by Wendy Smith
“She’s mine, Dad. You could have taken the time to see that for yourself.”
He gives me a small nod. “She’s beautiful.”
“Mommy made my hat,” Kaia tells him.
I laugh, and hug her tight. “Mommy did make your hat. Your mommy is so smart.”
Kaia nods.
“You must be tired, sweetheart,” Mom says.
Kaia shakes her head. “I had a sleep, but I just woke up.”
“Mr. Masters?”
My dad and I both look up at the doctor’s voice.
“Yes?” I say.
He walks toward me. “I’m Doctor Peter Ross. Brooke is out of surgery, and on her way to intensive care. A nurse will show you through shortly.”
“Intensive care?” My voice breaks. “Will she be okay?”
He licks his lips, and my whole world hangs on what he’ll say next. I just got her back. I can’t lose her again.
“Mrs. Masters’s head injury was severe. There was a brain bleed, but we got that under control.” He blinks so many times, and I hold my breath. “She won’t wake up tonight, but hopefully tomorrow we’ll learn more on how bad it is.”
“You can’t tell me?”
“We simply don’t know. When she wakes up we’ll have a better idea.” He licks his lips again, and I don’t like what’s coming. “It’s possible she may not make a full recovery.”
“What do you mean?”
“The brain is a complex organ. She may have trouble with speech, or maybe moods. She could lose some ability to function.” He pauses. “She might not wake up at all.”
My parents wrap their arms around either side of me, and I hold Kaia tighter. It doesn’t help. I feel sick. “What if she …?”
“How about I take Kaia to get something to eat?” Mom asks.
I try and focus. “Kaia. Do you want to go with Grandma?”
“Can I get a cookie?”
“We’ll see what we can find,” Mom says.
Kaia wraps her arms around my neck. “Be good, Daddy.”
I smile, even though my heart feels as if it’s being ripped out of my chest. “I’ll try.”
I watch while she walks away, hand in hand with Mom.
“What are the chances of that happening?” Dad asks. “That Brooke doesn’t wake up?”
The doctor nods. “Low. But it’s a possibility. You have to be prepared for whatever happens. Even if we don’t know what that will be yet.”
I’m numb all over. I’ve wasted the past four years pursuing a life that means nothing compared to Brooke and Kaia. I hurt her so much, and she took me back when she had every right to not let me get close to her again.
Dad grips my arm. I’m glad he’s here. Despite everything, he helps give me strength.
And I need every little bit that I can get.
“Mr. Masters.” The policeman from the scene of Brooke’s accident approaches. My heart thuds.
“Yes?”
He hands me a large plastic bag. Inside, I recognize Brooke’s coat and bag.
“We recovered these in the street outside the bar. Her ID was in there. It doesn’t look like anything inside has been touched. Can you please take a look and let me know if you think anything’s missing?”
I nod. “Of course.”
Sitting down, I open the bag. Brooke’s mobile’s in there, and her purse. Besides that, I’m not sure what else she keeps in it. There are some receipts, and her purse contains a small amount of cash.
“I’m not completely sure, but I don’t think there’s anything missing. Her credit card and cash are in here. I’d assume that if anything was missing, they’d be the first to go.”
Officer Jackson nods. “That’s what I thought.” He pulls out a pad and scribbles a number on it. “If you think of anything, please give me a call.”
I nod. “I will.”
“Any news on Mrs. Masters?”
“We just know that she’s had surgery and we’re waiting for the all-clear to see her.” I swallow. “She had a brain bleed, and they don’t know how badly it might have affected her.”
He nods. “I’m sorry to hear that. I hope everything goes well for her.”
“So do I.”
“Mr. Masters?” A nurse approaches. “Come this way, please.”
Dad follows me as I walk behind the nurse. We make it into the ICU, and I feel sick to the stomach.
When I lay eyes on Brooke, the sick feeling only gets worse.
She’s so still.
The machines around her beep, but that’s the only real sign of life in this room.
Dad grips my shoulder. “If she needs any more specialists, we’ll bring them in, Cole.”
I take a seat beside the bed. Reaching out, I palm Brooke’s cheek and lean in. “Love you. Please come back to Kaia and me. I don’t know what to do without you, Brooke. I’ve wasted so much time in my life, and I need you.”
“Keep talking to her,” the nurse says. “It’ll help her to know you’re here.”
“Can she hear me?”
She shrugs. “It can’t hurt to talk.”
I nod. “I guess you’re right.”
The nurse smiles. “I’ll get another chair.”
I watch over my shoulder as she brushes past Dad, and turn once she’s gone. “Does Mom know?”
“Know what?” he asks.
I look him straight in the eye. “What you did. Brooke wouldn’t be here if you’d done as I’d asked.”
He swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. The strain in his face is obvious. He’s already thought about this. “No. I haven’t told your mother. She’s been under the impression that Brooke just left. I’ll tell her, but I’m just asking that right now you don’t shatter her.”
“You lied to her.”
He nods. “Tonight, I came here for you. But you’re right about Kaia. One look at that girl and I can see you in there. I’m sorry, Cole.”
“Right now, I’m just glad you’re here. We can address everything else once I know Brooke is okay. And she’d better be okay.” I bite down the agony that’s tearing at my heart. “I need some fresh air.”
“How about we go get a coffee and come back? I’m sure you want to stay with her, so let’s get you comfortable.”
“Good idea.”
Just outside the ICU, I take a deep breath. The air’s not fresh; it’s sterile, stuffy hospital air, but Brooke’s room is stifling.
“Daddy.” Kaia runs down the hospital corridor and into my arms. I swing her around, so full of joy to see her. This kid has my heart along with her mother, and I need to be strong for her.
“There’s a twenty-four-hour cafe downstairs. Kaia had bacon and eggs. I’ve never seen a child eat so fast.” Mom laughs.
“She’s probably hungry because I dragged her outside after midnight, and we got a lot of night air.” I nuzzle Kaia’s cheek. “Love you, my little princess.”
“We’ll get a hotel nearby. Kaia can stay with us, and if you need to sleep, there’ll be a bed for you,” Mom says.
I nod. There’s no way I’m leaving Brooke’s bedside tonight, but I’m so grateful for them being here. It’s not like I’m going to say no when Kaia needs the support.
“Are you okay with this? Do you want to go with Grandma or stay here with me?”
Kaia’s eyes are heavy. I bet anything she’ll be asleep as soon as she lies down. She leans her head on my neck.
“I want Mommy.”
“I know, but she’s having a sleep. And I think you need to have one too. I bet Grandma gets a nice, soft bed for you. And there’ll be cartoons.”
She pulls away, her lower lip jutting out.
“I know it’s hard to decide. But you can come back here any time you like, and Grandma can call me so we can talk. Does that sound good?”
She lets out a big yawn and nods.
“I love you, Kaia.” I press my lips to her cheek.
“I love you, Daddy.” She wraps her arms around my n
eck and holds on tight. “Where’s Mommy?” she asks.
“Mommy’s sick, and she’s asleep. So, if you go with your grandparents, I’ll stay here and wait for her to wake up. Hopefully she’s feeling better in the morning.”
She nods, hugging me again.
“I’ll text you with the hotel and room details.” Dad grips my arm. “Stay strong. I’ll be back soon.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Kaia rubs one eye with her fist.
Dad reaches for her, and I hand her over. There’s the biggest lump in my throat because I know Brooke wouldn’t be happy about this, but I can’t let Kaia know how serious things are. Not yet.
I don’t want to break my little girl’s heart.
I rub my neck.
The sun streams through the windows.
I didn’t know if the hospital staff would let me stay the whole night, but I guess by the time Brooke was out of surgery, it was too late to throw me out.
There’s a clatter of something being banged together outside. I thought this was supposed to be a quiet area.
A nurse appears in the doorway with a tray.
“Mr. Masters, I thought you might like some breakfast.”
I nod. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“I’m sorry we don’t have more comfortable facilities.”
“It doesn’t matter. As long as I’m close to Brooke, I’m fine.”
The nurse gives me a smile. “Well, I hope she wakes up soon.”
Pulling over the tray table from beside the bed, she places the tray in front of me. “Doctor Ross will be in here soon to examine Brooke, and he’ll be able to answer any questions you might have.”
I nod. “Thank you.”
Rubbing my face, I take a look at the tray and pull a face. Cold toast, and a strawberry yoghurt. My stomach grumbles, and I pick up the knife and open the small butter packet, spreading it as liberally as I can. It’s better than nothing.
Brooke’s bag, on the floor beside me, buzzes. I bend, pick it up, and pull her ringing phone from it.
The screen says ‘Jenny’ on the caller ID.
“Hello?”
“Where the hell are you, Brooke? I told you if you were late, you’d be fired. Did you not take me seriously?” A woman’s voice screams down the phone. She pauses. “This isn’t Brooke.”
“This is her husband.”
“Husband?”
“Brooke’s in the hospital with a serious head injury. Who the hell are you to speak to my wife like that?”
There’s silence on the end of the phone.
“Brooke’s my receptionist. I’m sorry to hear about her injury. Will she be okay?” There’s fear in her voice.
“I don’t know. She had surgery last night, and we’re waiting for her to wake up.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah, you said that.”
“Please let me know if there’s anything I can do. Brooke is a real asset to this place, and I hope she’ll be okay.”
“Not yelling at her for being late would be a good start.”
There’s silence on the other end of the phone, and I pinch the bridge of my nose between my fingers. I’m tired and cranky and scared. “Look, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but if I know Brooke she’s going to want to go back to work when she’s better.”
“Of course,” Jenny says softly. “I’ll get a temp in, and it’s fine. Brooke can come back when she needs to. Please keep me updated with how she is.”
“Sure.”
I hang up the phone without saying goodbye.
Screw this.
20
Cole
It’s been two days.
I’d give anything for Brooke to open her eyes and smile.
And when she’s better we’ll renew our vows. I’ll make sure her and Kaia want for nothing. I’ll be loving and faithful for the rest of our days.
“Cole?”
I turn and see Mom at the door. “Hey, Mom.”
“Kaia’s in the waiting room with your father. It might be good for her to see her mom again.”
I let out a sigh. “Nothing’s changed.”
My heart warms at the sight of Kaia. Mom’s obviously taken her shopping, as she’s wearing clothes I haven’t seen before and I know she hasn’t been home.
“Hi, beautiful.” I gather her into my arms and hug her tight.
“Daddy, you’re hurting me.”
“Sorry. I’m just so happy to see you. Want to see Mom?”
She nods.
Her eyes grow sad as I lift her, so she’s able to see Brooke’s face.
“Mommy?” Kaia pats Brooke’s cheek.
“Mommy’s sleeping, baby. She got hurt, and she has to rest her brain until it feels better.”
Kaia’s lips wobble.
“Hey. She’ll be okay. She just needs to sleep for a while.” I hope.
Kaia snuggles into my embrace, and I close my eyes as I press a kiss to the top of her head. “I want her to wake up.”
“So do I, but we just have to be patient.”
She leans her head on my chest, staring back at Brooke. “Can we go home?”
“Not yet, sweetheart. I want to stay here with your mom. I need her to open her eyes as much as you do.”
We sit for about half an hour before Kaia’s stomach rumbles, and she looks at me with big eyes.
“Someone’s hungry.” I smile.
She nods.
I look up at the clock. It’s close to midday.
“Cole, your mother and I are going to grab some lunch. Want us to take Kaia? We’ll bring you back something.”
I look at Kaia. “Want to go with Grandpa?”
She nods.
I hug her tight while he places a hand on my shoulder. “You should really get some rest. Maybe you should come with us and go lie down.”
“Not while she’s like this.”
Dad nods. “Come on, Kaia. What do you want to eat?”
“Don’t ask her that, Dad. You’ll all end up having chicken nuggets.”
He chuckles. “That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”
Kaia climbs off my lap, and takes my father’s hand. “Just take good care of her. She’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
“Of course.” Dad nods. “I’m so sorry for everything, Cole.”
“There’s no point worrying about that now.”
He leaves to get lunch, and I’m left in this damn room full of machines that beep and the woman I love.
When she wakes up we’ll go away, the three of us. We’ll find somewhere quiet to take a break and heal our little family.
The one I never should have left.
They’ve been gone about half an hour when I hear a sound from Brooke’s bed.
“Brooke?”
She looks so still. Is my mind playing tricks on me?
A moan escapes her lips, and my throat constricts. Is this it? Will she open her eyes and speak to me, or is this all that’s left?
The seconds that pass feel like hours before she slowly opens her eyes, and I let out a breath.
Her gaze fixes on me. “Cole,” she croaks.
“Yes, baby. I’m here.”
“Where’s Kaia?”
I reach for her hand. “She’s with my mom and dad. They’re having lunch, and they’ll be back soon.”
“I want my baby.”
“It’s okay. She’ll be here shortly.”
Tears roll down her cheeks. My heart’s so full with her having woken up, but it hurts to see her like this.
Her eyes are full of confusion. “You can’t take her from me, Cole. She’s mine. You didn’t want her.”
I frown. “I’m not taking her from you, sweetheart.”
“Please don’t take my baby.” She sobs, and my stomach sinks to my knees at the sound.
“Brooke, I’d never take Kaia from you. I wouldn’t try.”
“But your father …” She looks around the room,
wiping the tears from her cheeks. “Where are we? What is this?”
“You had an accident. You’re in hospital. I’ll get the doctor.” I hate to release her hand. I’m not sure if she’ll let me hold it again. I run to the door, and poke my head out. A nurse at the counter looks up. “She’s awake.”
“I’ll get the doctor.”
I move back to the bedside. Brooke’s still looking around the room, her eyes wide. “Why are you here? Where’s Kaia?”
“She’ll be here soon. I’ll text them and tell them to bring her back.” I give her a smile. “I’m here because I’ve been waiting for you to wake up. We all have. Kaia will be over the moon to see—”
“Get my daughter now.” Her chest rises and falls rapidly.
“I told you, she’ll be back really soon. She was hungry, so she’s having some lunch.”
“How long have I been here?”
“Mrs. Masters.” Doctor Ross walks in the door. “I’m Doctor Ross.”
“I prefer Ms. When can I leave?”
The doctor gives me a nervous look. “You’ll be here for a few more days while we make sure you’re okay. What do you remember?”
Brooke wriggles up into a seated position. “I’m not sure. I can’t remember what I was doing before I woke up.”
“You were hit by a car on the way home from work,” I say.
She shifts her gaze to me. “How did you know I was here?”
“When you were late coming home from work, I woke Kaia, and we came looking for you.”
“You woke Kaia? Where was Rosalyn? Why were you in my apartment? Why can’t I remember?” Her voice cracks, and tears well in her eyes again.
Doctor Ross takes a step forward. “Memory loss is common after the type of head injury you had. I’d like to examine you if I could.”
She sighs. “Fine, whatever. Please get my daughter in here. I need to see her.”
“I’ll go and find them. I doubt they went too far,” I say.
The doctor nods. “Good idea.”
I close the door as I leave. My heart is shattered. She can’t remember us.
She’s alive and seems to be okay in every other way.
Have I lost her anyway?
Dad responds to my text, and I head down to the cafe they’re having lunch at. At my worst, he and Mom have been there for me, and I swallow down the hurt that is about to happen. If Brooke can’t remember the past few weeks, she’ll never let Kaia see my parents again.
