Recovery

Part 29

A/N: Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian

Dr. Romano is paged and both Dr. Legaspi and Jing-Mei wait outside while Romano examines Erik's x-ray and hand. They pace the floor when they are joined by Kerry and Carter.

Carter: How come you aren't in with Erik? Isn't it time for his session?

Jing-Mei: No, he's had his session. We're just waiting for...

Dr. Legaspi: ...for Dr. Romano to finish examining Erik.

Kerry: Is something wrong with him?

Jing-Mei: Why would you say that?

Carter: You both look as though the world is coming to an end but since the ER is calm, I would figure that is not the case. So, what's up?

Jing-Mei: Erik had another episode an hour ago.

Carter: Did he hit you again, Deb?

Jing-Mei: Not me exactly.

Dr. Legaspi: He tried to get out of his wheelchair and into bed himself and winded up on the floor. We tried to help him up but he sort of freaked out on us and punched a wall.

Kerry: A wall?!

Dr. Legaspi: Put a hole right through in.

Jing-Mei: We took some x-rays and there's no doubt that his hand is broken. Dr. Romano is checking to see if any of the plates in his hand are damaged and require surgery.

The four doctors wait in the hall, patiently. Finally, Dr. Romano exits carrying Erik's x-ray.

Jing-Mei: Dr. Romano, how is he?

Romano: Sedated.

Kerry: What about the hand?

Romano: I studied the x-ray and did a bone scan and it's definitely broken.

Jing-Mei: I know that but what about the plates.

Romano: They've been moved, uh rearranged.

Carter: So, he's going to need surgery on it?

Romano: Eventually yes, but for now, I think the cast will do fine. It's still wet so do not touch it if you go in there.

Jing-Mei: How long will he have to wear it?

Romano: Probably about six weeks. I'll remove his cast then and we'll do more x-rays and if he's up to surgery, we can do it then.

Jing-Mei: Thank you, Dr. Romano. Sorry, to disturb you and sorry about the wall.

Romano: It's my job and I'll take the price of maintenance to fix the hole out of your next paycheck. But, listen, his broken hand and the wall are not the issue here. It's his temper. He needs to learn to keep it under control before he hurts himself or someone else.

Jing-Mei: I know. He's frustrated because he can't do alot for himself and he's scared. The sessions are bringing up a lot of bad memories for him.

Dr. Legaspi: Dr. Romano, I've written several prescriptions for Erik for Prozac and Xanax. When he wakes up, I'll get him started on the meds. Let's hope they work.

Kerry: And if they don't?

Dr. Legaspi: I'll just keep working til I find something that does work. I'm not giving up on him.

Jing-Mei: Thank you, Dr. Legaspi. I appreciate it.

Dr. Legaspi: Your welcome Dr. Chen, but actually I'm being a little selfish here. I really enjoy working with Erik. He's fascinating. I don't think I've ever had a patient like him. Never have I seen a guy who wanted to help himself get better so much but wasn't able.

Jing-Mei: I know how he feels. I feel so helpless.

Kerry: Not to mention worn out.

Jing-Mei: I admit it's difficult. When I'm here working I can't help but worry about Erik and my boys at home. And when I'm at home, I'm constantly thinking about Erik. He's always on my mind and keeping up with two growing boys and a rambunctious dog, is very tiring. That's why I decided to cut down on my hours here.

Carter: As we told you, Deb, if you ever need help---just let us know.

Kerry: That's what friends are for.

Jing-Mei: Thank you everyone. Can I sit with him now?

Romano: Sure, just don't touch his cast, yet.

The doctors part and go back to work while Jing-Mei sits with her sedated husband.

Across town, Vincenzio is sitting on his couch in his apartment. He's counting protection and drug money that was just bought to him. Pincard enters the room.

Pincard: So, your grand kid is out of the hospital now. Any plans to snatch him and his brother?

Vincenzio(holding finger up): Two thousand three...two thousand four... two thousand five. Alright, all there. Now, I still need to work out the details---so no, no immediate plans yet.

Pincard: But I thought that is was all set. You said...

Vincenzio(slamming his hand down on the table): I know what I said but I didn't think about the little things involved with bringing those little maggots here.

Pincard: Like what?

Vincenzio: The older boy is about seven or eight...

Pincard: Something like that.

Vincenzio: A little old to start training him. He's got a mind of his own.

Pincard: So, you changed your mind about taking him?

Vincenzio: Not at all. I said it would be difficult to train him---not impossible. The little one, on the other hand, is the perfect age. His mind is untainted---fresh. But, if I could handle that mess of a father of theirs when he was their age, they shouldn't be too hard. (pause) I promise you Pincard, I won't make the same mistake with those younglings that I did with my own disastrous offspring. No, no, no way are they getting off as easy as he did. I've gotten a hell of alot tougher since dealing with that little fucker. Those boys WILL respect me, something that worthless asshole never did. I'll see to it.

Vincenzio slams his leather belt down on the table causing a beer bottle to shatter and Pincard to nearly jump out of his skin.

Jing-Mei comes home from work with Rascal on his leash, just having picked him up from Romano's. The house is dark and silent. She takes Rascal off the leash, gives him some water and he settles down in his bed in the kitchen. She tiptoes over to Mrs. Peterson and gently and quietly shakes her awake.

Jing-Mei(whispering): Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Peters...

Mrs. Peterson jumps up, slightly startled.

Mrs. Peterson: What...what is it?

Jing-Mei: Sorry, Mrs. Peterson. I just wanted to let you know that I was home.

Mrs. Peterson: Hello dear, how was work?

Jing-Mei: Not bad. Sorry to be late. A trauma came in right before I got off and they were shorthanded and then I had to pick up Rascal.

Jing-Mei hated lying to Mrs. Peterson after all she did for her and the boys, not to mention the gift she gave that saved Erik's life. But she just couldn't tell her that she spent all her time at hospital, not working but sitting with her sick, distraught husband. She had hoped that Mrs. Peterson would forgive her when she learned that Erik was alive and someday she would know. Someday soon, she had prayed.

Jing-Mei: Go back to sleep. I'm just going to make something to eat and than go to bed. How's everything here? The guys are okay?

Mrs. Peterson: Fine, the boys were perfect. Rusty missed Rascal. He kept asking me when he was coming home. Of course, I couldn't answer him.

Jing-Mei: Thanks for not telling him the real reason why Rascal was gone today. I am going to tell him, when I think he's ready. (pause) Antonio's okay? No more trouble with his asthma?

Mrs. Peterson: Oh no dear. He is such a happy little baby. He's a real joy to take care of.

Jing-Mei: And you are very good with them. I couldn't ask for a better nanny for the boys.

Jing-Mei checks in on the sleeping boys and then makes herself a sandwich.

Jing-Mei: Mrs. Peterson, why don't you go back to sleep in the guest room? It's awful late. No sense in driving home now. Wait until morning.

Mrs. Peterson: Thanks for the offer but I've already called my husband and he's on his way to pick me up. I'll just sit up with you and keep you company until he gets here. By the way, I was wondering if you would be needing me tomorrow?

Jing-Mei: What's wrong?

Mrs. Peterson: Nothing's wrong. Well, tomorrow is Grant's birthday and I want to go and put some flowers on his grave...but if you need me here.

Jing-Mei: I'm sorry. This must be tough. His first birthday without him. Sure, you go ahead and spend tomorrow with your family. I was planning on taking the boys with me to the hospital tomorrow, anyway. I want their pediatrician to look at them. Just a checkup for them.

Back on the other side of town, the phone rings in Vincenzio's apartment. Pincard answers it.

Pincard(on the phone): Ray here, yeah he's here. (pause) Alright, hang on. I'll tell him.

Pincard walks into the next room where Vincenzio has just finished snorting some coke.

Pincard: Vincenzio, phone for you. There's trouble at one of the spots.

Vincenzio gets up and takes the phone. After a few minutes, he hangs up and grabs his jacket.

Pincard: What's up, boss?

Vincenzio: Product distribution problem.

Pincard: You want me to go and take care of it?

Vincenzio: No, this needs my personal attention. Stay here and man the phone. I'll be right back.

The next day, Jing-Mei got both boys up, bathed, fed and dressed. She finished getting ready herself when she sat down with Rusty.

Jing-Mei: Rusty, how would you like to go visit your papa today?

Rusty: Si Mama Jing, Tonio too.

Jing-Mei: Si. Tonio too.

Rusty: And Rascal?

Jing-Mei: Not Rascal. Your papa can't have too many visitors. Your papa being in the hospital is a secret, remember. I'll bring Rascal up to visit later, okay.

Rusty: Okay.

Rusty feeds Rascal and puts him in the yard while they're gone.

At the ER, there's several ambulances blocking the doors in the bay so Jing-Mei goes in the main entrance of the hospital and heads up to pediatrics. They wait for over an hour when they are finally asked in. The pediatrician examines both boys and comes out to the waiting room, where Jing-Mei is sitting.

Jing-Mei: Dr. Waylon, are they alright?

Dr. Waylon: Rusty's fine. His surgical wound is healing nicely. There's very little scarring down there.

Jing-Mei: And Antonio?

Dr. Waylon: I'm increasing Antonio's medicine. I'm going to give you a prescription for some albuterol syrup. That should help with the wheezing so you won't have to put him on the nebulizer as much.

Jing-Mei goes into the exam room and collects the boys and they head up to visit Erik. They walk in and see Erik sitting up in bed, watching tv. Rusty runs over to his papa but Erik pulls away and sinks into the bed.

Rusty: Papa doesn't like me.

Jing-Mei: That's not true. I told you before you can't run up to your papa like that. You'll scare him.

Rusty: Sorry.

Rusty slowly moves towards Erik when he notices Erik's hand.

Rusty: Mama Jing, what's wrong with papa's hand?

Jing-Mei: He broke it but he's fine. Maybe if you ask him very nicely, he'll let you sign his cast.

Rusty: Cool.

Vincenzio walks into his apartment, slamming the door behind him.

Pincard: Took you long enough. Did you fix the problem?

Pincard starts to stare at Vincenzio.

Vincenzio: Yeah, it's a problem and I fixed it. No fucking big deal.

Pincard: Was there trouble at the spot?

Vincenzio: No, why do you ask?

Pincard: You look like you've been in a fight. You head is bleeding.

Vincenzio: That happened on the way back. I was in a minor car accident. Slammed my head on the steering wheel.

Pincard: I told you you should've let me go. Maybe you shouldn't be driving after you snuffed up two grams of coke.

Vincenzio, already upset with the accident and in pain, grabs Pincard around the throat, causing Pincard to gasp for air.

Vincenzio(angry): MAYBE YOU SHOULD MIND YOUR OWN FUCKING BUSINESS AND NOT TELL ME HOW TO FUCKING RUN MINE!!!

Pincard: Sorry boss. I don't know what I was thinking.

Jing-Mei is bouncing Antonio on her side trying to get Erik to notice him. Rusty is busy signing away on Erik's cast when Jing-Mei's pager goes off.

Jing-Mei: Alright boys, say goodbye to your papa. We have to go now.

Rusty attempts to kiss Erik but he pulls away so he settles with saying goodbye and waving.

Jing-Mei: Say bye bye to your papa, Antonio.

Jing-Mei takes Antonio's hand and waves it at Erik.

Antonio: By by papa.

Jing-Mei: We love you Erik.

Erik returns a smile to them as they walk out of the room. Jing-Mei heads down to the ER where she is being paged. She walks up to the front desk where Jerry is. The ER is overrun with casualties.

Jing-Mei: Jerry, somebody paged me. I'm not even on today.

Mark walks up to Jing-Mei.

Mark: That was me. I saw you getting on the elevator earlier and I know that you're off today but we could really use your help down here.

Jing-Mei: What happened?

Mark: Multiple car crash from late last night. We're still trying to get under control.

Jing-Mei: Sure I'll help, but what about my boys?

Mark: Yosh is in the lounge. Take them in there. See if he'll watch them.

Jing-Mei brings the boys into the lounge and Yosh cheerfully agrees to watch them. She heads back out and grabs a chart.

Jing-Mei: How many casualties?

Luka: We started off with eight majors and twelve minors. We had two D.O.A.'S and three more died shortly after arrival.

Jing-Mei: What caused the accident?

Luka: Not sure. Police lieutenant said that one car got away according to witnesses. They're looking for it now.

Carter walks up to Jing-Mei.

Carter: I heard you were here, Deb.

Jing-Mei: Actually, I'm not on. I took the boys for a check up with Dr. Waylon and then to visit Erik when I was paged. Mark asked me to help out. What's wrong with you, John?

Carter: Alright, well if you're going to help you can start with this patient?

Carter hands Jing-Mei the chart of her first patient.

Jing-Mei: Patient's name...(her jaw drops)... Cassandra Peterson?!!

To be continued. Please read and review.