Chapter 31

“I really think you are overreacting,” Julianne said in a tired voice as they sped onto the highway.

“You have been working yourself to death getting these events together. How many meals have you missed in the past six weeks? How many late nights have you worked?”

She hesitated, turning to watch the buildings passing outside the window.

“Julia?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I did forget to eat a couple of times. I have had so much to do.”

“I know, and you have done an amazing job, but now you need to slow down. You need to let us make sure nothing is wrong with you.”

“It is possible your body just collapsed from the stress. We can have some blood tests run to see if there is anything we should be worried about.” The doctor’s voice was calm and reassuring.

Alexandria Memorial Hospital rose out of the darkness. Gavin edged the car close to the Emergency Room entrance. He slipped out of the car and jogged around to the passenger door. He eased Julianne out and gave her a minute to gain her balance. “Okay?”

“Fine,” she murmured but her legs shook. Dr. Williams proceeded to the front desk as Gavin swept her up and strode through the sliding glass doors.

The emergency room was quiet and Julianne was taken back almost immediately. A young nurse helped Julianne slip into a hospital gown and climb into bed. She smiled kindly as she attached electrodes to her chest. “Can you tell me what happened, Ms. Finnegan?”

“I don’t know really. We had just finished the intermission reception, I went outside to get some air, and then someone came up behind me and…” Her voice trailed off as she tried to remember, her brow furrowed. “Gavin kissed me,” she whispered.

“Is that the gentleman who brought you in?” the nurse asked. Julianne just nodded. “I gather that was quite a surprise.” The nurse suppressed a smile.

“You could say that. After the kiss I don’t remember anything.”

“It seems you passed out. Has this ever happened before?”

Julianne shook her head.

“Is there any chance you may be pregnant?” the nurse asked.

Julianne laughed and shook her head.

“Have you been under a lot of stress recently?”

“Maybe a little,” Julianne hesitantly replied.

“Dr. Williams thinks your body was reacting to stress, but we are going to run some tests to make sure there isn’t something more serious going on. Dr. London is the ER doctor tonight and he will be in to see you shortly. In the meantime you get some rest.”

“Can I see Gavin?”

The nurse shook her head. “I’m sorry, only family is allowed back here.”

“But I don’t think my family even knows I am here.”

“Your friend said they were on the way. I can let the desk know you would like to see one of them when they arrive, if you like.”

“That’s fine.”

“Rest now.” The nurse slipped out, pulling the curtain closed.

Julianne closed her eyes and listened to the active hum of nurses, orderlies, patients, and machines. She reflected on the course of the evening; the opening night excitement, the buzz of delight during intermission, the cool night air on her skin, the kiss on her neck, then blackness.

Grating metal and rustling cloth announced the arrival of Meg Finnegan as the privacy curtain was pulled back. “Julianne, darling, are you all right?” Meg rushed in, leaning over to clasp her daughter.

“I am fine. Just a little tired.”

Meg scrutinized her child noticing the dark circles under the eyes no longer hidden by make up and patted her hand.

“You gave us quite a fright. Has the doctor been in yet?”

“No, I have only been here a few minutes. I am sure he will be in soon. Apparently, there was a doctor in the theater and Gavin brought him with us. He believes I probably just succumbed to stress. Oh, I should have Cameron offer him free tickets to another show. I hate that he missed the end of the play because of me. Where is my cell phone?” She sat up, looking for her purse.

“How can you be worried about something like that right now? You are lying in a hospital bed.” Meg stood with her hands on her hips, eyes blazing.

“Oh, it must still be at the theater. Can I use yours?”

“You can call him after the doctor has seen you. Now lay back down.” Meg firmly pushed her daughter back on the bed.

“Can you send Michael in?” Julianne asked after several minutes.

“I really think you should rest. Just close your eyes and relax.”

Grudgingly Julianne did as she was told.

“Good evening ladies. I am Dr. London. What seems to be the problem here?” A distinguished gentleman in his mid-sixties wearing a Looney Toons tie scanned Julianne’s chart as he approached the bed. “Says here you passed out and lost consciousness for several minutes. Has this ever happened before?” He slid the stethoscope from around his neck, inserting the ends into his ears as he spoke.

“No, never before,” Meg replied. “She has been under tremendous stress the past several weeks though. I don’t think she has been sleeping or eating well, either. Just look at the circles under her eyes.”

Julianne sighed, too tired to interrupt her mother. Dr. London listened to her heart and lungs.

“Mm hm. Now a deep breathe please. And exhale. Now again. Were you doing anything different or strenuous when you passed out?”

“Have you not been listening to me?” Meg’s exasperation was evident.

“Mom, why don’t you go to the waiting room and let the doctor do his job? I will have someone get you when he is done.”

“But I want--”

“Mom, please,” Julianne interrupted, fixing her eyes on her mother’s. Meg nodded and turned to leave. Julianne returned her attention to the doctor. “She is right. I haven’t slept much and I may have skipped a few meals.”

“Would you say you have been under an unusual amount of stress?”

“I don’t know. I was anxious about getting things done but I just focused on the tasks at hand. Overall though, I felt excited.”

“I see. Were you doing anything strenuous at the time you passed out?”

Julianne hesitated. “The whole day has been a whirlwind.” She glanced up at the doctor who was writing on her chart. “And, well, there was a kiss. It was a bit unexpected and I couldn’t breathe. That is all I remember.”

Dr. London laughed. “Isn’t the kiss supposed to awaken the princess, not put her to sleep?”

Julianne responded with a nervous laugh. His humor made her feel more comfortable.

“Sounds like you just need some rest, but we’ll run some blood tests to be sure and give you some IV fluids. I will send someone in to draw the blood and set up the IV. When we get the lab results I’ll stop back by.”

“Thank you.” Julianne closed her eyes waiting for the nurse to return. Within fifteen minutes, her blood had been drawn and a saline IV started. Meg returned and sat by her daughter’s side.

“You have accomplished so much these past few weeks darling,” Meg said softly. “I am so proud of you, but you have to take care of yourself too.”

“I know, Mom. I will have more time now.”

“Your father and I think you should take some time off. We can help you out if you need money.” She caressed her daughter’s forehead.

“I appreciate that.” Julianne struggled to keep her eyes open. “Can we talk about this tomorrow? I am so sleepy.”

“Of course, dear. Go to sleep. We will wake you when the doctor comes in.”

An hour passed before Dr. London returned. Meg stood when he pulled the curtain open.

“How is she, doctor?”

“All the tests came back clean.” The doctor said, causing Julianne to stir. Dr. London touched her arm making sure she was awake before continuing. “I recommend you slow down before you do more damage to your body.”

“Yes, sir. I don’t think that should be a problem now.”

“Good. The nurse will be in to finish up and discharge you.” Still scribbling on her chart, Dr. London walked away. Julianne closed her eyes to wait.

 

Oliver raced out of the theater. Only a few cars remained in the parking lot. He couldn’t believe Conrad Ashton had decided to do an interview as everyone else was winding down. Cameron had left for the hospital and Oliver had intervened when he heard Ashton looking for Julianne. “How can I help you, Mr. Ashton?”

“I was looking for Ms. Finnegan. I decided I would like an interview after all. Even if I don’t use it right away it is always nice to have some quotes available if the need arises.”

“I am so sorry. You just missed her. She had to leave to take care of some other business. I would be happy to try to answer your questions.”

“Not much of a publicity manager if she isn’t available to the public, is she?” Ashton sneered.

“I’m sure you can understand that Ms. Finnegan’s time is in high demand right now. She has made every attempt to speak with the press. I’m sorry you didn’t make an appointment with her earlier this evening. She would have been delighted to speak with you.”

Ashton sniffed and looked around the lobby. An actress was walking out with Mayor and Mrs. Meyer. The young “James Dean” chatted in a corner with Ms. Whitesong, but everyone else was gone. “I guess you will do.”