Page 133 of Stay for Me
“Is she going to be okay?” Jose asks.
The EMT gives him an apprehensive look. “We’re close to a hospital, and we’ll do our best.”
That’s not exactly the answer I was hoping for.
“How long was she unconscious for?” the EMT asks.
“About thirty minutes. She was talking and then she passed out. She hit her head hard during the crash.” We did everything we could to wake her, but she hasn’t stirred at all.
“Have our families been notified?” Elliot questions.
“It’s been all over the news, but yes, they know we found the plane and were searching the area. Once we had you on board, another message was sent.”
I lean my head back, wondering what the hell everyone has been going through. I wouldn’t let myself think of them. My brothers, sisters-in-law, Brenna, and the kids. I just had to pretend none of them existed, which made me more grateful for my skills than I had ever been before. There was pain, and there was the want to throw things and wail, but it wasn’t the time.
Now that the last nine hours are behind us, it feels like a fucking movie. It doesn’t feel like I just lived it, and all I want is for this to end so I can go home.
To her.
The pilots talk about protocol and what will happen, but I tune it out. My head is a mess, and I can’t listen to the next steps. Not now.
The helicopter lands on the top of the hospital, and there’s a team of doctors rushing toward us. They take Jessica first, wheeling her inside as a few hang back to help us off.
“Mr. Arrowood, you’re with me.”
I nod and follow the doctor.
We head into a room, but I see the flashes of cameras from the hallway. Thankfully, there’s a partition up, leaving only a very small possibility they saw me. The door closes and the examination begins. He looks me over thoroughly, checking for any signs of physical injuries and asking a ton of questions that I’m honestly too tired to answer.
“Jacob?”
I look up. “Yeah?”
“Everything looks okay, but we’re going to run tests. I need to make sure there’s nothing other than the bruises that are covering your side.”
“Do you know how far we walked?”
The doctor shakes his head. “I know it was pretty far. You weren’t close to the wreckage, but your pilots knew the best way to get rescued with knowing the plane was unstable from the leaking fuel. You’re all very lucky.”
“Not all of us. The flight attendant, Jessica, she was pretty hurt.”
He releases a heavy sigh. “Our team is working on her and are doing everything they can. For now, we need to get you taken care of.”
“Right.”
A nurse enters with a phone. “Mr. Arrowood, this phone is for your personal use so you can call your family.”
I laugh once, and her brow raises. “I don’t know their numbers.”
She smiles softly. “Is there anyone’s number you do know?”
I nod and take the phone. “Thanks.” And then I dial Catherine’s number and know she’ll get everyone in touch with me.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Brenna
My body is shaking and not just from the exertion from running all the way back from the gravesite to the house. Nerves are wreaking havoc on my body. Twice now, my cup of tea has been refilled, but I have no recollection of it.
