Connected ≠ G.D

Family/23

Emma's POV

"I just don't get why he would risk it..." Grayson asked as his head laid on my lap. I was running my fingers through his long hair as I watch him starring at the ceiling.

"Grayson, from his point of view, he has nothing to lose. Which I know is a hard concept to grasp, but I think we would be, being selfish if we didn't let him take this opportunity." I tried to explain, without being inconsiderate of his feelings, but we really couldn't make the decision for Ethan. Its his life. Grayson just shook his head back and forth, not replying to me. I leaned down and kissed his forehead, then pushing myself away from him so I could stand up. "Your family's going to be landing soon, I'm gonna go get Beth up."

He had been in such a funk since Ethan made his decision to go through with the surgery, which is completely understandable. I just hate seeing him hurt so bad. But focusing on him really helped me bury my thoughts and emotions about it deeper down. With him and Beth I kind of had to be the one to hold it all together.

I walked into our room where she was sleeping in her little pack and play. It might just be easier to move her to her car seat rather than waking a sleeping bear. I carried my little sleeping baby back out to the living room where Grayson was laying still unmoved from the couch. I just wanted him to feel better about everything. I walked over and laid Beth next to him so she was in between him and the back of the couch, their faces lying next to each others. I still had to pack something's in her diaper bag before leavings so I thought it might be good for both of them to just cuddle and be together. Beth has spending a lot of time with her aunts and uncles lately since we've been spending so much time at the hospital, its just become easier that way. I heard the front door open and I looked out of Beth's room to see who it was. Kade walked in with one of his school friends, I couldn't remember his name... "Hey, what are you two up to?" I asked walking towards the front door.

Kade kicked off his shoes and dropped his backpack next to them. "We have a project to work on, I hope its okay I have a friend over." Kade was unadjusted to the situation at hand. Him and Ethan had become very close before this and I don't know if he understood how to handle his emotions towards it.

"Yeah that's fine, we are going to the airport soon to pick up Grayson's parents and Cameron. Did you wanna go to the hospital with us?" An awkward frown turned onto his face.

"Is today the day?" Kade had gone and visited Ethan before now but not since we informed him about the surgery. I nodded in return to his question. "Yeah, can I meet you guys there later?"

"That's fine!" Kade gave me an apologetic grin. "I think he would be happy to know you'll be there." Even though he knew E didn't remember him, he knew what I meant by that.

Kade and his friend walked back towards his room.

-------------------

We parked outside of the airport waiting for Ethan and Grayson's family. We haven't seen any of them since the car wreck, and I guess that was only their mom. My point is no one has met Elizabeth! It sucks that its on such bad terms that they are coming, but I really hope everything works out for the best. I pray everyday that Ethan will beat the odds.

We did get good news about the previous person that was operated on. They are currently in recovery and their memory is better than before. Hearing that kind of put me at ease, but its still so scary.

Grayson sit in the driver's seat just staring at his phone. I reached over resting my hand on his thigh. "Are you excited to see your family?"

He looked over at me with a little smile which was something new these days, "Yeah..." He let his head fall back on to the headrest as he looked at me. "I can't wait for them to meet Elizabeth." At least we had a positive to focus on for now.

"Me either." I smiled back. "She finally gets to meet her Grandparents."

"Yeah." He focused back on his phone and I turned to stare out the window of the Jeep as we sat in the big parking garage. I didn't need much answers from Grayson to know how he felt. We could have small little conversations like this and everything was okay. We understood each other.

----------

It didn't take long for the time to pass. We decided to go into the airport to wait by their arrival gate. Grayson pulled Beth out of her car seat since, we figured his family would want to hold her before we left.

"What if they think its my fault..." I looked over at Grayson, shocked that he would think that.

He had Beth in his lap but I was still able to grab his face making him look at me. "Listen to me, this isn't anyone's fault, you have no reason to take blame on your self Grayson. You love him so much, and you've been there for him the whole time. Your family knows this isn't your fault." A tear fell from his eye, he didn't tear up often but when he does, my heart shatters for him. I pulled him in kissing his cheek. "It's okay baby." I wrapped my arm around his and laid my head on his shoulder.

I honestly think he still had such a hard time understanding that Ethan doesn't know us. If he did he might not be where he is right now, but he's trying. He wants his life back.

I saw Grayson's mom walk out first. I stood up, following Gray as he carried Beth with him.

Grayson's POV

I was so happy to see my mom again, I don't know why but I got a moment of unexpected joy as my parents and sister ran over to us. I turned to Emma passing her Beth so I could hug them.

We said our 'hellos' and 'I've missed you' but the attention quickly turned to Emma and Beth. My dad and sister haven't really seen Emma since she was younger, probably like 5 or 6 so I think they were a little surprised.

My mom immediately took Beth from Emma, we were both excited for our daughter to meet her grandparents so we were fine with throwing her into an abundant of snuggles and kisses.

"Emma she looks just like you!" My mom cooed as she admired Beth's tiny features.

My sister Cameron walked over to me, as my parents talked with Emma, "Wait that's Hannah and Jaxon's little sister?" I nodded in reply. "Are you sure?" I laughed with her as she made the joke. Emma wasn't the cutest most outgoing kid, she was quiet and awkward.

"She's completely different, its kind of crazy." We both stood there starring at Em.

"Yeah it is, but at least Beth came out cute." I shoved her shoulder. My siblings and I all use to be really close, but Cam started traveling and ended up moving to Australia. Which is awesome, but she doesn't visit much. "I'm glad I'm getting the chance to meet them."

"Me too." I smiled at her. It was so nice to be with family again, but I knew once they saw Ethan everything would change. We wouldn't have Beth as a distraction for them or myself. This surgery could end it all.

All the memories, all the adventures, all of Ethan.

A/N: Sorry for the short chapter, I'm trying to get back into the groove of writing! Also don't forget i extended the contest till Valentine's Day!! I would really love to give back to you guys so please enter!!