So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

53. Injections

Eden

The flight was relatively smooth, and once I landed, I could collect my luggage without issue. This time though, no one was picking me up. I had to call for a ride to a hotel next to the hospital. I knew what I was doing was right, but I couldn't help but feel incredibly alone. They wanted my cells but nothing to do with me.

I got settled into my room, took a shower, and sat in the middle of the bed, relaxing. At least attempting to relax. The last several hours of my life had been a bit of a whirlwind, so I was taking time to process it all. Unfortunately, I must have relaxed a little too much because I fell asleep wrapped up in a towel and wet hair.

I woke up to the buzzing of my phone next to me. The room was pitch black. I quickly grabbed my phone and saw that it was Reed.

"Hello." My voice came out all groggy.

"Hey, you didn't text me when you landed. Are you okay?" His sweet voice was full of concern.

"Oh my God. I'm sorry. I'm fine. It was chaotic getting into the rideshare and getting to the hotel." I explained.

"Rideshare? They didn't pick you up?" I could tell by the tone of his voice he was angry.

"No, they didn't. I haven't spoken to either of them, actually." I stood and started rummaging through my things for proper sleep attire.

"I'm sorry, Eden. That's... I don't even know; that's shitty." Reed sighed.

"How are you? I hope the girls weren't upset with me." I wiggled into some pajamas as I tried to change the subject.

"I'm fine. No, they weren't upset. I think my Mom was pretty sad to see you go. They understand, of course, though. Back to you, though... I'm sorry I can't be with you right now. I was thinking; I'll be here for the first day with Lizzie, then come out to be with you. I have time off and don't want you to be all alone."

"We'll see. I'm just receiving some injections; it's no big deal. Lizzie needs you now; I'm sure it will be tough for her little body."

"Woman! Would you let me be there for you too?" He laughed, causing me to smile as well. I crawled back into the bed, this time snuggled up underneath the blankets.

"Okay. I get it. Yes. How about we compromise? We check in on Monday evening and go from there?" I countered.

"If that's what you're offering, I guess I'll take it." I could tell he was moving around.

"Are you at your hotel? In bed?" I yawned.

"Yes, Ma'am." He replied in his sexy southern drawl.

"I wish I were with you," I whispered, feeling sleep creeping in.

"Me too, baby."

Those were the last words I heard; the sun was peaking through the hotel curtains when I woke next, and my phone battery was dead. I felt terrible for falling asleep on him. I hadn't realized how tired I was. I plugged my phone in and quickly began to prepare for the day of appointments Dr. Simmons had scheduled for me.

Never had I been poked and prodded so much in my life. The appointment lasted longer than any Doctor's visit I'd had before. Strangely, June and Glenn were waiting for me at the office. June looked terrible; I was concerned she wasn't doing well enough for the donation.

"Hi." I greeted them cautiously.

"Everything good?" Glenn asked.

"Yes. I'm fine. How are you?" I directed my attention to June.

"I'm hanging in. Thank you." She smiled weakly up at me. I looked at them both, wondering how I came from the two of them. My heart hurt, wishing for my Grandparents, my real parents. I stood awkwardly with them, not knowing how I should act. They seemed to have no desire to interact with me, but why were they here?

"June has an appointment," Glenn grunted as if he read my thoughts. I nodded in response, giving them a polite smile.

"Good luck. I suppose I will see you soon." I rushed out, needing the space from them. I hoped not to have to see her again. I planned to say a forever goodbye on the day of the donation.

*

The next few days went by quickly. Reed was busy on game day, and we could only text a few times. I knew after that he was home with his family, and I didn't want to interrupt that time. On Sunday, we spoke for a few hours on video chat. We talked and laughed, the girls sneaking in the video to chat too. I even spoke to Lila a few times. I didn't keep them long, knowing they were preparing mentally for Monday, Lizzie's first day of chemo.

Monday came, and as I rode along to the clinic for my first set of injections, I made sure to message Lizzie and let her know she had this. I couldn't imagine being her age and dealing with such a serious thing. I text Reed as well, sending my love. I sent him pictures of the whole process, partly to keep myself distracted and to include him. The nurse explained everything in depth and went over each step she took.

After the first injection, she stayed and went over the whole process, preparing me to give myself the injections over the next four days. After that, I waited patiently for the second injection before being given my supplies and sent on my way.

I spent the evening in the hotel room, thankfully not feeling any of the side effects, taking care of some work. I had spoken to Brynn earlier, she was worried about me, of course, but I reassured her I was okay. She was concerned with the mental toll the process could take on me, especially since being holed up in the hotel alone. Nevertheless, I was determined to be strong and told her to hold off on flying out to me.

I briefly spoke to Reed before heading to bed; Lizzie was in rough shape already. Having poison injected into her already worn-out body only caused more exhaustion and the sickness that came with it. However, I didn't want to keep him from comforting her and just being there for his parents.

Tuesday went by uneventfully. I stayed in the hotel room all day, giving myself the injections without issue. I ordered food and watched reality television while munching. I did a little work, texted a few people, and napped on and off. I didn't hear from Reed at all, which concerned me, but I wasn't going to be that girl. The one who couldn't go a day without talking to her boyfriend, especially considering everything he was dealing with at home.

Wednesday morning came, and things were much different in many ways.

When I woke, I could barely move. My entire body was aching in a level of discomfort I'd never felt. When I could sit up, my head began to pound, and before I could even attempt to stand, vomit spewed uncontrollably from my mouth. By some miracle, I was able to crawl my way to the bathroom and freshen up and clean up the mess I'd made. Fortunately, the hotel was next to the hospital, so they regularly dealt with various medical things. I called for housekeeping and profusely apologized to the older lady who showed up. Once she had finished and I was able to take a moment, I grabbed my phone to call Brynn. My phone was full of texts and missed calls from Brynn, Gemma, Tate, and even Bennett.

My heart rate was soaring due to how terribly I felt and the fear that something was wrong with Lizzie or Reed. Oh, how badly I was wrong. When I opened the link Brynn sent, I found myself vomiting again. This time, I wasn't sure how much was from the injection or what I was reading.