Previously on A Heya Love Story...
Heather was sitting on Naya's bedside and noticed she looked particularly pale and her hands were clammy.
"Are you okay, my love?" Heather asked just as the heart monitor flat-lined...
The blaring sound of the monitor was permeating throughout the large room and then all hell broke loose. Heather was shoved out of the large suite by all the nurses who were flying in and closing the door behind them.
Heather was screaming and sobbing on her knees at the sound of the monitor flat-lining. Her worst fear in life was losing her wife or daughter and it was coming true. What the hell happened? Naya was in pain but she was going to be okay. This came completely out of left field.
Heather couldn't stand, she couldn't move. Her body was betraying every part of her that needed to sprint back in that room no matter what those doctors and nurses said. All of the sudden Heather caught a glimpse of Amber, Chris, Diana, Kevin, Jenna, Harry, Chord, Cory, Lea, and Vanessa coming toward her. As soon as they all saw Heather on the ground sobbing they took off running down the hallway.
"Heather?! What the hell is going on?!" Amber said frantically. Everyone crouched to the floor and were stroking her hair and rubbed her arms.
"What happened, sweetie?!" Chris begged once again.
"Her heart monitor flat-lined and I was shoved out as a bunch of nu...nurses ran in. Oh my God, what if she died! NO!" Heather wails and screams into her arms that are laying on her knees which are pulled up to her chest. Heather starts hyperventilating and all her friends are sobbing after what she just said.
"Heather! Breathe for us honey! Naya will be okay." Vanessa said
"Exactly! If anyone would be okay, it's Naya!" Harry said adamantly
"She's going to be fine! This is Naya we are talking about!" Kevin cried out as he rubs her back trying to calm her down. Heather's breathing is erratic and painful.
"He's right. Naya's the strongest person I know. She will be okay Hemo." Diana said through her tears as she gathered Heather's hair and let it loose behind her back.
"I'm calling Yolanda!" Chris yells out at everyone as he pulled out his phone from his back pocket while trying to balance it in his hands because he was shaking so badly.
"I've got Susan..." Amber yelled out as she lifted her phone and called Heather's mom
Heather was completely frozen in place. She was against the hallway wall, and she felt as though she was going to pass out at any moment. The look of pure fear in Naya's dark brown eyes, while she had trouble breathing and gasping for oxygen was the most horrifying thing to witness. All she wanted to do was be with her wife. She knew how terrified Naya must be right now.
The nurses rushed Naya out of the room on the bed without any explanation and flew open the double doors down the hall and disappeared into the surgical wing.
Heather shrieked and fell until she was lying on the cold tile floor of the hallway. Her friends were sobbing and several were holding her and were trying to be of comfort to their friends when they were a complete disaster themselves. Just then the four grandparents rushed over to the younger crowd in a panic.
"What happened?!" Susan shrieks with her wide eyes as she, Antonio, Yolanda, and Andrew, approach the group. They instantly see Heather's appearance and position on the floor and start becoming panic-stricken. "Heather?! Honey! What the hell is going on?" Susan let out frantically while kneeling in front of her daughter.
"We aren't sure." Harry spoke up, "When we got here Heather said that Naya was extremely pale and gasping for breath then her heart monitor flatlined. The nurses pushed her through those doors over there." Harry said pointing to the set of double doors at the end of the hallway. Antonio ran his hands through his hair and bolted to the nurses desk to try and figure out what the hell happened.
"NO! NO!" Yolanda screamed and Susan rushed to her side and supported her entire weight as she sank to the floor. Hearts we're shattering everywhere. Luckily their siblings thought to keep Sophia in the cafeteria for a bit longer until they got word of what was going on. The last thing she needed to walk in on was everyone screaming and sobbing. That would scar the little girl for life.
A nurse came through the double doors moments later and Antonio ran over to her desperately, "Excuse me, Nurse, my daughter was just taken through there and we have no idea what happened..."
"Dr. Rivera?" the nurse asked and Antonio nodded knowing she must have recognized him, "One of her broken ribs punctured her lung. She must have been a bit jostled while they were transporting her from the eleventh floor. She was rushed into emergency surgery to repair it as you know how crucial it is to repair a punctured lung as soon as possible." the nurse explains and Antonio nods knowingly. I will make sure Dr. Samson updates you as soon as he possibly can." the nurse assures before running back through the double doors of the surgical wing.
it had been between twenty and twenty-five minutes since their last update from the nurse. Heather hasn't spoken a single word since the incident. Heather was shaking and absolutely terrified. Amber held her hand while they waited for another update.
A few minutes later Mychal, Ashley, Nickayla, and Sophia quickly walk in and Sophia runs straight to Heather. Heather must have heard quick little footsteps and lifts her head and instantly opens her arms needing her little girl right now.
"Momma! Let's go see mami! I need to show her my special card! I almost forgot!" Sophia squealed not noticing all the somber people and tears surrounding her until she looked up and glanced around the room instantly picking up on the energy. "Momma, why is everyone so sad?" Sophia asked while Susan rubbed Yolanda's back as she cried silently. Sophia looked straight at Heather waiting for an explanation.
"My love, I need you to listen to me closely okay, can you do that for me?" Heather asked and Sophia nodded hesitantly. "Honey, mami is in surgery because she couldn't breathe and it's because one of her broken ribs was poking at her lung and our lungs are what help us breathe. Her lung had a hole in it so the doctors had to fix it. They just took mami through those doors and they are going to fix her so she can breathe" Heather said and Sophia cried and threw her arms around her momma's neck.
"Mami! No! Mami will be scared and we aren't with her! Oh no!" Sophia panicked. "We promised mami we would be with her! I have to go to surgery with her. I have to! She can have my blankie!" Sophia yelled and ran out of Heather's lap and started bolting to the closed double doors that Heather said they took Naya in. Mychal chases and grabs her as she fights against him to get to her mami. Everyone's hands covered their face to attempt to disguise their sobs but it was no use. That was the most heart-wrenching thing they've never seen.
"NO! Let me go! MAMI!" Sophia wailed and Heather slid off the chair and onto the floor using the seat of the chair to hide her face as she sobbed. Her friends and siblings crowded around her while Susan and Yolanda were holding each other crying helplessly. Antonio rushed over to Sophia and Mychal.
"No! Mickey, Abuelo, mami needs us! Mami!" Sophia screeched and sobbed continuing to flail in her uncle's arms. The friends were all a mess. Chris suddenly remembered something and slipped out of the room wiping his eyes that we're pooling with tears.
Everyone's hearts were breaking hearing Heather cry while Sophia was sobbing and screaming for her mami. I'm sure it would have been less painful to have your heart physically ripped out of your chest as opposed to watching what was going on in front of them.
Sophia gets loose and rushes into the hallway and sits against the wall bringing her knees to her chest and crying. At this point, everyone had to turn away. It was as if they were watching a heartbreaking movie, except this was real life.
"Mami! Momma! We gotta go with her! She's scared!" Sophia cries out with her face still buried in her arms that are resting across her knees. Everyone in the waiting room is sobbing, even the guys weren't keeping it together, this was way too raw and real.
Heather hurriedly ran over to the little girl and sat next to her and Sophia climbed into her lap and buried her face in Heather's chest. Heather held on to her like she's never held anything before.
"Shhh, it's okay, my little love. I know it's so scary but mami isn't awake right now. They gave her sleepy meds so she doesn't know what's happening. When she does wake up we will be in the room waiting for her, okay my sweet girl?" Heather says and Sophia clings to her.
The waiting room is a mess and everyone is clutching each other.
"I can't do this!" Yolanda cries into Susan's shoulder while Antonio wipes his eye and rubs her back.
"Our Naya is so damn strong. She will pull through for those two girls over there." Susan assures her best friend and in-law.
About thirty minutes later Dr. Samson walked into the waiting room. It was only their group since it was a private floor. Everyone sat up anxiously to find out what he had to say. Heather was sitting in a chair with Sophia snuggled in her lap. After screaming and crying for fifteen more minutes she finally passed out from pure exhaustion.
Antonio walked up to his colleague immediately and everyone knew Antonio would understand the medical lingo and be able to translate anything they didn't understand. Everyone was thankful they had Antonio and Ashley to help explain all of this.
"Naya's left lung was punctured significantly by a broken rib. We were able to repair it and everything went smoothly. She will be in a substantial amount of pain but we will be keeping a close eye on her." Dr. Samson explained, "The incision is a curved line that goes from under her left shoulder blade around to her side. It should heal perfectly fine. She will be staying in the regular room we moved her to so there is no need for her to be in the ICU."
"How did it happen? She was doing fine until they moved her." Andrew asked dumbfounded by how quickly things went south when Naya seemed to be doing okay. Everyone nodded and looked at the doctor. Naya was doing fine until she was moved.
"The move to her private room may have shifted her ribs a bit, but we set them in place so it won't happen again." The doctor responded.
"Gosh...alright," Yolanda asked running her hands through her dark hair. She can't believe this happened. "When will she be back in her room?" Yolanda asked impatiently.
"I'd say within the next hour, possibly a little less. She is currently being closed up and will go straight to recovery while she comes out of anesthesia. We will give her some pain medication and bring her back to the room where you'll be able to see her." Dr. Samson informed
"Thank you," Antonio said shaking his colleague's hand appreciatively. Antonio knew this doctor well and they often performed surgeries alongside each other so Antonio was more than comfortable knowing his daughter was in great hands. Samson was one of the leading surgeons in his field in the country. Samson and Antonio spoke briefly before he had to get back to Naya and the parents turned to face the group.
Heather was surprised when she looked down and noticed Sophia's eyes were now open and her high pitched extra raspy voice spoke getting the attention of everyone.
"What does that mean Momma?! I need to give mami a special hug so she's not afraid! Momma, she needs you!" Sophia cried and pleaded from Heather's lap. Heather held Sophia tightly and continuously kissed her head.
"She's going to be fine, my little love. The doctors and nurses did so well and helped mami get better but she needs to rest." Heather said.
"Momma, where's my blankie and bunny?" Sophia whimpered and Heather leaned her head back feeling awful that her daughter didn't have it there. She's pretty sure the blanket was in their trailer at work on the bed from when the girls took their nap that morning. They had nothing with them except for the less than comfy set clothing they left Paramount in.
"Oh sweetheart, it's at work. We left so fast to get to mami we didn't bring anything. Momma will figure it out through, alright?" Heather said and Sophia didn't reply she just clung as tightly as possible to Heather. Sophia always had those two things with her, especially when she was upset or hurt. Of course, the one time she needs her two simple comfort items the most Heather doesn't have them. She could kick herself even though there was absolutely nothing she did wrong. Heather was just blaming herself for everything at this point it was easy to blame herself. She was actually going to kill the person that hit her wife.
Heather adjusted Sophia so her arms wrapped completely around her as she cradled her across her lap. Heather began singing softly.
And the songbirds keep singing
Like they know the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you
Like never before, like never before,
Like never before...
By the time Heather was finished Sophia was asleep and she wiped the fresh tears from her small cheeks and leaned down to kiss her gorgeous black hair.
Momma's got you. I'm right here and we will see mami very soon." Heather said softly.
"You all don't have to stay. I know there are probably plenty of things you'd all rather be doing than sitting in a boring hospital" Antonio sighed out to the group of friends who had been there all afternoon for his daughter.
"Sir, with all due respect, we would like to stay here for a while. We don't wanna bother anyone but…" Harry started and Chord rubbed his back.
"Naya our best friend and this group stick together no matter what. She wouldn't leave us so we aren't gonna leave her either." Amber finished
Yolanda gleamed at these young kids as tears pooled in her brown eyes, "Thank you all so much. You have no idea how lucky we feel that Naya has so many people around her that love her so deeply." Yolanda said before turning to Heather, "Heather dear, are you alright, sweetheart?" Yolanda asked as Susan came over to sit on the other side of her daughter.
The blonde looked up at both of the older women as tears streamed freely down her face while she held her sleeping baby girl. Susan pulled her into a hug while Yolanda rubbed her back, "She's going to be fine, honey. That girl is so strong" Susan whispered
"Exactly, I mean we're talking about the girl who gave birth to her daughter voluntarily without pain meds... she's insanely strong," Ashley said with a smile. Heather looked up and shook her head subtly at the memory of that day.
"She's the strongest person I know," Heather whispered while wiping her tears.
"Hey, guys..." Jenna said and everyone looked up at her. "Has anyone seen Chris? I haven't seen him since we found out about Naya in the hallway..." Jenna mentioned and everyone's heads twisted and turned trying to spot the man but he was nowhere to be found.
"We've all been freaking out I don't think anyone noticed, but you're right, I haven't seen him since then..." Diana said in a concerned tone.
"Uncle Kurtsy left?! But I need him!" Sophia mumbled anxiously and panicked as she looked around tiredly. The poor thing was unable to get into a deep sleep. There was just too much up in the air right now. Heather knew once she was with Naya and sees she is okay, that her daughter would sleep much better. Heather squeezed her daughter tighter to calm her back down. She massaged her little head just like her wife loved which lulled Sophia back to sleep.
"I'll try calling him..." Kevin said as he grabbed his phone from the window sill and dialed Chris' number.
"Hello?" Chris said "What happened?! Is everything okay?!" Chris asked more panicked since he hadn't been there for the doctor's update.
"Chris where the hell are you? Naya is in surgery. Her broken rib punctured her lung and it was serious but they were able to repair it so she will be okay. She will be back in her room within the hour. They are finishing up surgery now." Kevin said and he heard a loud gasp while he was explaining but was soon followed by a relieved sigh.
"Oh thank God! How's my darling?" Chris asked eagerly
"I'm fi..." Kevin said
"Not you!" Chris sighed and Kevin rolled his eyes.
"She just asked about you. She wants you." Kevin said. "Seriously, where are you?!" Kevin asked as everyone was still staring at his wondering the same thing.
"I'm just pulling up and I'll be inside in like five minutes," Chris assured.
"Wait...you left the hospital? Seriously dude where did you go? Everyone's here!" Kevin asked and everyone's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. Of course, the family couldn't blame him for not wanting to be here but they're not going to lie and say they weren't surprised. Out of all the people in the group they didn't expect him to leave.
"Five minutes!" Chris said and hung up the phone.
Kevin looked at his phone seeing that the call was ended before setting it back on the window ledge and looking at everyone.
"I have no clue where that man went but he said five minutes..." Kevin said as he shrugged his shoulders clueless. Everyone tried to make sense of why Chris would leave but shook their heads because nobody could figure it out.
Nearly five minutes later exactly, the door to the large private waiting room opens and since Antonio was standing right by the door he grabbed that handle when we heard the shuffling outside and held it open and Chris came in with a large rolling suitcase, Sophia's rolling pink glitter suitcase on top of it and over Chris' shoulder was a tote bag.
"My God Chris, what is all this..." Heather wondered with a confused expression before she registered that it was their suitcases. She was way too tired and mentally exhausted to put those small details together.
"Uncle Kurtsy!" Sophia squealed for the first time since this happened as she slid off Heather's lap and ran over to her uncle when she saw him with her pink suitcase. Chris picked up the little girl and gave her a big kiss and hug.
"Chris sweetheart, what is all this?" Susan asks from her chair next to Yolanda by the windows.
"Heather and Naya's belongings and of course my darling needed her special bag too as I assumed she wouldn't want to leave tonight.
"Chris..." Heather breathed out and got up despite her legs feeling like they would collapse underneath her but she hugged him tightly. This was a stand-up guy right here and a hell of a good friend. Heather wondered how in the hell she would do all this since their clothes were at the house and the rest of Sophia's things were in the RV.
"Uncle Kurtsy! What did you put in my suitcase?" Sophia smiled and everyone was glad she was able to smile even for just a moment.
"Well go see. Make sure I got everything. If not I'll go back..." Chris said and Yolanda interrupted.
"Oh no you won't, Chris you've already done plenty. You're such a kind person. We appreciate you so much. This was something none of us was evening thinking about and the fact that you took it upon yourself to take care of this for the girls and all of us knowing none of us parents or siblings would want to leave means everything. You kids are just incredible." Yolanda says walking over to the young man and giving him the biggest appreciative hug followed by Susan and the rest of the family.
Sophia was unzipping her suitcase as Heather sat and watched with her elbows on her knees leaning over to see what treasures they would find in Sophia's bag.
"My blankie!" Sophia squeaked and hugs it close to her chest and the families all put their palms on their foreheads. How would they have spaced out that Sophia would need that tonight? She's never slept without it. That just proves how far gone their minds were after everything that happened today.
Sophia pulls out her pink bunny and hugs it close. Heather leans over and shuffles through the pink glittery suitcase and finds several shirts, two sweatshirts, three pairs of leggings, three pairs of sweatpants, two pairs of pajamas, three pairs of underwear, three nighttime pull-ups, four pairs of socks, her hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, several ponytail holders and a scrunchie. Heather also finds her iPad that has Disney, Netflix, and HBO on it along with YouTube so she can watch movies and shows to pass the time. In the pocket of the suitcase was the iPad charger. Sophia's favorite puzzles, books, coloring book with her 52 pack of crayons. Everything Sophia would need to be comfortable was in that suitcase. Everything that none of them had time to think about was all together and organized. Outfits we're rolled together by day so they wouldn't have to think about anything. Heather and the family were so appreciative.
Heather leaps up out of the chair once again and hugs her friend tightly as she possibly can. "God Chris you have no idea what this means to us. This was the last thing on my mind after what happened. I can't thank you enough" Heather said wiping her eyes.
"You're my family! Of course! Now check your bag out and make sure everything is there. If something is missing I would rather go back now while Naya is still in recovery than miss the opportunity to see her." Chris said gesturing to the large black suitcase on the floor.
"Then we would deal with it Chris, we're not making you go back," Heather said shaking her head
"Just check..." Chris says as he points to the suitcase.
Heather unzips her and Naya's bag which contains six cotton crewneck tee shirts, six rolled up leggings, four pairs of sweatpants, six pairs of socks, four pairs of underwear for each of them, two sweatshirts, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner (which will be nice to use since they have a private bathroom in their room). Rolled up in the corner, Heather also found Naya's favorite thick knitted blanket that they keep at the foot of their bed. Chris wanted something for Naya that smelt and reminded her of home. Heather shakes her head and unzips the large pocket on the side of the suitcase and sees both of their phone chargers, their iPad, and its charger.
"Chris, I can't thank you enough, seriously," Heather said wiping a tear while Sophia was already looking through one of her books that Chris brought and trying to sound out words. Heather wiped her eyes and gave him a big hug. The families were tearing up and just as overwhelmed as Heather was.
"Chris sweetheart, what's in the third bag?" Susan asked curiously and all eyes went to the last bag that was up against the wall next to the door. Chris gave it to Heather and she looked inside.
She pulled out several more things for Sophia Including a cooler with her favorite snacks and drinks, Naya and Heather's favorite breakfast bars and snacks as well. He didn't want them to have to go down to the cafeteria every time they just wanted a small snack. There were also fresh muffins and their favorite chocolate chip scones from Starbucks for the morning, and more specific things that they loved which he knew the hospital wouldn't have.
"Chris... You have no idea how much I appreciate all of this. Thank you so much. We owe you!" Heather said as she squeezed the life out of her friend.
"Oh sweetheart, thank you so much for doing this for my girls. None of us were even thinking that far ahead." Susan says squeezing the last bit of life that Heather didn't get out of Chris.
"Uncle Kurtsy!" Sophia ran to her uncle with her blanket and bunny in hand and launched into his arms. "Kurtsy, thank you! I love you so much!" Sophia said as she cuddled him tight with her blanket and bunny in hand.
"You're welcome my darling. Anything for you, honey." Chris says and kisses her head as all the grandparents smile at the two of them.
"Chris, thank you for taking such good care of my girls. You all are such wonderful friends." Antonio says patting his back.
Heather looked around and couldn't be more grateful for this group of people. They've stepped up in so many unimaginable ways for her family. The last thing she needed to worry about was the uncomfortable clothes she was wearing and what she would have to sleep in as well as Sophia but now she doesn't have to worry about those kinds of things because of Chris. She was beyond grateful.
A little over an hour later the crew was waiting in the side room of her suite when the nurses wheeled a sleeping Naya into the room. Everyone reluctantly stayed in the side room except for her family and Heather of course.
"How is she?" Antonio asks Dr. Samson who was helping the other nurses slowly and carefully lifting the petite woman into her full-size bed making sure to do it with extra care because of what happened last time. Everyone sucked in a breath as they were watching this just praying nothing like that would happen again. Heather was we her bedside faster than the speed of light while the nurses rolled out the tiny bed she was previously on and Heather gently sat on the bed next to her wife. She bent down to kiss her lips and saw Naya purse her lips slightly as if she knew exactly who that was despite still being loopy.
"She's doing well. The surgery was textbook and the repair went nicely. Fortunately, it was a very clean puncture rather than the opposite scenario which would have been much more tedious to try and repair. She's doing satisfactorily. She will start to come out of this in the next thirty minutes I would say. Anesthesia has a different effect on everyone but she's already starting to react and move her limbs a little so I would guess in the next thirty minutes she'll be awake. Press the call button if she expresses any pain and I'll give her a higher dose of meds." Dr. Samson explained and Antonio nodded and shook his hand.
"Will do, my friend, thank you so much," Antonio replies before the doctor nods with a smile and leaves the room.
"Oh my love, you are going to make me go crazy today. I thought I..lo...lost you, my love." Heather says shaking her head to try and forget this fucking day ever happened not to mention her wife flatlined not that long ago. "I love you so damn much. No more of those scares though, I can't handle that ever again." Heather mumbles while kissing her wife who puckered her lips against Heather's slightly. Heather smiled and touched their noses together.
"I just love you so much, beautiful," Heather said as she kissed her wife on the lips, nose, and forehead. "I'm right here for you, sweetheart. Don't be scared. You did amazing and I'm not leaving you. Sophia fell asleep in the waiting room after Chris brought her blankie and bunny so she's in the bed in the other room with everyone." Heather said knowing she will probably have to repeat it but just in case Naya was able to understand she didn't want her getting worked up wondering where Sophia was.
About forty minutes later, the older adults went to the cafeteria to grab some coffee and a snack. Antonio had taken the next few days off which the hospital gave to him without question. He never took time off so they knew it must have been serious. When they found out his daughter was a patient here after a serious car accident they all immediately sent their condolences and well wishes to their colleague.
The crew decided to stay in the room but hang out in the on-suite so there weren't so many people crowding Naya when she woke up. Sophia was awake and laying next to Naya on the large full-size bed in between her mom's. Heather was supporting her head as she laid on her side with her palm but replaced it with a pillow so she would be able to use that hand to massage her wife's head which still had blood and evidence of the horrendous day present. Heather still couldn't believe the last six hours even happened.
"Mhmm..." Naya moaned and softly tried clearing her throat. Heather leaned up as well as Sophia and Heather grabbed the water off the bedside table and handed it to Sophia as she continued to massage her wife's head wanting her to wake up in the most soothing and relaxed way after the pure hell she had been through.
"You're okay, my love. Take it easy and go extra slow. Sophia and I are both here for you, beautiful." Heather said as the group of friends looked like stacked heads peeking out of the side room.
Naya's eyes opened slowly and flickered a couple of times before she saw the two people she loved most in this world looking lovingly back at her.
Naya tried clearing her throat again but the anesthesia made it so hoarse and dry. The more she couched or tried clearing her throat, the more that would aggravate her ribs and chest since the repair so Sophia lifted the glass of water with the straw.
"Here mami," Sophia said caringly holding the straw out so Naya could find it easily.
Naya smiles and Heather supports he head as she slowly lifts it a tad to be able to take a drink.
"Go slow, beautiful. Small sips." Heather encouraged while kissing her temple. Naya did just that before she nodded and laid back down. Heather took the glass from Sophia and set it back on the side table. Sophia leaned over and kissed her mami on the cheek.
"I love you so much mami. You're going to get all better because the doctor and abuelo said so and they are super smart." Sophia insisted.
"Mhmm love you too baby girl. Thank you for helping me." Naya said slowly with extra raspiness since she was still waking up.
"It's because we're family and I love you and momma the most! But you can't scare us like that again okay? That was super sad and me and momma were really scared. I cried on the floor in the hall when the doctors were giving you sureargry (surgery) I was so mad they would let me in. I told them I would lay with you so you wouldn't be scared!" Sophia explained getting teary and Naya looks over at Heather who nodded letting her wife know this was exactly what happened. Naya's heart broke. That was the saddest thing she ever heard was that her daughter was in the hallway crying and begging to see her. Naya shakes her head slightly unable to get that picture of Sophia out of her mind.
"She's right. That was the scariest moment in the world. We can't go through that again. We can't...we love you way too much" Heather said and Naya puckered her lips asking for a kiss. Heather bent down and happily kissed her wife before Naya's eyes caught something across the room. Naya's eyes were growing wider by the second. Both Sophia and Heather turned to see what she was looking at and that's when they both saw all the floating heads stacked on top of each other in the doorway. All you could see were nine floating heads.
"Well, that's not creepy to wake up to guys..." Heather said shaking her head. Sophia giggled.
"You look like a walking caterpillar!" Sophia laughed and Naya smiled. Now that she woke up a bit and realized she wasn't in some kind of horror movie where a bunch of severed heads was staring back at her, she could smile and lightly shake her head at her weird friends.
"Get out here losers. That's creepy..." Naya said in her raspy voice and they all smiled but a few lost their balance and crashed to the floor. Sophia giggled and both Heather and Naya shook their heads.
"Seriously? What do you guys think you are on the cheerios or something?" Heather said amused
"I am!" Diana said while sticking her tongue out at the others who rolled their eyes.
"You guys are super silly!" Sophia said giggling.
"Ow, move your knee!" Vanessa groaned and shoved Kevin's knee out of her side.
"I think they need some medicine too, momma..." Sophia said looking at Heather.
"I don't think the hospital has anything strong enough for what these people need..." Heather winked and her friends glared at her and made their way into the room.
"Thank God you are okay, Nay. You scared the crap out of us!" Jenna said smoothing out her clothes.
"No kidding. That was intense." Cory sighed as he ran his hand through his hair.
"I've never been so terrified. Nearly losing you and having my daughter go missing were the two worst moments of my entire life." Heather mumbled looking down and shaking her head.
Naya had no control over her lips after she saw the pout on Heather's face knowing what she must have gone through during that time because she knows if the roles were reversed she would have been a mess. Naya twisted her head and puckered her lips waiting for her wife to lean forward and connected their lips. The two kissed until air was a necessity. Naya and Heather gazed into each other's eyes until the door to the room opened and the two looked up along with everyone else.
Claire (nurse) came in. She had been giving Heather strange and seductive glances since Naya was brought in but they haven't seen her all afternoon since they met in the lobby when she was just brought in. Heather didn't have time to care or notice. Heather was so enamored with Naya that she rarely notices when another girl would flirt or look at her. No other girls existed in her mind. Heather was intelligent but rarely picked up on when others would flirt. She was like a guy in that aspect.
"Heather? What happened? I just saw your wife's chart" Claire said with a faux sense of caring. There was a very jealous undertone to her voice that everyone picked up on.
Naya looked on tensely. She remembered Claire and she remembered how Claire loved to flirt with Heather. It's not like Claire was young either, she was maybe a few years younger than them, however, Naya couldn't help but feel a little threatened. Claire was really pretty and Heather was a really nice person who didn't always catch on when someone was trying to flirt with her.
"I was in a bad car accident and just had surgery. One of my broken ribs punctured my lung. Are you working on this floor now?" Naya asked flatly.
"Yeah, actually I'm your nurse tonight; they moved me to the night shift. We just had shift change at 6:00 pm…about fifteen minutes ago." Claire replied
"Oh, ok. Cool," Heather said then turned and smiled at Naya, "You remember Naya then?" Heather said massaging her wife's head and kissing her temple.
"Oh, Ya, hi Naya," Claire replied slowly
"Hi, nice to see you again" Naya replied kindly
"Well I'm about to do my rounds for the evening but I'll be back soon," Claire said while looking at Heather
"Alright" Heather replied before grabbing Naya's hand and placing a kiss on her knuckles. Claire saw it as she walked out of the room. The crew looks at her and wonders if this nurse chick could be any more damn obvious.
A couple of minutes later the door to the room opened and everyone assumed it would be the family but in walked Claire with three other young nurses. They were all around the same age or so and very pretty.
"Heather, these are my friends Jen, Alex, and Stacy. Girls this is Heather, she's the one with the super cute little girl that I told about." They all nodded
Sophia was snuggled in between her mom's in the bed and scrunched her eyebrows together. Even she could tell something was weird about these girls. Sophia laid very gently against Naya's side almost as if she was protecting her. Naya turned her head and kissed her daughter's forehead.
"So good looks clearly run in the family, huh?" Jen asked
"Alex! Quit it. Sorry Heather, Alex is a big flirt." Claire said.
Heather didn't reply to this. She felt very uncomfortable. Naya was sitting right next to her while some other girls were blatantly flirting with her. Awkward. Normally she didn't pick up on this kind of thing but these girls were so painfully obvious.
"Alright, ladies," A good-looking young male doctor said as he walked into the room, "Go ahead," The doctor said while he glanced at Naya's chart.
"Okay, Naya Rivera-Morris, two-vehicle car accident…" Claire continued to explain everything about Naya including her recent procedure.
"Thank you, Claire," the man turned to Naya, "Now, Mrs. Rivera-Morris, I am Dr. Matt Banks. I will be the doctor on call tonight. I'll be available anytime you need throughout the night. I heard that you were allowed in this exclusive wing because Dr. Rivera put in a good word. Have you ever met him?"
Naya cleared her throat. This is awkward, how did this doctor not put two and two together? Aren't medical professionals supposed to be smart?" "Yes, I have, why?" Naya replied nonchalantly seeing if this guy will pick up on the obvious.
"Oh, I was just a bit shocked because he is typically very stringent with the rules at this hospital, but he seems to have a soft spot for you for some reason." Dr. Banks confessed. He truly was turning into an ass right before their eyes. Not to mention an idiot. Heather didn't want this doctor anywhere near his wife. Not a fucking chance.
"Well, I'm sure he had some reason." Heather asserted
"Between you and me, I'm not a huge fan of the guy but he's my boss. Actually, I'm only here because he wanted to make sure that you were comfortable." Dr. Banks said while glancing at Naya. "But like I said I'm not his number fan." he finished. Heather was pissed. Their friends were looking on with wide eyes in disbelief at this doctor running his mouth around his patients.
"I would never think you were," Heather said, feeling the need to stand up for her father-in-law. "His wife and children are probably bigger fans of his than you." Dr. Banks looked taken aback by her words. "What do you think, my love? Do you like your dad?" Heather smirked at Naya who grinned back. Dr. Bank's face went white knowing he screwed up big time.
"I love Papa," Naya replied while grabbing her wife's hand. Heather leaned over her daughter who had fallen asleep in between them.
"That's what I thought, beautiful" Heather grinned and turned back to Dr. Banks, "I'm sorry, you were saying…Oh, and by the way, next time you may want to pay more attention to the patient's last name before you insult my family." Heather finished and Naya looked over at her wife proudly. Everyone in the room wanted to cheer and clap.
"Uh…just th…uh, I'm here if you need anything, you too Mrs. Rivera-Morris. And let the nurses know as well if you need anything." Dr. Howell stuttered, "We are going to continue rounds now, just press the button if you need anything." He walked back out into the hall.
"So…you're really Dr. Rivera's daughter?" Claire asked nervously.
Naya smirked and nodded her head while she pulled Heather's hand onto her leg and started playing with her fingers like she had been doing earlier. Heather's hands captivated Naya. Anytime they would hold her and touch her face she could see how visibly strong they were. How many times these very hands have protected and held her. Heather had small calluses where she played the guitar and lifted weights in the gym. She loved playing sports with the guys as well. She was fearless and strong yet despite their strength her hands were so soft.
"Well, just let us know if either of you needs anything" Claire finished before motioning for the other girls to exit the room.
"Ok, so that was amazing, thank you, baby," Naya said as she leaned in extremely slowly and captured Heather's lips with her own. They kissed for a few seconds before Heather pulled away.
"Wow okay, so I have no idea what I did but I'll keep doing it if that's my reward" Heather giggled and everyone looked at her like she was crazy for not recognizing what she did.
"You stood up for my father, baby, not to mention me as well. It meant everything to me to see you do that despite how awkward it might have been." Naya said as she continued to play with her wife's hands while glancing down at her sleeping daughter who wouldn't let Naya go for anything.
Naya's good arm came up and caressed her wife's cheek before they connected their lips. The friends went into the connecting suite with smiles so the girls could have some privacy. Heather was gradually deepening the kiss just needing to feel her wife close to her, especially after the horrific day they had. When they pulled apart for air they both kept their eyes closed and leaned their foreheads together. Heather putting almost zero pressure against Naya because of her head injury.
"God. That was incredible…" Naya began before she paused, unable to find the word so she opened her eyes and gazed at Heather, whose eyes were still shut in bliss.
"Yeah, it was. I love you so much, Naya. Don't ever scare me like this again." Heather finished as a tear rolled down her porcelain skin and she opened her eyes to Naya looking at her.
Of course, the door opened just as they were having their moment. Two police officers along with their families stepped in.
"Oh Naya your awake, Mija. How are you feeling sweetheart?" Antonio asked and Yolanda came to her daughter's bedside immediately with Susan. Yolanda kissed her cheek and rubbed her arm softly.
"I'm okay, it's been an interesting few minutes but you'll hear about them later. What's going on?" Naya asked as she looked up at the two officers.
"They're here to get details about the crash and give you some information," Yolanda asked. Heather pointed to her daughter not wanting her to hear any of the horrible details but knew it had to be done. Jenna grabbed her bunny and blanket and Heather untangled Sophia's arms from around Naya's good arm and Chord bent over and picked up the little girl bridal style to bring her to the full-size bed in the side room. Jenna followed him with her blanket and stuffed animal. Heather and Naya smiled at how incredible their friends are.
The four older adults smiled at their friends taking care of Sophia like she was their own.
"Alright, Mrs. Rivera-Morris, before I continue I have to ask if you're okay with everyone staying here?" The female officer asked and nodded.
"Yeah. I would be telling them all anyway so I would rather everyone I love to be here so I only have to say this once." Naya said taking a deep breath. Heather closes the space between them where Sophia was previously sleeping and holds her wife carefully but securely.
"That's just fine." the female officer said before turning to the large group around them. "Now Mrs. Rivera-Morris agreed to allow you all to stay but any verbal disruptions will not be tolerated during our questioning. Does everyone understand?" The female officer finished and everyone nodded and took a seat around the room or on the floor making sure to leave the seating for the older adults. Sophia was sound asleep in the other bed and one of the aunts or uncles was constantly sticking their heads in the room to make sure she was okay.
"Alright, Naya, tell us what you remember about the drive before the accident." The male police officer said as he started the recorder. Naya took a deep breath and leaned into Heather as much as she could before taking her hand. Heather placed a kiss on her temple.
"Go ahead, love. We're all here for you." Heather whispered and Naya nodded and began.
"It was going fine. I was on Sunset Boulevard going south and was about halfway there..." Naya started
"Where were you headed?" the female officer asked.
"My record label's office. They had called me just a little while before my lunch break and asked if I could come in briefly since we get ninety minutes for lunch and I agreed." Naya explained and the officers nodded
"Thank you for clarifying, please continue." The male officer said. Heather was soothingly rubbing her wife's knuckles in comforting patterns.
"I was coming up the busy intersection and I had the green light so I kept going. The speed limits in those two crossroads are forty so both of us were going that, however, the person that hit me seemed to be going much faster, probably closer to fifty." Naya said
"Do you remember the make, model, color, or any details about the vehicle that hit you?" the male officer asked as everyone was listening intently.
"It was a pickup, I remember. I don't know the make or model, I didn't have time to look. All I know is it was a pickup and it was white or silver." Naya said and the officers nodded. Her description matched the vehicle in the crash.
"Alright, and what kind of vehicle did you have?" The female officer asked to clarify.
"We have...had..a black Mercedes G-Wagon." Naya signed lightly and leaned her head back.
"Sweetheart, don't you dare feel bad about a vehicle. That's replaceable, you are not. That's the least of our worries. You're doing wonderful my love." Heather encourages and even the officers couldn't help but let out a tiny smile at the support system that Naya has.
"Naya what do you remember about the actual impact?" The male officer asked and Naya gulped before feeling Heather kiss her cheek and move closer to provide Naya all the comfort she needed.
"I remember going through the intersection and I wasn't really looking off to the sides just straight ahead but I did see the pickup coming straight towards me on my driver's side..." Naya started and Heather tensed and kissed her wife's shoulder. Their friends were clutching each other and holding hands. Antonio and Andrew were standing off to the side with their arms crossed, both trying to keep it together. Susan and Yolanda, we're already in tears. Nickayla, Ashley, and Mychal were amongst the group of friends as they all clung to each other.
"I remember the flash of the pick up coming closer and then a loud crash and everything hurting like hell. I felt dizzy and I know the car flipped at least three times before it crashed into the light pole on the curb." Naya explained and light gasps were heard around the room. Heather brought her fist to her forehead and brought her head down. None of them had any idea what really happened and now hearing the details and knowing the car flipped multiple times made them all feel sick. The girls were all crying while Susan and Yolanda were a complete mess. Antonio was rubbing his face knowing how this could have ended up and Andrew was shifting from side to side running his hands through his hair in disbelief.
"What happened after that?" the female officer asked and Naya took as deep of a breath as she could manage without it being excruciating...
"The car managed to flip back so it was right side up. I know the airbag was deployed so I had no space to move but I couldn't have even if I wanted to. The driver's side door was crushed in and smashing my leg and arm." Naya said as cries were heard throughout the room. Susan and Yolanda, we're inconsolable. Heather was only keeping it together because she had to be strong for her wife. Naya had been so strong and brave and she deserved her wife to keep it together. Heather was determined to be her rock.
"I just remember a lot of sirens, I was screaming in pain, and there was a lot of yelling. The pain from the metal in my stomach was indescribable. As well as in my arm and my head. I was dripping blood and all I remember is screaming for my wife." Naya said tearfully while wiping her eyes and Heather chokes out a sob. She kissed her wife and left her lips against her skin for a moment before disconnecting and continuing to caress her hand.
"They couldn't get any of the doors open so they had to use the saw and remove the door which took a while. I remember the blinding pain when the vehicle shook from the saw and the jagged metal was moving around in my stomach and arm. I've never felt pain like that." Naya cries remembering how excruciatingly painful that was. Heather's face was buried in her wife's shoulder and she lifted it back up to place a kiss on her shoulder and cheek.
"Oh my God, love. I've got you now." Heather said and Naya looked over and leaned her head on Heather's shoulder.
"I know a female paramedic crawled in the back and they were able to eventually lift me out but they weren't able to take the metal out so I had these pieces of metal in me and no pain meds," Naya said wiping her eye. Susan and Yolanda both looked like they were going to pass out so Antonio and Andrew brought them a bottle of water from the mini-fridge on the counter. They all took a minute to compose themselves and their friends were a mess as well after hearing the details.
"Whenever you're ready to continue, Naya." the female officer said and Naya wiped her eyes and nodded.
"I remember the female paramedic stayed with me and was asking me about my wife and daughter. She kept asking questions loudly to try and keep me awake. I know I blacked out a few times. I kept talking about Heather and my baby girl. I needed them so much..." Naya sobs out and Heather puts her finger up telling the officers to hold on and they nod in her direction while Heather wraps her arm around her wife's back and cups her cheek with the other. The guys were all holding the girls as they cried while the parents were struggling at hearing what Naya had gone through. The details were unbearable.
"You were so damn brave my love, so brave. I could not be more proud of you. You are one hell of a fighter. Believe me, love, the second we got the call we all jumped in two vehicles and left the lot. I had to get to you, beautiful." Heather assures and Naya cuddles into her and allows her wife to just hold her.
"Was that when the paramedic called your wife, Naya?" the male officer asked and Naya shook her head.
"Not at that moment no, she kept asking me for Heather's full name and I kept trying to answer her but I would have to keep pausing because the pain was so intense. I finally got her name out but then she was asking for her phone number. I could only get one number out at a time and she kept yelling my name so I wouldn't go unconscious again..." Naya cried out and Heather massaged her head to keep reminding her she was right there. Everyone in the room was trying to compose themselves. They knew it was bad but they had no idea she flipped, or they had to pry the vehicle open. It was all way too much.
"Once I finally got the numbers out and they got me in the ambulance I think she had one of the other guys call my wife and Heather nodded
"The guy who called me said his name was Adam." Heather filled in and the officers nodded. Heather shivered being reminded of that devastating phone call and holding her terrified daughter at the same time.
The officers look at each other and then back at Naya and Heather hesitantly. Naya tenses because they both look like they have something to say.
"What are you both not telling us?" Heather asked and the male officer spoke up.
"We have information on the driver of the pickup..." he says.