Chloe woke up a few hours later still under the presumption that Brady had died. Horror stuck her and she wished that she could be dead too. She realized she was in a bed, instead of the examining table. She looked around. The room looked unfamiliar to her.
The door swung open and Craig walked through holding a tray.
"Craig, where am I?" She said, as she started to get up.
"You're in the ER staffs quarters. This room is usually for residents to sleep when they are on call. Here, drink your juice. It will help you get back your strength."
"How can you be acting like this? Doesn't it matter to you that Brady....that he" Chloe broke down.
"Brady is fine. He had a rough night but he is in the ICU recovering."
"He's alive?" Chloe began to cry even harder. "I thought that I had lost him forever."
"He's not out of the woods yet, but they're pretty sure he's going to pull through."
"I have to see him."
"Slow down. Karen is going to bring you later. First you have to eat your breakfast."
"I can't eat. I have to see him now."
"Chloe, please stop fighting me. The doctors are running some tests. So the faster you eat, the sooner we can get over there"
"Fine." Chloe said, filling her mouth with food.
The nurse came in the room and greeted Dr. Wesley and Chloe.
"You had us pretty worried last night. Come on and I'll take you to see Brady" Karen hugged Chloe. They had created a special bond with each other. Since she had been the one that convinced her to not give up so easily on Brady.
The nurse put her arm around Chloe as they walked down the endless hallway.
"Now, I have to tell you honey, that you're not going to be able to go into the room."
"Why not? He needs to know I'm there"
"The doctor doesn't want him exposed to any germs"
"Can't you just make one exception"
"I'm afraid not. You don't want to see him get sick again. Give it a few days and then I'll see what I can do"
"Thanks" Chloe smiled weakly.
They approached the double doors of the ICU. Chloe stopped in front of them and took a deep breath.
"I know this is hard on you. But he's a fighter. He's young and his chances are good." Karen faced Chloe. "I have to warn you that he is hooked up to a lot of machines and he doesn't look himself but I assure you he is doing better" Karen gave Chloe a light squeeze.
They walked through the doors and Chloe faced the thick glass window of Brady's room.
He looked so small. So helpless. Like a child. He was alone. Chloe hated seeing him like that. She was not prepared for how awful he would look. Tubes ran out of his nose and arms. He must have been hooked up to ten different machines. There were ones that were recording things on paper and others that had a rhythmic beat. He must be so scared Chloe thought.
Her eyes welled up. The nurse offered her a tissue. She took it and wiped her face.
"Do you think he knows I'm here?"
"He knows. When you truly love someone they become a part of you. They are an extension of yourself....He knows you're here. He can feel it."
"I wouldn't want to live if he died. Last night, when everything was happening, there was this part of me that felt missing. I felt so lost. Today I feel whole again. Do you think that sounds weird?"
"No. No, I think that sounds right. Listen I'm going to give you a few minutes alone."
"Thanks"
The nurse walked through the swinging doors and left Chloe standing by herself.
"Brady, there is so much that I want to say to you. I know you probably can't hear me, but I love you. Please, be strong. Don't give up. I need you so much." Chloe whispered, looking at Brady's weak body.
She would give anything just to be able to hold him. She thought of all the times she had taken for granted that he may not be there to give her another hug or to tell her he loved her. From that moment on, she vowed to make every moment count. She would cherish every day she got to spend with him.
Chloe pressed her hand to the glass. Her pink fingers tuning white at the corners from the amount of pressure, she was applying.
She stood there watching Brady so intently that she did not even notice the hand on her shoulder.
"Chloe?"
Chloe turned around to meet eyes with Belle. They embraced.
"How is he?"
"The doctors say he's stable. They aren't saying much else."
Belle started to cry. How was she going to face life without her big brother there to pave the way for her.
It was Chloe's turn to issue reassuring words. Words that not an hour ago, people had tried to get her to believe.
"Everything is going to be fine Belle"
"How do you know that Chloe?"
Chloe searched her mind. For the life of her she could not come up with an answer. Not being one to lie. She simply, stated. "I don't know Belle, but if we believe it enough then it will happen. I know your brother won't give up without a fight. It's not in his nature."
"You're right. I just wish I could do more."
The two were in silence when Shawn came in behind them. Hugging Chloe first and then Belle. They held onto each other with no sign of letting go anytime soon. Shawn had to be her rock. He was the one that was going to help her through this. Whereas, Brady had always been Chloe's rock and now she was facing this alone while he was fighting for his life.
Belle and Shawn finally let go.
"I was thinking of going down to the cafeteria to grab some coffee. Do you two want to come with me?" Shawn offered.
"Sure, my dad has been here all night. I''m sure he would appreciate some."
"Chloe?" Shawn asked.
"No, I'm staying here. Belle, I haven't seen your father, where is he?"
"Actually, dad and mom are waiting outside. They heard about what happened last night and got here as soon as they could. I guess you were so upset you didn't even see them. There are only three people allowed in at once. My dad wanted to give you some time alone with Brady. He asked the nurse to tell him when you got up to bring you here. He knows how much Brady means to you."
"Oh, I feel so bad. I didn't even talk to him. Tell him I said thank you"
"It's okay Chloe. He knows how you're feeling."
"Okay, will he be coming back in?"
"Just for a minute, then mom is making him go home and rest. There is not much we can do right now anyway."
"Even so, I have to stay. Just in case he wakes up. He'll know he's not alone."
"Okay Chloe, we'll be back in a bit with coffee." Belle said hugging Chloe. Then being lead out by Shawn.
John came in the room minutes after they left. Chloe turned to face him.
She started to speak but John said there was no need. "Chloe, I know how much you care for my son. I know that he would want you near him. I've never seen him so happy as when he's with you."
"I feel the same way Mr. Black."
"He certainly does love you"
Chloe bit her bottom lip to keep it from quivering. She needed to hear him say that. She did not even realize how much she needed to hear that until that
moment.
To be continued........
