Page 91 of Wild Mistake
“When can we see him?” Jake asks.
“Someone will come to bring you back. He’s a little groggy from the pain meds. He might struggle to answer any questions. He’s been through a traumatic event, and what he needs most is rest. So, we’re going to limit his visitors to one person at a time for the time being.”
“I need to see my son,” Jake demands more to me than the doctor.
“As a parent, I empathize with the need to put eyes on your child. I just want to emphasize; he needs quiet and calm. Rest is his greatest tool.” She gives Jake a pointed stare, then me. “If you both can do that, we’ll bring you both in together. If not, please tell me now; otherwise, we’ll have you both removed from the property. My patient is my priority.”
She’s been informed of our altercation with the security guards. I’m certain of it.
“Thank you,” I say. “Thank you for caring for my boy.”
“Yes, thank you,” Jake has the decency to add.
“Dr. Patel,” someone says, coming over and holding out a small bag.
“Thanks.” Dr. Patel accepts the bag and then hands it to me. She checks the watch on her wrist. “I need to get back inside, but I’m on shift until eight. If you have any questions just ask someone to page me.” She nods to the bag in my hand. “I expect you to eat and drink.”
“Thank you.” I nod. Sagging into the nearest chair, my body swims in relief. Gabe is going to be okay. My world hasn’t been completely turned upside down. My mind believes it, but my body is catching up. The emotion, coiled tight around my chest and limbs as I was barely holding my shit together finally begins to leave my body.
My hands shake and my eyes fill with tears as I tear the plastic wrapper off a tiny straw and press it into the juice box. I bring the drink to my lips, but not before a sob leaves my mouth.My baby almost died tonight. The possibility lingers in the air as I struggle to breathe.
“He’s fine, Sarah.” There is annoyance in Jake’s tone, but it doesn’t stop me from crying.
I don’t answer him.
I don’t acknowledge him or anybody else in the room.
I don’t care how stupid or ridiculous I look. They can stare. They can think I’m crazy. Nothing matters except that Gabe is going to be okay.
Sniffling, I set the juice down and reach inside the bag for something to eat. My fingers slide across a package of crackers. I pull and rip at the wrapper.This fucking thing. Jake doesn’t offer to help and I sure as shit won’t ask him. I almost give up when the damn plastic finally rips. The crackers explode in a mess on my lap, and I let my tears fall freely as I pick them up, one by one, and crunch on the salty snack.
I wish I hadn’t sent Aiden away. He would let me lean on his shoulder. He would hold me while I cried. He’d have opened the crackers and gently forced me to eat these snacks. He wouldn’t sit by and watch me struggle the way Jake is.
We don’t speak again until a hospital staff member comes to lead us to Gabe’s room. The lights are dimmed, and we’re warned by a nurse to keep our voices down. She also reminds us of where his injuries are. He’s sleeping as I rush to his side. It hurts to see him like this, but it’s an overwhelming improvement from the last time I laid eyes on him.
“I love you,” I whisper, though he likely can’t hear. I rest my hand on his arm, just to feel the warmth of his skin. “I love you, okay? You’re strong and young and we’re going to get through this.”
Jake stands a few feet away. He doesn’t say a word. Doesn’t move close to Gabe’s side.
Eventually my body aches so badly I have to sit down. I move to sit in one of the chairs, keeping watch over my son even as my eyelids grow heavy.
Jake clears his throat. “I don’t want my sons around him.” His voice is so low, I almost miss the words. “I’m filing for primary custody.”
My gaze snaps to meet his. “You’re going to take our sons from me?”
“You obviously can’t make good decisions.” He shrugs, his hands tucked in the front pockets of his jeans. “What the hell is the plan, Sarah? You going to live in your parents’ trailer and wait tables forever? Why? So you can hook up with a guy who already left you once?”
“Aiden is a good man,” I defend. He would never cheat on me. “This last month he’s taken better care of me and the boys than you have in years.”
“Right. Blame it all on me.” Jake smiles rudely. “Just wait until he’s had a few months with you. He’ll get tired. Believe me. He’s not gonna sign up to deal with all your shit. He left you before, he’ll do it again. And he’s fucked in the head. The military does that.”
It shouldn’t surprise me. Jake has done nothing but blame everyone else when things don’t go his way, but this is a new low. Tonight was an accident. If he wants to blame anyone, it should be me. Though I don’t tell him that.
No. Instead I take a fortifying breath and point at the door. “Get out.”
“You’re kicking me out?”
Yes. I am. This man doesn’t get a front row invitation to steal my peace. Not anymore. “We’re done. File whatever papers you need to file. You’ve made your intentions clear. I’ll see you in court.”
