Chapter 3: Charming Clumsiness

Pratt took his time smoothing the fiberglass around Jill's waist. I wondered if he wanted to make a perfect mould or just was enjoying the lovely curves of her hips. Jill was lying motionless, her eyes partially closed. Her fingers were locked together as if she was trying to suppress her nervousness. I was glad to see that her face had more colour than before. The doctor finished the upper part of the cast, then smiled at Jill and patted her casted knee.

"Just a minute and your cast will be finished," he said

"I'm not in a hurry. I decided to postpone the hiking trip for tomorrow," she said sadly and glared at the massive cast that held her leg perfectly straight.

"I am sure you will get used to the cast in a couple of days."

"How long I have to wear it?"

"At least 10 weeks."

Jill's lips flinched, but she concealed her displeasure with a weak smile.

"Well, let us see if your pink toes are still there," Pratt said and pulled the stockinette back, revealing Jill's toes. Then he secured it, applying the last roll of fiberglass around her instep.

"Just like a magician pulling a bunny out of his hat!" Jill said with mock admiration.

The doctor laughed heartily and removed his gloves.

"You are the most charming girl that I have ever placed in a cast," he said, then stepped to the sink to wash his hands.

Jill pulled down her dress, covering her thighs. The fiberglass wrapped around her waist was clearly visible under the green fabric. I noticed something that looked strange to me. The cast started at the middle of her instep. Actually, not only her toes were fully exposed, but the ball of her foot as well. The sight was quite impressive and I enjoyed it for a while.

"Do I have to undergo any other procedures?" Jill asked and propped herself on her elbows.

"No. Just wait for the cast to dry. Then you can go home," Pratt said.

"This "go" seems a very difficult verb."

"You will cope with it by using crutches," he said.

"I hate being on crutches!" Jill exclaimed.

"Have you ever walked on crutches?" he asked.

"I have never had the pleasure."

"Well, you have the chance to do it now."

"I am sure you will look great on crutches," I interjected.

"Yea, I am going to win the Miss Crutch contest."

A couple of minutes later, the doctor made sure the cast was dry and waved to the nurse. Jill was lifted cautiously and placed on the examining table. The cast was holding her leg at an angle so she wasn't able to sit or lie comfortably. She had to put her hands on the table to support her upper body. Her face was tense; her anxious eyes were fixed on the cast.