Breathe (26 page)

“Yes clean clothes, including panties and bra would be nice. Okay. We will see you in a bit my lovely. Remember don’t go anywhere without Nathaniel and Josh. Yes missus I am serious, both of them.” He hung up and slid the phone back in his pocket before wrapping me in his arms again. “She is calling Dr. Jacobs for you then she and Cora will bring you some clothes later. Or her, Cora, Nathaniel, and Josh anyway.”

“Okay, thank you.” I whispered against his chest, trying to breathe around the pain, snuggling against his warmth. The constant humming of the machines by Tyler’s bed which was a comfort the night before was suddenly a horrendous cacophony of noise that was achingly sharp against my ears. Daniel’s breathing was too harsh for me, even his heart beating was too loud for my heightened state. I heard the bedroom door open and it sounded like a herd of elephants with squeaky shoes came in.

“I am Sandy, I will be Tyler’s day nurse. How did you sleep?” I started to lift my head but Daniel put a gentle hand on the back of my head and pressed me back against his chest.

“Hey Sandy. We have a bit of an issue here, Ms. James has a bit of a migraine and we are waiting for her doctor to bring some meds. Other than that we are fine, but if we could speak in very soft tones I think she would appreciate that.” My heart warmed even further to this man if that was possible.

“Of course, who’s her doctor, I’ll check and see if he’s called. Maybe I can expedite her meds. The poor dear, dealing with this and having a migraine. I get those sometimes, nasty little things.” Sandy was a very cheerful talkative sort but she did lower the decibel level as she worked. Daniel answered her only when it was necessary, he was aware when his chest moved I felt it. After doing all the checks she needed and getting Dr. Jacob’s name she left as quietly as she could, but she still sounded like a tap dancing hippo on the way out.

“Hang in there my grá. Just a few more minutes.” I had been breathing through the pain for a few minutes and my stomach was starting to roll. I knew what was coming next and tried to push away from Daniel but he tightened his hold. “Don’t move Kathryn. I got you.”

“Daniel, I have to get to the bathroom before I throw up on you.” He instantly picked me up in his arms and hurtled to the bathroom as fast as he could. I started laughing at his hurried movements which only served to make the situation that much worse. He placed me by the toilet just as I lost everything that was in my stomach. Since I hadn’t eaten since the energy shake before Krav Maga the night before there wasn’t much but bile and then a lot of dry heaving. I must have blacked out at some point from the pain cause the next thing I knew I was laid out on the extra bed, an IV hooked up to my arm and the gentle grey eyes of Dr. Jacobs bending over me.

“Hey Kathryn, welcome back. You scared the crap out of your friend here. He was frantic when he came out of this room looking for help. Thank goodness I was making my rounds here when I got Lily’s call and was heading this way when he came out. We have you hooked up to some IV fluids you are dehydrated and I have your cocktail dripping in now. You should feel much better very soon.” I nodded then leaned back against the pillows and let the darkness take over again.

(Daniel)

“Holy hell. I hate this.” I watched as the doctor adjusted the IV drip then pull up the blankets and tuck them securely around Kathryn before he turned back to me. He was an older man, white hair and soft grey eyes with crinkles at the corners that only those who smiled and laughed a lot get.

“Yes, it isn’t easy for the people that have to deal with them and sometimes harder on those who love them. She will be just fine as soon as she wakes up. She should go right back to her base line headache. If she doesn’t here is my number call me and I will come back and check on her. Stress makes her headaches worse and since this isn’t the best situation, I can’t guarantee she will go back to her normal level.” He handed me his business card and I stuck it in my pocket with my phone then offered him my hand.

“Thank you for coming as soon as you could.” He shook my hand and nodded again.

“Of course. She means a lot to me. John and Kathryn helped my daughter after her husband was killed in Afghanistan a few years ago.” Ah, another Kathryn convert, interesting how she has touched so many to the point that they would do anything for her yet she has exactly no clue.              He walked over to Tyler at this point, picking up his chart and glancing through it. “Dr. Carter is one of the best in his field, so Tyler is in great hands. Tell Kathryn to let me know when he comes off the machines, I would like to be here for her if I can.”

I nodded, not sure what to say. Dr. Jacobs gave my arm a quick squeeze as he walked to the door, he was about to leave then hesitated and turned back.

“It is good to see someone care for her as much as she deserves. Your love will mend far more than any meds I could ever prescribe. Take care of her for me.” He then turned and walked out. I walked to Tyler and checked him before lying down gently next to Kathryn, laying my head next to hers.

“Woman, you have got to start paying attention to the world around you and the people that love you. Open your eyes, there are so many more choosing you then there ever were who didn’t.”

(Kathryn)

The next time I woke up, my headache was just a dull ache in the back of my mind. I sighed, back to normal, a dull manageable roar. I sat up and looked around. Tyler was still in his bed of course with tubes and wires connecting him to machines. I had been disconnected from the IV fluids at some point, normally I don’t sleep through that but apparently this headache was worse than most of my other ones.

I got up and moved gingerly to the bathroom to clean up as much as I could. My body was still sore from the effects of the medicine and the migraine so I moved slowly. I heard voices enter the bedroom just as I was about to leave the bathroom, recognizing Lily’s bright voice, Cora’s more dusky voice, and Daniel’s smooth deep timbre. I came out and only had time to brace myself before I had an armful of Lily. I laughed as I righted myself and hugged her back. When we pulled away she gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before turning towards her brother. I stood ready to comfort her when she fell apart but she straightened and walked over, bending to place a kiss to his forehead. Then she stood up, brushed a lock of his hair back off his face and sat down in the chair next to him, starting to rattle on about the night she had with Joey and Cora’s kids. I stared; amazed at the maturity and strength my daughter was showing. Daniel walked up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Seems like she has a bit of her momma in her after all.”

I smiled and covered his hands with my own. Cora cleared her throat and I turned my smile to her. She was wearing jeans and a bright grey sweeter that made her eyes look even bigger and greyer than usual. She was lovely as always. I reached out to her and pulled her into a tight hug.

“Thank you for taking care of her last night for me.”

She pulled back and handed me a duffle bag. “Pretty sure you will appreciate this even more.”

I grinned and grabbed it from her. “Clean underwear!!” I ran back to the bathroom, pulling out a pair of yoga pants, a loose comfortable sweatshirt and one of my Old Navy tees along with a fresh set of underwear, socks, and bra. They had also grabbed my toothbrush and toothpaste as well as my deodorant, some jammies, few more sets of clothes and some actual shampoo and conditioner instead of the hospital stuff. I threw everything on, feeling much better and a lot more human than I did before. I exited the bathroom and gave Cora another big grin.

“You are a goddess among women. Thank you.”

She smiled happily back at me from where she was sitting next to Lily.

“You are more than welcome my dear. Anytime we can help we will, you know that.” I gave her a big hug then sat on the side of the extra bed. I looked around and Cora caught my gaze.

“Daniel is outside in the hall with Nathaniel and Josh. Technically Tyler is only supposed to have two visitors at a time so he is trying to keep the nurses happy without having to kick any of us out.” I nodded and settled back.

“So momma, when are they turning these dreadful things off and waking him up?”

“They will do another scan tomorrow and see where the swelling is. If it is down enough they will turn them all off and then it’s up to his body when he actually wakes up.” She nodded then turned back to her brother. She kept brushing the hair back just like I used to do when he was younger and used to curl up against me.

“You better come back quickly. Who is going to keep me on task and not flying out into the stratosphere? I need you to hurry up and get out of this bed because you ground me big brother.” She stood up and bent down to press another kiss to his forehead before turning back to me. “I have to go to a reading but let me know if you need anything else momma.”

I stood up and engulfed my youngest in a tight embrace. I kissed her on the top of the head and placed my cheek against her soft blonde hair. She was growing into such a sweet sensitive mature woman right before my eyes.

“I will. We are still on for Krav Maga tomorrow, so don’t think you get out of it this easily.”

She groaned and I grinned as she left. Cora stood then and gave Tyler a kiss on his forehead as well before she turned to me.

“I’m her ride. LOL. I know Nathaniel and Josh could handle her but I still want to keep an eye on her too.” I grabbed Cora in a hug just as tight as the one I gave Lily, tears gathering in my eyes again.

“Thank you. Truly.”

She pulled back and smiled. Then walked to the door.

“Oh by the way, your phone and charger are in Daniel’s bag. Figured you might need those.” She winked then exited. I walked over to the other black duffle, pulling out my phone and charger just as Daniel walked back in. I brought the phone back to the bed and plugged it in. Instantly it started vibrating and lighting up. I had fifteen text messages and ten missed calls from Taylor, my dad, my mom, and John and they left ten voice mails.

“Popular lady.” Daniel walked over and laid a kiss on the top of my head before lying back on the bed. “Oh and if you want lunch we can order it, just have to call the kitchen and they will bring it to you.”

I nodded absently as I went through the text messages and then the voice mails. The text messages were just normal Taylor messages, and John asking if we wanted to go to the movies with him and Alex. Those were clearly sent before the accident. The first voice mail was Taylor calling to talk, the second one was her asking if I was okay since she hadn’t heard from her, the third was a demand that I call or text her so she knows I am alive. My dad left three voice mails as well increasing in agitation and concern. John’s started out frantic and then when he got to the house he called a few more times with updates. Then the last voicemail was from my mom just asking me to call her back when I got a chance so she knew what was happening.

I called Taylor first. Letting her know that yes I was alive and well but Tyler was in the hospital. She wanted to come up but I assured her there was nothing anyone could do right now. She could come this weekend but there was no need to interrupt the kid’s schedules or Jack’s right now. I called John next and thanked him for helping at the house. He told me he was staying until we got back all safe and sound, and I grinned at the fatherly tone he always took with me when he knew I was going to protest and he didn’t want to hear it. I called my mom next and let her in on what was going on, that Tyler was in the hospital but the doctors were optimistic. She wanted to fly out and I told her that was fine, to have her call me when she had her flight information or text it to me.

I saved the hardest one for last. I climbed up next to Daniel in the bed and took his hand. He looked over questioningly but let me curl up against him. He went back to answering his own texts and emails while I steeled myself to making this last phone call. I loved my father, it was the speeches about my stepmother I hated. For some crazy reason he loved her and that was something I have had to accept, he chose her over me more times than I could ever count but he was my father and I was still a little girl at heart.

He answered on the third ring.

“Kathryn, what is going on over there? Lily called the house phone last night and told us something about Tyler getting hurt.”

“A brick was thrown through our front window, Tyler was walking by and he got hit.”

“Oh my god, Kathryn. Is he okay? Please tell me he is okay.” I hurried to reassure him.

“Yes dad, he is okay. They have him in a medically induced coma because there is some swelling and slight bleeding on the brain. They will do another scan tomorrow to see where he is and decide when to take him off the machines.”

“Do you want me to come out and be with you?” I pulled the phone away from my ear and looked down at it to make sure the screen said I was talking to my dad.

“You want to come out and be with me?”

(Daniel)             

“Of course, I wanted to when Sean passed but I let Crystal talk me out of it. I will never forgive myself for that. She told me that some guy told her off and told me what he said. It shamed me more than it did her. I know I haven’t been the best father to you, I’ve made many mistakes. It has always just been easier to let Crystal make all the decisions and take everything on. I want to be better, for you, for Tyler, and for Lily.” I looked over and caught the tears streaming down her face, reaching up I brushed them off her cheek. I could tell this call meant a lot to her and she gave me a radiant if a bit watery smile.

“I would never say no to you coming out Dad. Never. I do have to tell you that mom is coming out as well.”

“I don’t care. I am tired of having to avoid being there for you because Crystal has a problem with your mom. I am coming out on the next flight I can get. I will text you the information.”

“Okay dad. I love you.” I heard the catch in her throat.

“I love you too baby girl. Always.” She hung up, and just sat staring down at her phone.

“So… Who was that? Couldn’t possibly be your father, he doesn’t just drop everything to come to your rescue.” She looked over and glared at me and I started to grin. When I saw her tiny fist raise up I threw my hands up in surrender. “Hey, hey now. I was just teasing you woman no need to get all defensive.”

She smacked my shoulder anyway before leaning over and pressing a quick kiss to my lips.

“Wanna meet my parents?” She asked with a wink.

“Oh lord, it’s going to be a blood bath isn’t it?”

“There is every possibility yes.”

I sat up quickly and started acting like I was looking for my bag, which was in plain sight by my feet.

“You know I just realized, I don’t really like you that much. I have more pressing matters in….Mumbai, yeah that is a good place. I have no idea what I would need to do there but suddenly…” I turned just as she launched herself from the bed. I caught her up in my arms and held her close as she laughed up at me.

“Nope, you already said the L word, you can’t back out now.” Nurse Sandy walked in just then with Dr. Carter and they smiled over at us.

“Well, someone is feeling a lot better. Glad to see you up and about. How is our patient this afternoon?” The nurse walked over and started checking the machines in her efficient way and the doctor moved closer to us. I sat her on her feet but didn’t let her move too far, placing a hand on her hip.

“I saw Dr. Jacobs come in a little while ago. Is he your neurologist?”

“Yes, I have been his patient for about five years now, since I moved to New York with my kids.”

“He is a great doctor. One of the best.”

“That is what he said about you.” I told him. Dr. Carter stood a little straighter with that praise and he grinned.

“Did he now? That old curmudgeon never said a word of that to me. Well I better check our patient.” He patted my arm as he moved to Tyler’s bed. The nurse handed him the chart and he did a few things to the machines, noting everything down then handing the chart back to Sandy.

“Everything is looking good. There is plenty of brain activity and all his vitals look really good. I truly think he will pull through just fine. I will be back tomorrow for the scan and we will go from there.”

“Thank you Dr. Carter.” He smiled at us then left the room. Nurse Sandy washed her hands then came back out.

“Don’t forget to eat, don’t want you to pass out again.” I nodded and assured her we would then she left the room. I turned her around, pulling her close, my blue eyes hungry on her beautiful face.

“I know what I want to eat.” Kathryn giggled and pushed against my shoulder, pulling away.

“Tyler is right there and we are in a hospital.”

“He is in a coma, there isn’t anything he can do about it and hospitals are sterile. We are good.” She scoffed at me but couldn’t keep the giggle from escaping.

“No, caveman. We can wait like the civilized adults we are.” She walked to the little nightstand between the two beds where the hospitals room menu was. “Today is Wednesday so we get a choice of soup and salad, chicken fingers, turkey club, or cheese pizza. Kind of lousy choices huh?”

“Or I could run downstairs and we can have a bacon cheeseburger with everything in about fifteen minutes.”

“What is it about you and bacon cheeseburgers? You do know that New York has a lot more than just that right?”

“Okay, a hotdog with everything. Or a falafel…whatever the hell that is.” She burst out laughing at the confused look on my face and shook her auburn head.

“How about you get us an amazing bacon cheeseburger for dinner. Even better we will call Joey and make him bring it to us. For now I am good with the soup and salad.”

I reluctantly agreed and asked for the pizza. As she made the call I took my bag into the bathroom for a quick shower and to change out of the clothes I had been in since yesterday. As the weak pressured water hit my shoulders, I sighed. This shower is going to be quick and awful, but a shower is a shower. I washed quickly with the shampoo and body soap that Cora had thrown in my bag, yelping once the lukewarm water turned instantly to frigid. I heard a laugh from out in the room and knew Kathryn had heard me. I growled in response then gritted my teeth so I could finish the shower. Thank god for Cora, she had included at the bottom of my bag an actual towel so I didn’t have to use the hospitals which wasn’t any bigger than a wash cloth.