Mr. Jacobs’ head relaxes into his pillow, and his eyes blink but remain closed for longer than normal. Exhaustion or maybe it’s the effects of the medicine from surgery that make him drowsy. His eyes spring open when Drew releases his hold on him. Drew pats his dad’s arm reassuringly, and Mr. Jacobs’ tension fades.
“Get some rest, Dad. We’ll be right here.” Mr. Jacobs sighs and nods sleepily in acknowledgement.
After a few moments, it’s evident Mr. Jacobs will be out of it for a while. Drew turns to me and states just above a whisper, “Want to sit with me for a while and wait for my mom?”
There’s only one chair in the room, and Drew looks like he could use it more than me. If I sit down and get too comfortable, I’ll likely pass out. I quickly offer, “Why don’t I ask the nurse for an extra chair? I don’t know about you, but I could use some caffeine. Want me to get you anything?”
“Why don’t I come with you. We haven’t eaten anything in hours and now that I know my parents are on the mend, I’m finally hungry.”
After running into Janice in the hall, she reaffirms Drew’s mother won’t be out of recovery for some time yet. She also encourages us to grab some food and lets us know she’ll bring in a chair to the room when she points us in the direction of the cafeteria. On the way to the cafeteria, I spot a restroom and quickly excuse myself, and Drew does the same, telling me he’ll meet in the hall.
Once I’ve done my business and wash my hands, I notice my reflection. Exhaustion has overtaken me. My eyes are puffy, and my hair is lifeless. I quickly pull my hands through my hair, making it look more presentable as well as splash some water on my face. The cool water is refreshing and makes me look less sleepy. Taking a paper towel, I dry off my face and hope that it doesn’t appear as if I’ve spent time primping in the bathroom.
Drew’s long body leans against the hall outside the women’s room. His dark hair looks as if his fingers had just run through it, as well. The moment I exit, he steps off the wall and greets me with a smile that makes my spine tingle and my nerve endings on hyperdrive.How can he look so good after driving countless hours and being under tremendous amounts of stress?As I walk toward him, he steps off the wall and effortlessly reaches his hand out to mine. When he takes my hand once again and holds it, like we belong together, I remind myself I’m only here for support. This doesn’t mean anything.
Though the main part of the cafeteria is closed at this hour, we each manage to grab a few things to tide us over until breakfast tomorrow. Drew suggests eating in the cafeteria, so I follow him to a table by the window.
Not realizing how hungry I am, I take my first bite only to discover I’m ravenous. My mouth waters as I eat my chicken salad sandwich. Neither of us had much of an appetite on the way to Spokane, so the snacks I suggested we pack were left untouched. Apparently, both of our appetites have returned with a vengeance. When finally I look up, Drew’s tray is half empty.
When Drew’s eyes meet mine, they soften, making me wonder what’s going on in that head of his. It’s the most relaxed I’ve seen him since we got the news, and I feel a smile form on my lips.
Drew wipes his mouth with a napkin and clears his throat. “In case I’ve forgotten to mention this, thank you for today. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
“It’s no problem,” I pass off dismissively, but his facial expression tells me that’s not an option. “Seriously, Drew. I’m glad I can be here for you.”
“I’m glad you’re here, too. After we make sure my mom’s stable, and I’ve seen her with my own eyes, what do you say we head to my parents’ house to get some sleep for a few hours? You have to be exhausted after driving all this way.”
“I could sleep,” I admit and as if my body knows there’s rest in sight, I stifle a big yawn, causing Drew’s dimple to show.
“Hopefully, Mom will be out of recovery soon.”
By the time we return to his parents’ room, there’s another bed in the once open space. Janice is putting the IV drip on the pole and greets us with, “Did you find something good to eat?”
“We grabbed a few sandwiches and a couple of drinks,” Drew offers. “How’s my mom doing?”
“She’ll be in and out of it for a while. When she woke up, she asked about you. I told her you were grabbing a bite to eat.” Janice shakes her head. “I’m not sure she’ll even remember our conversation. She’ll likely be sleeping heavily for the next few hours.”
Relieved everyone’s no longer in severe danger, the tension I’d been holding on to releases from my body. I look to Drew, and he’s nodding eagerly.
“That’s great.”
“If the two of you want to take off and get some rest, we’ll be here taking care of everything. If anything changes, I’ll be sure to give you a call. I leave at seven tomorrow morning, but I’ll let the person who’s replacing me know where you can be reached.”
“Thank you. We’ll stay for a while, then head home to get some sleep.”
Janice nods in approval, then reassures us with, “I seriously doubt they will wake anytime soon. Take your time and get some rest.” She looks between the two of us, and her face fills with concern. “You both look exhausted. Do you have far to drive?”
“We live here in the valley, so only about twenty minutes from here.”
Janice gives a knowing nod. “Well, since It’s nearly two in the morning, make sure you drive safe. There’s no need to make this entirely a family affair.” It may come off as sarcastic, but there’s no malice to her tone. She simply cares. Her smile is wide as she pats Drew once on the arm as she stands near him.
“We’ll be safe,” Drew assures her. “I think there’s more than enough of us taking up beds in this place. I promise we won’t add to the count.”
“You do that. You need to remember to take care of you, too. Or you’ll be of no help to them.” With that, Drew nods, and she exits the room.
Drew makes my heart melt when he walks to his mom and brushes the hair from her forehead. She isn’t as bruised as his father, but her cast and IVs still attached show that she’s been through a lot. Drew simply leans over and kisses her as he whispers, “I love you, Mom.”
My heart pangs with emotion. If it were my mom lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to an IV, I’d feel completely helpless. My mom and I have always been close, and if it weren’t nearly two in the morning, I’d call her to tell her how much I love her. But calling at this time would cause a heart attack. After she recovered, she’d likely come through the phone to rip my arms off and beat me with them for the unnecessary worry I’d put her through.
