I Choose You : A New Chapter

Ridiculous

"It's a stress ulcer," the doctor confirmed. "I imagine it happened because of the holidays, since it can be a very stressful time for people, especially young parents." Cassie sighed and ran her fingers through Ben's hair. This definitely did not happen because it was just the holidays. "You're probably right," she told him. "Thank you, doctor."

The doctor made his leave from the room, letting Ben and Cassie have some privacy. "Our parents on their way," she told him. "Do you want any visitors?" He simply shook his head, then told her, "Only you." She nodded and continued to run her fingers through his  hair. 

He hasn't said much since the hospital gave him something to settle his stomach. Cassie can't tell if he's upset or embarrassed. "Well," she said, "I'm going to go check on Jordan and Aiden. I'll be back in a minute." She kissed his head, then walked out of the room and to the daycare center down the hall. 

Aiden looked like he was having the time of his life, but Jordan couldn't look more miserable. "Having fun?" Cassie asked him. He glared at her for a moment, then said, "I'm almost thirteen. I don't need to be babysat!" She knew that, of course she did, but this was a huge hospital and she knows how Jordan loves to explore. 

"I know," she told him, "but I can't be worrying about Ben and you and Aiden all at the same time. Mom and dad will be here soon and they'll break you two out of here." He sighed, then nodded. "How's Ben?" He asked, worry etched in his voice. She smiled and said, "He's fine. It was just stress from Christmas." 

Jordan looked gave her an incredulous look. "I'm not stupid," he told her. "I know it was dad. He complains about him all the time and I heard you yelling at him over the phone about it. I also know that it was dad at the door this morning."

Cassie chuckled as she asked, "Who are you? Sherlock Holmes? Yes, mister genius detective, it was dad." Jordan shook his head. "I don't understand," he said, "Ben didn't do anything wrong. Did he?" Cassie moved a strand of hair from his forehead and told him, "No. He didn't. Dad is just being protective. I should get back to Ben." 

When she got back into the hospital room, she saw Ben staring blankly out of the window from his bed. "Babe?" She softly asked. "Hey, what's wrong? You haven't said much since we got here." She sat on the bed next to him and comfortably rubbed his arm. 

He turned his head slowly to her. "This is pathetic," he said. "I'm in the hospital because I couldn't handle the stress of your father. I know things are going to be more stressful in the future and I can't imagine how I'll react to it, then. I know you think I'm ridiculous for being here right now."

He turned his head back towards the window. Cassie pursed her lips, then told him, "You're right. I do think you're ridiculous. I think your ridiculous for thinking this of yourself. Ben, babe, you had a moment of weakness. Guess what? You're going to have a lot more in the future. By the way, I do not think this was all my dad. I think it's the bills and work and Aiden and just...God, just our hectic life! You've been bottling it all in, you don't tell me how you feel. I guess I'm just as guilty, but you don't handle your emotions as well as I do."

That statement seemed to catch his attention, and he was about to argue, but thought twice when he saw the look on her face. He knew she was right. Sighing, he said, "You're right. I'm sorry, baby, I promise I'll try and be better." He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Good," she told him. "Now, try and get some sleep. They said you need to stay here overnight for observation, so I'm going to go home and pack some fresh clothes for you to change into tomorrow."

She gave him a long and loving kiss on the forehead, making him blush from his neck to the top of his head. "Please try and relax," she whispered as she cupped his face and nudged their noses together. "I'm here for you and I will always be here for you. Relax. Promise me?"

He only nodded, then accepted another kiss on his forehead, then cheeks. "I love you," he told her. She smiled as she told him, "I love you, too, Benny. Get some sleep." She got up and turned off the lights, giving him darkness and silence. It was only a few minutes later when he drifted off into a deep sleep.