Hey,
So I know you guys are so excited for this story to continue but I keep procrastinating :( I really did try to write Saturday, but I didn't feel inspired or something. And then Sunday was super busy and I slept in today and ended up being called into work within a half hour of me getting up...
I have the next 3-5 chapters outline, a few sections actually written out, but I really need to get cracking. I don't like finishing things "at the last minute" especially when I'm not using my beta reader.
Anyways, quick disclaimer: I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned this multiple times, but I am not in the medical field and only really know what, at least to me, is common sense, what I learn to get first aid certified, watching ER and House, and what the internet can tell me. So actually, that's a lot. Just know that I am not, and never plan on being, a medical professional. Although I am considering becoming a Vet tech but I'm not sure yet if I want to take on that type of responsibility.
Ugg! Rambling again!
Enjoy! Don't forget to review :D
CHAPTER 25
The next morning, Carlton woke to the ringing of his phone. Reaching blindly for where it usually sat on the end table, he was confused when he was met with empty space. Lifting his head slightly, Carlton looked around the room and saw it sitting on top of his dresser. Before he got up, it stopped. Sighing, he laid back down. While debating whether or not he should check to see who called, it rang again. He quickly got up and snagged the phone.
Ignoring the headache from moving too fast, he answered, "Lassiter."
"Detective, it's about time you answered. I was afraid I was going to get the voicemail, again."
"Chief!" He glanced at the clock, wincing at the late hour. "I um, I-I-I'm sorry I'm late. I can be at the station in a half hour..."
"That's okay, Carlton. I heard about what happened yesterday and I think that it would be best if you stay home for another day or two."
"O-okay. I mean, yes ma'am."
"But I do need you to stop by sometime this afternoon to give your statement. I would like an explanation as to how you discovered where Mr. Spencer was and why my head detective went into a potential dangerous situation without any backup!"
He cringed at both the tone and volume of her voice. He was about to respond when he heard a snicker and Shawn's voice said laughingly, "Aw man, Lassie! You're in so much trouble!" Carlton turned and glared in the direction that Shawn's voice came from, noting that he didn't see the weird outline of Shawn like the night before. "What? I told you to call for back-up. You're the one who was worried about what would happen to you if you tried to explain it. At least you've got a few more hours to think of a good excuse!"
"Carlton? Are you still there?"
"Yes ma'am. I'll be at the station in a few hours."
"Good. Don't keep me waiting. I would like a chance to visit Shawn before going home."
"Of course."
Carlton dropped the phone on the table and went towards his dresser.
"So, what's the plan for today?" Shawn asked as he moved out of Carlton's way.
"I'm taking a shower before making a giant pot of coffee and drinking it. After that, I'll probably eat some breakfast, or should I say lunch..."
"Brunch?" Shawn piped up.
Carlton glared in his general direction. "After I eat some food, I'll make my way to the station. And as I'm doing all that, you will be nowhere near me. I also need to think of how to spin this craziness so I don't get suspended, lose my job, or end up in the Looney bin. Although right now, I'm not sure which I would prefer."
"Technically, if you get sent to the Looney bin, you'll probably lose your job, or at least get demoted."
Carlton darkened his glare as he yanked clothes out of the drawers. "You better hope not, because if my job gets destroyed in any way, I will take it out on you! I don't care whether or not you're really here or stuck in the hospital in a coma. I will have my revenge."
"Oh come on Lassie! You know you love me and would never hurt me, right?" Carlton grabbed his towel and went into the bathroom.
"Just leave me alone this morning, at least until I'm finished talking with the chief."
"Well, what am I suppose to do?"
"I don't know, go visit your father."
"Dude, I told you last night that I can't seem to leave your house."
Carlton frowned and turned around. "What were you doing while I was sleeping?"
"Nothing much. I was just in this dream-like state where I remembered what happened this past week while also still aware of being in both your house and my hospital room. It was very weird and confusing; I even have this slight headache."
"Fine. Just, just stay out of my way." Carlton rubbed his forehead and shut the door.
With a sigh, Shawn collapsed onto the bed. "Nice to know how much you love me. I'll try to figure this out by myself then." Closing his eyes, Shawn concentrated on the image of his hospital room. After a few minutes, he opened his eyes and was disappointed to see Carlton's ceiling. With a growl, Shawn covered his eyes and tried again.
Slowly, he started thinking about other things that would be in his hospital room. Like the machines beeping, his father's breathing, smell of antiseptic, people walking past the door. Soon, he started hearing and smelling more specific things. Like certain doctors being paged, the television softly playing, someone snoring and a mixture of old spice, fresh linens, antiseptic, and a hint of lavender.
Wrinkling his nose, Shawn opened his eyes to find himself in his hospital room. Glancing around the room, he saw the TV quietly showing a poker tournament, Gus sleeping in a chair, himself on the bed and his father standing by the door and gazing at the Shawn on the bed. Shawn didn't know what freaked him out more: seeing himself looking almost dead with a whole bunch of wires and tubes attached; or his father's stare.
Ignoring the bed, Shawn walked over to Gus and examined his best friend. Gus looked slightly more relaxed than a few days ago but still tired. He was clean shaven and had fresh clothes on but had a faded stain on his pants, like he spilled coffee or something. Probably tried to wash it off in the washroom before giving up. His dad was in no better state: clean yet wrinkled clothes, tired expression and a cup of, if Shawn wasn't mistaken, cafeteria coffee.
Leaning against the wall, Shawn sighed, "Now what?" Before he could dwell on it, a doctor came in. Noticing Gus sleeping, the doctor gestured for Henry to come out into the hallway. Intrigued, Shawn followed them.
"I'm pretty sure that I said only one visitor at a time, Mr. Spencer." The doctor smiled.
"Yeah, well Gus had fallen asleep and I thought, instead of waking him, it might be okay if I stayed."
"In any other department, that most likely would be the case. But as you can tell, the rooms are fairly small and it's a bit easier getting around one concerned visitor than two if there is an emergency."
"Yeah, I see your point." Henry sighed and rubbed his face.
Shawn shook his head and commented, "Wow, you must be tired, letting the doctor win an argument."
"I see you were able to go home and change," the doctor said.
Henry scoffed, "More like Gus brought me some clothes and I washed up in the bathroom."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I know you live over two hours away but there is a hotel a block over."
"I'll think about it, doc. But as soon as Shawn is awake and well enough, I want him transferred to Santa Barbara General so he'll be closer to friends and family."
"I understand that sir, but if he doesn't wake up soon, the odds of him ever doing so keep getting lower."
"Doctor, I know my son and he will wake up eventually. He's just waiting to make me mad."
Shawn laughed, "Yeah, I could see myself doing that."
"Trust me; he'll wake up before the weekend is over." Henry folded his arms.
"That is very optimistic of you, sir."
"It's not optimism, it's a gut feeling and my gut is hardly ever wrong."
Shawn nodded his head, "Yeah, I could attest to that."
"Now tell me what's new with Shawn."
The doctor looked down at his chart as he said, "Very well. The antibiotic is working so his fever is going down but it could spike back up again. There doesn't seem to be any more spots of infection. The hospital recently got a new supply of blood so we're waiting for the approval to give him a few more pints."
"Well what's the hold up? If he needs blood, then give it to him!"
"Sir you must understand. Yes he needs more blood, but he has enough that he'll survive until his body can make more. But until then, he still runs the risk of a complication arising. But on the flip side, another trauma victim might come in and we won't have enough blood to keep them alive long enough to save them. It's a bit of a catch 22, I'm sorry to say."
"Then take some of my blood and give it to Shawn."
"Wow Dad, that's almost a normal response."
"We could do that. When was the last time you gave blood?"
"I don't know, a half a year ago or so."
The doctor nodded as he tapped the chart on his leg. "We might be able to take two liters today. Then it will be several hours, maybe a whole day, before we can give him the blood, depending on how busy Labs are."
"Just do it. I don't care how long it takes, as long as Shawn gets some fresh blood."
"Alright. Then I will have a nurse bring you downstairs to an empty bed..."
"I want to do it up here, so I can watch my son."
"That's creepy dad." Shawn shook his head.
"Sir, it will be at least an hour before you can get up and you will need nurses to check on you."
"Well when they check up on Shawn they can check on me too."
The doctor smirked, "I'm not going win this one, am I?"
"Sorry doc, but I'm too stubborn and I want to be there in case anything happens."
"Very well. I'll let a nurse know."
"Dang dad, you always have to have your way." Shawn inputted.
"Thank you." Henry nodded as he headed back to the door.
"Mr. Spencer!" The doctor called and waited until Henry turned around. "I'm still going to enforce the one visitor at a time rule."
"Fine, then I'll send Gus out to get lunch, or at least to go sleep in the waiting room." With that, Henry entered the room.
The doctor shook his head and went towards the nurse's station, mumbling, "Very interesting fellow. Can't wait until the son wakes up and I can meet him."
Shawn chuckled as he followed his father. "Believe me doc, you're gonna regret those words."