Chapter 74
Snake returned from the store and went to Sam’s kitchen and put away the groceries. He also brought the girls Chinese. After they ate the girls hugged Sam and left. Sam’s cell phone rang.
“Hello?” Sam answered.
“Sam, I’m at the hospital and you need to get down here asap.” Jax replied.
“Sam? You hear me?” Jax repeated.
“Yea, yeah, be right there.” Sam agreed and hung up.
“Was that Jax? What’s wrong?” Snake asked.
“He didn’t say. Just said to get to the hospital.” Sam replied.
“Ok. Let’s go.” Snake replied.
They arrived at the hospital and Jax met them at the hallway outside the CCU unit. Dr. Mike was with him.
“Mike?” Sam asked.
“Let’s go in the consult room.” Dr. Mike replied.
Sam, Jax, and Snake followed him in a room.
“Ok talk. What’s going on?” Sam demanded.
“We took him down to run tests on his lungs and to make sure his broken ribs haven’t moved any. The nurse had noticed his breathing and heart acceleration. He had a Pneumothorax.” Doc paused.
“We were able to reinflate his lung. It seems infection had set up, but we caught it early and gave him a stronger dosage. He’s stable now. But I have to insist that everyone stay out of his room. He can’t afford any germs brought in right now.” Dr. Mike explained.
“Sam, can you explain? We aren’t all doctors or nurses.” Jax huffed.
“Yes. Basically, his lung collapsed, and they were able to reinflate it. He has an infection and fluid in his lungs which they are treating. He’s ok now. Just need to give the meds time to work.” Sam explained.
“How’s the head trauma?” She asked.
“That’s the good news. Almost all of the swelling is gone. I’ll probably start to bring him out of the coma tomorrow. Just want to give him one more day.” Dr. Mike replied.
“I know you want to be with him, but you’ll need to go through some sterile procedures. And only you until his lung is healed more and we have the infection under control.” He explained.
“But what about when she needs to leave? She can’t stay here in her condition all the time. Can one of his brothers take her place?” Jax asked.
“I’d prefer to limit people and germs so no. When Sam leaves, she can notify the nurses and you can have a guy stationed outside his room.” Dr. Mike replied before he left.
“Snake a word before you leave?” Jax asked.
“Sure brother. Sam just call when you need food or you’re ready to go home.” Snake replied.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
“Ok.” Sam replied before she went inside the CCU wing.
“I just wanted to make sure you haven’t crossed any boundaries.” Jax replied.
“No, I haven’t. I’d never do that to a brother. Especially one laid up in the hospital unconscious.” Snake explained.
They both nod and left. Sam pulled the chair closer to the bed.
“Adrian? The doctor is reducing your meds tomorrow. That will allow you to start to wake up. Don’t force it, and don’t move too much. You have a lot of tubes and wires hooked to you. Don’t fight it just relax and they’ll remove the uncomfortable stuff.” Sam sat back in the chair.
“Just know I am here. I’ve been here as much as I can. You still owe me that talk. We missed our wedding. Need to figure that out. But need you here and awake to do that. Hopefully, you’ve had time to work through that night and know where you want to go from here. It’s just not us anymore, we have a baby to think about too.”
A little while later MaKenzie walked in. “Hey how’s he doing?”
“Better. Mike is weaning him off the meds tomorrow and hoping to wake him up.” Sam explained.
“That’s great! Progress in the right direction at least. Brain swelling must be under control. Now focus on the healing. Is his lung doing better?” MaKenzie asked.
“It’s been touch and go. They are hoping the new antibiotics will start to work faster.” Sam replied.
“I’m sure they will, and he’ll recover. He strikes me as a tough guy.” MaKenzie assured her.
“So? You and Hawk?” Sam asked.
Makenzie’s face blushed. “That man! Wow he is fine and can burn me alive!”
“How’s the long distance working out?” Sam asked.
“It sucks.” MaKenzie sighed.
“Spill.” Sam demanded.
“We’ve had lots of fun. He calls and texts, but I dunno if he’s serious or faithful.” MaKenzie explained.
“Boy do I know that feeling.” Sam muttered.
“He did ask about how hard it is to transfer hospitals.” MaKenzie replied.
“Well, that’s something. Right?” Sam asked.
“Maybe, but it’s a scary move. What if I move and then it doesn’t work out? I’d be there with no friends or family.” MaKenzie sighed.
“If that happens, can’t you just transfer again?” Sam asked.
“Maybe. We’ve not went into detail about it yet. I guess I’m afraid to as it will make it real, and I’ll have to make a decision. Or he could decide he’s not up for it and say it’s been fun see ya.” MaKenzie explained.
“You can’t hang in limbo.” Sam cautioned.
“I know. We’ll duty calls. I’ll bring you a snack my next break.” MaKenzie smiled.
“Come see me yes, snacks, no!” Sam laughed.
“See that tote? Snake put about $30 worth in it! I swear that man is trying to make fat!” Sam groaned.
“Wow! Who’d guessed?” MaKenzie laughed.
“I know right?!” Sam agreed.
“Later gator.” MaKenzie waved as she left.
Gradually Sam started seeing movements. Toes, fingers, and eye lids fluttered. She talked to him each time. Some of the machines and wires were removed. His eye lids fluttered and Smokey lets out a barely audible moan.
Then he whispered, “Jo”.
At the sound of his whisper, Sam’s heart broke. Her worst fears were coming true. Tears started streaming down her face. Was it really his ex he wanted instead of her and the baby?
Sam pushed the nurse button to alert them he was waking up. She started to leave the room until he started mumbling more words.