Episode 6.12 – Rough Times Can Be Hard…
Elizabeth stared out the window dazedly, mind wandering from the assignment she was supposed be working on. She was supposed to have decided by next week about university applications, and where she wanted to attend, but she honestly had no idea what she wanted to do. She closed her book, the sound echoing around the near empty library, and shoved it into her backpack. She checked her watch. Lara would be home now, and so would Dean. She could talk to them, work out what she was going to do. The drive home was quiet, Lizzie lost in her own thoughts. She pulled up at the curb, and pulled out her bag, slinging it over her shoulder. She headed inside, just as she heard Lara and Dean's car pull up. The house was littered with boxes, most half-full, labelled in Dean's scrawly writing. They would be moving in a few days over to Shane and Fiona's old house. It was larger, had more room, and a flat at the back of the house, big enough for Lizzie to have her own space without feeling like she was imposing on Dean and Lara. Lizzie tossed her bag into her room just as Dean and Lara came in, Mikayla in Dean's arms. She was talking excitedly about something; not that anyone really understood what she was saying.
"What are you doing home so early?" Asked Lara as she poured herself a glass of water. Dean put Mikayla on the floor in the nursery, leaving her to play, and then joined Lara at the dining table with Lizzie.
"I need some advice," started Lizzie.
"You're not pregnant, are you?" Asked Dean suddenly. Lizzie burst out laughing.
"No Dean, no worries there," she said once she regained control over herself. Lara shoved Dean, and turned her attention back to her younger sister.
"What is it Liz?" She asked. Lizzie refocussed herself.
"We're supposed to put in university applications next week and to be honest, I don't really know what I'm supposed to apply for, or where I should go. I've only got a little while to go before school finishes, and nearly everyone else knows exactly what they want to," said Lizzie. Lara noticed that Lizzie seemed to be holding back.
"So do you know what you want to do?" Asked Lara, getting directly to the point. Lizzie nodded, and flipped her fringe out of the way.
"I want to work Rescue like you guys. I know it's a big deal, and there's a lot of work involved, but I've watched you work together multiple times, and it's what I want to do. I don't really know what to do for uni and stuff like that though," answered Lizzie. Dean leant back and folded his arms.
"Are you positive?" Asked Dean. Lizzie nodded her head vigorously.
"I'm certain. I've thought about it, researched other career paths, and this is the one I want to do. Please Dean," begged Lizzie.
"There's a training program run by Head Office; we can put you forward for it. Kate and Andy have both been through it, and they've been accepted by the Sydney Unit. You could be moved to a different unit though, but we can request you to stay here." Lara nodded.
"It's not an easy path Lizzie. We have so many people vying for the jobs now, but if you want to go ahead and do it, that's fine. We'll support you as much as we can," added Lara. Lizzie practically beamed.
"Thank you!"
Chase made it home by six, but only just. Jess was waiting for him near the door, and Izzy blew out past him.
"Hi Chase! Bye Chase!" He waved as she jumped into her car and drove away. Riley and Elijah greeted him at the door as well, and he picked up his two boys, holding both of them close. Indi was on the floor in the loungeroom, a baby playframe set up over the top of her. Chase kissed both Riley and Eli, and set them down. They half crawled, half walked back to the stack of blocks they were playing with. Chase turned to Jess, and bent down to kiss her. That's when he realised that her face was stony, her arms crossed.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"You said you'd be home at four, and it's six. You didn't even ring," said Jess, wheeling herself ahead of Chase into the kitchen. His dinner was waiting on the table, cold and untouched.
"I'm sorry Jess, but we had a rescue to attend. I can't just leave to come home," said Chase slightly irritated. He slid his plate into the microwave, and started to heat up his meal. It had been a long rescue, requiring his undivided attention. He didn't have a chance to call Jess, otherwise he would have.
"Izzy had a meeting to go to tonight for a job, and she can't leave until you get home. You're so inconsiderate Chase," said Jess angrily. Chase pulled his plate out of the microwave, forgetting it was hot. He swore, and dropped it to the floor.
"And now you've gone and made a mess. Geez Chase." That was the final straw for Chase.
"You think you've got it hard? Without me, you have no money, you'd have no kids, you wouldn't even be in that wheelchair. I'm working extra hours so you can keep the lifestyle you're so accustomed to, to pay your bills, to keep you happy." Jess looked like thunder as Chase bent to clean the mess on the floor.
"Do you think I like being stuck in this chair? If I hadn't of met you, I wouldn't be in this position!" Chase could feel the rage boiling over inside.
"Fine, I'll quit the extra hours I'm doing, be here for you. You barely talk to me anymore anyway, and it seems like I'm always doing something wrong." Chase chucked the shards and discarded food into the sink angrily, and rinsed off his hands.
"Fine. Then leave if I'm so horrible to live with, if I'm not a good wife," said Jess. Chase shrugged his shoulders.
"Fine. I will. See you later." Chase walked out of the house with nothing but his keys, phone and his wallet. He had no idea where he was going to go, but he needed to get out, away from Jess. He loved her, but she was becoming demanding, wanting more and more of his time. He dialled Jordan and Heidi's house.
"Hello?" Answered Heidi.
"Hey Heid. It's me. Can I come over to your place for a while?" Asked Chase.
"Sure. Is everything okay?" She asked, concerned. Chase sighed.
"Yeah, just need some time away from Jess. I'll be there in five minutes," replied Chase.
"Have you eaten dinner?" Asked Heidi.
"Nope. You might want your first aid kit ready as well," said Chase, glancing down at his hand. He hadn't realised he'd sliced it open when he was cleaning up the shattered plate, but now he'd seen it, it hurt.
"Sure. I'll have dinner ready as well," said Heidi.
"Thanks Heidi. I owe you one." Heidi smiled to herself.
"No worries Chase. See you soon." Chase climbed into his car, and backed out of the driveway, heading for Heidi and Jordan's. He quickly sent a message to Kyle, letting him know that Jess was home alone. He cursed himself for being so caring, but he just wanted to know that Kyle would be there if she needed help. Five minutes later he found himself in Heidi and Jordan's driveway, Heidi's bright blue Honda parked in front of the garage. She was waiting at the door, dressed in comfortable slacks and a t-shirt.
"Come on in," she said. Chase walked inside. Jordan was seated comfortably in the loungeroom, his leg elevated on footstool. Amber was next to him, working through her maths homework with Jordan's help. It was only a few more weeks before the cast on his wrist and leg would come off, and he could start therapy, and hopefully return to Rescue.
"Hey Jordan. How are you going?" Said Chase, slapping his best mate on the shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm good. Listen, you go eat, we can catch up in a little bit," said Jordan, returning his attention to Amber. Chase followed Heidi into the kitchen and sat down at the dining table. She pulled the first aid kit over, and glanced at Chase. He placed his wounded hand on the table, and Heidi cringed.
"What did you do?" She asked, cleansing the wound, and then covering it. It wasn't deep enough to need stitches, but it would still need to be checked each day for any signs of infection.
"I dropped a plate, and didn't realise I caught my hand on one of the pieces while I was cleaning it up." Heidi nodded as she finished. She packed up the kit, and then pushed a plate of food towards Chase.
"Eat. We can talk when you're finished." Chase nodded, and ate quickly. He didn't realise how hungry he actually was. After he'd finished, Heidi washed up the plate, and shepherded him into the loungeroom. Amber and Alicia were watching TV on the floor, and Jordan was checking Amber's maths homework.
"Ambie, Ally, can you go and get ready for bed please? Check your bags are packed, and I'll be up soon to say goodnight," said Heidi. They nodded, and left quietly, packing up their school things. Amber crossed to Jordan and picked her homework.
"Just check question fourteen, but everything else looks okay," said Jordan. Amber flashed Jordan a smile, and then followed her sister upstairs. Heidi settled herself next to Jordan, and switched of the television.
"What happened?" She asked. Chase shrugged.
"I was late home because of that Rescue today, and Jess just… I don't know, flipped out. She was so angry that I hadn't called to say I would be late, and that it's my fault she's in the wheelchair, and if she hadn't have met me, she would be better off. She told me to leave, so I did. I had no idea what to do." Heidi was horrified.
"You've done so much for them Chase. I understand she does need you, and so do the kids, but you'll drive yourself into the ground if you aren't careful. You've done so much Chase," said Heidi. Jordan said nothing.
"I just didn't know what to do, or what to say to make her see reason, so I just walked out. Do you guys mind if I stay the night? Lara and Dean's place is full of boxes, ready for the move, and Lachie moved out of his place into Kate's just after they started going out." Heidi nodded.
"Stay as long as you need to Chase, the spare room is there."
The next morning, Dean and Lara headed into Rescue. Lizzie had offered to drop Mikayla off at day care on her way to school, and Dean had accepted the offer. Lara sat in the passenger seat as Dean drove, winding his way through traffic. Lara's phone buzzed.
Tell Chase he can come home. Jess x. Lara glanced at Dean.
"Did you know Chase was out last night?" Asked Lara. Dean shook his head.
"No. I thought he was home with Jess," he said puzzled. Lara read the message out to him.
"I don't think he was. I wonder what happened?" Wondered Lara. Dean pulled up next to Heidi's car just as Heidi and Chase were getting out.
"Guess we'll find out," said Dean, climbing out. He followed them upstairs, Lara close behind him.
"What happened last night Chase?" Asked Dean as he reached the top of the stairs. Chase headed straight for his desk.
"Nothing. It's between Jess and I," said Chase grumpily, taking a seat. He tossed his wallet and keys into his desk drawer and slammed it noisily.
"Are you sure you're okay Chase? Jess just sent me a message saying you can come home," said Lara, taking her seat at her desk next to Chase.
"Just leave it Lara," said Chase. Heidi shook her head warningly at Lara, and she stopped hounding Chase. Vince arrived, Kate with him. His phone rang as he arrived at his desk, and he answered it quickly, talking in a hushed voice. Kate glanced over at Michelle's office, where it looked like she was abusing whoever was on the phone to her.
"Morning. What's going on with Michelle?" Asked Kate. Lara shrugged.
"No idea. How's Lachie going?" Replied Lara.
"He's getting better. He had to have a skin graft on one of the burns, but other than that, he's healing. He's angry that he can't be around, and that he's trapped in hospital, but I think he's getting there. He could be home in two weeks, but he won't be on active duty for another month after that." Lara nodded.
"That's goo…" Lara was interrupted by Chase throwing his phone across the room and swearing.
"Chase? What was that for?" Asked Lara.
"Nothing. Just leave it."
Chase opted to go out for a beer after work with Dean, and Heidi headed home. It had been a quiet day at work, nothing more than a kid trapped in a playground tube slide. They had extracted him easily, and then sent him on his way before packing up. That, and a cat up a tree was all they had to deal with, so Vince sent them to work cleaning ropes and trucks. Chase had gladly accepted the task, attacking it with such vigour that it was finished within an hour. In the end, Vince dismissed them all, but told them that they would be on call. Heidi unlocked the front door.
"Hey babe. What are you doing home so early?" Asked Jordan from the loungeroom. Heidi closed the door behind her.
"Quiet day. Vince sent us home, but left us all on call," she said softly, dropping her bag next to the door. Jordan picked up on her mood straightaway.
"What's wrong?" He asked, patting the couch next to him. She sat down and he kissed her cheek.
"It's bothering me; why didn't you back me up last night?" Asked Heidi, glancing sideways at him.
"Because I don't think it's our business to get involved. By all means, support Chase as he deals with this, but ultimately, I think they should deal with this themselves. They haven't really had a fight since they got married; it's about time that something happened," commented Jordan.
"We haven't had a fight since we got married, does that mean we should be fighting now?" Asked Heidi.
"No, no, that's not what I meant…" Heidi stormed away from the loungeroom, slamming the bedroom door as she entered the room. Jordan hobbled after her awkwardly and knocked on the door.
"Heidi, I didn't mean it. I'm sorry. Please, talk to me," said Jordan through the door. She flung it open, and then stood there, staring at him.
"I'm sorry Heid. I'm just so bored here, and I didn't really think about what I was saying. We know each other too well now to fight like this, and we would just talk it out. Please, don't be mad at me," pleaded Jordan. Heidi relaxed and stepped back, flopping on the bed. Jordan crossed the room and laid next to her on his side, head propped up by his hand.
"Heidi, what's going on?" Asked Jordan.
"I don't know. I just feel so on edge at the moment. I feel like I'm just not fitting in at work anymore. It's weird being there without you, but I also feel like I'm becoming… stale?" Guessed Heidi. Jordan nodded.
"I know how you feel. I've often thought it myself, but I've always come back to Rescue. I owe Dean, he saved my life years ago, and you guys are like my family. Chase and Dean have felt like brothers to me, and they've taught me a lot. I could never leave," said Chase thoughtfully. Heidi nodded.
"I don't think I could leave, I just think I might need a break for a little while, spend some time with Amber and Alicia, get my head on straight." Jordan kissed her forehead gently.
"Maybe you do."
Jess wheeled herself around the house, trying to figure out what to do. Izzy had called earlier in the morning, telling Jess she couldn't be there because she had a meeting at work. Jess had screamed down the phone at her, telling her she was a horrible sister, and how could she do that. In the end, she'd thrown the phone down in frustration. She was used to being waited on hand and foot, and now, she was essentially on her own. Kyle had flown out of the state for a business meeting, and Jess had never felt more alone. It took her more than two hours just to get Elijah and Riley ready for the day, and to top it off, Indiana had screamed all morning. She grew frustrated at her, eventually leaving her in the nursery and closing the door.
"Chase, why did you have to do this?" She muttered under her breath. She didn't know what to do, what she would spend her day doing. Usually Chase would get the kids ready in the morning before he left, and then Izzy would be there, to help her. They'd take the kids out, do some shopping, spend some time together. Now Jess didn't know what to do. Her day loomed ahead of her, and she locked herself in the bedroom. She reasoned that Eli and Riley would be fine in the loungeroom, and lay down on the bed. She thought about how angry she'd been with Chase, and the hurtful things she'd said to him. She'd been angry, hadn't really thought through what she was saying…
"You said you'd be home at four, and it's six. You didn't even ring…"
"I'm sorry Jess, but we had a rescue to attend. I can't just leave to come home…"
"Izzy had a meeting to go to tonight for a job, and she can't leave until you get home. You're so inconsiderate Chase. And now you've gone and made a mess. Geez Chase..."
"You think you've got it hard? Without me, you have no money, you'd have no kids, you wouldn't even be in that wheelchair. I'm working extra hours so you can keep the lifestyle you're so accustomed to, to pay your bills, to keep you happy…"
"Do you think I like being stuck in this chair? If I hadn't of met you, I wouldn't be in this position!"
"Fine, I'll quit the extra hours I'm doing, be here for you. You barely talk to me anymore anyway, and it seems like I'm always doing something wrong…"
"Fine. Then leave if I'm so horrible to live with, if I'm not a good wife…"
"Fine. I will. See you later…" Remembering the last words that Chase had said before walking out the door caused more tears to spring to her eyes. She realised that Indi had finally become quiet, and slid herself into her wheelchair. She wiped her eyes, and then wheeled herself out of her bedroom and into the nursery. Indiana looked like she was sleeping, and Jess slipped a hand through the bars of her crib to stroke her. As she brushed back the light brown hair from Indi's face, she realised how warm she was. She tried to wake her up, and that's when she saw the rash. She picked up her phone and tried to dial Chase. It went straight to voicemail. She rang Izzy's mobile, and she picked up after a few moments.
"What's up Jess? I'm about to go back into a meeting," said Izzy irritably.
"I need help, something's wrong with Indi!" Izzy floored the accelerator as she wound her way around traffic, back towards her sister's house. She thought Chase would have been there, helping her out, but clearly not. Kyle couldn't help, he was halfway across the country. She saw an orange light ahead, and hit the accelerator as hard as it would go. Before she reached the intersection, the light turned to a blazing red. She hit the brakes to stop, and aquaplaned on the wet road. She spun out into the intersection, into oncoming traffic. She heard car horns blaring, lights blinding, then nothing…
Chase checked his phone again as he sat at the near empty bar. It was drizzling outside now, a heavy downpour having occurred only moments before. Chase sipped his beer, and pushed it aside, ordering a glass of water instead. He was technically still on duty, and therefore needed to abide by the rules. His phone vibrated on the bar top, and he glanced at the caller I.D. Jess. He wasn't ready to talk to her yet, not without yelling, or possibly saying something he might regret. He ignored the call, allowing it to go to voicemail, knowing that he still needed time. If it was an emergency, she had other contacts. Isabelle was still around; she would answer the beck and call of her younger sister.
"Another water?" Asked the barman as he crossed over. Chase looked down, not realising he'd finished his first glass. He nodded, and the male handed him another glass. He downed it, and then stood up. He couldn't stay still any longer. He pulled out his wallet to pay, and the bartender turned him down.
"It's all good. You were the guy that nearly died in that bar explosion, that Rescue worker, right?" He asked. Chase nodded.
"Yeah. That's me." The guy smiled.
"That's amazing. Drinks are on the house whenever you're here. Enjoy yourself," responded the man. Chase looked around a little confused, but didn't question his good fortune. He thanked the man and shrugged back into his jacket, walking out into the rain. He decided on visiting Lachie, and wasn't surprised to find Kate there when he arrived.
"Chasie. What have you been up to little bro?" Asked Lachie, propping himself up. Kate excused herself, allowing the two brothers some time.
"Not a lot," replied Chase.
"How's Jess and the kids?" Lachie asked. Chase shrugged his shoulders. Lachie glanced at him.
"Chase, what's going on?" He asked.
"Jess and I had a fight. I came home late the other night, didn't get a chance to call her, and she just… I dunno, she just seemed to explode. She was so angry, telling me that she wished she'd never met me, and how she was in a wheelchair because of me. I told her that I was working longer hours for her, so she could live the lifestyle she wanted, and it came down to her telling me that she wanted me to leave. I left last night, and I haven't gone back yet. I just don't know what to say, and I know I'm not ready to talk to her without screaming at her." Lachie nodded.
"Wise decision. I have to agree with you; I think you've made the right choice. I hate to say this Chase, but you're maturing. Three years ago you would have just gone back, and the yelling would have continued, and the relationship probably would have ended. Now, you're actually being responsible, taking your time to sort out your emotions before you go back to her and talk things through." Chase's phone vibrated and Kate appeared in the doorway.
"Michelle rang. There's been an accident on Johnson Street, three cars and a truck, car drove through a red-light. She says she needs us immediately, and something about how it was important for you to be down there." Lachie grabbed his brother's arm.
"Don't do anything rash, okay?" Chase nodded.
"I'll be fine." Chase followed Kate outside.
"Mind if I catch a ride with you? Lara dropped me off here before she went home," said Kate. Chase nodded.
"Sure, sounds like a plan. You navigate, I'll drive," said Chase. They climbed in together, and Chase sped out of the hospital carpark. He was mindful of the wet, slippery roads as Kate directed Chase through roads and intersections. They pulled up at the accident site at the same time Heidi and Andy did, and the piled out. The rain was pouring down on the team as Dean organised them. He was glad this was one day they didn't have to deal with media; there were so many accidents that they were overwhelmed with the coverage. Chase glanced at the silver vehicle squashed in the middle.
"Dean?" He called, almost in a trance.
"What Chase?" Replied Dean.
"That's Izzy's car in the middle." Dean jogged over to Chase.
"Are you positive?" Asked Dean, peering through the wreckage. Chase nodded.
"I'm sure, trust me Dean. I see that car almost every day; it's hers!" Insisted Chase.
"Right team, we've got to get into the centre car! The other drivers have been taken care of by the paramedical teams, we need to get into her," said Dean. Heidi and Chase worked on moving the truck out of the side of Izzy's care, using the combi-tool to prise it apart. Dean and Lara worked the other side, removing the red Barina. Andy and Joey separated the third car from Izzy's car, pushing it away. Kate readied the defib and the medi-kits; she was the smallest in the team. Dean spied an opening, a bloody arm hanging out the window.
"Kate, over here!" He called. She grabbed her kit and wend her way in between the car and the truck.
"Hey Iz, how are you doing?" Asked Kate.
"Chase…" Whispered Izzy. Kate pulled on her rubber gloves and an IV drip.
"What about Chase?" She asked, checking out over for spinal injuries.
"Indi… Jess… In trouble…" She rasped. Kate pulled off her radio.
"Chase, ring Jess," she ordered.
"Why?" Responded Chase.
"Because Izzy's saying that she and Indi are in trouble. Just do it!" Said Kate. Chase fumbled to pull his phone out of his pocket, and then dialled Jess. She answered on the first ring, her voice panicked and frightened.
"Please, I need help!" Chase looked at Dean, his face paling. He dropped his phone.
"What is it?" Asked Dean, steadying his brother.
"Jess and Indi, they're in trouble." Dean waved for Heidi.
"Heidi-ho, go with Chase, keep me posted," said Dean.
"Are you sure you don't need me?" Asked Heidi. Dean nodded.
"Go and help Jess. Do NOT tell her about Izzy; we'll get to that later." Heidi nodded and dragged Chase to the other patrol. He climbed in slowly, shutting the door behind himself. Heidi jumped into the driver's seat, and floored the accelerator before Chase had even secured his seatbelt. She hit the sirens and lights, knowing that for Izzy to have run a red light, it was probably urgent. She glanced over at Chase.
"Chase, you need your seatbelt on," she said softly. He nodded numbly, and pulled it on. She sped up through the lights, taking a corner swiftly, the tires gripping as they squealed past.
"What if it's my fault?" Asked Chase.
"What do you mean?" Asked Heidi.
"I didn't answer her call today when she rang; what if it's my fault that she's in trouble?" Replied Chase.
"You're not to blame. Don't worry," answered Heidi. She pulled up in front of Chase and Jess's house. Chase finally caught up to himself, and followed her up to the door. Eli and Riley could be heard screaming in the house, and Chase tossed his keys to Heidi. She unlocked the door and flung it open.
"Chase?" Called a feeble voice. He followed it into the nursery, and found Jess lying on the floor awkwardly, her chair wrapped around her, trapping her underneath.
"What happened?" Asked Chase, helping her up. He was lucky she was small statured; she was easy to lift.
"I tried to lift Indi out of the crib, and I unbalanced myself. Chase, she needs to go to hospital," said Jess, clinging to him. He kissed her forehead, and took his hands out of her clutch.
"Let me look at her," he said softly. He lifted his daughter from the crib, and noticed her flushed face. He lifted up her shirt, and noticed the rash as well.
"How long has she had trouble breathing?" enquired Chase.
"I don't know. I'm sorry Chase," said Jess tearfully. He held Indi close to his chest, and dashed out into the loungeroom.
"Heidi, grab a medi-kit out of the patrol," ordered Chase. He recognised what was wrong as soon as he saw her. He placed her on the floor, sitting beside her. Eli started to crawl over, and Jess distracted him as she wheeled out. Heidi brought the kit in, and sat down next to Chase.
"I need the kids Epi-Pen out of the medi-kit, and hook the small oxygen mask up." Heidi did so quickly, handing Chase the Epi-Pen. He injected it into Indi as Heidi put the oxygen mask over her face. Her breathing eased quickly, and her flushed face paled back to a normal colour.
"What just happened?" Asked Jess from the other side of the living room.
"What did you have to eat last night, or this morning?" Asked Chase. Jess thought back.
"I had Thai food, and then I had toast this morning," replied Jess, confused. Chase and Heidi looked at each other, and then back at Jess.
"Peanut butter on the toast?" Asked Heidi. Jess nodded.
"How did you…?" Heidi cut her off.
"You're still breastfeeding Indi. This was borderline anaphylactic shock. Next time we might not be so lucky," said Heidi, pulling out her mobile. She dialled triple-0 and asked for an ambulance to come, stroking back Indi's damp hair. Jess started to cry, and Chase glanced at Heidi. She nodded. Chase stood up and crossed over to her.
"Don't cry," he said softly. She shook her head.
"I completely forgot Chase. I could have killed her," said Jess, distraught. He wiped away a tear and kissed her forehead.
"If anyone's to blame Jess, it's me for not answering my phone earlier today. To be honest, I was still angry, and didn't know if I could talk to you anymore. It doesn't matter anymore." Jess nodded.
"I'm sorry Chase," she said, looking down at her hands. She was so ashamed at how she'd acted towards him, and how much her words must have hurt. The ambulance officers knocked on the door, and Heidi let them in, telling them details.
"Can you go with her?" Asked Jess. Chase nodded.
"I love you. We'll talk more later," said Chase, kissing her again.
"I'll stay here with Jess if you want," said Heidi softly as the ambo's walked out the door. Chase nodded.
"Thanks Heidi." He closed the front door behind himself and jumped into the back of the ambulance with his baby girl. As he stepped inside, his mobile rang, and he answered it.
"Hello?"
"Chase, it's Lara. Izzy's just been sent to RPA. How are you going?" She asked.
"Indi had an allergic reaction, and Jess had fallen out of her chair, couldn't get herself back up again. I'm in the ambulance with Indi now. We're heading to Westmead Children's Hospital," replied Chase.
"Well, I hope our niece is okay. We sent Kate with Izzy, and she'll check in on Lachie tonight for us as well. Are you okay?" Asked Lara.
"Yeah. I'll be okay," said Chase heavily.
"Sir, we need you to calm your daughter down," said the ambulance officer. He nodded.
"Lara, I've got to go," said Chase.
"Okay. Keep us posted," she answered.
"Will do." He hung up, and stroked back Indi's hair.
"Shh. It'll be okay Indz." They pulled up at Westmead, and a doctor met them outside.
"A male by the name of Vince rang through the channels, told us to make sure your daughter got the best of care," he said. Chase smiled.
"I must remember to thank Vince," said Chase, climbing out. The ambo's passed her down to Chase. She was still a little flushed, the rash was easing, and her breathing, whilst it wasn't as it should be, sounded like it was getting better. The doctor led Chase inside, and took him to one of the private examining rooms.
"What were her symptoms?" Asked the doctor, checking her over. Chase relayed them to the doctor, and he hung his stethoscope around his neck.
"I'd like to do some allergy tests on her and keep her overnight for observation. Is that okay?" Chase shrugged his shoulders.
"Do whatever needs to be done so it doesn't happen again." The doctor nodded, and stepped outside for a moment, returning with a nurse. Within moments, Indi was admitted into the hospital, and Chase was left standing outside the nursery. He rested his head against the glass.
"I'm so glad I didn't lose you today Indz."
Kate wound her fingers around Lachie's, and kissed his hand.
"How was your day?" He asked.
"Hectic. Izzy was in an accident, and Indi nearly died." Lachie glanced at her, concerned.
"Are they okay?" He asked. She nodded.
"Indi's over at Westmead Children's Hospital. She had a severe allergic reaction, and if Izzy hadn't told us what was going on, we might have lost her. Chase was pretty distraught; he thinks he nearly killed his daughter. Izzy was driving back to Jess's place to take Indi to the hospital, and aquaplaned at an intersection. She needs some stitches, has a concussion, and needs surgery on her right arm to reset the bones correctly." A bed was wheeled into Lachie's room.
"What's going on?" He asked, sitting up a little straighter. Kate smiled.
"Well, you've still got at least a week left in here, and Izzy's got to stay here for almost a week. I asked if you two could share a room; keep each other company. Also saves us the walking time to get from room to room," joked Kate. Lachie smiled and pulled her close.
"What did I do to deserve you?" He asked, kissing her. She sat on his bed and smoothed his unruly hair back.
"I could ask you the same thing."
Lara snuggled in against Dean's chest. Mikayla was asleep, and Lizzie was staying the night at a friend's house.
"Do you think Chase and Jess will be okay?" Asked Lara. Dean ran his fingers through her hair.
"He's a Gallagher. He'll survive this. And Jess is strong too. I think this week might have shown her how much Chase has done for her, and how much he's doing for her. They'll come back to each other eventually. Don't worry about it." He kissed her forehead. Lara was quiet for a while, and then spoke.
"Mikayla's getting so much older every time I turn around Dean. I feel like I'm missing her childhood, like next time I turn around she's going to be a teenager. I wonder if doing Rescue while she's young is the best idea. I often think if I should be leaving Rescue, at least for a little while, spend some time with her," said Lara.
"You're here as much as is possible for her. You leave work early to be with her, arrive late to work because you just had to go back and say goodbye one more time. She's gotten thus far without too many issues Lara, and she knows you love her." Lara nodded into Dean's chest.
"I sometimes wonder if I'm just not there enough."
After a few hours, Chase arrived back home, and Heidi hugged him quickly.
"Is Indi okay?" She asked. He nodded.
"She'll be fine. I'll go and pick her up tomorrow," said Chase. Heidi smiled at him, and then disappeared into the night, heading back to Jordan. Chase opened the front door cautiously, and stepped inside. Jess was in the living room, stretched out on the lounge.
"How is she?" She asked, switching off the TV. Chase sat on the edge of the coffee table, facing her.
"She's okay, but she's severely allergic to nuts. We might not be so lucky next time," said Chase, looking down at his hands.
"Chase, I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinki…" he cut her off.
"It's okay Jess. I know. It's not your fault about Indi. Listen, the team told me not to tell you earlier, but I can tell you now. When Izzy was on her way here today, she was in a car accident. Fairly major accident. She's in hospital at the moment, will probably stay there for about a week while she's being monitored. She sustained cuts from the shattered windscreen, and they stitched those up. They performed a difficult surgery to reset the bones in her right arm, and they're monitoring her concussion." Jess covered her open mouth in horror. She was silent for a few minutes, and Chase just watched her quietly.
"Listen, I'm sorry for getting so upset the other day. I feel like I'm trapped in this chair, with nowhere to go. I didn't mean to get so angry," she said, trying hard to apologize.
"Jess, it's okay. I understand. It's okay," said Chase. Jess was overcome with emotion, upset that she'd nearly killed her daughter and her sister. Chase knelt down on the floor next to her, and held her close.
"Shh. It's okay."
Heidi walked into the house to find Jordan asleep on the couch. She smiled, and left him there while she went in search of Amber and Alicia. She walked upstairs, and found them in their bedroom, fast asleep. She covered them in their matching blankets, and kissed them goodnight. She quietly walked down the stairs to the loungeroom, and gently touched Jordan. He awoke with a start.
"Wha? Heidi, what are you doing home so late?" He asked groggily, rubbing his eyes.
"I had to stay with Jess," said Heidi, helping Jordan to his feet. The cast on his leg was making it awkward for him to walk, and the fact he was still half asleep was making him very uncoordinated. They made it to the bedroom, and he fell on the bed. Heidi changed, and climbed in next to him. She pulled the covers over, trying to stay warm.
"Jordan," she whispered.
"Mmm?" He responded.
"What would you say if I said I wanted to leave Rescue?"
Andy and Liam sat in the expensive restaurant. Andy glanced around.
"Li, how did you afford this?" She asked.
"Don't ask. It's all paid for; I want you to have a beautiful night out," he said, smiling at her. Andy felt like she was missing out on a joke; or worse yet, a joke was being played on her. She glanced around the restaurant, and next thing she knew, Liam was on the floor in front of her, on bended knee. He opened the tiny box, and Andy gasped.
"Andrea Taylor, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
A figure stood outside Michelle's office and knocked gently.
"Enter," called Michelle. They entered, shuffling papers. Michelle looked up.
"What can I do for you?" She asked, putting her pen aside, a serious look on her face.
"I want to leave Rescue."
