Therapy is Good for the Soul

“Hey Christina, what’s up?” Tyler asked when he answered his phone.

“Have you talked to Bailey recently?”

“Not since this morning before she left for work. Why?”

“Emily called me a little while ago.”

“I thought they weren’t suppose to get back from their honeymoon until tomorrow.” Tyler interrupted.

“They aren’t back; she was worried when she couldn’t get ahold of Bailey. One of Bailey’s coworkers called and left a concerned message for Emily. Apparently Bailey left a meeting when she received a phone call, was visibly shaken after she hung up, and had the front office cancel the rest of her patients for the day. Emily’s tried calling and texting her multiple times with no response. She called me because she’s so worried. I haven’t been able to reach her either. I want to go look for her but none of the other managers can cover for me. Tyler, you didn’t hear the panic in Emily’s voice; I’m really concerned. She told me who left the message and trust me when I say, that person wouldn’t have done it unless something was seriously wrong. You have to find her!”

“Ok, I will. I just sent her a text to call me as soon as she gets the message. In the meantime, I’ll round up some of the guys to help me find her. I’m sure she’s ok and just needs to charge her phone or something.” He wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince Christina or himself in that moment.

“Promise you’ll call me as soon as you find her and let me know if she’s ok!”

“I promise Christina. I’m going to hang up now so I can call her. Bye.”

“Thank you!”

Tyler immediately called Bailey as soon as he hung up with Christina, but he was sent to voicemail. When she didn’t answer on his third try, his concern grew even more. He recruited Marchy, Soupy, and Andrew to help him find her since Freddy was at work. They divided a list of places he thought might be possible locations they could find her in. He drove like a bat out of Hell, headed straight for her apartment. He let himself into the complex with the key Bailey had given him and ran up the stairs taking them two and three at a time until he reached her front door.

“Bay, it’s me. Are you there?” He asked while knocking on the door. “I’m coming in.”

Tyler was shocked at the sight before him when he opened the door seeing Bailey sitting silently in the dimly lit room. Her knees were pulled into her chest, but not enough to hide that her upper body kept spasming as she rocked slowly back and forth. Her gaze was into the far distance, fixed on nothing. As he came closer, he heard barely audible soft whimpering sounds and saw that her face glistened with freshly shed tears. He sent a quick text to Christina and Marchy letting them know he found her and would call later. He also asked Brad to contact the other guys searching for her and let them know too.

“Bay, what’s wrong? I’m here; just tell me what happened? Why are you so upset?” He asked as he pulled Bailey into his lap.

Bailey didn’t speak she just huddled into his chest. Tyler could feel the dampness of her skin as he placed his hand upon her cheek. There was a tightening of her throat before she took in a short breath that led to an explosion of the emotion buried deep inside her. Her sorrow was too powerful and gut wrenching to be kept in check. As she recalled the phone call from earlier in the morning, tears welled from deep inside and coursed down her cheeks. Bailey’s tears turned into sobs that were so powerful in intensity that it shook her body until she could barely breathe, frightening Tyler.

“Bay, Bay PLEASE tell me what’s wrong!” He begged while gently rubbing her back. When she didn’t respond, he looked around the room trying to find some type of answer. He grabbed her phone, but only found all the messages Christina, Emily, a coworker, and he had left. He noticed her laptop sitting next to them; when he pushed the spacebar the screen changed from her screen saver to a search for flights to Atlanta. “Did something happen to your family?”

Bailey inhaled deeply and whimpered before managing to speak after what seemed like eternity to Tyler. “It’s…..It’s…It’s back!”

Tyler kissed the top of her head as she pushed into his chest, attempting to get closer to him. “I’m sorry Bay, I don’t understand. What’s back?”

“My Daddy’s C…Cancer.”

“Bay I’m so sorry!” He tightened his embrace around her. “Did you mom call you at work to tell you?”

She shook her head no into his chest, before attempting to take a deep breath and looking up at Tyler. “The hospital called to ask me if I was aware and understood my Daddy’s DNR order and his living will. He had emergency surgery. Tyler, they said he might not make it. I don’t want to have to make the decision to pull the plug!”

“Won’t that fall on your mom?”

“Apparently, she went into shock and is in no condition to make that type of decision. I have the medical power of attorney after her. Tyler, they’ve known about the Cancer since the beginnin of the New Year. Remember, when my Daddy wasn’t feelin well at Christmas? Tyler nodded his head yes. “Well, he got worse and that’s how they found out he has cancer again. Only this time it isn’t in his prostate; he has colorectal cancer. Michael said they didn’t tell me, because Daddy didn’t want me to worry. He said Momma’s clinically depressed now too. Tyler my family’s fallin apart and there’s nothin I can do!” More sadness flowed down her cheeks.

“Oh, Bay; I can’t imagine what you’re going through, just know I’m here.” He kissed her cheek.

“Tyler, it’s just not fair! Why him?”

“I don’t know, but your dad is a fighter. He beat it once, he can do it again.” Tyler could see the despair in her eyes and hoped his words would spark at least a glimmer of hope into them.

“I need to be there Tyler to help him fight, but I can’t go. All the flights are over $700 one way and I don’t have that right now because I just paid rent and all the utilities. I’m so stupid, the only credit card I have is the starter one my parents got me for books and emergencies in college and I just got my new Mac on it. I should have listened to Emily when she said I should get one on my own. I was afraid I’d abuse it; I’m an idiot! Tyler what am I going to do; I have to get home and I can’t ask Momma for help.”

“Please don’t cry! I’ll buy your ticket.”

“I can’t ask you to do that; it’s too much.”

“You aren’t asking; I want to do this. I can’t stand to see you hurting like this; please let me help!”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes!” He was thankful there was something he could do to help her feel slightly better.

“Thank you! I promise I’ll pay every penny back.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Tyler wasn’t going to accept any money from her, but he wasn’t about to mention that now. Bailey was under too much stress and didn’t need to deal with an argument, which he knew the topic would surely bring. Instead he gently placed her next to him on the couch and picked up her computer. Bailey selected a flight that left in three hours, allowing her just enough time to pack and for him to get her to the airport to get through security. Unbeknownst to Bailey, Tyler purchased a first class ticket for the flight. He wanted to make sure she was as comfortable as possible given the circumstances.

“Call me as soon as you land so I know you got there safely.” Tyler pulled Bailey in for a hug before she headed to the security line.

“Thank you again for doin this for me. I’ll miss you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, stretched on her toes for one final kiss before she left. “I love you!”

“I love you too, Bay!” He wiped away a stray tear sliding down her cheek with his thumb before kissing her forehead. “You better go, before you miss your flight. Bye.”

*************************************************************************************************************

Bailey, your fiancé is in the lobby. Do you want me to let him in or would you like to meet him out there?”

Bailey stared at the nurse confused, certain she misunderstood her. “My fiancé?”

“Yes, Tyler I believe he said he came straight from the airport to see you and your dad. Is it ok for him to come back?”

Bailey’s lips turned up into a slight smile for the first time in four days as soon as she heard Tyler’s name. “Yes mam, he can come back. Thank you for lettin me know.”

A few moments later, Tyler entered her father’s ICU room. Bailey threw the blanket covering her off and leapt out of the chair and into Tyler’s arms. She couldn’t contain herself and melted into his chest weeping.

“Shh, Bay it’s ok.” He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back trying to calm her.

“I can’t believe you’re here. Don’t you have a game?”

“You and your family have been the only thing on my mind the past four days. I played like shit yesterday, because I couldn’t concentrate. I talked to Bergy and he said it’s because I wasn’t listening to my heart, which was telling me I needed to be here with you. He came with me to talk to Coach and Chiarelli and they agreed to let me miss the next two games to be here with you.”

“That’s very kind of them and sweet of you. Thank you!” She gave him a thank you peck on the lips.

“How’s your dad; any change?”

“He’s more stable, and they’re hoping to take him off the vent today or tomorrow.”

“That must mean he’s getting better. Do they know if the surgery was a success?”

“No, it’s too soon to tell. Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Why did you tell the nurse you’re my fiancé?”

“Oh that. I was afraid they only let family in the ICU, so I lied. Is that ok?” She wrapped her arms back around his waist and leaned into his chest letting him know she didn’t have a problem with it. He returned the hug until his phone beeped. “Michael just got here and wants us to meet him in the lobby.”

“Why is Michael texting you? How’d he even know you were here?”

“We’ve been keeping in touch since you flew out here. I checked with him to make sure it was ok for me to come.”

“Oh.”

“Grab your purse and we can get something to eat after we talk to him.”

“I love that you’re here, but I really can’t leave Tyler. I’m not really hungry anyways.”

“Bay, you have to eat.” Tyler walked over to the window and grabbed her purse. She’d only been gone for four days, but he could tell she’d lost weight. Even if Michael hadn’t told him, he still would have known she wasn’t sleeping either based on the bags under her eyes and the fact her accent was thicker than ever. He took her hand and pulled her towards the lobby.

“Hi Tyler; it’s good to see you again.”

“Same to you. Just wish it was under better circumstances.”

“Me too, but I’m glad you could be here for Bay.”

“How’s Momma?”

“I think the medicine is starting to work. She got up early like she use to and fixed breakfast for us. When I left she and Melissa were watchin the Today Show. She’s goin to take her to get her hair done after they come visit dad.”

“Momma will like that. Gettin her hair done always makes her feel good.”

“How’s dad?”

“Same. The doctor hasn’t made his rounds this mornin, so I don’t know if he can come off the vent yet or not.”

“Well, I’m here now and so why don’t you go get somethin to eat with Tyler, then catch up on some sleep.”

“We can get somethin to eat downstairs in the cafeteria, but I’m not leavin the hospital.”

“Dad’s stable so it will be ok for you to go. You need sleep or you’re not goin to be good to anyone! I promise I’ll call if there’s any change.”

“He’s right Bay, you have to eat and get some sleep or you’re going to get sick. I got a room at one of the hotels across the street; you can take a nap there. If anything happens it will take no time at all for me to drive you back here. Please Bay, I’m worried about you.” Tyler took her hand and brought it to his lips to kiss it.

“You promise you’ll call if there’s even the slightest change?”

“Yes! Now go with Tyler; its hard enough to worry about Mom and Dad, I don’t want to have to worry about you too. Please let him take care of you!”

“I guess a couple of hours of sleep would be nice. If you see the doctor, please ask him when Daddy can come off the vent and when they’re goin to start weanin him off the sedatives.”

“I will; now go.” Michael just shook his head at his sister before pulling her into a hug.

“So what do you feel like getting for breakfast.” Tyler asked as he helped Bailey into his rental car.

“I’m not really hungry, so you can go wherever you want.”

Tyler just shook his head at Bailey’s response, whether she liked it or not he was determined to make her eat something. He did a quick search on his phone, before driving away. About five minutes later he parked in a small shopping center in front of a Smoothie King. “Want to come in with me?”

“No thank you; I’ll just wait here.”

Tyler leaned over giving Bailey a quick kiss before getting out of the car. He returned a few minutes later with two cups in hand, one small and one medium. “I got you a strawberry banana smoothie with some protein powder.” He handed the small cup to Bailey.

“Thanks.” She kissed Tyler’s cheek.

“If you want more, you can have some of mine. It’s blueberries and raspberries with protein powder and almond milk.”

“That’s sweet of you, but I probably won’t be able to finish this one. I told you I’m not really hungry.”

“Please try for me.” The look of concern in his eyes couldn’t be missed.

“Ok.”

Tyler took his luggage out of the trunk after he helped Bailey out of the car. Thankfully the check in process was quick and easy. They held hands on the way up to the room and Bailey leaned into to Tyler’s side as they walked.

“Why don’t you take a bath before your nap. That way you can keep sipping on your smoothie until it’s gone. You can pick a shirt to sleep in out of my suitcase, while I go start the water.”

“Thanks.” She stretched on her tiptoes and gave him a little kiss.

“It’s ready.” He stared at Bailey curiously when he emerged from the bathroom. “Did you pick a shirt?”

“Mmm hmm.” She nodded her head yes. “I want this one.” She tugged on the bottom of the t-shirt he was wearing. Wearing his clothes while they still smelled like him was always comforting.

Tyler chuckled and was more than happy to oblige when he saw a little glimpse of his Bay for the first time since he arrived. He pulled his shirt off and held it out for her. Bailey gave him a half smile before wrapping her arms around his waist and nestling into his chest. Tyler gladly returned her embrace; they both had missed these moments.

After approximately fifteen minutes, Tyler knocked on the bathroom door. “Bay, you ok in there.” When there was no response, he pushed the door open slightly. “I’m coming in.” He let out a sigh of relief and smiled when he found Bailey asleep in the tub when he pushed the door open completely. “Bay sweetie, wake up.”

He stooped down and lightly tapped her shoulder. She let out a deep breath and small moan but didn’t open her eyes or really move. Tyler knew she was exhausted and didn’t want to wake her so he grabbed a large towel, then released the plug in the tub. He gently moved her forward and wrapped the towel around her before lifting her out of the tub. He grabbed his shirt and another towel off the counter and carried her to the bed. Although this was the first time Tyler had seen Bailey completely nude, there was nothing sexual about this. He wasn’t about to take advantage of her and didn’t want to give her any reason to be upset when she woke up. He kept the large towel around her, while using the other one to dry her soft skin. Before pulling his shirt over her head, he softly patted the rest of her dry through the large towel she was wrapped in. He pulled the towel away after his shirt safely covered her. He threw both towels on the floor and crawled into the bed beside her and pulled the covers over them.

He placed a kiss on her forehead. “Sweet Dreams Bay.”

Bailey stretched and yawned as she woke up. “Hi.” She rolled over facing Tyler with a smile.

“Hi; did you have a good sleep.”

“Yes, I guess I needed the rest more than I thought. What time is it?”

“2:30.”

“How could you let me sleep for almost 5 hours? I have to get back to the hospital!” She shot out of the bed yelling at Tyler. “I knew this was a bad idea. Did Michael call?”

“Bay, you need to calm down.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “Michael and I have been keeping in touch all day and there’s been no change. The doctor said if your dad’s vitals remain steady, he’d try taking him off the vent this evening. They started weaning him off some of the sedatives a little while ago. You haven’t really been eating or sleeping for four days and that’s not healthy. You needed to sleep! If there were any reason to wake you up, I would have. You know that.”

“I know; I’m sorry I yelled at you. I’m just really worried about Daddy.” Tyler pulled her into an embrace. “Thank you for takin care of me.”

“I love you Bay and will always look out for you.” He leaned down and his lips met hers for their first real kiss since he arrived.

“I missed you.”

“Me too. We’ll have more time later tonight. Michael said Stephen should arrive around dinner time and said he’d spend the night with your dad.”

“Oh.”

“Bay you’ve been living in the hospital since you arrived. A break will do you some good, plus your brother needs some time with your dad too.”

“You’re right, but since I’m not spendin the night, can we go there now?”

“Of course. We’ll grab some lunch on the way after you get dressed.”

“Thank you.” She gave him a quick peck on the lips before running into the bathroom to change. “You know, I don’t even remember gettin out of the tub, changin into your shirt, and gettin in bed. I really must have been exhausted; I forgot to put my underwear back on.” She hollered through the door as she changed back into her clothes.

“You were definitely exhausted. Bay, you fell asleep in the tub. I tried to wake you, but you were sound asleep.” Knowing Bailey’s reaction he continued. “Don’t worry I covered you with a towel before carrying you to the bed and changing you into my shirt.” Bailey emerged from the bathroom with her cheeks as red as ever. Tyler pulled her in for a hug. “I promise, I didn’t really see anything.”

“Thank you.” She knew he was probably lying, but appreciated his effort to lessen her embarrassment.

“Come on let’s get back to the hospital.”

Bailey convinced Tyler to drive straight to the hospital, promising she’d eat something from the Subway that was there. Bailey kept her word at ate half of a six-inch turkey and cheese sub and a handful of cheddar Sun Chips. After they finished lunch, they went back to the ICU. They ran into Bailey’s mom and sister-in-law as they were headed out to their hair appointment. Bailey and Michael had told him Ms. Thomas had become clinically depressed since her husband’s cancer came back and he received a poor prognosis. It still didn’t prepare him, when he saw her. It was sad seeing the vivacious, strong, and loving woman he met at Christmas broken. He could only imagine how heartbreaking it must be to Bailey and her siblings to see their mother look so sad and worn. When Bailey explained her dad’s long medical history and previous battle with cancer and how his prognosis was worse this time; he understood how that news and watching the person you love slowly deteriorate could cause anyone to shutdown. He couldn’t imagine his life without Bailey in it, so he sympathized with her mom.

Bailey and Tyler spent the rest of the afternoon in the ICU with her dad and Michael. There was a huge sense of relief when the doctor removed Mr. Thomas from his ventilator and he held his own, maintaining his vitals. He was still pretty sedated and Bailey knew it would take a while for them to completely wear off. Tyler saw the first genuine smile from Bailey, when her dad opened his eyes briefly and attempted to squeeze her hand. He knew that was the hope she’d been looking for and needed these past several days.

Tyler and Bailey alternated time between the hospital and visiting with her mom the next two days. Tyler made sure Bailey got plenty of rest and ate every day. Her dad became more alert and even joked with them after the sedatives completely wore off. This really helped the entire family’s morale. He was still very weak, but he was strong willed and proving to all the doctors, his family, and friends he was a fighter and wasn’t giving up anytime soon.

Tyler hated leaving Bailey, but seeing the determination in her dad and knowing she was in a better headspace than when he first arrived helped. Just to be sure Bailey would still be ok, he flew Christina out for a few days, which was a wonderful surprise for Bailey. Over the next week and a half Tyler sent a few more surprises her way. He, Christina, Emily, and Freddy all took turns visiting Bailey and her family in Georgia. They made sure Bailey was eating and sleeping, and helped lift the spirits of the entire family. Even Bailey’s mom was getting better, partially due to her medicine, but Tyler and Freddy’s charm and sense of humor also played a role in cheering her up. Bailey was also able to get her mom back in the kitchen with Tyler’s help and encouragement. She knew that baking always helped her when she was upset, so she thought it would help her mom as well. She was correct; having more people to cook for kept her mom busy and her mind off her husband’s illness for a while.

Bailey struggled with having to leave her family, while her dad was still in the hospital and her mom was still recovering from her depression, but she couldn’t take any more time off from work. Before she left, she made sure her dad was receiving quality physical and occupational therapy to help him gain his strength and function back. She made arrangements to speak with all of his doctors and therapists on a regular basis once she returned to Boston. She was still in charge of making all the decisions regarding her dad’s medical care. The family all agreed that even though their mom was getting better, she was wasn’t ready to listen to all the medical information and make any necessary decisions. Bailey was also the only one who really understood the treatment and prognosis completely, as well as knowing what questions to ask, so it just made sense for her to continue acting as the medical power of attorney. Bailey cried when she hugged her family goodbye and left with Freddy for the airport.

Bailey leaned on Freddy’s shoulder the entire flight back to Boston. She periodically shed a few tears, but quickly wiped them away in attempt to hide them from Freddy. They didn’t go unnoticed, so he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and told her stories about some of the misadventures he and Tyler had in the kitchen while she was away, making her laugh. His stories really helped the time pass until they landed.

While waiting at the baggage carrousel for her bag, Bailey felt a pair of strong arms suddenly wrap around her waist. She heard a very comforting voice whisper in her ear. “Welcome back Bay. I missed you.”

She turned around to see Tyler’s amazing smile and stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He wiped away the couple of tears that had fallen down her cheeks before kissing her forehead. “Come on, lets get out of here.” He grabbed her suitcase, and walked hand in hand to his truck with Freddy and Christina following close behind.

Tyler dropped Freddy and Christina off at his condo before taking Bailey to Momma Rosa’s to get some dinner. As soon as they walked through the door, Momma Rosa pulled Bailey in for a hug.

“I’ve been praying for your family.”

“Thank you.”

“We’ve missed seeing your pretty face around here. Tyler wasn’t himself while you were away either. Now let me fatten you up; you lost too much weight while you were away. I can fix that; just go take a seat and I’ll bring out something special just for you.”

Momma Rosa brought Bailey and Tyler some white chili with several pieces of mouthwatering homemade cornbread as well as some of her famous cannoli. She also packed up several containers of different types of soups and a couple of loaves of bread for them to take home. She told them everything was on the house and told Bailey she’d continue to pray for her dad’s recovery. Tyler left a very large tip and he and Bailey thanked her before saying goodbye.

“Do you want to stay at your place tonight?”

“I’d rather stay at your place, but would you mind takin me to my apartment to get a few things?”

He pulled Bailey’s hand to his lips for a kiss. “Of course not; besides that will make someone who’s really missed you very happy.”

Bailey looked at him confused for a minute, before realizing he was referring to Marshall. “I’ve missed him too!”

Tyler carried Bailey’s suitcase upstairs to her apartment. It didn’t take long for her to pack a few things to take back to his place. She called Michael to check in during the half hour ride to Tyler’s condo.

“Told you he missed you.” Tyler laughed as he pulled Marshall off Bailey and lent her a hand.

“I can’t believe he knocked me over like that.” She took Tyler’s hand to stand and headed towards the couch.

“Amazing how much he’s grown in the last few weeks, eh.”

“No kiddin, but he’s still the same sweet puppy I love. Aren’t you boy?” Bailey cooed at Marshall while rubbing behind his ears.

Bailey and Tyler played with Marshall for a little while before deciding it was time for bed. They took Marshall out for a short walk, and then changed for bed.

“Tyler, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me and my family!” She climbed into the bed and pulled the warm blankets over her.

“Bay, I’m glad I could help. I love you so much, I’d do anything for you.” He turned off the lights and crawled into the bed next to her.

“I’ve really missed this and us.” Bailey snuggled in as close as she could get to Tyler. “I love you.”

She let her lips graze his. His lips were soft and warm. An energy of desire flowed between them as the kiss deepened. Their bodies melded together as their tongues danced. Tyler stared into her beautiful hazel eyes when they pulled apart to catch their breath. The warmth in her eyes still had an amazing ability to draw him in.

He traced her bottom lip with his thumb. “I love you too.” Bailey looked back into his eyes, begging him to kiss her again. He wrapped his right arm around her shoulders and pressed his lips to hers one more time for a sweet but short kiss. He inhaled deeply when he pulled away; he needed to stop before they both got too carried away. “I’ll see you in the morning beautiful. Goodnight and sweet dreams Bay.” He kissed the top of her head as she snuggled back into his chest and Tyler made small circles on her back with his hand, helping her drift off to sleep.

Notes

Thank you so much for continuing to read my story and posting such nice comments! I truly appreciate your feedback and find it motivating to keep writing.

I'll be honest and say I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter. It didn't turn out exactly how I wanted it, but I had to stop messing with it before I deleted it completely. I am really excited to write the next two chapters, so I needed to get this one done. Please stick around for those! I'm going to work hard to get them done soon, so y'all don't have to wait too long.