DISCLAIMER: I SOMETIMES DAYDREAM THAT I LIVE ON THE ISLAND BUT I DON'T...

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Chapter 50: Goodbyes.

Previously.

"… Someone out there could lose a family member… I don't need rescuing anymore but others still do… The world needs International Rescue!"

… …

Everyone contemplated what Virgil had said. They all knew that he was right, if a disaster did occur and someone were to die because International Rescue had not been available, then each one of them would feel personally responsible. After another five minutes of silence, Scott spoke. "I hate to admit it but Virgil's right. I just hate the thought of returning to duty without you, especially when you are needing our emotional support."

Virgil reached out and held Scott's hand, gripping it tightly. "I know I've been struggling and yes, I know it's going to take me a long time to process everything. I also know it's going to be several months before I can even contemplate returning to work… But, the world won't stop turning while I recuperate. Disasters will happen, people will get hurt, and they will need our unique services to help them… Look, I'm not suggesting that all of you go home, if you're that worried about me one of you could stay here."

"Okay, so we're all in agreement that International Rescue does need to continue?" Jeff questioned.

"Yes," everyone replied.

"Okay, then my suggestion is that mother, you and all the boys return home tomorrow, while I will stay here with Virgil. Does everyone agree?"

Even though they were all still reluctant to leave, everyone nodded their agreement, knowing that what had been said was really for the best.

… …

The following afternoon:

Penelope entered the ward room and smiled at Jeff who was quietly reading a magazine, while Virgil dosed in the big chair which the nurses had propped him up in. "How is he?"

Jeff placed his magazine down and returned Penny's warm smile. "He's okay, they gave him some pain medication about an hour ago."

"How did the scans go?"

"Good, they will be starting him on some light physio on his shoulder in a day or two. They also did some scans on his ribs and everything's healing as it should."

"That's good, any chance he'll be able to come home soon?"

"Not while he's still getting his pain meds through the IV. As soon as that does change, I plan to speak to Gerry and see what can be arranged." Jeff glanced towards the doorway. "Where's everyone else, still packing?"

"They were just finishing," Penny explained, "I have no idea how your sons have amassed so much stuff over such a short space of time and how they've managed to lose half of it."

Jeff frowned. "They've not destroyed the hotel suite looking for everything, have they?"

"Don't worry, your mother and Parker were making sure they cleared up their mess."

Jeff grinned. "I can imagine my mother and Parker are quite a team."

"Oh, they certainly are!" Penny laughed.

"You should wake him up before you go," Jeff suggested, noticing Penny was now watching Virgil sleeping.

"Are you sure?" Penny questioned. "He seems to be sleeping quite soundly."

"Yes!" Jeff replied, standing up. "Look, I'm going to head to the canteen for a coffee. Wake him, I know he will be disappointed if he doesn't get to say goodbye."

Penny smiled and nodded. Once Jeff had left she quietly made her way over to Virgil, sat herself down and gently took his hand in hers. "Virgil."

Virgil slowly opened his eyes, a natural smile falling across his face. "Hey."

"Sorry to wake you, I just wanted to make sure that I managed to say goodbye."

"That's okay, when are you and Parker leaving?" Virgil questioned.

"As soon as Parker finishes helping your grandmother keep your brothers in line."

Virgil smirked. "Are they causing trouble?"

"Something like that."

Virgil squeezed her hand. "Do you really have to go so soon?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Penny replied, "I have a few business functions that I simply cannot put off any longer."

"That's a shame, I really would have enjoyed your company," he replied with a cheeky grin.

"And in what way would you have enjoyed my company?" Penelope asked, her eyes twinkling.

"I'm sure we could have figured something out!"

"You're incapacitated!"

"That wouldn't stop me," he responded, beckoning her to come closer and then kissing her softly on her lips.

"Well, I will hold you to that when you come and visit."

"Will I see you before then?"

"Yes, I will definitely be on the island for your homecoming."

Virgil released a despondent sigh. "Whenever that may be."

"I'm sure that you will be strong enough to return soon."

"I hope so!"

"And as I said, I will be there," Penelope raised her eyebrow, "I'm sure if you keep that in mind it will help you to feel better."

"Oh, it certainly does!" Virgil grinned, pulling her in for another kiss.

"Busted!" A voice laughed from the doorway.

Virgil and Penelope looked up, both sighing when they saw Scott, Alan, John and Gordon grinning back at them, with the shocked expressions of Jeff, Ruth and Parker standing closely behind.

"How long have you been standing there?" Virgil questioned.

"Oh, long enough!" Gordon giggled.

"Err… M'Lady, we need to be making a move," Parker informed her, stepping in front of the boys.

"Of course, Parker," Penny replied, before turning her attention back to Virgil, "I'll see you soon."

Virgil nodded and not caring what the others thought, pulled her in for another kiss. "Yes, soon!"

Penelope smiled, then standing up she turned towards the doorway. "Boys."

"Bye Penny," they all chorused, giving her a quick hug.

"Ruth, Jeff," she added, "it's always a pleasure."

"Of course, Penny," Ruth and Jeff both responded, returning the handshake and hug she offered.

Parker coughed to gain Penelope's attention. "Are you ready M'Lady."

"Yes, of course Parker," Penny answered, making her way outside.

"Bye Parker," Virgil called.

"Yes, bye Master Virgil... Feel better soon!" Parker responded, shooting him a very concerned look before leaving the room.

"So, Virgil, how are you feeling?" Scott questioned, sitting himself in the chair that Penny had vacated.

"I'm okay, pain's not too bad."

"That's good, anything interesting to tell us?" Scott asked, smirking at him.

"Nope!" Virgil retorted with a giant grin.

"Oh, come on bro," Gordon and Alan both chirped bouncing over to Virgil. "It's you and Penny!"

"Yes, come on Virg, you can't hold out on us!" John added.

"Now come on boys, leave your brother alone," Ruth warned them, "I'm sure he will give us the details when he's good and ready!"

"Thank you, grandma."

"That's okay sweetie," She replied, ruffling his hair, "whatever the situation, I'm just pleased to see you happy."

"I don't think Parker feels the same," Gordon laughed, "he's very protective of Penelope and judging from his reaction I would say you have to watch yourself there."

"Gordon, stop teasing your brother!" Ruth scolded, when she noticed a look of worry spread across Virgil's face.

"But grandma it's so much fun!" Gordon whined.

"Then tease one of your other brothers!" She suggested.

"Hey!" The others protested.

"Grandma, you're not meant to have a favourite!" Alan complained.

"I don't, I love you all equally," Ruth stated, "It's just Virgil's been through enough and shouldn't have to deal with you lot mocking him!"

"Exactly!" Virgil replied, with a big grin, while his brothers all playfully scowled at him.

Ruth laughed at them all, then noticing Jeff had not joined them she turned and glanced at her son who was still standing in the doorway looking shocked. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I am," Jeff answered, shaking the look of surprise away, "oh, and don't worry," he whispered in Virgil's ear, "Parker will come around!"

"Thanks dad," Virgil replied, before focusing on his brothers and grandma. "So, how long before you're all due to fly out?"

"I want to get us back before nightfall," Scott answered, "we'll probably head to the airfield in an hour."

"Why are you trying to get rid of us already?" Gordon questioned, feigning his disappointment in a very over the top way.

Virgil released a hearty laugh. "Gordon, you're so dramatic! You really missed your calling as a movie star."

Gordon grinned, coughed to clear his throat, and then held himself in a theatrical pose. "Oh Romeo, Romeo…"

"That's the girls part!" Alan squawked with amusement.

"Yes, I knew that!" Gordon stated, turning a royal red from his brothers, fathers and grandmothers' laughter. "Err… So Virg, we all got you presents," he added, trying desperately to change everybody's focus onto something else.

"Presents?" Virgil said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Yeah, I got you this," Alan chirped, pulling a box out of a bag that his grandma had passed him.

Virgil eagerly opened the box and smiled when he found a small furry bear inside. "Aww, this is cute!"

"It's because you always give the best bear hugs ever," Alan explained, "also, press his tummy."

Virgil pressed the bears tummy and chuckled when the bear growled. "Thank you, Alan, I love him. Now, come here and give me a cuddle."

Alan happily skipped over and carefully hugged his brother.

Once Virgil had released Alan, Ruth stepped forwards. "Here you go sweetie, I got you this."

Virgil took the small bag from her and pulled out the gift. "A jar of coffee?"

Ruth nodded. "It's the one we use on the island, I've talked the nurses and caterers here to give you this instead of the drivel they serve."

Virgil thanked her and gave her a quick hug before focussing on John who was now stepping forwards.

"My gift comes with an apology." John explained, passing Virgil a box. "You see, when you were missing I accidently broke your favourite cup. I'm really sorry, I found a replacement and I really hope you like it."

Virgil opened the box revealing a shimmering green mug. "Cool! Thanks bro, I love it."

"Are you sure?" John asked nervously.

"Yes of course," Virgil confirmed, "this one seems to be sparkling... Plus, you've given it to me, so that makes it one hundred times better!"

Scott grinned at Virgil when he had finished hugging John. "Here's mine. Hopefully, it will help with the boredom when you've only got our old man for company."

"Hey!" Jeff protested, with a slight smirk at Scott's jibe.

"Art pad and pencils!" Virgil beamed, when he'd opened the bag.

"Oh, I also added some more of your favourite tracks on to this for you." Scott explained, pulling out a small music player and headphones from an inner pocket.

"Thank you!"

"No problem!" Scott said, excepting the cuddle from his brother.

"Me next," Gordon sang.

Virgil looked at him quizzically when he was passed a suspicious looking box. "Is this safe to open?"

"Of course!" Gordon stated innocently.

"Don't look at us," John said, "he's refused to tell any of us what he was getting you."

Virgil frowned and slowly opened the box, jumping when a jack in the box popped out. "Jeez, Gordon!"

Gordon chuckled at Virgil's surprise, "Now pull out the small drawer at the bottom."

"Do I really want too?" Virgil asked.

Gordon nodded. "Seriously, your real gift is inside."

Virgil carefully opened the drawer. "My chain?"

"When Alan gave you your chain back you hadn't noticed that the clasp was damaged and the chain itself was scuffed. So, I got it fixed for you."

Virgil grabbed his brother's hand and pulled him into the biggest squeeze he could manage. "Wow, Gordon. This was really sweet of you, thank you so much!"

"You're worth it Virg," Gordon said, breathing in the hug, "now, let me go before Scott starts blubbering."

"I'm not crying!" Scott exclaimed, quickly wiping away his tears.

Taking a small box out of his pocket, Jeff stepped forwards. "Even though I'm staying with you, I've also got you a little something."

Virgil opened the box and grinned when he saw what was inside. "A new watch."

Jeff picked up the watch and fastened it to Virgil's left wrist. "It's to replace your old one as it was broken."

"How did you get it here?" Virgil enquired.

"I brought it with me when we left the island to come here, I wanted you to have a new one as soon as possible."

Virgil embraced his father. "Thanks dad."

Jeff returned the hug and then pulled away looking in his son's eyes. "I want you to remember that even though you're going to be out of action for a long time, you're are still an important part of International Rescue!"

Virgil nodded. "I will!"

"Good," Jeff replied, ruffling Virgil's hair before checking his own watch, "I think it's time you lot made a move."

"I guess you are right dad," Scott sighed when he also saw what time it was.

After another 15 minutes of warm hugs followed by goodbyes, everyone finally left for Tracy one, leaving just Virgil and his father in the ward room.

"Well, I guess it's just you and me kiddo."

"Yeah," Virgil sighed.

"Don't worry, as soon as we get the all clear, we will get you home!"

"Yep, definitely!" Virgil nodded, a look of determination creeping on his face. "Oh, and dad…"

"Yes son?"

"Don't call me kiddo!"