The scene opens as a doctor is seen entering a curtained-off area in the emergency room. On the bed, Charles James, II, aka Dead Eye, lies motionless.
Karin: “The doctor’s back, babe.”
About damn time. I thought doctors were slow back in the states.
Dead Eye opens both of his eyes but does not move his head. The doctor flips through his chart and nods.
Dr. White: “Mr. and Mrs. James. Thank you for your patience. As you know, we took several X-rays when you were transported here. I am, unfortunately, the bearer of bad news. However, it isn't the worst.”
Karin sits up, almost stuff in nervous anticipation. Dead Eye closes his eyes again, wanting to wake up from this terrible nightmare.
Dr. White: “X-rays confirm a fracture here…”
Damnit. Just get to it already. Why can’t he just stop the show and do his damn job?
Dr. White had maneuvered his way to the wall and turned on the light for Karin to see several X-rays. He points to the obvious black spot in the vertebra that confirms the fracture. Dead Eye refuses to turn--not due to the potential pain or frustration from the neck brace but to keep from looking at the obvious.
Dr. White: “Now. The good news is that it's what I'll call a clean fracture. In layman's terms, in an injury of your magnitude, we'd normally see one or several jagged fractures that would require extensive surgery and time to rehabilitate. In your case, we see one fracture...as I pointed out a moment ago.
“As you can feel, and I can best guess, there appears to be no extensive nerve damage. Clearly, you have function in all four of your limbs. If there are any long-term effects, we won't be able to fully know until you begin your rehab. Naturally, that will not be able to take place until the bone heals. I do recommend surgery to help that process.”
Dead Eye: “How long?”
Dr. White: “I beg your pardon?”
Dead Eye: “What kinda time frame are we looking at, Doc?”
Dr. White: “I cannot give an exact prognosis on that, Mr. James. It could be a year, two years...or longer.”
Karin cringed at the thought. Dead Eye, on the other hand, was doing everything in his power not to lose his cool. He wanted to tell at Dr. White to stop pussyfooting around, man-up, and tell the full truth...not some sugar-coated bull. Perhaps, sensing something to that nature, Karin spoke up.
Karin: “You mentioned surgery?”
Dr. White: “Yes, we have a top-rated surgery depar…”
Dead Eye: “With all due respect, Doc, this is my livelihood we talkin’ about here. I'll be seeing Dr. James Andrews back home just as soon as I get outta this place.”
Dr. White: “Understandable. If you have no further questions, I'll see the attending to let you know what's next here.”
Karin: “Thank you, Dr. White.”
But, he didn't hear as he had already slipped through the curtain.
Karin: “Charles…”
Dead Eye: “Not now, Karin.”
The tone of voice stunned Karin James. She'd never heard him use that tone outside of his administrative duties in IPW, where she'd heard that quite a bit. In that setting, she just chalked it up to the stress involved in CJ being “the boss".
Karin: “That man was just doing his job. I know you're upset, but that's no way to talk to him...or to me.”
Oh, boy. Here we go…
She began to cry softly to herself and quickly left the room. Dead Eye wanted to get up and chase after her, but that was impossible. The injury, frustration, disappointment, and fear had built up inside the now-former NGW Unified Champion to a point that he'd lashed-out on two people that were just making an attempt to do their particular job. Truth be told, he didn't feel like himself. Worse than that, he could almost care less. That particular thought sent chills down the already feeble spine of Dead Eye.
What the hell’s wrong with me?
Just then, Dr. Morgan, Dead Eye’s attending physician, entered the room.
Dr. Morgan: “Mr. James…”
Dead Eye: “What's up, Doc?”
Dr. Morgan: “Dr. White informed me that he filled you in on the results and our suggestion. He also mentioned that you will be seeking a second opinion. Correct?”
Dead Eye: “That's right.”
Dr. Morgan: “Well within your rights as the patient.”
At least this guy has some sense. If not, he's an impeccable actor.
Dr. Morgan: “I have the utmost respect for Dr. Andrews. I took the liberty of calling his office on your behalf. He shall be getting in contact with you when you arrive back in America.”
Dead Eye: “Thank you, Doc. Do apologize for my tone of voice with Doc White...my wife, too, if you happen to see her before I do. Apparently, I should have a Snickers.”
Dr. Morgan chuckles.
Dr. Morgan: “I also understand that. Surely, this is tough to digest for you. Dr. White is a professional; I'm sure he empathises.”
Dead Eye: “Regardless, I was out of character and certainly in the wrong.”
Dr. Morgan: “I would like to keep you the rest of the morning for observation. If everything remains as-is, I'll release you to Dr. Andrews’ care right about the time my shift ends in a few hours. Of course, we'll transfer you to a more comfortable room in the meantime. Any questions?”
Dead Eye: “I'm good. Thanks, Doc.”
With that and a slight pat on the shoulder, Dr. Morgan turns to leave the room.
Dr. Morgan: “Mrs. James…”
Dead Eye: “How much of that did you hear?”
Karin: “Most of it. Apology accepted.”
She tosses a Snickers bar on the bed, and Dead Eye laughs as best he can.
Dead Eye: “We're going to be okay, right?”
She reaches up and strokes his cheek.
•Finis•
