Chapter 17
DOVE
Everything goes silent with my scream.
We were all so happy. Maverick was on the ice playing in a way that even I, a total hockey novice, could see was next level. Knox would lean over and explain what happened to me every time Mav made a big play, so at least I was learning.
Then, he’d tell me some fun story about the first time Mav made a similar play back in high school. It made me smile to think of him at fifteen or sixteen, close to the age he was when we walked in the orchard, on his way to being the star we all were watching.
I’d done my best to be ready every time I saw him glance our way. I bounced on my toes, waving my hands and cheering. Even if I’d decided it was pointless and there was no way we could ever be anything more than friends, I couldn’t help it.
Maverick Murphy is an incredible hockey star.
Then it happened.
He was on the outside of the circle, and I caught him looking up at us. I had just started to wave and smile when a player the size of a monster hit him so hard, he actually flew through the air.
I swear the guy had to be seven feet tall and three hundred pounds. Mav looked like a rag doll, which I know for a fact isn’t the case. My heart fisted in my neck, but when Mav hit the ice it plummeted through the floor.
I scream.
“Fuck,” Knox shouts, leaving my side as fast as the word leaves his lips.
He runs down the bleachers along with Austin and Edward. The game temporarily stops, and I’m out of my seat just as fast, following them along with Gina and Haddy.
Medical staff in black jackets with yellow stripes run out onto the ice carrying a stretcher, as his teammates circle around looking worried.
I hold Knox’s arm, stretching as hard as I can onto my toes, trying to see anything. All that’s visible is Maverick’s hand lying motionless out from his side on the ice.
“What’s happening?” I cry desperately, tugging on Knox’s sleeve. “Is he okay?”
He puts a hand over mine, his eyes fixed on the crowd in front of us. “I don’t know.”
Austin moves around the barrier, going inside to the bench to talk to one of the coaches. Gavin and Owen are with Maverick, each on a knee, listening intently to the medical staff and trainers.
After what feels like forever, they carefully move him onto the stretcher, and then just as fast, they carry him quickly off the ice and into the back area.
“They have medical facilities behind the stadium,” Haddy explains, carrying Lucy. “I’ll go back and see what I can find out.”
Gina holds out her hands. “Give me the baby.”
“Is Uncle Mav okay, Mama G?” Maddie’s brown eyes are round, and her hand is in Gina’s pocket.
It’s the first time Heather hasn’t been with us at a game, and I step forward, putting my hands on Maddie’s shoulders.
“He’s going to be okay.” I do my best to project confidence, but my voice cracks.
My heart is frozen in my chest, and I’m one breath away from a sob.
“Look, it’s Daddy!” The little girl points to where Owen is standing in his skates, waiting for us.
“Owen!” Gina yelps, and we all hurry over to crowd around him.
“He’s breathing. His pulse is steady, but he’s out cold.” Owen’s expression is serious. “He hit his head on the ice when he came down, so they’re taking him to the hospital to check for bleeding, swelling.”
“Maverick…” His name slips from my lips, and Knox catches my upper arms as my knees buckle.
“Hang on,” Knox’s voice is gentle. “Mav’s got a hard head. He’ll be okay.”
Haddy rushes out to where we’re all standing. “They’re taking him to University Hospital. Gavin is riding in the ambulance. It’s unusual, but Coach Leek is letting him sub out.”
“I’m going with you.” It’s not even a question.
Gina looks back to where Owen is circling the ice, a worried expression on his face. “I’d better stay here with Maddie. We’re going to be worried sick. Tell me everything that happens, and we’ll get there as soon as we can.”
The big hospital is less than five miles from the arena, and when we get there, Maverick is already in a private suite with monitors all over him and staff moving silently in and out.
Haddy tells them I’m family so I’m not made to stay in the main lobby alone, dying. Instead, we’re all huddled in the smaller waiting room outside Mav’s private room, watching through the glass for any sign of life.
Tears are on my cheeks at the sight of him motionless on the bed. A doctor comes out. Haddy is holding Lucy, and Gavin stands behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders. At some point he changed out of his gear, but his hair is still damp.
I’m standing beside them holding Knox’s arm, and Austin and Edward are on her other side waiting expectantly for any news.
The doctor’s expression is grave, and he holds an iPad as he explains Mav’s condition. “He suffered a severe concussion. Until he regains consciousness, it’s impossible to know the extent of his injuries. I want to do a CT scan immediately to be safe. We can’t wait for him to wake up.”
“Do whatever you need to do.” Haddy’s voice is firm, but I detect a slight wobble. “I can sign whatever waiver…”
“It’s not necessary. We’re contracted with the team to provide emergency care as needed.”
“How long will it take to get the results?” Austin asks.
“We should have them pretty quickly. I’ll get the order in, and we can take him back in the hour.”
Haddy and her cousins agree, and the doctor leaves us to start the process.
“I need to call the family and let them know what’s happening.” Haddy looks up with tears in her eyes as Gavin takes the baby. “I don’t know how I’ll tell Aunt Dylan.”
“Looks like I get to do the honors.” Knox shows us his vibrating phone.
Dylan’s bright hazel eyes, just like her son’s, and curly dark hair fill the screen.
“Of course,” Haddy whispers, putting a trembling hand on her forehead. “They were watching the game. You talk to her. I’ll call Mom and Dad. They’re probably frantic as well.”
“I’ll call Dad,” Austin says, turning to Edward. “Will you call your mom and tell them what happened?”
“It’s too early to call anyone,” Edward replies calmly. “We won’t have any answers until the CT scan is done. We should wait.”
“I guess it’s okay to wait if that’s what you think.” Haddy looks up at him. “Mom will be upset if I don’t call her, though.”
“Do what you need to do, babe.” Gavin kisses the side of her temple, putting his hand on Lucy’s back.
The baby rests her head on his chest sucking her little fingers. Her blue eyes are wide, almost like she can sense the tension in all of us.
“Do you think it’s okay if we go in there?” My voice is so small in this big space.
I’m almost afraid to ask, but I’m dying to get in there and hold his hand, tell him we’re all here worrying about him.
“I don’t see why it would hurt anything,” Edward says, and we glance around at the rest of the group all on their phones.
I give his arm a gentle squeeze and slip into the dim room with the beeping monitors all around us. A silver stool is pushed against a wall, and I carry it to the bedside, careful not to disturb any of the wires or his IV tube.
He’s so still, but at least he’s breathing. The nurse told us they were giving him pain meds, and I’m not sure if he’s awake or asleep. Still, I slide my hand carefully under his, gripping it lightly with my fingers.
“Hey, Mav,” I speak softly, doing my best to keep my tone upbeat.
“It’s me, Dove. Haddy and Gavin, Austin and Knox and Edward…
We’re all here with you. You got a bad hit, and they brought you to the hospital.
The doctor is going to do a CT scan, but you’re going to be okay.
If you can, try to open your eyes and let us know you’re in there. ”
I don’t know what to say. I’ve never been in this situation, but I’ve heard even people in comas are aware of their surroundings. Lifting my other hand, I trace my finger lightly over the back of his hand.
“You were playing so well tonight. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Knox said you were going to get a hat trick for sure.
He told me about your first hat trick and how it started your game-day ritual.
You’d eaten red M&Ms and had a red Mountain Dew…
” My voice breaks, and I hiccup a breath doing my best to keep it together.
“I’m so mad at that guy for hitting you like that. We were all so happy…”
The beeping on one of the monitors seems to grow stronger, and I lower my face to his hand lying still on the bed. I kiss his warm skin, and when I squeeze my eyes, tears fall onto my cheeks, and one lands on his hand. I slide it away with my thumb.
It’s so wrong. He was just laughing, so happy as Gavin pulled him in for a hug…
“Heey… are you crying?” My head snaps up at his hoarse voice.
“Maverick?” My voice breaks, and I lift my free hand to wipe the tears off my cheeks.
His eyes are open, and he’s smiling weakly. “Hey…”
“You’re awake!” It’s a cracked whisper, and I’m on my feet, leaning closer, ready to kiss his cheek. “Let me get Haddy, the guys… They’re all out in the waiting room.”
“Wait.” His hand tightens over mine, but I notice his grip isn’t as strong as usual. “Be still.”
I sit down again, putting both my hands over his, smiling through my happy tears. He blinks, then he blinks again harder. His brow furrows, and he lifts his hand, pressing his fingers to his eyes.
The joy freezes in my chest, and I’m trembling again. “What’s wrong, Mav?”
He inhales slowly, lowers his hand, and looks at me again. “Two of you.”
I swallow the painful knot in my throat. I don’t know what this means. I don’t know if this is bad, and he needs the doctor right away. I’m terrified, but I pretend to be calm.
“Please let me get Haddy and the doctor.” I hold his hand in both of mine. “They’ll be so relieved you’re awake.”
“Wait… I wanted to tell you…” He leans his head back, keeping his eyes closed. “I’m glad you’re here. I…” He exhales slowly, as if finding the words is a monumental effort. “I’m glad.”
I press the back of his hand to my cheek. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
We share a moment, but I’m afraid to let it last very long after all the terrifying stories I’ve heard about concussions and brain injuries.
“I won’t be long.” I press my lips to his hand before lowering it. “Everyone’s just outside your door.”
The medical staff immediately surges into his room, and the family and I are pushed to the side. My chest is heavy. I don’t know if he knows I’m right here like I said I’d be. Still, what they’re doing is so much more important.
After what feels like forever watching the doctor ask him questions, shine the light in his eyes, make notes on his iPad, the man stands and motions to us.
We go to Mav’s bedside, and Haddy takes the stool I brought over, grasping his hand in hers. Gavin stands back, bouncing Lucy, but Austin is close on the other side of the bed with Edward.
I guess as NFL players, they’ve witnessed their share of gnarly injuries.
I stand at the head of the bed, sneaking my hand down to the top of his shoulder. I’m not sure if he knows it’s my touch, but I’m here.
“The ringing in the ears, the blurred vision, these are all symptoms of concussion.” The doctor looks down at the iPad. “However, I still think it would be prudent to continue with the CT scan as ordered. We need to rule out all other possibilities.”
“Absolutely,” Haddy answers quickly, then turns to her cousin. “That’s okay, right Mav?”
“CT scan…” His voice is so weak, it hurts my heart. “That’s the thing when I have to go in a big tube?”
“That’s an MRI,” the doctor explains. “A CT scan is much easier. It’s just the top of your head. We’ll have you in and out in ten minutes.”
“Sounds great.” Mav smiles weakly.
I hastily wipe away an escaped tear, but I don’t think anyone is watching me until I blink around and meet Maverick’s hazel eyes, warm and watching.
“Sit tight, and they’ll be right with you.” The doctor nods at each of us before leaving the room.
“Maverick Murphy,” Haddy playfully scolds, wiping the tear from her cheek, “I’ve never been so happy to hear your voice.”
His hand moves to hers on the bedside. “Don’t worry, Hads. I’m good.”
“Yes, you are.” She puts both her hands over his. “Your mom is going to be so happy to hear you’re okay.”
“Shit, you didn’t tell Mom.” His eyes squeeze shut, and he presses his head against the pillow.
“Bruh, she called me.” Knox steps forward. “They were watching the game. She lost it.”
The radiology staff enters the room, surrounding the bed. “We’re going to need you all to step into the hall now,” one of them says.
As they’re wheeling him past, he points at Knox. “Call her now, and tell her I’m fine. Tell her I’m walking around, talking, everything’s good.”
“Okay, okay.” Knox holds up his phone. “As soon as you get back. You know she’s going to want to talk to you.”
Maverick leans back on the bed again with a growl, holding the bridge of his nose. Knox’s shoulders drop as they wheel him away, and I look from him to the rest of the group.
Austin chuckles. “I’d say that’s a good sign.”