My First Apartment Chapter 15

I spent all day Tuesday and Wednesday getting tests and multiple MRI's. Everyone came to visit me. I had to have Chloe call my Dad. I didn't have the time and I needed as much rest as possible for my trip to San Francisco.

Charlie stayed with me on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. He was so sweet. He brought me flowers and a card. Dana and some of the girls from yoga came to visit me. Chloe was constantly mothering me. As bad of shape as I was in it felt good to know so many people cared about me.

At 3:30 in the morning on Thursday I was discharged from the hospital. The nurses loaded me into the back of Tony's Charger and we were off. Tony wanted to be on the north side of Los Angeles before 6 am.

We were on the I-5 heading north. The Hemi engine in his car was music to my ears. It put me to sleep for most of the ride up. Tony woke me up when we went over the Golden Gate Bridge.

We followed the instructions and went into an underground parking structure. The sign said Employee parking and patient reception and pick-up only. I was greeted by a nurse that was built like a female version of Conan! She was beautiful! She had black hair and a beautiful smile.

Welcome to Channel Cosmetic Surgery and Spa. I'm Mary! I'll be your primary care nurse for the duration of your stay! If you need anything, just inform our staff!

I'm Tony, this is my friend Lana!

It's nice to meet you both! Tony you can park on sub-level two or three. Take the elevator to the lobby level and turn left for reception. Lana, you're coming with me. Mary said in a polite, direct manner. I held onto my bag and paperwork with both hands as Mary guided me to my room in a wheelchair.

This place was almost like a palace! The wall were painted taupe. The trim was all white with moulding everywhere. There wasn't a speck of dust anywhere. The floors were all marble. It was far nicer than I imagined.

First floor is for check-in and for new client exams. The second floor is our operating rooms and recovery. The third floor is our Spa and the fourth floor are in-house patients The fifth floor is our cafeteria and offices.

Mary?

Yes sweetheart!

My father should be calling soon. He is supposed to land soon.

We'll send a car for him! Don't worry sweetie we'll take care of everything!

How am I supposed to pay for all of this?

Don't worry so much! Just relax! Doctor Hill informed us of your situation! You're in good hands! We have everything under control.

Here we are room 405! My favorite room!

Favorite? Aren't they all the same?

You are smart! Yes Lana they are all the same. But this room is very special to me! My wife and two of my best friends stayed in this very room. It holds a special place in my heart!

I'll help you get settled and Doctor Channel we'll be in soon. Mary said.

Mary put my things away and helped me in bed. Tony came in moments later.

Are you settling in okay!

Yes sir! I can't get over this place. I said.

It's pretty swanky! That's for sure! But if it's half as good as it looks, I'd say your in good hands!

Tony, my dad doesn't know!

I'm aware! Chloe told me! You'll be alright! Trust me! Tony said.

How am I going to pay for all of this? I asked. Get a lawyer and sue them!

But they don't look like they rub two nickels together.

Only one way to find out! Tony said.

Isn't that just adding insult to injury? I asked.

The only one who was injured was you! Charlie and Stan threw those guys in the pool! They left with hardly a scratch. I'm not a guy to chase a lawsuit, but you have every right to sue them. All of them! You may not get rich, but your medical bills will be paid.

I guess I could look into it! I said.

If you were my daughter, I'd tell her the very same thing!

Doctor Channel walked in the room as Tony and I were talking about the possibility of a lawsuit.

Doctor Channel looked like a blonde version of Raquel Welch. Her heart-shaped face looked like it was carved out by angels. She was tall with a sculptured figure even her lab coat couldn't hide. Her blue eyes were both captivating and confident.

Lana! I'm Doctor Sophia Channel! Welcome! I hope you will enjoy your stay with us. If you need anything, just ask. We want you to relax and enjoy your stay with us.

Thank You. This place is like a palace!

Thank you! It keeps the rain off our heads! She smiled a very warm smile at me.

I've been consulting with Doctor Hill he said you're a very brave young woman!

If you mean brave by getting beat up by a single punch to the face? I guess!

From what I was told you fought like hell and lived to tell! That's courage! Don't sell yourself short young lady.

Doctor, you I'm not a girl, not yet anyway.

You look like a girl to me! You're a fighter! That's what counts! Not what's between your legs!

I couldn't help it, I liked her a lot.

Can you sit up?

Tony helped me sit up.

Are you her father? Doctor Channel asked.

I'm Tony, her neighbor and friend.

Nice to meet you! She smiled at him.

Let's have a look, shall we!

Doctor Channel donned gloves and peeled back the dressing. She touched my face softly. It hurt where she touched me. She typed notes in tablet.

That was some punch! He must have been a big guy to do so much damage in single punch.

He was three times my size! I said.

And he didn't knock you out! Your one tough girl! Doctor Channel said.

It doesn't feel like it! I said.

He's a brut! Tony said. He's where he belongs now, jail! I saw to that!

Are you a cop? Doctor Channel asked.

City of San Diego, Detective Lieutenant Partenza, retired!

Thank you for your service Detective Lieutenant! Doctor Channel said.

This is twice he saved me! I said.

Really! The doctor said.

I had to save my favorite Hawaiian Chef! Tony smiled at me.

I'll make you two racks of ribs this time! I said.

We laughed!

She made me Hawaiian Pork Ribs after the first time.

Sounds good! I love Hawaiian cuisine! She smiled.

Did you bring the pictures I asked for?

Yes. Ma'am! Right here. I handed her the portfolio I made of my mother and my cousins in Hawaii.

The women in your family are very beautiful! She said. You know you looked a little more like your cousin than your mother. Will your parents be joining us soon.

My mother passed away over three years ago, breast cancer. My father is working in Italy. He should be here soon.

How tall is your cousin? She asked,

5 foot 5 inches.

How bad of shape am I in? I know it's bad.

Lana, your nasel cavity is almost completely crushed. Your cheekbones are cracked and pushed in. You need complete reconstruction. I've seen these injuries before with police and fireman.
I can fix it! But be prepared for a painful recovery.

How long?

4 to 8 weeks! Most of the swelling will go down in 2 to 4 weeks. I didn't see any nerve damage, which is good, but even the best imaging machines can't show everything. Just relax, my boyfriend is one of the best nerve specialist in the country!

I need two surgeons?

It's possible! Once I get started I don't want to stop. I if you sustained any additional damage, I'm going to need an expert. Charles is the best surgeon I've ever worked with.

If you think it's best! I trust you!

I have work to do! Mary will prepare you for surgery in the morning. I will see you in the morning! Get some rest, Lana! You're going to need it!

Good night doctor!

Good night Lana!

It was after 9 pm when I fell asleep! My Dad texted he was stuck in traffic.

Tony told me he'd stay until my Dad arrived.

Mary woke me up at 6 am. My stomach was growling. I haven't eaten anything in over 24 hours. Mary helped me shower and change into a surgical gown. Mary was very kind. She showed me pictures of her wife Sharon, she was very cute.

You're going to be even prettier when Sophia is done with you. Sharon had me sign all the consent papers. I had to sign additional consent form for additional alterations in case additional surgery was necessary.

Can she do a trachea shave? I asked.

Lana, darling! Sophia is a magician with a scalpel! You're in very capable hands!

It was 7:30 am when I was given a high-resolution MRI. I was transferred to a gurney and wheeled into the operating room. Mary, another nurse named Kelly was there. Doctor Channel was standing next to a very tall Black man. There eyes were smiling down at me.

Lana, this is my boyfriend Doctor Charles! We're going to to good care of you.

Where's my Dad? Where's Tony?

Look up and to your left sweetheart!

My Dad waved at me, he was smiling. Tony was standing next to him. They were in an observation station.

Count backwards Lana! Mary said.

I didn't make it past 75 when everything went dark.

When I woke up it was dark outside. I saw my father sleeping in the recliner across from my bed. My face was covered in fresh dressings. My whole body felt numb. I could feel myself breathing through my nose again. The sensation felt new again. There was a certain relief I could feel in my face.

I closed my eyes and went back to sleep. I woke up again after 9 am. My father was holding my hand. Tony was at the foot of my bed.

There she is! Tony said. I'll get the nurse!

Dad?

Hi! Long time no see! He smiled at me.

I'm sorry Dad! I, I, want to tell you!

Lana! It's okay! Just rest! The important thing is you're alright! Just rest, Lana. We'll talk soon. It's okay I love you!

I love you too Dad!

Good morning, Lana! Mary said.

How are you feeling? From 1 to 10, 10 being the worst. How is your pain?

About a 5 ! I said.

That's good! Mary said. The doctor's will be in to see you soon.

Thanks Mary.

Doctor Channel and Doctor Charles walked in my room holding hands. They looked very happy together. It made me smile for a moment then I felt some extra pain.

There's my pretty girl! How's my favorite patient doing? Doctor Channel asked with music in her voice.

I'm okay until I try smiling. I said.

You on our table for a long time, Lana! Doctor Charles said.

It's a good thing Charles was here. I needed six hands to rebuild your face and nose.

Why are my ribs sore? I asked.

I used cartilage from your ribs to repair your nose and cheekbones. Charles and Mary were a big help!

Did I have any nerve damage? I asked.

A little but nothing I haven't seen before. You're going to be as good as new in a few weeks.

When can I go home?

About that! Dad said. I arranged it for you to stay here for an extra week to recover! So just relax. Enjoy the spa! Have a massage or two! Get your nails done. Allow them to pamper you!

Dad! I can't stay that long. I have a job. You can't afford this! I said.

On the contrary, my dear! I can! If your mother was with us, she'd be right beside you getting pampered too! Besides I talked to Chloe and she agreed. Apparently you haven't taken hardly any time of in two months. You need to be 100% for school.

But my friends, Charlie and Bunny?

They'll be there when you get home.

But... I started to say

Lana, stop worrying so much! I'll take care of it! Just take care of yourself!

If you say so, Dad!

You're my little girl now! Dads take care of their girls! Isn't that right, Tony?

That's right, Frank!

Tony, I can't thank you enough! My Dad said.

It's my pleasure! You raised a good person! She's one hell of a cook too!

You cook? Dad asked

Mom's Ribs! I said proudly

Will you consider making them at Christmas time?

I'll consider it! I said with a sly grin. But only if you join us, Tony!

Name the time I'll be there! Tony said.

Gentlemen! May I have a moment with my patient please? Doctor Channel, asked.

Come guys, I'll buy you a coffee in the cafeteria! Charles said.

Lana darling I want to talk to you about your incident. I know I'm not a psychiatrist, but situations like yours can harbor unseen wounds. With your permission I'd like to have my friend Lisa talk with you.

I have a therapist already. I said.

I'm sure they're great for your transition and general mental health. I'm talking about PTSD! My friend Lisa has worked miracles with her patients. I've seen it first hand. The first visit is my treat, if you're interested?

I'll talk to her.

Good I'll set it up for next week! In the meantime I want you to rest and relax.

Thank you Doctor!

Call me Sophia, Darling. I'll check on you tomorrow!

She smiled and left. I sat there wondering for a brief moment if she was an Angel! My mother was an angel to me. It didn't occur to me until my Dad came back with Tony that my Dad didn't use a male verb or call me Larry. He never showed any disappointment.

If you two don't mind, I'm going to check in with my daughter and her family. Tony said. I'll see you tomorrow.

Bye, Tony and Thank you! I said.

Feel better! I'll be back! He smiled.

Let's take a walk! Dad suggested.

As weak as I was I had to get up and move. Lying in bed for almost two days I was getting sore just laying there. I grabbed my medical stand with my right hand and dad put his right arm around me. It felt good seeing and feeling his acceptance. I knew we would probably have to talk about things, but I wasn't as scared as I once was.