Disclaimer: Please note the medical procedures or information in this story is purely a work of fiction. Any similarities to real life events are a coincidence. Please do not take or use any information given in this story and apply it to real life situations. I am not a doctor and I don't know any information about the medical field. Thank you.

Chpt 63 - Who Do I Believe?

The nurse slowly walks up behind Brandon.

"Mr. Walsh, I'm sorry. We have to go," said the nurse.

"Ok," said Brandon who lets go of Kelly's hand.

They walk out the door.

"Can you please take me to see Dr. Long now?" asked Brandon.

"I'm sorry. But I'll definitely let him know that you're anxious to see him," replied the nurse.

"Ok. Thank you," said Brandon who is not happy.

"Hang in there, Mr. Walsh. She's not giving up. Neither should you," said the nurse.

Brandon gives the nurse a weak smile. The nurse smiles back and walk away.

Brandon leans against the wall and takes a deep breath.

His phone rings. He sees that it's Cindy and answers.

"Hi mom," said Brandon.

"Hi Brandon. How's she doing?" asked Cindy.

"The same. I'm waiting to speak with Dr. Long to get an update," replied Brandon.

"I'm sorry. I know it's tough time for you but I think you should reconsider letting Sammy see her," said Cindy.

"Mom, this isn't a good time. I still need to talk to Dr. Long to see how severe this is. I don't want Sammy to think the worst," replied Brandon.

"Honey, I know you're just trying to protect him. But she's his mother. He has the right to know the truth and to see her," said Cindy.

"I..I…I…I'm afraid to tell him the truth. I mean, I feel like I'm losing it. I don't want him to see me like this. Sammy needs his mom….I need his mom," said Brandon who is in a crying voice.

"I know, honey. I'm so sorry. I know you both love her so much. We all do," said Cindy.

Brandon takes a deep breath.

"Ok. You're right," said Brandon.

"You guys can come whenever. Just do me a favor; don't tell him anything yet" added Brandon.

"Ok. Thanks Brandon. We'll be there soon," said Cindy.

"Ok. Bye," said Brandon.

"Bye," said Cindy.

"Mr. Walsh," said Dr. Long walking towards him.

Brandon turns and sees Dr. Long.

"Hi doctor. What's the update?" asked Brandon.

"Like I told you before, we're doing everything we can, Mr. Walsh," replied Dr. Long looking impatient.

"Ok…" said Brandon confused that Dr. Long isn't mentioning anything what Dylan told him.

"Was there anything else? I do have other patients to tend to," asked Dr. Long.

"Yeah, I want to know what is being done about Kelly," replied Brandon sounding a little agitated.

"We're doing everything we can for her, Brandon," said Dr. Long.

"So technically, what are you doing with Kelly at the moment?" asked Brandon.

"You want to know the simple explanation? I don't want to bore you with medical terms," replied Dr. Long.

"I don't care. I just want to know what you are doing right now. She's just lying there," said Brandon.

Dr. Long is sensing Brandon is annoyed.

"Brandon, I know all this is sudden right now. I'm sorry. We have stopped the bleeding. She's currently in a coma. And we're just waiting for her to wake up," said Dr. Long.

"I heard that she's loss a lot of blood. Is she going to make it?" asked Brandon.

"We've already given Kelly a shot. Hopefully it will trigger the impulses in her brain to get her to wake up. But when someone's in a coma, it's not good to use too much force because it might damage the brain. It's just up to Kelly now," replied Dr. Long.

"What are the chances of her waking up?" asked Brandon.

"Well, I see she's been in a coma before and she was able to regain consciousness. So, let's just hope it'll be the same this time," said Dr. Long.

"She also suffered a memory loss the last time she was in a coma. Is it going to happen again?" asked Brandon.

"There's no sign of that. But it is possible," replied Dr. Long.

Brandon looks on with silence.

"Doctor, I just want you to know that you can tell me anything. Please do tell me everything you find out," said Brandon.

"I will, Brandon. Trust me," said Dr. Long.

"Ok. Thank you," said Brandon.

"You're welcome, Brandon. Hang in there. In the meantime, do us all a favor and spend some time with her newborn little girl," said Dr. Long.

Dr. Long walks away. Brandon doesn't respond.

Brandon starts to talk towards the waiting room. He sees Silver.

"Hey Brandon," said Silver.

"Hey Silver," said Brandon giving her a weak smile.

"How's she doing?" asked Silver.

"She's in a coma. Dr. Long doesn't know when she'll wake up or if she'll even wake up at all, replied Brandon.

"I'm sorry...But have faith, Brandon," said Silver who leans in for a hug.

Brandon hugs Silver.

"Yeah, I could really use a lot of that right now," said Brandon.

Some time passes by and we see Jim and Cindy at the hospital with everyone. Brandon is with Sammy.

"You can tell me, dad. How bad is it?" asked Sammy.

"I don't know. I really don't. That's why I didn't want to tell you anything until I'm sure. But Dr. Long is doing everything that they can," replied Brandon.

"Ok," said Sammy.

Brandon looks at Sammy as he stays silent.

"Sammy, I know this is a scary time. Do you have any questions? I'll be honest with you," asked Brandon.

"What do we do now?" asked Sammy.

Brandon thinks for a moment.

"Hope that mom wakes up and see all of us by her side," replied Brandon.

"I'd like that," smiled Sammy.

"Can I see the baby?" asked Sammy.

"Sure," replied Brandon.

They are behind the glass where they can see the babies from the hallway.

"Which one is she?" asked Sammy.

"She's right there," replied Brandon pointing to her.

"She's cute," said Sammy.

"Yeah, she is," said Brandon.

"What's her name?" asked Sammy.

"We didn't actually get to that part yet….do you have any suggestions?" asked Brandon.

"Can I do that? I thought only the parents can do that?" asked Sammy.

"No, you can suggest. My mom and I will decide though," replied Brandon.

"Well, if mom's ok with it; I like the name, Kelly," replied Sammy.

Brandon smiles at Sammy.

"I think your mom like that name too," said Brandon.

"Have you held her?" asked Sammy.

"For about a minute right after she was born," replied Brandon.

"I think she looks just like mom," said Sammy.

"Yeah, she does. But what about me? Do you see a little bit of me in her?" asked Brandon.

"Why? She's a girl," asked Sammy.

"Yeah, but she can still look a little like her dad too," replied Brandon.

Sammy pauses for a moment.

"Yeah, I guess I can see that," said Sammy.

"Whew…I was getting worried," said Brandon sarcastically.

Sammy laughs.

"I think she sort of looks like me too," said Sammy.

"Yeah, I hope she'll be as sweet and kind as her big brother," said Brandon.

"I guess I didn't realize it until now…I'm now a big brother," said Sammy.

"Yeah, you are. How does that make you feel?" asked Brandon.

"Ok, I guess," replied Sammy.

"Yeah? How do you think you're going to do as an older brother?" asked Brandon.

"I'll do a good job. I promise. I'm learning a lot from Aunt Silver already," replied Sammy.

"That's good," said Brandon putting his arm around Sammy.

"Hey, someone mentioned my name?" asked Silver from behind.

"Come in here. We're having a family moment," said Sammy.

Silver laughs and joins them in a hug.

"I wish mom can be here too," said Sammy.

"Me too," said Brandon.

They break the hug and look at the baby.

Some time goes by. Brandon is sitting by himself at the waiting room. Dylan walks up to him.

"Hey," said Dylan still standing in front of Brandon.

"Where have you been?" asked Brandon.

"I was just walking around. I took my time getting back," replied Dylan.

"Why bother coming back at all?" asked Brandon.

"Is that your way of saying that I'm no longer needed here?" asked Dylan.

"Yeah...if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have to leave and rush back. You could've told me everything here instead of dragging me miles away just to tell me something that had me rushing back here," replied Brandon.

"What?" asked Dylan confused.

"Why were you beating around the bush about Kelly losing a lot of blood?" asked Brandon.

"Look, I wasn't beating around the bush. I told you the truth," replied Dylan.

"Yeah you did after you drag me out of there and then you gave me this ridiculous story about

moving on from Kelly," said Brandon.

Dylan looks angry.

"I was just trying to give you all your options and potentially something to look forward to. I wish someone would've done that for me when I was going through things," said Dylan.

"Here's what I'm looking forward to. My wife waking up so we can all go home," said Brandon angrily.

Dylan stays quiet for a moment as he senses Brandon's frustration.

"You're right. Whenever I get frustrated, I always wanted to go outside to vent or release my pain. I guess that doesn't apply to everybody...I'm sorry," said Dylan.

Brandon looks at Dylan silently for a few moments.

"It's ok. Just do me a favor next time and tell me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth...," said Brandon.

"So help me god," smiled Dylan.

They shake hands and leads into a hug.

"She's going to be ok," said Dylan.

"Thanks. I hope so," said Brandon.

Some time goes by. Brandon walks to the door to Kelly's room. He checks the door to see if it's locked. It is.

Brenda walks up behind him. Brandon notices.

"Any update?" asked Brenda.

"No," replied Brandon.

"Listen. I'm kind of hungry. I was going to go grab some food. Do you want to come with me?" asked Brenda.

"No, I'm ok," replied Brandon.

"C'mon. It'll be good to get away for a few minutes," said Brenda.

"Bren, I really don't want anything. I just want to stay here," said Brandon with a frustrated look.

"Ok. Then I'll stay here with you," said Brenda giving Brandon a weak smile.

"You don't have to," said Brandon.

"I know. I want to stay…that is if you don't mind," smiled Brenda.

"No, I don't mind. Thanks," said Brandon leaning for a hug.

Jim and Cindy walk to them.

"Mind if we join in a family hug?" asked Jim.

"Sure," replied Brandon.

They all hug.

They all sit down in the hallway seating area nearby Kelly's room.

"Brandon, whatever happens; we're here for you," said Jim.

"Jim! Don't say that right now," said Cindy.

"What? I meant that in a good way," said Jim.

"Well, it's not," said Cindy.

"Guys...guys...it's ok. Just leave it," said Brandon.

"Ok," said Cindy.

"Sorry son," said Jim.

"It's ok. Guys, I'm not in the mood to talk. Can we just sit here?" asked Brandon.

"Sure," said Brenda grabbing and holding Brandon's hand.

Suddenly, they see several people including Kelly's doctor running down the halls.

Everyone has a worried look on their face.

They up and see Dr. Long and staff runs past them and into another room.

A sigh of relief goes on their faces. Everyone except for Brandon sits down.

It's almost midnight and Brandon is sitting in the waiting area by Kelly's room. The same nurse walks to him.

"Mr. Walsh. Dr. Long has already left for the day. We can notify you if we hear anything tonight. Do you want to come back tomorrow?" asked the nurse.

"No, it's ok. I want to be here," replied Brandon.

"Ok. I understand," said the nurse.

"Thank you," said Brandon.

"Mind if I join you?" asked the nurse.

"Sure, why not," replied Brandon.

The nurse smiles and sits down.

Brandon turns and looks at the nurse who is just staring in the distance.

"Are you on your break?" asked Brandon.

"No. I'm already done with my rounds; did my paperwork. Usually, I would sit here and just immerse myself in the quietness of the hospital. It's only a short time frame when that happens each day. If I get a chance, I always try to savor that," replied the nurse.

"Oh ok. I'm sorry for interrupting you," said Brandon.

"It's ok. I can't do that tonight anyway," said the nurse.

"Why?" asked Brandon.

"Because you're sitting in my chair," replied the nurse.

Brandon is taken by surprise.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said Brandon who starts to get up.

"Oh sit back down. I'm only kidding," said the nurse laughing.

"Oh ok," said Brandon confused but smiling.

"Sorry about that. I just figure that might get you to snap out of your funk," said the nurse.

"Mmm...it did actually. Don't know long before it wears off though," said Brandon.

"Oh, I have many tricks up my sleeve," said the nurse.

"Ok. Can't wait to see all of them if I'm going to be here all night," said Brandon.

"I'm not going to make you go home. But if you're going to be here all night, I might as well get you a blanket and some snacks just in case you get hungry," said the nurse.

"Oh, not; that's ok. I'm fine," said Brandon.

"Yeah? You're not the first one that has said that to me and when I come back in the morning, I find a used blanket and a bunch of cookie crumbs," said the nurse who gets up and goes to the receptionist area.

"Oh ok. Since you put it that way…and I do love cookies," said Brandon.

The nurse returns with a folded blanket and a bag of cookies and hands them to Brandon.

"Thank you," said Brandon.

"Not a problem," said the nurse.

"Tell me. Do you reward all the people who refuse to leave with snacks and a blanket?" asked Brandon.

"No; only the ones who needed the most," replied the nurse joking.

"And why do you think I needed the most?" asked Brandon.

"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to. I've been watching you all day going back and forth in this place," replied the nurse.

"Geez, I didn't know you were keeping an eye on me," said Brandon.

"Oh, I wasn't trying to. Just you just make it so obvious that I just can't help myself," said the nurse.

"Seems like you've got a lot of people in your life who cares about you," added the nurse.

"Yeah, so?" asked Brandon confused.

"So, you should cut them some slack. Being angry with them isn't going to make things better, replied the nurse.

"I wasn't necessarily angry with them. I just wasn't in the mood to talk," said Brandon.

"Ok. But can I offer you some advice?" asked the nurse.

"Sure," replied Brandon.

"My husband and I were married for 10 years. He had a heart attack about 2 years ago and died. It was very sudden and I saw my life crashing before my eyes. I felt as if my life was over too. I began to shut my friends and family out. I didn't want to do anything. I didn't want to live anymore. It took a while to even make it out of the house. Though I never got over it, eventually, I managed to get on with my life. But I had shut out so many of my family and friends, they didn't want to have anything to do with me anymore," said the nurse.

"Ok. I hear ya. Good lesson…..Is this all true?" asked Brandon.

"Are you questioning my life?" asked the nurse insulted.

"No. I just wanted to make sure the facts are accurate," replied Brandon trying to calm her down.

The nurse glares at Brandon. Brandon starts to get a little scared.

"Well, I must say Mr. Walsh. You are a lot smarter than you look," replied the nurse.

"Ummm…thank you. What are you trying to say?" asked Brandon.

"Ok. You got me. I made the whole thing up," replied the nurse.

"I didn't accuse you of lying. You could've fooled me," said Brandon acting surprise.

"Oh, you mean, I could've continued on with that story?" asked the nurse laughing.

"Gotcha!" said Brandon laughing.

"How did you know?" asked the nurse.

"I didn't know. The part about everyone neglecting you seemed a little too drastic," replied Brandon.

"Well, ok. I'll remember that for next time," said the nurse.

"Ok," said Brandon.

"Just curious; are you married?" asked Brandon.

"No. My hours here are so weird and all over the place, it's hard to even keep a boyfriend," replied the nurse.

"Oh, that's not good," said Brandon.

"My family tells me the same thing. They're constantly trying to set me up on dates, which ultimately never work out. It gets lonely at times but I get by," said the nurse.

"Ok. Do you like your job?" asked Brandon.

"I'm not fond of the hours but it is way less stressful than working during the day. So yeah, it's ok," replied the nurse.

"I'm Brandon, by the way," said Brandon.

"I know. Hi Brandon. I'm Teresa," said the nurse.

"Teresa?" asked Brandon.

"Yes, Brandon?" asked Teresa.

"Thanks for cheering me up," replied Brandon.

"You're welcome. I'll be here all night," smiled Teresa.

Brandon is sleeping on a chair nearby Kelly's room.

Teresa walks up to him. She lightly taps Brandon on the arm. Brandon wakes up somewhat startled.

"Sorry. I never know how to wake people up in these situations," said Teresa.

"It's ok. At this point, I'm just happy to wake up," said Brandon.

"Long night?" asked Teresa.

"Sort of. I didn't get much sleep," replied Brandon.

"Sorry, I wish I can give you one of the beds but that would involve me losing my job," smiled Teresa.

"It's ok. Thanks for letting me stay here," said Brandon.

"Well considering what you're going through, I know your mind will be here…so the rest of you might as well be," said Teresa.

"Thanks," said Brandon.

"The reason I woke you up is because I'm going to check on Kelly and wanted to know if you want to go in with me," said Teresa.

"Yeah. Is that ok?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, it is. I'm just going to check a few things," replied Teresa.

"Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me," said Brandon.

"Yes, I do," said Teresa.

"Oh right. I forgot…sorry," said Brandon.

"It's ok. I forgive you this time…," joked Teresa.

She opens the door and they both walk in.

Teresa takes the clipboard nearby Kelly's bed and starting writing some notes. She then takes a glance at Brandon who just stands by Kelly's bed.

"I'm sorry. Do you want to be alone with her?" asked Teresa.

"Uh no…it's ok. I wasn't sure if it's ok to hold her hand," replied Brandon.

"Yeah, that's fine. Just be careful and not move any tubes," said Teresa.

"Ok," said Brandon as he slowly reaches for Kelly's hand.

He gently holds her hand. He can feel the bump from her wedding ring again the palm of his hand.

Teresa smiles at Brandon. Brandon notices and looks at Teresa.

"Oh I'm sorry; did you need her for something?" asked Brandon.

"No," replied Teresa still smiling at Brandon.

Brandon feels kind of awkward.

"What?" asked Brandon confused.

"I can tell you want to be alone," replied Teresa.

"No, I told you it's ok," said Brandon.

"I wasn't talking to you," said Teresa smiling.

Brandon gives Teresa a weird look.

The nurse whispers into Kelly's ear.

"He's been waiting to see you. Maybe you can cheer him up," said Teresa.

"Take your time. I'll be outside," said Teresa to Brandon.

She smiles at Brandon before walking out the door.

"Thanks," said Brandon.

Brandon is still holding Kelly's hand.

"Hey Kel," said Brandon.

"Everybody's still here. We're just all waiting for you to come back to us. We can't wait till you meet our daughter. She looks just like you. And if luck would help it, she'll grow up to be as wonderful and kind as you too. But don't want to do this alone. She really needs you. Sammy really needs you. Silver really needs you. I really need you. I desperately need you back, Kel. It's not the same and it will never be without you," said Brandon.

He leans and kisses Kelly on the lips. He squeezes Kelly's hands, hoping that it could get her to wake up. No luck. He brushes her hair slowly moving down to her face.

"Feel better Kel. I love you," said Brandon letting go her hand and walking out of the room.

Brandon sees Teresa.

"Thank you," said Brandon.

"You're welcome," said Teresa.

"Well, can I help you with anything else?" asked Teresa.

"Umm…no…what you did meant a lot…and it was really good talking to you last night. You really put things into perspective. It seemed like you know what I'm going through," replied Brandon.

"I do. It was nice talking with you too. Well, I have to go to work. And don't worry; as soon as I hear anything from Dr. Long, I'll let you know right away," said Teresa.

"Thanks," said Brandon.

"Are you going to be around today?" asked Teresa.

"Yeah, I'm not going anywhere," replied Brandon.

"Ok. Have a good day, Brandon," said Teresa.

"Thanks. You too," smiled Brandon.

Teresa smiles back and walk away.

Brandon turns and looks at Kelly's door. He walks up to the door and stares at Kelly for a brief moment. Brandon then walks back to his seat and sits down. He looks around as the place starts to get filled with staff and patients. I guess before that moment, he was just in his own world; just him, Kelly, and Teresa.

To be continued….