A/N: The third chapter, as promised. :-D
o-xxx-o
One Week Later:
Jack made a half-hearted attempt at a smile when Bobby entered his soon-to-be ex hospital room but failed dismally. He'd been sitting on the bed for a while contemplating what lay ahead and deep inside, he knew the doctors were right but it didn't make it any easier. It was almost like being put out to pasture; an old work horse no one had the heart to put down. A touch melodramatic perhaps, but that was how he felt.
"Ready to go, Sparks..?"
"I suppose so."
"In that case..." He went back into the corridor and returned with a wheelchair. "Your carriage a-waits..."
"Oh no, I'm not using that thing."
"Then what do you suggest, bearing in mind I have absolutely no intention of carrying you?"
Jack's shoulders slumped. "I have no choice, do I?"
When he was seated, Bobby carefully placed his bag on his lap and wheeled him outside. "You really think you could have walked that far, mate?" He asked as they made their way to the nurses' station.
Not long ago he would have made it in a few seconds but now it looked like a full-blown marathon course. "I guess not."
When they reached the desk, Sarah came over to say goodbye again. "Don't forget, you promised to keep in touch and let me know how you're doing. You've got my number, right?"
"Sarah, I've always had your number."
She waggled a finger in his direction in admonishment then looked up at his friend. "This guy is a bad influence on you."
"Always has been. Say goodbye to Sally for me."
"Ooh, that reminds me." She disappeared from view and returned a few minutes later with a brightly coloured envelope. "She sent you a good luck card. Made it herself..."
Jack swallowed hard unexpectedly touched by the gesture. "Thank her for me." His voice cracked and he quickly cleared his throat in an effort to disguise it.
"I will. You take care now and don't let this guy lead you astray."
"Sarah sweetheart, I'm hurt."
"You will be if I see him in here again. I'm holding you personally responsible."
The comment was closer to the mark than she realised but he gave her a broad grin, taking it in the spirit it was meant. "Thank you for everything you've done."
"It's my job."
"If you say so"
Once they were safely in the car, the Aussie pulled out into the traffic and the first half of the journey was completed in silence. "You okay, mate?"
"Fine thanks." He'd been staring out of the window and trying to memorise everything he saw, especially when they reached the more familiar spots. It was a weird thing to do, after all he was only going to VA and it wasn't as though he wouldn't be back, but just in case...
He'd been so deep in thought he hadn't even noticed they were outside his apartment building until Bobby pulled over and turned off the engine. "What are we doing here? I thought we were heading for Virginia."
"Well unless you plan on wearing the same sweat pants, T-shirt and underwear for the duration, I thought you might want to stop off and pick up some fresh clothes."
"Good point."
"I thought so." He removed the wheelchair from the trunk and came back to help him out of the vehicle.
"Where did you get that?"
"Don't worry Sparky, I didn't pinch it. It's on loan until you can stand on your own two feet without falling over."
He wheeled him into the elevator and when they reached the front door, he knocked before going inside. Jack was about to ask him why he'd done it when the rest of the team emerged from the kitchen to welcome him home. It was then that he saw the banner and balloons around the lounge and he finally managed a proper smile.
"Thank you."
They stayed to chat for a while then D grabbed his jacket. "I hate to break this up people but we have to get back to the office." They all groaned but made ready to leave. "Bobby, we'll see you there later."
"Yes, Sir"
After they'd gone Jack waited patiently for his chauffeur to announce that it was time for them to go as well but when he didn't, he reluctantly broached the subject himself. "Shouldn't we be leaving too?"
"Change of plan, mate." He walked behind him and started to push the chair towards the bedroom.
"I don't understand."
"Let's get you comfortable and then I'll fill you in."
"I'm staying here?" He queried, feeling a little more hopeful but at the same time, knowing it wasn't actually possible.
"You are."
"But I thought..."
Bobby took him to the bathroom and waited for him to change into a pair of clean pyjamas before helping him into bed. "Look Sparks, we could all see you didn't want to go to that place so we put our heads together and came up with a different plan."
"What plan?"
"We've arranged for someone to move in and look after you right here until you're fit enough to be left on your own."
"Crash, home help like that costs a fortune. There's no way I can afford it and neither can you."
"Don't you worry your head about that... I have it on the best authority that this guy we've hired doesn't charge much, just bed and board and the odd meal or two."
"No, you can't..."
"Not me." He raised his hands in horror. "Do I look like a nursemaid to you? This guy is far more suited to the job and, unless I'm very much mistaken, he's just arrived so if you'll excuse me."
Unable to hear what was going on, Jack waited anxiously to see what his friend had let him in for but found himself totally baffled when Bobby was the only one to come through the door when it opened again a few minutes later.
"So, what do you think of your new nurse?"
"I don't... What?"
The Aussie lowered his gaze to the floor and Jack's followed, peering over the edge of the bed and snorting in surprise. Sitting patiently at his feet was a Golden Labrador, a white plastic case with a red cross painted on it clamped firmly in his jaw.
"The regular sized bag was a bit too big so I'm afraid we had to get the children's version but on the plus side, it means we can trust you not to cut yourself on the scissors."
"And I thought I was the one who'd lost their mind. A dog..?"
"This isn't just any dog mate, he's Levi..."
"The wonder dog" Jack finished for him without actually understanding what or why he'd said it.
"You see, it's still all in there somewhere Sparky but I'm sure you've already guessed that there are certain chores around the place he won't be able to handle so he's brought along a helper of his own." He bent down and retrieved the toy medical kit from the dog's mouth. "Go get Sue."
When she put her head round the door Jack's face immediately lit up and Bobby knew that, for once, he'd done the right thing.
"Is it safe to come in?"
"As safe as it gets."
"Hi."
"Hi, it's good to see you again."
"And you..."
"But why would you..? I mean it's not that I'm not grateful, far from it, but..."
"I had some vacation time coming and this seemed to be the cheapest hotel in the city. It's close to the sights, with free bed and board... What more could a girl ask?"
"I'm afraid the room service isn't up to much." Jack feigned an apology as he got into the spirit of the conversation.
"That's okay. I've always preferred self-catering anyway." She gave him one of her 'I've made up my mind so it's no use arguing' smiles.
"Then welcome to my humble abode and thank you." For some reason his voice kept betraying him today and again he was forced to clear his throat.
Levi barked loudly, feeling a little left out.
"And you too, Levi." He glanced in Sue's direction to confirm he had the name right and the Lab barked again.
"He says he's happy to help."
Jack put out a hand to give him a scratch and Levi licked it affectionately. "Thanks boy, I needed that. I just wish I could remember you and your mistress."
"Come on Buddy. Let's get you fed."
After she'd gone Bobby's face turned serious. "You've got a second chance here Sparky, don't blow it."
"Sorry?"
"I mean, don't drive her away like you did Allie."
"Are you and she..?"
"Nah, I'm not that lucky."
"Okay," he nodded aware that once again he'd missed something. "So, how is this going to work?"
"Sue and Levi will live in and take care of the day-to-day stuff as well as meds and meals and to give her a break, something she's definitely going to need by the way, I'll take over while she walks Levi, shops and does whatever else it is women do in their spare time."
"Why is she doing this?"
"Because she's a kind and caring person, so don't go upsetting her or your next carer will be Myles. And now I have to go"
"Bobby thanks for all of this..."
"Don't thank me, it was her idea."
He lay back and closed his eyes breathing out a relieved sigh as he finally started to relax. This was what he needed more than anything else. To be in his own home and surrounded by people who cared but there was still a niggling doubt in the back of his mind. He'd thought the same thing when he'd moved in with Allie and it had all gone horribly wrong. What was to prevent it happening again? Silently he made a vow to himself not to take anything for granted and not to become too attached to this woman. For all he knew she could have a boyfriend in New York and once the novelty wore off, or things got too difficult, she could realise she'd made a terrible mistake and shoot through on him as well. He must have dozed off because he was startled by a knock on the door. "Come in."
When nothing happened he laughed at his own stupidity and was just wondering how in the world they were going to communicate when she walked in with a smile on her face and once more he felt his mood lift.
"Are you comfortable? Is there anything you need?"
"Come and talk to me for a while?"
"Okay, we need to sort a few things out anyway."
"That sounds ominous."
"Not really, just a few practicalities."
He patted the space beside him and was slightly disappointed when she perched on the very edge of the bed. "What practicalities?"
"Things like just now. If I knock then I'm not going to hear your reply so if you're undressed or need some privacy, we'll have to find a way so I know not to come in."
"Well if I'm in bed it won't matter and if I'm in the bathroom, I'll shut this door and lock the one that leads into the hallway. I can always change in there or under the covers."
"I used to do that when I was a child."
"Why?"
"Because I grew up with three older, very curious, boys," she blushed slightly and he laughed.
"Uh-huh. And what if I need you?"
"That's easy, call Levi and he'll come and find me but you'll have to keep the bedroom door slightly open. He's not very good with handles and he definitely can't pick locks."
"Not a problem," he was convinced he'd smiled more in the last twenty minutes than he had all the time he was in Wisconsin. "And my meds..?"
"Sarah gave me a schedule and a whole list of tips. I'm sure we'll be able to make this work and your doctor will be by in a couple of days, so hopefully you'll be allowed up."
"Sue, I have no idea why you're doing this but thank you." He tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn and she jumped to her feet.
"You're tired, so why don't you try to get some sleep? Your first tablets aren't due for another couple of hours. I'm going to unpack and I'll use the other door to get into the bathroom so I don't disturb you."
"You won't." She gave him a hand to slide further down the bed and then rearranged his pillows until he was comfortable. "Sleep well."
When he closed his eyes she walked to the window and shut the curtains. "Stay with him, Levi."
o-xxx-o