USS Patrick Henry
Mess Hall
Harm still couldn't push the uneasiness concerning Mac out of his mind since the previous night. Sturgis' voice broke through his thoughts as he sat down to eat beside Harm.
"So, what's on your mind? You look like you're a million miles away man. Spill it," Sturgis said, tearing the paper off his straw.
"Mac's been on my mind a lot since last night, I don't know what it is, but something doesn't feel right. I feel like something's wrong with her and I'm worried," Harm informed him.
"Maybe its just fatigue," Sturgis offered an explanation 'or that you're in love with her' he added silently.
"No, that's exactly what I thought last night, but this feeling just keeps nagging me and I can't put my finger on it," Harm replied worriedly.
"Well, why don't you ask the admiral if he knows anything when you report to him this afternoon," Sturgis stated while attempting to swallow a mouthful of lasagna.
"Yeah, good idea Turner, thanks," Harm said.
"Anytime Harm, and I do hope that everything's okay," Sturgis responded.
***
1227Zulu
Officer Gain's office
Leavenworth Prison
"I guess that about does it Colonel, all I need is your signature.
Now as you know, Colonel O'Hara won't be discharged until tomorrow morning
because we didn't get the paperwork in on time." General McStevens said,
passing the paper to Mac.
"Well at least we've gotten this out of the way. I'll be glad when I
can see
him sir," Mac replied as she signed the form.
"Well I hope the best is in for you Colonel," Captain Brenham offered while pulling on his overcoat.
"Thank you sir, so do I," Mac said as she stood up to shake their hands. When they had left, Mac turned back to Gains, "So, may I see him now?" she questioned. "
Yes, for now, we've taken him to the infirmary so he can rest better," Gains stated, walking out of the room with Mac following him. "Most inmates here don't have any family, your uncle is very fortunate to have such a caring niece," he went on.
"No sir, I am the one who is fortunate to have him for an uncle. He cared about me when everyone else deserted me," Mac said immediately.
Rob abruptly turned to the left and stopped to wait for Mac. "I wish he could've been discharged today instead of tomorrow, I know you want to get him home as soon as possible," Rob went on before they walked down a long hallway.
"He's probably dozing, but it's okay if you see him now," Rob said when they'd reached the infirmary room. Mac walked into room and glanced around. Cabinets lined one side of the room above the counters with examination tables standing in the middle. Numerous bottles set on the counters and chairs were placed on the other side of the room.
"Let me see if he's awake Mac, just one minute," Gains said and disappeared into another room. Mac took the moment to put on her tough mask again and a few seconds later Rob popped his head around the corner saying "He's awake now, go ahead. Take as much time as you need. If there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to let me know," Rob offered gently.
"Thanks and I will," Mac said. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to her uncle's room.
Quietly she shut the door and turned around, seeing her uncle for the first time. "Hey Uncle Matt!!" Mac exclaimed, walking over to her uncle's bedside.
"Oh it's so good to see you Sarah," Colonel O'Hara said quietly, opening his arms up to give her a hug. Mac quickly enveloped him in her embrace and fought back the sting of tears that threatened to jump in her eyes.
After a few moments, Mac pulled away to look in her uncle's face. "How are you doing Uncle Matt?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation light.
"I'm tired and weak, but other than that I feel okay," Uncle Matt replied. Mac looked at her uncle closely, trying to see if he was telling her the truth. Seeming to read her thoughts, Colonel O'Hara added with mock impatience, "Yes Sarah, I'm telling the truth." He patted the space beside him, indicating her to sit down, so Mac obliged. "Sarah, you do know about my condition, don't you?" he said softly.
"Yes Uncle Matt I do," she said sadly. "I want you to come home to live with me Uncle Matt, and I will absolutely NOT take "no" for an answer," Mac said in a serious tone.
"I know baby girl, but I don't want to be a burden to you…" Uncle Matt said at once.
"NO! You're never a burden Uncle Matt, NEVER, and I don't want to hear
you say that again!" Mac said frantically. She took her uncle's face in
her hands and looked him in the eye, "Uncle Matt, you've always been there
for me, when I've needed you most. You helped me dry out in Arizona, if
it hadn't have been for you, I'd still be the miserable wretch today as
I was then. Let me be there for you, Uncle Matt, please? Remember the Marine's
rule that we never leave a fellow marine behind? Well I'm not about to
go
break that rule, not today, not tomorrow, not ever, especially where
you are concerned," she informed him with intensity.
Colonel O'Hara could see his niece had her stubborn mind set, and when it was set on something; there wasn't anyone or anything that could change it. With a sigh, he acquiesced, "Okay, have it your way, I know I can't change your mind, not when you get that look in your eyes."
"Good, you're learning quick," Mac said with a small smile. At that moment Officer Gains entered the room with hospice information and told them to take their time in choosing their provider.
"Of course, your military benefits will cover all of this Colonel O'Hara. Let me know if you need anything, Colonel O'Hara. I'll be working in my office on the other side of the outer room," Rob informed him as he handed the pamphlets to him.
"Thank you Rob, I appreciate you helping me," Uncle Matt replied.
"Anytime sir, anytime," Rob said before he left.
***
1317 Zulu
Leavenworth Prison
Infirmary
"So I guess that about wraps it up. Hospice will come twice a week, once on Sunday and once on Thursday, okay? Have any objections to that?" Mac asked her uncle.
"I don't have a problem with it, it's fine with me," Uncle Matt replied wearily, rubbing his head. Concern immediately cast a shadow over Mac's face as she felt of his forehead.
"You're awfully warm Uncle Matt, are you okay? Don't lie to me now," Mac anxiously asked.
"My head's about to kill me, I could really use some aspirin right now," Colonel O'Hara admitted.
Mac rubbed her uncle's head with a loving hand like he did for her when she was sick. She wished more than anything that she could take his pain away and make it hers. It broke her heart to see him hurt. Gains finished filling out a paper and handed it to Mac for her signature. Mac noticed her uncle was desperately trying to keep awake.
"Uncle Matt, you're awfully tired, why don't you try to get some rest? I'll sit with you," Mac advised fervently.
"Are you sure Sarah?" Colonel O'Hara asked.
"Yes, there's no place I'd rather be than sitting right by you," Mac replied softly. She stared out the window near the bed deep in thought for a while before turning back to her uncle. "I love you Uncle Matt," Mac said softly, realizing that he was already fast asleep. She grabbed a chair from a nearby table and sat down by her Uncle's side.
Sandwiching his hand between her own, she tried to push away the thoughts that had clouded her mind since the moment she'd receive the call that he was sick. Mac let out a sad sigh and put her head down on the bed to get some rest.