Chapter 43
The Aftermath Continues
Jake
Dani is alive and well. Finally, our Fearless leader can return to his throne. Benji is still out there lurking. Be aware.
The clock is moving meticulously slow and I have so much nervous energy inside me with no way to let it out.
Someone had notified Coach that Dani took a turn for the worse so he came by and talked with my family and me.
He said that I was still a valuable member of the team and that I could take the next week off.
I was relieved to hear him say that, but time will only tell.
We've been updated three times on her condition since 9:30. Updates are as follows:
1. 9:30 am - Georgia's situation is critical, but they say she is stable for now. When asshat broke her nose, a blood clot formed and almost killed her. The doctors were surprised because her blood work didn't show high D-dimer levels. They had checked it twice since her arrival three days ago.
2. 1:48 pm - They started an IV drip of Heparin as soon as they discovered the blood clot. The doctor assured us this drug is the one they use as the first line of defense and that they administer it every day. It has a success rate of 99.9%. I like those odds.
3. 5:17 pm - This is the 24-hour mark. She is stable, and her blood work is improving. She could be waking up at any second. We need to prepare ourselves for what we may find once she's awake. I don't want to think about that.
They moved Dani to ICU after the incident and I've barely left this waiting room since.
I've slept here and eaten here. I refuse to go for anything other than a bathroom break.
I've barely been able to spend any time with her and it’s killing me.
Her family had to sign a waiver saying I could visit because I'm not family yet.
On the day she coded, doctors said the next 48 hours would be the most critical.
She could live or die. They also mentioned that when she wakes up, she may never be the same.
There is a slim possibility because of the position of the blood clot that the damage could make her permanently mentally impaired.
My heart drops as I think about that outcome.
I will remain by her side no matter what.
I’m still hopeful she’s going to be fine. I have to believe that.
My Mom holds my hand as we wait. I keep reminding myself that we only have 24 hours left in the 48-hour countdown.
"I know you're worried, sweetie, but you can't think negatively now.
Never give up hope." I mumble softly in response, not wanting to talk to her or anyone.
I'm having a great time in this pity party that I've created.
She hates when she can't understand what I'm saying.
She pinches my arm, and even though I don't feel like it, I laugh.
This is normal. Normal is good right now. "You know I hate when you mumble."
"I know, Ma. I can't stop thinking about Dani and what will happen. She can't die. She's the essence of everything good in this ugly world. I don't know if I'll be able to live without her."
Mama sucks in a breath. She grabs my hand again and squeezes it gently.
I hated saying those words to her, but I needed to say them aloud.
"Jake, I knew the moment you told me about her that she was the one.
I'd never heard you talk about anything like how you talked about her, not even football.
You know, I'm not overly religious, but I am a believer.
I don't think God would have put you two together only to rip you apart.
This world still needs the light that Dani exudes. You have to have faith, Jake."
"Okay, Mama. I'll try. She is pretty great, isn't she?"
"She is, sweetie, and I can't wait to witness the life and love you will share. I love you, and I can't lose either one of you. You gotta believe!"
I tilt my head back and will my tears to stop falling.
This emotional shit is getting to me. I'm not used to all these feelings.
"I love you, too, Mama." I wipe the tears away as I hear my crew coming down the hall. Only a stampede of buffalo’s would be louder.
I plaster a fake smile on my face and wait for them to pour into the room.
All five of the Fearless plus Sasha and Toby come in with that girl he hooked up with that night after a party.
Well, shit. Maybe Toby's a committed man now. If they are together, hopefully, he will want to move in with her, and Georgia will stop this crazy notion of wanting to keep a separate apartment. I think I can work this to my advantage because I'll be damned if she stays anywhere without me now.
Slapping me on the shoulder, Jaxon comes and sits beside me. "What's the latest update on our girl man?"
I frog him on his thigh and smile my first genuine smile since yesterday. "Well, asshole, my girl and your friend will hopefully be waking up any minute. They said her bloodwork and scans have improved."
The whole room sighs with relief. I see Dallas hold Sasha close as she cries tears of joy on his shoulder. Hector smiles at me. "That's good, Jake! She's going to be okay. She'll be okay."
My gut churns. I can't bring myself to tell any of them that Dani may have problems once she wakes up.
They are too happy with the news of her soon recovery.
I smile at them and try to hold it together.
I'm their team leader, and I need to do this for them.
Maybe doing this will help me believe in the miracle we desperately need.
The last update of the night comes from Granny Betsy Jean.
7:04 pm - "Jake, come quick baby, our Dani is awake, and she's asking to see you."
My heart falls out of my chest and lands down at my feet.
I don't think. I just start moving. This is a good sign, right?
Dani remembers who I am. Granny Betsy Jean stops me before I walk into the room.
"She's going to be okay, Jake, but prepare yourself.
She's got a ways to go before she is in full recovery. "
I nod my head. "I know and I'll be there every step. I'm just so happy she remembers me."
She smiles mischievously and gently pats my cheek. "She couldn't forget a hunk like you!" I laugh. She might be my favorite. I give her a quick hug and walk into the room. My love awaits.
Dani is sitting up. Her battered face boasts a hesitant smile.
She's hooked to an IV, a heart monitor, she's on oxygen, and I've never seen her look more beautiful.
I wish I could crush her body to mine and hold her forever.
I sit in the chair closest to her bed and grab her hand and kiss each one of her fingers. "I'm sorry." She softly whispers.
I look up at her, startled. What the hell? "Why, baby? This is all on Benji."
She shakes her head. "He's to blame, Jake, but so am I. Had I not made him so mad, had I not hit him, I wouldn't be laying here."
I've never been so mad in all my life. I have to choose my words carefully because I don't want to show my anger.
She's been through so much, but I need her to see that she has NO reason to be sorry.
I hate that guy. "Baby, listen to me. Had you not fought back, he could have killed you or kidnapped you again.
This assault is not on you. It's all on Benji and his stupid obsession with you!
I get it because you're you, but you're mine, and it'll be over my dead body before I allow him to do anything else to you.”
She smiles softly. "Jake, I love you.”
"I love you more. Dani, please, don't ever leave me again."
"I won't. I plan on staying for a long, long time." I wipe the tears that start falling from her beautiful face. My heart can finally go back to beating normally. I was so scared that she would die. I'm so thankful, and I plan on showing her daily for the rest of my life just how much I love her.