Better get this one up quick, orangebronco threatened me like that... I don't wanna miss 2005! lol!!
crzywhtgrl, sorry, this is the last chappy! my brain can't churn out more than one chappy at a time... (smirk)
Epilogue (Ahh... journey's end)
About fifteen minutes later, Jake was loaded up into an ambulance and brought into the Desert Palm Hospital. He had been taken into the emergency room to have the bullet removed.
The CSI's had followed as well. They were now waiting outside the emergency room, waiting. Finally, Grissom said,"We have to get back to the lab, all the evidence needs to be processed for court,"
The others nodded and made to follow. But Nick said,"Would it be ok if I stay behind? Just to make sure Jake gets through surgery?"
Grissom hesitated, then nodded. the other three CSI's followed Grissom, Sara hung back, looking at Nick, concerned. Nick shot her a smile,"Go ahead, I'll be fine,"
Sara nodded and said,"Let us know if Jake survives, ok?' putting a hand on his shoulder. Nick nodded and Sara went after the others.
After what seemed like an eternity, (which was only 2 hours) a doctor came out of the operation room.
Nick immediately went to greet him.
The doctor smiled,"Evening, officer. I'm happy to say that Jake survived. We managed to remove the bullet. A few days rest and he can leave. Any family members to take care of him?"
Nick hesitated, then said,"Yes, me. Guardian,"
The doctor nodded, "Alright, I understand that this youngster is into drugs?"
Nick nodded.
"Well, then we have to get rid of that bad habit. I know a good rehabilitation center for minors,"
Nick replied,"Thanks very much, doctor,"
"Right, then I'll get him a place, Jake..."
Nick replied,"Stokes, Jake Stokes,"
Jake woke up, feeling groggy. 'What happened?' he wondered. Slowly, he took in his surroundings, he was lying on a comfortable bed, something he hadn't done in ages. The walls around him were painted white. This is a hospital room!
Puzzled, he suddenly heard some movement on his right, like a page being turned. He turned his head to the right slowly.
There was Nick sitting on the chair beside him, reading a book. Nick looked at him,"Hey, you're awake. Feeling ok, kiddo?"
Then Jake remembered,"Nick! Vince... he..."
Nick said,"Woah, relax. He's dead, remember? You shot him, but relax, you won't be charged,"
"But..."
Nick interrupted,"Jake, calm down, you just had surgery, relax,"
Jake nodded, but stopped immediately because nodding made his head hurt. He also desperately felt the need to have a drink, or coke. Thankfully, Nick kept his thoughts busy,"I have no idea what you were thinking! You could have died!"
Jake muttered,"I didn't want to be a coward anymore..."
Nick sirked,"And you are not. Brave of ya' to do such a thing, though not 'xactly smart, bucko," his voice filled with country accent.
Jake frowned,"You from Texas, Nick?"
Nick raised his eyebrows,"I take it back, you are smart," he said with a smile.
Jake returned the smile, he started figiting a little.
Nick said shweredly,"You need soem alchohol or coacaine or something?"
Jake looked away and muttered,"I'm not proud of it..."
Nick reached for the pitcher of water on the bedside table and poured some water into a glass and handed it to Jake, "Pretend that's alcohol. So much more pleasent. Want it to be more realistic? try soda. As for coke, try eating soem chewing gum or something that'll keep your mouth busy. They'll help you do this and more in the rehabilitation center,"
Jake glanced back at him,"What happens to me now?"
Nick replied,"Community service for stealing my neighbour's car, I finally recognized that car I saw at your dealer's home," he added aftr Jake looked at him curiously.
Nick continued,"Stealing money and drugs posession, then, it's rehabilitation center for you, then wat you have left of high school,"
Jake raised his eyebrows. Nick smirked,"What? Not ready for a challenge?"
Jake had to smile at that comment,"Course I am. But how am I gonna pay for school? Not to mention this hospital fees? I don't have a place to stay either..."
"Hey, you think I'm just gonna let you starve? I've uh, been chosen to be your guardian, your... father, brother, friend, all rolled in one,"
Jake grinned, he had just remembered Nick's conversation with his colleagues. "But it's gonna cost you,"
Nick smiled,"If you behave, and become a modal teen, I'll have to say it'll be worth it,"
Suddenly, Nick's pager beeped. Nick pulled it out and read the message."I gotta go, new case for me," he announced, getting up, walking towards the door,"I'll be back. Get some rest,"
Jake said,"Oh, hey, uh..."
Nick paused, turning back to him. Jake said,"Thanks for setting me straight... uh, dad,"
Nick's eyes widened, he had never thought he'll be called by that name. He smiled, and nodded.
Walking out, he shut the door with a 'click'. Feeling exeptionally happy, he went off to go to work. Not even another 'liquid man' can spoil his happiness now...
END
Phew! That's that. Hope you enjoyed it.
Oh, and if that 'Jake Stokes' thing is not allowed, hope you forgive me, cos' I don't know much bout' this... sorry!
Preview: What? A happy ending? No more? With Jake's quick temper and drug problem, i don't think so! More problems are in store for Nick and Jake... watch out for the sequeal!!