Page 37 of Choosing Skyler

Devon clears his throat but doesn’t reply.

“Well,” Chelsea says before I feel her pat my hand. “I’m going to head to the shop to do the closing paperwork. Jenny can handle the counter but I’m not letting her near my books. I’ll see you tomorrow, Hun,” she says, kissing my cheek.

I want to tell her that I’ll be there to help. I want to reach out and squeeze her hand. I want to open my eyes and look at her motherly face. I just can’t get there.

“It’s okay, Sweets. We’re right here,” Devon coos next to me.

“We’ve got her, Mom. You go ahead. We’ll call you if there’s any change.” I hear Tracey say before she takes the hand Chelsea just released.

It’s quiet after Chelsea leaves. So, I drift again.

“Time to go. Visiting hours are over.” I hear a familiar woman’s voice say.Julie?

I don’t want to be alone.I try to reach out, but I can’t move. I try to scream but I can’t open my mouth.

“Is she waking up?” Tracey asks.

“Probably not,” Devon answers.

“She’s been thrashing off and on since yesterday. I hate to think of what she’s going through. I wish she would wake up and see that we’re here. That she’s safe,” Brady chokes out. I feel his hand on mine and his breath on my face. “I’m right here, Beautiful. Come back to me.”

“She’ll wake up when her mind is settled enough to do so. This is going to be a hard road of recovery for her as it is. No need to rush it,” Julie says.

“She’s right,” Tracey says. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Sky.” She kisses my cheek.

“Goodnight, Sweets,” Devon says, and I feel his hand on my forehead like he’s brushing my hair back. “Call if you need me.”

“I will,” Brady replies.

Then, the room is quiet again. I can feel Brady beside me. His hand around mine, squeezing softly. I want to squeeze his hand, but I can’t. I drift further, but still tethered by Brady’s hand around mine.

Brady

It’s been two days since I’ve seen Skyler’s beautiful, blue eyes. I’m restless and feel like I’m fighting panic every minute that she’s unconscious.

Devon comes in with fresh coffees from Chelsea’s shop Saturday morning. “Any change?” he asks me before setting the coffees on the table and leaning down to kiss Skyler’s cheek.

“No. Still the same. I’m getting worried, man. I know they said this is normal, but I read that strangulation can cause brain damage. What if she never wakes up?” I’m practically sobbing.

“Whoa, man. Let’s not go there just yet. We can’t. The doctors would tell me if that was a concern. All of her scans were normal Thursday, and you need to stay off the damn internet!” he scolds.

“I’m sorry. I know. I’m just so scared of losing her. I can’t lose her!” I cry, feeling my chest tightening.

Devon runs around the bed to grab me in a bear hug. “It’s okay to not be okay right now, Brady. But you can’t lose it completely. She needs you.Ineed you. We’re in this together, okay? You’re safe. She’s safe. Breathe, Brady,” he tells me softly.

I squeeze him and appreciate the feeling of being wrapped in his strong hold. He’s right. I can’t spin out in panic right now. I have to be strong for Skyler. I release him and put my head on her chest. Letting her steady heartbeat sooth me. I let the feeling of her hand in mine ground me, so the panic won’t spin me out of control.

“Thank you, man. I think you got here just in time. I was losing it a little bit before you walked in. I’ve got to keep it together. Iwillkeep it together. She needs me,” I tell him.

“Have you slept at all other than that cat nap yesterday?” he asks me.

I shake my head.

“Fuck, man! You can’t keep this up. Get out.” He points to the door. “Right now. Go home. Shower, sleep, and you can come back and stay with her tonight.”

I start to panic again. “Ican’tleave her, Devon. I can’t! What if she wakes up and I’m not here?!”

“I’ll be here!” he shouts, and Skyler starts to thrash around in the bed. “I’m sorry, Sweets. We’re right here. You’re safe. We’ve got you,” he says, gripping her arm since I grabbed her hand first.

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