Finding Noel

By Janice Williams

Reaching over to change the station on her car radio would be the last memory Noel Carrington would have of her former life. Tragically hit head-on in a blinding snow storm, her life instantly changes. Closing her eyes at the point of impact, her life teeters precipitously on the verge of death.
Destined to meet Dr. Alex Bennington, his skills as a trauma surgeon give Noel a second chance at life. Suffering from amnesia, the handsome young doctor bridges the gap between her past and the present. Falling in love, Noel is devastated to discover his reserve unit is being deployed to the Middle East. Will she accept Alexs proposal or run away? How far will he go to find her? If you loved Shutting Out the World, youll be captivated by Finding Noel. Sometimes its not the memories you lose that have such an impact on your life but, rather, creating new ones.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 10, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524644529

Janice Williams

Janice Williams resides in Northern California with her adorable Yorkie, Fritz. Having been the wife of a military spouse, Janice believes her travels have contributed to her love of writing and brought unique characters and locations to life in her books. Her best days are spent writing or reading. Janice firmly believes that reading can change a person's perspective on life and is the greatest journey one can take without leaving home.

Book preview

Prologue

Reaching over to change the station on her car radio would be the last memory Noel Carrington would have of her former life. Tragically hit head on in a blinding snow storm, her life instantly changed forever. Perhaps wiping out your life history at the young age of twenty-four might come with some advantages. Noel’s life had not been easy. She was born into the world with no living parents. Her father, Sgt. Ben Carrington was tragically killed in Viet Nam near the end of the war in 1970. Noel’s mother, Cindy Carrington passed due to complications from cancer during her birth. Cindy was only two months into her pregnancy when given the unfortunate news. Dealing with the tragedy and trauma of losing her husband at such a young age, Cindy struggled to keep her pregnancy viable. It seemed the odds were heavily stacked against her. Diagnosed with stage four breast cancer early into her first trimester, Cindy fought desperately to carry her unborn child to term. However, the added strain of losing her husband only further complicated an already vicarious pregnancy. At eight months, Cindy lost her courageous battle with cancer during childbirth. Delivering a beautiful baby girl only moments before she passed on Christmas Eve, Noel was placed into the loving hands of her maternal grandmother, Edith Edwards. Edith was a frail middle aged woman, totally unprepared to take on the burdens of raising a newborn. Cindy had been the only child of Edith’s and her late husband, Frank. With Frank having passed years earlier, and her declining health, Edith suddenly faced the responsibilities of caring for an infant. Despite her age and failing health, Edith loved Noel and without hesitation stepped up to provide a loving home. However, being retired and a widow meant money was scarce. Life for Noel was a daily struggle where money was concerned. As a result, she grew up learning to do without a lot of material things. At the young age of twenty-four, fate would step in erasing all her memories. Unexpectedly, a tragic auto accident would change her life forever.

Closing her eyes at the point of impact, her young life teetered precipitously on the edge of death. Would she go willingly or would she be pulled back from the precipice? Approaching the brilliance of white lights, a voice softly beckoned. Feeling an unexplainable peace, Noel felt compelled to stay in the heavenly realms. However, this was not to be the case.

Noel, it’s not your time. You cannot stay. You have to go back, the angelic vision instructed.

Chapter One

Horrific sounds of squealing tires trying to grasp the wet, slippery, asphalt on the narrow two-lane road, excruciating sounds of crushing metal, and shattering glass would never be remembered. Noel would have no recollection of the truck driver who fell asleep at the steering wheel of his big rig and unknowingly swerved into her lane. She would never recall the memory of her car being hit head on during the blinding snow storm or recollect the toxic smells of fuel, smoke, burning rubber or plastic.

Driving home late at night, after a crucial exam at the University of Missouri in Arlington, an inclement weather system caught Noel unaware. It appeared the month of November in 1994 had brought with it much cooler temperatures and unusually heavy snow. However, knowing these mountainous roads like the back of her hand, Noel never gave a second thought to the drive home. The roads had been freshly plowed, and she knew every hairpin turn, every steep incline, and every downward slope. Unfortunately, these familiarities would do nothing to stop fate. In an instant, things would tragically change the course of her life.

Hurriedly, the paramedics pushed the gurney in through the double doors of the Emergency Room at Methodist Hospital. Desperately clinging to life, Noel was rushed into an exam cubicle.

Someone page Dr. Bennington. She’s unconscious, and her blood pressure is plummeting. We’re losing her, the EMT shouted. She’s lucky to be alive.

Running in, Dr. Alex Bennington, took a quick glance at his patient. She was young and beautiful. Her long curly blonde tresses flowed outwardly over the pillow like silk. She showed no visible signs of her injuries other than a small laceration on her forehead. However, after years of working in military hospitals in Iraqi, he knew a lot of critical injuries never presented themselves by appearance. After his initial assessment, it indicated his suspicions were correct. Her injuries required emergency surgery.

We’ve got to get her upstairs. Immediately, he ordered. She’s bleeding internally. I’ll scrub and meet you in the operating room.

Where’s Noel? Where’s my precious baby? Edith Edwards screamed hysterically running in through the double doors of the ER.

I’m sorry. You’ll have to wait in the waiting room, the young nurse quickly instructed stopping her in the hallway.

Not adhering to the nurse’s orders, Edith panicked. Immediately, she began pulling back the tall curtains which divided each exam room. Frantically, she searched each small cubicle for a glimpse of Noel. Suddenly, finding Noel’s seemingly lifeless body, she stopped frozen in her steps.

Noel. Oh my God, Noel, baby, you have to hang on. Do you hear me? Edith exclaimed rushing over to touch her granddaughter’s hand.

I’m sorry, you will have to wait in the waiting room. We’re doing everything possible, the medic reiterated. Sympathetically taking Edith by the arm, he gently ushered her out of the exam room and into the corridor.

I’m not going anywhere until you tell me the condition of my granddaughter, Edith angrily demanded. Watching as the medics wheeled Noel’s motionless body out of the emergency room and towards the elevator, Edith felt overwhelmed with grief.

We’re taking her up to surgery. Please, just take a seat in the waiting room. Someone will be out to speak with you in a few minutes, the young medic compassionately instructed.

Walking over to the waiting room, Edith found a chair and sat down. The past few minutes had literally been unbelievable. How could things have tragically spiraled out of control so fast this evening? Noel had simply left to take a test at the university, something which she’d frequently done during the past year.

Ms. Edwards, I’m Kristina Caldwell. I work in the Emergency Department. Your granddaughter has been in a terrible auto accident. Unfortunately, she’s suffered some internal injuries. She is being taken up to surgery. Dr. Bennington is the best trauma surgeon we have at Methodist. She’s in excellent hands. There is another waiting room on the next floor. Please follow me, and I’ll take you upstairs, Kristina kindly suggested.

Reaching the waiting room, Kristina smiled.

You can wait here. As soon as your granddaughter comes out of surgery, either Dr. Bennington or one of his colleagues will come out and speak with you. Is there anything I can get for you?

No. I just want to see my baby girl, Edith pleaded wiping her eyes.

I’m sure you’ll be allowed to see her as soon as she’s out of surgery. There are vending machines inside, and the hospital cafeteria is located on the first floor. Try not to worry, I’m sure she’ll come through surgery just fine.

Edith felt alone, helpless, and scared. Hopefully, Clint Harper who called to inform her about the accident and fortunately was the first to arrive on the scene would notify the ladies from the church. It was uncanny how he’d been only two cars behind Noel when it happened. Having been a deacon, at First Baptist Church for many years, Clint knew everyone in Arlington. Thankfully, he’d called to let her know of the accident.

Noticing some magazines on a table near the vending machines, Edith walked over to check out her choice of reading materials. Now in her late-sixties, Edith’s face reflected the strains of a hard life. Short in stature her physique revealed a noticeably hunched frame due to years of crippling arthritis. Wiry gray hair, a narrow face inundated with wrinkles, and hazel eyes enhanced with horn-rimmed glasses easily portrayed the worries of a woman whose life had not been easy. Wearing a frumpy cotton house dress didn’t add anything to her appearance. After fumbling through magazines for over an hour, she sat nervously wringing her hands waiting for any news regarding her precious granddaughter. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she stood up taking notice of the young doctor who entered the room.

Mrs. Edwards, I’m Dr. Bennington. Your granddaughter made it through surgery. She’s a lucky young woman. However, she’s still in grave condition. She suffered a ruptured spleen and several broken ribs. The trauma of the accident and force of impact resulted in a slight increase in her intracranial pressure. I’ve medically induced a coma and given her diuretics. She’s temporarily being sustained on life support at this time. We’re doing everything possible. The next few hours will be critical. I’m sorry to give you such devastating news this evening. Do you have any questions?

Oh, Dr. Bennington, I can’t lose her. I can’t. Do you understand? Noel is the only family I have, Edith cried. Can I see her? I need to see her?

Ms. Edwards, I assure you we’re doing everything we can for your granddaughter. Yes, certainly, you may see her. One of our nurses will be in a few minutes and take you up to Intensive Care. Compassionately putting his arms around Edith, he smiled. If you need anything or have questions, one of our staff in ICU will be happy to help. Again, I’m so sorry. Someone will be right in. Turning to leave, he’d never become comfortable giving such unexpected news to loved ones. One last thought, is there anyone you would like our staff to call or contact in regards to Noel’s condition?

Oh, no, it’s just Noel and I. She’s single. There’s no one of importance in her life as of yet. She’s extremely busy with school. Noel received a scholarship to study journalism at the University of Missouri in Arlington. Edith rambled nervously as if by giving greater details, it would breathe life into Noel.

Dr. Alex Bennington found this bit of news fascinating as he walked out the door. He knew the rigors of studying and competing for scholarship money. Born in Athens, Greece, Alex along with his parents immigrated to the United States when he was only eight years old. After four years of medical school, he had graduated at the top of his class and was by far the best trauma surgeon available at Methodist. At the young age of thirty-one, his reputation for being the best in his field kept him busy and on-call. His charm and handsome appearance made him popular with the nurses. Alex’s Grecian ancestry was totally discernable in his handsome appearance. Wearing green scrubs, his jet black hair, striking blue eyes and tall, lean muscular physique complimented his dark olive complexion. He prided himself on the fact he kept in shape and was an avid bicyclist. Being a trauma surgeon with the Air Force Reserves demanded he kept in shape. The mere fact he had remained single kept the young nurses vying for his attention.

Mrs. Edwards, I’m Gloria. I work in ICU. Dr. Bennington asked me to come down and take you up to see your granddaughter. Please, follow me.

Walking in, nothing could have ever prepared Edith for what she was about to see. The love of her life was lying motionless on the stark white sheets of the hospital bed. Tubes and hoses were the only things at this point keeping her alive. Unbelievably, her beautiful sculpted face was unscathed except for a tiny cut on her forehead. It seemed almost miraculous that outwardly Noel showed no significant visible signs of having been involved in an accident. Her long blonde tresses encased the white pillow. She appeared angelic and peacefully sleeping, minus all the medical equipment and the constant hum of the ventilator.

Rushing over, Edith grabbed Noel’s hand. Baby, can you hear me? I wished it had been me in that accident instead of you. I’m so sorry. Noel, you have to be strong. Sweetheart, you have to fight to stay alive. You can do this. I need you. Leaning over Noel’s hospital bed, Edith relentlessly sobbed. Please, don’t leave me, she pleaded holding onto the bed rail. Overcome with emotions, she felt faint.

Noticing Edith’s frail condition, Gloria knew the stress was overwhelming.

Ms. Edwards, Gloria smiled sympathetically. Why don’t you go home and come back in the morning. She’s receiving the best care possible. There’s really nothing you can do at this time. We’ll call you if there is any change in her condition.

I think I would like to stay with her for a while if that’s alright?

"Yes. I’ll get you a chair. Is there anything else that I can get you? Would you like a cup of coffee?

No thanks, Edith sighed trying to make herself comfortable in the hard high back chair.

Within minutes, Clint Harper walked in accompanied by two women from Edith’s Sunday School Class, Mary Godwin and Ethel Peters. They were longtime friends of Edith’s and loved Noel deeply. Seeing their familiar faces gave Edith some much-needed comfort.

Edith, how are you holding up? Clint questioned putting his arm around her.

Well, as good as can be, I guess, Edith answered wiping her moist eyes.

How is Noel? Mary asked thoughtfully.

Well, she made it through surgery. She had a ruptured spleen, broken ribs and swelling on her brain from the trauma. They’ve placed her in a medically induced coma. She’s in critical condition.

Clint told us about the accident. Thank goodness he was only a few cars behind Noel when the accident occurred. Did the truck driver make it? Ethel inquired.

Oh, no, honey, he didn’t make it, Edith looked up with tears welling in her eyes.

That’s right. The other driver died instantly, Clint interjected handing Edith a tissue.

Oh, dear, we’re so sorry. Noel is such a beautiful young woman. You’ve done such an amazing job raising her. Everyone at church loves Noel. She’s done an amazing job teaching Bible studies for the young people, Mary added.

Ladies, we’re only allowed a few minutes to visit in the ICU. If there isn’t anything further we can do for Edith, I better drive you both home, Clint suggested.

Yes. We better be going, Ethel agreed.

I’ll call you tomorrow. If you need us, please don’t hesitate to call, Mary smiled giving Edith a warm hug.

Thanks for coming to the hospital. It means a lot to me that you came to check on Noel. I’ll be in touch with you tomorrow.

Trying to get comfortable in the hard chair, Edith felt twinges of pain in her shoulders. Tonight would be grueling trying to sleep under these conditions. Just at that moment, Dr. Bennington walked into the room.

Mrs. Edwards, why don’t you go home for the night? You need to get your rest. I promise your granddaughter is receiving the best care possible, he thoughtfully suggested as he walked over to Noel’s bedside. After thoroughly checking the ventilator, and evaluating Noel’s condition, he walked over to Edith. Lovingly, he put his arm around her, trying to give her some comfort. We’re keeping her in a medically induced coma. I believe I spoke with you earlier regarding this, so there’s no need for you to stay. Why don’t you go home for the night? I’m sure you’ll be more comfortable. Hopefully, tomorrow, if the swelling subsides we can discontinue her medications and begin to bring her out of the coma and remove the breathing tube.

Oh thanks, Dr. Bennington, but it doesn’t feel right to leave her. However, I’ll have to admit this chair isn’t very comfortable. If you’re absolutely positive that someone will call me if her condition changes, I guess I might go home and try to get some rest. However, I’m sure that I won’t be able to sleep a wink even at home, Edith mentioned.

Walking over to Noel’s bedside, Edith lovingly took her hand.

Sweetheart, I love you. I’m going home for tonight, but I’ll be back first thing in the morning. Rest peacefully. Edith knew there was no way Noel had heard a word spoken. However, she felt compelled to speak to her as if she could easily understand.

Thank you, Dr. Bennington. Please call me at home, if there’s any change.

Before leaving the room, Edith paused. Turning around, she took another glance at her gorgeous granddaughter encumbered with all the medical equipment. She found it truly unbelievable that a tragedy could unexpectedly occur in such a short period of time. Before the accident, Noel had always been very athletic and vibrant. Her long blonde hair, gorgeous blue eyes, and sculpted facial features along with her tall, lean frame made her easily noticeable.

Alone with his young patient, Dr. Bennington felt drawn to the beautiful young woman lying in front of him. He felt compelled to know more about her. It was unfortunate that someone so young and attractive had to endure such misfortune. The mere fact she was single and apparently had no significant other in her life made her alluring. He was captivated by her angelic appearance.

Looking down at his watch, it was almost midnight. Time for his shift to end. Rubbing his five-o’clock shadow, he was tired. He would grab a cup of coffee and change before heading back to his apartment. Leaving her room, he prayed she would make a full recovery.

Chapter Two

Waking up early, it seemed Edith would not be the only person to encounter a sleepless night. Slowly opening his eyes, sleep had eluded him. Alex had always considered himself to be a kind, compassionate physician. A doctor, his patients, could trust and confide in. However, he couldn’t recall a time when he’d cared so deeply for one of them before.

Looking over at the clock, it was 5:00 in the morning. Alex never got up this early when he had worked late the night before. Usually, he got home from the hospital around midnight and slept in until 7:00. What was he doing awake at this time of the morning? However, before he could even give it a second thought, he knew. His new patient, Noel Carrington, was mysteriously finding her way into his heart without a single word having ever been spoken between them. Never before could he remember a time that he’d had such an unexplainable connection to any of his patients.

Reaching across his bed, he grabbed the phone sitting on the nightstand. He had to know Noel’s condition. Dialing the Intensive Care Ward, he was surprised to hear Jodie Connor’s voice, the head nurse in charge of the ICU.

Intensive Care, this is Jodie.

Jodie, this is Dr. Bennington. You’re at work awful early this morning. I’m calling to check on the status of my new patient, Noel Carrington. She was admitted last night.

Good morning Dr. Bennington, hold just a second while I get her chart. It appears the diuretics have been effective, and the brain edema has greatly decreased. Would you like to continue her course of treatment?

Yes. Please continue with the instructions in Ms. Carrington’s chart, I’ll be in later this morning to check on her. At that time, I’ll make a decision in regards to stopping the medications.

Certainly Dr. Bennington.

Thanks, Jodie.

Jodie was the managing supervisor in the Intensive Care Unit. She had been employed as a Registered Nurse at Methodist Hospital for over twenty years. Nothing escaped her, she was dedicated and loyal. Her premature gray hair indicated her long hours and hard work. Short in stature, she was far from being stout. Jodie kept in shape by running and other outdoor activities, which she swore helped to relieve her overload of stress.

Getting out of bed, Alex walked into the kitchen to make coffee. Perhaps a jolt of caffeine and a hot shower would revive him. Without hesitation, he decided to go into work early. He had to see Noel.

Standing underneath the warm water, it felt invigorating. Finally awake and ready to start the day, Alex dried off, donned a clean pair of green scrubs and walked back into the kitchen. Preparing a small bowl of oatmeal, he poured himself a glass of orange juice and sat down. He was definitely a creature of habit and his morning ritual always included a bowl of oatmeal and juice.

Finding his backpack, he filled an insulated travel mug with coffee for the short bike ride to the hospital. His apartment was only two blocks from the hospital. It was small by any standards. However, the location made it ideal for a busy doctor who normally spent more hours at the hospital than home. The one bedroom, one bath apartment basically met his needs. The covered balcony provided him a place to store his bike, his preferred method of transportation. Finally, grabbing his helmet and pushing his bike out through the front door, he began his usual morning ride over to Methodist Hospital.

Good morning Jodie, I’d like to see the medical chart for Noel Carrington, Alex smiled walking up to the nurse’s station in the ICU.

Certainly, Dr. Bennington. How was your ride into work? Jodie, also a biking enthusiast shared his passion. She never missed an opportunity on the weekends to ride with her group, the Twirling Divas.

Energizing. Nothing like a brisk ride to get the day started, Alex smiled taking the chart in hand. You’re right. It seems the swelling has significantly been reduced. I would like you to gradually stop the medications. Please keep a close watch and page me if she begins to wake up.

Noel’s room was right across from the nurse’s station. Taking a quick glance, he was surprised to find Edith already sitting next to Noel’s bed.

Good morning, Mrs. Edwards. How was your evening? Alex inquired walking into Noel’s room.

Oh, Dr. Bennington, not very well. I wasn’t able to sleep a wink last night. I was so worried about Noel.

I’m sorry. I was hoping I might have given you some reassurance last night. Looking at her chart, it seems the swelling has significantly subsided. If she continues to improve, hopefully later this afternoon she’ll begin to wake up, and you’ll be able to speak with her. She’s a lucky young woman, he remarked checking Noel’s pupils and vital signs. From what I’ve been told about the accident, her prognosis could have been far worse.

Thank you, Dr. Bennington, I couldn’t ask for better news. I’m so grateful. I could never thank you enough.

You certainly don’t have to thank me. I love my job. So tell me more about this gorgeous young woman. I arrived early this morning and have a little time before I start my rounds. Has she always lived with you?

Yes. Noel’s father was tragically killed in Viet Nam before she was born. Cindy, her mother, my only child was pregnant with Noel when we received the news. She was devastated. Cindy was later diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. Her pregnancy was high risk. Cindy’s health had never been good even from a child. We lost her on Christmas Eve after she gave birth to Noel. Naturally, being the only family Noel had as well as her grandmother, I didn’t hesitate to take responsibility for her. I can’t say it’s been an easy life for her, my being a widow and retired certainly had it’s downfalls. However, she’s a gorgeous reflection of her mother, and I adore her.

I’m sure your daughter was beautiful. You have to be commended, you’ve raised a lovely girl. The fact you mentioned Noel received a scholarship at the University speaks volumes about her strength of character. I’m sure it will give her the will power to make a full recovery.

"Yes. I pray that you’re right. Noel had a mid-term test the evening of the accident. She’s a straight ‘A’ student. She’s always been a determined young woman and works hard.

I’m surprised she doesn’t have a boyfriend.

Without a single thought, the words had just flown out of his mouth. He was a grown man and a professional doctor at that. Why was he acting like a teenager? He felt flushed, surely his face signified his enormous embarrassment.

"Oh, no, for heaven’s sake, like I said before, Noel doesn’t have a