Hi everyone, sorry for such a delay in this update; life has been pretty hectic. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed. Sorry, if I didn't reply personally, I have barely had a second to myself this week; but thank you for your support and kind words, it means a lot to hear what you all think!
"I need to stop this bleeding!"
"Hold him!"
"Blood pressures falling!"
"I need space to work here!"
"Pass me that syringe on the counter there! No, there! Yes that one!"
Instructions were being shouted over each other than Alan had no chance to work out who was saying what. He could taste the hot blood in his mouth and in the back of his throat. Blood also poured out of his nose and he couldn't see. His chest and ribs burned; both the muscles and an ache from not being able to breathe properly.
Panicked and in agony he tried to fight back against the person trying to hold his arms down.
Suddenly there was a hand running through his hair.
"Sssshhhh, Alan. Calm down. I know it hurts but you are going to be okay."
It was his father. Alan would recognise his voice anywhere.
He settled slightly but still shifted restlessly. He remembered everything.
"The Hood." He groaned.
"Don't worry, Al." Gordon said next to his ear. "He's in jail. He isn't going to bother us anymore."
"Allie, open your mouth." Virgil spoke this time.
Alan obeyed. Both Virgil and Brains were apparently attempting to stop the bleeding but what had happened? It was currently impossible to speak with what felt like twelve hands in his mouth but he would settle for at least being able to see. Completely uncoordinated he was able to get one hand to his eyes. Before he could rub them however, his hand was gently caught and laid down on his chest. Alan grunted in frustration. Gordon barked a laugh and then something cold and wet and wonderful was wiping his face and eyes.
Alan's eyes fluttered and he was finally able to open them. Jeff, Scott and Gordon were gathered at the head of the bed out of Brain's and Virgil's way. The two medics were engaged in conversation about things that Alan did not understand. He turned his attention back to his father.
"How are you feeling?" He asked running his hand through Alan's hair.
Alan closed his eyes for a moment revelling in their presence. He hadn't ruined everything; they were still here. He still had his family. The beeping monitor jumped a notch as he realised that there was someone missing. Someone crucial.
"Where's John?" He moaned shifting restlessly on the bed.
He's fine." Jeff said softly and soothingly.
Alan was not willing or prepared to be placated any longer. He needed to see John. He had to know. He needed proof that something was real.
"No." Alan said moving with more conviction. If they weren't prepared to bring the answers to him them he would go to the answers.
"Al, you have to stay in bed." Scott said gently, laying a hand on his youngest brother's shoulder.
"John." Alan repeated firmly.
He grabbed hold of a handful of blankets, preparing to throw them to one side.
A hand on his stayed his actions.
"No, Allie." Virgil said. "Gords, would you run up to the lounge and see if John is up and about?"
Gordon nodded and left the room quickly.
"If John comes down here will you stay in bed?" Virgil asked.
Alan nodded closing his eyes wearily. His lungs burned and his chest and right side ached terribly. Virgil administered a pain killer through Alan's IV and placed him back on oxygen.
Alan was fighting to stay awake by the time the infirmary door opened again. Alan's eyes snapped open. Gordon moved cautiously out of the door to reveal John. Alan stared at his brother for a few long seconds. The heart monitor increased again. John's right sleeve was empty. Alan struggled to sit up.
Suddenly four pairs of hands were trying to hold him down. Alan refused to sit back. With unknown strength he was able to push himself into a sitting position. He pulled the oxygen mask down and waved John over.
Cautiously, and with worried eyes, John moved closer to the bed. Gently and fearfully Alan reached out and touched John's t-shirt.
Everyone looked from Alan to John and then back again. John carefully sat on the edge of the bed.
"What's the matter, buddy?" John asked running his hand through Alan's hair.
Alan placed his hand flat on John's chest. Or at least he meant to. John's right arm, strapped across his chest, stopped him. Alan sagged in relief, and with that little bit of leeway Virgil was able to get Alan to lie back down and replace the oxygen mask.
With the pain easing and his family gathered around him Alan was ready to go back to sleep. When the door opened again Alan cracked one eye open to see as Tin Tin carefully approached the bed.
"So, you figured it out." She said smiling.
"I guess you could say that I had some help to point me in the right direction." Alan said. "Thank you Tin. I wouldn't have found it on my own."
"Hush," She said smiling. "It's time to sleep now Alan. You can have real answers in the morning."
With the promise of tomorrow, Alan fell asleep for what felt like the first time in weeks.
Only one more chapter to go now; answers are coming!