Homecoming

Chapter 27

 Before entering the room, the nurse informed Spencer of his mother's condition. According to the nurse, there was internal bleeding due to a ruptured spleen. The surgeons successfully stopped the bleeding by removing her spleen, but she lost a lot of blood, causing her to go into shock during surgery. As the nurse told Spencer the news, you could see he was horrified. His hand was placed over his mouth to keep him from crying. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he managed to pull it together. He didn't want his mom to see him upset. To comfort him, the nurse told him that she is recovering well so far and believes she will make a successful recovery.

When the nurse was done talking, Spencer quickly ran into the room by his mother's side. Spencer's mom was softly dozing in her hospital bed. You were surprised she could sleep through all the beeping machines. Her head was wrapped in a bandage, and there was evidence of some cuts on her face. Her left arm was in a sling. You stood tentatively behind him, waiting for him to give you the cue to come over. You didn't want to intrude.

Spencer grabbed his mother's right hand and gently rubbed it. He whispered, "Hi, mom. It's me, Spencer."

His mother slowly opened her eyes, blinked a few times, and looked Spencer up and down. You could tell from her eyes she was still out of it.

"Spencer...where am I? What's going on?" his mother asked groggily.

"It's okay. It's okay. You're in the hospital. You were in a car accident, and they had to take you to surgery, but you're okay. Thank god, you're okay," Spencer replied.

"I'm so sorry, Spencer," Diana croaked out.

"No, no don't apologize. It was an accident. I'm just glad you're okay. We're going to get you through this, I promise."

"We? Is your father here?" Diana asked.

That's when Spencer looked back at you, giving you the signal to come around the corner. You stepped into the light next to Spencer. Diana looked you up and down.

"Hi, Mrs. Reid, I'm Y/N. I'm a close friend of Spencer's. I drove him to the hospital," you answered.

"Oh, yes, I've heard all about you. Spencer is very fond of you," Diana said, trying her best for form a smile despite her weakness.

"Well, that's good because I'm very fond of your son," you said, trying to keep things lighthearted.

Spencer offered you a grateful smile before returning his focus back to his mom.

"How are you feeling?" he asked her worriedly.

"Oh, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me," Diana reassured him, but she wasn't very convincing.

"Mom..." Spencer pressed her.

"The pain killers are helping," Diana admitted. You saw her press the medication button. A few seconds later, some of the grimacing from her face disappeared.

"You can't do this ever again. If you want to see me, you call me, and I come to you, okay?" Spencer lectured her. He was firm, but you could tell he was just looking out for what's best for her.

"It can be hell at the facility. I feel like a prisoner sometimes. I was going out of my mind," Diana looked away.

"Mom, did you stop taking your meds again? Be honest," Spencer prodded her.

"They cloud my brain. I want to write, and I want to read, but those damn meds mess with my head. I used to be a prestigious academic, but those meds make me feel so stupid."

Spencer said as he lowered his head. After he collected himself, he replied, "We'll figure it out, Mom, I promise."

"What if you stayed in my bedroom while you recover, so Spencer can keep an eye on you, and you can have your own space. I can sleep on the pull-out couch," you offered.