THE REASON I DID IT
AUTHOR'S NOTE/DISCLAIMER
Got the idea while watching "The People We Meet" cause I figured Clarke would ask. Resides in the same reality as "Like Jericho, I Fall" and "Quick Visit". Belongs to Dick Wolf and NBC. I only own the conversation.
"Can I ask you something?" Kelly let out a brief and pained chuckle.
"Just did, man," he said, making sure the button that controlled his pain medication was still where the doctor had left it.
"Cute," Jeff responded. "Why were you so adamant about this? I mean, you just went through one of the most hellacious procedures ever with no pain killers. Why would you put yourself through this?" It doesn't make sense. Why would he subject himself to it? He wasn't required to go above and beyond for her, he thought to himself. Then again, he wasn't really all that surprised that the Squad leader's heart would be that big. Even though his stint at Fifty-One had been short, he had learned that Kelly was one of the most generous guys a person could know. At the question, the Squad Lieutenant sighed.
"Because I kept thinking…that if this had been Chelsea, I would want someone to do it for her," he replied. I'm glad that she didn't need new marrow, but if she had, I would want someone to do it for her if I hadn't been able to, he mused to himself.
"Who's Chelsea?" the other man asked, a look of confusion appearing on his face.
"My wife," came the response.
"Your…wife?" Jeff repeated, glancing down at the medical chart. How come he didn't mention that when he was filling out the paperwork? he wondered.
"My late wife," Kelly amended. "She died…a few years back. Cancer," he responded softly.
"Oh damn…Kelly…I'm so sorry," the doctor murmured. Can't even imagine what he must be feeling, he thought to himself.
"She never needed bone marrow, thank God…but…if she had and I hadn't been a match, I would've wanted someone to fight for her," he said and the doctor nodded in understanding. I get that, he thought. He'd want the same thing if he ever found himself in a situation like this.
"Well, you took one hell of a risk. I mean, not being able to take a general anesthesia because of the injury. Geez, man. You're kind of crazy," he commented.
"What, you're just figuring this out now?" the other man joked, causing the doctor to laugh.
"Okay, I'm going to let you get some rest," Jeff stated.
"Thanks."
"Of course. Press the call button if you need anything."
"I will." The doctor nodded and walked out, his eyes clouding. Married. Kelly had been married? Wow. Surprised it never came up, he thought to himself. Granted, he hadn't been at Fifty-One for very long and they were all fighting against McCloud at the time, but surely he would've heard one of the others say something about her…right? He then gave himself a mental shake and continued on his rounds. It was none of his business and he had work to do. Once he was alone, Kelly pressed the button that would let the pain meds flow through his body and laid back. Yeah, what he had done had been risky, but it had been worth it. Anna would have a fighting chance and that was all that mattered.