Everyone arrived at the hospital at approximately the same time. They met in the parking lot and walked in together. Beverly Ann was already upstairs with her sister. She had been on her way to the hospital when Blair had called to check on Mrs. Garrett and had heard the good news just a short time after Blair.
Tootie was holding little Ontario and Jeff had his arm around her. Blair held the door for them and smiled, happy for Tootie and her little family. Natalie and Snake were holding hands as they entered the hospital, signaling to the others that they were once again a couple. Andy had brought his fiancée Gina with him this time, and he was busy introducing her to everybody. Rick was carrying Katie on his shoulders and was holding Charli's hand in his. Jo was walking next to him, and Blair couldn't help but think that they seemed to be a little more at ease with each other. Ricki and Jordyn were trailing along behind.
They made their way up to the ICU. When they got to the waiting area the nurse was waiting for them. She smiled. "You must be the group here to see Mrs. Garrett Gaines." The number of people parading into the room surprised her. "I have some good news." She added. "Her sons are here. They arrived together about ten minutes ago. They are in with her now. When they come out, I will allow you to go in two at a time. I'm afraid the children will not be allowed to go in though." Everybody nodded in agreement.
They had been sitting for a few minutes when Beverly Ann emerged from the ICU. "She is so frail looking," she said concerned. "But she is doing okay." She was relieved that her sister was doing better. "She wants to see all of you." She smiled.
Ricki looked at Beverly Ann. "I wish I could see her," she said. "That nurse said we couldn't."
Beverly Ann sat next to her. "I know she'll be disappointed. When she gets to a regular room, you can see her."
Soon, Mrs. Garrett's sons, Raymond and Alex came out as well. They stated that they were very concerned for their mother. They had not seen her in a long time, and they had not known her health was failing. To make matters worse, they had to leave that afternoon in order to get back to business. Since their mother was doing better and would most likely make it, they felt they couldn't stay. Everybody knew Mrs. G. would be devastated. Mrs. Garrett seemed to be less important to them than she was to her girls. They had not been close with her since she had married Bruce, and were not willing to put forth much effort.
Before long, the nurse came into the room. "Okay," she smiled. "You may go in two at a time. Who is coming first?"
Natalie and Tootie decided to go first. They followed the nurse down the hall and into the room. Mrs. Garrett was lying in her hospital bed. She was pale, white. Her hair was flat and her eyes looked dull. Tootie was frightened to move near, but Mrs. G. picked up her hand and motioned for them to come closer.
Natalie walked over next to the bed. She bent down and smiled at Mrs. Garrett. "How are you doing?" she asked softly.
Mrs. Garrett smiled at her. "Better," she whispered. Tootie walked over to the other side of the bed. Mrs. Garrett reached out and took her hand. She smiled at Tootie. "How is that little boy?" she asked.
Tootie grinned at her. "He is perfect," she answered. "But I think he would like to see you again."
Mrs. Garrett smiled. "Tell him I can't wait to play with him," her voice cracked. "I love you girls…" her voice trailed off.
"We love you too." Natalie replied. They both reached down and kissed her on the cheek. Then they walked out of the room.
As the entered the waiting room, Tootie had tears in her eyes. "She looks so old and frail," she cried running to her husband.
Natalie agreed. "I've never seen her like that," she added. "I don't know what we'll do if we loose her." Snake stood up and wrapped his arms around her.
Jo and Blair walked into Mrs. Garrett's room. She appeared to be sleeping so they crept in silently. After a short moment, Mrs. G. turned her head and looked at them. She smiled as the two came closer to her bed.
"Well you have had a lot of people worried about you," Blair teased as she bent down to hug Mrs. G. "You should see the waiting room. It's completely full."
Mrs. Garrett smiled at her. "Don't be silly…" Mrs. Garrett paused and then continued softly. "There can't be that many people."
Jo grinned at her. "Oh yes there could." She said. "There's Beverly Ann, Andy, and Gina…Alex and Raymond…Tootie, Jeff, and Ontario…Natalie and Snake…Rick and my girls…"
Mrs. Garrett interrupted. "Snake and Rick are here?" she questioned. She knew she had been ill, but her mind was perfectly fine and she could not think of a reason why these two men would be there.
Jo answered her. "Well, Nat ran into Snake on the plane, and from the looks of things the two of them are back together. As for Rick," she mumbled, "I just needed a ride and someone to watch the girls."
Mrs. Garrett smiled. She wanted to see her girls happy. Natalie and Snake were a good pair. It made her happy to think of them together. She also wondered if Jo and Rick were getting along any better. Then she looked at Blair. "What about you?" she asked. "Anyone up here with you today?" Blair shook her head. Mrs. Garrett laughed a little. "Well have you seen my doctor?" she asked. "I've heard he is quite the catch." Blair and Jo both had to laugh at that.
Mrs. Garrett was getting tired, so they decided to leave her alone for a while. She needed to rest. They walked into the waiting room. "She does look so pale," Blair said as they approached the group in the waiting room.
"But," Jo added, "she is joking around and asking questions. She has a long way to go, but she seems like the same old Mrs. G."
