A Second Chance

I can't do this again

"Mom, what's wrong?" Sam asks.

Jessica holds her hand up and continues talking to his sister.

"What do yo-- an accident? Are they okay?"

"They had to take Daniel into surgery."

"Oh God.. No!"

"Mom!" Michael yells demanding her to tell them what's wrong.

"Wait!"

"How's Zach?"

"Zachary broke his arm, and a few ribs. He'll be okay though."

"What is Danny having surgery on?"

"His knee. He has to get it replaced."

Jessica gasps and his sister says, "He busted up his face too. He has a broken nose, busted lip and twenty stitches in his forehead."

"Oh my poor baby!"

"What hospital? I'll be there as soon as I can!"

"St. Joseph's, be careful."

"Thank you for calling me."

Jessica hangs up and cries.

"Mom.. What happened?" James asks with tears in his eyes.

"Daniel and Zachary were in a car accident. They'll be okay.. I just.. I don't understand..Why does this stuff happen?"

"It's gonna be okay. Come on, let's get to the hospital. Give me your keys, I'll drive." Sam says grabbing the baby's things.

Jessica was in shock and looked out of it.

As Sam drove, she sat and stared straight and didn't speak for a while.

"...Sam."

"Yeah?"

"I'm scared. He-He hit his head, broke his nose, busted up his lip and had to get stitches on his forehead. Sam.. This is why I can't get close to men.. I can't do it, I'm cursed.

My husband died, and now... I can't do this again!" Her voice grows deep.

"Danny's not gonna die and you're not cursed! We just need to get to the hospital so you can see him and see that everything will be okay!"

"His sister told me he has to have a knee replacement.. He's gonna be in so much pain!"

"Mom, be thankful.. It could have been so much worse." Sam reaches over and holds her hand.

"I know.." She sighs and looks out the window as she squeezes Samuel's hand.

Jessica covered her face with her free hand and cried.

Why did I call him and leave him that message? Why haven't we seen each other these past few days? Why did I tell him I wouldn't marry him? Why did I let this conversation turn into something more?

Dear God please watch over him during his surgery. Please heal his body quickly.. Watch over Zachary as well..

I love them both so much.. Daniel has made me so happy. I can't imagine life without him.. and I hope I'll never have to live without him. Please please keep him safe.

***

When Jessica gets to the hospital she goes to the receptionist and says, "Daniel Huston. Where is he? I need to see him!"