Running To You by DeLaine Roberts Page B

life, ask me and I will give it my best try.”
    “Mr. Roberts, do you know if she or anyone in her family has suffered a stroke?”
    “Yes, her father, Alexander Morrison, when he was a young man.” Cooper was beginning to put two and two together; they think I am having a stroke. Oh, no.
    “Nurse Middleton, alert the surgery team on call. Here’s the order for STAT medications and let Radiology know we are on our way. If Dr. Brooks calls, ask him to meet us in CAT scan...if she’s suffering a stroke, we have to move fast. Somebody please get me the number for next of kin from this young man.”
    I could see lights flashing above me and once again, I was on a moving bed, but I couldn’t get my words out. There were so many people buzzing around me in the distance, and lots of machines making noise. Suddenly, I can hear Grayson.
    Leaning his face in so that I could see him, “I’m here Alexandra, I’m right here. I just went to my office to get some music for you.” Turning away to speak to someone in the room, “will you please put this on the playlist titled Red? It’s her favorites and let’s get some quiet in here. Dim the lights please.”
    “Alexandra, you can do this sweetheart. I’m here, not leaving, not going anywhere.” He was worried. His eyes showed me fear. He couldn’t hide it in his facial expression.
    I dozed off and when I awoke, I was in my room again and it was really calm and quiet, with just music playing. I could see Cooper in chair in the corner looking like he was praying and there was Grayson, sitting in a chair by my feet, propped on the edge of the bed reading on his iPad. It was morning; just not sure of how many days had passed.
    Trying to find my words and scared beyond belief that I might not be able to talk, I spoke in a whisper “Good morning Grayson.” Oh, thank you Lord, my words were not stuttered or slurred, I spoke normal. Grayson jumped to his feet and leaned down to check me over like I was his patient. Then he leaned in and gave me a sweet kiss on the corner of my lips, before he sat on the edge of the bed where I could see him.
    “Hey you!” Taking my hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. "You gave us quite a scare last night. We thought we were losing you for sure.”
    “Grayson, what happened? Did I, did I have a stroke?” I couldn’t find my voice, but tears flooded my eyes, fear, and emotion coming over me.
    For what seemed like hours, Grayson couldn’t answer me, probably for fear that I would freak out and make matters worse.
    “Shh, angel, please stay calm. Yes, you did have a slight stroke, but they were able to give you meds to dissolve it quickly. We won’t know if there were any side effects until you are able to move about, but your speech sounds excellent. A 100% improved over last night.” I could tell he was fighting back tears. He kept blinking his eyes and finally wiped at the corner when he turned away. I don’t want his pity tears; I don’t want any part of his pity party.
    “Please leave. Please leave me alone Grayson, I need some time to myself,” trying to muffle my sobs. I looked away so he couldn’t see.
    “Alexandra, I am not leaving. I don’t want to argue with you this morning, but let’s get something straight,” as if he was reading my mind. “I don’t pity you; this is not "feel bad for Alexandra day" ! I am not walking out. I am not the one running away. So, get over yourself.” His tone was sharp, but his hands were soft and tender on my skin.
    He was doing squeeze tests on my hands and checking my range of motion with my arms, all good with my left arm, just not my right.
    “There is something else you should know, Alexandra. Your dad and Gretchen will be here shortly. We had to call them because of next-of-kin rules. I spoke with your dad last night on the phone. I just want you to know, so that we can work through this calmly and keep your pressure down.” His voice seemed shaky, like he was scared to tell me