Chapter 14
The girls didn't know what to do. The shock of Abbey's agitation along with the accusation of her using drugs was taking its toll on them. Liz had called Doug and brought him up to date, but didn't say a word about the drugs. This was something she would have to explain in person.
By the time Leo called for an update, he had already been told of the accusation against Abbey, but couldn't believe it either.
"Liz, this doesn't make sense. She has always been adamant about illegal drug use and this just doesn't seem right. I don't understand how the blood tests would show something like that. It's got to be a mistake. We'll get to the bottom of this, I promise. In the meantime, get as much rest as possible. You'll need your strength to deal with this."
They took turns checking on their father. He was still asleep. Dr. Ware had told them about his interactions with Dr. Harris and Jed's final words to the doctor. He told the girls that their father would have made them proud the way he stood up for Abbey.
But that was the only bright spot in an emotional rollercoaster day.
Late that evening, Jed woke up as Ellie came into the cubicle. "How's your Mom?"
Ellie hesitated. But she knew her father had to know everything that was happening. "She became confused. The nurse had to sedate and restrain her so she wouldn't pull the breathing tube out."
Jed shook his head. "No! That doesn't sound like your mother at all."
"I know, Dad. All this makes no sense whatsoever."
Jed made a decision. "I want to see her."
"Dad, I don't think they'll let you go."
"I'm going. Now go get the nurse."
"Okay." She knew better than to argue with her father or deny him a chance for him to be with Abbey. Especially now.
A minute later Ellie returned with a wheelchair. "The nurse said you could go but with conditions."
"Whatever. I'll agree to anything to see Abbey. I have to see her."
"Okay. You have to go by wheelchair, stay only fifteen minutes, and if you have any trouble, I have to bring you back immediately."
"Ellie, I'll agree to anything just to see Abbey for a minute. Now let's go."
The girls were also anxious to see both of their parents in the same room. Although Abbey was still sedated and tubed, they knew how much just seeing Abbey would mean to their dad.
Ellie pushed her father over to her mother's bed. Jed reached out and touched Abbey's arm, just needing to connect with her in some way. Her pale, cool skin, the tube in her mouth, the restraints on her arms, was too much to take. A steady stream of tears ran down his face. He never thought to brush them away.
"I love you Abbey. You have to get better." He just kept repeating those words over and over again.
As the girls watched his reaction, they were crying too. Eventually, they surrounded the bed and the wheelchair. This was not the ideal family reunion, but it would have to do for the moment.
The fifteen minutes passed quickly and Jed was wheeled back to CCU. His heart monitor leads were reattached and he drifted off to sleep. Although he had seen Abbey, the experience had taken a lot out of him. He was now just tired.