She has to wake up. Doctors came and went. Nurses checked and rechecked. The tea trolley made its rounds and visitors finding loved ones filed past but still she slept. Ethan liked to think she was sleeping.
It sounded more promising.
Ethan glanced over at the sleeping figure for what felt like the thousandth time. She was tiny. Hard to tell in the bed but he reckoned she was no more than 5'2'. Her skin was lightly tanned and cute freckles sprinkled over her nose. The combined impact of the dust and grime of the accident and the air conditioning had robbed her auburn tresses of life, which now lay dull limply clinging to her pillow. The nurses hadn't dared wash it until the doctors gave the all clear. It was valiantly trying to curl in the face of such neglect. Her nose like the rest of her was pert and tiny, giving the impression of extreme youth.
It was only her mouth that didn't follow the trend. Full and lush lips lightly parted revealed even white teeth. Ethan was sure her smile would light up a room. If she ever smiled again. He felt a stirring of attraction and disgusted with himself killed it.
David his driver, an ex-cop had pointed out that morning when he brought Ethan a change of clothes that she wore her nails short and unvarnished and had a pronounced shorts and socks tan line. How he knew Ethan didn't dare ask. He suggested that she worked outside with her hands in casual clothes similar to what she had on when she tackled Ethan.
Gardener?
Tennis coach?
Builder? Hardly big enough to wield a hammer Ethan thought.
Took me out though, thank God. A groan so soft brought Ethan to his feet and roused him from his tormented thoughts. Leaning over he saw deep blue eyes open a fraction clouded in pain and he mused looking a little lost.
Blue eyes? He had kind of thought they might be brown like his beloved Chloe's.
'Do you want some water?' A frown and then slight nod from the figure had Ethan buzzing for the nurse who returned promptly with some ice and Dr McNamara on her heels. Ethan was asked to leave the room while the doctor reexamined his now conscious patient. Reluctantly Ethan left his vigil and sought out some much needed caffeine from the kiosk.
Forty minutes later the grim faced doctor halted Ethan in the corridor with disturbing news.
'She appears to have no serious long term physical issues arising from the fall. While colourful her bruises will fade and her various cuts and grazes will heal well. With rest the mild concussion poses no threat-"