Even though Changing World was a one-shot, in honor of 9-11, I decided to continue to story. Will continue Mike's story during and after his cancer treatment, how the Nathan James crew bands together to take care of him and to make his story known.
World View
Chapter 1
Mike was figuring on taking a taxi back to his non-descript apartment once he was released from the hospital, but he was shocked when Tom showed up with the nurse with the wheelchair.
"I told you that you were coming home with Sasha and I, and that you would be taken care of. Please tell me I don't have to help you get dressed?" Tom asked as the nurse unhooked the IV and helped Mike set up.
"I can dress myself, thank you very much." Mike said.
"If you'll step out in the hallway, I'll help him. Admiral, you are going to be pretty winded for a while. We took a sizeable piece of your lung out." The nurse, Nancy said.
"Yes, ma'am." Tom answered and Nancy helped Mike set up, pull his sweats and t-shirt on, put his socks and shoes on and then helped him into the wheelchair.
"I'm not good at asking for help." Mike admitted to her.
"You've been through a lot and you have some chemo yet to go through. My advice is, let your friends help you." Nancy answered.
"I'm sure I'll be fine." Mike remarked as she pushed him into the hallway. Tom had taken the gift baskets and cards home with him the day before so Mike would have an easy release from the hospital. Mike started to stand up but Nancy put a hand on his shoulder and held him down.
"Wheelchair to the vehicle, it's the rules. Patient of year award does not go to Admiral Slattery." Nancy told him.
"Figured he would flirt with you all." Tom said as they headed for the elevator.
"He made my night nurse cry." Nancy told Tom.
"Its not my fault she's sensitive." Mike said.
"She's a sixty year old battle ax." Nancy deadpanned.
"She reminded me of my Aunt Bertha." Mike said.
"I guess that isn't a compliment?" Tom asked.
"Not if you knew my Aunt Bertha." Mike remarked.
"I have to admit, her account of it was kind of funny." Nancy said. Tom had gone ahead of them and was getting the vehicle while Nancy passed Mike his prescriptions and headed him towards the front entrance of the hospital.
"So, I know my chemo starts Monday. What do I need to be prepared for?" Mike asked her quietly.
"Every patient is different. Vomiting and hair loss is possible. Your immune system will be knocked out and your appetite is going to go away." Nancy explained.
"I still have to wonder about doing all this. Its not like I have anyone to miss me." Mike remarked. Nancy and he had talked a little about his story and how he had thought about not getting any treatment.
"Admiral, I think you are wrong and I think deep down, you want a second chance." Nancy said as she pushed him outside. Mike took a deep breath of the fresh air and relaxed. He hated hospitals.
"Maybe. Well, thanks for the care and apologize to Bertha for me." Mike said.
"Her name was Gertrude but I will." Nancy said with a chuckle. She helped Mike stand up and get into Tom's truck. "Remember, take your medication, stay ahead of the pain and rest. That will make the chemo easier." Nancy said. She helped Mike buckle his seatbelt and patted his arm before closing the door. Tom pulled away from the curb as Mike leaned his head back. Just getting out of the hospital had wore him out.
Mike must have fallen asleep because the next thing he knew, the truck was parked in Tom's driveway. He wasn't a fan of the modern house that Tom and Sasha lived in, but it was home to them and better than his own lonely apartment. He just thought it was sterile.
"We have a bed and bath on the first floor that you will be staying in. Sasha and Ash did some redecorating to make it a bit more home like for you. Little more comfortable. I went to your apartment, got your clothes and pictures too. You'll be with us throughout the duration of your chemo." Tom explained as he helped Mike out of the truck.
"You didn't have to go to all that trouble." Mike said.
"We kind of did, because if the roles were reversed, you would do the same thing and don't try to argue." Tom said. He helped Mike up the stairs and Ashley opened the door for them. She gave Mike a big hug and kiss on the cheek.
"You'll love your room. Sam helped pick out some magazines and stuff. Its not so modern." Ashley told him quietly. She and Mike had talked a little about the sterility of Tom and Sasha's new home.
"Good." Mike said.
"I'm not sure what the two of you have against this house. Its fine to me." Tom said.
"Big, comfy chairs, plenty of blankets to cover up with, not being scared of dumping my glass of soda…Dad, this is your home but it's a showplace. Mike needs something a bit more comfortable." Ashley said as she guided Mike into the room he'd be occupying. Sasha was plumping the pillows and had the bedding pulled back for Mike. Sure enough, it was a lot more to his taste. Heavy wood furniture, comfortable bedding and everything Mike could want. The pictures of his family were close enough for Mike to see, there was a TV, and the baskets and cards were on the table. It was perfect.
"Thank you so much. Its perfect. I appreciate it." Mike said. He sat down on the bed indicating he wanted to rest for a while. As much as he loved and appreciated Tom, Sasha and the kids, he was used to his space.
"Uncle Mike, get some rest. I found Mom's cookbook and I'm making one of her soups tonight. I think its one that she and Aunt Christine made up together." Ashley said, mentioning the many books of recipes and pointers that Christine and Darian had made up for young military spouses. How to make money stretch, how not to overextend, and to budget. They took their roles as Navy wives very seriously.
"Thanks, honey. Anything will do." Mike told her. Ashley, Tom and Sasha left him and he settled into the bed, wishing it was Christine and his own kids smothering him. Everything felt so borrowed.