Chapter Thirty-nine He finally slipped away from the dream when she stroked her thumb across his lips. He opened his eyes with a start, still groggy with exhaustion and his mind hazy from the dream. He shuddered slightly, slowly becoming aware of his surroundings, taking in a deep breath. It took him a moment to realize the slightly pressure on his lip was coming from Sabryn's hand. He lifted his head quickly, meeting her gaze in shock. Her eyes were open. [Oh my God...] He watched her carefully lift the hand that was caressing him to her neck, gesturing to the tube in her throat. [Oh my God!] "Nurse!" The nurse came running in, expecting to find Sabryn in full arrest, despite the fact that her monitors hooked into the station all read green. She stared in wonderment at the woman who was now alert, and struggling against the ventilator. Immediately she forced her clinical detachment back into place. "Try not to fight the breathing tube. I'll have the doctor here in one moment." Anton heard it all without really listening. He was too busy staring at Sabryn. "My dear Bryn, I thought I had lost you," he whispered. Although choking slightly on the tube in her throat, she reached her hand out towards him. He took it in his grip, nearly gasping at the strength with which she held on to him. He shuddered again, pressing his lips to her fingers, trying so hard not to start sobbing again. He could plainly see her trying to calm down and keep in synch with the ventilator. [She's breathing on her own...] She was alert and, although groggy, looked almost healthy. She frowned at him, placing her hand over his to guide it towards her stomach. When he cradled her in his hand, he couldn't feel any movement. "I can't feel anything, Bryn." She pushed harder on his hand, obviously trying to tell him something. "I don't know what you're saying." She gave him a pleading look, squeezing his hand and placing it on her stomach once more. He still didn't understand. Although he gripped her tighter, that didn't seem to be what she wanted. "I don't...I can't understand--" He stopped abruptly, the fetal monitor catching his attention. Max's heartbeat was dropping rapidly, far too fast for his liking. He glanced at Bryn to see her eyes tearing up. She pressed down on his hand again, her message becoming clear. Even though she was getting better, Max was dying. [No!] He squeezed her hand in return before quickly getting up from his chair. He ran to the door, screaming for the nurse much louder than before. Max had told Jess that he would fix Bryn, that he'd make her better. [God, I hope this wasn't what he meant!] Anton ran back to her side, when he saw several nurses start towards the room. He grabbed her hand, squeezing tight. "We're not going to lose him now, Bryn. He's going to be fine." He tried to sound confident for Bryn's sake, and for his. He almost sobbed in relief when he saw Dr. Leahs enter the room, followed by several nurses, a resident and a man he only remembered as an OBGYN doctor. All of them did a double take when they saw that Bryn was awake. As the resident and nurse began removing her breathing tube, Anne began checking the fetal monitor. "We need to start an intrauterine fetal transfusion right away." "What?" The OBGYN grabbed Bryn's chart. "I don't even understand why this woman is awake at this point. And there is no history of Rh disease." Anne cast a concerned look at Anton before answering. "Dr. Parks, there are some abnormalities in this baby's DNA that I have been studying. My research has led me to believe that this baby suffers from anemia similar to that caused by Rh disease. Now answer me. Do you have a perinatologist who can perform the procedure?" "Yes." Dr. Parks didn't looked convinced of her reasoning, but he was at least listening. He turned to one of the nearby nurses. "Susan, find a clear OR and have it prepped for an IUFT." Anne walked over to Anton. "I'm sorry, Bryn, Anton, but we've got to do this in an operating room. We're not going to be able to allow Anton in during the procedure." Anton immediately tightened his grip on Bryn. "I'm not leaving her." "I'm sorry, but there's a risk that Max may not tolerate the operation and we'll have to deliver him by c-section." "What's his chances of surviving if you have to deliver him?" "Not good. But we need to get his blood volume back up. Bryn choked, coughing violently as the tube was pulling from her throat, then whimpering in pain at the ache in her chest. She tried to speak several times before she could finally push the words out, and when she did her voice was rough and strained. "No, I want Anton!" "I'm sorry--" "Get him scrubbed, please." They started to move Bryn's bed, breaking her grip on Anton's hand before Dr. Anne could respond. "Not with the chance of an emergency cesarean, Bryn. I'm sorry, but you'll have to say your goodbyes now." As soon as the bed cleared the doorway, Anton rushed back to Bryn's side, grabbing her hand as they continued down the hall. She looked like she was about to cry. "Anton, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen." She let out a sob-like breath. "I wrecked my car, didn't I?" "Shh--" "My ring is gone--find my wedding ring." She whimpered again, closing her eyes. "I hurt so much." "We'll get you something for the pain, Sabryn," Dr. Anne said. Bryn squeezed Anton's hand even harder, her eyes still closed. "Find Jess. Tell her...tell her Max needs her, please." "I will." He didn't fully understand what she meant by that. "We're going to make it through this, Bryn. And no matter what, I love you." He squeezed her hands as they came up to the entrance to the operating suites. He was halted at that point by a nurse, told that he could go no further. He watched helplessly as Bryn slipped from his grip, her fear filled eyes staring back at him as she was whisked beyond the double doors. He stood there, watching the doors swing. [Please, let them be safe.] Forlorn, he slowly made his way back to the waiting room where Jess and Walter would be waiting. Before he made it, he was intercepted by Walter. "The sun's up, so we've moved over to the waiting room across from hers." He didn't say they had seen Bryn rushed off to surgery. "What happened?" he asked, guiding the vampire to the room. Anton almost didn't answer him. He felt like he'd left his mind back at the doors to the operating room. "I, uh..." He took a deep breath, amazed at how much his voice was shaking. "She's awake." "Already?" He nodded. "She's...they have to do a blood transfusion on the baby, because he," he swallowed heavily, "his heartbeat is falling." He thought no one could look or feel more miserable that he did, until he saw Jess lying on the couch in the tiny waiting room. Frighteningly pale, she lay there shivering as Alex tried in vain to warm her up. Not even the coat he'd draped over her seemed to help. She looked almost like she needed to check into the hospital herself. Alex continued to rub her arm briskly. "What happened?" "They just took Bryn to surgery," Walter said in a grave tone. Alex looked to Anton. "Max isn't doing so well?" "No," Anton said dully. "What's wrong with Jess?" he said, gesturing at the shivering woman half-curled on Alex's lap. Alex shrugged, worried. "She started shivering about ten minutes ago." "I can't seem to get warm," Jess whispered. "And I think I know why." Walter added his coat over Jess. "Why?" "I think I'm somehow linked to Max." "Linked to Max?" Anton wondered if he looked as astonished as he felt. "Then you have to help him. Bryn told me to tell you he needs you." "Bryn told you that?" She tried to sit up a bit more. "How? I thought she was unconscious." "She woke up." She shook her head. "Well, even so...she's coherent enough to tell you that?" Anton nodded. "And she said he needs me? How does she know?" "I don't know, and I'm wasting time explaining it to you. All I know is we're losing him. Is there anything you can do?" "I've got to try to take control of this link." Jess pushed up into a sitting position, still shivering. "I've got to stop reacting to what he's sending. It may reduce the stress on him as well." "Okay," Walter said, sitting down beside her. "What do we do?" "Just keep quiet as possible. I'm going to try to reach him." With a heavy sigh, she bowed her head and closed her eyes. Aside from an occasional twitch, she looked like she was sound asleep. Anton took a seat in the chair opposite of her. He watched her for about fifteen minutes, trying to process everything that was going on. Walter and Alex quietly got up and left, whispering something to him about updating Lindy about what was going on. Restless, he picked up the duffle bag that had been brought for him earlier and rummaged through it until he found Bryn's diary. Although his hands were still shaking, he managed to open the journal to the last entry she'd made and started to read. Anton, my love, It's four in the morning and I'm wide awake. Trying to mesh our schedule with my family's is insane. I'm not even sure if I've slept more than five hours since I got here. The odd thing is, I hardly even notice. I don't care much for sleeping when you're not with me. Do you ever wonder what life might be like if neither of us had gone to Santa Cruz that day? I have a feeling I'd still be walking through life with a big hole inside of me. I miss you so much. When we're not together I feel like I've been cut open and the best of me has been carved away. I'm only half alive without you, and if that makes me obsessed then so be it. I've been to shrinks before. I know all about co-dependence, and I just don't care. Some people may say it's unhealthy to be this 'into' another person, but I love you so much it's a like a physical pain when you're gone. I'm obsessed, consumed, insane, overwhelmed, passionately and spiritually in love with you. I don't know how I ever existed before we met, and I don't want to. You heal me, complete me, shake me and rock my world. God, I know I'm not supposed to be saying this. I know I should be telling myself that I'm enough all by myself, that I don't need anyone else. But as many times as I say it, I'll never believe that it's true. I need you, Anton. I NEED YOU. And I always will. He put the journal down for a moment, unable to read more. [I need you too, Bryn. When you left me in Europe, that time apart convinced me more than anything that you are my soul mate, the one who I was meant to be with for all time. The time I spent with my other wives was time spent training me so I could love you properly, the way you deserved to be. I can't live without you, my dear. I would just be an empty husk going through the motions.] Picking up the journal, he began reading again. It might sound awfully boring to someone else, but I think if I could have one perfect day it would be spent at home with you. To wake up slowly, softly kissing each other into consciousness, and make love to start the evening. And then we'd make breakfast together and read the paper. After that we'd lie on the couch all snuggled together, safe and warm, and you'd tell me about different adventures in your life, and I'd laugh as I told you about silly things I've done myself. Then...I don't think I've ever told you this, but I've always wanted to dance with you. Slow dancing, naked. I've heard sex referred to as that, but I think the description itself sounds lovely. Softly swaying in your arms as you hum along to the music. My ear to your chest, so I can hear your heartbeat. And every once in a while reaching up to kiss your mouth. You must know you're a devastating kisser. You make my breath catch every time. He brushed one tear away from the corner of his eye. [I hope I can give you that perfect day, Bryn. A night like you described would be heavenly. Or a night together with our son.] Trying to keep his emotions under control, he looked up at Jess. She hadn't moved and still shivered, but if he wasn't mistaken, her color had improved slightly. [Lindy's told me what a fighter you are. Fight for him, Jess. Lend Max your strength.] I can't even imagine what life is going to be like once our baby is born...well, I can imagine the labor, but I prefer not to. I know some couples are driven apart when a baby comes into their lives, but I honestly don't see that happening to us. I wish you could know how I feel, having a piece of you growing inside of me. It makes me so unbelievably proud. It's as if you wrapped up the biggest, shiniest present in the world and handed it to me. I can't imagine a better gift. No, wait...I take that back. I know of a much greater gift, one I'm anxious to receive. The night you Transform me. Do you have any idea how amazing it will be? That moment when you pull my life into your body, and give me yours in return. If I think we're connected now, what will it be like, then? Like two beautiful tapestries taken apart thread by thread and then woven as one. God, Anton...I'm weeping all over this page. I can't take this anymore. I can't stay here. This has gone on long enough--I'm coming home to you tonight. And I'll never leave you again. Ever. I love you with every cell in my being, Anton. Love, Bryn. He was openly weeping now, unable to hide his emotions any longer. [I only hope you still want that gift after all of this.] That thought scared him. What if Max didn't make it, and she decided she couldn't bear the pain of losing him for all eternity? He almost didn't notice when Jess moved for the first time in half an hour. She shook her head like a soaking wet dog trying to dry out its coat. Before she had a chance to speak, there was a knock on the half closed door. "Mr. Rudenko," an orderly said quietly as he leaned into the room. "Your wife is being taken to Recovery right now." Never should've gotten in the car... She tried to reach for the door handle but it kept slipping out of her grip. The seat belt was a vice around her, a heavy metal chain holding her back, taking control out of her hands. By the time she saw the red light, it was already too late. The impact of the collision jolted her, waking Lindy out of a sound sleep, sending her gasping and clawing her way out from beneath the blankets. Nate was awake immediately, pulling her into his arms despite her panic, whispering over and over that it was just a dream, just a dream... The sudden sound in the quiet house startled someone else awake too, and the increasing volume of Liam's cries flowed from the baby monitor on the night stand. She took a deep sobbing breath, becoming aware of where she was. "Please, Nate, go get him." He lightly kissed her temple, squeezing her. "I'll be right back, Lind." As he got out of the bed and pulled on some sweats, Lindy sat on the edge of the bed. She was still slightly sore, but was healing rapidly. As she pulled a robe around her, she took a good look in the mirror across from the bed. Her bruises were all gone. Except for the ones still on her soul. She closed her eyes, the screams and fear during the accident so clear in her head. Bryn's scream cut off as her head hit the window. The shriek of the Jaws of Life as the fire fighters tried to cut them out of the car. She shuddered, pulling tighter on the tie around her waist. She couldn't imagine what life would be like if Bryn or the baby died. She remembered those months Anton spent alone after leaving Santa Cruz. How his presence seemed to send a dark cloud over the entire office, his depression effecting everyone he encountered. How he was willing to give up so easily. It frightened her to think of what might happen to her friend if... He'd never look at her the same way again. She blinked as Nate walked back into the room, Liam on his shoulder. The little boy was snuggled against him, his fist in his mouth, but the moment he saw Lindy he reached out his arms and started to whimper again. She reached out and took him from Nate silently and cradled him to her chest. "It doesn't seem right, doesn't seem fair at all that I come through this relatively unscathed and with a healthy son while Bryn and Max are in limbo. And yet if I were asked to, I wouldn't give Liam up to save either of them." She looked back at him, tears in her eyes. "What does that make me?" "It makes you an incredible mother, Lindy." He shook his head, collapsing on to the bed. "You should want to protect your child at all costs. That's what mothers do. And before you say it, your birth mother doesn't count. The very fact that you said that should tell you how far you've come. You're nothing like her. And every kid should be so lucky to have a mom like you." She leaned back on the bed as well. "Why do I feel so guilty about this Nate? I know it's not my fault, but I still think there's something I could have done to prevent it. I should have been able to smell something wrong with the car." "Maybe because it's over and there's nothing you can do to change it." At her confused look, he wrapped his arm around her. "You're not Wonder Woman, Lind. Yeah, you have some pretty amazing talents...but that doesn't make you a superhero. You can't solve every little problem that comes your way, and you can't always see accidents before they happen. No one expects you to be perfect, gorgeous. We love you just the way you are." Lindy sniffled, trying to fight off her tears. "Don't hold it back, baby," Nate whispered. "Just let it go." Burying her head in his shoulder, but making sure Liam wasn't squished, she softly began to cry. Placing his hand on Liam's back, Nate placed a lingering kiss to Lindy's forehead. "I'm going to tell you something that I want you to remember, Lind. I always have and always will love you. Scars, flaws, and all. It doesn't matter what happened in your past, or what might happen to you in the future--although I'll try my damnedest to keep you from harm--I will always think you're the best thing that ever happened to me." He kissed her again. "And you did everything you could in that accident, Lind. I'm proud of you that you want to help so much, but you have to let it go." She leaned her head against his shoulder, wincing as Liam grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked it to his mouth to chew on. "I don't know that I know how to." "Well, let's see...what could you do to help? You can lend Anton your support. You could offer to take care of Petunia for a while, and make sure everything is in order at the warehouse. Would that make you feel a bit better?" "A bit," Lindy said with a sigh. "But I know what would really make me feel better." "What?" he asked, a bit surprised by the coldness in her voice. "Hunting down Natasha and burying my fangs in her throat and a stake in her heart." He grinned, stroking his hand over her hair. "I think you're going to have to fight both me and Anton for the right to do that. I might be willing to share, but I don't think he is." He got an evil little grin on his face, his fangs sharpened and eyes glowing. "I almost pity the woman...when Anton gets his hands on her, there's going to be hell to pay." When the orderly came to tell him that Bryn had been brought back to her room, he insisted that Jess be allowed to come with him. At first he had been told the standard 'family only' response, but in the end he had convinced them to let her see Bryn as well. Jess's condition had been steadily improving since Bryn had come out of surgery. She wouldn't talk about her link to Max however. He had to admit he was a bit jealous of that link. He would dearly loved to be linked to his son or to his wife in the way that Jess seemed to share with Max. To feel their pain or joy as if it was his own. He watched as Jess entered the room first, to make sure the drapes were shut. He was impatiently fidgeting when she opened the door and gestured him in. Jess then went to sit on one of the chairs in the room. Anton pulled up the other chair to the head of the bed. Bryn looked much better. He still was a bit shocked by the fact that her long hair was gone, but she was sitting up and alert. Bryn's eyes filled with tears as she looked at him. "I'm sorry about the car, Anton." "It's okay, my dear. It was just a car, something that can easily be replaced. Unlike you." He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. He pulled her wedding ring out of his pocket from where he had been carrying it since he had gotten it back from the hospital officials. "Look what I found, Bryn." She closed her eyes and grabbed his hand, trying desperately not to start wailing. She felt so close to having everything she loved ripped out of her grasp. Max was improving, but had been hanging on by a tenuous thread. She'd demolished her car and could've killed Lindy. For a while, she'd believed that she had...until Dr. Leahs told her otherwise. And now-- Her lips trembled as she tugged him closer, quietly whispering, "I look so ugly." She pulled in a sob, unable to stop twin tears from falling. "Bryn, I don't think you've ever been more beautiful." He gently wiped her tears away with the pad of his thumb. "I'm so sorry, Bryn. I should have known that she'd try something like this. I should have protected you better." His own tears shown on his cheeks. "It's my fault, not yours. I almost lost you and Max because of my blind arrogance." She stared at him, her mouth opened slightly. Her lips moved but no sound came out, almost as if she couldn't bring herself to say it. Still, it was clear enough that he knew what she'd meant. [She did this?] She sank back into her pillow, staring at her blankets, unwilling to meet his gaze. Whether in shock or complete anger, he wasn't entirely sure. He gently reached out for her hand, not certain if he'd be rejected or not. "This will never happen again, Bryn," he said in a low, angry voice. "No matter where Natasha runs and hides, I will find her and make her pay for what she did to you." She didn't pull away from his touch, but she didn't make much of an effort, either. "I thought this was my fault. That I almost killed...Max and Lindy, because of a stupid decision. I'm not sure what's worse--that or knowing that you had so many opportunities to put a stake through her heart and you didn't do it. Are you finally convinced that she's evil now, Anton? Or will it take more than this?" She tried to maintain the anger she was feeling, but when she glanced at the hurt expression on his face, she couldn't do it. She let out another sob. "I'm sorry, Anton. I didn't mean that. It's not your fault." She squeezed his hand. "I'm just scared, and I thought I was never going to see you again. And I really...I just really wish you'd hold me." Anton wrapped his arms around her and leaned in close, careful of the IV that was still connected to her arm. "I am so sorry, Bryn," he whispered, his tears falling. "I almost lost you for all time, and it would have been my fault," he whispered, heartbroken. They both heard Jess get up. "I'll be outside if you need me," she said quietly and then left the room, giving the lovers the privacy they needed. Anton didn't acknowledge the werewolf leaving. He was too busy holding his wife and trying to apologize for his mistake. "Bryn, she'd never been physically violent before, but damn it, I should have *known* she'd turn deadly when she was directly threatened. You're right. The woman is pure evil. And I am going to make sure that she never has the remotest chance to hurt you or Max again." He pressed his lips to her bandaged forehead. "Please, Bryn. Forgive me." She lifted her free hand to cradle his cheek, feeling awful for accusing him for something he had no control over. "No, Anton, it's not your fault and you have nothing to apologize for. I'm sorry I was mean to you...I didn't mean it." She leaned closer and kissed the side of his mouth, whimpering softly at the ache in her chest. Lowering her voice to a whisper, she said, "I saw you, Anton. I saw you in the chapel, praying for me." "You...you saw me there?" He shook his head in stunned belief. "I...saw you and Max too. I thought at first I was hallucinating. And then when Max ran towards me..." He took a deep breath and looked Bryn in the eye. "I've never felt anything like that before." She nodded, closing her eyes briefly. "And then I felt like someone was pulling me back, and everything went dark. I couldn't find Max or see a thing. It was the most suffocating darkness I've ever felt. But then I heard your voice." She shuddered slightly, leaning her forehead against his neck. "Until then, I thought for sure I was in hell." Anton gently stroked the back of her neck. "Jess tried to reach you. But she said you were walled off behind your fear. She acted as a link so I could reach you. She did reach Max though." Anton ran his hand over her stomach. "She said that Max told her that he'd fix everything. That's when you started getting better." She placed her hand over his, leaning further against him. They were both very quiet for a long time. He didn't bother to tell her about his dream. Not even he wanted to remember that. He was beginning to think she'd fallen asleep until the he heard the door open and she lifted her head. "Dad." Anton turned to see Sabryn's parents walk in the door, followed by John. They all stared at her in surprise. "From the phone call we got," Steven said, "we thought she was on death's door." He walked over to her, assessing her condition. "This is a welcome change." Her mother looked slightly pale as she looked at Bryn's wrapped head. "What happened?" "Bryn was in a car accident." Anton didn't think they needed to know the details on Natasha right away. "She was badly injured, and the doctors are a bit baffled as to why she's recovering so well so quickly." He squeezed her hand. "I'm just glad she is." Bernadette shook her head, looking at Sabryn. "What happened to your hair? You've had such long beautiful hair ever since you were a little girl." Bryn shivered against Anton, clearly not comfortable with the subject. "I...they said I had a skull fracture." John set down a vase full of flowers on the cart near the bed. "What matters is that you're getting better." He leaned in a pressed a kiss to her cheek. "What about you, Anton? How are you holding up?" Anton gave a deep sigh. "It's been rough. I've been here since I found about the crash. Lindy was in the accident as well, but not as badly injured. She was released a few hours ago. Her parents have been helping, mostly yelling at me to sit down while Bryn was in surgery. I believe it was Alex who called you." John nodded. "Nice guy. He made sure to give me as many details as he could." Glancing at his parents, John then sat down in the chair Jess had vacated. "Listen, you look pretty beat, Anton. We'd be glad to stay with Bryn if you want to go lay down somewhere. It's about time for you to be asleep anyway." Anton shook his head. "I don't want to leave her." At that point, Jess stuck her head back in the room, blinking in surprise at all the people. "Sorry, am I interrupting?" Anton gestured her in. "Everyone, this is Jessica Leahs, Lindy's mother. Jess, this is Sabryn's mother Bernadette, her father Steven, and brother John." "Nice to meet you," she said politely. "Anton, could I have a word with you privately?" Anton gave Bryn a quick hug before standing up. Jess wouldn't be asking to speak to him unless she felt it was important. "I'll be back in a few minutes, my dear." He followed Jess out in the hall and down to the waiting room they had been in earlier. "What is it?" "Two things. I think Bryn's parents need a little time alone with her, and you could use some sleep. But more importantly, I want your thoughts on the situation. Is this a parting shot from Natasha, or should we expect more?" He took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't want to go to sleep or leave Sabryn. But he supposed Jess was right. As for Natasha, even the mention of her name brought a scowl to his face. "I don't think she'll be coming back anytime soon...but that doesn't mean that she's working alone, either. I've had my suspicions, but I think this just confirms it--there's no way she could've gotten to Bryn's car. The security guards would've noticed anyone suspicious on the premises, and that only means that whomever she has helping her isn't a stranger. They work for me." Jess nodded. "That was Walter and Alex's thought as well. If you don't mind us poking our nose into your business, we can start a little investigation to see what we can turn up." She patted Anton on the shoulder. "You haven't slept in almost 24 hours, and that's not going to do Bryn any good. Let her spend some time with her family, and I'll stop by your place to check on Petunia. That okay?" "Yeah." He knew better than argue with Jess. "But I'm going back to Bryn." Jess rolled her eyes. "Okay." After giving her the keys and the security code, he walked back to Bryn's room. Lindy and Jess walked down the hotel corridor calmly, having already removed the Do Not Disturb sign from the doorway. The maid they'd found on the opposite side of the floor didn't seem to suspect a thing as she opened the door for them. Lindy had told her she'd given the key to her husband, whom wouldn't be back until after dark. She handed the maid a tip once they were inside the room. "Thank you, Ms. Halcon," the woman said, using the name Lindy had assumed. Once the door was closed firmly behind her, Lindy and Jess both let out a sigh of relief. Even if Natasha had been there, which she wasn't, she wouldn't have been able to do much about their presence--it was still daylight outside. Heading for the nearest window in the suite, Jess pulled open the heavy curtains and let some light into the room. "Let's get started." Both women started methodically searching the suite - Jess the living room, Lindy the bedroom. After about fifteen minutes of fruitless results, Jess poked her head into the bedroom. "Any luck, Lindy?" The blond shook her head. "Nope. But I do smell something a bit familiar. I'm just not sure from where?" "That male scent?" Jess asked. "Yeah I noticed it too." She looked around for a moment, inhaling deeply. "Stronger in here. Actually, it smells like more than one. Just how many men does this woman keep around? Besides obsessing over Nate and Anton?" Lindy shook her head. "I don't know." "Have you noticed any men hanging around Bryn at the warehouse?" "Just George...but he's not likely to be hanging around Natasha's bedroom, if you know what I mean." Jess tilted her head. "So maybe we need to stop by the office?" Lindy shrugged her shoulders. "I don't see why. I know that Anton thinks that it could be one of the employees, but I don't think so." "Okay...." Jess wasn't certain about that herself. "The parking lot is extremely busy during the peak hours. We've got delivery trucks coming and leaving, blocking sight lines. It could've been anyone." "I suppose you're right. It is an awfully depressing thought that one of his own employees could've done something like this." "I know these people, Mom. They're my friends. They wouldn't do this. Even to a hard-ass like Anton." "Okay, Lindy." Jess looked around the room. "I don't think we can learn anything more here. Besides, this place is creeping me out for some reason. Reminds me of a spider's lair." She gave the room one last glance over. "Why don't we get out of here, pick up dinner and help get ready for Bryn coming home?" "She won't be coming home for another day, maybe more." "We can at least stop by their place and make sure everything is taken care of." Lindy sighed and nodded. [Just so long as we don't make any stops on the other floors. I will not implicate my friends.] "Let's go." Lindy walked down to Bryn's hospital room, carrying a potted blooming mum. The yellow flowers looked almost like miniature sunflower blooms, and she thought it would brighten up Bryn's room. Mostly she carried the plant to mask her own nervous shaking. After having Alex check out her car at Nate's insistence, she had forced herself behind the wheel. The five mile drive to the hospital had been nerve wracking, but she had done it. She had a feeling it would get easier the next time she had to drive, and eventually she'd be back to normal. The door to Bryn's room was shut. Quietly, Lindy opened it, poking her head inside thinking that Bryn was asleep. She couldn't help but smile at what she saw. As she'd thought, Bryn was on her side, eyes closed and resting peacefully. Anton was also asleep beside Bryn, laying on his side spooned behind her and about to fall off the edge of the bed. She was about to close the door and wait outside, giving them at least a little bit longer to sleep, but as she backed up, Bryn opened her eyes and blinked at her. "Lindy," she said, her voice almost a whisper. She rubbed her eyes for a second, then glance over to see Anton still asleep. Carefully moving out from beneath his arm, wincing a bit as she sat up, she swung her legs off the side of the bed. She was still for a moment, waiting for her dizziness to pass. "Come in. Stay, please." Lindy nodded, quietly closing the door behind her. "How are you feeling?" "Better, now." She got off of the bed and reached her hand out. "Will you help me get to the bathroom?" Quickly setting down the flowers, Lindy walked over to her and took her hand. But before she could help Bryn into the bathroom, she found herself pulled into an embrace. "I'm so glad you weren't hurt too badly. I thought I'd killed you." Bryn shuddered slightly. "I'm so sorry." "I'm sorry too, Bryn." She gingerly returned the hug, figuring that Bryn's ribs were bothering her. "I should have realized something was wrong with the car and insisted we take mine." She pulled back to look at her best friend. "I'm just glad that you and Max are okay." Bryn put her hand over her stomach at the mention of his name. "My miracle baby." She smiled. "He saved my life." Not quite understanding, Lindy arched an eyebrow. "I'll tell you in a minute. Right now I really have to pee." Reminded, Lindy helped her to the bathroom, wheeling the IV tripod along behind her, and then closed the door to give her some privacy. She glanced back to see Anton still sleeping, his hand on the spot where Sabryn had been. She had to shake her head. Even sleeping, with his facial features relaxed, he looked like hell. As if he hadn't slept in days instead of hours. She had to tamp down the surge of anger she felt towards Natasha. Just then, one of the nurses entered the room and stopped at the sight of the empty spot on the bed. "Where did she go?" "She's in the bathroom," Lindy said quietly, trying not to wake up Anton. "Already?" The nurse shook her head. "I've never seen anyone heal this fast. I'll go ask the doctor about getting her something to eat." "Okay." The nurse then left the room. Lindy quietly waited for Bryn, trying to keep from waking Anton. She turned back towards the bathroom when she heard the toilet flush. She smiled when she saw Bryn open the door. "The nurse is going to see about getting you something to eat. You want to try to take a walk or get back in bed?" "Um...I'm a little bit dizzy, but I don't want to wake up Anton, either. Is there somewhere else we could go?" Lindy nodded. "There's a waiting room just across the corridor." "Okay." She held on to her IV stand for support while Lindy grabbed a robe to drape over her shoulders. They slowly made their way out the door and towards the waiting room, pausing once while Bryn caught her breath. "My chest still feels like it got hit by a truck." "Probably because it did," Lindy said, frowning at the memory. "We hit three cars altogether. Two trucks and a sedan." Bryn winced, but continued walking. "Was anyone else hurt?" "No. It just damaged their cars." She opened the door to the private waiting room, waiting for Bryn to pass before following her inside. Once there, Bryn sat down on the couch, carefully leaning back and letting out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad. She could've done much more damage. I hope Natasha rots in hell." "Here, here," Lindy agreed, sitting on the couch as well. "Although it sounds too good for her." She flipped her hair to one side of her neck. "What did you mean earlier when you said that Max saved your life?" Bryn gave her an enigmatic smile. "Just what I said." Lindy shook her head. "I don't understand." "Believe me, I don't understand it either." She took a deep breath. "Um, Jess was trying to reach me, to do a mindscan, but when she couldn't get through to me she went to Max instead. And he told her he was going to fix me." She smiled at the astonished look on Lindy's face. "Anton said that right after that, my condition started improving. I don't know what Max did, but he..." She trailed off for a moment, her eyes welling. "He must've risked his life, because we almost lost him. Dr. Anne had to do an emergency transfusion." "But he's all right, now?" "They said he was in stable condition, but they continue to check regularly. He's improving a lot. But your aunt still wants to do another transfusion, through my bloodstream, to give him the best chance." "Wow," Lindy said softly. "I can't tell you how glad I am that you and Max are okay." Her eyes started welling up with tears. "Nate and Anton have told me that it's not my fault, but I don't think I could have forgiven myself if you or Max...." Tears slid down her cheeks. "I'm... I'm just glad you're okay," she whispered. "Oh Lindy," Bryn said softly, fighting her own tears. She pulled her into an embrace again, squeezing her tight. "I spent so much time thinking this was my fault, and you thought it was yours...but it wasn't either. Natasha did this, and she's the only one who should never be forgiven. I swear I don't blame you for a single thing." She pushed away slightly to look at Lindy, wiping her tears away. "You okay?" Lindy nodded, taking a shuddering breath. Bryn cleared her throat, deciding to change the subject. "My family is here. They left to check into a hotel about an hour ago. I think both Anton and I heaved a sigh of relief once the door was closed." She grinned, but only momentarily. "The first thing my mother did was ask what happened to my hair. As if I needed to be reminded that I now look hideous." "You don't look hideous, Bryn." She gently patted her friend's hand. "You look pretty good for a woman who was hit by a car. And your mom needs a major attitude adjustment if that's the first thing she focused on." Bryn let out a small laugh. "That's never been in question." She lowered her eyes, quietly confiding, "I'm so afraid of what Anton will think when they take the bandages off. I'll be bald and I'll have a big scar on my head. I don't think I could bear to see the look on his face if he thinks I'm ug--" She clenched her eyelids shut, sniffling. "If he thinks I'm not attractive anymore." "Oh Bryn," Lindy said softly. "He loves you. Not for your body, but for your soul. He'd find you beautiful if your skin was green with neon purple polkadots." She smiled a bit, but wasn't completely convinced. "I know he loves me, but can you imagine how hard it would be to...to make love to someone when you're constantly distracted by the huge scar on their head? And he liked my hair so much. I'm going to look like such an idiot with spiked hair once it starts growing back." "Mom's got some...rather noticeable scars herself, but that's never stopped Alex or Walter. Trust me on that. Maybe you should talk to her about it?" Lindy patted Bryn's hand. "And as for the spiked hair, just dye it purple and tell everyone you're going through your punk phase." Bryn giggled, coughing a bit in surprise. "Then maybe when it grows out a little more I can curl it, dye it rainbow colors, and tell 'em I'm going through my clown phase." Lindy giggled back. "Exactly. There's all sorts of possibilities." They were both quiet for a moment, before Bryn said, "I like your mom so much. She's nicer to me than my own Mom. In fact, I wish she was my own mom." "She's a neat woman, Bryn. I probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for her." She put her arm around Bryn's shoulders and squeezed gently. "I think your mom loves you a lot, Bryn, but I think she doesn't know exactly how to show you. She wouldn't have come here when she found out you were hurt if she didn't love you, right?" Bryn laid her head on Lindy's shoulder, sniffling. "She doesn't like to fly," she agreed. "But she barely said a word to me. It just makes me so angry. I don't even want to think about her." She sighed. "I just want to go home, crawl in bed, pet Petunia, and then sleep for a couple of days. Maybe by the time I wake up my mom will be gone. I won't hold my breath, though." Lindy didn't know what to say to that. She just squeezed her friend tighter. "I guess we better get you back in your room before Sleeping Beauty over there wakes up and panics when he finds you're gone." She laughed, sitting upright. "I'm surprised he didn't wake up the second I got out of bed. He's been watching me like a hawk...but I'm certainly not complaining. I know that Max did something to save my life, but I think it was hearing Anton's voice that really brought me back. I love having him here with me. I just hope he doesn't wear himself out." "Me too," Lindy sighed. "I think between you, me, and my mother we'll be able to make sure he doesn't neglect himself taking care of you. Have the doctors talked to you yet? Any idea when you'll be released?" They both stood up, and Lindy opened the door. Bryn seemed to be walking a bit better than she had on the way there. "They want to wait at least another day or two to be sure. Dr. Green said he'd never seen anyone recover from injuries like mine so quickly, so he wants to keep me here to make sure I don't crash or have complications." Bryn sighed. "They're going to move me down to another floor pretty soon. And then take my bandages off." She didn't sound very happy about that. "I'm sure they'll do the other transfusion first. Hopefully I'll be out of here by tomorrow night." "That's good. I think you'll feel much better once you're home." She opened the door to the hospital room. Anton still lay asleep on the bed. She gave her friend one more squeeze. "It's all going to be okay, Bryn," she whispered. "You and Max are okay, and that's the important thing." Bryn nodded. "Thanks for visiting...and the flowers! I didn't even get a chance to see them. They're perfect. I just need to find somewhere to put them so they'll get sunlight." "Oh yeah," Lindy said, blushing. "Guess I didn't think about that." "Don't worry, I'll figure out something." "All right. See you soon, hopefully very soon." They embraced one last time before saying their goodbyes. Lindy quietly closed the door as she left, and Bryn unwound herself from her tangled IV. Pulling back the blankets, she crawled into bed and snuggled up to Anton, gingerly lying her head on the pillow, then kissing his forehead. "I love you, sugar booger." End Chapter Thirty-nine <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->