A/N: Thanks again for your reviews. I fear this story has gone on too long and readers are tired. So. . .here is the next chapter in this epic. I see maybe 3 or 4 more at the most before the end. It's hotter than hades here in Oklahoma; too hot even to be in the pool, so I'm getting a lot of writing done. More coming tomorrow.

Long Enough Alone?

Chapter 38 -Surviving

About an hour later the nurse from the ICU came to find Jen and Jackson and tell them Jethro was back from surgery. Dr. Harmon was at the desk when they returned to Jethro's room.

"He tolerated this latest problem better than I would have expected. We repaired some small tears in his colon and found some more bone fragments floating around from the rib and managed to get those out. All in all I'm impressed. His heart is very strong and he seems determined to live which can make a lot of difference in these situations. I certainly hope we don't have to go in again and I don't think we will. I'm confident we took care of anything that could cause more bleeding. I had a much clearer field this time. He will be out for several hours so I suggest you get some rest while you can. We will be keeping him pretty heavily sedated for the next couple of days. If he wakes up in the next several hours it won't be for more than a couple of minutes at a time. All I want him to do for now is sleep and let the body heal itself. We've really done about all we can for now except manage his pain and monitor him. Now it's mostly up to him."

"Thank you doctor. I think we'll stay for a while."

Jen and Jack went back to their waiting. Jack stood at the foot of the bed with his hand on Jethro's foot. He and Jethro has been estranged for many years after Shannon and Kelly's deaths but in the past few years they had mended their differences and become much closer. He loved his son fiercely and wished with all his heart he could trade places with him right now. Looking at Jen and watching her for the last few hours he knew Jethro had someone very special to live for. That gave him hope; hope that Jethro would still know that and battle his way back to her.

Jen looked at the clock and saw that they were approaching the twelve hour mark that was so crucial. They were going to get past that first hurdle she was very sure of that. Every hour from now on brought them closer to Jethro surviving and recovering. She lowered the bed rail so she could hold his hand more comfortably and rest her head on the bed. She held tightly to his hand and rested her other hand gently on his head absently stroking her fingers through his hair. After a while even though the position wasn't all that comfortable she fell asleep. Jack dozed on and off in his chair.

She had been asleep almost an hour when she came awake to Jethro moaning and moving his head very slightly. She began talking to him quietly, soothing him and calming him down. She knew he was nowhere near awake but she also knew he would be conscious of her presence on some level. After just a few moments he settled down and seemed to relax. Jen had to stand up and stretch; her back was killing her. It was worth it though to have some physical contact with him. She made the decision while she was moving around and working the kinks out of her back that she would go home in the morning and see Sophie. She knew the child would be very worried about Jethro and she wanted to reassure her he was going to be okay. At least she hoped that was what she was going to tell her in the morning.

Throughout the night Jen continued her vigil at Jethro's bedside. She slept fitfully, sometimes for only minutes at a time but it was worth it to be near him. Jackson remained in his chair, stoically waiting for his son to come back to them. There were no more alarms, no more terrifying moments, just the steady hum of life sustaining machinery. Sometime after midnight Ducky came in and said he and the team except for Tony were leaving. DiNozzo had opted to stay and Ziva would relieve him in a few hours. When Jen heard that she went to the waiting room and got Tony. She knew from her conversations with Jethro that he and his senior agent had a special bond and she felt Tony needed to see the Boss and know he was really still with them.

"He looks so. . . I don't know what. I've never seen him hooked up to this many machines before."

Jen carefully explained what each and every wire and tube were for. She reassured Tony that his Boss was really doing pretty well considering what he'd been through that day.

"I know it looks really bad and it is but I'm very confident he's going to make it. It will be a long road but he'll be back Tony. You have to believe that."

"Oh, I believe you. A couple of street punks aren't going to take the Boss away from us. From you. He's really happy with you I just want you to know that. He doesn't want anyone to know but he's way crazy about you and little Sophie. He'll come back to you."

"Thank you Tony. I know Jethro is very fond of you; he trusts you and depends on you a lot. You'll have a load on yourself until he's back. You need to take care of yourself these next few weeks."

"I will." Tony patted Jethro's arm and said, "I'll be back Bossman."

The next several hours passed without incident or interruption. Jethro didn't move and Jen never left the room. His dad was snoring softly in the chair by the window. Jen maneuvered her chair so she could lay her head on the bed more comfortably and closer to Jethro. She slept for almost an hour and was awakened by Jethro softly moaning and moving his hand ever so slightly in hers. She stood up and used a warm cloth the nurse handed her to wipe off his face. She kissed his forehead and spoke softly to him telling him everything was okay and he was going to be fine.

"Can you open your eyes for me Jethro? I would love to see those fabulous blue eyes this morning. Your dad's here."

She held his hand to her cheek and kissed his palm. She stroked her fingers up and down his arm and kept talking to him in her most soothing voice. Jackson came to stand next to her and he put his big hand on Jethro's leg patting it gently.

"Come on son, try and wake up for us. I came all this way and you've been asleep since I got here."

Jen kept one eye on Jethro's face and the other on the monitors. He was doing fine according to all the numbers and she felt like he was on the verge of waking up.

Jethro could hear Jen and his dad talking to him. He felt like he was floating and couldn't seem to get his bearings. He wanted to see Jen so badly. He felt her kissing him and stroking his arm with her gentle touch. He tried to squeeze her hand but he couldn't tell if he was or not. Opening his eyes seemed like a monumental task but he kept trying. Just keep talking to me Jen, I'm here. Keep touching me and I'll be able to find my way back to you. Please don't leave me. I'm trying, I want to see you so much." He felt Jen's soft lips on his knuckles, felt her gently running her fingers through his hair. When she leaned down and kissed him on the cheek he absolutely had to see her. His eyes fluttered open, once, twice and finally he was able to keep them open long enough to actually see her beautiful face leaning over him. The smile on her face when she saw him looking at her was worth all the effort it had taken.

Seeing Jethro looking at her even through the haze of pain and drugs was the best thing Jen had ever seen.

"Oh thank God," she said more to herself than to him. "Hello handsome, welcome back." Tears were running down her cheeks despite her best efforts to control them. She felt Jethro trying to move his hand and she raised it to her lips. He swiped at her tears with his thumb as best he could.

Jackson stepped into his son's line of sight and said, "Hello son. Good to finally see you at least a little bit awake. You scared me, Jethro."

Jethro just blinked at his dad and Jackson grinned back at him in silent understanding. Jethro turned his focus back to Jen. He wanted to say something but didn't have the strength even if he hadn't had a breathing tube down his throat. Instead he blinked slowly at her and tried to convey his feelings with his eyes.

"I love you so much and yes, you scared us. But you are going to be okay. I promise. You need to rest Jethro and don't worry about anything but getting well. Bill and Ellen are with Sophie at the house. Your dad and I will be here. Go back to sleep. I love you."

She felt him give her fingers a light squeeze and he blinked twice at her. Then he sighed and went back to sleep. Jen turned to Jackson and fell into his arms sobbing with relief. Her brain knew things could still go wrong and she could still lose this wonderful man but in her heart she knew that wasn't going to happen. They were going to make it. Jethro would survive, they would get married and things would be good for them again. This was just a detour in their journey not the end.

Ducky came in shortly after Jethro went back to sleep and Jen shared the good news with him. He too, now felt like Jethro would survive and recover. They were approaching the twenty four hour mark and the patient was making steady if slow progress.

"My dear he will sleep now for hours. They've given him his pain meds just now and even that small exertion to open his eyes will have tired him out. Why don't the two of you take a break and get something to eat and a shower."

Jackson spoke up and said, "Jenny you go home and see your daughter, have a shower and a meal. I'll stay here until you get back. Then I'll have a turn."

"Are you sure? I really do need to see Sophie but I hate to leave."

"I'm sure. Trust me, you will need your strength when Jethro really wakes up. I won't leave him alone."

Ducky patted her on the back and said, "Jack's right, when Jethro wakes up he will not be much fun. You need to take care of yourself the next few days. When you get back Jack and I will go to my house and he can rest and eat there."

"Okay, but I won't be gone long. Wait, I don't have a car."

"Jethro's truck is in the parking lot. First row. The keys are at the nurse's station. Abby and McGee brought it for you early this morning."

Jen walked out into the cold crisp morning and realized she was wearing only hospital scrubs and no coat. Her jacket was ruined and had undoubtedly been thrown away. At least she hoped so; she certainly didn't want to ever see it again. Even though it was cold outside the fresh air felt good to her and she breathed deeply on her way to the truck. It was almost 9:00 and she was anxious to see Sophie. Somehow she managed to find her way home and when she pulled in the driveway she sat in the truck for a few minutes and said a silent prayer of thanks. Then she gathered herself and started for the front door.

When she stepped inside she was greeted with the smell of coffee and bacon frying and realized she was famished. Bill stepped into the hallway and looked at her questioningly.

"He's still with us. In fact he woke up for just a minute about half an hour ago. I think he's going to make it."

Bill hugged her and told her how happy he was to hear that encouraging bit of news. About that time Sophie realized her mom was home and came running from the kitchen.

"Mommy, you're home." She threw herself at her mom's legs and hugged her tightly. "Where's Jethro?"

"He's still in the hospital Sophie. Come sit on the couch with me for a minute."

"Why? What's the matter? Did Jethro go to heaven like daddy?"

With each question Sophie was becoming more and more upset. She was on the verge of tears and refused to go with her mother.

"No, Sophie, Jethro is at the hospital I promise. I just saw him a few minutes ago. Come here baby. I know you're scared but I promise Jethro will be okay. Come sit with me and I'll explain it all to you."

Jen knew she was taking a bit of a gamble promising her Jethro was going to be alright but she truly believed he was going to be fine eventually. Now she just had to convince Sophie of that. She gathered the distraught child onto her lap and held her close.

"Sophie some bad men hurt Jethro yesterday and he had to stay at the hospital. I have to tell you the truth, he was hurt very badly but he's getting better. In a day or two when he feels better you can see him but he can't come home for a while. He has to stay at the hospital where they have lots of doctors and nurses to take care of him."

"But why can't you take care of him?"

"Well, when he's ready to come home I will. And you will help me. But not yet. Now, how did you like having Maggie come see you?"

"I like it. But I wish I could see Jethro too. Why can't I see him sleeping?"

"He's in a special room right now and they don't let children visit there very often. It's a rule in the hospital. Come on, mommy's starving. Let's go have breakfast."

After a breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast Jen went upstairs to shower and lie down. She made Ellen promise to wake her in an hour. When she got to the bedroom Jen almost fell apart. She laid down on Jethro's side of the bed and pulled his pillow to her face so she could inhale his scent. She cried and cried; tears of exhaustion and fear and the pain she felt at seeing Jethro so near death and suffering. She fell fast asleep holding his pillow to her chest. Just over an hour later Ellen gently woke her. Jen could have easily slept another eight hours but she wanted to get back to the hospital. She took a quick shower and put on some very welcome clean clothes.

When she went downstairs to leave Sophie was waiting. She handed her mother a drawing she had done for Jethro. It was a picture of the three of them in front of the house. There was a very small dog in the picture.

"This is for Jethro to have at the hospital. It's us and the new Maggie. I know it will make him feel better."

"He will love it. I promise to put it where he can see it. I have to go now Sophie. I love you very much. Be a good girl okay."

"Mommy please let me come with you. I'll be quiet. I really, really want to see him."

Jen looked at her daughter and it was all she could do to say no. She had never seen Sophie so worked up. "I will take you to see him tomorrow I promise. Not today sweetie. If Jethro is feeling better I will take you tomorrow."

Sophie had tears in her eyes and she said, "what if he's not there tomorrow? What if he goes to heaven with my other daddy?"

"Oh, baby he won't. He's getting better. Please believe me Sophie. He's going to try really super hard to get well so he can come home and be here with you and me. I'll take you to see him tomorrow."

"Okay." Sophie clung to her mom and Jen just held onto her until the child let go.

All the way to the hospital Jen prayed she had told Sophie the truth. She didn't know what she would do if she was wrong.

On the way back to the hospital Jen called Martha to let her know what had happened and that the wedding was postponed. They talked for a few minutes and Jen assured Martha she would keep her informed about Jethro's condition. Nothing had changed when she got back to the ICU. Ducky and Jack left so Jack could have a decent meal and some much needed rest in a bed instead of a chair. Jethro looked the same but at least he was holding his own.

They passed the twenty-four hour mark and Jethro continued to be stable. By Monday night his chest drain was clear and there was very little drainage. All his blood work was coming back fine and his vital signs were acceptable. Dr. Harmon stopped in late on his way home and told Jen he thought this was going to be one of those times when he was surprised by a patient.

"I didn't have much confidence that Agent Gibbs would last this long and now that he has I have a feeling he's going to make it. There is still a long way to go and as you know, plenty of things can go wrong, infection, blood clots etc., but, barring any of those issues occurring, I think he's going to recover."

"Thank you Doctor. I think so too. I know you had a lot to do with Jethro making it off that operating table. Thank you for not giving up on him."

"He's a fighter that's for sure. I expect we will be able to extubate him tomorrow and remove the chest drain as well. We will begin to cut back very gradually on the pain meds until he begins to wake up more and can tell us how he's feeling. However, I want him to sleep the majority of the time for the next few days so he'll still be fairly well sedated. As you know, sleep and the management of his pain will let him heal faster than almost anything. I'll see him tomorrow. Goodnight Ms. Sheppard."

"Good night Doctor."

Jen returned to her hand holding vigil. She thought Jethro's color was a little bit better and he wasn't as clammy as he had been. After about forty-five minutes Jen felt his fingers moving in her hand and saw his eyes blinking open. She leaned over him so he could see her better. His eyes were clearer than they had been that afternoon and she could tell he was more aware now.

"Hi, handsome. I know you want to talk and that tube will come out tomorrow. You're doing fine, you're going to be okay. Do you remember what happened?"

Jethro blinked twice to signal he did remember.

"You saved the woman and the child Jethro. I'm very proud of you and if you ever do anything like that again, I'll kill you myself."

She felt him squeeze her hand and she smiled at him. She reached for her bag on the floor and pulled out the picture Sophie had drawn for him. She held it up for him to see and she saw his eyes light up just a tiny bit.

"This is from your favorite artist. That's the three of us of course and that tiny little creature is the new Maggie. She was very worried about you and begged me to bring her to see you. I promised her you were getting better and she could come tomorrow. Don't make a liar out of me, please."

Again he squeezed her hand and blinked twice. He tried to raise his hand to touch her face and she held his hand against her cheek. Jen leaned down and laid her head next to his on the pillow and kissed him on the cheek. There were tears in his eyes now and she kissed them away.

"Don't worry about anything now. You are going to be alright. It won't be easy but we can do it together. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere I promise. You just rest and sleep and get better. Your dad is with Ducky. He'll be back in the morning. I love you Jethro, with everything I have."

Jethro closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

TBC