In the break, we got to talking. They asked me if I had a girlfriend, and I admitted that I was getting married the following year. When they asked who I was engaged to, I decided to be honest and tell them it was a guy. They were the types to drink beer and watch sports, but that didn’t mean they were homophobic.
I was happy to find that they weren’t. In fact, they were quite happy for me, asking about the wedding and more about Hayden. I didn’t identify him by name since I was a private person by nature but talked about other things before they told me they were forever bachelors.
We got back to the show, and Eli broke down what he was looking for. I noted everything, telling him I’d do some editing to his liking. I saw that it was close to dinner, sending a message to Hayden to see if he wanted me to bring something home. He’d be home from work soon.
I waited for a response as I drove home, worried when there was nothing. I pulled over, ready to call someone at the apartments when my phone rang. I saw that it was Mari, answering quickly. “I was just about to call you.”
“I just heard from Becca that Hayden was in an accident.” Memories of the one that killed Ava’s real family flashed through my mind as I sucked in my breath. “He was just rear-ended. Nothing too serious, but they took him to the hospital for scans just to be safe.”
“Shit. The hospital around the corner from the apartment?” I asked, ready to go.
“Yep. Becca’s there already. She’s keeping me posted.” I ended the call and drove to the hospital with an eye in the mirror to make sure there were no cops behind me. I wasn’t driving the speed limit.
I parked in the lot, rushing into the ER to look for a familiar face. I saw Becca pacing, picking her out by her pink hair. “Becca.” She turned her head sharply, running over to me for a hug.
“The fucking idiot hit Hayden and pushed him right into a pole. The car is gone. Hay is going through these scans, and I’m stressed.”
“Fuck. He’s okay?” I asked as she pulled back with red eyes.
“Yes. I think so. They made me wait out here.” I wrapped an arm around her to take her to the seats.
“It’s going to be okay,” I promised her, hoping that I was right.
Jackson and Amy showed up as a doctor walked out. “Family of Hayden Calling?”
“Here,” I called out as we all gathered in a group.
“He doesn’t have any broken bones, but his neck twisted pretty well. He might have a concussion, so we want to keep him here overnight for observation.” The man read off a tablet before looking up at us.
“Can someone stay with him?” I asked as Becca squeezed my arm.
“He will be checked into a room with a chair. It isn’t comfortable, but it’s a place to sit.” I nodded, and he smiled at me. “You’re family?”
“I’m his husband,” I lied as the Doctor nodded.
“Wait here. I’ll let you know when he’s in the room,” He walked away, and I pulled Becca to me for a hug.
“I’m sorry. Did you want to stay?” I asked as she laughed weakly.
“I need to help Mari with the baby, so no. Just keep me posted because I won’t be sleeping.” She assured me.
“Yeah, man. Tell him we’re thinking about him.” Jackson clapped me on the back as Amy sniffled beside him.
“Wait with me until I go back?” I asked as Becca nodded against my chest.
“Of course,” she said, remaining in my arms.
It took about an hour for the doctor to return with his room number. They said that everyone could pop in to say hello quickly so he could get some rest. We took turns, with me going last to take a seat beside his bed. His face was bruised, and I reached for his hand as he looked at me. “Are you okay?” I asked.
“Yeah. Battered a bit, but I’m going to be okay.” He smiled, wincing at the pain. “Fuck. The car is totaled.”
“I don’t care. We can get another one. I’m just glad you’re coming home with me.” I kissed his hand, hating the dullness of his eyes.
“You’re staying here with me, aren’t you?” Hayden asked as I leaned back in the chair. It was awful.
“I am. Your husband should be with you, right?” I asked as he raised a brow. He winced again.
“Husband? Was there a ceremony that I forgot about?” Hayden asked as I shrugged.
“It got me in here.” We sat in silence for a moment, taking in the hospital noises.
“I hate these places,” Hayden admitted as I nodded.
“Me, too. It reminds me of when Grandpa died. We were here with him, and Gram… she was a mess. When I heard you were here, I thought the worst.” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “I can’t ever lose you, Hay.”
“You won’t. It was just an accident,” Hayden stared at me, and I swore that the bruises were getting worse. My phone started buzzing, and I groaned, pulling it from my pocket. Mari wanted me to tell him that she loved him and to get better. Gram was in the background telling me to tell him she was praying for him.
“They all want you to know that they love you. Come home.” I said after letting everyone know what was going on.
“I’ll bet that I’m home tomorrow. I called work, and they’re giving me some time off. Will Gram cook for me for a while?” He gave me a small smile.
“You know she will,” I assured him, smiling at the man that I loved.
We talked until he fell asleep, and I watched him. It was loud, and they checked on him a lot. Hayden’s sleep was restless at best, and I couldn’t wait to have him home in bed.
He was released the following afternoon. I insisted on a wheelchair to get to the car, backed up by Becca. We took him to my car, loading him in before we drove home in two vehicles. Once we managed to help him from the car and into the house, Hayden seemed to relax.
“I was miserable in there. The pain meds were great, but everything else was awful.” He rolled his neck around, smiling as I sat beside him to give him a light massage.
“Are you up for some company?” Becca asked as Hayden frowned at his sweats and matching sweatshirt.
“I suppose I can be seen in this state.” He dramatically sighed as Becca laughed, going to open the door. Mari and Amy came in with Ava as Gram followed behind. They all took seats after hugging him lightly.
“How are you feeling?” Gram asked him as Hayden pushed a gentle hand through his hair.
“I hurt a lot, but I’ll be fine. I’m going to kick my feet up for the next few weeks and get my beauty sleep,” he joked as I smiled at him. I’d take great care of him and work when he was sleeping.
“I’ll keep you boys fed. You don’t need to worry about that, too. I could even get some friends involved.” I widened my eyes at that statement as he shot me a curious look.
“There’s just the two of us, and whoever comes down to share. Your friends cook a lot, Gram.” I winced as I spoke, not wanting to sound ungrateful.
“I’ll keep it under control. It’ll be for everyone to begin with since I think you’ll have a lot of visitors.” She smiled at Hayden with love shining in her eyes. She picked Ava up as the baby walked to her, snuggling her in her arms.