Chapter 13

Not long after she awakened, Alex gave Grissom her blessing to leave. He would have stayed had she asked, but she knew he was probably itching to get back to work. Plus, the doctor had some tests to run.

A few hours later, he walked into the hospital carrying a yellow rose. No one really took notice of him. The staff had seen him around and figured he belonged. He didn't need to ask directions, he knew exactly where he was going.

He had visited Alex's room many times in the last few days, although he had never made it past the thresh hold. He had to come, though, he felt drawn to her. But he didn't feel he had any right to enter the room. He wasn't family; he was really barely an acquaintance. He also didn't want Grissom to see him.

This time was different, though. When he looked into the room, Grissom was nowhere to be found, and Alex was lying there so peacefully, but all alone. Maybe I can go in, just for a minute, he thought to himself and then nervously entered the room.

He looked around at all the flowers and then cautiously walked over to her. He placed the rose on her bedside table. He was glad she was in a coma at this very moment. He didn't know how he'd explain why he was there. He looked intently at her, taking mental note of all her bruises and scars.

How to do people do this to each other? It wasn't a new thought to him. He'd seen many battered and bruised bodies in his years with CSI. But when it was someone he knew, it always struck a cord, especially since the incident.

He walked over to the window and stared out for a moment, lost in thought. She slowly awoke and noticed the shadow across her bed. She turned her head to look at who was making it, but it was hard to tell.

"Excuse me, sir?" she said, trying to get the figure's attention.

Startled, he turned around. "Hey," was all he could think to say.

She looked at him. He looked familiar, but she was having problems placing him. "Do I know you?" she questioned.

He thought about telling a fib, but knew it would sooner or later get back to him. "Nick Stokes, from the crime lab," he smiled. "We met the other day."

When he smiled, she remembered him. He does have a nice smile, she thought to herself, and then wondered what he was doing here. "Yes, I remember now," she gave a weak smile back. "What are you—?"

"Doing here?" he finished her sentence. "To tell you the truth, I'm not really sure." He gave a little shrug. "I thought you were—"

"Still in a coma?" it was her turn to finish a sentence. He nodded. "You obviously haven't spoken to Gil today. I came out of it early this morning."

"That's good," he replied, feeling very awkward. "Well, I should be going." He started for the door.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the rose. "Did you bring that?" she said, reaching for it with her right hand.

He blushed a little and nodded. "A yellow rose is the symbol of friendship."

"It's beautiful," she said, placing it next to her nose to smell the sweet scent. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied and started for the door again.

"Why don't you tell me why you're really here before you go?" she queried, stopping him dead in his tracks. He turned back around and looked at her.

She gave him a knowing look and then he gave her an explanation. "I understand what you're going through," he started. "I was abducted and buried alive by a-a…" he was searching for the right word.

"Lunatic?" she offered.

"He wasn't crazy. He was just…angry. Evidence got his daughter put away for five years and he couldn't handle it," Nick said.

"Well, I was abducted by a lunatic," she smiled, trying to make a joke.

He let out a little laugh, relaxing some. "You seem alright with all this."

She sighed a deep sigh. "I don't think I'll ever be alright again, but I'm alive. And that's something to be thankful for."

Nick nodded. He understood completely. "Knowing you've been through something similar," he returned to his explanation. "Caused me to feel, I don't know how to put it," he shook his head, not being able to find the right words.

"A kinship?" she said.

"That's one way to put it," he replied. "A kinship with you, even before talking to you."

"Trauma victims," she shrugged her shoulders and arms.

"Yeah," he winced. "Trauma victims."

They continued to talk, sharing more about their lives. They had come to find out about all they had in common was their trauma and a favorite band here and there.

After about an hour, Nick excused himself. He had to get ready for his shift, plus he didn't want to be here when Grissom returned. He was glad he had come. Maybe Alex and I can help each other heal, he thought as he walked out of the hospital, a little lighter in spirit.