Informing the next of kin

Nurse Karlee works quickly with Brianna. First, assess the blow to the head, check for concussion, probe the cut on her temple. Next, the hand, prod it, correct the wonky fingers, eliciting moans from the redhead, then wrap it all up in bandages.

“Her hand’s broken. You should go to the hospital,” she tells Brianna. “They’ll need to check for damage from the concussion.”

Blair has her phone. She’s already phoned emergency services. “How long?” She puts her phone against her chest and turns to Karlee. “They can’t get here for at least an hour.”

“Tell them not to bother then. I’ll take her to A&E myself.”

You help Karlee support Brianna to the carpark and her car, while Blair chivvies the other girls back to the changing rooms. Brianna is only just shorter than you, and the same height as Karlee, so the two of you support her easily. It’s while you’re helping Brianna into the car that Blair returns.

“I tried phoning her aunt,” Blair states, “but all I’m getting is voicemail.”

Blair joins Karlee and Brianna in the car, and they head to the hospital. You, left alone, head home. The walk doesn’t calm you, so once home you open a beer, and distract yourself by marking homework. It’s not a good distraction.

You’re just about to give up and go to bed when the doorbell rings.

When you open it there is a short woman about your age with long red hair, large breasts, green eyes and a freckled face.

“Mr Smith?” she asks on seeing you. “Hi, I’m Faye Ollins, Brianna’s aunt.”

“Oh, hello. Is Brianna ok?”

“Yes, well I’ve just put her to bed. They gave her some **** and she’s pretty groggy, but they didn’t think it was worth keeping her overnight. She’s young. She’ll recover. But I have a favour to ask. One of her friends texted to say they have her phone and her bag, but they didn’t pick up her school uniform. Could you pick it up and bring it tomorrow? It’s just she’s only got one jacket and tie, and it would be good to put the skirt and blouse in the washing. The hospital said she should take a few days off school, so it would be good to pick them up before she goes back.”

“Not a problem. But I don’t know where you live.”

She laughs. “Oh yes, we haven’t met. We live next door,” and she points to the house the other side of yours to the Petersons.

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll bring it over tomorrow afternoon. When are you back from work?”

“I’ll work from home tomorrow, to keep an eye on Brianna.”

“Alright. It’s good to meet you Faye.”

You shake hands and let her get back to her invalid niece.