Surrender by Rachel Ryan, Eve Cassidy Page A

stage is the trauma to the head. There is significant evidence of swelling of the brain and we would like to put him in an induced coma to control the pressure dynamics of his brain and help reduce the swelling. We will need you to fill out the release form.”
    What the fuck did all of that mean?
    “Why the hell would you want to put him in a coma? Isn’t that dangerous?”
    My heart is racing at the thought of my friend being put through that kind of risk.
    “Mr Stone, as in any other medical procedure there are some slight risks, the main one being infection. However, the procedure will be performed in ICU where monitoring technology is available to support the airway and ensure that Brody’s blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels are maintained at normal levels. Without this treatment there is no other way to control the swelling, Mr Stone. Steroids have done little to reduce the inflammation and the longer we leave it, the more he is at risk of death.”
    Ava’s body is now shaking and she feels heavier in my arms, like she is barely able to hold herself up.
    “Okay, get me the forms.”
    She nods her head and hands me a form.
     
    Another two hours later and we are still sitting in the waiting room, Hunter and Luke took Tori and Emma home after we spoke with Doctor Graham. I told them there was no point all of us being here waiting around all night. They said they would return first thing in the morning to see if there is any change.
    Standing up to stretch my legs, I decide to go down the hall to the vending machines and get us all a coffee. Jo decided to hang around, as Brody is like a brother to her. I think she also wanted to show her support for me and Ava as well.
     
    As soon as I am alone my feelings all rush to the surface and I can no longer hold down the panic and helplessness that I feel inside. I’ve been trying to remain strong for Ava, but deep down inside I feel sick at the thought that I am so close to losing the only person that has been like a brother to me. Apart from my family members, the only person that I have been able to rely on to be there for me no matter what.
    Sinking down onto a plastic chair in the deserted corridor, I feel a lump in my throat and tears welling in my eyes. With my elbows on my thighs and my hands covering my face, I quietly sob for my friend, the degree of my emotions completely overwhelming me. After a few minutes I take a few deep breaths and wipe the tears from my cheeks, before walking down to the vending machine
    As I juggle the three hot coffees in my hands and head back to the waiting room I think back over the last few weeks and the way I have treated Brody. I have let this bullshit with Ava come between us and right at this moment in time I regret nothing more than the fact that I have treated them both so badly. I can now see how strong their connection is and how much love they have for each other and I am thankful that Brody has found someone that finally made him see he deserves to be loved.

Chapter 7
    Ava
    Holding the coffee in my hands I wonder off in thought about what the doctor said.
    “We were very close to losing him.”
    “The longer we leave it, the more he is at risk of death.”
    He almost died. He still could die. If it wasn’t for Jeremy I don’t know how I would take all of this. This has all been so much for him to take as well, but he is being so supportive of me and my feelings. He really is a good friend. It’s now heading on closer to 2.30am but I have stopped feeling anything. My emotions have shut down they just can’t take anymore.
     
    Placing my cup up to my lips I take a sip of the coffee, swallowing stone cold coffee I don’t even shudder. I don’t care; I’m only drinking for the sake of it anyway. Glancing at Jeremy and Jo I see Jeremy has his arm around her and she is resting her head on his shoulder. I pulled away from Jeremy a while ago. I just need space. Looking over at them I feel like I am looking at a