Too Far

Chapter Six

An hour later, Rachel was wheeled back into the Hospital room.

Eddie studied her carefully. She was exhausted. Her eyes were drooping and her skin was pale. She looked at him, her eyes glazed over with tears. He took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly.

"We'll let you rest Rachel, I'll come back when I've got your x-ray results" the midwife stated

Rachel shot up

"Can I see my daughter now?" She asked

"I'm afraid not, Rachel. You need to rest" the midwife sighed

"No, no! I don't need to rest, I need to see my baby! Please?! I just want to know she's ok!" Rachel pleaded, tears streaming down her face

"I'm sorry, Rachel. You can't see her yet, but I can find out how she is for you, I'll go now and let you get some rest"

Rachel threw her head back in frustration. Her breathing growing heavy. It suddenly felt like the ceiling was going to cave in on her. Her chest was on fire. She was gasping and fighting for breath, her vision blurring in and out of focus. The voices in the room swelled, melting into one big ball of noise that pounded in her ears. Her whole body felt numb. She couldn't feel Eddie's hand resting in her own anymore.

Her heart was screaming for her baby, her little girl. She was all alone somewhere in the hospital, surrounded by strangers. The thought of it was enough to kill her. Her little one needed her and she couldn't be there, neither could Eddie. She didn't even have a mental picture in her mind of her daughter, she hadn't seen her or laid eyes on her long enough to examine her features, to take in her beauty. She didn't know if she was ok, if she was safe. It physically pained her.

Eddie couldn't stand seeing her like this.

"I can take it from here" Eddie said to the midwife, hinting at her to leave

The midwife nodded, leaving the room with the other nurses. The door shut behind them.

He sat beside Rachel on the bed, tilting her chin so she was looking at him. The look she gave him threatened to break his heart. It was one of defeat, fear, sadness and exhaustion.

"Breathe" he instructed softly

She mimicked Eddie's slow, deep breaths, holding his gaze the entire time. Her breathing did eventually slow to a steady pace, leaving her feeling more exhausted than before. She burst into tears.

Eddie instinctively pulled her into his arms. She lay her head on his chest as she sobbed. He held her tightly, frightened she would break if he let her go.

"It's ok Rach, it's ok" he soothed

"I want to see her" she whimpered, referring to the baby

Eddie sighed. He felt so helpless. There was nothing he could do. Rachel was in physical and emotional pain, and he couldn't help.

"I know love, I know. But listen, she's going to be fine, I promise. They'll bring her to us as soon as she's well enough" Eddie reassured

"How can you possibly know that?" She sobbed

"Because Rach, she's strong, like her Mum. She's in the best hands, she's safe. She'll be with us soon, and you'll be able to see her and hold her in your arms" Eddie promised

Rachel nodded, unconvinced but too tired to argue. She looked up at him, seeing only love in his eyes.

"I love you" she whispered

Eddie smiled, kissing her gently on the lips.

"I love you too"

Rachel snuggled further into his chest, unable to keep her eyes open any longer. Her body was screaming for sleep.

Eddie felt her head drop further into his chest. He looked down, finding her fast asleep. He leant back onto the bed, laying his head back on the pillows, resting Rachel's head against his shoulder so she was more comfortable. To his relief, she didn't stir.