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Determined to give them my full focus when I return to the hospital, I work the entire ride, with quick glances to the camera. Addie continues to talk yet fatigue has set in. Her cheek rests on her forearm nestled next to Chels. Who still doesn’t move. Damn it.
Maxim must be tired too. He sits now, his hands on her shin.
We stop at the entrance and by time I get to their floor, Addie’s asleep and Maxim is pacing. I kiss Chelsea’s forehead. “Keep fighting sis. I know you can get yourself out of there.”
Addie startles when I caress her back. “It’s just me. I’m taking you back to bed.”
Too exhausted to argue, she allows me to pick her up and carry her out, leaving Maxim to fend for himself.
Addie
Titan grunts. I squeeze his hand for the millionth time trying to convey my support as the doctor updates us again. Still no improvement despite our efforts.
He squeezes back yet says nothing. I don’t know all of the details from when she was little and unconscious, but I imagine he feels the same anxiety and powerlessness now as back then. This time I’ll be the strong one for him. For both of them.
I nod to the physician. “We’ll keep doing it. As long as it takes.”
“Very good.” He grabs his tablet from the table, his face somber. “I’ll be back to check on her in a few hours.”
I hate how pessimistic he seems but try to ignore his poorly hidden negative vibe. “Thank you.”
Once the man leaves, Titan storms over to the bed and peers down at her. “Why won’t she wake up?”
I don’t answer. I know it’s a rhetorical question based on frustration and fear. In the time I’ve known her she’s been nothing but a whirlwind. Now to see her so quiet and still scares me more than anything ever has.
“Did you hear me Chels?”
He leans closer, shoving his fists into the mattress. “Open your fucking eyes. Get out of that bed and bitch at me. Marry Maxim to spite me. Post stupid pictures online.”
My heart breaks for him. Rarely do I see him lose his composure, but this has driven him to his breaking point.
I stand behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my head on his back. I guess it’s not enough because he drags me around to his front, embracing me to the point of difficulty breathing.
His deep breaths blow against my hair. If he cries, I really will lose my shit as he likes to say. I’m petrified he’s giving up.
“I don’t know what to say to get through to her.”
I rub his back. “I don’t know if it’s what you say or just hearing your voice. She loves her big brother. You make her feel safe. Just like me.”
His lips press on top of my head.
“Okay Chels, what is it going to take? I’ll get you some horses and build you a barn. I’ll take you to London so you can practice your British.”
Despite how terrified I am, that bribe makes me laugh. He does get her as much as he claims he doesn’t.
“I’ll let you buy Pete an entire new wardrobe.”
Oh shit. How did I not think of this before? The best solution of them all.
I struggle out of Titan’s embrace. “I have an idea. We have to go home real quick.”
I’m so excited I’m shaking. Titan snarls from my trembling and won’t release me. “What’s wrong? Is it the baby?”
“No.”
My voice cracks with emotion.
“It’s Pete.”
