Page 39 of A Summer of New Beginnings
Oh, shit, am I dead?
One of the bearded Scotsmen laughed. ‘No, lassie, you’re not dead.’
Okay so I said that last part out loud.
‘You had a wee fall off your bike, that’s all. But you’re awake and talking. Just try and slow your breathing, eh?’
At least he was being kind and not trying to rape or pillage her like the character from the TV show. She scrunched her achingbrow. ‘But your clothing…’
Beardy man glanced down and, as something akin to realisation hit him, chuckled. ‘Re-enactment group. Let me guess, you thought you’d done a Claire?’
She opened and closed her mouth, trying to make sense of his words. ‘A… a what?’
He glanced at his gathered friends for their assistance. ‘You know, Claire Fraser or whatever she was called, youknow?Outlander?Don’ttell me none of yous Jessies have watched it. Gone back through time, oooooh.’ He waved his fingers around.
‘Oh, no… Silver Dickhead?’ she mumbled and the bearded man looked a little hurt.
‘Charming,’ he chuntered.
‘Leave her be, man. She’s probably got concussion,’ another one of the men, a younger one, insisted. ‘Anway, here’s Lurch.’
Another man peered down at her but he was silhouettedagainst the sky so she couldn’t see his face. ‘Oh, bloody hell, you again.’ He leaned back slightly and she saw the features that accompanied the familiar-sounding voice.
She snorted but managed a wee smile. ‘I could say the same thing, Lachlan.’
‘Aye, well, we’ll have to stop meeting like this, eh?’
‘Look, Lurch, I told them you’re an accountant not a bloody doctor, but the stubborn tubeswouldnae listen.’
Without taking his eyes off Zara, Lachlan said, ‘Lawyer. Not accountant. And I really wish you’d stop calling me Lurch, guys. We’re not in school any more and I’m neither exceedingly tall nor grotesque.’
Beardy man chimed in, ‘Not looked in a mirror today, eh?’ The rest of the men laughed.
Lachlan rolled his eyes and shook his head but smiled down at Zara. ‘How are you feeling?’
Zara’s mouth was dry and she was a little overwhelmed with her almost dip into the eighteenth century and the shock that accompanied the whole incident. ‘Erm… My head aches and I feel a bit queasy but I think I’m okay.’
‘Can you wiggle your fingers and toes?’ She nodded. ‘Any pain when you do?’ She shook her head. ‘Probably a mild concussion. I’ve had it when I played rugby at university. It’snot pleasant but you’ll probably be okay.’
A siren could be heard and a car with a green flashing light arrived. Zara heard one of the toy soldiers, as she’d decided to call them, talking to the doctor. ‘Hi, doc. She’s over here. Bit fuzzy-headed but seems okay. She’s already insulted me.’
The doctor arrived beside her. ‘Hi, I’m Dr Mackay. I’ll give you a check over. Can you tell me your name?’
‘Zara… erm Zara Bailey.’ He proceeded to ask her facts about the date, what she had for breakfast and who was the prime minister. Then he shone a light in her eyes and asked her to follow it. Other checks followed – he was certainly thorough – and he finally gave his diagnosis.
‘You’ve a mild concussion. I’m afraid you shouldn’t really get back on the road for a day or two. And to be honest youshouldn’t be alone. Perhaps I can contact the medical centre at Thurso and see if they can sort you a bed. Leave it with me.’ He stood to leave and disappointment sank like a heavy weight on Zara’s shoulders. More delays. More hassle. Just when things were starting to feel okay.
‘Erm, Doc, does it have to be a hospital stay? Or could she maybe stay with someone… you know, not medically qualifiedas such?’ Lachy asked.
‘I didn’t think she’d know anyone. One of your… erm… band of merry men said she was cycling the NC500. Guessing she doesn’t have friends here as such or she wouldn’t be cycling alone.’
‘Aye, you’re right but… I’ve met Zara before. She camped on my land a couple of nights ago. I’d be happy to take her in for a couple of days to make sure she’s okay, if it’d help.’
‘Well,only if you’re sure.’ He pulled a leaflet out of his bag. ‘Here are the signs to look for with concussion. If anything changes you must contact me immediately, okay?’
Lachy nodded. ‘Sure thing, Doc. No worries.’ He walked back over to Zara. ‘Is that okay with you? You’re welcome to stay with me. I know going to Thurso will take you off the officially recommended cycle route and I guessed you’dnot want that.’
Zara’s eyes began to sting. ‘I don’t want you to put yourself out again because of me. I—’
