A Beautiful Thought (The Beautiful Series) (18 page)

Gail went over to her mom and hugged her. “Mom,” she started softly, drawing back, “that is Caroline’s body and mind protecting itself from the trauma. Don’t worry. She’ll wake up when she’s ready.”

Inwardly, I smiled. I was proud of how strong my girl was being for her family when I knew she was trying her best to cope, too.

“Yes, yes, you’re right.” Kathy let out a deep breath and confidently added, “Our Caroline is a fighter.”

“She is,” Gail agreed with a smile. It was small, but it was there.

“Go on in, honey.” Kathy patted her daughter’s shoulder. “We’ll be out here.”

Gail nodded her head in agreement. Then, she turned to look at me, and I took her hand in mine. I rubbed it as we approached Caroline’s room. Gail let out a soft cry as her sister came into sight. I gave her hand a slight squeeze, and then I followed behind her as we moved toward Caroline’s bedside.

Caroline’s left leg was in a considerably sized cast. It was braced in a sling that elevated her leg, keeping it immobilized. Her right forearm had a massive purple-and-black bruise. Large white gauze was wrapped around her head. Monitors beeped around us. Cords were peeking out from underneath Caroline’s clothing, and they were connected to machines around the room.

Gail dropped her hand on the bed and ran it up the mattress as we advanced, but she was cautious not to touch her sister’s fragile body.

“Oh, Caroline,” she whispered, bending over her sister’s bedside. She very lightly touched Caroline’s cheek. “I love you
so
much.”

I set my hand on Gail’s back, and I blinked back tears, knowing I needed to be strong for her.

We sat in chairs next to the bed as Gail talked to her sister, saying comforting words to her. While I held Gail’s hand, Gail held Caroline’s.

When it was time to go, Gail rose and said, “You take your time and rest well, my dear, sweet sister.” She stroked her fingertip down Caroline’s cheek, and then she kissed it. “But you come back to us, you hear? We love you.”

Gail and I walked toward the waiting room, and from the corner of my eye, I saw the doctor enter Caroline’s room. After returning to the waiting room, the four of us waited for the doctor to approach us. When he did, we learned he had no new updates. Caroline was still in the same condition. Everyone would have to wait patiently for the MRI of Caroline’s head in the morning.

Kathy and David told us they were staying the night in the hospital, and then they went back to sit by their daughter’s bedside.

Once Gail and I were alone again, she gazed up at me. Her eyes were heavy and tired, but perseverance shone brightly in them.

As if reading my mind, she shook her head and said, “I’m not leaving her.”

I looped my arms around her and drew her close. After a long day like today, I needed to feel her body against me even if only for a few seconds. “Of course you aren’t leaving, sweetheart. I expected nothing less,” I said in understanding. “Why don’t you take a seat? I’ll go down to the gift shop and see if they have some pillows or blankets, so you can try and catch a bit of shut-eye.”

“Thank you,” she responded, dropping her head against my shoulder. “I don’t know what I would do without you.”

I kissed the top of her head and breathed in the familiar scent of her shampoo. It felt like my home—no,
she
was my home.

“And you never have to find out,” I replied with utmost sincerity, unable to hold back my feelings.

I was not going anywhere, except to the gift shop. Then, we were going to settle in for a long night.

I awoke to what sounded like shoes hitting the floor at a fast speed. I opened my eyes, and sure enough, Abbey was barreling straight for us with her short legs carrying her as fast as they could. Jason was keeping pace with her.

Gail stirred next to me, turned her head to see Abbey, and then faced me. Her eyes glistened with moisture, but she held her tears at bay. “Did you call Abbey?” she asked me.

“Yes, I thought you might want your friend here.”

She leaned forward and kissed me gently. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“You’re welcome,” I replied, taking her hand in mine.

We rose from our chairs and watched Abbey close the final distance between us. Abbey threw her arms around Gail, and they both hugged one another tightly.

“Oh my gosh, honey! I’m so sorry to hear about Caroline.” Abbey wept, drawing back. “Have you heard anything yet?” she asked.

“Not anything new yet.” Gail frowned and glanced at the clock. “The doctor informed us that they are going to keep Caroline sedated through this morning until after she has her MRI. They want to keep her comfortable and as still as possible to prevent further damage.”

Abbey was in tears as Gail spoke.

“Can I see her?” Abbey finally croaked out.

“Yes,” Gail answered. She turned to face me. “We’ll be back in a bit.” She took Abbey’s hand in hers before leading the way.

Jason stepped closer and gave me a brotherly hug. I tightened my grasp on him, needing his strength.

“Damon, I’m so sorry to hear about Caroline,” he said, patting my back.

Then, we both parted.

“How are you holding up?”

“Trying my best, man,” I replied.

We both took a seat, and I rubbed my temples that were beginning to throb. “It’s tough not knowing what to expect.” I shook my head. “It’s gutting me—seeing Gail and her family at such a devastating time and not knowing if that kid is going to be okay.”

“I can’t even imagine,” Jason responded. “Anything I can do to help?” he asked kindly.

“You can tell me everything is going to be all right.” But I knew he could not.
This waiting game sucked.

“I wish I could, man.” Jason let out a troubled sigh. “But Caroline is a strong young girl. She’ll pull through.”

I recalled her smile that day at her family’s house. “Yeah, she is.”

Jason tilted his head at me. “Are you doing okay? I know how you feel about hospitals.”

“I’m getting by,” I said, not wanting my mind to wander back to the recollection of my family’s accident.

Kathy, David, Gail, and Abbey all returned, saving me from my brother’s inquisitive stare.

“They are taking Caroline for the MRI now,” Gail informed me, sitting to my left.

Gail called her boss, Greg, while we all waited. Abbey was talking on the phone to Kyle, telling him what had happened.

As I watched everyone around me, I was reminded how one instant could forever change a life, just like it had a few years ago. That was the last time I had been at a hospital.

I had been sitting at my place back in Colorado. I’d just about gone to bed because I had to be up exceptionally early the next day to travel for work. My mom, Lucie, had called me in tears, and she had been crying so hard that I could barely understand her. I’d only pulled out the part that my aunt and uncle and cousins, Annie and Lily, had been in a car accident. I’d rushed to the hospital, only to find out that my aunt, uncle, and Annie were gone, and they’d died on impact. Our only saving grace was that Lily had survived.

It was the hardest, most unfathomable thing I had ever endured in my life.

Jason suddenly patted my back. His expression matched my own as though he knew where my thoughts were. I turned my head and saw that a doctor was approaching us. I jumped to my feet along with everyone else.

“I’m Dr. Montecito, the attending neurologist,” he said, extending his hand for a round of handshakes.

“Any news?” Kathy asked, her voice full of concern.

“We have completed the MRI, and we confirmed that Caroline has a major concussion, also known as a brain trauma. The injury could also affect her short-term memory over the next several days, so she might not be able to recall the incident or previous conversations,” he explained. “However, don’t be alarmed. This is a normal process. Brain injury should heal on its own, and Caroline will most likely regain one hundred percent of her memory.”

We all breathed a sigh of relief.

The doctor continued, “Now that we know what to expect, the attending physician and I will start to reduce Caroline’s pain medication and gently ease her off the sedation medication. You’ll be able to talk with your daughter by the end of the evening.”

“Oh, thank you, Dr. Montecito.” Kathy beamed and stepped forward to hug him.

“You’re most welcome,” he replied.

They resumed their former positions.

“I’ll be honest,” he added. “Your daughter has a long road to recovery, but her prognosis looks very good.”

“Thank you,” David chimed in, offering the doctor a handshake.

For the first time in over twenty-four hours, everyone had a smile on their faces, knowing Caroline was going to be okay.

Afterward, the doctor kindly excused himself just as Kyle and Lily arrived to show their support. We all exchanged greetings and introductions as it was the first time Kathy and David were meeting Kyle and Lily. To have my cousin, Lily, here meant the world to me.

By eight o’clock, Caroline was awake, and her parents went to visit with her first.

When it was Gail’s and my turn, I tried to keep up with Gail’s quick strides before she flew into the room. Caroline glanced our way and released a small smile.

“Caroline,” Gail breathed, her voice clogged with emotions. She walked over to her sister and hugged her as gently as possible. “Gosh, I missed you.”

“Me, too,” Caroline said in a soft voice.

Gail sat down in the chair next to her, scooted it forward, and took her sister’s hand. I sat in the chair adjacent to Gail’s.

“How are you feeling?” Gail questioned. “Can I get you anything?”

“Sit with me for a while?” Caroline asked.

“Of course.” Gail smiled lovingly at her sister.

“What happened?” her sister inquired.

Gail’s brows drew together, her expression grave. “You fell,” she said gently. “But don’t worry, sweetie. The doctor said you are going to be all right.”

Caroline looked lost in thought, and then she frowned. “I don’t remember falling.”

“The doctor said it is normal not to remember the incident.” Gail patted her sister’s hand. “But the good news is that your doctor said the memories will come back.”

“Oh,” Caroline murmured. She tilted her face toward Gail. “Sing to me?”

Gail smiled, and a single tear dripped down her face. It made me wonder if it was something special between the two of them.

“Yes,” Gail answered with a nod before she started to sing just above a whisper.

I grabbed Gail’s hand and leaned back in my chair. Her sweet melody flowed throughout my ears, and the emotions in Gail’s tone filled my soul. I thanked the stars above that Caroline was going to be okay.

~Gail~

By the time we arrived home from the hospital at nearly eleven in the evening, I was utterly dead on my feet from only sleeping a couple of hours at a time over the last thirty-six hours. I desperately wanted a shower, but it would have to wait until morning.

The past two days had been a grueling emotional roller coaster. I was beyond relieved to know that my sister was going to make a full recovery. I could not imagine my life without her, and I was extremely thankful she was still here with us.