I give his arm a gentle squeeze and slip into the dim room with the beeping monitors all around us. A silver stool is pushed against a wall, and I carry it to the bedside, careful not to disturb any of the wires or his IV tube.
He’s so still, but at least he’s breathing. The nurse told us they were giving him pain meds, and I’m not sure if he’sawake or asleep. Still, I slide my hand carefully under his, gripping it lightly with my fingers.
“Hey, Mav,” I speak softly, doing my best to keep my tone upbeat. “It’s me, Dove. Haddy and Gavin, Austin and Knox and Edward… We’re all here with you. You got a bad hit, and they brought you to the hospital. The doctor is going to do a CT scan, but you’re going to be okay. If you can, try to open your eyes and let us know you’re in there.”
I don’t know what to say. I’ve never been in this situation, but I’ve heard even people in comas are aware of their surroundings. Lifting my other hand, I trace my finger lightly over the back of his hand.
“You were playing so well tonight. I’ve never seen anything like it. Knox said you were going to get a hat trick for sure. He told me about your first hat trick and how it started your game-day ritual. You’d eaten red M&Ms and had a red Mountain Dew…” My voice breaks, and I hiccup a breath doing my best to keep it together. “I’m so mad at that guy for hitting you like that. We were all so happy…”
The beeping on one of the monitors seems to grow stronger, and I lower my face to his hand lying still on the bed. I kiss his warm skin, and when I squeeze my eyes, tears fall onto my cheeks, and one lands on his hand. I slide it away with my thumb.
It’s so wrong. He was just laughing, so happy as Gavin pulled him in for a hug…
“Heey… are you crying?” My head snaps up at his hoarse voice.
“Maverick?” My voice breaks, and I lift my free hand to wipe the tears off my cheeks.
His eyes are open, and he’s smiling weakly. “Hey…”
“You’re awake!” It’s a cracked whisper, and I’m on myfeet, leaning closer, ready to kiss his cheek. “Let me get Haddy, the guys… They’re all out in the waiting room.”
“Wait.” His hand tightens over mine, but I notice his grip isn’t as strong as usual. “Be still.”
I sit down again, putting both my hands over his, smiling through my happy tears. He blinks, then he blinks again harder. His brow furrows, and he lifts his hand, pressing his fingers to his eyes.
The joy freezes in my chest, and I’m trembling again. “What’s wrong, Mav?”
He inhales slowly, lowers his hand, and looks at me again. “Two of you.”
I swallow the painful knot in my throat. I don’t know what this means. I don’t know if this is bad, and he needs the doctor right away. I’m terrified, but I pretend to be calm.
“Please let me get Haddy and the doctor.” I hold his hand in both of mine. “They’ll be so relieved you’re awake.”
“Wait… I wanted to tell you…” He leans his head back, keeping his eyes closed. “I’m glad you’re here. I…” He exhales slowly, as if finding the words is a monumental effort. “I’m glad.”
I press the back of his hand to my cheek. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
We share a moment, but I’m afraid to let it last very long after all the terrifying stories I’ve heard about concussions and brain injuries.
“I won’t be long.” I press my lips to his hand before lowering it. “Everyone’s just outside your door.”
The medical staff immediately surges into his room, and the family and I are pushed to the side. My chest is heavy. I don’t know if he knows I’m right here like I said I’d be. Still, what they’re doing is so much more important.
After what feels like forever watching the doctor ask himquestions, shine the light in his eyes, make notes on his iPad, the man stands and motions to us.
We go to Mav’s bedside, and Haddy takes the stool I brought over, grasping his hand in hers. Gavin stands back, bouncing Lucy, but Austin is close on the other side of the bed with Edward.
I guess as NFL players, they’ve witnessed their share of gnarly injuries.
I stand at the head of the bed, sneaking my hand down to the top of his shoulder. I’m not sure if he knows it’s my touch, but I’m here.
“The ringing in the ears, the blurred vision, these are all symptoms of concussion.” The doctor looks down at the iPad. “However, I still think it would be prudent to continue with the CT scan as ordered. We need to rule out all other possibilities.”
“Absolutely,” Haddy answers quickly, then turns to her cousin. “That’s okay, right Mav?”
“CT scan…” His voice is so weak, it hurts my heart. “That’s the thing when I have to go in a big tube?”
“That’s an MRI,” the doctor explains. “A CT scan is much easier. It’s just the top of your head. We’ll have you in and out in ten minutes.”
