Page 61 of Something Real with the Sea Monster
“You’ll do it. I know you can. And I’ll be here right beside you for however long it takes.”
I tip my head back but the tears still spill over anyway. Luckily I didn’t put on any makeup this morning. “Thank you.”
He pulls my head onto his chest, and I let out a sob that feels like it was pent up for months—years even. “I’m sorry.”
Jack strokes my hair and lets me apologize another hundred times. Eventually, he gently guides me to sit up and strokes my cheek. “I’m going to go get you something to eat. Then we’re going to see Luke and Mia and everything will be alright, I promise.”
Just then my phone buzzes, and I see a message from Mia.
Mia: Sorry to worry you. I’m OK. My phone ran out of battery and Luke had to go back to Kraken Cove for mycharger. Baby is OK. I’m staying in hospital for another night while they monitor. I’d love to see you
I grab the phone, more tears of relief spilling down my cheeks as I type.
Tegan: we’re on our way. Be there soon. Just tell us if you need anything we can grab on the way
THIRTY
Jack
Tegan is unusually quiet as we walk into the hospital. As we step through the big sliding doors, she slips her hand into mine and I look down to catch her anxious look.
“She’s fine,” I tell her. “They’re going to be fine.”
She nods, and we walk down the echoing corridors to the maternity ward, not passing anyone on the way. Bega Hospital is the only one for the south coast region, but it’s still not that large. We walk past a deserted café and rows of vendingmachines selling water and chocolates and deodorant. A strange mix.
It feels like a relief to step into maternity. There’s a comforting bustle and a nurse with blue scrubs on gives us a warm smile. “Visiting?”
Tegan clears her throat. “We’re here for Mia Sinclair—oh! Mia Wilson I mean.”
The nurse’s expression clouds for a moment, then her smile is back. “Oh yes. Room three.”
I hear Dad’s low rumble as soon as we get close to the room. A moment later, we enter and everyone turns to look.
Mom jumps up from the chair in the corner of the room. “Jackie! And Tegan. I’m so glad to see you both.”
I frown. “Why is everyone looking so surprised? It’s like you didn’t think I’d win her back.”
Luke smothers a snort.
Mom shakes her head. “Oh no. Not at all. It’s fate, after all. I just thought it might take a little… longer.” She walks straight past me and opens her arms to Tegan. “Tegan, love. Do I get to hug you? Are we family yet?”
Tegan looks surprised, but a moment later she’s in Mom’s arms, and I can just about feel the warmth. When Mom pulls back, Tegan is smiling.
She rushes over to the bed, where Mia has raised the back to sit. “Mia! I’m so sorry.”
They hug, and I’m distracted for a moment by Mom and Dad and Luke greeting me. Leaving Tegan to talk to Mia, I pull Luke aside. “How bad is it?”
“It could be worse. They’re both stable. Her blood pressure is still too high. The doctor said if they can’t get it down in the next couple of days, she might be here until the baby’s born. They might even try to induce her early. They’re not sure yet.”
I nod like I understand any of this, but I’m sadly out of my depth already. “So what does that mean? Can the baby survive if it’s born early?”
“Yeah. They said the longer we go the better, but anything from twenty-six weeks has a pretty high chance and after thirty weeks a very good chance. That’s a long time in bed though.” He glances back at Mia, and I know he’s worried.
I squeeze his shoulder. “It’s going to be fine. You just let me know what I can do to help. We can do a roster to make sure there’s someone here with her all the time, we can bring food, entertainment.”
Luke chuckles. “Trust you to make a roster, Jack. But I appreciate it. Right now I can’t think about leaving her, but I guess if it’s weeks, I’ll have to.”
Tegan straightens and turns. “Baby needs more chocolate! I’m taking Mia for a walk.” She helps Mia into a wheelchair and rolls her toward the door. “Don’t panic, anyone. We’ll only be a minute. Some things are a priority, though.”
