Page 50 of Rising Star

“Will she—?” A new lump in my throat developed. “When will we know she’s safe?”

“It’s a bit early to tell. So far, she’s holding her own. The next few days will let us know more. We can’t assess the damage to her leg. It’s too soon to tell. The scar across her pelvic bone might become puckered and not so nice to look at. The other scars down the leg might lighten with time but won’t go away. Plastic surgery can be an option later on. She’s lucky to be alive, so in the bigger scheme of things, the scars aren’t what concern us the most. As long as the wounds don’t get infected.”

“What about her spine?”

“That is fine, not damaged in the accident. Her leg is still our major concern since we had to repair bones, muscles, nerves, and restore blood supply.”

I nodded and couldn’t think of any other questions to ask, my brain going blank.

Dr. Bera checked Madison’s pupils with a penlight. I hated the idea I had to stand on the sideline, but there was nothing I could do to make her situation better.

“If you have any questions, ring me. Try not to worry.”

It was almost one in the afternoon when I finally found myself alone with Madison in her hospital room.

“Hey, it’s just the two of us now. You can’t wake up just yet; it’s best if you stay sedated for a little longer. The girls asked questions this morning. I had no idea what to tell them because I don’t know a lot myself. They miss you. We all do. They wanted to come to visit. When you are out of the ICU, I’ll bring them over. I know you’d relish having them around.”

The beeping of the monitors filled the thick silence.

“I did something. I asked for help. To take care of Mika and Justine while you’re here so you can heal without stressing about anything. Devon has work. And your sister too. And I can’t be with them while being by your side or onstage. Janice will send another nanny. I’m not replacing you, I swear. It’s just for now. Until we figure it all out. And you get back on your feet. It is a big step for me. Asking for people to help me out. I thought you’d be proud of me.” I exhaled. “The girls were kinda excited at the idea you’d wear a cast too. They’re already planning on adding glitter to it. I also packed you a bag with some of your stuff for when you get your own room. That fluffy blanket you always wrapped around yourself. And a stuffed koala the girls asked me to bring for you. I have no idea if you can hear me. I hope you can. That you can tell you’re not alone.” I pushed a tendril of her hair back, trying to busy myself with something. “You’re beautiful. And strong. In a day or two, we should know more. I promise to keep you updated on everything going on.”

A nurse walked in, drew some blood, and left after noting data on a tablet.

“I’m still here,” I said. “I made bunny pancakes this morning at Justine’s request. They weren’t as fabulous as yours, but for once, she didn’t seem too concerned. I’ll try my hands at brownies later. The recipe you always bake. When the hospital called me, I thought you were gone…”

With my thumbs, I massaged her palm.

“I decided something else. I’ll continue with the tour. It was a hard decision to make. I could hear your voice in my head, pleading me to go. It’s not the same knowing you won’t be there. That I have to do this without you by my side. I was really looking forward to sharing this experience together—” My voice cracked, and I paused, trying to gain control. “We’re working on a schedule. So I can be here as much as possible. I’m not leaving you, okay?”

My fingertips drew patterns on her palm.

“I wish things were different. The plan wasn’t to watch you fight for your life.” I tilted my head back and closed my eyes, struggling with the emotional overload about to crash through me. “The plan was to do this together. All those silly rules about staying apart, we’re both aware it would have failed. Big time. I don’t know about you, but when you asked me the other night if I could see myself going the distance with you, it lit up a spark inside me. And I never want it to die. I have no idea how you did it, Maddie, but you own my heart. And this journey we’re on, I’m done pretending we shouldn’t give it all we’ve got.”

I watched her, once again wondering if she could hear my words.

Her face missed the usual curl of her lips and the glints in her irises.

It missed the look she would give me when she thought I wasn’t looking and the happy grin she projected on the girls when they were together.

The automatic doors opened, and they captured my attention. Emily walked in followed by a middle-aged couple I assumed to be her parents. A mask of distress painted the woman’s gaze. She blinked her red-rimmed eyes as she neared her youngest daughter. On my feet, I went to meet her husband.

“Sam, these are my parents, Evangeline and Rupert.” The woman joined us. “Mom, Dad, this is Sam Stevens.” She hesitated for a split second, and I offered her a tiny nod. “Maddie’s boyfriend.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Prescott, it’s nice to finally meet you. I wish it was under better circumstances, though. Maddie speaks about you two all the time.”

The woman patted her eyes with a tissue before pulling me into her arms. “Mr. Stevens, we heard so much about you too.”

“Please call me Sam.”

“Sam,” she continued. “You and your precious daughters make my little girl happy. And I’ll forever be grateful you were put on her road.”

I swallowed around the rock-hard lump in my throat. “I’m the one who should thank you. Your daughter is one of the best things that has happened to me in a long time. She’s the most loving and generous person I know. You should be proud.”

Madison’s mother hugged me once again. “Thank you for loving our precious child.”

When she pulled back, Mr. Prescott wrapped his arms around me. “Thank you for making sure she gets the best care. It means a lot to us.”

“It’s the least I can do,” I said. I spun to face Emily. “Ems, I’ll give you some space and go back to my babies. Call me if anything changes, okay?”