Marianne felt like the car ride to the hospital took hours. Where in reality it only took 15 minutes. Marianne didn't even think she waited for the car to completely stop before she jumped out and went running toward the hospital A&E room. Marianne ran through the doors and to the admitting desk. A nurse was sitting making notes on a chart. "Yes, hello. I am Marianne Brandon. My husband Christopher Brandon was brought in. I would like to see him please." Marianne explained out of breath. The nurse stood up and smiled. "Yes, Mrs. Brandon. I will go get the doctor for him to come speak with you. I believe your husband is still being checked. The doctor should be out in a few minutes.
Marianne thanked the nurse and took a seat in the waiting area. Marianne was fidgeting with her knees bouncing up and down. Elinor parked the car and went and took a seat next to her when she spotted her. "What's going on?" Elinor asked. "He is still being examined. The nurse is letting the doctor know I am here. She said he will be out in a few minutes." Marianne explained. They waited patiently for a few minutes. Soon a doctor approached them. "Mrs. Brandon?" He asked as he entered the seating area. Marianne jumped up at the speed of light. "Yes, I am Mrs. Brandon." She said as she walked over to the doctor. She introduced Elinor as her sister. "Well your husband is doing remarkably well for what he has been through. The movement and impact of the vehicle just landed right and he was protected by the airbags. His right leg suffered the most. Along with sprained right arm where it was pinned against the door. The arm is minimal and I expect that should feel better within a few days to a week. He also has a minor meniscus tear in his right knee but we think that will heal on it's own. However, there is still a possibility he might need minor surgery to fix it. Since he was in good shape that will be easier to heal. He has a couple of bruised ribs but minor. The seat belt protected him from more damage in his chest area. He is dehydrated so we are trying to hydrate him with saline in an IV. What we are also watching for is a minor laceration to his spleen. The bleeding seems to have stopped on its own. That is the main injuries. The rest are some bruises to his face and a cut on his forehead. We cleaned him up and he has been asking for you and a Alexandra?" The doctor ended with a bit of question. Marianne smiled softly. "Yes, Alexandra is our daughter." Marianne explained. "Oh I see. How old is she?" The doctor asked. "She is 19 months old." Marianne stated. The doctor smiled. "Well that is a bit young. I think in a couple of days you can bring her in. We are going to keep him in the ICU for a day or two to monitor him. When he is moved into a regular room you can bring your daughter in to see him." The doctor explained. "How long do you think he will be here?" She asked. "I think a few days if everything goes well. A week tops." He explained. "In a few minutes I will come back for you to see him." The doctor said and left. Marianne thanked him and embraced Elinor.
"Oh he is going to be all right. Thank God! I just can't wait to get him home." Marianne stated. "Yes Marianne it is so great. So fortunate that he was not injured more severely." Elinor explained. "Yes, I know!" Marianne answered as they sat back down. "Well he is not going to like it, but he will not be going back to work right away. He will try to go with crutches." Elinor giggled. Marianne laughed as well. "Yes, he will. I will also have to try to explain to Alexandra she cannot tackle him for awhile and might not be able to pick her up." Elinor giggled. "He is going to ask for treats like ice cream for breakfast." Marianne said with a smirk. The two women giggled about Marianne taking care of him. Marianne would not want it any other way. The doctor soon came out again and said he would take Marianne to see Christopher.
She walked in and gasped. Excited to see him but shocked at to see him bandaged. His face had a few scrapes and had a bandage on his forehead. She began walking in when he turned his head to see her. His face lite up and as she ran to him. "Oh Marianne!" He gasped. She reached him and kissed him. They stood forehead to forehead as she caressed his face. He reached and caressed her arms and hands. "I am so happy you are all right. I was so frightened when you didn't come home and couldn't get ahold of you. So many terrible thoughts went through my head. I wouldn't know how to continue without you." Marianne confessed as they shared a kiss. "I know darling. I was so worried about what you were thinking. All I did in the car was think of you and Alexandra. I just kept looking at photos of your beautiful face and our beautiful daughter." He confessed. They stayed close unable to let go of each other. Marianne just kept caressing his hair and kissing his face. They talked about his injuries and how he was doing wonderfully for what he has been through. She also let him know that he will be in the hospital for a few days. Christopher tried to embrace her fully but had to make adjustments since he was hooked up to IVs and a EKG machine.
Marianne managed to sit partially on his bed so she could snuggle him a bit. Careful not to hurt him. They talked about what could have been. How long the night seemed to go and how Christopher wanted to see Simon again to thank him. "I would like to see Alexandra. Can you bring her in later?" Christopher asked. Marianne couldn't help but frown. She so didn't want to disappoint him. "I am sorry darling. They don't allow children in the ICU. They are hoping to move you out of here into a regular room late tomorrow or Wednesday. Then I will be able to bring her in to see you. She was asking for you this morning." Marianne explained stroking his face. He looked so disappointed. "Ok, I can't wait to see her and pick her up and hold her." He explained. "I know darling." Marianne respond and kissed him on the lips. "I love you." She said as she pulled away and looked him in the eyes. "I love you too darling. I just want to go home to be with you." He said. They remained snuggled just savoring that he was found and was going to be all right.
Marianne went home that night. She brought Alexandra in their bed and she was finally able to sleep soundly for a bit after the emotional day. Mother and daughter slept snuggled up together for the remainder of the night.
