“Okay, that sounds good. Thank you very much, Doctor,” says Dad mechanically.
We all head upstairs. This waiting room is much smaller than the ER waiting area, but we’re in there by ourselves, which is nice. The game is already playing on the TV, so Dad resumes watching.
When it’s over, Dad looks dejected. “They lost, honey.”
“Oh, what was the score?” I ask.
“Thirty-four to seven, Ohio State.”
Yikes. That’s not good.
“Your boy had a bad game, sweetie. He’s going to be cranky when you see him.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” I can’t break the news about Alex and me to Dad today. He’s going through enough. Once Mom gets situated in her room, they let Dad and me go in to see her. She’s pale, almost ghost white. She’s dozing, but she opens her eyes when she hears us.
“Jim. Stella. It’s good to see you. That whole thing was really scary.” Her voice is tired and raspy, so different from her usual tone.
“Yes, it was, sweetheart. We were having a time out there waiting for news. You scared the daylights out of me, Candy.”
My dad has tears in his eyes. She’s okay. He doesn’t have to keep a brave face anymore. She smiles weakly at him. He reaches out to hold her hand. They just stare at one another for several minutes. Maybe they really do love each other. Maybe they always have.
“Mom? Can I get you anything?” I ask quietly.
“Stella, sweetie, I’m so glad you’re here. No, I’m fine. I’m just happy to be alive.” Then she smiles at me, like really smiles. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen her do that when it was directed at me. She smiles at Dad sometimes.
“I’m glad you’re alive too, Mom.” I wipe away a stray tear that found its way to my cheek.
“Oh, sweetie, don’t cry. Everything’s going to be okay.” She’s pulled her hand away from my dad’s and reaches her arms out toward me. Does she want to give me a hug? I slowly walk toward her, extending my arms. “Come here, sweetheart,” she coos.
I rush over to her and wrap my arms around her. I try not to hug her too tight as she still has a bunch of tubes and things attached to her.
“Mom?”
“I know. I know. Shh,” she says, comforting me.
I don’t know how long we stay like that, but after a while, I hear a female clearing her throat.
“Ladies, I need to get in there to check vitals. You can resume that in a few minutes.”
Nodding, I wipe away the tears dripping on my cheeks and back away. “I’m going to go get Vicky, Mom. I know she’s been worried sick about you too.” I exit the room to let Vicky know that it’s her turn. Bradley is still seated in the waiting area when I arrive.
“How is she?” he asks.
“Fine. Well, as fine as can be expected. I think this really scared her.”
“I bet. It’s surprising. She’s so fit and healthy.”
“I know, but it’s all going to be okay,” I say with confidence. “You should head back to school, Bradley. I’m going to stay the night here. I’m sure you have lots of fraternity things going on for homecoming weekend.”
“No, it’s okay. I mean, I do have a lot going on with ΣΑΕ, but I’d rather be here. Besides, you’ll need a ride back to school tomorrow, right?”
“Right, I could rent a car though.”
“No need to rent a car. It’s not a problem,” he says as he squeezes my arm.
“Thanks, Bradley. Thanks for everything.” And I mean it.
As we sit in the waiting area watching for Vicky to emerge, I think about texting Lily. I should also text Alex to let him know what’s going on. I search through my purse for my phone. Not there. I must have left my phone back at school. It doesn’t matter. I can let them know about it tomorrow. It’s probably best to wait now that I know Mom is okay. After all, Lily’s going to be busy all evening with Hank and his family.
