His voice is gruff yet calming. “Okay. I’ll try,” I whisper back.
Emma shows up about fifteen minutes later. I can’t stop pacing. Willow took K.C. to the park since I was making him upset. I’m so glad she was able to come.
Pouring me a glass of wine, she sets it on the coffee table and pulls me into her arms. “Sit down and take a deep breath. You are making me dizzy, girl,” she says, sitting and patting the seat next to her.
“I can’t stop thinking about his dreams. Was he right? What the fuck? Emma, I can’t… I can’t lose him,” I say, sitting and burying my face in my hands.
My phone starts ringing causing me to jump from the couch and scramble to find it. I see Bryce’s name on the display and I hesitate to answer.
“Can’t find anything out. They won’t tell me since I’m not related. Have you called his folks?” Bryce says as a greeting.
“Yes, and they can’t find out anything either. They are driving up to at least be here with me,” I say, dropping to the floor.
“I’m going to call Gavin…that’s Sporto, sorry. He just got out and may still have some inside contacts. I’ll call Rigs, too. That man has a way of finding out things. Hold tight,” Bryce says, immediately ending the call.
I force myself back onto the couch and curl up in the corner. My head is pounding and my eyes hurt from the crying. Emma lifts my legs and covers me with a blanket. Just having her here rubbing my legs is helping. Somehow, I end up falling asleep.
♦♦♦
“Nothing? Okay, babe. I’m going to stay until at least Kaden’s parents get here. She’s a mess…yeah she’s sleeping right now…Call as soon as you hear anything…I know you will…I love you, too,” I hear Emma whisper.
I’m numb. I don’t think I can cry anymore. I need to be strong for K.C. I made him upset, and I can’t do that to him. I made Kaden a promise, and I need to stick to it. No matter the outcome. I can’t change anything so it does nothing for me to continue to cry.
I sit up and make my way to the bathroom. I need to wash my face and regroup.
I’m finishing up when I hear voices in the apartment. I come out and immediately rush over into Laura and Ed’s arms.
This time I’m not crying. I’m the one consoling.
Chapter Twenty-One
Kaden
Ihave no idea where I am. My throat burns like acid. Something is covering my eyes. I try to feel around, but my arms are restrained. I’m flat on my back. I can move my legs, though, and it feels like I’m covered with something. I realize that I’m not wearing pants. Why am I not wearing pants? I try to speak, but it hurts to even try.
I start to fight against the restraints when I feel a hand on my shoulder and a small pinch on my arm. Everything fades back to black.
♦♦♦
“Staff Sergeant McIntyre, can you hear me?” I hear as I feel a hand touch my arm. “Just nod your head if you can. Don’t try to speak.”
I nod slowly and feel my head throb. I let out a soft groan. I still can’t see anything, realizing something is still covering my eyes. I try to lift my hands and feel that they are still restrained.
“I’m sorry about the restraints. We didn’t want to remove them until you were fully awake and understood. They are for your protection,” I hear the man’s voice calmly state.
“Your unit was caught in a sand storm. Do you remember that?” he asks.
I nod and he continues, “Okay, good. Well, you’ve sustained some damage to your eyes, face, and throat. Think of sandpaper and the damage it can do. We didn’t want you to try to rub your eyes and cause more damage.”
He undoes the restraints as he continues to talk. “You have a few broken ribs. Appears one of the crates slammed into you and did a number on your one side. Other than that, you just have superficial wounds. The doctors are a little concerned with your eyes, though. They were washed out as good as they could be. We won’t know anything more until the doctors feel the bandages can be removed. You swallowed a lot of sand. There shouldn’t be any long term effects, but you will be sore for a while.”
I try to speak, but it comes out weak and hurts like a bitch. “Here. How long?” I manage to get out.
“It’s been about seventy-two hours since they brought you in. They are going to transport you back to Germany once they feel you are stable enough,” he says, taking my blood pressure.
I start freaking out thinking I missed three days with video calls to Alyse. I can hear him walking around the bed.
All I can get out is “Lyse.”
“Sir, please don’t try to talk. I know you have a lot of questions. Your emergency contact has been notified of your condition. I understand your enlistment is almost up. I have a feeling this will give them a reason for an early release. You have some healing to do, and it’s not going to be quick.”
Damn right I have a lot of questions. He answered the most concerning one though. At least Alyse knows I’m safe. I put her down as my emergency contact before I left. My next concern is my eyesight. Will I see her beautiful face again or look into my son’s hazel eyes? I blow out a breath and groan from the pain. The pain in my side combined with the throbbing in my eyes and throat has me struggling. I can’t even ask for pain meds. I tap the side of the bed to try to get the nurse’s attention.
“Are you feeling pain, sir?” he asks.
I hold up seven fingers to indicate my pain level. He states that he will get me something, so I do my best to try to get comfortable. I hate being flat on my back, and even though it may hurt to sit up a little, I feel around for the bed remote. Once I find it hanging on the bed rail, I slowly raise up and breathe through the pain. I get to the point I feel more comfortable. The nurse must have put something in the IV because the pain in my side starts to subside. I need something to drink, though. I start to point to my throat hoping the nurse sees me.
“I see you, sir. I’ll get you some ice chips to start. It’s going to hurt. So, just take your time,” he says, patting my shoulder.
A few minutes later, I hear the nurse approach my bed and grab my hand to place a cup of ice into it.
“Take it slow. Just a few at a time, okay?” he says.
I gingerly place a few chips in my mouth and let them slowly melt. There’s pain, but it’s not as bad as I thought. The cold helps, too. I’m so thirsty, but I’m trying to take it slow.
I need to hear Alyse’s voice. I miss her so much and can only image what she is going through right now. I need to make sure she’s okay.
Chapter Twenty-two
Alyse
His parents haven’t left my apartment. I let them have my bed and I put a blow-up mattress in K.C.’s room. I love having them here, actually. They are keeping me strong. The stories they have told me about Kaden have us laughing through the tears of worry. They see so much of him in K.C. They point it out for me to see, and I think that’s what I needed.
I needed to hold on to things to remind me of him. I’m trying to stay positive, but we are still no closer to knowing what is going on. I’m trying not to think the worse. I also want to try to focus on the positive, if that’s even possible. I have this beautiful gift. My son. I didn’t even think that I would even find Kaden. I was given that gift of spending three incredible months with him and falling deeply in love.
I’ve been given something that not a lot of people get to experience. What I feel is the fate of true love. Finding my soulmate. A chance meeting that produced a child that I know will make a different in this world. Maybe that is why this all happened. I may end up being a cat lady and never finding love again, but I’m okay with that at this point. I’ve experienced so much in such a short time and have this little human that I need to focus on. I also gained Kaden’s parents. Two incredible people that I know will be in our lives forever.
I sleep with my phone. I have a death grip on it. I’m tossing and turning the whole night. At one point, I’m just laying here watching K.C. sleep.
&nbs
p; Suddenly, my phone starts ringing. I almost throw it because it scares the shit out of me. I find myself staring at the phone number that I don’t recognize.
Laura comes running into the room and drops to her knees. “Who is it? Is it Kaden?”
“No, I don’t recognize the number,” I say, still looking at my phone.
“Alyse! For God’s sake answer it!” Kaden’s mom exclaims.
“H…Hello?” I ask.
“Alyse Dawson?” I hear on the other end.
“Yes, this is Alyse Dawson.” I say with a shaky voice.
“Ms. Dawson, this is specialist Greene of the U.S. Air Force. You are listed as Staff Sergeant Kaden McIntyre’s emergency contact. First, he’s okay. His unit was caught in a sudden sand storm. He is currently in the medic ward with a few broken ribs, among other injuries. None that are life threatening. I wanted to let you know that he will be transported to Germany as soon as the doctors release him and then moved back to the states. I don’t have a lot of information but do know that he is okay. I can relay anything back to him that you want. One thing that I can tell you is that he sustained injuries to his eyes and throat, so I don’t think that he will be able to contact you anytime soon. Please know he is in the best care and will be home soon,” the man says.
“Oh, thank God. We were so worried. You sure he’s okay?” I say, grabbing Laura’s hand.
“Yes, ma’am. Like I said, he’s unable to speak due to the damage to his throat and they are working to repair the damage to his eyes. It’s going to be difficult for him to communicate right now,” Specialist Greene says.
“Will he be blind?” I ask, squeezing Laura’s hand.
“Ma’am, I can’t say at this time. Someone will be in contact. Just know that he is alive and in the best of care. We take care of our own,” he responds.
“Thank you,” I whisper as I feel a tear roll down my face. He gives me a few numbers so I can keep tabs on the situation and ends the call.
“He’s okay. He’s okay!” I say, dropping the phone and pulling Laura into my arms.
Seconds later, Ed is on the floor with us pulling us in and getting caught up on the phone call. I hear K.C. bouncing in his crib and looking down on us.
I pull him out of his crib to the floor with us. We laugh and cry at the same time. My emotions are over the place, but I feel such relief. We all hug, and I think of how blessed I am right now. My heart hurts thinking about the possible pain he may be in right now. I wish I could be with him.
“How long do you think he will be in Germany? I have passports for us both. I feel like I need us to be there for him,” I say.
“They gave you numbers to call, right?” Ed says. “Call them and get something set up. We will go too, if you want.”
“Of course! Thank you so much for being here. I can’t image having to go through this without you,” I say, pulling up the numbers that I was sent.
I call the first one and get an immediately answer. They have to check on what the arrangements are for him to be transported to Germany. They let me know that there are transports for family in these kinds of situations.
Two days later, we have travel arrangements made for the four of us to Germany. I’m coming, Kaden, I think. Hold on, baby.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Kaden
I’ve been transported to Germany. I still have the bandages on my eyes. They itch so bad. It takes everything in my power not to dig my fist in and rub. I get daily washes and checks. Each time the bandages come off, I can’t see shit. It scares the hell out of me. There’s nothing like not being able to see. It’s one of those senses that you don’t want to lose. It makes you think about what you would do if it won’t come back. I can see both Alyse and K.C. in my head. At least I had the opportunity to have seen them and embedded them into my brain.
I got news today that they are on their way to see me. I can’t wait. I haven’t been able to talk or communicate with them. I’m at Ramstein Air Force Base, still struggling to not rub my eyes. The doctors tell me it will only get worse. The eye drops help but only for a few hours.
My ribs are still sore but nothing compared to my throat and eyes. I feel like I’m melting away. I only get jello and liquids. One nurse got me some protein drinks that seem to help. The pain is manageable. I just want to see my girl and my boy. Well, hear them. The first time the bandages came off I saw nothing but a fog. At least it wasn’t dark. I’m holding onto the possibility of getting it all back. However, if it doesn’t, I’ll live. I feel like Alyse is my destiny. The fact that she’s coming to Germany just instils the fact that she’s got the best intentions. She wants to be with me.
I hear the door opening and catch my father’s voice. Then the unmistakeable squeal of my boy.
“Dadadadada!” It’s the best sound in the world.
He falls into my arms, and I’m engulfed in his smell. I cringe a little at the pain, but I don’t dwell on it. My boy. My life. I reach out my arm to find Alyse. I immediately feel her and pull her in. Folding my face into her neck, I take her in and sigh. This is it. This is all I want. I feel hands at my ankles and hear both my mom and dad say hi. Family. That’s what it’s all about.
♦♦♦
The bandages come fully off today. I’m nervous. Alyse is a rock. She’s been here every day reading to me and just telling me things I need to hear. K.C.’s milestones are the best. His doctors keep saying how he’s off the charts, how he’s so much further than any other baby his age. I’m proud.
As the bandages come off, I have my eyes closed as hard as I can. I’m scared. I’m praying in my head that I will see my girl and my boy. As the nurse unravels the gauze, my eyes are still closed. I feel like I can still feel the sand in there.
I’m hopeful but realistic. I know that nothing is guaranteed. The nurse says to lean my head back as I feel more drops being put into my dry, tired eyes.
“Don’t expect anything. You may not see anything or just blurs, but don’t think that’s it. Are you ready?” the nurse asks.
I feel Alyse rubbing my arm as I nod my head. My voice still isn’t there. But I have my girl, my boy, and my folks here. I just pray that I see something.
I can tell that the lights have been lowered. So, at least I can tell that.
Taking a deep breath, I slowly open my eyes only to small slits. I can see shapes standing at the end of my bed. I can tell they are my mom and dad. I look to my left and can make out Alyse and K.C., but they are not clear. I think I see K.C. waving.
“Sir, I know it’s still difficult to talk, but try to tell me what you see,” the nurse asks.
My voice is weak and raspy. It comes out in a whisper. “Shapes,” I blink and try to focus. I ask, “K.C. waving?”
“That would be correct. That’s good news. You still have a lot of healing to do, but this gets you closer to going home,” he says.
He leaves some eye drops with instructions to keep the lights dim and the curtains closed. I’m just happy I’ll be able to use the restroom without any assistance.
I can feel that I have scabs on my face. I’m curious how bad it is. I stand and make my way to the restroom. There’s a night light in the wall that gives off a little glow. I lean in as far as I can to the mirror, but I really can’t see anything but the shape of my face. My beard is growing back in. I can see that at least. I give up trying to see anything more and go back and crawl into bed.
“Are you alright?” Alyse asks.
I smile and nod my head. I reach out for her hand and place a soft kiss on her knuckles. I mouth the words “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Kaden,” she says, scratching my beard. “I love this, too.”
I let out a little chuckle and lean into her hand. I’ll tell her that was my plan, but it was really because of all the injuries to my face. It was raw and sure as hell didn’t need anyone running a razor blade across it.
♦♦♦
I’m going home. I’m healed enough to be
discharged and heal at home. I was given these large sunglasses to cover my eyes. They wrap around the sides, and I can only imagine how stupid I must look.
My side is still sore and the bouncing of the plane is grating on my nerves. I’m still seeing only shapes, but I can see K.C.’s smile. He seems to like the beard, too. He fell asleep in my arms with his fingers tangled in it.
I was given my discharge papers since you kind of need to see fully in order to do the job. I feel sort of lost. I thought I was going to do this the rest of my life. Now what? I knew this was coming, but I just didn’t really think about it.
Broken Ties (The Broken Brother Series Book 2) Page 11
