Driving Me Crazy

Chapter 20

It's early the next morning and they take Shawn to run some final tests and scans before the big event of the day.  I am excitedly nervous because I can't wait to see his golden brown eyes look into mine, but I also can't wait to see his smile unobstructed by a tube.

In the last week they slowly started to ween him off the vent and he's been able to breath almost exclusively on his own, which is amazing and an incredibly good sign that when he wakes up he won't need help to breathe.

I'm standing staring out the window again as his parents, sister and my parents a brother enter the room.  I turn and smile as I see six people smiling back at me.  In a round of hugs, we all wait for the medical staff to return with Shawn.

"You look tired sis."  James says to me.  "I am...we've had some rough nights, but he's made it through." I say.  "When he wakes up, you should really come home and sleep in your own bed." He says, trying to convince me.

"James, him waking up is all the more reason to stay.  I'm fine! I can take care of myself okay?  I love that you are worried about me, but you don't need to be!" I explain.

With that, the medical team wheels Shawn back in his room and hooks everything back up to the wall outlets instead of the portable ones they use for transfer.

The doctor walks in shortly after he gets back.  Checking the settings and having the nurses prepare the medications needed to wake him up, he invites two people to be at Shawn's side as he wakes up.   After a long discussion, it's decided that Karen and I will be at his side.

We take our places and as the doctor starts to push the medicine, we all hold our breath.  Shawn's heart monitor stays steady and soon enough his eyes begin to flutter.  His limbs begin to move slightly.

After what seems like hours, his golden brown eyes finally meet mine and he lets out a small, painful groan.  The nurses tell him they are going to take the tube out of this throat and that he needs to sit up and forcefully cough to help things out.

A few minutes, and some loud coughs later the tube is out and Shawn takes a deep breath.  Filling his lungs as he takes in the hospital air.

Breathing on his own, we all let out a collective sigh of relief as we see him scanning the room, taking in all the people.

Karen is the first to speak, fighting back tears, she asks him how he's feeling.

His voice is rough and hoarse as he answers "I'm okay."

His words hit me hard and I break down in tears.  This has been such a long road to even get to here, and I know that he's still got a ways to go, but this moment right here is an absolute miracle.

He lifts his hand weakly as he waves at everyone else in the room.  He motions to Aaliyah and she comes and sits in the edge of his bed, taking his hand in hers.  They share an unspoken bond, so no words are needed as they both break down and wrap Karen and now Manny into a hug.

Minutes later they break away and Shawn turns to look at me.  I'm still crying, but I try and compose myself as much as I can.

Once his eyes are on me, he lifts an eyebrow in confusion.

"Who are you?" He asks seriously.

Oh my god!  He doesn't remember me.  This can't be happening.

"It's me Camila." I whimper, tears flowing down my face as the realization hits me that he has no idea who I am.

"Camila?  Nah, you can't be Camila.  The Camila I know doesn't cry over silly boys in hospital beds." He smirks quietly.

Wait...what?!

"You know it's me?" I ask incredulously.

"Of course I do beautiful.  You've been by my side since the beginning." He says quietly, trying not to strain his voice.

"Shawn Peter Raul Mendes!  That's just cruel.  Don't do that to me ever again." I say in mock horror as I see him try and let out a laugh.

"It hurts to laugh!" He coughs as he tries to catch his breath.

"Yeah karmas a bitch huh pretty boy?" I smirk.

The room erupts into tears of joy and laughter.  The doctor makes Karen and I leave his bed side briefly as they check his vital and do a portable chest X-ray.

"I'm amazed.  It seems Shawn will make a full recovery.  Everything is right on track." The doctor says.  "We'll be back in about a hour to check on him again, for now, just enjoy each other's company."

I decide to exit the room as Karen, Manny and Aaliyah all spend some time with him.  I call Emma, who unsurprisingly is with Niall and they plan on coming to see Shawn tonight. 

I slide down the floor and sit down, bringing my knees to be chest and lean my head back against the wall.  I take a couple deep breaths and pray to God, thanking him for bringing Shawn back to us.

About 15 minutes later everyone exits his room, and Manny stops in front of me.  "He's asking for you." He says as he offers me a hand and pulls me up from the floor.  "Okay." I nod and head back into his room.

Once he sees me, his eyes brighten and he pats the edge of the bed.  I walk over and sit down next to him.

"You scared me ya know?" I say.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean too." He says.  His voice sounding a little better as he munches on his ice chips.

"I really thought you didn't know me and I was about to die." I state plainly, trying to hide my emotional heart from exploding all over again.

He takes my hand in his and I feel warmth, I feel a tingle up my spine.

"I could never forget you Cabello.  Even if I tried.  You drive me crazy." He whispers as he pulls me closer to him and our lips meet for the first time in months.