He Did This To Me

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

The constant beep of the machine was enough to drive Colton crazy. That, and watching his chattery wife be so silent for so long. He touched her hand and a jolt shot through his body. Not like electricity, but like someone had squeezed his hand back. Was he imagining things? Or had she really moved? Even if it was just a slight movement, it meant Adrianna was making progress.

He tried again. No movement this time. But he held on anyway and twined their fingers together. "Adrianna Smoke, you are the most unique girl I have ever met. I haven't doubted for a second that you would pull yourself out of this. Keep working and I'll keep waiting." he whispered to her.

She looked peaceful. The nurses had allowed Kelsee to dress her in pajama's instead of the hospital gown. She looked like a little girl again. Young and vulnerable to her surroundings.

"I love you." he concluded. Something told him that she could hear his voice. Every afternoon for the past few days he came. For hours he would sit here and talk about nothing in particular. Then, before he left, he would wash her hair in a bucket at the end of her bed. He used her favorite shampoo - coconut. He'd brush her hair and kiss her forehead.

Colton contemplated bringing the kids up to see her. Finally, he made up his mind. He would being them. It was their mother lying in that bed. She would want them to come and tell her about their day. That's why he had made his decision. It was based on how great of a mother she was.

He told the kids. They were very excited. "Tomorrow night kids. Tomorrow night." he said to them. They could hardly wait.

***Colton's POV***

In one hand I held Melissa, and in the other I held Mike. We entered Ella's room with each kid holding a box of chocolates. "Hey beautiful! I thought maybe you'd want your favorite snack while you're here. And maybe you'd want to go see your Mom?"

Ella's eyes lit up. She nodded quickly and climbed out of bed, weaving her IV out with her. The machine came around to our side of the bed. "Ready Dad!" she said cheerfully. This would be her first trip out of here since she arrived.

I smiled down at her. For being sick, she sure was a happy kid. "Alright." I picked her up and we headed down to see Adrianna.

Mike looked excited to see his Mom, but Melissa looked scared. "If you talk to your Mom while we're in there, she might be able to hear you." I told them, thinking back to her squeezing my hand yesterday.

Ella smiled. "I want to tell her about what happened to Nurse Holly today. She turned the tap on and got sprayed in the face! That'll teach that old grump!" she said with a giggle.

"Okay. Just remember that she's just a little sick. Nothing to be too worried about."

They all nodded.

***Mike's POV***

"Mom." I whisper as we enter the room. She's still except for the slight movement of her chest going up and down. Dad was wrong - she doesn't look like she's sleeping. She looks like she's flying.

Mom never was the quiet type. She was always rushing around in order to do stuff for us. And now, she looks relaxed. The reason I think she looks like she's flying is because of the look on her face. There isn't one. It's just another face now, among the clouds she drifts through in her dreams. And I want to be with her as she flies.

"I've missed you Mom." I say and give her a gentle hug. Even if she can't feel it, I am comforted to have my arms around her once again. It's been awhile since I could do that.

Dad rests his hand on my shoulder. I feel older than I am. A lot older. My birthday is in less then two weeks, but I feel like so much has happened since my last one. I've grown in more ways then physical.