Against the Odds (Fighting to Survive #2)(18)
During the next few days, Robert never leaves the hospital. He showers in the hospital room and his Mom provides him with a duffle bag of clean clothes and hygiene items. The cervical cerclage is done and the doctor is happy with the results. We have lots and lots of company and even Mason and Angel, and Alec and Emma, come up to visit.
When the doctor ordered strict bedrest, that is precisely what he meant. Up to go to the restroom and to shower. That’s it. He told us he would like for me to remain pregnant at least another eight weeks, although full term would be best. I try to not focus on how difficult it will be to stay on bedrest for at least eight weeks. It’s a minuscule price to pay for a healthy baby.
Just before we are released to go home, I hear a knock at the door. After it slowly opens I am surprised to see Chelsea Sinclair standing in the doorway. She looks around the room and doesn’t enter the room any further. “”I’m sorry, maybe I shouldn’t have come,” she says as she takes a step back.
I look at Robert and he is standing beside my hospital bed in protector mode. “No, please, come in,” I say. Robert and I are the only two people in the room. He stands there with his arms crossed and feet apart.
She slowly walks into the room and closes the door behind her. I notice her red puffy eyes and she is holding a gift bag. I’m kind of glad that her husband isn’t with her, but disappointed that Madison isn’t with her either.
“Please, come in.”
She says, “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“No, you’re not. This is actually a good time. Please, sit down,” I wave to the empty chair beside my hospital bed. “Relax,” I whisper so only Robert can hear. He uncrosses his arms. Relax more. I think to myself.
She slowly walks over to me and sits gingerly on the green vinyl chair. She sits only on the edge of the chair and crosses her feet. Her back is straight as a board and the gift bag is resting on her lap. She takes a deep breath and says, “I’m sorry. I’m not sure what to say.”
Robert finally sits down on the other side of the bed in the matching green vinyl chair. “It’s okay. Please take your time,” he says, calmly.
“First of all, I want to say that I’m sorry for your loss. After the meeting, our attorney, Mr. Reed, brought the gifts and the envelope of pictures and newspaper articles of Jamie.”
“Thank you,” I say, sadly.
Chelsea wipes away a tear and says, “She looked like a lovely little girl.”
“She was,” Robert says. “She was our world. We love and miss her very much.”
“The children thank you for their gifts. I’m not sure how you knew we also had a son, but that doesn’t matter.” She looks around the room and focuses on the flowers and balloons that are scattered everywhere. “I’m not sure why I’m here,” she says looking back at me. “I think I just wanted to see what kind of people you are. I wanted to make sure my daughter… I mean… your daughter was loved and cared for.” She takes another deep breath and says, “This is a bit of a mess, isn’t it?”
“It is and she was. We loved Jamie more than life,” Robert reassures her. “She was beautiful, fantastic, funny, and full of personality.”
“I wish I had had a chance to know her… to love her. She is who your bookstore is named after.” It’s not a question, but a statement. “Madison and I frequent it often. She looks forward to having a cinnamon bun while she reads in the sitting area.”
“I recognized you both from being in there.”
“She remembers you, too. I brought you something for… Jamie… well… for Jamie’s gravesite. The first gift I bought wasn’t…appropriate. We didn’t know she was deceased when my husband and I bought it.”
She hands me the gift bag that is resting on her lap. I take it and remove the contents carefully. It is a beautiful cream-color porcelain angel. “This is beautiful.”
“I wanted to get something for her grave.” She thinks for a moment and says, “Assuming she has a grave. I’m sorry, I guess I haven’t thought this through. Maybe she was…”
I say, “No, this will look beautiful on her grave. Please, don’t apologize.”
“This is so new to me. We never dreamed that one of our children would have ever been switched at birth. And then to learn that she had passed away… it’s all so much to take in.”
“Yes, it is. After the accident, Leah and I were both in a coma for several weeks. We didn’t learn about Jamie’s passing until we woke up. Our parents planned and made all of the funeral arrangements for Jamie,” Robert informs her.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“Thank you,” I say.
The nurse comes in with my discharge paperwork and Chelsea stands to leave. “I won’t keep you. Thank you for taking the time to see me,” Chelsea says as she straightens her dress.
“You’re welcome.” I give her a slight smile.
She smiles slightly and says, “I also want to apologize for my husband. He’s still dealing with all of this. After some time, I’m hoping that he’ll come around.”
She turns to leave before I can say anything and Robert stands and walks her to the door. I listen to and sign off on all of the instructions. Robert isn’t gone long and he also listens intently to what the nurse has to say.