| Chapter 3 Leighanne had caught the next flight out, and had arrived at the airport in less than two hours. She was still in shock. How could someone do that to Brian? she thought. The car pulled into the hospital parking lot, and Leighanne jumped out and almost ran into the building. She made her way through the hall to Brian's room. As she rounded the corner, she saw Howie and A.J. standing in the hall. "Leighanne!" Howie said, glad to see that she had made it there safely. "Howie, how is he?" Leighanne asked, desperate to hear. "He's the same, still in a coma." A.J. answered before Howie could. Howie took Leighanne by the arm and led her to the window of Brian's room. She could see Nick sitting next to the bed, completely involved in telling Brian what was happening on the TV. Leighanne was shocked to see all the monitors that Brian was hooked up to. She had mentally prepared herself for the worse, but really seeing it, she broke down in tears. Howie pulled her close and tried to reassure her as she cried on his shoulder. A.J. walked up to Leighanne and put his hand on her back, "Lee, he'll be all right. Brian's strong, he can beat this." Leighanne pulled away from Howie, and wiped the tears from her eyes, "I know A.J., it's just hard seeing him like this." "I know Lee, it's hard for all of us, he's like our brother, you know." A.J. said. "What about Harold and Jackie, are they here yet?" Leighanne asked. "They missed their connecting flight, so it'll probably be a few hours before they arrive." Kevin said, walking up to greet Leighanne. Leighanne turned and gave Kevin a hug. "Come on I'll take you in to see him," Kevin said, as he led Leighanne into Brian's room. Nick stood up and greeted Leighanne with a big hug. "I've been keeping him company for ya." he said. "Thanks Nick" Leighanne said as she gave him another hug, "thanks for not letting him be alone in here." Nick moved toward the door, as Leighanne pulled a chair up next to the bed. "Lee, do you need anything?" Kevin asked. "No thanks Kev." Leighanne said as she sat down. "I'll check on you in a little bit." Kevin said as he and Nick left the room. Finally, Leighanne was alone with Brian. "Hey sweetie, I'm here," she said as a tear made its way down her cheek. They had been apart for so long, almost two months. Leighanne had started a movie role just as the boys tour had started. It was so hard not being able to see Brian. As she sat there, Leighanne studied every part of Brian's face. He looked as if he were just taking a nap, but she knew that wasn't true. Leighanne took Brian's hand in hers and began to pray. She had been praying for what seemed like just a few minutes when Kevin stuck his head in the door. "Lee, Harold and Jackie are here." Kevin said. Leighanne looked up at Kevin, "They're here already?" A puzzled look crossed Kevin's face, "Lee, you've been in here for three hours." "Ohh" Leighanne said not realizing that she had been there that long. Leighanne stood up, turned and gave Brian a kiss on the forehead, "I'll be back." Leighanne made her way out of the room to greet Brian's parents. ~~~~~~~~~ Over the next week Brian continued to stay in a coma. Leighanne and Jackie refused to leave the hospital, not wanting to be gone when Brian woke up. The guys were there everyday taking turns sitting with Brian. They had postponed the tour indefinitely, and released a statement to the press that Brian had contracted food poisoning and was in fair condition at a local hospital. It wasn't exactly the truth, but it would have to do for now. They also released the crew and doubled everyone's security. Management had notified the FBI, and they were now investigating the case. And still Brian slept. Nick was reading Brian the latest joke book he had found, when Leighanne walked in. "Hey Lee" Nick said, still laughing from the last joke he had read. Leighanne smiled, "Looks like you two are having too much fun." she said jokingly. "Yeah, some of these are hilarious." Nick said. "Nick, do you mind if I sit with him for awhile?" Leighanne asked, not wanting to take Nicks time away from Brian, but something was telling her to sit with him. "Not at all." Nick said, getting up from his chair. "Thanks Nick," Leighanne said, "I just need to be here." "No problem" Nick said as he walked past Leighanne and out the door. Leighanne sat down and took Brian's hand, "Hey baby, I'm here." she said quietly. Leighanne closed her eyes and began to pray softly. She asked God to help Brian to get better, she also asked for strength for herself. She had been trying to keep herself together for the guys and Brian's parents, but as the days wore on it was becoming increasingly difficult to do. The horrible thoughts of �what if' kept invading her mind. What if he doesn't wake up? What if he does and he doesn't recognize me? What will I do without him? Leighanne had not realized that she was crying. As a tear fell from her face and landed on Brian's hand, Leighanne could feel Brian squeeze her hand. Leighanne looked at Brian's face to see him staring at her. "Don't cry." Brian said weakly. "Brian!" Leighanne yelled. The tears were coming full force now. Nick had been waiting outside the door, when he heard Leighanne yell. He ran into the room, "What is it?! What's wrong?!" Leighanne turned toward Nick, "He's awake! Go get the doctor!" Nick quickly headed down the hall toward the nurses station. Leighanne turned back toward Brian. "Sweetie, you don't know how much I've prayed for this moment." Brian smiled and squeezed Leighanne's hand again, to weak to speak. "Everything will be OK now." Leighanne said. "Everything will be OK." Chapter 4 |