Bran-Nu: Book 2

Chapter 19

Friday, December 31, 1999

12:45 P.M.

~Terry~

"Do you think it's going to be a lot of pain when she gets the stitches removed?" I asked as I held Brandy's hand.

My baby is improving a little, but everything is about the same. She's trying to breathe on her own. The swelling of her face is slowly going down.

Although it's only been a few days, my family and I have set a schedule on who's going to sit with Brandy and Amilyan. If I'm with Brandy, the family take turns sitting with Amilyan. If I'm with Amilyan, the family take turns sitting with Brandy. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I spend the day with Amilyan and spend the night with Brandy. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I spend the day with Brandy and spend the night with Amilyan. On Sunday, I take all my time with Aleah and try to rest. Although, I haven't really rested since this happened.

"It shouldn't hurt that bad once we numb the area. She should be fine."

"Dr. Goodson told me that if she continues to breathe better, she could get off the ventilator."

"That's a blessing since she's been through so much. Your wife and daughter will have a testimony." The nurse said smiling as she fixed Brandy's pillow.

"They sure will. Thank you."

"I have to go make my rounds, but I will be back in a little bit. You let me know if you need anything. Don't hesitate to press the button."

"Yes ma'am. Thank you so much." I said with a little smile as I held Brandy's hand.

"Baby, I'm so proud of you. You're doing so wonderful." I said as I rubbed her hands and held it.

I sighed as I held my head down.

"Baby, I haven't been the same since this happened. I haven't been going to practice or any games. I ain't even feeling it anymore, baby. I wish you were here to talk me through this." I said as I kept kissing her hand.

When I married Brandy, I vowed to be here through sickness and health. I'm not leaving my baby. Not ever.

"Um, Aleah kept calling for you last night. She's been saying 'Mama' and points to your picture. She's missed your warmth, baby. Damn...I miss you." I said as a put her fingers into mine.

"I know it's been a few days since this happened, but it feels like forev—"

All of a sudden, my phone started ringing. Usually if it ain't family or friends, I ignore calls. Since all of this mess happened, I make sure I answer it. I never know if it could be the hospital about my babies.

"Hold on, bae. I think the hospital calling me. I promise I'll be right back."

I slowly got up and answered the phone without looking at the caller I.D.

"Hello, this is Te—"

"Terry, baby, get here now! Please just get here! Mya and Ashley are on their way to sit with Brandy. Please get here!" My mom said as she sounded frantic on the phone.

I quickly hung up and ran to Brandy.

"Baby, I gotta go check on our girl, ok? She's gonna be ok, alright? I got her. Just keep fighting. I promise I'm coming back, my love. Please. Stay with me. I love you so much, baby. More than you'll ever know." I said as I kissed her forehead a dozen times before I rushed out.

"Mr. Hightower, where are you—"

"I can't talk right now! Bill, just guard the door. Ashley and Mya are on the way. If they ain't staff or family, don't let them in. Got it?" I said as I hurried down the hallway.