AN: Thank you guys so much for your wonderful reviews. I really do love reading what you guys have to say. So thank you guys once again. It really does mean a lot that you take the time and review.
He felt sick. Utterly and completely sick. Each time he glanced up he was met with worried people glancing back at him. It sucked to look in the faces of Payson's worried parents and baby sister looking torn and completely regretful and guilty. It was mind blowing to look at Kelly, Damon, and Emily huddled together in the other side of the hall with puffy red eyes and solemn expressions hoping and praying that everything would be okay. It was heartbreaking to see Sasha look so devastated and lost without any news of his wife and baby girl. Worst of all he hated to look at himself in the mirror, knowing, that he was the reason his best friend was fighting for her life.
Their last conversation, argument rather, was playing in his mind over and over again like a broken record. He clenched his fists before clenching his jaw and swallowing roughly as his last words to Payson entered his mind for the thousandth time in only an hour. He shook his head before sighing and resting his head on the cold wall behind him. He sighed restlessly as he opened his eyes again only to glance at the slow hands on the clock. He shook his head before glancing up at the one person he knew that could bring him comfort. He was lost in Kelly's eyes as the seconds ticked into slow moving minutes. He glanced at the clock again and cringed when only five minutes passed. He ran his hand through his hair before groaning and pushing out of the chair and stalking out the door and down the hall towards the closest exit.
Kelly watched Austin go with a weary eyes. She couldn't imagine what Austin was going through being the one and only reason why Payson was fighting for her and Tatia's lives. She sighed as she looked at Emily and Damon and jerked her head towards the door. She rolled her eyes as Emily bit her lip. She shrugged before making the long walk to find Austin.
He bit his lip before shifting in his chair. He followed Kelly's movements as she walked across the room and out the door. He ran his hand through his hair before glancing up at the ceiling. After a few minutes he felt eyes on him like burning lazers. He glanced around and felt a tug of something when, after months of avoiding each other, he finally locked eyes with Kim. He stared in her eyes and felt himself being pulled in until he remembered the way she treated Payson when she found out about the pregnancy. He clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes before lowering his gaze to the dull gray carpet below. For his wife's sake he hoped that eventually her parents would come around, but with little to no contact in the past months Sasha doubted it. Although just the fact that they were here when Payson's life was on the line spoke of something changing in their hearts and minds. He shook his head trying to focus on just Payson when he heard movement down the hall. Wanting an excuse to leave the suddenly too hot room, he sprang to his feet and darted towards the door with grace only years of gymnastics training could give him. As soon as he made it into the hall he glanced around only to find Austin against the wall with Emily and Kelly hovering over him. He shook his head before making his way towards the trio.
Austin lifted his head when he heard footsteps coming down the hall. At seeing Sasha he sprang up and held his breath waiting for some shred of news about Payson. When Sasha said nothing he released the breath he was holding before falling back against the wall again, frustrated. He closed his eyes, but thought better of it when all he seemed to see was blinding headlights reflected in Payson's terrified eyes before she shoved him out of the way. He groaned before glancing back up towards the ceiling when Sasha caught his attention. Austin blew out a breath before pushing off the wall and heading towards the closest exit. He grimaced when he heard footsteps following him.
When he was against the outside wall and staring at the blue sky was when Sasha's voice cut through his thoughts. "As much as you want to own up to this Tucker it isn't your fault."
Austin raked a hand through is dark hair before pushing off the cold cement with irritation. "Damnit Sasha! How the hell can you say that? If I wasn't arguing with Payson out in the parking lot none of this would have happened. Your wife wouldn't have to be fighting for her life right now if it wasn't for me."
Sasha stared at the ground trying to keep himself in check, knowing that if he lashed out on Austin there was a great possibility that he wouldn't stop. He sucked in a deep breath before meeting Austin's gaze head on. "Yea maybe if you would have stayed inside none of this would have happened. But neither of you knew that a car was going to be speeding through the parking lot. So I don't hold it against you if that's what you wondering about."
Austin kicked the wall before rounding on Sasha again. "Fuck! I'm not worried about whether or not you're made at me damn it, because I know that you have every right to want to kill me right now. I'm flipping out because my best friend may lose her baby, her life."
Sasha sucked in a breath when Austin's words pierced the summer air. In the hours that led up to this single moment, he tried not to think about the severity of the situation. He shook his head before falling against the cold stone, sliding down onto the cold sidewalk below. He shut his eyes before burying his hands in his hair, letting his hot salty tears slide relentlessly down his face.
She gripped the cold metal like a lifeline. Her vision became blurry as tears of regret obscured her vision. She stiffened when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked to see Mark staring at her with tears in his own eyes. She shook her head before burying her face in her hands.
Her mumbled words were spoken in a desperate whisper. "We shouldn't have kicked her out Mark. We should have listened to what she had to say." She gulped and choked back a sob before continuing. "Maybe if we would have listened to her...to both of them really, she wouldn't be here right now, fighting for her life."
Mark pinched the bridge of his nose with his free hand before sighing heavily. "I don't know Kim, I don't really care who she's with or what she does." He let tears come softly before he felt his lower lip quiver. "I just want her to be okay so I can tell her that I love her."
Kim smiled softly before shaking her head. "I really don't think we matter anymore Mark. She has Sasha now."
Mark grimaced when Sasha's name was brought up. After Payson's pregnancy and relationship came to light all of the pieces began to fall into place. The way Payson's eyes lit up when Sasha was around or the secret smiles that Sasha sent Payson's way when he thought no one was looking created a clear picture. Mark often wondered how he never saw their love sooner. He brushed those thoughts aside as he slumped in his seat.
He rested his head against the cool wall and exhaled before closing his eyes. "She's always had Sasha Kim, we were just too blind to see it. They would have gotten together eventually. If not now then some time shortly after the Olympics. No matter which way we look at it he isn't going away. We either except him and get our daughter back or reject him and lose her...and our grandchild."
Kim clasped her hands in front of her and sighed. "I think it's time we hear what they have to say Mark."
Mark grimaced again and nodded solemnly. "I think you're right Kim, I just hope we aren't too late."
Their quiet conversation was interrupted when the door opened to reveal a doctor in his late fifties with wire rimmed glasses. He wore a solemn expression with tired eyes to match. He cleared his throat and glanced down at his clipboard before his eyes searched the room. "Is anyone here for Payson Belov?"
Like a bolt of lightning Kim's heart started beating at twice its normal rate. The fact that the doctor read off Payson's last name as Belov and not Keeler surprised Kim. She knew that her daughter and Sasha were in a relationship, she just didn't know how serious or permanent it was. The fact that Payson was married hurt more than she'd like to admit.
She shook her head before meeting the doctors eyes. "I'm her mother."
The doctor glanced down at his clipboard again before sighing. "I'm sorry, but only her husband can get information." He took a look at Kim and Mark and glanced down at the floor before explaining himself. "She is eighteen and a Sasha Belov is listed as her husband and emergency contact, so I can only speak with Sasha."
Mark and Kim exchanged a glance and in a silent agreement they decided who would go fetch Sasha. Kim rushed through the doors and found her way outside only to stop in her tracks when she saw the unshakable and strong man she knew Sasha Belov to be, crumpled on the ground with his hands buried in his hair, begging and pleading to some higher power for his wife's recovery. Kim swallowed back tears and slowly made her way over to Sasha.
Sasha stiffened when he felt a hesitant hand on his shoulder. He glanced up through blurry eyes and was shocked to see Kim standing before him looking guilty and very remorseful. He quickly stood up and looked at her with questioning eyes.
He rubbed his neck and blew out a shaky breath before meeting her eyes again. "Has there been any news?"
Kim sighed before looking at the white sidewalk below. She glanced back up and smiled slightly and shook her head. "They won't give me information. She's eighteen for one and, well, she's married now so her husband hears the news first."
Sasha's eyes flashed to Kim for what felt like the millionth time in the last two hours and shoved his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket. "Kim, I...I honestly don't know what to say to you. The last time Payson and I talked with you, you were...upset and hurt to say the least."
Kim gave a humorless laugh before sniffing. "I should have listened to what you had to say. Looking back on all of it and to the months leading up to everything, it all made perfect sense. The way you looked at her and the way she lit up when you were around should have been an indicator on things changing." She let a few tears fall before sighing again. "I guess we knew you were going to be family one day, we just didn't expect it or want to entertain the idea until after the Olympics."
Sasha shook his head before trying to smile. "Yea well, I am a rebel." He noticed Kim's expression and bit his lip. He tentatively brought Kim into a hug before they both broke down, hoping and praying that everything would be okay.
Kelly watched as Sasha came back into the waiting room looking a mess. Of course his miserable state was completely understandable. What surprised her was the fact that Kim and Sasha looked to be talking and getting along. Of course Kelly was happy for him because if they were talking then that a step in the right direction for everyone involved. Her spark of happiness was put out when the doctor from earlier walked back into the room. She watched as Sasha sprang forward, desperate for any information concerning Payson. She watched anxiously as Sasha's eyes dimmed and the sorrow filled his features. Kelly in everything she was and all of the confidence she had in the small group of friendsfelt terror rip through her body for her friend. She watched as Sasha's legendary self control snap. Her eyes grew wide as she watched Sasha slam the doctor into the wall, his voice too low for anyone to hear him. His words must have been threatening because the doctor paled and nodded slowly. When the doctor left Sasha followed his lead and swiftly strode towards the door. Kelly and Emily exchanged glances and swiftly followed him.
Emily knew that saying something now would only make Sasha more irritated and angry so her and Kelly followed him through the hallways and staircases. They trailed behind him until he stopped in front of a large glass window. With a jolt she knew exactly where he had led them. Emily bit her lip before making her way hesitantly over to Sasha.
Kelly followed Emily and stood on the other side of Sasha so they were on either side of him. Kelly glanced up and her heart broke when she saw tears in Sasha's eyes. She glanced back in the window and smiled softly at all the bundles of pinks and blues snug and sleeping peacefully.
She took a deep breath and voiced the one question the was on everyone's mind. "What did the doctor say, Sasha?"
Kelly's voice broke into his mind and jolted him back to reality. He tore his eyes away from all the new born babies to glance at her. He placed his hand on the window and exhaled slowly before giving Kelly and Emily his full attention. "The doctors say that Payson needs to wake up for them to really know the extent of damage. They won't know anything about Tatia until Pay wakes up. Right now Payson has a broken leg, she hit her head pretty hard on the ground." He swallowed roughly before continuing. "If Payson wakes up they can check Tatia, but until then no one really knows. They just want Payson to wake up...hell I want Payson to wake up. She can't...I can't lose her. Not after all we've been through to get where we are."
Emily nodded softly before placing her hand on Sasha's arm. "No matter what happens Sasha, we'll be here for you. And Payson when she wakes up, because she will wake up. It's Payson, she's too stubborn to let anything happen to her or Tatia."
Sasha gave them a small smile before glancing back into the nursery. "I just wish I could rewind the last few hours."
Kelly and Emily nodded before pulling him away from the nursery and back towards the elevators. "We'll get back to were Pay is if we take the elevator."
Sasha smirked only slightly. "I needed the walk."
Kelly raised her eyebrow and shook her head. "Yea I know. We watched you toss the doctor against the wall. You looked pissed."
Sasha clenched his jaw and nodded. "They were rattling off something about having to do a c-section if Payson doesn't wake up soon. I just told the doctor my thoughts on the matter. I just said that he'd better find a way to help Payson wake up so that wouldn't have to happen." He shrugged his shoulders as the bell sounded in the elevator. As he walked out into the hallway he glanced down at the two girls beside him. "Besides it's too early. She isn't due until late August and it's only the middle of June."
Kelly was about to comment when the doctor came striding towards Sasha with a determined expression. Sasha stopped and nodded at the doctor and motioned for him to start talking.
The doctor glanced around and leaned forward. "I'm not supposed to do this, but I figured it would do you some good. Your wife's room is 216, I talked the nurses into letting you go in and see her. Only for a few minutes."
Sasha suddenly felt bad for slamming the man in front of him against the wall, but brushed it off. His only thought was seeing Payson. "Can I go now?"
The doctor only had time to nod once before Sasha tore down the hallway towards Payson's room. He was vaguely aware of Emily and Kelly following him down the long corridor. When he reached the designated room number he sucked in a deep breath before grasping the sides of the door, trying to prepare himself for what he was about to see. He tried banishing the images of a broken and torn Payson from his mind, but wasn't all that successful. He glanced at Emily and Kelly before turning back towards the door. He straightened his shoulders before pushing the door open and stepping through.
He leaned against the hard wood of the door and closed his eyes for a brief second before opening them. He glanced around the room and took in the plain white walls before his eyes found Payson. He blinked back tears as he slowly made his way towards her bed. His light blue eyes raked over her familiar form with a sense of hesitancy. He cringed when he saw her bandaged head and left leg encased in heavy plaster. He sighed as he stroked her face tenderly, trying not to brush against the various cuts and new bruises. He focused on her face as he grasped her left hand, hoping and silently begging her to open her eyes. Sasha winced as he felt the diamond from her wedding rings cut into the skin of his palm. He leaned down and softly kissed her cheek before inhaling her scent. Even with the antiseptics and strong smell of medicines that only a hospital could bring, he still was able to inhale some of her flowery essence.
He brought her limp hand up to his cheek and sighed before closing his eyes. As he began to speak his voice seemed to echo in the large room. "Pay...you have to wake up. Tatia isn't the only one who needs you right now." He looked down trying desperately not to break down. He glanced back up at Payson and stared into her closed eyelids and began pleading with her. "I need you, love. I...I can't be the man I am today without you. So I'm begging you to open your eyes love, just once. Please just open your eyes and tell me that everything is going to be okay and that we can get through this as long as we're together."
Sasha gritted his teeth and let a slow breath escape him. He placed Payson's hand back at her side before he moved his hand to her swollen abdomen where Tatia was, for now, safe and sound. He blinked back tears again for what seemed like the hundredth time that night.
He began speaking softly again, hoping that in the depth of Payson's timeless sleep that she would find the strength to wake up. "If you don't wake up Pay the doctors said they'd have to take Tatia and I know that you wouldn't want that. You'd want to be awake and have Tatia when you should. Pay...if not for me, then for out daughter. Our beautiful, strong, healthy little girl who needs her mother. Now more than ever."
Sasha sighed again before leaning down and kissing Payson's cheek again. "I'll be here when you wake up love. Promise."
With that Sasha left the room and strode purposefully down the hall. As he made his way into the waiting room he knew that he wouldn't wait just hours or days for his wife to wake up; he'd wait a lifetime if he had to.
AN 2: So not much has happened per say, but a lot has. So finally after months and months Kim and Mark come around. Yea the circumstances suck, but it got their attention pretty quick. Mending bridges may be in the future. It's been awhile since I've written an angry or frustrated Sasha, but hey his wife and daughter are in the hospital fighting for their lives. So I would assume he'd be pretty tense and wired up at the moment. Poor Austin. His bff is in danger all because of him. I'd be sick and devastated if I was in his predicament. Anywho...this chapter took a lot of time to write because it was so emotional and just plain rough to write and put into words. So please let me know what you thought. It will help in the coming chapters to hear thoughts and opinions. Hit the review button to give Sasha a big hug :)