Chapter 67

Tank

Waiting for Lilly to get out of surgery is one of the hardest things I have had to do. This was the longest two hours of my life. I was pacing then I would sit then up pacing again. My brothers and the band tried to help keep me calm by talking to me or telling me things from the interview from last night but it only worked for a few minutes at a time. Everyone was thrilled about the interview and how they called Lilly a rising star. The interview praised Lilly a lot but I noticed every time they did Lilly would direct the attention back on the band. My girl really didn’t see herself as a star like the rest of us did. And it is great that my brothers are here for both of us. And this isn’t the worst part of the day. After the surgery we had a sting operation to catch Constinetine and possible Brit. But I can only focus on one thing at a time and right now it is my girl being under the knife.

I am pacing for I think the fifth time when Viper comes up and puts his hands on my shoulders to stop me. “ Brother you have to stop. You are making poor Harley dizzy.” I look down and notice Harley has been pacing with me. I pet his head “ Sorry buddy.” “ Come sit and calm down.” Viper said. I follow him to a chair and sit with him. “ Look Tank, I can’t imagine what you might be going through. But we are all here for you. You said so yourself that this doctor is the best. He knows what he is doing. Lilly is in good hands. She will come out of this surgery her smiling cheerful self. And she is going to need you. But you aren’t going to be any good for her if you are panicking.” He is right. I know he his. Everyone here cares for Lilly and me that is why they are here. I take a few deep breaths to calm myself. I grab Viper by the shoulder and say “ Thanks for being here for us brother. I would lose my mind if it wasn’t for you guys.” “ We always have your back.” Viper said. I just nod knowing it is true just like I always have theirs.

We sit in silence for a few minutes knowing nothing needs to be said. Suddenly Harley lifts his head towards the operating room door. Silvey is walking out. All of us stand waiting for news. “ Lilly is out of surgery and has been moved to recovery. She will stay there for about thirty minutes before we move her to a room.” Silvey said. “ When can we see her?” I ask. “ I can take one of you back to recovery now but the rest of you will have to wait until she is in her room.” she says. “ Tank you should go be with Lilly now. We will see her in a few.” Viper said. I wasn’t going to argue. Silvey took Harley and me into Lilly’s recovery room where I see a nurse trying to get Lilly to leave an oxygen tube in her nose. “ No. It itches.” Lilly murmured. Silvey goes and tries to help. “ Lilly, honey. I know it itches but you have to keep it in for a little while.” “ Want Nick and Harley.” Lilly whimpers. My poor girl is miserable right now.

Silvey motions for me to come close. I go to Lilly's side. “ Talk to her.” Silvey whispers. “ Sweetheart, I’m right here. You need to let Silvey put the tube back.” Lilly turns her head and smiles “ My Nick. You're here.” she says. I can’t help but smile at her. “ Yea, I’m here like I promised.” I hold Lilly’s hand while Silvey fixes the tube in Lilly’s nose. “ She only needs the tube for a little while. Lilly’s oxygen dropped a little while she was in surgery. It happens sometimes, nothing to worry about.” I point to the bandages on Lilly’s eyes `` What about these?” “ They are just a precaution to keep her eyes closed. The doctor will take them off later today or tomorrow morning. And he will be in here before we move her to give you an update.” I just nod and sit with my girl who is resting again. Harley is by Lilly’s feet with his head resting on the bed. I think he feels better now that he can see Lilly.

When Dr. Ramerze comes in, grabs a chair and sits in front of me. “ Mr. Tank, Lilly’s surgery went very well. We won’t know the full outcome until Lilly is fully awake and I remove the bandages.Unfortunately I was right.When I got in there I realised I could repair some of the damage but I wasn’t able to restore Lilly’s vision completely. There was too much damage done.” I shook his hand “ We knew it was possible. But thank you for trying.” “ No problem. I will check on her in a few hours and see if she is awake enough to remove the bandages and see what I was able to fix.” Then he leaves me and Harley with a sleeping Lilly. Silvey comes in about twenty minutes later to help move Lilly to her room. She will only have to stay overnight then I can take her home. I go back to my brothers to give them an update and tell them what room Lilly will be in. Now that Lilly is going to be in her room it is time to set our plan in motion.