Broken

Chapter twenty-six

Elliott

I woke to Jessie getting out of bed in the middle of the night. The twins were born a few hours ago and their cries for feeding have been every two hours. She takes Melanie, afraid to tend Miranda until she knows for sure she's going to be okay. She gives me this pleading look and I'd kiss her forehead before gingerly scooping her from her hospital cradle.

I check her diaper and it's a little wet. I change her because the last time I let it go and she was feeding, she peed through the diaper. Yeah, I had to change and quickly shower. Hahaha not funny.

As I'm feeding her, Devon listens to her heart and lungs. She just smiles, marks her chart and closes the folder. She walks over and talks with Kelly quietly. They catch me watching and move to the hall. That raises my attention and I become alarmed of the child in my arms. I look over at Jessie and she was smiling at Melanie. She looks up at me, never losing the smile and I smile back so I don't alarm her.

I look back down at Miranda and she was asleep and just spitting out the bottle. I place the half empty bottle on the table next to me and place her head on the receiving blanket on my shoulder and gently pat her back. She lets out a tiny burp, grunts and grasps her tiny hands on my shirt.

Devon comes back in with Kelly and they both come over to me, taking turns listening to her heart and lungs. She goes to step away from me and I grab her scrubs shirt. She looks down at me and I give her a harden look. We both look over to Jessie asleep with Melanie and she looks back at me.

"What is going on with my daughter," I ask in a stern whisper.

"Her breathing was a little ragged, probably due to eating at the time but it's normal. It's only ragged when she eats. That's all I was discussing with Kelly," she says in a soothing tone and I let her scrubs shirt go.

"I'm sorry, I just don't want to crush Jessie. She's afraid to handle her until she knows for sure," I choke quietly and Devon gives me a sympathetic smile.

"I understand. I was there with the coffee shop shooting. You were brought here and she was brought to our hospital. Jessie went looking for you when she recovered from losing the baby but she didn't know you're name," Devon says in sympathy. She looks at Miranda and smiles, saying quietly, "I'm glad she got another chance at being a mother. She made two beautiful little girls. Both of you."

"Thank you and I think it'll be best coming from you telling her that Miranda is going to be fine," I say with a small smile. "Let's let her sleep for now."

"Of course," Devon says softly before joining Jennifer and Kelly.

I recline the chair and let Miranda sleep on my chest. I glance at Jessie and she's cuddled up with Melanie cradled in her arm while she's sleeping on her side. Her knees are bent, like she's using her body as a bassinet. I smile at the duo and feel as sleep rolls back in. I secure my arms around Miranda and she snuggles her face in my chest. I close my eyes and let sleep take me.

I woke to a kiss on my forehead and look to see my mother. I realize Miranda is gone from my chest and I freak out looking around the room. I find her with Jessie and smile. I relax against the chair and rub sleep from my eyes. The smell of coffee hits my nose and I open my eyes to a cup literally under my nose. My mother chuckles and I give her a tired smile.

I spot Devon and she secretly motions for me to meet her in the hall. I follow her and she pulls the door closed. The serious look on her face causes my heart to sink. "Please tell me it's nothing serious," I choke quietly and look in at Jessie smiling down at Miranda.

"They're both fine Elliott," she chokes quietly and I look at her confused. "Walk with me? I just need a friend to talk to and you seem like someone trustworthy. Please?"