Run Wild Horses

Chapter 41

I'm a twenty gauge shotgun with both barrels blazing
I'm a hundred miles an hour 'round the curve without braking
I'm a herd of wild horses through her bed of daisies
And she'll plant 'em all back again

Per Erin's update, the infield care center doctor was concerned that Ryan's oxygen levels were not coming up as quickly as they liked, despite the fact that they had him on supplemental oxygen. His symptoms were concerning as well, headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion. Although they were hallmark symptoms for carbon monoxide exposure, the fact that he was in multiple crashes during the day, had them worried about the possibility of a concussion, and with the symptoms overlapping, they thought it best he be transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment, especially since his oxygen levels were coming up so slowly.

Chase, Courtney, Erin, William and myself all went to the hospital together to wait. Drew, Ryan's PR guy was there. He had brought Ryan's bag with a change of clothes for him. He explained he couldn't stay long because if he missed his flight, he would not be able to get another until the next day. All of this had me thinking maybe it wouldn't be so bad if Ryan and I were working together, especially considering how distracted I had been during the race.

We were waiting for at least a couple of hours. I tried to occupy my mind by doing work, but it was no use, I could not focus.

"Sam, don't worry about the post race coverage stuff, it can wait." William assured me.

"I'm taking care of it. I told you I'd cover for you." Courtney squeezed my hand.

I gave her a weak smile as a sign of thanks, but I still needed some kind of distraction. Courtney filled me in on the outcome of the race, which was eventful to say the least, even though admittedly, I was only half listening.

A doctor stepped into the waiting room and called out to Erin. I hated this. I hated that I had to get information second hand. I guess Ryan had not updated his emergency contacts. He probably never even thought about it, I know I hadn't. I still had Courtney listed as mine. My attention was perked when I heard my name. The doctor had called out to me. Was that good or bad?

"I'm Sam." I said to the doctor.

He smiled. That had to be a good sign right?

"Hi Sam. I'm Dr. Allen. Ryan is asking for you."

"How is he?" I asked.

"He's feeling much better. His oxygen levels are nearly back to normal. We are just waiting on a few more tests, but you can go in and see him. Room 205."

I barely got the words thank you out of my mouth before I was sprinting towards the room.

"Hey beautiful." He grinned at me from the hospital bed, as I burst into the room out of breath. He looked so...normal, other than the I.V. and nasal cannula delivering oxygen, well that and the dreadful hospital gown.

"Are you okay? How are you feeling?" I panted out, still winded.

"I'm fine babe. Are you okay? You sound like you might need some oxygen too." He grinned, pointing to the nasal cannula. Of course he would joke at a time like this.

I sat down next to him, and took a couple of deep breaths, willing my racing heart to slow down.

"How are you feeling?" I asked again.

"Better. Little bit of a headache, but it's getting better." He replied.

I took his hand and gripped it tightly. "I was so worried." Then I started crying. I hate crying, but I guess it was just the relief in me causing the tears to flow. I just didn't want to be that girl who had a meltdown every time her boyfriend, who drove race cars for a living got in a crash.