Reinvention: Sequel to The Married Life

Chapter 47

It's the night before CeCe's surgery and I go in to check on her before going to bed.

"Hey daddy..."

"What you up to?"

"Nothing...just checking twitter and stuff. I've purposely neglected my phone the past couple days because I didn't wanna talk to anyone." She says while still looking at her phone.

"Scoot over." I sit next to her with my back against the head board and she snuggles up next to me. "Everything's gonna go fine tomorrow. I promise."

"What if it doesn't...what if the doctor screws up and I can never walk again."

"That's a little dramatic."

"No it's not."

"Have I ever told you the story of when I tore my ACL?"

"You did?"

"Yup...and I felt the same way you did. I thought my career was over...and I didn't want it to be. Especially since we were still expanding the family. But anyway...I didn't wanna talk to anyone...or see anyone, but I realized that having those feelings isn't going to help. Now I'm not saying to not feel the way you do because you have every right to...but what I'm saying is, it's not the end."

"How long did it take you to come back?"

"I sat out I sat out for like a month after the season started, and got my starting job back. And when I didn't, never lost a regular season game that year....went back to the Super Bowl."

"No way!!" I nod.

"So like I said, you'll be okay. Just gonna have to put in extra work." She nods.

"Thank dad. I really needed to hear that."

"You're welcome."

"Take a selfie with me." She says.

"Sure." We take the picture then I give her a kiss on the forehead.

"Get some rest...I love you."

"I love you too." I shut the door behind me as I walk out and go to my bedroom. Demi's already asleep. I take off my shirt, and get in bed. I get a notification on Instagram from CeCe.

"Worlds greatest dad. Thanks for always being a voice of reason. I love you to the moon and back❤"

I smile, then put my phone back on the charger and go to bed.

*******************

The next day, Demi and I are up early. CeCe's scheduled to go in for surgery at 6:30. Cayleigh's gonna be in charge of of taking Dylan to school..and Cali and CJ will catch a ride with her to school.

"Cee. Wake up sweetie." I say Turing on the light in her room. Nashe gets up and starts getting ready. We leave the house around 6 and make it to the hospital on time. She gets signed in and gets taken to pre-op. we sit there and wait until the nurse comes to give her the Anesthesia.

"I'm kinda nervous." She says.

"Everything's gonna go fine sweetie." Demi says and she nods. The nurse comes from behind the curtain with the medicine in hand.

"Okay..you ready?"

"I think so. A little nervous."

"Don't be. He knows what he's doing and he does a very good job...I'm gonna inject the anesthesia through your hand. This is just to numb it." She says wiping over her hand.

"You shouldn't be able to feel the needle." She proceeds to slowly insert the needle into the vein on her hand.

"So like, how long will it take for this to kick in?" She asks.

"Try counting to 10 for me."

"1.....2......3.....4............." She doesn't even make to 5 because she out of there. Me and Demi giggle. We both give her a kiss on the forehead. They wheel her off to the operating room and we go wait in the waiting room. Some hours go by and the doctor comes and gets us...lets us know everything went well and she'll be put in a room shortly. A couple hours later, after putting her in a room, we're able to leave. I have to go to the school and get work done. I drop them off at the house and leave. I stop by the basketball coach's class room to talk to her.

"So, any word from any schools?"

"Yeah. They all called me today...and non of them are willing to gamble on her. She has a long time before she's fully recovered."

"All 3 of them?" She nods.

"Damnit."

"I tried to talk to them, and convince them but you know how it goes."

"Yeah..I understand completely. I just thought at least one would give her a shot. But thank you."

"No problem. Wishing her the best recovery possible." I nod and head to my office.

*******************

{CeCe's POV}

Ever since I got home from the hospital, I've been sleep on and off because my pain meds are so damn strong, but I have to take them because I'm in so much pain. I've only been texting Cayleigh and Odell. He surprisingly kept in touch with me after my visit and he also helped me through this. I wouldn't say we're "talking" or anything, we're just really good friends and we've gotten to know each other. All day, I bum it out on the couch, with my mom pretty much doing everything for me. Don't know what I'd do without her. Every body finally starts getting home, including my dad. He comes and sits next me.

"So I talked to your coach today....and I don't really know how to come out and tell you..."

He says that and I just break down. He puts his arm around my shoulder and he lets me cry into his chest. I haven't really had to cry like this since I was little..and he was always there to lend a shoulder.

"Remember what I told you Cee." He says.

"Can you carry me upstairs please, I don't feel like crutching my way up there." He scoops me up and takes me upstairs to my room.

"I'll bring up a plate of food when dinner is ready."

"I'm not hungry." He nods then leaves. I cry myself to sleep, then wake up late at night, around 11. I check my phone to see my dad posted a picture of him carrying me up the stairs on Instagram.

"I don't care how old they get...I'm always gonna be there. Thanks for the prayers you all have sent for my baby girl. She's strong and she'll be back in no time❤"

I screenshot it then repost it.

"They say not all heroes wear capes. They were right. I love you so much daddy. Thank you for all the prayers and get well messages. It means the world to me and it's what has kept a smile on my face. #StayingStrong"