The Ties That Bind Us: (The Ties Duet Part One) by Danda K. (chromebook ebook reader TXT) 📕

The paramedic walks over to grab her bag and heads back towards us.

Focusing on Cameron, she says, “Hey girl, my name’s Anna. I’m a paramedic with the FDNY. You think we could go get you checked out? Are you able to walk?”

Cameron nods her head. “Uh, yeah, I can walk fine.” She slides off the counter and bends to pick up her stuff from the floor.

I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her. “I got it, Cam.” I just need her to get out of this bathroom. I continue to pick up her stuff as the paramedic walks her out of the bathroom with her hand resting gently on Cam’s back. I gather her things and my hat, then head out of the bathroom myself.

I run to catch up, and we continue towards the vehicle. When we get to the ambulance, we all climb in. Cam sits on the stretcher as I sit next to her on the bench. Anna begins checking her vitals and doing a quick workup.

She asks her male partner to step out of the vehicle and closes the doors to the back.

She’s gonna ask her to take off her clothes.

Knowing Cam’s body has been desecrated somehow, Anna probably wants her to feel like she still has control over who gets to see her. Even if it’s another medical professional.

“I’m gonna need to check your body out, sweetie. Do you mind lifting your shirt up for me?” Anna speaks gently like Cam is a bomb that could detonate at any moment.

It’s obvious she’s seen this type of situation one too many times. I suddenly feel like I shouldn’t be here. I know I’ve seen her topless before, but that was different. Cam had no choice. She has a choice now, and I don’t want her to have to make it. I stand up, but she stops me.

Void of any emotion, she looks up at me. “Don’t go.”

Keeping my eyes off her, I sit back down on the bench. She takes off her shirt, and I look out the window, respecting her privacy.

Anna looks around and checks for bruising. But seems pleased. “The only bruise I can see is this one on your face. And there’s a bump on the back of your head, but it feels normal.” The paramedic writes some stuff down and then continues, “I still recommend you get checked at the hospital for anything internal.”

Cam puts her shirt on and shakes her head. “No, I’m fine. I just wanna go home.”

Anna looks like she wants to argue but doesn’t. “It’s my medical recommendation for you to be seen by a doctor, but I can’t force you. Unless...” She rechecks her paper. “Is there even the slightest chance that you’re pregnant?”

Cam’s face turns bright red. “No, there’s no chance.” She gets uncomfortable and shifts in her seat.

The paramedic looks my way accusingly and then back to Cam. “Are you sure? Because having unprotected sex once,” She emphasizes the word and continues, “can result in a pre--”

Cameron interjects, “I’ve never had sex.”

The paramedic, whose face is now redder than Cam’s, nods her head. I guessthat answers my question, too.

“In that case, you just need to fill out a form refusing medical advice...” She continues on about how to care for her wound and how to recognize signs of a concussion.

I know damn well Cam has tuned her out, but I listen intently. After all the forms are signed, we gather our stuff and exit the truck.

Two cops come over and offer to drive us back to my apartment, and we begin walking to their car. I’ll pick up my bike tomorrow after Nyx is settled. We get into the back of the police car, and I give the officers my address. Cam is quiet, staring out the window as the officers turn onto the street.

She’s quiet as we make our way through the Gowanus Expressway. I reach over and squeeze her knee, offering a silent reassurance that I’m still here.

She gives me a small smile but turns back to the window, zoning out again.

I can’t imagine what she feels, and I wish I could make it better for her. I just don’t think I can provide the help she really needs. Between the things she’s alluded to in her past and what happened tonight, I think a professional would be much more appropriate.

The vehicle comes to a stop in front of my place. The officers get out and open both our doors. I walk around to Cam, place my hand on her lower back, and guide her towards my gate. She waits there as I head back to the two officers and shake both their hands, thanking them for their help.

I take out my keys and walk over to Cameron as she looks around the alleyway; she still seems off but a bit more alert.

As we enter the backyard and head towards the door, her eyes look it over before they steady on the patio and four chairs. The red umbrella over the table is slightly bent from the wind, and Sam’s bike, scooter, and toys are scattered. The backyard’s mostly concrete, but there’s a small patch of grass on the far side where Sayeed grows some vegetables.

I open the door and gesture for her to enter. She walks in, her eyes searching the floor like there’s a trap somewhere that’ll lock her ankles in a vice.

She’s looking for Magnet.

I point towards the door before the kitchen entrance. “He’s probably asleep in the bathroom sink.”

That seems to catch her off guard. She shakes her head with a small chuckle, and I feel a little better now seeing her respond a bit more.

“Make yourself comfortable, whatever you need. Mi casa es su casa.” I signal around the house, trying to lighten the mood.

“You mind if I take a shower?” She rubs her hand across her cheek. “I just need to wash him off me.”

I nod and go to get her some towels. I don’t have any loofahs,