Book 2 - Chapter 4: So Many Emotions

Zander When I came back to the room, Liz was awake and standing at the window, just staring outside. “Good morning Mrs. Caine. How are you feeling today?” I asked. She turns around and smiles brightly at me. “Good morning Mr. Caine. I am feeling very well rested and much better. Thank you for asking. Did you get any sleep?” she asked me. When I reach her, I pull her into my arms, and she hugs me tightly and rests her head on my chest. “I didn't get much sleep, but as soon as I know you are out of danger, I will get some rest. I will join you when you nap.” I say, and she giggles and looks up at me. “I nap a lot, don't I?” she asks and I chuckle. “You are carrying precious cargo. And if mini-me tires you out, you have every right to sleep.” I said and she smiled. “Come, let's freshen up,” I said and led her to the bathroom. I helped her bathe, and took her back to the room, before I took a quick shower. By the time I came out of the bathroom, Dr. Nox was already checking on her. “Morning Doc, please tell me you have some good news.” I said. “Morning Zander, I must say I am happy. Her blood pressure is nearly where it should be. If it keeps going down like this, she can leave tomorrow.” Dr. Nox answers. “Not today?” Liz asks hopefully. “Not today, I still want to monitor you.” “Okay, I understand,” Liz relented, but I can see she wasn't happy. “Can our friends stop by?” I asked. “As long as the visit is short. She needs to rest,” Dr. Nox answers and I nod. “Thank you Doc.” I say, and she shows me to follow her outside. I kissed Liz’s cheek and followed Dr. Nox out into the hallway. “I think it's a good idea if she has her first session with Dr. Lubbe here. That way we can monitor her. I can contact him, if you don't mind.” Dr. Nox says. “That is a good idea, thank you doc. I would appreciate the help.” “I will go do that now. Remember, they can't stay longer than an hour, and then she needs to rest. After breakfast, she can take a walk outside in the garden. It's lovely out there.” “I will make sure she gets some rest.” “Good, I will be back later. But call me if anything happens.” Dr. Nox says before she leaves. I go back into the room and Liz gave me a look with one eyebrow raised. “Did you have fun discussing me?” Liz asks and I chuckle. “She just wanted to know if I was okay with her calling Dr. Lubbe. She wants him to come see you here so she can monitor you.” “That’s a good idea, thank you. I feel so useless right now.” she says, looking down at her hands. “You aren't useless, you are pregnant. You just heard some shocking news, and got a little sick. You will be as good as new in no time.” I say and steal a kiss. “How do you always know what to say to make me feel better?” she asks and I shrug. “I guess I was just made for you,” I say and she giggles. “Doc said you could go for a walk in the garden after breakfast. Would you like that?” I ask and she smiles brightly. “I would love some fresh air.” My phone rings before I can answer her and I see it's Vance. I answer and put it on speaker. “Morning Vance, you are on speaker.” I say when I answer. “Morning Zander,” he says, and then goes off. “b***h! Don't scare me like that ever again. You will give me premature wrinkles and frown lines. I am coming to see you at lunchtime. Do you need me to bring anything? Pickles, peppers, cheesecake, those burgers you like or ice-cream? I am sure that hospital food is horrible,” he says, and Liz giggles. “Good morning to you too, Vance. If you can smuggle some cheesecake past Dr. Nox, you will be my hero.” Liz answers and he chuckles. “Girl please, I would have made an excellent spy. And a fabulous one at that. I know how to get contraband in. Don't you worry your pretty little head. I am bringing your bitches, so be ready. We will have you feeling better in no time. We know just how to get your mind off everything. And you, Zander, you had better make yourself scarce when we arrive. We will be having private girl time. Are we clear?” he asked me. “Yes boss,” I said and chuckled. “Good, see you soons ya. Love you b***h, kiss kiss.” he says and hangs up. I shake my head while Liz chuckles. “Maybe you do need some girl time. But remember, Dr. Nox said only an hour. So we eat first and then take a walk in the garden.” I say, and she nods. I go let the nurse know we are ready for breakfast and a few minutes later, they bring it in. Vance will be surprised to know that the food isn't that bad here. They just don't add too much flavor, which is understandable. When we finished eating, I helped Liz into her robe Rosa brought, and I pushed the IV pole for her so that she could walk freely. We took a nice stroll and doc was right, it's beautiful out here. It's relaxing and serene. We sat on the bench for a bit and took in some sun. “I still feel incredibly sad, and I will for a while. But mostly I feel so much anger and regret. Anger at the pain and suffering Mary endured at the hands of a man that was meant to love and protect her. And I regret not getting to her sooner. I just wish she had told me on that day we met. But I know things would have happened differently if she had. Maybe I would never have reconnected with you. But maybe I could have found a way to save her. I have all these thoughts in my mind, and it's the what ifs and buts that are driving me crazy.” she says after a long silence. “You need to tell Dr. Lubbe about all these feelings you have. It's good to get it out. You are entitled to be sad and angry. You are entitled to feel however you want. You lost years with someone who loved you. She was your grandmother. You can mourn her as long as you want. But at the same time, she wouldn't want you to harm yourself or the baby. I understand all these feelings you have, I have been there. Maybe not in the way that you have, but I can relate. I used work as a crutch of sorts to help me deal with my grief. Maybe that wasn't healthy, but it worked for me. My business ventures thrived, and I only really took a break when you came along. No one can tell you how to grieve. It's a personal journey. But just know that I am here for whatever you need to help you heal.” I answered and she smiled and kissed my cheek. “Thank you my husband. You really are the best man I know, and I am lucky to call you mine.” she says and rests her head on my shoulder. We sat in a comfortable silence for a while until I saw her yawn. “You need to take a nap before the girls come. Let’s head back.” I say. “You mean my bitches?” she asked, giggling, and I had to chuckle. “Yes, your bitches.” I said and got up and offered her my hand. We head back inside, and I get her settled in for a nap, and she falls asleep very quickly. I sit in the chair and closed my eyes for a bit too. I really am exhausted, but Liz and the baby come first. It's hard to relax when they are both still in danger. I have to keep Liz as calm as I can. I don't know how long I slept, but I woke to whispers. I open my eyes and see that the girls and Vance are there, and they are talking softly so they don't wake me. I smiled at the sweet gesture. “Hi ladies, sorry I dozed off.” I said and sat up. “It's okay hot stuff, we know you are tired. Dr. Nox said you can sleep in the room next door while we are here. That way we get our girl time, and you get to catch up on some sleep. I brought some of Rosa’s cooking for when you wake up,” Vance says, and I smile. “Thank you, I will go lay down for a bit and give you some alone time. Wake me when you leave please.” I said, and they all nodded. I kissed Liz and headed to the room next door. I kicked off my shoes and lay down. I am tired, and that chair is not comfortable at all. I checked my phone and saw a message from Chris. He found some information about Mary’s husband thanks to Commander Carlson. That man should have retired after Elaine’s case, but he is still at work. I quickly dial Chris and he answers immediately. “Hey Zander, how is Liz doing?” he asks. “She is getting better. She may come home tomorrow. The girls and Vance are with her now, so I am in the next room to take a nap,” I say, and he chuckles. “Not a bad thing, I am sure you haven't slept much,” he says. “Yeah, but I can rest when I know Liz and the baby are out of danger. Now tell me what news you have,” I said and he sighed. “Mary’s husband was a guy named Leon Henderson. He survived the shooting and was sentenced to 30 years. He spent most of his sentence in a mental institution, before he was moved to the general population. He was released nearly two years ago. He was last seen in Texas. I haven't located him yet, but I won't rest until I do.” Chris says and I sit up. “He can't find out about Liz. I don't want that man in her life.” “I agree, according to his release records, he showed remorse and deep regret. But even so, people will do and say anything to get their way.” “That’s true, and even if he is remorseful, I still don't want him around Liz or the baby.” I said. “Agreed, and I am sure she will feel the same. I will let you know if I find anything new. Go sleep for a bit, we can chat later.” he says, and I thanked him and hung up. I had hoped her grandfather was out of the picture, but we will deal with him when we find him. I put my phone down and closed my eyes. Just a quick nap and then I will go back to Liz. She deserves some time with her friends, they do have a way of cheering her up.