Running Towards A Place

Right Behind You

Eddie's POV

A month goes by and it's nearly Christmas which also means it's nearly surgery day. In fact it is surgery day and 3 days until Christmas Day. I woke up extra early thanks to nerves. After tossing and turning for what felt like hours, just trying to get a comfortable position for my leg, I gave in and decided to quietly slip out of bed. I awkwardly made my way downstairs and fixed myself a coffee, it was only then I really registered what time it was. 5:15am. I rubbed my eyes blearily as I sat down at the breakfast bar with my coffee and sketchbook. To cut the silence, I connected my Spotify to the speakers and played some Beatles quietly, not wanting to wake Brandon.

Within minutes I was distracted by the view from the raised panoramic window. The rising sun was casting beautiful oranges and purples over the crest of the mountains. Pulling myself from my trance I decided to quickly grab my paints and my a quick painting of it before the scene dissipated. I painted and painted until I realized the scene had changed drastically and the sun was fully up. Simultaneously, I felt a hand on my shoulder, making me jump slightly.
"Sorry darling, didn't mean to scare you" Brandon apologized, perching on the stool beside me, "you're up early" he greeted me with a kiss on the cheek.
"I couldn't get back to sleep" I shrugged, fiddling with the corners of my papers.
"Oh Eddie that's so good" Brandon became distracted by my little painting, his eyes fixed on the bold colors. I blushed, resting my brush down and turning my attention to Brandon. "How you feeling?" He asked, taking a hand to gently hold my face, as if searching my eyes for an answer.
"Ok... nervous" I nodded, feeling a tingle of embarrassment.
"It'll be fine, you will be fine. These things always seem worse then they are. I'll be there with you" he offered a tired smile. We had a few hours to kill before we needed to head to the hospital so we lazily got ourselves ready. Taking our time with our coffees and breakfast, then a nice warm bubble bath before getting dressed.

10:30am soon rolled around and it was time for my op. Brandon was with me as they prepared me for the procedure, doing his best to distract me and calm my nerves.
"I'll be here when you wake up darling" he spoke sweetly, holding my hand between his, placing kisses on the back of it, his lips gently pressing the skin beside my newly fitted cannula. I was now too anxious to speak, the start was imminent. The surgeon and team of nurses were busy around me, checking things and organizing themselves.
"Ok then Edith, if you're ready we will slip the general anesthetic into your cannula and we'll get the show on the road?" The surgeon quipped, turning his attention to me. I gave a weak nod and swallowed down my nerves.
"Brilliant, so my assistant here will just administer that for you" he explained as a nurse did exactly that. I turned to Brandon, wishing I didn't have to leave him.  "You will drift off into a sleep any minute now" the doctor continued but I ignored him.
"Love you" I told him, before drifting off to sleep.

Slowly, I tried batting my heavy eyelids open. All I could smell was strong cleaning products and stale air. My entire body felt numb, the only sensation I could feel was something in my nose.
"Ed?" I heard a familiar voice. It offered me the motivation to open my eyes properly and make sense of what was happening around me. "Hey you" I opened my eyes fully to see the handsome face that matched the silky accent. I smiled weakly as I realized where I was.
"Hey" I croaked, slowly taking in my surroundings.
"How are you? The doc said it went well" Brandon offered a smile, I glanced down to see him still holding my hand.
"Woozy" I replied, noticing the state of my knee. I could see the swelling beneath a chunky brace, there was an ice pack attached to it as well as a stocking. The doctor returned to explain everything to me afterwards. I had to stay in the hospital for at least 4 more hours so they could keep an eye on me. Which was good because I was drifting in and out of sleep constantly and I couldn't feel anything.
"Hi there my lovelies, I kept some lunch for you" I heard a sweet nurse appear with a tray of food. "I kept two lots in case you were hungry too" she nodded at Brandon.
"Thank you so much" he beamed, taking the tray of food from her. "Hungry?" He asked me, setting the tray on the table between us. I nodded. "So we have sandwiches, ham salad sandwiches, and oh my, my favorite, custard" Brandon was like an excited child when his eyes fell on the custard. "It's not frozen but it's custard" he shrugged. Weakly, I took a sandwich from the plate and began to eat. Brandon was making quick work of his while I tired to coordinate my hands to avoid biting my oxygen tube.
"Damn it" I sighed after the third attempt. Brandon quickly pulled it to one side so it was no longer obstructing my way and I smiled gratefully in response. Now with no hindrances, I set out to devour my lunch.