1 A First 'Hello'

BRAKK!!!

The sound of the car security alarm screamed following a loud crash. My body was blown away to the seat, then hit the steering wheel. It happens so suddenly that I can't make up my mind at that moment. I feel pain in my back and chest, especially my nose and my forehead.

"Ssh," I sizzled, strengthlessly. I pointed to the steering mirror and checked the red forehead, there's a scratch on it. Oh, well, no wonder it feels so hurt. I reached into the drawer of the dashboard and took out a piece of tape, and put it on my wound.

I need to get help with my car, immediately. I can see the hood of the steaming engine from here, and it might explode if I don't do something quickly. But of course, it only exists in my imagination.

Collision, smoking hood, sparks, then an explosion. It is only a delusion.

I finally reach out from the car, weakly, then stand on a sidewalk, right in front of a health clinic. I had no idea what the name is, cause I have forgotten to wear soft lenses, and left my glasses in the car. So, it was difficult for me to read the words written there.

It might be a dentist or something, cause it looks so luxurious and cute from out here. There are several pink and blue balloons set on the front door.

Forget about the clinic, cause I have to focus on my problem. I have to call a tow truck to carry that dump car to the repair shop. Or ... if there's anyone who can help me to fix that silver car, I'd be very grateful.

I took my cell phone out of my trousers pocket, searching for a number which can help me in this shit situation. Oh, I think it's time to upgrade this car with a new one, which is more modern and classy. Or a powerful one which can be used for various fields, nature exploring or maybe climbing.

Well ... let's think about that later. First thing first, let's save my beloved vehicle.

So, I decided to call the tow truck. Not long after the waiting tone, the operator's distinctive voice greeted me in a friendly manner. I know ... it's just a tape, but come on ... they're friendly, aren't they?!

'To speak directly to Customer Service, please press zero!'

I dialed the requested number because I wanted to speak directly to the service officer.

Great! It's already connected!

"Ah, yes, hello. I'm Jenna Jameson. Jenna. J-E-N-N-A. Yes, that's right." I paced back and forth, looking for a place that was a little quieter. The sound of the car alarm is no longer ringing, maybe the owner has checked the car directly after the accident. However, the sound of horns and the noise of pedestrians get me disturbed enough.

"Yes, I'm at 21 Street right now. Yes, that's right. Uhm ... it's right in front of a clinic. Wait a minute ...." I turned and leaned closer to the large glass window, reading the words written there.

"Yes, hello. Dr. Karl's Health Clinic. Karl. Yes, how do I know who Karl is! Should I go in and ask them what the doctor's first name is? Oh my God! Just bring a tow truck over here, my car is smoking and—"

Oh, shit! How am I supposed to fix this thing when the tow service is hard to reach. I'm not in another dimension, am I? They should just look for the point where I am located. What is the use of GPS?

My head is also dizzy and feels like spinning around. Should I come into this clinic for help? No, no. I think I'm fine, but not with my mounts.

I thought already taken headache medicine before leaving. But why does it feel...

It's ... dark...

***

I woke up and was in a narrow room that was only about 3x4 in size, it's about the size of the bathroom in my house. But wait, what's with me? Why am I in this room?

I tried to get up. A needle was attached to the back of my hand. In addition, the fluid flows through a small tube connected to an IV needle that is stuck there. I don't feel sick, why should my body be given that liquid?

A woman in a baby pink uniform and a tall, well-built man in a white coat—if I may guess he is about 35 years old, came into my room. A smile spread on their faces greeted me who had started to wake up. All right, I know where I am now.

"You've come to your senses, apparently. I'm doctor Ryan Karl. And you, Miss ...." He flipped through the paper the nurse handed him, then handed it back to the woman who was following behind him.

"Jenna Jameson," I croaked. The man took a stethoscope out of his pocket and put it on his ear, then put the other to my chest. He also touched my wrist and checked my pulse.

"W-why am I here?" I stammered. The doctor removed the stethoscope and put it back in his coat pocket.

"You passed out. Can you remember what happened previously?"

I knead my forehead, there was a throbbing feeling there. At the same time, I'm trying to collect all memories that happened before.

"I was in an accident. Just a bump and a small cut on the forehead. I'm fine for the rest."

The doctor named Ryan Karl pulled up a chair and sat beside my bed.

"You have symptoms of iron and red blood cell deficiency, are you on your period?" the doctor asked. I shook my head.

"Was there any impact anywhere other than the head?" The man got up and pressed my stomach. "Does it hurt?"

"No. Not exactly."

The man sat back down. "Do you often feel lightheaded? If so, how often do you feel that way? What's more . . . to fainting."

I shook my head. Of course, I don't remember, but it did quite often. Is it important for me to answer it?

"What is exactly happened to me? I feel dizzy and pass out quite often, b-but I don't know what that has to do with it?"

Doctor Karl gets up and smiles. He takes the note from the nurse who still standing accompanying him.

"I've recorded everything, we'll see what happens after this. This is just a suspect, there should be some tests done so we know if it's referring to it. In my provisional diagnosis, you have symptoms of anemia. I'll give you a blood booster supplement."

"T-then, when can I get out of here?" I asked. I don't know how long I've been asleep or passed out, I'm sure I still have a lot of things to do today.

"Wait until the bag is empty," he replied with a smile, pointing to the bag hanging from the IV line. There's only one-third left.

"Is there a family to call?" asked the bespectacled man again.

"Uhm, yes, my parents. But they're in another city and they'd be freaked out if they found out about my condition." I smiled wryly. "They're a little over the top, so I guess there's no need to call."

The man nodded then said goodbye and leave my room. And after they left, I tried to close my eyes. At least for a little while. My condition is much better than before. I think resting would probably make me recover faster.

***

There was a feeling like an insect bite on the back of my hand that woke me up. A nurse is removing the IV needle from there. Ah, thank goodness ... then I can go home now. My body also feels more refreshed. Just ... still feeling a little dizzy from sleeping too much, maybe.

I got up slowly, packed up my things before following the nurse out of the room, one of them approached.

"Please follow me over here for the administration, Miss Jameson." She showed me the way. I followed her steps while looking around the inside of this building.

There were several doors marked with numbers that seemed to be treatment rooms. Whatever it was, it didn't matter anymore. I'm thankful I'm getting better, and have to finish the payment, then get out of this place. Otherwise, Clara will kill me for not telling her about what was happened to me this whole day. Moreover, we had promised to meet at the cafe tonight.

After finishing making payments, I immediately took the phone in my pants pocket. And sure enough, there were dozens of missed calls and messages from Clara that said ... don't ask. She was very angry.

[Jenna, where are you?]

[Okay, I'll wait for you 10 more minutes]

[Alright, I'm home! You don't pick up my calls and even ignore my messages. What are you doing? Who else are you sleeping with?]

[It's good that you prepare the right answer, otherwise I'll get angry!]

Well, that's enough of the message I read. Another one must be as scary as that and no one doesn't fear Clara's anger.

I'm out of the clinic now. The sky was dark, but the streets were still packed with vehicles and pedestrians. I had to hurry to Clara's house if I didn't want her to get angry even more. This friend of mine is a little impatient.

But wait, I have to first make sure my car won't explode when I start it.

The silver-colored object was still parked there. More precisely, neglected, in the same place where I left it last time. It's no longer smoky, thank goodness. I rushed inside and tried to start the engine.

Yes! It still works! This means I don't need a tow truck just to tow this thing. I wear glasses to make it easier to see the road and there will be no more collisions. And don't forget, drive the car carefully and don't play with gadgets. Okay, I'll keep that in mind.

I steered my mount slowly, hurtling towards Clara's house. It's better to just meet her, and at the same time make up for the time she wasted waiting for me.

***