♥ Chapter 37♥

**Rifocin is a medicine that contains the antibiotic rifamycin and is indicated for the treatment of skin infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to this active substance. That's why I put it in the story, because I don't know how medicines work in the United States. Anyway, I've explained it here, so you know and don't get confused.
**


***************************



11:20 '' Horizonte Penitentiary. '' Infirmary. '' Zefíria.

Aurelia Dusk.

"You were losing a lot of blood. I knew you needed medical help, and he was the only one who could get it for you. '' She replied, crossing her arms with an indifferent attitude, although I could see a glimmer of concern in her eyes.

I shook my head in thanks, although the pain made my expression tremble involuntarily.

"Thank you," I mumbled, feeling a shiver of pain run through my body.

The door opened violently once again, and my heart leapt as I saw him enter, followed by a man I didn't recognize.

''Hello, Aurelia. ''His voice sounded calm, but I could see the fear in his eyes. Lucian must have done something to this man. ''I'm the doctor in this ward. I'm going to take care of your injuries. Are you all right?

'' Everything's fine. '' He approached, and Trix and Hina moved aside so that he could tend to my wound.

''I want you to carefully remove the cloth from your cheek. ''I agreed, eager to relieve the painful pressure.

I pulled carefully and let out a groan of pain as I felt the burning intensify.

'' This will need stitches-at most twenty. '' He placed his briefcase next to me. ''I'm going to give you an anesthetic, okay?

'' Just do your job quickly, damn it! '' Lucian shouted, irritated by the doctor's delay.

''Right. ''He replied with visible fear.

He took out a syringe and put it in a small pot, pulling out the liquid. It was the anesthetic.

''I'm going to have to apply it to your cheek. ''I closed my eyes tightly, preparing myself for the sting.

I felt the needle close to the wound and let out a loud moan of pain.

''Calm down; the pain will pass soon, and I'll be able to look after you. ''I let out a sigh, trying to convey calmness.

''Doctor, she's lost a lot of blood; the cut was very deep. ''Trix said to the doctor, worried.

''Yes, what's your blood type? ''He looked at me.

''B negative. '' I answered with a little difficulty.

''We don't have that blood here, we only have O positive and it can't hurt for B negative.

'' What kind of blood can you donate for B-negative, doctor? '' Hina asked, eager for solutions.

''O negative, AB positive and O negative. '' He explained, addressing the girls.

''I'm AB positive. '' Lucian said with his arms crossed.

'' And I'm O negative. '' Tina added.

''Well, I think AB positive is better. '' The doctor decided, looking at Lucian.

He walked over to me and sat down next to me without saying a word, while the Doctor went to a cupboard, getting an empty blood bag and a tube for the blood to go down. He came back to us and prepared the procedure, dabbing the vein in his arm with absorbent cotton before doing the puncture.

'' Please hold the bag. '' The doctor handed it to Lucian, who took it without saying anything.

I watched the blood slide down the tube, slowly filling the bag.

''Now let's put the stitches in. '' The doctor announced, and I realized that I had forgotten this detail, perhaps because I wasn't feeling any pain due to the anesthesia.

He begins to clean my face, and I mentally thank him for not feeling that horrible burning sensation. I close my eyes, letting him work on my wound. When he stops cleaning, I open my eyes and see him preparing the needle and thread. Involuntarily, I squeeze Lucian's hand tightly.
I thought he was going to walk away, but to my surprise, he interlaces our fingers.

"I'll try to be quick. "The doctor says, and I close my eyes, preparing for the procedure.

I feel a few stings, but nothing more than that, thanks to the anesthesia. The sensation of interlacing my fingers with Lucian brings me unexpected comfort, an unexpected connection in the midst of chaos.

I kept my hand entwined with his, keeping my eyes closed while the doctor finished the procedure.

'' That's it. '' I opened my eyes slowly. '' Now, I'm going to put in some gas and a bandage to hold it in place. You shouldn't get your face wet when you shower. It's important to clean it every day to avoid infections.

Thank you. '' I thanked them while the girls laughed discreetly.

''Your anesthetized face is too funny, love. ''Hina commented, and I tried to smile, which made her laugh even more.

The doctor removed the needle from his arm and handed him a piece of absorbent cotton, which he pressed against the puncture site.

''Now lie down on the stretcher, Aurelia. '' He got off the stretcher, and I lay down as instructed.

He punctured my vein and connected the blood bag to the stand near the stretcher.

''Once you've received the blood, you can go back to your cell. But don't try to push yourself too hard; avoid talking too much, as you could open your stitches. '' I nodded, understanding.

The only food you can eat now is liquid: soup, vitamins, milk, and juice. You can even eat mashed potatoes since you don't have to chew them." He added that he was providing guidance for my recovery.

There, I've been cut off from eating the good food. I hate those bastards.

'' Thank you, doctor. '' I thanked him with a little stutter, acknowledging his work.

'' No need to thank me; I just did my job.

But I knew it was because of Lucian. If it hadn't been for him, I'd be suffering even more.

'' Doctor, what are the things we have to do to clean her wound and avoid infection? '' Tina asked, looking for more information about the care needed.

''When cleaning, first wash with saline solution. Take a piece of gauze and put a little saline on it, wiping carefully. Then apply a little rifocin to prevent inflammation, and then cover the wound with gauze and adhesive plaster. '' He explained in detail.

'' Okay, information acquired. '' Tina joked a little, and that made me smile slightly.

The doctor went to the small cupboard and took out the materials I would need.

''Who's going to be responsible for cleaning up her wounds?

'' I will. '' I looked at Lucian, a little surprised. ''Give me those things, damn it! '' He ordered the doctor, who quickly handed him the materials.

I let out a sigh of relief when the doctor mentioned ibuprofen to help with the pain and inflammation. I nodded in agreement as he reached into a drawer and pulled out a tablet. Watching him take out a pill and pour water into a disposable cup, he approached me.

''Can you lift just your head?'' he asked.

''Y-Yes. ''I replied, trying to stay calm.

I propped my elbow on the bed and raised my head, allowing him to put the pill in my mouth and help me take the medicine.

''Thank you. '' I thanked him, feeling a little relieved.

You're welcome. I'll leave you a packet of the pills in case you need to take more. '' He took a packet and handed it to Lucian.

I let out another sigh and stared at the ceiling, feeling grateful that I was finally getting some relief from the pain.

''Doctor, it's over,'' Hina announced.

I looked over and saw that the blood had indeed run out. That was pretty quick.

''There you go.'' The doctor removed the needle from my arm. '' You can go back to your cell and get some rest.

Lucian handed Trix his things and walked over to me. Without saying a word, he picked me up, and I laid my head on his shoulder, smelling his comforting scent. He carried me out of the ward in silence.

''I'm sorry,'' he said suddenly.

''How? ''I mumbled, surprised.

He clucked his tongue, seeming to fight his pride, but then spoke.

''For hitting you and not protecting you.

'' N-No... You don't have to worry about that. '' I closed my eyes, tired.

I felt a kiss on my forehead, but I couldn't hear or see anything else. Exhaustion took hold of me.