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Sam pulled up in front of the house Charlie had plugged into the GPS and parked on the street. She was sound asleep in the front seat and what he had to say wouldn't take long.
He marched across the stone paved driveway and pounded on the front door just like the police had on his door the night before.
He heard yelling inside and an old woman threw the front door open with her arms crossed. Just behind her stood and older man, with the same sad look in his eyes that mirrored his own.
"What do you want? Gated community, humph. That security guard is getting fired tomorrow."
"I just wanted to look into the eyes of the monster that broke my girlfriend's heart and tell her to go to hell."
"Get off my property or I'm calling the police." She tried to slam the door in his face, but he stuck his foot just inside the threshold to stop it.
His heart beat wildly in his chest as she called out to the man behind her. Only, he didn't move to help her. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall.
"I've been trying to wrap my head around what kind of person calls the police on her own granddaughter and tells her she's a murderer. Then it hit me. It’s the same kind of person that tried to leverage her daughters happiness away from her with money. You see, you can't even begin to fathom the kind of person or mother your daughter was, or your granddaughter, for that matter. You're too selfish and bitter."
"How dare you…! How dare you come to my hou—"
"How dare I? How dare you." Sam pointed his finger in her face. "How dare you blame an innocent child for the decision her mother made out of unconditional love for her? You can't, because you don't understand that kind of love. Your daughter fought to keep her child alive, knowing it was going to kill her. She had a choice. To save herself, or her baby. She chose her baby."
He turned and pointed to her truck, fighting back the urge to run to Charlie. "That girl has been through hell and back. She's the strongest, most loving, considerate, selfless person I know. She's nothing like you and everything like her parents. Both of them. So, you can stand here in your big fancy house, with all your money and think you're better than the rest of the world…but lady, I'm here to tell you money can't buy you love. From the looks of things, your hatred crushed the only person left in this world who could've possibly loved you."
Her face distorted with anger and pain with every word he said, but he wasn't finished.
"So, I'll leave. Call the cops if you want, but know this, you can go to hell. One day, when you're on your death bed, don't be surprised that you're all alone. That's what happens to terrible people." He un-wedged his foot from the door, turned on his heel, and marched down the stairs toward the street.
The silence behind him was almost deafening. He thought telling her off would make him feel better and that standing up for Charlie's honor would make it right in some way, but he knew deep down that she had a long way to go to heal.
The only person that could help set the story straight for her, even though he'd already figured it out...was Joe.
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A mix of emotions assaulted Charlie all over again as they pulled into Charlie's driveway. Fear was foremost in her mind when she saw everyone's cars were already there. Sam had told her when she woke up that he'd called her dad and let him know they were headed back.
Sam put her truck in park and shut it off. He reached over and grabbed her hand. "You okay?"
Only able to shake her head no, she wasn't sure what to say. She was far from okay. The new threat of facing her dad and Callie after she did exactly what they told her not to do scared the ever-loving shit out of her.
"He's going to freak out on me."
"Don't underestimate your dad's love for you. Come on. Let's go face the music."
She nodded and waited for him to come around to her side and open her door. Those last few moments were probably the last bit of silence she'd have.
It was the calm before the storm.
Sam offered her his hand as she got out of her truck. Graciously, she accepted it and laced her fingers with his as they headed for the back door. Charlie tried to keep her breathing calm before they walked in the house. She pushed the door to the kitchen open and everyone was standing there with dark circles under their eyes. She realized she'd caused them more stress and pain, yet again, tears poured down her face.
"I'm sorry."
Joe was before her in three strides and pulled her into his massive arms. "Shh. My only concern is that you're okay."
His chest rumbled as he spoke, but the tone of his voice was comforting as she laid her head against him and hugged him tighter. "I'm not even going to ask what you were thinking going there alone. I wasn't trying to keep a big dark secret from you, Charles. I just wanted to protect you from this happening." He pulled back and cupped her face. "I'm sorry I failed you, kid. Even though I tried to keep you from the pain, I wasn't able to."
"You didn't fail, daddy. I didn't listen. I never listen. I just cause everyone pain." Sobs rocked through her as her dad wrapped his arms back around her and kissed her hair.
Callie came over and wrapped her arms around both of them. "Our concern is you, honey. This was bound to happen whether we told you everything or not. I just hate you dealt with it alone. Well, until Sam got there." She reached out and grabbed Sam's hand.
"Thank you for taking care of our girl, Sam. You were there for her when we weren't and I can never thank you enough for that."
He just nodded, but didn't say anything. What could he say? Charlie felt even worse that her family was blaming themselves for her recklessness.
They moved out of the kitchen and into the living room and sat down while Charlie recounted every horrible detail through her cries.
"That old bitch. I'd love to say that I can't believe she did that, but I can. She did the same thing to your mom. When they showed up at the hospital, we had to get security to escort her out because of the scene she caused."
Scene? What scene?
Charlie's head shot up. "What are you talking about, dad?"
Letting out a long sigh, he shook his head. "I never wanted you to know these details because I knew it would only cause you more pain, but I guess now I need to tell you. When we got to the hospital, your mom was in full labor and things were getting bad fast. I called your grandfather to let him know they needed to get to the hospital. That you were coming and they weren't sure if she was going to make it."
The tears fell rapidly at his words. Callie squeezed her hand. "So, she's right. I did kill her."
Joe's face turned crimson. "Don't you ever say that again. Do you understand me? Your mom and I talked long and hard about every possible situation. She had a living will drawn up long before her delivery with her wishes. So, contrary to anything that old bitch’s said, I was following your mom's wishes. I didn't make the final call. Your mom did. From the moment she found out she was pregnant with you, all she felt was joy."
Guilt wretched Charlie's stomach. She felt joy and all I feel is self-loathing. I'm a terrible person. I don't deserve this baby. Should I tell them all now?
Callie's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "Honey, Gloria said so many things that are untrue. In the beginning, she did try to get your mom to abort and your mom was devastated that her own mother would even suggest that to her. She was happily married and had just found out she was starting her own family. It wasn't like she was a teenager and it was out of wedlock, but that's how Gloria had treated it."
Oh God. I can't say anything now. It would crush them. Teenager? Check. Wedlock? Double Check.
Charlie found Jules eyes across the room and his message was loud and clear.
Keep your mouth shut.
She started to sob harder. They had no idea what she was actually sobbing over, now. Here she sat, four months pregnant with Sam's baby, listening to the horror story of her birth, and she couldn't say a word about it.
Joe spoke again. "We don't need to talk about the rest of it, Charles. I don't want to upset you further."
Shaking her head no, she swallowed hard. "No, I need to know. I need to know every detail of what happened."
They probably thought she was just punishing herself at that point, but she needed to know what her fate was going to be.
He let out another deep sigh. The tension was thick in the air and the only sounds were Charlie's sobs. "You came early. You weren't due for another two months. The doctors had a plan in place to make sure you and your mom would both be okay, but that all went to shit when she went into labor early." Joe's bottom lip quivered and a rogue tear ran down his cheek. He quickly wiped it away. "Your mom cried the entire way to the hospital. She kept saying it was too early, that you were too little and that no matter what happened I had to save you." His nostrils flared and it was obvious he was fighting back tears as he recounted what should have been the happiest day of life. Instead, it was the worst. He lost the love of his life.
"You had to choose between her and me?"
"No. It was never a choice. We knew deep down she wasn't going to make it. Her heart was giving out. She had a heart attack as soon as we got to the hospital. It’s all a blur from there, but the choice was easy. We had to make sure they did everything they could to keep you alive or lose you both."
Sniffles filled the room. Charlie wasn't sure who was crying. She couldn't tear her eyes away from her dad. He sat on the edge of the couch across from her, hunched over with his forearms on his knees and his eyes cast down at the floor.
"Did you get to say goodbye?"
That's all it took. His dam broke. Joe let out a strangled sob, jumped to his feet, and left the room.
Guilt hit her like a baseball bat to the chest. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms protectively around her stomach.
"I shouldn't have asked him that."
"It's okay, honey. It's just hard for him." Callie reached her arms around her and pulled her into a hug. Sam and Jules sat there in upset silence.
Her reality set in. She would have only seven months, not nine. She had three months left until her fate would be like her moms.
Joe walked back in and kneeled in front of her. "I never had the chance to say goodbye. They ushered me out of the room. All I got to do was yell ‘I love you’ from the door. I needed her to know that. Charles, listen to me. We don't get second chances at life. You know this better than anyone. The choices we make impact not only us, but everyone who loves us. Your transplant is looming, and we have no idea what tomorrow brings. So, take this advice. I beg you. Don't waste time. Tell everyone how you feel. Do the things you want to do. Live. Thrive. Be the woman I know you are. Don't let bitter, nasty people bring you down. I want the world for you."
She flung herself at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. They cried together. All she wanted to do was come clean, but how could she now that he'd bared his soul to her? Watching him fall apart and talking about her mom had taken its toll on her. How could she destroy him further by telling him she was already four months pregnant? What about Sam, too? He didn't deserve that kind of fate either.
She just couldn't do it.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Later, Jules pulled her away from everyone. They went out back and sat by the pool.
"Dude," he stated, almost panicking. "We can't tell them now. It would crush them."
"I know. I got the message loud and clear. I thought tonight would be the perfect time to tell them all, but then things got really heavy and I knew I couldn't."
Jules pulled her into a hug. "What are we going to do? We aren't equipped to handle this on our own."
He was right and she knew it. Her little trip proved she wasn't ready for quite a lot in life that she thought she was.
Surprise, dipshit! You're not as badass as you thought you were.
Rubbing her face, she tried to think of a solution. Only one thing came to mind.
She had to call Doctor Brown and come clean. He would know what to do. If she took her dad and Callie off of her OSHA paperwork, too, they wouldn't be privy to her medical information anymore. The good doctor wouldn't be able to tell them anything without her permission, either.
I should have just blurted it out when I found out, but it's too late now. The damage is done.
It didn't take long for someone to come out looking for them. Charlie was all talked out and the only place she wanted to be was in the comfort of Sam's arms.
"Hey. I'm sure you guys still have a lot to talk about. I'm going to take off, but if you need anything, anything at all call me." Sam gently rubbed her back.
She looked up at him with the smallest grin she could muster. "There's nothing left to say. I'd like to go home with you."
I'd like to go home with you? Really, Charlie? Ugh. Can you say desperate?
A genuine Sam smile spread across his face like what she just said was music to his ears. "If that's what you want. Then your wish is my command." He gave her a slight bow.
Jules all but choked. "Oh God. Get a room! I swear, you two are seriously vomit worthy." He looked at them both in disgust.
She wanted to get snippy with him but she just didn't have it in her.
"Do you need to pack anything?" Sam asked as he pulled her to her feet.
"Nah. Worst case I'll just steal another one of your shirts." She leaned into him.
"You sure you're okay to go? I mean, if you need me I can stay here tonight?"
Shaking her head vehemently, she sighed. "No, Jules. I just want to get out of here. I can't handle any more lectures."
He gave her a knowing look and pulled her into a hug. "Call me if you need anything, okay?" She nodded and he looked over at Sam. "Take care of her."
"Always," he answered with a small nod.
They headed to Sam's house in silence. There was so much to say and yet nothing at all. The longer the lie went on, the harder it was for her to break. Even if she told him and not Callie and her dad, it still wouldn't go over well. She had still lied.
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Something was wrong; she could feel it. Her ejection fraction wasn't great the last time she’d been to the doctor, but this was different.
It can't be the baby.
Charlie looked over at Sam on the other end his couch and propped herself up on her elbow.
"Hey, I know this is asking a lot, but is there any way you can run to my house and grab my meds? They're in a green case in the kitchen by the coffee pot."
"Sure, babe. You feeling okay? You look pretty pale."
"No, not really. I need to call my doctor and see if I can get in tomorrow."
"Here. Call him while I grab your stuff." Sam handed her the phone, kissed her on the forehead, and hopped off the couch. He grabbed his keys off the counter before he slipped out the front door.
The phone slipped through her hands and hit the floor with a thud. She reached down and picked it up slowly. Dizziness swarmed her and it took a second for her to adjust before she dialed.
The receptionist answered after the second ring.
"Heart and Vascular, Dr. Brown’s office. This is Bev. How can I assist you this morning?"
"Hey Bev, it's Charlie," she almost slurred.
"Hi, hon. You don't sound well. What's going on?"
"Is he available?" Charlie rubbed the back of her neck.
"No, he's out this week. What's going on?"
"I just feel really weak. Something's off, I just don't know what." She laid her head back against the couch.
"Do you have your blood pressure cuff? Can you take it for me?"
Charlie closed her eyes and couldn't remember if she'd brought it with her or not.
"Let me check," she said, into the phone and forced herself to get up.
She shuffled into Sam's bedroom to get the blood pressure cuff from her bag and sat down on the bed.
"Charlie, you still with me?" Bev asked.
"Yeah."
"I think you should go to the E.R."
"I don't want to go if it's nothing."
"Nothing with you is never nothing, my dear."
"Yeah, yeah." Bev was right, but Charlie wasn't about to tell her that.
She unwrapped the velcro, slid it on, wrapped it tight, and hit start. The machine hummed as the cuff grew tighter and tighter around her bicep. The pressure lightened with each click until it released completely and revealed her numbers.
"Huh," Charlie muttered. That can't be right.
"What does it say?" Bev asked.
"Hang on, let me take it again."
Bev let out an exaggerated sigh as Charlie hit the button again. The cuff grew tight and when it released the same numbers stared back at her.
"Shit."
"Charlie. What does it say?"
"52/40. Pulse twenty two."
"Call an Ambulance now! I am calling the ER and letting them know you are on the way. I am not kidding. Hang up and call now!"
"Okay."
"Take care of yourself, honey. I'm calling the ER."
"Okay. Thanks, Bev."
"Bye, hon."
Charlie hung up, tossed the phone on the bed, and buried her head in her hands. It'd take Sam a while to get back and if she was going to get a shower, she needed to take it before he got there.
As soon as she stood up, she had to grab the bed for support. Oh shit.
"You got this. Come on, Charlie. You need to shave and you need clean underwear." She slowly made her way into the bathroom.
A warm shower wasn't an option, as she'd pass out for sure. Instead, she turned the water as cold as she could stand it and stepped in. Her teeth chattered as goose bumps rose on every inch of her skin. This is the dumbest idea I've ever had. She washed and shaved as fast as she could and got out.
Exhausted, she wrapped a towel around herself and leaned against the bathroom wall for support. Her legs gave way and she sank down the wall into a heap on the floor. She didn't care. All she wanted to do was get dressed and her clothes were in her duffle bag on Sam's bed.
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