****************************
CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
Three hours later, Isabel, Michael, Kyle, and Valenti, were sitting in the waiting room at the hospital, as Doctors worked frantically to save Alex's life. Isabel's clothes were covered in Alex's blood because she had held him close to her in the car on the way to the hospital, trying to stop the bleeding along the way. Valenti talked to Sheriff Hanson, telling him that Alex and Isabel had come to pick Michael up from work, and arrived just in time for a break-in and sabotage at the Metachem facility. He was then caught in the crossfire of Valenti's and Michael's pursuit of the pursuers. Hanson trusted his former boss, and took the story at face value. Valenti did not even try to fit a story about Max into the equation, since no physical evidence of his remains were left behind. The group would have to try and explain that one later. He then called Alex's parents and told them what happened, and they were getting on a plane and on their way back home to Roswell.
Isabel was sitting in a corner of the waiting room, sobbing quietly as Michael had his arm around her. Kyle and Valenti were giving them some privacy, and also keeping people away so they could talk.
"My God, Michael, what if he dies?" asked Isabel, sobbing into Michael's shoulder.
"He won't!" said Michael. "Alex is a tough guy, Isabel! He'll pull through! Besides, do you think he would leave you?"
"He'd better not," said Isabel. "I couldn't bear it, Michael! I've already lost my brother tonight! I don't want to loose Alex! God, I haven't even....I've been so scared about Alex, I haven't even processed....Max is gone!! What are we going to do?!"
"I don't know," said Michael. "This is my fault! All of it!! Max and Alex both! I just don't understand any of this!! And you know, the craziest thing happened. A little while ago, Maria called Kyle's cell phone, trying to get in touch with someone here. She's with Liz at the boarding school. She asked if something had happened to Max. I...I told her what happened, and about Alex! Somehow...Liz knew Max was dead!"
"They have a strong bond, Michael," said Isabel. "That's why I have hope for Alex. I...I'd know it if he was dead! I'd FEEL it, I'm sure! Are Liz and Maria on their way back?"
"Last I heard, Maria was going to break the news to Liz, and they were probably going to try to get back here," said Michael. "She was SO scared! Alex is like her brother, you know."
"I know," said Isabel.
Just then, a Doctor came out to the waiting room. "You're the people who brought Alex Whitman in?" he asked the group.
"Yes!" said Isabel, jumping up out of the chair. She, Michael, Kyle, and Valenti came over to the Doctor. "I'm Alex's girlfriend. How is he?"
"He lost quite a bit of blood," said the Doctor. "We were able to successfully remove the bullet from his upper right quadrant. Luckily, no major internal organs were damaged. He should be just fine in a few weeks."
"OH, thank you, God!" said Isabel. Michael hugged her, and Kyle and his Father also hugged each other with relief. Then, Isabel turned to the Doctor. "Can I see him?"
"We're only supposed to let family in," said the Doctor. "But, I will make an exception in your case. He was mumbling your name when we were putting him under before the operation. It sounds like you are pretty important to him. Come with me."
"Thank you, Doctor," said Isabel, who followed to the Doctor to Alex's room.
She entered the darkened room, and saw Alex lying on a bed hooked up to a bunch of monitors. A nurse was taking some readings, and making some notes on a chart. She looked up at Isabel. "He should be coming to consciousness any time, now," she said.
Isabel went over to the bed, and sat down on a chair next to it. She pulled the chair close to the bed, and reached her hand out to gently caress Alex's face. Then, Isabel leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips.
"God, how I love this man," she thought to herself.
"Isabel," said a weak voice. Alex slowly opened his eyes, and smiled slightly at seeing his love.
"Alex," said Isabel. "I'm here. You're going to be okay."
"I feel like...sleeping beauty," said Alex. "Your kiss...I could...feel you near me..."
"Alex," said the voice of the Doctor, who just reentered the room after being summoned by the nurse. "I'm Doctor Sadler. You were operated on for a gunshot wound to the upper right quadrant, that's between your shoulder and mid-chest. We were able to remove the bullet, and replace your blood loss. You should be okay. How do you feel?"
"Groggy," said Alex in a whisper.
"That's the sedatives," said Doctor Sadler. "Are you feeling any pain anywhere?"
"Some stiffness where I got shot," said Alex.
"How about in the head or neck area, the back?" asked Doctor Sadler.
"Not really," said Alex.
The Doctor examined Alex, as Isabel held Alex's hand. After a few minutes, the Doctor smiled. "No post-operative complications for the moment. You are a very lucky young man."
Alex smiled, looking at Isabel. "In more ways than one," he said.
"Well, you two can have some privacy now," said Doctor Sadler. "Isabel, he should really get some sleep soon, though."
Isabel nodded. "He will," she said. "And thank you."
"Yeah, thanks, Doctor," said Alex.
Doctor Sadler smiled, then left with the nurse. Isabel and Alex were alone in the room, with only the sound of their breathing and the monitoring devices hooked up to Alex making noise.
"You scared the hell out of me," said Isabel. "I can't believe you did that."
"Yeah, I guess taking a bullet for your girlfriend isn't your typical teenage stuff, is it," commented Alex jokingly.
"How can you make JOKES about this?" asked Isabel. "I almost lost you! You...were bleeding...and..."
"Shh," said Alex, pulling Isabel gently down to him. She rested her head on his chest, being careful not to disturb the wires and tubes hooked up to him. "Its okay, baby. I'm okay."
"At least I didn't loose you, too," said Isabel.
"Loose me TOO?" asked Alex. "What are you talking about?"
"You don't remember?" asked Isabel. "You were still conscious when Michael told Kyle just after you got hit."
"Isabel...I was kind of out of it, the shock," said Alex.
"Alex, Max...he...he's dead," she said with renewed sobs.
"What?" said Alex in shock. "Oh my God. Isabel, sweetie, I...I don't know what to say."
"Just...hold me," said Isabel.
Alex reached up his arms, and put them as best he could around Isabel. She cried into Alex's chest, and he just rubbed her back gently. "I'm so sorry, Isabel."
**
Isabel had gone home after several hours of sitting with Alex to change clothes and showed, then headed right back to the hospital. Alex's parents arrived shortly thereafter, and were frantic over what had happened. Valenti had to tell them the whole story again in person, and Isabel also indicated that Alex was trying to protect her from the gunmen at the time. Finally, they calmed down after Alex woke up again and they spoke to him.
Now, sixteen hours later, Isabel came back into Alex's room once again. She found Mr. and Mrs. Whitman sitting there with Alex.
"Oh, hi, Isabel," said Mrs. Whitman with a weary smile.
"Hi," she said, kneeling down and kissing Mrs. Whitman on the cheek
"How are you doing, sweetie?" asked Alex from the bed.
"I'm okay," she said, coming over to kiss Alex. Mr. and Mrs. Whitman smiled as they watched them kiss. They truly adored Isabel, and were glad she was in their son's life. "How are you feeling?"
"Medicated," he said. "But, I feel better after having slept off that anesthetic."
"How about you, Mr. and Mrs. Whitman?" asked Isabel. "You've been here for sixteen hours. You must be exhausted."
"Oh, yes," said Mr. Whitman. "We haven't even been home yet, having come straight from the airport in Santa Fe."
"If you want, I can stay with Alex while you go home, have a shower, and eat something," said Isabel. "I can stay all night if need be, since I've been cleared with the staff as an all night visitor, so if you want to get some sleep, too."
"Oh, Isabel, you are a sweetheart," said Mrs. Whitman. "To tell you the truth, I could use a bath and some food."
"Okay," said Mr. Whitman. "I think that sounds like a good idea. Thank you, Isabel."
"We'll be back in a few hours," said Mrs. Whitman. "By the way, tell your parents thank you for the flowers. It was good seeing them here earlier, too."
"I will," said Isabel.
After Mr. and Mrs. Whitman left, Isabel sat down on Alex's bed with a smile on her face. "I have the most tremendous news," she said. "Although, I still don't understand how its possible."
"What?" asked Alex.
"Alex, Max is alive!" she said. "I talked to him on the phone! He's at Liz's boarding school!"
"WHAT?!" said Alex in shock. "Get real! How can he be alive?"
"I'm not sure," said Isabel. "Liz and he both tried to explain it. Something about the guy who robbed Max of his life-force trying to hurt Liz, then falling off a building, allowing Max to come back to life. Its all so freaky, even for us!"
"That is WILD!" said Alex. "But I'm ecstatic for you, for all of us! But how are we going to explain his death?"
"Don't have to," said Isabel. "We didn't tell anyone about it yet. Only you, me, Kyle, Valenti, Michael, Max, Liz, and Maria know about it. We couldn't figure out a way to explain what happened to him, so we didn't yet tell anyone he had died. Instead, now everyone thinks he is out of town. Though, the one problem is still my Dad. Your shooting, and Max mysteriously being out of touch, has just added to his suspicions about Max, me too for that matter."
"We'll work it out, Izzy, don't worry," said Alex.
"I just...I can't believe it, you know," said Isabel. "My boyfriend was shot, and survived. My brother actually DIED, and came back to life. All in the span of 24 hours give or take. Both of you survived! This whole experience has taught me just how precious life is, and how...how we should hold on tight to those we love and cherish them."
"I know what you mean," said Alex.
Then, Isabel paused for a moment, hesitating before plunging into what she was about to say next. "There is something else this experience, almost losing you and Max, has made me think about. Alex, I...that ring, your Grandmother gave you. Do you still have it?"
"At home," said Alex. "Why?"
"I think....I think I'm ready to put it on," she said with a smile.
Alex rose up slightly in bed, then took Isabel's hand in his. "Does this mean what I think it means?"
"My answer is yes, Alex," said Isabel. "I will marry you. That is...if you still want to marry me."
Alex brought Isabel's hand up to her lips, and kissed the palm of it gently. "You bet I do," he said.
End of Chapter Sixteen. Chapter Seventeen coming soon.
Well, Alex survived, and big things coming up for Alex and Isabel. So, be sure to tune in for the next installment. In the meantime, please do keep those wonderful reviews coming. Feedback is always appreciated.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN:
Three hours later, Isabel, Michael, Kyle, and Valenti, were sitting in the waiting room at the hospital, as Doctors worked frantically to save Alex's life. Isabel's clothes were covered in Alex's blood because she had held him close to her in the car on the way to the hospital, trying to stop the bleeding along the way. Valenti talked to Sheriff Hanson, telling him that Alex and Isabel had come to pick Michael up from work, and arrived just in time for a break-in and sabotage at the Metachem facility. He was then caught in the crossfire of Valenti's and Michael's pursuit of the pursuers. Hanson trusted his former boss, and took the story at face value. Valenti did not even try to fit a story about Max into the equation, since no physical evidence of his remains were left behind. The group would have to try and explain that one later. He then called Alex's parents and told them what happened, and they were getting on a plane and on their way back home to Roswell.
Isabel was sitting in a corner of the waiting room, sobbing quietly as Michael had his arm around her. Kyle and Valenti were giving them some privacy, and also keeping people away so they could talk.
"My God, Michael, what if he dies?" asked Isabel, sobbing into Michael's shoulder.
"He won't!" said Michael. "Alex is a tough guy, Isabel! He'll pull through! Besides, do you think he would leave you?"
"He'd better not," said Isabel. "I couldn't bear it, Michael! I've already lost my brother tonight! I don't want to loose Alex! God, I haven't even....I've been so scared about Alex, I haven't even processed....Max is gone!! What are we going to do?!"
"I don't know," said Michael. "This is my fault! All of it!! Max and Alex both! I just don't understand any of this!! And you know, the craziest thing happened. A little while ago, Maria called Kyle's cell phone, trying to get in touch with someone here. She's with Liz at the boarding school. She asked if something had happened to Max. I...I told her what happened, and about Alex! Somehow...Liz knew Max was dead!"
"They have a strong bond, Michael," said Isabel. "That's why I have hope for Alex. I...I'd know it if he was dead! I'd FEEL it, I'm sure! Are Liz and Maria on their way back?"
"Last I heard, Maria was going to break the news to Liz, and they were probably going to try to get back here," said Michael. "She was SO scared! Alex is like her brother, you know."
"I know," said Isabel.
Just then, a Doctor came out to the waiting room. "You're the people who brought Alex Whitman in?" he asked the group.
"Yes!" said Isabel, jumping up out of the chair. She, Michael, Kyle, and Valenti came over to the Doctor. "I'm Alex's girlfriend. How is he?"
"He lost quite a bit of blood," said the Doctor. "We were able to successfully remove the bullet from his upper right quadrant. Luckily, no major internal organs were damaged. He should be just fine in a few weeks."
"OH, thank you, God!" said Isabel. Michael hugged her, and Kyle and his Father also hugged each other with relief. Then, Isabel turned to the Doctor. "Can I see him?"
"We're only supposed to let family in," said the Doctor. "But, I will make an exception in your case. He was mumbling your name when we were putting him under before the operation. It sounds like you are pretty important to him. Come with me."
"Thank you, Doctor," said Isabel, who followed to the Doctor to Alex's room.
She entered the darkened room, and saw Alex lying on a bed hooked up to a bunch of monitors. A nurse was taking some readings, and making some notes on a chart. She looked up at Isabel. "He should be coming to consciousness any time, now," she said.
Isabel went over to the bed, and sat down on a chair next to it. She pulled the chair close to the bed, and reached her hand out to gently caress Alex's face. Then, Isabel leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips.
"God, how I love this man," she thought to herself.
"Isabel," said a weak voice. Alex slowly opened his eyes, and smiled slightly at seeing his love.
"Alex," said Isabel. "I'm here. You're going to be okay."
"I feel like...sleeping beauty," said Alex. "Your kiss...I could...feel you near me..."
"Alex," said the voice of the Doctor, who just reentered the room after being summoned by the nurse. "I'm Doctor Sadler. You were operated on for a gunshot wound to the upper right quadrant, that's between your shoulder and mid-chest. We were able to remove the bullet, and replace your blood loss. You should be okay. How do you feel?"
"Groggy," said Alex in a whisper.
"That's the sedatives," said Doctor Sadler. "Are you feeling any pain anywhere?"
"Some stiffness where I got shot," said Alex.
"How about in the head or neck area, the back?" asked Doctor Sadler.
"Not really," said Alex.
The Doctor examined Alex, as Isabel held Alex's hand. After a few minutes, the Doctor smiled. "No post-operative complications for the moment. You are a very lucky young man."
Alex smiled, looking at Isabel. "In more ways than one," he said.
"Well, you two can have some privacy now," said Doctor Sadler. "Isabel, he should really get some sleep soon, though."
Isabel nodded. "He will," she said. "And thank you."
"Yeah, thanks, Doctor," said Alex.
Doctor Sadler smiled, then left with the nurse. Isabel and Alex were alone in the room, with only the sound of their breathing and the monitoring devices hooked up to Alex making noise.
"You scared the hell out of me," said Isabel. "I can't believe you did that."
"Yeah, I guess taking a bullet for your girlfriend isn't your typical teenage stuff, is it," commented Alex jokingly.
"How can you make JOKES about this?" asked Isabel. "I almost lost you! You...were bleeding...and..."
"Shh," said Alex, pulling Isabel gently down to him. She rested her head on his chest, being careful not to disturb the wires and tubes hooked up to him. "Its okay, baby. I'm okay."
"At least I didn't loose you, too," said Isabel.
"Loose me TOO?" asked Alex. "What are you talking about?"
"You don't remember?" asked Isabel. "You were still conscious when Michael told Kyle just after you got hit."
"Isabel...I was kind of out of it, the shock," said Alex.
"Alex, Max...he...he's dead," she said with renewed sobs.
"What?" said Alex in shock. "Oh my God. Isabel, sweetie, I...I don't know what to say."
"Just...hold me," said Isabel.
Alex reached up his arms, and put them as best he could around Isabel. She cried into Alex's chest, and he just rubbed her back gently. "I'm so sorry, Isabel."
**
Isabel had gone home after several hours of sitting with Alex to change clothes and showed, then headed right back to the hospital. Alex's parents arrived shortly thereafter, and were frantic over what had happened. Valenti had to tell them the whole story again in person, and Isabel also indicated that Alex was trying to protect her from the gunmen at the time. Finally, they calmed down after Alex woke up again and they spoke to him.
Now, sixteen hours later, Isabel came back into Alex's room once again. She found Mr. and Mrs. Whitman sitting there with Alex.
"Oh, hi, Isabel," said Mrs. Whitman with a weary smile.
"Hi," she said, kneeling down and kissing Mrs. Whitman on the cheek
"How are you doing, sweetie?" asked Alex from the bed.
"I'm okay," she said, coming over to kiss Alex. Mr. and Mrs. Whitman smiled as they watched them kiss. They truly adored Isabel, and were glad she was in their son's life. "How are you feeling?"
"Medicated," he said. "But, I feel better after having slept off that anesthetic."
"How about you, Mr. and Mrs. Whitman?" asked Isabel. "You've been here for sixteen hours. You must be exhausted."
"Oh, yes," said Mr. Whitman. "We haven't even been home yet, having come straight from the airport in Santa Fe."
"If you want, I can stay with Alex while you go home, have a shower, and eat something," said Isabel. "I can stay all night if need be, since I've been cleared with the staff as an all night visitor, so if you want to get some sleep, too."
"Oh, Isabel, you are a sweetheart," said Mrs. Whitman. "To tell you the truth, I could use a bath and some food."
"Okay," said Mr. Whitman. "I think that sounds like a good idea. Thank you, Isabel."
"We'll be back in a few hours," said Mrs. Whitman. "By the way, tell your parents thank you for the flowers. It was good seeing them here earlier, too."
"I will," said Isabel.
After Mr. and Mrs. Whitman left, Isabel sat down on Alex's bed with a smile on her face. "I have the most tremendous news," she said. "Although, I still don't understand how its possible."
"What?" asked Alex.
"Alex, Max is alive!" she said. "I talked to him on the phone! He's at Liz's boarding school!"
"WHAT?!" said Alex in shock. "Get real! How can he be alive?"
"I'm not sure," said Isabel. "Liz and he both tried to explain it. Something about the guy who robbed Max of his life-force trying to hurt Liz, then falling off a building, allowing Max to come back to life. Its all so freaky, even for us!"
"That is WILD!" said Alex. "But I'm ecstatic for you, for all of us! But how are we going to explain his death?"
"Don't have to," said Isabel. "We didn't tell anyone about it yet. Only you, me, Kyle, Valenti, Michael, Max, Liz, and Maria know about it. We couldn't figure out a way to explain what happened to him, so we didn't yet tell anyone he had died. Instead, now everyone thinks he is out of town. Though, the one problem is still my Dad. Your shooting, and Max mysteriously being out of touch, has just added to his suspicions about Max, me too for that matter."
"We'll work it out, Izzy, don't worry," said Alex.
"I just...I can't believe it, you know," said Isabel. "My boyfriend was shot, and survived. My brother actually DIED, and came back to life. All in the span of 24 hours give or take. Both of you survived! This whole experience has taught me just how precious life is, and how...how we should hold on tight to those we love and cherish them."
"I know what you mean," said Alex.
Then, Isabel paused for a moment, hesitating before plunging into what she was about to say next. "There is something else this experience, almost losing you and Max, has made me think about. Alex, I...that ring, your Grandmother gave you. Do you still have it?"
"At home," said Alex. "Why?"
"I think....I think I'm ready to put it on," she said with a smile.
Alex rose up slightly in bed, then took Isabel's hand in his. "Does this mean what I think it means?"
"My answer is yes, Alex," said Isabel. "I will marry you. That is...if you still want to marry me."
Alex brought Isabel's hand up to her lips, and kissed the palm of it gently. "You bet I do," he said.
End of Chapter Sixteen. Chapter Seventeen coming soon.
Well, Alex survived, and big things coming up for Alex and Isabel. So, be sure to tune in for the next installment. In the meantime, please do keep those wonderful reviews coming. Feedback is always appreciated.