Locked away from me.
Chapter 16
McKinley
Looking at my watch, I see it’s after six; no wonder I’m starving. I’ve been in the studio since nine and have gone non-stop until just a few minutes ago. I had five sessions today and most of them ended up taking more time than they should have. Explosive diapers, tantrums, late clients—you name it, it happened. I need to set a firm line with being late, but it was three kids, ages: sixteen, nineteen, and twenty-one. Their mom is sick and they wanted to give her a picture of all three of them. It’s something she’s been begging them to agree to for years. These boys came in wearing their heart on their sleeves and I couldn’t turn them away.
Deciding I’ve had enough for the day, I pack up my camera and turn off the lights. Once in the house, I see my phone sitting on the kitchen table. I’ve been so busy today I didn’t even realize I’d left it. I grab a cold slice of pizza, left over from last night. Aaron, Evan, and I had ordered in. Mom and Dad are at a show in Tennessee, so it was just the three of us. After I pour myself a glass of tea, I balance my drink, my cold pizza, and my phone as I settle into the couch.
It feels good to finally sit.
I take a huge bite of pizza and swipe the screen of my phone. I see I’ve missed multiple calls from Aaron and Evan. I assume it’s just because they couldn’t get a hold of me, neither are too keen on the idea. I roll my eyes as I look at my missed text messages. Olivia was supposed to text me about going to the outlet malls this weekend.
I have a text from Mom, Olivia, Aaron, and Evan. I open Mom’s first; she’s just checking in. It’s like they forgotten I’ve lived on my own for four years while in college. I open Olivia’s next. She’s good to go with our shopping expedition on Saturday. I type a quick reply that I’ll be at her place at eight to pick her up. I open Aaron’s message next.
Aaron: Where are you?
Aaron: Call me as soon as you get this.
Aaron: MCKINLEY!
Something’s wrong. My hands are shaking as I try to tap the screen to read Evan’s texts.
Evan: Call me
Evan: Where are you? Call me as soon as you get this.
Evan: I need you.
Reading his last text slays me. With hands shaking even worse than before, I pull up my favorites list and hit Evan’s name. When I bring the phone to my ear, I feel the tears I was unaware were falling. The shrill ring of his phone and then the sound of his voicemail picking up—“This is Evan. Leave a message.”—causes a sob to break from my chest.
Hitting end, I tap Aaron’s name and hold my breath, waiting for him to answer.
“Kinley.” His voice is gruff.
“What’s wrong?”
“Where are you?” he asks.
“I’m at home. I left my phone in the house. I had a full day in the studio. What’s wrong?” My voice breaks on another sob as I ask the question again.
“I’m almost there. I was coming to look for you. We were worried.”
“Evan, where is he?”
“I’ll explain when I get there. Be ready to leave. I just pulled onto our road.”
I hang up, not caring if he has more to say. Cold pizza and hunger forgotten, I grab my purse, phone, and keys. Locking the door behind me, I walk out to the driveway and pace back and forth.
Waiting.
Wondering.
I hear Aaron’s diesel truck before I see him. He pulls up beside me and I wrench the door open and climb inside. “Talk!” I demand as I fight back another round of tears.
“Hey.” Aaron reaches over and grabs my hand. “Take a deep breath. What’s got you so upset?”
“Something’s wrong. The text messages…” My voice trails off as I bite down hard on my bottom lip to control the tears.
“Okay, but I need you to stay calm. Misty had an appointment today. During her exam, the doctor noticed the baby’s heartbeat was low. Too low.” He takes a minute to let that sink in. “Evan had to rush her to the hospital where they are monitoring her and the baby. If there is no improvement, they’re going to have to take the baby,” Aaron calmly explains.
“She’s too small,” I cry. “She’s not due for another two weeks and she’s already measuring tiny. It’s too early,” I argue.
Squeezing my hand, he says, “Yes, you are right on all counts. The doctors are giving Misty shots of steroids to help strengthen the baby’s lungs, just in case they do have to deliver early.”
“How is he?” I force the words out. I know how he is. His last text message flashes through my mind. “I need you.” I can’t imagine what he’s feeling right now.
Aaron is quiet the rest of the drive, allowing me to get lost in my thoughts, my worry for Evan. As soon as he parks the truck, I’m jumping out with him hot on my heels. “I’ll take you there,” he says, falling into step beside me.
We enter the hospital and Aaron leads us to the elevators. He hits the button, which one I have no idea. I don’t need to know. I just need to get to him. When the elevator doors open, Aaron motions for me to exit, letting me know this is our stop. As soon as I step out, we are in a waiting room and what I see breaks my heart. Evan is sitting all alone, elbows resting on his knees, face buried in his hands. I don’t even think as I move toward him. He must hear my heavy footsteps. Lifting his head, his eyes find me and he stands just in time for me to crash into him. We wrap our arms around each other, and I hold onto him telling him without words that I’m here.
“Kinley.” His voice cracks and, I swear, so does my heart. Neither one of us move. We stand there in the quiet waiting room of the maternity ward and hold on as tight as we can.
Eventually, he pulls away. His eyes are red and filled with moisture. “Are you okay?” he asks me. I can hear the concern in his voice.
This man.
He’s going through hell, the worry for his daughter evident, yet he takes the time to ask and worry about me.
“I’m good. I left my phone at the house. I’ve been busy in the studio all day,” I explain.
Evan nods as he laces his fingers through mine. I’ve completely forgotten Aaron was with me when I got here, until he clears his throat. We both turn to face him. I try to pry my hand from Evan’s, but he’s not having it.
“Any word?” Aaron asks. I can see the question in his eyes, but he doesn’t voice it.
“No change. We’re waiting for the doctor. I actually need to get back in there. I just needed…” He trails off and silently squeezes my hand. He needed to know I was okay.
“We’ll be here, go. You don’t want to miss what the doctor has to say,” I tell him.
“She’s right. We’re not leaving. You’ll find us here when you need us, man. Don’t leave the decisions up to Misty.” Aaron says her name with disdain.
Evan nods. “Thanks, man.” He releases my hand. Leaning down, he places a kiss on the top of my head, then squeezes Aaron’s shoulder and walks away.
“What was that?” Aaron asks.