A Second Chance

Don't take my daddy

"Daddy?! What's wrong? Mom, what happened?!"

"He had a heart attack. We're at the hospital, you need to get here as soon as possible!"

"Oh God! Is he okay?!"

"I don't know, they haven't told me anything."

"Okay, I'm on my way! Call me if you find anything out!"

She hangs up and Sarah asks her what was wrong.

"My dad had a heart attack."

"What?!" Her eyes widen.

"Will you take me to the hospital, please?"

"Of course, let's go!"

***

When they get there Jessica finds out where her dad is and quickly goes over to her family.

"Have they said anything?!" She grabs her mother's arms tightly.

"Nothing!"

"Oh God! How did this happen? What was he doing?"

"He couldn't get to sleep, he thought he just had indigestion. I gave him some water and he slept for a little while, then got up to go to the bathroom. When he can out, he collapsed right in front of me and hasn't been up since."

"Oh my daddy! Mom, we can't lose him! I can't lose him too, mom!" Jessica bawls.

Dorothy sobs and holds her daughter.

"Are you Albert Lange's family."

"Yes! How is he?"

"He coded twice but we brought him back."

"What?" Jessica asks as tears fall down her face.

"So what's next?"

"His arteries are clogged and he'll need to have a triple bypass."

"Oh my!" Dorothy covers her mouth.

"This surgery.. Will he be okay.. Will he survive it?" Jessica asks.

"This is a very major surgery.. There is a chance of loosing him, I'm not gonna lie to you.  But we will do everything we can."

Jessica sobs into her hands and her knees weaken.

George quickly grabs her and holds her up.

"I can't.. Loose him!  I can't loose him!!" She struggles to speak.

George sits down with her and holds her in his arms.

"He's gonna be okay.." He fights back his tears.

"But what if he's not?!"

***

They take Albert back for surgery and Jessica's calmed down a little.

"I need to call Jane and let them know what's going on." Jessica says grabbing her phone.

"Sarah, thank you for coming with me.  You can go home, I'll get a ride with my brother."

"No, I'm staying!  Albert is like a father to me."

Jessica nods and takes a deep breath.