“I love you Daniel,” she whispered as she skimmed her lips over his battered and bruised face. “Please come back to me.”
Chapter Fifteen
“You’ll need to tell me how to find your place, Elizabeth,” Gwyneth said as the BMW sprang to life in the hospital car park.
When Lizzy realized her mother had never been to the apartment, her chest tightened. Had Daniel been staying there? She’d gathered from Nessa that he probably hadn’t been, but then, maybe he’d been there at some stage, and who knows what he might have done. As there was nothing she could do, she gave her mother the directions.
The street lamps shed a fuzzy yellow glow through the heavy fog. Not surprising really that no one was about they pulled up outside the apartment a short while later. It was surreal, being here with her mother and not with Daniel. Lizzy could only imagine what her mother would think of it. The building lacked any street appeal, in fact, it was ugly, but Lizzy was proud of how she’d decorated and furnished the inside of the apartment, and hoped it would gain her mother’s approval. Not that her mother’s approval really mattered. But it would be nice.
Lizzy held her breath as she slowly opened the door and peeked inside before switching on the light. It appeared that everything was as she’d left it, and she slowly exhaled.
“Come on in, Mother. Welcome to our humble abode.”
Gwyneth looked around as she undid her coat.
“This is very nice, dear. Small, but homely.” Lizzy took her mother’s coat and hung it on the hook.
“Thank you, Mother. We were going to start looking for a house, but then all this happened. I guess we’ll be stuck here for a while now. If Daniel survives, that is.” Lizzy's shoulders slumped and a sudden wave of fear gripped her body, sending a cold shiver up her spine. What if he didn’t survive? She couldn’t imagine what it would be like if he didn’t.
“Oh darling.” Gwyneth pulled Lizzy close and comforted her. She gently stroked Lizzy’s hair and whispered to her. “God’s looking after him. Trust Him, dear.” She slowly released her hold on Lizzy and held her at arm’s length. “Come on now Elizabeth, dry those tears and show me to my room.”
Lizzy sniffed, a faint smile growing on her face. “Thank you for being here, Mother.”
Gwyneth's eyes watered, and she squeezed Lizzy's hands.
With Gwyneth settled in the spare room, Lizzy ventured into her own bedroom. Her and Daniel’s bedroom.
Everything was as she’d left it the morning she’d gone looking for Daniel just over a week before. Her heart ached. Oh God, please let him pull through. She fell onto the bed, not even bothering to change, and clutched Daniel’s pillow to breathe in his scent.
Lizzy was woken by her mother at six o’clock the following morning with a cup of tea.
“Elizabeth! You slept in your clothes!” Gwyneth said as she placed the cup on the bedside table.
Lizzy looked at the crumpled smock she’d had on since leaving Sal’s place the previous morning and grimaced.
“I must have fallen asleep without realising.” She pulled herself up and reached for the cup of tea. “Thanks for waking me, Mother.”
“I thought you’d be anxious to get to the hospital, dear. Although I’m sure you’d also benefit from a sleep in.”
“Yes, I am anxious. I wonder how Daniel is this morning?” She put her tea down and slid out of bed.
“I doubt there’s been any change,” Gwyneth said as she walked back out to the kitchen, followed by Lizzy.
“I want to be there when he opens his eyes.” Lizzy stood looking out the window and drank her tea. “I’ll finish this and get ready quickly.” She glanced at her mother, who was already dressed and ready for the day. “You must have been up early, Mother.”
“No earlier than usual, dear.”
“Oh… I hope you slept well?”
“I won’t complain,” Gwyneth replied, taking a seat and picking up a piece of toast.
Lizzy tilted her head to her mother as she washed her cup and placed it upside down on the draining rack. So strong and stoic. Love for her mother warmed Lizzy’s heart.
“That sounds like you didn’t…”
“Yes, well. Strange bed and all. It’s not a problem, dear.”
“Okay then. As long as you’re okay, I’ll leave you to your toast and jump in the shower.”
Fifteen minutes later, Lizzy was showered, dressed, and ready to leave for the hospital.
When they arrived they went straight to the ICU and stopped at the Nurses’ station, where they learned Daniel was still in the same room, and that his condition was unchanged.
Lizzy led the way, and stopping at the door, she took a deep breath to still the shaking in her hands before opening it slowly. The nurse was correct. Daniel lay in the same position, his face empty of expression. Only the bandage on his head looked any different. Everything else about him was just as it had been the night before.
She walked swiftly to the chair beside the bed and took his hand, saying good morning to him before placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. She had to be strong for him, but inside she was a mess. She pushed back the tears that stung the back of her eyes and took a slow, deep breath.
“Well, Daniel O’Connor. What are we doing today?”
When he didn’t answer, Lizzy proceeded to tell him about their trip into the hospital that morning in rush hour traffic. It had taken twice as long to get there that morning as it had taken to get home last night.
“And you know what I discovered when we got home? You haven’t been sleeping in our bed!” She leaned closer to him. “Where have you been, Daniel? What have you been doing?” She peered into his face, hoping for some reaction. Just a flinch or a twitch. Just something to let her know he was okay. But there was nothing. Lizzy’s heart fell, and she pulled back a little, her body slumping. “Well, you’re not going to get rid of me that easily. I’m going to stay here until you wake up, so you’d better make it snappy. I don’t want to have the baby while I’m sitting here.”
Gwyneth placed her hand gently on Lizzy’s shoulder.
“Elizabeth, I think you need some time alone with Daniel. Do you mind if I go off for a while?”
Lizzy looked up startled. How could she have forgotten about her mother? “Where will you go, Mother?”
“Just for a walk. The hospital gardens looked particularly lovely. I’ll grab a coffee and find a seat and read for a while. I'll come back later in the morning and check on you."
“Okay Mother. I’m sorry.” Lizzy held her hand out to Gwyneth and smiled weakly.
“Nonsense, dear. Daniel needs your attention, not me.”
Lizzy let her hand drop and thanked her mother. When Gwyneth had gone, she turned to Daniel, and as she gazed at him and gently stroked his hand, love for him flowed through her body like warm honey.
“Daniel. I don’t know if you can hear me or not, but I’m sorry for everything. I know I didn’t love you as I should, but that’s all sorted now, and I just want you back. I love you, and I promise we’ll work everything out together.” She leaned in closer to him and kissed him on the cheek. “Just come back to me, please.” She closed her eyes and squeezed back the tears that threatened to fall. She had to stay strong, for both their sakes.
As she sat beside him stroking his hand, she told him all about her week, including the meeting with Mathew and how she’d finally been released from his hold on her. She told him about the church service, and how she’d forgiven Mathew and his mother, and that she’d also forgiven her father. It all came off her lips so easily, but would she have been able to talk to him like that if she knew he could hear?
“It’s like a clean slate, Daniel. We can start again, without any of those shadows hanging over us. I know we can do it, Daniel. I just know it.”
Lizzy sat quietly, and prayed for Daniel and their marriage. She pleaded with God to bring Daniel back to her, whole and undamaged, and that she’d learn to love him more, and to be the wif
e he needed. One that would support and encourage him, through thick or thin. One that would love with him with God’s love, unconditionally.
She studied his face. The bruising and cuts told a story, and not a nice one. But how will it work if you keep drinking, Daniel? How can I love you unconditionally if you continue to drink and lift your hand to me? Nessa’s words came back to her as she reflected on this seeming disparity. ‘Lizzy, you’ll need to set boundaries…’ Boundaries…
Nessa! Does she know Daniel’s here? Lizzy sat up, her heart pounding. How could she have forgotten about Nessa and Riley, especially after all they’d done?
She stood up and was about to go looking for a phone when a woman doctor walked in. She had a friendly face and short ginger wavy hair, and Lizzy knew instantly this was Doctor Henderson.
“Mrs O’Connor?” The doctor stretched out her hand towards Lizzy’s.
Lizzy nodded and took her hand.
“Doctor Henderson. The nurses told me you were here. It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Doctor.” Lizzy shot Daniel a glance. “He doesn’t look too good, does he?” Lizzy’s voice faltered. “Please tell me he’ll be alright.”
“We certainly hope so, but it’s a matter of waiting. Apart from looking after his physical injuries, we can only wait for him to come out of the coma himself. Hopefully it will only be a matter of days.”
The doctor picked up Daniel’s chart and inspected it.
“Everything seems fine here. He’d be very sore if he was conscious, so maybe it’s best he’s unaware of it all for now.”
The room started spinning, and Lizzy fumbled for the seat.
“Are you alright, Mrs O’Connor?” Doctor Henderson strode over and helped Lizzy to sit.
Lizzy looked up gratefully and nodded.
“Yes, I think so. It was just such a shock seeing him like this, but hearing it from you …” She reached out to Daniel and took his hand. “It must have been a bad accident. Do you know what happened?”
Doctor Henderson stood with her arms crossed low in front of her and tilted her head. Her face softened further as she spoke. “Not all the details, but I believe it was a single vehicle accident, and he was intoxicated at the time. I hate to tell you this, dear, but the police will want to interview Daniel when he regains consciousness.”
Lizzy closed her eyes. It was as she’d feared. Why had Daniel been driving when he’d been drinking? She could throttle him. He knew better than that, surely. But maybe this was the rock bottom Nessa had referred to. At least he hadn’t injured anyone else. She inhaled deeply and opened her eyes.
Squeezing her lips together, Lizzy nodded acknowledgment. The doctor placed her hand gently on Lizzy’s shoulder.
“Can I call someone for you?”
Lizzy sniffed and shook her head. “My mother’s not far away. But thank you.”
‘“No problem, dear. It looks like this couldn’t have happened at a worse time for you. Make sure you look after yourself.”
Lizzy nodded and smiled gratefully at the doctor.
“I will.”
When the doctor left, Lizzy remained seated to calm her nerves. Having the Police involved was something she hadn’t anticipated, and the very prospect filled her with apprehension. Leaning forward, she clenched her hands together and controlled her breathing, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
She was interrupted by a nurse who had come to check on Daniel, so took the opportunity to visit the bathroom and then to call Nessa.
“Nessa, Lizzy here.” Lizzy gripped the receiver with both hands, and leaned against the wall for support.
“Lizzy! We’ve been trying to contact you. Where are you?”
“I’m at the hospital. We left as soon as we heard and got here late last night. Oh Nessa, it’s horrible!”
“I know sweetie. We were there yesterday for a while. He’s a mess.”
Lizzy sniffed and wiped her nose with a tissue.
“He’s in good hands, Liz. He’ll pull through.”
Lizzy nodded and closed her eyes. “I hope so,” she said weakly.
“Stay strong, sweet girl. Is somebody with you?”
“My mother at the moment. But she has to go home today.”
“Come and stay with us then. You won’t want to be on your own.”
Lizzy sniffed and gulped before replying feebly. “Thank you, Ness.”
“I’ll come to the hospital this afternoon, and we can sort out what to do then.”
Lizzy nodded, her heart overflowing with an array of emotions, including a sense of relief to be able to share her grief with Nessa.
“Thanks Nessa,” Lizzy whispered before hanging up.
Lizzy pulled a tissue out her pocket and wiped her eyes, annoyed with herself for not even being able to make a simple phone call without bursting into tears. Why couldn’t she be strong like Sal or Nessa?
Once she’d regained control of herself, she returned to Daniel’s bedside, where she remained until Gwyneth returned half an hour later.
“How was your walk, Mother?” Gwyneth’s cheeks looked flushed and her normally tidy hair slightly out of place.
“Quite relaxing, dear, although a chilly wind was blowing.” She pulled her jacket off and placed it over a chair. “And how are you?”
Lizzy pulled herself straighter, determined to be strong.
“Good. I met Doctor Henderson, and I’ve spoken to Nessa. And there’s been no change with Daniel.” She looked at him, longing him to wake him. Nothing, not a single thing, had changed. How much longer would it take?
Gwyneth smiled warmly at Lizzy and held out her hand. “Be patient, dear. It’s early days yet.”
That word again. Her mother was right. She’d always wanted things to happen straight away, patience not being one of her strong points.
“Nessa said I can stay with them.”
“That’s a nice offer, dear. Better than being on your own. I feel bad about leaving you, but I promised your father.”
“It’s okay, Mother. You drove me here.” Lizzy stood and gave Gwyneth a warm hug.
“It was the least I could do, dear.” Gwyneth leaned back and held Lizzy at arm’s length. “I’ll be praying for you both, Elizabeth. Despite what your father thinks, I believe Daniel is a fine young man, and I’m sure once he’s faced his problems, he’ll make you a wonderful husband.”
Despite her resolve to be strong, Lizzy couldn’t control her tears. Her mother’s words warmed her heart and gave her hope for their marriage. Yes, Daniel was a fine young man, and he would make her a wonderful husband. Despite all the odds, they would have a future to look forward to together. You just need to wake up, Daniel.
Chapter Sixteen
Day after day Lizzy sat beside Daniel’s bed, holding his hand, talking to him, reading to him, and praying for him. Day after day there was no change, apart from the fresh dressings the nurses applied. They washed and shaved him, making him comfortable, but the expression on his face remained unchanged.
Lizzy ran her fingers over his body when no one was watching, imagining what it would be like to be in his arms again, to have him love her like he had when they were first married. She remembered their honeymoon and how affectionate he’d been, and she laughed at how many clothes she’d packed but hadn’t needed.
She whispered to him and told him how much she loved him, and made promises she hoped she could keep if ever he came back to her.
She read to him from the Bible, praying that the words might filter into his heart, even if his ears were unable to hear.
And then one day, as Lizzy read aloud from the book of John, his monitor sent out a series of piercing beeps. Startled, she dropped her Bible and stood, her heart beating faster as panic set in. Moments later, two nurses flew in through the door.
Lizzy stood back, her eyes wide and pulse racing, as the nurses checked the monitor and pressed the alert button. Within seconds, two orderlies appeared and transferred Dani
el, with all his tubes, to another bed, and wheeled him out with Lizzy following, her arms reaching out to the trolley.
Lizzy frantically tried to get past a short, stocky middle aged nurse who stood in her way, but the nurse held out both arms and prevented her from going any further.
"You can't go with him, dear. He's had a haemorrhage in his brain, and we need to operate straight away. You can stay here or in the waiting room, but you can't go with him."
“Please let me follow him.” Lizzy’s eyes popped as she pushed harder to get past the nurse.
“Walk with me.”
Lizzy walked with the nurse down the hallway until the orderlies pushed the trolley with Daniel lying on it through a pair of swinging doors with a ‘No Entry’ sign very obviously placed above, and disappeared. The nurse directed her to the waiting area, and then left.
On her own, Lizzy’s heart raced out of control and she thought she would faint.
“Are you alright, Mrs O’Connor?”
Lizzy looked up with a pained expression on her face. "I just need my husband to be alright."
“It’s too early to tell, I’m sorry, but we’ll let you know the moment we have news.”
Lizzy inhaled deeply and clenched her hands together. God, why did you let this happen?
The nurse placed a cup of hot tea in Lizzy’s hands without her noticing. Lizzy stared was at the swinging doors, and every time someone came out, her heart lifted, but then fell when they walked past her.
She turned when someone sat beside her. Nessa placed her arm around Lizzy’s shoulder and pulled her close. Time inched forward slowly and painfully, one slow second at a time.
Would Daniel survive? Oh God, he has to. Please be with him. Lizzy remained in Nessa’s embrace, suspended somewhere between hope and despair. Her mind drifted briefly from time to time, but then she’d be brought back to the horrible reality of the situation as the sound of the doors swinging open reached her conscious mind. How much longer could this go on for?
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