Anywhere But Home

{19} People say goodbye In their own special way

Emily Roberts

''What do you mean he is in a coma?'' Brian yelled at the doctor, calling my attention immediately making me and Tori get up from our seats and walk towards them. ''You said he would be fine doc! Coma is not fine!'' He shouted gaining this time also the attention of the security guys. The doctor made a sign with his hand, letting them know it wasn't needed their intervention.

''Mr.O'Conner, I need you to calm down.'' The doctor said trying to in store some sort of calmness in the situation. ''There was a complication in surgery. But you know I'm not allowed to discuss the details with you unless you are related to Mr.Smith.''

''Does it look like I care? I want to know what the hell happen!'' Brian demanded. ''He was breathing on his own when he got here and now the machines are breathing for him!''

The doctor sighed. This is probably one of the hardest parts of the job. Trying to stay calm in situations like this, will be my personal challenge. ''The hospital has already contacted his parents. They will be here in less than five hours and then I promise, if they aloud, I'll discuss and inform what I have to inform in front of all of you.'' The doctor said looking at the three of us. Then he placed his hand on Brian's right should. ''Now go home. There isn't anything you can't do here to help him and he will not go anywhere under my watch.'' The doctor said, and Brian's arms relaxed. ''That is a promise.''

Brian was about to say something but was interrupted by someone.

''Dr.Gideon, we need you at the emergency!'' A nurse shouted, running towards the doctor, stopping a few steps away from him.

The doctor turned his attention at her. ''I'm on ICU today. Dra. Taylor is the one on call for the emergency.'' He informed nicely. 

''I know. But she is nowhere to be found.''

''Have you paged her?''

''Multiple times. I even called her personal cell-phone but she didn't pick up.''

''What about Dr.Harrison? Have you paged him?''

''He is on his day off and he is on his way here. Doctor, you are the only general surgeon available right now and we need you downstairs. There has been a massive accident and there is a patient with his spleen in really bad shape. He needs surgery.'' The nurse concluded, tapping her feet repeatedly on the floor, waiting for the doctor's answer.

The doctor took a look at us and then moved his gaze towards the nurse. ''I want you to stay here in the ICU supervising my patients, especially the patient on room 221.'' He said, typing something on an Ipad he had on his hand and handed it to the nurse. ''If there is anything as a drop on his blood pressure, you call me? Do you hear me?''

''Yes.'' The nurse nodded accepting the Ipad.

''I have to go.'' The doctor stated looking at us again.

''But Doct-'' Brian began saying but was cut off by the doc.

''He is in good hands. I'll be back shortly. Do as I said.'' He said walking backwards speeding up his pace. He then broke the contact and disappeared through a door.

I was checked up when I got here and aside from a small concussion I'm okay. However, I was feeling my legs starting to weaken and my vision starting to get blurry. I stumble back but Tori managed to catch me. ''Wow, are you okay? You look a little paler than usual.'' She said, concerned in her voice as I walked towards the wall to find some support. That didn't result.

''I'm okay.'' I breathed out almost silently, walking back to my seat. She looks at me with a worried expression. I'm lying and she knows it. ''The truth is that I haven't eaten anything since yesterday.''

''Are you out of your mind?'' Tori blurted, totally mesmerized, taking a seat beside me.

''Well, it wasn't actually my choice.'' I said dumbfounded.

''Do you what me to take you guys home?'' Brian said, introducing himself on the conversation. ''I don't want to say this to offend anyone, but you look like you were hit by a bus Emily.'' He stated in a serious tone.

I saw Tori rolling her eyes and she was about to say something but I squeezed her arm. ''Thank you for your concern.'' I responded truly happy to see that he cares. ''But I'm not leaving.'' I stated leaning back on my chair.

''Me neither.'' Tori repeated after me fixating her gaze on Brian. I was surprised, because I thought she would have wanted to go home. But she was his friend. I know she still is.

Brian brought his hand and massaged his forehead. I can see that he is visually tired. ''Can I take you to the cafeteria to eat something at least?'' He added and I nodded immediately.

We walked silently until the hospital cafeteria. It was pretty packed up, probably with families of the people from the accident waiting for news on their relatives.

Spotting a table available near the bathroom, Tori speeded up her pace. ''Can you buy me and chocolate croissant please?'' She asked. ''It's better if I go there so we don't lose the table.'' She added pointing to the table.

''No problem.'' I nodded.

Me and Brian went to the line and waited quietly for our turn. There is a question that keeps bugging me and I have to ask. ''How did the police found us?''

He looked at me, pressing his lips on a thin line as if he was mentally debating if he should tell me or not. ''Do you promise not to tell anyone?'' He said walking a little further.

''Yes.'' I replied firmly.

''I kind of hired someone to follow him ..'' He said, catching me off guard. ''I was worried that he would do something stupid. When we came here, he promised me he would stop searching for the people that killed his brother. And he was achieving that until Chad appeared out of nowhere. And it looks like I was right in being worried.'' He said visually concerned.

''So .. It was you who told the police where we were being held?'' I inquired. Of course, it was Em. Duh.

''I made an anonymous call from a payphone. They can't track me. At least I hope they won't.''

I cleared my voice. ''Do you think he will wake up?'' I asked, gaining his full attention.

''Of course, he will.'' He stated even without blinking an eye. ''He is one of the strongest people I know and he will make through this.'' He added, trying to reassure me. However, I saw the doubt in his eyes.

''Next!'' The lady behind the counter yelled.

''Good morning.'' Brian greeted.

''Good morning.'' The lady blankly said. ''What can I get you?''

''One chocolate croissant and a lemon tea please.'' He said, moving along so I could make my order.

''It one more chocolate croissant and a mix toast with a glace of milk please.''

''6.50 dollars.'' She informed waiting for us to give her the money.

''Here.'' We handed her the money and left walking towards the table.

                                  ...

Tori and Brian found a way to sleep in the waiting room. I guess exhausting took the better of them. I, however, cannot close my eyes for a split second without thinking of him. I want to see him. But I can't, because they say only family can enter ICU. This is the most bullshit rule anyone ever created. Emily, you saw your mother die because of your father. You moved state and changed your name. You faced the unthinkable. So why are you were waiting to see him instead of moving your ass and go find his damn room?

My subconscious strikes.

Deciding to listen to my brain for once, I got up from my seat and grabbed my purse. This is a big hospital, but I remembered hearing the doctor said that he was in room 221. I exit the waiting room and turned left because I saw a board saying '200-300' so he must be here.

Okay .. 202 .. 210 ..218 ..221. I stopped in front of the door placing my hand on the door handle. I took a deep breath and walked in, without even caring if I get caught.

''Oh my god!'' I gasped, bringing my hand towards my mouth, walking closer to him feeling tears forming in my eyes. He had a huge tube on this throat that was hocked up to a machine that was helping him breathe. His eye and lower lip were all busted just like I remembered from earlier, but the shallow somehow increased. His chest was half undercover and had some white things with wires that I think are used to check his vitals. He looked so fragile and so weak. I touched his face. He was so cold.

''Christopher.'' I whispered, pulling a chair closer so I could sit beside him. ''I need you to wake up.'' I added, with my voice trembling a little as one tear escaped my eye. ''I know it's only been two months since we meet each other and I don't even know if you're listening to me, but you need to wake up.'' I said grabbing his hand, bringing it softly towards my mouth. ''You need to be strong and fight. You have people that adore you. Your parents, Brian, your friends, Tori ..'' I said, closing my eyes. ''Even me.'' I finally breathed out.

''I miss your stubbornness. I miss your cockiness. I miss you calling me potato head.'' I said chuckling bitterly. I have a huge knot in my throat. ''Chris .. please ..'' I begged unto his hand, giving a gentle kiss on it.

Suddenly, he squeezed my hand back. I got up immediately, making the chair fall. ''Chris!'' I called. ''Can you hear me?'' I asked, knowing really well that he couldn't answer me. I waited for him to squeeze my hand one more time, but the only thing I've heard was the sound of him crashing. I looked at the monitor and saw a line and the beeping sound that used to be his heartbeat was gone.

''Help!'' I yelled running to the door, opening it to call for help. The nurse from before saw me and run towards me.

Another nurse came along and they both storm into the room. They both ran towards his side. ''He is crashing!'' She yelled, taking the pillow from under Christopher's head. ''I need the defibrillator.'' She told the other nurse, who just went outside running past me to get it, bringing it a few seconds after.

I was petrified. I couldn't move or speak.

She finally noticed me. ''I want her out of here. She doesn't need to see this.'' She shouted, making one nurse run towards me. ''And call Dr.Gideon! We need him up here! Now!'' She added as I was kicked out of the room.