Disclaimer : I don't own anything so there!
HOCKEY-GIRL90 : I know wasn't that the sweetest thing. Yeah you spelt it almost right lol. I want some guy to propose to me that way some day. As romantic as down on bended knee is, everyone does that lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!
REDLA : Arr thanks, I'm glad you like it. How'd you mean are 'we' British? Yea I am, but I totally didn't get your question lol, you have to forgive me, I swear I was an airhead in my previous life lol. Anyways thanks for the support and review. CHEERS MI DEARS!
Chapter 11 – part 1
"Adam, I give you this ring as a sign of our vows. With all that I am and all that I have, I honor you. With this ring I thee wed". Connie repeated, slipping the plain gold band onto my third finger. We'd had some turbulent times, but non more than one particular, when I and everyone around me believed we wouldn't be here doing this right now…
The day of our engagement, we told all the ducks straight away, though a few already knew I was going to pop the question. Charlie in particular who'd been my cover story, and had picked the ring up for me, so incase of what did actually happen, did, it wouldn't have been me that Connie spotted. We all laughed when both Connie and Charlie admitted that they'd met the Thursday before, because Connie believed Charlie was the one who was going to propose to Julie.
4 months later, it was the mementos occasion of Connie's parents silver wedding anniversary. All the ducks were present, and they'd even gone to the trouble to invite my parents, since they were going to be in-laws one day. Even though it was meant to be her parents day, they decided to make an announcement informing everyone of our engagement. The day went without a hitch, and before any of us could blink, it was over.
3 weeks later, I knew there was something seriously wrong, when Connie's cell phone began ringing in the middle of the night. It was her older brother Henry. Apparently Mike their younger brother had called him in tears, and Henry had heard their parents shouting and screaming in the background. So at turned 1am, Connie was throwing clothes on, trying to not disturb me anymore than she was doing, though as soon as I realized she was going somewhere, I too got up, not liking the idea that she was heading over there alone.
At 2am, I had pulled my car into the driveway of Connie's parents house, seeing Henry's car already there. Connie dashed into the house, leaving me to walk behind her. I noticed Henry's fiancé Claire stood awkwardly on the doorstep. I knew exactly how she felt, mixed on whether she should go in and become involved. We greeted each other as though this was an everyday occurrence, but remained stood awkwardly on the front porch.
"So any idea what's going on"? I asked finally.
"Nope. It's something major though, I've even heard Henry yelling". Claire replied.
That in itself was odd, Henry was the quietest guy I knew. I mean it wasn't that he was weak or anything, but he had this quietness about him, that everyone took notice of, he very rarely needed to raise his voice.
Half an hour later after constant shouting, Connie's mom dashed passed us, suitcase in hand, headed straight for a parked car, that neither me or Claire had realized, was occupied by a young male. Connie's dad followed, shouting to her that he was better off without her anyway.
They were separating after 30 years together, 25 of those married. It was hard to believe really, that two people could, supposedly love each other that long, then suddenly decide that, that was it, and call it a day. A week later, a month after celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, it was officially over. Connie's mom had apparently been having an affair for over 6 months with one of her younger co-workers, and had finally decided she wanted out of her marriage. A few days later she came by and told Connie she was going traveling for 6 months, then hopefully settling down in New York. I've never seen Connie get as angry as she did that day, I remember hearing her tell her mom how disappointed in her she was. She'd totally forgotten about Mike, not even thinking that maybe he might want to be with her.
A week after, Connie's Dad declared he could no longer live in the same house, after so much deception had taken place, and planned to move away from Minneapolis, though he planned only to move an hours drive away. It didn't take him long, and 2 weeks later, they were gone. Between them, Henry and Connie decided that every other weekend, they were going to have Mike for the weekend, so at least they still got to see him, and I suppose to give their Dad a break.
"So he seemed ok"? Connie asked into the phone.
I knew she was on the phone to Henry, as this had been the 1st weekend Henry had, had Mike. It was Connie's turn next. Neither Connie or Henry seemed really upset by their parents separation, and when I'd asked Connie why, her reply had been simple. 'For as long as I can remember, all they've ever done is argue. Maybe this is a good thing. None of us have to tread on eggshells anymore, hoping that whatever we say won't spark another argument'.
"What about Dad"? Connie continued asking. "Right, well, I'll talk to you later. Bye".
"So how is everything"? I asked, as Connie sat back into the couch, leaning slightly on me.
"Henry says Mike seems fine, a little quieter than usual, but I suppose that's to be expected. He's not used to this". She replied. "But then again, neither are we". She almost whispered.
"Hey, it'll get easier. It'll just take a bit of time for you all to adjust".
Two weeks later, it was Connie's turn to have Mike. Though I completely forgot all about it, even though I had told her, instead of borrowing Averman's car, I'd take her. Well anyway, I'd spoken to my Mom, who'd invited us both to dinner on Friday, of which I'd accepted, believing neither me or Connie had plans.
"Hey Con". I greeted her, when I walked into the house Friday afternoon.
"Hey baby". She replied. "I'll be ready to leave in a few minutes". She told me, then dashed upstairs.
I followed her, with my hockey bag that had my gear and a few clothes in for the weekend. I walked in the room to find a sleeping bag laid out on the floor, atop a few blankets. It was then I remembered Mike.
"I know it's not the most ideal situation, but I didn't really think the sofa was a good idea". Connie stated obviously noticing me looking at the make shift bed.
"No, no that's fine. It's um, just I forgot about you picking him up, and I kinda told my Mom we'd go over for dinner". I informed her, as I sat heavily on the bed.
"Ok, well you go over there anyway, and I'll borrow Averman's car". She replied calmly as though this wasn't a problem at all.
"No, I told you I'd take you, I'll just ring her and cancel". I headed for the phone.
"Adam you can't, it's too late, just you go, I'll be fine picking him up on my own. It'll give us some brother/sister time anyway".
"Well, if you drop me off at my Mom's and come by on your way home".
And with that, everything was planned. Connie was to drop me off, go for Mike and pick me up on her way home. When we got to my parents, Connie popped in to say hi and to apologize for not being able to make it. Gemma and my Mom were disappointed, but then Gemma invited us all around the following weekend to make up for it. After that Connie left, promising me to keep in touch. I wasn't exactly over the moon that she was driving all that way on her own, even more so now that nights were now getting darker.
Half an hour after Connie left, my Mom served dinner and an easy banter began between us. Contrary to what the ducks liked to believe when we were younger, my family was as typical as the next, taking it in turns to catch up with each others latest activities.
"How's Connie dealing with her parents separation"? My Dad asked.
"Erm, I think she's doing ok. She says it's probably the best for everyone, and Averman, Goldberg and Russ haven't really noticed anything wrong with her. I think she's just trying to get on with everything, and be strong for Mike more than anything". I informed them.
"Poor kid, can't even imagine what he's going through". Steven commented.
"He's more lucky than some. At least he's got Connie and her older brother". Gemma spoke up.
Things went on like this a little longer, until we moved onto something to do with other members of our family. When my phone started ringing, I pulled it out of my pocket, joking that it was probably Connie lost somewhere after taking the wrong turning.
"Hello". I answered the phone, still silently laughing with the other members of my family.
"Hello, Is that Adam Banks"? A steady voice asked.
"Yeah, whose calling"? I asked, all humor suddenly disappearing.
"This is Minnesota general hospital. We have a patient under the name of Connie Moreau"… After hearing Connie's name, I dropped the phone onto the table, and began rushing toward the door.
I realized when I got to the door, I hadn't got my car, and rushed back to the dining room, almost demanding my Dad give me his car keys. Steven had picked my phone up, and was talking to whoever it was.
"No, it's his brother, Adam's currently in a state of panic"… Steven said. "Right, yeah, I understand, I'll get him down there was soon as possible, thanks".
"Will someone just give me their car keys". I shouted at the top of my lungs.
"Son calm down, what's wrong". My Dad replied calmly.
Honestly I couldn't tell him, I had no idea, all I knew was that the hospital wouldn't call for no reason. For all I knew, Connie could have had to take Mike for some reason, or the worst possible scenario was that she could be dead.
"Connie's in the ER. She's been involved in a car accident. They wouldn't give me anymore details than that". Steven filled us all in.
Probably without thinking my Dad pulled his keys from his pocket. I made a grab for them, but Steven pulled me back, telling me he'd drive me. Steven who, since having Kimberly, had been the safest driver probably in the world, was now driving like a maniac, but I couldn't be more thankful. We made it to the hospital in record time. I ran inside, Steven keeping pace with me the whole way. Honestly I was expecting to have to fight my way inside, yet, it was unusually calm.
"You have my girlfriend"! I told the receptionist. She looked at me blankly, as though I was speaking a foreign language, which in all honesty, I might have made more sense if I had.
"Her names Connie Moreau". Steven stood by my side.
"Take a seat, and I'll go and find someone dealing with her". The receptionist replied, then wandered off.
"Adam just calm down". Steven told me, at the same time as leading me to the chairs.
How the hell I could calm down was beyond me. My girlfriend was somewhere in this hospital, and I had no idea where. I didn't know whether it was serious or just a minor injury. Not knowing was the worse part, because as you do, you go into overdrive and start guessing.
"Mr. Banks"? I stood immediately to stand face to face, with the young woman dressed in a white coat. "I'm Dr. Taylor. I understand you're Connie's boyfriend"?
"Fiancé actually". I corrected her. "What's wrong with her"? I took a deep breath, awaiting the bad news I had convinced myself was to come.
"Well, she's been in an RTA". I looked at her clueless. "A road traffic accident. Another vehicle drove directly into the drivers door of Connie's car, and crushing the car up into the wall of the freeway. Connie sustained injuries predominantly on her left side, ranging from a few scratches and bruises, to the more serious breaks in her ankle and arm. She also suffered a major trauma to the head"…
"Is… Is she ok"? I managed to stutter.
"Unfortunately she lost consciousness in the ambulance, which is probably a result of the bang to her head, though we are planning a CT scan, to check for any bleeding the bang may have caused. She's also got some internal bleeding, of which she's going down to theatre any minute for".
"She's… She's got to… have an operation" I blinked a few times, as though checking that she was really stood here telling me all this.
"Yes. Though it is a generally common operation, which hold very few risks. It should take no longer than about an hour to find where the bleeding is coming from and treat it. We will keep you informed of everything however".
"Can I see her"? I asked, a quiver in my voice.
"Yes, but only for a minute or so. We really need to get her down to theatre". The Doctor replied, leading me to see Connie.
She lead me into the private part of the ER, where they obviously treated the more serious patients. Connie was laid out on a bed, her face covered in cuts and bruises. She had one of those blood pressure straps wrapped around her arm, and one of those clips that keep track of your pulse on her thumb. She strangely looked comfortable, as though she was simply sleeping. I took hold of her hand and gripped it tightly. If only I'd driven her, then non of this would have happened.
"Mr. Banks". The Doctor cleared her voice from behind, reminding me, my time was up.
"I love you baby. I'll see you when you come out". I whispered as I leant forward and kissed her forehead.
I watched as the nurses began wheeling her away. It was then Steven came up behind me, and rested his hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. I turned to face him, and fell into his arms. He gripped me tightly, before telling me we should ring my parents. He lead me back to the main waiting area, where the receptionist, pointed us toward the family room, where he told us we could wait in more privacy.
The room was well equipped with comfortable chairs, and small kitchen where we could make drinks, and a pay phone in one corner. I sat down immediately, resting my head in my hands. I could hear Steven dial the phone, then he began speaking. I paid no attention to what he was saying, my mind was 100 focused on Connie. The worst kept running through my mind, and no matter how I tried, the idea that she may possibly die, was clear in my mind.
10 minutes later, my cell phone began ringing. I pulled it out of my pocket, and tossed it onto the coffee table. I didn't care who it was, I didn't want to talk to anyone, I wanted to be left alone.
"Hello"! Steven had obviously taken it upon itself to answer it for me. "No it's Steven his brother". He told whoever. "Um, no, she's um actually had a car accident. We're at the hospital now… Yeah, if you could… yeah we're in the family room… ok, see you in a bit… bye". And with that, he put the phone down. I didn't bother to look up, because I truly didn't care who it was. "That was Averman. Connie's dad's been trying to call Connie, because she obviously hasn't turned up yet. Averman's gonna call her dad back and let him know, then all the ducks are coming down here". I didn't answer him, or show any sign of acknowledging what he'd just said. "Adam"! Steven said sharply. "Now is not the time to block out everything. She's gonna be fine, it's Connie for Christ sake, she's a fighter. She must be to have put up with you and the ducks all the years she has". He told me.
Not even 15 minutes later, my parents and Gemma dashed inside. My Dad pushed Kimberly's pushchair inside, his hands gripping the handle that tightly his knuckles had turned white. My Mom looked pale, fear etching her face, and it was then that I realized, both Connie and Gemma were the closest things they'd got to daughters.
"Any news"? My Dad asked.
"No not yet". I managed to mumble. "They promised to come and let us know when they knew something".
"How you holding up honey"? My Mom cuddled up beside.
I didn't know how to answer her. I mean we all knew the truth, but knowing it and speaking it are two different things. I simply shrugged, hoping that would be enough to satisfy her.
Over the next hour, everyone turned up and crowded into the room. I began to feel suffocated, everyone asking how I was, coming up and patting me on the shoulder, as though I was the one who was ill. I began getting impatient, surely Connie should be out of theatre now, she'd been gone just over an hour. I got up and headed outside the room, leaning against the wall, feeling slightly better for the space.
"Here". A mug of brown liquid was pushed toward me.
"Thanks". I answered.
"Adam, I"… Fulton began.
"Mr. Banks". Doctor Taylor approached. "Connie's out of theatre, the operation went without complications, and she's know in recovery, ready to be taken up onto a ward. Would you like to come and see her"?
"Yeah". I answered sharply. I turned to Fulton and passed him the mug back.
"Go, go on, I'll let them know". He urged me to go.
I followed Dr Taylor, down a few corridors and up a staircase, until we finally reached a small room, where Connie was. She looked so tiny laid out on the bed. She looked no better than she did the last time I had seen her, in the ER, but at least now she wasn't headed for theatre or anything, and I could stay with her.
"Hey baby, it's me, and I'm not leaving this time. You've got everyone worried you know, they're all waiting for some news". I spoke softly, as I pulled up a chair and sat next to her, gripping her hand tightly, running my thumb over the top of it.
I continued speaking to her over the next few hours, as the ducks, my family and Connie's family wandered in and out. I never once left her side, or let go of her hand. I needed to be there when she woke up, and if that meant remaining by her side for another 5 hours I would.
"Adam, c'mon son, let's go home, you need to get some sleep". My Dad whispered.
"I'm not tired". I lifted my head from the side of her bed, where I had been resting it. I looked at my watch and saw it was 1am. I clearly was tired, my eyes were barely able to stay open, but I was defiant that I wasn't going to leave her.
"You're not going to be any good to her, if you're laid in the next bed due to exhaustion". He tried to reason.
"I'm not leaving her". I repeated.
After another few attempts he finally gave in, and told me, he was taking my Mom, Gemma and Kimberly home for a few hours, but Steven was in the waiting room, with the ducks and if I wanted anything, I was to call. Throughout the night, most of the ducks came in and sat with us, each asking me to come and sit with them for a while, but I declined them every time.
At some point in the early morning, the Doctor came in and informed me, that Connie had now fallen into a coma. 'Completely normal considering the head injury she sustained' they told me. Whatever else she may have told me fell upon deaf ears. I sat there looking at her, she looked as though she was simply sleeping, and any noise would wake her.
"Hey, how you holding up"? Steven popped his head around the door, before entering and sitting opposite me. I looked at him, but gave no answer. "Any more news"?
"She's in a coma". I answered. "Completely normal apparently". I added sarcastically.
"I heard. The Doctor came to see her Dad". He informed me. "He's going in a few minutes, He left Mike with a neighbor, and he needs to ring her Mom". I nodded along with him. "Listen, I'll stay with her for a while, you go and get some air and stretch your legs. You look like you need a break".
"No"! I answered. "I'm not leaving her".
"Adam"… He began to reason.
"I'm not leaving, and that's final". I cut him off.
"You're not helping her, making yourself ill".
"I don't care". I shook my head. "What would you do, touch wood, if it were Gemma or even Kimberly laid here instead"? At my question Steven let out a sigh, and sat silently.
"Probably the same thing you are". He answered dejectedly, after a minute of pure silence. "But it doesn't mean that it's right".
"Look Steven, either shut up, or leave". I almost growled.
"Fine, but I'm coming back in 5 minutes, and you are leaving this room, even if I have to carrying you, kicking and screaming". He told me finally. "So either come now, or in 5 minutes". He stood by the door.
Strangely, I knew he was right. He'd be true to his word and somehow get me out of the room, whether I liked it or not. He was just like Connie, stubborn. In past months, when we'd all gotten together, we struck up a conversation about how alike Connie and Steven were when they were being stubborn, and how alike me and Gemma were about being laid back.
"I'll be right back baby". I sat up and kissed her forehead gently, before wandering over to the door.
"See, that wasn't hard was it". Steven added as we walked down the hall. I turned and glared at him.
By the time I'd gotten into the waiting room, where the Ducks were currently occupying, Connie's Dad had left, and a few of the ducks were falling asleep in their seats. As soon as I entered, they all jumped to attention, expecting more news. I shook my head at them, and sat dejectedly in the nearest seat. Charlie and Julie went off to sit with Connie, whilst the others asked for more details on her condition.
A hour later, I hadn't returned, I had popped back a few times to check she was ok, but had stayed no longer than a few minutes. I still felt the need to be with her, but I drew more strength from being around the ducks, and knowing at least one of us were sat with her. Steven was now fast asleep in the armchair he had vacated, and a few of the others too had fallen asleep. It was then, I returned, taking a seat next to Connie, and opposite Averman who'd been sat with her for the last 15 minutes.
"Any more news"? He asked, after a minute or so.
"Nah. S'pose they'll come when they've got news". I replied.
"No news is good news, eh"?
"Depends which way you look at it". I smiled.
We sat in silence after that. I kept glancing up at him, and realized he looked like hell. Sure all the ducks looks terrible, but Averman, he looked, lost. I'd never seen him look so detached before. His shoulders rounded, as though he didn't have the energy to hold his own body up It was as though he had the worlds problems on his shoulders. I suppose seeing him like this unsettled me. After years of friendship, I'd never not seen him without a smile on his face, or a quick comeback and sarcastic comment or joke.
"I'm gonna go sit with the others, let you be a lone for a bit". He told me, as he stood and headed to the door. I nodded simply, watching him, as his hunched figure moved.
"She'll be ok, you know". I told him, as hand grasped the door knob.
"Yeah, I know she will". He turned his head sideways as he answered, then continued out the door.
So, that's it for part 1 of chapter 11. PLEASE R&R!