Crain's Landing

by Cayce Poponea

  “Natalie?”

  The sound of Martin’s kind, quiet voice made me forget all about the pain in my neck as I stood abruptly. “What’s wrong? What happened?” I panicked and my heart was hammering in my chest. I felt Peggy wrap her arm around me, while Martin’s face remained blank.

  “Come with me. We need to talk.”

  It didn’t matter if it was a guy you were trying to date or the man who was trying to save your child, those four words were never good when used together. The tears came without my consent. I wrapped my arms around my chest and followed Martin to Peyton’s room. She lay sleeping like the angel she was. Her curls were slicked to her forehead and her cheeks were still blazing red. I watched as her tiny chest struggled to rise up and down, while the sound of her heart rate danced on the monitor.

  “Natalie, the antibiotic we’ve been giving her over the last few hours isn’t helping.” My heart sank and my legs almost gave out. This couldn’t be happening. “Relax, Natalie. Grant ordered a blood culture and we should get that back in the next hour or so. Once we have that report, we’ll know what better medication to give her.” His words did little to ease my fear.

  “I want to stay here with her.” When we’d first arrived on this floor, we were told only one person at a time could come into the ICU and only for ten minutes at a time every few hours. I couldn’t do that anymore.

  “I’ll make sure you have a better chair.” He squeezed my shoulders and then left me standing beside my daughter. I unwrapped my arms and reached out, taking her tiny hand in mine. She was frail and lifeless, not even a flutter of her eyes behind those lids. Her skin was so pale it was nearly translucent. The temperature of her skin still warm...too warm.

  “Touch is good for her. Tell her a story or sing to her, all that’s good for them.” I didn’t even turn to acknowledge the person who had come into the room. “I’m Tiffany Garrison. I’m an intern studying under Dr. Crain.”

  Tiffany was writing notes on a small pad of paper. She was a beautiful girl, petite but nicely built, with long blonde hair, deep blue eyes, and pale creamy skin. Hell, she could have been a relative of mine as our appearance was so similar.

  “She’s beautiful.”

  “She’s my entire world,” I replied softly, my focus never leaving Peyton.

  “Well, if I can do anything for you...”

  I didn’t look away from my baby’s face, so I didn’t bother to answer her. Unless she could make my baby better, I had no use for her.

  The nurse brought in a recliner for me. I pulled it as close as I could get it to the edge of Peyton’s bed. I held her hand and told her about the first time I’d tried to feed her carrots. How she’d hated them so much that she spit them across the room. Then I started to sing Winnie the Pooh to her, hoping she would just wake up giggling and demand to get out of this bed. Peyton loved for me to hum the song over and over to her when I brushed her hair or tied her shoes.

  “That was Grant’s favorite when he was a little boy as well.” I looked to see Martin standing in the doorway. He smiled as he crossed the floor and listened to her lungs. “The results are back and we’re going to change the antibiotics, but I wanted to go over a few things with you while we wait.” I looked deep into his tired eyes. It was the same look I had seen from my father several times in my life.

  “I’m speaking to you as the chief of staff right now. When you came into the ER yesterday morning, you were treated in a manner that was unacceptable. Many years ago, we had a nurse attacked, so we installed cameras for their protection. Everything that happened was recorded. Trixie and Sophia have both been terminated and I’ve already notified the State of South Carolina of this incident. We have a full investigation going and we’ll make certain this never happens again. As for Trixie and Sophia, I’ll ensure they lose their nursing license.”

  I couldn’t speak. I knew there was more to the story than what he was letting on. Martin turned when the door opened and a nurse came into the room. She had a clear plastic bag that she attached to Peyton’s IV. “This should make her better in no time.”

  I thanked Martin and the nurse as they left together. I sat back down in the chair and began singing to her again. I could hear the sounds of people talking and I looked out the large windows to the nurses’ station. It must have been visiting time as several people were walking around. I couldn’t remember the last time I had gone to the bathroom and my bladder was screaming at me to do so. I also needed a cup of coffee and I remembered there was a coffee pot in the waiting room. I slowly rose from my chair, stretching and trying to get my legs to work. I left Peyton’s room and asked the nurse outside where the ladies’ room was. She told me it was in the waiting area and I thanked her and continued on.

  I could hear several voices as I rounded the corner. Imagine my surprise when I came into a room full of people. Peggy was the quickest and wrapped me tightly in her arms. “How is my grandbaby?” she spoke into my ear.

  “She still has a high fever and is still asleep.”

  I watched as the faces around the room looked solemn. I had no idea who many of them were, but they each had a story to tell me. Several of the high school girls were there; they had all volunteered at the daycare and loved Peyton.

  Lily was standing in the corner, her thumbnail between her teeth. “Oh, Natalie, I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Grant has been keeping us posted. He’s going crazy trying to figure out how to make her better.” I couldn’t answer her as the tears overwhelmed me. I was so tired and all I wanted to do was hold my baby and smell her sweet scent. “Ashley said she’ll be here as soon as she closes the library.” Lily then moved back and handed me a duffel bag. “Autumn put together some things she knew you’d need.”

  I thanked her and hugged her again. She had shown me immeasurable amounts of friendship and I would be forever grateful. By the time I actually used the bathroom and got myself a cup of coffee, almost an hour had passed. I slid back into the overstuffed recliner and pure exhaustion took over. As difficult as I tried to keep my eyes open, I lost the battle.

  I woke when I heard the plastic canopy of the tent over Peyton’s bed being moved and looked up to find a nurse taking her vitals. “Good news, Mommy, her temp is down to 101°F.”

  It was good news, but I wouldn’t celebrate until she was running around the room, driving everyone crazy. I rose from the chair and decided to see what Autumn had packed for me. On the top of the pile was a sweater. I said a silent prayer, never so thankful to have something warm to wear, the room here was chilly. There was a new toothbrush and toothpaste, a small bottle of shampoo and body wash, some deodorant, and a hairbrush and hair tie. Some clean clothes, including new underwear and socks, were also a welcome sight.

  I walked back out to the nurses’ station and asked for a washcloth, which they were happy to give me. The nurse was so nice and showed me to a small locker room, complete with a shower. She handed me a towel and told me she would watch Peyton and for me to try and relax. The shower was lukewarm, but it did make me feel better being clean. I tied my damp hair up and gratefully pulled on the clean underwear before getting dressed. Peyton was still asleep when I returned to her room. I settled again into the chair and rocked back and forth, waiting and praying. It was just after six o’clock that evening when a knock at the door caused me to look up. There in the doorway was Ashley, a large grocery bag in hand. I motioned for her to enter, glad to see her friendly face.

  “Well, you’ve definitely made an impression in this hospital. This is contraband.” She raised the brown bag in the air as she spoke. I smiled and stood up to welcome her.

  I was fighting exhaustion, but I refused to leave Peyton. “Thank you so much, Ashley. I’m not really hungry, but I’ll try.” She pulled me into a tight hug and kissed my cheek.

  “This is from Carolyn. She isn’t feeling well herself so she’s staying at home. She sends her love.” Ashley looked over to a still-sleeping Peyton. Her cheeks weren’t
as red anymore, but the last two vitals checks showed no decrease in her temperature.

  “She looks so peaceful.”

  “I wish I felt the same. I won’t be able to breathe until she’s home safe again.”

  Ashley opened the bag and placed the containers on the table. “Well, my job is to distract you from what’s going on in that mind of yours and I have so much to share.”

  She slid a cup of what looked like chicken soup in my direction. I wouldn’t argue with her and at least took a bite. The warm broth tasted heavenly and felt good going down my throat.

  “So, I have a confession to make.” I turned my eyes to her while continuing to eat the soup. “I called Dr. Crain when you texted me. I was making breakfast for Drew and I don’t know, I just felt that since you’d had such a hard time before with those nurses, you needed to have someone there. So I called Martin. He was almost to the hospital and said he’d check on you.”

  It didn’t escape me that she had admitted to having Drew at her house first thing in the morning.

  “Anyway, Brittney came into the library with no makeup and was very upset. Seems Martin tore into her mom, but not before Carolyn apparently had words with her. Trixie was fired and told Brittney she needed to pack her things because they were leaving. Brittney didn’t want to go so she called her aunt Janice and now she’s living with her.”

  I did stop my eating then. I’d never wanted anyone to lose their job. Maybe I could talk to Martin and see if she could do something else here in the hospital.

  “I heard you got to meet Tiffany Garrison.”

  I wasn’t sure I liked the way she stated that. “What do you mean? She was here, she’s an intern.”

  Ashley pushed her food away and leaned back against the wall. “Well, it’s no secret that when she first approached Martin, he wasn’t too keen on taking her on here.”

  I gave her a questioning look.

  “I’ve heard through the grapevine that she’s made it crystal clear how much she’d like to have a relationship with Grant. She hasn’t behaved like the slutty twins, though. She’s smarter than that, I guess, because she hasn’t tried anything crazy with him.”

  I wasn’t certain why she felt the need to tell me this. If Grant wanted to date Tiffany Garrison, then he had every right to do so.

  “I’m certain the only reason for that is because she’s so close to being finished with her training. It would be foolish for her to act on anything just yet. However, I think she only has a couple more weeks before she’s finished. I can’t wait to see what happens then.”

  Ashley started to pick up the empty containers and place them back in the bag. “Do you need anything, Natalie?”

  “No, not unless you can make her better, but thank you.”

  Ashley smiled her perfect smile while placing her hand on my shoulder. She was a great friend and I was so glad to have her.

  “Oh, an interesting development.” She looked behind her.

  I would guess to see if anyone was standing inside the door. I also looked in that direction.

  “Seems Mrs. Nelson, down at the diner, heard about what happened. She told Maybelline, who told Molly, who told my mother, that Grant must really be smitten with you, because ‘he didn’t do this much for a girl even when he was with Rebecca.’”

  This was the umpteenth time I had heard about this girl—Rebecca. Before, I had just ignored it. Maybe living in this small town had given me a questioning nature, as that was the only reason I could give to explain what happened next.

  “Who is Rebecca, again?”

  Ashley looked puzzled for a moment and then snuggled into her chair. “I forget you haven’t lived here all your life like the rest of us.” She shook her head with a slight eye roll. “Rebecca Whitaker and Grant dated for as long as I can remember. They were the quintessential ‘it’ couple. She was a cheerleader to his term as quarterback. Where she did everything, he did it right along with her. Everyone just assumed they would get married after he finished medical school, but right before that happened, she moved to California. No goodbye, nothing. Last we heard she had landed herself a movie producer husband and had a house in the hills.”

  “Sounds like they were really in love, what happened?” I quizzed.

  “Well, the way I hear it, she wanted to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. She had won the lead role in every play she auditioned for. Although, come to think of it, I’ve never seen her in any movies I’ve watched.” Her brow furrowed as she pondered the idea. “Grant came back and dove right into his practice, never speaking of her again.” She shrugged her shoulders as she took a drink from her soda.

  “All I know is, Grant did many things for her; took her to the picture show, dinner and the like. But with you, he has really put forth an effort. Look at all he has done with the library and taking care of your lawn.”

  I sat up straighter in my chair, I wasn’t aware anyone besides Grant knew about that. “Did Grant tell you about mowing my lawn?” My voice was defensive and slightly angry.

  Ashley nudged me with her sandal. “Stop. Grant didn’t say a word, but you do live next door to one of the biggest gossips in the county.”

  As I said goodbye to Ashley, she swore she would take care of everything at the library and tell everyone that Peyton was hanging in there. “Oh and one more thing, Ashley,” I called. She was nearly out the door.

  “Yes?” Her cell phone now in her hand, a sly smile developing.

  “Don’t think for a second we won’t be having a discussion as to why Drew was at your house so early in the morning.”

  Martin and Grant came into Peyton’s room shortly before nine o’clock that evening. I was so busy watching Grant listen to my baby’s lungs and talk sweetly to her, that I missed Tiffany walking into the room. It was when Martin also leaned over and did an assessment that I noticed her eyes were locked on Grant’s ass.

  “Her lungs are sounding much better, Natalie.” Martin’s voice caused me to forget Tiffany and get back to what really mattered.

  “Does this mean the medicine is working?” I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, holding my breath as I waited for Martin to answer.

  He slowly leaned away from Peyton and wrapped his stethoscope around his neck. “That’s exactly what’s happening. Actually, Grant wanted to use this medication first, but I overruled him.” Martin sighed, looking to Grant, whose eyes were still locked on Peyton.

  I could feel the relief as it ran down my spine. I wanted so badly to exhale and let out the breath it seemed I had been holding since we had arrived at the hospital. I couldn’t, though, not until I had her home, running around and playing.

  “I’ll stop by in the morning and see how you both are doing. Mom will no doubt send something for you.”

  I smiled and nodded as the three left the room, noticing how Tiffany walked behind Grant, eyeing him hungrily while he was oblivious.

  Ashley’s words floated around in my head as I tried to get a little sleep. Tiffany Garrison was just one of the many who wanted Grant. She was playing her cards right, though, in earning his trust as a colleague and not throwing herself at him. I had to give her credit; she wasn’t foolish enough to kill her chance at a great career for a quick romp in the sack. She was obviously beautiful, poised, and intelligent—a very desirable combination.

  Then there was Rebecca. Clearly, she had been the love of his life and was for quite some time. According to Ashley, this woman had the heart and soul of an angel, everyone seemed to love her, Grant included. So, why did she leave if she knew Grant was coming back? With a solid career and able to take care of her. Something wasn’t right, but in the thick of things, I honestly didn’t care.

  As much as I didn’t want to admit it to myself, or anyone for that matter, by Grant doing everything to help my baby, he was making quite an impression on me. That night, I dreamed of a warm spring day with bright sunshine. Peyton and Savannah were playing on a merry-go-round, laughing and having the
time of their lives. I looked down to see my belly round with pregnancy and a silver ring on my left hand. A male hand, with a matching band, was securely wrapped around my middle.

  “Mommy,” I heard Peyton say, her hair bouncing as she played with Savannah.

  “Mommy!” I tried to answer her, but my voice would not come.

  “Natalie,” the husky voice of Grant came from behind me.

  I turned to find Grant was the owner of the arm that was wrapped around me. I gasped, and with a final call from Peyton, I woke with a start to find a very awake Peyton sitting up in her bed. Her curls were bouncing as she was laughing at Grant making funny faces.

  “Oh, my God.” I jumped out of the chair and nearly tripped trying to get to Peyton.

  “Mommy, I hungwy.”

  I nearly cried with joy as her words were music to my ears.

  “Well, it’s a good thing Nana Carolyn made you waffles then, as she hears they’re your favorite.” Martin’s voice sounded from the doorway, another brown bag in his hands.

  “Pawpaw!” Peyton screeched.

  My eyes widened and I knew I’d gasped.

  Martin moved past Grant, who had removed the plastic tent from Peyton’s bed and had just finished listening to her lungs.

  “It’s all right, Natalie. Savannah and Peyton play together so much that when she heard Savannah call me that, Peyton started as well.”

  His words did little to calm me. Peyton was picking up so much and soon she would be acting like a sponge to everyone she met. Lily didn’t allow ‘baby talk’ in her daycare. She spoke to each of them like little adults. It was a positive thing, as Peyton’s vocabulary seemed to explode and she was speaking in nearly full sentences.

  “H-how is she today?” My voice broke as my emotions regarding the situation took over.