He shook his head and bit back a smile. The doctor looked between us and nodded before turning for the door. “The nurses will be in and out for various tests, but I suggest you try and getsome rest. Take this time to forget about work and focus on what really matters.”
“Thank you, doctor,” said Chandler.
When the door clicked closed behind him, Chandler pulled a chair beside the bed and sat down beside me.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Terrible,” I said, feeling a warm tear run down my cheek. “This is all my fault.”
He shook his head. “It could have happened to anyone, Gabriella. Life hasn’t been particularly kind to you lately, but that isn’t your fault.”
He was quiet for a moment.
“I’m so sorry,” he said, his voice cracking. “If anyone is at fault, it’s me.”
“That’s not true,” I said, reaching for him. “I don’t blame you for this. I don’t blame you for anything.”
He looked at me, relief in his eyes as he held my hand. “But you said…”
“I know what I said. I was wrong. I know you didn’t have anything to do with the investigation. You were trying to help my father. That means more than you know. I’m sorry, Chandler.”
He waved me off. “Let’s put it in the past and focus on now. What really matters, like the doctor said.”
I smiled, thinking there was nothing I would rather do more.
We spent most of the night watching re-runs of game shows on the TV hanging on the wall. Chandler had cleared out the vending machine after I mentioned I was hungry, bringing me an armful of snacks. We both tried to sleep, but it was nearly impossible with the nurses coming in and out, poking and prodding. The whole time, Chandler was by my side, holding my hand and asking questions. I was so glad he was there with me.
The only time he left was to meet Juliet in the waiting room to give her an update and send her home to rest. He promised I would call her as soon as I was discharged. It felt a little strange knowing my best friend had met the man I was involved with, and I hadn’t even been there for it. I was so curious about how that had gone. When Chandler came back in the room carrying a cup of tea for me and coffee for him, I gave him a curious look.
“So, you met Juliet…” I said with a small smirk.
“I did.” He handed me my tea.
“And?” I took a sip and looked at him as he eased into the chair beside me.
“She loves you in that big sister, I will hurt you if you hurt her, kind of way.” He chuckled softly.
“Sounds about right.”
“I like her, though.”
“Good.” I smiled as I settled back into the hospital bed. It felt like big pieces of my life were melting together in a beautiful way.
By the time morning came, I was exhausted. My eyes felt like sandpaper as I tried to keep them open for another test. I was desperate for sleep and desperate to get out of this hospital. Chandler looked as tired as I was, but kept a smile on his face, even cracking jokes to get me to laugh as I was poked and prodded by the nurses. I was so thankful he was there.
Finally, around 9 a.m., the doctor from the night before came in and thankfully gave us the all-clear. He was confident that it wasn’t preeclampsia and that my episode had been from stress. I felt relief flood through me, as Chandler squeezed my hand encouragingly. He helped me get out of the hospital gown and into my same clothes from yesterday.
“I can’t wait to go home and sleep.” I yawned as he shrugged on his suit jacket.
“About that…” he said.
I gave him a curious tilt of my head, but he just smiled.
“Chandler…”
“I might have had Juliet go to your apartment and pack a bag for you to come stay at my place.”
“Wh-what?” I asked in surprise, my heart quickening with excitement.
