Chapter
14
Two hours later, Brian's family, the rest of the Backstreet Boys, and
Alexa stood around Brian's bed. He was awake, but had been heavily drugged.
Suddenly, Dr. Simms entered the room, followed by a few nurses.
"It's time," he said, giving Brian a confident smile. They lifted
Brian onto a gurney and wheeled him out of the room. They stopped in the hall
to let everyone talk to him once more before the surgery. His family stepped
forward first. Then Nick, AJ, Howie, and Kevin talked to him. Finally, it was
Alexa's turn. She gripped his hand tightly.
"I love you, Brian," she said, trying to hold back tears.
"I love you too," he whispered. He gave her hand a weak
squeeze. He gave her a smile, as the doctor started to wheel him away.
"We'll see you in recovery, Babyduck," Jackie called to him.
When he disappeared, she started to cry softly. Harold led her to a chair in
the waiting room and comforted her. Alexa went and sat down next to AJ. Looking
at him made her think of Elisa, for he had been her favorite. She wished she
had told Elisa about meeting Brian. Now she never would have the chance.
***
Alexa was a nervous wreck throughout the four hours of the operation.
Her thoughts traveled from Brian to Elisa, then back to Brian. The pain and
fear she felt in her heart was almost unbearable.
Finally, Dr. Simms appeared in the waiting room. Jackie and Harold
jumped up from their seats when they saw him. As the doctor approached them,
Alexa saw that he was smiling.
"Brian made it, " he said. "He's in recovery right
now." Alexa sagged into her chair with relief.
"Can we see him?" Harold asked.
"Not yet," Dr. Simms. "We'll send you in when he wakes
up."
***
Only immediate family members were allowed to see Brian for the first
few days after the operation. Alexa's mother made her go back to school, since
there was no reason for her to go to the hospital. She called Brian's parents
every evening for an update on Brian. They always said that he was recovering
well. Alexa wanted to see him, but she knew she would have to wait a little
longer. That was all right with her as long as she knew he was alright.
***
