Stanley slept beautifully that night despite his father's snoring
and hogging most of the bed for the better part of the night. The
nightmares had decreased in the last few days. And he had a good feeling
they would stop once Emma and her kids moved in. As he stretched and turned
to see the time, he couldn't help but smell the aroma of fresh coffee
coming from the kitchen. It was 7am and Hank had probably been up for an
hour. He got up, grabbed his robe and headed towards the kitchen..
Hank was flipping pancakes and Holly leaned over the counter in awe of her grandfather and this talent. They were both laughing. Stanley came up behind Holly, placing his hands on her shoulders and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Hank smiled at him, "I hope you're hungry, son. I have enough to feed an army...you know maybe you should call Emma. She hasn't tasted a pancake til she has one of Hank Jobson's. Get her over here."
Stan liked the idea but didn't want to agree with his father so quickly. Holly turned to him, "Oh, Dad, grandpa is right. You should." Holly got off the bar stool and went into the kitchen pouring her dad a cup of coffee. She placed it in front of him and he took a sip, as his daughter waited for a response.
"It's 7am, I doubt she would like me waking her at this time on her day off." But then Stan had an idea. A big smile appeared on his face and he raised his eyebrows at Holly. She didn't know what that was about.He took another swallow of coffee and then headed straight back into the bedroom, and came out wearing jeans and a t-shirt, grabbed the keys and as he opened the front door, he looked back at Holly and his dad, "Hold those pancakes, dad. I'm bound to have quite an appetite when I get back."
Hank smiled at him, "Now that is my son."
Holly looked at her grandpa as her dad left, "What does that mean?"
"Your father is in love, little lady. Didn't you know love causes an increase in appetite. It is a known fact."
Holly knew her grandfather was full of tall tales, and rolled her eyes.
* * * * * * *
Stanley arrived at Emma's house and knocked on the door. He already knew Melody would be up. He had heard the stories of Melody being an early riser no matter what day of the week, but he also figured Emma would be up. She was a morning person, she often would read in bed. But she never slept past 7. Melody opened the door in her pajamas and was surprised to see Stanley standing there.
"Mom is still asleep," she looked confused, "Did she know you were coming?"
He shook his head no, "I'm on a mission. Holly's grandpa is fixing this big Texan breakfast, and I was instructed to bring in the troops."
"What is a Texan breakfast?" She let him in.
"The works, pancakes, eggs, sausages, hash browns."
Her eyes lit up, "Really? It sounds good. I'll go wake,Mom."
He stopped her, taking hold of her by the arm, "I can do that." He looked past her to the computer in the other room and could see she was busy on Photoshop making one of her pictures, "You're busy. It looks great by the way."
Melody smiled, "Thanks. I'm just experimenting." She headed back to the computer, Stanley headed down the hall. He passed Kyle's room and could hear music blaring from his stereo, knowing he needed to get up for work, he peeked into the door.
Kyle was sprawled across the bed in a pair of jockey shorts, the music wasn't even stirring him. Stanley moved closer to the bed and leaned in closer to his ear, "Kyle, time to get up." Kyle jumped, Stanley had to step back to miss a head on head collision.
Kyle stared up at him,"What are you doing here?" he said sleepily.
"Making sure you get up in time, wouldn't want you late for work, wouldn't want to let your boss down." He smiled and then closed the door leaving Kyle a bit confused.
Stanley slowly opened the door to Emma's bedroom. Emma was facing him, a pillow clutched between her arms, a smile appeared on her sleeping face. Her hair swept over one eye. He quietly sat on the edge of the bed and enjoyed the sight of her. He was looking forward to having to gaze upon her every morning very soon. He slipped his shoes off and unbuttoned his jeans, pulling them off, he slipped under the covers next to her.. She felt the movement and stirred slightly, but the smile remained, he only wondered what she was thinking about. Hoping it was him.
As she moved, one of her arms stretched and a hand rested on Stanley's arm. The smile broadened as her hand slowly worked it's way up his muscular arm. Before she opened her eyes, she whispered "Stanley?" Almost as if she were still in her dream. Stanley then knew he had been the reason for the smile. He reached out with his free arm and swept her hair away from her face, her eyes slowly opened and she gazed upon him.
The smile broadened and she sighed, "This is a nice surprise."
"I was hoping you would say that." He moved closer to her and tenderly kissed her. Another sigh escaped "I wish I could say my visit was purely selfish, but I've been sent on a mission.."
"Really? You have me curious." His finger lightly traced her face, down her cheek across her lips, he was becoming increasingly distracted as he watched her reaction to his touch and as her chest rose in a sigh, he was obvious of her erect nipples under the skimpy spaghetti strap top.
He managed to say, "My dad and Holly.." but it was as if he forgot the rest of the sentence, as his eyes focused on her breasts.
"okay.....am I suppose to guess the rest of the sentence?" Emma still oblivious to what his eyes were gazing upon.
He quickly refocused on her face and smiled innocently, "let me see...." he scratched his chin, "oh, yeah, Dad is cooking a full on Texan breakfast and he insisted I invite you and the kids."
"You could have done that on the phone."
"I don't think it would have had the same effect, do you?" His hand reached under the covers and he found her bare leg, he caressed it as his lips once again found hers. This time she responded passionately and Stanley felt the blood rush through him. It had been too long. He felt out of control as his hand reached higher up her leg, and she bit down on his lip as his hand slipped into her underpants.
Emma too felt the desire that had been building up for the past few weeks and this time she didn't want to stop him, but her children were in the house. And the sensible mother side of her responded accordingly, "Stanley, no."
It was too late, his finger slipped inside her and he found her wet and warm and it was enough to send him over the edge. "You're saying no...but your body is saying yes."
"The kids." Her voice raspy as she gasped for a breath, the protest hardly effective.
"It's something they need to get used to." His fingers continued the prodding and Emma squirmed and tried stifling the sounds that were trying to escape from her lips. He quickly covered her mouth with his own, and somehow managed to get her underpants down to her knees. Emma had lost it, there was no used fighting this. Stanley was determined and she had to admit she was liking it all. His forcefulness excited her. She wanted him. She wiggled out of her panties, while Stanley managed to get his shorts off in record time.
Within seconds he had maneuvered himself on top of her and he found the only place he wanted to be at that moment, inside her. He was rough, he pulled her hair, and stifled her screams and moans with hard passionate kisses. As the wave of excitement escalated he became tender and passionate, and whispered into her ear, over and over as he came, "My Emma, my dear sweet Emma...."
As he collapsed on top of her, she stroked his hair, he rested his head on her chest. They both felt an incredible release. Stanley nuzzled his face into her chest, so content at this moment. What could be better than this?
Emma felt it too, "Stanley?"
He managed to let out a sigh.
"What did you mean by 'it's something they need to get use to'"
Stanley had been planning the whole day in his mind, and this wasn't in his plan. He wanted to ask her on the beach after they had talked. He wanted it to be right and for her to be ready for it. But right now, it felt right. There was no point to wait. He rolled onto his back, and then to his side facing her. Taking hold of both of her hands and gently kissing them.
"Well, once you're living in my house we'll be sharing a bed. They will have to get use to us being together like this." It wasn't the right wording, he knew it. But he watched Emma's eyes brighten. Was she hearing him right? Could this possibly mean marriage? It was all Emma had thought about since Rachel's surprise wedding. She wanted nothing more.
He was pleased with her response and continued, "I want you and the kids to move in with me, as soon as possible. It just seems ridiculous all this distance between us I've already had a talk with the kids and they are all for it."
Emma didn't hear any mention of 'will you marry me?', 'I want to get married' 'what do you think about marriage?' . The only thing she had heard was 'move in with me'. Of course he wasn't asking her to marry him. Did he have any intentions of ever asking that question? God, she felt so stupid to even think such a thing. He wanted what had just happened, every day. It was about the physical side of their relationship, that was all. She knew the dissappointment showed on her face, and Stanley looked a bit confused, when she turned away from him.
"Emma...what's wrong? I have bad timing obviously. Shit! I wanted this to be right...I love you, Em. This is what I want, but if it's not what you want...I'm okay with that. Really." She tried holding back tears, as he cuddled up against her back. "Talk to me."
What could she say? That she was disappinted, that she wanted more than a roommate. More than just the sex? But she couldn't. She knew he had been thinking about this for a while. He had gone to the trouble of remodeling his house. Inviting her and her kids into his and Holly's life was a big step for him.
"Look, you can think about it. I don't want you to rush into something you're not ready for. Of course, you don't know a lot about me...you're waiting to hear about the bad man I was before you make a commitment. That's understandable." she heard the bitterness in his voice.
She was silent for a moment, collecting her thoughts. Yes, she wanted more, but this was a step. She did want him in her life. She hated the distance between them. And the past was no longer important to her. She turned to him and stroked his cheek, the happy content man she had experienced a few moments ago, now gone.
"I don't have to think about it." she smiled at him.
He felt some hope, as he gazed into her eyes. "Emma..."
She put her finger over his lips, "Schhh..this is my turn to talk. I want to live with you. I don't care about the bad man that you once were." she said light heartily and smiled, "in fact, I kind of like the bad and dark side of Stanley Jobson....makes you full of surprises in the bedroom. As long as I get the kind tender Stanley as well."
He managed a wicked smile, "Whatever suits you're fancy, woman, I will deliver!"
"I have no doubt about that." He took her in his arms and began kissing her when there was a knock on the door.
"Hey, Mom, I'm off to work, and I probably am seeing Amy afterwards." Stanley reached for his shorts and was about to get out of bed, when Emma took him by the arm.
"You're not going anywhere. Like you said, they have to get used to us being together like this." She then called out to Kyle, "come on in. I want to talk to you for a sec."
Melody had entered the hall and had heard her mom. Kyle looked at his sister. She shrugged her shoulders as he opened the door. Melody crept behind Kyle, and they both tried not staring at their mom sitting up in bed, Stanley by her side in a somewhat intimate embrace. "I really got to go to work, Mom." Kyle said embarrassingly.
Stanley just laughed, "Brent can handle the shop for awhile. I want you and Melody to join us at my house for breakfast."
Emma corrected him, "You mean our house." Kyle and Melody looked at each other.
Melody smiled and clapped her hands, "Oh, this is so great, Mom." She skipped over to the bed and plopped down next to Stanley without even thinking about it. He wrapped an arm around her. They looked up at Kyle, who was silent but a grin appeared on his face.
"So it's all go. Wow, this is going to be interesting." Kyle said nonchalantly.
"Could be." Stan teased, and then scooted off the bed and into the bathroom.
Melody cuddled up next to her Mom, "You're happy right? This is what you want."
Emma didn't have the heart to say she wanted more. But she smiled, and nodded. "You are both sure, you're okay with this? I mean, it's a big adjustment. A new house, school, living with two other people, getting use to the way they do things."
Kyle smiled, " I think it's brilliant."
"Only because of Amy." Melody teased.
"What do you know, squirt." He sat on the edge of the bed, and looked into his mom's eyes seriously, "He's told you,right...about everything? And you're okay with all that, right?"
Emma looked at him confused, "What do you mean? If you mean about his past, no....we're going to have that talk today." Emma didn't like the seriousness in Kyle's voice, the look in his eyes. "Kyle, is something bothering you? Something about Stanley's past?"
Kyle nearly blew it, he looked away from her, "I just meant, you know in general."
"Well, I'm not that concerned about any of it. Who he is today is what's important. He's a good man, Kyle."
"I know that." He stood up, "I better let you get dressed. Maybe I can catch Amy on IM before we head over to Stan's."
As he walked out of the room, she wondered what he really meant by that earlier comment. Stanley walked back in the room and picked up his jeans, Melody took this as good time to excuse herself to get dressed, "I should get dressed."
Before she headed out the door, he called out to her, "Melody, don't forget a bathing suit."
"Are we going to the beach?"
"It was the plan." Stan smiled at Emma, "I know the perfect spot.. It's a bit off the beaten path, and kind of a hike down and back, but well worth it. The girls can check out the tide pools. The water is crystal clear, and I've spotted a few seals when I've been down there. It's fairly secluded. Ever fancy a roll in the waves ala From Here To Eternity?"
"It's crossed my mind on occasion." Emma laid back on the pillows, clutching one against her chest. A content smile across her face.
"Well, this could be your chance. The sand, the sea and a handsome guy like myself." He buttoned up his jeans, then looked serious, "It was me you thought about rolling around the beach with right? Or did these thoughts come to you before I met you?"
She got out of bed, opening a drawer, pulling out her bathing suit, and a brightly colored sarong, then headed for the bathroom, smiling at him as she closed the door.
He leaned up against it, "I will accept that you had thoughts about other men before you knew me, but as of today...those kind of thoughts aren't allowed."
She came out of the bathroom, looking pretty damn sexy from Stanley's viewpoint...a black one piece that showed off her many assets, she sexily traced a finger down his cheek, then down his chest, stopping right above his belt buckle, "They are only thoughts. What's important is who makes them happen." She then began packing a bag with a change of clothes and Stanley just stared at her.
She headed for the door, and turned. Stanley still stood in the same spot.
"Are you coming?"
"I think I already did." He raised his eyebrows, "but I probably could manage again..." She threw her bag at him and he caught it in one hand. She furrowed her eyebrows, shaking her head, but it soon turned quickly into a smile. She headed out the door and Stanley caught up, slipping an arm around her waist and drawing her to him.
* * * * * * *
It couldn't have been a better start to the day. All 6 of them having breakfast together at Stanley's house. Hank seeing the change in his son with Emma and her kids around. He was happy. Hank longed to see his son finally finding some joy in life after everything he had been through. After Kyle went to work. Stan and Emma packed a picnic lunch and loaded up the Suburban.
The spot Stan chose was just what he had promised, a bit off the beaten path, more secluded then other parts of the cove. Emma hadn't been to the cove since she was a child. Her parents had preferred the long stretches of sand at Mission or Pacific beach. Emma had always taken her own children to La Jolla shores, where she was guaranteed a parking place. But despite the crowds of the Cove that morning, Stan knew all the side streets and found a place practically on the cliff edge.
The day was wonderful. Hank and the girls found all sorts of interesting items in the tide pools. Hank with a lot of knowledge in just about everything, was full of facts about crabs and anon mes. They played in the water. Stanley splashing the girls and chasing them. Emma sat in the soft white sand, burying her feet, content and happy. She felt part of something now. Hank had totally embraced her and her kids as well. This was becoming her family, whether Stanley had marriage in mind or not. Stanley turned and watched her alone on the shore, in her own little world. He could see she was miles away. He strode up the beach and before she could fight him, he had her over his shoulder,
"Do you think you're going to come down to the beach and not get wet?"
"Stanley, put me down now." She started kicking her feet, but he held a firm grip.
He laughed, "I'll put you down, once we get into the water."
"It's too cold."
He set her down once he got to the water's edge and she tried to run back to the shore, and he held on to her arm, pulling her out into the water. The girls a little farther out started shouting, egging him on. She then turned to Hank not far from her, "You're not going to let him do this, please, Hank...help me"
Hank smiled, "I'm not taking him on, not a chance. I may be a few inches taller, but he has me beat as far as strength. I'm sorry, Emma, I'm afraid you're on your own this time."
Stanley just smiled triumphantly as he pulled her out deeper into the water, the water lapping against her suit, caused her to wince, she had never liked the sea unless the water temperature was in it's 70's. June was way to cold to be in it as far as she was concerned. The water was now up to her waist, and as Stanley looked at her, she gave him a evil eye, "You are so mean."
He then pulled her into him, playfully kissing her and for those few moments, she forgot how cold the water actually was, "I haven't had this much fun in ages...oh, I take that back, this morning, the morning on the desk...that probably surpassed this moment but just slightly." He teased.
Emma was silent. She felt so content in his arms, despite the chilliness of the ocean. She couldn't have imagined a more perfect day. He looked down at her and caught the faraway look in her eyes, "Are you happy, Emma?" He was pretty certain of the response he would receive but wanted to hear it coming from her.
She let out a sigh and squeezed him tight, "Blissfully happy." As he kissed her, the girls and Hank snuck up from all sides and began splashing them. Emma screamed and Stanley just started laughing.
Gail stood overlooking the cove where Stanley and company had settled for the day. This was her only chance to talk to him before Jake would step in with his henchmen. The past few weeks she had watched Stanley and observed the life he now lived, and felt a tinge of jealousy for the lifestyle he had chosen. A normal existence. She knew it was to late for her. She loved Jake or whoever he was at any given moment in time, but she knew there would never be any normalcy. Sometimes she wanted out, like today as she watched Stanley splash and laugh with Holly and Emma's daughter. The way he carried Emma into the water, the embrace and intimacy they shared. When was the last time she had just laughed over something silly and frivolous, enjoyed something simple like a walk on the beach or just a spontaneous cuddle on a street corner. She decided that afternoon, that she had to warn Stanley before his idyllic existence was shattered.
It was close to 4 in the afternoon, when the whole gang headed up the worn path to the car, the girls exhausted from the sun and the sea. They dragged behind, as Stanley and Emma walked hand in hand, Hank just behind them.
All of them a bit out of breath as they approached the Suburban. Stan opened the back and he began loading the cooler and umbrella in. Holly started to get into the car, "Don't forget to put your towel down. I don't want you getting the upholstery all wet." Melody laid her towel on the seat and Holly realized her towel was not around her shoulders. She put her hand over her mouth, and Stan noticed it.
"What's wrong?"
"My towel, I must have dropped it."
"Well, go get it, hurry up. I want to get the coals on the Barbecue, I don't know about anyone else but the sea air has made me incredibly hungry." Emma had leaned into the back of the car getting a bottle of water out of the cooler, and Stan couldn't resist, his right hand rested on her hip, his left hand gave her bottom a squeeze, and he playfully nibbled on her neck. She managed to whack him with a towel. He grabbed the towel out of her hands, and proceeded to wrap it around her waist, pulling her close to him, whispering into her ear, "Food isn't the only thing I'm hungry for."
Holly was exhausted, the last thing she wanted to do was make the trek back down the path, she put on the pouty face. Stan looked over Emma's shoulder and saw Holly looking up at him, "but, dad, its a long way. I can't."
Stanley rolled his eyes, Emma gave him a pat on the bottom, then let him go, "God, I'm a sucker for a helpless woman."
Holly beamed, "you're the best, Dad"
Emma kissed his cheek, "she's right, you're the best."
He headed back to the edge of the cliff and towards the path they had just come up, looking down and seeing if he could spot the brightly colored Powerpuff Girls beach towel. He walked a few feet down the path to get a better look when he realized he had company at the foot of the path above him.
"Is this what you're looking for?" he recognized the voice and as he slowly turned he was eye view to a pair of legs he wasn't likely to forget, the Powerpuff Girl towel hanging at their side. His eyes traveled up the legs to reveal a short skirt, and a red halter top. The hair was different, long straight, a pair of sunglasses shielded her eyes, but there was no mistaken who this was standing above him. Memories of last spring flooded back. He had mixed feelings about her, that was for sure. One moment there had been desire and a hunger for this delectable creature, but it had turned out to be false like everything else...and he had began to feel contempt and loathing for being led on in such a manner. He was not about to be taken in again.
He stepped forwards snatching the towel from her hand, "Yes, it is. Thanks." He didn't want to talk to her. So decided to just head back to the car but she put her hand out and grabbed his arm. He eyed it and then raised his eyes to meet hers, "Take your hand off me." there was anger in his voice.
"Stanley, you have to listen to me."
"Oh, no, I don't. I don't know what you are doing here. And personally, I don't want to know. You screwed up my life once before, never again."
"I got you Holly back."
"by deceiving me, using me in yours and Gabriel's little game. Oh, yeah and let's not forget killing her mother. That was a brilliant move, Ginger.." He said sarcastically."Not the most conventional way of gaining custody. I got her back by default, and now she has to live with the pain of being a part of her mother's murder. So for that I owe you? I think my services last spring were sufficient enough payment. I owe you nothing."
"Stanley, I know it's been tough for you."
"You don't have a clue." He looked towards the car and could only make out his Dad, still arranging the stuff in the back. "I would love to shoot the breeze with you but I have plans for this afternoon. Believe it or not, despite the mess you and Gabriel made of my life, I am trying desperately to get it back on track. I won't have you fuck it up again." He caught a glimpse of Emma smiling at the girls, handing them each a ice cold Pepsi out of the cooler. Gail followed his gaze and wasn't surprised to see who was on the receiving end.
"She's lovely. I can see how happy you are. Things seem to be going well for you."
He gave her a dirty look, "That's right. Things are going extremely well." He waved his finger in her face, "You stay away from her and her family. God, what am I saying....just get out of my life. Stay away from me."
"I can't do that Stanley."
He wasn't used to being aggressive to a woman, but the anger that was building inside exploded and his hand went to her throat, "Lay off, Ginger. I'm not interested in anything you have to say. And you can tell your boss, lover, whatever the hell he is to fuck off."
Emma looked towards the cliff where Stanley had headed, and managed to catch a glimpse of him. He wasn't alone, and by his body language he looked upset and angry. She moved towards the front of the car and was able to get a better glimpse of the two. It was the woman from the bar last night. The one that had been buying Hank drinks. Stanley was shouting at her. Emma began to head towards them. Hank saw the look in her eyes, and it concerned him.
"Emma, where are you going?" He looked towards the cliff and saw his son with the woman, and knew right away something was terribly wrong. He didn't want Emma involved in whatever was going on. "Emma..."
She turned to him and saw some concern in his face, "Stay with the girls."
"Emma, I think you need to stay here." But as she turned back to the cliff, Stanley's hand was now at the woman's throat and Emma quickened her stride towards the couple.
Gail took his behavior all in stride, she was use to confrontations and they didn't seem to phase her. She knew he wouldn't hurt her, this guy was easier to manipulate them some, and he had once been attracted to her. Somehow even with the grip on her she managed to speak with a slight strain,"You don't understand, Stanley...he won't put up with what you've done this time. You can't mess with him, Stanley. You should know that. Just fix the damage and we'll be off your back."
Stanley's angered look turned to confusion,. What the hell was she talking about? But before he had a chance to find out, he caught Emma approaching them out of the corner of his eye. He looked towards her, and was not happy to see her. She had never seen him look at her like that. It frightened her.
"Get back to the car....NOW.." he demanded, still a grip on Gail, but his concern now centered on Emma, and he lost his balance. Trying to regain it, He let go of Gail and stumbled, the ground below gave way under him and he slipped slowly to begin with down the path. He grabbed at the dirt and rocks around him to pull himself up. Gail tried reaching for him, Emma ran to the edge but as she did. He lost his grip, and began the descent down the side of the cliff.
The fall happened so fast. Head over heels followed by a loose cartwheel. He felt everything in slow motion. Debris scraped across his shoulders. Fingers searched the cliff side and desperately grasped for a handhold, foot hold, anything. then there was nothing. Only free air. 4 beats per second. Four seconds to the next ledge. A vertical outcropping selected this time to breach the free fall. Nothing was in the correct position. His left side hit hard, legs firsts, then the upper body followed suit. All the wind rushed out, as if someone had fully slapped a 2x4 flat across his back. Numerous other body rolls sent him careening toward another precipice. His right hand swung out to grasp a solid rock, one of many. It slowed down the momentum but spun his lower body around and out to the edge. The added weight twisted his wrist loose as his body spun at a dizzy pace through another free fall. The next impact dropped his rag-doll body onto a step ledge of reddish dirt dotted with boulders. This uncontrolled tumble scraped and bruised his battered body to the next ledge with only boulders between him and another horrid drop. Stan heard the sound of a distant shot. The sudden tumbling stopped with him forcibly impacting the boulders and coming to rest on his left side. All was quiet.
Emma stared in horror at Stan's sudden disappearance. One moment he was there the next instant he was gone. If she would have stayed at the car this wouldn't have happened. He had become distracted with her presence and had lost his balance. She reached Gail at the side, afraid to look over the edge, closed her eyes with a deep breath and as she opened them saw Stanley's lifeless body lying on a precipice above the sandy beach where they had just enjoyed a beautiful day together. This couldn't be happening. Gail put a hand on her shoulder, "I'll call 911." Emma was in a state of shock, she barely made out the woman at her side and the words she had said.
Hank was now peering towards the cliff, a frantic look appeared on his face as he saw Emma crotched on the edge looking down. No sign of Stanley, the woman heading towards her parked car, frantically dialing a number on her cell phone, her expression , one of despair. Holly ran up to him, "Grandpa, what's wrong? You look funny."
He turned to his granddaughter, "I want you and Melody to stay in the car."
"But Dad said I couldn't get in the car without sitting on my towel."
"I don't care what your dad said. Just get in the car. I'll be right back."
Holly looked concerned and he smiled at her trying to reassure his granddaughter. The thought of her losing another parent was out of the question. He looked up at the sky, and closed his eyes, if there was a god, he had to be looking down on this wonderful child who didn't deserve this kind of life, surely. Holly trusted her grandpa and did as she was told. He was relieved, the thought of a hysterical child was something he didn't want to deal with right now. He quickly strided over to the cliff's edge.
Stanley's eyes cracked open. His vision a bit fuzzy but he saw the ocean, could hear the waves lapping below him. A calming effect flowed over him soothing his beating heart. What the hell had happened? He felt the reddish dirt of the cliff in his eyes, in his hair, in his mouth. He blinked, and coughed tasting the grit in his mouth. He layed quietly on his left side, and tried to make sense of what had just occurred. His body ached, his left leg bent awkwardly underneath him, but couldn't move it. As he moved his right leg, he jarred some loose rocks from the side of the cliff and he watched as they fell to the shore below. There was still a good 150 yards below him.
Hank squatted down next to Emma and put his hands on her shoulders as he peered down and saw his motionless son laying on the ledge below. He took a deep breath and lowered his head, thinking the worst, Emma felt his deep breathing behind her, but she was more interested in what she just saw. She gasped and reached her right hand up placing it on Hank's, "He's moving, Hank....he's alive."
Gail moved quickly towards them, "They're sending a helicopter." She stood behind them and saw his contorted body lying there. Why did this have to happen?
Hank turned towards her and realized she was the woman in the bar last night. He wanted to know why she was there, but didn't ask. It was hardly important now. "Thanks."
Emma was oblivious to the sounds around her ,she was looking down at the ledge and noticed it was only a little ways off the path they had used earlier. She could make it down to him. Although she had been a little leary on the way down to the beach, for some reason now it wasn't phasing her. She didn't want him to be alone.
The sirens of the ambulance blared up the road past the Suburban and Holly and Melody looked at each other, as it headed towards the cliff's edge. Holly opened the door, "Somethng's happened to my Dad." Melody could tell she was going to cry.
"Your grandpa said to stay here."
"I have to be with my Dad." She darted out of the car and ran towards the cliff's edge. Melody followed her.
Hank stood up as he heard the sirens, his attention now turned away from Emma. She was determined to reach Stanley. He needed her. This thought kept her focused as she made her way down the path, with no hesitation.
As Hank turned back towards the cliff he saw Emma heading down the path, "Emma, help is coming. You need to stay here." but she didn't hear him, she didn't stop. He was prepared to go and stop her, but then the cries of his grandaughter pierced through the air, and Hank turned back and managed to stop her before she reached the edge.
"Where's my Dad?" she cried trying to look past him, he held her close.
"He's going to be okay, Holly. Help is coming." Melody moved closer to the edge and saw his body on the ledge, she put her hand over her mouth, holding back a gasp. Then saw her mom making her way towards him.
"My mom is down there. It's not safe." She became frantic, nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other, her fingernails of her right hand went straight into her mouth. She turned to Hank for some kind of answer, "You have to do something, what if she falls too?" Hank had no answers, and didn't know the first thing about comforting 2 hysterical girls. Then the wind picked up and the sound of a helicopter grew louder. All 3 of them looked us as it hovered above them.
Gail stood back, watching this family collapse in front of her. She couldn't bear it. She backed up away from the ambulance, from Hank and the girls, and leaned against the car. She heard the sound of a helicopter. There was nothing she could do here. She got in the car and put her head in her hands.
Stanley felt an incredible effort just taking a breath. He felt another small landslide of dirt and blocked his face with his right hand, which was the only part of his body that he seemed able to move. The waves and the sound of seagulls was then replaced with a blaring siren coming from up above and was he imagining it or did he hear Emma calling his name. He was beginning to wonder what was real, and what was in his mind. Lying on a ledge above the beach was incredibly surreal.
Emma reached his side and was concerned by the way his body was contorted, his head was bleeding, there were cuts covering nearly every part of his legs, but he was alive, she saw him cover his face with his hand, as she carefully kneeled down next to him, his eyes once again closed, until he felt her gentle touch on his brow.
It was becoming more of a struggle to open them. He felt the urge to close them and lie still, but he knew that touch and he wanted to see her again. They slowly opened, but only to a squint, the right side of his mouth turned up in a smile as he gazed upon her.
His right hand reached up and touched her cheek, but even that felt weak and flopped back down to his side seconds later. Emma took hold of it and placed it to her lips.
"Everything is going to be alright, Stanley." She was holding back the fear she felt. "Help is coming. We're going to get you to a hospital, and you will be right as rain before you know it."
He knew what she was doing. He could read behind the words, just by looking into her eyes. It was worse than he could possibly imagine. He couldn't help but notice the way she looked at the rest of his body.
"Holly" He managed to say, between gasps of breath.
She squeezed his hand,"She's fine."
"You'll look after her?" It was harder to speak, he coughed and Emma put her finger to his mouth.
"You don't have to ask me that. You know I will. Now lie still, and don't talk. " She could hear the helicopter and the minutes passing by seemed like hours to her. She felt he was fading.
As his eyes began to close, Emma began to talk, "Stay awake, Stanley. Please." She didn't want to sound panicked but she was. "Keep your eyes open. Look at me. I need you to look at me."
He wanted to look at her, but he wanted to close his eyes, he wanted the pain to go away and when they were closed the pain seemed to disperse.
Emma looked up at the sky and saw the helicopter hovering above, a rope ladder being extended, and a man heading their way. Also she saw a paramedic coming down the cliff's face. She looked back at Stanley who's eyes were beginning to roll back into his head, she squeezed his hand tighter and he was back with her.
"You have to keep your eyes open. Please, Stanley, help is almost here."
"The pain."he winced as he tried moving, "My leg..." was all he managed to say.
"Think about something else." She decided to change the subject. She smiled down at him "Think about this morning...making love to me."
He didn't hear what she said, it was no use. He couldn't keep them open. They rolled back in his head and his eyelids shut, Emma began to cry ,"No, Stanley, you can't leave me, you can't leave Holly. We need you. This isn't going to happen. "
The paramedic arrived from behind her, "Ma'am," he gently touched her shoulder.Emma looked back at him and he smiled at her, "My name's Ben, that's Adam coming our way." He looked up towards the helicopter, he had to shout because of the noise. He looked over at Stanley, "This your husband?"
Emma shook her head no, "Boyfriend." Emma hadn't let go of Stanley's hand, her eyes now looking at her surroundings. The first time since she had climbed down to this ledge. She looked over the precipice and saw the drop below her, and closed her eyes tight. Ben's movement closer to Stanley caused more dirt and rocks to shift, and she felt a slight panic.
Ben was well aware of her uneasiness, and possibly phobia of heights, the ledge was small, much too small for the stature of this man, let alone the woman and himself, and Adam coming down with a backboard and basket. He remained calm, it wasn't the first cliff rescue he had dealt with. He was situated behind Stanley, while Emma was crouched at his front, inches from the side of the ledge. "What's your name?"
"Emma, and this is Stanley. You have to help him."
"That's the plan. But I am going to need you're cooperation too. We need to get that backboard down here to get Stanley down to the beach.. And there isn't a hell of a lot of room."
"I'm in the way." She moved slightly and more rocks shifted.
"I need you to come over here, behind me." He reached out his hand, and Emma looked down, she closed her eyes. "Just hold out your hand, I'll help you. Believe me I'm good at this. You won't fall."
Emma was leary but gave him her hand, and slowly stood, stepping over Stanley's motionless body, looking down at him, she lost her balance, Ben's reflexes were good, he had her before she fell, and she fell into his arms. "Told you I was good at this, care for a dance." She managed to smile, and he smiled back, "Keep that smile, I think it'll be just the thing that Stanley needs when he comes to." He found her a rock to sit on just behind him. Then centered his focus on Stanley. He leaned over his body, "Hey, buddy. Can you hear me? Stanley?" He felt for a neck pulse, and Stan's fingers twitched at the contact.
Adam stepped off the ladder, with a backboard, and unclipped the basket from the the cable. He then waved up to the helicopter to move on. Ben removed his own cable and clipped it on to the basket. It would have to be lowered to the beach below once Stanley was strapped in. The angle close to 90 degrees, not the greatest of situations but they would manage. As the noise lessened with the helicopters distancing from them. Ben looked over at Adam, "We've got something to work with."
"Great Let's get cracking." He looked back at Emma, and then at Ben, "is she okay?" Emma had gone pale, and lowered her head in her hands.
"We can worry about her later. We need to get him to the hospital...and quick." Ben looked over the sight, this was not going to be easy. The ledge was small, there was a small rock face that had prevented him from taking the further 150 yards over the side, which would have been fatal. He was on his left side, and the damage of his left leg and arm was not for certain since they lay under neath him covered in dirt and dust. They would have to roll him onto the backboard. Then let the basket down the remaining 150 yards to the beach, so the helicopter could pick him up.
"Hey, Stan, can you hear me?" Ben was hoping to stir him awake. Even if only slightly. A moan escaped along with his right hand balling into a fist. It was something. Ben took out a clean rag and wiped Stan's eyes, mouth and nose. Stan coughed, and took a gasp of air through his nose. Emma moved slightly so she could see him, she sighed with relief, he was responding.
"We're going to take you up in the chopper, Stan. You have to be still, not move a muscle. I don't want you to try and talk, squeeze my hand if you understand." Ben grasped Stanley's balled fist. It relaxed, and he managed a firm squeeze.
"That's quite a grip, Stan. You're going to be fine. Won't be long and you'll have that pretty lady of yours in your arms again. Hold on to that thought."
"Emma?" Stanley sputtered out, then coughed.
"She's here, right behind me. And you are a lucky bastard, she has a beautiful smile," then he whispered, "And quite a nice ass."
Stanley moved his head as he tried to smile, and he felt a pain shoot up him. "My fault. I'll stop talking about your girlfriend. Don't want to get you too excited." Ben rolled his eyes, " Just lie still. My partner, Adam and I are going to check over for injuries before we strap you on the backboard and get you to the hospital. Just routine. Okay?" Stan squeezed his hand again. Then Ben nodded to Adam. They both knew they had their work cut out for them. Ben could visibly see the left leg swollen just above the knee and a bad twist in the left arm, what was viewable. Numerous abrasions covered his legs and arms. Adam recorded the findings on a clipboard, as Ben continued the prodding and probing of his limbs.
Stanley closed his eyes again, he could feel something, but it wasn't like anything he felt before. Almost like he wasn't even in his body. Everything seemed distant. It was hard to keep his eyes open, even with the the continuous prodding. Ben's thorough examination continued. Adam had taken over the hand holding, Ben would look at Stanley and notice him grimace in pain in certain areas. But this was a big guy, and obviously one who was told to take pain like a man, growing up. So he was making no complaints. "I can tell there's some discomfort, but you need to let me know when the pain is bad...Squeeze Adam's hand as hard as you like, he can take it.." Ben was trying to make everything sound as light as possible.
As Ben moved down his thigh, Stanley felt pain he had never experienced in his life and Adam gritted his teeth as Stanley administered a death grip on his palm. A quick intact of air indicated there was a definite problem with the leg. Stan gasped again. It was hard to catch his breath.
Ben checked his watch.37 minutes had passed since Stanley's drop from the cliff. Time would be crucial by the time they got him down. There wasn't any time to waste. They needed to get him off this ledge. The men situated the backboard to the only free space on the small ledge, scuffing dirt out of the way to get it to lie as flat as possible. A neck collar was gently slid and attached to Stan. Moving the limbs for alignment to transport was going to hurt. Ben didn't see any other way with this predicament. "Stan, your going to feel us move you. What ever you do, don't sit up. If it hurts, yell. That's okay."
They moved his left arm forward and inline with his back. The pain was unbearable, but Stan had no energy to scream or yell. He let the men do their jobs. A single splint board was placed in between his legs. Both legs were belted together in 3 places.
"On the count of 3." Stan heard each number and tried to brace himself. A shift in weight and it hit. He let out a scream and Emma immediately stood up behind the men, trying to see what they are doing.
Once on the backboard and strapped in, Adam radioed the other peramedic up top handling the cable., to let him know they were ready to transport the patient down to the beach. A third paramedic was now visible on the shore awaiting to assist. But Ben noticed the change in Stan's appearance, his eyes were flickering and his right hand that had been so strong in his grip now was lying limp at his side. Ben placed it on his chest, "Stan, are you still with me?"
Ben shot a glance at Adam as he finished his call, "He's barely with us." They worked as swiftly as possible, securing him into the basket. and then started the IV. Emma moved up towards the basket. Ben holding onto the cables, and relaying messages through a walkie talkie, the helicopter now hovering over the beach awaiting to take the patient to the hospital.
She kneeled next to him, stroking his cheek, not sure if he could feel it or hear her, "I love you, Stanley. Please, don't leave me." There was a flicker in his eyes and for a brief second they opened and she was sure he had seen her.
Ben put a hand on her forearm, "He's in good hands. And he's got the will...knows what's waiting for him. I know it sounds hokey but it's the truth. They're the ones that pull through the quickest. You've got to have hope."
"I do."
"Good." Ben watched as she didn't take her eyes off Stanley. He knew he was not supposed to get personal with any of his patients, but he found it next to impossible when he saw such sadness and concern in their eyes. They all became important to him.
Adam got his attention, "I think we're all go." Emma kissed her finger tips and placed them over Stanley's lips right before the basket began its descent towards the beach. Ben put a supportive arm around Emma. "You want to ride with him?"
She looked up towards the cliff top and saw a number of people gathered. She could place Hank and the girls, another paramedic by their side. She had promised Stan to look after Holly. "Stanley's daughter is up there. I think I need to be with her."
"Okay, once we get him in the chopper, I'll escort you up."
"You're not going with him?"
"I do the cliffside work, Adam and Jared, " he looked up towards the helicopter where another paramedic was lowering cable towards the shore, "They'll look after him on the way to the hospital." Adam was already back on the path and making his way down towards the beach, while Stanley was slowly lowered by cable.
Stanley's awareness flickered with the rocking motion of the basket. It swung gently in the Pacific breeze. Clicks of metal were sporadically followed with a dropping sensation. He felt cold even now and wasn't able to get the shaking under control. He could make out the sound of seagulls, as his last conscious thoughts were of frolicking in the sea with Emma, Holly and Melody. A peaceful feeling came over him from the rocking and the ocean breeze upon his face.
Emma watched as the basket finally hit the shore, the two men already unclipping the cable and hooking him up to another that had been lowered by the helicopter. She wanted to know what was going on. And felt helpless standing on the precipice. Within minutes, Stanley was in the air and then being loaded into the helicopter by yet another paramedic, Adam ascended up the rope ladder and made his way in and then gave Ben a thumbs up before the helicopter flew down the shoreline to the closest hospital.
Emma watched it, until she could no longer see it. Part of her wondered if she would ever see him again, and she put her hand to her mouth, she wanted to cry and scream but for some reason, she couldn't. She stood there silently, until Ben spoke, "Are you ready?" He was clipped into a harness, and he had her sit on him , her arms around his shoulders, her legs dangling off each side of his waist. "Well, to be honest this is my favorite part of the job," he teased. He was flirty and not bad looking. His relaxed and jovial attitude made this tragic and uncomfortable situation much easier on Emma and she was glad he was there.
As they ascended the cliff face, she watched the concerned faces of Hank, Holly and Melody approach. And once unhooked from the cable, she had Melody throw her arms around her. The paramedic on top had relayed all the relevant information to them already, "Oh, Mom," she began to cry and Emma looked past her at Holly who was stunned and devastated at what she had just witnessed. Emma let go of Melody.
"You're dad is going to be fine." She said to Holly as reassuring as she could be under the circumstances. "These men are incredible. They are doing everything for him." She kneeled down and took Holly into her arms, the tears began to flow, and Emma comforted her.
"I want to see him."
"You will...at the hospital. And I know how bad he wants to see you."
"Promise me he won't die, Emma."
Emma hesitated, she couldn't promise, but somehow found the words that gave Holly some reassurance, " He loves you and that love the two of you share will keep him going. You have to believe that."
As Ben headed towards the ambulance, he heard Adam's voice over the radio. He was talking to the hospital, giving Stanley's vitals to the emergency room staff, preparing for his arrival. It didn't look good. He had gone into shock shortly after the descent off the cliff's face. Ben always wondered if there would have been anything else he could've done. He faced this everyday in his job.
He looked over at Emma and who he assumed to be Stanley's daughter. He hated to see the family suffering. It was the worst part of the job. He knew nothing about these people but it never made it any easier. He knew they had done all they could and Stanley was now in the hands of the doctor's and they would do everything they could for him. Emma had looked up and caught his glance. It embarrassed him. Could she see the fear in his eyes. The anxiety of maybe losing another patient. Something he never got used to. But he was trained to put on the brave face, and managed a smile as he stepped into the passenger seat. He began sorting out a bit of paperwork and was surprised when Emma's face appeared in his window.
He looked up, "I just wanted to say thanks. If I didn't see you again.."
"No need to thank me, really. I'll check in later. I'm in and out of Scripps on a daily basis. Like to keep tabs on my patients. " She put her hand on his shoulder, and he put his hand over hers, she was holding back tears. "It's okay to cry, you know."
"Too many people are relying on me," she swallowed hard, then looked back up at him. "I'm sorry....I need to get to the hospital. You and your colleagues have been amazing." She didn't know what else to say, and walked away from the ambulance. Hank had the Suburban's engine started, and she got in the back seat and an arm immediately went around Holly drawing her close to her.
Ben could see through the window Emma stroking the child's hair and comforting her. There were no tears. But she glanced his way for a brief moment as they drove off, and Ben knew the heartache she was feeling and not showing. He made a mental note, to drop by the hospital later and check on her. Not part of the job, but a personal touch he was apt to adhere to in cases like this one. If Adam would have been here, he would have teased him about his flirting. It wouldn't have been the first time, he had just the right bedside manner in theses cases. A plus on the job, especially in calming a woman's anxieties. But there was something different about this whole scenario. The woman who had phoned in, and had immediately left once he had arrived. The one in the fancy car and clothes. Ben wondered what had happened at the top of the cliff that day. His active imagination pictured a variety of possibilities.
Ryan, the driver, got in the ambulance, noticing Ben's far off look and the doodles he had created on the form.. "You're at it again."
"What?" Ben looked up from the report
"You think the guy was pushed." Ryan started the engine and shook his head. Ben was a great paramedic, but had an overactive imagination.
"No..." He started to laugh.
"Leave the detective work to the police, Ben."
"I don't know what you mean."
"You watch to many crime dramas on TV. That's your problem." A call came through for their unit A car accident in downtown La Jolla, an elderly woman injured. Ben threw the clipboard on the floor, buckled up and Ryan started the siren and headed towards the main road. Stanley was forgotten for the time being.
Hank was flipping pancakes and Holly leaned over the counter in awe of her grandfather and this talent. They were both laughing. Stanley came up behind Holly, placing his hands on her shoulders and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Hank smiled at him, "I hope you're hungry, son. I have enough to feed an army...you know maybe you should call Emma. She hasn't tasted a pancake til she has one of Hank Jobson's. Get her over here."
Stan liked the idea but didn't want to agree with his father so quickly. Holly turned to him, "Oh, Dad, grandpa is right. You should." Holly got off the bar stool and went into the kitchen pouring her dad a cup of coffee. She placed it in front of him and he took a sip, as his daughter waited for a response.
"It's 7am, I doubt she would like me waking her at this time on her day off." But then Stan had an idea. A big smile appeared on his face and he raised his eyebrows at Holly. She didn't know what that was about.He took another swallow of coffee and then headed straight back into the bedroom, and came out wearing jeans and a t-shirt, grabbed the keys and as he opened the front door, he looked back at Holly and his dad, "Hold those pancakes, dad. I'm bound to have quite an appetite when I get back."
Hank smiled at him, "Now that is my son."
Holly looked at her grandpa as her dad left, "What does that mean?"
"Your father is in love, little lady. Didn't you know love causes an increase in appetite. It is a known fact."
Holly knew her grandfather was full of tall tales, and rolled her eyes.
* * * * * * *
Stanley arrived at Emma's house and knocked on the door. He already knew Melody would be up. He had heard the stories of Melody being an early riser no matter what day of the week, but he also figured Emma would be up. She was a morning person, she often would read in bed. But she never slept past 7. Melody opened the door in her pajamas and was surprised to see Stanley standing there.
"Mom is still asleep," she looked confused, "Did she know you were coming?"
He shook his head no, "I'm on a mission. Holly's grandpa is fixing this big Texan breakfast, and I was instructed to bring in the troops."
"What is a Texan breakfast?" She let him in.
"The works, pancakes, eggs, sausages, hash browns."
Her eyes lit up, "Really? It sounds good. I'll go wake,Mom."
He stopped her, taking hold of her by the arm, "I can do that." He looked past her to the computer in the other room and could see she was busy on Photoshop making one of her pictures, "You're busy. It looks great by the way."
Melody smiled, "Thanks. I'm just experimenting." She headed back to the computer, Stanley headed down the hall. He passed Kyle's room and could hear music blaring from his stereo, knowing he needed to get up for work, he peeked into the door.
Kyle was sprawled across the bed in a pair of jockey shorts, the music wasn't even stirring him. Stanley moved closer to the bed and leaned in closer to his ear, "Kyle, time to get up." Kyle jumped, Stanley had to step back to miss a head on head collision.
Kyle stared up at him,"What are you doing here?" he said sleepily.
"Making sure you get up in time, wouldn't want you late for work, wouldn't want to let your boss down." He smiled and then closed the door leaving Kyle a bit confused.
Stanley slowly opened the door to Emma's bedroom. Emma was facing him, a pillow clutched between her arms, a smile appeared on her sleeping face. Her hair swept over one eye. He quietly sat on the edge of the bed and enjoyed the sight of her. He was looking forward to having to gaze upon her every morning very soon. He slipped his shoes off and unbuttoned his jeans, pulling them off, he slipped under the covers next to her.. She felt the movement and stirred slightly, but the smile remained, he only wondered what she was thinking about. Hoping it was him.
As she moved, one of her arms stretched and a hand rested on Stanley's arm. The smile broadened as her hand slowly worked it's way up his muscular arm. Before she opened her eyes, she whispered "Stanley?" Almost as if she were still in her dream. Stanley then knew he had been the reason for the smile. He reached out with his free arm and swept her hair away from her face, her eyes slowly opened and she gazed upon him.
The smile broadened and she sighed, "This is a nice surprise."
"I was hoping you would say that." He moved closer to her and tenderly kissed her. Another sigh escaped "I wish I could say my visit was purely selfish, but I've been sent on a mission.."
"Really? You have me curious." His finger lightly traced her face, down her cheek across her lips, he was becoming increasingly distracted as he watched her reaction to his touch and as her chest rose in a sigh, he was obvious of her erect nipples under the skimpy spaghetti strap top.
He managed to say, "My dad and Holly.." but it was as if he forgot the rest of the sentence, as his eyes focused on her breasts.
"okay.....am I suppose to guess the rest of the sentence?" Emma still oblivious to what his eyes were gazing upon.
He quickly refocused on her face and smiled innocently, "let me see...." he scratched his chin, "oh, yeah, Dad is cooking a full on Texan breakfast and he insisted I invite you and the kids."
"You could have done that on the phone."
"I don't think it would have had the same effect, do you?" His hand reached under the covers and he found her bare leg, he caressed it as his lips once again found hers. This time she responded passionately and Stanley felt the blood rush through him. It had been too long. He felt out of control as his hand reached higher up her leg, and she bit down on his lip as his hand slipped into her underpants.
Emma too felt the desire that had been building up for the past few weeks and this time she didn't want to stop him, but her children were in the house. And the sensible mother side of her responded accordingly, "Stanley, no."
It was too late, his finger slipped inside her and he found her wet and warm and it was enough to send him over the edge. "You're saying no...but your body is saying yes."
"The kids." Her voice raspy as she gasped for a breath, the protest hardly effective.
"It's something they need to get used to." His fingers continued the prodding and Emma squirmed and tried stifling the sounds that were trying to escape from her lips. He quickly covered her mouth with his own, and somehow managed to get her underpants down to her knees. Emma had lost it, there was no used fighting this. Stanley was determined and she had to admit she was liking it all. His forcefulness excited her. She wanted him. She wiggled out of her panties, while Stanley managed to get his shorts off in record time.
Within seconds he had maneuvered himself on top of her and he found the only place he wanted to be at that moment, inside her. He was rough, he pulled her hair, and stifled her screams and moans with hard passionate kisses. As the wave of excitement escalated he became tender and passionate, and whispered into her ear, over and over as he came, "My Emma, my dear sweet Emma...."
As he collapsed on top of her, she stroked his hair, he rested his head on her chest. They both felt an incredible release. Stanley nuzzled his face into her chest, so content at this moment. What could be better than this?
Emma felt it too, "Stanley?"
He managed to let out a sigh.
"What did you mean by 'it's something they need to get use to'"
Stanley had been planning the whole day in his mind, and this wasn't in his plan. He wanted to ask her on the beach after they had talked. He wanted it to be right and for her to be ready for it. But right now, it felt right. There was no point to wait. He rolled onto his back, and then to his side facing her. Taking hold of both of her hands and gently kissing them.
"Well, once you're living in my house we'll be sharing a bed. They will have to get use to us being together like this." It wasn't the right wording, he knew it. But he watched Emma's eyes brighten. Was she hearing him right? Could this possibly mean marriage? It was all Emma had thought about since Rachel's surprise wedding. She wanted nothing more.
He was pleased with her response and continued, "I want you and the kids to move in with me, as soon as possible. It just seems ridiculous all this distance between us I've already had a talk with the kids and they are all for it."
Emma didn't hear any mention of 'will you marry me?', 'I want to get married' 'what do you think about marriage?' . The only thing she had heard was 'move in with me'. Of course he wasn't asking her to marry him. Did he have any intentions of ever asking that question? God, she felt so stupid to even think such a thing. He wanted what had just happened, every day. It was about the physical side of their relationship, that was all. She knew the dissappointment showed on her face, and Stanley looked a bit confused, when she turned away from him.
"Emma...what's wrong? I have bad timing obviously. Shit! I wanted this to be right...I love you, Em. This is what I want, but if it's not what you want...I'm okay with that. Really." She tried holding back tears, as he cuddled up against her back. "Talk to me."
What could she say? That she was disappinted, that she wanted more than a roommate. More than just the sex? But she couldn't. She knew he had been thinking about this for a while. He had gone to the trouble of remodeling his house. Inviting her and her kids into his and Holly's life was a big step for him.
"Look, you can think about it. I don't want you to rush into something you're not ready for. Of course, you don't know a lot about me...you're waiting to hear about the bad man I was before you make a commitment. That's understandable." she heard the bitterness in his voice.
She was silent for a moment, collecting her thoughts. Yes, she wanted more, but this was a step. She did want him in her life. She hated the distance between them. And the past was no longer important to her. She turned to him and stroked his cheek, the happy content man she had experienced a few moments ago, now gone.
"I don't have to think about it." she smiled at him.
He felt some hope, as he gazed into her eyes. "Emma..."
She put her finger over his lips, "Schhh..this is my turn to talk. I want to live with you. I don't care about the bad man that you once were." she said light heartily and smiled, "in fact, I kind of like the bad and dark side of Stanley Jobson....makes you full of surprises in the bedroom. As long as I get the kind tender Stanley as well."
He managed a wicked smile, "Whatever suits you're fancy, woman, I will deliver!"
"I have no doubt about that." He took her in his arms and began kissing her when there was a knock on the door.
"Hey, Mom, I'm off to work, and I probably am seeing Amy afterwards." Stanley reached for his shorts and was about to get out of bed, when Emma took him by the arm.
"You're not going anywhere. Like you said, they have to get used to us being together like this." She then called out to Kyle, "come on in. I want to talk to you for a sec."
Melody had entered the hall and had heard her mom. Kyle looked at his sister. She shrugged her shoulders as he opened the door. Melody crept behind Kyle, and they both tried not staring at their mom sitting up in bed, Stanley by her side in a somewhat intimate embrace. "I really got to go to work, Mom." Kyle said embarrassingly.
Stanley just laughed, "Brent can handle the shop for awhile. I want you and Melody to join us at my house for breakfast."
Emma corrected him, "You mean our house." Kyle and Melody looked at each other.
Melody smiled and clapped her hands, "Oh, this is so great, Mom." She skipped over to the bed and plopped down next to Stanley without even thinking about it. He wrapped an arm around her. They looked up at Kyle, who was silent but a grin appeared on his face.
"So it's all go. Wow, this is going to be interesting." Kyle said nonchalantly.
"Could be." Stan teased, and then scooted off the bed and into the bathroom.
Melody cuddled up next to her Mom, "You're happy right? This is what you want."
Emma didn't have the heart to say she wanted more. But she smiled, and nodded. "You are both sure, you're okay with this? I mean, it's a big adjustment. A new house, school, living with two other people, getting use to the way they do things."
Kyle smiled, " I think it's brilliant."
"Only because of Amy." Melody teased.
"What do you know, squirt." He sat on the edge of the bed, and looked into his mom's eyes seriously, "He's told you,right...about everything? And you're okay with all that, right?"
Emma looked at him confused, "What do you mean? If you mean about his past, no....we're going to have that talk today." Emma didn't like the seriousness in Kyle's voice, the look in his eyes. "Kyle, is something bothering you? Something about Stanley's past?"
Kyle nearly blew it, he looked away from her, "I just meant, you know in general."
"Well, I'm not that concerned about any of it. Who he is today is what's important. He's a good man, Kyle."
"I know that." He stood up, "I better let you get dressed. Maybe I can catch Amy on IM before we head over to Stan's."
As he walked out of the room, she wondered what he really meant by that earlier comment. Stanley walked back in the room and picked up his jeans, Melody took this as good time to excuse herself to get dressed, "I should get dressed."
Before she headed out the door, he called out to her, "Melody, don't forget a bathing suit."
"Are we going to the beach?"
"It was the plan." Stan smiled at Emma, "I know the perfect spot.. It's a bit off the beaten path, and kind of a hike down and back, but well worth it. The girls can check out the tide pools. The water is crystal clear, and I've spotted a few seals when I've been down there. It's fairly secluded. Ever fancy a roll in the waves ala From Here To Eternity?"
"It's crossed my mind on occasion." Emma laid back on the pillows, clutching one against her chest. A content smile across her face.
"Well, this could be your chance. The sand, the sea and a handsome guy like myself." He buttoned up his jeans, then looked serious, "It was me you thought about rolling around the beach with right? Or did these thoughts come to you before I met you?"
She got out of bed, opening a drawer, pulling out her bathing suit, and a brightly colored sarong, then headed for the bathroom, smiling at him as she closed the door.
He leaned up against it, "I will accept that you had thoughts about other men before you knew me, but as of today...those kind of thoughts aren't allowed."
She came out of the bathroom, looking pretty damn sexy from Stanley's viewpoint...a black one piece that showed off her many assets, she sexily traced a finger down his cheek, then down his chest, stopping right above his belt buckle, "They are only thoughts. What's important is who makes them happen." She then began packing a bag with a change of clothes and Stanley just stared at her.
She headed for the door, and turned. Stanley still stood in the same spot.
"Are you coming?"
"I think I already did." He raised his eyebrows, "but I probably could manage again..." She threw her bag at him and he caught it in one hand. She furrowed her eyebrows, shaking her head, but it soon turned quickly into a smile. She headed out the door and Stanley caught up, slipping an arm around her waist and drawing her to him.
* * * * * * *
It couldn't have been a better start to the day. All 6 of them having breakfast together at Stanley's house. Hank seeing the change in his son with Emma and her kids around. He was happy. Hank longed to see his son finally finding some joy in life after everything he had been through. After Kyle went to work. Stan and Emma packed a picnic lunch and loaded up the Suburban.
The spot Stan chose was just what he had promised, a bit off the beaten path, more secluded then other parts of the cove. Emma hadn't been to the cove since she was a child. Her parents had preferred the long stretches of sand at Mission or Pacific beach. Emma had always taken her own children to La Jolla shores, where she was guaranteed a parking place. But despite the crowds of the Cove that morning, Stan knew all the side streets and found a place practically on the cliff edge.
The day was wonderful. Hank and the girls found all sorts of interesting items in the tide pools. Hank with a lot of knowledge in just about everything, was full of facts about crabs and anon mes. They played in the water. Stanley splashing the girls and chasing them. Emma sat in the soft white sand, burying her feet, content and happy. She felt part of something now. Hank had totally embraced her and her kids as well. This was becoming her family, whether Stanley had marriage in mind or not. Stanley turned and watched her alone on the shore, in her own little world. He could see she was miles away. He strode up the beach and before she could fight him, he had her over his shoulder,
"Do you think you're going to come down to the beach and not get wet?"
"Stanley, put me down now." She started kicking her feet, but he held a firm grip.
He laughed, "I'll put you down, once we get into the water."
"It's too cold."
He set her down once he got to the water's edge and she tried to run back to the shore, and he held on to her arm, pulling her out into the water. The girls a little farther out started shouting, egging him on. She then turned to Hank not far from her, "You're not going to let him do this, please, Hank...help me"
Hank smiled, "I'm not taking him on, not a chance. I may be a few inches taller, but he has me beat as far as strength. I'm sorry, Emma, I'm afraid you're on your own this time."
Stanley just smiled triumphantly as he pulled her out deeper into the water, the water lapping against her suit, caused her to wince, she had never liked the sea unless the water temperature was in it's 70's. June was way to cold to be in it as far as she was concerned. The water was now up to her waist, and as Stanley looked at her, she gave him a evil eye, "You are so mean."
He then pulled her into him, playfully kissing her and for those few moments, she forgot how cold the water actually was, "I haven't had this much fun in ages...oh, I take that back, this morning, the morning on the desk...that probably surpassed this moment but just slightly." He teased.
Emma was silent. She felt so content in his arms, despite the chilliness of the ocean. She couldn't have imagined a more perfect day. He looked down at her and caught the faraway look in her eyes, "Are you happy, Emma?" He was pretty certain of the response he would receive but wanted to hear it coming from her.
She let out a sigh and squeezed him tight, "Blissfully happy." As he kissed her, the girls and Hank snuck up from all sides and began splashing them. Emma screamed and Stanley just started laughing.
Gail stood overlooking the cove where Stanley and company had settled for the day. This was her only chance to talk to him before Jake would step in with his henchmen. The past few weeks she had watched Stanley and observed the life he now lived, and felt a tinge of jealousy for the lifestyle he had chosen. A normal existence. She knew it was to late for her. She loved Jake or whoever he was at any given moment in time, but she knew there would never be any normalcy. Sometimes she wanted out, like today as she watched Stanley splash and laugh with Holly and Emma's daughter. The way he carried Emma into the water, the embrace and intimacy they shared. When was the last time she had just laughed over something silly and frivolous, enjoyed something simple like a walk on the beach or just a spontaneous cuddle on a street corner. She decided that afternoon, that she had to warn Stanley before his idyllic existence was shattered.
It was close to 4 in the afternoon, when the whole gang headed up the worn path to the car, the girls exhausted from the sun and the sea. They dragged behind, as Stanley and Emma walked hand in hand, Hank just behind them.
All of them a bit out of breath as they approached the Suburban. Stan opened the back and he began loading the cooler and umbrella in. Holly started to get into the car, "Don't forget to put your towel down. I don't want you getting the upholstery all wet." Melody laid her towel on the seat and Holly realized her towel was not around her shoulders. She put her hand over her mouth, and Stan noticed it.
"What's wrong?"
"My towel, I must have dropped it."
"Well, go get it, hurry up. I want to get the coals on the Barbecue, I don't know about anyone else but the sea air has made me incredibly hungry." Emma had leaned into the back of the car getting a bottle of water out of the cooler, and Stan couldn't resist, his right hand rested on her hip, his left hand gave her bottom a squeeze, and he playfully nibbled on her neck. She managed to whack him with a towel. He grabbed the towel out of her hands, and proceeded to wrap it around her waist, pulling her close to him, whispering into her ear, "Food isn't the only thing I'm hungry for."
Holly was exhausted, the last thing she wanted to do was make the trek back down the path, she put on the pouty face. Stan looked over Emma's shoulder and saw Holly looking up at him, "but, dad, its a long way. I can't."
Stanley rolled his eyes, Emma gave him a pat on the bottom, then let him go, "God, I'm a sucker for a helpless woman."
Holly beamed, "you're the best, Dad"
Emma kissed his cheek, "she's right, you're the best."
He headed back to the edge of the cliff and towards the path they had just come up, looking down and seeing if he could spot the brightly colored Powerpuff Girls beach towel. He walked a few feet down the path to get a better look when he realized he had company at the foot of the path above him.
"Is this what you're looking for?" he recognized the voice and as he slowly turned he was eye view to a pair of legs he wasn't likely to forget, the Powerpuff Girl towel hanging at their side. His eyes traveled up the legs to reveal a short skirt, and a red halter top. The hair was different, long straight, a pair of sunglasses shielded her eyes, but there was no mistaken who this was standing above him. Memories of last spring flooded back. He had mixed feelings about her, that was for sure. One moment there had been desire and a hunger for this delectable creature, but it had turned out to be false like everything else...and he had began to feel contempt and loathing for being led on in such a manner. He was not about to be taken in again.
He stepped forwards snatching the towel from her hand, "Yes, it is. Thanks." He didn't want to talk to her. So decided to just head back to the car but she put her hand out and grabbed his arm. He eyed it and then raised his eyes to meet hers, "Take your hand off me." there was anger in his voice.
"Stanley, you have to listen to me."
"Oh, no, I don't. I don't know what you are doing here. And personally, I don't want to know. You screwed up my life once before, never again."
"I got you Holly back."
"by deceiving me, using me in yours and Gabriel's little game. Oh, yeah and let's not forget killing her mother. That was a brilliant move, Ginger.." He said sarcastically."Not the most conventional way of gaining custody. I got her back by default, and now she has to live with the pain of being a part of her mother's murder. So for that I owe you? I think my services last spring were sufficient enough payment. I owe you nothing."
"Stanley, I know it's been tough for you."
"You don't have a clue." He looked towards the car and could only make out his Dad, still arranging the stuff in the back. "I would love to shoot the breeze with you but I have plans for this afternoon. Believe it or not, despite the mess you and Gabriel made of my life, I am trying desperately to get it back on track. I won't have you fuck it up again." He caught a glimpse of Emma smiling at the girls, handing them each a ice cold Pepsi out of the cooler. Gail followed his gaze and wasn't surprised to see who was on the receiving end.
"She's lovely. I can see how happy you are. Things seem to be going well for you."
He gave her a dirty look, "That's right. Things are going extremely well." He waved his finger in her face, "You stay away from her and her family. God, what am I saying....just get out of my life. Stay away from me."
"I can't do that Stanley."
He wasn't used to being aggressive to a woman, but the anger that was building inside exploded and his hand went to her throat, "Lay off, Ginger. I'm not interested in anything you have to say. And you can tell your boss, lover, whatever the hell he is to fuck off."
Emma looked towards the cliff where Stanley had headed, and managed to catch a glimpse of him. He wasn't alone, and by his body language he looked upset and angry. She moved towards the front of the car and was able to get a better glimpse of the two. It was the woman from the bar last night. The one that had been buying Hank drinks. Stanley was shouting at her. Emma began to head towards them. Hank saw the look in her eyes, and it concerned him.
"Emma, where are you going?" He looked towards the cliff and saw his son with the woman, and knew right away something was terribly wrong. He didn't want Emma involved in whatever was going on. "Emma..."
She turned to him and saw some concern in his face, "Stay with the girls."
"Emma, I think you need to stay here." But as she turned back to the cliff, Stanley's hand was now at the woman's throat and Emma quickened her stride towards the couple.
Gail took his behavior all in stride, she was use to confrontations and they didn't seem to phase her. She knew he wouldn't hurt her, this guy was easier to manipulate them some, and he had once been attracted to her. Somehow even with the grip on her she managed to speak with a slight strain,"You don't understand, Stanley...he won't put up with what you've done this time. You can't mess with him, Stanley. You should know that. Just fix the damage and we'll be off your back."
Stanley's angered look turned to confusion,. What the hell was she talking about? But before he had a chance to find out, he caught Emma approaching them out of the corner of his eye. He looked towards her, and was not happy to see her. She had never seen him look at her like that. It frightened her.
"Get back to the car....NOW.." he demanded, still a grip on Gail, but his concern now centered on Emma, and he lost his balance. Trying to regain it, He let go of Gail and stumbled, the ground below gave way under him and he slipped slowly to begin with down the path. He grabbed at the dirt and rocks around him to pull himself up. Gail tried reaching for him, Emma ran to the edge but as she did. He lost his grip, and began the descent down the side of the cliff.
The fall happened so fast. Head over heels followed by a loose cartwheel. He felt everything in slow motion. Debris scraped across his shoulders. Fingers searched the cliff side and desperately grasped for a handhold, foot hold, anything. then there was nothing. Only free air. 4 beats per second. Four seconds to the next ledge. A vertical outcropping selected this time to breach the free fall. Nothing was in the correct position. His left side hit hard, legs firsts, then the upper body followed suit. All the wind rushed out, as if someone had fully slapped a 2x4 flat across his back. Numerous other body rolls sent him careening toward another precipice. His right hand swung out to grasp a solid rock, one of many. It slowed down the momentum but spun his lower body around and out to the edge. The added weight twisted his wrist loose as his body spun at a dizzy pace through another free fall. The next impact dropped his rag-doll body onto a step ledge of reddish dirt dotted with boulders. This uncontrolled tumble scraped and bruised his battered body to the next ledge with only boulders between him and another horrid drop. Stan heard the sound of a distant shot. The sudden tumbling stopped with him forcibly impacting the boulders and coming to rest on his left side. All was quiet.
Emma stared in horror at Stan's sudden disappearance. One moment he was there the next instant he was gone. If she would have stayed at the car this wouldn't have happened. He had become distracted with her presence and had lost his balance. She reached Gail at the side, afraid to look over the edge, closed her eyes with a deep breath and as she opened them saw Stanley's lifeless body lying on a precipice above the sandy beach where they had just enjoyed a beautiful day together. This couldn't be happening. Gail put a hand on her shoulder, "I'll call 911." Emma was in a state of shock, she barely made out the woman at her side and the words she had said.
Hank was now peering towards the cliff, a frantic look appeared on his face as he saw Emma crotched on the edge looking down. No sign of Stanley, the woman heading towards her parked car, frantically dialing a number on her cell phone, her expression , one of despair. Holly ran up to him, "Grandpa, what's wrong? You look funny."
He turned to his granddaughter, "I want you and Melody to stay in the car."
"But Dad said I couldn't get in the car without sitting on my towel."
"I don't care what your dad said. Just get in the car. I'll be right back."
Holly looked concerned and he smiled at her trying to reassure his granddaughter. The thought of her losing another parent was out of the question. He looked up at the sky, and closed his eyes, if there was a god, he had to be looking down on this wonderful child who didn't deserve this kind of life, surely. Holly trusted her grandpa and did as she was told. He was relieved, the thought of a hysterical child was something he didn't want to deal with right now. He quickly strided over to the cliff's edge.
Stanley's eyes cracked open. His vision a bit fuzzy but he saw the ocean, could hear the waves lapping below him. A calming effect flowed over him soothing his beating heart. What the hell had happened? He felt the reddish dirt of the cliff in his eyes, in his hair, in his mouth. He blinked, and coughed tasting the grit in his mouth. He layed quietly on his left side, and tried to make sense of what had just occurred. His body ached, his left leg bent awkwardly underneath him, but couldn't move it. As he moved his right leg, he jarred some loose rocks from the side of the cliff and he watched as they fell to the shore below. There was still a good 150 yards below him.
Hank squatted down next to Emma and put his hands on her shoulders as he peered down and saw his motionless son laying on the ledge below. He took a deep breath and lowered his head, thinking the worst, Emma felt his deep breathing behind her, but she was more interested in what she just saw. She gasped and reached her right hand up placing it on Hank's, "He's moving, Hank....he's alive."
Gail moved quickly towards them, "They're sending a helicopter." She stood behind them and saw his contorted body lying there. Why did this have to happen?
Hank turned towards her and realized she was the woman in the bar last night. He wanted to know why she was there, but didn't ask. It was hardly important now. "Thanks."
Emma was oblivious to the sounds around her ,she was looking down at the ledge and noticed it was only a little ways off the path they had used earlier. She could make it down to him. Although she had been a little leary on the way down to the beach, for some reason now it wasn't phasing her. She didn't want him to be alone.
The sirens of the ambulance blared up the road past the Suburban and Holly and Melody looked at each other, as it headed towards the cliff's edge. Holly opened the door, "Somethng's happened to my Dad." Melody could tell she was going to cry.
"Your grandpa said to stay here."
"I have to be with my Dad." She darted out of the car and ran towards the cliff's edge. Melody followed her.
Hank stood up as he heard the sirens, his attention now turned away from Emma. She was determined to reach Stanley. He needed her. This thought kept her focused as she made her way down the path, with no hesitation.
As Hank turned back towards the cliff he saw Emma heading down the path, "Emma, help is coming. You need to stay here." but she didn't hear him, she didn't stop. He was prepared to go and stop her, but then the cries of his grandaughter pierced through the air, and Hank turned back and managed to stop her before she reached the edge.
"Where's my Dad?" she cried trying to look past him, he held her close.
"He's going to be okay, Holly. Help is coming." Melody moved closer to the edge and saw his body on the ledge, she put her hand over her mouth, holding back a gasp. Then saw her mom making her way towards him.
"My mom is down there. It's not safe." She became frantic, nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other, her fingernails of her right hand went straight into her mouth. She turned to Hank for some kind of answer, "You have to do something, what if she falls too?" Hank had no answers, and didn't know the first thing about comforting 2 hysterical girls. Then the wind picked up and the sound of a helicopter grew louder. All 3 of them looked us as it hovered above them.
Gail stood back, watching this family collapse in front of her. She couldn't bear it. She backed up away from the ambulance, from Hank and the girls, and leaned against the car. She heard the sound of a helicopter. There was nothing she could do here. She got in the car and put her head in her hands.
Stanley felt an incredible effort just taking a breath. He felt another small landslide of dirt and blocked his face with his right hand, which was the only part of his body that he seemed able to move. The waves and the sound of seagulls was then replaced with a blaring siren coming from up above and was he imagining it or did he hear Emma calling his name. He was beginning to wonder what was real, and what was in his mind. Lying on a ledge above the beach was incredibly surreal.
Emma reached his side and was concerned by the way his body was contorted, his head was bleeding, there were cuts covering nearly every part of his legs, but he was alive, she saw him cover his face with his hand, as she carefully kneeled down next to him, his eyes once again closed, until he felt her gentle touch on his brow.
It was becoming more of a struggle to open them. He felt the urge to close them and lie still, but he knew that touch and he wanted to see her again. They slowly opened, but only to a squint, the right side of his mouth turned up in a smile as he gazed upon her.
His right hand reached up and touched her cheek, but even that felt weak and flopped back down to his side seconds later. Emma took hold of it and placed it to her lips.
"Everything is going to be alright, Stanley." She was holding back the fear she felt. "Help is coming. We're going to get you to a hospital, and you will be right as rain before you know it."
He knew what she was doing. He could read behind the words, just by looking into her eyes. It was worse than he could possibly imagine. He couldn't help but notice the way she looked at the rest of his body.
"Holly" He managed to say, between gasps of breath.
She squeezed his hand,"She's fine."
"You'll look after her?" It was harder to speak, he coughed and Emma put her finger to his mouth.
"You don't have to ask me that. You know I will. Now lie still, and don't talk. " She could hear the helicopter and the minutes passing by seemed like hours to her. She felt he was fading.
As his eyes began to close, Emma began to talk, "Stay awake, Stanley. Please." She didn't want to sound panicked but she was. "Keep your eyes open. Look at me. I need you to look at me."
He wanted to look at her, but he wanted to close his eyes, he wanted the pain to go away and when they were closed the pain seemed to disperse.
Emma looked up at the sky and saw the helicopter hovering above, a rope ladder being extended, and a man heading their way. Also she saw a paramedic coming down the cliff's face. She looked back at Stanley who's eyes were beginning to roll back into his head, she squeezed his hand tighter and he was back with her.
"You have to keep your eyes open. Please, Stanley, help is almost here."
"The pain."he winced as he tried moving, "My leg..." was all he managed to say.
"Think about something else." She decided to change the subject. She smiled down at him "Think about this morning...making love to me."
He didn't hear what she said, it was no use. He couldn't keep them open. They rolled back in his head and his eyelids shut, Emma began to cry ,"No, Stanley, you can't leave me, you can't leave Holly. We need you. This isn't going to happen. "
The paramedic arrived from behind her, "Ma'am," he gently touched her shoulder.Emma looked back at him and he smiled at her, "My name's Ben, that's Adam coming our way." He looked up towards the helicopter, he had to shout because of the noise. He looked over at Stanley, "This your husband?"
Emma shook her head no, "Boyfriend." Emma hadn't let go of Stanley's hand, her eyes now looking at her surroundings. The first time since she had climbed down to this ledge. She looked over the precipice and saw the drop below her, and closed her eyes tight. Ben's movement closer to Stanley caused more dirt and rocks to shift, and she felt a slight panic.
Ben was well aware of her uneasiness, and possibly phobia of heights, the ledge was small, much too small for the stature of this man, let alone the woman and himself, and Adam coming down with a backboard and basket. He remained calm, it wasn't the first cliff rescue he had dealt with. He was situated behind Stanley, while Emma was crouched at his front, inches from the side of the ledge. "What's your name?"
"Emma, and this is Stanley. You have to help him."
"That's the plan. But I am going to need you're cooperation too. We need to get that backboard down here to get Stanley down to the beach.. And there isn't a hell of a lot of room."
"I'm in the way." She moved slightly and more rocks shifted.
"I need you to come over here, behind me." He reached out his hand, and Emma looked down, she closed her eyes. "Just hold out your hand, I'll help you. Believe me I'm good at this. You won't fall."
Emma was leary but gave him her hand, and slowly stood, stepping over Stanley's motionless body, looking down at him, she lost her balance, Ben's reflexes were good, he had her before she fell, and she fell into his arms. "Told you I was good at this, care for a dance." She managed to smile, and he smiled back, "Keep that smile, I think it'll be just the thing that Stanley needs when he comes to." He found her a rock to sit on just behind him. Then centered his focus on Stanley. He leaned over his body, "Hey, buddy. Can you hear me? Stanley?" He felt for a neck pulse, and Stan's fingers twitched at the contact.
Adam stepped off the ladder, with a backboard, and unclipped the basket from the the cable. He then waved up to the helicopter to move on. Ben removed his own cable and clipped it on to the basket. It would have to be lowered to the beach below once Stanley was strapped in. The angle close to 90 degrees, not the greatest of situations but they would manage. As the noise lessened with the helicopters distancing from them. Ben looked over at Adam, "We've got something to work with."
"Great Let's get cracking." He looked back at Emma, and then at Ben, "is she okay?" Emma had gone pale, and lowered her head in her hands.
"We can worry about her later. We need to get him to the hospital...and quick." Ben looked over the sight, this was not going to be easy. The ledge was small, there was a small rock face that had prevented him from taking the further 150 yards over the side, which would have been fatal. He was on his left side, and the damage of his left leg and arm was not for certain since they lay under neath him covered in dirt and dust. They would have to roll him onto the backboard. Then let the basket down the remaining 150 yards to the beach, so the helicopter could pick him up.
"Hey, Stan, can you hear me?" Ben was hoping to stir him awake. Even if only slightly. A moan escaped along with his right hand balling into a fist. It was something. Ben took out a clean rag and wiped Stan's eyes, mouth and nose. Stan coughed, and took a gasp of air through his nose. Emma moved slightly so she could see him, she sighed with relief, he was responding.
"We're going to take you up in the chopper, Stan. You have to be still, not move a muscle. I don't want you to try and talk, squeeze my hand if you understand." Ben grasped Stanley's balled fist. It relaxed, and he managed a firm squeeze.
"That's quite a grip, Stan. You're going to be fine. Won't be long and you'll have that pretty lady of yours in your arms again. Hold on to that thought."
"Emma?" Stanley sputtered out, then coughed.
"She's here, right behind me. And you are a lucky bastard, she has a beautiful smile," then he whispered, "And quite a nice ass."
Stanley moved his head as he tried to smile, and he felt a pain shoot up him. "My fault. I'll stop talking about your girlfriend. Don't want to get you too excited." Ben rolled his eyes, " Just lie still. My partner, Adam and I are going to check over for injuries before we strap you on the backboard and get you to the hospital. Just routine. Okay?" Stan squeezed his hand again. Then Ben nodded to Adam. They both knew they had their work cut out for them. Ben could visibly see the left leg swollen just above the knee and a bad twist in the left arm, what was viewable. Numerous abrasions covered his legs and arms. Adam recorded the findings on a clipboard, as Ben continued the prodding and probing of his limbs.
Stanley closed his eyes again, he could feel something, but it wasn't like anything he felt before. Almost like he wasn't even in his body. Everything seemed distant. It was hard to keep his eyes open, even with the the continuous prodding. Ben's thorough examination continued. Adam had taken over the hand holding, Ben would look at Stanley and notice him grimace in pain in certain areas. But this was a big guy, and obviously one who was told to take pain like a man, growing up. So he was making no complaints. "I can tell there's some discomfort, but you need to let me know when the pain is bad...Squeeze Adam's hand as hard as you like, he can take it.." Ben was trying to make everything sound as light as possible.
As Ben moved down his thigh, Stanley felt pain he had never experienced in his life and Adam gritted his teeth as Stanley administered a death grip on his palm. A quick intact of air indicated there was a definite problem with the leg. Stan gasped again. It was hard to catch his breath.
Ben checked his watch.37 minutes had passed since Stanley's drop from the cliff. Time would be crucial by the time they got him down. There wasn't any time to waste. They needed to get him off this ledge. The men situated the backboard to the only free space on the small ledge, scuffing dirt out of the way to get it to lie as flat as possible. A neck collar was gently slid and attached to Stan. Moving the limbs for alignment to transport was going to hurt. Ben didn't see any other way with this predicament. "Stan, your going to feel us move you. What ever you do, don't sit up. If it hurts, yell. That's okay."
They moved his left arm forward and inline with his back. The pain was unbearable, but Stan had no energy to scream or yell. He let the men do their jobs. A single splint board was placed in between his legs. Both legs were belted together in 3 places.
"On the count of 3." Stan heard each number and tried to brace himself. A shift in weight and it hit. He let out a scream and Emma immediately stood up behind the men, trying to see what they are doing.
Once on the backboard and strapped in, Adam radioed the other peramedic up top handling the cable., to let him know they were ready to transport the patient down to the beach. A third paramedic was now visible on the shore awaiting to assist. But Ben noticed the change in Stan's appearance, his eyes were flickering and his right hand that had been so strong in his grip now was lying limp at his side. Ben placed it on his chest, "Stan, are you still with me?"
Ben shot a glance at Adam as he finished his call, "He's barely with us." They worked as swiftly as possible, securing him into the basket. and then started the IV. Emma moved up towards the basket. Ben holding onto the cables, and relaying messages through a walkie talkie, the helicopter now hovering over the beach awaiting to take the patient to the hospital.
She kneeled next to him, stroking his cheek, not sure if he could feel it or hear her, "I love you, Stanley. Please, don't leave me." There was a flicker in his eyes and for a brief second they opened and she was sure he had seen her.
Ben put a hand on her forearm, "He's in good hands. And he's got the will...knows what's waiting for him. I know it sounds hokey but it's the truth. They're the ones that pull through the quickest. You've got to have hope."
"I do."
"Good." Ben watched as she didn't take her eyes off Stanley. He knew he was not supposed to get personal with any of his patients, but he found it next to impossible when he saw such sadness and concern in their eyes. They all became important to him.
Adam got his attention, "I think we're all go." Emma kissed her finger tips and placed them over Stanley's lips right before the basket began its descent towards the beach. Ben put a supportive arm around Emma. "You want to ride with him?"
She looked up towards the cliff top and saw a number of people gathered. She could place Hank and the girls, another paramedic by their side. She had promised Stan to look after Holly. "Stanley's daughter is up there. I think I need to be with her."
"Okay, once we get him in the chopper, I'll escort you up."
"You're not going with him?"
"I do the cliffside work, Adam and Jared, " he looked up towards the helicopter where another paramedic was lowering cable towards the shore, "They'll look after him on the way to the hospital." Adam was already back on the path and making his way down towards the beach, while Stanley was slowly lowered by cable.
Stanley's awareness flickered with the rocking motion of the basket. It swung gently in the Pacific breeze. Clicks of metal were sporadically followed with a dropping sensation. He felt cold even now and wasn't able to get the shaking under control. He could make out the sound of seagulls, as his last conscious thoughts were of frolicking in the sea with Emma, Holly and Melody. A peaceful feeling came over him from the rocking and the ocean breeze upon his face.
Emma watched as the basket finally hit the shore, the two men already unclipping the cable and hooking him up to another that had been lowered by the helicopter. She wanted to know what was going on. And felt helpless standing on the precipice. Within minutes, Stanley was in the air and then being loaded into the helicopter by yet another paramedic, Adam ascended up the rope ladder and made his way in and then gave Ben a thumbs up before the helicopter flew down the shoreline to the closest hospital.
Emma watched it, until she could no longer see it. Part of her wondered if she would ever see him again, and she put her hand to her mouth, she wanted to cry and scream but for some reason, she couldn't. She stood there silently, until Ben spoke, "Are you ready?" He was clipped into a harness, and he had her sit on him , her arms around his shoulders, her legs dangling off each side of his waist. "Well, to be honest this is my favorite part of the job," he teased. He was flirty and not bad looking. His relaxed and jovial attitude made this tragic and uncomfortable situation much easier on Emma and she was glad he was there.
As they ascended the cliff face, she watched the concerned faces of Hank, Holly and Melody approach. And once unhooked from the cable, she had Melody throw her arms around her. The paramedic on top had relayed all the relevant information to them already, "Oh, Mom," she began to cry and Emma looked past her at Holly who was stunned and devastated at what she had just witnessed. Emma let go of Melody.
"You're dad is going to be fine." She said to Holly as reassuring as she could be under the circumstances. "These men are incredible. They are doing everything for him." She kneeled down and took Holly into her arms, the tears began to flow, and Emma comforted her.
"I want to see him."
"You will...at the hospital. And I know how bad he wants to see you."
"Promise me he won't die, Emma."
Emma hesitated, she couldn't promise, but somehow found the words that gave Holly some reassurance, " He loves you and that love the two of you share will keep him going. You have to believe that."
As Ben headed towards the ambulance, he heard Adam's voice over the radio. He was talking to the hospital, giving Stanley's vitals to the emergency room staff, preparing for his arrival. It didn't look good. He had gone into shock shortly after the descent off the cliff's face. Ben always wondered if there would have been anything else he could've done. He faced this everyday in his job.
He looked over at Emma and who he assumed to be Stanley's daughter. He hated to see the family suffering. It was the worst part of the job. He knew nothing about these people but it never made it any easier. He knew they had done all they could and Stanley was now in the hands of the doctor's and they would do everything they could for him. Emma had looked up and caught his glance. It embarrassed him. Could she see the fear in his eyes. The anxiety of maybe losing another patient. Something he never got used to. But he was trained to put on the brave face, and managed a smile as he stepped into the passenger seat. He began sorting out a bit of paperwork and was surprised when Emma's face appeared in his window.
He looked up, "I just wanted to say thanks. If I didn't see you again.."
"No need to thank me, really. I'll check in later. I'm in and out of Scripps on a daily basis. Like to keep tabs on my patients. " She put her hand on his shoulder, and he put his hand over hers, she was holding back tears. "It's okay to cry, you know."
"Too many people are relying on me," she swallowed hard, then looked back up at him. "I'm sorry....I need to get to the hospital. You and your colleagues have been amazing." She didn't know what else to say, and walked away from the ambulance. Hank had the Suburban's engine started, and she got in the back seat and an arm immediately went around Holly drawing her close to her.
Ben could see through the window Emma stroking the child's hair and comforting her. There were no tears. But she glanced his way for a brief moment as they drove off, and Ben knew the heartache she was feeling and not showing. He made a mental note, to drop by the hospital later and check on her. Not part of the job, but a personal touch he was apt to adhere to in cases like this one. If Adam would have been here, he would have teased him about his flirting. It wouldn't have been the first time, he had just the right bedside manner in theses cases. A plus on the job, especially in calming a woman's anxieties. But there was something different about this whole scenario. The woman who had phoned in, and had immediately left once he had arrived. The one in the fancy car and clothes. Ben wondered what had happened at the top of the cliff that day. His active imagination pictured a variety of possibilities.
Ryan, the driver, got in the ambulance, noticing Ben's far off look and the doodles he had created on the form.. "You're at it again."
"What?" Ben looked up from the report
"You think the guy was pushed." Ryan started the engine and shook his head. Ben was a great paramedic, but had an overactive imagination.
"No..." He started to laugh.
"Leave the detective work to the police, Ben."
"I don't know what you mean."
"You watch to many crime dramas on TV. That's your problem." A call came through for their unit A car accident in downtown La Jolla, an elderly woman injured. Ben threw the clipboard on the floor, buckled up and Ryan started the siren and headed towards the main road. Stanley was forgotten for the time being.