Chapter 9

Sharon lay quietly sleeping, the room silent aside from the continuous beep of the heart monitor, she had been out for two days but the Doctors had assured Rusty that this was to be expected due to the injuries she had sustained. She was hardly recognisable thought Rusty, sitting on the chair next to her bed. He had stayed by her as much as he could, he and Andy both refusing to leave the hospital until she was awake. Even the regular beep of the machine couldn't convince Rusty that she was alive he had to see her wake up. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but he simply held her hand and waited for her to wake up.

Sharon slowly opened her eyes feeling confused, for a quick second she thought she was back in that room bound to the chair but the unmistakable surroundings of the hospital quickly reassured her. She turned to see Rusty curled up fast asleep on the chair beside her bed, the sight of him immediately brought a smile to her face, she went to sit up but the movement made her hiss loudly in pain.

"Are you ok?" questioned Rusty quickly, rubbing his eyes not having meant to fall asleep.

"I'm fine honey, just a little sore", replied Sharon her voice hoarse.

"I should get a nurse, let them know you're awake", said Rusty standing quickly, he was relieved she was awake but she was clearly in a lot of pain.

"In a minute just sit down and talk to me", assured Sharon.

"Ok but can I at least get you some water or something?" asked Rusty

"Yeah water would be great. Thank you" replied Sharon. Rusty poured a small cup of water and handed it to her.

"Will you manage or do you want me to help?" asked Rusty

"I should be ok", smiled Sharon. She took the small paper cup her hands shaking, the small sip she managed instantly soothing her dry aching throat." Thank you"

"Are you sure I shouldn't go get a nurse?" asked Rusty again worriedly.

"No honey please just sit down", said Sharon. Rusty sat back down on the chair and took hold of her hand, tears filled his eyes.

"I'm so happy you're ok…I…" Rusty stopped.

"Hey it's ok", replied Sharon squeezing Rusty's hand. "I'm all right Rusty. I've been better but I'm ok now honestly", she assured him.

"I know, but Sharon there was so much blood beside you car. I really thought I would never see you again", sniffed Rusty.

"Oh honey! Come here", said Sharon. Rusty stood up and gave her a gentle hug careful not to hurt her.

Andy was about to walk in the room but stopped seeing Rusty and Sharon, he would let them have a minute he thought, they both needed it.

"I see someone's awake at last", said Andy walking in the room moments later.

"Yes ", smiled Sharon, clearly pleased to see him.

"I will go let the nurses know you're awake", said Rusty and got up to leave. Andy walked over to Sharon and placed a tender kiss on her temple.

"You have no idea how good it is to see you", said Andy softly.

"I could say the same about you", smiled Sharon.

"How are you feeling?" questioned Andy.

"I've been better. I'm just happy that you guys found me when you did or I don't think…" said Sharon her eyes filling with tears.

"It's ok sweetheart. You're safe now and that's all that matters" said Andy before kissing her forehead again.

"Thank you for finding me Andy. I love you", sniffed Sharon.

"I love you to sweetheart", Andy bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Just then the doctor appeared in the room with Rusty following behind.

"Hello Sharon my name is Dr Michaels. How are you feeling?"She asked and picked up the charts from the bottom of Sharon's bed and began looking over them.

"I'm ok thank you doctor" smiled Sharon.

"How are you coping pain wise?" questioned Dr Michaels.

"I have a headache and am generally aching, also very thirsty. But apart from that I feel fine", replied Sharon with a small smile.

"You sustained quite a significant head wound that required several stitches. The headache is from the concussion so you may have a headache for a couple of days as well as nausea and some dizziness. I would like to keep you monitored for the next forty eight hours", informed the doctor. Sharon lifted her hand and felt the stitches that ran along the side of her head she could also feel that her hair was matted with dried blood.

"You have some bruising around your neck. There is also a deep laceration to your left thigh which also required several stitches but shouldn't cause any lasting damage", continued the doctor.

"The cuts to your chest and arms were all mainly superficial apart from the two here" Dr Michaels lifted the sleeve of Sharon's gown and pointed to the two deep cuts at the top of her arm that had been neatly stitched.

"The cuts will all heal with time and hopefully, if we have done our job right, leave no major scarring. The bruising and swelling to your eye should fade over the next few days", informed Dr Michaels. "I will push extra fluids and increase the pain meds. Now I will leave you to rest" finished the doctor

"Thank you "said Sharon quietly. Dr Michaels gave Sharon a friendly smile in response before leaving the room.

T ears began to roll slowly down Sharon's cheek as she realised the true extent of her injuries. She looked up and met the concerned stares of both Rusty and Andy.

"See I told you guys I'm ok", said Sharon quickly wiping the tears from her face." I can't look at those sad faces any longer I need happy people around me" said Sharon, forcing a smile.

"Yes Captain" said Andy smiling back.

"Ricky and Emily should be here tomorrow to see you, I will let them know they should bring their happy faces" said Rusty with a small laugh.

"Oh yes please do", laughed Sharon. "How is the team? I would like to see them and thank them"

"Sharon your just awake and you heard the doc you need rest, the team will be here to see you tomorrow you can thank them then. They will be happy to see you" said Andy gazing at Sharon.

"We had better let you rest", interrupted Rusty

"Yeah kid your right" said Andy "Do you want us to bring you anything sweetheart" asked Andy kissing her forehead once again.

"Could you bring some pyjamas? Oh and a toothbrush" replied Sharon

"Ok no problem, we will see you tomorrow morning" said Andy, before kissing her softly on the lips.

"I will see you tomorrow mom, please get some rest" said Rusty and placed a quick kiss to her cheek.

"Don't worry I will. See you tomorrow" said Sharon softly. She wanted them to stay but she was desperately tired and could see that Andy and Rusty were to.

"I love you both" said Sharon as they began to leave.

"We love you to sweetheart "replied Andy with a warm smile.

After they left Sharon laid her head back and closed her eyes feeling sleep begin to sneak up on her. Tomorrow she would see all her children together again just like she had promised herself she would. She thought of her team and how lucky she was to have them in her life and finally she thought of Andy and how much she loved him, before drifting contentedly to sleep.