The nurse offered a nod of encouragement before stepping away.Claire summoned her courage and took Calvin’s hand once more.His skin felt tight.Rough.She kept her touch and her words light, just as the nurse had suggested.
“I’m here, Calvin.I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.Liz is here too except they only allow family members in the ICU.Lucy is on her way and should be here soon.All the women in your life are right here.We love you and we’re going to take care of you.”
She slipped her hand from his and smoothed his hair back off his forehead.One of the machines released a loud beep, but this time she didn’t jump.She stroked his head for a while until the same nurse poked her head around the curtain.
"Time's up for now.You’re welcome to come back at the next visitation if you like."
Claire surveyed Calvin fully as she backed away from his bed.Her gaze stopped at the tube coming from his mouth and she brushed away tears as she turned to leave.By the time she'd made it around the corner, an avalanche of emotion consumed her, tears falling hot and fast.
She returned to the waiting area, finding no sign of Liz.She parked herself in the same chair and took the opportunity to text her father.
Claire: Calvin was in a bad car accident.
Dad: What?When?Just now?Are you hurt?
Claire: I’m fine.He was alone.It happened last night.
Dad: Last night?After I texted you?
Claire: We broke up.We had a fight and he left.His PA woke me up with the news.I’m here at the hospital now.
The woman behind the desk called out Calvin’s name.Claire’s heart shot up into her throat.
Claire: They're calling for me.I’ll let you know when I know more.
Dad: If you need me to come out there, I will.Just say the word.
Claire shoved her phone into her pocket and approached the desk, where a nurse informed her that Calvin’s doctor would be by soon.She turned to head back to her seat as Calvin’s sister exited the elevator, Liz following a step behind her.Expecting to see worry and concern, Claire’s insides turned cold when she locked on Lucy’s rage-filled eyes.Claire stepped forward to greet her with a hug, but Lucy put a hand up to stop her advance.
“I can’t believe you have the nerve to be here.”Her words were quiet but forceful.
Claire’s gaze bounced between the two women.Liz said nothing, her eyes now focused on the floor.
“Lucy, can we speak privately—” Claire started.
“There is noprivatelywhen it comes to you and my family.Not anymore.You need to leave.Now.”Lucy cut her off, speaking through gritted teeth.
Claire’s heart plunged to the bottom of her stomach.
“Please, Lucy, I am begging you to listen for one min?—”
“You can make this easy or ugly, Claire.If you leave now and never look back, I’ll see that your little prank never sees the light of day in the press.”
Liz lifted her head, locking eyes with Claire for a split second before dropping her head back down in shame.
Lucy continued.“That’s right, Liz told me everything.I’m leaving word with Calvin’s doctors and nurses that you are forbidden to see him.Do not contact him, or me, ever again.Do you understand?I can have a restraining order filed by lunch.”
Lucy’s words hit Claire’s already broken heart like physical blows.Astounded by the exchange, she stayed silent, unwilling to tango with Lucy.In addition to being his sister, she led Calvin’s legal team.Her cutthroat reputation alone made Claire back off.
Again, she looked past Lucy to a wounded Liz, balancing on the edge of tears.Liz shook her head and mouthed the words, “I’m so sorry.”
Lucy reached out and ripped the visitor badge from Claire’s shirt.Claire stepped back, shrinking in fear.Other than a hair pulling incident at a skating rink in fifth grade, Claire had never had a hostile, physical altercation with anyone.Ever.
“We’re done here,” Lucy said, her eyes shooting daggers at Claire.“Get your shit and go.”
Shoulders slumped, Claire sulked back to her chair and collected her jacket and bag.Lucy moved to the nurses’ station and spoke to the woman behind the desk.At one point, she turned and pointed at Claire, her eyes glaring as if identifying someone in a criminal line up.Claire shuffled to the elevator and made eye contact with Liz one last time.The young woman just shook her head, equally at a loss.
As she walked through the lobby, Claire remembered she’d ridden with Liz to the hospital.At that exact moment, Claire’s phone pinged with a text.
