Page 26 of C is for Comfort

“I’m going to send you down to X-Ray,” the nurse says.

“What’s an X-ray?” Lexi asks.

“It’s a special machine that can take photos of your bones.”

“Wow! I want an X-ray, Daddy.” She frowns. “Is my wrist broken? Will I get a cast?”

“The X-ray will tell us whether it’s broken or not.” The nurse glances at me, and I know then that she thinks Lexi’s wrist probably is broken.

My stomach sinks. I know it could be worse, but I can’t stand Lexi being in pain.

“Can you give her anything?” I ask.

“I’m afraid not. We need to get the X-ray done first. The doctor will take a look, and he’ll decide what to do next.”

I stare at her, not quite understanding.

“Some breaks require surgery,” the nurse explains. “So until we know for sure that surgery isn’t needed, we can’t offer Lexi any pain relief. No food or drink either, I’m afraid.”

“Surgery?” Lexi asks with a squeak.

My heart is hammering now. I’m sure surgery is a worst-case scenario, but it doesn’t stop panic rising within me.

The nurse gives us a yellow slip and sends us on our way to X-ray. We’ve just settled down on another set of plastic chairs when my phone buzzes.

Blake:Everything okay? I went to pick her up, but they said she was with you.

Corey:We’re at the hospital.

Blake:Shit! What happened?

Corey:Lexi fell and hurt her wrist.

Blake:Want me to come?

Do I? I mean, yes, I do. I’d love my brother’s support right now, but what’s the point of us both sitting here, feeling helpless for the next few hours?

Corey:No, it’s okay.

Blake:Are you sure?

I’m far from sure.

Corey:Yeah.

Blake:Keep me updated?

Corey:Will do.

I cuddle Lexi and try to keep her spirits up with silly stories. It doesn’t take long for us to get called into the X-ray room. I get to stay with her, wearing a fetching lead apron, as the radiologist gently puts her arm into different positions on a special board, taking X-rays of each one. Then we get sent back to Accident and Emergency. This time, we wait in a smaller area. Lexi curls up on the chair beside me, her head in my lap, sniffling as I stroke her hair.

Eventually, a smooth tenor voice calls Lexi’s name.

I look up, my jaw falling open as I see the guy who fucked me into oblivion on Friday night. He’s wearing a doctor’s coat and is holding a brown card file. I stand and, carrying Lexi, go over to him. Of all the hospitals in and around London, Spence had to work in my local one, didn’t he?

“This is Lexi,” I say.

He stares at me, surprise giving way to concern as his attention moves away from me to Lexi. He takes us into a cubicle, drawing the blue curtains around us.