Chapter Five

Bobby burst past the elevator, Jeremiah following close behind with Sofi and they ran up to Angel who was standing outside the door of Jack's room.

"What's going on? He's awake? Why aren't you in there?"

"Bobby, whoa brother, one question at a time." Angel waved his hands. "Dr. Stewart is in there right now with Natalie. We can't go in there until they're done."

Bobby ran his hands through his hair, grinning but the look of worry was still on his face. "What happened?"

"I was on my way to the house when I remembered I forgot my keys. I came back and that's when I noticed all these people coming in and out of his room. I found Natalie and she told me Jack had woken up." A big grin appeared on Angel's face as he hugged Sofi to him. "She was talking to him and he just woke up!"

"That's fantastic." Jeremiah grinned.

"Yes, baby!" Sofi squeezed Angel. "That's terrific news."

Bobby nodded, eyes locked on the door. He took a step forward as Natalie appeared, the rest of the gang following close behind.

She looked up smiling at them. "Nothing to worry about. He's doing just fine."

"Fine? Just fine?" Bobby pressed. "Come on Natalie, tell us more than that!"

Natalie paused as the door opened again and Dr. Stewart entered the hallway. "I'll let Dr. Stewart handle that part."

The doctor nodded tucking his small flashlight back into his front lab coat pocket. "Let me start by saying that this type of case such as one like your brother is exemplifying is extremely rare, possibly 1 in a large number of documented patients experience it each year and most patients under heavy medication suffer Tonic-Clonic Seizures. I've been informed Nurse Hamilton told you about that already."

They all nodded so he continued.

"It seems that thanks to a change in IV medication, quick thinking by Nurse Hamilton, a physical connection and voice recognition your brother was able to recover consciously earlier than we expected."

"Voice recognition?" Bobby frowned. "But we weren't here."

"No," Angel agreed, "We weren't." His eyes went to Natalie. "But Natalie was."

"Exactly." Dr. Stewart nodded. "It seems that since Nurse Hamilton has been on close call more than any of us that Jack responded to her first. Now, being that he is your brother, this doesn't mean he didn't benefit from your time with him. But like I said, this type of situation is highly unusual. There really is no explanation for it that I believe would satisfy you and our own medical board."

"Can we see him now?"

"Of course." Natalie nodded. "He's been asking for you, for all of you."

She was quiet as she ushered them in and she hung back, watching each brother greet Jack with a smile, the mood lifting brighter than any light bulb could possibly hope to fill the room. Jack smiled weakly at them as they all circled the bed, patting him on the arm or legs.

Natalie began to shut the door pausing as her eyes caught Bobby's. He smiled, nodding his head at her, and she returned the gesture, waving before the door separated them.

&&&&&&&

"The fairy has returned!"

"Jack! Baby brother! About time your lazy ass got up!"

"A sight for sore eyes, mi amigo. Sight for sore eyes!"

"Glad to see you back Jack."

He glanced around at them slowly, smiling weakly. "Hey."

"You want some water man?" Bobby moved forward grabbing the cup off the tray by his bed and extended it towards Jack, tilting the straw for him. "Got it here nice and ready for you."

Jack sipped at it for several minutes then leaned back. "Thanks."

Bobby nodded setting the cup back down. "Gotcha covered little brother but don't think this hand and foot shit is gonna last forever. Soon as you get on your feet, it's back to being our chef."

They all chuckled, exchanging happy smiles.

"So how do you feel?" Jeremiah questioned. "Are you still woozy from the medication or do you feel like you could walk around?" He glanced up to find them looking at him strangely. "I didn't say for him to do it! I just asked if he felt he could! Geez."

Jack licked his dry lips. "A bit woozy." He nodded. "I ache everywhere for the most part, shots of pain that come and go."

"We're gonna hook you up with the best medicine little brother, don't you worry." Bobby patted him on the arm. "You'll be so high, you won't come down for years."

"That's right." Angel nodded. "As soon as you get better, we're out of here."

Bobby nodded. "That's right Jackie. We'll get you home as soon as possible and you can sit around and order Sofi to make you all the meals you want."

"I'm good at making meals especially for Bobby that I spit in first."

Bobby shot her a look and she smiled innocently back causing Jack to laugh. He coughed but shook his head as Bobby reached for the water again. "No thanks, I'm okay." He smiled. "I see I haven't missed much."

Bobby moved back. "Nah, she's the same ol' pain in the ass. Do you want us to leave you alone I mean… I doubt you want to sleep but…"

"I am kinda tired." Jack admitted. "I feel like I've been trapped inside my head for days, hearing this voice in my head I didn't recognize." He eyed Bobby. "She kept telling me to come back to her, to come back but I… I know I don't know who she is." Jack paused. "Maybe I'm going crazy."

"You're not any crazier than the rest of us Jack." Bobby smiled. "Did you talk to Natalie?"

Jack squinted. "Who?"

The brothers exchanged curious looks.

"Guess not." Bobby patted him again on the arm. "Don't worry, you will. We'll let you get some rest and be back bright and early in the morning okay?"

"Okay." Jack settled against the bed, closing his eyes.

"Night little brother. We love you."

"Love you…too."

&&&&&&&

Natalie checked the clock, scribbling a few more notes on the file in front of her. She quickly finished, folding it and cleared her throat as she extended it towards Melissa.

The secretary continued to stare at her, hands still folded on top of each other.

"I'm finished with this one."

"So I… see." Melissa took the file, tucking it into the Inbox on her desk and she smiled up at Natalie. "You would not believe some of the rumors that fly around this place."

"Wouldn't I?" Natalie muttered. She opened another file, scanning the contents. "I'm sure you're going to let me know a juicy one."

"Of course. It's about you."

For the first time since she could remember, the curiosity bug bit her and she allowed herself to act on it. Natalie leaned against the counter, cocking an eyebrow. "Okay, you got me. What about me?"

Melissa grinned. "Everyone's all abuzz about you and that Mercer fellow."

"Me and… There is no me and that Mercer fellow." Natalie shook her head. "I told you he's not my boyfriend and I meant it."

"Not that one! The kid, Jack!"

She squinted. "What does that mean? In case you haven't noticed, he's been in a heavy medicated sleep for three days. It's not like we've gone on windy walks or to the movies together."

Melissa surprised her by laughing and she nodded. "Well, no, but I mean, look at the situation Natalie. Jack Mercer comes in with no chance to live, survives surgery only to suffer mild seizures and be in a medicated coma and what's the only thing that saves him?"

"The hospital and it's…."

"You." Melissa poked in Natalie's direction with her pen. "You did Natalie. You sat in there, you talked to him, touched him so goes the rumor and I'm here to tell you, they didn't teach me those touches in nursing school." She propped her chin on her hand fluttering her eyelashes. "You simply must share your secret. I'm dying to try it out on this hot as hell coma patient on the seventh floor."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Natalie pushed away from the counter gathering her folders with a flurry of hands. "That's the most retarded thing I've ever heard."

"I don't think I've ever heard you say retarded before."

She rolled her eyes. "Well, there's a first time for everything."

Melissa shrugged snatching up the phone as it rang. "Hold please." She covered the phone with her hand. "You can protest all you want Natalie but I'm going with the vote the rumors are true this time around." She winked. "Go visit lover boy while you get a chance. I bet he's just anxiously waiting on your return."

"Retard." Natalie leaned over her desk. "You. Retard." She shook her head pivoting and ran smack dab into Dr. Stewart. "Oh, Dr. S… Thomas, sorry I didn't see you there."

"It's perfectly alright." He chuckled. Dr. Stewart glanced over at Melissa who was busy on the phone. "Were you… having a tard war?"

"A what?" Natalie scrunched up her nose then shook her head. "No, no, it was nothing. Can I do something for you?"

"Yes, I have to head up to a meeting. Would you check up on Jack Mercer for me? It might be time to clean him up a bit, maybe give him some not liquid food."

Melissa coughed at the desk, covering her face with a folder.

Natalie fought the urge to roll her eyes and nodded. "Sure thing, Doctor. It would be my pleasure."

"I bet."

They looked towards Melissa but she kept her gaze down, the phone pressed to her ear.

"I bet that was traumatic." Melissa nodded still not looking up. "Well, just keep it well-cleaned and change the bandage once every three hours." She replaced the phone on the receiver, looking up at them with wide eyes. "What?"

&&&&&&&

"You can do this. It's just another patient." Natalie mumbled as she glared at the door number. "You are strong, intelligent and … talking to yourself like an idiot."

She glanced over her shoulder at the nurses' station to see several pairs of eyes on her and turned away.

"Great. Just great." Natalie straightened her shoulders. "You can do this. What's the big deal? Just do this."

She opened the door quietly, entering the room to find it low of light once more, the overhead lamp was on again, and Natalie let her eyes adjust before she stepped further into the room. She tried to be quiet as she noticed Jack was sleeping and she moved to stand right beside the bed.

Natalie checked his vitals, nodding and murmuring to herself as they checked out and she reached down, picking up his wrist to time his pulse.

It was strong and steady and she grinned as she began to lower his hand back at his side. "Still looking good there Jack."

Natalie gasped as her own wrist was suddenly captured by Jack's free hand. His strong grip surprised her and her eyes flew to find his narrowed in on her, lips pressed firmly together.

"Who are you?"

"Jack… Mr. Mercer, please let go of my wrist."

"Not until you answer me first." He squeezed her wrist. "Who are you? Did you come to finish the job?"

"The job?" Natalie pulled to no avail. "I'm a nurse here, that is my job." She forced herself to relax and leaned her weight onto the bed without touching him any more than she had to. Natalie counted to ten in her head then cleared her throat. "My name is Natalie. See?" She pointed to her nametag. "I work here as an RN, I've been looking after you since you got here. I let your brothers Bobby, Angel, and Jeremiah come in to see you and-"

Jack released her and Natalie stepped away from the bed, rubbing at her red skin.

"For a recovering man Mr. Mercer, you have a strong grip."

"I…" Jack moaned leaning back against the pillow. His jaw clenched and it was then she noticed a thin sweat of perspiration on his brow.

"Mr. Mercer? Are you feeling okay?" She was cautious as she moved forward, reaching out to place a hand on his forehead and she studied his vitals as she brushed away the sweat. "Just breathe Jack, can you do that for me? Breathe and try to relax your muscles, you're probably just having a muscle contraction."

Natalie leaned close, letting her other hand check his chest then inching lower to check his abdomen. "Does this hurt?" She pressed against his stomach and he shook his head. Natalie shifted her hand and pressed two fingers gently against his side. "This?"

Jack shook his head, eyes watching her. "No."

"Are you breathing for me?"

"Of course I'm breathing! I…" He flinched again and Natalie's eyes narrowed. She moved her hand and let it hover just above the right side of his pelvis.

"What the hell are you- Hey!" Jack jolted as she pressed down.

"There?"

"Yes! Ow, stop!"

Natalie stopped, removing her touch from him completely, and he shifted uncomfortably on the bed as he glared at her.

"You need to urinate Mr. Mercer…" She looked away. "And whatever else you feel necessary. I'll call in a couple male nurses to help you."

He was ignoring her by this point, blushing but she chose to say nothing else to him, simply exiting the room without another sound.

&&&&&&&

When she returned thirty minutes later, Natalie found Jack propped up, a frown on his handsome face. She cleared her throat, shoving a lock of hair behind her ear. "Is everything okay Mr. Mercer?"

"My name is Jack."

Natalie nodded. "Jack, do you need anything?"

"Not another male helping me piss and shit I'll tell you that. Who the hell made the fucking bedpan?"

"I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that. Maybe I can get you something to eat or…"

"I'm not hungry."

"Surely you must…"

"I said I'm not hungry."

Natalie crossed her arms. "Listen to me Jack, and listen carefully. You're going to eat whether you like or not and yes, it will be nasty cafeteria food. Your brothers have been here night and day since you arrived worrying themselves just sick over you and by god, I'm going to get you better!"

He was staring at her with the look from before and she paused at the intensity of it, shifting nervously on her feet.

"What-"

"I've heard your voice before."

"I told you who I was. I sat with you…"

"I thought I was crazy but you were real all along." He shook his head. "You talked me back."

"You found your own way through the darkness Jack." Natalie disagreed shaking her head. "I just happened to be at the end of that tunnel along with your family."

"You told me to come back to you." Jack scoffed. "And I did… only to find there was no you to come back to."

"Ja…Mr. Mercer," Natalie spoke calmly. "You're obviously still a bit drowsy from the drugs you were given earlier and you're still regaining a sense of balance. How about I bring you back something warm from the cafeteria?"

He said nothing, merely crossing his arms. He winced but managed to complete the action.

She was halfway out the door when his voice stopped her.

"You wouldn't be able to sneak me a smoke would you?"

Natalie threw him a look over her shoulder. "Maybe you'd like me to get one of the male nurses in here and check your colon?"

Jack rolled his eyes. "Fine."

She heard him still grumbling as she made her way towards the elevator.

"Didn't want a cigarette anyway."