“No, Bryce is in a coma. He’s semi-responding, but this could go either way. He could slip deeper or start to wake up.”
“He flexed his fingers and moved his eyes earlier with Devon,” Nate breaks in. “He was responsive then.”
The doctor’s eyes scan the room and land on mine. “Are you Devon?”
I’m so scared I can’t answer, but Sheila answers for me. “She is.”
“Then I suggest you keep talking to him. If he was reactive to you then that’s a good sign.”
My heart flips in my chest. Pressure builds, and I lose my footing. Morgan catches me and whispers how I need to be strong. Instantly, I strengthen and stand tall.
“When can we see him?” I ask with a solid sense of purpose.
“In about an hour. He’ll be in ICU for at least a day. Then we’ll re-evaluate,” Dr. Crabtree answers and looks at Sheila and Dave. “I’d like to speak to the parents alone.”
Shelia lets go of my hand, and she and Dave follow him to the hall. I turn around and face my family and friends.
“We need to get a plan together. I’m staying here—no matter what.”
“Tell me, sista.” Quinn takes out a pen and pad.
“Sheila and Dave need reservations at a hotel nearby.”
“Done.”
“My parents, too.”
“Done.”
“Morgan and Crystal need a place to stay for a day or so.”
Morgan breaks in, “I can handle it.”
“I need—”
“Devon,” my mom stops me. “We got it. Your job is Bryce.”
“I hate to tell you, but when the ship gets here, this hospital will crowd with visitors. Regardless of his visitation rules,” Nate speaks up.
“I’ll help,” Jamie tells him, and my mom’s head swings to her. “I can be the mediator.”
Mom’s eyes bulge out of her head and then start to swell. I finally see what Nate refers to as rainbows and unicorns. Mom loves the idea of ‘love’.
We talk and plan a little more until Sheila and Dave walk in, their faces blank.
“The doctor said we can see him two at a time,” Sheila tells us. “Then the nurse tried to convince us that he’s stable and we should go get some rest. They’ll take care of him tonight.”
“Bullshit,” I think I whisper until Quinn starts to snort.
My eyes meet Sheila’s, and she grins. “That’s what I told her.”
“No way is he going to be alone.”
“Count me in,” Nate agrees and sits back, resting his hands behind his head.
I’m sure the nurse had good intentions, but she’s stuck with us.
Chapter 33