The Ransom of Dr. Dave
Part 45
A/N: Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian
Jing-Mei: Well, how is he? What's wrong with Dave?
Ophthalmologist: I dilated his eyes and looked behind them and at his latest CAT scans and MRI. There seems to be extreme pressure and swelling around the optic nerve causing him to lose his total peripheral vision.
Sophie: He's blind?
Ophthalmologist: No. No he's not. He has some of his vision. He's just not able to focus his eyes yet. It's normal after coming out of a coma. Everything is still very blurry for him but in time that should clear up. I'm also sure that a lot of the blurriness is caused by his scratched corneas from the blindfold.
Kerry: And the problem with his peripheral vision will clear up too.
Ophthalmologist: That's hard to say. Right now, Dave can't see anything outside either side of his eyes. He can only see things directly in front of him.
Carter: Is there anything that can be done?
Ophthalmologist: Once Dave regains his strength, we could probably try to reduce the swelling of the optic nerve and relieve the pressure. But there is a risk.
Sophie: You could do more damage than good, in other words. Like make Dave lose his sight completely, right.
Ophthalmologist: Yes.
Jing-Mei: What else should we know about his condition?
Audiologist: His decibel level is extremely low.
Sophie: What does that mean?
Audiologist: He's extremely sensitive to high frequencies like whistles, horns, bells and especially sirens.
Carter: Sirens. That's going to be problem working in a hospital.
Audiologist: In Dave's condition, I don't think we have to worry about him working in the hospital for quite awhile.
Jing-Mei: What can be done about that?
Audiologist: We can try earplugs.
Kerry: Won't they decrease his hearing ability?
Audiologist: Yes. He will still be able to hear. Not as well, but the earplugs will filter out the loud, harsh sounds that will hurt his ears. When you speak to him, you'll just have to raise your voice a little more.
Jing-Mei: Can he move at all?
Orthopedist: He has some movement in his right hand and arm but none in his left arm or either leg. There's a lot of nerve and tissue damage throughout his body. With physical therapy, there's the possibility in time he can regain the use of his limbs. But as far as walking again, that may take more time. His spinal injuries, the swelling around his cord and the new rod that I implanted against his spine along with the fractures to most of his leg bones may make walking extremely difficult if not impossible.
Sophie: Dave could wind up permanently confined to a wheelchair, couldn't he?
Orthopedist: Maybe. But as I said, let's just see how he does with his physical therapy.
Dr. Vasquez: Basically everyone, what we're saying is that in most ways, Dave is starting from scratch. He's like a newborn baby. He has to relearn how to do everything.
Carter: Everything?
Dr. Vasquez: Talking, reading, writing, feeding himself.
Jing-Mei: I hope I have the energy after looking after a real newborn. (pause)I'll find the strength. I have to because Dave needs me.
Kerry: I'm sure he'll have plenty of volunteers to help out.
Carter: You know you can count on me.
Dr. Vasquez: As soon as Dave is coherent, you may want to try to help him to start recognizing different people and objects. Test his memory. It may come back to him and may not.
Jing-Mei: If it does come back, will he remember everything?
Dr. Vasquez: Maybe not everything but most things.
Sophie: Doctor, Dave looked scared to death in there. I know he doesn't remember us or understand what's happened to him but he was absolutely terrified.
Dr. Vasquez: I think Dave's going to need a psyche consult as soon as possible. We can help Dave physically but he needs help mentally as well.
Sophie: Davey isn't crazy. He doesn't need to talk to a shrink
Dr. Vasquez: You don't have to be crazy to talk with a psychiatrist. They just help us figure out our feelings and how to cope with them. Dave has a feeling that something is very wrong with him but he doesn't know what it is. One thing's for sure he doesn't like to be touched and that simply won't do. We need to touch him in order to help him with physical therapy.
Jing-Mei: So where do we go from here?
Dr. Vasquez: We continue to monitor his condition and work on controlling the dosage of his meds and when he's ready we get a psychiatrist involved. This is going to take some time. He's been through a lot. We just have to take it one step at a time.
Sophie: Understood.
Dr. Vasquez: Dave's going to need more surgery.
Jing-Mei: That's what Dr. Mercede said.
Dr. Vasquez: He still has the shunts in place. There's still massive swelling around his brain and spinal cord. When the swelling subsides, then we can remove them and check for further damage.
Orthopedist: Once his leg braces are removed, then I can check to see how well the bones and tendons have mended. He may need more pins and plates in his legs and he may not, or he may need the legs broken again if the bones aren't setting properly.
Ophthalmologist: I've put some steroid drops in Dave's eyes. That should help with the blurriness, prevent infection and heal the scratch corneas. As far as his peripheral vision, we have wait and see if swelling and pressure on the optic nerve goes away itself. Operating on Dave's eyes is our last resort.
Audiologist: The less loud sounds around Dave the better. Keeping high frequencies away from him is not only to keep from hurting Dave's ears but it's to prevent further and permanent injury to his inner and middle ears, cochlear, eardrum, anvil etc. Loud sounds could actually rupture any and all of those parts of his ears causing permanent hearing loss and total deafness.
Jing-Mei: Doctors, I think I speak for Sophie when I say we want to do whatever it takes to help Dave. Please just tell us what that is.
Dr. Vasquez: For starters, you could take Dave's hands, being very careful of the IV'S and move them about in the air in sort of a circular motion. That will help build his muscles and strengthen his arms.
Sophie: Won't be easy since Dave won't let us touch him.
Dr. Vasquez: You have to get him to let you touch him.
Kerry: How?
Dr. Vasquez: Talk to him. Read to him. Whatever it takes to gain his trust. That's the only way you are going to get through to him. The more he's around you and the more familiar he is with you, the more comfortable he's going to start to feel and the quicker he'll respond to you and open up.
Jing-Mei: Well, I guess I should get started right away. Is that okay?
Dr. Vasquez: The sooner the better.
Kerry: Jing-Mei and Sophie, we have to get back to work but if you need help in any way don't hesitate to ask. Despite popular belief, I like Dave and I want him to get better.
Jing-Mei: Thank you, Kerry.
Sophie and Jing-Mei go into Dave's room while the others go back to work. As per Dr. Vasquez's instructions, Jing-Mei and Sophie took turns moving Dave's arms, hands and fingers. His muscles and tendons were stiff, very stiff from not moving while he was in the coma. Dave didn't exactly like the ladies touching him but since he was still very weak and unable to move he really didn't have a choice. He used what strength he had and fought them off but in the end they won out. Dave was obviously scared of them even though they were as gentle as possible with him.
Jing-Mei went down to the nursery for Antonio's feeding when Dr. Evans told her that they were going to run a few tests on Antonio and if they came back okay then Antonio could be released as soon as tomorrow. After Antonio's feeding, the pediatric pulmonologist came into the nursery and showed Jing-Mei the routine he has set up with Antonio in coping with his asthma.
Later, Jing-Mei came back up Dave's room and he was sound to sleep. Sophie was sitting by his bed holding his hand.
Sophie: What's that smile for?
Jing-Mei: Dr. Evans gave the all clear. She's letting me bring Antonio home tomorrow.
Sophie hugs Jing-Mei.
Sophie: I am so happy for you. It looks like both of Davey's sons will be going home tomorrow.
Jing-Mei: Now all we have to do is get Dave home.
Sophie: That's going to take longer, I'm afraid.
The next morning, Sophie had all her bags packed and by the door. She was prepared to leave later that day. She and Jing-Mei were leaving for the hospital to pick up Rusty and Antonio and bring them home. Rusty was sitting up in a wheelchair ready to go when they arrived.
Sophie: How are you feeling today, Rusty?
Rusty: Head hurts.
Sophie: I know. Jing-Mei has some medicine for you that is going to make you feel much better but you have to promise to take it.
Rusty: Promise.
Sophie: Alright. I don't want to hear any bad reports from Jing-Mei while I'm back home. Okay.
Rusty nods and starts riding around in the wheelchair.
Sophie: I have my final appointment up in oncology today before I leave. Are you going to be alright with taking him home.
Jing-Mei: No problem. Don't worry about us just take care of yourself. Uh, by the way, will you ask him if he is up to visiting his dad. I want to take Antonio up there again before we leave and see if Dave reacts.
Sophie translates and Rusty nods. They head to elevator. Rusty insists on pushing himself around in his wheelchair. They stop by and pick up Antonio up. Dr. Evans gives Jing-Mei some prescriptions for the baby and final instructions. They head upstairs to ICU. Inside Dave's room, Dr. Vasquez is examining him while his nurse suctions him. In a few moments, they exit and give Jing-Mei, Sophie and the boys permission to enter. Dave is semi-conscious and as usual his eyes are roaming around the room. Jing-Mei approaches slowly, not wanting to frighten Dave anymore than he already was.
Jing-Mei: Dave, sweetheart. There's a couple of people I'd like you to meet.
She signals for Rusty to wheel over and places Antonio near Dave's face.
Jing-Mei: Dave, these are your sons. The big guy here is Rusty and the little guy is Antonio. I gave him your middle name. I thought you would like that.
Rusty couldn't get right in front of Dave so Dave didn't notice him but as Jing-Mei placed the baby closer in front of Dave, Malucci started to shake.
Sophie: Dave, calm down. No one is going to hurt you. I promise.
Dave tried to regain his composure but it was evident that he was terrified. Terrified of visitors and terrified of his surroundings, but there was nothing he could do. Jing-Mei tried to soothe him by showing him the baby and trying to get him to acknowledge the children.
Sophie: It's time for my appointment. I'll see you at home later.
Jing-Mei: Alright, I spoke with Ms. Peterson and she said she would come over and stay with the boys while I drive you to the airport.
Sophie: That's really not necessary. I can take a taxi. You should be home with the boys on their first day out of the hospital.
Jing-Mei: I have the rest of my life to spend with the children. Dave wouldn't forgive me if I didn't give you a proper sendoff. I won't take no for an answer.
Sophie heads down to her appointment while Jing-Mei goes back to Dave. Rusty is sitting next to Dave's bed chatting away. Dave, always on his guard, did not let anyone get close to him. Whenever Jing-Mei put the baby near Dave, he would close his eyes tightly. He couldn't bare to look at him, although he wanted to very much something was preventing him from doing so. Jing-Mei noticed that Antonio was starting to get fussy and she knew that she had to get Rusty home to bed to get some rest. Antonio started crying. At the sound of the baby's whaling, Dave jumped almost out of his skin. He tried to move his right hand up to his ear and his eyes were tightly shut. He was definitely in pain. Dave started thrashing around in the bed. Dr. Vasquez came running in and sedated Dave afraid that he might blow a line, or dislodge his breathing tube or have another heart attack.
Dr. Vasquez: Jing-Mei, you are going to have to take the baby out of here. The crying is too loud for Dave to tolerate.
Jing-Mei approached the now sedated, calm, and groggy Dave carefully and kissed his head. She and Rusty bid him goodbye and left the ICU. Rusty wheeled down to the ER as Jing-Mei carried the baby and the baby bag that the hospital had prepared for her. It was quite a site to see. Jing-Mei, Rusty, baby Antonio and all three of their guards following them down the halls. In the ER, Jing-Mei ran into Capt. Amos.
Capt. Amos: Dr. Chen, just the person I was hoping to run into. So this is the little guy.
Capt. Amos starts to tickle Antonio and he laughs and coos.
Capt. Amos: Sure is a cute little guy. Listen, is there any chance I can get up to speak with Dr. Malucci yet.
Jing-Mei: I rather you wait until he is stronger, but I guess that would be up to his doctors upstairs. I really don't know what you are going to find out, Dave can't speak yet. He doesn't remember me, his sister or any of his co-workers so I don't think he'll remember what happened to him then.
Capt. Amos: You're probably right but I have to try anyway. Besides, after all these months of working on this case, I would like to meet Dr. Malucci and assure him that I won't give up looking for the bastards who put him here.
A couple hours later, Mrs. Peterson arrives at the house to baby sit, while Jing-Mei helps Sophie get her bags into the car. As the final bags are loaded, Sophie heads back to the house and winces in pain.
Jing-Mei: Are you alright, Sophie?
Sophie: Yeah, just time for a painkiller.
Jing-Mei and Sophie head into the house and Sophie approaches a crying Rusty.
Rusty: Don't leave, Aunt Sophie. Ple...Please don't leave me.
Sophie: Come here, baby. I've already explained this to you. I have to go back home and spend some time with your Uncle Manny and cousin Marissa. I miss them so much and I know they miss me. I thought you were okay with this.
Rusty: I was but now...(crying hysterically)I don't want you to go.
Sophie: Everything is going to be alright. You are going to stay here with Mama Jing, Grandma and Grandpa Peterson, your new little brother and your papa. You'll be fine and this won't be forever, I'll be back.
Rusty started to calm down, too tired to keep fighting with his aunt. She kisses him goodbye and he hugs her back. She then carries him into bed, ignoring the agonizing pain in her chest, as he falls fast asleep in her arms. She stops by the nursery and sees Antonio asleep in his crib. She leans over and carefully kisses his head, then starts his mobile up.
Sophie: Goodbye, my beautiful, darling little Antonio. I love you.
Sophie says goodbye to Mrs. Peterson and thanks her for everything she's done for Rusty. Jing-Mei and Sophie get into the car and drive to the airport.
At the airport before Sophie boards, she and Jing-Mei have a moment.
Jing-Mei: You have a safe trip and don't worry about Dave and the boys. They will be taken very good care of. If you ever need to talk please just pick up the phone and call--day or night. I'll be here and you have my cell phone number so use it. Look after yourself.
Sophie: I know you will look after all three of the boys. You know, I don't think I could ask for a better girlfriend for Davey. He's very lucky to have you and so is Antonio. You're going to make a wonderful mommy and I know I'm leaving Rusty in excellent hands. Tell Davey that I love him and I'll be back to see him soon.
Intercom: Flight 845 to Sicily, Italy is now boarding. Only those passengers with tickets are permitted to precede to the plane.
Sophie: Well, I guess that's me. Thank you Jing-Mei, for all you did. You've been like the sister I never had.
Jing-Mei: I feel the same way. Call me when you get there so I know that you arrived safely. God Bless.
They wave goodbye and Jing-Mei heads back home to spend time with her boys. At the house, she makes arrangements for Mrs. Peterson to come back the next day to baby sit while she visits Dave. She heads into Rusty's room and sees him fast asleep in bed and then into the nursery. Antonio is starting to stir and that's Jing-Mei's cue to get ready to feed him. She stares down at the baby as she feeds him, still unable to believe how much he reminds her of Dave.
Jing-Mei(to Antonio): You know, when your daddy comes home you are going to have to share me with him just like you do with your big brother now. Rusty can do a lot for himself but your daddy is going to need a lot of my help doing things the same way you are. The only difference is your daddy isn't going to have the luxury of being fed the same way that I'm feeding you.(referring to being breastfed) The old Dave would be highly disappointed at that, the pervert, but the new Dave, well I just don't know what to expect from him. I know you'll love him and he's going to be absolutely taken by you. It's just going to take some time. Your daddy has been badly hurt and we have to make him better. We are going to do everything we can to bring him back to his old self, maybe not totally his old self, but close to it...
The phone rings.
Jing-Mei: Come on little guy, let's go for a little walk. (in to the phone)Dr. Chen and Antonio here, how may we help you?
Frankie: You can run but you can't hide and that goes for your little brats too!!
To be continued. Please read and review.