CHAPTER 6
This Chapter will be all in Ellen's POV, mostly of the dinner and afterward
Knocking resounded on the door a few minutes after Sam went back into his bedroom, I hustled to get it before it woke Sam. I opened the door to see a woman with red hair, she was a little shorter then I, but very pretty. I knew it had to be Mallory. Sam had filled me in on everyone coming over and she fit the description to a T.
"Please, come in. Sam's resting but I'm sure he won't mind if you go in and see him. Let me take your coat."
Mallory stood in the hall staring at me confused and finally I realized that if I were she I would be doing the same thing.
"I'm sorry, my name is Ellen Lawson, Sam has offered me a place to stay."
"Oh, has he." Mallory said coldly.
I didn't know what to say, so I turned away to hang her coat. She proceeded down the hallway and into Sam's bedroom, I heard low murmurs so I knew Sam was awake. I hope I hadn't gotten him in the doghouse. I continued into the kitchen and set out plates and silverware for the rest of the guests coming later. I picked up around the house and then went up to my new room.
When Sam and Mallory came out of the bedroom an hour later they were surprised to see me sitting on the couch surrounded by Sam's old law books. I jumped up, I was caught red-handed.
"I'm sorry. I found them upstairs and couldn't help myself."
"It's okay, I'm glad someone's using them and you might even need them for classes, help yourself." Sam replied with a gentle smile. Mallory was behind him, she had pushed him out of the bedroom.
"You are both geeks, perfect roommates!" She laughed and headed towards the kitchen. Sam stayed behind with me.
I was so relieved I was worried she would not like me living with Sam. But she seemed okay with it. I heard knocking on the door again, Sam and I both headed to open it. He opened as I stood back a few feet. I watched as four people stumble in wiping the rain off their heads and shoulders. I recognized them as CJ, Donna, Toby and Josh. CJ and Donna leaned down to hug Sam, while Toby grunted hello and Josh clapped him on the shoulder. They all turned to head to the kitchen when they saw me.
"Everyone, I would like to meet Ellen Lawson. Ellen this is everyone." Sam said as he signaled to everyone. I smiled shyly and nodded.
"I'm Toby, not part of everyone." Toby mumbled as he passed.
"I'm CJ and this is Donna and Josh. We do have names to some people but obviously not to Sam.and he's our speech-writer." CJ said, the last part under her breath, sarcastically. Everyone else grinned and nodded at me and then came forward to say hi.
"Hey Sam, we all chipped in and got you something for whenever you have time." Josh smiled softly and held out all four of the Harry Potter books in hard cover. They all knew Sam had read the first Harry Potter and enjoyed it immensely. So they each of them contributed and Donna went out and bought all of the available books in collector's edition.
I saw Sam's eyes glass over, but he scratched his head to cover him wiping his eyes and said thanks to everyone and hugged Donna as she bent down again. He handed the books to me and I led the way to the living room and sat next to the fireplace, everyone else took various places on the couch and easy chairs. The conversation variably turned towards work related topics, I recognized names a few times, but mostly I just nodded and pretended to follow along. I noticed Mallory was doing the same thing, we shared a smile and she held up her hand.
"Okay boys and girls, let's talk about something Ellen and I can relate too. Hmmmm?"
Everyone turned to me and smiled and Josh asked the question burning on everyone's mind.
So.how do you know Sam?"
We talked about me for awhile and what I planned to do later and so on, they each offered good advice, but finally when my stomach would not stop talking I went to the kitchen and started to set out the food everyone brought. Mallory and Donna soon joined me and we laughed like crazy together, I could hardly believe they were over ten years older then I. At home all my friends treated me like glass since mom and dad had passed, here Mallory and Donna treated me just like one of the girls. It was nice.
We gathered around the table and had a good dinner of take out Chinese. Towards the end, Sam excused himself and everyone watched him roll out into the living room. Everyone was subdued as they helped me clean up, afterward everyone awkwardly stood in the kitchen not sure if they should go out yet, should we give Sam more time alone or barge in? Josh answered the question by sighing and pushing the door between the kitchen and living room open. Sam had started a fire and was sitting on the couch, his wheelchair nowhere in sight. We all noticed it but no one commented. Mallory crossed over first and snuggled up to him on the couch. Toby and Josh took the easy chairs, Donna and CJ made their way over to the fireplace, so I sat on the opposite end of Sam and Mallory.
They talked until late evening and they would have kept talking, but Sam yawned and everyone immediately started to make excuses to head home. CJ and Donna bent down and kissed him on the cheek wishing him good luck. Toby placed his hands on Sam's shoulders and it seemed they communicated telepathically, because Toby nodded looking relieved and left after the two other girls. Josh said goodnight and told Sam he would be back tomorrow to pick him up around noon. I walked him out to give Mallory and Sam some time alone.
"I'm glad you're here, Ellen. I would've moved in if he would have asked me, but then again I would probably only be here 6 hours a day and that wouldn't do him any good." Josh said while putting on his coat.
"I'm just glad he came home when he did or I could be staying somewhere else." I smiled as I slung his scarf around his neck. Josh smirked, but nodded and headed out.
I headed back to the kitchen and saw Mallory and Sam whispering to each other, the only light was from the fire, creating shadows across their faces. I quickly entered the kitchen and shut the door. It wasn't long before Mallory entered behind me, I knew she would want to talk.
"Hey," she started.
"Hey," I replied.
"It might not seem like it all the time, but I'm glad you're here. I hated it when Sam was here all by himself. Thank you."
That was not what I was thinking she was going to say. "Thank you, I'm glad Sam asked.. Did he talk to you about tomorrow?" I asked hesitantly. Sam seemed distant about it whenever I mentioned it and I noticed a few times that he rubbed his back as if in pain.
"Yes, a little. I know he is apprehensive, but he told you how necessary tomorrow was, right? Have you noticed anything else?" She asked worriedly.
"No, no I was just asking and I know he needs the operation, I was just wondering."
Mallory looked at me oddly but nodded. "My dad mentioned that the president might stop by tonight, but I don't know if Sam will make it, he's exhausted. If my dad does call just tell him Sam's asleep and can't be disturbed." Mallory said stressing the word can't. I whole-heartedly agreed, but I couldn't see myself telling the president not to come, telling the president anything was a little out of my league, I thought, Mallory must not though.
I showed Mallory out, then turned back to Sam in the living room. He was still on the couch staring into the fire, I could see lines on his face that I hadn't seen before. I quietly looked around for his chair but couldn't locate it.
"It's under the couch." Sam spoke, making me jump.
"Do you want me to get it out?" I asked cautiously.
Sam looked away from the fire to smile and nod at me. "Yes, please I tired myself out, putting it under there."
I carefully extracted it and unfolded it next to Sam. I knew he would not want me to be near to see him get into it so I went back into the kitchen to finish wiping up. Ten minutes later, Sam came in, he watched me for a while then turned to go. I understood. I followed into his bedroom and helped him take off his sweater and put on his T-shirt. He moved himself into his bed with little amount of grimacing and I swung his legs over, I could tell he still was uncomfortable so I helped him flip onto his stomach. He didn't thank me but he didn't need to, I knew even what little I had helped him, it disappointed him a lot to not be able to do it himself. I turned out the lights and shut the door behind me.
Twenty minutes later I was back in front of the fire surrounded by Sam's books again when someone knocked on the door. Curiously I got up and looked out the peephole. There in the hall stood to men dressed in suits looking around the hall, one was speaking into his sleeve. I immediately recognized them from the one time I had visited the White House with my father. The Secret Service were here and that meant the president would soon join them. I gingerly stepped back and opened the door. They must have known I who I was, because the two of them nodded and entered without a word. One immediately went upstairs and the other prowled around the main floor. As he started to open Sam's door, I stepped in front and shook my head no. I shut the door, much to the man's dismay.
"He just went to sleep. He needs his sleep. He can't see the president tonight, he'll have to wait." I stood in front of the man not believing I was actually said what I said. The man smiled and removed my hand from the door.
"He won't even know I'm their, ma'am." He said before he slipped in without a noise. The other S.S. man finished his sweep of the upstairs and came down and started to shut all the blinds and doors to the main room. He looked at his watch and nodded at me and then at the door, at that second someone knocked. Both the agents took up positions, one by the kitchen door and the other by Sam's door. That left me to answer the door. I slowly opened the door and standing behind a wall of Secret Service was the President of the United States and the First Lady.
The President hustled in with the First Lady right behind him, telling him to slow down. They stopped when they saw me. I was standing against the wall in shock, Mrs. Bartlet smiled and pulled me into the living room, she sat me down and got me some water. I jumped up when I realized I was supposed to be doing that. She pulled me back down.
"So you are Ellen Lawson. I'm very happy you have moved in with Sam. I have meant for so long to check up on you and your brother, I can't believe it's almost been a year."
"Ma'am you are too kind. I would like to thank you for everything you did for Michael and I, it was much appreciated." I spoke in quiet tones, the president looked oddly at me for speaking so lightly.
"Sam just went to bed, it was an exhausting night for him, I think he is very nervous about tomorrow." I explained. He nodded along with FLOTUS.
"Yes, it will be a difficult surgery but I am sure Sam'll do fine." Mrs. Bartlet comforted, I think for the president and me.
The president stood. "If it's okay with you, I'm going to see him." He asked me.
I blushed and nodded. "He shouldn't wake, he took some pills before."
The president went into Sam's room and I saw the lamp next to Sam's bed turn on. Mrs. Bartlet took my hand to get my attention. We talked quietly as we waited for the president to come back.
"Hey Sam." The president began. "You're always asleep when I come to visit, just this time I don't expect you to wake. You need your sleep, so I won't disturb you for too long." He stroked Sam's cheek and hair while he thought of happier times. Soon he got up and was about to turn off the light, Sam shifted causing the blanket to slip off exposing his lower back. The president stared at Sam's back, scars crisscrossed from the accident and the earlier surgeries. He ran his hand over the scars, but stopped when he felt Sam shiver underneath him. He pulled down Sam's shirt and covered him in the blanket, then turned out the light and shut the door behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I glanced at my clock it was just after 2 a.m. The president and First Lady had left only a few hours before, I was exhausted but extremely thirsty. I got up and went downstairs to get some water.
As soon as I hit the bottom of the stairs I could hear noises coming from Sam's room. I quietly tiptoed over to his door. From the streetlights I could see Sam in obvious pain. His face was contorted in pain, one hand was on his back as if trying to push something down. I immediately knelt by his side and tried to rouse him. He responded sluggishly, but at least he responded.
I kept him awake while I ran through his cell phone to find numbers. I finally found Josh's on speed dial and punched it in.
"'lo?" Josh answered after two rings.
"Josh?" It was silent for a moment so I continued. "Josh, its Ellen. Something's wrong with Sam. He's awake but in pain. I don't know what to do.he's.I don't know." I was trying to keep calm but I knew I was babbling.
Josh immediately responded. "Okay, keep him awake. I'll be over in ten minutes, less depending on traffic."
It was two in the morning, I didn't think traffic would be a problem but I didn't say anything.
"Josh?" I asked.
"Yeah." He said sounding like he was running through his house.
"Drive carefully." I could hear the smile on his face as he mumbled thanks and hung up.
I didn't know if I should move Sam to try to get warmer clothes on him or not, so I just sat by his side and talked about anything I could. I asked him about his childhood, college, Mallory, the president, anything. He stayed coherent but I could tell he was fading. In no time at all, I heard the scrape of Josh's key, I gave a silent thank you to the gods as he walked into the bedroom.
"Sam? Sam? How you doing, buddy?" Josh asked as he bent down to be eye level with Sam who was still lying on his stomach.
"Hmmm? Josh? What are you doing here? I was talking to Mallory." Sam said very slowly, glancing at me.
Mallory? What was he talking about? I could see that Josh was confused too. I could see a plan forming behind his brown eyes.
"Okay, lets get him into his wheelchair and bundled up. It's cold out there, then go down and get his car and bring it around front. I'll bring him out and we'll get him settled in and go to the hospital, it will be quicker then an ambulance. I've never seen him this out of it."
I nodded and grabbed the closet thing to wear outside, which was the Princeton sweatshirt Sam had had on earlier. I still had his cell so I tucked it into my pajama pants. Between the two of us we moved Sam to the wheelchair with few problems, he mumbled to himself the entire time and Josh seemed even more worried, so I hurried as fast as I could to get the car. Within minutes Josh was down with Sam and we carefully laid him between the seats in the back on the floor. It was flat and nothing would be poking him in the back, if he could even feel it. I laid across the back seat so I could hold his hand and keep talking to him. I knew Josh wanted that spot but I had no clue how to get to the hospital and I didn't want to make any mistakes going the wrong way or have to stop quickly. Josh jumped in the front and we were off, only ten minutes had passed since Josh had arrived.
Sam was cocooned in pillows and his comforter. He was holding onto my hand talking every once in awhile, though he still thought I was Mallory.
Suddenly he switched gears and started talking to Josh.
"Hey Josh, are we going to New Hampshire? I mean is this guy really the real thing? He must be.you have a bad poker face." He was starting to fade and suddenly his eyes rolled up and his body relaxed.
"Sam? Sam? Come on, Sam. Wake up. Sam? Josh, he passed out!?" I knew I sounded a little hysterical but nothing compared to the look I saw on Josh's face when he turned. It honestly scared me even more.
I immediately felt the car speed up. Within a minute we were in front of GW, Josh jumped out and raced to the entrance. I was still trying to wake Sam up but was getting no response. The side door opened and a nurse was beside me pulling off Sam's comforter and trying to fit a backboard next to him. I was shoved out of the way, and they rolled Sam over and secured him to the backboard within seconds.
This Chapter will be all in Ellen's POV, mostly of the dinner and afterward
Knocking resounded on the door a few minutes after Sam went back into his bedroom, I hustled to get it before it woke Sam. I opened the door to see a woman with red hair, she was a little shorter then I, but very pretty. I knew it had to be Mallory. Sam had filled me in on everyone coming over and she fit the description to a T.
"Please, come in. Sam's resting but I'm sure he won't mind if you go in and see him. Let me take your coat."
Mallory stood in the hall staring at me confused and finally I realized that if I were she I would be doing the same thing.
"I'm sorry, my name is Ellen Lawson, Sam has offered me a place to stay."
"Oh, has he." Mallory said coldly.
I didn't know what to say, so I turned away to hang her coat. She proceeded down the hallway and into Sam's bedroom, I heard low murmurs so I knew Sam was awake. I hope I hadn't gotten him in the doghouse. I continued into the kitchen and set out plates and silverware for the rest of the guests coming later. I picked up around the house and then went up to my new room.
When Sam and Mallory came out of the bedroom an hour later they were surprised to see me sitting on the couch surrounded by Sam's old law books. I jumped up, I was caught red-handed.
"I'm sorry. I found them upstairs and couldn't help myself."
"It's okay, I'm glad someone's using them and you might even need them for classes, help yourself." Sam replied with a gentle smile. Mallory was behind him, she had pushed him out of the bedroom.
"You are both geeks, perfect roommates!" She laughed and headed towards the kitchen. Sam stayed behind with me.
I was so relieved I was worried she would not like me living with Sam. But she seemed okay with it. I heard knocking on the door again, Sam and I both headed to open it. He opened as I stood back a few feet. I watched as four people stumble in wiping the rain off their heads and shoulders. I recognized them as CJ, Donna, Toby and Josh. CJ and Donna leaned down to hug Sam, while Toby grunted hello and Josh clapped him on the shoulder. They all turned to head to the kitchen when they saw me.
"Everyone, I would like to meet Ellen Lawson. Ellen this is everyone." Sam said as he signaled to everyone. I smiled shyly and nodded.
"I'm Toby, not part of everyone." Toby mumbled as he passed.
"I'm CJ and this is Donna and Josh. We do have names to some people but obviously not to Sam.and he's our speech-writer." CJ said, the last part under her breath, sarcastically. Everyone else grinned and nodded at me and then came forward to say hi.
"Hey Sam, we all chipped in and got you something for whenever you have time." Josh smiled softly and held out all four of the Harry Potter books in hard cover. They all knew Sam had read the first Harry Potter and enjoyed it immensely. So they each of them contributed and Donna went out and bought all of the available books in collector's edition.
I saw Sam's eyes glass over, but he scratched his head to cover him wiping his eyes and said thanks to everyone and hugged Donna as she bent down again. He handed the books to me and I led the way to the living room and sat next to the fireplace, everyone else took various places on the couch and easy chairs. The conversation variably turned towards work related topics, I recognized names a few times, but mostly I just nodded and pretended to follow along. I noticed Mallory was doing the same thing, we shared a smile and she held up her hand.
"Okay boys and girls, let's talk about something Ellen and I can relate too. Hmmmm?"
Everyone turned to me and smiled and Josh asked the question burning on everyone's mind.
So.how do you know Sam?"
We talked about me for awhile and what I planned to do later and so on, they each offered good advice, but finally when my stomach would not stop talking I went to the kitchen and started to set out the food everyone brought. Mallory and Donna soon joined me and we laughed like crazy together, I could hardly believe they were over ten years older then I. At home all my friends treated me like glass since mom and dad had passed, here Mallory and Donna treated me just like one of the girls. It was nice.
We gathered around the table and had a good dinner of take out Chinese. Towards the end, Sam excused himself and everyone watched him roll out into the living room. Everyone was subdued as they helped me clean up, afterward everyone awkwardly stood in the kitchen not sure if they should go out yet, should we give Sam more time alone or barge in? Josh answered the question by sighing and pushing the door between the kitchen and living room open. Sam had started a fire and was sitting on the couch, his wheelchair nowhere in sight. We all noticed it but no one commented. Mallory crossed over first and snuggled up to him on the couch. Toby and Josh took the easy chairs, Donna and CJ made their way over to the fireplace, so I sat on the opposite end of Sam and Mallory.
They talked until late evening and they would have kept talking, but Sam yawned and everyone immediately started to make excuses to head home. CJ and Donna bent down and kissed him on the cheek wishing him good luck. Toby placed his hands on Sam's shoulders and it seemed they communicated telepathically, because Toby nodded looking relieved and left after the two other girls. Josh said goodnight and told Sam he would be back tomorrow to pick him up around noon. I walked him out to give Mallory and Sam some time alone.
"I'm glad you're here, Ellen. I would've moved in if he would have asked me, but then again I would probably only be here 6 hours a day and that wouldn't do him any good." Josh said while putting on his coat.
"I'm just glad he came home when he did or I could be staying somewhere else." I smiled as I slung his scarf around his neck. Josh smirked, but nodded and headed out.
I headed back to the kitchen and saw Mallory and Sam whispering to each other, the only light was from the fire, creating shadows across their faces. I quickly entered the kitchen and shut the door. It wasn't long before Mallory entered behind me, I knew she would want to talk.
"Hey," she started.
"Hey," I replied.
"It might not seem like it all the time, but I'm glad you're here. I hated it when Sam was here all by himself. Thank you."
That was not what I was thinking she was going to say. "Thank you, I'm glad Sam asked.. Did he talk to you about tomorrow?" I asked hesitantly. Sam seemed distant about it whenever I mentioned it and I noticed a few times that he rubbed his back as if in pain.
"Yes, a little. I know he is apprehensive, but he told you how necessary tomorrow was, right? Have you noticed anything else?" She asked worriedly.
"No, no I was just asking and I know he needs the operation, I was just wondering."
Mallory looked at me oddly but nodded. "My dad mentioned that the president might stop by tonight, but I don't know if Sam will make it, he's exhausted. If my dad does call just tell him Sam's asleep and can't be disturbed." Mallory said stressing the word can't. I whole-heartedly agreed, but I couldn't see myself telling the president not to come, telling the president anything was a little out of my league, I thought, Mallory must not though.
I showed Mallory out, then turned back to Sam in the living room. He was still on the couch staring into the fire, I could see lines on his face that I hadn't seen before. I quietly looked around for his chair but couldn't locate it.
"It's under the couch." Sam spoke, making me jump.
"Do you want me to get it out?" I asked cautiously.
Sam looked away from the fire to smile and nod at me. "Yes, please I tired myself out, putting it under there."
I carefully extracted it and unfolded it next to Sam. I knew he would not want me to be near to see him get into it so I went back into the kitchen to finish wiping up. Ten minutes later, Sam came in, he watched me for a while then turned to go. I understood. I followed into his bedroom and helped him take off his sweater and put on his T-shirt. He moved himself into his bed with little amount of grimacing and I swung his legs over, I could tell he still was uncomfortable so I helped him flip onto his stomach. He didn't thank me but he didn't need to, I knew even what little I had helped him, it disappointed him a lot to not be able to do it himself. I turned out the lights and shut the door behind me.
Twenty minutes later I was back in front of the fire surrounded by Sam's books again when someone knocked on the door. Curiously I got up and looked out the peephole. There in the hall stood to men dressed in suits looking around the hall, one was speaking into his sleeve. I immediately recognized them from the one time I had visited the White House with my father. The Secret Service were here and that meant the president would soon join them. I gingerly stepped back and opened the door. They must have known I who I was, because the two of them nodded and entered without a word. One immediately went upstairs and the other prowled around the main floor. As he started to open Sam's door, I stepped in front and shook my head no. I shut the door, much to the man's dismay.
"He just went to sleep. He needs his sleep. He can't see the president tonight, he'll have to wait." I stood in front of the man not believing I was actually said what I said. The man smiled and removed my hand from the door.
"He won't even know I'm their, ma'am." He said before he slipped in without a noise. The other S.S. man finished his sweep of the upstairs and came down and started to shut all the blinds and doors to the main room. He looked at his watch and nodded at me and then at the door, at that second someone knocked. Both the agents took up positions, one by the kitchen door and the other by Sam's door. That left me to answer the door. I slowly opened the door and standing behind a wall of Secret Service was the President of the United States and the First Lady.
The President hustled in with the First Lady right behind him, telling him to slow down. They stopped when they saw me. I was standing against the wall in shock, Mrs. Bartlet smiled and pulled me into the living room, she sat me down and got me some water. I jumped up when I realized I was supposed to be doing that. She pulled me back down.
"So you are Ellen Lawson. I'm very happy you have moved in with Sam. I have meant for so long to check up on you and your brother, I can't believe it's almost been a year."
"Ma'am you are too kind. I would like to thank you for everything you did for Michael and I, it was much appreciated." I spoke in quiet tones, the president looked oddly at me for speaking so lightly.
"Sam just went to bed, it was an exhausting night for him, I think he is very nervous about tomorrow." I explained. He nodded along with FLOTUS.
"Yes, it will be a difficult surgery but I am sure Sam'll do fine." Mrs. Bartlet comforted, I think for the president and me.
The president stood. "If it's okay with you, I'm going to see him." He asked me.
I blushed and nodded. "He shouldn't wake, he took some pills before."
The president went into Sam's room and I saw the lamp next to Sam's bed turn on. Mrs. Bartlet took my hand to get my attention. We talked quietly as we waited for the president to come back.
"Hey Sam." The president began. "You're always asleep when I come to visit, just this time I don't expect you to wake. You need your sleep, so I won't disturb you for too long." He stroked Sam's cheek and hair while he thought of happier times. Soon he got up and was about to turn off the light, Sam shifted causing the blanket to slip off exposing his lower back. The president stared at Sam's back, scars crisscrossed from the accident and the earlier surgeries. He ran his hand over the scars, but stopped when he felt Sam shiver underneath him. He pulled down Sam's shirt and covered him in the blanket, then turned out the light and shut the door behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I glanced at my clock it was just after 2 a.m. The president and First Lady had left only a few hours before, I was exhausted but extremely thirsty. I got up and went downstairs to get some water.
As soon as I hit the bottom of the stairs I could hear noises coming from Sam's room. I quietly tiptoed over to his door. From the streetlights I could see Sam in obvious pain. His face was contorted in pain, one hand was on his back as if trying to push something down. I immediately knelt by his side and tried to rouse him. He responded sluggishly, but at least he responded.
I kept him awake while I ran through his cell phone to find numbers. I finally found Josh's on speed dial and punched it in.
"'lo?" Josh answered after two rings.
"Josh?" It was silent for a moment so I continued. "Josh, its Ellen. Something's wrong with Sam. He's awake but in pain. I don't know what to do.he's.I don't know." I was trying to keep calm but I knew I was babbling.
Josh immediately responded. "Okay, keep him awake. I'll be over in ten minutes, less depending on traffic."
It was two in the morning, I didn't think traffic would be a problem but I didn't say anything.
"Josh?" I asked.
"Yeah." He said sounding like he was running through his house.
"Drive carefully." I could hear the smile on his face as he mumbled thanks and hung up.
I didn't know if I should move Sam to try to get warmer clothes on him or not, so I just sat by his side and talked about anything I could. I asked him about his childhood, college, Mallory, the president, anything. He stayed coherent but I could tell he was fading. In no time at all, I heard the scrape of Josh's key, I gave a silent thank you to the gods as he walked into the bedroom.
"Sam? Sam? How you doing, buddy?" Josh asked as he bent down to be eye level with Sam who was still lying on his stomach.
"Hmmm? Josh? What are you doing here? I was talking to Mallory." Sam said very slowly, glancing at me.
Mallory? What was he talking about? I could see that Josh was confused too. I could see a plan forming behind his brown eyes.
"Okay, lets get him into his wheelchair and bundled up. It's cold out there, then go down and get his car and bring it around front. I'll bring him out and we'll get him settled in and go to the hospital, it will be quicker then an ambulance. I've never seen him this out of it."
I nodded and grabbed the closet thing to wear outside, which was the Princeton sweatshirt Sam had had on earlier. I still had his cell so I tucked it into my pajama pants. Between the two of us we moved Sam to the wheelchair with few problems, he mumbled to himself the entire time and Josh seemed even more worried, so I hurried as fast as I could to get the car. Within minutes Josh was down with Sam and we carefully laid him between the seats in the back on the floor. It was flat and nothing would be poking him in the back, if he could even feel it. I laid across the back seat so I could hold his hand and keep talking to him. I knew Josh wanted that spot but I had no clue how to get to the hospital and I didn't want to make any mistakes going the wrong way or have to stop quickly. Josh jumped in the front and we were off, only ten minutes had passed since Josh had arrived.
Sam was cocooned in pillows and his comforter. He was holding onto my hand talking every once in awhile, though he still thought I was Mallory.
Suddenly he switched gears and started talking to Josh.
"Hey Josh, are we going to New Hampshire? I mean is this guy really the real thing? He must be.you have a bad poker face." He was starting to fade and suddenly his eyes rolled up and his body relaxed.
"Sam? Sam? Come on, Sam. Wake up. Sam? Josh, he passed out!?" I knew I sounded a little hysterical but nothing compared to the look I saw on Josh's face when he turned. It honestly scared me even more.
I immediately felt the car speed up. Within a minute we were in front of GW, Josh jumped out and raced to the entrance. I was still trying to wake Sam up but was getting no response. The side door opened and a nurse was beside me pulling off Sam's comforter and trying to fit a backboard next to him. I was shoved out of the way, and they rolled Sam over and secured him to the backboard within seconds.
