"Step by Step, Brother"
By Lorrie
Chapter 10 – Resting
Disclaimer: The following story is based on the characters of the TV Series "Drake & Josh". The characters belong to the creators and Nickelodian, but the story is mine. ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY. (No copyright infringement is intended.)
Note from author: Thanks for everyone's reviews! I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
Dr. Thomas studied Drake's chart and then checked each of the monitors. "His vitals are good." He reassured Audrey.
"So, he's coming out of it?" Audrey asked slowly.
Dr. Thomas sighed. "I hope so." He replied. "We'll have to wait and see." He placed the chart back in the holder at the foot of Drake's bed. "I want to keep him ICU at least for another few hours. If there's no change, I'll see about getting him a room."
"Thank you." Audrey whispered as the doctor left the room.
Megan looked up at her mother. "You look tired." She said, getting up to give Audrey her chair.
Audrey smiled at her daughter as she smoothed her hair and took the seat, pulling the little girl onto her lap. "You're so thoughtful."
Yeah, she's in continuous thought of how to torment me and Josh. Drake thought. He tried to move his hand again, but found himself suddenly very tired.
"The monitor changed." Megan said as she observed the monitor measuring Drake's brain waves.
Audrey looked up at the monitor. "Looks like he's asleep."
"Maybe we should let him rest." Megan suggested. "Besides, I think you could use a nap."
Audrey stood. "Maybe you're right." She gently kissed Drake's forehead and whispered to him: "I'll be back soon." Then she and Megan set out for Josh's room.
Love you, mom. Drake tried to say as he felt himself drift off into the darkness that surrounded him.
Meanwhile Josh's doctor was checking over his vitals while Walter stood in the corner. "Looks like you're as right as rain, young man." The older doctor announced. "I'll get your discharge papers ready."
"Thanks." Josh replied quietly as he watched the doctor leave the room.
Walter lightly patted Josh's back. "Well, at least that's one bit of good news."
Josh studied his dad's face. "You're really worried about him too, aren't you?"
Walter nodded just as Audrey knocked on the door. "Knock, knock." She said as she pushed the door open and greeted Walter and Josh with a smile. "I hear that someone's getting released."
Josh returned the smile as Audrey hugged him. "Yeah, the doctor said I'm fine." He paused. "How's Drake?"
"He squeezed my hand!" Megan replied enthusiastically.
A look of astonishment came to Walter and Josh's faces. "He did what?" Walter asked.
Audrey hastily nodded. "He did. He squeezed her hand and then when I asked him to squeeze mine, he did."
"So, he's awake?" Josh asked.
"Not exactly. The doctor said that it's a very good sign that he's coming out of it, but he still has a ways to go." Audrey explained.
"I'd really like to see him." Josh said.
"The doctor said that he may be moving him to a room soon. Why don't we get you discharged and maybe go to the cafeteria for a bite of lunch?"
Josh made a face at the suggestion of more cafeteria food. "Could we maybe go get something and bring it back?"
"You bet." Walter said. "I'll tell you what. Why don't you get dressed and your mom can get all of your papers completed while Megan and I go pick up some take out."
Josh nodded. "Sound like a plan."
"We'll meet you in the cafeteria." Audrey replied. "Megan, you be good."
"I will." She replied with a yawn.
Dr. Thomas returned to Drake's room, a bit surprised to find no one by his bedside. He checked all of his vitals and turned to his nurse. "Let's get him a room on the 7th floor."
The nurse eyed him quizzically. "That's pediatrics."
Dr. Thomas nodded. "I know. He's sixteen, so technically I can still put him up there."
"But doctor, won't the other children keep him from resting?" The nurse asked.
"That's what I'm counting on." Dr. Thomas replied with a smile. "When he wakes up, if he's uncomfortable there, I'll have him moved again."
The nurse smiled. "Yes doctor."
"Oh, and let his family know where he is, OK. They're probably in with their other son."
"Yes doctor." The nurse replied.
The nurse in ICU called the nurse on Josh's floor. "Mrs. Nichols, you have a call." She handed the phone to Audrey.
"Hello."
"Mrs. Nichols, I just wanted to let you know that Dr. Thomas is having Drake moved to the 7th floor. You can check with the floor nurse for his room number."
"Thank you." Audrey replied.
"What's going on?" Josh asked.
"They're moving your brother to the 7th floor." She stared at Josh with a puzzled look.
"That's good news, right?" Josh asked.
"Um, oh, yes, that's good news, but I thought the 7th floor was pediatrics."
Walter and Megan returned with lunch and met Audrey and Josh in the cafeteria. "Here we go." Walter said as he sat the food on the table. "Real food."
Josh grabbed a chicken wrap and a soda. "This looks great." He said as he tore into the wrap. "Hey mom, tell them the good news." He said with his mouth full.
"Ewww. Mom, make him stop talking with his mouth full." Megan said in disgust.
"Josh." Audrey cautioned.
"Sorry." Josh said meekly.
"What good news?" Walter asked.
"Drake is being moved to the 7th floor." Audrey replied. "When we're through eating, we can see him."
"That's wonderful!" Walter replied, giving Audrey a squeeze. "But isn't the 7th floor pediatrics?"
"That's what I thought." Audrey said. "I guess we'll see what's going on when we get up there."
To be continued . . .
