Right Kind of Wrong Read online

  “Hi.”

  “Well we are going to leave you two alone. Call me if you need anything. Ok?” Reese gives me a hug.

  “I will.”

  “I’ll come by tomorrow and check on you.” She winks at me. Blake gives me a hug and they leave.

  “Hi again,” He says to me.

  “Hi . . .”

  “I have a few things for you. Harlie wanted me to give you these. She’s been drawing ever since she found out you were in a car accident.” He hands me a stack about an inch thick of pictures done by her.

  “I’ll have to call her later to thank her.”

  “This bouquet of flowers is from my parents.” It’s a bunch of different flowers, from roses to lilies and daisies.

  “They’re beautiful.” I whisper.

  “And these are from me.” And it’s my favorite flowers. Sunflowers and white daises.

  “How did you know those were my favorite flowers? They’re perfect!”

  “Not sure, guess I just got lucky.” He smiles. “I love you, Emily. I hope you know that.”

  “I do too, Xander, and I think I knew you always did love me.” I say to him and my eyes start to get heavy.

  “Come here,” He says getting next to me in my bed. “Let me hold you and you get some sleep.”

  I don’t even say anything. I just curl up in his arms and pass out.

  AFTER EMILY HAD fallen asleep her parents came back to the hospital. I lifted myself off the bed slowly, “She just fell asleep.” I whisper.

  “How is she?” Her mother asks.

  “She’s ok. I think she had too many visitors today. She exhausted.”

  “Well I appreciate you staying with her, but you can leave now. We have it from here.” Her father informs me.

  “Sir, with all due respect, I’m not leaving. Your daughter is my world. I am not leaving this hospital unless I’m leaving with her.” I stood tall and I stood my ground.

  “Who the hell are you anyways? My daughter doesn’t have a boyfriend.” Her mom snaps at me.

  “Yes, she does. It’s taken us a while to get there, but I’m Xander. Your daughter’s boyfriend and the father to that baby she was carrying.”

  Her parents glared at me and then looked at each other. “Well, we didn’t know anything about you. It seems as if we don’t even know our child these days.” Her mother scuffs.

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Hayes. I don’t know what to say, but I hope you’ll respect me and your daughter and not make me leave.”

  “I’m Kathy, Em’s older sister. This is Hilary and Danny.” She says getting in between us.

  “Nice to meet you all.” I smile and nod my head.

  “I’m going to step outside for a few minutes and make some calls. If she wakes up, tell her I’ll be right back.” I tell them, I lean down and kiss her on the forehead. “I love you.” I say against her forehead.

  I walk out her room and down the hall.

  “Xander, wait up.” Kathy says behind me.

  “Mind if I join you?” She asks.

  “No, come on” I reply.

  We walk outside, “Sorry, but I got to make a call really quick.” I tell her.

  I call my mom and check on Harlie, “Hey Babygirl. Emily is sleeping right now, but she loved your pictures.”

  “Can I come visit her, Daddy?” She asks.

  “We’ll see, maybe in a couple of days or when she goes home. But I’ll talk to Emily.”

  “Daddy, I love Emily.”

  “Me too, Babygirl, me too.”

  Harlie starts to giggle “Daddy’s in love!” She shouts into the phone.

  “Yep, I sure am. Ok I’m going to go. I’ll talk to you later. Ok?”

  “Ok, Daddy! I love you.”

  “I love you too.” And I hang up.

  “How old is she?” Kathy asks.

  “She’s 5.”

  “I take it, her and Emily are close?”

  “Em’s her teacher.”

  “Ohhhh, wow. That, she didn’t tell me! “

  “I know, kind of weird, but we met before that.”

  “Do you really love my sister?”

  “I ain’t going to lie, I loved her probably from the moment I saw her, but after Harlie’s mom took off on us, I swore off relationships. It’s taken me a while to open up to the fact that Emily is the one for me, but I’m here now and I’m never going to leave. No matter who doesn’t like me.”

  “Give my parents a chance. They may be different from everyone in this city and different than you’re used to, but they have one goal in common just like any other parent. They just want their kids happy and safe.”

  “I get that and I’m sure it was a shock to see me laying in her bed next to her when you all came in.”

  Kathy starts laughing. “Oh, you have no idea. My dad flipped. It’s been a while since I’ve heard him cuss, but wow the swear words that came out of his mouth. It’s was sort of awesome.”

  We stood outside for a little chatting and getting to know each other, until I decided I’d been away from Emily for too long and I needed to make sure she was ok. We walk into Emily’s room and her brother Danny and Hilary are sitting on the bed talking to her. When she sees me, her eyes get big and she gives me that smile that makes me melt.

  “So are you actually going to stay here tonight?” Mr. Hayes asks me.

  “Yes Sir, I am.”

  He hands me a card with a number on it. “This is our cell phone number and the hotel where we are staying. Will you call us if anything changes in the middle of the night?”

  “Yes Sir, that’s no problem at all.”

  “Alright then. I guess I’m ok with you staying. My daughter speaks very highly of you, but until I get to know you, I’ll hold my judgments.”

  “That’s fine, but I hope you realize that even if you don’t like me, I love your daughter and that will never change. I am going to love Emily until my last dying breath.” I say standing up tall and proud. I’m not going to let anyone change my mind or keep us apart.

  Her parents and her siblings say goodbye to Emily and head back to the hotel. Kathy gave me a hug and Danny shook my hand, but the rest just walked out.

  “Oh, thank God they’re gone!” She says.

  “I’m pretty sure he hates me,” I say pointing to the door and walking towards her.

  “Yeah, he probably does, but don’t let him get to you. He’s just never seen one of his kids in a hospital before.”

  “It’s more than that. I know I didn’t give a great first impression lying in bed with you when they came in,”

  “Or telling them you were my boyfriend and the father to my baby.”

  “You heard that, huh?”

  “Uh, yeah. I could kill that doctor though. Saying that shit in front of them.”

  “Why did he anyways?”

  “Just wanted to reassure me that there was no damage and that I can conceive and carry another child,”

  I can’t erase the smile on my face, “That’s good! Cuz I wouldn’t mind making another kid or two.”

  “Alright Mister, slow the fuck down. You just told me you loved me. Slow down, I don’t need you bolting on me.”

  I start laughing, “Ok, Babe. Good point. But for the record, I’m not bolting!”

  The nurse comes in and checks her vitals, “How is she looking?” I ask.

  “She’s looking good. Everything seems to be stable. So far, so good. The doctor has scheduled an MRI for later tonight.”

  “Why tonight? Shouldn’t she be sleeping?

  “It’s less busy at night and he’ll have the results by morning and then we can start making a plan as to what her next steps are.”

  “Ok, well that makes sense. Can she eat yet?”

  “Xander, chill. Let them do their job.”

  “It’s ok, Emily. You can start eating, but I would suggest starting off with crackers and plain yogurt, see how you handle it and going from there.”

  “Ok, well that’s
better than nothing.” She tells the nurse.

  “I’ll bring some in and then you can get some rest before we take you down for your MRI.”

  Emily smiles at the nurse and thanks her.

  “Are we ever going to get time alone?” She moans.

  “Probably not ’til we get you out of here. How’s the pain?”

  “Not bad as long as the drugs keep flowing.”

  Nurse brings in crackers and some yogurt and leaves again.

  “Ok, I love yogurt but this shit sucks. I need something on top of it or mixed with it.” She makes a funny face.

  “Want me to ask Reese or my mom to bring something in?”

  “Or Mel. That would be great.”

  “Oh, I know what I need to ask you,” I say,

  “What’s up?”

  “Harlie wants to come see you . . .”

  “Xander not right now, not with the way I look. I don’t want to scare her. Maybe once I get some of the wires and tubes off me she can or she can just wait til I get home. I hope that doesn’t make me sound like a bitch.”

  “No, not at all. That’s kind of what I told her.” “I’m going to go home for a bit tomorrow night to spend some time with her. If that’s ok?”

  “Umm yes it’s ok. I’ll be here, I ain’t going anywhere.” She rolls her eyes.

  “I know you’re not but I just don’t want you thinking I’m ditching out on you.”

  “You’re not. You have a child. I’m stuck here for a few days at least. It’s ok. She needs you.”

  “Yeah, well you need me too.”

  “She’s your number one. Stop trying to argue with me damn it!” She snaps.

  Shit, I made her mad. “Sorry.”

  “I’m sorry, I’m just tired.” She says quietly.

  “I understand, I’m going to sleep on the cot right here.” I tell her moving the cot right up against her bed.

  “Thank you,” She says in a whisper.

  I kiss her on the forehead “Get some sleep baby, I love you.”

  “I love you.” She says and she closes her eyes.

  Monday- I slept for shit, every time I closed my eyes I had that fucking nightmare Emily had died on me, so sleeping isn’t going to happen as long as she’s in the hospital.

  It’s 9am when her parents roll back into her room.

  “Morning,” Her dad says.

  “Morning,” I reply looking over at Em.

  “Night go ok?”

  “Yeah, it was good.”

  “Good, glad to hear that.”

  “Are you exhausted?” Emily’s mom asks me.

  “Yeah I am but I’ll sleep when she’s home. When I know she’s safe.”

  “Can I talk to you outside for a moment?” She asks me.

  “Sure, I guess.” I get off the cot and look over at Em, she’s still sleeping. I follow her mom out of the room and we stand in the hallway.

  “Xander I know you love our daughter and from what Kathy filled us in last night, I know she loves you. You have got to understand though, we had no idea she was seeing anyone, let alone pregnant. So we may seem harsh, but this was all a shock to us. These kids of ours have never been in the hospital. We’re just trying to protect our kids.”

  “Ok?”

  “My point I’m trying to get at is, you can go home. Go change, go shower, take a nap, hang out with your daughter. She’ll still be here when you get back. We’re not going to keep her from you.” Mrs. Hayes explains.

  “It’s not that I’m afraid that you’re going to keep her away from me. I’m afraid that if I leave, she’ll be gone and I’ll never get the chance to show her how much I love her. I’m dying inside knowing we lost a baby. A baby I didn’t even know about. I blame myself her being here. So it’s not that I’m afraid you’re going to keep her from me. I’m afraid I’m going to lose her.”

  She was getting ready to say something when the doctor goes into the room, “Her results must be back.” I say and walk in the room following the doctor. Her mom follows behind me. Emily’s awake and she looks like she’s feeling better. She has her color back.

  “Well, we have some good news. The swelling around your brain has gone down a lot. All your blood work has come back fine. There’s still a little bit of swelling around the brain, but I’m thinking if you can eat solids and we see how things go, I think you’ll be able to go home in a couple of days.” He finishes explaining that she has to drink a certain amount and then the IVs can start coming out and they’ll move her to oral pain meds. I didn’t really pay too much attention, just staring at my girl and knowing she’s going to get to come home soon. The best news I’ve heard in a long time.

  After the doctor leaves, I go sit on Em’s bed, “That’s the best news we’ve heard in a long time.” I say moving a piece of hair out of her face and lean in to kiss her.

  “I know. I can’t wait to go home and sleep in my own bed. Eat normal food. Can you still go get me my good yogurt?” She says with her bottom lip stuck out.

  I start laughing at her, “Yeah, I can go do that. Anything else you want, Babe?”

  “Not that I can think of, unless you want to stop at my place and get me my laptop, my robe and some clothes?”

  “I’ll call Mel and have her get you a bag set up and then I’ll go by and get it. How about that?”

  “That’s fine, but do me a favor?”

  “Anything,”

  “Give Harlie a hug for me and tell her I can’t wait to see her.”

  “I’ll do that for you babe.” I look over at the clock and its 12:30pm, I got a couple of hours before Harlie gets out of school. “I’m going to go surprise her and get her from school. You going to be ok for a bit?”

  “Yeah, I’ll be good. I’ll see you in a few hours?”

  “I’ll be back with some goodies. Did you want me to stay here tonight?”

  Her smile said it all. “Ok, I’ll be back in a little bit.” I give her a long kiss not giving a shit that her parents are here watching us.

  AFTER XANDER LEFT, my parents nailed me with question after question about Xander and our relationship.

  “You guys, STOP! There’s nothing to tell. He and I being together is just as new to you, as it is to us! We’ve been friends, we’ve hung out, and I’m his daughter’s teacher, but as far as him and I being together, it just fucking happened. I don’t care if you guys accept this or not. We have something and I’m not letting him go.” I let out. “Since I’ve met him, I’ve become alive. My heart isn’t sad when he’s around. He’s just “it” for me. This move here was meant for him and I to meet. I know that deep in my soul.” I wipe a tear from my eye.

  My mother just sits there quietly with a blank expression on her face. My dad is pacing back and forth. He’s about ready to explode. “Do you even realize how wrong he is for you?”

  “Are you kidding me right now, Dad? You don’t know a damn thing about him.” I take a deep breath to keep the tears from falling. “Get out. I would like some time alone.”

  “Emily,” My mom says.

  “I said get out!” I shout and it fucking hurts.

  “This is not you. You have changed since you’ve been here.” My dad says sternly.

  I open my mouth to say something and Kathy speaks up,

  “Alright, Mom, Dad, take Hilary back to the hotel or something. You two need to give Em her space. You can’t just walk in here and do this. She needs a break, and so do you two.”

  “I don’t have to,” My dad says through gritted teeth.

  “Actually Dad, you do. She’s not a minor anymore and she can have removed. So just leave.”

  “Fine, but we will be back.” He growls.

  I refuse to look at either of them. “Want us to leave too?” Danny asks.

  “No, it’s fine. You guys can stay, as long as you don’t say a fucking word about Xander and me.” I snap.

  “Done,” Danny smiles.

  After my parents left Danny, Kathy and I just talked and
hung out, and then it hit me. I lost my baby. I put my hand on my stomach and the tears started to flow, “You ok?” Kathy asks.

  I shake my head, “No. My baby, our baby is gone. I didn’t even get to tell him about it . . .” I say, “Shit, my purse. Did they bring back my purse at all?” I ask looking around. Kathy does some snooping through the room and finds it in a drawer, “Give it to me, “I say almost begging. She hands it to me and I start to dig through it. The moment my fingers touched the picture I started crying hard. I pull out the black and white picture and trace the baby with my fingers. “I am so sorry, Angel,” I whisper.

  Kathy and Danny sit on side of me and wrap their arms around me, “I’m so sorry Em,” Danny says kissing my head. “I can’t believe I lost it. God damn it, I’m such an idiot. If I would’ve kept my mouth shut for just a few weeks longer, I wouldn’t be laying in this bed. I wouldn’t have lost the baby. God damn it!” I shout. I cannot believe this, this shouldn’t have happened.

  “Wait? What did you mean by if you would’ve kept your mouth shut?” Kathy asks.

  “Nothing, don’t worry about it. It’s nothing.” I shake my head.

  “I’m going to close my eyes for a while.” I say holding the picture.

  Danny and Kathy end up leaving, leaving me here by myself.

  With everyone gone, I actually got a decent amount of sleep. The nurse comes in at 4:00pm, “Oh, where is everyone?” She asks.

  “I sent them away.” I say quietly.

  “Oh, ok. Well doctor says that since you’ve been able to hold your own food down and you’re drinking fine, we can take the catheter out. We’re going to cap the IV but not remove it just yet. Want to see how you do with oral pain medication.”

  “Sounds great! Does that mean I can get up and walk too?” I ask. This is the best news all day.

  “Yep, but you’ll need someone with you.”

  “Ok.”

  “Anyone coming back tonight?”

  “Yeah, I think so.”

  “Ok, well let’s get this all taken care of, then you can order some dinner and we can go for a walk after dinner. If no one is here by then, I’ll walk with you. Ok?”

  “Sure, sounds great. Just get this piss bag out of me.” I say with a little laugh. “Hey, when can I shower?”