Page 96 of Fortunate Miracles
He closes his eyes, so I watch tv until Leigh brings my lunch. After eating, I use the washroom, then grab my laptop and get schoolwork done. I text Zander, but he’s fine. He got lunch at the truck across the road.
Dr. Crosby returns mid-afternoon and asks to speak with me in the hallway. Since Jake is awake, I tell him I’ll be right back. “Everything okay?” I ask as we go next door.
“I wanted your opinion of Ray. I’m concerned about his response to seeing Jake. I called last night and told him Jake was awake, andhis initial reaction was denial, but I told him to come this afternoon. Do you think he would overwhelm Jake?”
I look at Zander. “He and Jake were always close, but Ray isn’t himself. He may have a breakdown once he sees him awake.”
“I agree. He’s got a lot of trauma and guilt. Seeing Jake awake will force him into reality. It might not be pretty,” Zander adds.
“What about showing him Jake on the monitors first? See how he responds? Then explain that he can’t upset Jake, so his stress levels stay down. If he can’t keep his composure, then delay his visit?” I suggest.
“Excellent idea,” Dr. Crosby nods.
“I’m happy to help with Ray if needed,” Zander offers. “He seems to respond well when we talk. I know he wouldn’t want to hinder his progress.”
“Good. We have a plan. He should arrive anytime now. Thank you both.”
I go back in to sit with Jake. “Hey,” I smile, retaking my seat.
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing to worry about. The doctor is pleased with your progress. Now, how about a movie?”
“Can you snuggle?” He asks.
“Hmm, let me grab Leigh and see if we can get you slid over a bit,” I smile. Poking my head out the door, I call Leigh over.
“Hi. Do you need something?”
“Yeah. Can we slide Jake over so I can get on the bed with him?”
“Sure,” she smiles.
I help her support his head with the pillow as she shimmies him over. “Thanks, Leigh.” I make sure he has enough water and ice before getting in on his right. Lying on my side, I snuggle into him like I used to do in Virginia.
“This is better,” Jake sighs. “I hate this stupid pillow, though.”
Leaning back so I can see his face, I understand his frustration. He can only look up. I text Leigh if I can sit him more upright,and she replies right away that I can. I reach over and hit the button on the bed rail to raise his head more. Once he’s sitting up, I get up and lean on my arm. “Better?”
He gives me a smile. Oh, that smile. The one that got to me growing up and made my belly erupt with butterflies. The one that turned us from friends to more. “Yup.”
I lean in and give him a soft kiss on his lips, but pull back quickly. “Can’t move your head yet,” I remind him.
“How long before I can kiss you properly?”
“Several more days, handsome,” I smile. I settle back down, turning onto my back. It’s a tight squeeze; my shoulder has to go on top of his, but we can both see the tv. I turn on a movie and relax. Before long, Jake's breathing softly and deeply in sleep. I peek behind me to confirm he’s out. Smiling, I continue to watch the movie until my phone vibrates, so I get up quietly. I don’t want to risk Jake waking and seeing the date over my shoulder.
It’s Zander. Ray's here watching the monitor, and he wants to know if Ray can come in. I ask if he can hold it together, and Zander assures me he can. He’s been here for an hour watching the monitors. I look up at the camera and smile, nodding. A minute later, Ray slips inside. He looks like he’s been crying, but seems happy. He immediately pulls me into a hug. “I’m so sorry, Summer,” he whispers.
“It’s okay, Ray. It’s going to be okay now,” I whisper back.
“Dad?” I hear Jake call, so I pull back.
Ray freezes for a minute as I see tears fall again. He walks over and grabs his hand. “Hi. Sorry, I wasn’t here earlier. How are you feeling?”
“Tired but okay. Why are you crying?”
“You were in a coma. Duh. He’s happy you’re better,” I say, getting back on the bed. I’m not going anywhere until I know Ray won’t cause Jake any stress.
