I blink a few times, trying to clear my vision as I take in the hospital room surrounding me. What the fuck … Both Edward and Emmett are looking down at me intently, and I open my mouth to ask what happened, but nothing comes out. Pain fills my throat, and Emmett grabs a cup, putting the straw to my lips.
"Slow sips," he says, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. "God, I'm so glad you're awake."
"Wh-what happened?" I croak, glancing around the intense room. There are so many machines surrounding me, and I see more wires than usual coming out from my gown at the top.
"You went into cardiogenic shock," Edward says. "Your heart couldn't pump enough blood to your organs, so I had to put what's called an intra aortic balloon pump in, but it's not permanent. You'll need a heart or an LVAD within the next few days. I know it's a lot, but we're just lucky you're still with us."
"We almost lost you, Bells. If it weren't for Edward, you'd be dead," Emmett tells me, sitting down and taking my right hand.
"Shit." I sigh. "I-I'm so sorry." I should have told Edward I didn't feel well. It was so stupid of me to pretend I was fine. I clearly scared the hell out of them and I feel awful.
"Hey, don't cry," Edward says, caressing my cheek. "You're going to be okay."
"I should have been honest."
He shakes his head. "All I care about is that you're awake. Nothing else matters."
"We're not mad," Emmett says. "We're just happy you're going to be okay."
"Are you sure?"
My brother smiles, nodding. "Yeah, you have a long road ahead of you, but you will be. The next hurdle is the LVAD surgery, but you're in the best hands with Edward. He let me stay with you while he put the balloon pump in, and I've never seen a more dedicated doctor."
I turn to him and smile sadly. "You saved my life."
"I think it's what I was put on this earth to do, sweetheart. I love you."
He kisses my forehead, letting his lips linger for a moment before he pulls back and wipes my tears. They tell me everything that happened, and I can't believe I've been asleep for almost two days. Apparently, my kidneys aren't doing well from the lack of blood flow, and I'm lucky Edward put in the balloon pump in time. Without his skills in Port Angeles, I never would have made it to Seattle alive.
I'm still so tired and can't keep my eyes open long, but Edward says that's okay. They both promise to stay with me and adjust the bed some so I can get a little more comfortable sitting up.
"Just rest, beautiful," Edward says, kissing my forehead. "I love you."
"I love you too. Thank you."
He smiles, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Thank me later once I've given you a new heart, and we don't have to worry anymore."
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing
