Flawbulous

“Wonders never cease!”

“Well, wonders never cease!” exclaimed Angel as she entered Sullivan’s hospital room, flanked by Kina, Reginell, Lawson, and Desdemona.

“Praise be to God! I’ve always believed in miracles, but there’s nothing like seeing one to reaffirm my belief!” attested Lawson. She was nearly brought to tears at the sight of Sullivan sitting up in her hospital bed, awake and alert. She rushed to Sullivan’s side and enfolded her in a zealous embrace. “You don’t know how happy I am to see these gray contacts!”

“Dang, Lawson,” croaked Sullivan. “I just came back to life. Don’t try to kill me!”

Lawson pulled back. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it. I’m so thrilled to see my best friend again.”

Charles chuckled, bouncing toddler Charity on his knee. “Don’t feel bad. I had the same reaction. I can’t tell you how good it felt to see my baby open her eyes. I think I scared half the hospital when I shouted up and down the corridor!”

“The people in this hospital may not understand your shouting, but we sure do! How long has she been awake?” asked Angel.

“A few hours,” answered Charles. “I would’ve called you sooner, but the doctors had to run some tests and examine her. I didn’t want to call until we knew she was all right.”

Lawson held Sullivan’s hand. “How are you feeling, sweetie? Are you in any pain?”

Sullivan stretched out on the bed. “If I am, I can’t tell. The drugs here are fabulous! Angel, I can see why you got addicted.”

“Looks like the sadistic witch of Savannah is back!” announced Reginell. “I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

“Yeah, I love you too, Reggie,” Sullivan replied sarcastically. “And thank you for keeping my broomstick warm while I was sleeping.”

Lawson laughed. “Yep, she’s definitely back!”

“Well, she’s still not at one hundred percent, but she’ll get there,” proclaimed Charles. “The Lord wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“You had us worried for a minute there,” said Kina. “But we never gave up hope, and we never stopped praying for you.”

“Thank you, Kina.” Sullivan looked over at Charity and Charles. “I had a lot of motivation right here and in that NICU to come back.”

Angel cooed. “Have you seen Christian?”

Sullivan beamed with pride. “Yes. He’s teeny, but he’s perfect.”

“It must’ve been wonderful seeing him for the first time,” said Kina.

Sullivan nodded. “When I woke up to a flat stomach, I almost had a heart attack. I didn’t know what had happened to my baby. The doctors wanted me to wait before going to see him. They thought seeing him with tubes and on that breathing machine would freak me out, but I made such a fuss that they soon figured out that not seeing him was making me freak out even more! I think they know now not to mess with me when it comes to my kids.”

Angel tried to mask her concern about Christian’s undeveloped immune and respiratory systems. “How is he? Is the breathing machine working for him okay?”

“I don’t know, but God is,” attested Charles. “We put our faith in Him, not some machine.”

“Amen,” said Lawson.

Sullivan spotted Desdemona hanging back in the corner. “Wow. I’m down a few days, and y’all have already replaced me?”

Kina snickered. “Not a chance. This is Desdemona. She’s helping me with my book.”

Desdemona stepped forward. “I hope it’s okay that I’m here. I was with Kina when they got the call. She said it would be okay if I tagged along.”

“No, it’s fine,” said Sullivan.

“I’m glad you’re awake. They’ve all been worried sick about you,” Desdemona told her.

“It’ll take a lot more than a teenager texting while driving to take me out!” professed Sullivan.

“You’re a tough cookie,” joked Desdemona. “Believe me, it takes one to know one! And if you ladies will excuse me, I have a few errands to run. I get lost after the sun goes down, so I better head out while there’s still daylight.”

Charles shook her hand. “Thanks for coming, and nice meeting you.”

“I’ll be right back,” Kina said before walking Desdemona out.

“So Kina has a new entourage now?” teased Sullivan.

“She’s harmless, and I’ll take Desdemona over Kina’s cameramen any day. Remember how creepy they were, filming and following her around everywhere?” Lawson glanced over at Reginell, who appeared to be in pain again. “Reggie, are you all right?”

Reginell nodded, gritting her teeth and gripping the arm of a chair.

Angel’s nursing instincts took over. “Reggie, I can look at you and tell you’re in agony. Let me take a look at you.”

“I’m fine,” Reginell replied breathlessly. “Excuse me.” She gathered the bit of strength she had left and dashed out of the room.

Lawson rose. “I’m going after her.”

“No, stay here with Sully,” instructed Angel. “I’m the nurse. This is my territory.”

Angel made a quick exit and found Reginell doubled over in pain right outside Sullivan’s door, with Kina tending to her.

“Call Mark,” groaned Reginell, holding her stomach and struggling to breathe.

“Forget Mark.” Angel looked at Kina. “We need to call a doctor.”