Franklin watched Sandy try to be strong. Before he knew what he was doing he walked over to her and gathered her into his arms.
After a moment, she whispered “What are you doing Franklin?”
“I’m doing what I felt I wanted and needed to do.”
Sandy’s face was buried into the side of his neck. It felt so good to have his strong arms wrapped around her again. For just a little while she wasn’t going to question it.
“Frank…you know I hated Vicky when I first met her. It’s funny how we’ve become the best of friends, almost sister-like in such a short time.”
“I had my suspicions of her when I met her too. It’s rare that you actually meet someone who shows you who they are and it’s the truth.”
Franklin absentmindedly kissed Sandy on the side of her temple. He looked up just as one of the doctors came out from the surgery area.
“Mr. Jason Rutherford?”
Jason almost ran over to him, “Yes, that’s me. How is she? How are they?” Everyone else followed eager to hear some good news.
“Your wife lost a lot of blood she’s in critical but stable condition. You should be able to see her in recovery in about an hour.”
“And...my child?”
“We’re sorry but we did all we could to save your son.”
Miriam covered her mouth to keep the scream from escaping and John held her tight while squeezing his eyes closed trying to hold the tears at bay.
Shirley wasn’t able to keep the pain inside and screamed out loud, “NO! Oh my god No!”
Sandy and Franklin stood still in utter shock.
Jason stood for a moment….then he crumbled to his knees.
Chapter 17
No one really thought Vicky and the baby weren’t going to be fine. It was a possibility but unimaginable. However, when the surgeon said they lost the baby, the sound of Mrs. Rutherford and Aunt Shirley’s cries and then Jason’s knees buckling, was just too much. Sandy’s own tears began to fall.
Franklin held her tighter before burying his face into hair. She felt the dampness of his tears. How could this happen?
The Rutherford family had never experienced a loss like this. To watch his only son in such agonizing pain and not be able to do a damn thing about it was torture. His grandchild, the next generation of Rutherford’s was dead. God, how were they going to deal with this? As a family. Mr. Rutherford gave his son a few more minutes to process the news before he walked over to him and helped him up.
Jason’s eyes were glazed over. He was still in shock.
Mr. Rutherford wrapped his arms around his son and held him tight. He continued to pour love and strength into him until he felt his son’s soul return to his body.
“I’m so sorry. The pain you must be feeling is unbearable. Just breathe. One breath at a time. Just one moment, one second, one minute. We’re all here for you and Vicky.”
They stood like that for what seemed like hours; Mr. Rutherford would be the strength his son needed for as long as Jason needed him to be.
The nurse came out an hour later to let them know that Vicky had been moved to recovery and should be moved to a private room very shortly. However, she was still sedated from the anesthesia.
Jason took his father’s advice. He just needed to breathe. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat, “I’m going to go up and be with my wife. Aunt Shirley, please take Angel home. It’s been a scary night for her. Mom, Dad, Franklin, and Sandy…it’s late. I’ll call you all in the morning. ”
“But, Jason you shouldn’t be alone at a time like this.”
“Mom, I know you mean well, but Vicky and I need a little time and some privacy. Come back in the morning and bring Angel. I know she’ll want to see her.”
Miriam was about to object when Mr. Rutherford touched her shoulder. He understood, “We understand. We’ll see you in the morning. Call us if you need anything. Call us if you don’t.”
Miriam held her son close and kissed him on the cheek. “I love you Jason.”
“I love you too mom.”
Jason walked over to Shirley and kissed both her and a sleeping Angel. Mr. Rutherford carried Angel and walked Shirley and his wife to their car.
Franklin and Sandy were the last to leave. Franklin hugged his brother.
“You’ll get through this Jay. I’m here for you. Call me if you need anything.”
“Me too Jason. Please.”
“Thanks. I know Vicky will want to see you tomorrow Sandy.”
“I’d be here tonight if you weren’t putting me out but I understand.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Sandy wanted to be there for Vicky when she woke up but Jason thought it would be best for everyone to go home. Reluctantly, she agreed to leave but would be back tomorrow to make sure her friend didn’t lose her mind. Losing her mind would probably be very easy to do.
Franklin walked Sandy to her car. Her hands were shaking so badly that she was fumbling with her keys.
“You okay?”
She couldn’t speak and shook her head no. Franklin pulled her into his embrace.
“Frank, this is hard. This is so hard.”
“I know. Almost impossible to process.” They stood there a moment not talking or moving just…standing.
He spoke softly into her ear, “Let me drive you home. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with you behind the wheel of a car like this. You can pick your car up tomorrow.”
Sandy agreed to let him take her
