Jump In The Water (Christian Romance)

Chapter 2: Real Love

1 John 4:16 - We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.

"You were unconscious for 16 days, Ms.Reid," the doctor, Dr.Finesly, explained to me whilst showing me the x-rays of my arm and shoulder, along with the CT scans of my lungs and my brain. "Within that time we were able to drain the water from your lungs, but you might still deal with shortness of breath, anxiety related to difficulty breathing, and you may experience more trouble with breathing while lying down," she said calmly.

I listened in silence, only nodding slowly as I tried to comprehend all of the information. So, that's why I couldn't breathe earlier. I felt bad for letting my mom see me like that. I was usually the type to keep my sufferings and problems between myself, God, Trystan and Zuri... and now Trystan was gone...

The doctor continued. "The soft tissues in your left forearm and your right shoulder were bruised pretty badly, but again, they healed a good deal over the past two weeks. They should heal completely in about four weeks. All you should be dealing with now is some aching and stiffness. You also hit the right side of your head against the window, but from what it looks like it wasn't too hard. You may deal with temporary memory loss, speaking and comprehensive troubles, and struggle with critical thinking, but these are all temporary," she said enthusiastically with a sincere smile.

Thank You, Abba. "That's a relief... But what took my fiancé's life?" I asked bluntly.

Dr.Finesly hesitated. "Well, most of the damage done to the car was on the driver's side. When the car skidded across the bridge..."

I thought I was ready to hear what she had to say, but it seemed my memory was just fine. Flashbacks came rushing in. The sound of soft music and our conversation, the tires screeching, the sound of Trystan shouting...

"... and his neck was impaled, causing severe bleeding to his left carotid artery."

"What...?" I say. "He was the one who unbuckled me from my seat...! He was alive..." I mumbled to myself. "How did I survive?"

There was a heavy silence in the room. My mother began to cry silently again. "I'm sorry, I need to step out...." she said, promptly turning around to exit the room. The doctor sighed and hung her head as she began to speak. "Ma'am, we believe your fiancé was the one who carried you to shore after the crash. When we arrived, both of you were lying just beyond the shore of the river. The both of you were unresponsive..."

"What do you mean by 'unresponsive?'" I asked. 

"Both of you were dead... You were the only one we were able to resuscitate..." Dr.Finesly explained.

I was speechless. "What...?" That didn't make sense. How could anyone manage to even get out of a flooded car with an impaled throat? How? 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

My heart fell...

The doctor looked at me with so much empathy. "My sincere condolences, Ms.Reid. I can't even imagine your struggle right now."

I didn't know what to say. I just sobbed and sobbed. Nothing could have prepared me for this loss. The doctor stepped out of the room to give me some space, which I appreciated. I stayed in the same slouched position for what felt like forever but was only about 15 minutes before my mom came into the room.

"Hey baby, It's past visiting hours..." she said softly. "They're going to keep you one more night to see how you keep up."

I smiled weakly. The last place I wanted to be was in a cold hospital room, sleeping on a hard bed, but it was fine. As long as I had the Lord, I had everything I needed. "Okay, mom. I love you so much." She gave me a tight motherly hug and held me just a little longer than usual before she kissed me on my forehead, and reluctantly left the room. I could tell she was worried about me. She's never even seen me express my feelings before, let alone cry.

I knew that if it were up to her, she would've stayed there all night... and I wouldn't keep her from that, but I needed to pray. So, carefully, I pushed myself back against the wooden headboard of the bed and made myself comfortable before beginning my prayer.

"Father, so many before me have experienced pain like this. So many have lost loved ones, homes, and safety, but You are still good. Your Name will remain praised upon my tongue forever and I will remain a prisoner to Your will. Abba, I have no clue why You took Trystan...!" I began to cry again. I wiped my eyes slowly. "I love him so much. Still. But, O God, I love You so much more and You love him so much more than I could ever love him. You know what is best! Lord, have mercy on me and continue providing me with Your comforting Presence. Forgive me, Father, for my sins against You as I forgive those who sin against me. Lead me by Your Spirit, lest I fall into temptation. Deliver me from the wiles of the enemy. For You reign forever! Your rod and staff comfort me! In Jesus' Mighty Name, Son of the living God, I pray. Amen..." I prayed continuously until sleep finally made my eyelids heavy and my consciousness rested.