Illuminate

Chapter 25- Peyton

"Peyton?" Greyson said faintly, starting to turn his head toward me. 

"Oh my god, you're okay," I said softly, as tears started to fall down my cheeks, pressing the nurse's call button. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," he said groggily, grasping my hand even tighter. "How are my kids? Are they okay?"

"They're safe and with my dad at home," I told him, kissing his hands. "How about you. How bad is it?"

"I feel like a million bucks," he got out, and I couldn't help but laugh through my tears. Before I could ask him anything else, nurses came in and began checking all sorts of things I didn't know about.

"Stand back please," one of them instructed and I gently moved away, watching everything that was happening.

"Mr. Kole, can you rate your pain for me on a scale of 1 to 10?" a nurse asked.

"8," he said in a raspy voice.

"As expected. If you do not remember, you were shot in the field. The bullet hit in between your kidney and large intestine. Once you arrived, we immediately took you into surgery and ended up keeping the bullet inside of you, it would have caused more damage to move it. But, we fixed everything else up. You have a road of recovery ahead of you, but everything looks to be going as expected. Your lead surgeon will be in soon to take a look at the incision and run a few post-tests to ensure the procedure is maintaining its success," the nurse who made me leave him said. She was all business. I watched Greyson the whole time she was telling him this, as she continued to work may I add, and his eyes reeked of pure exhaustion. I knew my husband and he was overwhelmed and wanted all of this to stop, but he would never say that.

"Mr. and Mrs. Kole," a man greeted, walking in from the door. He wore navy surgical scrubs and a doctor's coat. "I'm Dr. Jase and I was Greyson's lead surgeon. I'm here to do a few tests and inspect my work."

"Okay," I replied. It felt like so many of the medical professionals were forgetting Greyson could still barely speak.

"Mrs. Kole, this may be a good time to go and grab a cup of coffee, the waiting room has a decent selection," Dr. Jase told me.

"I would prefer to stay," I started.

"This will be getting very up close and personal, Mrs. Kole. The incision is fresh and it may be difficult to look at right now. Again, I strongly recommend you leave the room," he interrupted. I looked deeply into Greyson's tired eyes.

"Please, go. I'm okay," he whispered and I nodded and started to walk out.

"Dr. Olson," I interjected and he turned his head to make eye contact. "You take good care of him, you hear me?"

"Of course," he promised as Greyson gave me a quick smirk. I started the quick walk to deliver the good news to Josh. I pushed through the doors into the waiting room and saw him asleep on his hand. I slowly crept over to him and gently nudged him.

"Good morning, Josh," I whispered and he grunted a little bit, but quickly opened his eyes when he remembered where he was.

"How is he?" he asked right away.

"He's awake and talking. He's in some pain, but everything looks good. He's on his way to a full recovery," I told him softly and Josh hugged me right away.

"Oh thank God," he said, relieved.

"Thank you, Josh. For being here and helping me through this," I told him.

"That's what big brothers do, no matter what age," he said, smiling.

"You're the best," I added and he smiled.

"Do you want me to call your kids?" Josh asked.

"That would be great," I said, kissing his cheek. "Just tell them that Grey is doing better and will probably be up for visitors soon. Do you want some coffee?" 

"Yes, please. Just leave it next to my chair, I'm going to go call them. Come get me when Grey is up to it," he said.

"I will, thank you again," I said, smiling.

"Not needed, but you're welcome," he replied, hugging me.

I walked over to the coffee carts and filled up two foam cups with the steaming hot liquid. I placed a cup down next to Josh's spot and walked back to Greyson's room with my coffee in hand. 

I peered into Grey's room and saw that everything had calmed down, it was just Dr. Jase talking to him.

"Any questions?" Dr. Jase asked and Greyson shook his head as I walked into the room.

"Ah, you're back. So we will be keeping Greyson in the hospital for the next two days for sure, his condition truly can change at any time. But, we hope nothing more should go wrong. He has to learn his physical therapy routine and how to take care of his wounds. The police will also have to question him eventually, but that can be tomorrow. But, everything is looking good," he explained.

"Thank, God," I whispered, grabbing Grey's hand.

"This turned out better than we could have ever hoped for, you're lucky," he added before he left the room.

"Thank you," I appreciated, and he nodded, taking off.

"Are they gone?" Greyson asked as I sat down in the stool next to him.

"Who?" I asked gently.

"The Emersons," he clarified.

"They were arrested. Hopefully, they will not be getting out anytime soon," I comforted, grabbing his hand. "What can I do? How can I make this easier?"

"Just be here," he said softly, holding my hand tighter.

"I'm not going anywhere," I whispered and he turned his head toward me. Those big, handsome blue eyes I had been waiting for were finally looking at me once again.

"How could I let this happen?" he asked me.

"Don't you dare blame yourself, Greyson. This was not on you," I combatted.

"Don't make me think that way," he said, taking a deep breath.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I have to blame myself because it kills me to think who is actually responsible," he said. I rubbed my head, knowing what he was saying.

"She made a mistake," I started to say.

"I know. But it almost cost me my life. I know it was not her intent, but she needs to listen to us. She could have been hurt or even," he said, unable to finish and I rubbed his hand with my thumb. 

"Are you angry with her?" I asked.

"I mean, I'm so happy she's safe. And I'm happy that this is me, her body may not have gotten through this. But I've never been more disappointed in her," he said as a thin tear rolled down his cheek.

"This is our bump in the road," I whispered, wiping away the tear. "And all that matter now is that you are going to be okay."