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Everyone goes quiet for a few moments. Shay sits forward and focuses on Caleb leaning against the wall opposite us. “Amber. How is she? She’s not...?”
“Mike is with her. She’s going to have a sore head for a few days, but there’s no lasting, life-threatening damage. She’ll be back to bossing us around very soon.” Caleb winks at Shay and we all settle back into silence.
The waiting doesn’t get easier. I’m just glad I’ve got Shay beside me this time, because I don’t know how I’d handle waiting for news on her health. Call me a pussy if you like, I don’t care. When you find the one, you don’t care what it turns you in to.
Chris jumps up onto his feet and walks past us all. Caleb stands up straight and I look to see what has their attention. Josh’s mom and dad are rushing toward us. Chris catches them and holds Josh’s mom’s hand.
“Please, tell me he’s okay.”
“He’s in surgery. He got shot in the upper chest, but we’re waiting on news now. He’s a fighter. I don’t doubt that he’ll be ready to see you,” says Chris.
“Oh, God. Please let my baby be okay,” she cries into Chris’s chest, and he moves her to a seat and sits beside her. Josh’s dad sits at the other side of her and takes her hand in his.
“He’ll get through this.” Shay speaks loud enough for all of us to hear. I squeeze my girl tightly. I’m grateful for how today has panned out. We could have lost a lot more.
***
Shay
We’re sitting for what seems like hours. People pass and look at us. Doctors and nurses give us that pitiful look. But still, we’ve heard nothing about Josh.
I look over at Chris still giving comfort to Josh’s parents. He has been a gentleman today. There’s more to Chris than first meets the eye. He’ll do anything for his loved ones, friends, clients, and acquaintances. When we get out of here, I’m looking forward to finding out everything there is to know about Chris Shawland.
I close my eyes and lean my head against Clay’s shoulder. No words are spoken between any of us. Silence is exactly what we all need. We need that silence to get our heads around everything that has happened. Just a few hours ago I was moaning about silence. It just shows how quick things can change.
“Hi.”
We all jump to attention when a doctor approaches us. He’s still in his surgical scrubs. Specks of Josh’s blood are noticeable.
“How is he?” I ask.
“He came through the surgery. We had to stop the bleeding and repair some damage to his shoulder, but he’s going to be okay. We’ll keep an eye on him for a few days.”
The loud collection of breaths was noticed by us all. We’ve all been sitting on tenterhooks waiting for some positive news. I don’t know about everyone else, but I expected bad news.
“Can we see him, Doctor?” asks Josh’s mom.
“Of course. Only two at a time, because he’s in ICU for the next twenty-four hours as we keep an eye on his vital signs.”
Josh’s mom turns toward us all, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you. All of you, for bringing my boy home. I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
Clay stands up. “If you ever need anything… anything at all, you be sure to let us know. We’ll be here for you all.”
Josh’s mom rushes into Clay’s arms and holds on tight. Her small frame makes him look like a giant. She turns away and follows her husband and the doctor. We’re all left staring at the doors they all just walked through. The weight on my chest has lifted, and for the first time today, I can breathe easily. This is nearly over with. We’re free. Nothing is stopping us from living the life we want.
