A/N:This was written for the Holidays, I got a nudge to post it.
I want to dedicate this to those who have and/or are serving in the Armed Forces. To those that are still fighting and those who have given their lives in the name of freedom and peace. This may not be much, and God only knows I wish I could do more. I also wanted to thank the families of our troops; for your loved ones, for your service and you're your sacrifices. God Bless to you all.
Oliver Queen felt like he was in touch with the world. He read the NY Times, the wall street journal and had CNN streamed onto his expensive phone. He would watch the news as his driver would take him to the airport or listen to it if he drove himself anywhere. He could have a current events conversation that would give any poly/sci. Major a run for there money. He was articulate and charming and even if he didn't agree with the argument he never made you feel bad for expressing your opinion.
Those around him thought he indeed led a charmed life. He went to all the best parties. Rubbed elbows with all the right people and could vacation where ever on the planet that he wanted to. He was approachable and his employees were fiercely loyal to him. He knew everyone's name in his building all the way down to the janitor whose wife would make him enchilada's extra spicy.
The holidays were coming, Thanksgiving was in just two days and he was trying to wrap up his bigger business agenda before he closed the shop. His employees always got the day before and the day after the holiday off. He used to take off and go skiing somewhere and have a filet mignon until he started to date Chloe. The holidays took on an entirely new meaning for him after they were married.
It was getting towards 5 in the evening and he and his assistant were the only two people left in the office. She was sitting in front of his desk typing while he dictated a memo.
She was a middle aged woman who had come to Metropolis more than 15 years ago with her family, to try and find a better life. Her husband was killed in a car accident and left her alone to raise a young family. She had been hired by him when his other assistant retired. He liked her spunk, her fire, and she really didn't put up with his shit.
"Ok Grace," he spoke. "I think that's it." He smiled. She smiled back at him relieved.
"So... are you and Chloe?" she nudged.
"Dinner at home with a few friends." He smiled.
"How about you?" he smiled as he stood.
"Well my daughter is flying in from California and my son is still in Afghanistan."
"How's he doing?"
"I just got a letter from him yesterday and he was doing well. He said that stuff was getting heavy but he should be able to call home on Thanksgiving." She was beaming with pride.
"That's great!" he spoke. "Well, then I hope you and your daughter have a great Holiday and thank your son for sharing his mom with me." He spoke. He waited for her to stand and go to her desk and put her computer away then escorted her to the parking garage. He made sure she got to her car safely then climbed into his SUV and drove to the clock tower.
It was Wednesday and Chloe and Ollie were chilling on the couch reading the paper and listening to the news. All the news was before the holiday was about really bad things happening to good people. Then there was extensive coverage of Soldiers overseas saying hi to their loved ones. Chloe's eye filled with tears of hearing the hellos.
"That's so incredibly sad," Chloe sniffed. Ollie put down his section of the paper to pull her into his lap.
"It is. I just say a prayer for them and hope God is listening to bring every one of them home safely." He kissed her. Chloe sighed and nodded.
Across town in the modest apartment of Grace Lawson, it looked like the fourth of July. She had an American flag over her mantle and yellow ribbons every where. She was a proud military momma. She had boxes stacked, filled with things that she had collected from her church to send to her son and his unit.
She was in her kitchen baking her son's favorite cookies. Her daughter's flight was coming in late and she still had to start prepping her turkey. She turned to her fridge to put her milk away and stared at the picture of him from oversees. He was lying in the sand next to a heart that said, "I love you mom!" inside. His arms were outstretched as if giving her a hug. When she got that picture she laughed until she cried.
He had called that night and for the first time she really heard the fear in his voice. It struck her hard. She had been there to ease his nightmares after his father died; to kiss away his hurts and be his pillar of strength. Now her baby boy, and he hated that nickname, was scared and a million miles away and all she could do was pray her words soothed him.
He had gotten to come home for a brief leave on her birthday and surprised her. He showed up at her apartment and it blew her away. When he had to go back it was a million times harder than the first time. She read, she knew the statistics, but she loved her son and was so very proud of him for doing what he did. She hugged him a lot, so did his sister so he could take them back over seas and give him strength.
And now here it was almost Thanksgiving and he was still fighting the good fight. She shook her head at her reverie and went back to her cookie detail. When the cookies were cooling she started making the trimmings for the big dinner with her daughter. Her daughter arrived late that night with a surprise guest, her boyfriend. They had boxes of stuff to send to her brother. They each had gone to Frat and Sorority row at the University and got donations, cards and gifts for the soldiers.
Grace and family enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner and did in fact get a call from her son Travis. A mother always worries but it was squashed some from hearing his voice. He was ok and she couldn't detect the fear this time. So either it wasn't really bad where they were at or he got really good at hiding it from mom.
Grace's daughter and her boyfriend treated Grace to a Black Friday spa trip and then some shopping. And it seemed that just like that her daughter and boyfriend were gone, on their way back to school.
Grace was tired and when she got home she poured herself a glass of wine and sat on the couch and closed her eyes. She said a prayer for her son, like she does a million times a day. She finished her wine and went to bed.
The holiday weekend blasted by for Chloe and Ollie, it was now Monday and both were dressed and ready sharing a simple breakfast and coffee before they returned to the rat race. Ollie was heading in early, Monday's are usually late start days but he knew there would be hell to pay for having a week off.
Ollie got to the office around 8 and the lights were already on. Which was odd, he heard sniffling and was trying to find the source. He made his way to the conference room with the door open. Sitting at a lap top was Grace and tears were falling down her cheeks.
"Grace?" he asked softly as he made his way to her.
"Oh, Mr. Queen," She sniffed and wiped her eyes. "I'm so sorry, I won't asked to get paid for this," she struggled to maintain her composure.
"Grace have I ever given you the impression that's all I worry about?" he spoke softly smiling. He pulled out the seat next to her and sat down. Something was terribly wrong.
"Now, tell me what's wrong." Those words were what broke the levy that had kept her emotions in check. She had heard the words over and over from the chaplain, "Injured in an explosion, was unconscious, being flown state side in serious but stable condition. …." That phone call, that visit, simply shattered her existence. Ollie watched as she struggled to regain her composure.
"Travis," she managed to utter amid her tears. "Hurt," she broke through her pain again.
"Oh Grace," he spoke as he put a hand on her shoulder.
"I tried to find a flight; he's being taken to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. And I can't get a flight. They want more money than I have to pay for a short notice flight."
"Ok, this is what I'm going to do. Let me call Aaron, and have him fuel up the plane. I will take you home to go and pack a bag and then we'll leave." He spoke, as if it this plan was the most natural thing in the world.
"Oh, Mr. Queen," she spoke wiping her tears, her face now embarrassed by the generosity of her boss.
"Call who you need to, I will have all urgent business matters sent to my phone." He spoke. "You will get to see your son, I personally guarantee that." He smiled then got up and left the room.
Grace took a deep breath. "Dear Jesus, let him hang on." She whispered. Oliver heard her whispered prayer as he left the room breaking his heart, making him more than determined to get her to her son. Grace grabbed a tissue, blew her nose, and then packed up her computer and locked it up.
Oliver opened Grace's door for her and escorted her up to her apartment. She tried to tell him that it wasn't necessary but he was stubborn and refused to stay in his SUV. She let him in and went to pack a bag for the trip. Ollie's eyes wandered, it was such a colorful and very proud display of patriotism. He saw the pictures of her with her son on his journey through the military. The pride was so evident on her face. He saw a stack of boxes open and over flowing with things.
"Those are to be sent over to Travis' unit," she spoke, her voice cracking at the mentioning of her son.
"Anything I can do?" he asked simply.
"Oh , right now what you're doing is plenty. She smiled. She grabbed a photo album and put it in her bag. "Ok, I'm ready."
"Good, Aaron should be ready by the time we get there." He smiled. He led her out of her apartment and waited as she locked the door. She put her hand on the yellow ribbon that adorned her door and took a deep breath.
"Let's get their first and then worry about what's going to happen next." He spoke taking her bag from her. She shook her head and smiled.
"You're a good man, Mr. Queen."
"Grace, please, its Oliver." He smiled as he followed her back out of her building. He opened the door for her and then set her bag in the back seat.
He ran around the back and then got into the drivers seat and took off. His phone was vibrating like crazy so he just turned it off. Grace just shook her head at him. He smiled. "So what happened?" he asked.
Grace sighed and shivered and she put her face in her hands. She looked out her window and tried to find the strength to talk about this.
"I was home; I got a call late Saturday night from the family readiness group. They called to say that there had been injuries and fat…ohh god, fatalities, in our troop. It was the most agonizing wait of my life. A mother would know if something bad happened to one of her kids? I mean I would know right?" She wiped her tears, "I was so scared, Oliver. Was it Travis? Did he make the ultimate sacrifice for what he believed? I was going out of my mind. I wanted to call some friends but didn't want to tie up the phone line or miss a call on my cell phone. I dropped to my knees in the middle of my living room and prayed as if it were my very first time to God. I begged, reasoned, bargained for my baby." She looked over at Oliver and tears were sliding down his cheeks. "I must have fallen asleep on the couch. I was startled awake by a pounding at my door. It was a chaplain and some high ranking officer from base. I swear I saw the sadness on their faces and my heart stopped. All I could say was no, I didn't even let them speak. I collapsed to my knees and bawled. They were so very kind. I couldn't really imagine having that job, to bring the news to families." She drifted, lost in her own thoughts. Ollie just gave her time; this had to be very, very difficult for her.
"They finally helped me into the apartment and sat down with me and explained that two that were with him in his Humvee were killed." Tears were now just a stream down her face. "I felt like those two were my son's too. He talked about them so much, they really respected him, like the three amigo's." she paused. "My heart broke for their families….but um Travis….he's got a bad leg injury, and maybe a head injury. He's been kept in a coma or something I stopped hearing when I knew for sure he was alive" She spoke. "Am I a horrible person for being grateful that my son is alive when his best friends are dead?" She buried her face in her hands.
Ollie had no answers, in the life he chose to live, there was never black and white. The world with all its tragedies was a constant pool of grey. He sighed and pulled his SUV onto the private airstrip where his jet was waiting. He pulled up along side it and grabbed Grace's bag. He then went to the back cargo space of his SUV and pulled out an emergency bag, he always had one; he never knew when those 'emergency' trips would come up. He brought the bags aboard the plane and set them down by the door. The flight crew took care of securing them.
"Grace, how are you holding up?" Aaron asked. She just shook her head unable to speak.
"Ma'am on behalf of myself and the entire crew, we want thank you and your son for his service to this country. If there is any thing you need, please let us know. My grandfather was a Vet, and my brother is in the National Guard." He spoke. He shook Grace's hand he nodded to Oliver and then went into the cockpit.
"Oliver I can't thank you enough for this." Grace spoke finally able to feel like she had some control, at least for the moment.
"Grace, it's the very least I can do." He smiled. There co pilot closed the doors to the plane and then spoke to them. "We'll be taxiing in a few minutes and then it's just a few hour flight after that." He spoke. He turned sharply and walked up into the cockpit.
"Have you slept at all, Grace?" Oliver asked. She shook her head and yawned. "Well once we hit cruising altitude, the seats in the back recline to a fully reclined position. Try and get some sleep." She smiled and nodded and in a few minutes.
Oliver waited until she was asleep to turn on his phone and start doing some research. He sent an Email to Bernie Klein to make a list of the best specialists he knew in orthopedics, neurosciences, all of it. He also told him to be prepared to call in some favors, he would be too. He opened his outlook and pulled up the name of an old friend who was CEO of a major airline. Oliver sent him a heart felt and deeply disappointed email on the fact that this mother who wanted to fly to be with her soldier couldn't. He sent that one and then he sent a text to Chloe; 'on my way to D.C call you soon'. He set his phone back to off and reclined his seat to catch some sleep.
The plane landed in D.C just before 4pm. Oliver had a car waiting for them so he could drive Grace to the Military Hospital. Grace couldn't believe her boss when he carried her bag out to the awaiting SUV. She shook her head; the man was wearing a suit that the cost alone would have paid her rent for the next 6 months. Yet here he was, toting luggage like a bell hop. Oliver Queen was really not what he pretended to be.
--
The volunteer taking Grace and Oliver to the floor her son was going to be on would occasionally glance over her shoulder. Grace saw out of the corner of her eye how uncomfortable the attention was to him. The young lady though was smiling a million watt smile as if Saint Nick had just tapped her on the shoulder and told her she had a shopping spree at Macy's. The young lady deposited them at the elevator to take them to the right floor. Oliver entered first; Grace caught the young woman before she dashed off to call all her friends.
"Listen young lady, I think it's wonderful you volunteer here. I would hate to think of the media circus this place would turn into if my friend was discovered here. Do you understand me? These soldiers are the story, not the man you've seen on the cover of some magazine." The girls face paled she looked into the face of Oliver Queen, and nodded.
"Ma'am I hope you and you friend, have a peaceful visit here," she spoke, and turned and walked away.
Oliver just looked at his secretary in a new light. "Thanks Grace." He spoke.
"Think nothing of it sir, uhh, Oliver." She smiled. She hit the button for her son's floor. The ding of the elevator leaving the floor they were on was the only noise occupying the silence.
--
Grace and Oliver exited the elevator and went to the nurses station. The nurse sitting on the desk was on the phone. She held up a finger indicating that she would be just a minute. Grace rested her hands on the counter and looked around. It looked like an ordinary hospital, it sounded like and ordinary hospital, but in her mind, these medical professionals were Angels, sent straight from heaven to take care of her baby boy.
She didn't care if he was broken, he was home, away from the war, and these folks would fix him, make him better so that he could go back to Metropolis. The nurse finally got off the phone and smiled at the woman and a look of recognition crossed her face at seeing Oliver Queen. He put his head down and began to rub his neck, a clear sign he was embarrassed.
"How may I help you?" the nurse asked politely.
"I was told my son was going to be put on this floor?" Grace spoke softly.
"What's your son's name ma'am?" she asked.
"Travis, Travis Lawson?" Grace spoke wearily, her voice was shaky. The woman went to her computer and was clicking away, she read, clicked some more, and read again. Oliver put his hand on Grace's shoulder. Her iron strength was unraveling. She put her hand on his and patted like a mother to a son.
"Yes, he will be on this floor, his transport doesn't get in until tomorrow morning." The as soon as the words exited her mouth Grace's knees buckled. Oliver moved quickly to prop her up then escort her to a near by chair. The nurse came around the desk and knelt in front of the woman and checked her pulse. "Ma'am are you alright?" she asked. Grace could only nod as her emotions finally overwhelmed her. The nurse looked to Oliver who knelt by Grace's side and wrapped an arm around her. "Mr. Q…"
"Please, don't say it." He smiled. "I'm Oliver and I'm here as her friend." He spoke softly.
"Understood Oliver," The nurse smiled. "Look, there is a great cafeteria down stairs and a hospitality house that you can stay in so if his transport gets in early you will be here."
The nurse spoke softly. Grace raised her gaze to the friendly nurse.
"Thank you," she sobbed. The nurse led Oliver back to the nurses station to get him a map of the facility.
"I apologize for being so bold Oliver, but you're really nothing like what the magazines print?" she looked at him oddly.
"No apologies necessary. I get that a lot," he smiled. "Thank you for your kindness and your discretion." He smiled his best smile and winked at her. He turned back to Grace who had pulled her self together more and was trying to catch her breath. "Come on Grace, let's get some food and get you checked into the hospitality house." He smiled. Grace nodded and let him help her up. He snaked her arm in his and escorted her to the elevator.
--
It was later that evening and Oliver won the argument about staying the hospitality house. He told her that his presence was more of a distraction then anything. He would go stay at a nearby hotel and meet her for break fast first thing in the morning. Grace finally agreed albeit reluctantly. She would call some family and try and get some sleep. He did agree that his expensive suit made him way more conspicuous than he would like. So he grabbed his bag when he brought Grace hers and changed in her bathroom to jeans, a Metropolis Knight's sweat shirt and running shoed.
Grace was shocked by him again, in his power suit, he looked like he ran a billion dollar corporation, and in jeans, he looked like he could have run a convenience store. He bid her good night and drove a few blocks a way to a hotel, checked in, paid with cash and went to his room and flopped onto the bed. He picked up his vibrating phone and answered it.
"Hey," he sighed.
"How's Grace?" Chloe asked. Oliver only chuckled. Of course Chloe would know.
"Tired, an emotional wreck," he paused. "Travis isn't getting in until tomorrow morning." He spoke.
"Well, my flight gets in about an hour and a half." He could tell she was smiling. "And you…." She paused. He shook his head. He knew it was coming, the snark or rebuke about not answering his phone or texts.
"Me what?" he teased.
"Are the coolest guy on the planet."
"Chloe,"
"Don't Chloe me Ollie, what you're doing for Grace is simply fantastic."
"It's nothing really."
"No its not and don't get all humble pie on me. Face it Queen you are a ginormous softy."
"Ginormous?"
"You knew when you married me I made up my own vocabulary. Because really ordinary words don't fit you guys some times." She teased.
He laughed, he needed to hear her voice, "Ok, so…" he yawned, "Excuse me; I'll be on my way to pick you up at the airport."
"Ok, do you need me to catch a cab? You sound exhausted."
"Nope, I'm leaving now." he smiled. "Love you."
"Love you too see you soon." And the conversation was ended.
--
Chloe had become his strength when things got rough. Just like he had become her anchor and her hope when the reporting biz just kicked her in the knee caps. Ollie thought as he read her latest article while waiting for her at the baggage claim, how proud of her he really was. She had always wanted to be a reporter but as life tosses things out at you, you either roll with it or take it in the teeth. Chloe turned her passion for truth seeking and justice to writing for a very prestigious magazine, hard hitting human interest pieces that earned her a shelf full of awards. He was so lost in her prose he didn't hear her approach.
"I bet if you ask really nice I could get you an autograph." She snarked. He looked up from his magazine to see his joy standing in front of him. He rolled up the magazine put it in his back pocket and pulled her into a hug. "Hi there," she spoke into his ear. "How are you?" she whispered and pulled back to look into his eyes, which were truly the windows to his soul. "Oh boy, it's definitely a double chocolate cake rescue." She smiled.
He just wrinkled his brow.
"Carlotta, she baked." Chloe smiled. Ollie just hugged her again.
"You're perfect." He kissed her soundly.
"I know," she spoke smiling her million watt smile and winked at him. He took her bags from her and carried them. She just wrapped an arm around his waist. No words were spoken, they didn't need to be; they were content in each other's company. He led her to the parked SUV. He opened her door for her then put her luggage in the back seat. He then walked around to the drivers' side and climbed in. He sat for a moment before putting his seat belt.
"I'm glad you're here." He spoke looking at her and gently caressing her cheek.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I know these big emotional things are really hard for you. Believe me when I tell you though, what you've done today is absolutely wonderful." She kissed his hand. "Now, come on, there's cake to be eaten," she smiled at him and he nodded. He fastened his seat belt, started the engine and pulled out of his space and headed toward the hotel.
--
Ollie was not at all surprised by what was packed in Chloe's large suitcase. She pulled out the most recent literature on the Military benefits; legislature information, and print outs on nearly two dozen support the troop organizations. Along with extra clothes for him and the double chocolate cake from their cook Carlotta, "I did tell you you're perfect right?" he smiled as he flipped through one of the folders.
"Yeah, yeah," she smiled as she brought him a piece of cake. He was sitting on the leather sofa and he just smiled up at her shaking his head. "I will remind you that you said that when you're yelling at me on comm." she sat next and curled up next to him.
"I don't yell," he flatly denied.
"Ohh, ok, you sternly talk to me about tactical errors." She laughed. He just shook his head.
"Ok, so," he spoke reading over the numbers.
"Did you call Bernie?" she asked, interrupting him. "Good and I'm interrupting you for a very important reason." He set the folder down.
"And that would be wife of mine?"
"You're a problem solver, you want to make all of this better for Grace, and that's commendable. But you can't fix the entire US Military; you can't make things miraculously better everywhere."
"But?" he squinted at her. "Please tell me there's a but in there."
"Of course, we, see WE together can help Grace and maybe make some things better for some, and with that, a well written article may help remind people that a thank you, a hug, or even small donations can make a huge difference for our soldiers."
He leaned back and looked at her thoughtfully, "Save the world together, huh?" He held her gaze and then winked at her. "What a novel idea," he teased. She laughed at him and they continued eating their cake in silence.
Oliver was awoken by the vibration of his cell phone. He rolled over to answer it, "Queen?" Oliver spoke still half asleep. He looked at his watch and it was 3:30a.
"Mr. Queen, it's Grace," her voice was again shaky.
"Yeah, are you ok?" he asked running a hand through his hair and sitting up. "Ok, when?" He turned to his sleeping wife and kissed her cheek and she groaned. He nuzzled her ear and nipped her lobe. She swatted him away. "Ok Grace. I'll see be there in about 15 minutes." He spoke and hung up. He crawled out of bed and flipped on a lamp.
"Uhhhwhyyougottadothat?" Chloe whined covering her head with a pillow.
"Grace called, Travis' transport landed this morning and she's a little terrified." He spoke as he went and pulled out a T-Shirt, jeans, socks and briefs from the dresser. Chloe yawned and stretched and sat up. "I'm gonna take a quick shower." He spoke entering the bathroom. Chloe flopped back in bed when she heard the water running. She stared at the ceiling, than got up and entered the bathroom, 'might as well save time and join him.'
--
Grace was sitting in the waiting area when Chloe and Ollie entered. She saw Chloe and blushed. "Sorry Mrs. Queen, I didn't mean."
"Grace, please, I'm no more Mrs. Queen to you than he is Mr. Queen to me." Ollie just laughed. "Really, just plain ol' Chloe and Ollie is fine." She smiled as she went to hug the older woman. "So when did he get in?"
"Landed at about 2:00 this morning. The nurse said he had some official things to do before being brought over." She spoke wringing her hands.
"Ok? Do you need breakfast or anything?" Chloe asked.
"To nervous to eat really." She spoke looking up at the couple.
"Mrs. Lawson?" A young man in a white coat came into the waiting room. Grace stood to shake his hand.
"I'm Dr. Jonas." He spoke and shook her hand. "I'll be managing your son's case." He spoke. "Please, sit down." He directed them all to sit. He just stared at Oliver.
"Dr.?" Grace spoke.
"Sorry, yes ma'am. From the report I received, he did very well on his flight. His vitals were stable; the concern is now whether or not we can save his leg." He spoke bluntly.
"Sorry?" she asked, tears in her eyes.
"His left leg was severely…"
"Ok, I'm really sorry to interrupt this medical update but this woman hasn't even had a chance to see her son let alone digest what he looks like all bandaged up and now you're here telling her he may loose his leg? What year of residency are you in?" Chloe grilled.
"I'm sorry ma'am who are you?" he asked defensive.
"I don't recall introducing myself," she spoke bitterly, "What year in your residency?"
"First, ma'am,"
"Well, than, you should have learned some bed side manner before now. Why don't you go back to that little secret room that you all hang out in and find a doctor who is more seasoned and more compassionate than you are?" Chloe spoke. Grace was just dumb struck at the little blond sitting next to her.
"Ma'am I am clearly qualified to handle this case."
"Wherein lies the problem," Oliver piped in. "he's not a case. He's a son, a brother, a friend, and a soldier." He spoke and he was using his board room voice. "Now, I have been all over the world and have seen doctors that are far less qualified then you have more compassion. I expect for you to not make wife repeat herself. Do you understand?" he spoke the young doctor nodded and excused himself and left the little room.
"Oh God!" Grace spoke still reeling from the news her son may loose his leg, and she hadn't even gotten around holding him yet.
"Grace," Oliver spoke kneeling in front of her. "First things first, he's here, you'll see him soon, focus on that ok?" he tried to reassure her.
Chloe was pissed. She sat scowling. The charge nurse came into the room and handed Grace a cup of ice water. "Thank you," she told Chloe. Chloe just looked at the seasoned RN with confusion.
"I've tried subtle, I've tried rude, and that pup still didn't get it. He's talking to one of the senior doctors now, well he was complaining but um, that won't carry. Dr. Cranke, and yeah he gets a lot of grief over his name, said he'd be out shortly." She winked at Chloe and patted Grace on the shoulder.
--
Ten minutes later, Major M. Cranke entered the room. He was in scrubs and a white lab coat. He was in his mid 50's to late 60's with a very kind face. "Grace Lawson?" he asked and the group stood. He smiled at them. He shook everyone's hands but pulled Grace into a warm hug. "I do apologize for young Mr. Jonas. He's got a great mind; we're just fine tuning his bed side manner." He smiled.
"Now, let's talk about Travis shall we?" he smiled
In the next 20 minutes he explained the extent of his injuries, what he could relay as far as what happened and how he would look when he made it to the facility. Grace seemed to have had a huge weight lifted off her shoulders listening to the man speak. "Do you have any questions for me?" he asked. Grace just shook her head. The man left and signaled for Oliver to follow him. Oliver looked at Chloe and shrugged and followed the man.
"Mr. Queen,"
"Major," he spoke suspicious of the man.
"Look, I'm not sure how well you know Mrs. Lawson, but in times like this it's important to have family here,"
"Well, her daughter is in college and I'm pretty sure that she's moving toward her mid terms if she hasn't done them already."
"You misunderstand me sir, I'm glad you're here. No matter how well we prepare families for the devastation of injuries, seeing the reality really takes its toll."
"Gotcha." He spoke. "Major would you mind doing me a favor?" he asked frankly.
"If I can sir,"
"I know I'm recognized, and I am here to support Grace as is my wife. Please, it's just Oliver." He smiled.
The Major nodded and chuckled. His pager went off and he looked at the message. "Travis is on his way down, someone will be in the room shortly to take Mrs. Lawson to him." Ollie nodded and turned and went back to the waiting room. Grace looked up at her boss.
"Travis is on his way down. The Major said a nurse would be in to take you him as soon as he gets settled." Grace nodded. Chloe just wrapped her arm around the woman.
"Do you need me to call Tracey?" Chloe asked.
"No, I called her last night. She has a couple of late tests and will get out here when she can."
"If that means she needs a plane ticket, I'll just send Aaron." Oliver spoke sitting next to his wife and looking at the woman.
"," Grace spoke trying to sound authoritative.
"Grace," Chloe spoke softly. "You've known us long enough to know that we do the things we do because we want to. All of you are like family." She shrugged and put her hand on Ollie's knee.
Fifteen minutes later the Charge Nurse that had finally introduce her self as Maxine, came to the waiting room and all eyes went to her.
"Mrs. Lawson." She spoke. She held her hand out to the woman who looked at it as it were her only lifeline. She nodded and took the woman's hand. Maxine helped her up and gave her a half motherly hug.
"Now, I know the Major described everything to you, but from experience its one thing to hear it and another thing entirely to see it." She spoke. Grace nodded. The woman then put a small box of tissues in her hands. She then escorted her to the room where her baby was.
Grace was walking as if she had on lead shoes. This whole thing was so surreal. She remembered the day her son came into the house with a big cocky grin on his face and said, "Mom, I'm going to college!" Grace had been thrilled, until he told her that he had joined the army to do it. Her heart broke. They took a long walk around the neighbor hood and she listened, really listened to her son, and he was excited and proud to be serving his country. He was waiting for her approval and all she could do was hug him and pray to God to keep him safe.
More steps brought her closer and more memories came to mind. The day he told her he was getting deployed the thought for sure she was having a heart attack. His words were "going to go over there and make a difference," and what she heard was, "going thousands of miles away from you and everything I know to fight and there's a chance I won't come home." Just like he waited for her approval when he enlisted, he was hoping for her mother's understanding. It came after a few late night conversations and long heart to hearts. She wished for him to fall in love, get married, be a daddy. He wanted to save the world. "It's what I'm trained to do, ma!" he pleaded. She finally nodded and hugged him, and again prayed to God to keep him safe.
Now she was standing at his door, a chaplain was there to greet her. Maxine and the chaplain exchanged smiles and she went back to her duty. Grace took a deep breath and slowly entered the room. The curtain was drawn and her shaky hand reached out to it and she grabbed the thin fabric in her fist. Tears were already starting to fall and the memory of the day he was born flashed into her head. Her husband held him as he screamed and cried. They both were all crying and he turned to her and said, "There are big things ahead for this kid," he smiled.
"Mrs. Lawson?" The chaplain nudged and Grace pulled back the curtain and entered the room.