Two weeks went by without anything happening. Each day Luke would hope to hear something from doctor Wu while Alex would hope Luke would contact here. Marissa in the meantime would just hope for any sign from 'the outside world.'
It became October 15th. Luke got home early from work at Foster's. He closed the door behind him quietly and walked over to the couch where his wife Lacey was sleeping. Softly kissing her cheek, he whispered "Honey. Honey. I'm home"
Lacey stirred, yawned and opened her eyes slightly.
"Luke, you're home early."
"Yeah, I didn't have all that much to do today. How's everything here?"
"Just fine. Jason's sleeping upstairs so I figured I would do a little nap myself. Oh, and there's mail for you from that committee thing. I put it on your desk."
"The National Medical Committee?"
"Yeah, that one" Lacey stifled another yawn.
"I'll be right back honey."
Luke went upstairs to his little working space, then walked over to his desk and examined the envelope carefully before opening it.
In it he found a small handwritten folded note from doctor Wu. He let his fingers feel the structure of the paper before unfolding it. His eyes flew over it quickly.
Doctor WardHereby I would like to inform you that we've reviewed your case and we've reached the following conclusion.
We believe there is no valid reason to keep miss Cooper institutionalized any longer. I myself will notify the director of Foster's Wednesday October 17th with a legal release-order. I would like it if you could be present at this time, since you are familiar with the patient. We will need to run some basic tests on her but it's not necessary to keep her committed for this.
I will also bring a warrant as we will start up a thorough investigation on doctor Hamilton.
I would like to thank you once again for bringing this case to our attention. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Doctor Wu.
Ps. I'll be at Foster's Wednesday at two p.m. sharp. Please meet me at the gate. If you have any further questions, you can call me at 555-3239.
Luke hardly could believe his eyes. He read the note again a few more times, all the while muttering to himself "She's getting out. She's getting out Wednesday." But no matter how many times he repeated it, he could not believe it. All the long waiting, all the hard work… and then out of the blue, she would be getting out. Just like that.
He picked up the phone. Impatiently tapping his fingers at the edge of his desk, he waited until doctor Wu picked up.
"Doctor Wu, it's Luke Ward."
"Ah, I take it you've received my note?" his smile could be heard through his voice. He too had been relieved when he had gotten the letter telling him he would get a release order for Marissa Cooper. These were the times when he knew why he had chosen this profession: for the simple feeling of being able to do good, to help those people who really needed it. His attention returned to Luke.
"Yes, I have. And I'm sorry if I seem a bit too eager here, but I must verify something. You're saying that you will actually release Marissa Wednesday, right?" Disbelief was obvious in his voice.
"You've got it right Luke, I have my release order signed and ready. Wednesday she'll get to go home."
"Oh my God." Luke sat down, his head between his knees but the phone still clutched to his ear.
"Are you okay doctor? Doctor Wu asked slightly worried.
"Yes, sorry. I just. Well, it's kind of a shock, in a good way of course. What happens once she gets out?"
"She's free. She can go wherever she likes, start up her life again. She'll need to give us a phone number and address where we can reach her so we can schedule some basic tests that need to be done by NMC officials, but that's all. I told you before; you've already done most of our job. Everyone agreed that there's no reason to believe she won't pass the official tests here."
"She can just go home?" Luke double-checked everything before he let himself believe all he was hearing.
"Yes, she can just go home." Doctor Wu affirmed.
Then the image of Alex flashed in front of Luke's eyes. "Oh god, Alex." He gasped.
"Alex?" doctor Wu asked confused. Luke regained control of his breath. "Alex. She's Marissa's girlfriend. She's her home."
"Then I think you should let her know Marissa will be home soon."
"I will, I'll go tell her this evening… but can I ask you a question?" Luke hesitated
"Sure, what is it?"
"I know this is a big official happening. But do you think it would be possible if Alex came along to take Marissa home? I think it's what both of them want most. To see each other the minute Marissa gets out."
Doctor Wu pondered the question for a moment.
"As far as I'm concerned you can bring her along. But you're right about this being official business, so I must ask her to wait at the gate."
Luke let out a breath he didn't even realize he had been holding.
"That's fine doctor, you have no idea what it will mean to her and Marissa if she's there, waiting at the gate. I really appreciate this, you know."
"I know you do. Now I'll see you Wednesday, right?"
"Yes, I'll be there two p.m. sharp. Thank you once again doctor." Luke replied
"You're welcome. Take care doctor Ward."
With that, the conversation ended. Luke let himself fall back in his chair, his right hand still clutching the phone while his left hand flew through his hair. He noticed his hands where trembling. Quietly he muttered to himself "All this time waiting for the one letter or phone call, all this time preparing mentally. But when it comes, you're never ready."