the various chances

chapter twenty nine

Jeremy

Lizzie's surgery was a success. The door of the operation theatre had opened; the chief surgeon made his way to us and declared it. Lizzie was to be moved in a special room- as per my request- to be kept under observation for another 2 days before she can be given a green signal for discharge.

For someone so scared when given the diagnosis for the first time she didn't exactly showed much fear on her face, rather she calmed down after talking to my mom and announcing her diagnosis to Emma and her girlfriend. They'd been shocked but were helpful and encouraging.

The night before surgery at my house was so fucking sleepless. I had convinced Lily and somehow she'd manage to pull off a nap before she woke up at somewhere 4 in the morning, worried about her operation. Not for a minute did I let her go out of my gaze. She'd been constantly under my watch.

I had assured her with all my strength but thank to Gods she didn't knew that I was the one who was scared and restless for last 24 hours. People could have assumed that I had some sort of mental disorder for pacing the length of my room, sipping coffee and searching about the possible complications of Ovarian torsion the whole night but fuck if I cared.

I sigh in relief and recall the small kiss I'd place on Lizzie's hand when she was to be rolled inside the theatre.

Emma and I were making our way to the private wing of the hospital. My hands were sweating like shit. Emma tells me to go in first. I grab the doorknob after letting out a long breath I had been holding in anticipation. Pushing open the door I watch Lizzie was sleeping peacefully. After a few restless days it was truly a great relief to watch her sleep like this even if she was sedated.

Taking her hand in mine, I place a small kiss at the back of her hand, "Lizzie", I whisper softly. She didn't possibly hear me but I spoke anyway.

I took a seat beside her on a chair and silently kept an eye on her. Emma left saying she'd be back in a few hours. Lizzie was sleeping so it was no point for people to roam around here. I close my eyes and tired enough, drift off to sleep.

Hours later, I was rubbing the sleep off my eyes and Mom walks in. I stand up to my height, she wraps me in a hug and kisses my cheek "Now that Lily's surgery has been success I hope you are alright, Jeremy?" she asks. I nod, "yap better." "That's good" -she says- "I got snacks."

I was grateful because even the coffee here was terrible then there was no point trying food. Taking the bag from her hands I place it on the smaller table at the corner of the room and start fishing out the contents. M&Ms were there as well, I smile at the chocolates.

"Oh my God", Mom gasps. I turn to see she had clamped a hand on her mouth and was looking wide eyed at Lizzie. Lizzie was mumbling something. I walk near the bed. "She is sleep talking", Mom says. "What do you mean? Isn't she yet to wake up from the sedation?"

"Jeremy it seems like the anaesthesia hasn't exactly worn out but she woke up in sub conscious state."

"Who are you?" Lizzie's voice is heard. Her eyes were slightly open and narrowed to my mom. "Mom" -I say, my gaze fixed on Lizzie who had a lazy smile gracing her lips- "by any chance did she lose her memory?"

"NO, Jeremy."

"Who are you?" Lizzie asks again, exaggerating each word. She looks like a drunkard trying to decipher the surroundings. I sigh. Mom walks to Lizzie and speaks in a soft lower voice, "Lily dear, I am Hailey."

Lizzie's brow pinch further, "as in Mrs Hailey Langford?" Mom nods, "you know me as Jeremy's mother. Remember?"

Lizzie clicks her tongue, "ahh, Jeremy!" -she sighs- "that handsome idiot."