Chapter Twenty-Two #2
After an hour, Jerry and Belinda decide to go.
Gemma, Tyler, and Everleigh hang around for a little longer, then say their goodbyes too.
Then it’s just Noah, Owen, and me in the room.
It nearly breaks me to leave him here alone, but it's a long drive home on old country roads, and it’s getting late.
I swallow hard and lean over, whispering in his ear. “I'm gonna come see you tomorrow. Please stay strong, Noah. I love you.”
I pull away as tears fall down my face, and I give him a kiss on his cheek before we leave.
“Bye, Noah,” Owen says, patting Noah on the shoulder.
Owen doesn't say much on the way home, but I explain what happened the best way I can.
“He's gonna be fine, right?” Owen finally asks.
“Yep, he'll pull through, but it might take a little while,” I tell him as I keep my eyes on the road.
I'm a nervous wreck on the way home because I know how dangerous it is to drive these roads at night. There’s no shoulder and deer often run out in front of vehicles.
Though my mind is running a million miles per hour, I keep my eyes on the road and focus.
When I finally pull into my driveway, I let out a relieved breath. When I visit Noah tomorrow, I'll take Owen to my mother's. He was supposed to go to Loretta's, but there’s no way in hell am I letting her close to my son until I know her involvement.
I slept like shit and woke up exhausted. After I showered last night and calmed down a bit, I called my mom and explained what happened. She was upset but also happy that Noah will recover.
After I get dressed, I cook us breakfast, then drop Owen off at my parents' house.
Before I leave, Owen hugs me tight, and I make sure to tell him how much I love him.
This accident has really shaken him up, but I've tried to put on a happy face even though it's hard as hell.
Over scrambled eggs this morning, I made sure to keep our conversation upbeat while also answering his questions truthfully.
On the way to the hospital, I go over everything that’s happened, but none of it makes sense. Is Loretta capable of doing something so horrific and using Brittany as an accomplice? I’d like to think not, but I don't know.
I replay last night and the conversation Noah and I had.
The truck that slammed into him was big, and thankfully, it missed his door and hit closer toward the front fender.
I wonder if this was an accident or intentional.
Too many questions run through my mind, and by the time I pull into the parking lot, I'm wound tighter than a ball of yarn.
I go straight to Noah's room and smile when I see Jerry and Gemma.
“I'm sorry, I didn't realize y'all were here,” I say.
Gemma grins. “Katie! I was just telling Dad I need to eat right now before I get hangry.”
Jerry laughs and looks at his watch. It’s barely past eleven. “She did, but I was hoping Noah would be awake,” Jerry says. “He’s been sleeping all morning.”
“Dad. Food. Now,” Gemma says, and they stand.
Jerry grins. “If he wakes up, will you let us know?”
“I sure will,” I reply with a laugh because Gemma grows more impatient with every passing second.
“Bye!” Gemma happily exclaims as she heads toward the door with Jerry behind her.
Once Noah and I are alone, I move the chair next to the bed and sit. I grab his hand and squeeze tight, then close my eyes.
“Katie?”
When I look at Noah, his eyes are open. A smile instantly hits my lips as I lean over and hug him.
“Noah,” I croak out. “You're awake. Oh my God. I'm so happy. How do you feel?”
“Like a giant pile of shit.” He tries to reposition himself and moans with a painful expression.
I feel bad for him, but I'm thrilled he's talking to me. “You bruised some ribs and had a concussion. The doctor said you’d be sore for a while.”
Noah stares at me, then looks around the room. “Was Brittany here?”
His question takes me by surprise. “No. I haven't seen her. Before I showed up, Gemma and your dad were here, though. They just went to grab some lunch.”
“You're sure Brittany wasn't here?”
“I can't be positive, but I think Gemma or your dad would’ve said something if they saw her.
No one has heard from her since yesterday.
I'm not sure if she ever found a ride or got a tow back to town either.
Enough of that, though. When you're home and feeling better, we need to discuss some things regarding her.
I just don't wanna talk about it right now.”
“Yeah.” He blows out. “I agree. I just…I could’ve sworn she was in my room.”
Curiosity fills me. Is it possible she stopped by before Gemma and Jerry arrived?
Considering he's awake and talking, the last thing I want to discuss right now is Brittany.
“I was worried about you, Noah. I thought…” My voice cracks, and I choke up. “I thought I was gonna lose you.”
With a tight squeeze of my hand, he tries to reassure me. “I'm not going anywhere, sweetheart.”
His words make me smile, but I also know we can’t control every situation. “I was scared. The blood and the way your truck looked. I-I thought the worst.”
Sucking in a deep breath, he turns his body toward me, and I stand to help adjust his pillow.
“It happened so fast,” he says.
I can't even imagine what it was like. “They said the truck hit you off-center, and if it would've been two feet to the right, you probably wouldn't have walked away.”
He tries to suck in a deep breath but winces instead. I give him all the time he needs, and before I say another word, my phone dings. Pulling it from my purse, I unlock it and see a text from Gemma.
Gemma
Belinda just met us for lunch and said Brittany showed up for her shift today and acted like nothing happened. No comment about yesterday. Do you think she knows about Noah's accident?
Katie
If he was going to pick her up and never showed, wouldn't she question it? All of this is strange AF.
Gemma
Yeah, I agree. Belinda did mention she was driving a rental car and had her SUV towed.
I narrow my eyes and reread the message.
Katie
If you wanted your story to be believable, wouldn’t you tow it somewhere too? I’m not buying this, but I'll figure it out. Also, your brother's awake now.
Gemma
I agree. Something weird’s going on, and I'll tell Dad about Noah. Yay! Please tell him I love him and I’ll see him soon. I'm sure we'll be back after we eat. We're just down the street at a cafe grabbing a sandwich.
Noah clears his throat. “Who's that?”
I give him a smile and lock my phone. “Gemma. Just letting her know you're awake. They're eating, then they'll be back. She said she loves you.”
“Tell her I said it back, please,” he says and sucks in a ragged breath. “Were they worried?”
“Yes, we all were. You had a room full last night. Even Owen was stressed,” I say.
Sadness meets his eyes. “I'm sorry. I hate that I’ve put y’all through this.”
“You're alive, and that's all that matters. It was a wake-up call, I think. A reminder that life is short, and we don't always get second chances. Not that I ever have, but I promise I won't take a moment with you for granted, Noah. I just kept thinking…what if I lost you?”
“Might be broken and bruised, but I'm here, baby.”
I lean over and press my lips against his, and the emotion pours through me. When I move back to my chair, I meet his eyes again. The nurse enters, and she's pleasantly surprised to find Noah awake.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Reid,” she tells him. “I'm Tracy, your nurse. How's your pain level today?”
“I'm okay,” he tells her. “Could use some water.”
She nods. “I'll bring some. Anything else?”
“I don't think so, thanks.”
Tracy leaves and eventually returns with a small pitcher of water and some ice chips. “Press your call button if you need anything.”
“Thanks,” he says, and she leaves. I pour a glass of water as he tries to sit on the edge of the bed and put his feet on the floor. “I feel like I got my ass beat.”
I hand him the cup, and he drinks it in a few gulps, so I give him more. “Last night, I just remember wanting to talk to you. You called, and I dropped my phone on the passenger side floorboard.”
Staying silent, I just listen.
“Then the crash happened, and I saw my entire life flash before me,” he says, and I can tell sitting upright is taking a lot out of him. When he drinks all the water he wants, I help him lie down.
“What else do you remember?” I study him.
“You showing up and me telling you that I loved you. Then you said it back.” His gaze pierces through me.
A smile touches my lips and grows wider. “I do love you.”
“I meant it, Katie. I love you so damn much. It was one of the last thoughts I had before everything went black.”
“You mean more to me than words can express.”
I move forward and kiss him. Emotion pours out of me in waves, and I sink toward him when his tongue swipes against mine.
“Lie down with me,” he says, holding me close. The hospital bed is small, but somehow, we manage it.
Noah chuckles. “Maybe I should get into more accidents.”
“Maybe I should kick your ass?” I smirk.
“I might like that.” Noah wiggles his brows. “I’ve missed you.”
“Same,” I admit. “I'm happy you're awake.”
“There's no other person I'd rather see right now than you,” Noah says. “You're so damn beautiful, Katie.”