Chapter 2 of "The Call"

Disclaimer: *motions* All together now...Don't own 'em...I'll put them back I promise.

This is from Garret's POV

-----in the hospital-----

Damn. I must have looked like a fool, crying like that in front of Nigel. But I couldn't help it. My baby girl is in there fighting for her life and I'm sitting here doing nothing. Nothing! That doctor...he seems to know what he's doing...at least Abby's in good hands.

"Garret...you want me to go get you some coffee?" Nigel poked me. "I'll call Maggie again too..."

"Yeah, that would be great Nigel. But just straight black ok?" He nodded, then scurried off to find the coffee machine. I sat and stared at the other patients in the waiting room. There was a old couple sitting in the back...a young woman with an infant, and a couple with their son, who had a broken arm. I must have zoned out...because the next thing I remember was Nigel trying to get my attention.

"They don't have any tea...I can't believe I'm going to drink coffee...HOSPITAL coffee no less!" He handed me my cup, then slunk into the chair next to me. "I got a hold of Maggie...she'll be here as soon as she can."

I nodded, and sipped the drink slowly. My head shot up as the double doors swung open. Dr. Weston walked out and came straight to me. I stood up, and so did Nigel. I managed to croak out the words "How is she?" I felt my heart rise up in my throat.

"She's alive. He looked straight into my eyes. "But, she's very unstable. She had some internal hemorrhaging into her chest cavity, and she suffered a severe concussion. She also has lacerations to her face and legs, bruised ribs, and a dislocated shoulder." He paused for a minute. "She's currently in a comatose state, but her body is trying to repair itself. Her heart is strong."

I felt as if I had been stabbed in the chest. I stared at those double doors, imagining her...with all those problems.

"But is she going to be alright?" Nigel stepped forward, in my silence.

"Sir, she's not out of the woods yet. These next 24 hours are going to be critical. She could easily slip downhill at any moment."

I could talk again. "Can we see her now?"

He nodded, then motioned for me to follow. As we walked down the hall, he explained more about her.

"...and she's currently asleep. She needs to stay that way so her body can repair itself." He stopped by her door. "Listen. She looks bad. She's covered in IV's, tubes, wires....and bandages. But you need to be strong. She needs you to be strong." He pushed her door open. "Call if you need anything...or if you have any questions."

I nodded, then looked at Nigel. I entered the darkened room slowly and crossed it to her bedside. She was lying there...covered in bandages. I knelt down next to her bed and took her hand in mine. "Abby...sweetie...I'm here now..." Nigel sank down against the wall and sat on the floor and stared at us. I sat in silence, holding her hand.

The door creaked open, and I saw Maggie standing in the doorway. She walked over to me and gasped when she saw Abby. "Garret...she's so pale..." I saw her eyes glisten in the dim light. I was so tempted to jump up and hug her, hold her close to me. "Where did we go wrong?" She sniffled a sob. I couldn't bear it any longer, and I stood and hugged her. As soon as I touched her, she broke down in my arms. She sobbed into my shoulder. All I could do for her was hug her and try to provide comfort. We must have stood like that for a good five minutes. She dabbed her eyes, then looked up at me. "I have some things in the car...I'll be right back...stay with her." I nodded, then she walked out. Only then did I remember Nigel was even in the room. He was standing now, near the window. He had both hands on the windowsill and his head was lowered. I walked over to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder. I must have surprised him, cause he jumped, then hastily wiped his eyes on his sleeve.

"Nigel...why are you crying? She's going to be fine." Nigel of all people...he wasn't even her father yet he was crying more than I was.

He shook his head "It's not Abby..." his voice weakly trailed off.

I knew he was hiding something. (But what?) "Nigel...if you ever need to talk about anything...I'm here for you ok?"

"Thanks mate." he turned his face skyward and closed his eyes, praying silently.

All I knew was that I had a very long night ahead of me. I sat in silence for a few moments, then I heard him turn around. "Garret - if you want to sleep for a tick...I'll sit and watch her. It wouldn't be a problem mate." He pulled up a chair and sat next to Abby.

I was stunned...no awed by his offer. It took me a minute to gain the words to speak again. "I would love that Nigel...but she's my baby girl and I have to stay with her."

He swallowed, then spoke...his voice wavering. "I know, but Abby's like a...a baby sister...to me."

I noticed how he stumbled over the words "baby sister", but I took little notice of it. He asked to stay, and I said he could stay as long as he wanted to.

Maggie walked in about 20 minutes later, followed by Dr. Weston. But, he walked to Nigel instead of me.

"I'm sorry sir, but only direct family is allowed in the ICU unless the parents give permission."

I spoke up. "I gave him permission. Nigel can stay."

Dr. Weston looked at me nervously. "Dr. Macy...both parents have to agree."

I glared up at Maggie. She bit her lip.

"I don't want anyone else here Garret."

Nigel stared at her in genuine shock. She glanced at him.

"Sorry Nigel...you understand right?"

He glanced at me. The look on his face was that of absolute hurt. He picked up his coat, the began to leave. He stopped in the doorway, and turned back to look at Abby, then walked out, not saying a word.

"What the hell was that?!" I was pissed. "Nigel is like a big brother to Abby! You know how close they are! All he wanted to do was help!"

She shrugged. "Sorry Garret...I didn't want anyone here."

I sighed, then glanced outside at the open window. The snow had stopped, and the sky had cleared, revealing hundreds of glistening stars above...

Please R&R so I can continue this one! It's getting good, and I've got some tricks up my sleeve! Hee hee!