DESTINED FOR ETERNITY
CHAPTER 17
JUNE 1983
After her altercation with Luke in the chapel, Holly returns to the waiting room. She notices that the group waiting for news of Robert's condition had grown. Rose Kelly, Blackie Parrish, Rick and Lesly Webber had arrived to join the others who were there. Steve and Audrey Hardy, Alan Quartermaine, Lee and Gail Baldwin, and of course, Bert Ramsey. Holly manages a brief smile, thankful for those who cared so much for Robert. When she walks over to them, they offered their apologies along with a hug. Then they all sit and begin to wait once again.
Another two hours pass before Monica and Bobbi make there way out of the operating room. Holly jumps up quickly and rushes over to them.
"How is Robert? He's alive, isn't he? Please, tell me he made it through the operation," Holly begs.
Monica takes hold of Holly's hands. "Calm down. Robert is alive. We removed the bullet and managed to stop the bleeding. We repaired as much damage as possible."
"That's good, right?" Holly pleads for reassurance.
"Yes, of course. But, Holly, he isn't out of the woods yet. There was alot of internal damage and when you add that with how long it took to get him into surgery, there are more risks of infection involved. The next few days will be crucial. They are moving him to the ICU right now."
"Can I sit with him?" Holly asks, tears in her eyes.
"Certainly," Monica agrees. "Come on, I will show you where he is."
Before leaving, Holly turns to all of the friends who have been sharing this horrible night with her. "Thank you all for being here. It means more than you know. Please keep Robert in your prayers."
Once inside Robert's room, Holly stands in total silence as she takes in the scene before her eyes. It was a sight that she had never invisioned before. Robert was far too vital and strong to be lying there in that bed, so still and helpless and hooked up to so many machines. Quietly, she goes over to his bed and looks at him closely. She says a quick prayer to God, thanking him for keeping Robert alive. Opening her eyes, she gently touches Robert's face and pushes a strand of hair from off his forehead. She then leans over and kisses him softly.
"I'm right here, darling," She whispers. "I'm not going anywhere. I don't intend to move from this room until I see you wake up, back to your old self, healthy and mischievious." She pulls a chair up closer to the bed and takes Robert's hand in hers. As she looks at their entwined hands, she notices her wedding ring and recalls the night Robert had given it to her. They had been practically strangers but she had realized the significance of what it could actually mean. Now it seemed as if she had known Robert forever. He had taken a place in her heart and he would always be there. Holly had no doubts that if Luke had never returned, she and Robert would have remained happily married all their lives. And that adds more guilt to her conscious. She was really happy that Luke was alive, but it turned her life upside down, just as when she thought he had been dead. She did love Luke. He had shown her what a life with love could be like. If it hadn't been for him, she would never had changed from that con-artist lifestyle, a life that she had began to hate. Luke had given her fun and passion, had taught her how to enjoy life. But with Robert it was so different, so much deeper. He made her take pride in herself. He gave her the ability to hold her head up high. He gave her compassion and friendship. He had given her laughter and respect and never required anything in return. She bends down to Robert and kisses his hand. "You have to live. You listen to me, Robert Scorpio. You can't leave me, not ever. I just won't allow it. I love you. Do you hear me? I truly love you. I should have told you long ago and I am so sorry I never. You have to wake up so you can hear it for yourself. If for no other reason, so that you can gloat." Holly's head falls down on their joined hands. "I need you, Robert," She cries. "Please, don't die." Her tears fall down on their hands and suddenly Holly feels a slight squeeze on her hand. She quickly looks up to see Robert's eyes flutter briefly.
"Robert, are you awake?" She asks anxiously. Once more, she feels pressure on her hand. "Thank God," She cries through her tears. "Save your strength, Robert. You just lie there and rest. I will be right here, I promise."
Sometime later, Dr. Rick Webber comes in to check on Robert's condition. Holly jumps up as he enters the room and begins checking Robert' chart.
"Where is Monica?" Holly asks.
Rick smiles at Holly. "Monica was exhausted after the hostage ordeal and then Robert's surgery. I told her I would be happy to keep an eye on Robert while she went home to get some sleep."
"Of course," Holly agrees. "He woke up a while ago. He squeezed my hand," She explains to Rick. "That is a good sign, isn't it?" Hoping for some confirmation of her feelings.
"Yes, I should think so," Rick says evaasively. "Did he appear to recognize you?"
"I believe so, but he didn't talk. He will be okay, right?" Holly pleads.
Rick checks Robert's pulse rate and writes it down. He then turns to Holly. "I'm sure he will be fine, Holly. You just have to be patient. Robert lost alot of blood during the time he was in the cafeteria. He is still critical, but all signs are good for a full recovery."
Holly closes her eyes and lets out a long sigh of relief. Rick notices how tired she looks. "Holly, why don't you go home and get some rest. You are exhausted. I promise, I will call you if anything changes."
"No," Holly states firmly as she continues to stare at Robert lying so still and helpless. "I'm not leaving."
Knowing with a doctor's instinct that Holly will not change her mind, Rick leaves her alone with Robert as he leaves the ICU room. As he is waiting for the elevator to open, Luke Spencer walks out.
"How is Robert?" Luke asks him anxiously. "Have you seen him?"
"Yes, just now." Rick answers as they walk over to the lounge. "He took a critical shot and we had to repair some major internal damage, but Robert is vital and strong. he is very healthy. We just need to keep a close eye out for infections that could possibly set in, or internal bleeding that could erupt again. Those are the two most important things that could hinder his recovery.
As Rick walks off, Luke sits alone, wondering how he would be able to live with himself if Robert did not survive, and knowing that Holly would quite possibly never be able to forgive him.