Typically Imperfect

Chapter 15-Typically Imperfect

My heart rate went into overdrive and I felt my phone slipping from my sweaty hands. He’s in the hospital, I thought.

“Kate? Kate? Honey, I’m heading to the hospital right now.” I heard a car door slam shut on the phone.

I wanted to say something but my mouth wasn’t forming words. So for the first time in a very long time I did something that I never thought I’d do again. I prayed. I prayed that my dad, no matter how un-father like he was, he was going to be okay. I wanted….no needed him to be okay so I could make things right between us.

“What hospital is he at?” I willed my mouth to form the words.

“At Straub. I don’t know what kind of condition he’s in right now so I’ll call you when I get there.” Her voice sounded soothing through the phone.

“Okay, I’ll be there.” I hung up before I could break down on the phone.

I shoved my phone in my pocket and took a few deep breaths before I faced Gabriel. Being weak in front of someone I didn’t know was something I did NOT want.

I inhaled again and trained my face into a small smile. “I have to go now. But thank you for inviting me to the party.”

Gabriel didn’t say anything as I moved around him, gathering my things. I headed to the door and was stopped by Gabriels solid body. I looked up into his concerned blue eyes and I could feel my throat close up with emotion.

“Kate….” His voice sounded so worried.

I gave him a watery smile, “Yeah?”

“Do you need me to drive you anywhere? Is there anything I can do to help?” his hands gripped my upper arms.

“Of course not, I’m fine. But thanks again, you managed to take my mind off of my problems for a while.” I tried to change the topic.

But Gabriel wasn’t budging, “It looks like you got dealt another bigger problem.” His eyes bored into mine.

“Hmm? Oh it was nothing. Just go back to the party Gabriel, I just need to be somewhere. So if you don’t mind…” I let the sentence trail, hoping that he’d take a hint and let it go.

“I’d leave the party in a heartbeat if you needed me.” His concerned voice turned husky and his rough calloused hands started to rub up and down my arm in a very disconcerting way.

I shivered involuntarily. “I’m fine. But I really need to go.” I looked up at him and held his gaze.

We stayed like that for another minute before he finally let me go, “Alright, just call me if you need anything okay?”

I nodded and stepped outside into the messy hallway of the boy’s dorm. “Thanks again. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Oh Kate, thank God you’re here. The doctors won’t tell me anything.” My mom said as she rushed over to me.

“Where is he?” I hugged her tightly and felt better immediately.

“He’s in the ICU right now. They don’t think that it’s too serious but they didn’t say much.” Kristine shuddered and was on the verge of tears. She still cares about him.

“Do you know when we can learn more about his condition?” I look at my phone. 4:00. Great! I had the sudden urge to just quit my job but I knew that I would regret that later.

She shook her head. “No, I don’t sweetie. But I know you have to go to work so I’ll stay here. I’ll call you as soon as I find out.”

I just nod. The driver over to the hospital gave me time to calm down. The doctors said it my father’s condition wasn’t serious but I needed to see him for myself to determine that.