Disclaimer: They are mine. Right, and if you believe that I have some ocean front property in Arizona.

Author: Catgurl83

Title: Shocking News (15\?)

Rating: G

Feedback: Is, as always, much loved.

Author's notes: Another short chapter. *sigh* At least it will answer some of your questions.

I took a few medical liberties with this chapter, just so you know.

Many thanks to Kimberly for betaing this story for me!

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"Ruthie?" The Colonel prompted the doctor impatiently.

If possible, the tension in the room actually mounted. Everyone caught their breath as they silently stared at the doctor.

"She's sleeping somewhat comfortably."

Several people let out breaths that they didn't even know that they were holding.

Eric closed his eyes as he silently said a brief prayer of thanks.

Simon shut his eyes against the sheen of tears that had formed. He viciously swiped at the one tear that had escaped.

Mary felt a smile light her face as she waited for the doctor to continue.

"She's going to be okay?" Annie looked the doctor directly in the eyes.

The doctor allowed a small sigh to escape. "She made it through the procedure which is a good sign. But she isn't out of danger yet. The next two weeks are going to be very difficult for Ruthie. There is still a lot that can go wrong."

As he saw the dejection reclaim most of the faces in the room Chandler insisted, "But she is okay now, right?"

"Yes."

Roxanne smiled at Annie. "You have to consider this a victory. Ruthie is fighting."

"That's right Mom." Mary jumped in. "She is strong."

"Can we see her?" Eric asked the doctor.

He shook his head. "I'm sorry Reverend. But it wouldn't be safe for Ruthie at this point."

"When can we see her?" Annie asked softly.

The doctor hesitated. "Hopefully, you can see her this evening. You'll have to wear a gown, mask, and gloves though. And you won't be able to touch her or stay very long."

"We understand." Annie hurriedly assured him.

"Do you have any other questions?" He asked the room at large. No one answered so he went on. "I'll be back with an update later." With that, he left the waiting room.

*********

Matt smoothed his hand over Charlie's forehead. The baby had woken up earlier but only for a few minutes. She had been groggy and out of it.

He turned to face the clock. The procedure should be over by now. In fact, it should have ended quite a while ago.

"I don't mind."

Matt glanced at his wife. "Don't mind what?"

Sarah gave Matt a small smile. "I know you Matt. You're worried about Ruthie. You want to go check with the family to see how she is. I don't mind. Charlie probably won't wake up for a while anyway."

Matt looked at his sleeping daughter one more time. "You're sure?"

"I'd like to know how she is doing, too," Sarah assured him.

Matt stood up. He gave Sarah a quick kiss before quietly slipping out of the room.

He hurriedly made his way through the long hallways toward the waiting room that his family was in.

"Matt?"

He was nearly there when the voice stopped him. He turned toward the sound. A very unsure of himself Peter was standing behind him.

"How is she?" Peter asked hesitantly.

"I'm not sure. I haven't spoken to anyone since the procedure ended."

"That's good right? I mean if something happened they would have had a nurse get you, right?"

"I hope so."

"Charlie's okay?"

Matt smiled at the young man. "Yeah. Sarah's still with her."

Peter hesitated again. "I . um . did you see her? I mean before?"

"I saw her this morning."

"Was she all right? She wasn't really scared?" Peter pressed concernedly.

"I don't think so," Matt assured Peter. "She knew that she could die and she didn't want to. But I think that she was dealing with it all pretty well."

"Good."

"We weren't expecting you to be here today."

"Neither was I." Peter admitted.

Matt just waited silently.

"I couldn't just stay home." Peter answered Matt's silent question. "I had to be here for Ruthie."

Matt laid his hand on Peter's shoulder. "Shall we go in?"

"Okay."

When the door opened, the family looked up. Surprise registered on their faces when they saw Peter standing with Matt.

"How is she?" Matt inquired.

"The doctor came in about a half hour ago. At that time she was doing well," Kevin answered.

Peter and Matt both sighed with relief.

Matt asked a few questions before going back to Sarah and Charlie. Peter hesitantly sat down to wait for more news.

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You should all send thank you's to the reviewer that is about to have a birthday. I hurried up with this chapter for her.

The next chapter won't be done this quickly.