Grayson's POV

"Layla, I know what happened. Bliss told me on our first date that she was highly allergic to seafood and could die. Someone in this arena put seafood in what Bliss ate before the show!"

"Bliss, baby, wake up!"

"SOMEONE CALL FOR AN AMBULANCE NOW!!"

"Who would do that to Bliss?!"

"I promise you we will find out."

Bliss's friends ran onto the stage. Bliss suddenly started shaking violently. I looked at her face and hands; they had swollen since she fainted.

The on-site doctor ran on the runway. "She is going into shock! Where is that ambulance?! We need to get her to a hospital fast!! Does anyone have an EpiPen or something?!!"

"Bliss is highly allergic to seafood!"

"That explains why she is violently shaking and the swelling in her face and hands."

Someone ran over with an EpiPen. "I have one!" The person handed it to the doctor, and he stuck Bliss with the pen.

Livid and hurt are the best words to describe my emotions. I finally have the woman of my dreams, and this is what happens?! Whoever did this to Bliss will pay!

Bliss' shaking came down some, but she still is shaking. "Please, don't die!!!!"

Several paramedics came up on the runway, gently picked Bliss up, and placed her on the stretcher. "I'm riding with her."

"I'll go too, Grayson!" Andrea and I followed the paramedics out to the ambulance. "We are taking her to Bayhealth General Hospital! Let's go!" Bliss was then rushed out of the arena.

Shane's POV

In horror, I watched Bliss fall to the ground like all of her energy was sucked out of her in an instant. And I couldn't do anything about it. Who in this building knew about her seafood allergy to do this?!

I need to find out who is blackmailing me and who did this soon. I know Bliss is dating Grayson, but I want her back in my life, like now, whether we are associates or even friends. A part of me still doesn't trust Grayson. But at least he's shown how much he cares for Bliss.

Nobody knew I was here. But I had to come to see Bliss in her first fashion show. I looked over to where the family was sitting, and they were heartbroken and in tears. Layla, Kam, Jessica, Braelyn, and Carly were hysterical. Devin saw that Kam was in tears, so he was sad too. My mum and even my father were in tears. How could anyone in this building not be in tears? It was even broadcast on The Fashion Channel.

Please, I hope they can save Bliss. She can't die. She doesn't deserve this.

***********

Grayson's POV

Andrea and I both had tears as Bliss was rushed into the emergency room. Now, here comes the hard part, waiting to hear if she will be okay.

I hope she doesn't die. We can't lose her! Bliss means the world to me, and I was glad she asked me to date her.

Bliss has never done anything to anyone. She always looks for opportunities to help others.

"Why would somebody do this to her, Grayson? I'm sick of people hurting my sister."

"I believe with all my heart that Alexander did this to Bliss. He must have disguised himself and mixed seafood into Bliss's dinner."

Layla, her daughter, and her husband rushed into the waiting room.

"Is Aunt Bliss going to be okay?" Layla's daughter asked Andrea.

"Baby doll, we hope she is. They have to do all they can to save her."

"Julian, Kalani, Mason, and Jessica stayed behind to talk with the police and walk around to see how this happened. And, they will come afterward," Ryan mentioned.

"I am starting a list of the ONLY people who will be allowed in her room to visit. She is not going to die. Nobody is taking my sister from me," Andrea said after composing herself.

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

We sat for over two hours - no news yet. The kids finally calmed down and fell asleep.

Another hour went by. Bliss' brother, Julian, Mr. Black, and several others entered the waiting room. "Any news yet?"

Andrea answered, "Nothing yet. The kids finally fell asleep."

Mr. Black then said, "Listen, whatever you need, let me know. Security, food, lodging, whatever you need, I will make it happen. I am getting more security for everyone. I'll be right back."

"Excuse me, everyone, are you the family of Bliss Sanders? I am the doctor who is taking care of her. My name is Dr. Lucas."

I looked at Julian first. He nodded his head for me to speak to the doctor. "Yes, we are her family. I am her boyfriend, Grayson Kendall. Bliss' brother and sisters are also here - Julian, Jessica, and Andrea."

"Okay. I will need the family's consent to release information about Ms. Sanders."

Julian spoke this time. "My sisters and I authorize everyone in this room, along with Isabela, Cris, and Antonio Fiore, who is flying to New York as we speak."

Andrea also added, "Here is a list of people who are ONLY authorized to visit my sister. Also, anyone on the list will be the only ones to authorize or permit a specific delivery of flowers that can go into my sister's room. That goes for cards as well."

Andrea handed the doctor the list. "Thank you. I will make a copy to be added to the hospital's system and bring this right back. Ms. Sander's body reacted quickly to what she ate. Her chart says she is allergic to seafood. Is that correct?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Okay. We administered another dosage of the EpiPen. Ms. Sanders stopped shaking about 15 minutes after she was rushed in. We were able to pump her stomach safely. Whoever did this to her put lobster, shrimp, and crab meats in her meal. The criminal wanted Ms. Sanders dead for sure. Her blood pressure was also very low, but it is slowly going back to a normal rate. The allergen attacked Ms. Sanders immune system and every organ in her body shut down. She slipped into a coma. We placed Ms. Sanders in ICU, and her condition is extremely critical. Ms. Sanders has tubes and wires attached to her, as well as a life support machine. There is a private waiting area for the family. Her room number is 1002. Everyone can follow me."

We all followed the doctor to a private elevator. We had to make two trips. The doctor then escorted us to the waiting room.

"There is plenty of seating in the room for everyone. As for visitors, it is best to keep them short and two people at a time. I know it is late, so I suggest holding off visiting until the morning, around, hmm, let's say, nine o'clock. Also, whenever you need something to eat or drink, the private waiting room does have that feature. We have a 24hr nurse care program, so someone will always be in her room to monitor her progress. You're welcome to stay. I will have a nurse update you on Ms. Sanders' condition."

"Thank you, Doctor Lucas." Then she exited the room.

"When I get my hands on the person's throat who did this to Bliss, they are dead. I'm not leaving the hospital."

"I'm calling my parents to tell them what happened and ask if they can watch Logan and Braelyn because I am not leaving either," Layla said next.

Layla's friend, Kam added, "We will need to get the kids something to eat because it has been a while since the last time they ate."

"We'll go get everyone something to eat." Jessica, Julian, and Mason left the room. I meant it when I said I was staying. I can't lose Bliss. I've already lost my mother. I need to call my father and Raquel.

********

Morning came. I looked at my phone to see that it was after 9:30 am.

Layla's daughter asked, "Can I see Aunt Bliss?"

Layla answered, "Baby girl, she is very sick. She is resting right now, so she can get better and come home with us."

"I miss her, mommy."

"Me too, baby girl. Me too."

"Can I draw her a picture?"

"Yes, you can. I'll text grandma to bring you some paper and crayons. How does that sound?"

"Okay, mommy."

"Let's go for a little walk."

*********

Narrator's POV

Grayson called his father and Raquel. He told them what happened to Bliss. Grayson's father told him they would look for a flight to New York.

Throughout the rest of December and January, there was no sign of Bliss waking up. Everyone took turns sitting with her in the room.

The cards and flowers poured in from all over the country. Bliss received so many flowers that the family held a press conference requesting that no more flowers be sent to the hospital. They also thanked everyone for their love and support. The family also asked for everyone to respect their privacy.

Shane even evaded the two goons that were following him. He tried so hard to see Bliss but could not because his name was the first name on the 'Do not allow' list. He was so frustrated that he couldn't do a thing.

Cris and Kam stayed with Devin, Isabella, and Kekoa, while Isabela and Antonio took Dia and Rocco back because their winter break was over.

The NYPD didn't have any leads or suspects regarding the incident at the fashion show. And they were nowhere near close to catching Alexander. The family even put up a sizable reward for tips or help to find the culprit that purposely harmed Bliss.

*******

February came, but sadly Bliss was still in a coma. Bliss' condition, however, was upgraded to critical but stable. She was moved to a private suite. Grandpa Marcus and the Barbados family came to visit Bliss. And surprisingly, Chloe came in support.

Nana Margie and Grampa even brought some of the London family to visit Bliss. Shane's Aunt Mildred even came. She apologized to the family for her behavior at the engagement party. The family still cares about Bliss even though Shane broke them up.

Everyone read stories to Bliss and even talked about good memories that happened in the past.

Grayson was true to his words - he stayed in the hospital the whole time Bliss was there. Grayson cancelled every photo shoot that was scheduled for him.

*****

March rolled in, but Bliss was still in a coma. Grayson's father had to force him to get some rest. So, he stayed at a hotel not too far from the hospital.

Saturday, March 14th, 2020

Grayson's POV

Bliss still has wires connected to her, but not like it was when she was in the ICU.

"Bliss, it's been almost four months since the accident. I miss you. Your family and friends miss you too. I promise to find out who did this to you. I believe Alexander is the culprit. I will make sure he pays for it. Count on it."

Just as I was about to leave the room, I turned around to see Bliss struggling to keep her eyes open. "I'll be right back."

I ran out of the room to the nurse's station. "Please have Doctor Lucas paged. My girlfriend just opened her eyes!"

"Right away, Mr. Kendall!"

I went back into the room. Bliss's eyes were fully open now. She had tears falling from her eyes, so I wiped them.

"Honey, I don't know if you can hear me, but we missed you and are glad you awakened."

"Mr. Kendall, I will need you to exit the room. I will come back into the waiting room for you."

I walked back to the waiting room. Everyone glanced my way.

"Bliss opened her eyes. The doctors are in her room now."

Tears of joy were shed by everyone who came. I went to sit next to my father.

"I'll send a mass text to the out-of-town folks that Bliss is awake." Julian and Andrea then got on their phones to send a text.

Twenty minutes later, Doctor Lucas came into the waiting room.

"Ms. Sanders is fully awake now. But she has a long road ahead of her to recover. We did a mobility test on Ms. Sanders, but she could not move her arms or legs. She still has breathing issues, so we will keep her on that machine until it improves. Thankfully, she doesn't have any memory loss. Ms. Sanders shook her head to answer me by saying her name. I would suggest keeping the visitors to two and minimal time in the room. She is going to need plenty of therapy. I will check back on Ms. Sanders later and give you another update."

"Thank you."

"I'm glad Bliss is awake, Grayson. I better call Raquel and tell her the good news. You're in love with Bliss, aren't you? The last time I saw you shed tears like this was when your mom passed away."

"Yes, I am. I can't lose Bliss like I lost mom. I realized it when I asked her for a date in New York. Bliss is special and means everything to me."

"I can tell Bliss is special to you. I can't wait to meet her, and you understand what I mean."

"Yes, I do. I can't wait until she is out of the hospital too."

Adrian's POV

I stepped over to the corner of the room so I could call Margie.

Adrian: "Margie, Bliss came out of her coma today."

Margie: "That is fabulous news! Thanks for letting us know. Tell Bliss we love her and will come to visit soon. And keep me posted. Tell Shane I know something is bothering him because he would have called me by now. When Shane is ready to talk, we are here for him. We love him and miss him."

Adrian: "I will tell him. Talk to you later."

******

Now, let me shoot Shane a quick text.

Adrian to Shane: "I'll make it quick. Bliss came out of her coma. I also talked with your Nana. No, I didn't tell her, but your Nana figured out that something was wrong. When you are ready to talk, go for a visit. They love you, Shane, and miss you."

I wasn't expecting an instant reply, but surprisingly he did.

Shane to Adrian: "I know you didn't tell her. Nana knows best. Thank you for keeping your promise. And, for telling me, Bliss came out of her coma."

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

When Shane saw his name on that list, he was torn.

"Adrian, Julian, and the girls said we can see Bliss first."

"Okay. I'm coming. I updated Margie on Bliss coming out of her coma."

Then, we walked to Bliss's room.

When we walked in, her eyes were opened. The TV was on. Bliss saw us enter, so I waved to her. My husband grabbed one of the chairs so I could sit down.

"Hi, sweetie. Everyone is so happy for you. We missed you so much."

Due to her labored breathing, Bliss slowly shook her head in a way to say 'thank you.'"

"You're welcome, honey. We had to make sure our girl was okay. Nana Margie wanted me to tell you that they love you and will come to see you soon."

She just nodded her head this time.

"Get some rest, sweetie, okay? We will come back to see you."

I blew her a kiss, and then we exited the room.

With it being the weekend, the office is closed. But, come Monday morning, the search to find who is blackmailing Shane starts. I am getting my family back.

*******

Thank you for reading chapter 43.

And thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘