Collision With Truth Part 3/7
By: Nectar99
Rating: PG
See chapter 1 for Disclaimer, timeline, and summary.
As Billy headed toward the door, he took one last look at Lee. He noted the look of worry and despair in his eyes. He stepped out into the hall to find a Doctor and check on Amanda’s overall prognosis.
Doctor O’Connor was just rounding the corner when Billy nearly ran him over. “How’s Amanda doing?”
The doctor looked somewhat relieved. “She’s out of surgery. She’s still in a coma, but she pulled through the operation.
She’s one strong lady,” the Doctor added.
Francine walked through the lobby and made her way to ICU. She ran into Billy and the Doctor.
“Billy, I need to talk to you,” she stated.
Billy thanked the Doctor, and headed to the waiting room with Francine. “What’s going on?” he asked.
“Apparently, Amanda’s family is away camping somewhere in the mountains. I was however able to get in touch with her ex-husband’s office. I left word for him to contact us as soon as possible,” she stated.
Billy just nodded in response. “Anything else Francine?”
“Oh, I did obtain a copy of the accident report. The driver of the truck was Hal Paxton. Nothing unusual popped up when I ran a check on him. His toxicology report came back normal. I just think Lee and Amanda were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” she added.
“Thank you Francine. You might as well go home. I’m just going to let Lee know she’s out of surgery, and call it a night,” stated Billy
Billy walked into Lee’s room quietly. He wasn’t surprised to find him awake and slightly agitated. “Lee, why aren’t you resting?”
Before Lee could respond, a nurse entered the room carrying a small white box. “Hello there. How are you feeling Mr. Stetson?
Lee responded in a monotone voice. “Fine.”
“That’s good,” she responded. “My name is Kathy. I’ll be your nurse for the next twelve hours, and I’m going to take good care of you. I have your wife’s ring here. I thought you would like to keep it for now.”
Lee avoided any eye contact with Billy. He frowned slightly at Kathy. “Thanks. Just leave it on the table,” he whispered.
Kathy checked over his injuries and vitals. She informed him that Amanda made it through surgery, and was resting peacefully in ICU.
“Billy, I..Uh…I…. I…. need.” but was quickly interrupted.
“No, Lee. Lets not do this now. I said tomorrow. Now get some sleep!” he ordered.
Lee kept his eyes shut tightly. He nodded in response. After a few moments, he opened his eyes to find Billy staring directly at him. “I hear ya, Billy. Thanks for everything!”
Lee tossed and turned for the remainder of the dark hours. His only memory of the horrific nightmare that he and his wife shared was the sound of her voice. Over and over he heard her calling his name out of shear terror. He could only hope that his silent prayers on her behalf would be answered.
He was jousted out of his moments of sleep, only to be forced to comply with repeated tests. He reached out grabbing one of Kathy’s hands.
“When can I see her?” he asked desperately.
Kathy felt an overwhelming sense of compassion. “I know how you feel Mr. Stetson. I’m sure the Doctor’s will allow you to visit with her later this morning.”
When the nurse finally left his room, he retrieved the white box off of the table. He placed his ring on his finger very slowly. He then took Amanda’s ring and placed it snuggly on his pinky finger.
“Mr. Stetson! How are you feeling?” a male voice inquired.
Lee was momentarily startled. “Oh, I’m okay,” he responded. “How’s Amanda doing?”
“She’s hanging in there. Her vitals are much better now.” He assured him.
Lee smiled slightly. “Good. I need to see her!”
“I’m going to let you see her Mr. Stetson, but I want…”
Lee became slightly agitated. “My name is Lee, and I want to see her now,” he interrupted.
The Doctor sat on the edge of his bed. “Relax Mr…. I’m sorry. I mean Lee. I wasn’t sure if you were comfortable with me calling you by your first name. I just want to fill you in on a few things before you see her.”
“What’s the matter now,” Lee asked hesitantly.
“Amanda is resting comfortably now. She still hasn’t regained consciousness, but we are very hopeful. The pressure in her brain has not increased, and that is a good sign. And I must say by some kind of miracle, the baby is holding it’s own,” he added. “I would have thought she would have miscarried, but that’s not the case. We’re keeping a very close eye on them both,” he reassured Lee.
As Lee’s eyes grew wide in disbelief, his mouth stumbled for words. “Wha…What, What did you say?” He repeated over and over.