I can’t see. Not really. Everything blurs, and when I lift my fingers to my forehead I feel warm liquid dripping down my face.
“Oh, that’s…that’s not good,” I mumble to myself when my own blood coats my fingers.
Headlights blind me again and I turn my head to the left to see another car coming.
It slams into the driver’s side, and everything fades black.
23
ELIAS
I don’t dare sayit out loud because I don’t want to jinx the hospital—but it is a slow night. I’ve had a few scheduled surgeries. Nothing too extreme or life-threatening, which is odd to say considering I’m a brain surgeon. The surgeries were low-risk and I’m happy with every outcome. I’m not wanting the night to be busy. I want everyone to stay safe and I’m ready to go home to my girl.
All days should end like this one.
I check my phone to see if Olivia has messaged me. She hasn’t, which I find a little odd.
“Don’t frown. You’ll get wrinkles.” Nurse Jackie pokes the middle of my forehead. “And what do you have to be sad about?”
“I’m not sad.” I scoff, tucking my phone in my pocket. “Olivia hasn’t messaged me back. That’s all. It isn’t like her. She’s probably unloading the groceries. She bought so much food.” I’m sure it’s obnoxious as I show Jackie the image of the cart with a big grin, acting like Olivia won a million dollars.
I can’t help it. Everything this woman does makes me happier than thought I’d ever be.
Jackie rolls her eyes with a small smile. “You are so in love it’s sickening.” Her desk phone rings, signaling an incoming patient, and I stay quiet, not wanting to interrupt. “Warrick,” she answers, and the happiness in her face changes in an instant. “Got it.” She slams the phone down. “Good thing you’re here. We have a multiple-vehicle accident coming in. One in critical condition, possible TBI.”
“How far out?” I ask, knowing time is essential when it comes to brain injuries.
“Two minutes,” Jackie states.
“Got it.” I’m rushing to the entrance of the emergency room when the elevator doors open and Winston hurries to my side.
“Any word? What do you know?” he asks both of us, snapping on a pair of gloves.
“Possible TBI. I know other ambulances are on the way too. MVA.”
“Damn. Your movie night is put on pause.”
“She’ll understand.” I take out my phone and use talk to text.“Hey, Olivia. I have a car accident coming in. I’m not sure how long I’ll be. I’m sorry, sweetheart. I might be a little late, but we will have our movie night. Don’t wait up for me. I’ll be there as soon as I can. And don’t eat all that food without me.”
I tuck the phone back into my pocket, the sirens blaring and getting closer.
“I got this one,” I say, running to the ambulance when it pulls up. “What do we have?”
Jane, the paramedic, jumps from the driver’s side. “Female. Twenties. Possible TBI. Pupils were equal and reactive at the scene. Losing a lot of blood, though. There’s a shard of glass in her thigh, femoral bleed. Possible broken arm and internal injuries.”
Damn. I might need Winston on this too.
The back doors open and Jane jerks the gurney, her partner helping her bring the patient down. Blood stains the gurney beneath the woman. Red hair is fanned out, bonded together with blood. Glass shines from her scalp.
My entire world tilts. My stomach turns. Tears form in my eyes as I stare down at the love of my life.
“Olivia,” I croak, taking her limp hand in mine. “What happened!” I roar, running alongside the gurney as we hurry into the emergency room.
“Elias!” Winston shouts from my side. “What’s going on?”
“It’s Olivia! Olivia is the TBI!” I turn my focus to Jane, a tear falling down my cheek. “What the fuck happened? What happened to her!” I demand.
Nurse Jackie gasps when she sees Olivia. “Trauma Bay Four. I’ll call the OR. Get it cleared for immediate surgery.”
