Chapter 48: Seconds

Pain. Blinding pain is welling up within his chest. It hurts to breathe. It really hurts to breathe and this makes him anxious. His heart is thumping out of control, his jaw is clenched, and everywhere that doesn't hurt is tense. Most noticeable is his neck and shoulder muscles.

His head aches too, along with his thoughts. Everything is fuzzy. People are fuzzy. Memories are fuzzy. The anxiety returns every second things feel fuzzy. He turned his head, which took a lot of effort, and saw Ava. She saw him too and in an instant, he became surrounded by her sweet scent and luscious hair. That alone helped calm the growing anxiety. He tried to inhale deeply, but it was slow going. His raspy, dry voice asked, "Babe, where am I?" It hurt just to say those words.

She smoothed his hair off his forehead as she does sometimes. "Try not to talk, because I know you're in pain. I'll tell you everything that happened. But you're in the hospital. You have several broken ribs, and you collapsed from the pain. You've been unconscious for a whole day. It all started at the soccer game."

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Wednesday began the same as any other day. A shower, getting ready for school, cooking breakfast, and a kiss from her husband. "You're still going to my game after school right? It's a big game. College scouts will be there. Plus if we win, we'll continue our undefeated streak. I'd really love for you to be there." He sat at the island and put his shoes on.

Ava put a plate of homemade waffles, with blueberry compote and lemon ricotta cream, in front of him. She kissed his cheek. "Of course I am. I wouldn't miss it. I'm riding with Rachel to the game, then with you home." He threw his shoulders back and smiled with evident happiness.

They ate breakfast together, making plans for their week in Spain. "I don't care what we do as long as we hop over to the main island. We HAVE to visit Alcazar castle, home to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand." She's adamant about this. You can't visit Spain without seeing that castle. You just can't. She's seen pictures. It's like Cinderella's castle in real life.

Having swallowed another bite of breakfast, he told her "Well I don't care what we do either as long as I get quality time with you. And by quality time, I mean—-"

His wife took her plate to the sink, and cut his words off. "I know exactly what you mean. It's not like we don't have plenty of quality time here at home. But don't worry. There will be ample opportunities made available to you."

This news gave him pause. Ample opportunities made available for quality time. Spring Break cannot get here fast enough. His imagination ran wild. Thoughts of his wife in a bikini dominated the majority. Then they became a little naughty and hot. She's hot and then he got caught.

"What are you thinking about? You have this satisfied smirk on your face," Ava wondered.

Crap. How does she always seem to know when he has naughty thoughts? With a smug voice, he confessed. "I'm thinking about you in a teeny bikini. It's hot."

She huffed. "Of course you are. I should have known by the look on your face alone. Well my dear husband, finish up your breakfast. We don't want your naughty thoughts to make us late for school."

Eating the remaining bites of his waffles, his thoughts did turn steamy again. He needs to remind her to pack that blue beach dress. It's hot and it always turns him on.

After breakfast, they grabbed their stuff and headed out the door. Traffic made them arrive just as the first bell rang. Seconds to spare. They high-tailed it to their lockers and parted ways with a kiss. He went to math, and she to history. The most boring lecture ever, on the election of 1800, threatened to turn her brain to mush. Why can't Mr. Harris be interesting just once?

As she doodled A+J inside a heart, for the hundredth time that hour, the bell rang. It saved her bleeding ears. Onward to her science class, where reactions were discussed, and then the poetry elective. Today the class is reading and analyzing the poem "Wheels" by Jim Daniels. Which Ava thought is appropriate for her husband.

It talks about pictures of every set of wheels the poet's brother ever owned. From his motorcycle to his convertible. That is what made her think of Johnny. And every set of wheels has meaning and significance to life. Each picture in the frame, of each ride, celebrates the idea of moving forward. Not staying stuck in the past. But also maturing and moving forward through both the good and bad times of life. Saying goodbye to childhood and taking on increasingly more freedom and responsibility.

This is especially true for both she and Johnny. This school year alone, they've had to deal with a lot of bad times. But they've also learned a lot through those times and grown from them. They have gained more freedom, being married, but they have also taken on a lot more responsibility too. Their house, bills, and the responsibility of each other. She has a husband to care for, to tend to. That is a significant responsibility and one of the essences of freedom. The ability to choose and commit yourself to what is best for you, and your family.

For such a short poem, its artistic and literary elements are incredible. The repetition of the word "waving" is significant. You can't move forward until you say goodbye. Goodbye to the past, to childhood, to the pain, to the resentment, to the anger, to the things that try to rob you of joy and happiness for the future. It's about maturing. It's about enduring the growing pains of life. And really it's about maturing in yourself. It starts by changing what's going on within you.

She wrote the majority of this down as her poem response. But she also added how she has grown as a person this school year, how she's matured in herself. It was a fantastic way to end class before lunch.

In the seconds that it took to stand at her locker, and put her books away, not paying attention, thinking through her mental checklist, someone ran into her. Falling down, she found herself in a peculiar position. Her limbs spread all askew and her backside smarting, from taking the brunt of the fall.

Ava looked up to see Johnny berating a shorter guy. Being on the wrong end of Johnny's temper is not fun. The short guy had on high-waisted jeans with a black belt. The pants legs are rolled up, and a white T-shirt tucked in. The guy's hair is brown and wispy, past his ears. He's trying to be cool but clearly isn't. The poor guy must have been the one to run into her. She felt a tad sorry for him, but also found the whole thing comical. Compared to Johnny's tall, muscular stature, this poor fellow is a dwarf.

She would laugh, but really she needs to get up. Trying to stand, a pair of hands found their way to her waist, to help to hoist her. She knew who it was immediately, as the scent of wild palm leaves, coconut water, and seaside lavender floated over her. Inhaling the soothing scent, she asked "You didn't tell the guy off too badly did you? He looked to be younger than us."

Inspecting his wife, Johnny told her "I did tell him off. He wasn't paying attention and knocked you down. Idiot. You could've been hurt. Plus he didn't even stay to help you up or say a simple sorry. He got what he deserved." Then he calmed himself. "You are OK, right?"

Brushing her hands off on her camel-colored sweater, and the backside of her black skinny jeans, she looked at him. "Yeah, I'm fine. But my fanny hurts."

Raising his eyebrows at that, he leaned in close. "You want me to kiss it and make it better?" His hands rested on her shoulders now.

With her cheeks heated, and certain they're the color of a tomato, she declared "Hahaha. No." She patted his hands and finished putting her afternoon things into her tote bag. Then they went to lunch.

Lunch was interesting, as Jimmy had invited Jennifer to eat with them. They went on a double date, last night, with Tommy and Dawn. Ava had asked if they wanted she and Johnny to go too. Which they couldn't, but she asked anyway, just in case. They could have met up with them after dinner with her parents.

With assurance in his voice, Jimmy stated "No. Johnny is intimidating even when he's not doing anything. I don't want to scare her off, since she seems like a good chick." She understood his reasoning. Her husband can overpower any atmosphere, on a good day, even if he doesn't mean to.

Today is one of those weird days, that Rachel and Dawn have B lunch. When Ava sat down she welcomed Jennifer to their table. The two began talking. She found out all about Jennifer, from her favorite color (turquoise) to her spring break plans (Panama City Beach, FL).

During their conversation talk at the table turned to Star Wars. The guys always seem to discuss that movie, at least once a week. Clearly, today is the day. They were debating the merits of the dark side or the light. Pretty much everyone but Dutch wanted to be a Jedi. Dutch's reasoning, "If I was a Jedi, there's a hundred percent chance I would use the force inappropriately. Thereby making me part of the dark side regardless. So, dark side it is."

Then he added, "But seriously, let's all take a moment to be thankful I don't own a lightsaber in real life." Everyone agreed with that statement, especially Bobby.

Bobby went on to say "Do you remember that scene in Star Wars when Obi-Wan handed Luke the lightsaber?" Everyone said yes. "He was a total idiot. The guy was given the most dangerous weapon in the galaxy and what does he do? Points it right at his face. If the thing had gone off, Luke's face would've gone off too."

Laughing Tommy agreed. "Oh that's so true Man. If lightsabers were real, then Dutch would do the same thing." To which Dutch pelted him with tater tots. It did not hinder Tommy from saying, "But did you all ever think, that you can be the coolest guy ever but you'll never be epic? Because you can only be epic when you have a song start playing every time you enter a room. Cue Darth Vader."

Then Jimmy spoke up. "Every time the evil Emperor says do it, I always picture him saying Dew it. Like Mountain Dew. It changes the whole perspective of the scene." Then he turned to the group and said "Dew it!" Everyone laughed, even the girls.

Star Wars fanatic, Bobby, laughed his head off. "Man, I never thought about that. But you're right. It does change it. Now every time I watch any scene and he says those words, it's all I'm going to be thinking of."

Johnny, who had been relatively quiet, asked "In Return of the Jedi, how could the Ewoks have a dress that fit Leia? How did they have that just laying around? Did they tie up, cook, and eat a woman her size before? Things that make you wonder..."

A hand flew to Tommy's mouth, and he gasped in a breath. "I never thought of that! Creepy little cannibals."

After that, they started talking about how the Ewoks ruined the whole movie. "Pointless little critters," Jimmy exclaimed. Both Ava and Jennifer rolled their eyes at the movie talk. They continued their own conversation about spring break. Ava invited her to go shopping with her, Rachel, and Dawn tomorrow.

When lunch finished, Ava walked with Johnny. She had life skills, and he had health. Both are in the same building. The pair kissed and went to their respective classes. Then it was typing, again. Today Mrs. Jackson had replaced Ava's typewriter ribbon with a new one. Why couldn't she have done that yesterday? Oh well... Her day ended with study hall, where all of her homework was completed.

As soon as the final bell rang, she scooped up her belongings and left the room. Dropping her books off at her locker, she shut the door and headed to Rachel's car. She met Rachel on the way and the two of them walked together. Since neither have seen each other all day, they talked like long-lost friends.

Once inside her car, Rach asked "Do you want to stop by Sonic? I don't know about you, but I'm dying of thirst."

"That sounds good to me. By the way, I like your outfit," Ava told her. Her friend did look cute today. She wore printed black and white shorts with a maroon sweater, layered over a white oxford shirt. On her feet are gold sandals. Very preppy and stylish.

When Rach had backed out and begun driving, she complimented Ava too. "I like your shoes. I think the leopard print is a pop of unexpected fun."

They laughed and talked all the way to Sonic. After ordering a cherry slushy, for herself, and large water with cherries and limes for Ava, the girls drove to the game. Today's game is in Bakersfield against Bakersfield High.

"Johnny says college scouts will be there," Ava mentioned. She sipped her water.

Rachel shared what she knows. "Bobby said the same thing. He says they're scouting for scholarships. But he also told me there's a lot of competition on both sides today. It seems like the Lions are tough this year."

Ava agrees with that. "I don't have any idea about the soccer team, but their ladies golf team is always consistent in the top five in-state." Although they're not as challenging this year. The top player graduated last year and now they're kind of slack. But they're still competitive.

They turned the radio up and sang along to songs they know. When Bennie and The Jets came on, they had SO much fun singing. Rachel needed to know something. "I always get confused. Is it electric boots or electric boobs?"

Unable to help it, Ava burst out laughing. "It's electric boots. But I like your version better." They both sang her version of the song and laughed. "Electric boobs, a mohair suit, You know I read it in a magazine, ohh-oh B-B-B-Bennie and the Jets." It was hysterical to them.

Once at the high school, they found places to park close to Johnny and Bobby's cars. Taking their drinks and purses with them, they got out and began walking to the soccer field. Which they had no idea of the direction to go. "I think we should just follow people. Surely it will lead us to the right place. And if it doesn't we can always ask someone," Rachel offered.

Thinking that's a sound plan, Ava followed her friend as she followed a group of students. The students they were following happened to be a group of Bakersfield girls. Apparently, they had "checked the competition out" after school ended. The group started talking about their Cobras.

When the girls began talking about Johnny "the tall hot blonde one", Ava and Rach shared a look. They kept going on and on about her husband. "He's so gorgeous", "I wonder if he's single",  "I wonder what his type is". Ava almost started laughing because Johnny is so taken. She's not going to tell them anything either unless they decided to throw themselves at him. Why break hearts when you don't have to? Besides, the freshman girls still make goo-goo eyes at him, even though they know he's married.

Rachel's plan worked because the girls took them straight to the soccer field. From a distance, they could see the guys warming up. Making their way to the opposing team bleachers, the two noticed not many people there cheering the team on. Mainly it's a few friends and girlfriends, or parents. She and Rachel took a seat close to the middle. There's enough room all around them to stretch their legs out and not bump anyone.

The guys noticed them and waved, as they made their way to the bleachers. Leaving their things at their seats, the two girls walked down. Ava agrees her husband is a tall hot blonde. They shared smiles. Johnny tried to give her a hug, but Ava reminded him "You're hot and sweaty. Yuck."

He laughed and held her hand instead. Then pointed to a row of chairs set up along the field. "Those are the scouts. Maybe someone will think I'm good enough for a scholarship."

Ava squeezed his hand. "You are good enough. But I thought you had your heart set on being a Sensei and owning a dojo."

He smiled his smirky, vain smile and told her "I do. It doesn't hurt to get free college in order to earn my business degree. And if the free college is for soccer, so be it." Naturally, he'd say that. What did she expect? He clips coupons for Pete's sake.

"Alright. Just be yourself and do your best," she encouraged him. He gave her a kiss and they parted ways. She to the bleachers and he to the team.

The game started with the home team on offense. They made stellar passes and kicks. It looked like they might score, early off. However, West Valley's goalie put an end to that with a diving save. The game continued back and forth and back and forth. It was rather boring since the two teams were evenly matched and playing hard. It's a low-scoring game because of that.

At an interval, Ava had gone to the restroom, thinking nothing would happen. When she got back, Rachel told her "Johnny scored a goal. You missed it. His eyes were looking for you after." Her heart felt heavy. She had let her husband down. Surely he'll score again, right?

He did, but not until the end of the first half. Literally the seconds were ticking down and he scored. Finding her eyes, he shot her a huge smile and a flirty wink as he ran past. She stood and cheered for him. Her own eyes couldn't help but sneak peeks at the scouts. They were nodding and writing things down. That has to be a good sign, especially since she noticed before they would point at Johnny every now and then. Something good just has to come from that.

It wasn't until the second half that things started to go sour. West Valley began pulling ahead and a few of the other team's players weren't thrilled about it. A series of illegal moves happened. First, there were consecutive trips. Both Johnny and Jimmy (who's a midfielder) were tripped, although Johnny received the most trips by far. Ava knew this because she started counting them.

Of course, Johnny, being Johnny, let his temper flare-up. He tripped a player too and got penalized for it. He yelled all the way to the bench. His main point is, "If I'm penalized then the other team should be too!" But they weren't.

When the coach put him back in, he continued to get tripped. Although he managed to continue to score goals. Ava got angry. She turned to Rachel, "Why aren't the refs doing anything about those players? Why are they only going after our guys?" Rachel shrugged, she had no clue why. But she's just as mad. Some idiot pushed Bobby to the ground.

Then the worst thing of all happened. Johnny's skills continued to make the other team mad. In retaliation, three players conspired to take him out, along with West Valley's other good forward, Mike Dean.

31,536,000 seconds in a year. 2,628,002 seconds in a month. 6,04,800 seconds in a week. 86,400 in a day. 3,600 seconds in an hour. 60 seconds in a minute. And just 1 second to have your life completely change.

Almost one after the other, seconds apart, the two players were ganged up on. Mike got kicked hard to the face, while Johnny received a gruesome tackle. It was truly a terrifying moment. He went up in the air and landed in a menacing position. Ava stood shocked watching the whole horrible thing unfold. Her hands flew over her mouth, heart-pounding violently every second. A huge lump built in her throat.

The two players were ejected from the game. West Valley's coach was on the field checking Johnny over, except he wasn't responding. He had been crushed from both sides and knocked straight out cold. Crushed. Her husband was crushed in a matter of seconds.

The second Ava saw he wasn't responding, she broke protocol and ran onto the field. She's his wife! Coming to kneel down beside him, Coach Morris told her "He's most likely got a concussion and some broken ribs. We've sent for an ambulance. We're not going to move him because we don't know if he has a neck injury or not. It's best to just leave him here." He got up, took his hat off, and ran a hand through his hair. "Dang! One of my best players down," he bellowed out.

The coach may be mad, but that's nothing compared to Johnny's friends. Bobby is ticked off to the moon. Jimmy and Tommy glared and yelled at the other team's players. But that's child's play because Dutch is barking mad. And when Dutch gets REALLY angry bad things happen.

Like that one time, in eighth grade, when a "loser" dared to call him out on something. He didn't just call Dutch out, he continued to do so repeatedly. Dutch was beyond furious. He blindfolded the kid, had him stripped, and tied him to the flag pole using duct tape and zip ties. The kid was found and cut down, but when the duct tape came off, so did some of his skin. It was awful. The kid had to get skin grafts. Dutch got juvie time and swore to himself he'd never let his anger go that far again. However, he's feeling that angry now.

Ava stayed with Johnny, holding his hand until the ambulance came. The whole time she prayed for him to be OK. When Coach Morris said what he did about a possible neck injury, she freaked out inside. Waves of nausea hit her and all the tears she'd been holding in rushed out. Rachel stayed with her, holding her other hand.

As soon as the ambulance arrived, they carefully loaded Johnny onto the stretcher and into the ambulance. Ava followed behind in Johnny's car and Rachel followed her. The guys said they'd meet them at the hospital. He was taken to Bakersfield Memorial, where he was promptly admitted and x-rayed.

The doctor, Dr. Mertaw,  told Ava that Johnny does have a concussion and three broken ribs. He also has a sprained right wrist. Dr. Mertaw then explained "He's unconscious right now, but the big piece of this puzzle will be when he wakes up. Since he has a concussion and was hit severely, he's a prime candidate for amnesia. But we won't know anything until your husband does wake up."

This concerned Ava. She asked the doctor, with tears in her eyes, "If he does have amnesia from the concussion, then—-" She has to take a breath. It's so hard to get this out. "Then will it be permanent?" She needs to remember to ask her father about this too. Although her own head is spinning, thoughts in every direction.

Dr. Mertaw felt nothing but compassion for this young woman and wife. "No Mrs. Lawrence. Mild to moderate head injuries typically do not cause lasting amnesia. Your husband's head injury is moderate. The scan of his brain showed swelling, but not severe swelling. Just enough to have a nasty grade three concussion. In terms of memory, you can expect confusion, trouble concentrating or thinking, and trouble remembering new information. There's also moodiness, trouble sleeping, headaches like a migraine, just to name a few."

He passed her the box of tissues before he continued. "Your husband is young and according to his head scan, there have been no previous head injuries. That's a good thing. I expect him to make a full recovery in two or three weeks. But I'm leaning on two weeks. It's a very good thing you have Spring Break next week. He'll need that time to start his recovery."

The doctor explained a few other things too before he left to make his rounds. After a good cry with Rachel, she began calling both his parents and hers. And that began the bedside vigil.

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Ava finished her story by saying, "I've been here with you ever since." She kissed his hand.

He laid there listening to her tell him everything. His head hurts from it all and he just wants to "Cry. Why am I crying?" Tears ran down his face and felt so frustrated.

She knew this must be the moodiness Dr. Mertaw told her about. The doctor chose that moment to come to check on him. She moved to give him some room. Her eyes never left his. Both sets were locked together. One second to change your life. And when your loved one is laid out cold, it feels like years. There are 86, 400 seconds in a day and each one is important.