Kyle watched in silence, concern spreading across his face.
I’m sorry, and I’m really fine now. Let’s talk after tomorrow. Take care. Lucy set her phone down, and realizing that he was going to ask anyway, said, “That was Benny.”
Kyle sat down next to Lucy and stared at his own hands in his lap. “Seems like that guy really cares about you.”
“He does.” Her voice was sincere, and her thoughts went to the night on the road when she and Benny shared a kiss. She had been emotional that night, and Benny had always been her rock. Lucy had felt a closeness to Benny that night, but she knew now that kiss was nothing compared to what she felt when she kissed Kyle.
A pained smile flashed across his face. He wasn’t one to hide his emotions, and right now Lucy clearly read his concern about Benny.
“Should I be jealous?” Kyle searched deep into her eyes for the answer.
“Benny has been a great friend to me lately. And I don’t have too many of those. He was there for me…and he helped me through some bad stuff.” Lucy put one of her hands into Kyle’s hands. “But no, you shouldn’t be jealous.” Lucy leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek. Her slight pause was just enough for Kyle to turn his head and move in, meeting their lips once again. Only this time it was slow and sensuous—a declaration, a promise. Kyle was still squeezing Lucy’s hand when she pulled back. “I hope that was convincing enough for you.”
“I’ll take it…for now.” He displayed an adorable smile like an embarrassed schoolboy. “But I’m going to need some more convincing later.”
CHAPTER 44
Kyle and Lucy lay serenely together in the bed. Side by side, facing each other, they talked for hours. She was honest and he listened. She told him everything that came into her head and didn’t hold back. There were some things that surprised him, but other details made perfect sense. At times it was actually comforting to him because it was more pieces to the puzzle that made up this woman he was falling deeply in love with. She spoke about her father. Not the sweet man who raised her and was taken away before she even reached her teens. But her real father, a man she had never even known by name. Lucy told him of her decision to find him after the surgery, even without Linda’s help. She felt strongly that finding out about her father was the key to finding herself.
“I think that’s great, Lucy,” he whispered in the darkness. “And I’ll do everything I can to help you. But…I already know who you are.”
“Who do you think I am?”
“First of all, I don’t think, I know.” He ran the back of his hand along her arm and interlocked his fingers with hers. “You, Lucy, are a beautiful, smart, caring…” he lifted his head slightly, “…yes I said caring, strong young woman who is always trying to take care of everyone else…except herself.”
Minutes easily turned to hours as they exchanged contemplations, feelings, and experiences. At once she felt both sleepy and euphoric. No matter what the future held, Lucy knew this night would deeply penetrate the force that propelled her toward her destiny. That was her final undeclared thought, and only when Lucy finally succumbed to her slumber did Kyle close his eyes too.
She didn’t intentionally plan to cut things so close. It was just way too difficult for Lucy and Kyle to leave the sanctuary of their hotel and reenter reality. Lucy texted that they’d arrive by noon, about half an hour before they had to be at the hospital, and she hoped that would be acceptable. Back at the house, she was greeted with affection and excitement.
“I’m so glad you’re back,” Anne said. She was the first to greet Lucy with a giant hug. She looked like she was ready for a half marathon, dressed in all Nike workout wear.
“Cute outfit,” Lucy commented like it was just a typical day.
“I dunno. My dad sent it to me, but I thought maybe it’s a little too Sporty Spice and not enough Posh Spice.” She extended her hand and a wide smile to Kyle. “Nice to finally meet you, Kyle.”
“Hi, Anne. You too.”
Just then Katie and Rick walked in from the bedroom, both dressed casually, Rick holding Katie’s overnight bag.
“Looks like we’re all ready for a workout,” Anne cut in with a giggle.
Hugs, hellos, and handshakes were exchanged all around. Rick busied himself with last-minute duties while Katie gave them a quick update, explaining that George had picked up Carly and would bring her to the hospital later. Then she added, “Mom’s not here.”
“I didn’t say anything,” Lucy returned defensively.
“I know. I just wanted to let you know. But…I couldn’t talk her out of not coming to the hospital.” Katie shrugged helplessly. “So you may run into her there.”
“Let’s just try to focus on this day and what we need to do.” She squeezed her sister’s hand and gave her a wink. “Let me throw a couple things in a bag, and I’ll be right out.”
Since they weren’t met at the door, no one had seen Lucy walk in, or favor her ankle. Kyle stuck close behind like a lost puppy as she walked toward her room. He was trying to block their view of her. But Anne seemed to notice and followed them back.
“Lucy, what happened? Are you limping?”
Lucy collapsed onto the bed and removed one of her shoes. “Cheap-ass shoes, gave me a blister.”
“Oh, do you need a Band-Aid?” Anne gestured back.
“No, I’m good. Thanks.” Lucy’s response and smile revealed that she was ready, both physically and mentally.
Waiting with Katie in pre-op, Lucy surveyed the room and tried to wrap her brain around the surreal nature of what was happening. This would be the last time Lucy and her sister would see each other until recovery. Seemingly a mirror image of herself, Katie lay in a bed opposite her wearing an identical blue gown. It almost felt like they were having some sort of hospital fieldtrip and sleepover. For the first time in this whole ordeal, Lucy’s stomach began flip-flopping. She tried to rub the clamminess from her hands. Then suddenly she began to shiver.
“Are you okay, Lucy?” Katie asked from across the room.
“Fine. Just a little chilly.” Lucy couldn’t believe how calm and together Katie seemed.
“Yeah, these hospital rooms are always cold. They’ll give you a heated blanket if you want.”
Lucy shrugged. “Mmm, maybe later.”
“Later you won’t know what you’re feeling.” They shared a giggle as a heavyset, African American nurse entered the room. “Hey, Rita, I’m so glad it’s you.” Katie’s greeting was cheery and casual like they were meeting for lunch.
“I told you I would be here today,” Rita answered with a wink and a smile toward Lucy.
“Rita, this is my sister Lucy.”
“I kinda figured.” Her voice was raspy like she either smoked or had a cold. “Nice to meet you, Lucy.” Rita nodded at Lucy as she worked a few vitals on Katie.
“Hi,” Lucy responded. She glanced around the room for something, anything, to take her mind off the surgery. She wondered why they had all those crappy magazines out in the waiting room and then nothing back here where you really needed it.
After checking both of them, including a concentrated glare at their charts, Rita announced, “Okay, ladies, you two hang tight for a bit, and we’ll be back for you shortly. I’ll let your families know they can have one more quick visit before showtime.” When she reached the doorway, she paused and channeled her inner Florence Nightingale: “Everything’s gonna be just fine.”
After a brief moment of silence, Katie said, “How lame would it sound if I said thank you?”
“Not lame at all, but not needed either. I know you’d do the same for me.”
“I would, Lucy. In a heartbeat.”
Just when the two finally made their way past all the obvious, life-affirming rationalizations and proclamations and relaxed into casual conversation, Rita returned with another nurse and rolled Katie out of the room. As the door swung closed, she caught a quick glimpse of Rick and Linda walking down the hall besid
e Katie. “The nerve of that woman,” Lucy said aloud to herself. But then she swiftly put herself in check as if she were psyching herself up for the big game.
Lucy knew Katie’s exit meant that hers would follow shortly. Anne and Kyle peeked in for a last boost of morale, both displaying plastered smiles. She tried to tune out their chitchat while idle, disturbing thoughts ricocheted around her head. I’ve never even been put out before. What if I don’t wake up? What if Katie doesn’t wake up? Lucy smiled and nodded, completely unaware of anything they were saying. Then she felt a pang of guilt for not showing her appreciation. She should have at least thanked them, told them both how much she appreciated their support. But she just couldn’t bring herself to get into that. Fortunately for her, the two were scooted out as two different nurses arrived to gather her up and deliver her to the operating room. All she could think of while she was being wheeled down the hall was how she felt like she was right in the middle of an episode of ER.
Just like a kid on Christmas Eve, Lucy thought there was no way she would fall asleep. She’d heard about people trying to fight the anesthesia or it not being strong enough to keep them out for the whole surgery. But it seemed like mere seconds after the anesthesiologist plunked his face in front of hers that the room faded to black.
CHAPTER 45
After hours of pacing, small talk, drinking coffee, and just staring out into the hallway from the waiting room, family and friends were finally updated on Katie and Lucy. Both surgeries had gone according to plan, and the doctor informed them that at the current moment Rick could go in to see Katie, but only for a brief visit. She was in ICU and coming out of anesthesia. Rick’s hasty departure left the others speculating and concerned, even though the doctor assured them that Lucy would soon be waking up herself.
Earlier in the afternoon, George had stopped by with Carly for her own reassurance. She wanted to see everyone and wanted to be with her mommy. Unfortunately, it would be at least a couple hours more before they’d hear the good news. So George decided it was better to take Carly to get some food.
Rick stood in the doorway of the ICU watching his precious Katie before making his presence known. Like a parent at bedtime, he took joy in watching the rise and fall of her chest beneath the white folded-down sheet. They were slow, deep breaths, and he matched his own breathing with hers. Sitting next to her bed, he gently rubbed her arm, then stroked her cheek. He did not want to rouse her before she was ready. Rick watched and waited patiently as her head finally began to stir and move slightly back and forth.
A whisper seemed to escape her without her lips even moving. “Rick.”
“I’m here, babe.” He took a firm hold of her hand. “You did great. You’re going to be okay.”
“Lu…Lucy?” Her eyes were fighting to stay open. “Is she okay?”
“The doctor said everything went great. She’s in SAICU and hasn’t woken up yet, but it should be anytime now.”
“Will you check on her for me?”
Rick leaned on the bed with his elbows and lowered his head near hers. “Listen, they said I can’t stay long. You need to rest. But don’t worry, I’ll check on Lucy.” He kissed her fingers and rested his cheek on her hand. This hospital scene had been acted out many times before by the two of them, but this time was different. Rick could feel it in his bones. A rush of relief and promise swept over him. There was no denying Katie’s future would still hold visits to the hospital, recovery, and rehabilitation. But that was nothing compared to no future at all. He knew this was the beginning of a new life for Katie.
Back in the waiting room, Rick asked the others if there were any further updates on Lucy. They all stared blankly at him like he was the one who was supposed to bring back some sort of news.
“I’m sure everything’s fine. Some people just take longer to come out of it,” Kyle said encouragingly.
Anne smiled and tried to keep everyone positive. Her instincts in the hospital setting had kicked into gear. “Hey, everyone, Kyle’s right. Besides, the doctor said everything went fine. I’m going to go rummage us all up some snacks, and I’m sure we’ll hear something soon.”
Kyle was seated in a chair off to one corner, and she patted him on the shoulder before leaving. Then, without a word, he was up and out the door. He was never the “sit around and wait” kind of guy, so he needed to see what was going on. At first, he casually walked around hoping to run into someone who looked familiar—anyone who had been involved in the procedures. He received a few smiles and head nods from various staffers, but none of them questioned or seemed to care where he was going. When he noticed signs leading to the SAICU, he was determined to make his way there, and he hoped that he wouldn’t be stopped. At one point, three staffers bolted down a hallway towards a loud beeping sound, causing Kyle’s heart rate to shoot through the roof. Then, rounding the next corner, Kyle ran right smack into a nurse.
“Oh, excuse me sir,” came her raspy voice.
Kyle looked up and instantly recognized her. “Rita.” He smiled and paused, being careful not to say the wrong thing.
“Is there something I can do for you?”
“Is Lucy down there?” He gestured down the hallway behind her. “Yes…Kyle, right?” She spoke again before he even started to nod. “Lucy isn’t awake yet, and then only immediate family goes in to see her.”
“Shouldn’t she be awake by now? We’re all just a little concerned here, and if I could just see her, just for a few minutes…”
“I’m sorry, but you should really go back to the waiting area.” Her sympathetic look contradicted what she was saying. “I’m sure the doctor will let you know when she wakes up.”
Knowing he had a chance to convince her, Kyle carried on. “Rita, as you know, her immediate family is in recovery as well. And I’m about the closest thing she’s got to family right now.” His eyes pleaded with her. “Don’t you think hearing a familiar voice will help her wake up? Honestly, I’m a little worried that she just might need a reason to wake up.”
Rita looked beyond Kyle down the opposite hallway. He couldn’t tell if she was looking for someone or making sure no one was there. “Like I said, the doctor will speak with you soon. Now I’ve got to tend to another patient.” Then with a slight tilt of her head she gave him a half grin and a raised eyebrow. “You can find your way back alright?” She walked past him and didn’t look back.
Not needing any more of a hint than that, Kyle glided down the hallway until he found Lucy’s room. After a quick peek showed him the coast was clear, he entered the room. Strangely he had never visited anyone in the hospital before, and that hadn’t crossed his mind when he saw her earlier. Maybe it was all the wires and machinery that seemed to be hovering around her, and the beeps and humming that penetrated the silence. He pulled a chair over to the bed and sat next to her, keeping his distance at first.
“Lucy…it’s me, Kyle.” Although his intent was to try and waken her, he couldn’t seem to bring his voice to a level higher than you’d use in the library. “Lucy, can you hear me?” He leaned forward now and rested one hand on top of hers. “You know, Lucy, I bet you’re just really tired. This has probably been a nice long rest for you. But I know you’re gonna wake up soon…you have to.” He ran his fingers through his hair and hung his head down. “I mean, you and I, we’re just starting to—”
The sound of outside creeping in from the opening of the door startled Kyle, and he turned to see one of the surgeons standing in the doorway with a look that told Kyle his time was up.
CHAPTER 46
“What’s he doing with the doctor?” Linda asked as Kyle approached the waiting room, walking and talking with the doctor. Linda felt somewhat like an outsider and hadn’t really spoken until then. She was happy to be there, but she didn’t want to be too intrusive, until that moment.
All eyes turned to the pair, waiting for some sort of big announcement. The doctor walked over to Rick and addressed him first. “Mr. Moore? I’m Dr. T
homas. I assisted in your wife’s operation.” He had an extra-large head with thinning hair across the top.
“Hey, thanks for taking care of Katie.” Rick waited eagerly.
The two stepped to the side to speak privately, although most of what they were saying was completely audible to the others. In fact, Linda made a point of getting within closer earshot. Dr. Thomas wanted to give Rick a heads-up about the briefing he would need to have with the transplant coordinators. They would be providing detailed instructions regarding antirejection medicine, rejection signs to look for, measuring vitals, and answering any other questions that he and Katie may have. Rick definitely felt a pang of anxiety hearing that, but he was already aware of the fact that they wouldn’t walk out of there home free. But he wasn’t going to let that dampen his optimism.
“The other thing I wanted to talk with you about is your sister-in-law.”
“Why hasn’t she woken up yet? Is it some sort of…coma?”
“Technically, we can’t say that yet. It hasn’t been long enough.”
“Then why isn’t she awake yet?” Linda interrupted.
“Unfortunately, I can’t give you any answers at this time.” Dr. Thomas gave a sweeping look around to address everyone. “But what I can tell you is that both sisters are getting the absolute best care, and we’ll continue to monitor this…situation.” He turned back to Rick once again. “One thing that is very important is that you try to keep Katie calm.” Rick nodded, expecting the doctor had more to say. “She’s very concerned about Lucy, so if possible, try to keep her mind on other things. In the meantime, someone will be back later to give you another update.”
Leaving mixed reactions in the room, the doctor quietly exited, and after a brief moment of silence, Linda responded with, “Update us on what? Whether or not my daughter will ever wake up?” She walked across the room and looked out toward the nearby nurses’ station. “Why are they not doing something about this?”
In Search of Lucy: A Novel Page 23