Page 144 of Billion Dollar Mistake

The nurse offers me a compassionate smile. “I know. But you have to leave.”

In other circumstances, I know I could get my way. But I’m not in charge here. She is and she knows it.

“How about I’ll call your nurse if there’s any changes?”

I nod. “Thanks.” I stand and stare at Nova one last time before I turn and leave her room. Every time I leave her, my heart breaks further. Is it fear? That she might not wake? I don’t know, but I take my shattered heart and head back to my room. Rather than going straight to bed, I sit by the window and look out at the stars. She reminds me of them. So bright, so beautiful and unique.

A light knock and the door opening have me opening my eyes. I’m reminded instantly that I’m in my own room at the hospital. I don’t remember falling asleep.

“Are you ready to go home today?” Mom asks walking in.

“Yeah, I’d like my bed back.”

“But?”

“No buts.”

“Son, your face is unconvincing,” she argues.

“I just don’t want to miss her waking up.”

“Why don’t you stay with her until you need to leave. We can take your stuff to your house.”

I sit up straighter. “That would be great.”

The door opens again and Doctor Andrews walks in.

“Looks like you’re ready to go home.”

“I’m ready to go visit my girlfriend.”

“Well, let me check you over, and if there's nothing else, you can go home and rest.”

The doctor checks me over and discharges me. I make my way back to Nova’s room. Her friends and parents are here.

I don’t go in the room until everyone else has had a turn. I’m not in a rush. I plan to be here the whole day and night. I’ll be right here until they kick me out, which happens at seven o’clock that night.

I turn up the following day promptly at eight a.m., as soon as visiting hours commence, bringing a large bouquet of red roses. I want her to wake up and see her room filled with them. Today I brought my laptop. I plan to tackle work. I’ll be working through it. But I also had an idea during my lack of sleep last night. It won’t happen overnight, but I’m appointing a new CEO to take over. It’s the best decision. Even if Nova chooses to end our relationship, I want to take a big step back from work. I need to do something else. Like travel. And if later on I decide to work, I can start up a new business. Study something new at college or even volunteer my time.

Today as I wait by Nova’s side, clutching her hand, waiting for a miracle, a doctor enters the room.

Her parents welcome him, and I learn that he’s been the doctor treating her. My stomach tightens with anticipation. What is he going to say?

“I want to start to slowly reduce the medication and begin to wake her up. Nova’s injuries aren’t going anywhere, but the swelling and bleeding are no longer a concern.”

“How long will she take to wake up?” I ask.

“12-72 hours.”

“When will you begin to reduce the medication?”

“Today.”

I’m relieved but also worried. What if she doesn’t wake up?

What happens next?

When she does wake up, what happens if she wants to throw me out of her room and break up with me?

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