BY THE TIME Margot pulled the renta

BY THE TIME Margot pulled the rental car into the hospital’s parking lot, the sky was deep lavender and the trees lining the lot looked like black cutouts. The hospital’s windows glowed fluorescent bright as she and Jade ran toward the entrance.
“Could you tell us the room number of Robert J. Radcliffe?” Margot asked the attendant at the information desk.
“Radcliffe?”
“Yes, Robert J. Radcliffe,” Margot repeated.
The woman lowered her gaze to the screen. “He must still be in surgery or post-op because there’s no room assigned here.”
Margot tried not to panic at the news that her father might still be undergoing surgery after so many hours. “Then can you tell us where the waiting room is? Our sister should be there.”
“Take the elevator to the seventh floor. Turn right and follow the signs.”
Jordan was standing by the bank of windows in the waiting lounge, her auburn head lowered. At the sound of their footsteps hurrying over the linoleum floor, she turned, and a smile of relief lit her face.
“I’m so glad to see you!” she said, embracing Margot and Jade in turn. After giving Jade a second, even fiercer hug, she said, “I’m really sorry about Nicole. Your mom loved you so much.”
Jade managed a whispered, “Thanks,” before pressing her trembling lips together tightly.
“How’s Dad doing?” Margot asked.
“Yeah, how’s my dad?”
The worry lines on Jordan’s brow deepened. “I haven’t heard anything yet. But it seems like he was in surgery forever.”
“How—how bad is he hurt?” Jade whispered.
“The first nurse I spoke to told me he had a collapsed lung and was bleeding internally. There was more, too, something about a contusion to the heart, and at that point I kind of went blank with fear so I didn’t catch everything she said. Another nurse came by about forty-five minutes ago to let me know they’d finished operating and that the surgeon would talk to me soon. I tried to ask about Dad’s other injuries but she couldn’t spare any more time. Apparently there was an accident on the highway this afternoon involving a motorcycle and three cars. Some of the families and friends have been here in the lounge. It’s terrible to see their fear.” She shook her head sadly. “Anyway, that’s all the information I have so far. At least he’s out of surgery.” She reached for both Margot’s and Jade’s hands and squeezed them. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she repeated. “Time really crawls when you have no one to talk to.”
“You haven’t been here alone the entire time, have you?” Margot asked.
“Oh, no. Richard came at lunch to keep me company.” A small smile lifted the corners of Jordan’s mouth. “He brought my knitting and my green tea—the vending machines only stock sugar or aspartame. He stayed for as long as he could, but he’s swamped with work just now. And our sitter has to leave at five, so …” She shrugged. “It hasn’t been that bad. I’ve almost finished the baby’s blanket.”
Resting beside one of the brown upholstered chairs, Margot spied a clear plastic shopping bag. Inside it were folds of knitted yarn the color of sweet butter. Margot knew that if she touched it, it would be incredibly soft and that each stitch would be neat and uniform—beautiful, like everything her sister did.
Jordan had let go of their hands and was kneading the small of her back.
“How are you feeling?” Margot asked.
“Oh, I’m fine, but all this sitting and waiting has me feeling like a beached whale.”
“You’re joking, right? You look wonderful. And way too young to have a third kid on the way.”
Jordan flushed at Margot’s compliment. “You’re the one who looks fantastic. I can’t believe you were in Italy when I called. After traveling halfway around the world, I’d be as wrung out as a washcloth. It’s so good to see—”
“You were in Italy before you came to get me?” Jade interrupted.
Margot’s eyebrows rose in surprise. This was the first sentence Jade had addressed to her since boarding the plane in Boston, and her answers had been strictly limited to “yes,” “no,” or “dunno.”
“I was in Milan modeling the spring collection. Jordan called right at the end of Carlo de Calvi’s show. We didn’t want you to have to travel here on your own so I got on the first available flight to Boston. Why?”
An odd expression crossed Jade’s face. She shrugged and dropped her gaze. “No reason,” she muttered to the floor.
Jordan aimed a quick, questioning glance at Margot. She answered with a shrug of her own. What could she say, except that if the past few hours were anything to go by, Jade disliked her as much as Nicole had. Thank goodness Jordan was here. She’d know how to deal with their half-sister. She was a mom, after all.
The three of them had just sat down when the blue metal swinging doors opened. A nurse with a clipboard and a doctor wearing green scrubs beneath a white coat entered. Everyone in the lounge turned to look at them expectantly, hopefully.
“That’s one of the nurses I spoke to earlier,” Jordan said in an undertone. They watched as the nurse said something to the doctor and then pointed to Jordan. The doctor gave a quick nod and walked toward them. In unison they rose as he approached. Up close, Margot noted violet smudges of fatigue beneath his eyes and the heavy stubble darkening his cheeks.
“Mrs. Stevens?” he said to Jordan. “I’m Kurt Lyons, head of surgery.”
Jordan extended her hand. “Hello.” The lines bracketing the doctor’s mouth deepened as he smiled and shook her hand. “Dr. Lyons, these are my sisters, Margot and Jade Radcliffe. They’ve just arrived.”
After exchanging a quick greeting, Dr. Lyons cleared his throat. “First, please accept my condolences on the death of your mother. While this may provide small consolation, I spoke with the hospital’s coroner who examined her. Your mother died on impact. There was no pain.”
“Thank you, Doctor. It does help knowing she didn’t suffer.” Jordan slipped her arm around Jade, who’d begun crying, and pulled her close. “And our father? How is he doing?”
“Your father was lucky that the navy was performing exercises in the area and that they were able to extricate him from the aircraft and transport him here via helicopter. Otherwise it’s doubtful he would have survived given the extent of his internal injuries.”
“But the surgery, it was a success?” Margot asked.
“Our immediate goal was to stop the internal bleeding and reinflate the left lung, which had been pierced by one of his ribs. We were successful there. But you should be aware that your father’s heart suffered considerable trauma. We’ll be monitoring his vitals very closely. Once he’s stronger and out of danger, we’ll address the other injuries.”
“You mentioned a broken rib. Is he hurt elsewhere?” she asked.
“Actually he sustained four broken ribs. He also broke both his right leg and right wrist. Our orthopedic surgeon was able to set the wrist, but I’m afraid the break in his leg isn’t clean and will require extensive reconstruction. That will have to wait until we’re confident he can survive the surgery.”
The description of her father’s injuries, recited in such a straightforward and steady manner, made Margot even more frightened. She almost wished he’d thrown a lot of obscure medical terms at them so she wouldn’t have understood how dire Dad’s condition was. At the thought of the pain his broken body was suffering, a wave of dizziness swept through her.
“Would it be possible for us to see him?” she asked.
Jade, wiping tears from her face with the back of her hand, nodded vigorously. “Yeah, I want to see my dad.”
“I’m going to the intensive care unit to check on him now. If he’s holding his own I can let you visit him—but only for a few minutes.”
“Thank you, Dr. Lyons,” Jordan said. “My sisters and I are so very grateful for all you’ve done.”
“I only wish I could tell you that your father’s in the clear. But the fact is that these next seventy-two hours are critical. If he can make it through them, his overall chances of surviving will be greatly improved.”
“Dad’ll make it. I know he will.” Jade’s voice was fierce.
“I’m sure your father will fight as hard as he can,” he replied, sympathy evident on his tired face. Turning to Jordan, he said, “Mrs. Stevens, Nurse Wilcox informed me that you’re expecting.”
Color bloomed over Jordan’s cheeks. “Yes. But I’m as healthy as an ox.”
A smile lit his eyes. “You may not believe this but that’s what we doctors really like to hear. Do you live nearby?”
“No, we live in Georgetown, but our parents’ home is in Warburg. I’ve talked with my husband and he thinks it’s best if I spend the night there with my sisters.”
Dr. Lyons nodded approvingly. “Good. It’s best to avoid the added stress of a long commute. Now, if I may, I’d like to recommend that after you’ve seen your father, you and your sisters go home and rest. This is going to be a long and difficult period for your family. You, especially, Mrs. Stevens, cannot afford to wear yourself out. Consider that sound medical advice,” he said, and the lopsided smile he gave Jordan erased the fatigue and care from his face. “I know you’re anxious to see your father. A nurse will come notify you when you can visit him.”
They watched him disappear behind the blue metal doors. “What a nice man. I’m sure Dad is in excellent hands,” Jordan said with a forced cheer Margot knew was for Jade’s benefit. Jordan wouldn’t have missed how he’d repeatedly emphasized the fact that their father’s condition remained critical. She wished she understood more about the procedures they’d performed, wished she knew the right questions to ask next time they talked with Dr. Lyons. Did Jordan know anything about the heart and how much trauma it could stand?
But Margot didn’t dare ask, not in front of Jade. A frank discussion would only terrify the teen.

Hasil (Bahasa Indonesia) 1:

WAKTU Margot menarik mobil sewaan ke rumah sakit parkir, langit adalah mendalam lavender dan pohon-pohon yang berjajar banyak yang tampak seperti guntingan hitam. Rumah sakit windows bersinar neon terang seperti dia dan Jade berlari menuju pintu masuk."Bisakah Anda memberitahu kami jumlah kamar Robert J. Radcliffe?" Margot meminta petugas di gerai informasi."Radcliffe?""Ya, Robert J. Radcliffe," Margot diulang.Wanita menurunkan pandangan matanya ke layar. "Ia masih harus dalam operasi atau post-op karena tidak ada ruang yang ditetapkan di sini."Margot mencoba untuk tidak panik pada berita bahwa ayahnya mungkin masih menjalani operasi setelah begitu banyak jam. "Kemudian dapat Anda memberitahu kami dimana ruang tunggu adalah? Saudari kita harus berada di sana.""Mengambil Lift ke lantai ketujuh. Belok kanan dan ikuti tanda-tanda."Jordan berdiri oleh bank Windows di ruang tunggu, kepalanya auburn diturunkan. Pada suara jejak mereka bergegas lantai linoleum, dia berubah, dan senyum lega menyala wajahnya."Saya sangat senang melihat Anda!" katanya, merangkul Margot dan Jade pada gilirannya. Setelah memberikan Jade pelukan kedua, bahkan lebih pedas, katanya, "saya sangat menyesal tentang Nicole. Ibu Anda mencintai Anda begitu banyak."Jade berhasil bisik, "Terima kasih," sebelum menekan bibirnya bergetar bersama-sama erat."Bagaimana ayah lakukan?" Margot bertanya."Ya, Bagaimana Apakah ayahku?"Garis-garis khawatir pada alis Jordan's diperdalam. "Aku belum pernah mendengar apa-apa lagi. Tapi tampaknya seperti dia dalam operasi selamanya.""Bagaimana — seberapa buruk adalah dia sakit?" Jade berbisik."Perawat pertama saya berbicara dengan mengatakan kepada saya dia paru-paru runtuh dan berdarah internal. Ada lebih banyak, terlalu, sesuatu tentang contusion ke jantung, dan pada saat itu saya pergi kosong dengan ketakutan sehingga saya tidak menangkap semua yang dia bilang. Lain perawat datang sekitar empat puluh lima menit yang lalu untuk membiarkan saya tahu mereka telah selesai operasi dan bahwa ahli bedah akan berbicara dengan saya segera. Saya mencoba untuk menanyakan tentang ayah cedera lainnya tapi dia tidak bisa meluangkan waktu lagi. Rupanya ada kecelakaan di jalan Raya sore ini melibatkan tiga mobil dan sepeda motor. Beberapa keluarga dan teman-teman telah di sini di lounge. Hal ini mengerikan untuk melihat ketakutan mereka." Ia menggelengkan kepalanya sedih. "Pokoknya, itu adalah semua informasi yang saya miliki sejauh. Setidaknya dia adalah keluar dari ruang operasi." Dia mencapai untuk Margot's dan Jade tangan dan meremas mereka. "Aku senang kau di sini," ia mengulangi. "Waktu benar-benar merangkak ketika Anda tidak memiliki satu untuk berbicara.""Anda belum di sini sendirian sepanjang waktu, Anda?" Margot bertanya."Oh, tidak ada. Richard datang saat makan siang untuk menemaniku." Senyum kecil mengangkat sudut-sudut mulut Jordan's. "Ia membawa merajut saya dan saya teh hijau-mesin penjual otomatis hanya saham gula atau aspartam. Ia tinggal selama selama dia bisa, tapi dia sibuk dengan pekerjaan sekarang. Dan pengasuh kami harus meninggalkan di lima, jadi... " Dia mengangkat bahu. "Itu belum yang buruk. Aku sudah hampir selesai selimut bayi."Istirahat di salah satu kursi berlapis kain cokelat, Margot memata-matai tas belanja plastik bening. Di dalamnya itu lipatan dari rajutan benang warna manis mentega. Margot tahu bahwa jika ia menyentuh, itu akan menjadi sangat lembut dan bahwa setiap jahitan akan rapi dan seragam — Apakah adiknya indah, seperti segala sesuatu.Jordan telah melepaskan tangan mereka dan dibuat adonan kecil kembali."Bagaimana Anda rasakan?" Margot bertanya."Oh, aku baik-baik, tapi semua duduk dan menunggu ini telah saya merasa seperti ikan paus beached.""Kau bercanda, kan? Anda terlihat indah. Dan terlalu muda untuk memiliki anak ketiga di jalan."Jordan memerah di Margot's pujian. "Kau orang yang tampak fantastis. Aku tidak percaya kau di Italia ketika saya menelepon. Setelah bepergian setengah jalan di seluruh dunia, saya akan wrung keluar sebagai kain lap. Hal ini sangat baik untuk melihat — ""Anda berada di Italia sebelum Anda datang untuk mendapatkan saya?" Jade terganggu.Alis Margot's naik kejutan. Ini adalah kalimat pertama Jade telah ditujukan padanya sejak pesawat di Boston, dan jawaban dia telah sangat terbatas "Ya," "tidak," atau "dunno.""Aku berada di Milan pemodelan koleksi musim semi. Jordan disebut kanan di ujung Carlo de Calvi Tampilkan. Kami tidak ingin Anda harus melakukan perjalanan di sini sendiri jadi aku pada penerbangan pertama yang tersedia ke Boston. Kenapa?"Ekspresi aneh menyeberangi Jade wajah. Ia mengangkat bahu dan menjatuhkan pandangan matanya. "Tanpa alasan," ia bergumam ke lantai.Jordan bertujuan sekilas cepat, mempertanyakan Margot. Dia menjawab dengan mengangkat bahu sendiri. Apa yang bisa ia mengatakan, kecuali bahwa jika selama beberapa jam adalah sesuatu untuk pergi oleh, Jade tidak menyukai dirinya sebanyak Nicole telah. Syukurlah Jordan adalah di sini. Dia akan tahu bagaimana untuk berurusan dengan saudari tiri mereka. Dia adalah seorang ibu, setelah semua.Mereka telah hanya duduk ketika logam biru berayun pintu dibuka. Perawat dengan clipboard dan dokter mengenakan hijau scrub di bawah mantel putih yang masuk. Semua orang di lounge berpaling untuk melihat mereka dalam Pasal, mudah-mudahan."Itu adalah salah satu Suster saya berbicara dengan sebelumnya," Jordan mengatakan dalam nada. Mereka menyaksikan perawat mengatakan sesuatu ke dokter dan kemudian menunjuk ke Jordan. Dokter memberikan anggukan cepat dan berjalan ke arah mereka. Bersama-sama mereka naik saat ia mendekati. Dekat, Margot mencatat noda-noda ungu kelelahan di bawah matanya dan jerami berat yang gelap pipinya."Ibu Stevens?" Dia berkata kepada Jordan. "Aku Kurt Lyons, kepala operasi."Jordan diperpanjang tangannya. "Halo." Garis-garis yang mengurung dokter mulut memperdalam seperti Dia tersenyum dan menjabat tangannya. "Dr Lyons, ini adalah saudara perempuan saya, Margot dan Jade Radcliffe. Mereka telah hanya tiba."Setelah bertukar pesan pembuka yang cepat, Dr Lyons membersihkan tenggorokannya. "Pertama, Harap menerima belasungkawa pada kematian ibu Anda. Sementara ini mungkin menyediakan penghiburan kecil, aku berbicara dengan rumah sakit koroner yang memeriksa. Ibu Anda meninggal pada dampak. Ada tidak ada rasa sakit."“Thank you, Doctor. It does help knowing she didn’t suffer.” Jordan slipped her arm around Jade, who’d begun crying, and pulled her close. “And our father? How is he doing?”“Your father was lucky that the navy was performing exercises in the area and that they were able to extricate him from the aircraft and transport him here via helicopter. Otherwise it’s doubtful he would have survived given the extent of his internal injuries.”“But the surgery, it was a success?” Margot asked.“Our immediate goal was to stop the internal bleeding and reinflate the left lung, which had been pierced by one of his ribs. We were successful there. But you should be aware that your father’s heart suffered considerable trauma. We’ll be monitoring his vitals very closely. Once he’s stronger and out of danger, we’ll address the other injuries.”“You mentioned a broken rib. Is he hurt elsewhere?” she asked.“Actually he sustained four broken ribs. He also broke both his right leg and right wrist. Our orthopedic surgeon was able to set the wrist, but I’m afraid the break in his leg isn’t clean and will require extensive reconstruction. That will have to wait until we’re confident he can survive the surgery.”The description of her father’s injuries, recited in such a straightforward and steady manner, made Margot even more frightened. She almost wished he’d thrown a lot of obscure medical terms at them so she wouldn’t have understood how dire Dad’s condition was. At the thought of the pain his broken body was suffering, a wave of dizziness swept through her.“Would it be possible for us to see him?” she asked.Jade, wiping tears from her face with the back of her hand, nodded vigorously. “Yeah, I want to see my dad.”“I’m going to the intensive care unit to check on him now. If he’s holding his own I can let you visit him—but only for a few minutes.”“Thank you, Dr. Lyons,” Jordan said. “My sisters and I are so very grateful for all you’ve done.”“I only wish I could tell you that your father’s in the clear. But the fact is that these next seventy-two hours are critical. If he can make it through them, his overall chances of surviving will be greatly improved.”“Dad’ll make it. I know he will.” Jade’s voice was fierce.“I’m sure your father will fight as hard as he can,” he replied, sympathy evident on his tired face. Turning to Jordan, he said, “Mrs. Stevens, Nurse Wilcox informed me that you’re expecting.”Color bloomed over Jordan’s cheeks. “Yes. But I’m as healthy as an ox.”A smile lit his eyes. “You may not believe this but that’s what we doctors really like to hear. Do you live nearby?”“No, we live in Georgetown, but our parents’ home is in Warburg. I’ve talked with my husband and he thinks it’s best if I spend the night there with my sisters.”
Dr. Lyons nodded approvingly. “Good. It’s best to avoid the added stress of a long commute. Now, if I may, I’d like to recommend that after you’ve seen your father, you and your sisters go home and rest. This is going to be a long and difficult period for your family. You, especially, Mrs. Stevens, cannot afford to wear yourself out. Consider that sound medical advice,” he said, and the lopsided smile he gave Jordan erased the fatigue and care from his face. “I know you’re anxious to see your father. A nurse will come notify you when you can visit him.”
They watched him disappear behind the blue metal doors. “What a nice man. I’m sure Dad is in excellent hands,” Jordan said with a forced cheer Margot knew was for Jade’s benefit. Jordan wouldn’t have missed how he’d repeatedly emphasized the fact that their father’s condition remained critical. She wished she understood more about the procedures they’d performed, wished she knew the right questions to ask next time they talked with Dr. Lyons. Did Jordan know anything about the heart and how much trauma it could stand?
But Margot didn’t dare ask, not in front of Jade. A frank discussion would only terrify the teen.