This Kiss

Chapter 74

Natalia was pacing in the waiting room at South Shore Hospital in Chicago. Phillip was bringing Ava, Rafe, and Dr. Rick Bauer via the Spaulding Jet and keeping Emma until they knew what was wrong with Olivia. It had been just under two hours when four arms enveloped Natalia before she even knew anyone was there.

"What's wrong with mom? What happened?"

Natalia could feel her children wrapped around her, she could hear someone talking, but she was paralyzed. The two people flanking her had stopped her pacing, but she was unable to register their presence.

"Ma, did you hear me? What's wrong with mom? Ma?"

When Natalia finally shook herself out of it enough to realize people were around her, she had expected to see Ava asking what was wrong with her mother, but no, it was her son's mouth that was moving with tears running down his face, begging her to tell him what was wrong with his mom. She had never seen him so distraught. That sight snapped her the rest of the way out of her fear induced silence.

"Rafe! Ava!" She sobbed. "I don't know what's wrong, we were in bed and then she just stopped breathing, I don't..." Natalia's breathing became ragged and she felt dizzy.

Rick approached the group, pulling Ava and Rafe back a few feet. "Back up guys, she's having a panic attack. Give her some room to breathe." He took Natalia by the arm and lead her to a chair, pushing gently on her shoulder so she would sit. He knelt down in front of her. "That's it Natalia. Big deep breaths. That's it. Good. Take a minute and just breathe. It's gonna be okay."

Natalia took deep steady breaths until the tightening feeling in her chest eased and she was breathing normally again. She stood with Rick's assistance and turned to her children. The two slowly approached her. She grabbed them both and hugged them tight against her. Both of them crying into either side or her neck. "Shh my babies. I'm sorry I freaked out. It's going to be okay." She cooed. Rubbing their backs until they calmed. She wasn't sure if she was speaking to them or herself, but she knew she needed to pull herself together for their sake.

Ava pulled back first. "Is mom okay? What's going on?"

Rafe finally pulled away from him Ma and wiped his tear-stained face. Looking to Natalia with the same question etched on his face.

"I don't know. They took her back over two hours ago and I haven't heard anything yet." Natalia turned to Rick. "Rick, can you see if they will tell you anything? Please." She pleaded.

"I spoke to one of the Doctors on the flight, I just need to check in and then they will allow me back to see her. As soon as I know anything I will come and let you know. Just try and stay calm."

Once Rick departed towards the nurses station, Phillip stepped forward. "Hey Natalia. Do you need anything before I go?'

"No, thank you for bringing them Phillip. And for bringing Rick. I know Olivia would feel safer having Rick here. You know how she is with doctors."

"Oh yeah. And I'm sure the hospital will be happy to let him deal with her. We all know she's not the best patient." His comment got a small smile from the family in front of him.

"What did you tell Emma?" Natalia questioned.

"Um, we just told her that mom wasn't feeling well and we needed to come see her." Ava answered. "She was really upset that she couldn't come."

"Poor Emma. I bet she's so scared. Phillip, will you please have her call me when you get back if she's still up? I want to assure her that Olivia is okay."

"I will do that. And if she's asleep I'll call and let you know and she can call you first thing in the morning."

"Thank you. And Thanks again for bringing me my family."