Disclaimer: Sadly I do not own anything relating to MASH
OK folks this is my very first fanfic. I hope you all enjoy it. It will
eventually be a h/m!
A New Life
by the angelInterceptor
Chapter 1 Homecoming
Hawkeye relaxed into the backseat of the cab. The journey home from Korea had been long and uncomfortable and he was worn out. Not only had he to endure the long flight to San Francisco, he then had to make the cross country trek to his final destination, Crabapple Cove, Maine. The very thought brought a smile to his face, "I'm going home!" he sighed!
"So you're a soldier huh?" the cab driver said, finally breaking the silence, "Kill many gooks over there?"
Hawkeye was still wearing his Class A's. God he couldn't wait to take them off for the last time. The cab driver's words turned his stomach. These people, these civilians, he thought to himself, they really have no idea do they? "I'm a surgeon", he said. Normally he would have attacked someone for using such 'colourful' language but he was too tired right now. After nearly three long years in Korea, all the fight had gone out of him. He just wanted to sleep and for the first time in his life decided not to get into politics with this man.
"Oh, well anyway we all sure do appreciate what you guys did out there for us. I mean fighting back the pink stain, keeping the world free for democracy and all!" "The pink stain", Hawkeye repeated in his mind. He couldn't help but smile at this.
"Something funny?" the driver said. "Oh no, just something you said, it reminded me of someone I used to know".
Frank Burns, Frank Marion Burns. That was one of his sayings! That fink, he was home well over a year now.
"Y'know, I didn't even think they had doctors in the army?" "Well what the army doesn't have it drafts!" Hawkeye answered. Idiot, he thought as he shut his eyes, why am I even making conversation with this dunce!
Hawkeye had spent the last week and a half travelling. Once he reached San Francisco he had to catch a flight to the other side of the country. Boston was the nearest he could get so he spent the night in San Francisco in order to regain some much needed energy. Ah San Francisco! The feeling of finally being back on American soil was indescribable! He was beginning to think he would never see home again and had to stop himself from kissing the ground. The Airport was thronging with people. Wives, sweethearts, mothers, fathers, all were there to welcome their loved ones home. He couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness in his chest. All the love around him reminded him of the fact that there was no-one waiting to cover him in kisses, to drag him straight into the bedroom when he got home. He wondered if B.J. was there somewhere amongst the crowd, being smothered with kisses from Peg and hopefully being called daddy for the first time in his life! Hawkeye really hoped everything would work out for Beeg. That he could go straight back to playing happy families with Peg and Erin. B.J. was such a good person, he deserved to be happy.
His devotion to his family at first bemused Hawkeye. He had never seen someone so in love, except maybe his father, but that was a long time ago now. It really made Hawkeye think hard about his own life. Sure his womanising days had been fun, but where had it got him? He was pushing on thirty and was feeling more alone than ever! B.J. had shown him the beauty of marriage and family life. He proved that settling down didn't mean you automatically turned into a slipper-wearing, pipe-smoking old bore. Now Hawkeye wanted that life, he wanted to be loved and to love. He longed to devote himself to some worthy woman. The trouble now of course was finding a woman worthy of him! But what hope had he now? He was more screwed up than ever before. How could he inflict himself on any poor woman? He carried way too much baggage!
Margaret Houlihan! Soft long hair, red lips and those misty blue eyes. I would have married her, he thought sadly, if only she hadn't married the army first. And you know what they say, three's a crowd!
Yes, over time that hot tempered, hot lipped major had stolen his heart. Her strength, her resilience, her power, it just amazed him. There was no one else like her in the world, of that he was sure. In his gut he thought she had feelings for him too, at least he always hoped. And if he hadn't flipped out in the end, he would have probably told her, but it was all academic now. He had kissed her goodbye and that was that. He couldn't have told her. No woman would want to take up with a crazy man. Her final words were 'see ya!' and she was gone, gone but far from forgotten.
He had managed to get a bus from Boston to Portland, Maine, but had to take a taxi the rest of the way. He was nearly home and was now growing increasingly nervous. Seeing everyone again, it was going to be so hard. He knew he was different now, he wasn't the light-hearted, carefree Hawkeye they all knew. He had seen too much, felt so much badness inside. It was going to be difficult facing everyone again. In Crabapple Cove nothing ever changes, not the town and not the people. But he had changed. There was no denying that. The war had left a permanent mark on him. It had scarred his mind and broke his will. They would notice the change straight away and they would treat him differently as a result. No, nobody liked change in the Cove!
Hawkeye thought back on his first few months in Korea. They were crazy times. When he wasn't operating, he was drinking. He and Trapper made quite a pair! At the height of his notoriety, Hawkeye was notching up three dates with three different women in one day! He was arrogant and self-centred. He didn't think he would be there that long, if the army didn't throw him out then he would be rotated home in at least a year. So he did his job, played around and had little regard for his camp mates.
But six months gradually grew into a year and a year into years until time became irrelevant to him. Those camp mates turned out to be the biggest family he ever had. He loved them, and as the war began to ware him down, he needed them. He always thought he would go home and pick up his life just by 'picking up his datebook' as B.J once put it. But now that the day was finally here, he longed for the security and love of those kaki church mice! That's why he didn't tell his father when he would be home. Instead he decided to surprise him. Hawkeye knew full well that if his father had known he was coming, the whole town would be out in his honour to welcome him home. That was the last thing he wanted right now. He just wanted to see his dad. He would meet and greet everyone else in his own time.
"Hey, hey soldier boy, we're here!"
"Huh, what?" Hawkeye had drifted off to sleep in the back of the cab. The driver's voice quickly shook him back into life. The words 'we're here' exploded in his head. Oh God I'm home!
"I said we're here, we're in Crabapple Cove! Where would you like me to drop you?"
Hawkeye could feel his chest tighten! "Am, here will do just fine. I'll walk the rest of the way, thank you!"
"Suit yourself!"
The taxi pulled away and Hawkeye suddenly found himself standing in the middle of Main St. Crabapple Cove. He paused a moment to take it all in. It was just as beautiful as he had remembered. Looking around him he could see that Sullivan had put an extension on to the side of his grocery store, and the Sea View Inn had a new coat of paint. Apart from that, nothing had changed. Standing there in his uniform, suitcase in hand, a thought suddenly hit Hawkeye! I'm going to stick out like a sore thumb! Making it home unnoticed was going to be impossible. Nothing got passed these people he would be recognised in an instant!
Well I can't just stand here all day, he thought as he finally moved from the road and casually strolled down the sidewalk. It was approaching ten- thirty in the morning. The sky was overcast and a slight breeze blew in from the ocean but it was not cold. There would be no point in going home now his father would already be at work. Hawkeye decided to call into his father's office instead and surprise him. Besides he was bound to be spotted anytime now and word would spread around town like wildfire. He would hate for his father to hear from someone else that his only son was back from the war.
As these thoughts ran through his mind, Hawkeye saw a shadow move out of the corner of his eye. Someone had walked out of the grocery store across the road and paused. He could feel their eyes on him. He walked calmly on pretending not to notice when a voice broke through the sound of the gulls down at the pier.
"Well I'll be... Hawkeye Pierce! Is that you?"
At this, Hawkeye turned to see the face of Jack Sullivan beaming at him. "Mr. Sullivan!" he shouted back across the road, a smile now stretched across his face.
"You old son of a gun! When did you get back? Wow, look at you all dressed up!"
Hawkeye had now crossed over and was standing in front of the elder man. "I just got back this very minute, I was on my way to see my father"
"Dan never said you were coming home!"
"Oh, well he didn't know, doesn't know actually, I was going to surprise him!"
"Boy is he going to be surprised all right! Listen before you go, come in to the shop first would ya?"
"Well" Hawkeye hesitated, "I really just wanna get over and see my dad. It's been a long time you know?"
"I know, but come on please? I'll only keep you a minute I promise. There're some people I want you to meet." Jack saw the hesitation in Hawkeye's eyes. "Come on just one minute, please?"
"Alright, alright, one minute!" Hawkeye gave in. The man practically had him shoved in the door anyway and standing there arguing would just waste more time.
"Hey everyone, look who I found out on the street!" Jack declared.
Hawkeye cringed as he heard the tirade of screams coming from the people there. They were on top of him so fast he hadn't the chance to identify who they were!
"Oh my God, Hawkeye Pierce!" one screamed as she placed a kiss right on his lips. That was Mrs. Sullivan he was able to determine. That woman had been kissing him on the lips since he was six years old. And the older he got the more embarrassing it became. After he had the stuffing squeezed out of him and managed to greet everyone he noticed one person he didn't recognise.
"Hello" she said! "Hi" he replied.
"Oh that's right, you two have never met" Mr. Sullivan said. "Rose, may I present Dr. Hawkeye Pierce, son of Dr. Dan and fresh out of Korea! Hawkeye this is Mrs. Rose Taylor!"
Ah mrs. Hawkeye was a little disappointed. "Well I don't know about being fresh, I have been travelling for the last week." Everyone gave a little laugh at this.
"Rose has moved into Parks old place. She's been there now what, a year is it?"
"About that!" Rose replied.
Hawkeye was a bit surprised at that. "Oh" he said, "Well where did Mr. Parks go?" That old man wouldn't move for the world.
Everyone slowly looked at each other. "Well Hawkeye" Mr. Sullivan said, "Old Parky passed away...ah...about two years ago now". Mr. Sullivan had a hint of surprise in his voice. "I thought your father would have told you!"
Hawkeye was shocked. Have I been gone that long? The first signs that he had become an outsider were beginning to show. "Well, maybe he did, I just forgot, I dunno!" Everyone had fallen silent and Hawkeye took the opportunity to make his exit. "Well it's great seeing you all again. Rose it was lovely to meet you. I wish I could stay but I really should go see my father. I'll see you all again soon I'm sure."
"OK son, you get going. Hey, it's good to have you home!"
"Thanks Mr. Sullivan, it's good to be home! Hey do me a favour, keep quiet about my being back will you? At least until I see my father!"
"Sure thing Hawk. Now you get goin!" Mr. Sullivan walked Hawkeye to the door amid shouts of 'Goodbye' and 'See you later' from the gang. "See you Hawk!"
"Goodbye" Hawkeye smiled as he continued down the street. Next stop would be his father's practice, he hoped!
*****************************************************
Hawkeye inhaled the fresh sea air as he strolled down Main St. Somehow the air in Korea always seemed stale. No matter where you went the stench of death hung over your head. Of course he got used to it, just like he got used to the sight of the endless stream of broken bodies. But that didn't make it any more comfortable for him, it just meant he didn't throw up all the time. God the air tastes so good here! he thought, taking in a deep breath. Hawkeye's eyes were now fixed on the door to his father's practice. 'Dr. D. Pierce, M.D.' was carved into the wooden sign that hung outside. "This is it!" Hawkeye said as he composed himself. Taking another deep breath, he opened the door and walked in. There were butterflies creating havoc in his stomach and he was shaking all over. He had been waiting for this moment for so long, for too long.
There were only a handful of patients in the waiting area, all with their heads in a magazine. He was surprised but relieved that no one took any notice of him as he entered. He walked over to the reception where he could see Nina was busy picking up a load of files that must have fallen on the floor. Nina was Daniel's assistant. She had worked with him ever since she arrived in town, about fifteen years ago now. Hawkeye had become friends with her son through school and when he heard that she was a registered nurse had told his father who hired her on the spot. For Nina, it was perfect timing. Daniel's last assistant had left to concentrate more on her family life. Nina was a widow with two children and no job. She came to the Cove to get away from the hectic city life and was delighted with the opportunity to be able to work as a nurse again.
Hawkeye tapped the bell on the desk, he knew this would annoy her.
"Just one minute and I'll be with you" she cried as patiently as she could. She was an excellent nurse and wonderful person, just a little bit impatient at times! He tapped the bell again.
"Oh alright, you better be dyin' or somethin' cause I swear I'm gonna..." Nina paused as she finally set eyes on her aggravator. "Hawkeye?"
"Ssh" Hawkeye put his finger to his lips, he didn't want to attract the attention of his father just yet.
Nina ran out from behind the desk and wrapped her arms around him. "Oh my goodness it's so good to see you" she cried. Hawkeye had a huge grin plastered across his face. It really was good to be home.
"Look at you all dressed up in your soldier suit. I remember the trouble it took just to get you to put on a tie" They hugged again. Nina started prodding him in the stomach, "Didn't they feed you over there? You've gotten so thin!"
"Ah, well the less said about the food over there the better I think" Hawkeye said, still grinning. "I hope you've been looking after the old man?"
"Speaking of which, he's with a patient right now, should be finished any minute"
"Don't disturb him!" Hawkeye thought for a moment, "Actually, how would you like to be co-conspirator on playing a little trick on him?"
*****************************************************************
Hawkeye was sitting on one of the chairs in the waiting area reading a paper. All of a sudden his heart gave a jump. Down the hall he could hear the familiar voice of his father. He was coming! Nina jumped back behind the desk in preparation as Hawkeye drew the paper up close so it covered his face.
"Now Mr. Cooper, you make sure you take one of these everyday before you eat and come back and see me in two weeks ok?"
"Thanks Dan, I'll see meself out!"
Daniel waved Mr. Cooper off and turned swiftly to Nina. Clapping his hands together he said enthusiastically, "Alright Nina, who's up next?"
"My, aren't we just bursting with energy today" she replied in her sarcastic tone.
"Well I ate all my porridge this morning. Plus I've already had about five cups of coffee!"
Nina gave a small laugh, "OK super doc, we got a gentleman over there complaining of digestive problems. It seems he hasn't had a decent meal for years and as a result has lost his sense of taste" Nina said raising one eyebrow.
Daniel looked a little confused. "Are you sure this guy shouldn't be seeing a shrink or something?" he said under his breath.
"Just take a look at him" Nina snapped.
"OK bossy boots!"
Nina threw her eyes up to Heaven but inside she was bursting with excitement. The other patients in the waiting room were still totally oblivious to what was going on around them. They could really use a cup of coffee! Hawkeye thought as he waited in silence for his father to approach. Nina was magnificent. A performance worthy of an Oscar! Hawkeye's heart started beating louder as he realised his father was coming towards him. He was still holding the newspaper so Daniel couldn't see him.
"Ah sir! Would you like to come back to the exam room so I can take a look at you?" Hawkeye didn't make a move. Daniel shot Nina a confused look. She just shrugged her shoulders.
"Hey!" he said as he shook the man's knee. With that, Hawkeye slowly lowered the paper, finally revealing himself.
"I said..." Daniel began and then stopped as he suddenly realised who this mystery patient was. "My boy" he whispered in disbelief. "It's... it's my boy, hey everyone" he began to shout now, "Look it's my boy! He's come home!"
Hawkeye was standing now, tears welling up in his eyes. "Hello Dad!" he said quietly. "Oh my" was all Daniel could say as he grabbed hold of his beloved son and hugged him tightly. Hawkeye wrapped his arms around the smaller man. Both were crying now and neither one wanted to let go.
"Look at you!" Daniel finally managed to say. They had pulled apart slightly but were still holding on to one another. "Why didn't you call me, I could have picked you up?"
"I wanted to surprise you Dad!"
"Well you sure succeeded in doing that. Almost gave me a heart attack!"
"I've missed you so much!" Hawkeye exclaimed.
"Me too!"
"Welcome home Hawkeye" Nina said as she joined in a group hug with the two men.
OK folks this is my very first fanfic. I hope you all enjoy it. It will
eventually be a h/m!
A New Life
by the angelInterceptor
Chapter 1 Homecoming
Hawkeye relaxed into the backseat of the cab. The journey home from Korea had been long and uncomfortable and he was worn out. Not only had he to endure the long flight to San Francisco, he then had to make the cross country trek to his final destination, Crabapple Cove, Maine. The very thought brought a smile to his face, "I'm going home!" he sighed!
"So you're a soldier huh?" the cab driver said, finally breaking the silence, "Kill many gooks over there?"
Hawkeye was still wearing his Class A's. God he couldn't wait to take them off for the last time. The cab driver's words turned his stomach. These people, these civilians, he thought to himself, they really have no idea do they? "I'm a surgeon", he said. Normally he would have attacked someone for using such 'colourful' language but he was too tired right now. After nearly three long years in Korea, all the fight had gone out of him. He just wanted to sleep and for the first time in his life decided not to get into politics with this man.
"Oh, well anyway we all sure do appreciate what you guys did out there for us. I mean fighting back the pink stain, keeping the world free for democracy and all!" "The pink stain", Hawkeye repeated in his mind. He couldn't help but smile at this.
"Something funny?" the driver said. "Oh no, just something you said, it reminded me of someone I used to know".
Frank Burns, Frank Marion Burns. That was one of his sayings! That fink, he was home well over a year now.
"Y'know, I didn't even think they had doctors in the army?" "Well what the army doesn't have it drafts!" Hawkeye answered. Idiot, he thought as he shut his eyes, why am I even making conversation with this dunce!
Hawkeye had spent the last week and a half travelling. Once he reached San Francisco he had to catch a flight to the other side of the country. Boston was the nearest he could get so he spent the night in San Francisco in order to regain some much needed energy. Ah San Francisco! The feeling of finally being back on American soil was indescribable! He was beginning to think he would never see home again and had to stop himself from kissing the ground. The Airport was thronging with people. Wives, sweethearts, mothers, fathers, all were there to welcome their loved ones home. He couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness in his chest. All the love around him reminded him of the fact that there was no-one waiting to cover him in kisses, to drag him straight into the bedroom when he got home. He wondered if B.J. was there somewhere amongst the crowd, being smothered with kisses from Peg and hopefully being called daddy for the first time in his life! Hawkeye really hoped everything would work out for Beeg. That he could go straight back to playing happy families with Peg and Erin. B.J. was such a good person, he deserved to be happy.
His devotion to his family at first bemused Hawkeye. He had never seen someone so in love, except maybe his father, but that was a long time ago now. It really made Hawkeye think hard about his own life. Sure his womanising days had been fun, but where had it got him? He was pushing on thirty and was feeling more alone than ever! B.J. had shown him the beauty of marriage and family life. He proved that settling down didn't mean you automatically turned into a slipper-wearing, pipe-smoking old bore. Now Hawkeye wanted that life, he wanted to be loved and to love. He longed to devote himself to some worthy woman. The trouble now of course was finding a woman worthy of him! But what hope had he now? He was more screwed up than ever before. How could he inflict himself on any poor woman? He carried way too much baggage!
Margaret Houlihan! Soft long hair, red lips and those misty blue eyes. I would have married her, he thought sadly, if only she hadn't married the army first. And you know what they say, three's a crowd!
Yes, over time that hot tempered, hot lipped major had stolen his heart. Her strength, her resilience, her power, it just amazed him. There was no one else like her in the world, of that he was sure. In his gut he thought she had feelings for him too, at least he always hoped. And if he hadn't flipped out in the end, he would have probably told her, but it was all academic now. He had kissed her goodbye and that was that. He couldn't have told her. No woman would want to take up with a crazy man. Her final words were 'see ya!' and she was gone, gone but far from forgotten.
He had managed to get a bus from Boston to Portland, Maine, but had to take a taxi the rest of the way. He was nearly home and was now growing increasingly nervous. Seeing everyone again, it was going to be so hard. He knew he was different now, he wasn't the light-hearted, carefree Hawkeye they all knew. He had seen too much, felt so much badness inside. It was going to be difficult facing everyone again. In Crabapple Cove nothing ever changes, not the town and not the people. But he had changed. There was no denying that. The war had left a permanent mark on him. It had scarred his mind and broke his will. They would notice the change straight away and they would treat him differently as a result. No, nobody liked change in the Cove!
Hawkeye thought back on his first few months in Korea. They were crazy times. When he wasn't operating, he was drinking. He and Trapper made quite a pair! At the height of his notoriety, Hawkeye was notching up three dates with three different women in one day! He was arrogant and self-centred. He didn't think he would be there that long, if the army didn't throw him out then he would be rotated home in at least a year. So he did his job, played around and had little regard for his camp mates.
But six months gradually grew into a year and a year into years until time became irrelevant to him. Those camp mates turned out to be the biggest family he ever had. He loved them, and as the war began to ware him down, he needed them. He always thought he would go home and pick up his life just by 'picking up his datebook' as B.J once put it. But now that the day was finally here, he longed for the security and love of those kaki church mice! That's why he didn't tell his father when he would be home. Instead he decided to surprise him. Hawkeye knew full well that if his father had known he was coming, the whole town would be out in his honour to welcome him home. That was the last thing he wanted right now. He just wanted to see his dad. He would meet and greet everyone else in his own time.
"Hey, hey soldier boy, we're here!"
"Huh, what?" Hawkeye had drifted off to sleep in the back of the cab. The driver's voice quickly shook him back into life. The words 'we're here' exploded in his head. Oh God I'm home!
"I said we're here, we're in Crabapple Cove! Where would you like me to drop you?"
Hawkeye could feel his chest tighten! "Am, here will do just fine. I'll walk the rest of the way, thank you!"
"Suit yourself!"
The taxi pulled away and Hawkeye suddenly found himself standing in the middle of Main St. Crabapple Cove. He paused a moment to take it all in. It was just as beautiful as he had remembered. Looking around him he could see that Sullivan had put an extension on to the side of his grocery store, and the Sea View Inn had a new coat of paint. Apart from that, nothing had changed. Standing there in his uniform, suitcase in hand, a thought suddenly hit Hawkeye! I'm going to stick out like a sore thumb! Making it home unnoticed was going to be impossible. Nothing got passed these people he would be recognised in an instant!
Well I can't just stand here all day, he thought as he finally moved from the road and casually strolled down the sidewalk. It was approaching ten- thirty in the morning. The sky was overcast and a slight breeze blew in from the ocean but it was not cold. There would be no point in going home now his father would already be at work. Hawkeye decided to call into his father's office instead and surprise him. Besides he was bound to be spotted anytime now and word would spread around town like wildfire. He would hate for his father to hear from someone else that his only son was back from the war.
As these thoughts ran through his mind, Hawkeye saw a shadow move out of the corner of his eye. Someone had walked out of the grocery store across the road and paused. He could feel their eyes on him. He walked calmly on pretending not to notice when a voice broke through the sound of the gulls down at the pier.
"Well I'll be... Hawkeye Pierce! Is that you?"
At this, Hawkeye turned to see the face of Jack Sullivan beaming at him. "Mr. Sullivan!" he shouted back across the road, a smile now stretched across his face.
"You old son of a gun! When did you get back? Wow, look at you all dressed up!"
Hawkeye had now crossed over and was standing in front of the elder man. "I just got back this very minute, I was on my way to see my father"
"Dan never said you were coming home!"
"Oh, well he didn't know, doesn't know actually, I was going to surprise him!"
"Boy is he going to be surprised all right! Listen before you go, come in to the shop first would ya?"
"Well" Hawkeye hesitated, "I really just wanna get over and see my dad. It's been a long time you know?"
"I know, but come on please? I'll only keep you a minute I promise. There're some people I want you to meet." Jack saw the hesitation in Hawkeye's eyes. "Come on just one minute, please?"
"Alright, alright, one minute!" Hawkeye gave in. The man practically had him shoved in the door anyway and standing there arguing would just waste more time.
"Hey everyone, look who I found out on the street!" Jack declared.
Hawkeye cringed as he heard the tirade of screams coming from the people there. They were on top of him so fast he hadn't the chance to identify who they were!
"Oh my God, Hawkeye Pierce!" one screamed as she placed a kiss right on his lips. That was Mrs. Sullivan he was able to determine. That woman had been kissing him on the lips since he was six years old. And the older he got the more embarrassing it became. After he had the stuffing squeezed out of him and managed to greet everyone he noticed one person he didn't recognise.
"Hello" she said! "Hi" he replied.
"Oh that's right, you two have never met" Mr. Sullivan said. "Rose, may I present Dr. Hawkeye Pierce, son of Dr. Dan and fresh out of Korea! Hawkeye this is Mrs. Rose Taylor!"
Ah mrs. Hawkeye was a little disappointed. "Well I don't know about being fresh, I have been travelling for the last week." Everyone gave a little laugh at this.
"Rose has moved into Parks old place. She's been there now what, a year is it?"
"About that!" Rose replied.
Hawkeye was a bit surprised at that. "Oh" he said, "Well where did Mr. Parks go?" That old man wouldn't move for the world.
Everyone slowly looked at each other. "Well Hawkeye" Mr. Sullivan said, "Old Parky passed away...ah...about two years ago now". Mr. Sullivan had a hint of surprise in his voice. "I thought your father would have told you!"
Hawkeye was shocked. Have I been gone that long? The first signs that he had become an outsider were beginning to show. "Well, maybe he did, I just forgot, I dunno!" Everyone had fallen silent and Hawkeye took the opportunity to make his exit. "Well it's great seeing you all again. Rose it was lovely to meet you. I wish I could stay but I really should go see my father. I'll see you all again soon I'm sure."
"OK son, you get going. Hey, it's good to have you home!"
"Thanks Mr. Sullivan, it's good to be home! Hey do me a favour, keep quiet about my being back will you? At least until I see my father!"
"Sure thing Hawk. Now you get goin!" Mr. Sullivan walked Hawkeye to the door amid shouts of 'Goodbye' and 'See you later' from the gang. "See you Hawk!"
"Goodbye" Hawkeye smiled as he continued down the street. Next stop would be his father's practice, he hoped!
*****************************************************
Hawkeye inhaled the fresh sea air as he strolled down Main St. Somehow the air in Korea always seemed stale. No matter where you went the stench of death hung over your head. Of course he got used to it, just like he got used to the sight of the endless stream of broken bodies. But that didn't make it any more comfortable for him, it just meant he didn't throw up all the time. God the air tastes so good here! he thought, taking in a deep breath. Hawkeye's eyes were now fixed on the door to his father's practice. 'Dr. D. Pierce, M.D.' was carved into the wooden sign that hung outside. "This is it!" Hawkeye said as he composed himself. Taking another deep breath, he opened the door and walked in. There were butterflies creating havoc in his stomach and he was shaking all over. He had been waiting for this moment for so long, for too long.
There were only a handful of patients in the waiting area, all with their heads in a magazine. He was surprised but relieved that no one took any notice of him as he entered. He walked over to the reception where he could see Nina was busy picking up a load of files that must have fallen on the floor. Nina was Daniel's assistant. She had worked with him ever since she arrived in town, about fifteen years ago now. Hawkeye had become friends with her son through school and when he heard that she was a registered nurse had told his father who hired her on the spot. For Nina, it was perfect timing. Daniel's last assistant had left to concentrate more on her family life. Nina was a widow with two children and no job. She came to the Cove to get away from the hectic city life and was delighted with the opportunity to be able to work as a nurse again.
Hawkeye tapped the bell on the desk, he knew this would annoy her.
"Just one minute and I'll be with you" she cried as patiently as she could. She was an excellent nurse and wonderful person, just a little bit impatient at times! He tapped the bell again.
"Oh alright, you better be dyin' or somethin' cause I swear I'm gonna..." Nina paused as she finally set eyes on her aggravator. "Hawkeye?"
"Ssh" Hawkeye put his finger to his lips, he didn't want to attract the attention of his father just yet.
Nina ran out from behind the desk and wrapped her arms around him. "Oh my goodness it's so good to see you" she cried. Hawkeye had a huge grin plastered across his face. It really was good to be home.
"Look at you all dressed up in your soldier suit. I remember the trouble it took just to get you to put on a tie" They hugged again. Nina started prodding him in the stomach, "Didn't they feed you over there? You've gotten so thin!"
"Ah, well the less said about the food over there the better I think" Hawkeye said, still grinning. "I hope you've been looking after the old man?"
"Speaking of which, he's with a patient right now, should be finished any minute"
"Don't disturb him!" Hawkeye thought for a moment, "Actually, how would you like to be co-conspirator on playing a little trick on him?"
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Hawkeye was sitting on one of the chairs in the waiting area reading a paper. All of a sudden his heart gave a jump. Down the hall he could hear the familiar voice of his father. He was coming! Nina jumped back behind the desk in preparation as Hawkeye drew the paper up close so it covered his face.
"Now Mr. Cooper, you make sure you take one of these everyday before you eat and come back and see me in two weeks ok?"
"Thanks Dan, I'll see meself out!"
Daniel waved Mr. Cooper off and turned swiftly to Nina. Clapping his hands together he said enthusiastically, "Alright Nina, who's up next?"
"My, aren't we just bursting with energy today" she replied in her sarcastic tone.
"Well I ate all my porridge this morning. Plus I've already had about five cups of coffee!"
Nina gave a small laugh, "OK super doc, we got a gentleman over there complaining of digestive problems. It seems he hasn't had a decent meal for years and as a result has lost his sense of taste" Nina said raising one eyebrow.
Daniel looked a little confused. "Are you sure this guy shouldn't be seeing a shrink or something?" he said under his breath.
"Just take a look at him" Nina snapped.
"OK bossy boots!"
Nina threw her eyes up to Heaven but inside she was bursting with excitement. The other patients in the waiting room were still totally oblivious to what was going on around them. They could really use a cup of coffee! Hawkeye thought as he waited in silence for his father to approach. Nina was magnificent. A performance worthy of an Oscar! Hawkeye's heart started beating louder as he realised his father was coming towards him. He was still holding the newspaper so Daniel couldn't see him.
"Ah sir! Would you like to come back to the exam room so I can take a look at you?" Hawkeye didn't make a move. Daniel shot Nina a confused look. She just shrugged her shoulders.
"Hey!" he said as he shook the man's knee. With that, Hawkeye slowly lowered the paper, finally revealing himself.
"I said..." Daniel began and then stopped as he suddenly realised who this mystery patient was. "My boy" he whispered in disbelief. "It's... it's my boy, hey everyone" he began to shout now, "Look it's my boy! He's come home!"
Hawkeye was standing now, tears welling up in his eyes. "Hello Dad!" he said quietly. "Oh my" was all Daniel could say as he grabbed hold of his beloved son and hugged him tightly. Hawkeye wrapped his arms around the smaller man. Both were crying now and neither one wanted to let go.
"Look at you!" Daniel finally managed to say. They had pulled apart slightly but were still holding on to one another. "Why didn't you call me, I could have picked you up?"
"I wanted to surprise you Dad!"
"Well you sure succeeded in doing that. Almost gave me a heart attack!"
"I've missed you so much!" Hawkeye exclaimed.
"Me too!"
"Welcome home Hawkeye" Nina said as she joined in a group hug with the two men.