Chapter 2

Four hours later a nurse approached them and stated that Nick and Chelsea were out of surgery and they could sit with them while they waited for them to come to. Entering the room they noticed that while Nick was breathing on his own Chelsea was still intubated and Grissom questioned the nurse. "Why is she still on the ventilator?"

"She lost a bit more blood than Mr. Stokes did and since her blood pressure was so low for so long the doctor wants the tube to stay in until she wakes."

"Ok" before they could ask the nurse their next question they heard Nick moan as he came to and tried to shift in his bed. Catherine quickly moved to Nick's side, "Hey, it's ok just open your eyes. I know it hurts so please hold still." these words had a calming effect on Nick and he stopped trying to move and opened his eyes and asked Catherine where Chelsea was and why he hurt so bad, only remembering only his head hurt the last time he was awake.

"It appears the suspect returned to the scene and stabbed you and Chelsea."

"Where is she?" he asked trying to see around the room without moving

"She's right on the other side of this room she still asleep but she should be waking up soon."

Then Nick decided to risk turning his head to see if he could see her and what he saw scared him. "Catherine, why isn't she breathing on her own?"

"Relax, Nick the tube is still in as a precaution, she's okay"

"Is she really going to be alright?"

"Yes, Nick they told both of us that she's fine."

"Ok" he answered before wincing at the pain and the nurse came over and gave him something for the pain after which he fell back asleep. Half an hour later Grissom had yet to leave the room while Catherine had left to inform the team that Nick had woken up, he was lost in thought when Catherine reentered the room and sat down next to her supervisor and then she noticed Chelsea was starting to struggle with the breathing tube and she immediately stood and took Chelsea's hand "Chelsea, it's okay, you have a tube in your throat just relax and we can see about getting that out." slowly Chelsea relaxed a little and Grissom left to get her doctor, not noticing that Chelsea's struggles had awakened Nick.

"Hey, Grissom is she awake?" he asked as Grissom reentered the room.

"She's waking up, Nick just rest."