Author: Priscilla
Chapter 9
She'd always hated hospitals. The smell of disinfectants and medicine. The glazed looks patients give you as you pass, the deadpan faces, all gave Angel the creeps. Taking a deep breath, she walked up to the receptionist's table in hopes of getting some information on Gavin.
“Can I help you?” The woman behind the desk asked. She was dressed in all white, typical of nurses and she had the face of someone who’d seen a lot in her years.
“Yes, I’m looking for a friend of mine. He was in an accident.” Angel said brushing loose strands of hair away from her face.
“What’s his name darling?”
“Gavin, Gavin Rossdale.” Angel eagerly watched as the woman typed the information into the computer and waited for the results.
“Yes, he’s in ICU room 209.” The woman said pointing down the hall to the left. Angel thanked her and made her way down the long hall. The long white empty hall. Why is that sounds seem to echo off those same walls when you’re scare shitless?
The ICU waiting room was chaos. Toddlers running around like they were crazy. Babies crying at the top of their lungs. Mothers trying to shut them up in vain.
“Ms. Wallace?” Angel snapped out of her dazed state when she heard her name being spoken in a voice she didn’t recognize. She stood up to shake the hand the doctor was offering.
“Yes.”
“Dr. Michael Hebert. Sorry to meet you under such circumstances.” Angel smiled, as if to say ‘don’t worry about it’.
“How is he doctor?”
“Gavin suffered some internal bleeding which we managed to stop in surgery. He has three broken ribs.” The doctor paused suddenly; as if he was unsure to say something more.
“Anything else doctor? Please tell me.” Angel pleaded with her eyes.
“Ahh, Gavin also suffered bad trauma to the head. We don’t know what he’ll remember when he wakes up. He might not remember anything at all.” The words hit Angel like arrows straight to the heart. It was her fault. She kicked him out in a fit of rage and he’d gotten into an accident that nearly killed him and now threatened to steal his memories, his music, and his life.
“C-can I see him?” She asked barely above a whisper.
“Yes, but only for a couple of minutes.” Dr. Hebert led her to a room with a large window in the middle. Pulling back a curtain he stepped aside to let her pass. Angel gasped at Gavin’s pale form. He was naked from the waist up, his ribs and head heavily bandaged. Angel forced her body to move over to his side and grabbed his limp hand. He was connected to all sorts of beeping machinery, she realized as tears welled up in her eyes.
Of all the things that could of happened, why this? Why him? Why now? Those questions would have to be left unanswered for now. Gavin needed her and she would be there for him.
Days came and went as Gavin’s family and friends came to visit and still he slept. Angel stayed in the hospital most of the time, afraid that if she severed their connection he’d slip away from her for good. She smiled to herself as she gazed down at his sleeping form. He had not woken up yet so there was still the possibility that he would soon. Angel pulled back the curtains letting warm sunlight bathe the room with its glow.
Walking over to the bed, Angel tried to lift Gavin slightly so she could arrange his pillows more comfortably. She laid him back down and gazed down at his face. Her breath caught in her throat as she thought she’d seen his eyelid twitch. She watched, holding her breath, for another sign that he was really waking up. Seconds ticked by and then Gavin’s forehead creased. Angel let out a yelp of happiness, quickly pressing the button to alert the doctor and nurses. Minutes later both Dr. Hebert and his nurse burst into the room fearing the worst.
“I think he’s waking up!” Angel shrieked, a smile beaming from her face. Dr. Hebert came over to Gavin and checked his vitals. Everything checked out fine. All three gazed down at Gavin like he was some kind of lab experiment, and then their prayers were answered when he slowly blinked one eye and then another open slowly. He looked at three people staring at him and then around the room. He looked down at the hand that Angel was holding tightly in her own and wiggled it free.
"Umm, if you don't mind me asking, who are you? And where am I?"
Title: Anything But Zen
Author: Priscilla
Chapter 10
Months passed as Gavin slowly regained his strength and bits of his memory. It had been hard for him to feel so utterly helpless as everyone wouldn't let him lift a finger when he arrived home. Thanks to her boss Jack, Angel had been able to stay with him the entire time of his therapy sessions. He'd had to learn how to walk again, but thankfully his music had returned to him after a few weeks. And so had his love for Angel. He'd finally came clean one night when they were at home watching a movie together and a character proposed to another. That's when he decided that he'd waited long enough to tell her he was in love with her and that his love had only grown during the time since his accident.
So as they walked hand in hand through London Square Park, Gavin remembered why he'd brought the little velvet-covered box. He stole glances at Angel's profile as they walked. Her hair was longer now, past her waistline and she remained a stunning beauty.
After a few more minutes, they made their way over to a wooden bench to rest. Or so Angel thought. Gathering up all his courage Gavin turned in his seat to face her and took both her hands in his.
"We've been together for a long time Angel and we've been through so much together. I love you with all of my heart and I have something to ask you. Hopefully, you'll say yes." He said sliding off the bend to get down one knee. Angel gasped in surprise as tears instantly sprung to her eyes. He opened the little navy blue velvet box to reveal the most breathtaking ring she'd ever seen. It was a heart shaped diamond surrounded with tiny sapphire stones. Her favorite.
"Will you make me the happiest man in all London and become my wife?"
"Yes!" Angel shrieked as he placed the ring on her finger. She grabbed his face in both her hands and kissed him long and hard.
***************
Angel tried to hold back her tears as she hugged Gwen fiercely as the music began. The doors at the back of the church opened and she held onto Gavin's father's arm as she slowly began her march down the isle. She couldn't believe it was happening. Her wedding day had finally arrived and soon she would be Mrs. Gavin Rossdale. All their family and friends were in attendance, every special person in their life. Gavin looked stunningly handsome in his black Armani tux, his usually brightly colored hair was back to its original dirty blonde and he was smiling. Finally she reached his side and took her hands in his as they face the priest.
"By the power invested in me, you many now kiss the bride."
Gavin slowly lifted Angel's veil and kissed her lightly on the lips. A kiss meant to show all the tenderness and love he felt towards his new wife. They both blushed at the applause of those in attendance as they made their way outside the chapel, to begin their new life together.
The End
(c) Priscilla "Anything But Zen, Chapters 1-10, all rights reserved.