Chapter 38
The ride back to Chicago was torturous for Gary. He called every half-hour to check on Kaitlyn's condition. Each time he called, he was unable to speak with her. His mother relayed his messages.
During the ride, Mike thoroughly explained to Gary what types of medications they were giving Kaitlyn and the probable course of treatment. Thanks to Mike Gary may have understood things better, but understanding things failed to ease his mind.
It took them a little over three hours to make it to the hospital. When Gary got there, he, Bernie, and Collier headed straight to Kaitlyn's room. As they turned the corner, Gary saw his mother and Lily sitting in the waiting area.
"Mom." Gary said as he approached them. "How is she?"
"Gary." Lois hugged her son. "Well, she's doing okay. The contractions have eased up a bit. They are checking her now to see if she has dilated anymore."
Gary ran his hands through his hair.
"Gary the medicine is making her awfully sick. The nurse said it's a side effect. But, that the medication is necessary to stop the labor." Lois said. "I just want to warn you before you go in there, she doesn't look very good."
"Oh god." Gary said as sat down in the chair. "How did this happen?"
"Gary, Kaitlyn is strong and she is determined to keep these babies safe." Lily said as she sat down beside him and put her arm on his shoulder. "Early labor with twins is very common. I know my daughter, she and those babies are going to be fine."
The nurse came into the waiting room. "Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Hobson, you can go back in now." She said.
"Come on honey, I'll show you where her room is." Lois said.
When Gary walked into Kaitlyn's room, she was lying in bed with her eyes closed. A nurse was changing her IV medication.
"Hello." The nurse said. "Are you Dad?"
"Yeah." Gary said as he swallowed hard. Upon hearing Gary's voice Kaitlyn opened her eyes.
"Gary." She whispered.
"See sweetie, I told you he would make it." The nurse said to Kaitlyn. "I'll leave you two alone. You need me press the call button." She headed out the door.
Gary walked over and sat down on the side of Kaitlyn's bed. "How you doing?" He said.
"I'd be better if these babies of yours weren't so impatient." Kaitlyn said trying to smile.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here." Gary said as he stroked her hair.
"You being here wasn't going to change anything. You're here now that's all that matters." Kaitlyn said. Gary nodded.
"Mom said the medicine is making you pretty sick." Gary said.
"Yeah, but if it works it's worth it." Kaitlyn whispered. Gary leaned down and kissed her forehead. He noticed how hot she felt.
"You're burning up." Gary said scared.
"Another lovely side effect to the medication." Kaitlyn said. "The nurse just gave me something for that."
"Has Dr. Jeffries given you any idea what is going to happen?" Gary asked.
"Well, the contractions have slowed down and my cervix hasn't dilated anymore. So, right now it's just a waiting game." Kaitlyn said as she looked up at Gary. "Gary, they did a test, the babies lungs aren't developed enough yet. This has to work." Kaitlyn started to cry. Gary lay down on the bed beside her and held her.
"Shh, don't cry. This will work." He said as a tear ran down his cheek.