Chapter 24: Chapter 24

“Xander, I rushed over as soon as I could. Your family’s on their way. Any news about Kat?”

“They’re in surgery with her right now. She’s in a rough spot, and I feel helpless.”

“Just being here is a comfort to her. I’m really sorry I couldn’t stop Tony from shooting her.”

“I don’t blame you. He tricked us into thinking he was surrendering. You saved me from a bullet, but I wish it had been me instead of her.”

“The cops will want to chat when you’re up for it. They’ve got the cash, and you’ll get it back after they’re done investigating.”

“I couldn’t care less about the money. I just want her to make it.” He glanced at Mark. “So, what’s with your shoulder?”

“Dislocated it trying to bust the door open. Took some effort, but it finally gave way.”

“I bet that stung.”

“Not really; I’ve had worse. Look, your family’s here.”

They rose to their feet as his parents arrived. His mother, Clara, asked about Kat. His father, Kurt, remained silent, his gaze filled with anger.

Xander filled them in on the situation and what the doctor had said. There wasn’t much else to add.

Upon hearing the severity of Kat’s injuries, Kurt’s anger boiled over. He lunged at Xander, gripping his collar. Clara and Fred shouted for him to stop.

“You bastard, you promised she’d be safe. You said you’d bring her back. She might die because you had to play hero with Tony. If she dies, it’s on you, and I’ll never forgive you.”

Mark intervened, pulling Kurt away from Xander.

“Let’s go.”

Clara laid a hand on Xander’s shoulder.

“He didn’t mean it; he’s just scared for her. Don’t take his words to heart.”

“But he’s right, this is all my fault.”

Mark led Kurt to another room, positioning himself in front of him.

“You’re upset, but taking it out on him won’t help. No one’s hurting more than Xander. It wasn’t his fault. Tony switched up the plan, and locked me in the cockpit. Everything happened so fast, Xander didn’t have time to react.”

Kurt buried his face in his hands, tears welling up in his eyes.

“I shouldn’t have taken her to that damn party; if I hadn’t, she would never have met him.”

“From what I gather, he made her happy. I’ve known him for years, and he’s a good guy. He’s never loved anyone like he loves her. Do you think Kat would want you blaming him?”

“No, she’d be furious with me.”

“Are you calm enough to rejoin the others?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

When they returned, Kurt approached Xander.

“I apologize for what I said. I’m just terrified she won’t pull through. It wasn’t your fault, and I’m glad she met you. You’ve made her life better.”

The two men embraced, no further words necessary.

“Son, I brought you some clean clothes to change into.”

“Not now, Mom, I can’t leave until I know she’s okay. But thank you, and once she’s awake, I’ll change.”

After six grueling hours in surgery, the doctor finally emerged. Everyone stood, anxiously awaiting the news, praying for Kat’s recovery.

“Doctor, how’s my wife?” he asked, tears brimming in his eyes as he held his breath.

“We managed to remove the bullet, but your wife is still critical. We’ve done all we can. Now we wait.”

“So, my wife might still die?”

“Mr. West, I won’t sugarcoat it. I don’t know, it’s up to her. We’ll have to wait until she wakes up. She might be out for a while, so why don’t you all go home and rest? We’ll call if anything changes.”

“I’m not leaving without my wife. When can I see her?”

“She’ll be moved to a private room in about twenty minutes. For now, only two visitors at a time.”

Jean handed him the clothes. “Go change. You wouldn’t want her to see you covered in blood when she wakes up.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

After changing, he entered the room where she was. The others decided to let him go in alone; they felt he needed that time with her.

He approached the bed. Seeing her there, so pale and bruised, he couldn’t hold back his tears. He leaned over her, taking her hand, gently stroking her hair with his other hand.

“Kat, I’m here, sweetheart. I need you to wake up and fight. We have a whole life ahead of us, so please stay with me.”

He pulled up a chair and sat, holding her hand, his gaze fixed on her.

***

About an hour later, the door opened, and Kurt walked in.

“Sorry, I couldn’t wait any longer to see her.”

“It’s okay, come in.”

“Any change?”

“No.”

“She looks so lifeless, but I know she’ll wake up soon. It reminds me of when she brought home a stray kitten. She adored that little thing and was devastated when our dad got rid of it.”

Xander looked at him. “She never mentioned that.”

“Probably too painful to talk about. We were told he took it to a shelter. We knew he was lying because we saw him kill the kitten. She stayed in bed for days, wouldn’t eat or drink, and cried nonstop. Until our father dragged her out of bed and beat her.”

“How could a parent be so cruel? I wish your father were still alive so I could kill him myself.”

“I don’t know. But I know I’ll never be like him. My child will be loved and protected. No one will ever lay a hand on them.”

“You’ll be a great dad. Look, Kurt, it could be hours before she wakes up. Why don’t you take the others back to my place and stay with them? I’ll call when she wakes up.”

“Okay, I’ll do that. Clara’s been really worried about Kat, and she needs to rest. What about Mark?”

“Take him with you, and tell him I’ll see him tomorrow. I’m sure his shoulder’s still bothering him, and he could use some rest, too.”

Xander stayed with her throughout the night, his hand entwined with hers, whispering words of comfort. As dawn broke, their friends arrived, but Kat remained unconscious.

“Xander, I brought you some food,” his mother said.

“Mom, I can’t eat right now.”

“You need to keep your strength up. I also brought you coffee and a piece of cake.”

“Mom, please.”

“I’m sorry, I just… I don’t know how else to help you.”

He regretted his harsh tone, knowing she was only trying to help.

“I’m sorry, Mom. Thank you. I’ll eat later, but I could use that coffee now. I just… I need her to wake up. I need to tell her how much I love her.”

***

Two days passed in a blur, with friends coming and going. Everyone was worried about Xander. He barely slept, catching only a few minutes of rest in the chair next to her bed. He refused to leave her side.

“Xander, I have to go. Another mission.”

“I hate to see you leave, but thanks for being here. Be careful.”

“I always am. Call me when she wakes up. I can’t wait to get to know the woman who finally tamed you.”

***

One afternoon, while everyone was gathered around, the machines monitoring Kat started to beep erratically.

“Someone get help!” Xander yelled.

The doctor and a nurse rushed in, ordering everyone out except for Xander.

“What’s happening to her?”

“Sir, please calm down. She’s bleeding internally. We need to operate immediately. We’ll keep you updated.”

Xander relayed the news to the others, his father holding him as he broke down.

“Why is this happening to her, Dad?”

“I don’t know, son. But she’s strong. She’ll pull through. You have to have faith.”

They waited in agonizing silence for news on Kat. When the doctor finally emerged, telling them he’d managed to stop the bleeding, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

Xander was the only one allowed to see her. The others went home.

“Baby, you scared us. We’ll go on our honeymoon when you’re better. I’m going to spoil you rotten. The Doukas sent their best. Now, all you need to do is open those beautiful eyes and get better so we can go to Bora Bora.”

Exhaustion finally claimed him, and he fell asleep in the chair next to her bed.

***

He woke up a couple of hours later to find her eyes open, staring at him. He jumped up, taking her hand.

“Sweetheart, you’re awake. I love you so much,” he said, leaning over to kiss her.

“I love you too. You need a shave,” she said, touching his face.

“I was waiting for you to wake up before I shaved.”

“I don’t think you should.”

“Why not?”

“I like it. It makes you look sexy and distinguished.”

“Then I’ll keep it.”

“Okay, but not a full beard. Is Kurt here? I want to see him.”

“He’s been here every day, along with the others. I’ll call them first thing in the morning. How are you feeling?”

“Sore, weak, and tired. Did Tony hurt you? Where is he?”

“I’m fine. Mark shot him. He’s dead. He can’t hurt us anymore. Don’t think about him. Rest and get better. You should sleep now.”

“You won’t leave me, will you?”

“Never. I’ll be right here until the day I can take you home. Sleep now, my love.”

He closed his eyes, thanking God for giving him back the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Despite the late hour, he called Kurt to tell him Kat was awake and doing well.

“Let the others know.”

“I will. But it’s late and she’s sleeping. The doctor said she still needs plenty of rest.”

“Okay, but tell her I love her and I’ll be there soon.”

“I will. Goodnight, Kurt.”

After hanging up, he sat there, watching her sleep, unable to take his eyes off her.