Recovery
Part 32
A/N: Anything in bold italic is being spoken in Italian
Jing-Mei was taken aback. She was happy and obviously so was Dr. Romano.
Jing-Mei: Wow! That was quick. Rascal has only been over there a couple of times.
Dr. Romano: You're a doctor. You know it only takes one time.
Jing-Mei: Yes, I know. (pause)They are Rascal's pups, aren't they?
Dr. Romano's mouth drops and he is totally insulted by her accusation.
Dr. Romano: YES, THEY ARE!! What exactly are you implying? Henrietta is a bitch but she's not a tramp or a whor...
Jing-Mei: Okay, I know what you're going to say and there's no need to use that language. I'm sorry. I wasn't implying that she was. Well, that's great. When is she due.
Dr. Romano: The incubation time for a dog is usually 9 weeks, so she'll be ready to deliver in the middle of September.
Jing-Mei: Wait til I tell Rusty. He'll want one of the puppies, is that okay?
Dr. Romano: Henrietta did not get pregnant by herself. She had help and I expect the father to stick around and do his part---that means the father has to take responsibility with his children---even if he has to take some of the puppies with him.
Jing-Mei realizes Dr. Romano is in a unusually good mood so she makes her move and using her womanly influences she tries to persuade Dr. Romano into changing his mind about Erik.
Jing-Mei: You know Dr. Romano, I guess this makes us practically related so knowing that, even you wouldn't throw a sick, helpless, defenseless traumatized guy out on the street or commit him to an institution.
Dr. Romano: This is about your husband. Our relationship with the dogs has nothing to do with him.
Jing-Mei's eyes drop to the floor.
Dr. Romano: Just get him better and keep him quiet. If you do that then he can stay until other arrangements can be made. If I have anymore trouble with him I will have him committed to a Chicago psychiatric hospital. They won't be as nice to him as we are.
Jing-Mei: Thank you Dr. Romano. You'll see a big improvement in how Erik acts.
When Jing-Mei came home that night, she called Rusty into the living room.
Jing-Mei: Rusty! Come in here.
Rusty walks in holding Antonio's hands, helping his little brother take some steps.
Rusty: Mama Jing, look it! Look at Tonio. I teach Tonio to walk.
Jing-Mei: Yes, you did. Where's Rascal at?
Rusty: Back yard.
Jing-Mei: Go get him.
Rusty runs towards the back yard forgetting that he was balancing Antonio with his fingers, and the spunky toddler dropped to the ground causing him to let out a scream. Rusty turns back to his little brother and helps him sit up. He then kisses the baby on the head.
Rusty: Sorry Tonio. I love you.
Jing-Mei: I'll take care of the baby, go get the dog.
Rusty heads to the back door and returns with Rascal. Jing-Mei is holding Antonio but he is trying to squirm out of her arms. Jing-Mei takes the hint and puts Antonio on the floor with his race cars.
Jing-Mei: Alright, you two sit down.
Both Rusty and Rascal sit on the floor.
Rusty: What did we do, Mama Jing?
Jing-Mei: Nothing. I bring you good news.
Rusty: About papa?
Jing-Mei: No, not papa. It's another member of the family. We're expecting an addition to the family.
Rusty thinks for a moment and then smiles at Jing-Mei.
Rusty: Mama Jing, gonna have a new baby?
Jing-Mei's eyes pop.
Jing-Mei: No, no Rusty. Not me. Rascal. Rascal's girlfriend is going to have babies... uh pups.
Rusty: Rascal, going to be papa?
Jing-Mei nods. Rusty is confused.
Rusty: How?
Jing-Mei starts to roll her eyes and lick her lips, trying to avoid what she knows he is going to ask.
Jing-Mei: How what?
Rusty: Rascal's girlfriend have puppies in belly, right?
Jing-Mei: Right.
Rusty: How did she get the puppies in her belly and did Rascal put them there?
Jing-Mei: Well Rusty, that falls under a category that I'll let your papa tell you about?
Rusty: Why can't you tell me?
Jing-Mei: It's a guy thing.
Rusty starts to scratch his head.
Rusty: Does Rascal know how he became papa?
Jing-Mei: Yeah, I think he does.
Rusty shrugs and then turns to Rascal and lifts one of his front paws up and shakes it.
Rusty: Congratulations, Rascal.
Rusty thinks for a moment.
Rusty: Mama Jing, does this make me and Tonio uncles?
Jing-Mei: Uncles?!
Rusty: Well, Rascal is like our brother and he's going to be a daddy so that means were uncles.
Jing-Mei(smiling): I guess it does.
Rusty: And you're a grandma.
The smile on Jing-Mei's face turns into a frown.
Jing-Mei: Don't push it, Rusty.
Out of the corner of her eye, Jing-Mei sees Antonio grabbing at a chair and pulling himself up on his feet. As she heads over to get him before he falls again, he takes a few small steps by himself before gently tumbling on the floor. Both Jing-Mei and Rusty start to smile. She picks up the baby. Rusty and Rascal standing next to her, she pats Rascal's head and trades a small giggle with Rusty.
Jing-Mei: Looks like everyone around here is growing up. Rascal's going to be a father, Antonio takes his first steps and Rusty is on his way to puberty. My babies. No, your my men and I love you, all.
At the beginning of the following week, Mrs. Peterson was almost fully moved into Jing-Mei's guest room, which now was the nanny's room. She put pictures up of her and her husband and Grant. Rusty wandered in with Rascal at his heels. He starts looking at the pictures and picks up one of Grant. He takes it over to her.
Rusty: Grandma Peterson, this your little boy?
Mrs. Peterson turns to the little boy and takes the picture from him. She sits on the bed and puts Rusty on her lap.
Mrs. Peterson: Yes, that's my Grant.
Rusty: He helped my papa out.
Mrs. Peterson sighs.
Mrs. Peterson: Yes, Grant was like that. He'd help everyone out. That's why my husband and I knew that he would want to give one of his...forget it.
Rusty: Kidneys.
Mrs. Peterson: What did you say?
Rusty: He gave my papa his kidney, didn't he?
Mrs. Peterson(puzzled): Yeah, but I didn't know you knew that?
Rusty: Mama Jing, told me cause I'm a big boy and I understand.
Mrs. Peterson: I can see that you do. Listen, I think you still have some of your ice cream left. Why don't you let me fix you a sundae?
Rusty starts to clap and nod excitedly. Mrs. Peterson puts Grant's picture on her bureau next to her bed. They start walking out of the room when Rusty stops in front of Grant's picture. He turns to face it.
Rusty: Thank you, Grant for giving me papa a little longer.
Mrs. Peterson tries to cover up a tear in her eye. She holds her hand out for Rusty to take.
Jing-Mei enters Erik's room ready to begin his session. She walks in and sees Elizabeth trying to get the suction tube down his throat. Again he fights her.
Elizabeth: Erik, why do we have to go through this every time?
Erik: Nnno tttube. Bbbreath ccan't. Dddon't lllike iit.
Elizabeth: We've been through this so many times. If you don't let me suction the fluid from your lungs, you're definitely not going to be able to breath. Now, do you want to suffocate or are you going to let me do my job?
Erik: Nnno tuube. Gggo wwway. Llleave mme lllone.
Jing-Mei intervenes and takes the tube from Elizabeth's hand.
Jing-Mei: I'll take control of him.
Elizabeth: As you wish.
Elizabeth leaves the room, but continues to hear Erik protest about the tube.
Jing-Mei: Erik, why do you put up such a fuss over a fifteen minute procedure. You just get yourself so upset over nothing. I'll admit it's not the most comfortable thing to have to go through, but you've been through worse. Now, if you let me do this for you, I'll give you some good news from home. Okay?
Reluctantly, Erik agrees. He grabs his bedrail with his hand despite the cast on it. He clenches his eyes tight while Jing-Mei slowly maneuvers the tube down Erik's trachea. As Jing-Mei starts to suction, she tells Erik her news.
Jing-Mei: Well Erik, Rascal's going to be a father.
Erik: Rrracal...ffaher..
Jing-Mei: Erik, don't try to talk with the tube down your throat. Just sit and listen. You have a job on your hands when you get better. Your older son is starting to ask about sex, a topic I'm sure you are familiar with. I would have discussed it with him but I figured that could be your first father-son conversation you have with him when you're well. (pause)Okay, a few minutes more and it will be all over with. As for your baby boy, he took his first steps. You know, Antonio's first birthday will be coming up in a few weeks. It would be so nice if you could be home by then. That's the best present the little guy could get. I'd love to take a picture of you holding your sons for the very first time. That would be such a big step.
Erik: Nnnno...nnno..uum
Jing-Mei: Erik, wait until I take the tube out.
After what seemed like forever, but only 15 minutes, the tube was removed and Erik settled into the bed.
Jing-Mei: Erik, I realize you have this big problem with people coming too close to you or touching you, especially any contact with the children. You're scared and after what that monster did to you, no wonder. But you don't have to be. You will be a wonderful father to them and I know you won't ever hurt them and they can't hurt you. You've just got to believe in yourself. YOU ARE NOT YOUR FATHER. As soon as you accept that, the sooner you can be a father to your boys.
Jing-Mei leans over and gives Erik a kiss on his head.
Jing-Mei: Maybe, I'll bring Rascal in here to give you some pointers on being a daddy.
Erik looked at her serious face and then she started to laugh and he joined her. This was actually a good moment. They didn't have many of them lately, so when one came they soaked it up. As they were laughing, Dr. Legaspi walked in and stood behind them, trying not to interrupt them. As their playing got a little out of control, Dr. Legaspi knew it was time she intruded.
Dr. Legaspi(clearing her throat): Uh...um.
Jing-Mei turns around to look at Dr. Legaspi as Erik became quiet and sank back into his shell.
Jing-Mei: Sorry, Dr. Legaspi. Didn't see you back there.
Dr. Legaspi: I can see that. Foreplay---that's a good start.
Jing-Mei: It's hardly that. I was just telling Erik that he's going to be a grandpa.
Dr. Legaspi(raising an eyebrow): Grandpa?
Jing-Mei: His dog is going to be a daddy and that makes his a grandpa---at least that's how our son, Rusty, sees it.
Dr. Legaspi: Oh. Congratulations. So, are you ready to get on with our session.
Jing-Mei: Yeah, I think we are.
Erik remains silent but deep down inside him, he's shaking like a leaf. He knows every time she comes to see him, he gets...not upset, but a queasy feeling in his stomach that he can't explain...not to her, Jing-Mei, not even to himself. He just knows he doesn't like her visits and silently wishes she would go away and leave him alone.
Erik unwillingly succumbs to his hypnosis.
Dr. Legaspi: Alright Erik, drift back and tell me where you are right now.
Erik concentrates for several minutes and then starts to mutter.
Erik: Iii lllittle bboy.
Dr. Legaspi: How old are you?
Erik: Siss
Dr. Legaspi: Six. Is this after your mother died?
Erik: Yyes. Iits mme aand Sssophie.
Dr. Legaspi: What are you doing, Erik?
Erik: Iii lleave Sssophie wwith Sssantinis.
Dr. Legaspi: Why? Were you going out to work again?
Erik: Nno, wwork llater wwhen bbigger. Iii ggo ffind nnew mmommy aand ppapa.
Dr. Legaspi looked at Jing-Mei and Jing-Mei shook her head back, mystified.
Dr. Legaspi: Erik, what do you mean you went to find new parents?
Erik: Ppplace ccenter ttown. Fffind llittle kkkids ffamilies. Ooorphan....
Dr. Legaspi: Orphanage.
Erik nods.
Jing-Mei: Oh! Right.
Jing-Mei's talking momentarily distracts Erik.
Dr. Legaspi(to Jing-Mei): Shhh!! What did you do at the orphanage?
Erik: Aaask ffor nnew mmommy and ppapa ffor mme, Sssophie, Llluciano.
Dr. Legaspi: What did the people at the orphanage say?
Erik: Ttthey hhhelp mme. Thhen ppapa ccome. Ggget mme hhhome. Hhhe's aangry. Sssay Iii hhhumilated hhhim. Hhhe dddeal wwith mme hhhome.
Dr. Legaspi: And did he? Did he hurt you?
Erik: Ssspank mmme hhard. Bbbroke rrribs, bbbone(pointing to his collarbone). Tttold mme Iii vvery llucky.
Dr. Legaspi: He calls having broken ribs and collarbone, lucky.
Erik: Hhhe wwwas nnnice tto mme ccausse iit wwas mmy bbirthday. Hhhe wwould hhave bbbeen mmeaner iif iiit nnnot.
Dr. Legaspi: You're seventh birthday. Did you have a party?
Erik(crying): Nnno. Hhhe ttake mme hhome. Nnno bbirthday ccake. Nnno dddinner. Tttake mme mmy rroom.
Dr. Legaspi: And spanked you.
Erik: Hhhard vvvery hhard. Hhhurt bback, nnneck, cchest.
Dr. Legaspi: Alright, now let's get on another subject, okay?
Erik: Oookay, Dddr. Lllegaspi.
Dr. Legaspi: Luciano?! You mentioned that name earlier. Was he your brother?
Erik: Pppuppy. Mmmy pppuppy.
Dr. Legaspi: Your father let you have a puppy?
Erik: Oooh nnno. Ppppapa hhhate pppuppy.
Dr. Legaspi: What happened to your puppy?
Erik starts smacking his cast into his palm of his other hand. He gets a bone-chilling angry look across his face as it turns red.
Dr. Legaspi: Erik, are you okay?
Erik: Nnnot mme. Llluciano. Pppapa kkkilled hhim. Jjjust lliked hhe ddid mmy...
Dr. Legaspi: Just like he killed your mama.
Erik: Yyyes and mmy bbrot...
Erik goes silent.
Dr. Legaspi: Your brother. You never mention him. Why don't we talk about...
Erik grabs his ears, rolls up into a ball in his wheelchair and starts to rock then puts his thumb in his mouth and sucks on it. He begins to shake his head.
Erik: Nnnno. Nooo. Tttalk. Nnnno.
Dr. Legaspi: Alright Erik, it's okay. You don't have to talk about him?
Erik stops rocking and relaxes. He puts his hands down on the armrests of the chair and his feet on the footrests. Dr. Legaspi takes her fingers and starts to trace the lines on her desk while she contemplates her next question and whether she really wants to go there with Erik, now.
Erik returns to his usual nervousness and quietness as he waits for her next invading question.
Dr. Legaspi: It's now or never. Erik, does the name Nicholas mean anything to you?
Erik screams to the top of his lungs than lunges out of his chair to a partially standing position. He reaches out and grabs Dr. Legaspi by the throat before they fall to the floor. He squeezes her throat, causing her to cough and gasp for air. Then he starts banging her head against the floor. Jing-Mei jumps in total panic and tries to pull him off the psychiatrist. She can't move him.
Jing-Mei(frantic): ERIK! STOP IT! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!! GET OFF HER!!
Erik: FFFUCK YYYOU BBITCHES!! FFFUCK YYYOU, YYYOU WWHORES!!!
Erik continues to swear repeatedly while tightening his grip around Dr. Legaspi's throat and banging her head, despite Jing-Mei's pleas for him to stop.
As Jing-Mei's energy starts to wear down, Luka and Romano run into the room and grab at Erik. Erik lets go of a barely conscious Dr. Legaspi and starts swinging his cast at the male doctors.
Romano: WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON IN HERE!!!
Jing-Mei: Erik's session got out of hand.
Luka: To say the least.
While distracted by Dr. Legaspi's gasps for air, Erik drops his guard and Luka is able to tackle him and pin him to the floor while Romano gets a sedative.
Erik: FFFUCK YYYOU!!GGGET FFFUCK OOOFF MME!! FFFUCCKING PPPRICKS!!GGGET OOFF MME!!
Romano jabs Erik with the needle, injecting him with the Haldol.
Erik: AWWWW!!! FFFUCKING PPPRICK!!
The sedative does little good on a very volatile Erik. Romano injects him again but Erik's adrenaline is pumping and even with the sedatives and the three doctors, they unable to control his outburst. Jing-Mei tries to calm Erik but he's too rowdy. Finally, Luka and Romano manage to get hold of Erik and control him. The sedatives take affect and as Erik drifts out, he still keeps swearing at the doctors.
Dr. Legaspi recovers enough to speak with her patient.
Dr. Legaspi: Erik, just calm down, sweetheart. It's alright.
Erik sees his tormentor again and charges for her. Weakened and held back by Romano and Luka he's unable to get hold of her again.
Erik: SSSCREW YYYOU WWHORE!!!
Dr. Legaspi: What did you do to him?
Romano: Not what I wanted to. So, I just sedated him.
Dr. Legaspi: I wish you hadn't done that. I didn't get a chance to bring him out of
his hypnosis.
Luka: So, do it now.
Dr. Legaspi: Can't. The patient has to be fully receptive to the hypnosis to be put under and to be taken out of. In other words, I need his complete attention and concentration to wake him up and he's not able to give me that now. We'll have to wait til the drugs where off.
Erik: IIII SSSAID GGGET FFUCK OFFF MME PPRICKS!!!
Luka: The sedatives aren't working like they should. His heart rate is up and blood pressure is skyrocketing. We need to tranquilize him but he can't take any more sedatives in his system with all his other meds he's taken.
Erik continues to struggle and break the doctors' hold on him.
Romano: Do something Dr. Chen, he's your husband.
Jing-Mei: Please calm down, Erik.
Romano: DO MORE! THAT'S NOT ENOUGH!!
Erik manages to free one of his arms and pops Romano in the face with his cast, knocking him to the floor and breaking his nose.
Erik: KKKISS MMY AASS, PPPUSSY!!!
Furious, Romano stands up, rubbing his face.
Romano: THAT'S IT!! GET HIM IN HIS BED!!! PUT HIM IN HARD RESTRAINTS!!!
Erik: FFUCKING AASSHOLE!!
Romano: AND SLAP A MUZZLE ON HIS FILTHY MOUTH!! NOW!!!
Jing-Mei: No, you can't do that, Dr. Romano!!
Romano: That's where you're wrong, Dr. Chen. I can do whatever I want. I'm the chief of staff. He's lucky I don't press charges against him. NOW ARE YOU GOING TO DO AS YOUR TOLD DOCTORS OR DO I START HANDING OUT SUSPENSIONS!! TIE HIM DOWN AND SHUT HIM THE FUCK UP!!!
Against their better judgment, Luka and Jing-Mei place an angry, enraged, fighting Erik into hard restraints the whole time Erik is cursing them out. Once tied down--- Luka, looking at a teary-eyed Jing-Mei, straps a psychiatric muzzle over Erik's face and mouth, silencing the deranged Malucci's words but not his frustrations.
To be continued. Please read and review.