Survivor

Chapter 7

 "Well, here's her room. Now, please, remember, you can still talk to her, but she can't respond to you. I know it's hard, and a lot to take in. If you have any questions, I'll be here for you," the doctor says.

My parents pull each other closer, and my father nods. The doctor turns around, puts his hand on the knob, turns it, and opens the door for them. "You first."

They smile and still holding onto one another, walks in. The doctor follows after them, but surprisingly leaves the door opens.

I just stand there outside the door not sure if I'm ready to go in. "Are you alright? I'm right here." All I can do is nod; he smiles, slightly. "Le's go, then?" I take in a deep breath and we start walking towards the room.

We walk through the mini hallway until we come to where my parents and the doctor are standing. I can feel Jake come in closer to me, and put his arm around my shoulder. It does make me feel a little better, but still seeing my parents in the shape just kills me. They look so ... so sad.

My father helps my mother sit down in the chair closest to my bed, and he stands next to her. The doctor stands behind by the wall so they can have their alone time with me.

"This is all my fault," I say.

"How so?" Jake asks.

I take in a deep breath. "If only I said no to those other kids; I would've gotten sick. Vikki also didn't have to drive me home, and then the accident. I never go to these parties. I honestly don't remember why I wanted to go, but now I wish I never did. Why did I go? Why?!"

"Hey, easy. Easy, it's alright. We're all allowed to have some fun in our life. It's no one's fault."

I take control of my breathing and gather my thoughts. "I'm sorry. You're right, it's no one's fault."

"My dear, child. What were you doing with a stranger?" my mother says, sadly.

"You know better than to sneak out, and do things after curfew," says father.

I bow my head, "I know." Jake rubs my shoulders for support. "If only I didn't."

"But no matter what, we still love you. We want you to come back to us, dear. Please, come back to us," mother cries out. Father grabs her shoulders and gives her a squeeze.

Jake squeezes me, too, only now it's more of a hug. I can feel the tears begin to stream down my cheeks.

"She has to come back to us, Henry. I don't know how I can live without her. I know I'll have you by my side, but it'll still be so hard," mother cries.

"Shhh, I know, Hun. I know, and I'm right here with you, Eloise," father says while patting her back.

The doctor walks up to them and clears his throat. "I'm sorry I don't mean to interrupt, but maybe sometime a way from Caroline would be good?"

"No, I want to stay here. I'm not leaving her, not until something changes," mother says, sternly.

"I agree, we're staying here. Now that we know where she's at, we're not leaving," father says.

"I understand. I'll be around if you need me, or get one of the nurses at the desk. I'll be back in the morning to check on Caroline and Victoria," the doctor says.

"Thank you for everything. I'll walk you out," father says.

Mother takes my hand and I see her give it a gentle squeeze. I stay with mother, but walk a little closer. I walk to the other side of the bed. "Come on, sweetie, wake up. I, we, can't lose you; your cat can't either. I know how much she means to you. If it'll help, I'll see if we can bring her in with us some time tomorrow."

"Who's that, dear?"

"Sophia. You know she'll love that. Do you think it'll help?"

Father wipes her head and kisses her cheek, "I don't see why not. I'll talk to the doctor in the morning. How about I get our beds ready?"

"Beds? Oh, I don't think I can sleep right now, Hun. I'm just so worried about Caroline; I'm desperate to try anything."

"I understand, and I am, too. We need our rest if we're going to be strong for our daughter." Watching my parents be with me tears at my heart so much. I want to wake up for them, but I know I'm not ready to. At least I feel like something is still stopping me...but what?

"Yes, I suppose you're right, dear. I am a bit tired."

"Good. Stay here, I'll get the bed ready." Father leans over and kisses mother's forehead. She smiles faintly with her eyes closed, and gives his hand a gentle squeeze. He walks away to the small couch while mother talks quietly to me. At first, I watch father while he works on the couch. He removes all the cushions, and sets them onto the floor. Then he reaches for something, but he's blocking my view so I can't see very well. Then he backs up with the couch/bed with him! That's when I realize, "It's a bed couch."

I hear Jake giggle behind me and I turn to look at him. "They're not very comfortable nor very big, but they are useful." I give him a questioning glance. "A story for a different time. It's all about you now."

I turn my attention back to my mother and she's still talking away. "You know Sophia has missed you a lot the other night. She's been roaming the house crying for you. I gave in and allowed her to sleep with us. That made her happy, or at least shut up." She laughs but I can hear the sadness in her voice. She sniffling, which makes me sadder.

Father walks over to her and gently lays his hands on her shoulders. "Come dear, let's rest. We can talk to her tomorrow."

"Alright Hun." She allows him to take her to the bed, and he helps her lay down and get comfortable. He already had the blankets pulled back, so when she's in bed he pulls them over her, and tucks her in.

"There is that better?" he asks with a small smile.

She smiles back, but small. "No, but it's a start. Thank you." With that she rolls roll over to her side, and falls fast asleep. Father watches for a short moment, then walks around to the other side. He takes in a deep breath and says quietly, "Please, bring our baby home to us. We can't lose her, but if it's Your will then so be it." Then he gets into bed with mother and falls asleep besides her.