Page 34 of Unraveled

“Mrs. Olson, I can assure you the after-care assistant Layla has chosen is highly trained. In fact, we find most patients prefer to have a nurse help them with the post-op care.”

There was a definite fruit basket in Dr. Gupta’s future. Without any fuss, he’d effectively shut down my mother’s complaint she wouldn’t be the one to help me once I was discharged.

“Please call me Marie. I feel helpless, that’s all.” Her watery eyes hit mine, and I had to bite my lip. Although my mother could drive me nuts, I knew without a doubt she loved me. Plus, she wasn’t the only one feeling helpless.

“I’ll rely on your text messages,” I offered, trying to compromise between my desire for solitude and her desire to s-mother me.

“And visits. I’ll be visiting. You can’t tell me I can’t visit my only daughter.”

“Right. So, Dr. Gupta. Are we all set?”

“Yes. Surgery should be a little over two hours. Then we’ll wake you up gently in post-op and inform your family they can come in to see you. After that, you’ll be moved up to a room for the few nights.”

“You’re still having to take both breasts, but saving the nipples, correct?” My mother’s inquiry caused everyone to sigh and Kellan to squeeze my hand, as if to say, “I get it now.”

“Yes. I’ve spoken about the procedure at length with your daughter. Any questions, Layla?”

I appreciated that he directed the query to me. Luckily, I’d already discussed everything in our pre-surgical visit. “No questions.”

“But I have plenty. The way this surgery is performed can have a drastic effect on what a plastic surgeon can or can’t do,” my mother piped up. Of course, she would be most worried about how things would “look” after surgery.

I was glad when my father addressed her. “Layla gave us all the information, both online and in those print-outs. Dr. Gupta needs to go get ready for the surgery.”

She set her lips in a line which made it obvious she wasn’t happy about it. But she stowed the rest of her comments. “Fine.”

I think everyone let out a breath of relief. But as soon as Dr. Gupta said his next words, the nerves hit me. Next time I woke up, my breasts would be gone forever. “Say your goodbyes. I’ll take good care of Layla, and you’ll see her in recovery.”

Kellan moved out of the way so my mother and father could lean in and give me hugs first. Both murmured words of love. Next was Russ, who despite trying to keep it together, was already wiping his tears.

“Sorry, sis. I know I promised.” We’d both sworn not to cry. Clearly, we both sucked at keeping that promise, as I was wiping away my own tears.

“It’s okay. Also, you’re forgiven for the other thing, too.”

He glanced toward Kellan and smiled. “As if this face is one you could stay mad at.”

I chuckled, squeezing his hand, thankful for the humor to break up the tears. “So true.”

“Why would she be mad at you?” my mother asked.

Russ rolled his eyes. Both of us knew she’d be dogging him with the question the entire time they were waiting. Last but not least, Kellan came around. His face was uncharacteristically somber as he leaned down with words for my ears alone. “I’ll see you when you wake up. Then I’ll take my cues from you.”

“’Kay.”

He landed a quick kiss, aware we had an entire audience this time around.

It would be that kiss on my mind when I went under fifteen minutes later.

Chapter Ten

Layla

Coming back to consciousness after surgery was such a strange feeling. You hear your name, but you don’t want to wake up. You open your eyes, but can’t keep them open. You feel a dull pain, but can’t remember why. You see your family’s faces and hear their voices, but you can’t quite grasp what they’re saying. The nurse floats in and out of your conscious, and the steady sound of machines reminds you you’re in the hospital.

But then there was him. Whether it was his voice or his presence, I couldn’t be certain, but the moment I opened both eyes, my focus went directly to his baby blues.

Kellan.

“Hi.”