Chapter 6 - Saving Gibbs
Rochelle came speeding around the curve like a bat right out of Hell. She slowed down when she saw Trisha's red jacket and the big man who was still laying on her. Pulling on the handle brake, Rochelle pulled up as close as she could to the two in the snow without actually running them over, then turned off the sled.
"Well," Rochelle said sarcastically, "let me say how much fun that was. I almost crashed when I thought I'd go for a shortcut over a small hill. And let me tell you, I underestimated the hill. I just saw more air than a skateboard at the X Games!" she exclaimed as she knelt behind Gibbs.
Trisha looked at her friend and could easily read her. Although she was trying to be upbeat, Trisha knew she was really worried. Chelle kept looking from the sled and back to Gibbs, the sled and back to Gibbs. Finally Rochelle spoke, "How are we gonna get him on the sled? I don't want to move him and hurt him…"
Trisha nodded knowingly. "What choice do we have, Chelle? We better do it, we're wasting time here."
"Hey," Gibbs said weakly. "I was a Marine. I know you guys don't want to hurt me, but I'm just gonna hafta suck it up. Do whatever you have to do, ok?"
Rochelle looked at her friend, who was still rubbing Gibbs' back. She thought for a moment, then said, "Ok, Trish. I'll take his arm and pull as hard as I can, you push. Gibbs, we need you to help as much as you can, ok? You're kind of, um… heavy."
"Hey, you're not the one he's laying on!" Trisha looked up at the sky in thought. "Wait, let's try to get him into a kneeling position and then go from there," Trisha thought out loud. "Gibbs, bend your knees. Good. Now, on the count of three, try to sit up. Ready, Chelle?" she asked her friend.
"Yep, on three. Ready? One, two…" and on the count of three Rochelle pulled Gibbs' upper arm with all she had as Trisha pushed Gibbs. It started out ok. Then Gibbs let out a yelp and gasped and immediately Rochelle stopped pulling.
"Chelle, don't stop!" Trisha grunted against Gibbs. "I can't do it by myself, snap out of it!"
Rochelle had started crying, but did as she was told. She dropped to her knees next to Gibbs when they had gotten him to a kneeling position and took in the scene. She couldn't tell if Trisha was actually holding up Gibbs or if he was doing it himself, but Gibbs had his arms wrapped around Trisha, who had her back pressed against the snowmobile. Gibbs was in a slumped-over-kneeling position and had his head resting on Trisha's shoulder. He had started breathing hard again, and each time he exhaled he made a whimpering noise. When Rochelle looked at her friend, she realized that Trisha had tears streaming down her face as she rested her head against Gibbs.
Rochelle reached over and ran her hands up and down Gibbs' back. "I'm sorry, Agent Gibbs," she managed to choke out between tears.
Trisha took a deep breath and closed her eyes as Gibbs whimpered into her jacket. "It'll pass Gibbs, hang on," she said as she reached around him and held him the best she could.
They stayed that way for what seemed like forever. With the girls' coaching, Gibbs had managed to get his breathing under control, but suddenly he started to shiver again. Trisha noticed that it was much more intense than before. Rochelle noticed Gibbs shaking, also, and looked at Trisha. Meeting her eyes, Trisha nodded.
"Hey, big guy. Listen to me. We have to get you on that sled. We don't have a choice, Gibbs. You gotta help us again. Ok?" Trisha asked the agent. When he didn't reply, she got scared. "Gibbs? Answer me!"
Gibbs gripped the back of Trisha's jacket and lifted his head a little. "I don't think I can, kiddo. I… just leave me here," Gibbs sighed as his head fell back to Trisha's shoulder.
Gibbs' latest statement had left Trisha speechless, but not Rochelle. She glared at the man. "Leave you here? Like Hell! Look at how close you are to that sled. You can do it, and we're gonna help! I'm cold, tired, and hungry, and now I want to go home. And you're coming with us. End of story," Rochelle spat out.
Least to say, Gibbs was a little surprised at the girl's outburst. He had expected them to drop him and take off. Yet here there were, trying to save his life. He thought about his options for a minute. Gibbs let out another heavy sigh and picked his head up again. "I don't have a choice, do I, Rochelle?"
Chelle smiled at him and said softly, "I think we all know the answer to that one, Agent Gibbs."
With that, Gibbs took in a deep breath and made a lunge for the sled. Trisha and Rochelle were there instantly, pulling him up and giving him words of encouragement. Gibbs yelled in pain, but this time neither of the girls backed off. With more pushing, pulling, and Gibbs cursing and yelling, they finally got the man seated on the sled. He was facing the wrong way, but Trisha had decided it would be better. Rochelle had gotten the blankets and had wrapped them around Gibbs, who had basically passed out and had resumed leaning against Trisha. Trisha sat at the back of the snowmobile and had a hold of Gibbs in a bear hug. Rochelle had seated herself in the front and leaned against Gibbs' back, trying to wedge him between herself and Trisha and prevent him from possibly falling off the snowmobile.
"Chelle, you drive as fast as you can. I don't think he can last much longer! Most of the ride is gonna be uphill. Gibbs will lean on me, and I'm gonna reach around him and hold onto you so I don't fall off of here. This is a brand new sled, open this bad boy up!" Trisha yelled.
Chelle didn't need to be told twice. She gunned the engine and headed for the most direct route to the house.