Chapter 98
Adam quickly answered his cell phone when it buzzed.
"Mr. Richardson, there will be a deputy in your driveway in twenty minutes. He will be in a Hope Valley Police van. He will pick you and Charlette up. Then he will go by and pick up the rest of the family. He will take you all to the airport with his blue lights on. This will get you to the airport faster. You will not have to worry about parking your cars at the airport."
"Thank you, Emma. Please call me Adam."
"Adam, Amy from the hospital just called me and told me that Elizabeth is looking fine. She was still unconscious about five minutes ago, but there were no issues with Elizabeth or the babies as far as the doctor is concerned as of now."
"Thank you, Emma. My son has a friend who is flying us to Hamilton. We will need to go to the private airplane portion of the airport to building B."
"I'll let the officer know. Now, get things ready and the officer will be there shortly. I will call everyone else and let them know."
"Emma, thank you so much for all of this. I don't know what to say."
"Adam, you don't have to thank me."
"Emma, yes, I do. Thank you for taking such great care of my family and stepping up when we need you the most."
"You're welcome, Adam. Now, would you please tell Jack and Elizabeth we are praying for them and thinking of them?"
"I will."
Emma called the other family members and told them exactly what she shared with Adam. They were all grateful for her help.
…
On her way to her little rented house, Viola called James. She told him everything she knew as she cried.
James listened to her. "V, she's strong. It will all be ok."
"We don't know that James."
"Yes we do. Now, I'm on my way. I'll be there in about twent minutes. I just need to grab some clothes."
"You don't have to come, but I was hoping you would."
"I'm already in my truck leaving the jobsite. I'll call Bill and let him know I'm leaving for a few days, and he is charge. He can call me if there is an issue that he needs me for."
"Thank you, James."
"I'll be there soon."
…
Within forty minutes, much quicker than anyone would have thought, everyone was in the police van going down the road with lights and sirens blaring. Frank dropped off Henry and Rip at Emily's house. Her parents said Henry could stay with them and they would keep the dog for them too. Henry was going to bunk with Franklin. Henry couldn't be happier about that. Frank and Abagail where grateful Henry was able to stay with them.
All the couples sat together holding hands. Frank was with Abagail, and they sat in front row of the van. Charlette and Adam sat in the next row with Julie and Tom behind them. Viola and James sat in the back. The trip to the airport was very quiet. An hour trip was done is just under forty minutes. The officer was very helpful in unloading bags and placing them on the airplane.
After sitting down in the airplane, Viola looked at Julie. "Do you know what happened?"
"I don't know anything other than what you know, but something had to happen."
The pilot leaned his head past his seat and looked back at the group sitting in their seats. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will be taxing to the runway in five minutes. Please make sure you are buckled in and remain that way. We are in a hurry so I will be flying a little faster than normal. Please let me or the attendant know if you are having any issues."
…
Grace gave Jack a hug before he followed the doctor to the door. When the door opened, the doctor handed Jack over to a nurse. The nurse smiled at Jack and asked him to follow her.
"Mr. Thorton, before we step into Mrs. Thorton's room, I want to remind you that she is doing well. Her color is still a little pale and she is still unconscious. There is an IV in her right arm and there is a blood pressure cuff on her left arm. It takes her vitals every ten minutes."
"Thank you, nurse."
"She is in room eight. The door on the right."
Jack walked up to the room and slowly opened the door. His breath caught in his chest when he saw his beautiful wife lying on the bed perfectly still.
…
Adam reached over and squeezed Charlette's hand.
"Charlie are you ok?"
She nodded but a tear fell down her left cheek. Her emotions were running rampant. She didn't know what was happening and that was a major problem for a control freak like Charlette. She did not like the fact that she couldn't fix it. She didn't like not being in control. Then there was the health of Elizabeth and the babies. Elizabeth was her daughter in every sense of the word. She loved Elizabeth from the beginning and that love only grew watching Elizabeth love her oldest son. She was perfect for him. Then there were the grandbabies. Ig and Iggy are her first grandbabies, and she was looking forward to being a grandma. She laughed to herself when she used Jack's nickname for the babies.
"I'm hanging in the best I can."
"Yeah…"
"Adam, thank you for taking control today."
"Charlie, we're a team. It was my job today."
"Yeah…"
"It's going to be ok. God is in control, and we will trust in Him."
She nodded her head. She knew Adam as right. However, her mother's heart and grandmother's heart were hurting.
…
Jack stopped and froze in the doorway. His breath caught in his throat. He couldn't move nor could he breathe. Elizabeth was exactly like the nurse warned him about. She was pale with a few wires attached to her. She was still. She was his world. This woman was God's perfect gift to him. She was his everything. His love. His best friend. His strength. His lover. His children's mother. His…everything. He couldn't breathe. Jack reached for the door frame to keep from falling due to his knees going weak.
"Bella…" Jack gasped. "Oh…Bella…"
His strength in his weakness was lying unconscious in a hospital bed and he couldn't fix it. If given a chance, he would change places with her. He knew the doctor said things were looking good, but he wasn't seeing that at the moment. He needed his strength, but now his strength was lying unconscious in a hospital bed.
"Mr. Thorton." The nurse stated as she placed her hand on his shoulder. "I promise you it isn't as bad as it looks. All indications are that things are good. Trust in your wife."
"She is one of the most stubborn and strongest people I know." He tried to laugh but nothing came out of his mouth. "And if Ig and Iggy inherited both of our stubbornness, they are going to be fine."
The nurse laughed. "Then, go to your wife. She needs you."
Jack nodded his head, and he forced his legs to work. He slowly made his way to her bed side. He wanted to wrap her in his arms but wasn't sure if he should with all the wires. He laughed when he noticed that her hands were laying protectively on her children. "You are such a great mother." He stated just above a whisper.
He couldn't keep from touching her. He slowly reached out his hand to take it and gently took her right hand into his. He intertwined his fingers with hers, and he felt her tighten onto his hand. His eyes immediately traveled from her hand to her face. Her eyes fluttered and then opened looking directly at him.
"Jack…"
…
The plane landed at the airport just outside of Hamilton. The flight took just over half the time. The pilot really pushed his aircraft to make up time. As the plane was taxing to the private building terminal, he began talking in the microphone.
"The Police Chief in Hamilton sent a van for you all. It is waiting for you at the terminal. You will all be escorted to the hospital by police escort. There will be a police car in front and behind you as you travel. Do not worry about your bags, there is another police car that will pick up all of your bags. They will be delivered to the hospital and kept at the front desk for your convenience."
"Thank you." Adam stated. "How did all of that happen?"
"Emma." The pilot stated. "She made a call and somehow arranged everything."
Everyone made a mental note to thank Emma later. When the plane came to a stop, the door opened just seconds later and there were five police vehicles waiting. The van was just like the one they road to the airport in. There was a cruiser parked in front of the van a one parked behind it. All three vehicles had their blue lights already on. The other two cruisers were parked about twenty feet behind them. There were two police officers beside each cruiser and one police officer standing beside the open door of the van.
An older gentleman dressed in khakis and a black polo shirt quickly walked toward the airplane steps.
"Hello, my name is Chief Franklin. Please follow me and we will get you on your way."
"Thank you, Chief Franklin." Adam stated.
"Please call me Bob. Now, you all need to get going to the hospital." He stated as he began to escort them to the waiting vehicles. "The last I heard about five minutes ago was that Mrs. Thorton was doing well. She's still unconscious but was expected to make a full recovery. The babies are doing well too. Now, you all have someplace to be. These officers will make sure you are taken directly to the hospital. The other officers will take all of you luggage to the hospital and leave it at the front desk for your convenience."
Charlette grabbed Chief Franklin into a huge bear hug. "Thank you for taking care of my boy and his family."
"Mrs. Richardson, when you wear the blue, you are family. Now, get going. We will catch up later."
Each person shook the chief's hand as they walked past him to get on the van. Once everyone was in the van, the chief closed the door and tapped the door twice. With that, the sirens got loud, and the three vehicles began to move immediately.
"Mrs. Richardson, we will be there in about ten minutes."
"Thank you." She stated to the driver in a small voice.
…
"Jack…my babies. How are my babies?" Her look of fear was written on her face.
"The doctor said you and the babies are good. She wants to check, but everything seems fine."
The relief replaced the fear on her face. She closed her eyes and the tears flowed.
Once again, his heart broke. He didn't like to see his wife cry. "Bella…don't cry."
"Jack…" She tried to begin.
Jack reached with the hand not holding her hand and brushed Elizabeth's tears away. He also brushed a few strains of hair off her face. He wanted to say something, but he didn't have any words to say. He wanted to tell her how much he loved her. How much he needed her. When she opened her eyes, their eye met. She saw everything she needed to hear. She saw love. She also saw that her babies were fine. Their nonverbal communication flowed easier than words and both were grateful. That silent conversation brought peace to her mother's heart.
Elizabeth lowered the bed sheet and patted the spot beside her as she tried to scoot to the other side of the bed.
"No, Elizabeth. You need to rest. I don't want to hurt you."
"Jack, you would never hurt me. Now, you know I rest better with my head on your shoulder. I need you to hold me…please." She fluttered her eyes at him and gave him a pouty look.
"Good…grief…you shouldn't have this much power over me."
"I kind of like it." She stated with a weak victorious look.
Jack carefully and slowly laid down on the bed and Elizabeth moved as close as she could to her husband. Jack placed his arm under her head, and she snuggled as close as she could. She sighed with contentment. "Thank you, Jack."
After a couple of minutes, the nurse walked into the room. She was a little startled when she noticed Elizabeth was awake. "I'm sorry Mrs. Thorton, the blood pressure cuff must be loose or something…oh…I'm sorry."
"It's ok. What about my blood pressure cuff?"
"Well, your blood pressure dropped by thirty points almost instantly. Something had to happen to your cuff."
"No, it's my husband. I finally convinced him to lay down with me."
The nurse offered her a small smile while she walked to the other side of the bed to check the cuff. "Huh…the cuff is fine."
Elizabeth gave her a knowing smile.
"I'll leave you two alone. Mrs. Thorton, do you need anything?"
She shook her head no. Then she snuggled closer to her husband.
…
Grace and William were sitting in the waiting room waiting for any news on their middle daughter. They have not spoken since William walked into the hospital. Grace was becoming a little anxious with the waiting. She didn't wait well.
"Grace…" William began until he saw his wife's facial expression.
"Not now William!" She stated in a tone that left no doubt that she wasn't ready to talk to her husband.
"Then when?"
"William, I said not now!"
The blue lights caught their attention. They noticed a police cruiser then the police van. Then they quickly noticed another cruiser following the van. They stopped at the entrance of the ER. Quickly the door opened, and she notice Charlette step out of the van with Adam following her. Grace stood and began walking to the front door.
When she made it to the front door, she noticed her entire family was walking into the ER.
"Charlette!" Grace stated.
"Oh Grace." Charlette walked to her and gave her a big hug. "Please tell me everything is fine." Charlette's eyes were pleading.
The doctor walked out of the door and Grace noticed the smile on her face.
"Doctor, this is Jack's mother and our family. Do you have any news?"
William walked up when he noticed the doctor stepping into the waiting room.
"She is awake and doing well. I haven't seen her yet, but her vitals are excellent. The nurse thought something was wrong with her blood pressure cuff because her blood pressure dropped thirty points. The nurse found that Jack was laying in the bed with her and holding Mrs. Thorton."
"That sounds about right." Grace stated. "May we go and see her?"
"Give me about fifteen minutes. I would like to perform an examination and double check everything, but things are looking very positive for now."
"Thank you, doctor."
"I will send a nurse out for you soon."
…
Jack and Elizabeth looked up when there was a knock on the door and the door opened.
"Hello doctor. I can explain." Jack began to speak very quickly. " Elizabeth woke up and wanted me to lay down with her."
"Don't get up on my account. Since you have been with her, her blood pressure is great. Let me take a look at you Mrs. Thorton and I will allow your family to come in. They will have to take turns though. There are too many of them."
"What are you talking about?" Asked Jack. "There should only be two people out there."
"Well, I didn't take a count, but I would say they're about eight to ten people out there."
Both Jack and Elizabeth looked confused.
"Doctor, are my babies going to be ok?"
"Our babies." Jack said.
"Let me take a look and I will answer that question."
Jack moved off the bed to allow the doctor to perform her exam. Both Jack and Elizabeth missed the touch. She would not release Jack's hand.
…
"Grace, what happened?"
"We'll get into that later. Now, let's just concentrate on Jack and Elizabeth."
Charlette nodded her head. She saw the look on Grace's face and read her eyes. She knew what happened. Charlette agreed with Grace. There will be time later for words. Right now was the time for Jack and Elizabeth.
…
"Elizabeth, everything looks fine. The babies look healthy, and their heart rate is excellent. Your blood pressure is good. There are no lasting effects from today. Now, you need to rest. I have already cleared it with your husband that you will remain in the hospital tonight so we can keep an eye on you."
Elizabeth nodded. She didn't want to stay in the hospital, but whatever she had to do for her babies she was going to do it.
"I also spoke with your OBGYN, and she wants to see you next week. Jack will make that appointment. Also, please check your blood pressure in the morning and then four times a day at different times during the day. It is essential that you keep a close eye on your blood pressure. We are not starting medication at the moment, but your OBGYN may want to in the future if it climbs. Understand?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"I told Jack that if you were still doing well in the next two to three days, you would be ok to travel home."
Elizabeth nodded.
"Do you have any questions?"
"I can't think of anything. Thank you for taking such good care of me."
"You are most welcome. Now, we will give you another bag of fluids after this one is finished. Please take care of yourself and at all costs, remain calm."
"Yes, doctor."
The doctor smiled at the couple and then walked out of the room.
"Would it be ok if I go and see who all is out in the waiting room? I have no idea who it could be."
"Yes. Could you please send my mother back?"
He paused for a moment. She saw the look of hesitation on his face.
"Jack, I was arguing with my father about how he was acting toward you. I got very mad at him. Before I knew it, I woke up when you touched my hand."
He nodded.
"I woke up because my hand tingled. You still have that effect on me."
He offered her a small smile.
"Jack, I'm fine. I'm not an invalid."
"Elizabeth, you don't get to use that excuse for a good week." He sassed. "Maybe longer." He stated pointing his finger at her.
"Fair enough."
…
Jack opened the door, and everyone noticed him and stood. He stopped when he saw his entire family. He felt very loved at that moment and appreciated their love for his wife. When he saw his mother, he walked quickly to her and wrapped his arms around her and placed his head on her shoulder. They held each other for several moments. No matter how old Jack was, he always needed his mother. He cried in her arms. This was the first time since he arrived at the Thatcher residence that he began to feel everything that happened. He broke down in the van, but now he is feeling every single emotion. To everyone looking on, they would have thought that Jack was five years old. Everyone else cried at the exchange.
After a few moments and Charlette's wet shirt, Jack finally released his hold on his mother. It was then he noticed the wet spot he made on her shirt.
"Ma, I'm so sorry." He stated as she tried to wipe the wet spot to dry it.
"It's fine Jack. Now, what's the latest on Lizzy and the babies?"
With her question, everyone stepped closer so they could hear. Jack explained everything that was going on and that Elizabeth would have to relax and keep a closer eye on her blood pressure. Everyone was grateful for the good news, and they hugged each other.
"Mom." Jack turned his attention to Grace. "Elizabeth would like to see you. She is in room eight."
She looked at Jack for his approval.
"She's expecting you." He stated.
Grace took his hand, and he gave her a kiss on the check.
"Charlette, why don't you come with me? I know she would want to see you too."
"I will, Grace, but you go first. I think she needs her mother. Please tell her I'm here and will be back to see her soon."
Grace nodded her head. She released Jack's hand and turned to walk through the door toward Elizabeth's room.
Jack turned back to the group who was looking at him. He purposefully avoided looking at William. "They will be taking her to a room soon and she will stay overnight. Once in her room, more of you will be able to go back to see her."
After a few moments, everyone began to take their seats again. Jack stood and talked to Tom for a few moments.
Adam walked up to Jack. "Jack, would you please take a walk with me? We won't be gone long, and we won't go too far. We will stop and the desk and let them know where we are."
Jack looked at Adam and nodded. After stopping by the front desk, the two made their way down the hall toward the cafeteria. They noticed a nice little outside sitting area just before the cafeteria. "Jack let's go outside and sit for a minute. You need some fresh air."
"Thank you, Adam. How did everyone get here so fast?"
"Emma." Both men laughed. "She called Charlie and told us the news. Charlie and I left the project and went home. I called my son, John. His best friend is a pilot. He wasn't in town, but he arranged a private jet for us. It was waiting for us at the airport. While we were packing, Emma called me. She arranged for the police van to pick everyone up that way we could make better time and not worry about parking at the airport. That driver made great time." He laughed. "There were a couple of times I was a little scared at how fast he was driving. Charlie must have been proud."
Jack laughed. "Yeah, she does drive fast, doesn't she?"
"Yeah…a little too fast. That's why I always drive." He laughed. "We got to the airport and the pilot flew faster than normal. Once we arrived at the airport here, there were four cruisers and a police van waiting for us. We all rode in the van with a cruiser in front of us and one behind us all with lights and siren running. The other cruisers took our bags from the airplane. They did it so we wouldn't have to wait. They are supposed to have our bags at the front desk."
"All of that?"
"Yes. The police chief is in the waiting room too."
"Oh, I didn't notice. I will have to say hi to him and thank him."
"How did all of that happen?"
"Jack…are you really asking that question?"
"Emma." Both men stated.
"One of the best decisions I have ever made."
They sat in silence for a few minutes soaking in the sun light and trying to gain control of their emotions and thoughts.
"Thank you for everything you did today. I don't know the whole story, but I know you played a major role in everything."
"Jack, you're family."
"Yes grandpa…we are."
…
When Grace knocked on the hospital room door, she heard her daughter's faint voice telling her to come in. Grace opened the door and quickly inhaled a shallow breath when she saw her daughter lying in the hospital bed.
"Oh, Bethie."
"Mother, you know I always hated that name." She gave a slight chuckle.
When Grace took Elizabeth's hand, she asked. "How are you feeling?"
"Didn't Jack tell you?"
"He did, but I wanted to hear it from you."
"I'm feeling fine."
Grace looked at her daughter. She heard the words, but she could read her daughter like her favorite book. After examining her daughter's face for a few moments, she realized Elizabeth was being fully honest with her.
"You are never allowed to do that again. You scared me to death…" Grace's eyes immediately started to water, and tears fell down her cheeks.
Elizabeth reached up and took her mother's hand. "I'm ok. I promise. Would you lay down with me?"
While Elizabeth was an independent woman who has lived by herself for the last three, almost, four years, she still needed her mother. Grace smiled and gently laid down and they both snuggled to each other.
"Jack said the babies are fine."
Elizabeth nodded.
"He also let it slip that you are having a boy and a girl."
"He did…did he?" She laughed.
"I don't think he even realized he did it. He was giving the lady up front your information. He told the lady your name, the babies' names, your nickname for them, and his nickname for them."
"She asked for all of that?"
"No." Grace let out a small laugh. "I think he was so nervous that he just rambled. Like I said, I don't think he knows he did it. I walked up to him when he was telling her."
"He rambles when he is nervous." Elizabeth laughed at all the times he rambled.
"I never imagined he would get nervous."
"I mentioned that to him once. He said he gets nervous with me." Grace couldn't miss the look of love and admiration written on her daughter's face.
"You have a good man, Elizabeth."
"I do."
Elizabeth laid in her mother's arms for several minutes in silence while Grace ran her fingers through her hair. There was no way she was going to lose this contact. They enjoyed the few minutes of silence and love between them. Grace was fighting her fears. After all, she is a mother too.
"The doctor said you will stay the night tonight here and then you have to stay in town for another couple of days or so. I don't know what you want to do, but you know you and Jack are welcomed at home or we can get you a hotel room if you are more comfortable there."
"Are we welcomed at your home?"
Elizabeth's question made Grace cry. She understood her question, but that didn't remove the hurt it caused.
"Elizabeth, you are always welcomed at home." She noticed Elizabeth's hesitation. "I believe he knows he really overstepped. Yes, you are more than welcomed, but you need to do what will make you comfortable. I'm not pushing either way, I just wanted you to know."
"I will need to talk with Jack."
"I understand. You may have some trouble getting his attention for the next few minutes."
"What do you mean?"
"The ER waiting room is full of family."
Elizabeth looked confused. Who is here other than you and maybe father."
"Well…your father is here. Then there is Charlie and Adam, Julie and Tom, Viola and James, Frank and Abagail. Then there are about two or three police officers and the Chief of Police is here too."
"Really?" A shocked Elizabeth stated. "How did they all get here and why is the police here?"
"I really don't know. They just all arrived at once."
"Wow…"
…
Jack walked around the whole group and shook hands and hugged necks, except for William. He wasn't up to dealing with his father-in-law at the moment. It did not go unnoticed by everyone that Jack snubbed William.
Jack walked up to the man he assumed was in charge. "Chief?"
"Yes, Jack. I'm Chief Bob Franklin. Please call me Bob. May I ask, how is your wife, Elizabeth, and your babies?"
"They are doing fine. Everything should be good."
"That's great, Jack." Jack noticed the genuine smile on his face. "Jack, how are you?"
"That's a little harder question to answer."
"I know."
Jack noticed a slight change in Bob's demeanor.
"I think the best way to say it is that I am still processing everything, or maybe I haven't begun to process it yet."
"I understand. Just remember Elizabeth and the babies are fine. She's only staying the night here for observation."
"Yeah…"
"Now, if that only made everything alright." Laughed Bob.
"Yeah…" Jack took a moment to capture his emotions and Bob gave him that time. "Bob, thank you for all you did today. I'm not sure what all happened, but I appreciate you taking care of my family, especially since you don't know us."
"You wear the blue, Jack. You are family. Plus, as a fellow chief, we have that connection too."
"Thank you. I'm sorry, Bob. That feels so inadequate to say."
"It's all you will ever have to say to me Jack, and you already have. So, let's leave it at that." Both men nodded at each other their mutual respect.
"How did all of this happen?" Jack finally asked.
"Emma."
Jack let out a laugh. "Yes, the best decision I have professionally made."
"If she ever wants to move, please let me know. I will take her in a moment's notice."
"She's not going anywhere."
"She called and asked for all of this. This was all her. All I did was provide transportation at her request. We were happy to step up and assist you and your family."
"Thanks, Bob."
"I don't know what your plans are or what needs you may have, but here is my cell number. If you need anything, and I mean anything, please do not hesitate to call me."
"I will, Bob. I'm not sure of anything further out than this moment."
"I get it. Your only job today is to take care of your wife. You have many people around you that is willing to step up. Please allow them."
"Bob…I don't know what to say for all of your help." Jack's voice trailed off.
"Nonsense young man. We have already talked about this. Now, catch your breath and take care of your wife. You have my number, do not hesitate to call me."
"I will."
"If it's ok with you, I think we will leave you with your family."
"Thanks again."
With a handshake and a thank you to each police officer, Jack watched them walk out of the ER waiting room. Jack turned around and noticed that his entire family was sitting in seats talking with each other. He was grateful for their support, but he needed a moment to himself. He quietly walked over to the corner where no one was and sat down in the chair. He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. The emotions of the day smack him in the face.
The family all saw him sit alone with his shoulders slumped and bouncing as he cried. Each person knew he needed this moment alone and they let him have it.
…
Charlette knocked on the hospital door and walked in when Elizabeth said to enter.
"Oh Lizzy…" She whispered when she saw Elizabeth laying in the bed. Charlette's hand went to her mouth.
Grace already moved from the bed when Elizabeth was getting a little fidgety.
"Mom, please come here." Elizabeth patted the bed beside her.
Charlette slowly walked to the bed and gently sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Mom, I'm doing well. The babies are fine, and I am too. I'm not an invalid."
"Elizabeth." Warned Charlette in a mother's tone. This made Grace laugh. "I don't think you are allowed to say that anymore."
"Jack said I can't use it for a week." Sassed Elizabeth.
Charlette huffed but couldn't think of anything to say.
"Mom, would you do me a favor?"
"Anything dear. You ask and I'll do it."
"I'm fine and the babies are fine. Would you please stop acting like I'm dying." She sassed with a smile.
"Elizabeth Marie Thorton!" Both mothers stated at the same time.
When they saw Elizabeth's little smirk, they realized Elizabeth was really going to be ok.
"Fine young lady." Charlette stated with her hand on her hip and a scary teacher face. She was pointing her finger at Elizabeth. "But you pull this kind of stunt again, Grace and I will move a cot into your bedroom, and we will stay there until we are satisfied you are ok. Understand young lady?"
"I would expect nothing less." Elizabeth laughed. This cause Charlette and Grace to laugh. At that moment, the tension in the room disappeared. The three ladies smiled and chatted over the next few minutes until there was a knock on the door.
"What do we have in here?" Asked the nurse.
All three ladies stopped laughing like they were busted for doing something too fun. "Nothing." All three stated.
The nurse prepared Elizabeth to be moved. "She is going to room 506. Please give us about twenty minutes to get her settled and then she can have family come in."
Her mother gathered Elizabeth's belongings and went with her to her new room on the fifth floor. Charlette volunteered to step out in the waiting room to let everyone know she was being moved and they could visit her soon.
Charlette kissed Elizabeth on the forehead. "I love you, dear."
"I love you, mom."
…
Charlette stepped into the waiting area of the ER and her family stood to hear what was going on. Jack was still in the corner but didn't notice his mother was present. Charlette told everyone where Elizabeth was going. She also warned them that Elizabeth didn't want to be treated with pity. She was fine and the babies were fine. All is good. A smile would be appreciated more than a tear.
After telling the family everything she knew, they began to gather their things and headed to the fifth floor waiting room for their chance to see Elizabeth. Charlette kissed Adam on the cheek and told him that she will be up in a moment. She nodded to Jack.
"He has been there a few minutes. We thought he needed some time by himself. He hasn't moved."
"Thank you for everything."
"Go Charlie. He needs his mom."
…
Charlette sat down next to her son without saying a word. He didn't react to her presence. She leaned back in the chair and placed her right hand on his back. She slowly and gently rubbed his back. She has always done this since he was a baby when he was upset. She knew her boy. He needed her touch and the silence.
Though Charlette wanted to know what happened and why Jack was refusing to talk or even look at William, she also knew her son would say something when he was ready. Jack never took his head out of his hands.
For Jack, the silence was needed. However, the more he thought about what happened, he would only grow angrier. The fact that he was in the ER because of his father-in-law was unfathomable. He knew he was only a father for a few months, but he could never imagine causing his child pain and hurt to the point of his daughter or son being unconscious and in the hospital because of him. The more he tried to figure it out, the more he couldn't.
Without notice, Jack spoke without lifting his head. "I'm here because of that man." His voice was distant and cold. She had never heard her son sound like that.
"Who?"
"My father-in-law."
"William?" Asked Charlette. She knew part of the story, but not all of it.
"My father-in-law."
"Do you know what happened?" She asked in a mother's caring tone, still gently rubbing his back.
Jack finally raised his head. "I don't know everything. Mr. Thatcher has been short with me for months now. I just ignore it. However, when Elizabeth found out, she was upset. She took it personally."
"Why is William acting that way?"
"I'm not certain. I think because we didn't wait like he wanted us too."
"Ok."
"Like I said, Elizabeth was unhappy. I don't know what happened today, but evidently Elizabeth became upset, and they argued." He sighed. "That's all I know. I haven't been told everything."
"Is that why you have been ignoring him?"
Jack cut his eyes to his mother and stared at her for a moment. "I'm ignoring him because I want to punch his lights out."
"Jack…you don't mean that."
"Ma, I absolutely do! I want that man to hurt like he made my wife and my children hurt." Jack's tone was cold. "I'm here because of him! I had to look at my unconscious wife because of that man! I didn't know if my wife or my babies…" His voiced trialed off. After clearing his throat, he continued. "My wife and my babies felt pain because of that man!"
"Jack…" Charlette stated softly. "He is family. You must forgive him."
"He is Elizabeth's father. He will be respected because of that, but that's it!" Jack stated shaking his head. "I'm done with that man!"
"Jack, you can't live your life in hatred. You know that."
"I do. I will forgive him at some point, but not tonight. He will be welcomed as Ig and Iggy's grandpa and Elizabeth's father, but that's it. He doesn't want a relationship with me. I will give him exactly what he wants!"
"Jack…"
"No ma! No!" He paused to gain control before he yelled. "I'm not sorry for how I feel at the moment. He did this. I know you raised me to forgive, but ma, I don't know how I can now. Maybe in time. I could have lost my…" Jack lost his voice at the thought of the sentence.
"Let's cross that bridge when we get there."
Jack nodded his head.
"Elizabeth should be in her room by now. She is in room 506. Go be with your wife."