Into The Unknown

Chapter 9

I could see the fear in Ryan's eyes when I told him I couldn't feel my legs, he just went silent "Baby say something" I spoke softly. My throat still felt sore "My throat hurts" I whisper.

"Yeah erm up until yesterday you were on a ventilator" Ryan replied shakily "I'll get a doctor"

"Ryan where's Freya" I ask as I look around the room and cant see her.

"Its ok she is with Nick and Lauren, Nick said they will take care of her for as long as we need them to" he smiled before walking out of the room, he didn't say anything about my legs, he just rushed out of the room as quickly as he could. I didn't have long to think about it as a nurse came rushing in "Hello Mrs Tedder it's good to have you back with us, how are you feeling?" She came and poured me a glass of water, a doctor came in shortly afterwards.

"Welcome back Mrs Tedder how are you feeling?" He asked me as he shone a light in my eyes, I could see Ryan standing a little bit away from the bed. He was on the phone talking to my Mom I think.

"Ok...but I can't feel my legs. Is that normal?" I hope for the answer I am desperately seeking. Ryan is stood beside me now listening to the doctors response "It will come back when I have been awake longer...right?" I feel Ryan grab my hand.

"Mrs Tedder the swelling to your spinal cord could have caused some lasting damage, although it is gradually reducing, I'm afraid I can't tell you anything more until it has returned to normal" the doctors answer was vague.

"So it's only temporary?" I ask hopefully.

"It's impossible to tell at this stage Mrs Tedder, but if there is any damage..." he still wasn't answering my question.

"So are you trying to tell me I might never walk again" I yelled unintentionally, Ryan looked at me and held my hand tighter.

"Under the circumstaces, I'm afraid we have to acknowledge that as a strong possibility yes" I exhaled deeply, even though I knew what he was going to say. The words still hit me like a thousand knives. Ryan pulled me towards him and kissed my head, he knew how devastating this news was too.

"You have to understand Mrs Tedder, your body suffered enormously from the illness. You're very lucky to be alive"

"Can we have some time alone please?" Ryan finally spoke, he waited for the nurse and doctor to leave before turning back to me "Listen I know this isn't what either of us were expecting, but Ab's I have been to hell and back over the past few days. You are my whole world and a couple of days ago I was facing my life without you. I know it's hard but at least you are still here, you heard what the doctor said it might just be temporary"

"And if it isn't" I could see how choked up Ryan was, this last few days must have been tough on him.

"Then we deal with it together, I love you so much Abigail Tedder and I promise I will be right beside you whatever happens...okay" Ryan's voice sounded a little threatening. I smiled weakly and nodded. I has a feeling Ryan wasn't going to let me dwell on this.

"Right good, I have told your Mom you are awake and she is going to get in touch with everyone else" Ryan kissed me gently "You have no idea how amazing it is that you are awake right now"

"Oh I think I do" I laughed a little "I'm sorry I put you through all of this"

"You came back to me, that's all I care about" he moved some hair from my face "You should get some rest baby"

"Yeah" I sighed "You should get some sleep too, why don't you go home? I'll be fine"

"No I'm not leaving you on your own" Ryan argued "Your Mom and Dad will be here soon, I'll go then"