Chapter 53
Helpless.
It’s the only way I can describe how I feel watching Bree lay on a hospital bed while the tech and doctor prep her for a breast biopsy.
When she keeps looking back at me with fear in her eyes, I almost break down.
My gorgeous girl is stronger than she knows.
Knowing she carried this burden on her own for over a year cuts me.
The emotional and mental toll that had to take on her is unthinkable, yet here she is willing to do it again on her own.
Not on my watch.
The doctor inserts the needle he’ll use to extract the tissue sample and Bree doesn’t even flinch.
She watches the whole thing on the ultrasound monitor.
It looks like a massive fishing spear going in and out of her breast. She tries to stay still, but the nerves are getting to her.
I can see it in the way her eyes dance around the room, her breathing speeds up, and her hands clench into fists at her side.
Leaving my post against the wall, I reach for her hands and lace our fingers together. The doctor and tech look over at me, but wisely choose to keep their mouths shut. Kneeling on the floor beside her bed, I whisper, “You’re doing so good, baby. I love you so much.”
She locks her eyes with mine, and a lone tear streaks down her face.
I swipe it away and keep offering her the reassurance she needs while the doctor takes the samples.
After she’s cleaned up, they tape a small section of gauze to the site and tell her it will be sore for a while but the incision will close on it’s own.
“I’ll let you get changed and then you can head out.”
“That’s it?”
“Yep. They will either call you with your results or schedule an appointment for you to come back.”
While Bree changes, I try to shake off the emotions I felt seeing her on the table.
There’s a time and a place for them, and right now I need to be the space she can share her emotions without worrying about mine.
The tech comes back and hands me two small ice packs and tells me to have Bree put them in her bra on the incision site to help with the pain and swelling.
I thank her for everything and lead Bree out of the imaging center and back to her car.
“Let me see your keys, Princess. I’m driving you home.”
“I’m okay. I can drive. What about your car?”
“Miller drove me, so I have to hitch a ride with you. Let me drive you.”
“Okay,” she concedes passing me the keys. I open the passenger door and wait as she lowers into the seat before reaching around and buckling her in.
“Here, the lady said to put this in your bra. It’ll feel better.” I tuck the ice pack into the side of her bra and peck a quick kiss to her lips then close the door and get into the driver’s seat.
“I really don’t want to leave you, but I have to go to the stadium for the game tonight.”
“No, you need to. Would you be upset if I stayed home?”
“I’d be upset if you came to the game.”
“I think I should text the girls.” Squeezing her hand, I wait for her to finish her train of thought. “They’re going to be so mad at me.”
“I’m sure they’ll understand.”
She texts Ivory and Taylor in their group chat telling them she needs them. Little does she know, I’ve already spilled the beans and asked them to meet us at her house. When we pull into her driveway, they’re already set up on the porch with wine and snacks.
“Wow you got here fast,” Bree says, climbing the steps.
“Chase texted us a few hours ago.”
“You did?”
“I didn’t tell them anything,” I whisper into her ear. “But I knew you’d want them here and I didn’t feel right leaving you alone.”
“Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Princess. Ladies, thank you for coming over. I need to get going but really appreciate it.”
“Always.” Taylor squeezes my forearm, and Ivory gives me a hug, quietly thanking me for letting them know she needed them.
“Have a good game,” Bree says as I drag her into a gentle hug, not ready to let her go yet..
“I’m not in the lineup tonight but I’ll let the others know.”
She pulls back in surprise and looks up at me. “You’re not playing tonight?”
“This was more important.” I brush her hair behind her ear and give her a quick kiss.
“I love you,” she says, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
With one final squeeze, I release her. “I love you too. Tell them everything. I’ll be home later.”
“I like the way that sounds.”
“Me too. One day you’ll let me move in.” She did finally give me a key so I can come and go as I please. Baby steps.
“You basically live here already,” Taylor teases
“He’s here alllll the time,” Ivory agrees.
The girls laugh as I walk away and head to the stadium. When I make it to the locker room, Miller’s waiting for me at my locker.
“How is she?”
“She’s fine. She’s at home with the girls.”
“Is she going to tell them?”
“I hope so. She said she wanted to tell them, but I’d already asked them to come over so they were waiting when we got there.”
“Smart. How was it?”
“Brutal, man.”
Sitting down, I finally let my emotions break free.
My shoulders heave as I let all the fear, worry, and anger at the situation leave my body.
Tears drip off my chin as I silently cry for what Bree endured today.
What she’s been enduring this whole time without us knowing.
The whole time Miller and Fields stand guard over me.
They don’t speak, merely standing with their backs to me and their hands on either of my shoulders.
Miller sniffles from his place on my left.
I know he feels it too. This can’t be easy for him after what his family’s already been through with breast cancer, but he’s here all the same, supporting me like a brother.
“You good?” Fields asks from my other side.
I clear my throat and wipe my face. “Yeah, I’m good. Thanks.”
“Anytime. You did good today, Chase. Thanks for being there for Gabs when we couldn’t. She’s our sister and it’s nice to see she found someone who’s willing to do whatever it takes to be there. You put her first and that means everything.”
“He’s right.” Coach joins our huddle. “Sorry you had to come back here instead of staying with her but it’s the best I could do.”
“I know, Coach. Thank you.”
“How’s our girl doing? She tell the other two?” He gives me a stern look.
“She should be telling them now. I made sure they were at the house when we got back and left her with them.”
“Good. She’ll be just fine with those two until you can get back to her. You boys ready to get this game started?”
“Yes, sir,” Fields agrees.
“Well since he’s the only one playing tonight, I don’t much know if what I say matters,” Miller responds.
“Son, you have no business trying to play tonight and you know it. Today wasn’t just hard on Bennett. Plus, your old knees could use a break before the postseason.”
“Who are you calling old, old man?” Miller chases Coach out of the locker room.
I quickly change into my uniform so I can support the team in the dugout tonight. We’re a week away from the postseason and are leading the division. Should be an easy home series.