Trust Me .(70)
“Is she going to be okay?” I ask, my voice small and full of fear.
“I don’t know. It’s aggressive, but they’re hopeful that she got her to the hospital in enough time to get the drugs in her as quickly as possible. Right now, they’re trying to get her fever down so they can transport her. But I know in my heart that that little girl is a fighter like her mom, so she’s gonna pull through just fine.”
“And she gets it from her Uncle Jake,” I say as I slap a hand on his shoulder and give him a little squeeze.
“When they get her in the rig, Dad, my brothers, and I are gonna head home and try to get some sleep. We want to head over to St. Charles in the morning, even if we are just stuck in a damn waiting room there too. Since I’m the closest to Avery’s place, I’m gonna swing by and grab some clothes for her and Bean.”
“I’ll go with you.”
Jake looks up at me with concern in his eyes. “This must be difficult for you, too.”
“Yeah, I’m experiencing emotions I didn’t even know possible. That little girl means everything to me. Just the thought of something happening to her makes me lose my ever-loving mind.” I rub the tension between my eyes and try to think of anything else besides my little girl lying in a hospital bed. I realize at this moment that that is exactly what she is. She’s my little girl, and I love her more than anyone can love a child.
“She’s gonna be okay,” Jake says squeezing my shoulder in return.
“Guys, they’re moving her,” Will says at the entrance of the waiting room. I stand with her entire family as we watch the nursing staff wheel Brooklyn out of her room, towards the elevator.
I see a very warn out Avery step out of the room following closely behind the gurney carrying her daughter towards the elevator. Our eyes lock and she seems surprised to see me. Elizabeth steps forward to join her daughter and granddaughter in the elevator. My eyes remain locked on her crystal blue eyes that are red rimmed from crying. She tears up as our eyes have a conversation of their own. I see the fear and the uncertainty in her eyes, and I pray she can see the fear and love in my own. A tear slides unchecked down her cheek before she returns her attention to the nurse, and they all step inside the elevator. I have to restrain myself from running and throwing my arms securely around her. They disappear from my sights, enveloped in the elevator that is taking them down a floor towards the waiting ambulance. I’ve lost sight of the love of my life as my own tears slide down my cheeks.
Jake and I meet at Avery’s place to grab some clothes and personal items for both Avery and Brooklyn. Jake heads into Brooklyn’s room while I tackle Avery’s. Once I step inside, I’m assaulted with memories and scents of Avery. I can smell her vanilla lotion and my mind is flooded with memories. Avery’s body pressed against mine as we talked before going to sleep. Taking Avery against the back of the door after our first date. Avery sleeping on the pillow next to me. I want all this again. I want to make new memories. But first, I need to gather up some of her stuff for her stay in the hospital. If I know Avery at all, she won’t leave Brooklyn’s side so she’ll need anything I can grab.
I pull open her drawers and start to grab a few pairs of underwear, socks and a bra. I see the red lace thong that she wore that night before it all went bad. I shove it aside and reach for the more comfortable pairs she has in there. I throw a pair of jeans and her comfy yoga pants on the bed, followed by her favorite hoodie and a few t-shirts. I know she’s already wearing her tennis shoes so I don’t bother with more shoes.
I head into the bathroom and grab a brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a hair tie that is sitting by the sink. I’m not sure if she wants any make-up or not, so I just grab the little bag of girly face stuff sitting on the shelf above the toilet. I see Brooklyn’s toothbrush sitting there so I throw that in the bag, too.
I head back to Avery’s room to bag up all the stuff as Jake comes in. He’s got a little pink bag stuffed with some clothes. As we gather up the belongings and head towards the door, I stop at the entrance to Brooklyn’s room and take a peek inside. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the stuffed monkey sitting on her bed from our arcade trip. I walk in, snatch it up, and stuff it in the bag. Then we head out the door, each heading home for what is sure to be another long, sleepless night.
*****
Jake calls me the next morning at six and says they are working out travel arrangements. Will is going to drive his car with his dad, Travis, and Nate all riding along. Jake decides he wants to drive and offers for me to ride with him.