You're All I Need by Karen White-Owens

Author:Karen White-Owens
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2010-08-28T04:00:00+00:00

17

Offering up a silent prayer, Tia rode the elevator to the surgical suites of Harper University Hospital. Hospitals made her feel uncomfortable. Today was no exception. Tia scrunched up her nose against the odor of disinfectant and industrial cleaners as she rode the elevator.

She wished she were anywhere but here. Her family needed her, and she planned to be close by for Grandma Ruth. If Tia was lucky, she’d get a chance to see her before the doctors wheeled her into surgery.

Tia stepped off of the elevator and glanced each way. Where was the waiting room? she wondered, taking a tentative step to the nurses’ station.

“Tia,” called her mother from the opposite end of the hallway.

She turned. Mrs. Edwards stood in the center of the corridor, beckoning her. Tia changed direction. “Hi, Momma. Has Granny gone into surgery yet?”

“No. We got here about an hour ago. She’s up and awake. She’s being prepped now. Do you want to see her before they start?”

Tia nodded and then followed her mother. They stepped through a series of doors and entered a room filled with hospital gurneys separated by curtains used for privacy. Overwhelmed by worry, Tia swallowed hard and trailed her mother through the maze of curtains and medical equipment.

“Here we are,” Mrs. Edwards announced, slipping between the split in the curtain. Tia did the same.

Grandma Ruth sat on a narrow bed with an IV stuck into her left hand and a blue blanket pulled to her neck. “Hey, Tia. Come give your grandma a kiss.”

Love for this woman bubbled within Tia. Instantly, she went to her grandmother’s side and hugged her. After a second, she asked, “Are you ready for this?”

The senior member of the family replied, “I might as well be. That doctor is ready to cut me open.”

“Mother,” Mrs. Edwards chastised. “You agreed to this. Don’t talk that way.”

“What choice did I have? I intend to stay alive long enough to see my grandbabies get married. Maybe I’ll live long enough to see some great-grandkids. If this is the only way I can do it, then it will be done.” She looked directly at Tia and added, “Although I’m not real impressed with your choice right now.”

Embarrassed, Tia felt heat rise up the back of her neck. Yes, she knew her family was upset by her relationship with Chris, but like anything else in life, they’d get over it. All she needed to do was wait them out. “Let’s not talk about that right now, Grandma. I’m here for you.”

“Damn straight. This is my day.” The old woman wagged a finger in Tia’s direction and speared her with that look that made everyone squirm, including Tia’s mother. “All right. But we’re not done with this talk. When I get back on my feet, you and me are going to sit down together and work this out. Understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

A woman in hospital scrubs poked her head between the curtains and said, “We’re ready for you, Mrs. Wilson. I’m going to ask your company to return to the waiting area.

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