Chapter 51

Ailee

I don’t know how long I have been out. The last thing I remember is saying bye to Lug. I knew my heart was slowing down and was going to stop soon. I could see the numbers on the monitor going down and I swear I could feel it as well. I was sure if the doctor would get here in time so I made sure granada remembered our deal. He knew I didn’t want machines keeping me alive if there was no hope of me ever waking up.That is no way to live. And I wouldn’t truly be living. He promised me if the time came he would let me go. I also had to say goodbye to Lug just in case. I want him to have a good life even if I’m not here to share it with him. I want him to find love again. I needed to know he was going to be ok. I wanted him to know I would always be here for him.

I guess the doctor fixed my heart just in time since I woke up. I open my eyes and look around. I had expected to see Lug sitting beside me like always. But he wasn’t there. Maybe someone convinced him to finally take a break. Get some food and a good night's rest. I saw Finn sitting in the corner outside my room slumped against the wall. It looked like he was sleeping. Grandda needs to make him go home. I turn my head some more and see Callen leaning against the glass wall. Then I see something that has me waking up even more. Probably from shock. I have never seen my grandda like this. He had his arms wrapped around Anna’s waist holding her to his chest. He was leaning down with his head buried in her neck. Anna was running her hand up and down his back like she was comforting him.

My grandda is a good man and has always been loving with me and my mother. But I have never seen him with a woman before. My grandma died when I was a baby and she was the only woman I have ever heard him talk about. So seeing him in a woman's arms is strange but sweet at the same time. I just wish it was making him smile instead of him getting comfort at a sad time in his life. Like everyone in my life I only wish for their happiness. In our world we don’t always get to see that. I move my hand around to find the intercom button I know they keep at my side. Once I find it and hit it I make sure I’m looking at Grandda when I say “ Is there something you two would like to share?” Uh, my voice is raspy and dry. I need something to drink.

Grandda and Anna separate and spin around to look at me with their mouths hanging open. Finn jerks and falls on the floor. And Callen is so startled he slides down the glass. The whole scene was hilarious. I start to laugh but end up coughing instead. “ Ailee, hold on lass. I’m coming in.” Grandda shouts. I can’t answer because I’m coughing too much. I wanted to tell him not to rush. I just wanted some water. I finally stopped by the time grandda suited up and came in. He poured me a cup of water from the jug on the counter. He helped me hold it so I could drink some. It felt like a glacier slid down the desert. It felt so good.

When I had my fill grandda set the cup down and held my hands in his. He looked so tired. Like he hadn’t slept in weeks. Dark bags under his eyes. He was paler than normal. He hasn’t shaved in days judging by the growth of his beard that I could see through the mask.. It hurt to see him like this knowing it was my condition doing this to him. I wish I could take all this torment away from him. He kissed the top of my hands “ You gave us a nasty scare lass. I was wondering when you would wake up.” he said. I smiled at him. It was much easier to do today. “ You know me, I have to keep you on your toes. How long have I been out?” I asked. I figured twelve hours a day tops. Grandda looks down “ A week. It has been a week since your heart stopped and you were clinically dead for two agonizing minutes.”

Wow. I have been out for a week. I wonder if that is why I don’t feel as tired as I did before? I swallow hard “ Lug?” “ I sent him home to grab a shower. I’m sure he is on his way back by now. He has rarely left your side unless one of us makes him. And he is never gone long. Callen has already called him I’m sure.” grandda said. That sounds just like Lug. I’m not surprised one bit that they had to make him go home for a bit. “ So do you want to tell me what is going on with you and Anna?” Grandda shakes his head “ Nothing for you to worry about just now. You just focus on getting better. I can’t handle another scare like that. You took ten years off this old man.” Nice try. I’m not going to let it slide. He knows how persistent I can be. He is not going to change the subject.

“ First of all you aren’t old. Get that out of your head.” I said in my strongest voice. I know he is getting up in years. I’m not blind or stupid. He is in his late sixties. I just hate when he talks about himself getting old in a negative way. I squeeze his hand “ I’m sorry about causing you distress. If I could have avoided it I would have.” He nods “ I know. I’m just not ready to let you go yet, lass.” “ And I’m not ready to go. I still have an endless list of things I want to do. And I’m sure a few arses to kick.” I laugh at the last part. “ I still want to know what is going on with you two. I’m stuck in this bed for a while. I could use a good story.” I told him.