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    Dana’s Journey…A Grim Reality

    Can I say thank goodness it is the weekend? I know that my brain is fried and only going to get worse with the turn that the story is about to take.

    Tolrah, I enjoyed your story and look forward to more. Thank you for you comments, I will try to keep you awake.

    Slm, I dont know what to sayit is an honor that you put your job in jeopardy for lil ol me.

    Neverwhere, thank you for your comments and welcome to you, Tolrah & slm to our little family.

    Sous chef, Darkhorse, you know I have to keep you two on your toes. And you never know…Leslie (Sharons horse buddy) may show up soon.

    Ash, you are right, life is too short.

    Geauxtiger & Cuban Slave, what the ***** is happening to our teams??? This is not putting me in a good placeyou never know where the story will head when I am not in a good placebut then, there is always

    Kyou know I will always leave you wanting more. You wouldnt keep me around if I didnt.

    So, the TGIF versiongrab whatever and enjoy!!!


    Chapter 17

    An accident! Danas heart still had not beat, it was stuck in her throat. Is she the word would not, could not pass Danas lips. She couldnt comprehend a world without her mother in it.

    Lara placed a comforting hand over Danas clinched fist and looked into her wide, anxious eyes, Dana, all I know is what Howie said. She is alive, but unconscious. Tears flooded Danas face, He said that we need to get to the hospital right away.

    Dana threw the covers off of her and flew out of the bed, she now knew why she had the overwhelming sense of dread. She had to get to her mother. Lara was right behind her, grabbing car keys and purses. The door slammed behind them, neither caring if it was locked or not. Only one thought raced through Danas mind, Please dont let her die. One thought raced through Laras, This will kill her if she doesnt make it.

    The drive to Cedar Sinai seemed to take forever. They seemed to catch every red light, get behind every Sunday driver. The drive was silent, Lara with one hand on the wheel, the other squeezing Danas. Her thumb rubbed across the back of Danas hand, trying to soothe her, but knowing that nothing would help. Lara could see Dana playing the worse case scenarios in her mind. With each one, the urgency to get to her mother would grow in intensity, bringing bigger tears. She tried to stop them by placing the back of her hand over her mouth, bracing her head, not allowing a sound escape. Finally, they had arrived at the hospitals emergency entrance. Before they got out of the car, Lara intertwined her fingers with Danas and brought both hands to her mouth. As she kissed where her thumb had been rubbing, her eyes talked to Danas and told her that she would be by her side through everything.

    They approached the door and Dana froze. She couldnt move, there was a force running through her body keeping her from going in there. Lara, I cant do this. What if

    Baby, yes you can. You need to draw your strength not only for you, but for your dad and your brother. They need you in here. Lara wrapped her left arm around the back of Danas waist and held Danas right arm with her right hand. Your mom needs you in there. She loves you, remember.

    The force that was holding Dana back now drove her forward. The automatic doors opened to a world of doctors and nurses rushing around. A world of beeps, buzzers, intercoms saying stat and Code Blue. With the last call over the intercom, all the doctors rushed to a room inside of the ER and Danas knees became weak as she stared at Lara. She didnt know many medical terms, but from watching tv she knew that one meant someones heart had stopped, she prayed it wasnt her mothers.

    They approached the nurses station, Dana looking around to see if she could see Howie or her dad. Lara asked the nurse on duty if she knew anything about Sharon Fairbanks.

    And you are?

    This is her daughter. Now please, all we were told was to get down here right away.

    Umm, yes. The nurse looked down at her computer screen. There is no information right now, but the rest of the family is in a private waiting area.

    Where would that be? A private waiting area, Lara knew that wasnt good.

    Right threw this door. And then the second door on your right. The nurse pressed a button and buzzed them through.

    The short hallway seemed to get longer with each step. As they faced the door, Lara looked at Dana and gave her a small smile as she gripped the door ***** and turned it. As they door slowly opened, they could hear the people inside almost jump out of their seats. Dana and Lara stood in the doorframe, awaiting someone to say or do something. No one moved, everyone held their breath. Irwins eyes went from anxious to disappointment and he sat back down with his head in his hands. All three watched him, hoping that this tragedy would have shaken him out of his stubbornness, but it didnt. Dana and Lara walked towards Howie, reaching out to the one person in the family who accepted them.

    How is mom? Danas voice was shaky.

    No one will tell us anything. We dont know. Howie looked like a little boy who was lost.

    Just as Dana stepped towards Howie, the door opened once again, this time it was a doctor. A cloud of uncertainty enveloped the room. Their hearts hoping for the best, their minds expecting the worst. Irwin stood straight up from the chair to face the doctor, Dana, Howie and Lara just held each others hands awaiting the news.

    Doctor, how is she? Irwin was anxious to know about his beloved wife.

    Well, honestly the doctor did not seem to have good news, she is very critical. Her heart has already stopped once, but we got her back. The doctor put a clipboard in front of Irwins face. I need you to sign this. We have to perform surgery as soon as possible.

    Surgery? How bad is it doctor? Dana asked the question no one wanted to really know, but needed to know.

    Well, actually, it is very serious. She has several internal injuries. Her Spleen has been ruptured, she has a lacerated kidney, broken ribs which punctured her lung, a fractured pelvis and a compound skull fracture which has produced bleeding on the brain.

    The silence in the small room was deafening. Everyone stood there, shocked and dismayed. How could anyone still be alive going through that? Danas grip on Laras hand got tighter, as if looking for support to keep her breathing. She couldnt believe what she was hearing. How could she have gotten this hurt? What had hit her? Questions racing through her mind, grief was turning into anger. Her knuckles were now white as they began to crush Laras fingers.

    What are her chances doctor? Irwin was a man of percentages, he had to know what he was facing.

    Right now I would say 50/50, I dont like to speculate like that, but if we dont get in there quickly, her chances go down.

    Thank you doctor.

    A nurse will be in to take you to the surgical waiting room. Someone will keep you informed.

    Can I see her before she goes up? Irwin had the overwhelming sense to tell her how he felt.

    Yeah, but just for a second. Come with me.

    Dad, please tell her Danas words were cut off by a glare from Irwin. Even though their family should be pulling together, he still couldnt see past her lifestyle. He followed the doctor out of the room as Dana turned and buried her face into Laras shoulder, sobbing. The anger had turned to sadness. Howie moved around to his sister, placed his hand on her back and hung his head. Dana couldnt stand being in that room any longer, the walls were closing in on her. With a sniffled deep breath, she looked in Laras eyes, I need to get out of here, I cant stand it anymore. With that, they all turned and walked out into the hall.

    As they walked towards the bigger waiting area, Dana and Howie saw their mother for the first time, being wheeled towards the elevators. Dana went to the gurney and couldnt believe what she saw. Her mother was chalky white, her hair was matted down by dark red blood. They had a breathing bag attached to her mouth. She looked like an empty shell that had lost its soul. The room became silent to Dana, her focus intent on the sight before her. Please, wait. The gurney stopped.

    Miss, we need to get her to surgery.

    Shes my mother, please, just one second. The team of medical staff stood straight up as Dana bent down. She placed her mouth close to her mothers ear, but not touching her. I love you is all that was said as a single tear fell from Danas eye and fell upon her mothers cheek. The team began to push the gurney once again as Dana stood up and fell into Laras arms once again, her hands covering her tear soaked face.

    Shhh. Come on baby, lets get you some air. Then we can go up to the surgery waiting area, okay? No words, just a nodding head and they walked past the room that the doctors had so furiously worked on Sharon. As they passed, Dana couldnt help but look inside. She saw her father, for the first time ever, a broken man standing in the middle of bloody towels and tubes, crying. Both her and Howie knew better than to approach him. He was a proud man that never wanted anyone to see his feelings, especially when they ripped his life apart.

    As the doors opened, the sounds of sirens and cars filled the air. Dana stilled leaned on Lara to hold her up. It had taken every ounce of energy and strength not to pass out when she saw her mother for the first time. Several minutes passed as they just stood there on the sidewalk, watching more injured people being wheeled in to the ER. Finally, Dana regained her strength and composure. Are you ready to go back in?

    Whenever you are. Howie, are you ready? Lara knew that everyone had been in their own little world and Howie was no exception, but he hadnt said a word since before the doctor came in, he just stood there with a blank look on his face and nodded his head.
    As they walked back in, they saw a police officer standing at the nurses station. Is there a member of a he had to check his notes, a Sharon Fairbanks family here?

    Before the nurse could answer, Im her daughter. Dana tentatively approached the officer. What can I do for you?

    Well maam, we found her purse at the scene and thought that you should have it. We hadnt seen it before. The tall, well-built man extended his arm to hand the purse to Dana.

    You were there? The officer just shook his head yes. Can you tell me what happened? The officers eyes became wide as if he were to tell her about to tell her a horrible secret. Please, I need to know how my mother got in this shape. From what the doctor has told us, it sounds like a semi ran into her.

    Well, maam, it wasnt a semi. The officer took a deep breath, Are you sure you want to hear this? Dana nodded her affirmation. Apparently, your mother was crossing an intersection after the light had turned green. That is when two teenagers, racing, blew through the red light hitting speeds in excess of 80 miles an hour according to our estimates. The sadness and grief now turned back into anger. Your mother never had a chance, one car hit her and the other fled the scene. We are still looking for it.

    They were racing? My mother could die because of two stupid teenagers racing! The anger now spilled out of Danas mouth. The officer just hung his head, not saying a word. What happened to the little ***** that hit my mother?

    He was injured and was brought to the hospital. He has been placed under arrest and will go to jail once they release him. The officer wanted to offer some solace to the family before him.

    Danas jaw clinched, every muscle in her face contracted. You mean that that little ***** is going to be released and my mother is fighting for her life? Dana just wanted two minutes alone with him. Her eyes scanned the ER to find any clue of where he might be.

    Maam, we will take care of it. My prayers are with you and your family. Here is my name and badge number. I will have an accident report ready for your family in the next couple of days after the investigation is concluded. He wrote his name and badge number on a piece of paper from his pad and tore it out before offering it to Dana.

    Her rage at that moment wouldnt allow her to acknowledge the offering, so Lara took it and told the officer thank you.

    The officer whispered to Lara, If there is anything they would like to know about the investigation, please let me know.

    Lara half-heartedly smiled at the officer Thank you, I will let them know she looked at the piece of paper in her hand, Officer Bryant. She shook his hand as he began to leave.

    Lara hadnt noticed the focused look on Danas face, she was placing the paper in her purse. When she turned to grab Danas hand so they could go to the waiting room, all she found was air, an empty spot where Dana had been standing. Dana? Lara scanned the room to see her walking towards a young man laying in a bed, sleeping with one hand handcuffed to the railing. Oh my God! Lara took off toward Dana, but it was too late.

    Dana was usually not like this, she was always the subdued shy one, but one of her family was fighting for her life and it was at the stupidity of the man before her. Her eyes, now full of rage, a rage that she had never experienced before, focused on this man with an immobilizer on his leg. There it was, his injury. Her hand reach over the raised railing heading towards the injured leg as her face began to lean towards his. She pressed on his knee, causing the young man to bolt up, screaming in pain. Lara tried to pull her off of him, but couldnt. Dana was like a pit bull with her prey in her mouth.

    Listen you little mother *****, you almost killed my mother. The grip on his knee let up and he fell back against his pillow, his eyes full of tears from the pain and fear from what was before him. I swear if she dies, YOU will wish you had. The doctors and nurses let Dana finish. They knew what he had done and although they couldnt hurt him themselves, they wanted him to suffer just a bit more. She is up in surgery fighting for her life right now and you are laying down here with a goddamn brace on you leg. Danas rage was beginning to take over her body as it began to tremble. Through clinched teeth, Dana told him one last thing, Your stupidity may have cost my family my mother. I swear you will pay if I take my last breath making you do it. With that her jaw unclenched as she stared into the young mans eyes, seeing the fear that Dana had just instilled in him. As she turned to walk away, she pressed on his knee once more, jolting him straight up again.

    She walked past Lara, determined not to let him see her crumble. Lara and Howie followed, both amazed, both a little frightened. They both knew that this was just the beginning. As they all reached the elevator, no one dared say a word, at least not yet. The doors opened and they allowed the passengers to get off before getting on. Once the doors closed, Dana fell back against the wall, bracing her arms on the railing and hung her head. Lara took this as her cue to take Dana into her arms. The ding of the elevator brought them out of their embrace, as they waited for the doors to open. They finally found the surgical waiting area, but they did not find Irwin. Howie went over to the volunteer that was stationed there to ask if there was any news or if she had seen his father as Lara guided Dana over to some empty chairs.

    Have they heard anything yet How? Danas voice was now tired and weak.

    No, nothing yet, but she did say that dad asked where the chapel was.

    Ill be right back. Lara, could you stay here with Howie, please.

    Are you gonna be alright? Lara didnt mind staying with Howie, but she knew that Dana needed her too.

    Yeah, Ill be fine. Ill be back in a few minutes. Dana walked out of the waiting room, headed towards uncertainty.

    As she approached the chapel doors, she drew in a long, slow deep breath. As she let it out, she slowly pulled on open. The lighting was low and candles were lit along the back wall. She saw her father sitting in the second row, his head bent down. She approached him slowly, not wanting to scare him and also afraid her father would reject her again. Dad

    His head slowly raised and turned towards the voice. Sorrowful eyes slowly turned to angry, hurt eyes. Dana, not now. I cant deal with this and you too.

    Please, Danas shoulders slumped forward and she bowed her head to the right, pleading with him, I need you, we need to pull together.

    WE? Dana, there is no we. I can not and do not accept who you have become. His tone was becoming angry. Now please, just leave me be.

    There it was once again, rejection slapping Dana across the face with one hand and ripping the rest of her heart out with the other. She did as her father wished and let him be. She couldnt put either one of them through a conflict right now, she needed to focus on her mother. She looked back at the broken man as she pushed the door open, part of her life left in that chapel, another part fighting for her life on an operating table.

    Dana sat down next to Lara, laying her head on her shoulder, intertwining their fingers. Howie on the other side of her, holding her other hand. The minutes dragged by like a snail crossing a sidewalk. As they watched the clock, each second ticked off. The seconds turned to minutes, minutes into hours. Each taking their turn pacing, wearing a tracks onto the floor. Each watching Irwin as he sat across the room. As the hours crept by, one by one, the other families were taking to their loved ones rooms, leaving the Fairbanks family alone. The volunteer had long since left, the coffee pot was now empty.

    Finally, someone came out of the doors that lead to the surgical suite. As they had done before, everyone leapt up from their seats, but the man kept walking, speaking to no one. A few minutes more and the surgeon finally emerged, his scrubs soaked in sweat. They met him halfway. As he pulled off his surgical cap, he wiped his face.

    Doctor?

    As he looked up, his eyes and face told a story that families didnt want to hear.

    Comments

    1. Hi just wanted to say what a great update i can’t wait for the next one and don’t tell that while Sharon is fight for her life Dana and Lara find somthing intresting in Sharon’s purse a picture of Sharon and Leslie together or how about a old love letter.

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