The Trainor
Chapter 4
Wolf got back to the hospital at nine, more out of curiosity than anything else. He decided it was a little early to visit Willow so he went by the gift shop. He decided to visit Commander Garnett instead. He felt a little sorry for her. He bought her a vase of flowers. He just hoped it wouldn't be out of bounds for him. When he got to her hospital room; she was awake and feeding Lauren a bottle. Wolf knocked on the door before he stuck his head in; and Andrea indicated for him to come in and smiled at the flowers.
"Ma'am, I wanted to check and make sure you were okay, bring you these. If it's out of bounds; I'm sorry…" Wolf was fumbling around and he wasn't even sure why.
"No, no. They are beautiful. Thank you. Sit them down here. You want to check on me since Mike is with the girls?" Andrea asked him as she gestured him to sit.
"Yes, ma'am. I promised Willow a coffee break but it felt too early and I didn't want to intrude. I know things are…unusual right now and I just thought Willow needed a friend." Wolf told her quietly.
"Mike checked on me earlier. He feels torn in two directions and I hate that I am a part of that tear. I agree; Willow needs a friend. Mike said he thought she was beating herself up over something. Any ideas?" Andrea asked him curiously as she took the bottle out of the baby's mouth and moved her to burp her.
"She…I…I don't want to betray a confidence but she is afraid that Admiral Slattery is going to end up rejecting her." Wolf wondered if he should just keep his mouth shut but Andrea was persistent.
"Why would he do that? He has been looking for them for over six years. He puts on a good front at work and he loves our kids but he has really missed those girls." Andrea stated simply and Wolf choose to just come clean.
"Ma'am, I mentioned an attack? The Immunes somehow found the girls; Willow told me she was sixteen; Hannah was eleven and MJ was about eight weeks old. You're familiar with the stories of the Immunes raping women to breed them? They did that to her. Raped her. During the attack; Hannah was trying to protect her little brother and one of them hit her with the butt of a rifle in the head. Willow had more or less checked out. She told me she was practically catatonic. She didn't realize that Hannah's brain was swelling. By the time Captain Jennings found them, a lot of damage had been done. Willow thinks that is why Hannah has the seizures and migraines. Because of that; she thinks Admiral Slattery won't want anything to do with her." Wolf felt better getting everything off his chest and knew that Andrea would somehow fix it.
"I see. Well; obviously, Mike won't blame her. It is understandable, her thinking that. How about this; you go, be her friend and I will handle Mike. Right now; he's overwhelmed. He has got his girls back and he's thrilled but Hannah's health is a concern. He also has a son whom he has never met or knew about. There are questions where that is concerned. Why didn't Christine tell him? That type of thing. He is worried that he won't be able to bond with MJ. Added to twins who are two years old and into everything and a baby he's barely been able to hold. Lot on his mind right now." Andrea told Wolf confidently.
"Yes, ma'am. If I can do anything?" Wolf asked her as he handed her a burp cloth.
"Just do what you're doing. Something else on your mind?" Andrea asked him and Wolf realized she was just as perceptive as Mike.
"I…kind of sort of asked Willow out on a date. Just coffee but I think she is seeing it as a date. Once I did it; I realized I had asked my commanding officer's daughter out on a date and she's several years younger than me and…" Wolf was again stammering through an explanation and Andrea started laughing.
"Wolf, stop. You are worried about Mike going all protective? He would do that regardless rather you worked for him or not. Yes, Willow is young but she has been through a lot. Age is just a number. I will suggest, take it slow. She's been through a traumatizing event and will need you to be patient if this goes further; if you want it to go further. I am speaking as a mother here; but if I had to ask; you are exactly the sort of guy I would want my daughter to date. You would be respectful and loyal, you would protect her and when the time comes and if it comes for you and Willow; you would love her. That is exactly what Mike would want for his daughter. Course, I could be overshooting all this but I don't foresee a problem where Mike is concerned and if there is; I will handle it." Andrea told Wolf wisely.
"Thank you, ma'am. I just asked her for coffee at this point, but a date does sound nice. I haven't dated since Valerie…" Wolf stopped himself from saying anymore. They had all lost a lot.
"It's hard. I never thought I would date again after Bill. Just never crossed my mind. And Mike and I did things a bit backwards. We didn't date per say. We…went to movies together because we didn't want to go by ourselves, then dinner because who wants to eat alone? Then all of a sudden I was pregnant with twins and we were inviting people over for a quiet wedding. When I met and fell in love with Bill; it was like fireworks. I was younger and had all kinds of romantic notions. But with Mike, it was so quiet; I didn't even realize I loved him until I looked over at him one night and realized; I was perfectly fine spending the rest of my life with him. It was Lily's birthday and I was having a tough time. He showed up at my apartment with…of all things, Chinese food, root beer and board games. Too much information for you but I am pretty sure I got pregnant with the twins that night. So, while Willow may not be 'the one' for you, she may be. Sometimes; things don't have to be fancy. Sometimes, it's as simple as playing a board game and eating Chinese food on the living room floor. Not fancy dates. And if Willow is anything like her dad; and I suspect the apple didn't fall far from that tree; she will be good with coffee dates and moving slow." Andrea told Wolf softly. Lauren had fallen asleep and Wolf knew he needed to leave them alone.
"She did say something about Admiral Slattery wanting them to move in with you all. She thinks she wants to stay in her apartment." Wolf wasn't sure if he had spoken out of turn.
"Yeah; he mentioned it. We certainly have room. What possessed him to buy such a huge house is beyond me. It's a good thing he did though. I do understand Willow's point though. I do hope she consents to staying with us for a little while though. I don't know anything about seizures and migraines and Willow does; although Mike did say, Hannah hasn't had any seizure activity through the night. Might help with MJ too." Andrea stifled a yawn as she said it and Wolf decided to make his exit so she could rest.
"Yes, ma'am. Understandable. I'd better leave you. You are getting sleepy." Wolf said as he stood up.
"Oh, come on. No diaper changes?" Andrea teased him with a huge smile on her face.
"If you needed me to help you then yes. I just have never changed a diaper or held a baby, for that matter." Wolf told her. It was true, babies scared him and he knew by the look on Andrea's face; that would be changing.
"Well, that will be fixed really quickly. You go, have your coffee date. You'll be holding her before the week is out, I promise." Andrea told him as she shooed him out.
"Yes, ma'am. If you need anything?" Wolf asked her before he stepped out and she nodded at him.
Wolf made his way to Hannah's room, two floors away. He hadn't been shocked by Andrea's wisdom at all. At that point; he just wanted to be Willow's friend and if went further; it wouldn't bother him at all. He liked how feisty she was. He liked when women were their own person. Val had definitely been. Willow was smart and beautiful. He knocked on Hannah's door and stuck his head in. Hannah was awake and gave him a bright smile even though she didn't seem to remember him. Mike was sitting next to her on the bed; showing her pictures, apparently of the twins and Lauren and Willow was hanging around nervously.
"Dad, I am going to step out for a bit. If Hannah starts having a seizure; turn her on her side and page for the nurse. You will be able to tell if she's starting even if she doesn't start shaking immediately. A lot of times, her eyes roll back and she losses muscle control. You'll know." Willow told him as she adjusted her bulletproof vest on, put her duty belt back on and rebuttoned her uniform shirt. She had apparently taken the shirt and her bulletproof vest off through the night and left her undershirt on. It made Wolf realize how tiny she was. He directed his attention elsewhere, more to avoid Mike's already suspicious glare.
"Alright. When you get back; I may step out to check on Andrea and the baby. I spoke with her on the phone but I need to actually visually see them." Mike told Willow quietly and Wolf noticed how exhausted he seemed. He wondered if the man had slept at all.
"Sir, I did check on Captain Garnett on the way here. I am not exactly a good judge of such things, but she seemed fine. Baby was taking her bottle when I was there." Wolf assured Mike and watched him take a deep breath of relief.
"Good. Thank you. I would still like to go see them though. I've barely held Lauren for five minutes; not that I didn't want to be here too." Mike said quietly; to no one in particular.
"Daddy, I want to see that baby. I love babies." It was the first thing Hannah had said and Mike automatically gave her a smile. Wolf could tell that she had a sweet spirit that put everyone at ease.
"I will see if Andrea if up to seeing you. I don't foresee a problem though. I'm sure she would love to." Mike told her as he swept her hair out of her face.
"Or I can go there? I feel alright." Hannah told him with a sleepy smile.
"I will be back in a half hour or so and we'll figure it out. Until then; Hannah, you probably need to sit tight here in case you have any seizure activity. You'll have plenty of time with the baby. Dad needs time with her too." Willow told her with an authorative tone that sounded a lot like her dad's commanding tone.
"Yes, ma'am." Hannah said quietly. It made Wolf wonder what would happen since Mike was back on the scene. Willow was going to have to relinquish some control where her younger siblings were concerned.
"Go, enjoy. I got Hannah covered. She'll be fine." Mike told Willow just as authoratively. It was going to a battle of wills. Wolf also noticed 'the look' that Mike was giving him.
"Alright. Well; you've got my number." Willow told Mike before she tucked Hannah's hair behind her ear.
"Yes, ma'am. Now; go." Mike told Willow with a look that would have melted Wolf. He made the decision to get Willow out of there so there wasn't an argument which would only serve to stress whatever tender balance Hannah had found.
"Yep, let's go." Wolf told Willow gently and opened the door for her. Thankfully; she took the cue and walked through the open door. Wolf gave Mike a nod, confirming that he was getting the obvious message Mike was sending and followed Willow out.
"He really hasn't changed much at all." Willow told Wolf as they got on the elevator.
"How so?" Wolf asked her as he punched the button for the ground floor and doors closed. Thankfully no else was in the elevator.
"He's controlling. He used to get us confused with his sailors. It was the one argument he and my mom had. It will end up stressing Hannah out." Willow said angrily.
"Or, and don't think I am defending your dad, he is just trying to find his footing. He has really missed you all. The last twelve hours have thrown him for a loop. He has a wife and newborn…" Wolf knew what he wanted to say but he wasn't making the point very well and Willow was impatient.
"Yeah, I know. He didn't have to stay with us last night." Willow said as they walked into the cafeteria.
"Did Hannah want him there?" Wolf asked as they got in line for their breakfast.
"Yeah, she did. She is thrilled. Don't get me wrong, I am too. I've missed Dad a lot. And I am excited to meet the twins and this baby. See Andrea. I really am. And I am excited for MJ to meet Dad. He just needs to take it easy. This will be a huge adjustment for Hannah and MJ. MJ, especially. Dad wants to take him out of the only world he's known. Maybe he'll adjust okay but what if he doesn't?" Willow stated. They had gotten their food and coffee and were sitting down.
"It's hard to say what will happen. I do know; your dad and Andrea will love him. It might take a little while. Do you still not want to move in with them?" Wolf asked her between bites.
"Dad wants me to stay with them for a few weeks. Help get them used to Hannah's issues and get MJ adjusted. He would like me to move in but I do think he thinks I want some independence. It's not so much that; as it is, I know the bottom will drop out when he realizes I caused Hannah's issues. I don't want to be homeless when he throws me out." Willow stated it so simply, it almost broke Wolf's heart.
"Willow, have you told him about your attack? What happened to you?" Wolf asked her curiously.
"No. Just that Hannah was hit by an Immune and I didn't realize she was having issues until it was too late. I glossed over mine and he's concentrating on Hannah right now; as he should. My assault wasn't significant." Willow told him as she took a drink of her coffee and watched the crowd. He could see why she was a good officer, she missed nothing.
"Not significant?" Wolf was trying not to sound too outraged.
"Compared to Hannah, no. Sure, I was pretty badly beaten and they were particularly cruel but I should have been able to rise above it and realize that my eleven year old sister was in trouble. She had bruising behind her ears and her eyes were black and blue. All signs of a head injury. I should have recognized them." Willow had a look of guilt cross her face as she said it.
"You were sixteen, right? Up to that point, had anyone told you the signs of a head injury?" Wolf asked Willow.
"Yeah, I was sixteen and no. I still should have recognized that she was in trouble, even if I didn't know why. Got her help. I promised Mom before she died that I would take care of them and I broke that promise within six weeks." Willow rubbed her face as she said it, full of regret.
"You had a lot on your shoulders. Still do. Now that your dad is on the scene, he is going to want to help. Be responsible. My suggestion is; come clean with your dad. I figure, he isn't going to blame you as much as he'll blame himself." Wolf only hoped he was right in telling Willow that.
"Why would he blame himself? He was out saving the world. And I don't mean that sarcastically." Willow asked him as they both finished their breakfast.
"He's been through a lot in the last six years. Shot, stabbed, held hostage, drugged, couldn't find his family, losing numerous crew. The list goes on. But he will forget all that when he realizes what you went through. What you were faced with. He is going to feel plenty guilty. Ready to go back? I would like to stop by the gift shop and get something for your sister. I got Andrea some flowers already." Wolf told her as they stood up and threw their breakfast items away.
"You seriously don't have to do that. Unfortunately, Hannah is used to hospital stays. I still can't believe there is no seizure activity. It doesn't make sense at all. Course, they did up her meds. Dad did say he was going to put her on his medical benefits. She will get the medication she needs then. I couldn't afford it all, even with my insurance." Willow told him as they walked towards the gift shop.
"Maybe between having your dad and the medication, that's why?" Wolf asked her.
"Anything is possible. Hannah is thrilled with the idea of the baby and the twins. She loves little kids. They will be spoiled rotten. Dad and Andrea will have a constant and willing babysitter. It is good; it gives her something to concentrate on." Willow had a whimsical look on her face as she said it. She seemed more excited about Hannah's reaction.
"They are cute kids. I live two doors down from Mike and Andrea." Wolf told her as they walked into the gift shop and began looking around. Wolf needed Willow's help to find something for Hannah, although he suspected she would be happy with anything.
"He said they have a big house. What's with that?" Willow asked as she picked up a teddy bear, apparently for Hannah.
"We all got houses at a premium. Like, seriously cheap. It was, I guess, a reward for being on the Nathan James. We were all settling into a neighborhood and for whatever reason; your dad picked a house that apparently was like a McMansion. It needed a lot of work. Your dad completely remodeled it by himself. It is gorgeous. About the time he finished, he and Andrea got married and had the twins. It was still too big but I think he always wanted to have the room if he found you girls." Wolf told her as he grabbed another flower vase and gestured at the teddy bear. He had already figured out, Hannah had a very sweet soul and deserved to be spoiled. Willow apparently agreed and in spoiling Hannah, Wolf was making himself more attractive to Willow, something that he strangely wanted to do.
"She'll love those flowers and the teddy bear. It's sweet of you. He told me that it apparently had a mother in law type suite. He said I could use it so I can come and go as I please but still be close enough. I am thinking I will still a month. He mentioned a pool and everything. MJ will love that." Willow told him as he paid for the items.
"Yeah, it is really nice. Has the pool, outdoor kitchen and a big grassy area. The twins have a swing set and everything. You won't regret staying there. Let's get back. So have I earned another coffee date?" Wolf asked her as they left the gift shop.
"Yes and you are a brave soul. I think my dad has you figured out already." Willow told him with a laugh.
"Brave or stupid. It's debatable. So, maybe our next date will be better than hospital food and coffee? An actual restaurant with decent food?" Wolf joked as they headed back towards Hannah's hospital room.
"Sounds good to me. You are still my trainer so this could be interesting. Might be a hotdog in the park." Willow had an ornery look as she said it.
"I am fine with whatever. Definitely not fancy at all." Wolf told her.
"We will get along fine." Willow smiled up at him.
As they walked into Hannah's hospital room, they were shocked with how packed it was. Andrea was there, sitting in a wheelchair and Hannah was holding Lauren and looked thrilled. Captain Jennings and his wife were also there, along with MJ, who was sitting in Mike's lap. The little boy looked completely thrilled and Mike, while still overwhelmed, seemed just as excited. Wolf could see that Mike had already started to develop a bond with the little boy. Willow seemed a little surprised by all the visitors and Wolf felt like he was an interloper.