Stage 2: Anger

This morning began on such a high. I am going to be a father. Together we will do our best to parent this child with all the love that we share for one another.

Though was not always so.

"Dr. Bennet, despite your lesser experience, unique methods, and impertinent manners, I must confess that I am in love with you."

Those words did not win the girl. I still shudder at the person I used to be, but Lizzy as is her nature changed me for the better.

I was in the middle of my first surgery of the day when the Code Purple page went out. I secured my O.R., well my Surgical Technicians and Nurses did as I continued to work on the patient. All music was silenced and not a soul dared speak until my cell phone rang. It was Chief of Surgery Thomas Jones.

"Answer it."

"Darcy, are you on speakerphone?"

"Yes, I am still in surgery, but should be done within the hour. We are trying to finish up as quickly as possible to lessen the attention that an open O.R. might draw."

"Darcy! " The Chief paused, "William. Take the phone." Chief Jones never spoke in that way. He was more hands-off than other Chiefs, but at this moment, I knew he was serious.

After instructing my Resident to continue, I walked to the washing station and pulled off my gloves.

"It's Wickham. The shooter is George Wickham."

"How do you know? Are you certain?" I could feel the anger rising in my throat.

"Security video footage confirms it. And there is one more thing, he-he has Elizabeth." My grip turned to fists. My knuckles turned white.

"What has been done? What has been attempted to recover her?"

"We have called 9-11 and they are sending in a S.W.A.T. Team to both save Elizabeth and any other hostages that he might take. For the time, all hospital staff is to remain where they are."

"My cousin Rick Williamson is the Sherriff. I can try to get ahold of him."

"That is currently unnecessary, I am sure he is already aware of the situation. And we need him, and the S.W.A.T. Team focused if we want to save her. That is an order from your Chief. Do not leave the O.R. Room, I need you protected. We cannot have you running out to play the hero."

"Surely, he must know to check the O.R. board. He will very quickly discover my location which poses myself and the others in this room at further risk. What are we to do?"

"Make sure all lights are off in the washing station and only keep those necessary to complete the surgery on. Seal the room. Have all unnecessary personnel sitting on the floor out of view of both the Gallery and the washroom. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir, please keep me updated on the situation. Goodbye."

I wanted to shout, to scream, to throw anything against a wall, but I could not. I could not risk the dozen other lives in this room. I wanted to hurt the man for all of the atrocities he has committed in his life.

I anxiously stood looking at the water. The ocean only brought on peaceful memories and with the stress of the day, I needed it. A signal was given, I turned around and she stood there on her father's arm. Looking more beautiful than I had ever seen her. My breath halts as she makes her way towards me. How did I get to be so lucky to have this woman in my life? The sense of electricity I feel every time we touch is indescribable and when she places her hands in mine, I feel it stronger than ever before.

"Elizabeth, when we met, I was a mess, as you well know. I was proud and arrogant, entitled, and rude. You are the one person who told me what I needed to hear, and I am all the better for it. I am standing here beside you because of you. You redeemed me. I am not perfect. I know that I am not worthy of you, but I vow to strive to be the kind of man you believe me to be, to be one worthy to be called your husband.

I vow to be your last goodnight and your first good morning. I promise to be there for you every day. To be your confidante, your love, your friend. You are my light in the darkness and I promise, no matter what I will follow you every step of every day, no matter what."

Inhale.

Exhale.

Repeat.

Repeat.

Repeat.

Walking back into the O.R., a weight was buried in my heart. I cannot lose her. She is my rock, my everything, and she is carrying my child. If George discovers that much, she is certainly—do not think that way. Follow orders. Keep everyone safe. Then handle the other matter.

The words which I dictated to the O.R. Staff became muddled in my brain, though everyone in the room did as The Chief wished for them. I looked at the body on the table. The procedure was nearly finished, but we would have to close now for the safety of all in the room and hope for the best. We could complete the rest on the morrow.

"Dr. Darcy, is everything alright?" One of the nurses asked.

My reddened face was more than likely giving me away. "There is nothing for you to worry about, but I need everyone to be silent until I give further instruction."

My thoughts for what seemed like an eternity consumed me of all Lizzy. Her laugh. Her smile. The subtle triumphant smirk that appears when she believes she has won an argument. The way her hair falls in front of her face whenever she isn't wearing a scrub cap. The way she fits so perfectly in my life, in every way.

She is stubborn, determined, and selfless. She can be stubbornly determined to be selfless. Sure, we face challenges. We fight...but it is the moments after we fight that cement our mutual love and devotion. Even now, after all this time, she challenges me in ways I never imagined, and I am eternally grateful for her.

Every day is a day worth living because Elizabeth is in my life.

Elizabeth is my life.

"Come back to me, my love," I whisper.


Author's Note: Hey y'all, so my intention is to have all five chapters out by week's end...we will see if that actually happens because I am a proud citizen of... PROCRASTI-NATION! And my sister's bridal shower is on Saturday. But everything is written, it's just a matter of polishing and getting everything up. Let me know what you think of this chapter and the short story so far. As always, have a great day. Stay positive.

-Camille