Thanks to all who are reading -- I hope you enjoy part Six.
Part Six – Wake up, Meg!
Harm sat by Meg's bed in Bethesda. Five days ago, she had been shot, and was in a coma. He stroked her forehead tearfully, listening to her shallow breathing. Two days ago he had killed the shooter. Now, he waited with bated breath for her to wake up. She was pale, and her hand twitched every now and then, and Harm would start to get his hopes up, only to have them crushed upon finding out she wasn't waking up. He had called her mother in Texas, but Mrs Austin hadn't come to see her daughter. Harm kept hold of Meg's hand, refusing to let go. He didn't know Admiral Chegwidden was watching until the older man spoke.
"How is she Harm?" he asked quietly, his eyes on his youngest junior officer. Harm pressed Meg's hand to his cheek.
"She won't wake up,"
AJ sat opposite Harm. "The doctors say she will wake up…when…they don't know…"
Meg's breathing became laboured, and Harm gripped her hand, but it didn't alleviate her troubled breathing. AJ tapped his shoulder.
"Son, visiting hours are over. We'll come back tomorrow," he said calmly as Meg's breathing steadied. Harm's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, and he turned away, and left. A nurse came in, and she started checking Meg over.
"You have some very good friends Lieutenant. They've been here everyday waiting for you to wake up," she murmured, even though she knew Meg couldn't hear her. The nurse sighed, and left, feeling sure that the young girl was never going to wake up.
Four days later
Something in Meg's mind triggered, and her eyes fluttered open. She took in the white walls, floors and bright lights of the room in Bethesda hospital. My head is banging! She thought to herself, closing her eyes again for a moment. Then he appeared in the doorway.
"Meg?" his voice was hopeful, the same voice her mind had been hearing over the past nine days. Meg opened her eyes and turned her head to the door. She smiled.
"Hey Harm," her voice was gentle, and Harm smiled at her, relieved she was awake. Meg sat up, and motioned for Harm to come to her. He sat beside her on the bed. Meg took his left hand, fingering his navy ring absently. Harm lifted her face.
"Meg, what's wrong?" he asked her. She remained silent. Harm wrapped his arms around her.
"Meg, tell me what's wrong, please."
Meg pulled away from him. "My mom didn't come and see me. I know she didn't because I could feel you and the Admiral with me -- but not mom,"
Harm saw her face fall again as a doctor entered.
"Can you come back later?" he asked softly. The doctor nodded. Harm dried Meg's tears.
"Your mom was scared of losing you…why don't we go and see her after you're released, and I'll take you to meet my parents? The Admiral has given you a few weeks off, and told me to take you somewhere peaceful."
Meg smiled and lay against him. He ran his hand through her hair calmingly, glad to be there for her, but also sad that she didn't have a clue that they knew each other years ago. He looked down, and saw she was asleep. Taking her out of his arms, he lay her down and left the room.