Chapter 6 – Surgery Day
Watching the Wildcats was hard when your son wasn't playing. It wasn't as nearly exciting as when your son or even your husband now did. I struggled to sit through the game as Liam pouted on the bench.
He was getting exactly what he deserved and Jack was smart, this would probably stop it all. I'm just glad it happened before I was basically in my bed not able to move. Taking a sigh of relief, I watched as the Wildcats lost by four points. They shook hands as questions were raised of why wasn't Liam playing.
Nobody needed to know and only a couple of people knew. We gathered our stuff as Troy ran his fingers through his hair, "I'll be home in a bit okay?" I nodded as he kissed my cheek gently and I smiled. "Alright,"
Troy drove Liam home from games due to the lack of flexibility. Emma stayed home with Allison and Lauren as Wes came with me. "Mom," I looked at him, "What?" I asked him, "Can we go get ice cream…just the two of us." I smiled as the surgery date was fast approaching and I think Emma, Liam, and Wes were all beginning to freak out a little bit. Allison and Lo were still Allison and Lo.
Teachers had been sent out an email regarding everything that was getting ready to happen, to watch for behavior that isn't right and to let us know if a grade is slipping by any of them.
"Sure, where do you want to go?"
"Can we go to that homemade place?"
I nodded as we walked out together. We climbed into the SUV and he sat in the passenger seat. His seat moving backward, his buckle in place as I drove in the quiet, the radio playing softly as I looked at Wes. "Can you text your dad and let him know what's going on?" I said softly, he nodded as he pulled out his phone and texted him.
Pulling into the parking lot, the lights glowed as plenty of teenagers were here.
Wes and I slipped out of the car and we walked inside. He smiled as I wrapped my arms around his neck, he leaned in to me as I kissed the top of his head, "What do you want?" I asked him, "The strawberry!" he said with a smile, and I nodded as we got to the front of the line. "Two strawberries please," I asked softly, the lady nodded as she rang us up. I pulled out a ten as I slid it over to her.
"Thanks," we scooted down to wait for it to be scooped. Once it was slid over to us, I grabbed the two and the two spoons as we found a small table in the back. Wes took a bite and I looked at him closely, "Are you alright buddy?" I asked he nodded as he took another bite. "How long will you be in the hospital again?" he asked me, "Like when you had Lauren?"
I nodded, "Yea, but I will be there a couple of extra nights." He nodded again as he took another small bite. I watched him carefully as I had a couple of bites. "Mom," I looked up at him again and I turned my head, "Yea Wes?"
"I'm nervous,"
I gave a soft smile as I reached over to touch his hand, "It's okay to be nervous and if you need to call dad during the day Thursday, just tell your teacher bud, but mostly, I will be in surgery all day."
"Can I come see you after?" I hesitated, as I didn't want him to see me the way I was probably going to be but if he was nervous then I should probably have Liam let him come. "Sure bud," he gave a big sigh of relief, "Then you are home for a while right?"
"Of course sweetie,"
"Good," Wes and I both finished our ice cream as we tossed them into the trash and were slow to the car. "Do you have any other questions?" I asked him gently, he shook his head, "No,"
"Okay,"
I started the car, as the drive home was short, once we were in the house, I heard Troy getting the rest of the kids into bed. "Night mom, I love you," Wes's arms around my waist I smiled hugging him tighter. "I love you too,"
He took off as I went into the kitchen; I tossed my keys onto the counter and ran my fingers through my hair. "Mom," I jumped, as I didn't know Liam was in the kitchen. "Hey," I said with a smile, "Hi," he tore a piece of bread off of his sandwich, pushing it into his mouth. "I'm mad at dad still,"
"Sorry, you shouldn't have done that," he rolled his shoulders back as he looked up, "I said I'm sorry," I nodded as I went over to the counter, "We know you did and we just have to make sure you truly understand how much you shouldn't do that."
Liam rubbed his eyes, "Yea, I know,"
"I'm going to bed, I'll see you in the morning okay?"
"Yea,"
I paused as I looked at him, "Are you alright Liam?" he looked up at me and he nodded his head, "Yea, I'm perfectly fine,"
"Perfectly?"
"Maybe I'm just fine,"
"Okay,"
I smiled as I went up the stairs, "Alli, come on, get in bed,"
I peeked in as Troy was trying to get Alli to settle. I smiled as I waited at the door as Troy read her a short story, turned out the light, and closed her door. Once he stepped out, he sighed, and my arms circled his back.
"My beautiful," he said, I smiled as Troy turned to kiss me softly. "Was the ice cream good?"
"Yummy,"
"Wes alright?"
"Just nervous for Thursday like the rest of us. I told him that he could come up Thursday night with Liam and Emma," Troy nodded as he kissed my forehead, "I also said if he feels he needs to call and make sure everything is alright Thursday, to call,"
"Okay,"
"Is Emma asleep?"
"Yea, she went to bed as soon as I got home."
"Then I'm gonna go to bed."
"Alright, I'll be there in a bit okay?"
"Okay,"
"Gabi," I turned towards my mom as she smiled, "I'm just bring some stuff by,"
"When do you leave again?" I asked, "Friday night," I nodded as I sat on the counter in the kitchen, "Yea,"
"I wanted to stay through your surgery and I'll be back in a couple of months to see you again, to make sure you are okay," I smiled, "I'll be fine," I told her with a smile, "Good, somebody has to wait with Troy tomorrow to make sure he doesn't go crazy." I gave a soft laugh, "Yea, he just might."
"Are you guys having a family dinner tonight?"
"A family night," I said with a soft nod, "Good, well Sam and I are going to go out on the town. Kyle is catching up with some friends for the evening so, we will see you later okay?" I nodded; I went over to give her a hug, "Probably after my surgery,"
"We might be there before hand," I nodded, "Alright," she smiled and squeezed me softly, "I'll see you later," I nodded and she left, I leaned back against the counter as I felt like I was lost in a million of thoughts.
"Brie, hello, earth to Brie," I blinked as I looked at Troy who was standing in front of me, amused, "What?" I asked him, he shook his head as he looked at me. "I came in here and you are just staring off into space."
"Sorry," I said, "You're fine, I was just wondering what's wrong?"
"I'm just thinking of everything I need to get done between now and tomorrow morning. I still need to go pick up some stuff from the store, Lo need's more pull-ups, I need to get stuff ready for the next couple of days,"
"Slow down, slow down," Troy pressed his fingers against my chest; they worked there way to my shoulder as he massaged them slowly. "Slow down and take a breath. You need to relax."
"Troy, I just have so much stuff to do,"
"It will all be fine if it doesn't get done."
A sigh rippled through me as Troy pulled me close to his chest. "What's wrong?"
"I'm becoming more and more scared,"
"Of?"
"My surgery."
"I figured. You have never been good…with any surgery on any body." I clutched to Troy, as I was a mess when he had knee surgery almost a year ago. "I know," Troy, pressed his lips to my forehead and he kept them there.
"You're gonna be okay, I'm gonna be there when you wake up and it's going to be fine."
"I hope so Troy,"
He rubbed my lower back as he kissed my temple, "What's for dinner tonight?"
"Cheeseburgers," Troy smiled, "Your favorite," I nodded as he kissed my forehead, "Well you can relax, go watch some,"
"I'm going to basically be watching TV for the next six weeks, I think it can wait," Troy smiled and I nodded, "Very well then, make it wait." Troy gently picked my up as he sat me on the counter, he pressed his lips to mine, "This won't happen for six weeks though," he whispered, I smirked as I leaned into him.
Our lips met in a rough work, the pressure and the intensity as his fingers worked their way up the back of my shirt. My arms wrapped around his neck pulling him closer to me, "Is Lo still sleeping?"
"We have thirty minutes," Troy whispered, I pulled Troy's shirt over his head and tossed it onto the floor. He laughed as he picked me up. "We can't risk anybody walking in on this," he whispered, I smiled as we continued to kiss as we made our way up the stairs.
Troy kicked our door shut behind him as he lowered me down onto the bed gently. His lips pressing into my cheek and then down to my neck, "I love you Troy,"
He pressed his cheek against mine as his lips got closer to mine, "I love you too," I smiled as I kissed his cheek softly. "Are you going to make love to me or what Mr. Bolton?" Troy grinned and he nodded, "Totally Mrs. Bolton,"
Pushing my plate away as the food was cooked and I was finished eating, I looked at all of my kids around the table.
Liam was finishing his second cheeseburger, his eyes focused on his plate, as he didn't look much of anywhere. Emma had only eaten half of the first one, she picked quietly as she didn't want to eat much more.
Wes was almost finished as he ate one of his French fries, his hands went to his glass of water and I let my eyes fall back to Allison who was giggly and trying to talk to Liam but Liam wasn't in the mood for Allison.
"Alli, can you please stop talking?"
Allison had a flash of hurt cross her face and she went back to eating her food. Lo was playing around as I looked at Troy who had barely touched his food, I knew he was nervous, hell, I was nervous.
Everybody was awful quiet tonight as I gave a glance at everybody, "We need to talk," I said softly, almost everybody's head snapped up as they looked at me. "I mean you guys are really quiet tonight and I want some family time. Really," a sigh escaped a few lips, "Hey, please,"
When nobody spoke up, I pressed my lips together, "Anybody?"
Troy leaned back in his chair as we shared a small look, "Is there any questions?" Troy asked as he dropped his napkin on his plate, "Not really,"
"I have one," Emma said, "What is tomorrow going to look like?" she asked softly, I gave a gentle smile. "Tomorrow, your dad and I are going to leave at five thirty," Troy grunted as he was still a sleeper, always will be a sleeper.
I nudged him with my foot as he laughed, "Anyways, I'll be heading into surgery at around seven to seven thirty." Emma and Liam both gave me a long draw of eye contact. "For seven to nine hours, I'll be in surgery. So anywhere from two to four I will be out of surgery. I will then be placed in the ICU for the evening, the next day, I will be moved to a spot between an ICU and a regular room, if everything goes well, I will be in a regular room for a couple of days."
Emma and Liam both nodded, "I will have tubes and wires," I glanced at the younger kids, "Through out my body to drain fluids but we can't be scared of those, we also won't be able to give full on hugs like we know around here."
My looks went pointedly towards Liam, Troy, and Emma who were all chest high. "Oh,"
"Yea, so, we will work on the hug thing later but that's how much of this week is going to go. I'm hoping I will be home Monday or Tuesday."
The kids all gave a small nod as I looked at the rest of them, "Any more questions?" I asked, "Will you have booboos?" I smiled at Allison as I nodded, "A couple and we will talk about them more when I know about them more okay?"
She nodded her head, "Who has dishes tonight?" Liam asked, he squirmed to get away as I pushed back my chair, "I will,"
They all looked at me surprised because I rarely did dishes after dinner. I did them the rest of the day but after dinner was normally a kid or Troy. "Really?" Wes asked excited, it was probably his night, "Only because I'm not sure what I am going to be able to do in the next couple of weeks and you guys have to help your grandmother and your dad out with the dishes besides after dinner. Okay?"
They nodded as they filed to put the dishes into the sink, rinse them of. Some of them went off to do homework and other things. I stretched softly as I cleaned the dishes and I opened the dishwashers as I loaded it.
Once I was done, it was almost eight thirty and I needed to shower, shave, and make sure I have everything for the hospital. Rubbing my forehead gently, I took a look at Troy who was pressing his fingers to his forehead. "You alright?" Troy looked up and nodded, he hadn't shaved in a while. "Yea,"
"I have the schedule laid out here," I said pointing to it, Troy nodded, "There are a couple of meals packed, school lunches are not a must but I would love for that to continue. I think I have everything I am going to need,"
"Is there anything I need to get you before you come home?" Troy asked, I pressed my lips together, "Find me a TV series to watch," Troy raised an eyebrow, "You want me too?"
"You know my style of watching, if you find it on Netflix then set it up in our room." Troy nodded, "I have a couple of books, my Mac, I don't think I'll need much more." Troy gave a soft nod; "I'll work on it then,"
"Good,"
Going over to Troy, I rested my head on his shoulder. "Are you going to be good with washing my hair, helping me change," Troy shook his head as he laughed, "You are going to be enjoying this aren't you?"
"Right now I am, ask me tomorrow," Troy and I laughed as he kissed my hand, "I'm going to go do my rounds,"
"Have fun," he kissed me again as I went to do my rounds of goodnights.
"Do we have everything?" I looked through the car, groggy, my mind raced through everything. I was in one of Troy's button down shirts with a pair of cropped yoga pants and my black flip-flops.
"I think so, I mean, if I forgot anything I can just send you home or have Lucille bring it up." Troy nodded, "I'm going to go say bye to the three oldest," Troy nodded as they had all three requested me to wake them up before I left.
Going to the boy's room, I opened the door to find Emma sleeping in Liam's bed. I shook my head as I went further into the room, I sat down as I gently shook them both awake. My glasses were perched on my face as they both groggily woke up.
"Its already time?" I nodded my head as Liam and Emma both sat up. They scooted apart as I went in the middle of them. I smiled softly as they rested against me. "I'll see you guys tonight okay?" they nodded as I kissed Liam's temple and Emma's, "I love you guys,"
"I love you too mom," both Emma and Liam echoed out as we stayed for an extra moment. My eyes tired, Troy knocked on the door as Wes came in the room. I opened my arms as he rested against me, "We gotta go Brie,"
The kids all loved when Troy called me Brie, they loved that I had a nickname that Troy called me. I nodded as I kissed the top of Wes's head. "I love you,"
"I love you too mommy,"
I got out of bed as Liam followed to give me a hug, I smiled as I hugged him back, and "We are going to have to figure out a way to do this,"
"No worries, we will," I gave him another smile as Emma hugged me. "You guys have a good day at school, if you have to text or call dad, just ask your teachers and you can check in. I'll be waiting for you guys," they nodded as I hugged on Wes.
A small smile comforted me as I was almost in tears, "Okay, take care of your siblings this morning. Lo will be confused so if one of you three could wake her up, Allison might just ask,"
"We got it mom, Grandma will be here," I nodded as I hugged them again, "I love you three,"
Once I left, I exited as Troy looked at me, my eyes filling with tears as Troy shut the door to the garage as he then pulled me into a hug. "It's going to be alright," he whispered, his lips pressing into my freshly washed hair. I nodded and we both climbed into the car.
The ride was quiet as Lucille was sleeping still; she came to offer a good luck before going back to bed in our spare room. My head throbbed as we entered the hospital parking lot; my nerves began to crawl as I took a deep breath.
Troy parked the car and he looked at me, "You don't look so hot,"
I gave a soft laugh, "Yea, I don't feel so hot,"
Troy squeezed my hand, "You'll be fine,"
"I know,"
We walked hand in hand towards the hospital; only bring a couple of things until I got my room later to bring the rest. "You remember I want to be changed into my shorts and that button up shirt after surgery right?" Troy nodded, "Of course, I couldn't forget,"
Going into the waiting room, we checked in as I sat down, "It's gonna be good day, my lady is getting a boob job," Troy joked, I shook my head as I let a bubble echo out of my mouth. A smile pressing against my lips, "You have got to be kidding me," Troy smirked as he kissed me softly, "Not really," I shook my head as I pushed his shoulder. He laughed and I shook my head, "You are not on my good side,"
"I'm always on your good side, I got you to smile and laugh though," I rolled my eyes, "Whatever," Troy kissed my cheek as I shook my head; we waited a few more minutes before I was called back. Troy grabbed my hand as we walked back together.
Troy's POV
I let my knee bounce up and down as I looked at the nurse who was putting all of Gabi's information in the computer as she changed in the bathroom. She was nervous and anxious about all of this. My eyes looked at the door, "Nervous?" I glanced up at the nurse as I nodded, "A little bit,"
"It's a pretty routine surgery, Dr. Johnny and Dr. Mills are excellent surgeons too," I smiled at the reassurance I was getting. Gabi came out as she handed the clothes to the nurse, as she would be wearing the same thing home.
"Alright, let me put these up and I will send Dr. Johnny and Dr. Mills into the room." Gabi nodded as I got up from the chair and I sat down next to her. My fingers slipped through hers. My chin rested on her shoulder, "You promise you'll be there when I wake up?" I nodded against her, "Yea, if they let me,"
"Let them please, okay? I want to see your face when I wake up," her voice was on edge, I slipped my fingers through hers as I nodded, "I'll be here," I said softly, "Don't worry," I kissed her temple and then I brushed my lips against hers.
"My favorite patient is here!"
Gabi laughed as Dr. Johnny walked in, I slipped from the table back to the chair as Gabi gave me a quick glance. I grabbed her hand, "Good morning, how are we feeling?" he shook her hand and then mine, "It's a very nervous morning," Gabi responded, Dr. Johnny gave a slight smile, "I bet."
He sat at his computer as he read over some stuff, "I'll be doing about the last four to five hours of the surgery. The reconstruction takes the longest part of this all; I'll take over after Dr. Mills is finished with her part of the surgery."
Gabi nodded her head as I looked at her, "We went over a lot of questions on Monday, do we have any other questions?" he asked, "None," Gabi said softly, I smiled in agreement as he nodded, "Alright, I will see you in a bit then,"
I squeezed Gabi's hand as I stood up, "I'll be back in a second okay?" she nodded as I stepped out to follow him. "A question that you don't want your wife to hear?" he asked looking up from his file. "Not really, more of a request,"
Dr. Johnny shut his file and pressed it against his chest, "What might that request be?" I licked my lower lip as I looked at the room. "She is really nervous about all of this, not sure what to think about all of this and the one thing she really has asked of me to do is be there when she wakes up,"
He pressed his lips together, "Usually we have them wake up in recovery and then bring back visitors to make sure everything is okay, that her medication didn't cause problems but if you can promise to get out of the way if something happens, I can make it happen,"
"The look she keeps giving me to make it happen, I wasn't sure," he laughed, "She didn't want to see me after surgery? Man! I feel so upset," I laughed as I shook his hand again, "Thanks,"
"No problem Troy,"
He turned to walk away as Dr. Mills came back, "Well Good Morning Troy!"
"Good morning," I echoed, I followed her into the room as Gabi fidgeted, I sat down next to her and rubbed her hand as they talked and then Gabi dropped her gown as they marked on her chest.
Each mark representing where she will make cuts, every little mark she gripped my hand tighter. "My part will take about two to three hours and then I'll be done, hand it off to Dr. Johnny and I'll be out to update Troy."
"Okay," Gabi said, her voice shaking, as she was becoming a wreck. "Alright, well, they are going to prep you for surgery and I'll see you back there in a bit," Gabi nodded as she left the room, I helped her tie her gown back again as I then stood in front of her, my fingers tilting her chin back. "It's going to be okay," I whispered, I pressed my lips against hers as she wrapped her arms around my stomach.
Her head pressing into chest as I placed my hand on the back of her head, "I love you Brie,"
"I love you too Troy,"
The nurse came back as she started an IV for Gabi, which after five pregnancies, was completely used to. They got her settled into a bed as they went over a couple more things. My eyes watched as she was prepped further, a net over her hair to keep it back. She fidgeted as she kept giving me glances, "It's time to take her back," her face paled slightly as I stood up.
"You can walk with us Mr. Bolton until the doors," I nodded as I found her hand, they walked down a couple of halls, "This is as far as you can go," I nodded as they stopped, Gabi looked up as me as I pressed my lips to her forehead, "Go kickass back there okay? I'll be right there when you wake up," she nodded as I kissed her again, "I love you,"
"I love you too,"
I let go of her hand and I gave her a big smile, once they wheeled her beyond the door. I flattened against the back of the wall. I massaged my temples as this was going to be a hell of a day.
Tapping my foot on the ground, I realized, only and hour and half had passed since she had been taken into surgery. My nervous energy was casted everywhere as Maria sat next to me patiently.
"Troy, there is going to be a hole in the ground," I let my head hit the wall, she cringed, "There is going to be a hole somewhere." Sam muttered I couldn't resist the smile as I shook my head, "I can't do this for seven hours."
"Then leave for a bit, we will stay,"
"I can't if something happens," I let the sentence drag on as I didn't want to finish it. I didn't want to think about it. I massaged my knee as I sat forward; Maria was kind enough to bring me a coffee. Liam and Emma had both texted me during first hour to make sure everything was okay.
After plenty of reassurance, I told them I would text them once the first update was given. I sucked in a long breath, my fingers playing with the rim of my cup. The drawn out breath, I gave a look towards the doors, I got my phone out as I was in contact with the Lakers most of this week with my contact. With the news of Gabi, they were supportive of me taking the spot and doing as much as I can from home and leave when I have to leave.
Glancing over, I grabbed a magazine, flipped through it, as I couldn't take this anymore. The little board in the corner only told me she was in the surgery. That's all. What good did that do?
Pulling my backpack out in front of me, I reached for my iPad as I played games on there for a while. A couple of card games get them in a row games. The time began to pass a little more settle as I updated my mom, Taylor, and Sharpay ever so often.
At the three-hour mark, I stood up to get water out of the vending machine. Once I came back, I looked at a couple of posters, looked at a few other people in the waiting room. A couple that couldn't be much older than thirty, an older gentleman, middle-aged women, and an older couple.
My tongue ran over my teeth as I sighed, I sat back down; I needed Chad or somebody to come and distract me. I have never been on this side of the waiting room. Not like this, Gabi hasn't had a surgery since her knee and that was almost fourteen years ago and I was pretty drugged up for all of that.
I needed drugs now.
Rubbing my eyes, I wondered what was taking so long for the first part to be over.
Hearing the doors move, I glanced up to see a doctor walk out and go towards the younger couple. They stood up quickly, now that had been me. Our kids did have the simple surgeries and fuck, Liam that was an experience I never wanted to go back too.
The parents smiled as they both hugged the doctor, I smiled as Gabi had done that more than once…even if it was for a simple surgery of appendix. "Troy," I blinked as I looked to see Dr. Mills, I stood up, "Gabi did wonderful during my portion of the surgery, and it was a bit more complex than I was expecting. We took several of her lymph nodes which we were not expecting to do,"
"But she is doing okay?" I said, she smiled, "Perfect, very steady the entire surgery. Dr. Johnny just took over and a nurse will come out to update you every so often," I breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you,"
"No problem, I'll check on Gabi later after the conclusion of her surgery." I nodded as I settled back in my seat; I rubbed my temple as I blew out a big sigh of relief. The first part was over and I could quite possible be okay for the rest of the surgery.
I sent out a blast of a text message, "I'm going to go find some food, I'll be back in a bit," Sam and Maria nodded as I went to the elevator. Going down the elevator, I found the cafeteria as I rubbed my eyes again. My phone began to blow up with responses.
The words of having to take lymph nodes concerned me that it was worse than they imagined.
The fact that it was bigger scared me.
It all scared me.
I swallowed hard and I grabbed a muffin and a thing of milk. My fingers found the opening and I paid for everything. Sitting down, I looked at all of the responses of good and fantastic.
Eating my muffin slowly, I closed my eyes to just think of something to get my mind off of everything that was said.
That's when my phone rang.
I looked down to see Emma calling me.
I slid the button over as I pressed the phone to my ear, "Hello?"
"Daddy?" Emma's sobs crept up the phone as I looked up alert, "Emma, sweetie, what's wrong?"
"Dad, can you come and get me," her sobs escaped as I felt my gut twist, "Emma tell me what's wrong," I tossed the muffin and milk away as she cried, "Emma, hey, talk to me, what's wrong?"
"Daddy,"
"Hang on Emma,"
Going back to the surgical waiting area, I went over to my backpack, "Dad, please,"
"Emma, I'm coming okay? Are you hurt? Is something wrong?"
"I just need you,"
"Okay, how about you go to the office and wait for me okay?"
"Okay," she hiccupped, "I'll be there soon,"
Resting my forehead against the chair, I dug out my keys as Maria looked at me. "Is everything okay?" I ran my fingers through my hair, "I have no clue, Emma, calls me in complete sobs and won't talk to me, I have to go to her, I'll be back in like an hour, if something happens, call me and I'll figure it out,"
"Troy, take a breath, calm down," I did as instructed, "It should be several more hours, go, I'll keep you updated."
"Thank you, I have to be back before she wakes up, I shouldn't be gone that long,"
"Go,"
I jumped up as I ran out of the hospital to the car, the car blinked as I got behind the wheel. Her school was several blocks from here, jumping into the middle of the day traffic, I ran through an yellow light, stopped briefly at a stop sign and was at the school in a record amount of time.
She had to do this to me today.
Pulling along side the curb, I ran into the school building as I stopped in the office but I didn't see Emma. "Sir, may I help you?" I glanced up, "Yea, my daughter Emma Bolton," she gave me a strange look, "She called me from somewhere and asked me to come up here,"
"We haven't seen Emma today,"
"What do you mean you haven't seen Emma?"
"Let me call down to her classroom," I waited nervously, "Emma left class about twenty minutes ago and hasn't returned," I cursed as I backed out of the office, "Mr. Bolton!"
Going down the hallways I haven't been in years, I looked for the bathrooms as I came to the first female one. "Em?" I called and heard nothing in return as I went to the next one. Two hallways over, "Emma?"
After another strike, I cursed; I then went to the next one when I heard her sobs. I didn't stop at the female sign as she was sitting on the floor in tears. She looked up at me and she then scrambled up, I brought her into my arms as she pressed against me.
"Emma," I breathed, she hugged me tighter as she cried. The office people caught up with me as I tried not to throw them a mean look for not knowing where my daughter was. "Mr. Bolton, if we could take this to the office. Our bell is about to ring," I nodded, as Emma didn't want to let go.
Her being like Gabi, I easily picked her up as I took her down into the office where they had a room waiting. I sat her down into a chair as I went face level with her. "Emma, hey, what's wrong?" I asked her face was red with tears and her brown eyes filled with them.
"Everybody," I raised an eyebrow, "Everybody?"
"This morning with mom, Allison cried most of the morning because mom wasn't there and so was Lo, which was hard because we had to put the brave faces on. Then when I got to school," she paused as if she didn't know if she should say it, "The guy I was supposed to go to the dance with bailed for another girl," her bottom lip trembled, "I'm worried about mom and I can't stop thinking about her, I got yelled at by two of my teachers for not paying attention,"
"Em," I said softly, she broke down again as I hugged her. Her thin sobs echoing in the office as I pressed my face against her temple. The fact that a guy who asked her to this stupid dance bailed, pissed me off, the fact that an email went out to her teachers about today was for a reason. We knew that today was going to be hard for her, this is why we had sent out an email and the school had failed us.
"Do you want to go home and wait with grandma?" I asked her, she nodded stiffly into my neck as I pulled back, "Okay, do you want to go get your stuff?" she wiped her eyes and nodded, "I'll sign you out and then I'll take you home," I brushed a piece of hair away from her face. She got up as I got up from my spot, she was in a pair of sweats with a long sleeve shirt…so unlike Emma.
A sigh brushed through my system as her principal came out. Dr. Ray, "Mr. Bolton, do we have a problem," I took a deep breath, to calm everything inside of me before I just blew up. "A little bit,"
He gave me a look, "Is there something we did wrong on our level,"
My jaw tightened, "A little bit,"
He nodded, "Can we talk about it,"
"I would appreciate that,"
He nodded, "Can you tell Emma, and I will be just a minute?" the office lady nodded as I went into the man's office. "Mr. Bolton, we don't tolerate,"
I cut him off, "My wife is in surgery right now, a mastectomy because she has breast cancer." The principal looked up at me with a surprised look, "My wife and I sent out an email about a week ago explaining everything that is going on to inform teachers that Emma and my older son might be distraught and to look for stuff that we are missing in our crazy time right now."
"Mr. Bolton, I assure,"
"You assure me what? Because on the day I know my daughter is going to need it most, the support from teachers is not there. She has three younger siblings that she has to tell that she is okay because she doesn't want to scare them when my whole family is scared, her mom is in a day long surgery that has all of on the edge of our seats, there was already some drama going on and then she has teachers yelling at her for not paying attention. Excuse me for not being assured that everything is being taken care of because my daughter should be getting support from her teachers today, not being yelled at, if anybody had a damn mind around here then they would."
"I'm sorry about your wife, I was out of the office most of last week, and some of my emails were missed."
"You are the principal! We labeled it with something that would catch your attention, this is when we can't be failed."
I rubbed my forehead, "I have to go," I said looking at the man, "And I hope by tomorrow you have all of this figured out."
Walking out of his office, I realized that my deep breath didn't go anywhere for me. Emma was waiting with her backpack. I signed her out stiffly and I dropped the pen, "Have a good day!" the office lady said, I turned my back, "Come on Em, let's go,"
She got up as we both quietly walked to the car, she got in and she turned towards the window, "I'm so sorry Em, we tried to prevent this from happening,"
"It's okay," she said softly, I sighed as I drove to the house. It was quiet and when I pulled into the driveway, I shut the car off, Emma and I both exited the car and I lead her up the steps as she wrapped her arms around me.
"Thank you for coming dad, I didn't want to take you away from mom but I couldn't be in that classroom anymore." I kissed the top of her head as I kept her close, "I didn't want you to be upset, are you going to be okay here?" she nodded as I wiped a tear away, "I hate leaving you," I whispered, "I'll be fine dad,"
"Come on," I lead her in the house as my mom appeared with Lo, "Daddy!" she struggled in my mom's arms as she let her down, my mom took a look at Emma and Emma went to get a hug from her as I picked up Lauren.
"Daddy!" she giggled and kissed my cheek, "Are you having fun with grandma?" I asked her, "Yea!"
I smiled and I held on to her as my mom talked to Emma for an extra second, I nudged my head towards the kitchen; she nodded as I set down Lauren and went into the kitchen. "What happened?"
"She called me sobbing that she needed me, I went to go get her and the school had no idea where she was, I took it upon myself to run around to the bathrooms until I found her. I then took her to the office where she told me teachers were yelling at her for not paying attention, Gabi and I sent out a fucking email for a reason." The tension rolled in my shoulders. "Are you done?" my mom asked me, "No," I gripped, I sighed, "Yes,"
"I'll watch Emma for the rest of the day. You go get your butt back to Gabi,"
I nodded, "Thanks mom, I owe you,"
"I know you do, Jenni is supposed to be there soon,"
"Okay,"
I went to hug Emma and Lauren once more as I then disappeared.
Troy's POV
Another hour went by as Jenni and I talked, more about Emma, than anything.
"A boy huh?"
"I think that was just to top it all off. I don't know how many people know about Gabi in her world, I was just so…angry. I should probably go back tomorrow and apologize. I was so rude."
"It sounds like you had a right to be. If one of my kids teachers did that, I would be outright furious." I nodded as I ran my fingers through my hair, taking a deep breath; I looked at the board, as she should be done with surgery at any moment. It was about four fifteen, Liam was home from school and Emma was hanging out with him. Allison and Wes were going to be close behind.
Liam was waiting for that text to come up but I wasn't sure right now. My dad had texted me saying Liam spent a good hour in the gym shooting around. I couldn't stop the smile after I read that because that is exactly what I wanted to do.
Emma was better after spending some time with my mom. I guess Wes had a rough morning at school but as the day progressed, he got better, and Allison was a mess for most of the day as I got emails from both of their teachers. No matter how much we tried to prepare them for this day, it didn't help.
The day of waiting had worn on me, as we had been in the room the longest. A few of the families have come and gone, quick and long. Chewing on my lip, I glanced at the board again as Gabi was still labeled close to finished.
My palms rubbed my eyes, as I just wanted to fall asleep, the exhaustion of the day was wearing on me. Every fiber in my body was exhausted from the emotions of the day and it was barely four thirty.
Sitting back, my eyes felt like they were glued on the door.
I tossed my coffee cup away as I paced for a bit, I texted Liam as Wes and Allison arrived home.
Once the door swung up, my head snapped up, "Wow, he is cute," Dr. Johnny was still in his gown as he nodded towards me; I got up, as I was at the door quicker than I had moved in a long time.
"How is she?"
He smiled, "Excellent, she was a great trooper today. Everything went well during the surgery and I expect her to be awake in a couple of minutes. Her pain level is probably going to be high but we have already started a high dose of meds as her chest is going to feel like it's on fire or just pure pain. I'm not even sure how to describe it. She is going to be groggy and tired, hopefully, she will sleep most of the night."
He lead me back to an area as I heard the beeps of machines, he lead me around a few corners as I was given a badge and I then saw her. She had ace wrap around her chest as she was being changed into the shirt she requested, four tubes hung out of her chest as she looked peaceful for the moment. Her heart rate steady, her blood pressure normal as I felt a gasp of air be sucked in.
"I'll be back in a bit to check up on her, remember, if they ask you to get out of the way, do," I nodded my head as I pulled up the chair next to her bed. Blankets were wrapped around her as I found her hand; I stroked it as she looked like she was beat up. She looked swollen at parts and just exhausted, she turned her head as a nurse was standing by watching things.
I rose out of my chair gently as she opened her eyes, her head turning as I hovered above her as the nurse began to check things. She looked at me and closed her eyes again, "Hey there sleepyhead," my throat catched as I looked at her, she opened her eyes again as I kissed her forehead. "I'm so happy to see you awake," I whispered, she whimpered softly as she looked at me.
"It's okay," I whispered, "Gabi, I'm your nurse, Angela, can you tell me your last name,"
"Bolton," she squeaked, the nurse nodded, "Good, what's the name of your third child?"
"Wes," she replied, her tongue swiped against her lower lip, as she didn't seem to be in too much pain. "Very good, on a scale from one to ten, what is your pain level?"
"Six," she replied, I winched as I sat next to her bed, "Do you need anything?" she licked her lips again, "Ice chips," she begged, the nurse smiled, "I can certainly do that!" she walked away as Gabi closed her eyes again. I watched as she struggled to stay awake, I sent a text out saying she was awake, groggy, and good.
Liam was quick to replay with when he could come up.
I told him not for a couple of more hours, Gabi needed some time to rest before she saw her kids and she didn't look so hot right now. My fingers brushed away some of her loose strands of hair. They had her propped up pretty good as the nurse came back, "The doctors will come check on you and then they will move you up to the room as soon as it is ready."
I gave a nod as I gave Gabs an ice chip as she sucked on it, too tired to keep her eyes open. I stayed quiet, "The kids?" she asked, her eyes closed and opened again, "Are all okay, a few had a rough day but they are all okay," I told her, she swallowed, winced, and took a breath.
I saw tears fill her eyes as I scooted closer, "Hey, look, we are one step closer to beating everything that is going on. Everything went smoothly today and you are so beautiful and strong, you will be fine, I promise," I kissed her temple as she nodded softly, "I love you,"
"I love you too," my fingers wrapped around hers and my fingers smoothed over her empty wedding ring spot. The missing ring seemed odd as it was always there but with the surgery and the swelling, it wasn't good, so she left it at home this morning.
"My favorite patient," Dr. Johnny said.
"Our favorite patient," Dr. Mills corrected, Gabi smiled softly, still groggy, "How are we feeling?" Gabi swallowed again as she looked at me, "Sore, tired,"
"All normal, how is our pain level?"
"Uncomfortable six," Dr. Johnny smiled, "I told you I liked her," Johnny said to Dr. Mills, Dr. Mills laughed, "She is a good lady, Gabi, we had to take out lymph nodes in both left and right sides. We were not expecting to do that but we did. We should have your pathology report in a few days to the grade and size. I'm not sure what to expect but thankful we got there."
Gabi closed her eyes and I smoothed her hair away, I knew she didn't want to hear what she just heard. "Bright side, you are going to look as good as new in just a couple of weeks after all of the swelling goes down. Your producer went just as planned today in the OR." Gabi didn't move as I watched her. She was battling emotions and sleep. "Get some rest Gabi, we will check on you later,"
I thanked them as they walked off; I gave her another ice chip as she struggled with emotions. "It's okay," I soothed, "It's going to be okay," I pressed my lips to her temple, "Hey," Kyle, Jenni, Sam, and Maria were standing there.
"How is she?"
"Tired, groggy, in some pain." Maria came over to Gabi's side as she opened her eyes again, "I'm okay," she whispered, Maria smiled as she grabbed her hand, "I'm glad," a soft smile crossed my lips as she gave a small smile, her eyes closing again.
"We just wanted to come see you before the transferred you floors, we will come back tomorrow morning before we leave okay?" Gabi nodded her head as Sam kissed her cheek and her mom touched her softly. Kyle kissed her forehead and then Jenni gave a small sigh, "Hey lover," Gabi smiled and looked at Jenni, "How ya feeling?"
"Like shit,"
Jenni smiled, "I heard that's the way to feel these days."
Gabi looked at Jenni with a smile, "I have to get home to my kiddos but I had to see you first, I know lover boy will keep me updated," Gabi nodded, "He sure will,"
Jenni moved my hand and squeezed it, "I love you Gabs,"
Gabi closed your eyes again as I thanked Jenni for coming and she slipped out.
"Dad, please, we just want to come up and see her, and we won't be there long." I let my headrest against the wall as I looked at Gabi; she was sleeping at the moment. Quiet and moving every once and a while.
"Fine, you guys can come up for about twenty minutes but that's all." Liam cheered, "We will be there soon," hanging up, I looked at Gabi, and she was really tired and was in and out of sleep for most of the night.
Doctors and nurses were in and out checking on her but she slept through most of it. I played on my iPad as time moved faster with her in my sights. Her breathing normal, her heart rate normal, the beeps of the machines steady as they can be.
Setting my phone off to the side, I scooted closer to her as I kissed her forehead gently; she stirred out of her sleep as her brown eyes looked at me. "Hey, what's wrong?" I asked, her eyes were glazed over and I knew something wasn't right.
"Brie, hey, talk to me," she closed her eyes tight, "Lots of pain," she moaned, I stood up as she was in tears already; I went out to the nursing station as they looked at me. "Has she gotten all of her meds? She is complaining of a lot of pain," I said, they looked at Gabi's room, found her chart, "She should have, let me go check," I followed her into the room as they looked over Gabi's poles of meds.
"They are all here, let me check her IV," once they found her IV, it was covered with blood and oozing, "Oh goodness, her IV is backed up with blood, let me get a new IV going and everything should be set."
She looked miserable as she pressed her face into her pillow. They had given her a new IV after the transfer from downstairs to upstairs for meds, so she had another one, which apparently wasn't working.
Going over next to her, I struggled as she looked to be in a lot of pain. "Brie," her eyes opened and I took her hand, "Liam and them are coming up to see you, they just want to make sure you are okay."
"Okay,"
"Taylor sends her love," I told her, the nurse came back as she gently took Gabi's arm without the IV, I watched her as Gabi closed her eyes, "Taylor and Chad both want to come and see you tomorrow if that's okay. If it's not then we can make another day, what else…"
Once the nurse got the IV in, she connected her to all of the drugs that was being delivered, "She should be getting some pain relief soon, and it doesn't take too long to take effect."
"Thank you,"
"Yes, come and get me if you need anything."
Brushing Gabi's hair away, I kissed her forehead again, "Tell me everything about the kids day," Gabi said quietly looking at me, "I know something happened today and you just aren't telling me."
I sighed as I smiled, "Am I that easy to read?" she gave a tiny smile, "Liam spent a good hour in the gym today just shooting around according to my dad, that was it, Emma had a bit rougher of a day, I guess the male who was going to take her to the dance bailed on her and is taking somebody else, teachers apparently didn't take our email seriously or didn't get it as she was yelled at by a few of them by not paying attention, she called me sobbing, I had to leave and go get her, I took her home,"
Gabi closed her eyes as I saw the stress forming, "I talked with the principal, I should probably go back to the principal and apologize but nothing was gone to ensure that she had an okay day but nobody seemed to know." I sighed, "Wes, had a rocky morning but as the day went on he was better. Allison was upset most of the day and Lo was upset this morning when one of us didn't get her out of bed but that was it."
"Em," Gabi said looking at me, "She is okay right?"
"She'll be fine, she was just really upset and I think Alli and Lo this morning didn't help as she was already upset. The boy thing, which why did I let that slide again?" Gabi gave a small smile as I pursed my lips, "Then the teachers, I just think it was too much for her today."
My phone buzzed as I saw the kids were here, I leaned forward, "I'll be back in a couple of minutes, the kids are here, do you need some extra minutes before I bring them up?"
"I'm ready," she said as she opened her eyes more for her to only close them again, I laughed, "Try to stay awake for a couple of minutes…okay?" she smiled as I kissed her and grabbed my keys.
Going down the elevator and out the door, I looked to see Liam and Emma. Wes was right behind them as I made my way over to them, "How is she? Is she doing okay?" I nodded, "Come with me really fast to the car to grab a bag,"
"But we want to see mom,"
"You'll see mom, I just need to do this first,"
They all sighed as we went out to the car and I grabbed a different bag that I had forgotten earlier. When I locked the car, Emma pulled me into a hug as I hugged her back, "Are you alright?" I asked her quietly, Wes and Liam looked at her as she settled in my embrace.
"Yea, I just, I overreacted a little early. I should have been more calm at school and I'm sorry," I pulled her chin up to look at me, "You have nothing to be sorry for Em, your day wasn't as anybody wanted it and your mom and I are going to take care of it. Things were said and people will be held responsible." Emma sighed as she looked at me, "It will be okay dad,"
"We will talk about it more tomorrow okay?" she nodded as I led them inside. We got through the security and up the elevator as we came to the level. "You guys have to be prepared for how your mom might look, she has tubes comes out from different places, lots of IV's, monitors, it's a bit much and if you can't handle it, just say something and I'll step out in the hall with you alright?"
"Dad we aren't baby's," Liam said, "Yea, well, you are my kids and that is your mom so, it's rough. It was rough for me."
"That's because you can't stand mom in pain," Wes said, I couldn't resist the corners of my lips tugging up, "And what if that's the case?" I asked, "Then you really love her," Emma finished, I smiled, "That's because I do, come on," I led them back into the room, "Mom," Liam was the first to say something as Gabi opened her eyes. A smile working over her face as the kids stepped further in.
"Hey," she said softly, she swallowed and then looked at them. "Hey momma," Emma went over to one side as Liam did the other. Wes followed as if was too much for him already. He was twelve and Gabi didn't want him here today anyways, she thought it was going to be too much for him today but he insisted. "How are you feeling?" Liam asked sitting in a chair.
"Like I have been hit by a train," Liam smiled, "I have felt that way before, when that train hit me last year." Gabi closed her eyes as she smiled, laughing hurt she told me as it hurt her chest. "I don't remember that,"
"I don't remember that either." Liam joked, "You look good," Emma offered, Wes turned to me as I looked at him, he then went towards the door as a look was shared between the three at the bed, "I'll be back," I told them, when I stepped out. Wes looked traumatized. "Are you alright Wes?" he looked at me as he shook his head, "Mom looks hurt," I squatted, as I was almost eye level with him this way.
"She hurts a bit too, it's okay though, and she is going to only get better from here." I told him quietly, Wes turned away as I pressed my lips together, "I don't like seeing mom like that," I struggled to not smile as I felt the same way, "I know, I don't like seeing her that way either."
"Why can't she just be better already?" Wes asked, my jaw tightened as I gave him a hug as I stood up, "I don't know bud, I wish she was better already too but your mom…" I paused to collect my thoughts, "Is one hell of a fighter. She is going to be okay and if you aren't okay with seeing her right now, we can stay out here until Liam and Emma are ready to leave and you can come back tomorrow."
Wes took a deep breath, "I want to go tell her I love her first and to feel better," I swallowed against the lump in my throat as I cleared my throat, "Alright, let's go then," I took my own deep breath as I followed Wes as he went over to Gabi, Gabi smiled as she smiled as Wes kissed her cheek.
I leaned against the door; Liam and Wes said something at the same time, which caused the three of them to laugh. Gabi was still groggy, as she probably just wanted to go back to sleep and let the pain meds take over again. They made her drowsy and tired. "Don't you three have school tomorrow?" Gabi asked, "Yea, we just had to make sure our favorite mom was okay,"
"I'm okay," she answered, "I'll be better in a couple of days,"
"That's good, can we come back tomorrow with Alli and Lo?" Liam asked, "They have been asking about you all night."
"Maybe, we will see how tomorrow goes,"
"I love you mom," Liam said, "I love you too!" Wes and Emma piped in; I smiled as Gabi was struggling with her emotions, to keep them okay. "I love you guys, go home and give Lo and Alli a hug for me okay?"
They nodded as they all said goodbye and began to file out. I looked at Gabi as she nodded; I went to walk the kids out. "She looks okay," Liam, said, "Yea, I hope she stays that way,"
"She will,"
"Good, text us tomorrow?"
"I will, I will see you guys tomorrow all right?" they nodded as they all climbed in Liam's truck. The dark night was twinkling around me as I took in a large breath. I rubbed my eyes as I felt everything I had escape me for a moment, my body not able to hold itself up any longer as I rubbed my eyes.
"Troy," I shifted in the bed as I opened my eyes, I was in a cot that they provided me, "Hm?" I looked at Gabi who was lying on her back; she was propped up pretty good to keep her comfortable. "I can't sleep," she murmured, I sat up as the cot squeaked from underneath of me.
The room was dark, her curtain drawn as I rubbed my eyelids, "Can I get you something?" she looked over at me, and "Can you come lay next to me?" I smiled softly, "Are you sure? I don't want to hurt you?"
"No, I think I need you laying next to me," she whispered quietly, "Alright," I went to her side as I lowered my body next to hers as I propped myself on my side, she lifted her head as she rested her head against my chest. She slid the blanket over my leg as I then rested my hand over her stomach gently as I looked to see if she had any sign of pain. "Is this okay?"
"Yes," I kissed her forehead as I played with her hair as she slowly fell back asleep but I was too nervous to accidently move my arm and hurt her in anyway. I stayed awake as the nurse came in and out a few times.
The sun slowly rose in the sky as I slipped out of Gabi's bed. I went to find my shoes as I was going to run home to help with the send off for school and run up to Emma's school to talk to them.
"Where are you off too?" I turned to look at Gabi, "I'm gonna run home, help get everybody ready for the day, take a shower, and run up to the middle school to talk to Emma's principal again, a bit more calmly than I did yesterday," Gabi nodded her head, "I was hoping you would stay asleep for a bit longer," I said as I kissed her forehead.
"I probably will, I was comfortable with you though,"
"I bet you were," she gave a small smile as I kissed her, "These drugs make me tired,"
"They make you pain free too,"
"That too,"
"I'll be back in a couple of hours, do you want Taylor and Sharpay to come up and hang out for a bit?" Gabi shook her head, "I'll be fine until you get back, just don't be too long okay?"
"I'll be back in two to three hours?" she nodded, "Okay," I kissed her softly again and I picked up my bag as I walked out. I told the nurses station I would be back in a bit and gave them my phone number if something happened.
Getting into the fresh air, I filled my lungs with it as I rubbed my forehead. Sitting in the car, I took a big breath, as Liam and Emma were probably up and getting ready. Driving home, I pulled into the driveway as my mom's car sat in the driveway along with Maria's. She was probably say bye as they were leaving for England today.
Getting out, I grabbed the backpack to restock with food, drinks, money, and games for myself to entertain me the rest of the day. Going into the house, I heard the goodbyes as I walked up the stairs. Liam and Emma were getting ready to walk out as they got me.
"Dad! How is mom?"
"Good, she slept most of the night,"
"Did you because you look like you haven't,"
"Thanks for the support Liam," I said with a glare, he laughed, "Sorry, you look like you didn't sleep,"
"I didn't,"
"That explains it,"
I hugged Emma as I then looked at them, "I'll see you guys later tonight maybe?"
"Maybe, see you later," I pushed Liam out of the door as he laughed under my grip. My mom and Maria both appeared in the doorway as I smiled, "Good morning,"
"How is she?"
"Good, she wasn't in too much pain last night. Slept most of the night and was getting ready to fall back asleep when I walked out this morning." Maria smiled, "Good, I'm glad everything went well yesterday,"
"Me too, are you going to go say bye?"
"We are," I nodded, "Alright, I'm gonna help get Alli and Wes to school, spend some time with Lo before I take a shower and go to the middle school to talk to the principal again."
"Yea, they called here to talk to you,"
"They called my cell phone but I wasn't in any mood to talk to him."
"Yea, I think you got your damage in,"
"I know," I cringed, "Do you want any breakfast?" my mom asked, "Please, I'm hungry. Hospital food doesn't do much for me."
"I bet it doesn't,"
My mom slid a thing of pancakes in front of me as I devoured them, "Grandma!"
Alli came running in when she caught sight of me, "Daddy!" I pushed my chair back as she crawled into my lap with a big smile on her face, "What's up Princess?" she giggled, "Nothing, school,"
I nodded, "That's important,"
"Is mommy home?"
"No, remember, she is going to be gone for a couple of days," Alli nodded her head, "Yea, I forgot," I smiled as I poked her belly, "Are you hungry?" she nodded her head, "Well Grandma Lucille made some yummy pancakes for you to eat," I settled her into the chair next to me as she smiled, she was in a pair of jeans with a short sleeve shirt.
"Good morning dad,"
"Morning Wes,"
He climbed in next to Allison as my mom put a thing of pancakes in front of him, "Did you guys sleep okay?"
"Good," they both replied, "That's good,"
I went around to put my dishes in the sink, "I'm gonna go get Lo,"
"She had a rough night," my mom interjected, I turned on my heel to look at her. "She kept calling for you and Gabi, wet the bed," I tossed my head back gently, "Good Lord, we just got over that,"
"Yea, I don't think this is helping with the whole potty training thing,"
I groaned, "She will be happy to see you, she was just restless last night," I nodded as I took the stairs two at a time. Opening the door, she was playing with her toys on the floor. "Lo, why aren't you still in bed?"
She grinned as she stood up and crashed into my legs for a hug. I balanced myself as I took a breath, "Whoa," she giggled as I picked up the two year old, "I heard we didn't do so well last night," she shook her head as she pressed her head into my neck. I sighed as I held her, "I'm sorry mommy and I weren't home. We told you though,"
"I missed you,"
I sighed, "I missed you too Lo," she had a strong grip on me as I took her into the bathroom; she went as I changed her clothes and then took her downstairs. "Daddy has to go and shower, do you think you can hang with Grandma?" she nodded her head as I settled her in the high chair. "I'll be back in a bit,"
Since Lauren was almost three, or will be three in June, I was sure the potty training and understanding things were going to be there for her. I wanted that as I forgot how easily I want her to just talk to me like Liam does but she can't.
Taking a fast shower, I brushed my teeth and changed my clothes, as I felt refreshed. Going back downstairs, Lauren was playing with her blocks and stuff as Maria had disappeared more than likely going to see Gabi for a bit until her flight to New York.
"Thanks mom," I said as I entered the kitchen, "I couldn't do this without you,"
"I know I'm glad you're letting me help. You two like to handle everything by yourself."
I laughed, "Yea, whatever,"
Going into the living room, Lauren stood up and steadied her self with a pacifier. "What are we doing with this?" I asked pulling it out of her mouth; we had gotten rid of the pacifier a couple of months ago.
"Pac!" she cheered with a big smile, I raised my eyebrows as my mom came into the room. "I told you she was restless last night and Gabi left it just in case,"
"I didn't know that and I can't believe she was that restless."
"Oh Troy, I haven't ever seen her like this," I felt my jaw tighten as this wasn't fun anymore. "Well take it back," I said quietly, my mom did as I balanced on my feet, "Lo, I gotta go again,"
"No!" she cried, she grabbed my shirt as she pulled herself closer. I sighed as I wrapped my arms around her, "Daddy no go,"
"Lo, come on, I gotta go see mommy again,"
"No!" she threw a fit as she started to cry, "Lauren Kate," I said, she cried louder as I was going on low patience. "I'm sorry baby," I settled her down on the ground with her toys as I played for a moment.
I got up quietly as I grabbed my backpack that was restored and went for the door. "No!" she cried, I let my head fall against the door; I banged it once as I turned to see Lauren coming for me.
"Alright, let's get some shoes on," I said with a long sigh, my mom laughed as I shook my head. Lauren giggled as I placed shoes on her feet, grabbed her a jacket and a diaper bag, "I'll come up to the hospital in a bit but I have a feeling she isn't letting go of you,"
"Thanks mom," I said with a smile, she laughed, "She'll be fine,"
I settled Lauren in her car seat as she cried from being put in, "Lo, come on, you have to be put in your car seat,"
"No!"
"I thought we were past the no stage too," I grunted as I got out of the car, driving to Starbucks, I got myself a drink as I pulled out into the traffic and towards the school. Once I arrived, I got Lauren out as she ran across the pavement towards the door.
"Lo," I called; she stopped and looked at me. Her brilliant blue eyes with her dirty hair, a smile played on her face as she came running back for me. I picked her up as I went into the office.
An office lady recognized me as I sat Lauren down to play with a few toys they had on the floor. "I'm here to apologize," I told them, "I acted so out of character yesterday and I feel like a complete ass to you guys, I'm sorry,"
The lady nodded, "We appreciate that and we feel bad your family, such a hard thing to go through and we know how much your kids love Mrs. Bolton," I nodded as I ran my hands over my face. "Is Dr. Ray here?"
The lady nodded, "Can I please speak to him again?"
She nodded as she went back to his office, Lauren looked at me and I reached my hand out, "Are you gonna come back here with me?" I asked her, she nodded as she stood up, and I picked her up and the other office lady smiled.
"She is beautiful,"
"Thanks, she has most of her mom's looks then,"
"Oh no, she looks a lot like you,"
I laughed and Dr. Ray came out, "Troy, come on back,"
I followed him as I released a breath; he shut the door as I sat down Lauren. "Dr. Ray, I came here to apologize for my behavior yesterday, it was out of line, and I'm still upset that such an important issue was overlooked but I shouldn't have reacted like I did. I understand you have a lot more students to look out for than just my daughter and I shouldn't have done what I did yesterday."
"I appreciate it Mr. Bolton but the teachers did know and they chose to ignore it. I talked with all of her teachers yesterday and they all feel bad for what happened. We are hoping to make it much easier on Emma for the rest of the school year with people she can talk to and when she can talk to them. I should have known and we can't let things like that slid so I am here to apologize too, I'm assuming your wife's surgery went well yesterday?"
I nodded, "Very well, it was good,"
"Fantastic, how is Emma today?"
"Better,"
"That's fantastic, after having Liam through the building, we know how you guys are and I knew yesterday was a hard day for your family. So we are sorry again and I appreciate yours,"
"Thank you and if there is anything else, I will let you know but I have to get back to the hospital now,"
"I send my well wishes,"
"Thank you,"
"Lo, we gotta be quiet,"
Gabi texted me they switched her to a different room as Dr. Mills had already checked on her. As I got to her room, I heard the TV on as I entered the room with Lo on my hip. Maria and Gabi looked at me.
Lauren giggled as she tried to get down to get to Gabi. "What is she doing here?" I shot Gabi a look, "I think somebody has a bit of separation anxiety right now. I tried to leave three times and she wrapped her little arms around me and told me no."
Gabi couldn't resist the laugh but winced afterwards. "Let me see my baby girl,"
"Remember Lauren, we got to be easy," I said sitting her down, she sat on the bed next to Gabi as Lauren then began to cry. Gabi's mouth dropped as Lo turned to look at me. Her face crumbling, "Hey, what's wrong?" I picked her up as she pressed her face into my shoulder. A flash of hurt crossed Gabi's face as I sat down in the chair as I scooted as close to Gabi as I could get.
"Lauren, it's mommy," Lauren looked at her not to sure what to think as the moment, I sat her on the edge of my knee as Gabi reached her hand out to Lo, "What's up baby girl?"
Lauren leaned back towards me, "Apparently we wet the bed last night, didn't sleep much," Lauren was beginning to become comfortable as she moved towards the bed, she stood up and I made sure my arm was behind her so she wouldn't fall.
She kissed Gabi's cheek as I smiled, "There is my Lo," Gabi said with a smile.
"Oh my God," I turned to see Dr. Johnny walking in, "She is adorable! What's her name?"
"Lauren," I said as I pulled her back into my lap, "She is adorable," Dr. Johnny walked over towards her, he squatted to be face level, "Hi Lauren," Lauren backed up against me as I laughed, "She wasn't sure about Gabi coming in here,"
"Aw, well, we are taking care of mommy," Lauren reached forward for his stethoscope, she giggled when she got her hands on it, "You have a doctor in your future," he said as she took it, "Here," he placed them in her ears and she laughed. Gabi smiled as Lauren took them out, "High five," she reached up and gave him a high five, "We have been doing that since birth," I said with a laugh, "It's a Bolton thing,"
He laughed, "I'm glad I get to be part of that,"
I smiled as Lo leaned back against me, my eyes looked over Gabi as she was talking to him about how she felt.
One step down, a lot of more steps to go, so many steps to go.
Ah! Well the surgery is over! But seriously…how cute is Lo? I freaking love her. Now Gabi has a long road back to recovery but she has such a big support group! So I hope you all enjoyed it!
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