Grace After the Storm

by Sandy Sinnett

  Brad hung up and broke every speed limit between him and the stables. About twenty minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot and the EMT’s were already loading Hannah into the ambulance, sirens blaring. He ran to the ambulance as fast as he could, but the doors slammed closed in his face. Pressing his hands against the doors, he peered through the window and saw Jules’ body lying lifeless on the stretcher – her blood stained head wrapped in bandages. Impossible to ignore were her grayish-blue lips, and the sight caused his stomach to seize. He slammed his hands against the doors as hard as he could, yelling her name. “Jules! I’m here, baby. It’s gonna be okay. I love you, Jules!”

  The stable manager walked up to Brad. “Sir, you need to step away from the ambulance – they need to get her to the hospital. You can meet her there,” he said calmly, trying to ease Brad’s state of unrest.

  Brad backed away and the ambulance tore out of the drive. He broke down, unable to hold back his emotions.

  “I’m sorry. I’m guessing you’re the man who called me?” the stable manager said.

  “Yes, sir. Thank you for sending someone to help them. I’m in your debt,” Brad replied.

  “Thanks to you, we found them much sooner. Your call probably saved her life. It took both men to lift the tree off her body, but I’m afraid they couldn’t tell the extent of the damage. Try not to worry – she’s in good hands now, and you’ve got a young lady waiting for you over there,” he added.

  Brad wiped his face and looked over toward the office. “Clare!” he yelled, then ran to her side.

  Clare stepped off the porch, wrapped in a blanket and still drenched from the storm.

  “Brad!” she replied, crying.

  “Are you okay, Scooter?”

  She threw her arms around him, practically cutting off his circulation.

  “Wow… she hugs,” he said in jest. A rush of relief shot through him, grateful she hadn’t been hurt as well.

  Clare sniffed, and looked up at him. “Tell anyone and I’ll deny it ‘til my death,” she replied with a little smile.

  “Your secret is safe with me, kid,” he smiled. Clare had made quite an impression on him in the last few weeks, and within the last hour, their friendship was at a whole new level.

  “She never woke up, Brad. Is she going to be okay?” Her voice shook as tears rolled down her dirty cheeks.

  “She will. I know it with everything inside me, Clare,” he whispered. “Now go change clothes. We need to be there when she wakes up, right?”

  “Right,” she replied.

  While Clare was changing, Brad called Mitch to give him the grim news.

  12 – Silent Goodbyes

  Laci and Mitch drove home and decided it best not to share the ‘baby news’ with the family just yet. She walked up to her writing room to relax, but called her mother instead. I have to tell her. She would never forgive me if I kept this from her. Besides, I can’t hold it in any longer.

  “Mom, did you hear me?” Laci asked.

  “Oh Sweetie, I’m very happy for you, but are you sure you should be announcing it yet?” her mom asked.

  “We decided to hold off telling everyone just yet, but I had to tell you.”

  “That’s probably wise… until you’re farther along that is. How do you feel?”

  “I feel fine – great actually. It feels worse having told you and you not be happy for us though.”

  “Oh honey, I couldn’t be happier! Are you kidding? You are having a baby with the love of your life and that makes me very happy. I’m just a little nervous I guess.”

  “I know, I get it. Trust me, I’m nervous too. I can’t even think about a nursery or a name yet. It’s too soon.”

  “Well, stay positive okay Sweetie? Don’t give in to the voices in your head – the worry and doubt. If you do, they will win. You need to focus on yourself and that baby. Take it easy, eat right, and do things that make you happy to keep your mind busy. Are you still writing?” her mom asked.

  “Are you kidding me? I can’t go a day without it – it’s addictive. I even have a blog now,” Laci chuckled.

  “What’s a blog?”

  “Oh mother… really? You don’t know what a blog is by now?”

  “Why would I? You know I never get on that computer unless I’m playing one of my games, and I never go into that internet place.”

  Laci laughed. “It’s not a place Mom. And a blog is like a diary, only I don’t write secret things. I just write whatever is on my mind… that’s blogging. Sometimes I write about events, life, silly stuff – anything really. A blog is on the internet. Anyone can read it if they want to.”

  “Why on earth do you put it out there? Do people really read it?”

  “I think so. I know I have a few fans out there,” Laci replied.

  “Well, your dad needs help with his email – can I put him on?”

  Laci laughed. “Sure, Mom.”

  Laci’s parents were probably the least techie people on the planet. Most of the time when she called home to talk, there was always some sort of ‘tech support’ involved, and that day was no exception. Her dad had forgotten his email password and tried to follow the instructions to reset it, but he’d clicked ‘reset’ so many times, he had ten different reset codes and it finally locked him out. It took her almost twenty minutes to walk him through it over the phone, and once she managed to get him access, he found over 600 emails in his inbox. Laci laughed so hard she almost wet her pants. Turns out it had been over a year since he’d checked his mail. They were a constant source of entertainment, frustration, love and support – which is exactly what she needed that day.

  *****

  Mitch unloaded the truck and yelled out for Caleb. He figured he was inside the winery.

  “Caleb, get out here – I need your help!”

  When Caleb didn’t answer right away, Mitch walked inside and found him snoring on the couch in his office.

  “Wake-up lazy bones,” Mitch shouted, nudging Caleb’s knee so it would fall over.

  “Go away. I’m tired, Dad.”

  “I need your help unloading the bottles from the truck, Son.”

  “Right now?” Caleb grumbled.

  “Caleb – it’s after two o’clock. Get up.”

  “When is Brad coming back – he does most of this.”

  “Your uncle has his hands full right now – he could be there a while. That’s why I need you to step up and help out a little more around here. What’s gotten into you lately?”

  Caleb sat up and rubbed his face. “Dad, I don’t… ugh,” he sighed.

  “What is it? Spill it, Son.”

  “Dad – I love you, and this winery was the best thing that could have ever happened to you. It helped you find a new purpose after mom died. But it’s not for me. I want to go to college in the fall.”

  Mitch sat down on the couch. “I always knew this day would come – when you were ready. I won’t lie. I always hoped we could run the winery together as a family, but I knew it wasn’t likely you would feel the same way.”

  “I wanted to at first, but after you and Laci met and got married, then lost the baby… it stopped being fun. I hear Evan talk about how much he loves school and I want to experience that too.”

  “Son, I’ve never been more proud of you than I am right now. I would never want to hold you back from your dreams – ever!” Mitch reached over and pulled his son over to his chest, gave him a hug, then slapped him on the back in that ‘dad’ kind of way. “Do you know what you want to study?”

  “Yeah,” Caleb smiled, scuffing his feet back and forth on the floor – nervous to say it out loud. “I want to be a chef. I’m going to enroll in the culinary program in Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, plus take some business classes. I want to open my own restaurant someday.”

  His answer caught Mitch off-guard, and he was unable to reply at first, shaking his head in disbelief. “Wow. I… I don’t know even what to say, Son. I think that’s awesome. Y
ou’re serious about this?”

  “I guess all those years of watching and helping you cook – how you taught me about the flavors and spices – it made me want to learn more. I didn’t realize it until I took Jenny to that fancy restaurant a few weeks ago. Her cousin works there as a sous chef and gave us a tour of the kitchen.”

  Mitch’s eyes widened. “You never told me about that. Come to think of it, you never told me about Jenny. Who in the blazes is Jenny?” Mitch looked at Caleb and raised his eyebrow, a smirk on his face.

  “Oh yeah,” Caleb chuckled. “Well, you guys left on your trip and you’ve been so busy since you got back that I haven’t had a chance.”

  “I know – it’s been a bit hectic with Brad gone. I’m sorry we’ve been out of touch lately.”

  “It’s okay, Dad. I get it.”

  “So… Jenny is?” Mitch prodded.

  “Jenny. Yeah, she works at the coffee shop in town. We graduated high school together, but I never really knew much about her or got to know her until last summer. I spilled coffee all over her one day – the lid popped off as she handed it to me. I helped her clean it up, then she made fun of me for making such a mess and creating more work for her. I don’t know… there was just something about her. She had a nice smile, and I kind of liked her laugh.” Caleb’s cheeks were a soft shade of red and he couldn’t stop smiling as he talked about her.

  “I see. Sounds like you really like this girl, or has it already grown past the ‘like’ stage?”

  “It’s grown a little past that… for me anyway.”

  “That’s what I thought. And for the record, you didn’t really have to answer. It shows all over your face,” Mitch smiled.

  “Whatever.” Caleb laughed. “Don’t start teasing me, Dad.”

  “Me? Tease you? Why… I’m hurt that you would think I would be that insensitive, Son. Caleb’s in love… Caleb’s in love…” Mitch sang, poking fun.

  “Seriously, Dad. Cut it out – you are not near as funny as you think you are.” Caleb smiled, despite his attempt to hold a straight face.

  Mitch’s phone rang, Brad’s name flashing on the screen. “Hey brother – how did your talk go? Did you explain everything to –?”

  “Mitch!” Brad abruptly cut him off. “There’s been an accident…”

  *****

  Brad and Clare arrived at the hospital and quickly made their way inside. At the main nurse’s desk, Brad asked where they sent Hannah when she arrived, anxious to see her. They wouldn’t tell him anything.

  “Can you at least tell me if she’s awake? Is she going to be okay? Why can’t we visit her? What’s happened?”

  “Sir, I understand your concern, but unless you’re a family member or her spouse, I’m afraid I can’t disclose that information or give you any details about her condition.”

  “But she doesn’t have anyone else!” he shouted in frustration. “Her grandmother is one floor up – ” Brad stopped talking, turned around and took Clare by the hand, then walked away from the desk.

  “Sir! Where are you going?” the nurse yelled down the hall at him.

  Clare agreed. “I’d like to know that too. Where are we going? Shouldn’t we go find Jules?”

  “That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

  Brad took Clare up to Lois’ room and saw the same nurse that was on duty the other night. She nodded her head at him and smiled, seeming to remember him too, so they walked into Lois’ room. Her eyes were closed, and her complexion was extremely pale. Seeing her now, Brad knew in his heart that she didn’t have much time left. He sat down on the bed next to her, and gently touched her hand. Clare stood at the back of the room.

  “Hi Lois. It’s Brad. Are you awake?” he asked quietly.

  Lois slowly turned her head and looked him in the eye – a smile immediately appeared. “Well, looky here – visitors,” she said. Her voice was scratchy and he could barely hear her. “How are you, young man?”

  Brad was lost in thought. She knows it’s almost over, and she is smiling. Should I tell her about Hannah? What do I do? He swallowed, fighting back the tears. “Hi beautiful. How are you feeling?”

  “You charmer you.” She smiled a toothless smile. “I’ve been better I suppose, but I expect to be fit as a fiddle pretty soon. You look worse than me though… what’s wrong?”

  Her words made Brad laugh, somehow giving him a sense of peace. “Lois, I need to tell you something, and I need your help.”

  Lois’ attention wasn’t on Brad though. She peeked around his shoulder and saw Clare standing against the wall, crying.

  “Clare, Sweetie! Come over here and give your grandma a hug,” she demanded in a sweet tone.

  Clare hesitated at first, looking to Brad for some sort of sign that it was okay. Brad smiled and nodded his head in approval, encouraging her to come over. She ran to Lois’ side and wrapped her arms around her, sobbing.

  “Oh Sweetheart, it’s so good to see you. Don’t cry my darling girl – everything will be okay.”

  “I know Grandma Lois – I know. I love you.” Clare pulled away to wipe her face.

  “Grandma loves you, honey – you are a light in my life, you know it?”

  Clare smiled and nodded her head up and down in reply, too upset to talk.

  “Lois, I need your help,” Brad said.

  “Anything, doll, but first you need to tell me what’s wrong,” she said.

  “How did you know –,”

  “A mother always knows when her kids are hurting. Now what can I do to help?” Lois asked.

  “It’s… it’s Hannah. She was in an accident, Lois. Her horse threw her during a thunder storm. She has a head injury, but that’s all I know. They brought her here by ambulance, but they won’t let me see her or tell me anything because I’m not family, or her spouse. I need you to talk to the doctor and give him permission to talk to me. She needs my help, Lois. Would you do that?” he pleaded.

  Lois tried to sit up on her own, but was unsuccessful. Brad raised the bed to help her, and she pressed the nurse’s call button.

  Within a few minutes, her nurse appeared. “You okay, Miss Lois? What’s wrong honey?” the nurse asked.

  Brad explained the situation to the nurse and Lois expressed her full approval of his plan.

  The nurse looked at Lois. “There is only one way he can help,” she began, “but it requires you to give him a medical power of attorney, Miss Lois. Do you know what that means?”

  Lois nodded in agreement. “Give him whatever he needs. Please. She’s my granddaughter and he loves her. He’s going to marry her!” she smiled, then coughed several times. Unable to catch her breath, the nurse quickly reached around behind her and pulled out Lois’ oxygen mask and placed it on her face.

  “Alright, if that’s your wish.” The nurse turned to Brad. “Mr. Young, you’ll also have to sign it in the presence of two other witnesses.”

  Brad’s face was morose, lost in thought as he recognized that Lois’ time was growing short. His mind had drifted, not hearing the nurse.

  “Mr. Young, did you hear me?” the nurse reiterated.

  “Huh?” he replied.

  “The witnesses. Do you understand what is required?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry. Well, Clare can be a witness, and maybe you could be the second? Please?” Brad asked the nurse.

  The nurse looked at Lois, and Lois motioned for her to draw closer so she could whisper something in her ear. Lois said a few words, then the nurse stood back up and looked at Brad. “Alright. I’ll be your second witness,” she agreed.

  Brad was a bit puzzled, but didn’t question what had just transpired. “Wait. Does it have to be notarized or go through some other long process? I need this to be effective now or it doesn’t me any good!” he asked, beginning to panic.

  “No. The state of Washington doesn’t require it thankfully. It’s saved many a life.”

  Everyone finally in agreement, the nurse left to retrieve the documents an
d brought them back in for them to sign. “This now allows you to make decisions on Lois’ behalf concerning Hannah’s care… as well as Lois.”

  “Wait. What? What do you mean Lois’ care? I thought this was just supposed to be for Hannah?” Brad suddenly realized this was the result of the whisper and looked at Lois, then took her hand and squeezed it in approval.

  “She wanted herself included too,” the nurse explained, handing Brad the form, but stopped just short of giving it to him. “This is a big responsibility, Mr. Young. Are you sure you’re up to this?”

  “Ma’am… these women are not only my past, they’re my future. They mean everything to me. I’ll do anything for them,” he replied, then signed the form.

  Lois removed her mask, then reached out and took Brad’s hand and squeezed it tight. “Go find our girl. I need to know that she’s okay.”

  “Clare – are you ready?” Brad asked.

  “Um, why don’t you go on? I think I’ll wait here with Lois and keep her company. Just hurry, okay?” Clare said.

  Clare knows too. She needs to say goodbye. He thought.

  “I will, Scooter.”

  Brad hurried back downstairs and over to the main nurse’s station, handing the first nurse the signed form and asked once again about Hannah’s status. The nurse read the form and looked up at Brad, almost perturbed that he’d found a way around the system.

  “Where is she? Can I please see her now or talk to the doctor, please?” Brad pleaded.

  “They moved her to ICU, Mr. Young. The doctor is in with her now – I’ll page him.”

  Brad’s heart sank, mentally preparing himself for the news he was about to receive. A few minutes later, the doctor walked up to him.

  “Hello Mr. Young, I’m Dr. Kinzel. Let’s take a walk,” he said, matter-of-factly. “Ms. Blake suffered a serious head injury during the fall. There is a great deal of swelling and fluid has built up around her brain. We’re keeping an eye on it, and my hope is that it will go down on its own, but if it gets worse, we’ll have to put her in a drug-induced coma to keep the swelling down. If that doesn’t work, we may have to operate to relieve the pressure. There is a very high risk with that type of surgery though, due to her hypertension. Do you know if she is on medication for high blood pressure?”