"Same here, Avery," Max's dad says.
"I'll be back as soon as I can," I tell them.
His mother shakes her head. "You go home and get some rest. We'll make sure to call if anything happens."
"Thank you."
"Ready to go, sweetheart?" my dad asks.
I look longingly at Max one last time before nodding. I don't want to leave him, but I silently promise to be back as soon as possible.
*
The next day at the hospital is rough. The pain medicine keeps making me drift asleep, but I try my best to stay awake. I stay by Max's side, holding his hand and talking to him. I don't know if he can hear me, but I like to hope so. I want him to know that I'm here for him.
After a while, I rest my head on the cool sheets of his bed and stare up at him. My eyes only close for a moment before I hear someone whispering my name.
"Avery."
I slowly open my eyes. Max is staring down at me. "You're awake," I say in surprise.
I look around the room and realize we're not in the hospital anymore. We're in his bed at his house. I reach up and tentatively touch his rough cheek. "Max," I say softly. "I was so worried about you."
He starts to talk, but I can't hear him. There's a loud alarm filling the room, and I quickly cover my ears to block out the noise.
I sit up quickly as the blaring sound cuts through my dream, shattering me awake to the present. My eyes find the source of the alarms, and his heart monitor is showing a flat line.
"No!" I cry. "Max!" My throat is raw, but I blink past the pain. "Max!" I squeeze his hand tightly.
Two nurses rush into the room. One checks Max's vitals as the other grabs a nearby phone, waiting for instruction. "Unresponsive. Call the code," the assessing nurse says.
"Code blue, ICU, room number three. Patient is unresponsive," the other says quickly into the receiver.
Seconds later a voice comes over the intercom system. "ICU room three. Code blue. Code blue team needed in ICU room three."
I stand and reluctantly surrender my grip on Max's hand. I move into the corner of the room as the nurses begin to perform CPR. My arms curl around my waist, and I hold myself tightly as silent sobs wrack my body. "Please," I plead, but I don't know whom I'm even asking for help.
Within a few moments, nurses and a doctor are rushing into the room. Numbers are being shouted out left and right as they check his vitals and administer medicine. Everything happens so fast that it almost blurs together in my mind.
The heart monitor continues to show no response, and my own heart wants to cease beating. This can't be happening. It wasn't supposed to end this way. He was supposed to wake up and get better. We were going to have a life together. We were going to be happy, finally happy.
"Continue chest compressions. Place and charge the defibrillator pads," a doctor commands.
Two nurses hustle to place two large pads on Max's chest, and then one pushes a button on the machine they're connected to. The sound of the machine charging sends a shiver through my spine. Within a few seconds, it starts to beep.
"Clear!"
Everyone takes a step back.
"Shock."
A button is pushed, and electricity surges through Max's body. An intense moment passes as all eyes are glued to the heart monitor.
"No response," a doctor says. "Resume chest compressions."
My vision blurs as I silently pray. "Please, Max. Please," I plead.
"We're not giving up on you, Dr. Harrison, so don't you dare give up on us," the doctor says through gritted teeth. He raises his head to one of the nurses. "Charge the pads again."
"Max!" I cry out.
Anthony walks over to me and gently puts his hands on my shoulders. "Avery, you can't be in here right now."
I struggle against him as he pulls me towards the doorway. "Max!" I scream.
Anthony all but picks me up to get me out of the room. "They're going to help him. Let them do their job."
I stand in the hallway with my back pressed up against the wall as the nurses and doctors race to save Max's life. I stare at Max's lifeless body as they do chest compressions and force air into his lungs. The heart monitor shows no sign of life. He's dying. He's dying.
I look up to see Daniel and Caroline rushing through the double doors, and their faces fall as soon as they see how upset I am.
Caroline runs to me. "What happened?"
I open my mouth, but I can't speak. The only sound that comes out is a sob. She grabs me and holds me, and I grasp onto her for support.
Max's father stands in the doorway, watching the crew work on his son. Tears fill his eyes as he whispers, "Come on, Max. You've always been a fighter. And we need you to fight right now."
After a few nerve-wracking minutes, the doctor calls out, "We've got a heart rate!"
Caroline, Daniel and I wait with bated breath as they continue to work on Max. And then finally the doctor walks out to talk with us. "Max has a good rhythm. We're going to continue monitoring him closely for the next twenty-four hours, but I think he's out of the woods for now."
"Oh, thank God," Caroline says in a hushed whisper.
The three of us are huddled together crying when a voice asks, "What's going on?"
I look up to see a girl around my age standing a few feet away. She has dark hair and dark eyes just like Max, and I know instantly that this is his sister.
"Oh, Megan," Caroline says, cupping her daughter's face in her hands. "We almost lost Max, but he's okay now."
Megan's bottom lip quivers as she asks, "He's okay?"
"Yeah."
I watch them hug, and I realize how much I miss my mom. New tears fill my eyes, but I quickly dash them away.
Daniel wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me in close. "Megan, this is Avery, Max's girlfriend."
Megan pulls away for her mom to assess me. A big grin breaks out on her face, and it reminds me of Max so much. "It's nice to finally put a face to the name," Megan says. "Max seriously wouldn't shut up about you."
I can't help but smile at her words. All this time I was trying to keep Max a secret, and he was telling his family all about me. But that's just Max. He's open about his feelings. You never have to question how he feels about anything or anyone.
"Nice to meet you, Megan." I hold out my hand, but she pulls me in for a big hug.
"Thanks for being here for my brother," she whispers in my ear.
I'm too choked up to respond, so I just hug her back and stay quiet. Max's family is so loving and caring. I can see why he possesses those same characteristics. They've made me feel so welcome and wanted, and I am so thankful for that, because it's just what I need right now.
When we part, Megan says, "Let's go down to the cafeteria and get some coffee. I want to know everything about the girl who has stolen my brother's heart."
CHAPTER 20
AVERY
It's been three days, and Max's condition has slightly improved. He still hasn't woken up, but two of the nurses reported eye movement and some audible groans. The doctor says this could be a sign that he is going to wake up, and we're all hanging on by a thread in hopes that that's true.
I wake up early and get ready for my daily visit to the hospital. With some strategically placed clothing, makeup and a hat, I am able to pull off the appearance of looking almost back to normal. When I get to the hospital, I spend some time in the activity room with various kids. It's nice to see the children's faces light up when they see me. I had been a constant in their lives, and then I just kind of disappeared. It's good to be back, and I can't wait until Max is better so we can both get back to living our lives.
After a quick stop in the cafeteria for chocolate pudding, I make my way to Jacob's room. An unwavering smile is on my face in anticipation of seeing him. Rosie told me that he asks about me every day.
I knock softly before entering. Jacob's eyes instantly light up when he sees me. "Avery?" he asks almost as if he can't believe
I'm actually here.
His eyes scan my face and the baseball cap on my head. "Hey, Jacob. How have you been?"
He shrugs, and his lower lip begins to tremble. "I missed you," he whispers softly. He swipes away a stray tear with his forearm and stares up at me. "Where did you go?"
"I was sick," I say with a small sigh. He gets a concerned look on his face, so I quickly say, "But I'm better now."
"So you'll be here every day again?" he asks.
I bite my lower lip and shake my head. "Not yet. I have to get some more rest first, and then I'll be back."
"Promise?"
I nod. "Promise." From behind my back, I produce the chocolate pudding.
A huge grin appears on his face. "Will you read me my favorite story while I eat this?" he asks, taking the pudding and spoon from me.
"Sure, Jacob." I retrieve the big fantasy book from the shelf and sit by his bedside. My emotions are running high, and my voice wavers a little as I start to read. I missed this. I missed spending time with the kids and reading to Jacob.
"Are you okay, Avery?" he asks.
I smile up at him and nod. With as much effort as I can muster, I steady my voice and nerves and continue to read. And Jacob, for the first time ever, stays up until the very end. I close the book and look at him. "You finally got to hear the end of the story," I comment.
He nods and puts the finished pudding cup and spoon on his nightstand. "You know, that story reminds me of you and Dr. Harrison."
The mention of Max's name has tears instantly pooling in my eyes, but I keep them at bay for Jacob's sake. "Oh yeah? How so?"
"Well, you would be the princess, and Dr. Harrison would be the knight. The dragon is whatever has been keeping you two apart. But the knight slayed the dragon and saved the princess." He puts a finger to his chin as if he's deep in thought. "I think that you and Dr. Harrison will live happily ever after too just like the princess and the knight. Maybe not in a big castle like they did, but at least you'll be happy," he says with a toothy grin.
I place my hand over my thumping heart and do my best to quell my emotions. "That sounds so nice, Jacob." At this point I don't know if Max and I will get our happily ever after. If only life was as easy as a children's fairytale.
After placing the book back on the shelf, I tell Jacob, "I have to go visit with Max now."
"You'll come back soon?" he asks eagerly.
I lightly tap the brim of his baseball cap, and he smiles wide. "I will. I promise."
I walk out of his room with a heavy heart, and it grows heavier with every step to the ICU. Just a few days ago when I was in here, Max almost died. That memory will haunt me forever. I thought I had lost him, and I realize that I wouldn't be able to bear it. I love him too much to lose him now. But his fate is not up to me no matter how much I wish it were.
Sitting down in a chair by his bed, I pull his hand into mine. "I just saw Jacob," I tell Max. My eyes scan his face for any sort of reaction, but, of course, there is none. Sighing softly, I say, "I read him his favorite story. He said it reminded him of you and me. He said that you're my knight in shining armor; I'm the princess, and that you slayed the dragon keeping us apart. If only he knew how true that was." I smirk. "Jacob said we'll get our happily ever after." I squeeze his hand. "I want that more than anything, Max. I want to be with you more than anything in this world." I kiss his hand gently and rest my head on his bed. I close my eyes and savor the warmth of his hand on my cheek. "I love you. I love you," I repeat over and over again. "Please come back to me, Max." I watch him for what feels like hours. My head grows heavier with every passing second, and I curse the drugs running through my system. I just want to be here for him. I want to be the first person he sees when he wakes up.
I must have fallen asleep. I feel something tickling my face, and my eyes slowly open to find the source. Max's fingers are gently brushing against my cheek. Oh no. Not again.
Panicked, I bolt upright in my chair and stare straight into the dark gaze of Max. Tears fill my eyes and quickly spill over my cheeks. "Max," I choke out. "Am I dreaming?"
He gently shakes his head. His movements are restricted from the tubes and machines he's hooked up to.
My hand fumbles with the nurse call button as I hold his hand fiercely in mine. "The nurse is coming." I stand, and his hand grips mine. He's trying to tell me something, but he can't talk with the tube in his throat. "Don't try to talk." I place my palm against his cheek, and he leans into my touch and closes his eyes. "I love you, Max." His eyes open and meet mine. "I love you. I love you so much. I'm sorry I didn't say it back, but I'm saying it now," I say with a sob.
He tries to reach for me to wipe my tears away, but he grimaces from pain as his arm falls back to the bed.
"Dr. Harrison," the nurse says as she enters the room. "My name is Patricia. You need to lie still so we can get that tube out of your throat. Okay?"
He nods once in response as a few other hospital personnel enter the room. I move to step away, but Max quickly grabs my hand and holds it tight. I raise his hand and press my lips to his skin. "I'll be right back. I need to get out of the way so they can help you. Okay?"
His eyes look pleadingly at me for a long moment before he finally nods in agreement.
I step out into the hallway as the nurses work on him. I press my back against the wall and sink to the floor. My emotions are running wild with relief, and tears freely stream down my cheeks. He's awake. Max is awake. I take a few minutes to compose myself and then make a call to Max's parents. They barely let me get the words out before his mother cries out in happiness and hangs up the phone. They've been staying in a nearby hotel, so I'm sure they'll be here within a few minutes.
The nurses are talking to Max and asking him questions, but he doesn't seem to be cooperating. My brows dip as I hear a few mumbled words come out of his mouth. And then I can make out what he's saying. My name.
"A…v…e…r…y." His voice is deep and gravelly. "A…Avery."
I rush into the room. His eyes lock onto mine, and he instantly reaches for me. He pulls me into his arms and holds me so tightly. I melt into him. It's as if the past few weeks haven't happened. We're here. Together. Just like it was always meant to be.
"He really shouldn't be making any sudden movements," one of the nurses says, scolding us, but she doesn't make a move to separate us. In fact, no one does.
I eventually pull back, and Max stares up at me as if I'm his sole reason for breathing. "Say…it," he says.
My eyes fill with tears once more as I whisper, "I love you."
He pulls me back into his arms just as his mom, dad and sister rush into the room. They gather around Max and I, and we share a group hug with hushed whispers of affection and prayers.
*
MAX
I'm alive.
The past couple of weeks now seem like a dream. I can remember little tidbits of Avery's conversations with me. Having her by my side gave me hope. It made me want to live.
I blink up at her. I must have fallen asleep from the medicine again. After going through a battery of tests earlier in the day, everything so far is coming back normal. No brain damage. Thank God. But I did suffer some nerve damage in my shoulder. I don't know if physical therapy will ever get me back to normal, but I'm going to try. I'm going to try for Avery.
I reach up and brush away the tears on her face. She hasn't stopped crying since I woke up yesterday, and I'm tired of seeing her cry. I want her to be happy. "No more tears," I say.
"These are happy tears. I'm just so overwhelmed that you're awake, that you're okay."
A lopsided grin appears on my face, and it makes her smile. "You didn't think I'd miss the chance to finally be with you, did you?"
My words make her cry even harder, and she leans over, placing kisses over my cheeks and lips. "I love you. I love you. I love you," she repeats, and I know I'll never get tired of hearing those words come out of her mouth. "Promise me you'll never leave me again."
"I promise. I promise to cherish you every single moment of every day for the rest of our lives."
She kisses my lips gently one more time. "I finally have my happily ever after.
epilogue
AVERY
After the DJ announces the newlywed's first dance, At Last by Etta James pumps through the speakers. Max leads me onto the dance floor and holds me close. "This song brings back memories, Mrs. Harrison," he says with a big grin.
He's been calling me Mrs. Harrison nonstop ever since our wedding ceremony ended two hours ago. I will never get sick of hearing it, though. "Yes, it does, Mr. Harrison," I say and rest my head on his shoulder. I breathe in his spicy, clean scent and sigh contentedly. Everything about Max makes me feel safe and warm.
As I look around the beautiful hall with the glittering winter decorations, it takes my breath away. I still can't believe I'm not dreaming. The winter themed wedding just seemed fitting since we are both looking for a fresh start. And like a fairytale come true, on the twentieth day of December, it snowed, covering the ground with sparkling snow as we welcomed our guests into the church.
It was a long, hard road that we had to travel to get us here. There was a lot of physical therapy to get Max to where he is today and a lot of psychological counseling to get me where I am today and a lot of court testimony to make sure Nathan stays locked up for a long time. But the most important thing is that we made it. We've been through a lot, and Max held my hand every step of the way. I don't know what I would do without him. And when he proposed one sunny day in the park four months ago, I said yes without any hesitation in my mind, body or soul. He is mine, and I am his. Finally.
He glides me effortlessly around the parquet dance floor. We have hundreds of guests, but it feels like we are the only two people in this room --- maybe even in the whole universe at this moment.
Saving Avery Page 27
