Click Here For Printer-Friendly Version THE CALL Chapter 15 Denise had determined this morning that she would not dwell on her nightmare. It was too ridiculous to even consider. All it meant, anyway, was that she was terribly jealous. So she had begun to focus on Jane Doe, to keep her dream off her mind, since she had begun to make her rounds.It was almost unbelievable, but an air of expectancy followed her wherever she went. Would it really work? Did she dare try it? Would everyone think she was crazy? But, if it worked, what difference would it make? At her first break, Denise went to Jane Doe's room. It was amazing that no one had ever found her purse, or any idenification for the lady. The theory was that perhaps it had been thrown from the car, and maybe an animal had drug it off somewhere. But there hadn't even been any answers, yet, from the missing persons' list. The patient was lying still, supported with pillows, her leg still in traction. No changes in her condition, the nurse had said. It was really crazy, but there was something about her, Denise decided, something almost familiar, as she stood looking over the patient. Denise noted the naturally arched eyebrows, the oval eyes with long lashes, the slightly sharp nose, cupid bow mouth, and softly curving chin. Pretty, she thought. Very pretty. There were no bandages on her face, now, and no swelling. She looked almost like a life- sized porcelain doll. The nurse came in to check her vital signs. "Excuse me. Am I interrupting?" she asked. Denise didn't know this nurse. "No, I just came in for a minute, while I'm on break. I just like to check on her every chance I get. You must be new. I haven't seen you before." Denise stated curiously. "Yes, I am. I'm Maria Marshall. Today's my first day, but I think I'm gonna love it here," she answered. "It's nice to meet you Maria. I'm Denise Whitaker, just one of the volunteers." "You know, you really look a lot like this lady. Are you related or something?" Maria asked. "Well, that's dumb, of course, since no one knows who she is," she said laughingly. "No," Denise laughed, "but thanks. I think she's really pretty!" "You know, I heard something really strange that has supposedly brought some people out of comas before. I'm really dying to try it, but I'm afraid everyone will think I'm crazy," Denise confided. "Really? What is it? She's been in a coma for some time according to her chart. I think anything that could possibly bring her out of it would be wonderful!" "Well, this guy on a radio talk show, supposedly a psychologist, was talking about how hung up we are, nowadays, on answering the phone, you know? Like, most of us would do anything to answer a phone when it's ringing. He said a lot of times, people will even come out of a coma to answer a phone. Ever heard of such a thing?" Denise asked. "No," Maria laughed, "but it kinda makes sense, especially if there's no physical reason for the coma. You know, it just might work. I can't see how it could hurt to try it," Maria said, thoughtfully. "Would you want to use the phone in the nurse's station?" "I don't know. There's usually several people in there, right around the phone. They'd probably think I was nuts!" Denise responded. "The pay phone is in the waiting room. Why don't we use it? Let's give it a try. Do you have any change for the pay phone?" "Oh, sure. Do you really think we should?" Denise asked, smiling, trying to gain the courage for such a step. "Sure. What could it hurt? I'll turn the ringer on the phone down just a little, so it won't disturb the other patients. Go ahead. Do it. I've got a few minutes. I'll wait here. Let it ring, oh, say, ten times. OK?" "O.K.! Thanks'" Denise called out as she turned, hurriedly leaving the room. Denise dialed the room number from the pay phone just down the hall, her heart racing with every ring. Please, please, let it work, she thought. It's just got to work! But, at the end of the tenth ring, she hung up, disappointed. She didn't answer! Dejected, she walked back to the room to talk with Maria, not accepting defeat well at all. Just got my hopes up too high, she thought to herself. Now what? But, upon entering the room, she didn't see the defeated look on Maria's face as she expected, although the Jane Doe was lying exactly as she had left her, still looking like a 'sleeping beauty'. "No good, huh?" Denise stated as she closed the door behind her. "You know, I can't say for sure, and though she didn't come out of her coma, I could swear there was a frown, just a slight change of expression, mind you, but a response, nonetheless! Let's not give up, OK? Let's try again. When do you get another break?" Maria asked. "My lunch break is at twelve o'clock, so can we meet in here about twelve-thirty? This time, let me call, and you watch her, OK? I really think there was a slight reaction, so it may work yet!" Maria was still optimistic, and it was encouraging to Denise. "Yeah,OK! See you then," Denise called on her way out. "Thanks, Maria." Feeling a little better that there had maybe been some reaction, according to Maria, even though slight, Denise began her duties with a new enthusiasm. After all, if Nana and Papa were praying for her, something was bound to happen! Denise avoided thoughts about God, and all she had learned last night, glad to have settled that question in her heart, but not ready yet to face the question that haunted her now. At least, now, she knew God would answer Nana and Papa's prayers, and they were always praying! Denise remembered the post card she had received from Mom and Dad, from Italy, with a really neat picture of some of the ancient ruins. Mom wrote briefly that Dad was doing fine, and they both were enjoying the trip immensely. They would be home in about a week, and had several more attractions lined up visit. Denise was pleased for them. They hadn't taken more than weekend trip together, alone, as long as she could remember. Then she thought of Jon, realizing this was Friday. Did he plan to come in tonight, or in the morning? She had forgotten ask him! If she. were at home, she could just look out her window and know when he got there, but at the farm. she had to wait for his call. But, of course, he would call as soon as he arrived. And she was determined not to let her stupid dream keep them from having a good time while he was down! Tommorow would be a good time for that afternoon picnic the pasture, she thought dreamily, between patients, and began plan the things she would prepare. But, at twelve-thirty, she was in Jane Doe's room,as planned, and the phone began to ring. Denise leaned over the patient watching intensely for any change, any movement. One..., two..., three..., nothing! Her heart began sink. Four..., five..., six..., still nothing. Just lying the motionless as if in a trance. Seven..., eight...wait! Was that a flicker of her eyelids? No. It must have been her imagination. But, there it was again! By the tenth ring, Denise knew a change had taken place, just a faint change in the sleep-like expression, a tiny movement of her left hand, the flickering eyelashes! It was working, not like she had imagined, but it was working! Excitement, relief, and renewed faith flooded over Denise at that moment, as she leaned over the bed, in a quiet voice saying to the patient, "Can you hear me? Can you open your eyes? I believe you can hear me. I want so badly for you to get well. Please open your eyes. Maria opened the door to the room, and curiously stepped in, taking in the scene, with Denise leaning over the bed, talking to the paitent. "Any response?" she asked Denise quietly. Denise*s eyes glittered with enthusiasm. "Yes! Yes, there was! I saw her eyes flicker first, then I thought it was just my imagination, but it happened again! And the expression on her face changed a little. I don't know how to describe it, but it was there! She moved her left hand just slightly, too. It's working, Maria, it's really working! Her voice was high-pitched, though quiet, with excitement. Denise knew there was no more time left today to continue the experiment, but her hopes had not been completely unjustified. It would not be long before the lady regained consciousness. She just knew it! Just wait until she could tell Nana and Papa about this! Such rejoicing there was in the little house on the farm, when Denise shared the news of the Jane Doe's progress with Nana and Papa! But Jon's call interrrupted the excited conversation, and he was at home, getting ready to come out to the farm, now. Denise gave him directions, and began to get ready for her date. Anxious to see him again, she hurried through her shower, shampoo, and blow-dried her hair, then carefully re-applied her make-up. Using the curling iron, she styled her natural curls becomingly, and set about to choose her outfit. Applying layers of new yarn, she fitted Jon's senior ring snugly on her finger, and looking at the clock on the bathroom wall, decided there was still time for a manicure. She quickly chose a pair of mint green walking shorts, and a multi-colored floral print cotton top, and pulling them on, looked in the mirror for approval. Yes, this would do nicely for a laid-back evening with her favorite guy! How wonderfully everything was working out! All was well with Jon, and she would be with him in just a little while. Nana and Papa were so good to her (and so much fun!). Mom and Dad were doing well and having a good time in Europe. And Jane Doe was beginning to come out of her coma! All is right with the world, Denise decided, as she applied the new polish to her nails. She had found a shade of pink which went perfectly with some of the tiny roses in her shirt. Denise had been trying really hard to quit biting her nails, and so far, this time, she had succeeded. They were actually long enough to file. Mom would be really proud of her when she returned from the trip, and saw her long fingernails. And no fakes, either! Denise had just finished with the polish, and was blowing her nails to dry them, when she heard the sound of the familiar loud tail pipes from Jon's sportscar. Perfect timing! "Someone's here, Denise," Nana called from the kitchen. "Must be here to see you, by the sound of the car. And what a looker!" Denise cracked up. She couldn't believe Nana was talking like that! "Yeah, it's Jon. I can tell by the sound, too. I'm glad you'll get to meet him, Nana," Denise, said, walking into the kitchen. I know you'll love him. Mom and Dad do, and Todd, too. Standing at the door, Denise waited until Jon stepped onto the big porch, then opened the door. "Well, hello, stranger," she said in greeting, as he leaned down and planted a quick kiss on her lips. "Hello, yourself! You're sure looking good," Jon murmured quietly while holding her, briefly. "Come on in. I want you to meet Nana. Nana, this is Jon Rivers, the one, and only! Jon, this is my grandmother. Mom's Mom, Irene Smith." Jon and Irene exchanged pleasantries, and Irene invited Jon into the living room, and offered him a Coke, which he gratefully accepted. Denise was so glad that Jon always knew the right things to say and do, and knew Nana wouldn't be able to resist his charm, either. "Papa's out in the pasture somewhere, I guess, isn't he, Nana? He should be back soon." I'm anxious for you to meet him, too. He's quite a character!" Denise did get to introduce Jon to Charlie, just as they were leaving to 'cruise the drag'. And, true to form. Papa kept them busy for fifteen minutes, asking questions, and cracking jokes. Finally, Denise jokingly said, "Now, Papa, I haven't seen this guy in two whole weeks, and I'm not about to share him, tonight! We'll be back around eleven, OK? Y'all be good while we're gone, now, you hear?" she popped off teasingly. They piled into Jon's little car, and off they went to see what was happening in town, and to make up for lost time.