BEING HALSEY

CHAPTER 25

I wake up in Tray's arms. I can see how he's tired and sleepy but still straining himself.

"Any news?" I ask and sit straight on the bench.

"Not yet. They're still in the ER." He sighs and rubs his eyes.

"You should go get some sleep."

He looks me over and playfully pinch my nose.

"No. How can I sleep when you're here all alone? Infact I'll bring us some coffee. It'll help keep us awake."

He stands and fix his grey sweatpants then he walks down the hallway and out through the glass doors.

Ten minutes later, the chief surgeon appears and motions us to follow him. We walk down a hallway, away from crowds and stop near a door to a restroom. I clutch on Tray, bracing for the worst. The surgeon speaks in a grave and weary voice,

" He has survived the surgery and is doing as we expected. We've removed the clot and the pressure inside the brain has been reduced but there was a lot of brain swelling. There will be permanent damage."

Life and death are easily understood but "damages?"

"He's not going to die right?" I ask.

"As of right now, he's alive and doing good. He has a 90 percent chance of survival."

90? Nooo...

" And the damages?" Tray asks getting to the point.

"I can't explain in an understandable way right now but the damage might be reversible with time and therapy. As of now we just have to pray that he improves over the next three days."

****

Both Tray and I are allowed to see dad for ten minutes. I had to lie that he's my half brother and that we both lost our mothers in a tragic accident because only family members are allowed in. We walk inside the room, hand in hand. Dad's head is wrapped like a mummy and a breathing tube running in his mouth.

I'm afraid to touch any part of his body, even his foot.

I cry the entire ten minutes on Tray's arms until the nurse orders us to leave. She also agrees to move a chair to a spot outside the room and allow one member to stay through the night. Sleep to me is out of the question so i walk the halls until sunrise.

The next day Polly begs me to go home and get some rest. Of course I refuse but Tray manages to convince me so I drive back with him. Saturday slowly yields to Sunday. Dad has not been responding well and I'm so much afraid that if I leave his side that would be my last glimpse of him alive.

Polly has been bringing me fresh clothes while Tray sneaks food, drinks and magazines to help me smile. These two human beings have been my support system since day one.

The following day is filled with good news. Dad is showing signs of improvement. He's awake and alert. He still can't speak because of the breathing tube but he's just doing good. The pressure on his brain has been reduced to normal levels and the doctor has explained that we should all be patient.

With Dad awake, both Tray and I are advised to spend the night at home. Becca agrees to stay in the ICU for the night. Can you believe it? We haven't even known each other that much but she's willing to sacrifice herself for me....for my dad. She deserves big beautiful white wings cause she's just an ANGEL!

An hour later Tray and I are on the road. My swollen eyes wander out the passenger side window as tears roll down my cheeks.

"Hal."Tray's deep voice calls out.

I slowly reach up, hands shaking and wipe the tears from off my puffy cheeks. I turn to face him.

" It's okay. Everything is going to be fine." Would you like me to stop somewhere? We can take a rest and get something to eat."

My stomach growls at just the thought of food.

"No," I whisper. "I'm not hungry. I just want some rest."

We're silent all the way and arrive at my place in no time. A little silver Honda is parked on the driveway. Tray's eyes are wide as he pulls up behind the car and slams the car into park. He looks pissed off as his eyes focus on the figure that's now sitting on my front porch. It's too dark to tell but I'm positive it's a boy.

"Stay here," Tray whispers. "I'll go see what he wants."

I sit there silently as he jumps out of the car and hurries over to....NOOOOOOO!

I see blond hair.

DAVE???

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