His Keeper

Chapter 4

Everyone that was cleaning heard the crash and came running to the front of the house, screaming Nate’s name. They stopped in their tracks in shock because the crash site was a horrifying scene. Nate was trying with all his strength to open Stacey’s door to get her body out. Jeff and Adrian ran to help him while Mr. Harris and Nate’s cousins helped open the other person’s car door. Jeff and Adrian were able to help Nate get Stacey out of the car and carried her to the side-walk. Mr. Harris and his cousins were able to get the other driver out of his car and walked him to the other side of the street. The smell of liquor was very strong in the guy’s car and he was bleeding from his head and nose. As emergency crews arrived to the scene of the accident, Nate held Stacey in his arms crying. The paramedics asked in the most caring way that he had to let Stacey go so that they can take her to the hospital to clean her up. As hard as it was it took Nate’s family to convince him to let her go. Rage filled Nate’s heart and it took his brothers, Jeff and Adrian, to hold Nate back from killing the other driver. With help, Nate was able to get ahold of himself as the police officer approached him. The officer asked Nate if he saw what happened even though everyone pretty much knew what had happened. Nate explained that he had turned his back as Stacey drove away, but when he heard the crash, he immediately ran to get her out of the vehicle. On the other side of the street, the drunk driver was being tended to for his injuries and was going to be taken to the hospital for further examination then later into custody.

            Mr. & Mrs. Harris took over talking to the police officer while Julie, Isabel, Jeff and Adrian sat with Nate whose facial expression showed that he had mentally checked out. Mr. and Mrs. Harris approached them and said that the police were on there way to inform Stacey’s parents what had happened. Nate asked if he could go with them because Stacey’s parents not only knew Nate, but he was also close with them. They thought very highly of him. Mrs. Harris said “No, the police said it was best they inform them, although baby if you would like we can drive you to the hospital and you can meet them there to see Stacey.” Without hesitation, Nate answered, “yes” and off they went to the hospital.

            The car ride to the hospital was a quiet one. Nate sat in disbelief and deep thought with what had just happened, trying to reason with his mind, stating over and over “this can’t be real.” When they made it to the hospital, reality hit him, his heart sank deep into his stomach, because this nightmare was only getting worse. As they walked in, so did Stacey’s parents. Stacy’s mom gave Nate a hug and cried uncontrollably saying “my baby is gone.” Stacey was their only child and their baby was taken from them by a drunk driver who was being treated in that very same hospital. The waiting room was packed and stifling with tension as they waited patiently to see her before they performed her autopsy. Her parents asked Nate what happened and as Nate fought back tears, he explained what had happened. He stated he was sorry that he didn’t protect her and begged for them to forgive him.  Stacey’s mom gave him a kiss on the cheek and told him that it wasn’t his fault and that they didn’t blame him. She told Nate while fighting back her own tears, “My baby loved you very much since the first day she met you. She knew her heart belonged to you and …. I bet you anything …. you being the last one she talked to and confessing her heart to you… I know my daughter was happy before she passed away.” Nate completely broke down and while trying to control himself told her mom, “We became a couple tonight and she owned my heart the first time I laid my eyes on her.” At that moment, the doctor came in and said if you folks are ready you can follow me, but only family is allowed due to policy. Stacey’s parents started towards the door, but turn to look back at Nate and tell him “come on son.” The three of them took the longest walk of their lives. Knowing that this will be one of the final moments that they will ever see Stacey before the funeral. Looking at her laying on the cold steel table, with no color, and lifeless, Nate stood strong while her parents cried and gently touched her hair and hands. Nate stepped closer to the pristine table and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Stacey’s dad looked at Nate and told him, “No matter what happens you are our son in law and we love you.”