Broken Inside

77 - The Big Reveal

Alex slowly opened her eyes and blinked a few times. She wasn't sure where she was. Everything was so bright. 

She looked down and saw that Paul was sitting on her bedside, with his head on the bed. 

"Paul?" she called but her voice sounded croaky. She lifted her hand, noticing how heavy it felt, and touched his head.

Paul sprung up looking surprised. His eyes were bloodshot and swollen. His face was wet. He looked like he had been crying. He held her face and fresh tears rolled down his cheeks. He quickly pressed the button to call the nurse.

For the next 20 minutes, Alex was examined by a couple of nurses. They checked her blood pressure, shone a light in her eyes, checked her reflexes and asked her a bunch of questions. All the while Paul was pacing around the room, looking really worried. 

Then Dr McCartney came in. She smiled and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Confused," Alex said. Then she asked, "What happened?"

"You have been in a coma for the last 24 hours," Dr McCartney explained. Alex gasped and looked at Paul. He looked so scared. The doctor continued, "I suspected your blood pressure suddenly dropped after the birth, plus the blood loss. But your vitals have improved and with a few days bedrest, you'll be good as new."

Alex exhaled sharply. She couldn't believe what happened. Then she remembered. "My baby?"

"She's perfect," Dr McCartney said with a big smile. "Dr Conner, the paediatrician, has been looking after her. She's feeding well, no jaundice. Pink of health at 7 lbs. Once you get your energy back, we'll bring her to you." Alex thanked her and she left the room. 

Alex turned her attention to Paul. He was standing around, staring at the floor, with his arms wrapped tightly and one hand over his mouth. He had not said a word to her since she woke up.

"Are you alright?" she asked him quietly. 

Paul looked at her and she could see the tears brimming in his eyes. "No, I'm not," he said and started sobbing. "I thought I lost you." He used the back of his hand to wipe his nose. 

Alex reached out her hands and gestured to him, "Come here." Paul went to her and wrapped his arms around her tightly, burying his face in her neck. Alex held him and said assuringly, "I'm right here."

"I thought I lost you," Paul repeated, sniffling. "I don't want to lose you."

They held each other for the longest time, until Paul had calmed down. 

"Have you seen her?" Alex asked him quietly.

Paul kissed her neck and said, "Yes. She's gorgeous like you."

Alex chuckled. Then she asked, "Have you thought of a name?"

"No, I want to name her together, with you."

"What have you been calling her?"

"Baby girl," he said and she chuckled. Paul leaned back his head to look at her face. He caressed her cheek and kissed her, softly and tenderly. "I love you so much," he whispered against her lips.

"I love you too," Alex said to him and they embraced once again.

*****

Alex was resting, with Paul sitting in bed with her, with his arm around her shoulders. He was napping, with his mouth slightly open. Alex tried not to move, worried that she might wake him.

There was a knock on the door and a nurse came in, pushing a baby bed into the room. Alex sat up with excitement and accidentally woke Paul up. He rubbed his face and yawned widely. Then he climbed off the bed and went to the bathroom to wash his face.