After Shock- Ellie's Chance

by Vikki McCombie

  The nurse shook her head. “I’m sorry, Ms. Branson has already been taken to surgery. You’re welcome to go to the waiting room. It’s to the left.”

  Jason’s chest tightened. He’d arrived too late. No longer in a rush, he turned to the left, and with slumped shoulders and heavy feet, he made his way to the room the nurse had indicated. When he entered, he searched the monitors and found Ellie’s number. It showed her in surgery. He dropped into one of the padded chairs and leaned forward, his elbows propped on his knees.

  He had to keep blinking to keep his tears of frustration from rolling down his cheeks. His heart finally slowed, along with his pulse, but his skin still prickled as anxiety still surged through his nervous system.

  Doing the only thing that could possibly help at this point, he turned to God. Dear Father. Please guide the surgeons as they perform this surgery. Protect Ellie and her sister. I pray that Your will be done, and that it coincides with my hopes. I love her, God. I want to spend the rest of my time here on earth showing her how much. I trust in Your power and believe in Your miracles. I pray You’ll preform one today. In Your Son’s name. Amen.

  Having done the only thing he had control over, he leaned his head against the wall and closed his eyes. It’s in God’s hands now. His will be done. The tension eased, and it no longer felt like an elephant sat on his chest. He settled in for the long wait. He’d googled the surgery and learned it would take at least two to three hours, but it could even be five.

  Please Lord, protect her.

  After an hour, he texted Zach.

  Jason: Have U received an update yet?

  Zach: No, other than it’s happening now.

  Jason: Well, let me know when U have more info.

  Unable to sit any longer, he got directions to the cafeteria. He’d had nothing to eat since seven the night before, and while he might not be interested, his belly had started protesting. He selected scrambled eggs with bacon, along with fried potatoes and a cup of black coffee, then took it to a table away from the crowd.

  After he finished his meal, he disposed of the trash, then checked his watch. He’d wanted his meal to take longer. Once he returned to the waiting room, he texted Brian.

  Jason: How’s Kelly?

  Brian: She’s fine, both of us R.

  Did U make it in time 2 see her?

  Jason: No. She’d already been taken in.

  Have any of the others arrived at Lynda’s yet?

  Brian: Only the Reynolds.

  Jason: Well, wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

  Talk 2 you later.

  The time passed one excruciatingly slow minute at a time, but at last, another hour passed. Needing to hear a voice, he called Zach. It rang several times, and as he was about to end the call, he answered. “Hey, Mr. Henderson. I just received a text. They kidney is out, and her team are finishing up, so it should only be another thirty minutes or so.”

  He released the breath he’d been holding. “And Ellie. She’s okay?”

  “She’s good. I have to tell you, I’m glad it’s almost over,” he replied.

  “Me too, Zach, me too.” He glanced at the monitor, but it still just showed her in surgery. “Well, I’ll let you go. Text as soon as you hear that Ellie is out. Oh, and I think it’s time you start calling me Jason, okay?”

  “Sure…Jason. I’ll text the minute I know more. Talk to you later.” Then he disconnected the call.

  A guy close to his own age, took the seat beside him. “Sorry to bother you, but I heard you mention Ellie. Are you by chance here for Ellie Branson?”

  Jason turned toward the man. “I am. Why do you ask?” How did this man know his Ellie? He looked him over. The guy had to be tall, and he had what women would think a rugged, yet appealing face. Jealousy reared its ugly head, and he stared the man down.

  The man stuck out his hand. “I apologize. I’m Brad Fox, her sister’s soon-to-be husband. Connie just doesn’t know it yet.”

  He grabbed his hand in a firm grasp and gave it a vigorous shake. “Oh, sorry. Didn’t mean to come across that way. Well, I’m Jason Henderson. And, I plan to be Ellie’s husband as soon as she’ll have me, but I’ve haven’t asked her yet either. Sounds like we have a lot in common.”

  Brad grinned, although it didn’t take the worry from his dark eyes. “Yeah, it does. So, did you find out anything?”

  “That was Ellie’s son. He just received a text.” He told him that the kidney had been removed, and Ellie’s surgery should be finished shortly. “Have you heard anything?”

  “Just received the text telling me all is progressing well, and that Connie’s vitals are strong.” He ran his hand across his face. “I have to say; I won’t relax until it’s over, and I know she’s okay.”

  “Same here, man. I feel your pain.” He glanced at the monitor and it flashed in recovery. “Look. Ellie’s out of surgery. Hope the doctor will talk to me. I’ll be praying, Brad. It shouldn’t be too much longer.”

  Jason stood as the overhead system announced, “Eleanor Branson Family. Go to consulting room number two.”

  He strode toward the door with a flashing 2 above it and went inside. Too anxious to sit, he paced the small enclosed space, while clenching his fists, then relaxing them several times. At last, the door opened, and a woman in scrubs entered. “Are you Ms. Branson’s family?”

  “Not yet, but I will be very soon.” He offered his hand. “I’m Commander Jason Henderson, U.S. Navy.” He didn’t normally throw around his rank but in this instance, it could possibly help.

  She shook his hand. “Dr. Tallent. Well, if you have her patient number, then I suppose that will suffice. Ms. Branson tolerated the surgery with no issues. She’s in recovery and coming around, so she’s being moved to her room.” She told him by the time he made it up there, she should be settled in.

  “Thank you, doctor. May I ask if you know anything regarding her sister?” Although, he didn’t expect she’d be forthcoming.

  She frowned. “I’m sorry. I’m not able to give you that information. Your fiancée will be given news as soon as it’s available. Excuse me, I have another surgery scheduled.”

  She strode from the room, her back stiff as a poker. His Spidey instincts went on alert. Something wasn’t going well with Connie’s surgery. While he wanted to rush to Ellie, he took a moment first. Father, please be with Connie and guide her surgeons. Hoping for a miracle here, if You are so disposed. Ultimately, I accept Your will. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

  He grabbed his leather jacket and left the room. He saw Brad with his hands gripping his hair. His face had turned ashen. Jason went to him. “Hey, man, are you okay?” His heart hammered as he waited for him to speak.

  “The last update isn’t good. They’ve run into some complications, so it’s going to take longer than expected.” He wiped his hand across his eyes. “I can’t lose her. She’s it for me.”

  Jason placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “Connie is going to be fine. I don’t know if you’re a praying man, but if you are, I’d be happy to pray with you?”

  Brad said, “I am. Thanks. That would help.”

  Jason began, “Heavenly Father, be with Brad as he waits to hear that Connie’s surgery has been successful. We know all things are possible for You. We ask that You hold Connie in Your arms as the surgeons use their skill. We ask this in Your precious Son’s name. Amen.”

  Brad drew in a shaky breath. “Thanks for reminding that God is powerful and knows our hearts.” He met his gaze. “Connie’s a fighter. Besides, my baby cakes promised me a waltz.”

  “That’s the spirit, man. We’ll see you upstairs in a few. Keep praying and I will as well.” Jason gripped his shoulder once more, then turned and walked to the elevators.

  When he arrived on Ellie’s floor, he went to the nurses’ station, and once they verified her patient number, the nurse told him which room belonged to her. When he reached it, the door stood partially open.

  He stepped inside. Elli
e’s face was in repose, and her color looked good. He moved to her bedside, leaned in a place a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead. Lacing his fingers with hers, just needing to have that contact, he settled in to wait. As he’d told her son…he’d be the first face she’d see when she opened her lovely blue eyes.

  * * *

  Ellie felt something brush her forehead. Could it have been a kiss? Who would do that in the hospital? Her eyes fluttered several times, and she whimpered when she tried to move. “Ellie? Ellie? Can you open your baby blues for me? Come on sweetheart. I need to see them.”

  She mumbled something unintelligible, so she tried to speak again. “I…I must…be…dreaming.”

  “Why’s that?” a male’s voice asked.

  She still didn’t open her eyes yet. If it wasn’t real, she didn’t want to know. “Because…you hate…me.”

  “I promise, I don’t. Far from it in fact.” He squeezed her hand.

  Her eyes opened to see Jason’s dear face looking at her. “Jason…it’s really you?” Her voice came out stronger than it had a moment ago.

  He smiled, then leaned in and murmured, “I’ve been right here the whole time you were in surgery. Do you know why I’m here?”

  “No, I can’t imagine.” She turned her head to see him better. “I want to know, please?”

  He placed the back of his hand on her cheek. “I’m so sorry I didn’t hear you out, but whatever you’d planned to say doesn’t matter. Do you want to know why?” She nodded, afraid to speak lest he disappear. “Because…I trust in your goodness. I know you would have had an excellent reason to leave the way you did.” He gazed at her with such tenderness, it stole her heart. Then he said, “I love you, sweetheart. Can you ever forgive me?”

  Her heart lifted at the words she’d never thought she’d hear from him after the way he left her the other night. She searched his face for any sign he wasn’t sincere, but she didn’t find one. “Oh, Jason. Of course. I should have explained before I just blurted it out like I did. Then it wouldn’t have been so shocking.”

  “It was that for sure, but I still should have given you the chance to tell me everything instead of taking off like I did. When I arrived home, I paced back and forth, trying to make sense of it. I was so confused and couldn’t imagine any reason you allowed your sister to believe you’d died in the towers.”

  She sighed. “When I told Zach, he reacted in much the same way, but he was quite vehemently vocal in his disbelief.” She tried to scoot up in the bed, but pain stabbed her lower belly. “Ouch.”

  “Let me help you.” Jason put his arm around her shoulders and very carefully placed another pillow behind her back. “Better?”

  “Much. Thanks. The doctor said I’d be sore for a while. But since they would use a minimally invasive procedure to remove my kidney, I should heal much faster.” The last of the fog lifted. “Oh, goodness. How’s my sister?”

  Jason’s face, usually so easy to read, became stoic. Her heart fluttered, and her pulse raced. “I couldn’t get any information since I’m not related to her.”

  “Oh, that makes sense. I’ll ring for the nurse.” She pressed the call button. “Come to think of it. How did you get in here?”

  He grinned. “Zach gave me your patient number. With that information, the staff assumed you had given it to me.”

  “I’m so glad he did, and that you’re here.”

  A nurse entered, interrupting them. “Do you need something?”

  “I need to know about my sister. Is she in another room?” she asked. Her voice came out raspy.

  The nurse stepped to the other side of the bed and checked her IV bag and didn’t meet her eyes. A sense of doom filled her as she waited for her to say something. “Why don’t I call your doctor, she may have more information than I do.”

  It was a very evasive answer and set her heart galloping against her ribs. “Please, call right away. I need to know how she is.”

  The nurse nodded, then left the room. Jason took her hand. “Try not to worry. I met her friend, by the way. Brad overheard me talking to Zach, and I mentioned your name. Nice guy. I do believe he’s crazy about your sister.”

  “He is, and Connie feels the same way. Did he know anything?”

  He hesitated, and a shadow passed over his features. A shiver ran through her. “What did he say? You know something. Please tell me.”

  “He received an update right before I came up here.” He stroked her hand. “There was some type of complication, not sure what, because his text didn’t say, and her surgery would take longer because of that.”

  “We need to find out.” She attempted to sit up, but pain jabbed at her lower belly, leaving her gasping.

  Jason touched her shoulder. “Sweetheart, please. You aren’t up to making any sudden movements.”

  A tall, slender woman entered her room and came forward. “Hi Ms. Branson. I’m Dr. Tallent, the head of your surgical team. I understand you have some questions regarding your sister. I’m happy to say she’s out of surgery and in the recovery room. I’m sorry you were worried. There was a complication that took an extra hour or so, but she should be fine with time.”

  “With time? What does that mean?” she asked. Oh, please let my sister be okay.

  The doctor folded her arms. “Your sister’s spleen had to be removed, which is why the surgery took longer than anticipated. That’s not terribly abnormal, though. It happens over fifty percent of the time, especially if there are other health issues. She can live a full life without her spleen.”

  “When can I see her?” The urgency heightened her tone.

  “She’ll be in ICU for a few days. They have to make sure her body doesn’t reject her new kidney, but that’s not a major concern.” She moved to the other side of the bed. “I want to check your incision. Your fiancée might want to leave while I examine you.”

  Jason cleared his throat. “No problem. I’ll just step out.”

  She would be asking some questions when he returned. Why had the doctor referred to him as her fiancée? A thrill raced through her. Oh, she prayed, it was true. Although he did need to ask her.

  She turned her attention to the doctor. Dr. Tallent did her examination then stepped back. “Everything looks good. You’ll be tender for a few weeks and you can’t do any lifting for six. Since we used a minimally invasive procedure to remove your kidney, it can be deceiving. While your site incision is small, you have a great deal more stitches internally, so don’t overdo.”

  “I’ll be careful,” she promised. “Thank you for coming so swiftly. You’ve relieved my mind so much.”

  “Certainly,” she replied. “Now, you asked when you can see your sister. Once she’s out of recovery, she’ll only be allowed two visitors at a time. I’m confident you can go see her in a few hours. Just have that handsome fiancée take you to her and…use a wheelchair.”

  Once the doctor left, Jason returned with a sheepish look on his face. “I promise I didn’t tell her we’re engaged, but I may have made a comment that led her to believe that.” He came to her and took her hand. “I know it’s too soon, but I want us to see each other with marriage as the ultimate goal. I meant every word earlier. I’m in love with you, and that’s not going to change.”

  Her heart started beating at an alarming rate. Jason truly loved her. “Oh, Jason, I love you as well, and that will never change. I’ve suspected I did as early as the Halloween party, but I was too afraid to hope you could love me in return.” She met his gaze. “Do you want to seal this agreement with a kiss?”

  “I’d be happy to, sweetheart.” He placed his hands on either side of her body and leaned in. His lips touched hers and warmth spread through her. While he hadn’t proposed, it wasn’t because he had any doubts, he just wanted her to be sure. Relaxing in his embrace, she fell into the overwhelming joy of his kiss.

  Her heart soared as high as the heavens. The man who’d changed her life in so many ways loved her, and she returned his love
in full measure. She’d never expected, nor wanted, to find love. She hadn’t believed she wanted that, but the Lord knew…better than she…what her heart needed.

  Sending a silent prayer to God, she thanked him for Jason. He’d used her incredible man as an instrument to show her…a bright new way to live…giving her a much better…and more…fulfilling life.

  EPILOGUE

  Ellie clung to Jason’s arm as she tried to see around the crowd of people. “Jason, do you see them yet? Oh, it’s times like this that I wish I was another six inches taller.”

  He patted her hand. “They haven’t come in yet. Maybe they’ll be the last people off the flight. Brad wouldn’t want her jostled. After all, the doctor only gave into your sister because she wouldn’t give up. She was determined to come for Christmas.”

  The crowd finally thinned, and she could see. Then she saw her coming toward her. Connie must have seen her at the same time. A smile broke across her sister’s face. Releasing Jason’s arm, she ran to Connie and pulled her in for a hug. “What took you so long to get off the plane?”

  Connie sighed. “My overprotective man was afraid someone might accidentally bump me.”

  Ellie laughed. “Jason told me that was probably why you took so long. Men, can’t live with ’em, can’t live without ’em. Oh, Connie, I’m so glad you convinced Dr. Simmons to let you travel. Did you have a good flight?”

  “We did. You do realize this was my first time flying? I loved it and will never travel by car again if I can fly.”

  Her sister’s eyes sparkled with vitality in a way she’d never seen before. Her skin glowed, and her blonde hair had a healthy shine. She was a picture of health, so different from the way she’d looked less than a month ago.

  Ellie wrapped her arm around her sister’s waist. “Let’s get your luggage. I can’t wait for you to meet Zach. He wanted to come with us, but he’s having lunch with the ODU recruiter. He’s hoping to earn a spot on their soccer team. If ODU does make the offer, he’ll have a full ride for school…they’ll even pay for room and board.”