Rhythm of Heartbreak

Chapter 24: Good News, Bad News

The beeping of the monitor and the hum of the ventilator filled the quiet hospital room. Jess sat by her mother's bed, feeling the heaviness of the situation. Kris lay weak and surrounded by medical equipment, a stark reminder of her struggle.

Jess reached out, gently touching her mother's hand. "You haven't done much for me as a parent," she whispered. "There's so much you need to make up for. Don't leave me like this, Mom. Please, don't leave me yet."

Tears streamed down her face, mixing with her quiet sobs. The sadness felt like a heavy blanket, covering her completely. In the midst of her grief, Jess heard the door creak open. She barely noticed the new presence until strong arms wrapped around her. The warmth and comfort of the hug were unexpected but soothing. The gentle patting on her back helped calm her.

She breathed in his comforting scent and closed her eyes, letting the hug give her some relief. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice filled with care.

When she opened her eyes, she saw Rick's hazel gaze. His concern and warmth were clear.

"Rick, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice strained as she tried to wipe away her tears.

"I was heading back to boot camp and then to drive us home after the event," Rick explained. "But when I heard the news, I came straight here."

"Thank you," Jess said, her voice breaking. "I didn't realize how much I needed support until you showed up. Having you here really helps."

Rick looked worried. "How's your mom?"

Jess took a deep breath, her voice wavering. "The doctor said she's out of immediate danger for now, but her lungs are collapsing. They've put her on a ventilator, and her cancer is spreading. Only time will tell."

Before Rick could reply, the door burst open, and Shaun rushed in, breathless. Without waiting, he hugged Jess tightly. Rick watched, his unease clear.

"Are you okay?" Shaun asked, his eyes scanning Jess for any injuries.

"I'm fine, Shaun," Jess said, forcing a weak smile.

"What happened? Kris seemed fine when I left you earlier," Shaun asked, concern in his voice.

Rick noticed the hint of something more between Shaun and Jess.

"She was fine before," Jess said. "Maybe she overexerted herself or it was the heat. It's all my fault."

Shaun gently lifted her chin, his gaze earnest. "Look at me, Jessie. This isn't your fault. Don't blame yourself."

Jess nodded, feeling a gentle squeeze on her hand. She looked at Rick, and she could see the empathy on his eyes.

"Take it one day at a time," Rick said softly. "The doctors are doing their best. Don't lose hope."

Jess managed a genuine smile. "Thank you both for being here. It means a lot."

The room fell silent. After a moment, Rick stood up. "Let's get you something to eat. Shaun, why don't you join me? Give Jess some time to rest first."

Shaun hesitated but agreed. As the two men left the room, Jess hoped their presence wouldn't cause any more conflict. Outside, Rick and Shaun drew curious glances from people in the hospital lobby. A teenager approached them, excited.

"Are you Shaun Hays?" she asked breathlessly.

Shaun smiled, enjoying the attention. "Yes, I am."

The girl asked for a photo, and Shaun obliged, savoring the moment. As she left, Shaun gave Rick a triumphant look. Rick remained calm, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Don't be too bitter... you're old news now, and I'm the recent one. That's how it goes," Shaun teased.

As they neared the exit, a crowd of fans gathered around Rick, shouting, "We love you, Rick Reed!"

Rick smiled shyly and spoke to the crowd. "Thank you for your support. Can we move this to the parking area? We don't want to block the entrance. I'll take photos once we clear this part."

The crowd moved reluctantly, and Rick joined them for more pictures and autographs before excusing himself.

When Rick returned to Shaun, he noticed the anger in Shaun's eyes and smirked inwardly. Maybe this will teach him a lesson, he thought to himself. 

"Don't be too bitter; you still have a long way to go Shaun Hays," Rick said, echoing Shaun's earlier words. As they walked side by side, Rick shrugged off the tension, a smug smile on his lips.

Days passed, and Jess's mother showed no signs of improvement. The situation was stable but not reassuring. Rick and Shaun visited often, seemingly coordinating their visits to avoid running into each other. It was a silent acknowledgment of the tension between them.

One morning, Shaun burst into the room, breathless and excited. He grabbed Jess's hand and jumped up and down. Jess, caught up in his enthusiasm, joined him. After a minute, Shaun stopped, grinning widely.

"We won! We won, Jessie!" he exclaimed, barely containing his joy.

Jess's confusion faded as she grasped the news. Her eyes widened. "Are you... did we really?"

"Yes! Yes!" Shaun confirmed, excitement in his voice. "We did it!"

Jess's heart raced. "Oh my! I can't believe it!" Her smile was genuine for the first time in a while.

"The committee wants to produce the song and re-record it. We'll be invited to an award ceremony and our song will be on the radio. Isn't it amazing?" Shaun's enthusiasm was a bright spot in Jess's gloom.

But as Jess enjoyed this joy, she felt a chill from Shaun's intense gaze. Before she could react, Shaun gently cupped her face. Jess was momentarily lost in the gesture as his face neared hers.

The door opened, and a nurse walked in, breaking the moment. She greeted Jess and began checking on Kris. Jess's cheeks flushed, caught off guard by both the nurse's arrival and Shaun's unexpected intimacy.