Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Scott
“ W hat the fuck? I love you and our baby,” I shout at Drake as soon as we pass through the double doors to the lobby. He picks up his pace to get past me. “Don’t walk away from me.” I grab his elbow.
Major jumps up and gets between us. “Calm down. Let’s take this outside.” Our friends and Wynter’s parents stare in shock. I’m usually calm and collected, but this is not a normal situation, and I need to set Drake straight.
My brother and dad guide us out the automatic doors, leading us outside to a break area.
I clasp my hands together on top of my head with my elbows angled out as I pace.
“Of course not.”
“That’s not how it seems.”
An exasperated sigh escapes as I let my hands fall to my sides. I reach into my pocket and hand Wynter’s extra set of car keys to Major. “Can you and Maverick look for he r car? I need her phone and purse too.”
“You got it,” Maverick calls out. “You okay?” His eyes dip in concern.
With mine and Drake’s relationship strained, neither of us know what to say. “Listen, I appreciate how much you love my wife. I understand that she’s your best friend. Maybe even more than I am at this point. But here’s what I need you to do for me and Wynter.”
“Anything,” he says, still not looking me in the eye.
“When Wynter wakes up, the nurse is going to tell her that you’ve caught the flu and can’t visit her for a few days.”
His gaze finally meets mine. “What? No.”
“You can sit in the waiting room with everyone else and wait but for now, I need to be the one with her.”
“But the doctor said not to pressure her or tell her about her life.”
“I know, and I won’t go against the doctors wishes, but if you value my friendship, and if you love Wynter as much as you say, you’ll do this for us.” I wait for him to acknowledge me.
His chin sinks to his collarbone with his gaze concentrated on a smooth landscaping pebble.
“Well?”
“She needs me, Scott. Obviously, she remembers me, and she needs to feel safe. You’re asking me to turn my back on her.”
His eyes travel up and finally meet mine. I attempt to read the emotions in his eyes, but they’re cloudy and flit around. There’s something he’s not telling me, so I ask him, “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Drake wrings his hands together. “Yeah… when I came over that day, I told her…”
“Told her what?”
His cheeks round as he blows out a breath. “That my parents are getting a divorce.”
“Oh shit, man. I’m sorry.” I pull him into a hug, but he stays a bit rigid. “Why? Is this why you’ve been acting weird? Does anyone else know?”
Shaking his head, he admits, “They were going to tell your parents and Wynter’s parents yesterday but obviously didn’t.”
“Have you told Ali?” Ali, Axel’s wife, has been a good friend of Drake’s for as long as I can remember. But with her role as stepmom and her toddler, she hasn’t had as much time. Maybe that’s when he started clinging to Wynter.
“No.”
“Well, you need to talk to someone, and I’m sorry that can’t be me or Wynter right now. Ali’s on her way. Why don’t you talk to her?”
As he strides away, he turns and admits, “Scott, I’m sorry. I fucked up.”
“None of us knows how to navigate this tragedy. Let’s just pray she remembers,” I mumble as I see Heath jogging across the parking lot, over the median and onto the patio area carrying Wynter’s camera.
“Hey, here it is. Sorry it took me a few extra minutes. Crazy Harlan came in saying there were fire ants in his pants.” I laugh as he continues, “I didn’t want to look, so I dropped him off at the Kissing Springs Clinic.”
“He always has something. Thanks for bringing this all the way here. I appreciate it.”
“Any change? ”
“Not really, but she’s just as happy about seeing the baby as she was the first time.”
“Good. That’s good. Well, if there’s anything else I can do, let me know.” Heath shakes my hand and I know he’ll do anything to help.
“Major and Maverick are going to the gorge to look for her car. If anyone else spots it, call one of them.”
“Will do. And Scott… everyone is praying for Wynter and for you.”
“Appreciate it.”
I wander back into the hospital and Drake is sitting by Wynter’s parents. I point toward the double doors, letting them know I’m going back to Wynter’s room. Everyone gives me half smiles.
When I reach Wynter’s room, it’s completely dark except for the neon glow of the monitors. Her hands are on her stomach, holding our baby girl. I’ve watched her lie on the couch just like this for the past three months. Her mouth is turned up in a grin like she’s dreaming. I hope she’s dreaming of her life with me.
Hours pass without her waking up until the peaceful look is replaced by screams.