Fate's fickle choices
- a Heroes story -
author: ryuosen
written for the advent calendar at heroes_fic
Genre: Action, romance
Pairings: Sylar/Peter, Nathan/Heidi
Rating: M for language and sexual actions
Summary:
A butterfly can cause a hurricane, a small splash a tsunami and Virginia Gray's support changed fate. She just didn't know how much.
Chapter 2 - the good mother
Most people familiar with Angela Petrelli knew she wasn't easily surprised.
Yet there were instances when it still happened. The first time when her youngest son shortly after graduating announced that didn't want to go to college but rather help people.
Of course, they managed to talk him out of it. Only for Peter to get one up on them when he signed on for a bachelor of Science in Nursing. No matter what they'd tried, Peter wouldn't be dissuaded.
The very reason why she along with Nathan walked through the sterile white corridors of the New York Presbyterian Hospital on Christmas Eve no less. Peter, kind-hearted as he was, had agreed to take his practicals over the holidays. He should have been home hours ago, however Angela hadn't called since Peter had mentioned that he might be late - rush-hours during Christmas and all.
However when the two hour mark passed, she called the hospital. Only to be told that her son had been assaulted by a drugged up patient. She'd been understandably upset which explained her shortness with the unknown person on the other end of the line. Nathan had already contacted their driver and less than an hour later, they arrived.
Nathan had never visited Peter during his initial studies, too disapproving of his chosen career path. Now he wished he had, it surely would have made it easier to find him.
Finally they arrived at the designated room the receptionist had told them. Knocking at the door he heard a quiet "Come in" and opened the door.
Peter sat on a cot, still partly clothed in his hospital scrubs, the top missing and revealing the damage the patient had dealt him. His little brother sported a black eye, a split lip and quite a few bruises. His arm was also bandaged and in a sling.
The doctor, a young dark haired man probably not much older than Peter himself, glanced up from whatever he had been doing at the small cabinet near the window. He smiled when he saw who entered.
"Mrs. Petrelli, I presume?" he asked, putting his pen down and turning around.
"Correct.. Dr...?"
"Gray, Dr. Gabriel Gray," he offered both his hands, his grip firm.
"Nathan Petrelli,"Nathan returned the greeting, "how about it. Can we take my troublesome brother home with us?"
The protesting noise Peter made, caused Nathan to smile. His little brother was always so easily embarrassed. However Peter's reaction didn't stop Nathan from noticing the frown on his mother's face. Not that she didn't look pleasant, for all appearances concerned about her son. But there was something in her demeanor that unsettled Nathan. He just couldn't pinpoint what.
Dr. Gray smiled slightly, before nodding, "Your brother was most heroic, Mr. Petrelli. When my last patient started to get violent, Peter here stepped in and nearly got himself a broken arm for his troubles. However nothing is life threatening, the wrist has a hairline fracture and the elbow is sprained. Aside from that he'll be sore for a few days. Two weeks of rest should do the trick. You can take him home."
It appeared he wanted to say more, but a knock on the door interrupted him. A young woman, probably another nurse, entered.
"Dr. Gray, another patient has just been admitted. Looks bad." she grimaced.
"I'll be right there." Then he turned to the Petrellis, "This is my cue. Merry Christmas Peter have a quick recovery and thank you again. Mr. and Mrs. Petrelli. Happy holidays."
With a small clap on Peter's shoulder, the doctor vanished with a swish of his white coat. The door shut with a small sound, leaving the family alone. A glance at their mother had Peter's smile fading. Angela Petrelli didn't look happy, she didn't look angry, she looked disappointed.
When she spoke her voice was sharp, brooking no argument, "Get dressed Peter. I have brought reserve clothes. We are late for church by hours, the roast is cold and your nephews have missed their gift giving. Make us no more trouble."
Then she turned around and left the room.
Nathan offered Peter an apoplectic smile and laid the clothing out. "She was worried when you didn't come home. I think she and dad had a small cardiac arrest. Come Petey, get dressed. We'll go to late night mass, have cold roast and then if you behave, you'll get your present."
Peter complied silently, looking subdued.
"She's blaming my studies for this."
Nathan sighed, of course Peter noticed it. While his brother could be very naive, he could also be scarily perceptive. Today was such a day.
"Yes she does, but she won't say anything. Take it for what it is. Do you need help? Else I will wait outside."
When Peter shook his head, Nathan nodded, carded through his hair in a comforting manner and left his younger brother alone. He found Angela outside watching the nurse station with a blank face. As he stopped beside her, she just shook her head. The silence was only broken when the doctor who had treated Peter appeared again.
"Why do you think Peter interfered?" she asked.
Nathan just shrugged his shoulders, "It's Peter, he would have defended a soldier if he thought he needed it. Why you think there is something else behind it?"
His mother looked thoughtful, before her gaze rested again on the young doctor. She didn't say anything anymore and Nathan knew better than to ask. Instead he busied himself with calling Heidi. The kids had already been put to sleep.
Angela ignored as Nathan turned away to call his wife. She was more surprised that it wasn't his mistress. Nowadays he talked more with her than with the woman he'd married so many years ago. She disapproved of course, but would tolerate it as long as he would stay discrete.
Peter now.. the doctor left again and Angela sighed. Finally she'd found the reason for the troubling dreams she'd been having. She didn't know what to do yet. Too many variables were still unclear and too delicate to move forward just yet.
But one thing was certain, she would keep Gabriel Gray far away from her son. Peter was an adult, yet sometimes far too trusting. No, in this case it was her duty to protect her son. She was a good mother after all and she would do what was necessary.
No matter the cost.
tbc...