Emma couldn't relax. She paced the tiled floor of the waiting
room wondering when a doctor was going to come out and tell them anything.
Hank sat in the corner a supporting arm around his granddaughter, he kept
glancing at his watch. Melody was on her cell phone, she had called Kyle
and was on the second round of having to give Rachel all the details.
They were a sight, all of them in their bathing suits. Hank had found a t- shirt of Stanley's in the back of the car to wear over his swim trunks but the girls were in flip-flops and swimsuits with towels wrapped around their waists like skirts.
Their waiting room they were directed to was private with comfortable overstuffed chairs. There were enough for everyone but Emma's relentless pacing could not be confined within the four walls. The hallway became her trodden path. Glancing up quite often at the doors at the end of the hall, silently tried to summon any doctor from its grasp. Everything seemed to move slowly without purpose. It was as if her world as she knew it had been put on hold.
The only thing anyone knew was Stanley had been taken to the O.R. The unexpected plunge down the cliff face had caused injury to his spleen along with some internal bleeding. He had been unconscious when arriving at the hospital. But that's all anyone would tell them. Emma once again took in the waiting room, Kyle now slumped in chair, his head in his hands. The solemn look on Melody's face, Holly now resting on her grandfather. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. She closed her eyes tight, fighting the tears. Hoping and praying Stanley would be fine. She looked at the clock in the waiting room and knew they were in for a long afternoon.
After a two-hour wait, accented with nurses flurrying about on other tasks and no word, Emma began to lose it. Kyle hadn't budged from his position in the overstuffed chair. He felt incredibly exhausted and he hadn't even done anything. Then He heard his mom's voice making a inquiry out in the hall, slowly it gained volume.
"Why won't you tell me anything? I don't understand you people."
Kyle popped out of his seat with Hank not far behind to locate his insistent mother. As they approached, Emma was confronting a poor unsuspecting nurse in the hallway. Kyle put his hand on his mom's upper arm.
"Hey, Mom, she doesn't know anything. Come on, come sit down with me." He looked gently in her eyes, which he noticed had acquired a worried and slightly bloodshot appearance.
Emma glared at her son, and then turned back to the poor frightened young nurse, commenting loud enough for her to hear. "He could be dead. And they wouldn't even tell us, what kind of hospital is this?"
Kyle glanced over at Hank. Neither said anything. They both wanted to put that thought out of their minds. Then Emma heard her name being called, and for a second thought it was Stanley. She looked up to see a man in a uniform, heading towards them from the nurses station. It took a minute for Emma to realize who it was. Ben the paramedic. She moved away from the frazzled nurse, relieved to see a friendly face. And hopefully someone who would tell her what was going on. "They haven't told me anything. He's been in O.R. for hours. Ben, something's horribly wrong. I just know it."
He could see the desperation on her face and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'll see what I can find out."
Kyle glared at the man, not liking one bit the way he was touching his mother. He turned to Hank, "Who is that guy?"
"He was one of the paramedics on the cliff." Hank also wanted to see if this paramedic who had helped his son would be able to shed any light on the situation. "Will you go keep an eye on the girls, Kyle? I'll stay with your mom."
Kyle didn't like this arrangement but did as he was told. He really felt he should be the one to comfort his mom, not Stan's dad who barely knew her. Taking the short walk back, he didn't want to think of anything happening to Stanley. Upon entering the waiting room, he was having a hard time even looking at Holly. Both girls were wondering what was going on, watching his slower gait, hands in the pockets. Knowing the atmosphere could use a little brightening, he pulled out a deck of cards, anything to distract them.
Ben had disappeared behind the doors and was back in a few minutes. Two sets of hopeful looking tired people awaited his news. "He's fine. Surgery went well, but the doctor had an emergency. That's why you haven't heard anything. I talked to one of the head RPN's that is working on his stats. The bleeding has subsided, he has a torn tendon in his knee and a fractured arm, with a mild head concussion. He's in recovery right now but they should have him in a room within the next hour." He tried not to run down the numerous injuries like a grocery list but this profession was what he did around the clock and he'd just about seen it all.
Emma let out a sigh of relief and didn't even realize she had grabbed hold of Hank's arm for moral support. He smiled at her very relieved on the report of his son. "What did I tell you, he would be fine."
She searched Ben's expression for any other information but there was nothing. "So is he really fine?"
"Well, he's got a long recovery ahead of him but he shouldn't have any problems. He's young and fit but the doctor will fill you in." Checking his watch, he knew he told his partner he would take just a few minutes to say hello. "I have to get back to my partner. My shift isn't quite over but just wanted to check in on you."
"Thanks, Ben. That was really nice of you."
"Don't mention it. I'll stop by tomorrow."
"I'd like that and I'm sure Stanley would too."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The walk to his room felt like miles, Emma was exhausted, and Kyle held on to her for support. Melody dragged behind, she hated hospitals, the smell and the cleanliness. Everytime they passed a room, her imagination ran wild wondering what lay behind the doors. Hank and Holly lead the way, and were the first to enter the room. Emma stopped at the doorway, taking a deep breath, she felt weak and Kyle felt her leaning on him.
"Mom, are you okay?"
Emma tired to smile and nodded. She peered inside the room, there were hushed beeping boxes set to the side of a bedrail, lights bouncing a silent steady heart pulse. Hank pulled the privacy curtain to the side, and found one remaining nurse making an adjustment to yet another monitor with clear fluid dripping at a bare exchange rate.
She smiled an unnoticed encouragement, as it was her queue to leave, knowing the family was going through an all too familiar prologue. "He's settled in now and his vitals are showing stable." The nurse, noticing the room quickly filling up, "we'll need to limit the room to only two people until he starts to wake up." She knew they all needed assurance he was still with them before they would thin out.
Emma's breath caught in her throat as her hand involuntarily came up to cover her mouth, as it was hard to mask a gut reaction. It was confusing with all the tubes and wiring connected to what little was showing. Stan's pallor matched the pale wallpaper, but unfortunately his was plagued with deep, black bruises intermittently along his right arm and above his left eye, the swelling caused the left side of his face to look distorted. More bruises were lightly set across his cheeks as she studied him flat on his back. She didn't remember walking to the bedside. But she was there, reaching up to touch any part of him, his hair felt gritty. A chair made it's way to the bedside. She looked up, grateful for Kyle's thoughtfulness. Dropping her exhausted body into it, next to the bed, she wondered if this day was going to end.
Rachel had found her way to the hospital after checking in with her new husband. Why did Emma's luck with Stan have to make such a turn about? She rushed down the corridor, towards the nursers station and ran into Melody and Kyle. Melody ran to her arms and they hugged. She looked over her shoulder at Kyle, "Stanley...how is he?"
"He looks awful." Melody offered.
"The doctors say he's going to be fine. But mom is a mess."
"I can imagine. But you guys, I'm sure are doing her some good."
"Hardly, you should see her Rachel, I don't even know If is she knows we're here. She is so distant, and weak. I thought she was going to pass out earlier. I mean, I thought after this morning with Stan, that would be over."
"What do you mean that would be over?"
"She cries a lot, and is always tired. It's not like her."
She gave Kyle a pat on the shoulder, "Your mom is going to be fine. Why don't you take me to Stanley's room."
"They won't let you in. Me and Melody have been booted out. We're not family. I'm amazed they are letting mom stay. The nurse is a bitch. "
"Show me anyhow, I just want your mom to know I'm here. Then I'll take you guys to the cafeteria for something to eat."
They walked down to his room, directly across from the nurses station and received a dirty look from the nurse, Kyle had mentioned as Rachel peered her head into the doorway. "Emma.:
Emma started to get up and Rachel put her hand up, "You stay put, I don't think Stan would like it too much if I took you away from him right now." Emma managed a smile, "I just wanted to let you know I'm here and I'm taking the kids for something to eat."
Holly looked up, "Can I go to?" She pleaded with Rachel and then looked back at her grandfather and across at Emma. Holly had had enough. This man laying lifeless wasn't her dad, and she didn't know if she could stand much more of just sitting and staring at him.
"Of course you can sweetie." Emma smiled at Holly. She leaned over and kissed her dad's forehead.
"I love you, dad. But I'm hungry."
Her grandfather smiled, "I think you're dad will understand, now go on...."
Emma and Rachel exchanged a glance, "Thanks, Rachel." Then Emma immediately turned back to focus on Stanley.
She wished she could do more. Relieve some of Emma's anxiety. She had never seen her friend look so distraught.
After Rachel left with the kids, Emma sat silently stroking his hand, wondering if he knew she was there. She had lost track of time, and was surprised when she looked up to find Hank gone. She hadn't seen him leave, but it didn't matter, she felt her being there had to be doing some good. She wasn't about to leave under any circumstances.
Kyle stood at the door of Stanley's room, watching his mom crumbling, although she wasn't crying. Hank had just returned after talking to the doctor and came up from behind, putting a hand on his shoulder. "How's your mom holding up?"
"Not good. She's putting on a brave face though. I wish Rachel would get back." After lunch Rachel had taken the girls outside for a walk. She had sensed Holly's apprehension about returning to her father's side. And was determined to do everything possible to make it more comfortable for her and Melody. Kyle had passed on the constitutional, feeling the place for him to be was with his mom. He hadn't known what to say to his mom. She had given him a hug and smiled and told him it was going to be okay but he read more into it. "Rachel always says the right things to her."
"Just you being here is helping your mom."
"This shouldn't be happening, my mom was so happy this morning. You saw them Mr. Jobson. They were laughing and kissing and everything was going right." Kyle had never been one to cry but he bit his lip and took a deep breath feeling the urge overcome him at that moment. He turned to leave and take another walk down the hall, trying to let the mist clear from his eyes.
Being a little more experienced, Hank realized the long hours were telling on everyone, he included. Weariness was creeping in as he entered the room and pulled up a chair on the other side of the bed. Seeing his son helpless was heartbreaking but the doctors had been positive about the removal of his spleen. He had to be observed, as the next 24 hours were critical. They seemed confident of him pulling through. He was almost more concerned for Emma as she reflected a blank stare, which was incredibly eerie. "Emma, I think we should take the girls and Kyle home for a while. You might feel better after a freshening up." He was viewing the outline of the splint supporting Stan's swollen left arm straight down his side. They were waiting for the inflammation to subside before casting the limb. "We'll be gone an hour or two. They'll call us if there's a change."
"I can't leave him, Hank. He could wake up and I won't be here."
He reached over the bed and put his hand over hers and Stanley's. "Emma, you aren't going to do anyone any good in your state of mind right now." She turned to look at Kyle who had just reentered the room, standing behind her.
"Mr. Jobson's right, Mom."
"An hour, no more."
Hank squeezed her hand, "no more."
As if on queue, Rachel and the girls showed up at the door. Holly reluctantly moved over to the bed. Mesmerized by her father's appearance, swathed in sheets and splints along his left side, she touched his hand that felt warm. "Does he know I'm here, Emma?"
"I want to believe he knows we're all here."
Holly leaned over and kissed his forehead. She thought he looked peaceful, just like he was sleeping. He was going to be alright, she had to believe that.
It was good for them to all have a break from the hospital. The girls took showers and then Kyle got them involved in a game of Uno. After Emma's shower she stood in Stanley's room picking up things that belonged to him, his comb, spare change, post it notes stuck on the computer. She then picked up a photograph taken of the two of them by Kyle, in the backroom of the shop. Stanley had his arms around her from behind. God she wanted to feel them around her now.
Hank came in soundlessly and heard her whisper, "You have to get better." He moved slowly toward her. "Emma, are you alright?"
"I'm great." She turned around and looked at him. "That shower did wonders. You were right, we all needed a break from the hospital, especially Holly. It's so depressing there. It's much better that she's here." Emma realized she was babbling as she tried to manage a smile.
"I want to know how you're holding up and I want you to be honest. At least Holly has cried. You've spent all afternoon holding this family together...me included. It's your turn to cry."
He watched as she put her hand to her head, tears began to flow, his words voicing what she silently felt inside. Her emotions were on a slight crescendo, building. "Oh, Hank...I can't lose him. I just can't."
Hank opened his arms to her and she immediately took the invitation. As he held her close, he stroked her hair as she began to sob. "You let it all out."
"It's my fault, Hank."
"What nonsense are you talking about? It was an accident, he slipped."
"It was an accident, yes, but I caused it. He yelled at me, he wanted me back at the car. He's never shouted at me like that and I didn't go back and he lost his balance. If I would have stayed in the car, this wouldn't have happened."
"This is not your fault. You have got to stop taking the blame for it."
"He could've died because of me." she was becoming hysterical, and the sobs quickened.
He stood back holding her by the shoulders looking in her eyes. "Now listen to me." His deeper firm voice helped her find that solid ground she needed at the moment. "Stop it right now. Stanley needs you, Emma. He needs your strength, your love to pull him through this."
"What if I can't be strong, Hank?"
"That's not an option here, Emma. You will do what you have to, just like this afternoon. We have each other and we will get through this." Part of her wanted to crawl into bed and fall asleep, in hopes that she would wake up and he would be lying next to her and this would all be a bad dream. But she knew what was real and she knew what Hank said was true. Unable to fight the sniffles, she nodded her agreement and looked around for a box of Kleenex. She had to continue to be strong for the kids and for Stanley.
After returning in the evening to finish the remainder of the day, there was no change in Stanley. She could tell they had made a little more improvement in removing the fine dust Stan was covered in from the cliff. When visiting hours had ended, it was incredibly hard to get Emma out the door. The nurse on duty told Emma they would call if there were any change. She held his hand in hers not wanting to let go, as he still had not awakened. Hank had to literally pry her away from him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The house was still under construction for the addition and tonight there would be 5 people under its roof. Emma and the girls took Stanley's room, Hank took Holly's bed, and Kyle made up the couch. Much to his delight, Scrap had snuck in to curl up at his feet. Emma didn't sleep much as Holly clung to her all night. Every time she made an attempt to move Holly just moved closer, snuggling in for comfort.
Emma and Hank made the early morning trek to the hospital as Kyle stayed behind with the girls. It was incredibly difficult for Holly seeing her father so lifeless and they had all decided she needed a break from the hospital atmosphere.
Upon exiting the elevators, Hank had to stop at the vending machine to get a coffee. Emma politely waited but was impatient to get to Stan's room. She looked down the hall past the nurse's station, to the next area of his doorway and then saw the all too familiar figure, come out of his room. Looking up, Gail saw Emma and briskly headed in the opposite direction. A group of nurses laughing at the far end of their counter were oblivious to what was going on.
Emma moved quickly down the hall. Hank looked up to see her sprinting towards Stanley's room. As she reached the outside viewing window, she looked in to see that he was exactly how she left him last night, peaceful, lifeless, but now the upper half of the bed slightly tilted higher. Gail was nowhere to be seen. She turned to the nurses, "That woman, the one that was just here. Why was she in his room?" She pointed towards Stanley's room, irritation clearly in her voice.
"I don't know what you are talking about," piped in the one in charge. "There hasn't been anyone in his room all morning."
"Well, obviously, you aren't doing your job. Dr. Weller specifically said no visitors except immediate family." Emma had raised her voice and the nurse was not taking kindly to her lecture.
Unknown to Emma, she had just pulled a double shift in the emergency ward admittance area and had dealt with drunken, insulting, illegal visitors that were arrested by security with disorderly conduct two floors down, not over an hour ago. She just wasn't in the mood as she flicked her hand toward the patient's files. "Well, then that would include you." She picked up Stanley's folder and skimmed through it. "I see that he has a daughter and a father. No other immediate family."
"I don't like that tone of voice and don't think I won't have a word with whoever's in charge. There was someone in his room. She just left."
Sparks were evident in the air as Hank arrived just in time. "Ladies, ladies...good morning." He began to charm the nurse with his smile and his beautiful hazel eyes.
The nurse gave Emma a sneer and then turned her undivided attention to Hank. "Mr. Jobson, good morning." She was going to let this morning's intrusion slide and give them the benefit due to the patient's father being present. "Debbie here was just about to go get some blood and change his catheter. Of course, you're welcome to go see him when she's finished." She continued as if Emma weren't standing there. "He had a good night. His vital signs are improving and the doctor should be here within the hour."
Emma looked at the young nurse making her way into his room, she looked like she was Kyle's age. Then she looked back at Hank and the other bitchy nurse. What did she mean by a good night? He was unconscious. How could that be good? She looked through the window with the blinds pulled only halfway. The younger nurse, Debbie, had entered his room to gather the scheduled samples necessary for tests. Emma's view followed with concern as Debbie went about her business with two empty vials, each with a long needle protruding, but then averted her eyes, as she couldn't bear needles. She headed back down to the vending machine to do something about the queasiness invading her senses. Maybe they had a juice or something.
It was Debbie's first week on the job and at the end of her night shift. She had hoped for pediatrics. She was so good with little kids. She had just finished drawing the blinds closed the remainder of the way and turned to look at the man in the bed. He was unconscious, thank goodness, this was going to be a piece of cake. She just had to lift the hospital gown and check the flow and change the bag, no big deal. But it was a big deal as all night a few of the others had talked about this man. His build, his looks and other parts of his body were the hot topic in the break room and some of those co-workers seemed to turn giddy with their off- handed comments. Debbie didn't like the talk when comparison became obvious it wasn't a shoe size but for the midnight shift it was their way of survival. Some of her working associates knew she had a lot of firsts to conquer with some of the duties on the graveyard shift. It was a standing initiation to help lighten the atmosphere on their floor with the new girl, so they bet her she couldn't touch the patient without her blushing. She was determined to remain professional about this whole business. Setting her shoulders prior to entering, she heard a few very faint giggles from the opposite end of the hall.
The gentle rocking had felt soothing, quiet. He floated to nothing, that didn't have a feeling, nor a face. Darkness all around was starting to prickle and give way to some awareness. Sensation was just out of grasp, his hearing numb with distant motion. All movement was slow in the darkness, all he could do was listen, try to find direction.
For a short while, garbled voices permeated his darkness, intermingling with remote pain, something he should be feeling but wasn't. Past memories were creeping in. Worry when he would see Holly. It'd been a long time since he held her in his arms. oh how he loved his daughter, he wanted her close to him. Then thoughts flowed erratically back and forth with pronounced scenarios. Holly's mother dead in a deserted house, Holly nowhere to be found, frantic searching.looking.an empty bedroom. Ball bearings sling through the air, with such speed, he couldn't see them, the sound of shattering glass, bodies flying through the air from explosions, Holly running through a set of glass doors, a look of desperation thrown back over her shoulder at him... at him. why can't he catch up to her? He only wants to follow her, away from the confusion, away from.what. and he can't. Something is holding him back.
His chest feeling tight as a slight groan escapes his parched lips. He doesn't want this.what's happening.but he's powerless to stop it. Stop it. Desperate. Wanting to push all the bad feelings away, he reaches out as she runs, but she's far away. The sensation of falling overcomes, as he is pulled backward with sweat beads breaking out on his forehead.
Busy with stowing away the second vial of blood, she didn't notice the twitch of his fingers. Movement darted under closed eyelids as her back was turned filling in the medical chart with his vitals. Things were moving right along and Debbie was anxious to finish up. She did not want to exit this room with rosy cheeks. If only they hadn't said anything, she wouldn't have given it a second thought. Being somewhat self- conscience of embarrassing the patient, let alone herself, she didn't gaze up to notice a sweating brow. Lifting the gown, she tried to avert her eyes from where her duties lie, but it wasn't easy. A nurse could not do this with eyes closed. The others had been correct, it wasn't just his frame that was huge. She proceeded to remove the catheter, trying to concentrate on her job, and. was starting to feel a little flushed. Damn.
Sensation of falling never ends on a peaceful note, whether one is conscience or not. On his decent, Stanley became aware of movement. and touching. He couldn't direct it to quit or push it away. His arm was held tight. Awareness rushed in as sucked down with the falling sensation. The gentle probing continued around his private parts. Forced images clouded his head with a gun at his head, he was trying to push her off.... the one with the blonde hair...Helga...his eyes felt fuzzy and opening his eyelids felt like they were weighted down, it was such a struggle. But he managed to open them to a squint. He caught a glimpse of blonde hair, a body leaning over his private area, a rage came over him, the desperate humiliation of all that had happened.... and now it was happening again. "Off" he mumbled incoherently.
Debbie looked towards his face wondering if that sound came from the patient. His eyes flickered a bit but she ignored it and continued with her job, as he had been restless the last few hours.
Once again a sound escaped his mouth, "Off" This time it was plain what he said as he shouted and managed to sit up grabbing this woman by her uniform with his good hand. Pain shot up him but he pushed it to the back. He wasn't going to let this happen to him again.
Debbie wasn't prepared for such a surprise attack and she screamed, thinking this guy was going to strangle her. Where was he getting all this strength from, she wondered. He had just had surgery yesterday afternoon, he had a broken arm, and an injured leg.
Emma heard the scream. She dropped the juice on the ground, making a mess and darted towards the room. She pushed past the others who were a bit slow in reacting entering the room.
"Get the fuck off me." He was hoarsely screaming. Within seconds he had shaken and pushed the very startled image as far away as he could muster. She fell on the floor, knocking over the IV stand. Stanley had bolted to sitting upright, his heart racing, an angry expression...and then the excruciating pain exploded in his abdomen. His eyes focused on his surroundings and then at his own body. A splint held his left arm straight. His left leg was wrapped in a Velcro cast, throbbing within the knee. With his only free hand, he clutched the far side of his abdomen, only to let out a blood-curdling cry from the pain it was causing.
Emma moved to his side, "Stanley..." He didn't seem to acknowledge her but she put a comforting hand on his shoulder and tried to pull his gown back over him. "It's me, Emma. It's okay."
The head nurse came rushing in through the door to the panicked atmosphere, ready with a necessary sedative medication in her pocket. "Mr. Jobson. You have to lay back down." He looked to be in a lot of agony holding his mid-drift area. He just had surgery and he shouldn't be causing this kind of aggravation to his incision. It could tear open and get infected. "Please lay down. I'll give you something for the pain." She popped out the injection and removed the lid. His eyes squinted open long enough to see more people coming toward his mostly naked, and now throbbing with pain, body. Another adrenaline loaded panic attack blossomed with what appeared to be more unidentified women emerging through his pain induced vision. One was packing a needle that looked 8" long. He panicked with the situation and attempted to defend himself. She couldn't get anywhere near him as he somehow grabbed the needle out of her hand and threw it on the floor.
"Get away from me!" A presumably expensive monitor went crashing to the floor as he came halfway off the bed. He looked past the white uniformed clad woman to the others standing in the doorway, "All of you. get away from me!"
"Call an orderly, we need to put him in restraints" came the firm order from the head nurse who barely kept her voice below a shout. As another nurse went to the phone, everyone seemed to stand still, waiting for the next move, not knowing how to alleviate the situation.
Emma continued to stroke his shoulder and his heart rate began to decrease. He then seemed to jar out of the semi-conscious state he was in and he focused on her recognition slowly coming into view. "Emma."
She sat on the edge of the bed to attempt to draw him close. He buried his head into her chest, she wrapped her arms around him, and he began to weep. The orderly stood in the door and Emma put up her hand, she didn't want any more chaos.
Hank helped Debbie up and she looked up at Stanley now cradled in Emma's arms. "He's crazy. He attacked me."
She ran out of the room, while the head nurse looked at Hank, "He needs to be sedated."
"He's got what he needs right now. You're services aren't required at this time."
"But..."
Hank escorted her out and then turned his attention back to his son and Emma. Although the last few minutes had been frightening, seeing him now awake felt wonderful. But he couldn't help but wonder what had caused the aggressive reaction to that nurse. He had never seen anything like it. Stanley was fairly even keeled with his temper, so this outburst was quite a shock.
Stanley began to groan and Emma gently got him to lie back down in bed. His eyes were shut but when she released him, they opened and his right hand took hold of hers. "Don't leave." His eyes looked up at her. Like his behavior, seconds before, his look was like something she had never witnessed from him. It was a mixture of fear and anger.
"I'm not going anywhere." A tear came to her eye and Hank moved closer to the bed.
Stanley didn't let go of her hand, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He tried to remember what had just happened to make him feel like this. The fall, he had a vague recollection of the fall, dirt and dust.... but the woman, the blonde woman.... Helga...that happened a long time ago, surely it was just a dream. But it seemed so real. And Ginger.... her face seemed to be everywhere, her voice. He didn't understand any of this. He opened his eyes again, or as far as his swollen left eye would let him, and saw Emma's concern. She turned to Hank, "Maybe we should get the doctor."
He squeezed her hand and she looked back down at him. He managed a smile but because of the cuts and scrapes on his face it hurt so it was a bit uncomfortable, and cockeyed. "No....no doctor." He managed to say, but he ached. all of him and it felt like a struggle. Emma couldn't believe this was the same man who had just thrown that nurse on the floor in an angry outburst. He grimaced in pain and then added, "I feel like shit."
Hank looked down at his son, "Well, if it helps any, you look like it too." Typical of his dad, he was always joking, trying to make the best of the situation.
"Holly...she okays?"
"She's fine, she's with Kyle and Melody. We'll bring her by later. You need to rest, Stanley. Don't talk."
Stanley was a bit confused about everything. Emma and his Dad were here, he was in a hospital but he couldn't get the scene out of his mind. Helga, everyone watching...none of it made any sense. Emma noticed his look of confusion. "I don't want to be here."
"Well, I don't think I have any say in that."
"There's no reason for me to be here. I need to look after you and Holly..." then he added, "and Kyle and Melody. You're not safe." As he moved too quickly, the pain in his side became worse.
Emma looked at Hank for some guidance and he took over. "Stanley, I'll keep them safe, you have my word. You're not to think of anything but getting better."
But Stanley didn't give up, "I can't get better here. Not here."
The door swung open and a well-groomed gentleman in his mid 40's wearing a white coat entered. He smiled at Stanley. "I beg to differ on that comment, Mr. Jobson, I can see an improvement already." He began checking over his chart with a detached smile. The assessment of his patient's well being was of a concern to him, mentally as well as physically. "The nurses are all abuzz about your outburst a few moments ago. I want to keep an eye on you for a few days. You are in no condition to be fighting crime just yet." He smiled as he folded the top of the metal lid back over his chart, peering over the top rim of his glasses.
Stanley found him irritating and didn't think his comment was funny in the slightest. What did he know about the possible danger his family was in? Emma backed up giving the doctor some room but Stanley kept hold of her hand, squeezing it. Their eyes met and there was a pleading look from him that she wasn't sure what it was about.
Though the vitals report was quite lengthy, Doctor Weller always tried a humorous approach to relay the protocol for recovery of injuries to a patient. So far he wasn't the hit he expected but he kept trying. "Well, you are one lucky fellow, Mr. Jobson. The damage is minimal in all circumstances. You won't be playing golf anytime soon, or wooing all the ladies for some time...." through the swollen face, Stanley could barely register surprise by the comment made in front of Emma but he gave the doctor his impression of a dirty look as he continued, ".but I don't see anything that could complicate your recovery, as long as you don't rush anything."
Emma smiled at him, "Of course he won't."
Being slightly forewarned by the staff the doctor turned to Emma, "and you are?"
Emma was surprised he didn't even remember her from last night, "I'm a friend."
"Girlfriend." A mumbled response came from Stanley's correction.
An eyebrow slightly rose toward the bed as the doctor barely acknowledged his remark and replaced the chart on the end of the bed. He walked up to the splinted left arm and gave it a few little taps as if someone were in there. "We'll set the arm after the swelling subsides. It may require surgery with pin implants." He lifted the sheet to have a look at his leg. "Are you experiencing a lot of pain?"
All of a sudden, as if prompted by the question, the many bruises were making themselves known. His back was deeply irritated as if scraped sideways from left to right, just across the shoulder blades. If he admitted what he really felt like, the vultures waiting in the wings would only delay a departure from the hospital. He let his eyes close as if resting, to answer. "Not much."
Dr. Weller had popped the Velcro loose and exposed the face of the leg and knee for inspection and proceeded with his cold fingers poking and prodding, looking down but still conversing. "That's good but I don't want you to be shy about asking for something for the pain when you need it." The outside of the skin felt numb for the most part but a deep throbbing agitated by the good doctor's inspection was starting a ten-fold process. "That's what the nurses are here for." Satisfied the splint was doing its job and there was sufficient room for the expansion of swelling, he cinched the Velcro tight on the lower splint and dropped the sheet back down. "I'll check on you later." He started to head out the door and then turned towards Hank and Emma. "I want him to remain as calm as possible. I don't want anything to agitate him." His glasses had slid partway down his nose of which he brought all parties concerned into focus over the top of the rims. "We don't need a repeat of what took place here earlier, now do we?" And, as if looking for a punch line. "Right, Stanley?" With a smirk very present, he turned on his heel and left.
Hank was in the same mind as Stanley. The guy was irritating. "That's what he does? He gets paid millions of dollars for that?"
"He's just doing his job." Emma tried to be fair, even though she didn't like him either. Stanley's hand reached out for her again and she took it. He pulled her closer to the bed. Even with the bruises on his face he managed to look sexy to her. "Stanley, I should call Holly."
He reluctantly let go. She turned to Hank, "Keep him in line." She smiled sweetly at him as she walked out the door. Stan felt like he had just been gut punched as he felt a large part of him try to follow her out. This was all quite confusing to him, waking up in the past, and that terrible hollow feeling.anticipating something that was manipulating him. he couldn't put his finger on it. something was going to happen. A sort of premonition was forming within more of his waking moments, except this one was sporting some pretty wicked horns and felt like a snake wrapped around his insides, just starting to coil tighter. His whole being had been put on high alert
Hank edged closer to the bed, "She's been worried sick about you. She doesn't show it, but she's had a rough night."
Hank watched the far off look in his eyes. Stanley's mind ticking over, it was obvious to Hank his son was deeply troubled by something. "Stanley, I talked with the doctor earlier today. He really think it's going to be a week in the hospital." He couldn't really read Stanley's thoughts through the bruising, he continued. " You've got a lot of healing to do. You know, I'll stay as long as you need me." He didn't think it would be too hard to re-schedule his trip home. "I can look after Holly, take care of the house. Brent and Kyle seem capable enough to run the shop." He could already see the deep worry line set into his brow. "I know what you're like, you think things are going to fall apart without you, but that won't happen."
He had moved just enough to try a slight readjustment of lying in the bed. Now his ribs hurt. He didn't know there were so many sore spots that could exist at one time. "Dad, I want you to get Holly out of here, take her back to the ranch." The more he talked the more it hurt, but this was more important than the pain he was going through.
"What? Stanley, that is crazy. She isn't going to want to leave you. What is going on?" This took Hank by surprise. That would have been the last thing he expected to hear.
"There's trouble." He had to pause and catch his breath. "I've felt something for weeks, and I was right..." another pause.
"What kind of trouble?"
"The less you know the better." He was starting to wheeze a little. "Just don't question me. Just get her the hell out of here."
Hank had been sitting on a chair watched him grimace from pain that shadowed across his face. After waiting for it to subside he continued to talk to his closed eyelids. "What about school? And Emma?" Stan looked up through half lids, hoping his father would understand. He still questioned him, though quietly and very low keyed. "What am I suppose to say to Emma? And school, she isn't going to want to leave school. She has one week left." Stan's sides were too sore to pull out an answer, it really hurt to draw a breath.
Emma walked back in and saw the look on their faces. She saw Stanley was agitated. "What is going on?" She gave Hank a dirty look. "Hank, are you riling him up? He needs to stay calm and still, and rest. You heard what the doctor said." Hank gave Stanley a dirty look and he looked pleased he didn't' get told off. She moved closer to the bed and took hold of his hand, leaning towards him, "Kyle's' bringing Holly, do you think you're up to more visitors or should I just let you rest?"
"I want to see Holly." It sounded more like a forced whisper.
"I thought so."
A nurse came in very leery, the last person Stan wanted to see. He rolled his head to her direction in an attempt that his glare would run her off. His assaulted voice wasn't so convincing. "What do you want?"
She turned to Hank. He had been friendly with all the nurses and they felt comfortable with him. Not like his bad tempered son. "I have to check his vitals. If it means I have to sedate him to do so, I've been told to do just that."
"I'm sure that won't be necessary. My son will cooperate." He turned to Stanley. "Won't you, Stanley?"
Emma watched the exchange between the two and Stanley just grunted. She started to pull away from him and he grabbed her hand tighter, "You're staying."
"Okay." Her concerns were warranted. He was not himself and it seemed more than just the bump on the head and the pain he was in. Stanley was cooperative, if that's what you could call it. He allowed his blood pressure to be taken and his temperature as well. While the nurse jotted things on his chart, he gave her the most evil look the whole time. She had fidgeted with the metal enclosure trying to find the right words. Then the nurse turned to Stanley, "About the catheter...." Debbie had removed it, but a new one had yet to be administered.
He shook his head, "Don't even think about it."
"How do you expect to go to the bathroom, Mr. Robson?" She didn't like this guy's attitude, "or maybe you just expect us to change your sheets every time you have an accident. I suppose you're used to people waiting on you hand and foot. Well, I will tell you something. I'm in charge here. Not you."
Emma felt a confrontation coming. Before Stanley could say a word she turned to the nurse. Letting go of Stanley's hand, she motioned her towards the door and whispered, "I know you're just doing your job but can we talk about this later? The doctor made it clear he wasn't to become agitated. And for some reason, this is a real sensitive subject for him."
The nurse wasn't very understanding, and sarcastically questioned her, "So do you plan on taking him to the bathroom everytime he needs to go? I have other patients, you know."
Emma tried to remain cool. "I understand that, and I will do what I can while I'm here. But you can be a bit more understanding under the circumstances." Emma closed her eyes, taking a deep breath trying not to become upset, she managed to look over at Stanley, his eyes closed. She knew he was putting on a brave face about the pain he was experiencing. "I just hope this isn't the way you handle all patients concerns and worries."
"Don't tell me how to do my job. If it's so traumatic for him, I'll get a male nurse." She didn't even let Emma comment and headed out the door, Emma turned back to Hank and Stanley. Feeling she really hadn't done much good.
* * * * * *
* * *
It was another long day at the hospital. Kyle brought the girls a little later, and although Stanley didn't say much, it was evident that he was glad to have Holly there and the reassurance that he was going to be okay was all she needed to bring her back to her old self. She and Melody had spent the best part of the morning drawing and Holly insisted on decorating the horrible dreary hospital room with their artwork. She was quite animated and told him the stories behind each and everyone.
Emma stood outside the room, looking through the observation window. She could see Stanley slowly nodding his head while getting tired but she couldn't help but notice the grip he had on Holly's hand, much like the one she had experienced earlier. It was more than a warm gesture, it was as if he was afraid to let go.
Hank came up behind her. He also felt some concern. Stanley's sharp words earlier were still with him. He couldn't help but wonder what was going on and why Stanley was so disturbed. He looked at Emma seeing the weariness in her eyes. She looked pale and tired.
"Maybe you should go home. You could probably use a nap."
"I'm not going anywhere." She just stared at Stanley, then turned to Hank, "I think something's going on. That woman at the cliff side, Hank, she was the one in the bar with you the other night. And I am sure she was here this morning."
Hank didn't want to add more worry, "Coincidence I'm sure. And I think you were seeing things this morning."
She turned to him not realizing she had raised her voice, "Don't treat me like I'm crazy, Hank. I know what I saw. She was here and yesterday at the beach, they were arguing. I want to know who she is? What does she want with him?"
Stanley had been nodding off both in part of listening to Holly talk and in exhaustion. He heard a raised voice and looked past Holly to see through the window his Dad and Emma. It was fairly obvious she was upset about something. This was all she needed, he being laid up in bed. He knew she was feeling a lot of different things. Only yesterday they had been planning a future together. She had been so happy. And he felt their lives were definitely on the right path. He felt helpless lying there, not being able to reassure or comfort her. Holly noticed his expression as he looked past her at Emma. She tried to get him to refocus on her.
"Dad?"
He felt so weak and weary but his concern for Emma and Holly were uppermost on his mind that he fought the feelings of exhaustion flowing over him. He managed a, "Yeah, baby." But didn't look at her. He wanted desperately to know what his Dad and Emma were talking about.
Hank turned and met his gaze, seeing Stanley's worried expression he took Emma by the arm and gently pushed her away from the window.
"What are you doing?"
"Emma, I am taking you home. You are starting to fall apart and this behavior isn't going to do Stanley any good."
"I already told you, I'm not going anywhere." She pulled free from his grip and started heading back towards the window, only to be accosted by another hand, which dragged her down the hall, much to the dismay of the hospital staff and her children.
Rachel couldn't bear her like this and decided it was time to step in and knock some sense into her. The elevator door opened just in time to pull the kicking and screaming Emma into it. There was an older couple that started at both of them, and Emma just gave Rachel a dirty look while the elevator made a descent to the ground floor.
They got a lot of stares and they walked through the lobby and out of the front doors. Then Rachel laid into her, "You need to pull yourself together."
Emma pulled away from her and walked away from the front of the hospital where everyone was staring. Rachel followed her. The anger slowly began to turn into something else. She put her hand up to her head, feeling tears building up inside. She then turned to Rachel with another burst of anger, "You don't know what it's like. Having him lying there helpless, not knowing really what happened yesterday."
"I realize this is more than just the accident. But Emma what ever is going on with him, you have to put that aside for right now and be the calming caring Emma, he needs. He is already stressed enough as it is, he's like a time bomb ready to explode, and from what I've seen in the past 24 hours is that you are his rock. He needs you."
"I feel I don't know this man, Rachel."
"Stop this. You do know him, he's the man who loves you, the guy that has made you alive in the past 6 months. I don't want to hear you talking like this."
"I can't think straight." She put her hand to her head, feeling a little woozy.
"Lack of sleep, lack of food. Emma, maybe Hank's right. You should go home and take a nap. He's talking about taking the girls back to the house for the rest of the afternoon. Stanley seems exhausted. I'm sure he loves seeing all of you, but he probably needs a rest."
I can't go." Emma felt such mixed emotions.
"Okay, then I'll stay with you and we'll go get something to eat."
"I couldn't eat."
"Well, you will make the effort." Rachel handed her a tissue out of her purse, "You got to give him reason to get better, woman, show him the Emma that's waiting for him when he's fully recovered." She raised her eyebrows, "and this won't do at all.... the tears, the 'I haven't slept in days' look, and this no eating thing.... well, you have to keep up your strength, because when this guy is fully recovered, he's going to be expecting more than a cuddle on the couch.."
Emma rolled her eyes, typical of Rachel, always thinking of sex. Rachel held out her hand, "Come on, I'm sure lover boy is awaiting your tender lips upon his before he drifts off into wet dreamland."
"You're horrible."
"I know. But it made you smile, and it worked. Thinking about sex with Stanley is a sure fire cure for your blues, lady, that's for sure."
When they got back to the room Emma saw that Stanley was asleep, Hank was glad to see Emma a little more relaxed, "Kyle and I are talking about taking the girls to a movie. I hope your friend has persuaded you to go back to the house and rest. In fact I think you need it just as much as he does. " Hank whispered.
Rachel shook her head, "I'm afraid she is glued to the spot here, Mr. Jobson.
But don't worry, I will keep my eye on her."
Hank didn't like the thought of her staying, "Emma, please...."
"I'll be fine. I'll eat and Rachel will keep me company so I can't be blue or think crazy things. And I will be here when he wakes up again. I think he wants me here, Hank."
"Well, that may be the case, but that boy has to learn that he doesn't always get what he wants. The nurses here can't wait to see the backside of him, he's being a royal pain in the ass. He's never been very good about being sick and he's got to see you can't do everything for him."
"But I don't mind."
"Emma, I really just want to take you over my shoulder and drag you out of here, but you are just as stubborn as he is and I can see the only peace of mind you're going to have today is to be here with him."
Emma had already moved closer to Stanley, she gently whisked a few strands of hair away from his forehead. Hank knew she hadn't heard a word he had just said. He sighed. She was one incredibly woman, that was for sure. And he knew his son was damn lucky to have found her.
Rachel noticed his expression, "She's mad about him. It's a bit sickening, isn't it?"
"If we could all be so lucky....to find the kind of love those two share." He put a supporting hand on Rachel's shoulder, "We shouldn't be too long. Look after her." the children stood in the doorway, and as Hank walked out, the girls followed. Holly looking tenderly back at ther dad, as her grandfather took her hand. Only Kyle remained, and he and Rachel exchanged glances. Rachel's smiled at him reassuring him, that she was in good hands. He hesitated for a moment, then quickly entered the room giving his mom a quick kiss on the cheek. Emma looked startled as she caught a smile from her teenage son as he darted out the room towards the elevator.
* * * * *
* *
Emma couldn't eat a bite, the nausea seemed to be getting worse. She pushed the club sandwich away from her and made a face. "This smell makes me feel sick. It must be the hospital food." She wasn't about to admit she felt like she was coming down with something. When it rains, it pours.
"I think you should see a doctor." Rachel finished off a Caesar salad, and noticed Emma looking at the clock and her eyes aimlessly looked around the room. "And there are a lot of nice looking ones about. This is the place to be sick, isn't it?"
Emma wasn't paying attention to Rachel's normal sense of humor. "Are you finished, I want to get back to Stanley."
"Okay, hold your horses, missy." She took the last swallow of diet coke and stood up. Emma was way ahead of her already out of the door.
She was silent all the way up in the elevator, arms folded across her chest. Rachel couldn't help but notice the lack of color in her cheeks and her blank stare. God, she wished she would have eaten something. She looked like she was going to pass out. She moved closer to her, "Are you sure you're okay,Emma?"
She nodded slowly as the door of the elevator opened. Emma felt a wave of dizziness coming again. She tried fighting it as she stepped out onto Stanley's floor. Closing her eyes for a brief moment and then opening them, she saw Ben. He was walking towards her, a smile on his face.
Rachel watched her friends reaction, acknowledging the good looking paramedic heading their way. And then she noted, while just out of arms reach, her knees started to buckle, her hand went to her head.
Ben's smile turned to one of concern as he quickened his step towards her. "Emma!" he called out.
Rachel stood in disbelief, and felt like she was in an old Hollywood movie watching from a distance in slow motion. as Emma slowly collapsed onto the floor.
They were a sight, all of them in their bathing suits. Hank had found a t- shirt of Stanley's in the back of the car to wear over his swim trunks but the girls were in flip-flops and swimsuits with towels wrapped around their waists like skirts.
Their waiting room they were directed to was private with comfortable overstuffed chairs. There were enough for everyone but Emma's relentless pacing could not be confined within the four walls. The hallway became her trodden path. Glancing up quite often at the doors at the end of the hall, silently tried to summon any doctor from its grasp. Everything seemed to move slowly without purpose. It was as if her world as she knew it had been put on hold.
The only thing anyone knew was Stanley had been taken to the O.R. The unexpected plunge down the cliff face had caused injury to his spleen along with some internal bleeding. He had been unconscious when arriving at the hospital. But that's all anyone would tell them. Emma once again took in the waiting room, Kyle now slumped in chair, his head in his hands. The solemn look on Melody's face, Holly now resting on her grandfather. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. She closed her eyes tight, fighting the tears. Hoping and praying Stanley would be fine. She looked at the clock in the waiting room and knew they were in for a long afternoon.
After a two-hour wait, accented with nurses flurrying about on other tasks and no word, Emma began to lose it. Kyle hadn't budged from his position in the overstuffed chair. He felt incredibly exhausted and he hadn't even done anything. Then He heard his mom's voice making a inquiry out in the hall, slowly it gained volume.
"Why won't you tell me anything? I don't understand you people."
Kyle popped out of his seat with Hank not far behind to locate his insistent mother. As they approached, Emma was confronting a poor unsuspecting nurse in the hallway. Kyle put his hand on his mom's upper arm.
"Hey, Mom, she doesn't know anything. Come on, come sit down with me." He looked gently in her eyes, which he noticed had acquired a worried and slightly bloodshot appearance.
Emma glared at her son, and then turned back to the poor frightened young nurse, commenting loud enough for her to hear. "He could be dead. And they wouldn't even tell us, what kind of hospital is this?"
Kyle glanced over at Hank. Neither said anything. They both wanted to put that thought out of their minds. Then Emma heard her name being called, and for a second thought it was Stanley. She looked up to see a man in a uniform, heading towards them from the nurses station. It took a minute for Emma to realize who it was. Ben the paramedic. She moved away from the frazzled nurse, relieved to see a friendly face. And hopefully someone who would tell her what was going on. "They haven't told me anything. He's been in O.R. for hours. Ben, something's horribly wrong. I just know it."
He could see the desperation on her face and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'll see what I can find out."
Kyle glared at the man, not liking one bit the way he was touching his mother. He turned to Hank, "Who is that guy?"
"He was one of the paramedics on the cliff." Hank also wanted to see if this paramedic who had helped his son would be able to shed any light on the situation. "Will you go keep an eye on the girls, Kyle? I'll stay with your mom."
Kyle didn't like this arrangement but did as he was told. He really felt he should be the one to comfort his mom, not Stan's dad who barely knew her. Taking the short walk back, he didn't want to think of anything happening to Stanley. Upon entering the waiting room, he was having a hard time even looking at Holly. Both girls were wondering what was going on, watching his slower gait, hands in the pockets. Knowing the atmosphere could use a little brightening, he pulled out a deck of cards, anything to distract them.
Ben had disappeared behind the doors and was back in a few minutes. Two sets of hopeful looking tired people awaited his news. "He's fine. Surgery went well, but the doctor had an emergency. That's why you haven't heard anything. I talked to one of the head RPN's that is working on his stats. The bleeding has subsided, he has a torn tendon in his knee and a fractured arm, with a mild head concussion. He's in recovery right now but they should have him in a room within the next hour." He tried not to run down the numerous injuries like a grocery list but this profession was what he did around the clock and he'd just about seen it all.
Emma let out a sigh of relief and didn't even realize she had grabbed hold of Hank's arm for moral support. He smiled at her very relieved on the report of his son. "What did I tell you, he would be fine."
She searched Ben's expression for any other information but there was nothing. "So is he really fine?"
"Well, he's got a long recovery ahead of him but he shouldn't have any problems. He's young and fit but the doctor will fill you in." Checking his watch, he knew he told his partner he would take just a few minutes to say hello. "I have to get back to my partner. My shift isn't quite over but just wanted to check in on you."
"Thanks, Ben. That was really nice of you."
"Don't mention it. I'll stop by tomorrow."
"I'd like that and I'm sure Stanley would too."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The walk to his room felt like miles, Emma was exhausted, and Kyle held on to her for support. Melody dragged behind, she hated hospitals, the smell and the cleanliness. Everytime they passed a room, her imagination ran wild wondering what lay behind the doors. Hank and Holly lead the way, and were the first to enter the room. Emma stopped at the doorway, taking a deep breath, she felt weak and Kyle felt her leaning on him.
"Mom, are you okay?"
Emma tired to smile and nodded. She peered inside the room, there were hushed beeping boxes set to the side of a bedrail, lights bouncing a silent steady heart pulse. Hank pulled the privacy curtain to the side, and found one remaining nurse making an adjustment to yet another monitor with clear fluid dripping at a bare exchange rate.
She smiled an unnoticed encouragement, as it was her queue to leave, knowing the family was going through an all too familiar prologue. "He's settled in now and his vitals are showing stable." The nurse, noticing the room quickly filling up, "we'll need to limit the room to only two people until he starts to wake up." She knew they all needed assurance he was still with them before they would thin out.
Emma's breath caught in her throat as her hand involuntarily came up to cover her mouth, as it was hard to mask a gut reaction. It was confusing with all the tubes and wiring connected to what little was showing. Stan's pallor matched the pale wallpaper, but unfortunately his was plagued with deep, black bruises intermittently along his right arm and above his left eye, the swelling caused the left side of his face to look distorted. More bruises were lightly set across his cheeks as she studied him flat on his back. She didn't remember walking to the bedside. But she was there, reaching up to touch any part of him, his hair felt gritty. A chair made it's way to the bedside. She looked up, grateful for Kyle's thoughtfulness. Dropping her exhausted body into it, next to the bed, she wondered if this day was going to end.
Rachel had found her way to the hospital after checking in with her new husband. Why did Emma's luck with Stan have to make such a turn about? She rushed down the corridor, towards the nursers station and ran into Melody and Kyle. Melody ran to her arms and they hugged. She looked over her shoulder at Kyle, "Stanley...how is he?"
"He looks awful." Melody offered.
"The doctors say he's going to be fine. But mom is a mess."
"I can imagine. But you guys, I'm sure are doing her some good."
"Hardly, you should see her Rachel, I don't even know If is she knows we're here. She is so distant, and weak. I thought she was going to pass out earlier. I mean, I thought after this morning with Stan, that would be over."
"What do you mean that would be over?"
"She cries a lot, and is always tired. It's not like her."
She gave Kyle a pat on the shoulder, "Your mom is going to be fine. Why don't you take me to Stanley's room."
"They won't let you in. Me and Melody have been booted out. We're not family. I'm amazed they are letting mom stay. The nurse is a bitch. "
"Show me anyhow, I just want your mom to know I'm here. Then I'll take you guys to the cafeteria for something to eat."
They walked down to his room, directly across from the nurses station and received a dirty look from the nurse, Kyle had mentioned as Rachel peered her head into the doorway. "Emma.:
Emma started to get up and Rachel put her hand up, "You stay put, I don't think Stan would like it too much if I took you away from him right now." Emma managed a smile, "I just wanted to let you know I'm here and I'm taking the kids for something to eat."
Holly looked up, "Can I go to?" She pleaded with Rachel and then looked back at her grandfather and across at Emma. Holly had had enough. This man laying lifeless wasn't her dad, and she didn't know if she could stand much more of just sitting and staring at him.
"Of course you can sweetie." Emma smiled at Holly. She leaned over and kissed her dad's forehead.
"I love you, dad. But I'm hungry."
Her grandfather smiled, "I think you're dad will understand, now go on...."
Emma and Rachel exchanged a glance, "Thanks, Rachel." Then Emma immediately turned back to focus on Stanley.
She wished she could do more. Relieve some of Emma's anxiety. She had never seen her friend look so distraught.
After Rachel left with the kids, Emma sat silently stroking his hand, wondering if he knew she was there. She had lost track of time, and was surprised when she looked up to find Hank gone. She hadn't seen him leave, but it didn't matter, she felt her being there had to be doing some good. She wasn't about to leave under any circumstances.
Kyle stood at the door of Stanley's room, watching his mom crumbling, although she wasn't crying. Hank had just returned after talking to the doctor and came up from behind, putting a hand on his shoulder. "How's your mom holding up?"
"Not good. She's putting on a brave face though. I wish Rachel would get back." After lunch Rachel had taken the girls outside for a walk. She had sensed Holly's apprehension about returning to her father's side. And was determined to do everything possible to make it more comfortable for her and Melody. Kyle had passed on the constitutional, feeling the place for him to be was with his mom. He hadn't known what to say to his mom. She had given him a hug and smiled and told him it was going to be okay but he read more into it. "Rachel always says the right things to her."
"Just you being here is helping your mom."
"This shouldn't be happening, my mom was so happy this morning. You saw them Mr. Jobson. They were laughing and kissing and everything was going right." Kyle had never been one to cry but he bit his lip and took a deep breath feeling the urge overcome him at that moment. He turned to leave and take another walk down the hall, trying to let the mist clear from his eyes.
Being a little more experienced, Hank realized the long hours were telling on everyone, he included. Weariness was creeping in as he entered the room and pulled up a chair on the other side of the bed. Seeing his son helpless was heartbreaking but the doctors had been positive about the removal of his spleen. He had to be observed, as the next 24 hours were critical. They seemed confident of him pulling through. He was almost more concerned for Emma as she reflected a blank stare, which was incredibly eerie. "Emma, I think we should take the girls and Kyle home for a while. You might feel better after a freshening up." He was viewing the outline of the splint supporting Stan's swollen left arm straight down his side. They were waiting for the inflammation to subside before casting the limb. "We'll be gone an hour or two. They'll call us if there's a change."
"I can't leave him, Hank. He could wake up and I won't be here."
He reached over the bed and put his hand over hers and Stanley's. "Emma, you aren't going to do anyone any good in your state of mind right now." She turned to look at Kyle who had just reentered the room, standing behind her.
"Mr. Jobson's right, Mom."
"An hour, no more."
Hank squeezed her hand, "no more."
As if on queue, Rachel and the girls showed up at the door. Holly reluctantly moved over to the bed. Mesmerized by her father's appearance, swathed in sheets and splints along his left side, she touched his hand that felt warm. "Does he know I'm here, Emma?"
"I want to believe he knows we're all here."
Holly leaned over and kissed his forehead. She thought he looked peaceful, just like he was sleeping. He was going to be alright, she had to believe that.
It was good for them to all have a break from the hospital. The girls took showers and then Kyle got them involved in a game of Uno. After Emma's shower she stood in Stanley's room picking up things that belonged to him, his comb, spare change, post it notes stuck on the computer. She then picked up a photograph taken of the two of them by Kyle, in the backroom of the shop. Stanley had his arms around her from behind. God she wanted to feel them around her now.
Hank came in soundlessly and heard her whisper, "You have to get better." He moved slowly toward her. "Emma, are you alright?"
"I'm great." She turned around and looked at him. "That shower did wonders. You were right, we all needed a break from the hospital, especially Holly. It's so depressing there. It's much better that she's here." Emma realized she was babbling as she tried to manage a smile.
"I want to know how you're holding up and I want you to be honest. At least Holly has cried. You've spent all afternoon holding this family together...me included. It's your turn to cry."
He watched as she put her hand to her head, tears began to flow, his words voicing what she silently felt inside. Her emotions were on a slight crescendo, building. "Oh, Hank...I can't lose him. I just can't."
Hank opened his arms to her and she immediately took the invitation. As he held her close, he stroked her hair as she began to sob. "You let it all out."
"It's my fault, Hank."
"What nonsense are you talking about? It was an accident, he slipped."
"It was an accident, yes, but I caused it. He yelled at me, he wanted me back at the car. He's never shouted at me like that and I didn't go back and he lost his balance. If I would have stayed in the car, this wouldn't have happened."
"This is not your fault. You have got to stop taking the blame for it."
"He could've died because of me." she was becoming hysterical, and the sobs quickened.
He stood back holding her by the shoulders looking in her eyes. "Now listen to me." His deeper firm voice helped her find that solid ground she needed at the moment. "Stop it right now. Stanley needs you, Emma. He needs your strength, your love to pull him through this."
"What if I can't be strong, Hank?"
"That's not an option here, Emma. You will do what you have to, just like this afternoon. We have each other and we will get through this." Part of her wanted to crawl into bed and fall asleep, in hopes that she would wake up and he would be lying next to her and this would all be a bad dream. But she knew what was real and she knew what Hank said was true. Unable to fight the sniffles, she nodded her agreement and looked around for a box of Kleenex. She had to continue to be strong for the kids and for Stanley.
After returning in the evening to finish the remainder of the day, there was no change in Stanley. She could tell they had made a little more improvement in removing the fine dust Stan was covered in from the cliff. When visiting hours had ended, it was incredibly hard to get Emma out the door. The nurse on duty told Emma they would call if there were any change. She held his hand in hers not wanting to let go, as he still had not awakened. Hank had to literally pry her away from him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The house was still under construction for the addition and tonight there would be 5 people under its roof. Emma and the girls took Stanley's room, Hank took Holly's bed, and Kyle made up the couch. Much to his delight, Scrap had snuck in to curl up at his feet. Emma didn't sleep much as Holly clung to her all night. Every time she made an attempt to move Holly just moved closer, snuggling in for comfort.
Emma and Hank made the early morning trek to the hospital as Kyle stayed behind with the girls. It was incredibly difficult for Holly seeing her father so lifeless and they had all decided she needed a break from the hospital atmosphere.
Upon exiting the elevators, Hank had to stop at the vending machine to get a coffee. Emma politely waited but was impatient to get to Stan's room. She looked down the hall past the nurse's station, to the next area of his doorway and then saw the all too familiar figure, come out of his room. Looking up, Gail saw Emma and briskly headed in the opposite direction. A group of nurses laughing at the far end of their counter were oblivious to what was going on.
Emma moved quickly down the hall. Hank looked up to see her sprinting towards Stanley's room. As she reached the outside viewing window, she looked in to see that he was exactly how she left him last night, peaceful, lifeless, but now the upper half of the bed slightly tilted higher. Gail was nowhere to be seen. She turned to the nurses, "That woman, the one that was just here. Why was she in his room?" She pointed towards Stanley's room, irritation clearly in her voice.
"I don't know what you are talking about," piped in the one in charge. "There hasn't been anyone in his room all morning."
"Well, obviously, you aren't doing your job. Dr. Weller specifically said no visitors except immediate family." Emma had raised her voice and the nurse was not taking kindly to her lecture.
Unknown to Emma, she had just pulled a double shift in the emergency ward admittance area and had dealt with drunken, insulting, illegal visitors that were arrested by security with disorderly conduct two floors down, not over an hour ago. She just wasn't in the mood as she flicked her hand toward the patient's files. "Well, then that would include you." She picked up Stanley's folder and skimmed through it. "I see that he has a daughter and a father. No other immediate family."
"I don't like that tone of voice and don't think I won't have a word with whoever's in charge. There was someone in his room. She just left."
Sparks were evident in the air as Hank arrived just in time. "Ladies, ladies...good morning." He began to charm the nurse with his smile and his beautiful hazel eyes.
The nurse gave Emma a sneer and then turned her undivided attention to Hank. "Mr. Jobson, good morning." She was going to let this morning's intrusion slide and give them the benefit due to the patient's father being present. "Debbie here was just about to go get some blood and change his catheter. Of course, you're welcome to go see him when she's finished." She continued as if Emma weren't standing there. "He had a good night. His vital signs are improving and the doctor should be here within the hour."
Emma looked at the young nurse making her way into his room, she looked like she was Kyle's age. Then she looked back at Hank and the other bitchy nurse. What did she mean by a good night? He was unconscious. How could that be good? She looked through the window with the blinds pulled only halfway. The younger nurse, Debbie, had entered his room to gather the scheduled samples necessary for tests. Emma's view followed with concern as Debbie went about her business with two empty vials, each with a long needle protruding, but then averted her eyes, as she couldn't bear needles. She headed back down to the vending machine to do something about the queasiness invading her senses. Maybe they had a juice or something.
It was Debbie's first week on the job and at the end of her night shift. She had hoped for pediatrics. She was so good with little kids. She had just finished drawing the blinds closed the remainder of the way and turned to look at the man in the bed. He was unconscious, thank goodness, this was going to be a piece of cake. She just had to lift the hospital gown and check the flow and change the bag, no big deal. But it was a big deal as all night a few of the others had talked about this man. His build, his looks and other parts of his body were the hot topic in the break room and some of those co-workers seemed to turn giddy with their off- handed comments. Debbie didn't like the talk when comparison became obvious it wasn't a shoe size but for the midnight shift it was their way of survival. Some of her working associates knew she had a lot of firsts to conquer with some of the duties on the graveyard shift. It was a standing initiation to help lighten the atmosphere on their floor with the new girl, so they bet her she couldn't touch the patient without her blushing. She was determined to remain professional about this whole business. Setting her shoulders prior to entering, she heard a few very faint giggles from the opposite end of the hall.
The gentle rocking had felt soothing, quiet. He floated to nothing, that didn't have a feeling, nor a face. Darkness all around was starting to prickle and give way to some awareness. Sensation was just out of grasp, his hearing numb with distant motion. All movement was slow in the darkness, all he could do was listen, try to find direction.
For a short while, garbled voices permeated his darkness, intermingling with remote pain, something he should be feeling but wasn't. Past memories were creeping in. Worry when he would see Holly. It'd been a long time since he held her in his arms. oh how he loved his daughter, he wanted her close to him. Then thoughts flowed erratically back and forth with pronounced scenarios. Holly's mother dead in a deserted house, Holly nowhere to be found, frantic searching.looking.an empty bedroom. Ball bearings sling through the air, with such speed, he couldn't see them, the sound of shattering glass, bodies flying through the air from explosions, Holly running through a set of glass doors, a look of desperation thrown back over her shoulder at him... at him. why can't he catch up to her? He only wants to follow her, away from the confusion, away from.what. and he can't. Something is holding him back.
His chest feeling tight as a slight groan escapes his parched lips. He doesn't want this.what's happening.but he's powerless to stop it. Stop it. Desperate. Wanting to push all the bad feelings away, he reaches out as she runs, but she's far away. The sensation of falling overcomes, as he is pulled backward with sweat beads breaking out on his forehead.
Busy with stowing away the second vial of blood, she didn't notice the twitch of his fingers. Movement darted under closed eyelids as her back was turned filling in the medical chart with his vitals. Things were moving right along and Debbie was anxious to finish up. She did not want to exit this room with rosy cheeks. If only they hadn't said anything, she wouldn't have given it a second thought. Being somewhat self- conscience of embarrassing the patient, let alone herself, she didn't gaze up to notice a sweating brow. Lifting the gown, she tried to avert her eyes from where her duties lie, but it wasn't easy. A nurse could not do this with eyes closed. The others had been correct, it wasn't just his frame that was huge. She proceeded to remove the catheter, trying to concentrate on her job, and. was starting to feel a little flushed. Damn.
Sensation of falling never ends on a peaceful note, whether one is conscience or not. On his decent, Stanley became aware of movement. and touching. He couldn't direct it to quit or push it away. His arm was held tight. Awareness rushed in as sucked down with the falling sensation. The gentle probing continued around his private parts. Forced images clouded his head with a gun at his head, he was trying to push her off.... the one with the blonde hair...Helga...his eyes felt fuzzy and opening his eyelids felt like they were weighted down, it was such a struggle. But he managed to open them to a squint. He caught a glimpse of blonde hair, a body leaning over his private area, a rage came over him, the desperate humiliation of all that had happened.... and now it was happening again. "Off" he mumbled incoherently.
Debbie looked towards his face wondering if that sound came from the patient. His eyes flickered a bit but she ignored it and continued with her job, as he had been restless the last few hours.
Once again a sound escaped his mouth, "Off" This time it was plain what he said as he shouted and managed to sit up grabbing this woman by her uniform with his good hand. Pain shot up him but he pushed it to the back. He wasn't going to let this happen to him again.
Debbie wasn't prepared for such a surprise attack and she screamed, thinking this guy was going to strangle her. Where was he getting all this strength from, she wondered. He had just had surgery yesterday afternoon, he had a broken arm, and an injured leg.
Emma heard the scream. She dropped the juice on the ground, making a mess and darted towards the room. She pushed past the others who were a bit slow in reacting entering the room.
"Get the fuck off me." He was hoarsely screaming. Within seconds he had shaken and pushed the very startled image as far away as he could muster. She fell on the floor, knocking over the IV stand. Stanley had bolted to sitting upright, his heart racing, an angry expression...and then the excruciating pain exploded in his abdomen. His eyes focused on his surroundings and then at his own body. A splint held his left arm straight. His left leg was wrapped in a Velcro cast, throbbing within the knee. With his only free hand, he clutched the far side of his abdomen, only to let out a blood-curdling cry from the pain it was causing.
Emma moved to his side, "Stanley..." He didn't seem to acknowledge her but she put a comforting hand on his shoulder and tried to pull his gown back over him. "It's me, Emma. It's okay."
The head nurse came rushing in through the door to the panicked atmosphere, ready with a necessary sedative medication in her pocket. "Mr. Jobson. You have to lay back down." He looked to be in a lot of agony holding his mid-drift area. He just had surgery and he shouldn't be causing this kind of aggravation to his incision. It could tear open and get infected. "Please lay down. I'll give you something for the pain." She popped out the injection and removed the lid. His eyes squinted open long enough to see more people coming toward his mostly naked, and now throbbing with pain, body. Another adrenaline loaded panic attack blossomed with what appeared to be more unidentified women emerging through his pain induced vision. One was packing a needle that looked 8" long. He panicked with the situation and attempted to defend himself. She couldn't get anywhere near him as he somehow grabbed the needle out of her hand and threw it on the floor.
"Get away from me!" A presumably expensive monitor went crashing to the floor as he came halfway off the bed. He looked past the white uniformed clad woman to the others standing in the doorway, "All of you. get away from me!"
"Call an orderly, we need to put him in restraints" came the firm order from the head nurse who barely kept her voice below a shout. As another nurse went to the phone, everyone seemed to stand still, waiting for the next move, not knowing how to alleviate the situation.
Emma continued to stroke his shoulder and his heart rate began to decrease. He then seemed to jar out of the semi-conscious state he was in and he focused on her recognition slowly coming into view. "Emma."
She sat on the edge of the bed to attempt to draw him close. He buried his head into her chest, she wrapped her arms around him, and he began to weep. The orderly stood in the door and Emma put up her hand, she didn't want any more chaos.
Hank helped Debbie up and she looked up at Stanley now cradled in Emma's arms. "He's crazy. He attacked me."
She ran out of the room, while the head nurse looked at Hank, "He needs to be sedated."
"He's got what he needs right now. You're services aren't required at this time."
"But..."
Hank escorted her out and then turned his attention back to his son and Emma. Although the last few minutes had been frightening, seeing him now awake felt wonderful. But he couldn't help but wonder what had caused the aggressive reaction to that nurse. He had never seen anything like it. Stanley was fairly even keeled with his temper, so this outburst was quite a shock.
Stanley began to groan and Emma gently got him to lie back down in bed. His eyes were shut but when she released him, they opened and his right hand took hold of hers. "Don't leave." His eyes looked up at her. Like his behavior, seconds before, his look was like something she had never witnessed from him. It was a mixture of fear and anger.
"I'm not going anywhere." A tear came to her eye and Hank moved closer to the bed.
Stanley didn't let go of her hand, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He tried to remember what had just happened to make him feel like this. The fall, he had a vague recollection of the fall, dirt and dust.... but the woman, the blonde woman.... Helga...that happened a long time ago, surely it was just a dream. But it seemed so real. And Ginger.... her face seemed to be everywhere, her voice. He didn't understand any of this. He opened his eyes again, or as far as his swollen left eye would let him, and saw Emma's concern. She turned to Hank, "Maybe we should get the doctor."
He squeezed her hand and she looked back down at him. He managed a smile but because of the cuts and scrapes on his face it hurt so it was a bit uncomfortable, and cockeyed. "No....no doctor." He managed to say, but he ached. all of him and it felt like a struggle. Emma couldn't believe this was the same man who had just thrown that nurse on the floor in an angry outburst. He grimaced in pain and then added, "I feel like shit."
Hank looked down at his son, "Well, if it helps any, you look like it too." Typical of his dad, he was always joking, trying to make the best of the situation.
"Holly...she okays?"
"She's fine, she's with Kyle and Melody. We'll bring her by later. You need to rest, Stanley. Don't talk."
Stanley was a bit confused about everything. Emma and his Dad were here, he was in a hospital but he couldn't get the scene out of his mind. Helga, everyone watching...none of it made any sense. Emma noticed his look of confusion. "I don't want to be here."
"Well, I don't think I have any say in that."
"There's no reason for me to be here. I need to look after you and Holly..." then he added, "and Kyle and Melody. You're not safe." As he moved too quickly, the pain in his side became worse.
Emma looked at Hank for some guidance and he took over. "Stanley, I'll keep them safe, you have my word. You're not to think of anything but getting better."
But Stanley didn't give up, "I can't get better here. Not here."
The door swung open and a well-groomed gentleman in his mid 40's wearing a white coat entered. He smiled at Stanley. "I beg to differ on that comment, Mr. Jobson, I can see an improvement already." He began checking over his chart with a detached smile. The assessment of his patient's well being was of a concern to him, mentally as well as physically. "The nurses are all abuzz about your outburst a few moments ago. I want to keep an eye on you for a few days. You are in no condition to be fighting crime just yet." He smiled as he folded the top of the metal lid back over his chart, peering over the top rim of his glasses.
Stanley found him irritating and didn't think his comment was funny in the slightest. What did he know about the possible danger his family was in? Emma backed up giving the doctor some room but Stanley kept hold of her hand, squeezing it. Their eyes met and there was a pleading look from him that she wasn't sure what it was about.
Though the vitals report was quite lengthy, Doctor Weller always tried a humorous approach to relay the protocol for recovery of injuries to a patient. So far he wasn't the hit he expected but he kept trying. "Well, you are one lucky fellow, Mr. Jobson. The damage is minimal in all circumstances. You won't be playing golf anytime soon, or wooing all the ladies for some time...." through the swollen face, Stanley could barely register surprise by the comment made in front of Emma but he gave the doctor his impression of a dirty look as he continued, ".but I don't see anything that could complicate your recovery, as long as you don't rush anything."
Emma smiled at him, "Of course he won't."
Being slightly forewarned by the staff the doctor turned to Emma, "and you are?"
Emma was surprised he didn't even remember her from last night, "I'm a friend."
"Girlfriend." A mumbled response came from Stanley's correction.
An eyebrow slightly rose toward the bed as the doctor barely acknowledged his remark and replaced the chart on the end of the bed. He walked up to the splinted left arm and gave it a few little taps as if someone were in there. "We'll set the arm after the swelling subsides. It may require surgery with pin implants." He lifted the sheet to have a look at his leg. "Are you experiencing a lot of pain?"
All of a sudden, as if prompted by the question, the many bruises were making themselves known. His back was deeply irritated as if scraped sideways from left to right, just across the shoulder blades. If he admitted what he really felt like, the vultures waiting in the wings would only delay a departure from the hospital. He let his eyes close as if resting, to answer. "Not much."
Dr. Weller had popped the Velcro loose and exposed the face of the leg and knee for inspection and proceeded with his cold fingers poking and prodding, looking down but still conversing. "That's good but I don't want you to be shy about asking for something for the pain when you need it." The outside of the skin felt numb for the most part but a deep throbbing agitated by the good doctor's inspection was starting a ten-fold process. "That's what the nurses are here for." Satisfied the splint was doing its job and there was sufficient room for the expansion of swelling, he cinched the Velcro tight on the lower splint and dropped the sheet back down. "I'll check on you later." He started to head out the door and then turned towards Hank and Emma. "I want him to remain as calm as possible. I don't want anything to agitate him." His glasses had slid partway down his nose of which he brought all parties concerned into focus over the top of the rims. "We don't need a repeat of what took place here earlier, now do we?" And, as if looking for a punch line. "Right, Stanley?" With a smirk very present, he turned on his heel and left.
Hank was in the same mind as Stanley. The guy was irritating. "That's what he does? He gets paid millions of dollars for that?"
"He's just doing his job." Emma tried to be fair, even though she didn't like him either. Stanley's hand reached out for her again and she took it. He pulled her closer to the bed. Even with the bruises on his face he managed to look sexy to her. "Stanley, I should call Holly."
He reluctantly let go. She turned to Hank, "Keep him in line." She smiled sweetly at him as she walked out the door. Stan felt like he had just been gut punched as he felt a large part of him try to follow her out. This was all quite confusing to him, waking up in the past, and that terrible hollow feeling.anticipating something that was manipulating him. he couldn't put his finger on it. something was going to happen. A sort of premonition was forming within more of his waking moments, except this one was sporting some pretty wicked horns and felt like a snake wrapped around his insides, just starting to coil tighter. His whole being had been put on high alert
Hank edged closer to the bed, "She's been worried sick about you. She doesn't show it, but she's had a rough night."
Hank watched the far off look in his eyes. Stanley's mind ticking over, it was obvious to Hank his son was deeply troubled by something. "Stanley, I talked with the doctor earlier today. He really think it's going to be a week in the hospital." He couldn't really read Stanley's thoughts through the bruising, he continued. " You've got a lot of healing to do. You know, I'll stay as long as you need me." He didn't think it would be too hard to re-schedule his trip home. "I can look after Holly, take care of the house. Brent and Kyle seem capable enough to run the shop." He could already see the deep worry line set into his brow. "I know what you're like, you think things are going to fall apart without you, but that won't happen."
He had moved just enough to try a slight readjustment of lying in the bed. Now his ribs hurt. He didn't know there were so many sore spots that could exist at one time. "Dad, I want you to get Holly out of here, take her back to the ranch." The more he talked the more it hurt, but this was more important than the pain he was going through.
"What? Stanley, that is crazy. She isn't going to want to leave you. What is going on?" This took Hank by surprise. That would have been the last thing he expected to hear.
"There's trouble." He had to pause and catch his breath. "I've felt something for weeks, and I was right..." another pause.
"What kind of trouble?"
"The less you know the better." He was starting to wheeze a little. "Just don't question me. Just get her the hell out of here."
Hank had been sitting on a chair watched him grimace from pain that shadowed across his face. After waiting for it to subside he continued to talk to his closed eyelids. "What about school? And Emma?" Stan looked up through half lids, hoping his father would understand. He still questioned him, though quietly and very low keyed. "What am I suppose to say to Emma? And school, she isn't going to want to leave school. She has one week left." Stan's sides were too sore to pull out an answer, it really hurt to draw a breath.
Emma walked back in and saw the look on their faces. She saw Stanley was agitated. "What is going on?" She gave Hank a dirty look. "Hank, are you riling him up? He needs to stay calm and still, and rest. You heard what the doctor said." Hank gave Stanley a dirty look and he looked pleased he didn't' get told off. She moved closer to the bed and took hold of his hand, leaning towards him, "Kyle's' bringing Holly, do you think you're up to more visitors or should I just let you rest?"
"I want to see Holly." It sounded more like a forced whisper.
"I thought so."
A nurse came in very leery, the last person Stan wanted to see. He rolled his head to her direction in an attempt that his glare would run her off. His assaulted voice wasn't so convincing. "What do you want?"
She turned to Hank. He had been friendly with all the nurses and they felt comfortable with him. Not like his bad tempered son. "I have to check his vitals. If it means I have to sedate him to do so, I've been told to do just that."
"I'm sure that won't be necessary. My son will cooperate." He turned to Stanley. "Won't you, Stanley?"
Emma watched the exchange between the two and Stanley just grunted. She started to pull away from him and he grabbed her hand tighter, "You're staying."
"Okay." Her concerns were warranted. He was not himself and it seemed more than just the bump on the head and the pain he was in. Stanley was cooperative, if that's what you could call it. He allowed his blood pressure to be taken and his temperature as well. While the nurse jotted things on his chart, he gave her the most evil look the whole time. She had fidgeted with the metal enclosure trying to find the right words. Then the nurse turned to Stanley, "About the catheter...." Debbie had removed it, but a new one had yet to be administered.
He shook his head, "Don't even think about it."
"How do you expect to go to the bathroom, Mr. Robson?" She didn't like this guy's attitude, "or maybe you just expect us to change your sheets every time you have an accident. I suppose you're used to people waiting on you hand and foot. Well, I will tell you something. I'm in charge here. Not you."
Emma felt a confrontation coming. Before Stanley could say a word she turned to the nurse. Letting go of Stanley's hand, she motioned her towards the door and whispered, "I know you're just doing your job but can we talk about this later? The doctor made it clear he wasn't to become agitated. And for some reason, this is a real sensitive subject for him."
The nurse wasn't very understanding, and sarcastically questioned her, "So do you plan on taking him to the bathroom everytime he needs to go? I have other patients, you know."
Emma tried to remain cool. "I understand that, and I will do what I can while I'm here. But you can be a bit more understanding under the circumstances." Emma closed her eyes, taking a deep breath trying not to become upset, she managed to look over at Stanley, his eyes closed. She knew he was putting on a brave face about the pain he was experiencing. "I just hope this isn't the way you handle all patients concerns and worries."
"Don't tell me how to do my job. If it's so traumatic for him, I'll get a male nurse." She didn't even let Emma comment and headed out the door, Emma turned back to Hank and Stanley. Feeling she really hadn't done much good.
* * * * * *
* * *
It was another long day at the hospital. Kyle brought the girls a little later, and although Stanley didn't say much, it was evident that he was glad to have Holly there and the reassurance that he was going to be okay was all she needed to bring her back to her old self. She and Melody had spent the best part of the morning drawing and Holly insisted on decorating the horrible dreary hospital room with their artwork. She was quite animated and told him the stories behind each and everyone.
Emma stood outside the room, looking through the observation window. She could see Stanley slowly nodding his head while getting tired but she couldn't help but notice the grip he had on Holly's hand, much like the one she had experienced earlier. It was more than a warm gesture, it was as if he was afraid to let go.
Hank came up behind her. He also felt some concern. Stanley's sharp words earlier were still with him. He couldn't help but wonder what was going on and why Stanley was so disturbed. He looked at Emma seeing the weariness in her eyes. She looked pale and tired.
"Maybe you should go home. You could probably use a nap."
"I'm not going anywhere." She just stared at Stanley, then turned to Hank, "I think something's going on. That woman at the cliff side, Hank, she was the one in the bar with you the other night. And I am sure she was here this morning."
Hank didn't want to add more worry, "Coincidence I'm sure. And I think you were seeing things this morning."
She turned to him not realizing she had raised her voice, "Don't treat me like I'm crazy, Hank. I know what I saw. She was here and yesterday at the beach, they were arguing. I want to know who she is? What does she want with him?"
Stanley had been nodding off both in part of listening to Holly talk and in exhaustion. He heard a raised voice and looked past Holly to see through the window his Dad and Emma. It was fairly obvious she was upset about something. This was all she needed, he being laid up in bed. He knew she was feeling a lot of different things. Only yesterday they had been planning a future together. She had been so happy. And he felt their lives were definitely on the right path. He felt helpless lying there, not being able to reassure or comfort her. Holly noticed his expression as he looked past her at Emma. She tried to get him to refocus on her.
"Dad?"
He felt so weak and weary but his concern for Emma and Holly were uppermost on his mind that he fought the feelings of exhaustion flowing over him. He managed a, "Yeah, baby." But didn't look at her. He wanted desperately to know what his Dad and Emma were talking about.
Hank turned and met his gaze, seeing Stanley's worried expression he took Emma by the arm and gently pushed her away from the window.
"What are you doing?"
"Emma, I am taking you home. You are starting to fall apart and this behavior isn't going to do Stanley any good."
"I already told you, I'm not going anywhere." She pulled free from his grip and started heading back towards the window, only to be accosted by another hand, which dragged her down the hall, much to the dismay of the hospital staff and her children.
Rachel couldn't bear her like this and decided it was time to step in and knock some sense into her. The elevator door opened just in time to pull the kicking and screaming Emma into it. There was an older couple that started at both of them, and Emma just gave Rachel a dirty look while the elevator made a descent to the ground floor.
They got a lot of stares and they walked through the lobby and out of the front doors. Then Rachel laid into her, "You need to pull yourself together."
Emma pulled away from her and walked away from the front of the hospital where everyone was staring. Rachel followed her. The anger slowly began to turn into something else. She put her hand up to her head, feeling tears building up inside. She then turned to Rachel with another burst of anger, "You don't know what it's like. Having him lying there helpless, not knowing really what happened yesterday."
"I realize this is more than just the accident. But Emma what ever is going on with him, you have to put that aside for right now and be the calming caring Emma, he needs. He is already stressed enough as it is, he's like a time bomb ready to explode, and from what I've seen in the past 24 hours is that you are his rock. He needs you."
"I feel I don't know this man, Rachel."
"Stop this. You do know him, he's the man who loves you, the guy that has made you alive in the past 6 months. I don't want to hear you talking like this."
"I can't think straight." She put her hand to her head, feeling a little woozy.
"Lack of sleep, lack of food. Emma, maybe Hank's right. You should go home and take a nap. He's talking about taking the girls back to the house for the rest of the afternoon. Stanley seems exhausted. I'm sure he loves seeing all of you, but he probably needs a rest."
I can't go." Emma felt such mixed emotions.
"Okay, then I'll stay with you and we'll go get something to eat."
"I couldn't eat."
"Well, you will make the effort." Rachel handed her a tissue out of her purse, "You got to give him reason to get better, woman, show him the Emma that's waiting for him when he's fully recovered." She raised her eyebrows, "and this won't do at all.... the tears, the 'I haven't slept in days' look, and this no eating thing.... well, you have to keep up your strength, because when this guy is fully recovered, he's going to be expecting more than a cuddle on the couch.."
Emma rolled her eyes, typical of Rachel, always thinking of sex. Rachel held out her hand, "Come on, I'm sure lover boy is awaiting your tender lips upon his before he drifts off into wet dreamland."
"You're horrible."
"I know. But it made you smile, and it worked. Thinking about sex with Stanley is a sure fire cure for your blues, lady, that's for sure."
When they got back to the room Emma saw that Stanley was asleep, Hank was glad to see Emma a little more relaxed, "Kyle and I are talking about taking the girls to a movie. I hope your friend has persuaded you to go back to the house and rest. In fact I think you need it just as much as he does. " Hank whispered.
Rachel shook her head, "I'm afraid she is glued to the spot here, Mr. Jobson.
But don't worry, I will keep my eye on her."
Hank didn't like the thought of her staying, "Emma, please...."
"I'll be fine. I'll eat and Rachel will keep me company so I can't be blue or think crazy things. And I will be here when he wakes up again. I think he wants me here, Hank."
"Well, that may be the case, but that boy has to learn that he doesn't always get what he wants. The nurses here can't wait to see the backside of him, he's being a royal pain in the ass. He's never been very good about being sick and he's got to see you can't do everything for him."
"But I don't mind."
"Emma, I really just want to take you over my shoulder and drag you out of here, but you are just as stubborn as he is and I can see the only peace of mind you're going to have today is to be here with him."
Emma had already moved closer to Stanley, she gently whisked a few strands of hair away from his forehead. Hank knew she hadn't heard a word he had just said. He sighed. She was one incredibly woman, that was for sure. And he knew his son was damn lucky to have found her.
Rachel noticed his expression, "She's mad about him. It's a bit sickening, isn't it?"
"If we could all be so lucky....to find the kind of love those two share." He put a supporting hand on Rachel's shoulder, "We shouldn't be too long. Look after her." the children stood in the doorway, and as Hank walked out, the girls followed. Holly looking tenderly back at ther dad, as her grandfather took her hand. Only Kyle remained, and he and Rachel exchanged glances. Rachel's smiled at him reassuring him, that she was in good hands. He hesitated for a moment, then quickly entered the room giving his mom a quick kiss on the cheek. Emma looked startled as she caught a smile from her teenage son as he darted out the room towards the elevator.
* * * * *
* *
Emma couldn't eat a bite, the nausea seemed to be getting worse. She pushed the club sandwich away from her and made a face. "This smell makes me feel sick. It must be the hospital food." She wasn't about to admit she felt like she was coming down with something. When it rains, it pours.
"I think you should see a doctor." Rachel finished off a Caesar salad, and noticed Emma looking at the clock and her eyes aimlessly looked around the room. "And there are a lot of nice looking ones about. This is the place to be sick, isn't it?"
Emma wasn't paying attention to Rachel's normal sense of humor. "Are you finished, I want to get back to Stanley."
"Okay, hold your horses, missy." She took the last swallow of diet coke and stood up. Emma was way ahead of her already out of the door.
She was silent all the way up in the elevator, arms folded across her chest. Rachel couldn't help but notice the lack of color in her cheeks and her blank stare. God, she wished she would have eaten something. She looked like she was going to pass out. She moved closer to her, "Are you sure you're okay,Emma?"
She nodded slowly as the door of the elevator opened. Emma felt a wave of dizziness coming again. She tried fighting it as she stepped out onto Stanley's floor. Closing her eyes for a brief moment and then opening them, she saw Ben. He was walking towards her, a smile on his face.
Rachel watched her friends reaction, acknowledging the good looking paramedic heading their way. And then she noted, while just out of arms reach, her knees started to buckle, her hand went to her head.
Ben's smile turned to one of concern as he quickened his step towards her. "Emma!" he called out.
Rachel stood in disbelief, and felt like she was in an old Hollywood movie watching from a distance in slow motion. as Emma slowly collapsed onto the floor.