An unexpected Turn

While Baze is fighting for his life, Cate struggles with a life changing decision

Chapter 9: wonder not

The surgery was supposed to last 4 hours or so, depending on how things went. Lux had returned and was now sitting next to me, Tasha and Jones close by, Charlie rested on my lap.

"How long has it been?" Lux asked anxiously "it feels like days"

"Don't worry" Jones said reassuringly "Baze will be fine, I'm sure" she looked up at him. I needed someone to comfort me too, I watched Charlie sleep

"Hey" Meredith knocked on the door. We all stood up abruptly "I thought you might need this" she handed all of us, some coffee and tea for me

"Thanks" Lux said "any word on my dad?"

"Not yet" Meredith said calmly "I'll tell you as soon as I know something"

"So Cate, how are you feeling?" what a stupid question, I wanted earth to sallow me. That was how bad I felt "have you been taking the vitamins Dr. Robbins recommended?"

I nodded and then glanced towards my belly. Charlie was awake now. Looking curiously at me, I smiled weakly "yeah, I feel fine"

"Good" she said. Derek appeared by the door. Lux took my hand

"How is he?" Tasha asked. Derek gave her a weak smile. That wasn't good news

"He's in recovery now" Derek informed us "we won't know how effective the surgery was until he wakes up. The part where we operated was a tricky one, but I'm hoping for the best"

"What do you mean you are hopping?" Lux asked outraged "you fixed him didn't you?"

"Well, the surgery was a success but the brain is very complicated, the first hours after the operation are vital to make sure there is no damage" he said. Lux's eyes winded

"What kind of damage?"Jones asked. The doctors had come before Baze was taken in and explained all the complications and side effects the operation might have. I didn't have to listen to them again, but I thought it was sweet that he cared so much

"Paralysis. Lots of speech, they are countless" I knew Derek was a professional. But Lux and Jones thought he was too indifferent

"You can see him now, but maybe just two of you" Meredith said. Jones squeezed Lux's shoulder and I handed Charlie to Tasha. He stared at me a bit confused and asked me where I was going, for a 2 year old he was pretty articulate, but shy. I told him I was going to see daddy and his face lighted up

I walked towards recovery with Lux in tow. We both were quiet. But understood what the other was saying, I took her hand

"Over here" Derek said "he'll be transferred to his room in an hour or so". The room was small. I always thought recovery had just beds and that everyone visited their loves ones in there, but this was a single room. With two other families and two other patients gathered around

"Thank you" I said as I took the chair besides the bed, Lux stood next to the bed. Baze had very little hair left. It felt weird to touch the skin on his head, but he had a bandage so I tried to be very careful. Lux leaned against his chest. Like a small child after having a nightmare.

About half an hour passed. We hadn't spoken much, but I had taken the baby names book out and we took turns reading. I held Baze's hand close, and Lux watched him sweetly, when suddenly I felt pressure on my hand. I turned around to see Baze open his eyes. A weak smile formed on his face

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Lux asked. She brushed his arms

"Like I had just been hit by a bus" he whispered. I smiled and leaned to kiss his cheek. I had tears streaming down my face. He cleaned them with his hand

"So how is the wedding planning going?" Baze asked coolly. Lux raised an eyebrow as I pushed the nurse's button

"What do you mean?" Lux asked "you didn't…"

"Yeah, he got kind of caught up in the moment" I said, squeezing his hand

"About time!" Lux said excitedly "I mean, you've done everything else"

"Are you happy?" Baze asked

"Yeah, I mean it's every kid's dream to see her parents getting married!" Lux smiled. I looked at Baze he just smiled. His face changed suddenly, I could see he was going trough pain

"Baze?" I asked, my voice breaking "Baze?"

"Guys, something is wrong" I saw fear in his eyes "I can't feel my legs"