Chapter 31:
Bobby sat in shock. Jack told him what Dr. Miller had said about Sue's injuries. It was so unfair. Jack was so torn between the decision that had been placed into his hands. How was he supposed to make a life altering decision for Sue? He had made his choice, knowing full well the consequences. He chose what he though Sue would have chosen, and vowed that as soon as she woke up and found out, he would promise to stay with her the whole time and help her through it.
---
Jack sat in shock, after Dr. Miller had told him that the rape kit had been positive. The question was who – Greg or James? Or both? The fact that she had been violated like that made his stomach turn. To rip away someone's innocence like that – life in prison wasn't a harsh enough punishment. But Jacks problems were only just beginning.
"There's more," Dr. Jake said quietly.
"What else could there be?" Jack responded in disbelief, "you mean to tell me there's more than just Sue being raped?" The doctor just nodded.
"She could very well be pregnant. That's where you come in. Because Miss. Thomas isn't awake, she can't authorize us administering the morning after pill to terminate the possible pregnancy. But, because of the form you both signed, you can. If we're going to give it, it needs to be soon. Unfortunately it gets more complicated." Jack couldn't believe his ears. "Because of the trauma she went through, if she does become pregnant and you tell us not to give the pill, I would highly recommend her not to terminate the pregnancy for her own health. Further trauma to the body at this stage of her healing would be severe. I hate to put this on you, but we need to make a decision soon."
"If she is pregnant, and keeps the baby – what about side effects from all the medication she's received on the health of her child?" Jack asked quietly, completely stunned at the news he had received, and incredulous that he was talking about Sue's child.
"We knew that rape was a possibility when she came into emergency. All the medication we have given her has been in small dosages and should not harm the fetus. Naturally there are no guarantees."
Jack couldn't believe what was happening. Sue could be pregnant with James' or Greg's baby, and he had to decide whether or not she was going to keep it. He sat in silence for a few moments, begging Sue to wake up and make the decision for him. Jack knew in his heart what Sue would want. And he also knew what he had to do when he made the decision for her.
"Don't give her the pill. I know Sue. She would love this baby no matter who the biological father is. I'll take care of her every step of the way, if she does end up pregnant." Dr. Jake sat in silence for a few minutes, watching Jack as his eyes were so trained to do. Then he stood up and offered Jack his hand.
"Please let me say this Jack, but I have such respect for you. I know that there must be a lot between you and Miss. Thomas and the fact that you're willing to help her, even if she's pregnant with another man's baby shows incredible superiority of character on your part. Like I said before, she is very lucky to have you. I need to go check up on my patient, if you could give us a few minutes. We should know soon whether she is in fact pregnant. You'll be the first to know." Jack nodded.
"Thanks Doc. I'll want to tell her myself."
The doctor gave him a quick pat on the shoulder. Still in shock, Jack made his way to Tara's room. He needed to talk to someone, to have someone assure him that the enormous decision he just made really was for the best.
---
"Please tell
me I made the right decision," said Jack. Bobby still sat in
silence, absorbing the news of Sue's possible pregnancy and Jack's
decision to keep the baby alive.
"You did the right thing Jack. Sue would've never gotten rid of the baby, no matter who fathered it. I know you'll be there with her every step of the way. We all will." Jack was grateful for the support of his best friend. Bobby promised to keep the news secret until at least Sue found out. It wasn't fair to her if everyone knew about her child before she did.
"What are you going to do about it mate?" asked Bobby. Jack hadn't noticed Bobby staring at him with concern the last few silent minutes.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, how are you handling this? I know this is going to be a shocker for Sue, but let's be realistic. You obviously love the Sheila, don't even bother denying it. A baby changes things for you too." Jack sat and contemplated what Bobby was saying. He was right, he knew it. He hadn't even thought about how a baby might affect him and his feelings, he was more concerned about how Sue was going to deal with it. He turned and looked Bobby in the eyes, more sure about his answer then anything else that had ever happened in his life.
"When she wakes up, I'll be there holding her hand. And if she'll give me the chance, I'll hold her hand when she has this baby and love the baby as if it were my own. I almost lost her, and I'm not going to again. It's time she knew how I truly felt." Bobby looked at his friend with a smile. It was amazing how rough times pulled you together. He went over and gave Jack a big hug.
"I knew you'd finally admit it Sparky, that you liked the girl. And if I know Sue like I think I do, she's going to pull through fine. She's strong, and she has you by her side."
It almost felt like things were back to normal. Almost being the relevant word. Sue was still unconscious, unknowing that she could possibly be carrying the child of her enemies. Two days later, Dr. Miller returned with the news that Sue was in fact carrying a child. Jack was sure he had made the right choice. He was trying to figure out the words to tell her, but he was already starting to love the baby that was growing inside her. He knew things would turn out alright in the end.
A/N – Nope, not the end yet guys don't worry :)
