Starting Over

Chapter 60- What's Wrong With Kenzie?

By the time I arrived in Nashville it was three in the morning. No one knew I was coming to my knowledge. But then Kerri probably called Tia and told her I was coming. I needed a car or something. I didn’t have time to have a cab take me to the house to get my truck so I rented a car right there in the airport. Within the hour I was on my way to Vanderbilt Medical Center.

“How is she?” I asked as I walked into her room.

“Luke!” Bridget yelled as she ran to me engulfing me in a huge hug with tears streaming down her face, “She’s in and out. They say that they think she should be fine, but we are waiting for her to regain consciousness again.”

“What do you mean again?” I asked Bridget as I pulled out of our hug with tears in my own eyes.

“She’s been in and out of consciousness since it happened yesterday afternoon,” Bridget informed me.

“Bridget, why didn’t you call me? I would have been here before now!” I asked.

“Luke, my phone was missing. It still is. How did you find out?” Bridget asked curiously through her constant tears.

“You don’t know?” I questioned as she looked at me puzzled, “Tia called me.”

“They won’t let Tia back here. I haven’t seen her since she went to find her phone. I haven’t left Kenzie’s side since they brought her into this room,” Bridget told me now in tears.

“Well, I’m here now. We are going to get through this. She’s going to be okay. We have to remember that,” I told my wife as I pulled her into my arms.

“I hope so,” Bridget said, “I don’t know what to think right now. I’ve had a million thoughts and what if’s going through my head.”

“I’m here. And I’m not leaving. Not for anything. You’re not alone,” I assured her.

“I should have never let her play. I knew this could happen. I’ve seen it happen before. It’s all my fault,” Bridget sobbed.

“It’s not your fault, baby. This could have happened to anyone,” I tried to convince her.

“Yes it is. I’m the one who let her play,” Bridget cried.

“No, Bridget. It’s not. I let her play too. I had a hand in that decision just as much as you did. It’s no one’s fault. Please just believe that,” I told her as I felt the tears coming to my eyes once again.

“I need to sit down. I feel like I’m going to pass out,” Bridget said.

“You’re really pale. Have you ate anything today?” I asked her as I tightened my grasp on her.

“When did I have time? I’ve been here all day,” Bridget enlightened me.

“Let’s see if there’s something we can get you to eat,” I said as I sat her down in the chair.

I hit the nurse call button and stood next to Bridget while waiting for the nurse to come in.

“Can I help you?” The nurse asked as she walked into the room, “I’m sorry only family can be in here, sir.”

“I’m Kenzie’s dad,” I informed her.

“Her dad is listed on our records that her dad is Gavin Michaels,” the nurse said.

“Luke is her dad!” Bridget shouted.

“I’m sorry ma’am, but we’ll need to verify that before we can allow Mr. Bryan in here,” the nurse said.

“I’m married to her mother. I am family no matter how you look at it,” I informed the nurse as Kenzie started to stir.

“Daddy?” Kenzie asked without opening her eyes.