I hear Emma crying behind me. “Here, Emma, hold this,” I say giving her a new basin to hold for James. I have learned that people feel better when they feel like they are doing something to help. “Emma?” I say so she focuses on me and not on James.
She reluctantly looks up at me. “We are going to give him something to stop the throwing up, then we are going to start an IV of fluids and some antibiotics. Does he have any allergies to any medications?”
“No, not that I know of.”
“Good, we will also draw some blood and run some tests. We’ll do that last. The shot of Phenergan we will give him will help with him throwing up and it will also make him sleepy. Then we’ll do the IV of fluids and draw some blood for labs. He also has a fever so we’ll get him something for that as well.”
She only nods and rubs James’ hair.
“Did you call Brooke or your parents?”
“No, I don’t want to worry them.” She sniffles.
“Ok, I have to run to the nurses’ station for a minute. The nurses will be in to give him a shot and he should start feeling better soon.”
She nods but doesn’t look at me. She leans over and rests her head next to James’ arm. I slowly walk out of the room and quickly do my notation and give strict instructions to Nurse Jones and Nurse Wood on the orders I want for the meds, IV, and the labs. If I can make it more comfortable for him, I will.
Once the meds have been given and he stops throwing up and his fever comes down, James is finally able to sleep. I notify the pediatric floor there will be an admittance. “Emma?”
She looks up at me with a weak smile. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done, if something happened to him.”
I return her sad smile and sit on the stool on the other side of the bed. “He’s doing a lot better, but I want to keep him overnight for observation.”
“I can’t leave him.”
“I understand. The rooms all have a hard and uncomfortable recliner for parents to sleep on.”
She laughs quietly while holding James’ hand with the IV in it. “That’s nice of them,” she says softly.
“They do go that extra mile.” I smile. “They will be moving him up shortly. His labs came back and everything looks good. He has the flu and in a few days, he will be back to normal. They’ll continue to run the IV fluids until tomorrow, assuming he can hold food down. He should be fine to go home tomorrow.”
“Thank you so much for everything. He is my world and I have no idea what I would do without him.”
“You’re welcome. I think you should call your family.”
“I will, thank you.”
Once they move James upstairs to the peds unit, I give report to the oncoming shift and say my goodbyes to the staff. I head to my parents’ house to get Raelynn. I kiss and hug her a little longer before tucking her in bed.
“Daddy, you’re squeezing me,” she says, giggling.
“It’s ’cause I love you bunches and bunches.”
“I love you, too. Good night, Daddy.”
“Sweet dreams, Rae. See you in the morning.”
Emma
I text mom, dad, Brooke, Cheryl, and Danny to let them know that James is in the hospital with the flu and that he is fine, but they want to keep him and monitor him for 24-48 hours. I don’t add he has an IV or was dehydrated; I don’t want to worry anyone.
I make a bed in the hard and uncomfortable recliner that is in James’ room. He has been sleeping peacefully ever since they medicated him. The nurse comes in and medicates him every four hours. I don’t sleep but just lie there praying that God heals him quickly.
A knock sounds at the door and in walks Brooke, mom, dad, Cheryl, and Danny. I smile and look behind them for Brice.
“Someone had to watch the kids,” Brooke whispers.
I smile and nod. “I told you guys not to come,” I also whisper. Mom and Cheryl are already standing at James’ bed. They are each holding one of his small hands in theirs. I watch as they carefully touch him. I blink away the tears that threaten to fall. The concern and love they have for him is amazing. Max once told me the more people who love him, the better off he’ll be. I believed that then and I still believe that today.
“Oh, Em,” Cheryl cries. “I didn’t expect to see him this sick.”
I walk over to her and hug her. “He is finally able to rest, so I know he is already getting better. He will probably be able to come home tomorrow.”
“I didn’t know he was this ill. The IV in his little hand. He looks so small lying in this big bed.”
“Oh, Cheryl, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to worry you. He really is much better.”
“Come on, Cheryl. We need to leave so they can get their rest. As you can see, he is in good hands.”
“But, Danny…”
“Cheryl, there isn’t anything we can do here. We’ll be up first thing in the morning. They both need their rest.”
“Ok, you’re right,” Cheryl reluctantly agrees. “Emma, call us if anything changes or if you need anything. We’ll be up first thing in the morning.”
“I will, thank you both for coming. I really appreciate it.”
“Come on, Millie, we need to get going, too. We’ll be back tomorrow when he’s awake,” my dad says, trying to convince my mom to leave, too.
“Really, there isn’t anything anyone can do. He needs all the rest he can get,” I say honestly.
“We better leave before security comes,” Brooke says as she stands up.
“Security? How did you all get up here after visiting hours?”
Dad coughs and clears his throat, “Danny said his daughter was in labor and we were all going to the labor and delivery unit.”
Everyone laughs quietly. That sounds just like Danny. Brooke and I hug everyone and Brooke tells them she’ll have security walk her out to her car. She wants to talk to me first.
“Are you sure you’re all right here alone?”
“Yes, mom, I’m fine and thank you.” Once everyone leaves, Brooke closes the door after them.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Nothing.”
“You said you wanted to talk to me.”
“Oh, that. I just said that so they wouldn’t wonder why I didn’t leave with them.”
“Why didn’t you leave with them?”
“My girl needs me. I couldn’t tell them I was staying here with you. Then they would also try to stay, then all of us would get kicked out.”
“That sounds about right.” I smile.
“So, when they come in check on James, just tell them I’m your significant other. They’ll be shocked and won’t even question it.” She smiles.
“Only you would think up something like that.”
“I know, it really is a talent. I should become an author of fiction or romance or something.”
“Now you’re talking — then you can get paid for lying.”
“That sounds fun.”
We both giggle and Brooke walks over to the bed. “How is he?” she asks, reaching to touch his small hand.
I walk over and stand beside her. “He’s sick, he couldn’t stop throwing up, and he is dehydrated. Brooke, I was so scared. I kept thinking about….”
“Don’t say it. Nothing is going to happen to him,” she says, stroking his small hands. He must have had a good doctor. He looks better than you just described.”
“He did, you won’t believe who his doctor was.”
She looks up at me. “Who?”
“Alec Collins.”
“Who’s that?”
“Mr. Kung Fu.” I smile. She smiles and I know it has clicked who Alec Collins is.
“Well, isn’t he just a big bunch of yummy rolled up into one?”
“I don’t know about that, but he is a great doctor.”
The nurse walks in and medicates James again through his IV. He doesn’t stir. Brooke and I lie down and try to rest. She reclines on another chair in the room. We doze off a
nd on throughout the night. When daylight peeks through the window, she stands up and kisses James.
“Is he awake?” I ask, stretching.
“No, I just wanted to kiss him before I leave. I need to get home and get the kids off to the school while Brice goes to work.”
I stand and walk over to her. I look at James, who is sleeping peacefully. His color is coming back and he looks even better than he did last night. “Thank you for staying; I really appreciate it. I didn’t want to be here all night by myself.”
“You really didn’t think I would leave you here alone, did you?”
“No, I didn’t. It’s good having a best friend like you. I missed you when we were apart.”
“I missed you, too. I drove Brice crazy; that’s why he agreed to move to Florida. I need to go, or he’ll be late for work.”
“Thank you so much.”
“Call me and tell me what the doctor says when he comes in. I want to know if he’ll stay another night or if he’ll be released.”
“I will, and as soon as I know something, I’ll call you.”
Brooke leaves and I stay by the bed and hold James’ small hands. I close my eyes and pray that God will help him. I wipe away the tears that stream down my cheeks.
“Momma, don’t cry.”
I look up and James is looking at me with sad eyes. I smile because my son is awake.
“Are you thinking of daddy?”
“No, James, I was thinking of you. How are you feeling?”
“I’m all better.”
I bend over and kiss his warm lips. “Good, momma was worried about you.”
Danny, dad, Cheryl, and mom come walking into the room carrying balloons, a stuffed animal, flowers, and food. James smiles when he sees all of the gifts they brought him. Dad raises the head of his hospital slightly so James can see everyone. I stand back away from the bed so everyone can visit with James. James is the only grandchild on both sides of our families. Max was an only child and so am I.
Dad hands me the sack with the food and hands James the balloons and stuffed animal.
The grandparents fuss over James and he loves it. My phone chirps, alerting me that I have a text. “I’m surprised to see it’s from Alec.
Alec: Good morning, Emma, it’s Alec. How’s James this morning?
Emma: Good morning. He’s awake and visiting with his grandparents.
Alec: That’s great. I won’t keep you. I told Raelynn that James wasn’t feeling well, and she would like to send him some balloons. Would that be all right?
Emma: You don’t need to do that.
Alec: I know. Rae really likes him and she thinks balloons will make him feel better. You know how kids are.
Emma: I do and he would love them. Please thank her for us. That is very sweet of her and you.
Alec: No problem, you can expect them sometime this morning. Hope he feels better soon.
Emma: Thank you again for everything, he already does.
The nurse comes in and brings James some clear liquids for his breakfast. She informs us he needs to start off with clear liquids to see if he can hold them down. James drinks some chicken broth and I pray he doesn’t throw it up. He dozes off and on throughout the morning. Both sets of grandparents stay close by and watch over him.
He wakes up when the nurse comes in with a bouquet of balloons.
“A delivery for James Greyson,” the nurse says, cheerfully.
“I’m James Greyson.”
“Then these are for you.” She walks over to him and sets the large bouquet of helium balloons in his bed for him to see.
I walk over and smile big at my son. He is looking at each balloon and the stuffed ninja holding the balloons. “Momma, look.”
“I see, you want to read the card?”
“Yes, please.”
I carefully remove the card and smile.
James,
I hope you feel better soon, Raelynn.
“Well, these are lovely, but who is Raelynn?” my mother asks. I am grateful Alec omitted his name from the card.
“Raelynn’s my ninja friend,” James says.
“She is the daughter of James’ instructor in taekwondo.”
“Oh, how did she know he was in here?” Cheryl asks.
“He is also the doctor who saw James in the emergency room last night.” Please don’t ask anything else.
“He’s a ninja, too.” James adds.
“Wow, sounds like he’s many things, James,” Danny says, smiling.
Brooke walks into the room and smiles when she sees that James is awake. She has showered and changed her clothes since she left this morning. She hugs everyone and then she hugs James, last.
“Look, Aunt Brooke, ninjas.” He smiles.
“Wow, that’s cool.”
“Raelynn give them to me.”
“Raelynn gave them to you,” I correct.
“That was nice of her,” Brooke says, looking back to me. She turns back around and looks at each balloon. There is a ninja, a bear in a hospital bed, a puppy, and a get-well-soon balloon.
“These are all very nice. How are you feeling?” she asks, feeling his forehead with the back of her hand.
“Better, I want to go home.”
James’ pediatrician, Dr. Alfredo Giangreco, comes in and checks on James before releasing James. He has an antibiotic he’ll need to complete and he will need to rest for a few days. Dad and Danny collect all of James’ balloons and goodies before leaving to get the car. They put James in a wheelchair and push him to the awaiting car. Dad is driving my car, and Danny is driving James and me home.
Once we get everything inside the house and James lies down for a nap, everyone leaves. Brooke tells me she’ll be over tonight with dinner. I lock up and take a nap with James in my bed. I still don’t sleep with him, but I do make exceptions sometimes.
Chapter Six: A Not-So-White Christmas
Alec
“Daddy, I like this balloon and this one and this one,” Raelynn says, excitedly.
“Do you think he needs a stuffed bear or a giraffe or something?”
“How about this?”
I look over at Raelynn and she is holding a stuffed ninja. I smile and say, “That is perfect.”
I work nightshift tonight so I drop Raelynn off at Molly’s parents’ house. They are always so excited to see her. Raelynn skips up the sidewalk and I walk behind her. Molly’s mom is standing on the porch waiting for her.
I say, “Rae, be good for grandma and grandpa and I’ll see you in the morning. I love you.”
“Ok, daddy. I love you, too.”
I look at Molly’s mom, Bridget, and say, “I’ll be here early enough to take her to school.” She nods and I turn to leave.
“Alec?”
I turn around to see Bridget stepping down off the porch. “Yes, Bridget?” I say, walking over to her.
“Alec, I wanted to thank you for letting us keep her.”
“Bridget, I know you both love her and Raelynn loves spending time with you.”
“We love having her. I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate it.”
I smile and nod, “I know you do. I’ll be here first thing in the morning to get her.”
“Ok, she’ll be ready.”
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night, Alec.”
I get into the car and I am surprised to see a text from Emma.
Emma: Thank you for the balloons and the stuffed ninja. James loves them.
Alec: Thank you. I can’t take the credit; it was Raelynn’s idea and she also picked everything out.
Emma: He loved everything, especially the stuffed ninja. Please thank her for us.
Alec: I sure will. How is he feeling?
Emma: He’s home, he slept most of the day, and he’s not eating much.
Alec: He was pretty sick. Let him sleep as much as he wants and offer liquids when he’s awake. Every day he’ll feel better and better.
<
br /> Emma: I will and thank you.
Alec: Anytime.
The night goes by uneventfully, and Raelynn is ready and waiting for me when I get there. I drop her off at school, and before heading home to sleep I make a quick stop at the store. Mason is in line in front of me at the checkout.
“Just getting off work?” he asks.
“Yeah, just going in, I see.”
“I have bills and a wedding to pay for.” Mason smiles.
“I got your wedding invitation in the mail the other day. Sorry, but I haven’t had time to R.S.V.P. yet. Congratulations, I’m happy for you. Angel seems like a wonderful girl,” I say, honestly.
“Thank you, and she is. I’ll let Angel know you’ll be coming. She’ll also want to know if you’ll be bringing anyone?”
“No, it’ll be just me.”
“Alec, we are having a few people over for a small get-together on Christmas Eve. You and Raelynn should come. It’s nothing big, just a few friends and family.”
“Raelynn is actually spending Christmas Eve with her grandparents this year.”
“Then you should come. You know Donovan and Vincent already.”
“Ok, text me the time and the address. I may be able to stop over. Thanks.”
“All right, I’ll do that. See you next week.”
The next week goes by with me spending the weekend at work and Raelynn spending the weekend with Molly’s parents. I haven’t seen or spoken to Emma; they haven’t been at taekwondo since James became ill. Her friend Brooke and Brooke’s two sons have been there. I did ask how James was feeling and she said much better. She also added they should both be returning to class after the holidays.
It’s Christmas Eve and I am debating on going to Mason and Angel’s Christmas Eve party. I always miss Molly this time of year. I miss her all the time, but the holidays are always the hardest. I dress in a black suit with a red tie, which seems festive enough. I also stop by and grab an expensive bottle of white wine to take with me. I have no idea what to bring, Molly always took care of that.
Shattered Dreams Page 13
