Page 99 of Primal God

“In the ER, they drew labs on you and performed a pregnancy test. Since everything is good, you’re cleared for surgery.” She gestures to my wrist. “It’s best to have surgery as soon as possible, especially since you’re not having much swelling at the moment.”

“How long is the surgery?”

“Anywhere from thirty to ninety minutes. They’re going to take you into an OR suite and an anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia. It’ll be the best rest you’ve had in a long time.”

I smile at her, feeling reassured. “You’re very good at your job, Marilynn.”

“Thank you. I try. Now, I’m going to grab some goodies to give you. Dr. Santos has a few cases ahead of you, so it’ll be a few hours.”

“Okay.”

“Change into the gown and socks sitting on the edge of the bed. Just leave the gown open in the back and I’ll help you close it when I come back with your IV fluid and pre-op antibiotic.” She says, “You can leave your underwear on, but you’ll need to take off your bra and any body-jewelry you have on. There’s a white sack beneath the gown that you can put your items in.”

She gives me another reassuring smile as she leaves, pulling the curtain shut behind her. As I undress, I discover my first problem. Because of my injured wrist, I can’t reach behind my back and unhook my bra like I normally would. Well, crap. I manage to get it unhooked with one arm, but I also work up a sweat in the process. By the time I get the gown on, Marilynn is back.

“Knock, knock. Can I come in?”

“Yeah.”

She opens the curtain wide enough to enter and closes it behind her. “Okay, I’m going to get this IV fluid and antibiotic started. Just have a seat on the bed and make yourself comfortable.”

I do as she says, even though I wouldn’t exactly call it comfortable by any means. This is all happening so fast and I haven’t really had time to wrap my mind around it. And don’t even get me started on how I’m going to reach out to Cecely to let her know what happened. The thought has me frowning as Marilynn starts the IV and hangs fluid and an antibiotic.

“I’ll be back in a few to check on you. If you need anything, just press the button on the side of your bed.”

“Thank you.”

She leaves and I lean back, trying to get comfortable. I’m just starting to doze off when Marilynn returns.

“I have a few goodies for you, and then we’re going to roll you back. Dr. Santos has rearranged his schedule so that you’re next.”

I take the pill in the cup and swallow it, using a clear liquid that she hands me.

“That was just some Pepcid and Tylenol. We’ll give it a few minutes to kick in. Dr. Santos and the anesthesiologist will both come to speak to you and then I’ll roll you back.”

I nod as she disappears.

A few minutes later, the curtain opens, and Dimitri smiles down at me.

“Ready?”

“I guess.” I shake my head. “I’m kind of nervous.”

“Don’t be. I’m the best.”

“So I’ve heard.”

He moves, taking my left hand. “I promise this will be over before you know it.”

“Okay.”

“Okay,” he echoes back. “Now, I’m going to sign your right arm. Gerald will be in shortly and will do the same. After that, you’ll be wheeled back into my OR and we’ll get started. Do you have questions?”

“Tons.”

His lips twitch. “I’m all ears.”

“One, who is Gerald?”

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