The Future as a Rivers (Fifth Book)

Chapter Thirty-eight

Isabella

I woke up a little hazy and the bright lights had me groaning slightly. Once I finally adjusted I looked over to see Mitchell sleeping on the small recliner chair. He was curled up so that he could fully fit on it.

I needed water though.

"Mitchell." I said and he didn't move. I frowned and grabbed the box of tissues and whipped it at him.

He sat up right and the side of his hair stuck straight up and I couldn't help but laugh.

"You could have just called me." He noted standing up and walking over. He took my hand that had an IV in it and kissed my knuckles.

"How are you feeling, love?" He asked.

"My body feels tired and I'm thirsty." I said.

"Your aunt dropped off some ice chips." He said grabbing the cup.

"Can you feed me?" I chuckled and he began feeding me with the white spoon.

My hand touched my stomach and as soon as I did I felt...empty.

I chewed slowly and then looked around the room carefully.

"Where's Layla?" I asked and he sighed putting the cup on the table and my heart sank.

"She's in the NICU. She's doing a lot better, love." He said combing my hair back.

"Can I see her? What does she look like? Is she small? Is she going to live?" I asked.

"Yes, I will get the nurse in and hopefully you can put on your regular clothes and we can wheel you over. She's gorgeous, love. She has the brightest blue eyes, but she was so small when she was first born." He said.

"How big was she?" I asked.

"She was just under six pounds and now she is at six pounds and eight ounces."

"How long have I been sleeping?" I asked.

"About two days. She was having some breathing issues so they have her hooked up to oxygen but she is doing a lot better." He explained.

"Call the nurse I want to see her." I ordered.

Mitchell pressed the button and a nurse came in all smiles. She helped me to the bathroom where I was able to freshen up. I changed into some soft shorts and a baggy sweater. I walked carefully back out because I was a little sore as were the stitches on my stomach.

"It's a bit of a walk." The nurse said bringing in a wheel chair. I nodded and took a deep breath and sat in the chair and she began pushing me down the hallway.

I heard some pained yells and babies crying and I noticed my heart begin to race. We rounded a corner that had decorative walls and down the hallway I saw aunt Tessa and uncle Kane with my cousin Deacon and the boys. I smiled and clapped and the nurse and Mitchell laughed.

"Oh Isabella!" My aunt cried flinging her arms around me and kissing my hair.

"You had us worried sick, sweetheart." She said and she pulled back and touched my face.

"Don't do that again, young lady." She warned. I could only laughed and they wheeled me by the window and I looked in as some babies were doing some tests.

"She's right there." Mitchell whispered. I saw a big grey tank and a small see-through box where a tiny person laid. She had only on a diaper and a small pink hat. She was sleeping and a breathing tube was in her nose.

Someone began pushing me and I turned back as Mitchell pushed me past the counter and into the room where Layla was.

As we got closer my heart began to thump loudly at seeing the little human Mitchell and I made.

The nurse wheeled the box over and she opened it carefully.

"Mitchell, your uncle, your aunt and your other family already held her." The nurse explained, although it went through one ear and out the other.

She carefully picked her up and handed her to me and I hesitantly grabbed her. I looked at Mitchell who quickly took a few pictures and then bent down.

"She's so tiny." I whispered.

"She's gotten a lot bigger. Look at all the hair she has." He said removing her hat to reveal brown hair. I smiled and my hands ran through it. Suddenly Layla opened her eyes and our eyes met.

We stared at each other and I wiped under my eye.

"Hi Layla, I finally get to hold you." I whispered. I swear it looked like she smiled but she kept her little eyes open and we stared at each other for what felt like forever.