Get Back: Hey Jude
By Alyssa
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, the lovely people at NBC do.
Both parts of the Title are the names of Beatles Songs. Parts of their lyrics will be in the story. You really have to know the tune of them to get the full effect.
This is a continuation of 'The Weak Link' series.
Previously:
Dave's father came to visit him in the ER and things didn't go well.
Thanks to all my readers and the people who E-mail me. Especially Kelley! (again!)
pretend that the song is talking to Dave and that She is He (his father)
Dave struggled to get his key into the lock. He was drunk and he knew it. He was about to give up his quest when the slender hand pried the key from his hand. He stumbled towards the kitchen table after her. Gripping the chair with one hand to keep his balance he dug his wallet out of his pocket with the other. When he slapped it onto the table a small piece of paper filtered through the air and landed on the table. Dave stared at it for a while, not knowing whether he really wanted to call or not. The Chief's words got to him. They always did, and she didn't even realize it. Dave didn't know why it mattered to him what she thought of
him, but it did. Then he remembered the reason he had gone drinking in the first place.
"Come on in!" Sandra called from the bedroom
"Make yourself comfortable, I have to make a phone call." Dave called.
"Sure thing, just don't take too long baby." Sandra purred.
He realized he was doing it again. Whenever things were bad at home Dave would go out and find a new girl to be with, and it had started up again. He wanted to break out of this ignominious cycle. He couldn't right now, but maybe this phone call would start him on the right track. Also Bill the psych guy and Kerry were constantly nagging him to get in touch with his step dad. 'Why not?' Dave asked himself, knowing he would probably regret it. He lurched towards the phone and carefully started dialing. It took him five tries to dial the right number.
~
When his hands rested the phone back in its cradle Dave realized his they were shaking. Sandra was saying something from the bedroom. The fact that he was not alone relieved him and compensated for almost everything. He knew that the relief was only transitory but all he could think of was the quick fix. It was like a drug wasn't it? No, this had always worked better for him then any drug, and he would like to think there were no consequences. Man, he was one screwed up person.
~~~
HEY JUDE, DON'T MAKE IT BAD.
YOU WERE MADE TO GO OUT AND GET HER.
THE MINUTE YOU LET HER UNDER YOU SKIN,
THEN YOU BEGIN TO MAKE IT BETTER
~~~
Dave rushed through the door and tried to forget the lunch date he had made with his father. He was kind of surprised that he remembered it in the first place, he still had a pounding hangover. He had woken late that morning with a splitting head ache and he had once again been alone. The only reason he was going to this meeting was that he didn't want his father to come into the ER again. He was hoping that he could tell his father off and that would be it.
He quickly dropped his stuff off in the lounge and hurried towards the board. There was nothing serious, to his dismay. He decided on a teenager with a broken wrist and headed off in that direction. Nobody talked to him or even looked at him, it was eerie and relieving at the same time.
~~~
HEY JUDE, DON'T MAKE IT BAD.
TAKE A SAD SONG AND MAKE IT BETTER.
REMEMBER TO LET HER INTO YOUR HEART,
THEN YOU CAN START TO MAKE IT BETTER.
~~~
Kerry had been giving him evil looks all day, still he didn't tell her about meeting his father. He turned in his chart and told Randi he'd be having lunch at Doc Magoo's. He slipped outside and slowly crossed the street. He was five minutes late and when he walked in he spotted his father a couple of tables down. Ray looked up and smiled at him. Tentatively Dave made his way up and sat across from his step dad. He didn't make eye contact and Ray was the first one to speak. "I'm really glad you decided to meet me Dave." he said with another big smile.
"I was drunk." Dave mumbled.
"What?" Ray asked. Dave shook his head to dismiss it. Ray decided to continue. "I've changed a lot Dave. I've been going to AA meetings. I've been sober for four months. I also started talking anger management classes. I really have changed Dave." Though he sounded convincing Dave refused to believe him. He wouldn't let Ray fool him, he knew better, and he had to protect himself.
Ray started talking about the new house he bought on the outskirts of Chicago, being careful not to mention the house Dave burned down. Dave looked at his watch every five seconds, willing it to go faster. The door opened and closed somewhere behind him and Kerry and Jing Mei walked in and sat at the bar. Dave quickly turned back and tried to hide his face but Kerry saw him.
Kerry and Jing Mei both ordered small meals and a unpleasant silence lingered. Kerry turned her head to look at Dave and his father. Jing Mei followed her gaze and almost gasped. Kerry turned to Jing Mei and started, "I'm so glad he finally grew up and decided to talk to his dad. I was beginning to think he was still a stubborn teenager." Jing Mei was shocked into silence. Obviously Elizabeth had kept her promise and didn't tell anyone about the abuse. Jing Mei only told Elizabeth because she was so devoted to Dave's care. At first Elizabeth was simply shocked, and then as it sunk in and a morose frown crept across her face. Then Jing Mei was sure she had done the right thing. At least someone else cared for Dave even if he never knew it.
Kerry continued unwittingly. "He should have some respect for the man who took care of him after his parents died."
Jing Mei couldn't stand it anymore, she had to defend her friend, "Well, we don't really know what happened between them." Jing Mei didn't want to reveal Dave's secret to Kerry.
"Well, his father said he was a bad kid, and I believe it." Kerry responded.
"That's his side of the story. What about Dave's?" Jing Mei asked.
"Come on Jing Mei. You know how kids are. As soon as they hit puberty they rebel and think they are being treated unfairly when all their parents are trying to do is take care of them."
"I still think you should ask Dave." Jing Mei returned quietly.
Kerry started wondering if Jing Mei knew more than she did. Turning she saw Ray beaming from ear to ear. No, she told herself. Ray was the perfect parent.
Dave looked at his watch. "Sorry, but I've got to get back to work soon." He said, itching to move his chair back get out.
"I understand." Ray said quietly, "Actually I have to leave right about now, I have to get ready for an interview." Ray fumbled around in his pocket and took out two tickets.
"Dave, I got tickets for tonight's Blackhawks game. I would really appreciate it if you would come see it with me." Ray pleaded. Dave was about to say no when he glanced at Chief's back. If he at least gave it a try then she would get off his back. Dave grabbed the ticket and tucked it in his jacket pocket.
"Meet me in front of the gate." Ray called as he got up to leave. On his way out he spotted Kerry and walked over to pat her on the back and said something quietly to her.
"You told Dave to meet his father?" Jing Mei asked as Ray walked away.
"It was the least I could do. I felt so sorry for him. I want to go talk to Dave." Kerry said as she pushed back and walked over to the table where Dave was sitting.
"Dave I'm so glad you finally grew up and met with your father." She said bluntly, but with a smile. Dave looked at her incredulously 'how could she say such a thing?'.
Dave pushed his chair back with a high screech and stood staring down at her. He started to open his mouth, there were so many things he wanted to get out and just tell her. He took a swallow and tried again, but he couldn't do it. Not now, not after everything that had happened in the last few months. She had started with compassion for him it seemed, now she was back to her contemptible insults. He did the only thing he knew how to do, he left.
As the door slammed shut Dave felt his head reeling. Never did he imagine that he would see his step dad again. Never had he imagined that he would be beat up, and evicted. He felt every sense of security he had being stripped away. He couldn't help but realize that if he had been successful in his suicide attempt he wouldn't have to deal with any of this.
~~~
AND ANYTIME YOU FEEL THE PAIN, HEY JUDE, REFRAIN,
DON'T CARRY THE WORLD UPON YOUR SHOULDERS.
FOR WELL YOU KNOW THAT IT'S A FOOL WHO PLAYS IT COOL
BY MAKING HIS WORLD A LITTLE COLDER.
~~~
The ER was packed, but it looked like all the good cases were taken. Dave decided on a girl who had collapsed at a photo shoot. 'This could be good' he thought. As he entered the room he made a quick assessment. The 16 year old girl was sitting on the edge of the bed. She was thin and long legged and definitely looked like a model type.
"Hello Alejandra, I'm Dr. Dave." Dave said, looking at the chart.
"You can call me Alej (Ally), everyone else does." she answered with a strong voice.
"So Alej, you passed out at a photo shoot?" he asked.
"Yeah, which sucks because that one was worth a lot of money." Alej answered solemnly. Then she quickly added, "Its for college. I'm trying to save up my money for college. I want to be a doctor actually, and with that much school I'm going to need a lot of money."
Dave nodded in agreement. "So have you ever passed out before?" he asked.
"No this was the first time. It felt weird and was actually kind of fun." She said with a smile, she didn't catch the confused look on Dave's face.
"Fun?" He asked, he'd never heard that one before.
"Well, I mean, one minute you're posing on a beach, the next you're lying on the sand and everyone is hovering over you, and you have no idea how you got there. It was interesting that's all." She ended.
Dave nodded and continued. "Have you had anything to eat today?" He asked.
Alej looked sheepishly to the floor. "I usually don't eat before shoots." She answered. Dave looked at her sternly, now he understood.
"OK Alej listen to me. You want to be a doctor and when you are one you'll understand this. Starving yourself screws up your metabolism. Your body automatically stores all your fat to help provide for yourself. Then you can't lose any weight through things like exercising. And in the end, your metabolism gets so screwed up that you end up becoming obese. It's important that you eat enough to support you body." Dave lectured seriously.
Alej looked down again. "You don't understand." She said quietly, "I need the money, it's the only way I'm going to get into college. I just lost a big job because I didn't 'have the right body type'. I'm almost to my goal. As soon as I get there I'm going to stop modeling and then I'll eat whatever I want."
"Alej listen to me, by then it may be too late. You have to stop this now. You can look better by eating healthy and exercising. Not that you need it." he added, "I think you look fine the way you are and if those modeling people don't see it then its their problem." Alej looked up at him for a second, then looked down again.
"I need the money." She repeated. Dave sighed.
"I'm going to send a nutrionist down to talk to you OK?" Dave asked. Alej nodded and Dave left the room. He couldn't handle this, not now. Everything around him seemed to be adding collectively to make the big melting pot that was Dave's horrible life.
~~~
SO LET IT OUT AND LET IT IN, HEY JUDE, BEGIN,
YOU'RE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO PERFORM WITH.
AND YOU DON'T KNOW THAT IT'S JUST YOU, HEY JUDE, YOU'LL DO,
THE MOVEMENT YOU NEED IS ON YOUR SHOULDER.
~~~
Jing Mei ran up to catch Dave as he was walking out the door. "Dave, I was wondering if you wanted to go out to dinner." She said.
"I'm busy." Dave answered frankly.
"Maybe tomorrow then?" She asked hopefully.
"I'm busy." He answered again.
"Come on Dave, it might help you feel better." Jing Mei coaxed.
"Nothings going to make me feel any better. I'm on top of the world. " He answered sarcastically as he hurried away, leaving Jing Mei shivering in the cold.
~~~
Dave stared at the ticket in his hand. The cab driver kept silent, letting the meter run. He didn't want to go into the stadium. Even if his father had changed, Dave wasn't sure he could handle. Plus, if his dad had changed, he would understand why Dave wasn't ready to spend that much time with him. Dave directed the driver to take him home. When he got there he would leave his dad a message. Maybe they could have lunch again.
~~~
AND ANYTIME YOU FEEL THE PAIN, HEY JUDE, REFRAIN,
DON'T CARRY THE WORLD UPON YOUR SHOULDERS.
FOR WELL YOU KNOW THAT IT'S A FOOL WHO PLAYS IT COOL
BY MAKING HIS WORLD A LITTLE COLDER.
~~~
I love comments, criticism and Ideas. Help Wanted!
By Alyssa
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, the lovely people at NBC do.
Both parts of the Title are the names of Beatles Songs. Parts of their lyrics will be in the story. You really have to know the tune of them to get the full effect.
This is a continuation of 'The Weak Link' series.
Previously:
Dave's father came to visit him in the ER and things didn't go well.
Thanks to all my readers and the people who E-mail me. Especially Kelley! (again!)
pretend that the song is talking to Dave and that She is He (his father)
Dave struggled to get his key into the lock. He was drunk and he knew it. He was about to give up his quest when the slender hand pried the key from his hand. He stumbled towards the kitchen table after her. Gripping the chair with one hand to keep his balance he dug his wallet out of his pocket with the other. When he slapped it onto the table a small piece of paper filtered through the air and landed on the table. Dave stared at it for a while, not knowing whether he really wanted to call or not. The Chief's words got to him. They always did, and she didn't even realize it. Dave didn't know why it mattered to him what she thought of
him, but it did. Then he remembered the reason he had gone drinking in the first place.
"Come on in!" Sandra called from the bedroom
"Make yourself comfortable, I have to make a phone call." Dave called.
"Sure thing, just don't take too long baby." Sandra purred.
He realized he was doing it again. Whenever things were bad at home Dave would go out and find a new girl to be with, and it had started up again. He wanted to break out of this ignominious cycle. He couldn't right now, but maybe this phone call would start him on the right track. Also Bill the psych guy and Kerry were constantly nagging him to get in touch with his step dad. 'Why not?' Dave asked himself, knowing he would probably regret it. He lurched towards the phone and carefully started dialing. It took him five tries to dial the right number.
~
When his hands rested the phone back in its cradle Dave realized his they were shaking. Sandra was saying something from the bedroom. The fact that he was not alone relieved him and compensated for almost everything. He knew that the relief was only transitory but all he could think of was the quick fix. It was like a drug wasn't it? No, this had always worked better for him then any drug, and he would like to think there were no consequences. Man, he was one screwed up person.
~~~
HEY JUDE, DON'T MAKE IT BAD.
YOU WERE MADE TO GO OUT AND GET HER.
THE MINUTE YOU LET HER UNDER YOU SKIN,
THEN YOU BEGIN TO MAKE IT BETTER
~~~
Dave rushed through the door and tried to forget the lunch date he had made with his father. He was kind of surprised that he remembered it in the first place, he still had a pounding hangover. He had woken late that morning with a splitting head ache and he had once again been alone. The only reason he was going to this meeting was that he didn't want his father to come into the ER again. He was hoping that he could tell his father off and that would be it.
He quickly dropped his stuff off in the lounge and hurried towards the board. There was nothing serious, to his dismay. He decided on a teenager with a broken wrist and headed off in that direction. Nobody talked to him or even looked at him, it was eerie and relieving at the same time.
~~~
HEY JUDE, DON'T MAKE IT BAD.
TAKE A SAD SONG AND MAKE IT BETTER.
REMEMBER TO LET HER INTO YOUR HEART,
THEN YOU CAN START TO MAKE IT BETTER.
~~~
Kerry had been giving him evil looks all day, still he didn't tell her about meeting his father. He turned in his chart and told Randi he'd be having lunch at Doc Magoo's. He slipped outside and slowly crossed the street. He was five minutes late and when he walked in he spotted his father a couple of tables down. Ray looked up and smiled at him. Tentatively Dave made his way up and sat across from his step dad. He didn't make eye contact and Ray was the first one to speak. "I'm really glad you decided to meet me Dave." he said with another big smile.
"I was drunk." Dave mumbled.
"What?" Ray asked. Dave shook his head to dismiss it. Ray decided to continue. "I've changed a lot Dave. I've been going to AA meetings. I've been sober for four months. I also started talking anger management classes. I really have changed Dave." Though he sounded convincing Dave refused to believe him. He wouldn't let Ray fool him, he knew better, and he had to protect himself.
Ray started talking about the new house he bought on the outskirts of Chicago, being careful not to mention the house Dave burned down. Dave looked at his watch every five seconds, willing it to go faster. The door opened and closed somewhere behind him and Kerry and Jing Mei walked in and sat at the bar. Dave quickly turned back and tried to hide his face but Kerry saw him.
Kerry and Jing Mei both ordered small meals and a unpleasant silence lingered. Kerry turned her head to look at Dave and his father. Jing Mei followed her gaze and almost gasped. Kerry turned to Jing Mei and started, "I'm so glad he finally grew up and decided to talk to his dad. I was beginning to think he was still a stubborn teenager." Jing Mei was shocked into silence. Obviously Elizabeth had kept her promise and didn't tell anyone about the abuse. Jing Mei only told Elizabeth because she was so devoted to Dave's care. At first Elizabeth was simply shocked, and then as it sunk in and a morose frown crept across her face. Then Jing Mei was sure she had done the right thing. At least someone else cared for Dave even if he never knew it.
Kerry continued unwittingly. "He should have some respect for the man who took care of him after his parents died."
Jing Mei couldn't stand it anymore, she had to defend her friend, "Well, we don't really know what happened between them." Jing Mei didn't want to reveal Dave's secret to Kerry.
"Well, his father said he was a bad kid, and I believe it." Kerry responded.
"That's his side of the story. What about Dave's?" Jing Mei asked.
"Come on Jing Mei. You know how kids are. As soon as they hit puberty they rebel and think they are being treated unfairly when all their parents are trying to do is take care of them."
"I still think you should ask Dave." Jing Mei returned quietly.
Kerry started wondering if Jing Mei knew more than she did. Turning she saw Ray beaming from ear to ear. No, she told herself. Ray was the perfect parent.
Dave looked at his watch. "Sorry, but I've got to get back to work soon." He said, itching to move his chair back get out.
"I understand." Ray said quietly, "Actually I have to leave right about now, I have to get ready for an interview." Ray fumbled around in his pocket and took out two tickets.
"Dave, I got tickets for tonight's Blackhawks game. I would really appreciate it if you would come see it with me." Ray pleaded. Dave was about to say no when he glanced at Chief's back. If he at least gave it a try then she would get off his back. Dave grabbed the ticket and tucked it in his jacket pocket.
"Meet me in front of the gate." Ray called as he got up to leave. On his way out he spotted Kerry and walked over to pat her on the back and said something quietly to her.
"You told Dave to meet his father?" Jing Mei asked as Ray walked away.
"It was the least I could do. I felt so sorry for him. I want to go talk to Dave." Kerry said as she pushed back and walked over to the table where Dave was sitting.
"Dave I'm so glad you finally grew up and met with your father." She said bluntly, but with a smile. Dave looked at her incredulously 'how could she say such a thing?'.
Dave pushed his chair back with a high screech and stood staring down at her. He started to open his mouth, there were so many things he wanted to get out and just tell her. He took a swallow and tried again, but he couldn't do it. Not now, not after everything that had happened in the last few months. She had started with compassion for him it seemed, now she was back to her contemptible insults. He did the only thing he knew how to do, he left.
As the door slammed shut Dave felt his head reeling. Never did he imagine that he would see his step dad again. Never had he imagined that he would be beat up, and evicted. He felt every sense of security he had being stripped away. He couldn't help but realize that if he had been successful in his suicide attempt he wouldn't have to deal with any of this.
~~~
AND ANYTIME YOU FEEL THE PAIN, HEY JUDE, REFRAIN,
DON'T CARRY THE WORLD UPON YOUR SHOULDERS.
FOR WELL YOU KNOW THAT IT'S A FOOL WHO PLAYS IT COOL
BY MAKING HIS WORLD A LITTLE COLDER.
~~~
The ER was packed, but it looked like all the good cases were taken. Dave decided on a girl who had collapsed at a photo shoot. 'This could be good' he thought. As he entered the room he made a quick assessment. The 16 year old girl was sitting on the edge of the bed. She was thin and long legged and definitely looked like a model type.
"Hello Alejandra, I'm Dr. Dave." Dave said, looking at the chart.
"You can call me Alej (Ally), everyone else does." she answered with a strong voice.
"So Alej, you passed out at a photo shoot?" he asked.
"Yeah, which sucks because that one was worth a lot of money." Alej answered solemnly. Then she quickly added, "Its for college. I'm trying to save up my money for college. I want to be a doctor actually, and with that much school I'm going to need a lot of money."
Dave nodded in agreement. "So have you ever passed out before?" he asked.
"No this was the first time. It felt weird and was actually kind of fun." She said with a smile, she didn't catch the confused look on Dave's face.
"Fun?" He asked, he'd never heard that one before.
"Well, I mean, one minute you're posing on a beach, the next you're lying on the sand and everyone is hovering over you, and you have no idea how you got there. It was interesting that's all." She ended.
Dave nodded and continued. "Have you had anything to eat today?" He asked.
Alej looked sheepishly to the floor. "I usually don't eat before shoots." She answered. Dave looked at her sternly, now he understood.
"OK Alej listen to me. You want to be a doctor and when you are one you'll understand this. Starving yourself screws up your metabolism. Your body automatically stores all your fat to help provide for yourself. Then you can't lose any weight through things like exercising. And in the end, your metabolism gets so screwed up that you end up becoming obese. It's important that you eat enough to support you body." Dave lectured seriously.
Alej looked down again. "You don't understand." She said quietly, "I need the money, it's the only way I'm going to get into college. I just lost a big job because I didn't 'have the right body type'. I'm almost to my goal. As soon as I get there I'm going to stop modeling and then I'll eat whatever I want."
"Alej listen to me, by then it may be too late. You have to stop this now. You can look better by eating healthy and exercising. Not that you need it." he added, "I think you look fine the way you are and if those modeling people don't see it then its their problem." Alej looked up at him for a second, then looked down again.
"I need the money." She repeated. Dave sighed.
"I'm going to send a nutrionist down to talk to you OK?" Dave asked. Alej nodded and Dave left the room. He couldn't handle this, not now. Everything around him seemed to be adding collectively to make the big melting pot that was Dave's horrible life.
~~~
SO LET IT OUT AND LET IT IN, HEY JUDE, BEGIN,
YOU'RE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO PERFORM WITH.
AND YOU DON'T KNOW THAT IT'S JUST YOU, HEY JUDE, YOU'LL DO,
THE MOVEMENT YOU NEED IS ON YOUR SHOULDER.
~~~
Jing Mei ran up to catch Dave as he was walking out the door. "Dave, I was wondering if you wanted to go out to dinner." She said.
"I'm busy." Dave answered frankly.
"Maybe tomorrow then?" She asked hopefully.
"I'm busy." He answered again.
"Come on Dave, it might help you feel better." Jing Mei coaxed.
"Nothings going to make me feel any better. I'm on top of the world. " He answered sarcastically as he hurried away, leaving Jing Mei shivering in the cold.
~~~
Dave stared at the ticket in his hand. The cab driver kept silent, letting the meter run. He didn't want to go into the stadium. Even if his father had changed, Dave wasn't sure he could handle. Plus, if his dad had changed, he would understand why Dave wasn't ready to spend that much time with him. Dave directed the driver to take him home. When he got there he would leave his dad a message. Maybe they could have lunch again.
~~~
AND ANYTIME YOU FEEL THE PAIN, HEY JUDE, REFRAIN,
DON'T CARRY THE WORLD UPON YOUR SHOULDERS.
FOR WELL YOU KNOW THAT IT'S A FOOL WHO PLAYS IT COOL
BY MAKING HIS WORLD A LITTLE COLDER.
~~~
I love comments, criticism and Ideas. Help Wanted!
