Family is Forever (Sequel to Running on Insulin)

Chapter 71

Samantha POV

Mom went home to shower and bring some things back to the hospital while I hung out with Aunt Sarah. I couldn't believe she flew all the way from California just for me.

"How are you, sweetheart?" She asked me.

"I'm good. Better I guess," I said.

"Good. I'm glad," she smiled at me.

We talked about what they'd been up to, and Uncle Brendon's new album, the dogs, life in LA. She asked about school and my friends, whether I was looking forward to summer vacation. I told her I was, but a little nervous about being on tour with Dad because of all the people.

She gave me some tips on making tour bearable when you're just sort of being dragged along.

We talked for a while until I dozed off on her.

—————————————————-
Jenna POV

As soon as I got home I gathered up some things for Samantha, her computer and her Switch, which I added to her school bag. She'd have to do some homework at some point. I grabbed our phone chargers and Sam's phone, and went into my bathroom and took a nice hot shower.

I broke down finally in the shower while I let the hot water run over me, mixing with my tears. I had been so scared about Samantha and what was happening to her, and so hyper focussed on her, I hadn't processed what had been going on for the past two days. It all came crashing down on me while I showered.

When I was done crying, I turned off the water and got out, toweled off and blew my nose. I got dressed and grabbed some pyjamas for Sam that I thought she'd be comfortable in. I went into her bathroom to grab some toiletries and her meds and saw the bath still had water in it. I unplugged the tub and watched it drain. My fear drained away with the water. Samantha was awake, her fever is down, she's going to be okay.

I got a few snacks together as well, so Sam and I could have something ... not hospital food. Once I had everything packed, I double checked and made sure I had everything and left the house through the garage.

The drive back to the hospital was long but uneventful. Traffic was a mess but I wasn't in a hurry really. I wanted to be back at the hospital with Sam of course, but I knew she was in good hands with Sarah. I smiled at the fact that Sarah had flown in, again, for us.

I parked the car and took the elevator up to the main floor and then took the hospital elevator to Sam's floor.

There was a lot of activity in and out of Samantha's room and I panicked. I ran down the hall and into Sam's room. Why hadn't anyone called me?

"Hi, Mom!" Samantha said brightly, as I ran into her room.

"What's going on?" I asked. "I saw people rushing in and out. I thought something happened."

"Look! Uncle Brendon FaceTimed from the studio. He played me some music and the nurses came in to listen a bit," Samantha said.

Sure enough, Brendon was waving to me from Sarah's phone.

"Hey, Jenna. How are you?" He asked.

"Much better now that I know Samantha is fine," I said, sitting down beside Sam on the bed and putting my arm around her.

"Sorry if we scared you, Mom," Samantha said.

"It's okay," I said. "I'm just happy you're okay."

"Sam, I have to get back to work, but I'm so glad you're feeling better," Brendon said.

"Okay, Uncle Brendon. Thanks for the concert," Sam smiled at him. Sarah hung up the phone and smiled at Sam.

"See, told you Uncle B was worried about you," she said, hugging Sam.

I sat on Samantha's bed, as well, and we sat, the three of us and chatted and joked a little. Sam fell asleep on us, but that was okay, she needed the rest. I cuddled with her just feeling so happy that she was on the mend.

Sarah and I chatted until my phone started to ring. It was Tyler, FaceTiming us.

"Sam, wake up. Dad's calling," I said, gently shaking her as I answered the phone.

"Hello, beautiful!" He said.

"Hello, handsome," I responded.

"How's Sam?"

"She's alright. Just waking up," I said looking at her as she rubbed her eyes and looked around.

"Hi, Dad," she said, waving and smiling at Tyler.

"Hey, pumpkin!  How are you feeling?" He asked.

"Better," Sam said. "Tired, but better."

"I'm so glad. Uncle Josh and I were so worried. We talked about maybe postponing a few dates and coming home to check on you."

"No! You can't do that, Dad!  You'll make the fans mad!" Samantha said.

"That's why I sent you aunt Sarah. She's my intermediary for now," he said.

Sarah smiled and Sam laughed.  Josh came into the frame.

"Hey, Champ!  How're you doing?"

"Hi Uncle Josh. I'm okay. Better."

"You had me and your dad pretty worried," he said. "So worried he asked the fans at yesterday's show to send positive vibes or prayers or whatever out into the universe to hope you got better."

"What do you mean?"

"Sam, don't be mad at me," Tyler said.

"Why?"

"I might have mentioned you were sick to the fans last night. And there might be a video of it on YouTube."

"Daaad!" Samantha whined, her cheeks going red.

"Brendon was right. That is a great sound," Tyler said.

"Forgive him, Sam. We were just both so worried, we wanted to do everything we could from afar. Your mom said you were really, really sick and that you were so lethargic, we were all really worried," Josh said.

"You still didn't have to tell an arena full of people," Sam pretended to pout. But I could see that twinkle in her eyes.

"Yes. We did," Tyler said. "Because we wanted all the best juju sent your way. And look. It worked. You're better and awake and talking."

Sam rolled her eyes, but she laughed.

"Fine," she said.

"Okay, we have to go get ready for the show. You rest up and feel better. Just another couple of weeks before you and Mom come join us!" Tyler said. "Excited?"

"Kinda," Sam said.

"Nervous?"

"A little."

"You're gonna love it," Tyler said.

Tyler signed off after saying how much he loves us both and couldn't wait for us to join him.

Samantha lay back and smiled at me.

"So, that's what parents do, huh?" She said to me, that twinkle in her eye again.

"What?" I asked, smirking at her.

"Call from away when their kid is sick?  And tell thousands of strangers?"

I laughed.

"That's what parents who are musicians and performers do," I smiled and hugged my daughter.