A/N: I'm so sorry that I kept you waiting this long. University was a bitch, lots of things to do and I even failed most of them... :-/
Anyway, on with the story and please, please tell me what you think and what you wanna see in the next chapter!
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Immediately she was wide awake and answered her cell.
„Hotchner"
„Hi Hailey, it's Miles. Sara told me what happened... Can I do anything for you?"
Before she could speak she had to breathe a sigh of relief. Only Miles she calmed herself. He was a good friend of hers, by now though he was a little bit annoying because she knew he hoped for something more between them, what was simply impossible.
„Oh, hi Miles! No thanks. Sara's watching Jack and I'll head over to the hospital again soon. His team is probably there too, so I won't be alone."
„So how is he then?"
„They said this night is crucial and promised to call if his condition changes, but until now they didn't... I hope that's a good sign."
„Probably... When he wakes up give him my well-wishes, okay? Take care of yourself and call me when you need anything!"
„Sure. Thanks! Bye!"
„Bye!"
She hung up and went to her son who sleepily moved in his bed. For him she forced a smile on his face.
„Jack, I'm going to the hospital again. I need you to be good and listen to everything Sara says, all right?"
The child looked at her.
„Yes, Mom. How's Daddy?"
„He's still sleeping. But if we get lucky, he'll wake up soon."
She just couldn't tell him there was a chance his father might die.
„Can I see him then? I miss him..."
She felt a little guilty for keeping Aaron from him.
„I don't know, we'll have to see about it."
When her son remained silent she added:
„I have to go now. Bye!"
„Bye. I love you, Mom!"
She kissed his forehead before leaving.
„I love you too, son!"
After a shortgood-bye to Sara she was on her way to the hospital again, her heart still heavy with fear and worry. She had always relied on Aaron to be the strong one, to support her, even after the divorce. It was as sure as death and taxes that he would be there for her, no matter what. Death... She swallowed heavily. It still was a possibility and she prayed he wouldn't let her and especially Jack down now, their son needed a father... And she needed Aaron.
No denying their relationship had been special. Love, compassion, comradeship, friendship, a great deal of attention, fantastic sex. Everything a woman could wish for had been there. She remembered quite a few nightmares he had had and how she had consoled him... And he'd done the same for her.
Until now she hadn't even realised the radio was playing, she had been so lost in her thoughts. The song that was on however she recognised immediately: „If tomorrow never comes" by Ronan Keating. A sad smile crossed her face. She had always liked that song, but now it was more than this. Aaron might not have a tomorrow, really didn't know how much she loved him and she might not get the chance to tell him.
Having arrived by now she quickly got out, locked the car and made her way to Aaron's room. She gently sat down on his bed, taking one of his strong, slender hands in her own and placing them on her upper thigh. Softly she spoke to him in the hope he could hear her despite the coma. Maybe her voice would give him the strength to find his way back... All her love was put in it, she didn't want to - even couldn't - hold her feelings back. She talked and talked, not aware hours had already passed.
Aaron Hotchner just felt dizzy, totally exhausted. To give in to the darkness was tempting, so tempting, it would be so easy... There he would have his peace and quiet. But this voice - easily recognised as Hailey's - gave him the strength and even more important the will to fight. He wanted to see her and Jack again, to see his son grow up with everything that was part in it: school, college, university, girlfriends, some day even wife and maybe kids...
Hailey had not turned her head from Hotch and when his eye-lids began to flutter her hope rose. Without noticing she squeezed his hand tighter.
„Yes, wake up, please, sweetheart!"
The term of endearment had slipped easily, forgetting that she had given up the right to use it.
Finally his eyes were fully open and she could see they were trying to focus. When he finally identified her, he unbelievably whispered:
„Hailey?!"
His voice was hoarse and almost inaudible, but it caused a few tears of joy to find their way into Hailey's eyes.
„Yes, it's me... Let me just call the doctor, I'll be right back."
It was only then that she parted their hands, instantly missing the contact. In the door she threw one last look at him before she left.
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A/N: So, moment of truth: Did you like it or not? Please let me know!!!