…2012

Joey had finally managed to drag Charlie away from the hospital and get her tucked up in bed. She'd protested every step of the way, but the moment her head had hit the pillow, she was out of it. They'd both been relieved when Charlie's scans had come back clear and normally that would have been cause for celebration, but no one was in a mood to celebrate anything.

Sid, as he asked them to call him, had let them spend some time in the room with Georgie and it had been heartbreaking to see their friend lying there, the sound of the machines a constant reminder to the seriousness of her condition. They weren't allowed to stay too long though, as it was only supposed to be family only, much to Bianca's distress. The moment Jack had finally arrived, she'd taken April and made a quick exit. She really felt for her friend and knew that if she had been the spouse, that Bianca would never have left Georgie's side. Joey also felt for Jack and Romeo. Jack had looked so lost and shattered when he was informed just how serious his wife's condition was and poor little Romeo, had been utterly devastated to see his mother like that and had gotten so upset, that Jack had had to pick him up and take him from the room to calm him down. Once he was calm, Jack decided it would be best to send him home with Leah and VJ, rather than have him getting upset again. She just hoped that under Leah's tender care, Romeo got some sleep.

"No, it's not fair," Charlie murmurs in her sleep. Already spooning her, Joey tightens her arm over her and kisses the back of her shoulder, whispering soothing words to her. No matter how many times she told Charlie she wasn't to blame, right now, she just felt too guilty for getting off so lightly to listen. Joey had a feeling that only when Georgie was out of danger, would her wife be willing to accept that she has nothing to feel guilty about.

Jack had also expressed guilt that he hadn't been there for his wife. Joey had sensed something else was bothering him and she had a feeling there was more behind his guilt, yet under the circumstances, she kept her opinion to herself. She still had no proof he was cheating on his wife and this was the absolute worst time to bring something like that up. They all needed to be there not just for Georgie, but also for her family. Joey did wonder though, what had happened between Jack and Peter because you could cut the tension between them with a knife.

Earlier at the hospital:

Jack was wracked by guilt as he raced up to the hospital entrance. The case had been adjourned early and instead of returning to the station, he'd stopped by Martha's. He shook his head. While his wife had been fighting for her life, he had his phone turned off so he could screw his mistress without interruption. He had never felt so bad about his affair until now and despite the state their marriage was in, he still cared for his wife; she was the mother of his son and when they'd made love last night for the first time in ages, he realised he still found her attractive and desirable.

"Jack," Peter waylays him before he could go inside. "Where have you been, because you weren't at the court house where you were supposed to have been."

"Yeah I know. The case finished early for the day so I took a bit of time to catch some fresh air after being stuck in that stuffy room."

Peter stares at him. "Don't lie to me Jack. I know you're up to something and after what's happened with Georgie, that is something your conscience is going to have to deal with, but while your wife is in that hospital bed, you will put her and your son first, do you understand me?"

"Yes Sarge."

"And when she's better, stop jerking her around," he says harshly. "If you're having a bit on the side, then you either end it or end your marriage because Georgie doesn't deserve to be treated as second best. Are we clear?"

"Yes. Peter, I never meant for," he stops when Peter raises his hand.

"I'm not interested in excuses. Just get in there and be a husband and father. Oh and Jack, don't ever turn your phone off when you're on duty, unless you're actually in court or I'll have you up on report the next time."

Feeling even lower and guiltier than before, Jack follows Peter into the hospital.

Charlie murmurs again. Her wife had been given two days off because of the accident and while Joey knew she wouldn't be able to get Charlie to relax much during her time off, she could make sure she got a decent night's sleep. She was pleased when Charlie responded to her soothing words in her sleep. "It's going to be ok," whispers Joey.

Yawning, Charlie rolls onto her back and glances at the clock. She was surprised to see the clock flick over to 9.30. Normally, she hated sleeping in if she was alone like now, but her body seemed to appreciate the extra sleep this morning. Her nose still hurt but the bruises she received from the seat belt had dulled. She had stiffened up somewhat though, she found when she sat up. Moving gingerly, she made her way to the bathroom, where Joey had laid out everything she needed for a shower, including a note telling her to shout downstairs if she wanted help to get to those hard to get places. Joey had written a few other things that had her blushing. Her wife certainly knew how to brighten her day, she mused, even if she wasn't here to do it personally. Weighing up her options, she decided on showering alone because calling down to Joey for help would mean she'd be mollycoddled for the rest of the day. Stepping into the shower, she let the warm water wash over her, while hoping that today there was better news about her friend.

The shower had been soothing and now that she was up and moving about, Charlie was starting to loosen up. Heading downstairs, the aroma of coffee had her stomach rumbling.

"Wow, I've seen boxers looking better than you after going 10 rounds," Joey jokes as she kisses her wife good morning.

Charlie had grimaced herself when she'd seen herself in the mirror. Her nose was still swollen and her eyes looked liked she'd been punched in the face a couple of times. "I did feel as if I'd gone 50 rounds before my shower."

"And now?"

"Maybe five rounds."

"You were a bit restless last night, so I hope you don't mind that I didn't wake you."

"It's fine, I obviously needed the sleep. Has there been any news from the hospital?"

"There's been no change in Georgie's condition, which is a good thing. You know what Sid said, that the longer she holds on, the more it swings in her favour."

"I hope so." Charlie looks around, thinking it was too quiet. "Where's Ruby?"

"Aden was by earlier and he offered to take Ruby so we can spend time at the hospital. We can go as soon as you've had something to eat."

Charlie wanted to argue that they should go now, but she doubted her wife would let her out the door without breakfast and she really could do with a coffee, so she sat down and let her wife pamper her.

They weren't allowed into the room, but they could view Georgie through the large window, which Charlie had rested her forehead against. Her friend looked almost peaceful and if it wasn't for the ventilator and all the other machinery, she'd think Georgie was just asleep.

"Bianca hasn't been in this morning," Joey says as she returns to Charlie's side. Given how Bianca felt about Georgie, they'd been surprised to not find her here when they'd arrived. Thinking she might have just stepped out for some fresh air, Joey had done a quick look around before asking a nurse. "I hope she's ok, she was so upset yesterday."

"I might go and check on her," murmurs Charlie. She turns her back on the window. "I just," she shrugs.

"I understand Charlie. It's not easy seeing Georgie like this."

"It so easily could have been me."

"But it wasn't you and going over the if onlys, doesn't help anyone."

"I know that, I do, but I just can't help it." She sighs. "Survivor's guilt isn't an easy thing to deal with."

"Georgie survived too Charlie," she reminds her. "And I'm here for you if you need to talk or just need a cuddle."

"I could do with a cuddle now."

Joey opens her arms and welcomes her wife into them. "I haven't known Georgie all that long, but I do know that she will fight to get back to her loved ones, just like I would fight like hell for you and Ruby if I was in the same position."

"Please don't say that Joey, I wouldn't be able to cope if anything were to happen to you."

"Of course you would, because Ruby would need her Charlie mum more than ever."

Charlie knew Joey was right. "Well I hope I never have to find out."

"Same here."

Charlie holds onto Joey a little longer before stepping back. "I shouldn't be too long, but call me if there is even the slightest change in Georgie's condition."

"I will but if you need to stay with Bianca, then you should. There's plenty of support here for Georgie and for Jack, and right now, Bianca might need one friend a little more."

Georgie's parents still hadn't arrived, but Jack and Romeo were surrounded by his family and all morning, fellow officers had been stopping by, lending their support to them and offering words of encouragement to Georgie.

Charlie nods. "I'll call and let you know if I'm staying with Bianca." She brushes her lips over Joey's. "I love you."

"I love you too."