Chapter 7 Impatient Patient

Mandy was glad to have the day off. Unfortunately, Johnny was working. They had grown quite close, and Mandy truly enjoyed the time they spent together.

Sitting at the breakfast table, she consulted her notebook to review the things on today's "to do" list. At the top of the list was making a peach cobbler to take to the station. It would be a nice surprise for the guys. She sipped her coffee as she continued to study the list. With the Bear Mountain Trail Ride two and a half months away, she wanted to get some new gear. Her small tent was rather worn and needed to be replaced. Her sleeping bag was also slated to be replaced. This meant a trip to a sporting goods store.

She smiled as she thought of the trail ride. Johnny had already put in for time off. He was going to ride Boomer. He already had his gear because he really liked camping. It would be interesting to see how well Johnny did on a trail ride. She knew he'd grown up on a ranch, and he had ridden with her several times. He and Boomer worked well together.

She looked at the next item, which was to order a sign for the ranch. She had finally decided to call it Awenasa, meaning my home in honor of her mother's Native American heritage. Johnny had whole heartedly agreed with her choice.

The final item on the list was going to be her biggest step forward with the ranch. She was going to look at some calves. Mr. Brighton had suggested she consider bringing in some as an investment. She had discussed it with her Aunt and Uncle and they had agreed with Mr. Brighton. If she had a "working ranch" it would help on her taxes.

She got up and took her breakfast dishes to the sink and washed her hands. It was time to get that cobbler made.

"Well, look who's here," said Captain Stanley as he opened the back door for Mandy who had the pan of peach cobbler in her hands. "Chet, go to the dorm and let Johnny know that Mandy's here."

"Hi, Mandy," said Chet before heading to the dorm on the other side of the station. He walked into the dorm where Johnny was cleaning. "Hey, Johnny, Cap said to tell you Mandy's here."

Johnny put down the broom. "Thanks, Chet," he said.

"She brought us a peach cobbler. You are one lucky man, Gage," said Chet in a sincere voice.

"I sure am," replied Johnny happily. In the months that they had been dating, he had been utterly content. He was wondering if just maybe she might be the future Mrs. Johnny Gage. With his rotten luck in the romance department, he had barely dared to dream that they could have a future together.

"Hi Mandy," said Johnny as he entered the Day Room.

"Hi Johnny," she said with a smile. "I made you guys some peach cobbler." She pointed to the pan that was now sitting on the table.

"Thanks, Mandy," said Johnny and he bent down and kissed her on the cheek.

Mandy blushed rosily. Johnny had never kissed her in front of anyone before. "It's fun to cook."

"And you make the best peach cobbler I've ever tasted," said Chet as he cast a longing look at the cobbler.

"Thanks, Chet," she answered. Mandy turned back to Johnny. "I'm going to order the ranch sign today; then I'm going to go look at calves."

"I'm glad you're taking the advice about adding cattle to the ranch," replied Johnny.

"Well, it is a good investment and I definitely have plenty of room for them. We raised cattle on mom and dad's ranch. We knew exactly what went into our beef," said Mandy.

"You mean you ate the calves you raised," asked Chet in a somewhat stricken tone.

Mandy looked at him in disbelief. "That's what they were raised for."

Chet shook his head. "I don't think I would make it on a ranch."

"If you had been raised on one, you'd think differently, Chet," explained Johnny.

"Chet, where do you think the meat you eat comes from?" asked Marco teasingly.

Everyone laughed and Chet replied, "At least I don't know the animal before I eat it."

Mandy shook her head and turned her attention back to Johnny. "Well, I've got to go. I have those appointments, and I'm also going to the sporting goods store you recommended to get the gear I need for the Bear Mountain Trail Ride."

"I'll walk you to your truck," said Johnny.

"Well, I hope everyone enjoys the cobbler. Goodbye," said Mandy.

The guys all thanked her again for the cobbler and bid her goodbye as she and Johnny walked out of the station.

"Roy, is lunch almost ready? The cobbler will make a great desert," said the Captain.

"It's ready, I'll set the table," answered Roy.

Captain Stanley noticed all of them casting sly glances out the window. Johnny was giving Mandy a lingering goodbye kiss. "Knock it off; let them have a little privacy. You're acting like a bunch of teenagers."

Suitably chastened they turned their attention to taking seats around the table. Johnny walked in smiling brightly. Chet and Marco snickered. He stared at them wondering what was so funny.

Captain Stanley handed him a napkin. "You might want to wipe your mouth, John."

He accepted the napkin and wiped his mouth. When he saw the lipstick on the napkin he blushed and quickly sat down next to Roy.

A look from Captain Stanley silenced Chet who had been on the verge of making a smart remark. Everyone filled their plates and began eating the Chicken and Dumplings Roy had prepared, knowing when they finished, there was fresh peach cobbler was for desert.

After lunch, the men finished their various chores and settled in to relax. It had been a quiet shift so far. Though none of them dared to voice it, they were all hoping for the shift to continue to be quiet.

Johnny was reviewing the information for the Bear Mountain Trail Ride he and Mandy would be going on. It was being sponsored by Mandy's church, so the rules were different than other trail rides. He didn't want to embarrass himself or Mandy. His concentration was broken as the tones went off.

The men all jumped up and hurried to the vehicle bay.

"Station 51 motor vehicle accident, intersection of Santa Fe Avenue and West Willow Street, time out 1451," said the dispatcher.

"Station 51 KMG 365," responded Captain Stanley into the mic. He handed Roy the call slip; he passed it to Johnny as the Captain hurried to the engine.

The squad pulled out of the station followed by the engine. Johnny put the call slip up and watched traffic as Roy drove to the scene. As they approached the accident Johnny suddenly leaned forward looking at the vehicles.

"Roy," began Johnny in a stunned voice. "That's Mandy's truck."

Roy slowed the squad to a stop. "Are you sure Johnny?" he asked.

"I know it's hers," he answered worriedly.

They both got out and grabbed their gear. An officer approached them.

"The woman in the blue truck is unconscious; looks like she hit her head. The teenagers in the other truck are drunk, but no injuries," reported the officer.

"Figures," muttered Johnny as they hurried to Mandy's truck.

The Captain followed them. "What do you have, Roy."

Roy pointed to the teens' vehicle. "Vince says they're drunk, but no injuries." He pointed to the truck they were approaching. "Johnny says that's Mandy's truck."

Johnny tried to open the driver's door it was jammed. Roy discovered the same was true of the passenger's side.

"Captain we're going to need pry bars," said Roy.

"Chet, Marco, bring the pry bars," called Captain Stanley. He walked over to Johnny. "John, are you sure you can handle this?"

"I can do it, Cap," he said softly.

Chet and Marco arrived with the tools. With a few tries, the passenger side was open. Johnny climbed in the vehicle and began an assessment.

"Roy," he called. "Get Rampart on the biophone."

Roy set up the biophone. "Rampart, this Squad 51."

Joe Early saw the light flashing signaling an incoming call and went into the base station room. "Unit calling in please repeat."

"Rampart this is Squad 51."

"Go ahead, 51," said Dr. Early.

"Rampart, we have a victim of a motor vehicle accident. Uh, be advised the victim is Mandy McCall," said Roy.

Joe frowned and turned to Carol. "Go to the lounge and get Dr. Brackett and Dixie."

Carol left without a word. It was so hard when it was one of their own.

"Can you give me some vitals, Roy?" asked Dr. Early.

"Johnny," called Roy. "Rampart wants her vitals."

"Pulse 101 and thready, respiration 18 and labored, BP 130 over 80, pupils equal but sluggish," reported Johnny. "Better get a collar and a backboard just in case."

"Rampart vitals are as follows: pulse 101 and thready, respiration 18 and labored, BP 130 over 80, pupils equal but sluggish. Patient is unconscious. We will be taking full spinal precautions."

"51, start an IV, Ringers Lactate, definitely go with spinal precautions, administer oxygen; continue monitoring vitals and transport as soon as possible," said Dr. Early. He turned to Dr. Brackett and Dixie and handed them the notes. "They're bringing Mandy in. She was in an accident."

Dixie clutched her husband's arm and stared at the chart. How could this have happened? He drew her close.

"Joe, I think you'd better handle this one. I'm going to take Dixie to my office for a bit. Let us know when they get here, okay," said Dr. Brackett.

"I'll let you know," answered Dr. Early softly.

"Roy, let's get her out of the truck before we start the IV," said Johnny.

With Chet and Marco's assistance, they got Mandy onto the backboard and out of the vehicle. Johnny knelt by the backboard and started IV. He sighed with relief as she reacted to the stick.

"Mandy," he said. "If you can hear me, open your eyes."

Her eyelids fluttered for a few seconds, and then she opened her eyes and saw a blurry image of Johnny's face hovering over hers. She blinked a few times, and the blurriness cleared considerably.

"Johnny?" she said in a clearly confused tone.

"It's me, Mandy. You're gonna be okay. You were in an accident, but you're gonna be just fine."

She closed her eyes. Her head hurt so bad. In fact, her whole body ached. All she wanted to do was go to sleep till the hurting stopped.

Johnny gently tapped her cheek. "Mandy, I need you to stay awake."

She opened her eyes again. "My head feels like the entire drum corps from the Marines' Band is playing in it."

"I know, sweetie, but you can't go to sleep just yet. You have a really bad bump on your head," answered Johnny in a soothing voice. "After Dr. Early checks you out, then you can sleep."

"Hmm, concussion…no pain meds either," murmured Mandy.

"Yeah, no pain meds, but we're gonna load you in the ambulance now. Once Dr. Early finishes checking you out, you may be able to get some pain meds. Do you hurt anywhere else?"

"My chest and stomach hurt from where the seatbelt and shoulder strap were, and my back, shoulders, and neck hurt too," said Mandy.

"Okay, let's get you loaded, then I'm gonna update Rampart on your vitals," said Johnny.

As they lifted the backboard, a wave of dizziness compelled Mandy to close her eyes.

"Mandy, don't go out on me," urged Johnny.

"I won't, just dizzy…I'll open my eyes when the stretcher stops moving," replied Mandy reassuringly.

She sensed the gurney being lifted into the ambulance and heard Johnny and the attendant climb in. She heard the doors close and heard someone, presumably Roy give the doors two thumps.

"Okay, Mandy, I'm gonna get an update on your vitals," said Johnny.

She felt the blood pressure cuff begin to squeeze her arm. In a few seconds, she felt the pressure release and opened her eyes. Johnny was taking her pulse. She watched as he wrote that information down, and then got her respirations.

Johnny picked up the biophone. "Rampart this is Squad 51."

Dr. Early pressed the button. "Go head, 51."

"Rampart, patient has regained consciousness. She is reporting pain in her head, chest, neck, shoulders, stomach and back. Vitals are as follows: pulse 95 and thready, respiration 18 and labored, BP 110 over 70, pupils equal but sluggish. Patient also complained of dizziness as we were moving her." He glanced inquiringly at Mandy.

"Still a little dizzy," she said.

"Rampart, patient is still a little dizzy," reported Johnny.

"10-4 51, what's your ETA?" asked Dr. Early.

Johnny looked out the window to see where they were. "ETA is about 5 minutes."

"10-4 51, we're ready for you. Go directly to treatment room 2," ordered Dr. Early.

Johnny sat the biophone receiver down. He gently stroked Mandy's cheek. "We'll be at Rampart before you know it."

"Johnny, what about my truck?" asked Mandy.

"Uh, well, I think you're gonna need a new truck," `answered Johnny.

"Well, I guess I know what I'll be doing tomorrow," she muttered.

"I wouldn't count on that, Mandy. You've got a concussion. They're probably gonna keep you in the hospital. I speak from experience," said Johnny ruefully.

The ambulance began backing into the Emergency entrance.

"We're here," Johnny said.

When the ambulance stopped, orderlies opened the doors and began pulling the gurney out. Roy hurried from the Squad to assist. Johnny followed the gurney holding the bag of IV solution.

Dr. Early met them at the door, and led the way to treatment room 2. He turned to a nurse. "Sharon, let Dr. Brackett and Dixie know she's here, please."

"Yes sir," she replied and headed for Dr. Brackett's office. She knocked on the door.

"Come in," called Dr. Brackett.

Sharon walked in. "Dr. Early asked me to let both of you know Mandy's here. He has her in treatment room 2."

Dixie stood up, "Let's go, Kel."

He shook his head. "Let Joe have a chance to examine her, Dix. He'll come tell us when we can see her."

She sat back down. "You're right. Waiting is just so hard. I'm not used to being on the 'waiting for news' side of things."

Dr. Early looked down at Mandy. She was doing well all things considered. "Mandy, do you know what happened?"

"A bunch of drunk teenagers ran into me is what they tell me. I remember seeing their truck headed for me…and realizing there was no way to avoid them. The next thing I remember is Johnny sticking me for the IV. When can I go home?" asked Mandy.

"Well, first things first, we have to take some x-rays. Make sure it's just a bad concussion and not a skull fracture. We also need to make sure your ribs are okay and rule out internal injuries. You have some deep bruising from the shoulder strap and seatbelt," said Dr. Early. "It's a good thing you were wearing them, or your injuries would have been much worse."

"I know. After you check me out can I go home?" asked Mandy wearily.

Dr. Early laughed. "Has Johnny been giving you lessons on being a difficult patient?"

"Don't blame me, Doc. I already told her she's probably gonna be stuck here for a few days," said Johnny.

The x-ray techs rolled the machine into the room. Dr. Early turned to them. "I want a full series of skull, chest, neck, and spinal x-rays done."

"We'll get 'em for you," said the tech.

Johnny, Dr. Early, Roy and Carol walked out of the room so the x-rays could be taken.

"Man, I can't believe this," said Johnny. "I mean, she was just at the station this morning. I never expected our first run of the day to be her. When I saw her truck I was…." he trailed off at a loss for words.

"Accidents happen to all of us, Johnny. You should know that better than anyone," said Dr. Early.

"Johnny," began Roy. "Cap said we could stay available at the hospital. He also said if you wanted to stay here with Mandy, he could call in a replacement for you."

"Okay, I'll let you know," said Johnny as he stared at the door to treatment room 2.

"If you two will excuse me, I need to go update Kel and Dixie," said Dr. Early. He walked over to Kel's office and knocked.

"Come in," called Dr. Brackett.

They looked expectantly at Dr. Early.

"How is she, Joe," asked Dixie.

"Well, she has a moderate concussion. We're waiting on the x-rays, but I don't think there's any skull fracture. She has some deep bruising from the seatbelt and shoulder strap. I ordered x-rays to make sure there's nothing wrong I can't find with a physical exam. She came out of this pretty lucky. She's lucid and already asking when she can go home."

Dixie chuckled, "That's Mandy…she's never been a very good patient."

"What's her prognosis?" asked Kel.

"Well, the concussion is going keep her here for a few days. Then she'll have to take it easy for several days. She'll be back to work in about two weeks," said Dr. Early.

"Take it easy," began Dixie. "She's not going to like that at all. Have you told her yet?"

"No, I thought I'd give her the restrictions a little later. I have a feeling when I say no riding the horses for a couple of months, she's not going to be happy with me," said Dr. Early.

Kel Brackett laughed. "I'm glad it's you and not me."

"Joe, the Bear Mountain Trail Ride is two and a half months away. Will she still be able to go? I know she's really looking forward to it," said Dixie.

"Barring any complications, she should be able to. I know Johnny's going too. He'll be able to keep an eye on her," said Joe. "I need to get back to her. As soon as I see the x-rays, I'll send for you."

"Thanks, Joe," they both said.

After he left, Kel turned to his wife. "She'll be fine, Dix. She's tough."

"I know, it's just hard to sit and do nothing," she replied softly.

Kel wrapped his arms around his wife and just held her. It was taking every ounce of his self control to wait in his office. He would have to remember this next time they had to deal with a distraught relative.

Dr. Early studied the x-rays carefully. He was pleased to see that they were all normal. He turned back to the gurney. Mandy and Johnny looked up expectantly. "No fractures, just a moderate concussion, some bruising, and sore muscles. I'm going to give you something for the pain, then send you up to a room. You're going to be with us for a few days."

Mandy frowned. "I'd rather go home, but I guess that's not an option right now."

Johnny took one of her hands in his. "Mandy, if you want me to stay, Cap says he can call in a replacement."

"No, with pain meds I'll be sleeping most of the time, but that doesn't mean you can't pop in to see me if you have to bring anyone to Rampart," said Mandy with a slight grin.

Johnny bent down and gave her a gentle kiss. He heard someone clearing their throat and looked up. They both blushed when they saw Mandy's aunt and uncle standing there grinning.

"Well, uh, I'd better go…Roy's in the longue…we…uh need to head back to the station. See you later, Mandy, Doc, Dixie," stammered Johnny. He gave a final squeeze to Mandy's hand and left.

Kel and Dixie Brackett laughed. "Your expressions reminded me of kids getting caught with their hands in the cookie jar," remarked Dixie in a teasing tone.

They both came over to the gurney. "How do you feel?" asked Dixie as she held Mandy's hand.

"Well, the pain meds are kicking in, so I'm really groggy. Doesn't hurt nearly as much as it did when I came to earlier," said Mandy.

"Don't worry about the ranch. I called Al Brighton, and he said to tell you he'll take care of everything," said Kel.

"Mr. Brighton is a good ranch foreman," whispered Mandy in a drowsy voice. "He takes good care of my horses." Her eyes closed as she surrendered to sleep.

Two orderlies came in with a gurney. "We're taking her up to her room. She's going to Room 320."

Dixie nodded and both she and Kel moved out of their way.

The orderlies gently loaded Mandy onto the gurney. The pain meds had fully kicked in and she was sound asleep. One of them flashed Dixie a comforting smile. "Don't worry, Mrs. Brackett, we'll take good care of her. The third floor nurses will have her settled in her room in no time."

"Thanks Paul," she said softly. She turned to Kel, "I guess we'd better get back to work."

He nodded. "You can go up and check on her whenever you want to, Dix." He was worried about both of his "girls." He sent up a silent prayer of thanks that their niece would be okay.

Johnny and Roy walked into the Day Room after they got back from Rampart. The others looked up expectantly.

"Johnny," began Captain Stanley. "How's Mandy?"

The others nodded and waited for his report.

"She's gonna be okay. She has a moderate concussion, and she'll have to stay a few nights at Rampart." He chuckled. "She's not too happy about being a patient."

"Reminds me of someone else I know," said Chet in a teasing voice.

"Guilty as charged," said Johnny with a grin. "I don't blame her one bit, and with a concussion, they'll be waking her up every few hours for a neuro check."

"Are you sure you don't want me to call in a replacement for you, pal?" asked the Captain sympathetically.

"No, Mandy wanted me to go back to work. She said the pain meds would have her sleeping most of the time. I'm going to check on if we make any runs to Rampart. Then when we get off shift tomorrow, I'll go back up there and sit with her."

"Well, let me know if you change your mind." Captain Stanley turned to the others. "Supper should be ready in a few minutes. Roy you want to set the table. I cooked for you since you and Johnny were at Rampart."

"Thanks, Cap," said Roy as he went to the cabinet to get the dishes.

The duty nurse entered the room and roused Mandy for a neuro check. "Mandy, you need to wake up."

Mandy groaned and muttered, "Amanda Rene McCall, traffic accident, drunk teenagers, Rampart, now can I go back to sleep?"

Kate didn't take her grumpiness personally. She wouldn't like being woke up every two hours either. "Yes, go back to sleep." She slipped quietly out the door. As she closed it, she turned and saw Dixie and Kel Brackett.

"How is she, Kate?" asked Dixie.

"Her neuro checks have all been normal. She's a little grumpy, but no problems," reported Kate.

"Thanks, Kate," said Kel. They quietly slipped into Mandy's room. She was already asleep again. What they saw agreed with what they had already read on her chart. She was stable and resting. Her breathing had leveled out once the pain was managed. "I think we should go on home, Dix. She'll be fine."

"Okay, let's go," she agreed.

The next morning, Johnny walked up to the desk where Dixie was working. "How's Mandy this morning?"

Dixie smiled, "She's doing well. She's a little upset that she can't go home yet though. Maybe a visit from you will cheer her up. Since she asked him outright, Joe told her no horseback riding for two months. You know how well that went over. Joe did assure her if she follows the aftercare orders he gives her, she should be able to make the Bear Mountain Trail Ride with no problems."

"That's good, because I know she's been looking forward to it. We're also going to be the first aid team for the ride," said Johnny.

"Well, go on up to see her," said Dixie.

"I will, thanks, Dix," said Johnny.

Johnny stood in the doorway and knocked on the open door. Mandy looked up and smiled. "Come on in, Johnny."

He walked over, leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. "How are you feeling?"

"Well the pain meds are working. I'm ready to get out of this bed, but Dr. Early left orders for bed rest," said Mandy with a frown.

"I've been on bed rest before. It's not easy." He sat down in the chair next to the bed. "But the more you follow the doc's orders the faster you'll get well enough to go home."

Laughter rang from the doorway. They looked up and saw Dr. Early standing there. "You're one to be lecturing about following medical advice, Johnny."

Johnny and Mandy exchanged mischievous glances. "We difficult patients have to stick together," said Mandy with a teasing grin.

"Well, I can see your sense of humor is returning. The nurses said you weren't really happy with the neuro checks," said Dr. Early.

"I know they were necessary, but getting woken up every two hours is not my idea of fun," admitted Mandy.

"I'll probably release you tomorrow morning. You'll still have to take it easy. Like I said no horseback riding for two months," said Dr. Early. "You'll be able to come back to work in two weeks. By then the muscle pain should be gone too, any questions?"

"Can I have some 'real' food for lunch instead of the hospital food? Breakfast was awful," said Mandy.

"I could bring something in for her, Doc," offered Johnny.

"That'll be fine. Anything you want to eat, as long as you actually eat it," said Dr. Early firmly.

Mandy smiled, "I know exactly what I want…some barbeque."

"Well, I'll go to Ander's BBQ and get some for both of us," said Johnny.

"That'll be fine, Johnny," said Dr. Early. "Maybe she'll eat more of that than she did her breakfast."

"You'd better believe it," stated Mandy emphatically.

"Well, I need to check in on a few more patients. You two have a good day," said Dr. Early. He left the room.

"I hope I do get out of here tomorrow. I'll be able to rest a lot better at home," said Mandy.

"It is hard to rest in the hospital," Johnny agreed. "You won't have to worry about cooking for several days when you get home either. Joann, Beth, Mrs. Stanley, and Momma Lopez are planning to fill your fridge so you can rest and not worry about meals."

"That's sweet of them." Mandy got a puzzled expression. "Who's Momma Lopez?"

"That's Marco's mom. She always does stuff like that when one of the guys gets hurt. She's 'adopted' you too now," said Johnny with a grin.

Mandy tried unsuccessfully to quell a yawn. "Excuse me; those pain meds sure do knock me for a loop."

"Go ahead and go to sleep," said Johnny. "I'll go in a bit and get the Barbeque. That way you'll be awake enough to really enjoy it."

"Okay," she said in a drowsy voice. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Johnny quietly left the room and went back down to the Emergency Department. He walked over to the desk where Dixie was working. "Hey, Dix, I'm gonna pick up some barbeque for lunch for me and Mandy. Would you and Kel like some?" Seeing her expression, he quickly added, "Dr. Early said it was okay."

Dixie smiled, "Sure, Johnny, let me get you some money."

He shook his head. "I'm paying."

"Well, thanks," said Dixie.

"Mandy is still really sleepy from the pain meds, I told her to go to sleep, that way she'll be awake enough to enjoy her lunch," said Johnny. "I also told her that Joann, Beth, Mrs. Stanley, and Momma Lopez were going to stock her fridge up with several days of meals so she doesn't have to cook when she gets out of the hospital."

"That's nice of them. I'm planning to take some meals over too. She'll have one less excuse not to rest," said Dixie.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw Mandy's truck yesterday," said Johnny.

"It was hard being on the 'waiting for news' side," said Dixie. "It was all I could do to wait in Kel's office until Joe was ready to talk to us."

"Cap offered to call in a replacement for me, but Mandy told me to go back to work since she'd be out from the pain meds," said Johnny.

"She told me about that," said Dixie.

"Well, I'm gonna run and get the barbeque," said Johnny. "I'll be back soon."

Mandy settled into a recliner with a sigh. The paperwork for her release from the hospital had been long and tedious. Since the Emergency Department was short staffed, Johnny had brought her home. It was nearly noon, and he was getting ready to warm up some lunch from the meals that had been brought over to the house for her. Between Station 51's A shift, her aunt, and what the ladies from her church were bringing this afternoon, she would not have to cook for the entire two weeks she was going to be off work to recuperate.

Johnny walked into the living room carrying a TV tray. "Here you go, Mandy. These enchiladas Momma Lopez makes are really good. Your microwave makes heating things up easy." He sat the tray with a plate of enchiladas, refried beans, and Spanish rice in front of her.

Mandy shifted and smiled as wonderful smells wafted up to her nose. "This smells wonderful." She looked at John. "I'll wait for you to bring your plate so we can eat together. That microwave oven was expensive, but it's worth every cent. You guys sure could use one at the station."

Johnny quickly returned with another TV tray bearing his meal. "Momma Lopez makes the best Mexican food I've ever tasted. You're right about us being able to use one at the station, but LACFD is not going to spend that much money."

Mandy grinned at him. "Maybe if you are all very good boys Santa will bring one for Christmas. I have it on very good authority he really likes Station 51."

She took a bite of the enchiladas and closed her eyes as she sighed with pleasure. "These are wonderful. Better than any restaurant I've ever eaten at."

"Like I said, Momma Lopez is a great cook," said Johnny after he swallowed his first bite. "Marco learned how to cook from his mom. Everyone is happy when Marco has kitchen duty."

"Maybe I can get some cooking lessons from them," began Mandy. "I love Mexican food."

"I'm sure Momma Lopez would be glad to teach you," replied Johnny with a smile.

"It's good to be home," said Mandy. "I love to work at Rampart, but I hated being a patient. To be fair, I have never been good at being a patient."

Johnny lifted his glass of milk. "I hear you. I've been a patient several times. It was never easy."

"And you have so much energy, having to be in the hospital must drive you nuts," teased Mandy.

"It does," admitted Johnny. "Dixie once joked that if they didn't release me soon, they might have to tie me down."

Mandy pushed her empty plate aside. "That was really good." She shifted her position wincing at the pain she was still experiencing.

"Let me get your pain pills, Mandy. You don't want to let the pain get too far ahead of the medicine."

"Thanks, Johnny." whispered Mandy. She closed her eyes and waited.

"Here," said Johnny as he handed her a pill and her glass. "Maybe you should go lie down and rest for a while."

"I think I'd rather rest here in the recliner. It's really comfortable," answered Mandy.

Johnny moved the TV tray out of her way. "Now, you can put the footrest up."

"Thanks," whispered Mandy as she put up the foot rest and leaned back.

"I'll clean up the lunch dishes." Johnny gathered up the dishes and took them to the kitchen. He quickly washed them. It didn't make sense to run the dishwasher for a few dishes. When he finished, he went back to the living room. Mandy was sound asleep. He walked over to the book shelf and perused the titles. Selecting a book, he went back to the other recliner and sat down to read.

About forty-five minutes later the door bell rang. He got up to answer it. Two ladies from Mandy's church were there with food.

"Hello Mrs. Hockings, hello Mrs. Harris. Please come in, Mandy's taking a nap. Can I help carry anything?"

"Oh, we can carry the dishes to the kitchen," said Mrs. Hockings.

Johnny turned led the way to the kitchen. "I appreciate you ladies helping Mandy. She's still pretty sore from the wreck."

"Just doing our part to help our sister in the Lord," said Mrs. Harris.

Johnny put the casserole dishes in the refrigerator. The ladies smiled when they saw other dishes in there as well.

"It looks like Mandy will be well taken care of during her recuperation," said Mr. Hocking with a smile.

"Yeah, the 51 family brought food too," answered Johnny. "Her Aunt is bringing some food tonight too. When Dixie and Kel get here, I'll be going home. They were short staffed at Rampart, so I offered to bring her home."

"That was good of you," said Mrs. Harris.

Johnny smiled. "She's a very special lady. I was glad to be able to help. Let me see if she's awake yet. I know she'll want to say hello."

They walked to the living room. Mandy was still sleeping peacefully in the recliner. "Don't wake her on our account," said Mrs. Hockings. "Sleep is what she needs right now. Will she still be able to go on the trail ride?"

"Yes, Dr. Early said she should be able to. She just can't ride her horses for two months—doctor's orders," replied Johnny.

"Well, we had better be going. The kids will be home from school soon," said Mrs. Harris.

Johnny walked them to the door. "Good bye ladies, thank you again. I'll let Mandy know you stopped by."

"Good bye Johnny," they said.

After they left, Johnny went back to the living room to resume reading the novel he had selected. He planned to let Mandy sleep as long as she needed to. Dixie and Kel were due at 4, and then he planned to go home since he had to work the next day. They planned to spend the night just to make sure she was okay.

Johnny heard Mandy stir and put the book down. He got up and went to her chair. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she gave him a small smile.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"It's 4:45. Dixie and Dr. Brackett should be here soon. Would you like something to drink?"

"Some water would be nice," she replied. "I feel better after that nap."

"That's good, I'll be right back with a glass of water. Do you need more pain meds?"

"Not right now," she answered. I'm not due for another pill till six."

Just as Johnny handed her the water, the doorbell rang. "I'll get that," he said. It's probably your aunt and uncle."

Johnny opened the door and saw Kel and Dixie standing there. "Hi, come on in. Mandy's in her recliner in the living room. She just woke up from a nap."

They followed him into the living room and sat the casserole dishes they had been carrying down.

"How do you feel, Mandy?" asked Dixie gently.

"Better now that I'm home. It's a lot quieter here."

Johnny stood a little nervously. "Well, I guess I'd better head home. I have to work tomorrow."

"Kel, let's put the food in the refrigerator," said Dixie with a wink.

He glanced at Johnny and Mandy and grinned. "Good idea, Dix."

They picked the dishes and headed to the kitchen. Johnny quickly moved to Mandy's side and gave her a tender kiss. "I'll see you after my shift. Take it easy."

As Johnny stepped back, Kel and Dixie came in with knowing grins. "Dixie, Dr. Brackett have a good evening."

After Johnny left, they discussed what to have for supper. Dixie had done a quick inventory of the meals in the refrigerator. They decided on JoAnn's chicken and dumplings.

At her Aunt's suggestion, Mandy agreed to put half the dishes in the freezer for the next week.

After supper, they settled in for a quiet evening.