Sleeping With the Enemy

Sequel: Chapter Two

Sadie

"Get down!"

All I could focus on was replaying those last few minutes in my mind. Brandon pulling me to the ground. The weight of his body on mine. The echoing of the gunshots. His gasp of breath as the bullet hit him. Shattering glass. People screaming. Blaring sirens. The beeping of machines in the ambulance, as I sat beside him, clutching his hand and praying this was all a dream.

It all happened so fast. One minute everything was fine, and the next it was utter chaos.

There was so much blood that I didn't even know where he was shot. He was vaguely responsive when we got here, so I felt hopeful, but the longer I sat here waiting for some kind of news, the anxiety was consuming me.

For the last two hours, I sat here, trying to wrap my mind around this. I always knew something like this happening was a possibility, but still, the idea felt so foreign to me. He had to be okay. I couldn't love him.

The Avenettis met us here, and right now, Stephen and Lorraine were with the kids. No one else was injured, but as soon as the shooting happened, they rushed outside. Gemma, Josie, and James all saw their father lying on the ground gasping for breath, and me cradling his head in my lap, desperately screaming for help. I was horrified for them, but I was too paralyzed with my own fear to do anything to help them right now. I was never more thankful for Lorraine and Stephan than I was in that moment.

Alex and Eli sat on either side of me, and every once in awhile, Alex would give my hand a reassuring squeeze. We sat in silence, almost afraid to speak, and holding out hope that everything was going to be okay.

Finally, one of the doctors came out from the back.

"Mrs. Avenetti?" He asked, walking toward me. The sight of Brandon's blood all over his scrubs almost made me vomit.

I nodded, standing up with bated breath. His expression was unreadable.

"Brandon is out of surgery and in recovery. The bullet hit his brachial artery, but we were able to repair the damage and he should recover without any complications. He's waking up now, so you're welcome to go back and see him."

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I broke down in tears of relief. My heart was nearly bursting and I couldn't get to him fast enough.

"Thank you." I whispered. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome." The doctor smiled. "You'll be the only one allowed to stay overnight but your family is welcome to come back tomorrow. He'll be here for a day or two just to keep an eyes on things."

When we were done, I went over to where the rest of our family was waiting.

"He's okay." I smiled through my tears. "The doctor said the surgery went well, and he's waking up now. He'll be here for a few days, but he should be just fine."

"Oh thank goodness." Lorraine let out a heavy sigh. "Will they let you go see him?"

I nodded. "I can stay the night with him and then you guys can come by tomorrow."

Stephan nodded. "Why don't we take the kids home with us tonight?"

"That would be great." I said, giving him a hug. "Thank you for being here."

"You guys say your goodbyes and we'll go get the car." Lorraine smiled sympathetically, leaving me and the kids for a few minutes alone.

"Are you sure he's okay?" Josie asked, tears pooling in her eyes.

"He's going to be just fine, sweetheart. I promise." I wrapped my arms around her tightly. "Once I get back there and everything is settled, I'll call you guys and we can say goodnight, okay?"