Chapter 35

 
"Hello," the nurse said from behind the nurse's station.  "You're here to see Brian Littrell right?"
 

"Yes.  And I have his girlfriend with me," Krista responded.
  

"Her name please?"
 

"Angela Connors."
 

"Alright.  One visitor at a time and just show this badge to the security guard at the door."  The nurse handed both of them to Krista.
 

"Thanks," she said and left to take Angela to Brian's room.
 

They walked down the hallway until they came room 407; the room with the guard in front of it.  Krista showed both of the badges to the guard who nodded at them.  But before they could go in, Kevin came out.  Angela saw his red-rimmed eyes and started crying again.  He just wrapped her into a big hug
and let her cry on his shoulder.  "Angela, it's OK," he whispered to her.

 

"Brian is strong and will come out of this.  We just have to pray and be here for him.  He knows that we're here.  Go in and visit him.  He needs you."
    

"Thanks Kev," she sighed.  "You always know what to say."
 

"No problem," he said, putting on his best smile for her.  "The rest of the guys and I will be in a special room they have set up for us on the floor above this one.  There's also a guard in front of that one.  I'll see you guys later."  With that, he turned and headed for the stairs.
 

"Ready?" Krista asked.
    

"It's now or never."
 

Krista led Angela into the room.  But once she got in, she couldn't go any farther.  There, all by himself, on the other side of the room, lay her other half, the love of her life.  He was hooked up to so many machines and countless tubes in all places.  His hair was messed up in a weird way and his eyes were closed in what Angela hoped was sleep.  His face was as white as the sheets he laid upon.  He looked almost dead.
 

"Come on."  Krista tugged on Angela's arm gently.
 

"I can't!" she cried out as she fell to her knees and started sobbing uncontrollably.
 

"Get up right now!" Krista demanded.  Angela just looked up at her.   "Now is not the time to be feeling sorry for yourself.  I understand that you are upset, but you need to be by his side.  He needs to know that you're there for him.  Now get up and get over there!"
 

Angela slowly got up, walked over to the chair next to his bed, and sat down.  She turned around and mouthed a "thank-you" to Krista who then left the room.
  

The sight in front of her was just too much, but she promised herself that she wouldn't cry again.  She was going to be strong for Brian.  She had to be.
 

She stroked his hair and kissed his cheek.  There was no response. Angela could feel her heart being torn apart at the fact that there was absolutely nothing that she could do.  She just sighed in frustration.
 

A nurse came in to check on Brian's vitals.  "You must be Brian's girlfriend."
 

"Yes I am," she replied.
  

"My daughter would be devastated to know that he's here in the hospital. She loves the Backstreet Boys and Brian is her favorite.  You must be one lucky girl," the nurse smiled.
 

"I consider myself one.  Brian is everything I've ever wanted," Angela admitted.
 

"I'm Molly.  I'll most likely be taking care of him while he's here."
 

"I'm Angela."
  

"Well, he looks OK for now.  His stats haven't changed."
 

"Is that a good thing?"
 

"Yes and no.  Yes because he's become stable and no because they really should be up higher.  But, if he stays this way, maybe they will operate soon."  Angela forced a smile at Molly.  "Don't worry.  He'll pull through." She gave a reassuring smile to Angela and left.
 

Angela watched her leave and then turned back to Brian.  She took his hand in hers.  "Brian," she started.  "I just want you to know that I love you with all my heart.  You have to make it.  I don't know how I could live without you.  I was mad at you for not showing up last night, but I'm not now.  I swear.  I had no idea what happened.  I just wanted to tell you something that's so special to the both of us.  And now.....now I may not be able to.  You can't leave me now that I have you back again.  I wouldn't be able to stand losing you twice in this lifetime."  And even though she swore she wouldn't cry again, she felt the tears crawl down her cheeks.
   

There was a response though.  Brian squeezed her hand and slowly opened his eyes.  "Don't cry Princess," he whispered.