After Shock- Ellie's Chance
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“I know he did, and I think he understands your heart. While he might not always grant our requests, I firmly believe he does what is best for us.” The nurse bustled in, interrupting their conversation.
She’d brought a tablet with her. “Mrs. Branson. I need to gather some information. Just a few questions. Do you have medical insurance?”
“I do.” Ellie looked at Jason. “Where did you put my purse?” Jason reached behind him and picked up her bag from the chair, where he’d dropped it earlier and handed it to her. She dug around, then retrieved her small red leather wallet where she kept her insurance card. Pulling hers out, she handed it to the nurse. “Here it is.”
The nurse’s fingers flew across the keyboard attached to the tablet as she entered the information. She asked several more questions, then smiled. “I’ll need to make a copy of your card. If you have Zach’s, I’ll make one of his as well.” Ellie withdrew her son’s and handed it over. “I’ll return them in a few minutes.”
Ellie sighed. “How’d you think to grab my purse?”
“When I went to close up your vehicle, it was sticking out from under the driver’s seat. I figured you’d need it. Oh, and I also grabbed your phone from the console.”
“Thank you. It never crossed my mind until you arrived with it.” She met his gaze. “It’s a good thing I have excellent insurance through the hotel and will only be responsible for twenty percent. It shouldn’t create too much of a burden.”
“That’s good,” he replied. “The military covers everything. Even when we go to an outside doctor. It’s changed through the years though. We see a lot more doctors in the private sector than when I first came in, especially my kids.”
The nurse returned and handed her back the insurance card, along with the instruction sheet concerning wound care. “Now I checked on your son, and he’s still in surgery. It may be a while yet. I made note of your cell number on his record when I added his insurance information. You can either go to the waiting room upstairs, or if you’re hungry, the cafeteria down one level. They’ll text your cell with updates.”
Jason turned to her. “You must be hungry. Why don’t we eat something then go to the waiting room?”
Ellie stuck her zipped wallet in her purse. “I don’t think I could eat, but please get something, you’re bound to be starving. The cafeteria’s fine.”
He placed his hand on the small of her back and warmth spread through her. She loved the sense of security she had whenever he was with her, something she didn’t remember experiencing in the past. She’d been so young when she’d met Lucas, he’d been her first real relationship. He’d never made her feel secure; quite the opposite.
They reached the cafeteria, and although she wasn’t sure she could eat, she did grab a carton of Greek yogurt with a small container of fresh blueberries and raspberries. Perhaps those items would not upset her stomach.
Jason selected two slices of pepperoni pizza and a bottle of soda, then they found a table in the corner away from the crowd. While she had no appetite, she took several bites of her yogurt and berries, determined to get some of the needed nutrients, before pushing it away and drinking her coffee instead.
She leaned against her seat and watched Jason devour his food. The man liked to eat, especially pizza. He caught her eye and must have seen her watching him. “What?”
“You really like pizza, don’t you?” She even cracked a smile as she spoke. He looked like a teenager, well except for the gray at his temples anyway, she couldn’t keep from smiling, even though the fear still had her in its grips. That wouldn’t ease until Zach was out of surgery and pronounced on the mend.
His ears reddened, making him appear way younger than forty-four. “Can’t help myself. I’m addicted. And it does have the four food groups, so there.”
“That’s true, I suppose.” Before she could continue, her phone vibrated on the table where she’d laid it when they sat down. She grabbed it up. A text had come in. Disappointment flooded her, since it just told her Zach was still in the operating room and all was progressing as it should. She sighed. “He’s still in surgery. Since you’ve finished eating, may we go to the waiting room?”
He gathered their trash. “Sure. Let me throw this away.”
When they entered the waiting room a few minutes later, they took a seat on one of the sofas. He took her hand and cradled it in his palm, and she rested her head against his shoulder. The time passed slowly, one excruciating moment at a time. Each time a medical professional entered, she held her breath hoping they’d call Zach’s name, but it had been an hour since the last update. The large monitor also showed him in surgery.
Thirty minutes passed. Another nurse entered. By this point, she’d stopped expecting them to call out her son’s name, but then she heard, “Zach Branson family?”
She rushed to the man, at the same time her cell vibrated with another text alert. She ignored it. “He’s out of surgery?”
“Yes, the surgeon will meet you in consulting room four in a few minutes,” he replied.
“But is my son okay?” Her chest tightened, closing off her airways. She inhaled slowly, attempting to ward off a panic attack. She’d not had one since that day with Jason. She couldn’t afford to have one now.
“The doctor will explain everything when she gets here.” The attendant turned and left the room before she could question him further. Jason wrapped his arm around her waist, offering his support.
“Why couldn’t he tell me anything?” She sucked in another breath, trying to get more air in her lungs. It was becoming increasingly more difficult to keep the panic at bay.
“Come, let’s wait by number four. Keep breathing slowly. You’ve got this.” He’d obviously seen her struggling and must have realized she was on the verge of an attack. He guided her to the room. “How are your arms feeling. Any pain?”
Her heart slowed, and her chest eased a bit. “A little, but not enough to bother with more pain medicine. It makes me woozy, and I have to remain sharp.” A petite woman with shiny black hair cut into a short, bouncy bob, approached them and extended her hand. “Dr. Cortez, Mrs. Branson. Shall we step inside?”
The doctor’s expression gave nothing away. Wouldn’t she be smiling if all was well? Her chest seized again, and she gripped Jason’s hand. “How’s my son?”
“He’s doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. It was touch and go at first. The chunk of glass had nicked his artery. That’s why he lost so much blood. His condition is guarded, so we’re sending him to ICU for now for closer observation.”
“Is he awake?” She swallowed to clear her throat. “When can I see him?”
“He’s being moved to a room as we speak. He awoke in recovery for a few minutes, but then fell asleep. While I can’t promise anything definite, all his vitals are good, and he’s breathing on his own. I believe he’ll recover. It will just take some time.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding. “Thank you, Doctor. You’ve saved Zach’s life. The nurse downstairs told me you’re one of the best ER surgeons they have on staff.”
“I don’t know about that,” Dr. Cortez demurred. “There were many fine professionals on his surgical team. Now, why don’t you go to ICU. By the time you get there, he may already be in his room. Please excuse me, I have another patient I must see.” She turned and left them alone.
Jason pulled her close. “He’s going to be fine.” He kissed her with a little more intensity than he had before. Clearly, he’d been as worried as she. “Come, let’s find your son.”
Ellie fell into his embrace, accepting his kiss and returning it with her own intensity. A wealth of feelings was shared between them. She thanked God for Jason and his calm control. He’d talked her down from another panic attack and made her feel so safe.
He had wormed his way into her hardened heart. No man had ever treated her with such care and respect. No wonder she was falling for him, and she suspected he returne
d her regard, or he wouldn’t be so concerned over her welfare and Zach’s to the extent he showed.
When they arrived at ICU, the nurse at the desk showed them to Zach’s room. Through the glass window, she took in his tousled blond hair and the bandaging around his neck, but his color looked normal. The adrenalin surging through her had her knees trembling, but she stiffened her spine. She would not give in to any such weakness. It was enough she’d broken down and cried.
The nurse told them they could go inside, but if others came only two could be with him at a time. She went to his bedside and brushed an errant curl from his brow and kissed it. “Doesn’t he look peaceful?”
Jason squeezed her shoulder. “He does. Why don’t you sit until he awakens? You must be tired. It’s well past midnight.”
The utter exhaustion, mental and physical, hit her, and she dropped into the reclining seat by her son’s bed. Now that she knew he would recover; her system started shutting down. Slumping against the chair, she gave into the darkness surrounding her. Her last thought before it consumed her—Zach was…no longer…in danger, and God had been by her side and her son’s through it all.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Once Ellie had succumbed to her exhaustion, Jason went to the chair and pulled the lever on the side raising the foot, so she would be more comfortable. Her peaceful expression tugged at his heartstrings. He’d come so close to telling her how much he cared when they’d shared those amazing kisses. They’d stirred emotions in him that he’d believed had died with Marsha.
A trace of guilt flashed through him, but it didn’t take hold. Marsha would have wanted him to find someone again. That was just the kind of tender and loving woman she’d been. Her image filled his mind. Marsha was smiling at him, assuring him she understood and was happy for him.
He bowed his head. Father, thank You for the peace settling on my heart. Not only do I have my late wife’s approval, I sense Yours as well. You brought Ellie into my life. I’ve been drawn to her from the first moment. Although she was a nonbeliever, You urged me to embrace our friendship and encouraged my growing love for her. Now, she’s begun to embrace You and turn to You during this terrifying time. Thank you for always being there for all Your children, even when they don’t know You yet. Help me guide Ellie as she travels her spiritual journey. Let me be there for Zach as well. I ask all this through Your Son’s precious name. Amen.
He smiled at the woman he’d grown so fond of in such a short time. God’s love was so powerful. He wanted to share that power with Ellie. To help her grow in her faith and accept his strength. He took the other seat by Zach’s bed.
A nurse came in and checked her son’s vitals. “How’s he doing?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“All his numbers are good,” she replied, keeping her voice low as well. “I imagine he’ll sleep most of the night. The surgery has exhausted his body. Sleep is the best medicine. I see his mother has succumbed to her exhaustion. That’s a good thing. She’ll hopefully be better for it.”
After the woman left, he returned to watching over Ellie and her son. He remained that way for several hours. Zach moaned several times in his sleep, so he pushed the call button. The nurse returned, and when he told her about Zach, she administered some pain meds in his IV.
Zach settled, and he returned to his vigil. While he was tired, he wasn’t sleepy. He’d learned to stay awake for long periods of time through the long nights he’d had as a Naval officer. In wartime, one learned to manage on very little sleep.
As dawn approached, Ellie began to stir. Her gorgeous blue eyes fluttered, then she blinked. She struggled to sit and grimaced when she pushed up with her arms. “Oh, goodness. I’m so sorry I fell asleep on you. How’s Zach?”
“He’s fine, still sleeping peacefully. The nurse gave him some pain medicine a bit ago.” He scanned her face and noticed another flash of discomfort, if not pain, cross her face. “How are your wounds? It’s past time to check them, I imagine. Let me take a quick look, just to make sure you haven’t pulled your stitches.”
“My arms are fine. They just hurt a little, but if you insist, by all means look,” she groused.
He refrained from reacting to her less than cheerful response. Since she’d agreed to allow him to check, they must be bothering her more than she’d admit. He retrieved the bag the nurse had given her in the ER.
Scooting his chair closer to her, he gently lifted the tapes holding the dressing in place on her right arm. As he carefully peeled the bandage away; there was some redness around the stitches, but not enough to alarm him.
After reading the instructions, he used the salve in the bag on the cuts that hadn’t needed stitches. Then he applied a fresh dressing. He did the same for the other arm as well. “No sign of infection, and you haven’t pulled any of the stitches. There’s a prescription for pain killers, along with a few samples. Want to take one of them?”
She glanced at her son. “I suppose it won’t hurt to take one. What time is it?”
He touched his watch. “6 AM,” he replied as he poured water then handed her the pill.
“You didn’t need to stay, you know.” Her brows drew together. “Your kids must be worried when you didn’t return last night.”
“They’re fine. I talked to Brian a couple of times last evening, to give him updates on Zach’s condition. Then I texted once you fell asleep. I just received a text from him right before you awoke. He reminded me we’re supposed to be at the school this morning regarding the incident yesterday at the bus stop.”
“Oh, no. I completely forgot. I need to call the school to let them know what happened. Oh, and my SUV. It’s been exposed all night.”
“Brian covered it with a tarp, so it’s fine. The rain stopped shortly after we left anyway.” He stood. “Since you’re awake and okay, I guess I should leave, so I can take a shower before I need to go to the school.” He rubbed his jaw. “And get rid of this scruff, can’t stand it. I wouldn’t want to show up at school looking like this. I’ll let the principal know what’s happened and plead Zach’s case while I do that for my son.”
“I’ll still call as well, once it’s seven o’clock.” She patted her hair. “I must look awful. I need to at least comb this rat’s nest.”
“Your hair is amazing; can’t even tell you haven’t brushed it yet. You’re beautiful.” His voice came out huskier than usual. “Can I have a kiss before I leave.”
She lowered her eyes. “If you want one.” Her shyness sent a wave of tenderness through him.
He leaned in and placed a kiss on her soft lips. Keeping it gentle, he deepened it slightly, then pulled away. “I’ll text as soon as the meeting is over. Keep me posted on Zach’s progress. I’ll stop by around lunch.”
Her blue eyes softened. “Thanks again for staying with me. I’d have gone insane without you.”
“You’d have managed. You’re a strong woman. Nothing can get you down.” He touched her nose and grinned. “See you around one.” Then he walked from the room.
Later that morning, Jason left the school with a heart filled with gratitude. Two students had come forward and told the principal that Zach and Brian never threw a punch. They also told her that neither of them had provoked the other boys, that they’d tried to defuse the situation and only attempted to push the bullies away.
The principal had dismissed any wrongdoing and actually commended both their sons on maintaining their composure when confronted by the other boys. When he reached his car and slid into the seat, he grabbed his phone and immediately texted Ellie, letting her know what had happened and that both their sons had been exonerated.
He went by his office and spent the rest of the morning working. Shortly before one, he informed his yeoman that he was leaving for lunch and would not be returning until the next day. He’d spoken with the admiral earlier that morning, and the man had no problem with him taking off the rest of the day. He’d even told him to take whatever time he needed.
He found the door to the boy’s new hospital room and knocked on the open door before he strode in, just to alert them of his presence. Zach was sitting up eating, looking a great deal more alert and healthier than he would have ever expected. The resilience of youth.
He grinned at him. “Hey, Mr. Henderson.” His voice was a little raspy, but other than that he sounded great. “Thanks for helping my mom. She told me you were with her the entire time I was in surgery. She also told me about the principal’s decision. I must say I’m totally relieved.”
Ellie bestowed one of her heart-stopping smiles, and he felt it all the way to his soul. “Isn’t he amazing? The doctor just came in again and examined him then told us he’s doing so well they’re releasing him tomorrow morning as long as he continues to improve.”
“That is great news,” he replied. They discussed some of the restrictions imposed on Zach for the next couple of weeks. The worst part for Zach—he couldn’t play soccer until the glue holding his incision together dissolved and the wound had healed, so around three weeks.
Fortunately, their team wasn’t playing again until the first Saturday in December. They continued talking while Zach finished his meal. The nurse came in and shooed them out since she was there to bathe Zach.
With Zach’s outstanding prognosis, Ellie agreed to go with him to the cafeteria and have a bite to eat. He kept their conversation light and didn’t bring up the closeness that had developed between them, wanting to wait for a better moment. When they returned to Zach’s room, he took his leave, only squeezing her hand before he walked out.
While he’d wanted to pull her to him, the kids didn’t know their friendship had turned into more yet. Once Zach came home and things returned to normal, he would follow through with his original plans.