Chapter Eight #2
Dad drives me to the hospital once we leave the office after Dr. Matthews makes arrangements for me to be admitted.
I’ve got the necessary paperwork from her to make things easier.
My dad’s leaving his truck behind at the doctor’s office while we bring my SUV to the hospital and then he’ll take it to his house and park it in the garage where no one can get to it.
He knows my mother won’t hesitate to hire someone to fuck with it so I’m hurt or worse.
Anything to get what she feels belongs to her.
It doesn’t take long to get me in a room on the maternity floor.
I’m hooked up to more monitors than I understand and an IV is started so I can get the necessary fluids I need.
My dad never once leaves my side and holds my phone as it continues to go off.
With the nurses and other staff in my room, I can’t answer my phone.
So, I try to ignore it as my dad chuckles to himself and curiosity fills me.
“They can wait. The staff will be done soon and then I can take my phone and find out who it is,” I respond and take in the knowing look in my dad’s eyes.
I’m asked a ton of questions as my blood pressure is once again taken.
It’s still high, a little higher than it was in the office if I’m being honest. The medicine I’ve been given more often than not through my pregnancy is taken and then I’m finally left alone with my dad in the hospital room.
Man, I hate being here for the few hours it takes on a regular basis.
Now, I’m here for a week without being able to go home to my own bed and space.
“What happened, Sheridan?” my dad asks, the second the door is closed behind the nurse and other staff.
“Mom called when I was leaving school. She made her usual demands about money saying I need to respect her and one way or another she’ll get my money.
Even threatened my son. I don’t know how she found out I’m pregnant, Dad.
I haven’t seen her in months and I know you and Shelly wouldn’t have told her anything about me.
Does she have someone following me?” I question, the thought just coming to mind as my dad hands over my phone and I set it in my lap without looking at the screen.
“That fucking bitch!” my dad explodes, anger pouring off him in thick waves.
“Sheridan, I promise you nothing is going to happen to your son or you. If I have to give my life to protect the two of you, I will. Though, I have a feeling there’s one person who would be better equipped to protect the two of you. ”
“Dad,” I begin, trailing off because I don’t know how to respond to that in any way that would make sense with the situation we’re currently in.
“I know things are weird between the two of you right now, Sheridan. I’m not dumb or blind to Tease being upset with you because of a misunderstanding.
However, I also know that he’d do everything in his power to protect his son and you.
If you won’t talk to him about what’s going on, then I will.
This is about more than your pride or any other excuse you can come up with,” he says, his voice soft and gentle as he reaches out and rests his hand on my arm.
“I’ll think about it, Dad. Promise,” I assure him, my voice almost a whisper as tears fill my eyes and I try to hold them back.
Looking at my phone, I see a ton of messages from Tease. A small smile appears on my face as I unlock my phone and open our conversation thread.
Axel: Have you gotten to the office yet? Has Dr. Matthews seen you?
Axel: What’s going on, Sheridan? You’re starting to scare me.
Axel: I really need you to get a hold of me, Sheridan. I’ve already contacted my parents and they’re on their way to find you. I know your dad is with you, but I haven’t heard from you since you let me know you were heading to see Dr. Matthews.
Axel: Sheridan, what the fuck is going on?
My intention wasn’t to scare Axel and I do feel bad about it. However, there was nothing I could do about it when I was surrounded by people and being asked a ton of questions. Right now, the only thing I want is peace and quiet with my dad at my side.
Me: I’m really sorry it’s taken me so long to get back in touch with you.
I’ve been admitted to the hospital for the next week at least. My blood pressure is higher than Dr. Matthews is comfortable with and wants me monitored for the next week.
I have a feeling I know why it’s high, but we’ll see what the numbers say over the next seven days.
They have me on a monitor for the baby too.
They’ll know if he’s ever in distress and we’ll take the necessary precautions if anything happens.
Your parents are more than welcome to come see me for themselves so they can let you know I’m not lying.
Axel: Finally! I’ll try to get home before you’re discharged. I’m not comfortable being so far away from you while you’re in the hospital. I know my mom and dad will be there every day to see you if that’s okay. Knuckles and his ol’ lady Janessa might also stop by to see you.
Me: I’m not sure who Knuckles or Janessa are. If they show up with your parents the first time, I’ll be more than happy to let them in for a visit. I just can’t afford to allow anyone I don’t know in my room right now.
Axel: We’ll be discussing that when I see you next. Please keep me updated and I’ll try to call you later so I can hear what’s going on.
Again, I’m stunned by him wanting to suddenly call me when he never wanted to since he learned I was pregnant.
I don’t bother responding because there’s really nothing to say and I’m hungry.
I’m also exhausted. Dad and I talk and watch TV until he has to leave when visiting hours are over.
Axel’s parents were here for about two hours with us and I truly enjoyed spending time with them because it’s been so long.
Axel’s mom is excited to become a grandma and has all sorts of plans for a baby shower and helping me get everything ready for our boy to be delivered.
When my dad finally leaves shortly after Axel’s parents do, I close my eyes and sleep claims me almost immediately as I use extra pillows to help me get comfortable.
My dreams are filled with Axel and his sudden change.
He wasn’t able to call me, but he did message me to let me know he would try tomorrow.