“Cass, there was a plane crash and they think that your gold medal hottie was on board.”
Cassidy looked over at the screen. “Oh my God.”
“Yeah, what a waste of a hottie.”
“Jess, he is a person. Any person dying is sad.”
“True, it is sad.” Jess picked up the remote to change the channel.
“Wait!”
“Oh Cass, do we have to sit and watch?”
Cassidy wanted to watch in hopes that the news was wrong, and that Grady wasn’t a passenger. She had followed him since he won his first championship. “Can we?”
“I guess, but only because you’re my best friend.”
2
Grady could hear people talking but he couldn’t open his eyes. He tried to move but his body felt heavy and filled with pain.
“Doctor, he moved his fingers.”
The doctor walked over to Grady’s bed. “Grady, can you open your eyes?”
Weston leaned over and placed his hand down onto Grady’s arm. “Hey, it’s me West, wake the hell up, Buddy.”
Grady blinked a few times and then was finally able to move his fingers again.
“Grady, my name is Dr. Martin, you’re in the hospital.”
Grady mumbled. “C-c-ra-sh.”
“There was a plane crash but you’re safe and, in the hospital, now.”
“I’m right here with you, Buddy.”
“W-w-esst.”
“You’re going to be ok.” Weston squeezed Grady’s hand and Grady gave him a weak squeeze back.
“D-d-dark.”
Weston looked at Grady who now had his eyes open. Then he looked over at the doctor who wasn’t quite sure what to say.
“What’s dark, Grady?”
“H-ere.”
The doctor took out his penlight and flashed it into Grady’s eyes.
Weston’s heart broke when Grady’s eyes stared at the light and didn’t even blink.
“Grady, I’m going to send you for some tests now that you’re conscious.”
Grady blinked a few times. “I c-can-t see.”
The doctor placed his hand down onto Grady’s shoulder. “Try to relax. I’m going to run some tests, so I know what we’re dealing with.”
“You’ll be ok, Buddy.”
Grady didn’t respond to Weston he just laid there almost wishing he hadn’t survived the crash.
Cassidy sat, ordered her coffee, and then picked up the newspaper. America’s Golden Boy, Grady O’Malley, sole survivor.
“Amazing isn’t it?”
Cassidy looked up at her server. “It truly is.”
“I sure hope that when he finally wakes up that he will be able to swim again.”
“Me too.” Cassidy smiled up at her server.
“Are you going to have your regular this morning?”
“But, of course.”
“Figured as much. I’ll be back with it in a few.”
“I’ll be here.” Cassidy sipped her coffee as she read about Grady.
Grady had never experienced fear…until now. Not knowing where he was going or how much time had passed as he was wheeled back and forth through the hallways and placed in and out of machines. He began to panic and started to gasp for air. “I, I can’t breathe.”
The technician placed her hand down onto Grady’s leg. “It’s normal to experience some anxiety during an MRI, Mr. O’Malley.”
“I feel like I’m dying.”
“Ok, let’s take a break. I’m going to contact your doctor and see if he can give you something for the anxiety.”
“I think I’m going to be sick.”
“You’ll be ok. Take a few deep breaths and exhale.”
Grady inhaled and exhaled a few times and he could feel himself starting to relax a bit.
“That’s it. You’re doing great.”
For the second time today, Grady regretted surviving.
“Good afternoon, Doctor.”
“Hello, Sheila.”
“Dr. Edwards called in sick so you’re going to have to squeeze in a few of his emergency patients.”
“Good thing I had the morning off and I’m highly caffeinated.”
“I left the patient’s charts on your desk and your first appointment will be here in about five minutes.”
“Thank you, Sheila.” Cassidy walked into her office and plopped down onto her chair. She reached for the pile of patient charts she had waiting for her on her desk and the phone rang.
“Dr. Scott.”
“Hey, Cass, do you have a few minutes to discuss a trauma patient with me?”
“I have a patient now, but I can come down in about an hour.”
“That’s prefect. I should have all the test results in by then. Thank you.”
“Sure thing.” Cassidy hung up the phone and exhaled. What a day she had ahead of her.
Grady finally relaxed after the doctor gave him some anti-anxiety medication. He knew he was staring at the ceiling, but he still couldn’t see anything.
“Hey, Buddy!”
“West?”
“Yeah, it’s me.” Weston rubbed his hand up and down Grady’s arm.
“West, nobody is telling me anything.”
“I’m sure the doctor will tell you what’s going on as soon as he knows.”
“I know that I broke some ribs and…”
“Grady, it’s Dr. Martin, I have your test results.”
“When will I be able to see again?”
“Do I have permission to speak with your friend present?”
“Yes.”
“It seems that all of your test results have come back clean.”
“Clean?”
“Yes, everything appears…”
“Then why can’t I see?”
“I have an associate that I’d like to bring in to speak with you.”
“I don’t care who you bring in if it will help me to see again.”
“Grady, I need to get going. I will stop back later. Hang in there.”
“Yeah.”
“I am going to meet with Dr. Scott. Try to rest until we come back.”
Cassidy took two steps inside Grady’s room before coming to a screeching halt.
“Is something the matter?”
“You neglected to mention that your patient is Grady O’Malley.”
“Is that a problem?”
“No. I just wasn’t prepared…umm…expecting it to be someone I know. I mean that I know of. I don’t actually know him.”
Dr. Martin looked at Cassidy and chuckled. “Then let me introduce you.”
“Grady, are you awake?”
Grady turned his head toward the doctor. “Dr. Martin?”
“Yes, and I have Dr. Scott here with me.”
“Pleased to meet you, Grady.”
“Can you help me?”
“I think I may be able to.”
“May? Either you can, or you can’t.” Grady looked away. He didn’t want to even think about the possibility of can’t.”
“Dr. Scott specializes in Conversion Disorder.”
“Conversion Disorder?” Grady looked back toward Dr. Martin’s voice. “That sounds serious. Do I need surgery?”
“Grady, Conversion Disorder is psychological.”
“You think I’m crazy?” Grady swung his arm up.
Cassidy grabbed his hand in hopes of comforting him. “No. I don’t.”
“Then why you? Why do I need a psychiatrist?”
“Grady, Dr. Scott can help you get through whatever it is that’s causing your blindness.”
“You think I’m making myself like this? Do you think I want to be blind?” Grady pulled his hand away.
“I know how hard it is for you…”
“Please leave. I want to be alone.” Grady looked away from their voices.
Dr. Martin patted Grady’s leg. “I’ll check in on you later.”
Cassidy stared at Grady for a minute and then she stepped back.
“I’m going to give you some time to process this. When you’re ready to talk, have one of the nurses contact me.”
3
Rylan strolled into Grady's room carrying a tin of cookies that her mother baked for him. As she approached the bed, she noticed that Grady's eyes were open. She had assumed he was asleep when he didn't acknowledge her. “Grady!”
Grady turned his head toward Rylan’s voice. “Ry?” He lifted his arms.
Rylan grabbed Grady and hugged him.
Grady flinched a bit. “Not so tight.”
“I forgot about your ribs.” Rylan released her hold and took his hand. “I’m so sorry I wasn't here sooner, Babe, but our flight was delayed three times and then I had to stop by my mother’s and pick up these cookies.
“I understand.”
Rylan looked Grady over. He had bruises and stitches but that wasn't what she found alarming; it was the emptiness she saw when she looked into his eyes. “Grady, what's wrong?”
“You're kidding me, right?” Grady pulled his hand away and painfully rolled over.
Rylan pulled on his arm. “No, I’m not? Are you upset with me?”
“Rylan, why does it always have to be about you?”
“What? Grady, you’re not making any sense. I’m worried about you?”
Grady shook his head. He realized what an asshole he was being. “Come here.” Grady extended his hand toward Rylan’s voice. “I’m sorry. I know that none of this is your fault.”
“Babe, you almost died. I guess I should be a bit more compassionate.”
“I wish I had.”
“Grady, why would you even say that?”
“Because I don't want to live like this.”
“Your ribs will heal; the stitches will come out and you'll be back in the water in no time.”
“Ry, I appreciate you trying to keep positive, but I’m scared.”
Rylan kissed Grady's forehead. “Babe, you have nothing to be afraid of…”
“Mr. O'Malley, time for some more tests.”
“Why bother when they've already decided that it’s psychological?”
“I’m just doing my job, Mr. O'Malley.”
“I'll be here when you get back, Babe.”
As soon as the orderlies wheeled Grady away Rylan turned to the nurse. “What did he mean by it’s psychological?”
“His blindness, poor guy.”
Rylan blinked a few times and then stepped back. “Grady’s blind?”
The nurse looked shocked. “You weren't aware?”
Rylan shook her head. “The news didn't mention it, he didn't tell me and I…well, I didn't notice. I only arrived a few minutes ago.” Rylan sat down.
“If he can work through whatever it is that's causing it, there is a good chance that his sight will return.”
Rylan sat there nodding her head in disbelief.
Cassidy thought about Grady as she awaited the elevator. She wanted to help Grady more than she had ever helped another patient, but she knew that he had to be willing to accept her help for it to work.
“Did you hear that Grady O’Malley is in this hospital?”
“He is? Oh my God!”
“Yeah, the news said his family had him flown here after the crash so that he would be close to home.”
“Lucky for us.”
Cassidy looked over at the two twenty something year old’s and shook her head.
“I’d love to climb him like a tree.”
The elevator doors opened.
“I know. One look at him and…”
“IT’S HIM!”
The one girl pushed her friend out of the way and grabbed Grady’s hand. “OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! I LOVE YOU, GRADY!”
Grady went into an immediate panic and pulled his hand away.
Cassidy wedged herself between the girls and Grady. “Excuse me, I’m Mr. O’Malley’s doctor and Mr. O’Malley isn’t in any condition to be greeting fans. Please go!” Cassidy gave them both an evil glare. “NOW!”
The girls turned and left. Cassidy looked at the orderly. “From now on you take security with you when he leaves his room and you take the service elevator, understand?”
“Yes, Doctor. I am very sorry, Mr. O’Malley.”
Grady didn’t reply.
“Grady, it’s me, Dr. Scott, Dr. Martin’s friend.”
Grady nodded.
“I’m going to stay with you until we get you back to your room.”
This time Grady spoke but it wasn’t much louder than a whisper. “Thank you.”
Rylan was pacing inside Grady’s room while she talked to her best friend.
“Leela, I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Rylan, calm down.”
“Calm down? How do you expect me to calm down when Grady is blind? His career is over.”
“Excuse me but I think you should take that call outside.”
Rylan didn’t even say goodbye she ended the call and pushed her phone into her pocket. “Grady, why didn’t you tell me that you were blind, Babe?”
Cassidy shook her head. “Grady, if you change your mind have someone call me.”
“Thank you for helping me, Doctor.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” Cassidy nodded at Rylan and then she exited the room.
“Who was that and how did she help you?”
“Seriously? Do you think I’m cheating on you?”
“No, no I don’t.”
“And why not because I’m blind or because my career is over?”
Rylan walked over to Grady and reached for his hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were…”
“Here. Yeah, I heard you. I can still hear.” Grady pulled his hand away from Rylan.
“Look, I know that you always think that I make things about me but in my defense, I was shocked when the nurse told me about your sight and…”
“I’m sorry. I should have told you myself.” Grady lifted his arm. “Come here.”
Rylan took Grady’s hand. “I thought I lost you. I can’t imagine what you went through.” Rylan placed her hand onto Grady’s cheek.
“I don’t remember much.” Grady lied. He’d remember every horrific detail until the day he died.
“I have to go to the office for a bit, but I will come back later.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I want to and besides I think that they may let you come home later this afternoon.”
“How can I go home like this?”
“We can talk about the details later.” Rylan kissed Grady before darting out of his room.
“Weston, can I have a word with you?”
“Sure, Doctor.” Weston followed the doctor into the lounge.
“I know that you and Grady are good friends and that’s why I am reaching out to you. Grady has been through a very traumatic experience and he must accept the fact that he needs Dr. Scott to help him heal.”
“He mentioned her. Grady’s never been one to talk about his problems. He’s a strong guy.”
“Even the strongest have their weak moments.”
“So, I’m guessing you want me to talk Grady into giving Dr. Scott a chance.”
“I am.”
“Ok, but no promises.”
“I’m only asking that you give it a shot at convincing him that she’s what he needs.”
“Consider it done.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you, Doctor, for caring enough to speak with me.”
The doctor nodded.
Weston let out a deep breath and headed to Grady’s room.
Grady was sitting up in a chair feeling the bumps and stitches on his face and head. He still couldn’t believe that he was the only one who had survived.
“Hey, Buddy!”
“West?”
“Yeah, it’s me.”
“Why did I survive…I mean, why me?”
Weston pulled up a chair and sat down next to his buddy. “I’m not really sure but I’m ha
ppy as hell that you did.”
Grady looked down. “West, I wish I hadn’t.”
“Look, I know that I can never know how you are feeling but if it is that bad then please, Grady, talk to someone who can help you.”
“You mean that crazy person chick?”
“You don’t have to be crazy to talk to someone who may be able to help you regain your sight.”
“Maybe.”
“Grady, you survived for a reason. Don’t waste a second chance.”
“What if my reason is to punish me?”
“Alright, now you are sounding crazy!”
“Crazy is that seven other people died, and I didn’t.”
Weston placed his hand down onto Grady’s thigh. “Please, just think about talking to her.”
“I will.”
“Good. So, I heard they are springing you later.”
“That’s what they said.”
“Do you want me to pack a bag and come stay with you?”
“Rylan said that she’d babysit me.”
“Rylan is going to take care of you?” Weston let out a laugh.
“Look, I know that you’ve never liked her, but she loves me.”
“I know, and you love her too or I wouldn’t even tolerate being in the same room with her.”
“I don’t understand why you hate her so much?”
Weston reminded himself of the time that Rylan hit on him right after she started dating Grady. He knew how much it would upset Grady if he ever found out, so he kept it a secret. “We just don’t get along.”
“Well, thank you for tolerating her for me.”
“Anything for my best friend.”
4
The press practically tackled Grady yelling out questions before he was even wheeled through the front door of the hospital.
“Grady, do you know how long it will be before you’re back competing?”
“How does it feel to be the sole survivor, Grady?”
“There have been rumors that you lost your sight in the accident. Is that true?”
Weston stood in front of Grady while Rylan posed for photo ops. “BACK UP! GRADY WILL NOT BE SPEAKING TO ANY OF YOU TODAY!”
Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology Page 272
