Chapter 32
32 He Kissed Me! (Winona)
"A few hours isn't going to hurt. I don't want you taking this on all by yourself. Let me come with you," Anne says, concern flooding her voice.
"I'm okay. I need to do it by myself."
"Look, just wait for me. I'll see you in an hour. At least you can shower before you go anywhere. We can talk some more about it. I mean we might find a match elsewhere. Maybe it's wise to wait a little."
I sigh. "Maybe but this is Abby's life. She's so ill."
"But she is stable right now, yes?"
"She is. Once this infection is cleared up, she'll need the blood for her follow up operation next week."
"Okay then, so you have a little time to breathe on this. There's enough pressure on you now. Give it all a few days." Anne's logic is hard to fault.
"Thanks Anne. You're probably right. I love you."
"Love you too. You'll feel better after a shower. I'll cook dinner."
I disconnect the call and walk back into Abby's room. She looks peaceful. Hopefully she can sip a little water or juice later when they wake her and see how her pain is. Her chest area is bare and around the staples looks red and angry.
An infection caused by the rejection according to the doctor. So, she's on antibiotics as well. I keep telling myself she's strong but that doesn't make me feel any better. I'm in real fear that I will lose my miracle baby and never have the joy of being a mother again. "We're taking her through to the Brennan Wing now. Do you know how to get there?"
I nod at the nurse and orderly about to wheel her bed and drip. "I do but I'll follow you and see she's settled in before showering." I grab the bag Phillip brought. At least I can change before I go see Jayden. I don't think I've ever gone this long without a proper shower. It takes us at least fifteen minutes walking to the Brennan wing. Opulent is an understatement. There are cafes and a library, even a gift shop. It's more like a little town. I hadn't been here since it was first built and a lot has changed.
Jayden had been so proud when it launched. He wanted to make a real change for families in this city. I did mention that it was unreachable for many who couldn't afford insurance. So he worked out a system whereby no one missed out but those who could afford it, still paid. In the Brennan Wing, I follow them to our suite. We wheel the bed through the wide doorway, and I gaze around me. It's absolutely amazing in here, modern and roomy. I love the natural light coming in the windows and skylight. I feel like I haven't seen daylight forever. To think so much has changed in twenty-four hours. My life turned upside down and Abby's life hangs in the balance. Before that the worst thing I could think of was arguments with Jayden. Now that all seems to pale in comparison to my daughter being in here. 32 He Kissed Me!
"We'll get her set up in her room, Ma'am."
"Call me Winona, please."
They smile and take Abby away to the first bedroom. I go to the room next door. It's full of flowers of all colors. Everywhere. I stick my head into Abby's room quickly and that's full of stuffed teddies and all types of toys.
"Ah, is this part of the package? All the toys and flowers?"
"Not usually. I believe these were gifted. Our notes say all cupboards are stocked."
"Gifted? By whom?"
"By me."
I spin around and there's Jayden standing there looking like crap. Guess I don't have to find him now. Still, it's very strange he's turned up unannounced like this.
"You look awful!" I told him.
"Thanks, same back at you." He smiles but then he looks down. I can see his eyes shining with dampness and they are red-rimmed. "I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed and to brighten the place up a bit." "Come into the living area." I walk into the front room, and he follows me. "Jayden, are you okay?" I stop near the sofa and turn back to him. "Why are you here?
He shrugs. "Damned if I know. I just didn't know where else to go, who to trust. I need to talk to someone I want to lash out and smash things. But I don't want to be that person. Not like my father. I've remembered things, Winona." He looks at me intensely. "I just don't know who to believe anymore."
"She's all settled, Winona." The nurse calls from the doorway interrupting our conversation. "Press any call button if you need anything. Your day staff will be here to introduce themselves soon."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
"Thanks." I say, not turning from Jayden as I speak. "Thanks so much."
I hear them leave.
"You remember your father?"
He nods. He'd often spoken of him in the past. Nothing nice to say.
I push on, not wanting to be distracted by a change of subject. "I need to say something important." May as well get this over with.
Jayden steps forward and starts talking before I can. "I came here because I knew you'd be here with Abby. From these memories, I think you're the only person who's telling me the truth." Jayden runs his hand through his disheveled hair. "What else did you remember?" I'm not sure I want to know at this point.
He reaches out and drags me in close, enveloping me into his arms. "I remember how much I loved you, Winona."
Then his lips are on mine, and before I can stop myself melt into his kiss.
32 He Kissed Me!
"Winona!?"
I push Jayden away and stare at Phillip now standing in the doorway behind us.
Boy, this day is really piling it on.
23 We're all adults here