Shortly after, Eleanor took the girls home. Sitting next to Jayden’s bed, Tessa clung to Ben’s hand as they watched his chest rise and fall at exact intervals. The noise of the machine sent shivers down her spine. “This isn’t fair, Ben. I’m struggling to come to terms with it.” She swallowed hard, trying to push down the pain weighing heavily in her heart. The time she’d spent praying had done her soul well, but didn't eradicate the anxiety inside her.
Ben squeezed her hand. “Me too.” He released a slow breath as his concerned eyes met hers. “We’ve got to stay positive, though, and trust that he’ll survive.”
Tessa forced a smile. Normally she’d be the encourager, but with Jayden lying there possibly brain dead, she thanked God for Ben’s strength. It just wasn’t fair. Out of all the people in the Valley last night, why Jayden? He had his whole life in front of him. The top student in his course at University; Youth Group leader at church; all around nice guy. The only thing missing from his life was a girl-friend. Not because of a lack of interested girls—he could have had his pick. No, it was because Angela Morgan still held his heart. Angela, the green-eyed, red-haired girl he’d met during his time in America had been instrumental in Jayden finding the Lord and eventually coming back home to them. She and her parents and her younger brother, Simon, had visited just over a year ago, and although Jayden insisted they were just friends, it was obvious to both Tessa and Ben that he still cared deeply for her. The problem was that they lived on opposite sides of the world, and Angela had recently started dating someone else. Jayden said he was fine with it, but he wasn’t. But what could be done?
Tessa brushed her eyes quickly as footsteps approached and slowed.
Moments later, Pastor Fraser popped his head through the curtain. “Sorry to interrupt. The police are here and they’d like to have a word.” His voice was soft and apologetic.
Ben nodded. “Of course. We’ll come straight away.”
“Still no change?” Fraser’s mouth held a grim twist as his gaze shifted momentarily to Jayden.
“No.”
“I feel so bad…”
“Please don’t. It’s not your fault.”
“I know, but I said I’d look out for him.” As the pastor of the church they’d attended as a family prior to moving to the country, Fraser had promised to watch over Jayden when he moved back to the city to study. And he had. They owed him a lot. He wasn’t to blame.
Ben stood and placed his hand on Fraser’s shoulder. “You couldn’t have stopped this from happening. We don’t blame you in any way.”
Fraser’s eyes softened. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“You’re welcome. We’ll come back with you. Tess, are you okay?” Ben reached for her hand.
She nodded. “Give me a minute?” She leaned over and kissed Jayden’s cheek. “Hang in there, Jayden. We love you.” As she ran her hand lightly over his bandaged head, she swallowed hard as tears flooded her eyes. For a long moment she remained there, willing him to wake up, but finally she pulled herself away and took Ben’s hand.
She walked with Ben past the other patients, some in sight, others hidden behind curtains. Jayden wasn’t the only patient fighting for his life, but he was the only one she could think of right now. She clung to Ben as they entered the waiting room and approached the policemen, both in uniform.
The older of the two extended his hand. “Mr. and Mrs. Williams, I’m Senior Sergeant Thompson, and this is Constable Harris.” He nodded to his younger colleague. “We’ve got some news for you. Let’s go to the meeting room.” The senior sergeant held out his arm and directed them into the same small room they’d been in with Dr. Mansfield not long before.
Tessa followed Ben into the room and sat beside him, folding her hands in her lap to stop them shaking. The room was functional, clinical, cold. It reminded her of the consultation room at the first vet clinic she’d worked at after graduating. Her shoulders sagged. Would Jayden get that chance now? Would he graduate as a vet, his dream job? He’d worked so hard to get there, but what would happen now? What if he’d suffered brain damage and was unable to study? Her heart ached for him.
The senior sergeant shuffled some papers, cleared his throat and looked up. “You’ll be pleased to know we’ve arrested a suspect. A young Aboriginal lad.”
Tessa grabbed Ben’s hand.
“Are you sure you’ve got the right person?” Ben’s voice was steady, calm.
The sergeant nodded. “We found him just over an hour ago in a unit in the Valley. There’s no doubt it was him. We’ve got the attack on camera.”
Tessa sucked in a breath and closed her eyes. All of a sudden she felt dizzy.
“We’ll try to keep it from the media, but no doubt someone will leak a recording to them. Just a heads-up.”
“What happens now?” Ben remained calm. She couldn’t breathe.
“He’s been charged with assault and will face court later this morning. I doubt he’ll get bail, so he’ll be in remand until his case is heard. He’ll do time for sure. The court’s getting tough on these types of attacks. He’ll get life if your son doesn’t make it.”
Bile rose in Tessa’s throat. She sprinted for the door and just made it to the bathroom in time to heave the contents of her stomach into a toilet bowl. Sweat oozed from her forehead as a chill ran through her body.
She straightened slowly and flushed the toilet. Her head still spun, so she took a moment before heading to the wash basin. Placing both hands on the counter, she steadied herself first and then turned the tap on and splashed cold water onto her face.
She grabbed some paper towels from the dispenser and looked at herself in the mirror while she dabbed her face. Her cheeks were pale and her eyes etched in red. She drew a slow, deep breath and ran her hands through her dishevelled hair. Pulling a band from her pocket, she tied her hair in a pony-tail. She looked better, but nothing could be done about her eyes until she got some sleep. Or some eye drops.
After taking one last look, she turned and pushed the door open and returned to the meeting room. The three men still sat around the table. They all looked up when she entered.
Ben stood and gave her a hug. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
She nodded. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened.”
“It’s okay, Mrs. Williams. It’s shock, that’s all. We get it.” The senior sergeant gave her an understanding smile. “I was just telling your husband that the media will be all over this. We’ll try to protect you, but be prepared for some hounding. Alcohol-fuelled one punch assaults, or coward punches, as they’re now called, are hot news for all the wrong reasons. Especially if the victim doesn’t make it.”
Tessa’s hand flew to her mouth again. She swallowed hard and forced the bile down. Why did they have to keep talking about Jayden not making it? Why not assume he would?
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” The senior sergeant grimaced.
“It’s okay. You’re only doing your job.” Her voice came out thin, wobbly.
“I’m sorry nevertheless. This isn’t easy for you.” The sergeant’s commanding manner was tempered by the softness in his tone.
She smiled her thanks.
“We’ll stay in touch, and I hope your boy does make it. Do you have a good support system?”
Ben nodded. “The best.”
“I’m glad to hear that. You’re going to need it.” Both police officers pushed back their chairs, scraping the tiled floor, and stood. After shaking hands, they took their leave, closing the door behind them.
Tessa leaned her head against Ben’s chest and began to sob. He put his arms around her and pulled her close. “It’s okay, sweetheart. We’ll get through this.”
She sniffed and nodded. They would, but right now, her heart was heavy. Ben’s arms provided comfort; she wasn't alone in her pain. They would support each other through this terrible ordeal and trust God to bring Jayden back to them, just like He’d done before. He was faithful and trustworthy. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
At a soft knock on the door a few moments later, Tessa raised her head from Ben’s chest. The familiar face of her friend, Zoe, appeared through the gap as the door inched open. Tessa smiled, her heart warming at God’s timing. “Come in, Zo.”
Zoe, beautiful and full of love, headed straight for Tessa and wrapped her in her arms. “I’m so sorry, Tessa. How are you holding up?” She straightened and searched Tessa’s eyes.
Tears stung once more. “Okay. Not wonderful.” Tessa dabbed her eyes and tried to stem a fresh wave of tears.
“It’s all right. Everyone’s in shock. I couldn’t believe it when Harrison called. I’m sorry I couldn’t come earlier—I’ve just finished my shift. Can I get you anything? Do anything?”
Tessa nodded. “Can you call Steph for me? I’d hate for her to find out from the news, but I’m not up to talking at the moment. Even to my best friend.” She sucked in a deep breath.
“Sure, no problem. Anything else?”
“The girls? Mum might need a hand. You know how much of a handful they are, and Dad can’t help.” Tessa’s eyes welled again as the image of her once strong, intelligent father came to mind. His disease had taken its toll, and now he barely remembered her.
“No problem. I’ll grab Harrison and we’ll go straight away.” Zoe squeezed Tessa’s shoulder. “We’re all praying, Tess. You’re not alone. You’ve got the support of the whole church, and probably the whole of Brisbane when the news breaks. And the doctors will do everything they can. If there’s anything you don’t understand, let me know.”
“Thank you.” It was wonderful having a friend like Zoe.
Left alone with Ben, Tessa leaned close again. “I’m sorry, sweetie. It all got to me, but I think I’m okay now.”
He rubbed her back in a circular motion. “You don’t have to put on a brave face all the time.”
“I know.”
“We’ll get through this. With God’s help, we’ll get through it.”