Two weeks passed and Judy's recover was going much better that the doctors had expected. They credited her fast recovery to all the love and attention she had been getting from her family and friends and the fact that since she had gotten her voice back she asked them everyday when she was going to get sprung from there.
Her parents had come to see her everyday since they arrived in town. They had been staying at her apartment while they were in town. Tom had given them his spare key and made sure that the fridge was fully stocked with food. Tom had really like having Judy's parents in town. It had given him and them the chance to get to know each other better. If he was going to marry their daughter he figured he'd better get to know them now.
Judy's parent's talked to Tom about Judy's childhood and how although they were not happy with Judy's career choice to become a cop they respected it and were happy with it until now. Judy's parents both thought they understood the dangers of her job but when they got the phone call while they were away about her getting shot it didn't register. They never thought about her being hurt or getting killed while on the job. This was their wake up call.
The conversation had come up several times since they arrived about her leaving the force. Her father was adamant that she leave but, Judy calmly let him know that she was not leaving the force and whether he liked it or not she is an adult and the final decision is hers and hers alone. Her father relented for a short time not wanting Judy to get stressed out during her recovery.
Tom walked into Judy's hospital room and heard the shouting from the hallway. Before he entered the room he already knew what the conversation was about. He took a deep breath, pushed his hand through his hair, and entered the room.
"Dad, we have gone over this already. I'm not leaving the force and that is final. I don't want to hear another word about it." Judy was so mad at her father for bring this subject up again. This is the last thing she wants to talk about.
"You're going to hear another word about it. We almost lost you. Did Tom tell you that you stopped breathing twice? Did he? You could have died and for what? This job, no I'm telling you, you are quitting this job. The news of you getting shot was just too much for me to bear." Mr Hoffs said.
Judy looked at her father from her hospital bed and just as she was about to speak she heard a knock on the door and couldn't be happier to see Tom walk through. Tom walked straight to her bedside and kissed her head.
"Hey everyone, how's my favorite girl doing?" Tom said taking Judy's hand in his.
"Fine, now that you're here." Judy said squeezing his hand.
"Tom, I'm glad you're here. Tell her how scared you were and that she needs to quit." Mr Hoff said.
Judy and her father both looked at Tom for his answer and he didn't like being put in the middle of the fight. Yeah, the thought had crossed his mind that Judy should quit the force and maybe find something new. Something safer but he knew that Judy was a damn good cop and she wouldn't be happy doing anything else.
"Well Mr. Hoffs, I won't lie to you or Judy. I was scared when Judy was shot. When you stopped breathing those two times I thought for sure I was going to lose you. I don' know what I would have done if you were taken away from me. I thought about asking you to quit but it wasn't my place to ask and I know you're going to be made at me sir but, it's not yours either. Judy's right when she says it's her decision and whatever she decides I'm here for her. She's good cop sir and I'm not just saying that because I love her but because I've seen in her action. She has earned her place at Jump Street and I think that if she left she would only be letting that bastard win." Tom looked around the room and saw that Judy's father was not happy with his answer. Her mother only smiled and looked at her daughter who had a huge smile on her face. Judy was so glad that Tom was on her side.
Judy's dad shook his head in defeat. "No wonder you two are getting married. You're both stubborn." The whole room laughed as her dad walked over and gave Judy a big hug. "You just promise me baby girl that you will be careful. I know you think that I'm being hard on you but you're my only daughter and I worry about you. Even when you marry Tom I'll still worry. It's my job. You'll see one day when you have kids. Then you'll see that your mom and I weren't crazy. You and your brother made us that way."
"Oh dad, I promise I will be careful and as for kids, that's a loooong way away. I would like to walk down the aisle first." Judy said.
There was another knock on the door and this time it was Gail Judy's nurse. "I'm so sorry to interrupt but I think I have some news you're going to want to hear. I just got off the phone with your doctor who said that since you are doing so well in your recovery they are going to be letting you leave tomorrow."
"Really! I get to leave tomorrow?" Judy said.
"Yup kiddo. You get to leave tomorrow barring you have no other complications. You're out of here tomorrow. Also your other friend, I think her name is Danielle she will be leaving tomorrow as well. Her husband left a message for you. He said his wife had told him he better let you know or and I quote she would kiss his ass with her good leg." Gail laughed.
Judy shook head thinking about her friend. "Yeah that sounds like her. Thank you for the good news"
"No problem. Now do you need anything while I'm here?" Gail asked.
Judy head was pound from all the shouting she was doing earlier with her dad but she didn't want to ask for any pain meds while he was there. She didn't want to make him feel bad for giving her a splitting headache so she shook her no which only made her head feel worse.
"Well if you need anything just buzz." Gail said then left the room.
Judy's mom looked at her daughter and saw that her daughter needed some piece and quiet. "Well honey, I'm so glad that you are going to be going home tomorrow. I know you have been waiting to get out of here. So, I think this calls for me to go do some shopping. We need to re-stock your fridge and get some other items to put back in the house. Come on dad, it's time to go."
"Mom, you and daddy don't have to go and you don't have to spend any money on me." Judy said.
"Please…it's my job to spoil you when you are sick. Now you my try that big girl crap with your father but it doesn't work on me. If I want to spoil you then I'm going to spoil you. Got that?" Mrs Hoffs said.
"Yes mom." Judy said.
"Good and just so the three of you know. I kept quiet before because I needed to hear what everyone had to say before I made my feelings known. I never liked you're career choice Judy but, I was proud when you got your shield. You were so happy that day when you graduated the academy that I put my fears aside and let you have your day. Then when you were sent to Jump Street I felt better because you were working with teens and not exactly in the line of fire. When I found out with your father that you were hurt I cursed the day you became a police officer. I told myself that I should have been more insistent that you go into another career. I was in the same mind frame as your father that you should quit the force but them I talked to your Captain and Tom. They told me of all the things you accomplished while being a police officer. All the lives you have changed and I knew that I couldn't ask you to change your career. This is who you are whether I like it or not. I love you baby and I want you to be happy. If being a police officer makes you happy then I will do my best to support you." Her mother walked over to her and gave her hug and pulled back to see tears coming down Judy's face.
"I love you mommy." Judy said through her tears.
"I love you too, baby girl. Now dry your eyes, you don't want to look like a blubbering mess for this young man do you?" her mother said handing Judy a tissue out of her purse.
"She looks beautiful tears or no tears." Tom said kissing the top of head.
"Oh honey he is definitely a keeper." Judy's mom said and gave Tom a kiss on the cheek. "Now take care of my baby while I'm gone and we'll se you both tomorrow." She leaned over and whispered into Judy's ear. "Make sure you get something for that headache you have too."
"Mom, how did you know?" Judy asked amazed her mother knew.
"A mother always knows." Mrs Hoffs said.
"Thanks mom." Judy said
"Anytime baby, anytime." Mrs Hoffs said.
After her parents left and Judy got pain meds for her headache she went over the conversations she had with her parents. She had flashed back to the night of the shooting while she was looking out the window. Her hand went up to medallion that was around her neck. It wasn't there the night of the shooting. She was glad that Tom had put it back around her neck. The same thoughts that had plagued her since waking up had started to creep back up in her head. That maybe if she had the medallion on that night that none of that would have happened. That she must have missed something that night to not know that he was in the house. What kind of cop was she to have missed the signs? A tear started to run cheek.
Tom was sitting in the chair next to her when he heard her sniffling and saw her trying to wipe her eyes.
"Hey, hey…what's wrong why are crying?" Tom walked over and sat next to her on the bed. He wiped the tears gentle away with his thumbs. He bent down and kissed her lips and felt her relax. "Now tell me what's wrong? Was it what your parents said?"
Judy continued to look out the window as she nodded her head. Her hand went back to the medallion around her neck. "I didn't wear this that night. I was in such a hurry to get dressed for work and it got caught on the towel as I was drying off and I forgot to put it back on. Maybe if I had worn it this wouldn't have happened."
"Judy don't do this." Tom said softly.
"That whole night things were going wrong." Judy started crying and Tom pulled her into an embrace. He tried to calm her down but by telling her it was going to be ok but she became more upset.
"I'm so sorry Tom. I should have told you. I should have told you that I left it but I didn't want you to worry about me and I thought you would be angry at me for leaving something so precious behind. I mean look what happened. I don't understand…what did I miss? I must have missed something that night that I didn't know he was inside. How could I let myself and my partner get ambushed like that? What kind of cop am I? I should have seen it. I should have seen it." Judy rocked in Tom's arms and he held her tight.
"I won't let you beat yourself up like this. You are a damn good cop Judy and I 'm not just saying that because you're going to be my wife. I have watched you over the years and there is no who can work a case like you. You put your heart and soul into what ever case you work and that is why you were selected to be at Jump Street. If Fuller, or Doug or Harry were here they would tell you the same thing. And you didn't miss anything Judy. Danielle is an experienced cop also and there was nothing there that tipped her off that he was inside the house. You both did everything right. No one questions that. No one. It was a righteous shoot Judy. It was either him or you and I'm damn glad it was him." Tom felt Judy start to relax in his arms.
"About the medallion, when I found it I wasn't mad. I knew that you didn't leave it there because you didn't care about it. I was more concerned about getting to you that night. Judy, when I heard you call out shots fired my only thought was getting to you. I was so scared of losing you that night. When they told me that you coded on the way to the hospital I lost it. I couldn't think straight. I watched them work on you in the emergency room and you coded again. I called out to you. I wanted to be near you and hold you and tell you to fight. Doug, Fuller, Ioki, and Landon had to drag me away so they could work on you. They had to hold me down. I thought I was going to loose you. When you went up to surgery they let me see you before you went up. I placed the medallion in your hand before you went up. Looking back I think that maybe I was meant to find it where it was. It worked right when it need to. It brought you back to me during the worst of it all. So you see, my dad was looking out for you. He brought the woman I love back to me" Tom said.
"You always know the right things to say don't you?"Judy said.
"Of course, it's in the fiancé handbook. Chapter 18: How to cheer the woman you love up when she's beating herself up. I love you…you know that right?" Tom could feel Judy nod her head in his arms. "Good, then no more of this talk of doubting yourself. You are the most smart, beautiful, sexy, stubborn women I have met. We all go through the self doubt sometimes and the after thoughts of what we should have done or could have done and no matter how much we want too… we can't change things and frankly I wouldn't want them too. You and Danielle did what you needed to do and that's what you have to keep telling yourself. Ok. You know what, I'll be right back." Tom hopped off the bed and started to head for the door.
"Tom, where are you going?" Judy asked.
"Don't worry I'll be right back. Just sit tight." Judy sat back in her bed and watched Tom leave the room. She looked back out towards the window and started to think about the words Tom had told her. She still couldn't shake the feeling of self doubt and stop all the second guessing.
Twenty minutes later Judy saw her door open and got an unexpected visitor.
"Hey! Fridge! Long time no see!" Judy turned and saw Tom wheeling in Danielle towards her bed. Judy couldn't help but start crying at the sight of her friend. The last time she saw Danielle they were both fighting to stay alive.
Danielle grabbed her crutches from Tom and started heading towards Judy. Danielle made it over to Judy and gave her friend a hug. Danielle then started to cry too. Both of them over whelmed by the emotions from that night. Tom stood by and watched as they both cried in each other's arms. The moment was not lost on him. These two strong women have lived through a traumatic experience that most people would have never recovered from. The fact they were able to survive and be able to talk to each other was a miracle and a testament to the strong will of these women.
Danielle and Judy pulled out their hug and looked at each other and started to laugh.
"You look like shit Fridge." Danielle laughed.
"I look better then you teach." Judy said wiping her eyes.
Danielle stuck her tongue out at Judy and made a silly face at her. Judy was glad to see that Danielle's sense of humor was still working.
"So, what's this bullshit I'm hearing about you second guessing yourself? Your man here tells me that you're second guessing your actions that night." Danielle said.
Judy turned to Tom and glared at him. If looks could kill he would be toast. Danielle caught the look and quickly came to Tom's defense. "Hey Judy, don't be mad at him. He's just looking out for you." Judy's face softened towards Tom and she quietly said she knew he was.
"Well ladies I'm going to take this opportunity to leave and let you two talk." Tom said
"Tom, you don't have to leave." Judy said.
"Yeah, you can stay. I'm not going to say anything to her that I wouldn't say in front of you." Danielle said.
Tom waived them off. "I think you two have a lot of talking you need to do. Besides, I'm hungry and this hospital food sucks. I'm going to get some real food. You guys want anything?" Tom watched as Judy's eyes lit up when he asked her about food. All she had been eating was horrible hospital food and was ready for real food. Judy looked at Tom and flashed him one of her trademark smiles that she knew he could not resist and spoke in her best little girl voice.
"Honey, would you mind terrible going to Gino's and getting pizza for us?" Judy said.
"How can I say no when you're smiling at me like that and asking me in that voice, of course I will go for you. What do you two ladies want? My treat, so make it worth your while." Tom said.
"Oh a big spender, I love it. Well I'm all for pizza cause yes, this food sucks ass. I like my pizza with everything except mushrooms and olives. Do they have dessert?" Danielle asked.
"Yup." Tom said.
"Oh dessert does sound good. I think we need some cannoli's. What do you think Danielle?" Judy said.
"Man that does sound good but I don't want to be greedy." Danielle said.
"Don't worry about it Danielle. If you two want pizza and cannoli's then that's what you'll get. You two place nice while I'm gone." Tom walked over to Judy and gave her kiss on the cheek before he left to go get food.
"Be careful." Judy called out to Tom.
"Always am." Tom winked at her then left.
Judy watched Tom leave and missed him already. She turned back to Danielle who had a big smile on her face. "What?" she asked.
"Nothing, you just look like a woman in love."Danielle said with a smile.
"I am. I don't know what I would do without him. He's so much more than just my fiancé. He's my rock, my favorite pillow." Judy said.
"You're very lucky Judy to have someone that understands you and your job. It took Anthony a long time to understand my job and the dangers that come along with it. We have been going through a rough patch lately, even talking about separating for a time. He was just starting to come to terms with it and then Mulberry Lane happens." Danielle said.
"Mulberry Lane." Judy says shaking her head.
"Yup, Mulberry Lane. It sounds like such a nice street when you say it ya know. Like a street you'd find on Leave it to Beaver or something. Who knew it was would be a street that some maniac would call home. Judy, I know that you want to second guess your actions that night but I'm telling you that your actions that night saved my life. I wouldn't be sitting here with you right now if you hadn't dragged me away from there. I look back at what happened and I know we did everything our training taught us to do. As your old FTO I was proud of you. You never once hesitated in the face of danger. Judy, you did better then some veteran officers I know. Let me ask you what do you think you missed that would have made a difference?" Danielle said.
"I don't know. I look back and I can't come up with anything but that doesn't stop me from think that there had to be something." Judy said.
"That's because there wasn't anything Judy. There was no way we could have known he was inside. We checked the perimeter and found nothing out of the ordinary. There were no signs. It was just bad luck. He got the drop on us plain and simple. It's a hard truth to swallow but that's what it boils down to. If there is a silver lining to this whole things is that we are alive and able to live another day. This is going to sound corny Judy but I was damn proud to have as may partner that day. If there is anyone else that I could have had by my side that day I would picked you in a heart beat." Judy watched as her friend had tears coming down her eyes again as she spoke. "You showed such courage that day. You are my friend, my partner, and my hero. I'm proud to serve with you and be your sister in blue." Danielle said wiping her eyes.
"Danielle, thank you. I don't what to say to that except thank you. I know that you made me a better cop with all you taught me. It was your friendship and the lessons you gave me while I was getting my feet wet that helped me get through that night. Besides, if I remember correctly we saved each other that night. I wouldn't be sitting here if you weren't with me. So thank you and I too am proud to call you my sister in blue." Judy reached her hand out and gave Danielle's a firm squeeze.
"God, I'm tired of crying. I can't wait to get out of this hospital and home. I just want to start physical therapy so I can get back to work and crack some heads." Danielle said still wiping her eyes.
"I know what you mean. I want my bed back and I want to take a real shower with real soap and finally have something else to wear besides this hospital gown that I think was purposely designed to make your ass stick out no matter what you do. Tom keeps telling me that he will be taking one home so he can enjoy the view when ever he wants. He's is so crazy." Judy said.
Judy and Danielle continue talking and Judy started feel better. The doubts about that night slowly start to go out of her head. Danielle she thought was right. It was just bad luck. There was nothing more she could have done to prevent what happened. Judy knew that with time the wounds of that night would heal. Before they knew it Tom was back with pizza and dessert.
"Pizza's here." Tom said.
"Oh look Danielle. They sent us a cute pizza delivery boy." Judy giggled.
"Ha Ha smart ass and that's pizza delivery man to you." Tom said pointing at Judy.
"Sorry honey." Judy said with a smile.
"Yeah, yeah, let's eat ladies." Tom said as he started handing out plates and pizza.
The rest of the time was spent in silence while everyone enjoyed the pizza and then the deliciuous dessert.
After all the dessert and pizza were done Tom took Danielle back to her room. She said the "itis" was setting in and she needed to get back to her bed. Judy laughed when she said that but Tom had no clue what she was talking about and when he going to ask what it meant she waived him off and told him it would take too long to explain.
It was getting close to visiting hours being over and Tom was sitting on the bed holding Judy. "It's going to be time for you to go soon." Judy said.
"I know I wish could go home but your parents are there." Tom said.
Judy looked at Tom." Did you just call my apartment home?"
Tom looked back at her and his face went red." Um…yeah? Do you mind? I've been staying there since you've been in the hospital but went back to my place when your parents arrived. I was going to talk to you about that after you got better."
"There is nothing to talk about Tom." Judy said with a serious tone.
Tom got a sinking feeling in the pit of stomach. Shit! He thought to himself it was too early to talk about this. They had only been engaged for a short time and with her being hurt she might want to be along for a while he thought. "I'm sorry I just…." Judy cut him off and placed a finger on his mouth.
"Let me clarify. There is nothing to talk about because it is your home. If you want to move in with me I would love it. I want to wake up and go to sleep next to my favorite pillow. So as soon as my mom and dad leave you can start moving your stuff in. Sound good? " Judy said.
"That sounds great. By the way…I found something of yours while I was staying at your place." Tom said.
"Oh yeah… what was it." Judy asked curious what he could have found.
"Well I found your photo album." Tom said with a sly smile.
Judy slumped down in her bed and hid her face from him in her hands and shook her head. She could feel the heat in her face from the embarrassment. There were some pictures in there that she didn't want Tom to see. "Oh god, you didn't. I thought that I had hid that thing well."
Tom laughed and pulled her hands away from her face. "Don't hide that beautiful face from me. There is no need to be embarrassed I love your baby pictures."
"Oh god!" Judy said.
"What? You looked so cute when you were little and your mom was giving you a bath in that little pink bath tub. Then there was the picture with you in pig tails. I loved that one." Tom said in a baby voice.
"Dear God, make him stop." Judy said shaking her head again.
"Oh and then there was the pictures of you in High School. I didn't know you were such the social butterfly with the guys." Tom said with his eye brow raised.
"I can't help it if my charms are irresistible to the opposite sex. Men just flock to me." Judy said sarcastically.
"Watch it Hoffs. Remember I am the jealous type. Now where was I? Oh yeah photos. After skipping High School I saw your Jump Street pictures. Saw you had pictures of every single party we ever had there and then you had a picture of me and you at one of Jenko's jam sessions. That was a good picture. Then there was section marked Tom and Judy."
"You found the picture from our first date huh?"
"Yeah, I totally forgot about the pictures we took in the photo booth. Man, that was a fun date. Well then I got to the pictures from the engagement party. I was glad I started to look at them because I was trying to keep my mind from drifting to the bad thoughts that were creeping around in my head because of you being here. They really helped me out. Then I found the note you wrote." Tom pulled the note out of his pocket and read it to Judy.
I had to write down my feeling about this so I would never forget.
Tonight was the best night of my life and I have you to thank for it.
You have made me the happiest women in the world when you asked
Me to be your wife. Ever since you walked into Jump Street
My life has never been the same. You make believe that I can do anything
And I know I can because I have you. You always give me the courage to do
Things that I would run away from. You are the light that can brings me out
Of the dark places. In your eyes I see our future and it looks bright.
I don't know if I deserve you but I promise that as long
As you are in my life I will cherish you and love you.
Baby, I can't wait until you and I stand before our friends
And family and they say I now present Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hanson.
I love you, always and forever.
"Judy, I fell in love with you all over again after reading that. I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever read. I don't think I deserve you." Tom said.
"You know when I got shot. The only thing I could think of is that I didn't want to leave you. That I couldn't leave you. I wasn't ready to go. I was scared that he was going to take away the life that I was only just starting with you. That…he was going to take away my future…our future. Apart of me is upset that I had to take another person's life but the other part is glad I did and that's what scares me. The feeling of not having any remorse for what I have done. I feel like that a part of me is now lost." Judy said the last part so soft Tom almost missed it.
Tom pulled Judy closer to him. He didn't like what she was saying but understood that she had a lot of healing to do both physically and emotionally. He had to wrestle with the same demons when his dad and Amy died. It was with the help of his friends and family that he was able to pull himself out of the dark places that kept calling him to stay. He wasn't going to let Judy go there.
"Judy, I know better than anyone how easy it can be to want to go and shut yourself down. To, not want to think about the hurt and the pain anymore. That dark place inside you seems more and more like a place that will provide you some comfort and in truth, it does for a while. It feels like a warm blanket that numbs the pain but the problem with that is that the pain you were trying to leave behind is always going to be there. It will hurt more everyday the longer you don't confront it." Tom said.
"I hear what you are saying but I'm scared. Even with you sitting right near me I feel so alone and I don't like that. He took something from me the day of the shooting Tom. He took away my confidence in my job and in my life. I don't like having this feeling of doubt. It's like a cancer that I can feel spreading through out my body. I want it to stop before it starts to affect other areas of my life. I want it gone." she said slamming her hand down on her leg. Judy could feel her eyes start to sting from tears that were trying to come out.
"Do you have doubts about us?" Tom asked.
"No. Never. Never that Tom. When I look at you and think about us I know that it's right." Judy said.
"Then hold on to that. Hold on to the feeling of us Judy. Use that to help keep you grounded when you feel like things are up in the air and just know that I will be here for you. For better or for worse right? I think I'll put that into practice now. It will get better Judy. I promise." Tom said kissing her head.
Tom heard Judy yawn and knew it time for him to go.
"Hey sleepy head, I think it's time for me to go. Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow or your parents?" Tom asked.
"What do you think? I expect you here bright and early mister. I want out of here. I want to get home and sleep in my own bed and I can't think of a faster way to get home than your mustang. Just call my parents in the morning and tell them you are picking me up. Oh. I'm going to need clothes to go home in. So can you stop by my…I mean our apartment… and pick me up some clothes?" Judy asked.
"Clothes? You don't want to go home in this lovely gown?" Tom said tugging at the sides.
"Uh no. I have been wearing them long enough. Not to mention no matter how much I adjust the damn thing my ass always seems to hang out of it. I always feel a draft back there." Judy said laughing.
"Well, I'm all for anything that has your ass hanging out." Tom laughed while Judy shook her head.
"You're a sick man. You know that? Don't even think about trying to pack up one of these gowns for home." Judy said shaking a finger at him.
"You're no fun." Tom said and Judy yawned again.
"Tom?"
"Yes?"
"Can you stay till I fall asleep? Please?" Judy asked.
"What do you think? Of course I'll stay. Just lie back. Close your eyes and rest on your favorite pillow." Tom said softly in her ear.
Judy pulled her blanket up around her and snuggled closer into Tom. She started to feel her eyes get heavy.
"Thank you." Judy said softly.
"Thank you for what?" Tom said smoothing back her hair from her face.
"For just being you. I love you." she said in a whisper as she fell asleep.
When Tom felt that Judy was in a deep sleep, he careful moved out of the bed trying not to wake Judy. Once he was out of the bed he already missed the feel of Judy's body against him. He fixed the blanket around her and watched with delight as she curled up into it. Tom leaned over and placed a soft kiss on Judy's lips.
"I'll see you in the morning beautiful. Sleep well. I love you." he said.
Tom took one last look at Judy to make sure she was comfortable before he left. When he saw that she was ok he left. As he was leaving he waived good bye to the nurses on duty and headed towards the elevator. Walking to the elevator he felt lighter. Like the weight of the world was no longer on his shoulders. For the first time since the shooting Tom felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel and that this nightmare rollercoaster they were in was finally over. He would take this second chance he was given with Judy and run with it.
A/N: Don't worry. There is more to come. I'm working on it now. I'll try to update when I can. Take care everyone!