Recovery
Part 22
A/N: Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian
Carter raises an eyebrow and gives her a disbelieving look.
Carter: I'm sorry Deb, but I can't buy that.
Jing-Mei: It's true John. I didn't want to believe it at first either.
Carter: What makes you so sure, Deb?
Jing-Mei: When Erik finally calmed down, I was able to get a little out of him about his nightmare.
Carter: What did he say?
Jing-Mei: It was difficult to understand him because of the jumbled way he talks but I manage to make out as much as it was about two children being held by a monster in a cage. When I asked Erik if he knew who the two children were, he started to point to himself when Romano walked in and he went silent.
Carter: And Rusty, what about him?
Jing-Mei: Once Erik drifted off back to sleep, I went down to check on Rusty one last time before going home and he was sitting up in bed with a nurse, crying. I asked what happened. The nurse said he had a nightmare. I asked him what it was about and he told me in words that Erik couldn't use that two children were trying to get away from someone but couldn't because they were locked in cage.
Carter: I think you're reading too much in to this.
Jing-Mei: Maybe, but the real kicker is that the nurse wasn't able to calm Rusty down. I offered to give it a shot and she said she's been trying for about 20 minutes.
Carter: So?
Jing-Mei: Twenty minutes, John. That means that Rusty must have awoken from his nightmare at the same moment that Erik did---or at least close to it.
Carter: So, what are you saying Deb? That there's some kind of psychic bond going on between Erik and Rusty?
Jing-Mei: I'm not sure. I guess that depends.
Carter: Depends on what?
Jing-Mei: Remember awhile back, I told you that Rusty had a nightmare about a monster coming to take him and Antonio away.
Carter: Yeah. That was the same day we learned about Erik.
Jing-Mei: It's also the same day that Rusty went missing at his friend's party.
Carter: I don't mean to be a skeptic, Deb, but are you saying that Rusty predicted that incident at the party?
Jing-Mei: Either that or it's one hell of a coincidence.
Carter: Just like this nightmare.(pause) And what does that have to do with this?
Jing-Mei: When I asked Rusty and Erik about how many children there were in their nightmares, they both said two. Then when I asked them who the children were they both pointed to themselves before we were interrupted.
Carter: And this means what?
Jing-Mei: I know for sure that one of the children was definitely a boy, so if this was some kind of telekinesis, it depends on if the other child was a girl or a boy.
Carter: You lost me now.
Jing-Mei: If the other child in both their dreams was a girl then for Erik it was a memory and Rusty---a psychic message from his father. On the other hand, if the other child was a boy than for both Erik and Rusty it was a premonition sent to both of them. (pause)I don't know. Maybe I'm just crazy or making things out of nothing.
Carter: I think it's all the stress finally catching up with you.
Jing-Mei: You're probably right, John. (looking at her watch) I've got to get home and feed Antonio. See you tomorrow, John.
Carter: Goodbye.
Jing-Mei walks in her front door to see Mrs. Peterson feeding Antonio a bottle.
Jing-Mei: Sorry, I'm late. Thanks for feeding him.
Mrs. Peterson: No problem. Uh, where's Rusty?
Jing-Mei: They're keeping him there for a couple of days.
Mrs. Peterson: Oh dear, nothing serious I hope.
Jing-Mei: He needs to have his tonsils out.
Mrs. Peterson: Thank god. I was really worried about him.
Jing-Mei: I meant to call you earlier but I was so busy at the hospital...
Mrs. Peterson: That's alright. Is Rusty okay with this?
Jing-Mei: He wasn't at first but when he found out he's going to have all the ice cream he wants when it's over that sort of changed his mind.
Mrs. Peterson: It's going to be strange not to hear that little guy talking for awhile. He really likes to talk---even if I don't understand half of what he says. I can't picture him being quiet for a whole week at least.
Jing-Mei: Yeah, he does like to run off with the mouth just like Erik.
Mrs. Peterson looks at Jing-Mei mystified.
Mrs. Peterson: Who's Erik?
Jing-Mei bites her tongue.
Jing-Mei: A patient at the hospital that I've had on my mind lately. I meant he likes to gab like Dave.
Mrs. Peterson: This patient at the hospital---he's cute?
Jing-Mei: Very.
Mrs. Peterson: It's a little soon, don't you think?
Jing-Mei: Soon?
Mrs. Peterson: To get involved seriously with anyone. Your husband, Grant's, only been dead for six months.
Jing-Mei detects the bitterness in Mrs. Peterson's voice---acting as if she is being unfaithful to her dead husband---who she is constantly, subconsciously mistaken for her own dead son, Grant. Jing-Mei returns the same attitude.
Jing-Mei: You mean my husband, Dave--not Grant.
Mrs. Peterson: Right Dave.
Mrs. Peterson is privately cursing herself for making that slip up once again.
Jing-Mei: Besides, I'm not ready to get serious with anyone just yet. It's just this particular patient has peeked my curiosity.
Mrs. Peterson: Really, how?
Jing-Mei: Would you look at the time. Where's Rascal at?
Mrs. Peterson: In the yard.
Jing-Mei: Has he eaten yet?
Mrs. Peterson: No, not yet.
Jing-Mei: Would you mind bringing him in and feeding him while I take a shower. We have to go out again later.
Mrs. Peterson: Are you going to sneak Rascal up to see Rusty?
Jing-Mei: No, it's not that. I've made arrangements with Dr. Romano. Rascal will be having his first play date with Romano's dog, Henrietta.
Mrs. Peterson: I see. Go ahead and shower and I'll make sure Rascal is ready to go when you are.
Across town, Vincenzio enters his apartment.
Vincenzio: Yo Pincard, you here!
Pincard comes out with a beer in each hand and gives one to his boss.
Pincard: You okay, Vincenzio?
Vincenzio: Fine. Any phone calls?
Pincard: Just one. Rico called. He said his lawyer told him that the prosecutor has a strong case against him on drug charges but all they got is circumstantial evidence when it comes to trying to connect him to your son's kidnapping and attack. They can't prove conclusively that he was involved without your boy's testimony.
Vincenzio: And thanks to you that will never happen. That's why I've kept you around, Pincard, because you actually did your job right. But don't think that you aren't expendable. You screw up once and I promise you'll never screw up again. Got it.
Vincenzio crushes his beer can causing Pincard to jump back.
Pincard(swallowing hard): Got it. So, how did everything go at the hospital today?
Vincenzio: I finally got to see your girlfriend and you're right---SHE'S HOT!
Pincard: I know but you're not thinking of having her...
Vincenzio: I promised her to you and I'm a man of my word, not that I wouldn't enjoy her company at some later time but right now I'm more interested in those boys. They'll getting big---just perfect for training.
Pincard: You saw them?
Vincenzio: Yes. The babysitter brought them in. The older one---what's his fucking name---was sick.
Pincard: So, what happens now?
Vincenzio: He's going to be a patient in the hospital for a few days having his tonsils out.
Pincard: So, there's no chance of getting to him then?
Vincenzio: No, and neither do I want to right now.
Pincard: I don't understand.
Vincenzio: It's going to be hard enough gaining control of two little fucking brats, the last thing I need is a sick brat on my hands. I figure I would wait until he is discharged from the hospital, let her pick up the bill, and once he's better then we will make our move.
Pincard: Cool! I like the way you think.
Vincenzio: Stick around kid, I'll teach you all the ins and outs of the business. Now, where's some coke at?
The next morning, Jing-Mei picks Rascal up from Romano's house and takes him over to visit Erik. She walks into Erik's room with Rascal on his leash. Erik is sleeping peacefully when she approaches him and kisses his head, startling him.
Jing-Mei: Sorry Erik, I didn't mean to wake you up. But now that you are, I want to talk to you about something.
Erik sits up in bed after letting out a big yawn.
Jing-Mei: Erik, do you remember the doctor who was speaking with you?
Erik thinks for a while and then nods his head.
Jing-Mei: Do you recall the conversation you had with her?
Erik: Llllittle bbbit.
Jing-Mei: It doesn't matter anyway. She wants to have more talks with you about your nightmares. She thinks she may be able to stop them. Would you like that?
Erik: Yyyes.
Jing-Mei: The only problem is that you can't seem to remember your nightmares while you're awake so she wants to talk to you while you're asleep. Is that okay with you?
Erik shrugs.
Jing-Mei: Do you trust me, Erik?
Erik: Gggguess Iiii ssso.
Jing-Mei: Well, I really think that this will help you and it's what's best for you.
Erik: Iiiii dddo iitt.
Jing-Mei: Good. Now, for your surprise. Look who came to see you. Come here, boy!
Rascal pounces up on Erik's bed and Erik's face automatically brightens.
Erik: Rrrrascal!!!
Rascal starts to lick Erik's face as he strokes the excited dog. Jing-Mei slides onto the end of the bed and starts to pet Rascal too. She secretly debates whether to ask Erik the question that's been on her mind since he had his latest nightmare.
Jing-Mei: Erik, about the nightmare that you had yesterday...
Erik, scared, tenses up on Rascal, knowing what Jing-Mei is leading to.
Jing-Mei: Who were the two children in the cage?
Erik points to himself.
Jing-Mei: I know you told me that yesterday. What I need to know is, was the other child a boy or a girl?
Erik ignores her. Jing-Mei takes Erik's chin in her hand and raises his head so he looks directly in her eyes.
Jing-Mei: Erik, this is very important. Now, was the other child your sister Sophie?
Erik shakes his head no. Jing-Mei looks confused.
Jing-Mei: Wait a minute, now. Erik, the other child was a girl, wasn't it?
Erik: Nnnno.
Jing-Mei: The other child was a boy? (to herself) Then it must have been Antonio. But why did Erik say the one boy was him? I just don't get it. (pause) Erik, do you know who the other boy was?
Erik nods.
Jing-Mei: What was his name?
Erik started rocking back and forth in his bed while he cradled Rascal in his arms.
Jing-Mei: It's okay, Erik. I won't push you if you don't want me to.
Elizabeth walked in and saw Erik, holding Rascal and Jing-Mei consoling him.
Elizabeth: Sorry to interrupt, but I have to run a few tests on him.
Jing-Mei: That's okay. I have to get down to see Rusty before he goes into surgery. Come on Rascal, let's go.
Jing-Mei pulls on Rascal's leash but Erik prevents Rascal from leaving.
Jing-Mei: Erik, we have had this talk before. I said I don't mind bringing Rascal up to see you but when it's time for us to leave, you have to let us go and not put up a fight.
Erik sighs and releases the dog. As Rascal jumps off the bed, Erik waves to him, with tears in his eyes.
Erik: Pppuppy bbbbye bbbbyye.
Jing-Mei: He's not leaving you for good. He'll be back. I'll see you later. Bye Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: Bye Jing-Mei.
As Jing-Mei and Rascal head out of the room, they are stopped by Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: Jing-Mei, wait!
Jing-Mei: What is it, Elizabeth?
Elizabeth: Look at Dd..Erik.
Erik is trying to speak but he's having great difficulty. Jing-Mei walks back over to him. Jing-Mei strokes his head.
Jing-Mei: Erik, what are you trying to say?
Erik: Ttttwo ccchildreen. Mmmme oooonnne. Oooother Nnnni..c...nic...
Erik stops speaking and relaxes back down in his bed, disappointed because he couldn't say the words that he wanted to.
Jing-Mei: It's okay, Erik. Don't get discouraged. We can talk later.
Jing-Mei heads down to Rusty's room. She enters with Rascal and sees Rusty sitting in bed, watching cartoons on tv.
Jing-Mei: Good morning, sweetheart.
Rusty turns to face his visitors.
Rusty: Mama Jing. Rascal.
Rascal jumps up on Rusty's bed and starts to lick his face while the little boy starts to laugh.
Jing-Mei: Rusty, remember I told you about your operation, right?
Rusty nods.
Jing-Mei: Well, you will be having that operation later this afternoon. Are you still okay with it?
Rusty: I'm a big boy. After I have it I get ice cream.
Jing-Mei: Right you are.
Seeing how preoccupied Rusty is with playing with Rascal, Jing-Mei decides to give him the third degree.
Jing-Mei: That nightmare you had, who were the two children?
Rusty: Me.
Jing-Mei: What about the other child? Was it a girl?
Rusty: No, he was a boy.
Jing-Mei: Was it Antonio?
Rusty shakes his head. Jing-Mei is baffled.
Jing-Mei: Rusty, I don't mean to force the subject but did you know who the other child was?
Rusty: No, Mama Jing.
Rusty lets out a big yawn.
Rusty: Tired, Mama Jing.
Jing-Mei: That's normal, Rusty. They must have given you something to help you sleep before you're surgery.
Before she could ask him about the other child, two orderlies come in to take Rusty for some last minute tests before his surgery. She gives Rascal's leash a tug and Rusty is so weakened from the sedative that he doesn't fight Rascal's removal.
She gives Rusty a final kiss for luck and starts to head out of the room.
Rusty: Nicholas.
Jing-Mei: What, Rusty?
Rusty: The other boy's name was Nicholas.
Jing-Mei(to herself): Was that what Erik was trying to say?
Jing-Mei is more confused than ever. Her mind is totally in another place that she is almost run over by Rusty's gurney as it is pushed by. She leaves the room with Rascal on his leash. As she starts to walk down the hall, still in a fog, she bangs into Mr. Santini.
Jing-Mei: Mr. Santini, I'm so sorry. I have my mind on other things.
Mr. Santini: It's alright, Dr. Chen. I heard that the big guy is having his tonsils removed today.
Jing-Mei: News travels fast.
Mr. Santini: I called your house and Mrs. Peterson told me. I have tickets to a Cubs game and thought that Rusty would like to go.
Jing-Mei: Thank you Mr. Santini, but I don't think that Rusty will be able to go anywhere for awhile.
Mr. Santini: Of course. Maybe next time.
Jing-Mei and Mr. Santini enter the ER as they head for outside. They are met by several ER staff.
Mark: So, did you see Erik and Rusty, Jing-Mei?
Jing-Mei: Yes. Elizabeth is running tests on Erik and Rusty is getting prepped for surgery.
Mr. Santini looks peculiar at Jing-Mei.
Mr. Santini: You okay, Dr. Chen? You look a million miles away.
Jing-Mei: Something very strange is going on.
Mr. Santini: Can I help?
Jing-Mei: I'm not sure, everyone.
Luka: Give it a shot, what could it hurt?
Jing-Mei: That's true. (pause) Erik had another nightmare yesterday.
Kerry: What was it about?
Jing-Mei: He didn't go into too much detail, like usual. But from what I get it was about two children locked in a cage.
Kerry: How horrible.
Jing-Mei: Very. I asked Erik who the two children were. He said one was him---no surprise there but he was reluctant to tell me who the other child was. I figured it was Sophie.
Carter: You aren't on that kick again, Deb.
Mark: What kick? What's he talking about?
Carter: The twilight zone.
Mark: What?
Carter: You'll see. Go on Deb. Tell them the rest of the story.
Jing-Mei: Granted it is crazy and I wouldn't have believed it either if I didn't hear it for myself.
Luka: What are you talking about?
Jing-Mei: I'm use to Erik having nightmares but then I went down to visit Rusty and apparently he had just waken up from a nightmare as well. When he told me what it was about, a cold chill ran down my spine.
Malik: What did he say?
Jing-Mei: It was about two children locked in a cage.
Kerry: You're kidding.
Jing-Mei: I wish but I'm not. Erik and Rusty had the same dream at the same time. I asked Rusty about the children and he too said that one of the children was him but never told me about the other child, so I'm assuming it's Antonio. I figured if the other child was a female in both dreams then Erik had a memory but Rusty had a premonition but if the other child a male in both dreams then both of them had a premonition.
Carter: See, I told you. Definitely twilight zone.
Jing-Mei: That's not it and believe me, it gets weirder. When I went up to see Erik today, it wasn't easy but I manage to find out from Erik that the other child was a boy. It took awhile but Erik was trying to tell me the name of the little boy.
Kerry: It was Antonio, wasn't it?
Jing-Mei: No, it wasn't. He couldn't say the name. All he could get out was, I think, Nic and then he clammed up on me.
Mark: Then what happened?
Jing-Mei: I went down to visit Rusty. He was pretty groggy from his pre-op medicine but he also said the other child was a boy.
Mark: And it wasn't Antonio?
Jing-Mei: No, but at least I got a name from him. He said the other boy's name was Nicholas.
Mr. Santini(stunned): Oh damn.
Jing-Mei: I think that was what Erik was trying to say to me. I don't recall that being a name of one of Rusty's classmates.
Jing-Mei stares at Mr. Santini.
Jing-Mei: Mr. Santini, you look like you know something, Nicholas does that sound familiar to you. Did Rusty ever mention a Nicholas to you.
Mr. Santini: Not Rusty. But it couldn't be. There's no way.
Jing-Mei: Mr. Santini, what are talking about?
Mr. Santini: I don't know if I should say this but if it helps Dr. D...Erik, then maybe he'll understand and forgive me one day.
Kerry: Who'll understand and forgive you?
Mr. Santini: Erik.
Mr. Santini looks around the ER at the staff and against his better judgment tells them what he knows.
Mr. Santini: Look, I don't know what good this is or how much it will help but the only Nicholas I know that has anything to do with either Erik or Rusty would be Nicholas Mario Malucci.
Jing-Mei looks at Mr. Santini dumb founded.
Jing-Mei: Mr. Santini, who is Nicholas Mario Malucci?
Mr. Santini takes a deep breath before letting it go.
Mr. Santini: He's Dr. Dave's twin brother.
To be continued. Please read and review.