Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 34292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 171(@200wpm)___ 137(@250wpm)___ 114(@300wpm)
I don’t know how long I’ve been out, but when I wake up, all the memories are gone; those violent flashes were pushed to the side.
There is a light knock on the door, and then a man enters. Given his attire, I can only assume he’s a doctor. “Mr. West, it’s a great start to the New Year. I’m Dr. Hart, your primary physician. Your family will be so relieved.” New Year? What the hell?
“Doc, how did I get here?” I question.
“You were in a serious accident.”
Vail is meant for the slopes, and I’m not a snow guy. I’ve never skied in my life. “I didn’t go skiing; I don’t like skiing,” I mutter, shaking my head, and I stop abruptly because it’s painful.
“No, you were injured in a car accident; a drunk driver hit you.” I have no recollection of the incident, and it must show on my face because he continues. “You were walking back to the hotel when you were struck. Your injuries are severe, but thankfully the cold helped with the swelling and we got to you when we did. You’re lucky to be alive. I need to check your vitals, and then we’re going to let you sleep.”
He flashes a light in my eyes, checking them, and then nods. “First, let me ask: do you know your name?”
“Yes, Simon West, Jr.,” I answer with an impatient sigh.
“That’s good. I’m sorry that my questions seem basic and redundant, Simon.”
“Is that really good? I’m missing time. I’m in a completely different state, and I’m not sure how the hell I got here.” A wave of panic fills me, and I want to jump out of bed. How much time have I lost?
He looks at the machines beside me and says, “Calm down, Mr. West. It’s very common, given your injuries. The nurse did say your last memory is your family’s auto body shop and you know you don’t like skiing, so more than likely this is a temporary situation. Please rest and calm yourself. The memories will come in time. We will run some tests to be sure that there are no lasting effects, but I’m certain it’s just a little hiccup in your recovery.”
“You have got to be kidding me. A little hiccup?”
“Simon, there could be worse things to happen. You have only been in a coma for a week. Most people in your situation have a lot more problems.”
“How about those meds now, Doc?” I’m not in the mood for his positive thinking. Did he just tell me I was in a coma for a week? I’ve been out of it for a week and don’t remember how I got to Vail in the first place. I knew we were going, but I’m missing a good chunk of time. I close my eyes and ponder how bad it could have been. Hell, what happened to me?
The door to the room burst open. “Oh my God, he’s awake,” my mother says with a cheerful sob. “My baby,” she coos, coming up to my bedside and giving me the lightest squeeze.
“Dash, be careful, love.” My father’s deep voice, although stern, has always carried a sweet and gentle tone for my mother. Several others enter the room, but the one who draws my attention is the same woman who yelled at me in my hazy state. It takes me a moment to realize that it’s none other than Vivian—or Trouble, as I like to call her. Her eyes are red rimmed, like she’s been crying for days, and she doesn’t look well.
“Excuse me, but you all can’t be in here. Mr. West is about to get some rest and go for testing.”
“Rest? The man has been sleeping for two weeks,” Eric says.
“It’s not the same thing as true rest. Besides, we have some important matters to discuss with Mr. and Mrs. West.”
“What he wants to say is that I don’t remember anything since we left Steeleville. I don’t know what happened to me or why I was outside.” I look straight at my pretty little beauty, hating that I don’t remember this trip. She stares at me with tears in her eyes, mouth gaping widely until her hand covers it. Somehow, I hate that I’m hurting her by not remembering the reason for our fight, but I don’t. All I can remember is the bitterness in her tone as she wished she’d never see me again.
Vivian’s phone rings, and she says, “Oops. It’s just my parents. They probably want an update. Excuse me.” She leaves the room, and it suddenly feels colder, emptier without her in it.
Even if her phone didn’t ring, I knew she wanted to leave. Without Vivian here, there is no reason for me to be awake right now. “I’ve got a headache, and I’m tired.”