My Bondi Guardian Angel

I knew it!

Olivia's POV

Whippet dropped us off at my home. As soon as I stepped out of the car, Jesse, ever the gentleman, couldn't help but worry.

"Hey, do you need a hand?" he asked with genuine concern in his eyes.

"Nah, I'm alright, Jesse," I replied, though the truth was that I hadn't taken a single step yet.

"Are you sure? I seriously think they should have kept you in the hospital longer, you know?"

I chuckled, trying to reassure him, "I told you I was doing okay..."

"Alright, then. Just going to hold you to make sure you don't fall, okay?" Jesse's words were almost prophetic, as my foot slipped, and I would have hit the ground if he hadn't been there to catch me. "See? I told you it was better for you not to walk." He scooped me up in his arms, carrying me the short distance to my flat.

When we reached the stairs, I couldn't help but feel guilty that he had to carry me. I knew I wasn't exactly lightweight.

"Jesse... You really don't have to do this, you know? I must be heavy."

He grinned and replied, "Are you doubting my capabilities, Oli? I'm trained for this! And as for your weight, I consider you light. I've seen much heavier."

I playfully rolled my eyes at his attempt to comfort me, "You're just trying to make me feel better... Well, it's working." I admitted with a smile. "Honestly, though, I feel bad about wasting your day off..."

Jesse looked at me with warmth in his eyes and said, "Honestly... No problem at all! I'd rather be with you anyway..." His words made me blush, and I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to have such a nice guy by my side.

He continued to carry me up the stairs, his gaze locked with mine. He used the key I had given him to open the door, then gently set me down on the sofa. He sat beside me and turned on the TV. We watched it for a few minutes when I started to feel myself doze off.

Jesse's POV

"You can sleep, Oli... I'll stay here," I assured her with a smile. If that doctor wouldn't take care of my girl or didn't care about her, I was determined to do so. My lifeguard training might not have been enough for a diagnosis, but I knew enough to provide some basic help.

Olivia had been asleep for about an hour when I gently woke her.

"Oli!", I whispered at first. "Oli, open your eyes for me."

"Hmmm?" She was in a deep slumber, and I felt guilty for interrupting her rest.

"I have a few questions to ask you, sweetheart," I noted that she didn't look too well. "Can you tell me your name?"

"Jesse... If you woke me up to ask foolish questions, I'd much rather sleep some more," she murmured. "I have a headache."

"I'll be quick, just, humor me, please," I replied with evident worry, recognizing her response wasn't what I had expected.

"Olivia."

"Olivia who?"

"Errrh... Olivia... I think it's Olivia S-"

"Let's try something else." Concerned, I rose from the sofa and looked for a phone. This didn't seem good at all. "When's your birthday?"

"In a few months, I'd say... November... 17th?" I wasn't certain of her exact birthdate, but I knew she wasn't sure either.

"What day is it today?" This was my last attempt. If she had a severe concussion, her disorientation would most likely show. So, I waited anxiously for her response.

"I don't- Jesse, I don't remember. Let me sleep, now." Her words prompted me to take action. I got up and reached for my cell phone on the kitchen table, dialling 000 for help. My fingers trembled with worry as I held it to my ear. The phone rang, and after a few seconds, a calm and reassuring voice answered on the other end.

"Emergency services, how can I assist you today?" the operator inquired.

Jesse took a deep breath and spoke quickly, his concern evident in his voice. "Hi, this is Jesse Pollock. I'm calling from 333 Ramsgate Avenue. It's about my friend, Olivia. She was in a car accident last night, and she's been acting really confused and disoriented. I think she might have a concussion."

The operator responded with professionalism and urgency, "I'm here to help, Jesse. There is an ambulance on the way. Can you please tell me a bit more about Olivia's condition?"

Jesse quickly relayed a concise summary of Olivia's symptoms, emphasizing her disorientation, memory lapse, and headache. The operator assured him that help was on the way, and they stayed on the line, offering guidance on how to care for Olivia until the paramedics arrived.

"Thank you, Jesse. While we dispatch help, let's make sure Olivia stays as comfortable as possible. Can you gently lay her down on her side?"

I nodded, then mentally facepalmed when I realized she wouldn't see me. "Yes, I've got her on the couch now."

"Good. Keep talking to her, Jesse, and monitor her breathing. Make sure she's awake and responsive."

"She's awake, but she seems really out of it. Her eyes are open, but she's not making much sense." I heard the clicking of her keyboard, as she probably relayed the information to the paramedics en route. 

"That's okay. Just reassure her and let her know that help is on the way. Avoid giving her anything to eat or drink, and keep her as still as possible. You're doing very well. Just stay on the line with me, and I'll keep you updated until they arrive." The call served as a lifeline in this moment of uncertainty, and I clung to it, hoping that the trained professionals would arrive soon to assess and assist Olivia.

I was used to this protocol, having it done so many times at the beach, but it was way harder with someone you... love. Yeah. Someone you love. 

As soon as the paramedics arrived, I rushed to explain Olivia's previous accident the day before, restating my observations about her cognitive state. Their response became more immediate, the urgency evident in their actions.

With a heavy heart, I couldn't help but voice my concerns to one of them. "This doesn't bode well, does it?"

The paramedic's expression was solemn as he replied, "No, sir... If everything is as you told us, there might be swelling in her head." My heart sank with the confirmation of my worst fears.

Without wasting another moment, they carefully loaded her into the ambulance, its sirens blaring as it sped toward the hospital. Twice in less than 24 hours, it felt like an overwhelming ordeal for a girl as resilient as her.

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Mia XXX