Stay

The Awakening

Chapter 3: The Awakening

I wake up in a panic, but I can't move. There are people surrounding me and I hear muffled voices shouting, "Katy!" The sound of sirens echo in my ears. What the hell just happened?!

I try to speak, but nothing comes out. Someone in a green and yellow uniform appears over me, shining a bright light into my eyes while asking me questions.

When I try to move I am held back by something strapped to my head and chest. My vision begins to go fuzzy and everything fades away and becomes dark again.

• • • • • •

I slowly start to wake up again. I feel... Strange. My head and body ache and I feel dizzy. Almost a fuzzy, unrealistic feeling.

I can feel someone's hand on mine. Slowly I open my eyes to see my sister, Angela, at my side, tears filling her eyes.

Angela: "Mom! Dad! She's awake!"

I see my parents rush in to my room, followed by the doctor.

Dad: "Oh thank God, you're finally awake!"

Mom: "How are you feeling, sweetie?"

"I... I don't know. I feel, odd. What happened?"

The doctor steps up with his clean uniform and large clipboard.

Doctor: "Hello Miss Hudson, I'm Dr. Gardner. What you're feeling is a side effect due to your pain medications. You were in a car accident. You drifted over into the opposite lane and hit a truck."

"Oh my god! How... How is the driver?"

Doctor Gardner: "The driver of the truck is fine. He walked away from the accident with only a few cuts and bruises."

Thank God!

Dr. Gardner: "You, however, had a few slightly more serious injuries. Nothing major! Just some deep cuts and bruises, a broken ankle and a minor concussion."

Nothing major?! Sounds like I was in a damn accident!

Oh, right...

Angela: "We came as soon as we heard! David is on his way. Is there anyone else you want us to call?"

"No... No. I don't want anyone else to see me like this."

Suddenly the memories came rushing back:

The crash

The flashing lights

The paparazzi!

"God, do the press know?! Did anyone see what happened?"

Angela: "I'm sorry Kate, but the paparazzi witnessed the crash. It's all over the news and the internet."

"Ugh! Dammit!"

Mom: "Kathryn!"

"Sorry, mom."

Been living on my own since I was 17 years old, and she still gets mad every time I swear.

Dr. Gardner: "Mr. and Mrs. Hudson, do you mind if I speak to your daughter alone for a moment?"

Their concerned eyes connect with mine. I look at my parents and nod, letting them know I'll be fine. Then I turn to Angie, whose eyes are still red and puffy from crying.

"It's okay, Ang. Go get some tea or something."

They hesitantly leave my hospital room and I notice the doctor looking at me very questioning.

Dr. Gardner: "Miss Hudson..."

"Please, just call me Katy."

Dr. Gardner: "Alright." **he clears his throat** "Miss Hu... Katy, were you aware that you are approximately 6 weeks pregnant?"

I froze.

My heart instantly stopped. My jaw and stomach dropped as if connected by an anchor. I could feel the beads of sweat beginning to condense on my forehead and palms. My breathing became rapid and shallow and the dizziness started to takeover me. The room began to spin.

Trying to get a grip on reality and my emotions, I clench the bed-rails with my, now sweaty, hands.

Dr. Gardner: "Katy? Katy, are you alright? I know this is a lot to take in... Katy? Miss Hudson?"

His voice fades away as if a distant echo.

This cannot be happening. It just can't! Not now! It's not real! Any minute now I'll wake up from this awful nightmare.

I can't do this! I can't be a mom. I'm not ready!

This is not the right time! I can't do this without him! I can't do this without John.