Surviving Alex North - short story compilation

The Troubles of Whipped Cream

The Troubles of Whipped Cream

"Marlena-" Marlena turns to see her husband at the door to the ICU. She nods to him and puts up a finger to indicate that she'll be right there.

Turning back to her daughter, "Everything will be alright Belle. This little one is hanging in there." Marlena hugs her tight before wiping away her tears, "Be patient with her. Let her gain strength at her own pace."

"I'm trying mom."

Cupping her cheeks, Marlena smiles through a sob that wishes to push its way to the surface as she watches the tears slide down her daughter's pale cheeks, "I know you are, sweet girl. You have been fantastic through this all. Just a little longer. That's all she nee- -" A knock is heard again and both females turn to see the owner of the interruption, both already knowing who it is. They sigh together, "I better get out there." Belle nods and Marlena takes a moment to wipe her tears and kiss her forehead, "I'll be back in a few- what anything?"

"A hot chocolate would be great."

"One hot chocolate with extra whipped cream coming up."

Belle smiles as her mom leaves the room. As soon as the door shuts, the smile vanishes and she stares at the white ceiling in hopes of stopping the onslaught of tears that wish to fall at the idea that her mother doesn't remember that she was always a marshmallow type of girl.

Stepping out into the bright room, Marlena blinks a couple of times and focuses on the floor to adjust her eyes. Crossing her arms, she uses the tips of her fingers to flip her bangs from her eyes, "What do you want?"

"I think it's time for us to go home."

"Home? I have to stay with Belle."

"You've been here for hours."

Not quite able to help the sharp edge her tone takes, "There is a time limit on helping my daughter?"

His eyes narrow slightly as he takes a step towards her and asks slowly, "Marlena, did you drink your tea today? That I brought you earlier with your medicine?"

Her eyes naturally turn towards the ICU room where the thermos still sits on the table, "Um, no. Never got around to it and then John brought us coffee."

"Coffee is not good for you."

"It was this new blend from the corner café and it had whipped cream on it- couldn't say no." She smiles at him, but when she receives no response from him, the corners of her mouth fall flat. "A cup of coffee will not kill me. I'm pretty tired of tea right now."

"Then I will bring you something else."

"No thank you. I am capable-"

"I know you are but Marlena, we've been over this. You need to take care of yourself."

Her arms move out to emphasize her point, "And I am doing that. I'm fine- physically that is."

"And emotionally you are exhausted and weak." Alex takes another step towards her but stops as she turns away from him, "You need to get away from this all."

Marlena looks back through the window at her daughter hovering over the baby's bed. Quietly, "She got to hold her today. She's doing so good- fighting so hard for her momma." Wiping a tear, she turns back to her 'husband,' "I have to stay. I worry more when I'm away. At least here I can be here for Belle. Talk with her, hold her-" Her voice cracks with emotion, "Try to be her mother. Be this baby's grandmother."