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##Disclaimer: I do not own any of the ER cast just Ashleigh, DJ, Marianna, Colin, Jaime, Drs. Rogers and Tanner, Mr. Simmons and Mr. Rydell and the idea for the story.
A/N: A.L.S- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(Lou Gehrig's Disease)- a progressive wasting away of certain nerve cells of the brain and the spinal column. It is a debilitating disease that affects movement, swallowing, speaking, breathing, and sometimes vision. There is no cure and the prognosis is death.
This story is dedicated to the memory of one of my favorite actors who passed away from the disease. Michael Zaslow, I miss you.
Part 9
Over at Doc Magoo's, Ashleigh and Haleh were enjoying some late dinner and conversation. Neither one of them brought up Dave. They just discussed their jobs, DJ, Doc Magoo's food---anything to avoid what was on both their minds. Some of the ER staff started to wander in and joined the twosome.
Carter: So, Ashleigh you never told us what happened to Dave after he was canned from County.
Abby: Real subtle, Carter.
Carter: Well, now that the issue is on the table, how about it?
Everyone turned and looked at Ashleigh, not trying to be so obvious. All Ashleigh wanted to do now was to dig a hole and crawl in to it. She didn't know if Dave would appreciate her telling anymore of his personal life. However, she knew how she would feel if someone started to tell her a story and left it unfinished. She took a deep breath and began to tell them about the last two years in Dave's life. She figured she and Dave had nothing to lose. This story would either make or break Dave.
As Ashleigh told the story we start to flashback to the day Dave was fired at County.
*******FLASHBACK*******
Dave: Ashleigh!!!! Where the hell are you? (slamming the door) Ashleigh!!!
Ashleigh: I'm right here. What is the matter?
Dave: Where's DJ?
Ashleigh: He's spending the night at Marianna's with Jaime.(Marianna's son)
Dave: That cold-hearted nazi dyke bitch Weaver just fired me!
Ashleigh: What for? What did you do now?
Dave: Thanks for your support and confidence in me.
Ashleigh: I'm sorry, but, you do have a way of getting into trouble and let's face it you are not one of Dr. Weaver's favorite people.
Dave: I don't know what I did to offend her.
Ashleigh: Maybe it's that way you have about prying into other people's lives like when you asked everyone what happened to her leg, or maybe all times you called her Festus, or all the practical jokes you played on her, or...
Dave: Alright, I get the point.
Ashleigh: So, getting back to the subject, why did she fire you?
Dave: I was on my break and I met this real hot paramedic and we went in the back of her rig for some fun and she caught me. But, I think that was just an excuse. She was still ticked off at me over that Marfan's case. She knew she had some responsibility in it, but the longer she threw the blame at me the less she had to accept any. She never liked me and she told me as much.
Ashleigh: I think you're overreacting. She doesn't really hate you. You're just upset. So, what happens now?
Dave: County is not the only hospital in Chicago. I'll start looking for a new residency tomorrow. Let's just have dinner and forget about it. After I clean out my locker tomorrow, if I never see the inside of County again it will be too soon.
All through dinner, neither Dave or Ashleigh said a word but both knew what was on each other's minds. After dinner, Dave would play the guitar or piano as he did many times. It was his way of relaxing. Something was different this time, though. Dave started hitting the wrong notes. That was totally unlike him. He could play the guitar or piano blindfolded, then again I knew he had alot on his mind. He wouldn't admit it, but I knew he did enjoy working at County and would miss it. He was definitely upset over his termination.
Ashleigh: Is something wrong, Dave?
Dave: Why do you ask? (Rubbing his hands and fingers)
Ashleigh: You NEVER mess up a song. Is something the matter with your hands? You keep rubbing them.
Dave: They're a little stiff. It's probably early on stage arthritis, besides it's just been a long day and I'm tired. I think I'm just going to get a shower and go to bed. I have a lot to do tomorrow.
After about half and hour, Ashleigh went up to check on Dave. She caught sight of Dave coming out from the bathroom, draped only in a towel wrapped around his waist . She saw his muscular, tanned Italian skin shine in the light and remembered back to their days in Italy when they were an item. She did care for him alot and she wanted to tell him, except she was afraid of rejection if the feeling wasn't returned. She stood and watched him for a few minutes. Dave started to go into his room when he stumbled against the door. He caught himself before he fell but not the towel he had around his waist. Ashleigh ran to him.
Ashleigh: Dave, are you alright?
Dave: Yeah, I just tripped over my towel.
Ashleigh knew that was not true, because the towel fell after Dave recovered from the slip. She just stared at Dave--- ALL of Dave. Dave looked into her eyes with tears in his own over today's events. He put his arms around her and held her close to his naked body, then he bent down and kissed her on the lips. He expected to get smacked across the face, but instead, she returned the kiss. He left the towel on the floor and picked Ashleigh up and carried her to his bed. That began their new relationship.
The next morning, Marianna dropped DJ back home early. He went upstairs to his room and he saw his Nana come from the bathroom and go into his Poppy's room. He didn't think much of it at the time, only that his Nana was going to wake up Poppy. He decided to help. He ran into his Poppy's room to jump on his bed only to stop in his tracks when he saw his Nana in bed with his Poppy. He let out a big scream.
DJ: Nana! Poppy!
Both Dave and Ashleigh just about hit the ceiling at his squeal and when they realized why he yelled they just sat in the bed speechless. They weren't sure how to explain to him what went on there last night.
DJ: You guys did it, didn't you?(pause) ALRIGHT!! Way to go, Poppy! (holding his hand up for Dave to high five him, which Dave did.) It's about time. I was wondering how long it was going to take you two to get together.
Dave: You don't mind?
DJ: No way. I've wanted this for so long. This is how it's suppose to be.
Dave and Ashleigh both took a breath, relieved that DJ was mature enough, at the age of 3, to handle this relationship. As DJ unpacked his overnight bag, Dave jumped back in the shower and Ashleigh made breakfast. Over breakfast, Dave told DJ that he lost his job at County and he had to go look for a new residency. DJ insisted on helping him with his resume.
Later that after noon, Dave was worn out going from one hospital to another filling out applications and dropping off resumes, only to be told that they will get back to him. Now he had to do what he regretted most of all---clean out his locker at County. He thought maybe he could slip in and out without anyone seeing him. He was wrong. As he put the remainder of his belongings into his backpack, obviously upset, but trying to hide it, his least favorite person walked in. He wanted so much to finish telling Kerry off but instead he realized that she wasn't worth it and just stared her down saying nothing.
After about a week of residency hunting and coming up empty, Dave started calling the hospitals back. They all told him the same thing. We reviewed your application and resume and called your last place of employment. We asked for Dr. Mark Greene, who you listed as your supervisor and ER attending. He was unavailable so we spoke with the other attending. Dave knew what this meant--Kerry. He knew she gave him a sparkling recommendation, especially when they mentioned she brought up the Marfan's case. He was definitely blackballed because of Kerry. Fortunately, fate was on his side. A friend tipped him off that a doc-in-the-box clinic was looking for a rent-a-doc. If he got it, he would work on call and covering for vacationing doctors and during call outs. That seemed great to Dave. His friend set up an interview with the clinic head for him. Dave, willing to work any shift was given a chance. Dave knew his attitude had to improve. This was his only hope of getting back into a residency. He needed another person to use as a reference instead of having to rely on County.
After two weeks at the clinic, Dave was making a great impression on his supervisors. They liked him and he was enjoying it but it didn't pay as much as a residency would. He needed the money to help pay the bills because Ashleigh's job as a paralegal wasn't enough. Between the two of them, they just managed to pay the bills, put food on the table, health insurance and DJ's clothing bills. Thank god they had such an understanding grandson. DJ never asked for anything. Dave and Ashleigh were able to give him a nice home, food and nice clothes. He didn't have fancy, expensive toys or designer clothes like his friends. It didn't matter to him, but, it did to most of his friends. They didn't want to play with him. He still had some friends who liked him for who he was and not what he had. The only thing he ever wanted was to go home--visit Italy. Both Dave and Ashleigh wanted to be able to give that to him, too. It was just not in their budget. Dave said no matter what it took he would get the money and take DJ there for his fourth birthday. So Dave worked every shift at the clinic he could. He even volunteered at other clinics. When he couldn't get work as a doctor he would work part-time bartending or driving a taxi. Sometimes he was away from home for days, working as many as 48 hours straight. After about three months, Dave had the money to take DJ to Italy. He planned on telling him at dinner that night.
At dinner, the conversation was all about Italy. DJ was so excited. He couldn't wait for his birthday in five months to go. Dave said he was happy to give it to him. As dinner came near an end, Dave told DJ to get their Shakespeare book and he would read to him for awhile. DJ sprung to his feet in such excitement as Ashleigh cleared the table. Dave sat back in his chair, let out a big burp and stood up. Just as quickly as Dave stood, he fell to the floor. His legs just popped out from under him. Both DJ and Ashleigh ran to Dave's aid.
DJ: Are you alright, poppy?
Dave: Yeah I'm fine.
Ashleigh: What happened?
Dave: I'm just tired from working so hard at the clinic and my other jobs. My legs are starting to feel it.
Ashleigh and DJ helped Dave to his feet and got him to the chair in the living room. DJ got their book and handed it to Dave. Dave opened it to the second act in Hamlet and started to read when he stopped all of the sudden. Ashleigh noticed Dave was rubbing his eyes and forcing the book closer to face.
Ashleigh: Is there a problem, Dave?
Dave: I'm more tired than I thought. The words are starting to run together.
DJ: Poppy, if you're tired we can skip the story and you go to bed.
Dave: Thanks DJ. I'll make it up to you. Promise. (pause) Goodnight, guys.
DJ and Ashleigh: Goodnight.
The next few days , Ashleigh noticed Dave was out of breath alot. He just explained it by saying he's been playing with DJ more than usual and it was hard keeping up with such a rambunctious 3 year old. At the end of the week, Dave was looking forward to having the weekend off, so he could spend it with Ashleigh and DJ. Things didn't turn out that way, though.
Ashleigh: (picking up the phone) Hello. This is Simmons and Rydell Attorneys at Law. Ashleigh speaking. How may I help you?
Voice on other end of phone: Hello. Are you Ashleigh Patella?
Ashleigh: Yes I am. Who is this?
Voice: I'm sorry. This is Dr. Rogers at the Northeastern Medical Clinic. Do you know a Dr. Malucci?
Ashleigh: Yes, he's my boyfriend.
Dr. Rogers: Ms. Patella, there is a problem here. Could you please come to the clinic as soon as possible?
Ashleigh: Is something wrong with Dave?
Dr. Rogers: I rather speak with you in person.
Ashleigh: Please. I need to know. Is Dave okay?
Dr. Rogers: He's had a grand mal seizure. We were able to stop it, but we can't determine what brought it on. Dave is going to need some tests done that we just can't do here at the clinic. I'm arranging to have him transferred to a hospital to have the tests done. He's requested to go to Mercy.
Ashleigh: Then send him there. I'll go straight there. Tell him I will meet him at the hospital.
Dr. Rogers: I will. Goodbye.
Ashleigh: Goodbye. (shakingly hangs up the phone) Mr. Simmons, Mr. Rydell! I need to leave. My boyfriend is in the hospital.
Mr. Simmons: Dave? What's wrong?
Ashleigh: He had a seizure. I'm sure it's nothing serious, probably overworked. I need to be with him, though.
Mr. Rydell: Of course. Are you going to be alright to drive?
Ashleigh: I think so.
Mr. Rydell: Never mind. I'll drive you. What hospital did they take him to?
Ashleigh: Mercy.
Mr. Rydell drove Ashleigh to Mercy, neither of them said a word. He could tell that she was really scared. He wanted to say something to calm her and put her at ease, but he was never comfortable in situations like this. He thought it best if he didn't say anything.
Once at the hospital, Mr. Rydell walked Ashleigh to the admit desk in the ER. She asked the nurse if Dave was brought in. The nurse took her to where Dave was.
Mr. Rydell: I see you are in good hands now, Ashleigh. I have to get back to the office. He's going to be fine. Goodbye.
Ashleigh: Thank you, Mr. Rydell for everything. Goodbye.
Ashleigh was lead into the neurology department and introduced to Dave's treating physician, Dr. Tanner.
Dr. Tanner: Ashleigh Patella? Dr. Rogers said you would be here. I am Dr. Tanner. I was briefed on Dr. Malucci's condition by Dr. Rogers.
Ashleigh: Can I please see him now?
Dr. Tanner: We haven't been able to find a cause for his seizure, so I want to run some tests on him, such as an MRI, Pet scan, CT and EMG. This is going to take awhile, if you would like to go home we will call you when they're done. Dr. Malucci will have to stay overnight for observation.
Ashleigh: I'm not going anywhere. I won't leave him.
Dr. Tanner: You are welcome to wait in the waiting area and I will come get you when the tests are done.
Ashleigh: Fine. I have a phone call to make.
Dr. Tanner showed Ashleigh to the phone. She called Dave's sister, Marianna, but managed to reach Marianna's husband, Colin. She explained to him what happened and he agreed to pick DJ up at school and bring him to their house. Colin, was able to reach Marianna and tell her. She met Ashleigh at the hospital and both waited for Dave to be brought back up to his room.
After two and a half hours, Dr. Tanner appeared to the women.
Dr. Tanner: Ladies, Dr. Malucci is back in his room now. He's really tired but you can go in with him. I put a rush on his test results and will be in when I have them.
Ashleigh and Marianna went in Dave's room. He was sleeping. It was obvious that the tests took alot out of him. He had oxygen tubes up his nose, an IV in his left arm, a pulse ox on his right finger and a bandage on his head from when he hit it on the floor during the seizure. They moved two chairs near his bed trying to be as quiet as possible, not to wake him. An hour later, Dave started to wake up.
Ashleigh: What happened, sweetheart?
Marianna: Yeah, big brother. What's going on?
Dave: It's no big deal. They blew this whole thing out of proportion. I've just been pushing myself too hard is all.
Ashleigh: That's what I thought, but...
Then she and Marianna both noticed at the same time the bandage on Dave's left hand.
Marianna: Dave, what happened to your hand? Did you do that during your seizure?
Dave: No, I cut my hand with a scalpel about an hour before I had the seizure. Where's DJ?
Ashleigh: He's with Colin. I told Colin not to say anything to him about this. I don't want to upset him if there's no reason to. And if there is, I will tell him myself.
Dave: There's nothing to tell him. I'm fine.
Just then the door to Dave's room opened and Dr. Tanner walked in with a grim look on his face.
Dr. Tanner: Dr. Malucci, I have the results of your tests.
To be continued. Please read and review.