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Luis
Everyone holds their breath. Micah administers the injection, releases the tourniquet, and then we all stand there staring at Jackson as if something miraculous might happen in front of our eyes.
There are a few moments of tense silence before we realize everything is just…normal. What were we expecting, really?
I think we're all relieved that there are no immediate adverse reactions, but now that the plasma has been dispensed, we all just shuffle around, unsure of what's next.
“I recommend you all try to get a good night's sleep, and we'll evaluate if there have been any changes in the morning. Don't expect any miracles, we're only looking for improvement beyond what is normal for Jackson.” Says Dr. Franks, shaking our hands and accepting a hug from Six on his way out.
“Is it just me or was that a little anticlimactic?” Jackson says jokingly.
“I feel like I knew not to expect anything right away, but at the same time, I was primed for something. Anything,” admits Lukas.
“Like I might Hulk out or something?”
We all laugh, except Six, who, of course, doesn't understand the reference.
“It's from a superhero movie,” I explain.
Jackson perks up. “Oh no, we can't have this. I think now is the time to start Six's film and pop culture education. What else are we going to do, anyway?” I think he's looking for a diversion, but I'm actually on board with this one.
“Tony sent over a laptop. We could hook it up to the TV and stream it?” Lukas suggests, getting things prepared.
“We don't want to watch Slenderman first?” She asks innocently. I bark out a laugh, not expecting her to remember the joke I made at Lukas' expense. It feels like it happened a lifetime ago.
“Why would anyone want to watch that crap?” Jackson asks, confused.
I'm laughing too hard to acknowledge my joke. It's even funnier that Lukas doesn't notice, working diligently on getting the movie set up.
Micah and I move the small sofa between the two hospital beds. Levi comes in as we're rearranging the room.
“Y'all know how to make yourselves at home, don't you,” he says kindly as he checks both patients' vitals and bandages.
I get my first glimpse of anything below Bennet's neck since they brought him in. The bruising, either from the internal bleeding or the torture he was put through, is dark and scary looking. When his catheter bag is cleared, I notice that the urine is dark and red. The sympathetic look on Levi's face tells me enough about what kind of shape Bennet is in.
A few minutes after he finishes his rounds, Levi stops back in to tell us he's leaving for the night but will be back with us in the morning. He hands Six a few packets of microwave popcorn for our movie night and reminds her about the call button if we need anything.
“The night nurse is a little grouchy, but she's good at her job. And very much not interested in any of you, if you know what I mean.” He winks with a knowing chuckle. He must have been filled in on the situation with Tilly.
Blankets are brought in and popcorn is popped, and then we settle in to watch Six's first movie. I barely pay attention to the actual movie, distracted by watching her reactions instead. I'm especially amused by her reaction to popcorn.
It is, incidentally, her new favorite food. I think she finished three bags on her own.
After the movie, we go through and show her trailers of other movies we'd like to watch with her. Jackson wants to watch The Birdcage with her, which was apparently his mother's favorite movie. Lukas wants to watch Pi. And Micah suggests the Rocky series. Despite my Slenderman reference, I never really watched a lot of movies growing up.
“I'll get educated with you,” I say.
She falls asleep during Pretty Woman. Apparently, Jackson is a fan of chick flicks, explaining that it was a common pastime for him and his mother. Six seemed to enjoy the movie, but sleep won out. I stretch out with her on the couch while Micah and Lukas head to bed. Jackson is still staring straight ahead at the screen, but he doesn't seem to be actually watching.
“You alright?” I ask him, gesturing with the remote to make sure he's okay with me shutting it off.
Jackson acknowledges my request with a nod, but doesn't answer my question. It's darker with the television off, but there's still enough light from all the machinery in the room to see that he's just staring at the ceiling. Is it the shadows of the room, or does he look…troubled?
The night is quiet aside from the whir of the ventilator. It keeps me up most of the night, worrying about what will happen to Bennet.
Will the plasma do anything? Will it be enough?
I try to focus on what the future might look like if—when he comes out of this. Without a doubt, we will take care of him in whatever condition he is in. If that means spoon feeding him pudding, funneling his damn protein shakes, and changing his diapers—I know I would do it and I believe the others would too. But he's an integral part of our life as a unit, his absence this past week weighing on all of us.
