Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Maple

Both of us go running as soon as we hear Maria yell for us. All sense of the fight is gone as we both focus on Eddie. When we're at the base of the stairs, we split up not knowing exactly which way Maria is. I find them first in the kitchen and start calling for Caspian to tell him.

"Caspian! We're in the kitchen!"

It doesn't take him very long to come to us. Maria is talking to the dispatcher as I start to check Eddie's pulse and try to keep him alert. As soon as Caspian comes in, he is beside Eddie, helping me make sure he stays with us. Maria let the paramedics in when they arrive and both Caspian and Maria tell me to go with Eddie. Maria is in no condition to drive, and I haven't stopped crying since I came into the room and saw Eddie on the floor. Caspian is the only person able to drive well enough to make it to the hospital. He and Maria will drive right behind us and meet us there.

"I'm sorry, Eddie. I'm so sorry."

I mean it was just my job to make sure this kind of thing didn't happen, that Eddie wouldn't be by himself when he needed someone. And I was too busy arguing with his grandson to do my fucking job.

"Don't be. There's no reason to… be sorry."

"Keep the mask on, Mr. Newcroft," Eddie stops the EMT and puts his oxygen mask back on but then as if second-guessing himself he pulls it back down and grips my hand in a firm hold.

"Keep…"

"Keep your pants on, son. I have something I want to tell, Mae, here before it's too late."

"Don't talk that way, Eddie. Please, don't talk that way."

"Will you do something for me?"

I nod as tears flow down my face. If I could give him my heart I would since it feels like it is in my throat choking me now. "Anything! Anything, Eddie."

"Promise?" He knows if I promise I won't go back on it.

"Promise."

"Take care of Caspian. Take good care of him for me, Mae. He needs someone to love him and take care of him. He needs you."

He places the mask back on his face and his hand goes limp in mine. "Eddie! Oh God! Eddie!"

He cracks his lids open just a little before responding to me, "Just resting my eyes, my dear. Now that I'm sure you will do this for me…I can rest in peace."

"No, you can't, Eddie. Don't say that, especially not that way! Just stay with me, Eddie. Just stay with me."

When we reach the hospital he's led one way on a gurney, and I'm led another with paperwork shoved in my hands. I fill out as much of it as I can but don't make it very far before I break down and let the sobs wracking my body out. Warm hands touch my shoulder before pulling me up and into strong arms. For once I don't even fight Caspian. Maria finishes the paperwork I all but forgot and Caspian sits rocking me until my crying turns into silent hiccupped sniffles.

Finally, after what feels like hours, the doctor comes in. I'm out of Caspian's lap almost as fast as he stands up.

"Caspian? Your grandfather had an arrhythmia in his heart. He's taking medicine for it but I think it might be time to go a step further. We've got him stabilized but I'm going to recommend doing the surgery to put in a pacemaker. It's a routine surgery but I want to make sure he's strong enough to have it. As long as everything goes well with the surgery, he could be back home in just a couple of days. I will need you to sign some paperwork for him but otherwise, you're welcome to go back and visit with him. Keep it brief so as not to tire him and try not to cause any stress if you can."

Maria and I are led back to a room where the light is turned down low and a monitor is beeping steadily. Maria pushes me to the chair beside the bed.

"Eddie…?"

I touch his hand and find it cold but when he cracks his eyes open, they are nothing but warm. "Ah, an angel has come to sit by my side."

I give him a wobbly smile and fight not to break down and cry again.

"Is Caspian nearby?"

I nod for him, "He's filling out some paperwork for you, but he'll be… here he is."

I stand to give him the chair, but he waves me back down and instead comes to stand behind me. "Don't you make a pretty sight together. Can you give me a moment with my grandson, ladies?"

"Of course." I stand and give Eddie a smile and try not to be hurt that he wants a moment alone with his grandson. It is his grandson after all. I just… thought he would say anything he had to say to Caspian in front of me.