Chapter 33:

Another day passed. It had been 4 days since Sue had been admitted to the hospital. After finally being convinced by Demetrius and Myles to go home, Jack had managed to get a few hours of sleep in, along with some food and a nice shower. It was amazing how much better he felt, returning to the hospital. D noticed the difference immediately when Jack entered the room,

"Wow – looks like that was the cure." Jack just smiled back

"How's she doing?"

"Good, doctor said nothing new to report. Everything is going fine. She hasn't woken up yet, but the doctor said she might in the next little bit. We should get going; we'll probably come by again tomorrow to say hi. Oh, and I talked to Ted. Myles and I are doing all the paperwork for the 2 cases; you and Bobby have the next 2 weeks off. He wants to stop by and check on Sue sometime soon too, so he wants you to maybe call him at some point today."

"Thanks D, Ill let him know what's going on and thank him for the time off." D got up and patted Jack on the shoulder and started to leave the room. Myles got up also and came up to Jack.

"Jack, I just wanted you to know that I hope Sue gets better, I mean I know we weren't the best of friends but she didn't deserve this. When she wakes up, could you tell her that I hope she feels better?" Jack was touched at Myles sincerity.

"Of course, see you later." Myles just smiled and followed D out the door.

---

Jack sat beside Sue, in his usual chair, one hand absentmindedly in hers, the other flipping a magazine. He turned when he saw her start to move. He poised himself beside her so when she opened her eyes she would know he was there. Her eyes fluttered for a few seconds. Jack could feel her squeezing his hand back, lightly. Sue's beautiful eyes opened and focused. She looked into Jack's eyes and smiled.

"Hey. I'm glad you're awake. Squeeze my hand if you're feeling better." He signed, his lips failing to stop smiling. He felt the gentle squeeze of her hand against his.

"Is everyone okay?" She said quietly, her voice subdued. Jack couldn't help but smile more. The first words out of her mouth were concern for her friends. It's what he loved about her. Not to mention, she was talking which was a good sign. Her coherency was back, she seemed to know what was going on.

"Everyone's fine. Tara got released yesterday. We all so happy your okay. They all say hi, and Myles wanted me to tell you, hope you get better just from him" Jack said, Sue's eyes poised on his lips, reading his words. Her eyebrows rose slightly at the comment about Myles, but he could see in her eyes she was touched. He signed back, "Do you want me to sign? Is it easier for you?" She shook her head no.

"It's okay, I can read your lips fine." She smiled slightly at the connotation the statement made, if taken the wrong way. Jack knew what she meant though. He was reluctant to bring up what had happened, but the doctor had said they needed to know whether she was still pushing away her thoughts or starting to deal with them. Now that she was talking back, and seemingly much stronger that she was able to find the energy to read lips, it would only be a matter of time before she started seeing the therapist. That left Jack not much time to tell her about the baby. Just as he was about to say something, she said something first in a hushed voice,

"Did you catch them?" Jack looked at her sad eyes. She knew exactly what was going on, but what made him proud was the fact that she was going to face it head on.

"We did. Thanks to you. How are you feeling about everything?" Jack was hoping for some entry point to ask about the rape. She closed her eyes briefly, as if trying to discern what she was feeling for herself first.

"I'm angry. They hurt me and I don't know why. I know I need to forgive them for taking me. I'm just glad you caught them. Thanks for staying with me Jack, It means a lot. I know you did everything you could to find me." Jack just smiled.

"Of course I did. Are you feeling up to talking about everything that happened that you remember? I know its going to be hard but we need your testimony. I'll be here with you the whole time. Bobby would like to be here to help too. We can do it in segments if you want – you only have to do as much as you feel you can." She nodded.

"I need to talk about it. I don't want to but I know that if I don't, it'll eat me up inside. I have to warn you though; there are some places that are complete blanks." Jack understood.

"I know, just give us everything you can remember. I'm going to call Bobby and Ted. Bobby is watching Tara and Levi, but I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see you awake. Ted gave me two weeks off, so I promised id call him and update him on how you're doing. Ill be right back, is there anything I can get you while I'm out?" She just smiled her beautiful smile that always captivated Jack.

"My own bed would be nice, but no." Just then Dr. Miller walked in.

"Ah! Miss Thomas you're awake, and you're looking a lot better already. How are you feeling?"

"A bit better," she said quietly. Dr. Jake hadn't expected a verbal response. He looked quickly at Jack and smiled.

"I'm glad you're talking. I need to check up on your vitals and stats and look at those stitches in your arms and stomach. If you could give us a moment Jack?"

"Of course, I've got to go make some phone calls. I'll be right back Sue, okay?" She just smiled back. Waves of relief passed through him. She was on the mend. Of course there was still the bombshell of the pregnancy. The question was, who raped her, and when? She seemed willing enough to talk about it, he just prayed that she would find the strength to be able to tell them everything, and that he would be given the strength to listen to it.