Chapter 12- Post Op

For those waiting on Tony to get done in surgery it felt like ages. Abby was pacing back and forth and literally wearing holes in the carpet of the surgical waiting room. Jimmy was trying his best to sooth her anxieties and keep pace with her. Ducky was reading a worn leather book trying to appear calm though if you looked closely his nerves were apparent in the frequent checking of the time his eyes did with the clock on the wall. Gibbs was gently stroking Jana's hair as she had fallen asleep on his shoulder tear stains lining her face indicating her own fears and worries. The hospital was a far too familiar place for her lately considering her father's cancer and so it was no surprise she was taking things hard.

Nearly two hours had passed before the surgeon they had met earlier made an appearance, but as soon as he did the whole group surrounded him almost instantly.

"He's in recovery. We had a few complications but barring any more he should make a full recovery."

"What kind of complications?" Jimmy inquired.

"His appendix ruptured as we were trying to remove it and we had to flush him with some heavy antibiotics. The anesthesia also seemed to stress his lungs and he coded once on us but we got him back. He is currently on a ventilator until the remains of the anesthesia leave his system and then we will wean him off. We are also continuing an aggressive course of antibiotics to hopefully prevent the development of any abscesses or sepsis."

"It sounds rather thorough doctor. Thank you for watching over our boy today and using your significant skills to care for him."

"Of course. I wish I could say my pleasure but truthfully I always wish I didn't have to use my skills."

"So true, so true, but thank you none-the-less."

"You're welcome. He's going to be in recovery for another hour and then we will move him to ICU until he is weaned off the ventilator. One of you may wait with him in recovery and only two at a time may visit in ICU. Truthfully I recommend you choose the people now and everyone else go home and get some rest and come back in about 12 hours when hopefully he will be in a less restrictive environment.

"I'll go to recovery" Gibbs stated firmly. No one denied him this. By Tony's side was exactly where Gibbs needed to be after all he was the closest thing Tony had to a dad. He had seen him through every other recent medical drama and it just made sense that he would do so again. Plus no one could get Tony to follow order better that Gibbs and Tony definitely needed to follow orders to heal at this point in time.

"I think Jana should be the second." Abby suddenly spoke up and signed.

"What? Me?" Jana signed back by striking her right pointer finger down against the palm of her left hand and then pointing at herself. The surprise at this announcement was evident in her facial expression.

"I not know Tony long. How I be best?" Jana continued to sign with Abby translating for the others.

"Abby is right" Jimmy interjected. I haven't seen Tony this happy in a long time and it is you who make him happy. He may have just met you but already you are the highlight of his conversations. You make him smile. They say laughter and joy are the best medicine so I agree you are the second."

"Me too my dear." Ducky said with a gentle smile and a thumbs up to show his agreement.

"Finished- You are it" Gibbs signed indicating no more arguments.

"Thank you" Jana signed by touching her right hand to her mouth and bringing it down towards her chest. "I care for him good" Jana assured the group.

With the decisions made hugs were exchanged and Jimmy and Ducky took their leave. Abby choose to stay with Jana signing to her stories of Tony until he was moved to ICU and Gibbs went back with a nurse to the recovery room.

Now they just had to wait and see what happened next.