Chapter 4
"Hi, Rachel. It's mom. I'm back from breakfast." Shelby said the next morning. "I thought I'd sing you a song today. This is one of the songs I would sing when the regret of giving you up would hit."
Shelby closed the door, took in a deep breath and began to sing softly.
On my own, pretending she's beside me. All alone, I walk with her till morning. Without her, I feel her arms around me. And when I lose my way I close my eyes and she has found me. In the rain, the pavement shines like silver. All the lights are misty in the river. In the darkness, the trees are full of starlight. And I can see her next to me forever and forever. And I know it's only in my mind. That I'm talking to myself and not to her. And although I know she's with her dad, still I say there's a way for us. I love her, but when the night is over, she is gone. The river's just a river. Without her, the world around me changes. The trees are bare and everywhere the streets are full of strangers. I love her, but every day I'm learning…all my life I've only been pretending. Without me, her world will go on turning. The world is full of happiness that I have never known! I love her…I love her…I love her. But only on my own.
As she finished, she saw Rachel's hand move. Shelby ran to the door and opened it.
"Nurse! She's moving!" she called.
A nurse came in and checked Rachel's vitals.
"Is there anyone you can call? I think she's coming out of it."
Shelby immediately walked over to the hospital phone by Rachel's bed and dialed Will as well as Rachel's dads.
"She's coming out of it quickly. That's a good sign. Talk to her. That might help."
"Rachel? It's mom. I'm right here, honey. I'm not going to leave you. You're going to be all right."
Shelby kept talking for a few minutes before the response she was waiting for came.
"Mom?" came a weak voice.
"Yes, honey, I'm here. You're all right."
"Mom…I…" Rachel began as she opened her eyes.
"Shhh…don't try to talk yet. You'll tire yourself."
"Rachel, I'm Nurse Jamie. Do you remember anything about what happened?"
"I'm in the car with my mom…we're coming across an intersection…Mom look out!" Rachel cried, clinging on to Shelby.
"It's all right, honey. It's all over. You're all right." Shelby said, comforting her daughter.
Rachel looked into her mother's eyes and knew for certain that everything would be all right.