You Had To Be There

Chapter 3

TIM's POV:
I come to a little while later and now I'm so cold I'm shivering. My hands shake as I lift the phone once again. I can feel sweat roll down the side of my face. I know I need help. I'm afraid if I black out one more time, it may be the last. Think, Tim. Come on, there has to be a way... Suddenly I get an idea and I hold my finger down on the button and listen for the beep. I say in a raspy strained voice "call home" as voice command activates, and my eyes fill with tears as I can hear the faint ringing. This has to work...
FAITH's POV:
The house phone starts ringing and I check the caller ID. "Kids, quiet, it's your father calling!" I wonder why he's calling the house line as I pick up and say, "Tim! It's late, where have you been?!... Tim?... Hello?" I strain to listen and I hear what sounds like breathing, but he's not answering. "Tim, please, are you there?!" The girls look at me worried as I shake my head. Just as I'm about to speak again I hear Tim's say in a quiet labored voice, "Faith... help...me..."
"Tim?! TIM!! Oh, my God, baby what's wrong, where are you?!" The girls all start talking at once asking what's happening but I motion for them to keep quiet as I try to listen for a response. The line is still open but I don't hear a sound on the other end. I swallow hard, trying to rid myself of the lump in my throat, and say as calmly as possible. "Gracie, please call 911." I then lean back against the counter, slide to the floor and try not to cry as I speak into the phone. "Tim. Baby... You're going to be ok. I'll come help you. Please don't worry. I love you. It's all going to be alright. God, I love you... Please answer me... Tim? Timothy? Samuel!!" I break down and cry into my hands as the phone drops into my lap.
The girls come rushing over and I hear Gracie say in a trembling voice, "Mom, I have the... The police, on the line... You have to tell them what's happening..." Audrey is crying on my shoulder as I straighten up and take the phone from Gracie. "Hel...hello, my name is Faith McGraw..."