Chapter 64: Chapter 64
Jake's POV -
"Emily, no! Please don't leave me!" I yell but it's already too late. Her beautiful eyelashes flutter as her eyelids close for the last time. The machines around us begin beeping like crazy, the noise taunting my ears.
I begin gasping like a fish out of water, my throat tightening so hard, it's impossible to breathe. I feel arms wrap around me and I look up, meeting eyes with Tobias. I don't even realise I'm sobbing uncontrollably, tears running down my face. He takes hold of me, forcing me down into the seat beside her.
"Jake, calm down!" He screams at me, his eyes wide with panic and terror. I watch as his gaze flickers between Emily and I until it suddenly dawns on him.
"She's dying," I break down, my legs giving out from underneath me. Around us, the doctors and nurses begin to panic around her, their faces scrunched up with determination and stress.
"No, she can't be." Tobias shakes his head, his face becoming shades paler. He refuses to believe it and so do I. I feel myself drifting into a state of numbness, my legs meeting the floor underneath me. In front of me, Tobias is rooted to the spot, unable to tear his eyes away from her. I refuse to look back, the image of her lying lifeless is enough to break my heart forever. Emptiness fills my body, overtaking me completely.
How can I live without her?
A high pitched cry snaps me out of my daze and I inhale deeply, glancing up to find a small bundle of flesh being whisked away by a nurse. It takes a few seconds for me to register that it's my baby. I immediately lunge forward, stumbling over my own legs.
"Stop! That's our baby!" I scream, several male doctors taking hold of my arms to restrain me from going any further. I struggle against them, my legs giving out underneath me weakly as I admit defeat. All I can do is watch as my baby disappears behind closed doors, leaving me completely alone.
*****
"Would you like to meet your baby Mr Melvin?" A doctor asks, bending down to look at me. I'm sat in the family room, my mind and body completely shut down. I simply stare straight ahead, unable to make sense from his words. Beside me, a hand is placed on my knee.
"Jake, the baby." Tobias says, his voice hoarse from crying. I ignore him and continue to stare straight ahead, aching for the other half of me.
"I want Emily." I say quietly, my words barely above a whisper. The doctor nods his head slowly, his eyes drawn in and tired from the strain and pressure of working countless hours. He looks directly in my eyes, sympathy flashing through his own.
"I want an update on Emily." I repeat, my tone of voice completely neutral. She'd been whisked off to theatre, the doctor briefly explaining she'd lost too much blood. I don't even know how long she's been in there, time is irrelevant.
"We don't know anything yet Jake," the doctor says quietly. I clench my jaw and turn my head towards him, my eyes red and sore from crying.
"Don't come back to me until you do know something."
My words are blunt, harsh. The doctor simply nods at me, his eyes flickering between Tobias and I. He sighs heavily and stands up, walking out of the room without saying another word. I hear Trish sniffle beside me, standing up as she inhaled a deep breath.
"Jake, you need to go see your baby. You don't even know if it's a boy or a girl."
Her voice is thick with emotion, sounding hoarse from hours of crying. I shake my head, refusing to listen to her words.
"Me and Emily will do it together." I whisper, refusing to believe she may be gone. She's the only reason I continue to live anymore, she's my strength and weakness all rolled into one. The moment she entered my life, she gave me purpose. Every time I look into her big brown eyes, I'm reminded of what it feels like to love someone eternally. My thoughts turn towards the baby we both created and I hate myself for not being able to face my child.
How can I face my baby knowing it's mother is dying in the same building?
How can I look at something so innocent and pure, knowing it's the cause
"You might have to do this alone." Trish responds. I immediately stand to my feet, slamming my hands on the table in front of me to shut her up. I spin around and glare at her, silent tears continuing to run down my cheeks.
"She isn't dead!" I yell, causing Trish to jump in fright. Her eyes widen and she backs away from me. Tobias immediately stands between us, his hands pushing against my chest.
"Don't you dare Jake, don't lose it now." He hisses at me, his eyes burning holes through mine. I clench my jaw in anger, feeling it bubble inside of me, threatening to burst through. Tobias continues to stare me down, his body tense as he grows wary my next move. I shake my head, sliding down the wall until I meet the floor. The anger inside of me completely melts away and all that is left is an empty void full of pain.
"Oh god, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry."
My head falls in my hands and I begin sobbing uncontrollably, unable to control my emotions any longer. Tobias and Trish silently take a seat on the floor next to me, one on either side. I feel their arms wrap around me, supporting me in any way they can.
It not their arms I want, it's Emily's.