The RAF Pilot and the Nurse

[Graybread]

A closed story for DeliciousMaiden

The RAF Pilot and the Nurse

On the night of May 4, 1941, 576 Squadron took part in a raid on the German army panzer depot at Mailly-le-Camp in France. The Squadron had detailed 18 aircraft for this operation. Pilot Officer Reed and his crew took off at 21:40 in a Lancaster ME703. This was P/O Reed’s and his crews 13 mission, they had successfully completed 12 operations, most of these against heavily defended German targets, and Sergeant Reed had only been promoted to Pilot Officer the previous week.

The operation proved a costly exercise for the Bomber Command crews involved and while the attacking force was orbiting the holding point waiting for the orders to commence their bombing runs the German night fighters made contact and took a heavy toll of the bombers. When the order to commence their bombing runs finally got through the remaining bombers made a very accurate attack but 42 Lancaster’s were lost out of a force of 346. During this operation, Ju88 night fighters twice attacked the Lancaster squadron of Pilot Officer Reed and crew.

The first attack took place before they had reached the target. The Lancaster sustained serious damage and was almost uncontrollable. It took the combined efforts of the pilot, the flight engineer, and the air bomber to keep the Lancaster under control. Sgt Taylor and P/O Reed needed all their strength to operate the control column and F/S Saruk assisted his pilot by clinging onto the rudder pedals to operate them by hand. The Lancaster was so badly damaged it is a wonder that it was able to stay in the air. As well as the loss of the intercom there was a large hole in the floor, the compass was broken, the wireless set useless and some of the oxygen supply had leaked away. In addition, the elevators, rudders, and electrical circuits were all severely damaged. The hydraulic system was also damaged and the bomb doors had swung open. The electrical system had to be switched off, which caused a radiator flap to close on one of the engines and the engine to overheat. A fire had also broken out in the rear of the aircraft, which probably accounts for the fact that the mid upper gunner was missing, as he must have been forced to bale out due to the flames.

Evasive action had taken the Lancaster away from the target so a second run was made. By using hand signals the Air Bomber was able to direct his pilot over the target and they successfully bombed the markers. The fire in the fuselage was helped by the tremendous draught from the inrush of air through the hole in the fuselage floor but Sgt Taylor was able to put out the flames by using an extinguisher. The wireless operator, F/O Hallows had, by this time, patched up his set and distress signals were sent out.

Once back across the English Channel a fighter station was contacted and asked to prepare for a crash landing but the Lancaster seemed to be flying reasonably well by this time and P/O Reed decided to continue the flight and try to reach his base at Elsham Wolds.

On arrival P/O Reed was strapped in and he ordered his crew to take up their crash positions. As the Lancaster touched down the starboard undercarriage leg collapsed and the bomber swung off the runway, skidding sideways and coming to a standstill with smoke coming from one of its engines. The four remaining crewmembers evacuated the aircraft safely thankful that they had survived such a difficult mission. P/O Reed how ever slumped over in his seat. Shrapnel had pierced both his legs, his abdomen and his left arm. When next he awoke he was laying between the crisp white sheets of a hospital bed. The first thing he did was look down to see if he still had his legs. His head dropped back on the pillow with a sigh of relief.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jennifer Clarke

It wasn’t that Jennie was squeamish. How could she be when she had joined the Nursing Corps? But although the shifts could be hard and arduous, especially after an air raid, nothing had prepared her for the events of that evening.

Worriedly she watched the face of the young pilot as he lay immobile on the sterile litter. She had grown used to the duties of the medical ward, but when the call came in that an injured pilot was being admitted, the victim of a plane crash, it had been a case of using whatever personnel available … and Jennifer was the Nurse in the right place at the right time … or the wrong time… she considered as she watched the metal dish with the pieces of shrapnel being set aside.

”Nurse?”

Jennifer jumped to attention once more.

”Blood pressure … 100/60 … pulse 110 … but weak Doctor…”

Without further comment, Jennifer watched as the Doctor nodded and returned the mask to the patient’s face.

”Be ready to resuscitate as soon as the operation is complete.”

His assistant responded curtly:
”Yes, Sir.”
Knowing that prolonged intake of the oxygen, ether and nitrous oxide could prove fatal for a man in such a weakened state.

Jennie watched in fascination as the incision was extended, allowing the surgeon to examine the gut structures and internal tissues.

”Saline.”

Jennifer moved deftly to hand the solution and watched as the wound was rinsed until the fluids ran clear. Swapping the saline for the sulphur powder Jennifer turned to cut the sterile square of gauze to cover the open wound.

”Begin resuscitation. “

Pure oxygen replaced the gaseous cocktail.

”If he survives the operation, this soldier will be a lucky man.”

Jennifer moved to run a hand through the patient’s dishevelled hair.

”Doctor?”

Crisis over, the surgeon smiled at the young nurse, noting her anxiety and knowing that she would not have understood the procedure that had just been carried out.

”The shrapnel was removed in one piece and we managed to sew up the superficial damage. His vital organs are in tact. If he is strong enough to survive the anaesthetic and the wound remains uninfected, your pilot will be as good as new, lass.”

Jennifer smiled a slight blush on her cheek.

”Thank you Doctor.”

Her shy gratitude brought a smile to the older man’s lips.

”Well done, Nurse Clarke. You did well. Perhaps you should consider a move to the surgical department?”

Jennifer looked at him uncertainly.

”How about I assign you to post-operative duties for now Nurse?
This young man will need careful care if he’s to recover fully.”

He chuckled as Jennifer smiled gratefully.

”I’d like to … follow through on this procedure, Sir.”

She told him demurely.

”No doubt young lady …”

Blushing she looked away as the man left theatre busying herself instead with checking both blood pressure and pulse, monitoring her patient’s slow return to consciousness.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was much later, late afternoon the same day, when he finally stirred.

Jennifer watched wordlessly as his eyelids fluttered open.
She watched as he tried to remember … as realisation hit.
She saw his eyes fly downwards in panic, only to be replaced immediately with a look of relief.
Silently, she moved forwards and lightly placed a cool palm on his brow, pleased that the earlier fever had abated.

”Nice to have you back with us Officer Reed…”

She told him as he became aware of her presense.
She smiled pleased that he could turn his head and recognise his name.

”Your legs are fine … but try not to move … you’re bound to feel a bit … battered for a while…”

She reassured him calmly and gently took hold of his wrist, her eyes lowering to her watch as she checked his pulse, counting the regular, but still slow beats.
As if sensing his eyes on her she glanced up at him, wanting to put him at his ease.

”Don’t worry … you’re still ticking …”

She told him softly.

”Do you think you’d like a sip of water…?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

OOC:

Your nurse as promised.
I thought I'd jump right into the story and fill in details about Jennie later.
I hope that's ok?

{{{huggs}}}

Mari x

 

[Graybread]

OOC: Yes dear, that is very okay. I do miss your beautiful AV though, Miss Jenny Clarke.



IC:
Hinton gave a sigh of relief at her words.

“Yes, water would be great, I seem to be very thirsty,” he said slurring his words thickly from the after effects of the ether.

She laid his hand gently back on the bed and turned to pour water from the metal pitcher sitting on the stand. Hinton tried to focus on her, but could mainly just see the white blob of her uniform. She turned back to him with a cup of water with a straw in it. She reached under his head and held it up slightly holding the straw to his mouth.

“It’s the either, drink slow,” she said. “The ether can make you sick if you drink too much.”

The water was cool and refreshing to Hinton. His mouth and throat were extremely dry. He assumed it was an affect of the ether. He laid his head back down after drinking about half the glass. His eyes began to work a little better as he looked up into the nurse’s face. His eyes focused on the face of a beautiful young girl, perhaps a year or two younger than himself. As his vision cleaned more, he found himself staring into a set of deep violet eyes. The kind of violet one sees just after the sun goes down, or just before it comes up in the very early hours.

He could see the compassion, the caring behind those eyes. She had the eyes of an angel, a beautiful sweet angel of mercy. His breath caught in his throat as he looked up at her. He was glad that she had already taken his pulse, because he knew it was racing now.

“My legs,” he stammered quickly, his tongue still a bit thick. “I mean…..I won’t lose them? I’ll be able to walk all right, and maybe fly again? I have to fly again.”

“With exercise and therapy,” she replied, reassuring him. “You have other wounds that need to heal as well.”

He reached across to feel his left arm, but the turning motion caused a tremendous pain in his abdomen. He let out a gasp of pain and his eyes began to water. He dropped his arm back on the bed as the pain eased away.

“I won’t do that again,” he said smiling weakly at her.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

OOC:

Jennie's back ... just for you Gray!

{{{Huggls}}}

Mari x

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jennifer Clarke

“Yes, water would be great, I seem to be very thirsty,”

Jennie eased him upright, just enough to help him to drink and watched warning him to sip rather than gulp. She knew how dry his throat must be and smiled as she watched him fight the impulse to drain the cup of water down quickly. Seeing his grateful nod, Jennie eased him downwards and turned to return the cup to the side of his bed, knowing he could have the rest in a very short while.

“My legs. I mean…..I won’t lose them? I’ll be able to walk all right, and maybe fly again? I have to fly again.”

Jennie hastened to reassure him, although she did not make false promises. He was over the worse and despite his injuries seemed strong. Her eyes flicked over his body. He was a fit, muscular young man and had obviously been full of life and courage. He was very fortunate to be alive and she was grateful that the surgeon had seen fit to assign her to these post-operative duties.

His gasp brought her back to the present.
Jennie sprang forward a steadying arm as he exclaimed in pain.

“I won’t do that again,”

She smiled in answer, allowing him to make a joke of his pain.
Her hand rested on his arm, stroking lightly, soothingly and pretended not to notice the tears pricking in his eyes.
Instead she busied herself with taking his pulse once more, her eyes on her watch giving him time to regain his composure.

”Officer Reed … you'll be made to jump through hoops soon enough ..."

She told him a twinkle in her eye as she mock-scolded him.

"… I hear Doctor MacIntyre has a reputation as a tyrant around here …his rehabilitation is almost torturous .... you wouldn't want me to let him loose on your early would you now ...? ”

She chuckled at the ironic threat, guessing that the young man who lay before her would be more than eager to start physio and rehab as soon as possible.

Letting his wrist down gently, Jennie found her hand irresistibly drawn to his brow.

”Just take your time .... it'll be soon enough ... I promise …”

Her eyes held his, the shared gaze intense, a gaze that caused her to lower her eyes and look away first.

”Meanwhile … "

She continued hurriedly, hands busying to straighten pillows beneath him.

"I’d be very grateful if you could manage NOT to do yourself further damage Officer Reed …"

She arched an eyebrow.

"I’d be in serious trouble if I let my first surgical patient undo all the operative work the good surgeon did …”

Pillows and covers straightened, Jennie glanced back at her patient, all to aware of how his eyes had followed her deft moves.

”I’ll get you some painkillers Officer … you need to rest … “

She saw him nod and wince at the pain even so slight a movement caused.
Her brisk efficiency, melted.
He looked so …lost … and even now ...
He was fighting to hide it, but she could clearly see the fear ... fear of what the long term consequences of his injuries might be... wanting to be reassured ... and yet ...

”Can I get something for you … any messages … Officer Reed …?”

She had seen the C.O. calling at the hospital earlier and knew that he would be informed of Officer Reed’s progress, but beyond that there must be ... someone .. waiting and hoping for news of him ... There was no evidence of a wedding ring ... but Jennie couldn’t help wondering fleetingly if there was a girlfriend back home.

Lucky girl ...

The thought came unbidden to her mind as she turned her doe-like eyes to his once more.
She knew she would be happy to do anything she could to comfort this man ... within the scope of her job ... of course...

 

[Graybread]

Hinton Reed

Hinton had to smile inwardly despite the pain, not only was she beautiful, she had a sense of humor too.

“Just take your time....it'll be soon enough...I promise,” she said.

She laid her hand across his forehead in a soothing gesture, looking down at him. He was caught in her eyes, her beautiful violet eyes. The pain eased, or maybe just forgotten as he looked back at her. He was reminded again of the predawn light, the excitement of a new day just beyond the horizon. It was his favorite time to be in the air, when the old day was passing away and the new one was about to begin.

It struck him suddenly that that was how he felt when he looked into her eyes.

She is the morning angel, he thought to himself.

She broke the connection and lowered her eyes much to his disappointment. He could stay lost in her gaze forever.

“Meanwhile, I’d be very grateful if you could manage NOT to do yourself further damage Officer Reed,” she replied fluffing the pillows under his head, arching an eyebrow. “I’d be in serious trouble if I let my first surgical patient undo all the operative work the good surgeon did.”

He watched her small hands go about their work, straightening, smoothing, flattening, glancing up to her face quickly to catch a glint of color. He shifted position to get a little more comfortable. The pain wracked his body in a contorted spasm causing him to catch his breath and freeze in position. A small gasp escaping his lips as he tried to hide the pain.

I’ll never fly again…they won’t let me fly again. I have to fly…I need to fly. He closed his eyes, trying to will the pain away. Damn Nazi bastards….if I can’t fly again…..I’ll….I’ll….

“I’ll get you some painkillers Officer…you need to rest,” he heard her say.

God yes, some morphine would be wonderful, he thought behind gritted teeth.

”Can I get something for you…any messages…Officer Reed…?”

He let out his breath and looked up into her face, the pain easing somewhat.

“Yes, maybe something for the pain…..and messages….well….no, there’s just granny, but she’s in a nursing home. She doesn’t even know I’m here. My folks, well, they passed several years ago. My dad had a heart attack and my mom followed a few months later…died of a broken heart I think.”

He tried to muster a smile as he thought of the love, and passion his mother had for his father. It was that same passion that he had inherited from his mother that had caused him to join the air corps in the first place, to fight against the Third Reich.

“No, there’s no one,” he sighed, “no one to miss me. And please call me Hinton….nurse….?”

He realized he didn’t know her name either. A small grin crossed his face as he looked up into hers.

“Please, tell me you’re the great granddaughter of Florence Nightingale.” He joked. “Maybe you could just sit with me for awhile, tell me about yourself. I promise, I’m not going anywhere.”



OOC Thank you for the return of the violet eyes dear.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jennifer Clarke

“Yes, maybe something for the pain….”

Jennie nodded and consulted her notes … her patient seemed stable at the moment … she would need to consult the doctor for him to prescribe an appropriate dosage …

” … and messages….well….no, there’s just granny, but she’s in a nursing home. She doesn’t even know I’m here.”

Her attention turned back to her patient, their eyes meeting once more, hers growing in compassion as he continued.

”My folks, well, they passed several years ago. My dad had a heart attack and my mom followed a few months later…died of a broken heart I think.”

Instinctively she laid a comforting hand on his arm. So much grief and pain … and his had started it seemed even before this war …

“No, there’s no one, no one to miss me.”

Jennifer found that difficult to believe and all the more tragic as it was unexpected.

”And please call me Hinton….nurse….?”

His attention was fully on her again as he asked her name.

“Please, tell me you’re the great granddaughter of Florence Nightingale.”

She giggled enjoying his sense of humour, despite the circumstances.

“Maybe you could just sit with me for awhile, tell me about yourself. I promise, I’m not going anywhere.”

Jennie smiled, her eyes taking in the sight of him laid in the bed. He was injured … “broken but not down” … the saying ran through her head. He was just holding on to his spirits, obviously concerned for his future, but still charming and amusing.

”Nurse Clarke …”

She informed him primly, before breaking into a smile that lit up her whole face.

”Jennifer … Jennie … “

Her cheeks pinked slightly as she informed him.

”And … it’s me that’s not going anywhere … Hinton … “

She hesitated before using his name as he had asked her to … her voice somewhat breathless as she tried it out for the first time …

”I have orders to keep you under close observation … for the next 24 hours at least … so … let me arrange these painkillers and … I’ll be right back … “

With a smile she turned and walked from the ward, notes in hand, seeking the information she needed. So far all looked favourable … Jennifer passed on her obs charts and described how the patient seemed strong, concerned, but not distressed … nodding as instructions were given to her, she soon returned syringe in hand, smiling as she saw his eyes turn towards her again.

”Miss me … ?”

Her tone was flirtatious, but she moved deftly to ease back the covers and gently ease his left arm slightly higher.

”Now… relax… this won’t hurt a bit… “

She soothed before easing the needle quickly into muscle and vein, administering the dosage and withdrawing quickly turning to dispose safely of the equipment and write up the medication notes.
Looking back over to him, she explained.

”You should get significant pain relief, but the dose can be increased …”

They had to be sure there were no side effects from the operation and ensure that no infection had set in.
Putting down her papers she brought the glass of water and moved towards him once more.

”You can have the rest of this now … and I’ll stay with you and chat … but … you have to promise to relax … let the drug take effect .. deal?”

She smiled as her arm went around him again, coaxing his head into a position where he could sip at the water.

 

[Graybread]

Hinton Reed

Nurse Jennifer Clarke, with eyes like the new dawn. Hinton thought as he watched her walk away. He had a suspicion that under her care, his recovery would be fast, or at least he hoped so.

When she returned with the painkiller, he eyed the needle warily.

“Miss me…?” she said, easing the covers back. “Now…relax…this won’t hurt a bit… You should get significant pain relief, but the dose can be increased.”

She lied, it did hurt, but Hinton let on that it didn’t. He smiled up at her instead of gritting his teeth. She disposed of the needle and picked up the remainder of the water.

“You can have the rest of this now … and I’ll stay with you and chat … but … you have to promise to relax … let the drug take effect .. deal?”

“Deal,” he replied.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Over the next few days, they fell into a routine. She would come and sit with him as her duties allowed, which seemed to be a lot of the time. He found that when she was with him, he didn’t need the morphine near as much. It was at night that the pain got to him the most, but even that was easing as the days went by.

She would gently wake him in the mornings with his breakfast tray, hand feeding him as if he was a total invalid. He did have the use of one arm, but he enjoyed her feedings immensely. It was the changing of the bandages that embarrassed him. Not that he minded them being changed, but he was totally exposed to her, as he lay naked on the bed.

“So, how does everything look,” he said, then flushed when he realized what he said could have a double meaning. “I mean….does the wound look okay?”

He tried to cover his embarrassment telling her what the Doctor had told him that morning.

“Doc say’s I should start getting out of bed soon. Start standing and walking around a little.”

He knew he shouldn’t be embarrassed and had it been any other nurse maybe he wouldn’t have.

“He say’s he’ll get me some crutches in the next couple of days. My arm is better, I can lift it now without much pain.”

Jennie changed the bandages checking to make sure everything was clean and no infection had set in. She applied new ones, then covered him back up, much to his relief.

“Yes that’s all in the report,” she said sitting down next to the bed. “You could use the fresh air, but you’ll have to lean on me until you get some strength back. And everything looks fine down there,” she added, meaning his wounds.

Hinton felt himself redden again.

“Yes, some fresh air sounds wonderful. How soon can we take a walk?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jennifer Clarke

As the days passed, Jennifer was increasingly amazed that there was no one to miss Hinton. She watched him attentively and regulated his meds. carefully hoping that he got significant relief from the morphine. As promised, she rewarded his good behaviour by sitting and chatting with him.

She told him about herself: how she had gone to London at the age of 18 to train as a nurse, how when war broke out a year later, she had remained there until her brother had been posted oversees. Jennie told how he had then returned to her family home in Lincoln and continued her training in the local hospitals, training which had now changed in character with the considerable air and sea activity in and over the channel. The resulting high level of casualties had been kept her very busy. With a very busy 3 years experience Jennie had a wealth of experience, but was still very much learning “on the job”. She told Hinton how much her work meant to her and that she would have said she actually “enjoyed” the challenges had she not seen so much misery and suffering.

But for the present Jennifer was content:
Dr MacIntyre had been pleased with her performance during Hinton’s surgery and despite his good humoured teasing, had seen how diligently Jennie had performed the post-operative care. It was obvious her presence was welcomed by the young pilot and made him less agitated and so he assigned her to continue to oversee Hinton’s rehabilitation, whilst still calling upon her services, ensuring that she was for the time being assigned to his surgical department.

Tending Hinton’s dressings had been painful for him at first. As gentle as she tried to be the first time she removed the lint, Jennie heard his gasp of pain and reassured him that she would be work as swiftly as possible and that it would soon be over. She had deliberately turned her face away from Hinton’s pale visage, aware that his jaw clenched tighter with every light probing of her fingers. When the job was done, she ran a hand soothingly through his hair and told him quietly she would fetch him a drink. She could see the tears swimming in his eyes and knew how painful it must be. Discretely she gave him space to recover before returning with water, meds and a bright smile doing her best to keep his spirits up.

Of course, changing his dressings now was much easier. As Hinton continued to grow in strength, so his charm and humour become more and more evident. Only when she changed his bandages had he began to become strangely quiet. Jennie too worked without comment, unless he queried his progress.

“So, how does everything look, I mean….does the wound look okay?”

Jennifer met his eyes and saw his flush. She looked down at his exposed groin and eyed it assessingly. She realised why he had corrected his question. She could not pretend that she could not appreciate his aura of … masculinity … which was increasingly evident … but even though she must have seen him naked so many times this was the first time that she had viewed his manhood as a woman rather than a nurse.

“Doc say’s I should start getting out of bed soon. Start standing and walking around a little.
He say’s he’ll get me some crutches in the next couple of days.
My arm is better, I can lift it now without much pain.”

Jennie nodded, pleased of his hurried comments which allowed her to regain her composure and professionalism. Her hands worked deftly, her voice steady as she replied.

“Yes that’s all in the report. You could use the fresh air, but you’ll have to lean on me until you get some strength back. … “

She knew how impatient he was, but knew that Dr MacIntyre would err on the side of cuastion.

” … And everything looks fine down there,”

She reassured him. The wound had not been infected at all and continued to be clean and to heal well.

She smiled shyly as she saw Hinton’s heightened colour and thought fleetingly at as a man he looked pretty fine down there and began to pink herself.

“Yes, some fresh air sounds wonderful. How soon can we take a walk?”

Jennifer laughed at his impatience, dispelling the tension.

”I think we need to work on some exercises at first … being upright will be a shock to the system. Patients find it difficult to balance, let alone put one foot against the other …. “

She dimpled him a smile as he almost seemed to pout in disappointment.

”Come on soldier … why don’t we start phase one now … then perhaps I can talk to the doctor and tell him you’re ready … “

Jennifer moved towards the bed and pulled back the covers, pulling them right down and freeing Hinton’s feet.

”Try to get yourself out of bed … pull your legs up … swing them … no … slowly!”

She cautioned him as he complied eagerly.

”Now … put them on the floor … good… “

She moved to stand beside him, half perching on the bed on the side of his good arm and circled an arm about his waist, taking a firm hold.

”Put your arm about my shoulder .. yes … like that … now … we are not going anywhere … just lift yourself up from the bed… use your good hand as a lever … slowly … I’ll support you … just see how it feels … “

Obediently Hinton followed her instructions. Jennifer’s petite frame took part of his weight and steadied him as he swayed slightly.

”Deep breath … Hinton … steady now … “

She held him secure, her slender body beneath his and pressed against his side.
She knew he was not putting his full weight on her, but she had him secure.
She tipped her head and smiled up at him.

”Well done … how does it feel … any pain …?”

Her eyes searched his.

”If you feel ok .. just lift your feet one at a time … step on the spot … it will free up your muscles … slowly again … we need to get those muscles working again … “

She watched his triumphant smile and chuckled.

”Ok … enough … sit down again now … “

She eased him back until they were sat side by side on the bed, her body still supporting his.

”Your muscles will feel tight and weak at the moment … “

She knew the doctor would give her a programme of exercises and that she would need to work on his muscles to warm them and free them up and allow them to begin to function normally again.

”Perhaps by the end of this week we can try crutches … we’ll get you outside as soon as possible Hinton … “

She assured him.

 

[Graybread]

Hinton

As Hinton took a deep breath he could smell Nurse Jennifer’s sweet perfume. He wanted more than anything to get back on his feet, to get back into the air. The war was not going to stop and wait for him to recover, but as his arm went around her shoulder and her scent entered his nostrils, he thought perhaps he should take things slowly. He might need weeks, perhaps months under Nurse Jennifer’s tender guidance. Long months of her expert care.

“Well done … how does it feel … any pain …?” she asked as he stood.

The pain was horrendous as it shoot up through his abdomen.

“If you feel ok .. just lift your feet one at a time … step on the spot … it will free up your muscles … slowly again … we need to get those muscles working again … “

Tiny beads of sweat broke out on his forehead, but he wasn’t going to show the pain as he followed her instructions. One step, then two, he smiled at his accomplishments, feeling much the helpless child.

“Ok … enough … sit down again now … ,Your muscles will feel tight and weak at the moment …”, she said sitting next to him on the bed.

The pain eased somewhat, as he sat back down. He thought about asking for more morphine, but that would be admitting that the pain was more than he could handle. Nurse Jennifer herself was a distraction to the pain. The way she looked, the way she smelled, the way she carried herself.

“Perhaps by the end of this week we can try crutches … we’ll get you outside as soon as possible Hinton,” she assured him.

“Ah, outside,” he replied, his hand dropping down to her small waist. “That would be great. I could use some fresh air, to look at the clouds again. But do I need crutches,” he joked, turning to look at her. Her face just inches from his, as he looked into her beautiful violet eyes.

He always got lost in her eyes. They took him out of himself, took away the pain, the war, everything.

“Your my crutch,” he said smiling.

He knew he needed real crutches to get around, but he had become dependant on Jennifer to occupy his mind, to make him think of things other than his pain and the war that raged across the channel. His hand tightened on her waist.

“A walk outside would be great. I look forward to it,” he said smiling at her.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jennifer Clarke

It was Dr McIntyre himself who supervised Hinton’s first attempt at using crutches. Jennifer had tried to explain to the surgeon that Hinton would balk at the sight of the wheelchair, but the older man had insisted that it was the only way to get the man outside and would give him an added incentive to use the crutches. Jennifer had accepted the surgeon’s reasoning and made little comment, indeed, she was altogether more subdued as the pair of them approached P/O Reed’s bedside, Jennifer pushing the wheelchair and the surgeon carrying the crutches.

”So young man., you think you’re ready to walk, do you?
Nurse tells me you’re impatient to get outside?”

Jennifer watched silently as the plan of action was explained to Hinton. As she predicted he objected strongly to having to use a wheelchair, but was told most definitely that it was the only way he would get outside, at least to start with.
Jennifer moved swiftly to pull back the covers and assist Hinton in swinging his legs over the side then carefully taking weight through them as they had practised throughout the week. She then stepped back and allowed the Doctor to take over, instructing Hinton how to use the crutches, how to swing his body, warning him to make the movement smooth and slow as sudden jerks could unbalance him.
Jennifer’s all-seeing eyes could tell that getting about was a real effort for him. She knew the signs by now, signs that he was in pain and knew that he was a proud man and unwilling to ask for extra pain relief, although he rarely refused the medication she pressed wordlessly into his hand, her look reassuring urging him silently to take the relief he needed.

”Right … I think you’ve earned your treat …”

The surgeon finally announced as Hinton sank gratefully onto the bed, catching his breath.
He moved and gave quiet instructions to Jennifer who nodded with a soft smile.

”I’ll be checking up on you daily. Do as you’re told … and if you give Jenny any trouble, we’ll take your crutches away … got that?”

Jennifer blushed as Hinton responded, seeing the warm look that passed between the older man and the young nurse. In the short time Jennifer had worked on his section, he had been impressed with her. Of course he could see that she had an eye for this particular patient, but he could not fault her professionalism and dedication to duty. Even now, at a time that was difficult for her, she had chosen to remain in her post rather than return to relatives in the city.

With a quiet word, a paternal hand on the shoulder followed by a nod and a soft smile from his nurse, Dr MacIntryre moved away and left Hinton to Jennifer’s care.
Turning from where she had watched the man disappear, Jennifer seemed to shake herself and turn towards Hinton, still perched on the bed.

”Right … do you want to rest now … or shall I wheel you outside?
Doctor says no more walking on crutches today, but we can try to increase the amount of time you spend on your feet tomorrow.
I can get you a drink if you want … and you’re due some more pills about now … “

Her voice was soft and breathless, not allowing him to interrupt or question.
She took up his wrist and looked at her watch, again avoiding his eyes.
Happy with his pulse rate, Jennifer busied herself filling in the chart.

”You did very well for your first day Hinton …”

Only then did she meet his eyes, eyes that swam with suppressed tears.
Quickly she blinked, then looked away.

”Now.. what can I get you … ?”

 

[Graybread]

Hinton

“New legs would be a good start,” Hinton said sarcastically.

His frustration was growing. He hadn’t come all the way to Britain just to lay up in a hospital bed. He was here to fly, to drop as many bombs as he could on the Nazi war machine, but here he was laying in a hospital bed. He knew, or at least hoped that he would fly again. Without that, what good was he.

“I.....I’m sorry,” he apologized to her. “I’m just a little............Yes, I would like to go outside. Get me in that wheeled monstrosity. I need to see the sky, to taste some fresh air. This ward is about to stagnate me.”

They struggled to get him in the chair. The pain nearly pushed him to unconsciousness but at last he was sitting in the wheelchair. Jennifer pushed him down the ward passed the beds of others. Some, he saw, with missing limbs, arms or legs completely gone. Others with bandages around their heads, over one eye, sometimes both. A great feeling of empathy swept over him, but an even deeper determination to get back on his feet. His resolve was set, he would fly again, and do his job.

Jennifer pushed him off the ward and out the rear exit to the garden behind the hospital. Hinton inhaled the fresh clean air, sending a pang of pain through his whole body. He ignored the pain and inhaled again, though not so deeply. She wheeled him under the shade of a tree.

“No,” he said. “I want to watch the clouds and feel the sun on my face.”

“Of course Hinton,” she replied softly, pushing him from under the tree.

He looked up at the clouds as they slowly drifted by. It took him back to his childhood, when he had lain on the hillside watching them, dreaming of one day he might soar among them. He closed his eyes, letting the sun warm his face, his mind going to days gone by. Gentler, easier days of running through the grass, catching frogs in the pond or fireflies in a mason jar at night. His pain eased as he ran through the woods near his home, scaring the deer and cottontails.

“That one looks like a hare,” Jennifer said as if on cue. Standing beside him, looking up at the clouds as well.

Hinton opened his eyes and followed her gaze.

“Yes.....it does,” he said watching the cloud move across the sky. “Thank you,” he said, reaching up and taking her hand in his. “Thank you for bringing me out her,.............and thank you for being who you are,” he added looking up into her face.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jennifer

Jennifer looked down at the handsome face of her patient as he thanked her. He had been lucky. Despite his impatience to be up and walking, she was sure he realised just how lucky he was. They both knew that there were many much worse than he, even just in this hospital. What was happening to their men overseas, defied imagination.

Realising her hand was still in his, Jennifer eased it free and glanced back up at the clouds, pretending interest as she tried to put her thoughts to the back of her mind. She threw a quick look at her patient and was happy that he was too distracted in the success of his first real walk to pay her too much close attention for once.

”I’ll go and get you a drink and pills … you behave and sit quietly … I won’t be long … “

Without thinking, she ruffled his hair teasingly and gave Hinton a wistful smile before turning back towards the ugly hospital building.

There was no news and although she checked for messages, Jenny hadn’t really expected any.

Perhaps in time she would learn to live with it, learn to cope with the balance between hope and dread? So many had to in this war …
Realising she had wasted too much time and feeling suddenly guilty.
Jennifer took up the pills and the drink that she had come inside to fetch and made her way quickly outside, an apologetic smile on her face as Hinton turned towards her as she drew near to his wheelchair.

 

[Graybread]

Hinton

Jenny made him feel like a little kid when she ruffled his hair. No one had done that in years. He chuckled to himself as he watched her walk away. He liked her, he liked her a lot. She had become his inspiration as of late. He looked forward to seeing her everyday, and couldn’t wait for her return when she was with other patients. He rubbed at the pain in his legs, it wasn’t as bad as it had been and he tried to hold off on the Morphine as long as he could, but sometimes it just hurt to bad.

He saw her coming back down the walk carrying a glass of water for him. She smiled as she handed him the water and morphine tablets. He gave the tablets back to her and took a drink of the water.

“The pain isn’t so bad now,” he replied smiling up at her. “Maybe I’ll need them later but right now I fine.”

“Maybe tomorrow we could try the crutches again,” he suggested. “If the doc thinks it’s okay.”

He wanted to get back on his feet, it was the first step to getting back in the air, and that’s where he really wanted to be.

“Thanks,” he said handing her back the glass. “I mean for being here.........well for being my nurse, I guess is what I mean.”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jennifer Clarke

“The pain isn’t so bad now. Maybe I’ll need them later but right now I fine.”

Jennifer looked across at the smiling face in front of her and opened her mouth to protest.

“Maybe tomorrow we could try the crutches again. If the doc thinks it’s okay.”

Jennifer frowned and seated herself on a nearby bench.
She considered a light-hearted telling off, but this was too important.

”Look … Clinton … “

Without thinking that it might be "inappropriate" she took his hand in her free one.
Her look was intense as she continued.

”I know how you feel about these … about taking any of the meds … but … if you want to walk and quickly, you’re going to need these for a while.”

She put the pills in his hand and saw the look of rebellion in his face.

”You trust me don’t you?”

She questioned softly and smiled when she saw him nod.

”OK Solidier. I shouldn’t say this but … “

She hesitated.
She knew she was supposed to be positive, cheer him up, but Clinton wasn’t just any patient.
Somehow she had to make him understand.

”Bottom line is this. You’re ok now … but in an hour or so, if you don’t take these your legs will hurt like hell. You did so well today, worked really hard, but it's not going to come easy.
You’ve been pretty battered in that crash. The muscles will need to adjust, relearn what once came naturally, not to mention the nerves.
That’s where most of your pain will come from initially.”

She squeezed his hand in an attempt to reassure and make him listen to what she was saying.

”No one can force you to take those pills, but if you don’t take these and the dose later this evening, you won’t be fit to get out of bed tomorrow, let alone try the crutches again.”

She touched his cheek lightly willing him to follow her advice.

”On the other hand, if you keep up your pain relief and take it at regular times, whether you think you need it or not, it will give your body a tolerance against the pain.
You’ll be able to exercise more regularly and you’ll walk a whole lot quicker.”

Her eyes pleaded with him to see the logic in what she was saying to him.

”You’re doing so well, Clinton. It won't be for long. I promise.”

She was a mere breath away.
Their eyes locked and she stroked his cheek gently before withdrawing her hand with a soft blush.

”It’s your choice.”

Her voice was breathless as her mind raced to adjust to becoming professional once more after the sudden intense intimacy.