Book 2 - Chapter 3: They Are Okay

Zander Liz doesn't get to finish what she was saying, because her eyes roll back in her head, before she collapses into my arms. “Liz! Come on baby, open your eyes.” I yelled, trying to wake her. I hold her and try to wake her, but she doesn't respond. I got up and pick Liz up and carried her gently in my arms. I rush downstairs and find Chris eating in the kitchen. “Chris, can you drive us to the hospital please? Liz just collapsed. She is breathing, and she has a pulse, but she said she had pain in her belly before she passed out.” I yelled from the kitchen door. He jumps up and runs over and checks her pulse. “Come on, let's go.” He says and follows him to his car. “I am going with you!” Rosa yells. “Please stay here and make sure everything is okay. I will call you when I have news, Rosa.” I say, and she nods and kisses Liz’s forehead and lets me go. I got into the back with Liz and I knew I shouldn't sit with her in my lap. But I can't bear to put her down when I am so worried about her. Chris sees my worry and gets out and comes to the back. He takes the seat belt and puts it around us as best he could, before he gets back in and starts the car. “Thanks man,” I said. “She will be okay, Zander. She is strong.” He says, but don't answer him. “Was it something in the letter?” he asked me. “Mary was her biological grandmother.” I said, looking down at her pale, tear stained face. “Really?” “Yeah, I was shocked too.” “I suspected they may have been related. And I am guessing she didn't take it well?” he asks. “She didn't, but I think it's mostly because she wasn't there for her in the end, and she didn't get to say goodbye. Mary also had a very rough life. The letter is in my room, you can read it. I just wished we had found her sooner.” I said and kissed Liz’s forehead. She hasn't moved or made a sound, and I am really worried. I rest my hand on her belly and gently rub it. Please be okay. Chris called Dr. Nox to tell her that we were on our way, and explained to her as best he could. We reached her clinic in no time, and she was waiting at the door with a bed and two nurses to help. I placed Liz down gently on the bed and explained what happened to Dr. Nox as we rush to a room. “You can stay, but please give me space to work.” she says, and I nod. I am grateful she is allowing me to stay. I don't think I could handle being away from her now. I need to know that Liz and the baby are okay. She immediately starts checking her vitals before she puts her on a drip. Then she does an ultrasound to check on the baby. I could hear his heartbeat and that made me smile through the worry. Dr. Nox was frowning the whole time and the longer she stayed silent, the more my anxiety built. She gives Liz an injection, before she turns to me. “Her blood pressure was dangerously high. The shock must have been too much for her. The stress caused high blood pressure and that brought on preterm labor. She is stable now and so is the baby. She could’ve had a stroke with how high her blood pressure was. You will have to be careful, Mr. Caine. I know this was a big shock for her and it's understandable. But you will have to find a way to help her manage her stress. This cannot happen again. If the baby goes into distress, we will have to deliver him or risk losing him. She still has over three months to go. I would prefer it if we didn't deliver the baby too early.” Dr. Nox says. “Please just call me Zander. I understand, and she has been doing so well. But this was a lot.” I said, holding Liz’s hand. “I know, I am sure she is questioning her whole existence. She needs to speak to someone. I can recommend you to a psychologist if you want.” Dr. Nox says. “She has been to see Dr. Lubbe, and he helped her unlock some repressed memories. She trusts him, so I think I will contact him.” I say and she smiles. “Did Dr. Willis refer you to him?” she asks and I nod. “Okay, he is very good, yes. Please try and get her to go. Speaking about it will help. We need to keep her blood pressure at the right levels. I will give her something to manage that, but she needs to take it easy too. Take her away again if you have to,” she says and I smile. That is a great idea, but I know she is going to say no. “What will happen now?” I asked. “She will have to stay here for observation. Once her blood pressure is stable enough, she can go home. I will have her moved to a private room, then you can stay with her. I gave her a mild sedative, so she will be asleep for a while. It's best if she sleeps for now, so the medication can work and her mind can relax,” she says. “Thank you doc.” I say and she nods. Two nurses come in and help move her to another room. I let Chris know what the doctor said and called Rosa. Chris left to get the bag Risa packed for us. I also called Robyn to fill her in, and she can let the rest know. I asked them not to come by yet, until the doctor agrees to visitors. What a f*****g mess. I can only imagine what is going through her mind. But she will have to try to relax, or the baby will be at risk. I sit on the chair next to her bed and hold her hand. It pisses me off that she has been in the hospital too many times. I am not doing a good job of keeping her safe. But this was something I never expected would happen. Never in a million years did I think that Mary would end up being her grandmother. Chris agreed to do some more digging to check for any family members. He will also check what really happened back then and if her grandfather is really dead. I don't want him coming to look for her. I will make sure to end him if he does, grandfather or not. I don't even know when I closed my eyes, but I must've dozed off and woke to Liz running her fingers through my hair. I look up at her and smiled. “Hey baby, how are you feeling?” I asked her when I sat up. “I feel a little groggy and light-headed. What happened?” she asks. “You passed out, baby. The stress of the shock sent your blood pressure dangerously high. You were about to go into preterm labor, or you could have suffered a stroke. But Dr. Nox said you will be okay as long as we manage your stress and blood pressure.” I answered and her eyes widened. “I am so sorry Zander, I didn't mean to hurt the baby. It was all just too much for me.” she says, looking down at her hands. I sat down on the bed next to her and cupped her face. “I know my Liz, and it's okay. You and our son will be just fine. I will make sure of it.” I said and kissed her lips softly. “All I want you to do is relax and clear your mind. Dr. Nox suggested you speak to someone. I thought of Dr. Lubbe because I know you trust him, and he really helped you last time.” I say. “I will do whatever I have to, to ensure this baby stays safe,” she says, rubbing her belly. I put my hand over hers and she smiled. “I feel sad, but I will be okay, Zander. I promise I won't scare you like that again.” “I know, baby, and I understand it was a shock. Hell, even I can't wrap my head around it. If you want, we can go away for a while.” I tried and I hope she takes the bait. “We just got back, Zander. I can't run away every time something upsets me. I promise I will take it easy. You have work and I need to get the nursery ready,” she says, and I smile. I knew it wouldn't work, but maybe the nursery will take her mind off everything. Doesn’t shopping lighten women’s moods? But then again, Liz isn't like most women, but I know she will appreciate it if I go with her. “How about we go pick out things for the nursery together? Then you can decorate it however you like. But you are not allowed to move anything yourself. We have enough people that can help you. All you need to do is supervise. Do we have a deal?” I ask and she giggles. “You make a compelling argument, counselor, I agree with your terms.” she says, holding out her hand for me to shake. I take it in mine and kiss her palm. “But first, my dear wife. You need to relax and rest. Let me get Dr. Nox and tell her you are awake, and then you really need to eat something.” I say, and she nods and gives me a mock solute. “Yes sir, husband sir.” she says and I chuckle and shake my head. I pressed the call button and Dr. Nox came a few minutes later. She checks Liz over and listens to the baby’s heartbeat. She is happy that Liz’s blood pressure dropped a bit, but she still needs to stay here for a day or two. It may have dropped, but it's still too high. She leaves, and a nurse brings some food for both of us. I am allowed to stay here with her tonight, because they already know I won't leave. Rosa and Chris come by to drop some clothes for us, and Dr. Nox allows them to spend a few minutes with Liz. Rosa was more content when she got to see for herself that Liz was really okay. The rest of the guys will have to wait until tomorrow to see her. After we ate, I helped her wash up and put her straight into bed again. She has to stay on the glucose drip until she is better, and it's hard for her to move around with it. They came to check on her a few times during the night, and every time I would get up to give them space. I didn't mind one bit. As long as she is getting the best care, I am happy. The next morning, Liz was still asleep when I woke up. I didn't want to bother her, so I went out into the hall to make some calls. I checked in with everyone and let Toby know I wouldn't be in as planned. I know he already knows, but I also want to know if there is anything urgent that requires my attention.