New Beginnings (Sequel to: It's Complicated)

Chapter 49: Worry

Justin's POV

"How is she today?" Scooter asked.

"Not good," I said. "She hasn't left the bed."

"I'll be over there soon," he said. "Jennifer is coming as well. Call your mom and have her stop by. We need women to help."

"Okay," i hung up and called my mom.

"Hey handsome man!" She said.

"Hey mama," I said. "Are you busy?"

"Not at the moment, why?"

"Can you stop by my place?" I asked. "Shawna isn't doing too good."

"I'll be right over," she said.

I hung up the phone and leaned my body on the doorway trim. I looked at Shawna who was sleeping. Since her counseling session two weeks ago she hasn't eaten more than four meals, she's puked more than I can count, she has headaches, she quit drinking alcohol, and she's extremely weak. I have been so worried about her.

The doorbell rang as I watched her and I answered it. Scooter and Jennifer stood on our porch with Cody and my mom was right behind them. I hugged all three of them and told Cody where to find Jessica and Carter.

"So what's going on?" Scooter asked.

"She's losing weight, a lot. And she doesn't eat much, she sleeps a lot, she's been puking, doesn't talk that much," I said. Tears were in my eyes. "I'm worried."

"Let's go see what we can do," mom hugged me.

"We're here for you," Jennifer patted my back before we headed upstairs.

We all went into my room and Shawna was just waking up. I sat beside her and rubbed her back.

"Good morning," I said.

"Morning," she said quietly.

"Shawna sweetie," mom said. "How about a shower? And Scooter can make you some breakfast while Jennifer and I help you."

Shawna sat up and put her feet on the floor. Jennifer and Mom had to help her walk to the bathroom, she was very weak. Scooter went downstairs and I went to see if Jennifer and Mom needed help.

They had her clothes off and helped her into the tub for the shower.

"Can I sit?" Shawna asked.

"Of course," mom said.

I watched as they washed Shawna's hair and her body. Suddenly her head dropped and Jennifer caught her body as it began to fall. I ran over and helped Jennifer.

"She's unconscious," I told them as I set her on the bathroom floor.

I listened for a pulse and breathing. It was so quiet I could barely hear it.

"CALL 911!" I shouted.

Jennifer ran out of the room and mom put the robe on Shawna as I did CPR, the tears were racing down my cheeks.

"Shawna baby," I said. "Don't give up on me."

I breathed into her, I watched as my breath was the only thing breathing for her. I pushed on her chest and Jennifer returned. Scooter came in the room as well.

"They're on their way," Jennifer said.

I was crying so hard.

"Let me take over," Scooter said.

Scooter did CPR and I sat back up against the cabinets and cried. When the paramedics showed up they shocked Shawna three times before putting her on a gurney.

"Mom," I said. "Can you watch the kids?"

"Of course sweetie," she was crying as well. "Just call me and let me know how she's doing."

"I will," I hugged her.

I went into the ambulance with Shawna and Scooter and Jennifer got into their car. They were giving Shawna oxygen and I watched them out an IV in her arm.

"What's going to happen?" I asked the paramedic.

"I'm not sure," he said. "It looks like her organs are failing. Her blood pressure is so low that they can't handle all the stress. She should've been taken in awhile ago. When did she first get sick?"

"About a week ago, but she said it was just a flu and she should feel fine soon."

"But instead she got worse," he said. "It's nobody's fault. But she'll be lucky if she lives."

Those words echoed in my mind... Lucky if she lives... Lucky if she lives...

When we got to the hospital I sat in the waiting room with Scooter and Jennifer. I paced back and forth and the nurse finally called us back.

"Is she okay?" I asked.

"Let me explain," she said.

"JUST ANSWER MY QUESTION!" I shouted. "IS SHE OKAY?"

Scooter put his hand on my shoulder.

"Justin," he said. "Calm down."

"She's," the nurse paused.