Life is the Long Game

Chapter 44

Josh's POV:

I arrive at the hospital in record time, but then again I probably earned myself numerous amounts of tickets for speeding or dangerous driving or something. I swing my truck into the nearest space, not bothering to park properly and dashing straight to the front desk.
"Maya Hart." I say, out of breathe from running to the receptionist.
"I'm sorry?"
"Maya Hart. Where is she? She has a head injury. She was brought in not that long ago. I got here as fast as I could from Philadelphia. Is she okay?"
"Who are you?"
"Joshua Matthews."
"So you're not family, I cannot give out any information on Miss Hart unless you are family. If you'd like to make your way out of the hospital now." She says in a snotty, patronising way, causing me to loose me temper.
"Listen! I am Maya's goddamn family woman! Because she doesn't have any blood family and I am getting fucking married to her in October! So tell me where my fiancé is." I exclaim, frustrated. She goes bright red.
"Excuse me sir, it's time for my break, a colleague will be with you shortly." She walks off.
"How can I help, Sir?" A young-ish man approaches me from behind  the reception desk.
"My fiancé, Maya Hart was brought in with a head injury earlier. I drove as fast as I could from Philadelphia to get here. Can you please tell me she is okay? And where I can find her? Because the woman that was just here was rude and said I wasn't Maya's family. But I am, she only has me and my family. Please?" I am now crying.
"Of course Sir. I'm sorry about my colleague, she isn't a people person. If you'd like to come with me, I'll take you to a quiet room and get you a drink whilst I find your fiancé?"
I nod slowly. He sat me in an empty waiting room with a cup of water and was back within a few moments.
"I found her. She is in ICU. I'll take you to her room, you'll be able to see her."
"Thank you." I say, meaningfully.
"There will be a doctor there that will give you information on her condition."
When we arrive at Maya's room, I go straight in.
"Maya. I love you. I'm so sorry this has happened to you. It's all my fault. I love you. I shouldn't have let you stay alone. I love you. Please be okay. I got here as quickly as I could. I love you. I'm right here. I love you. Wake up, please?" I cry, holding her hand and kissing her forehead.
I sit there for a while before I remember that Riley is probably here. I hurry to find her.
"Riley." I sigh and hug her tightly.
"Uncle Josh. I'm sorry this happened to her. Have you seen her yet?"
"It's my fault Riley, not yours, I've seen her. Do you know if she'll be okay?"
"She had a bleed on the brain, but they stopped it, there doesn't seem to be any long term damage but short term, well only know when she wakes up. The longer she is unconscious the worse it could get." She sobs onto my shoulder.
"Oh Riley. I'm sorry you're here alone, wait. Where's Lucas? Amelie? Farkle?"
"I forgot to tell Lucas." She sobs harder.
"Hey, it's okay. I'll call them. What about her dad?" She shakes her head no. I kiss her forehead and start to make the calls. I call Lucas first, Riley needs him. By the time I've called Shawn, Farkle and my brother, Lucas and Amelie are here.
Lucas hugs Riley tightly.
"It's gonna be okay. She'll be okay." He coos to her.
"I'm going to see Maya. I'll take Amelie, if that's okay? I could use her cuteness."
They nod understandingly. I pick her up from her pram and hold her hand as she toddles along. She is a really strong walker.
As we enter Maya's room, I pick Amelie up.
"Hey Maya, beautiful, someone's here to see you. Amelie, can you say hi?"
She babbles a bit in reply. I sit her down on my lap. She plays with Maya's hand gently. It breaks my heart seeing my gorgeous girl in hospital like this.
"Please Babe. Wake up for Amelie and I." I say, tears flowing down my cheeks, few drop onto her face as I lean over and kiss her 'sleeping' lips.
"Things are so different to last time I drove from Philly to you in a hospital bed. Your mine now, and this is my fault, and we are openly in love now, and I'm not competing with some cowboys. I miss you already. I really need your voice. I really need to see your eyes. I need to marry you. I have to grow old with you. Please wake up." I beg her.
I talk to her for a bit until Amelie gets restless.
"I'll be back in a bit baby, but Amelie is getting restless. I love you." I kiss her again.
I am just about to walk out the room when I hear something.
A rapid alarm of a heart monitor. And a weak voice calling of me.