Bridge to a Distant Star - Carolyn Williford [120]
“It would be best if you accompanied Beth. To help … answer questions.”
Miss Hamilton glanced toward Beth, assuming they’d meet eyes in agreement. But Beth’s full attention was focused solely on the baby. As though nothing else in the room existed.
“Yes, of course. Beth, you should go get dressed.”
No answer. Miss Hamilton caught Michal’s eye then. Motioned her head toward Beth, indicating she was to get Beth’s attention. When Michal reached out to put her hand on Beth’s shoulder she could feel tremors moving through her roommate’s body. And even at that slight touch, Beth felt unbelievably cold.
“Beth? Beth, you need to get dressed, okay?” Michal tightened her grip, shaking her just a bit. “Miss Hamilton will go with you to the police station, okay? To make a report about finding the baby.”
She turned toward Michal, apparently still confused, acting as though she barely recognized her.
“Come on, Beth. I’ll help you.”
Beth finally stood. Instantly, Michal recoiled at the blood pooled on the chair.
“She’s bleeding.” Samantha gasped, pointing.
For a moment, everyone froze in position. All eyes riveted on the bright red puddle on the chair, dripping onto the floor. And then everyone’s gaze shifted toward Beth. To her face. Which still focused only on the baby, who was crying more softly now. Mewling like a kitten again, her mouth working, making barely audible sucking noises.
Will and Sharon communicated through a mere glance. Responded as though a manual had prepared them for this type of emergency. Quietly, Sharon wrapped up the baby in a white blanket they’d brought in with them, scooping her up into her arms. Will reached toward Beth, gently guided her toward the stretcher, helping her to lie down.
“But what’s the matter with her? Is she … will Beth be all right?” Michal’s voice rose in intensity with each question. Still unknowing. Searching for the connection between Beth, bleeding, nearly in shock. And the baby’s faint cries.
Until realization dawned.
Michal exhaled, her words of not much more substance than air. “It’s hers. The baby—it’s Beth’s baby, isn’t it?”
The paramedics worked over Beth, neither bothering to look up; they were so intent upon checking the mother. Covering her with another blanket. Getting ready to insert an IV. Chatting with their dispatcher, another at the hospital, alerting them of their imminent arrival—with baby. And mother.
Time passed as Michal watched the scene unfold, but she hadn’t been aware of it. She glanced over at her suitemates. Saw them staring at Beth. Looks of shock and—was it fear? Or the stark prick of reality causing something closer to horror?
Miss Hamilton had already changed into street clothes and was planning to accompany Beth. It dawned on Michal she should go too—to comfort and support her roommate. My roommate? The thought rushed through her mind. Is she really the same person I said good night to last night? As she tugged off pajamas and pulled on jeans and a shirt, her thoughts continued to race. Nothing made sense. Absolutely nothing.
When she opened her door, they were getting ready to transport Beth. The baby was back in Beth’s arms, and the paramedics had just lifted the stretcher. Miss Hamilton held the door as they proceeded through.
“Miss Hamilton? I want to go … I should be there. I want—”
But the paramedics were shaking their heads. “I’m sorry. Michal, is it? But only one can come. It needs to be someone in authority. Someone who can contact Beth’s parents.”
“But they’re—”
Miss Hamilton waved a sheaf of papers. “I have all the information, Michal. We’ll notify them. Don’t worry about it—or about Beth. I promise we’ll take good care of her.” Her cell phone rang, and she grabbed it quickly. “Yes? Oh, yes, Dean Mitchell. We’re on our way to the hospital now …” her voice fading as she followed the entourage.
It was a strange and sad procession that moved down the hallway. Beth and baby on the stretcher, carried by the now-silent paramedics.