Chapter 79 The Question
Brielle's POV
The world was a blur. I drifted in and out of consciousness, every breath feeling like a struggle, every sound distant and muffled. I was vaguely aware of the rhythmic beeping of machines, the soft murmur of voices, and the feeling of someone holding my hand. My eyelids felt heavy, and when I finally managed to open them, the bright hospital lights made me wince.
"She's waking up," a voice said nearby, and I felt a gentle squeeze on my hand. I turned my head slightly and saw Daylan sitting beside me, his eyes filled with relief and worry. Rick was sitting next to him.
"Brie," he whispered, his voice tender and filled with emotion. "I'm here. Just take it easy, okay?"
I tried to speak, but the oxygen mask covering my mouth and nose made it difficult. My throat was dry, and I could barely muster the energy to form words. "Daylan..." I croaked out, my voice barely audible.
"Shh," he said, brushing a strand of hair from my forehead. "Don't try to talk. Just rest."
I wanted to tell him so many things, to apologize for putting him through this, for being a burden. But the effort was too much. I closed my eyes, focusing on the sound of his voice and the warmth of his hand.
"You're going to be okay," he continued softly. "You are strong. Just focus on getting better."
I nodded weakly, the motion making my head spin. The memories of what had happened came back in fragments, the dizziness, the shallow breaths, Rick's panicked voice. I felt a pang of guilt. I hated being so helpless, hated the worry I saw in Daylan's eyes.
"I'm sorry," I managed to whisper, my voice muffled by the mask. "I'm sorry for... for all of this."
"Hey, no," he said firmly, his grip on my hand tightening. "You have nothing to be sorry for. None of this is your fault."
"But I..." I started, but he shook his head, silencing me.
"No buts," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We are in this together, okay? I'm here for you, and I'm not going anywhere."
I felt tears welling up in my eyes, a mixture of gratitude and frustration. I wanted to be strong for him, to not be a source of constant worry. But my body was betraying me, and there was nothing I could do about it.
Daylan must have seen the turmoil in my eyes because he leaned closer, his voice gentle but firm. "Brie, listen to me. You are the most important person in my life. I don't care what it takes; I will be here with you every step of the way. So please, stop worrying about me and focus on getting better."
I nodded again, feeling the weight of his love and commitment, letting his presence soothe me. The beeping of the monitors became a comforting rhythm, a reminder that I was still here, still fighting.
My eyes fell on Rick, he just watched me with so much relief, but he didn't say anything as I closed my eyes. I drifted in and out of sleep, each time waking to find Daylan still by my side. His continuous support gave me the strength to keep going, to push through the pain and fear. I knew that as long as he was with me, I could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
After a while, my eyes fluttered open with voices speaking around me. This time, Tabitha was sitting next to Daylan. He looked at me, "Hey," he said softly, "Are you feeling okay?" he asked.
I nodded, reaching for the mask and pulling it off, "I think I'm okay."
"You gave us another scare," Tabitha said.
"I'm sorry that I'm in this state," I said groggily. "I will try to get back to work once I'm given the go ahead," my throat felt like sandpaper. My breathing was still uneven, but I managed and also thanks to the oxygen mask for the relief.
"You don't need to come back immediately. I want you to focus on your recovery. We all know you have a condition and that is okay. I want you to be fine." She said with a soft smile.
"Where is Rick?" I asked as Daylan let go of my hand and stood up. He was pouring some water.
"He went to get some rest. He was by his father's side the entire time until I showed up," she answered, and Daylan was by my side again with a cup and a straw. I lifted my head and I closed my mouth around the straw and sipped the water. It felt so good to get some fluids in with my thirst and dried throat. I pulled back once I had enough.
"Thank you," I said, which was barely above a whisper, as I got comfortable and Daylan sat back in his seat. I placed my hand on my belly, "Is everything okay with the baby?" I asked, looking between both of them.
"Yes, everything is fine." Daylan gave me a reassuring smile.
I let out a sigh of relief. "That's good to know."
"Just so you are aware, Annabella was escorted away by the police at the event. She won't try to do anything because this made her aware of the consequences, and she is only digging a grave for herself. So, there is no need to worry about that." She smiled.
"What about Abby? Is she gone for good?" I asked as it popped into my mind. "I have a lot to deal with since Tim and my stepfather are here. Anything could happen, and I just don't really trust Tim either. I want to keep my distance from anyone who poses a threat to me, my baby and us. Abby is dangerous." I said.
Daylan held my hand again, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. "She is nowhere to be found. So, that is something not to worry about for now. I want you to focus on the present and not on the what ifs because that will just stress you out further. You are an author now, and you are going to thrive," he encouraged.
"Speaking of being an author, your book is selling like hot cakes," Tabitha beamed with happiness.
"Really?" my eyes widened, not believing what I heard. "You are making some headlines too and the bookstores and radio are calling me to book interviews with you, but of course, I'm telling them to hang on as we have tons of things to do. But in actual fact, I don't think it's a good idea for them to know as yet that you're in hospital. I think when you do interviews, you can decide if you want to speak about your condition," she said.
"That is overwhelming. I appreciate what you have both done for me. I wouldn't have taken any steps to publish a book if it wasn't for any of you and I guess that is what infuriated Annabella even more." I smiled weakly.
"She doesn't compare to you. You are amazing, and I still take you as my own daughter no matter what comes your way and despite things going on with your mother," she said.
"I hope not to see any of them. I can't even imagine what stepfather number two will try to do now. What if they show up for money?" I asked.
"You will be living with me. Rick will deal with them if they show up out of nowhere. I will try to protect you at all times," Daylan said.
"I will also deal with the rest when the push comes to shove, because as far as I know, you didn't do anything to them. There won't even be any court battles, but if you want any restraining orders, then maybe that can help." Tabitha suggested.
"I guess I can do that if it becomes a need."
"I think you should get some rest," Daylan said as he reached out and stroked my cheek, my eyes closing at his touch. "I will be here, I won't leave your side besides going to the bathroom and the cafeteria. However, your friends are worried about you, so I keep them up to date." I opened my eyes as he smiled.
"Thank you," I said.
"I have to get going, but if you both need anything just call me or Rick," Tabitha stood up and smiled, holding her handbag, "Rest and recover well." she said before leaving.
It was just Daylan and I, but I closed my eyes feeling his comforting presence, knowing that I was safe here. But then thoughts just come flooding my mind that I never thought I would actually think about. My maternal grandmother suffered from the same condition. And the question came out of me that was barely above a whisper, one that I never thought I would even ask.
"Am I going to die?"