Naomi sat in the high dependency unit. Mary P had walked in and Jess was sat talking to her sister about the revelations from the last few weeks and how Peter and she had adjusted to the news of having four more babies on the way. Mary P had overheard the conversation and come over. Not to eavesdrop but to offer some advice. After working in the NICU for nearly fifteen years she had seen a lot of babies come and go. She wanted to offer some reassurance to the girls that the babies would be safe. She had dealt with a lot of twins and quadruplets over the years.
Naomi was more at ease now with Mary P and saw a certain likeness to herself. She worked in the medical profession and she actually felt her barriers coming down slightly. Something that not even her family had managed to get her to do. Unfortunately Naomi was still relying on a wheelchair to get around and oramorph on certain occasions but she was doing her best to manage everything better now after the scare they had when Upton had taken her baby boy from her at seventy-two hours old.
Although she was constantly fighting her own demons and wanting to stay with her son to make sure no one else could get close to him except those she trusted she was under strict orders. Not a day went past when at least one of the family was either ringing the unit or calling in to Med to check whether she was doing what she was supposed to in the form of eating, drinking and taking medication. Jay had been pestering her constantly to make sure she was getting stronger but his fusspot mother hen antics were beginning to grind on Naomi. She was getting irritated with he constant Spanish inquisition. She knew it was important and that it was just because he cared but sometimes he really did bug the shit out of her. The only problem was he had gotten literally everyone in the family to actually keep coming in and checking on her. Even Tom, Chris, Too Tall (who they found out was name was Mallory) and Snake Shit who's name was Maverick Mitchell had all popped by. It was a bit overwhelming when all she wanted to do was rest and see her boy that they all turned up. Jay was definitely getting used to all her patterns. One of these days she would have to mix it up just to confuse him. How would that work for her though as she hated routine change especially with her BPD she just couldn't manage it. Naomi had just pressed her call buzzer when good old Maverick walked in.
"Oh for fucks sake what now? Tell that husband of mine when you see him HES PISSING ME OFF."
"That's not a nice way to greet an old friend of your sister now is it?"
"You what?"
"I knew Jess way back when she was in the military with me."
"Now I know you're lying. Jess was never in the military."
"She did a years tour with me in Afghanistan and she was the best female pilot of her age."
"Jess never mentioned anything. I don't think our mum or dad even knows."
"Trust me Benny knows. Oh crap shouldn't have said that."
Naomi glared at Maverick with her bright green eyes.
"Oh shit I'm in trouble now."
"MAVERICK ROCKY MITCHELL SPILL THE BEANS NOW!"
"Wow Naomi I'm impressed you actually are quite resourceful. I wouldn't have expected you to actually be able to full name me. Not even Jay knew my middle name."
"There's a lot you don't know about me Corporal."
"Ok now I'm intrigued."
"You first. What has my dad got to do with Jess being in the military and serving with you?"
"Your dad was actually the one who got Jess her place on the pilot's course. He also made sure she was accepted in to the army. He also made sure she was safe on rotation of duty."
"How the fuck did he manage that?"
"Erm…."
"Maverick…."
"Your dad was the Brigadier of the company although Jess never met him face to face he made sure of that. He decided after his three year stretch of rotation that he had enough and went over to work for AFI."
"Ah that's how he knew where I was stationed."
"Pardon?"
"FUCK…."
"You were in the army and never told me princess? Why did you keep that from me? You said no more secrets. Why keep thar from me? Oh my fucking god my wife is a kick ass bitch. Please tell me you still have your uniform" Jay says as he walks in to the room overhearing the so called private conversation between Maverick and Naomi.
"Babe dressing up was what got us in this predicament in the first place…"
"And I'm sure it will happen again.."
"Jay I'm warning you. Do not come near me with that God damn trouser snake."
"Hahahahaha" Snake Shit laughs.
"Oh my fucking god. That how you got your nickname Maverick."
"I have no clue what you mean Giggles."
"That's not fair and you know it." Snake Shit laughs and leaves the room.
"Prick…." Naomi shouts after him.
"Giggles?" Jay says raising his eyebrow in that gesture he does.
"A story for another day. Have you seen Jess in the halls? She said she would be here by now? I wanted to have a chat with her."
"She sent me instead."
"Why and what's happened to my sister?"
"Don't worry babe she's all good. Her message said and I quote attack of the monster babies, head stuck in toilet, give sis my love…."
"Oh my God poor Jess. At least that's all stopped for me now."
"Until next time."
"Of course. Lots of practising in the middle though."
"You what?" Jay spits out his coffee that he had commandeered in the corridor.
"Did you think I only wanted one baby? Jay baby I know Isaac has his problems but he's gorgeous just like his dad, a real soldier, and I definitely want more. Not only that but I like the practising as well."
"He's definitely a soldier. He takes after both of us. Baby I'm in awe of you."
"Why?"
"These past 36 weeks you've been amazing. You have been off your meds and had no relapses. You have handled it brilliantly and I have never seen such a strong woman. The day I saw you across the hospital emergency room I had no idea how fast or hard I would fall. I always said you looked familiar and I could never figure out. Then I realised for some reason you had plagued my dreams for years. All I would see was your face and your name. It never occurred to me and even now I have no idea how your image and every little thing was in my memory but it was. Seeing you in Chicago Med for the first time when you and Jess had your little banging in to each other session well it was like my dreams came true. The moment I saw you make eye contact with me I knew destiny had brought me to you. If I had stayed on rotation and signed back up then I would never have met you."
"That's not exactly true Sergeant."
"How did you know what rank I was? No one ever mentioned that in front of you."
"I was at your promotional parade."
"How?"
"I knew you wouldn't remember me."
"How could I? I didn't meet you until Chicago Med."
"That's not accurate."
"How is it not accurate?"
"Well you have met me before. Albeit from a distance. Four years ago babe I was assigned to Bravo company in Afghanistan as a company medic. Back then I had been qualified as a doctor for about two years. Decided I was going to give the military a go as I had no one or nothing else. Life was at the bottom of the heap for me back then. I signed up did my three tours and left the army and went in to sonography. After seeing the pain that war brought I decided I wanted to bring joy and happiness to people instead of death and destruction. Well the day I'm referring to is when you stood gawping at a busty brunette jumping up and down on your Sergeant Majors chest to keep him alive when he went in to cardiac arrest."
"Are you telling me that the woman that haunted my dreams and that no woman could ever compare to you was you?"
"Well I had no idea that I plagued your thoughts for all those years. But yes Sergeant that was me."
"Fuck me. I'd never have even thought that was you. I have the best wife ever. That's why I felt a completion within me when I saw you at Med. I'm so sorry I ever put you through any of the things I have over the years. But why are you telling me this now and why have I never heard of this before now."
"I'd love to fuck you babe but I'm in rather a lot of pain and secondly I needed to prove to myself that I was worthy of you. Over the four years since I left the army I have never been with a single man. I never wanted to because I knew that you hailed from Chicago and that at some point with your brother working at Med that one day you would turn up and I would have the opportunity to come clean. I am just sorry that it has taken me this long. I was even in the military when Jess was a pilot but it wasn't until I spoke to Snake Shit earlier that I figured it all out. Snake Shit was the one piloting the chopper that brought Chris back to base. Chris doesn't even remember me so it's all good and neither do Snake Shit or Too Tall."
"I do now" Chris says walking through the door walking straight up to his rescuer and hugging her gently. "Thank you for saving my life. I wouldn't be standing here with new sisters and brothers if it wasn't for you. And if it wasn't for this degenerate then I would never have had the chance to thank you properly for what you did for me. I am forever in your debt."
"I am going to stop you there. You repaid the debt the minute you and your brother saved my son so don't ever think you are in my debt because you aren't. In actual fact I think its me that is in your debt. My son wouldn't be here if it weren't for you all" Naomi says welling up and a single tear dropping on to her cheek. Jay lifts his finger to wipe the tear away and carefully perches on the edge of the bed. Chris sits on the other side and they all share a loving warm hug.
"Babe please don't cry. What's happened has happened but I never thought my wife would be such a beautiful kick ass bitch who has literally got me eating out the palm of her hand. I will never stop loving you. I'm so proud of the woman and mother you have become and I will never be able to stop thanking the universe for bringing you to Chicago and in to my arms. You will never have a shortage of people who love you and we all love you unconditionally. Right then Chris, can you help me get my wife in to the wheelchair so we can go and see our son?"
"Of course anything for my hero."
"Seriously Chris that is going to get old so quick."
Naomi fires off a quick text to her little sister to check in on her and see if the sickness has eased a bit since earlier.
"Hey little sis, you doing ok? Do you need anything bringing to you?"
"Hey big sis, nah I'm doing ok if the monster babies would at least let me rest and keep something down."
"Hey remember I'm here no matter what. If you need anything and I mean anything at all let me know and I will arrange it."
"You mean you are going to treat Jay like a slave?"
"Yeah pretty much lol. Okay sis off to see Isaac so will give you a call in a bit."
"Alright sis give him big hugs and kisses from me. Ah better go Snake Shit is here with supplies"
"Snake Shit? Jess what the hell. Peter is going to freak when he gets home from shift."
Naomi, Jay and Chris all walked to the NICU together. Chris stopped at the doors and was about to say his goodbyes.
"Where do you think you are going?"
"I'm going home to shower and eat as I have been relieved of Naomi babysitting duty today seeing as though your husband is here."
"And your point is what?"
"Are you coming bro to see your nephew and godson or not?"
"Godson?"
"Yes godson. Jay and I discussed it last night. After all that you, Tom, Maverick and Mallory have done for our son we have decided that we are going to be slightly unusual and have four godfathers for Isaac instead of having any godmothers. And we also know that if anything were to happen to Jay or myself then he is going to be protected with you four looking after him"
"Ok no need to carry on I am there."
Naomi, Jay and Chris walked down to the HDU part of NICU and realised another baby was in Isaac's spot. Naomi getting a bit anxious and practically shouted at Ed the nurse who had been looking after her son on and off since he had arrived in the NICU.
"Oi."
Ed turned round and seeing Naomi his face dropped as he had realised he had made a fundamental mistake and that he had not notified Naomi that Isaac had been moved to low dependency unit a bit further down the corridor.
"I'd kindly ask you to refrain from shouting at me please Naomi. Isaac has been moved to the low dependency unit and he is right down here. Follow me please."
"When did this happen?"
"About three o clock this morning."
Chris looks at his watch and shows Jay. Jay was about to say something when Chris speaks.
"Where is your manager?"
Ed turns to Chris. They were matched quite well in height however Chris had a larger stature than Ed and could quite happily take him to the floor and kick his ass even with a partial limb. Jay could see Chris summing up his options. Jay reaches out to touch Chris' shoulder in order to bring him down a notch. Jay could see that Chris, having taken on the responsibility of godfather so seriously in the previous few minutes, was edging up to Ed in order to have a stand off with him.
"Bro…"
"Its okay I just want to see this idiot's manager! And he was just about to go and get her wasn't that right Ed?"
"Yes of course I shall be back momentarily." Ed scuttled off in the direction of Mary P's office.
Chris stood his ground. Naomi clapped in marvel at how Chris had held himself with restraint. Jay clapped his buddy on the back and when he did this Mary P walked back in to the room.
"Well I wasn't expecting this reception I will be honest."
"Hmm well now that you're a little more reciprocating of information take this on board. My nephew was kidnapped forty-eight hours ago and less than twenty-four hours ago was returned to this hospital in order for him to receive the care he is supposed to receive. Well on your watch my nephew was whisked away from everything he had known despite him being watched by your staff twenty-four hours ago. So here is how it is going to go down. You are going to lift your restrictions on the amount of people who are allowed to visit Isaac…."
"Mr Gilmour…."
"Did I look like I was finished speaking?"
"No… Please continue…"
"I will when you give me a chance. Done? Is it ok for me to carry on?"
"Yes."
"You will move Isaac to a side room. One of our family will be present with Isaac at all times. Isaac is not to be left alone for a single second. You will compile a report in the next twenty minutes and Isaac will have been moved to the side room by the time I bring my brother and sister here back on to this ward. You will facilitate any information giving to the person on shift with Isaac and a written report will be compiled every single time anything in his care changes. You will not use abbreviations you will write full reports and will be given half an hour at the end of each of your shifts to hand any information over to the person sat next to him. Not only that only vetted and trusted members of staff are to deal with Isaac. We will compose that list whilst we are getting coffee and you will ensure that no other member of staff tends to his needs and if that happens then there will be a massive shit storm hitting your department. Oh and you will get me a report detailing every single thing that has happened since the day he was born. You will also set up an outside investigation to find out how your failings as a hospital allowed my nephew and godson to be taken from a high dependency unit out in to the community despite being on oxygen. When I receive that report I will communicate with the investigators to ensure that you are sued for all your failings. The only reason that Isaac is still in this hospital is because his Uncle works here. Not only that you will provide us with a card to gain access so we don't have to wait around for you to open the door. None of these conditions are negotiable and they will be adhered to at all times. Not only that I will get my solicitor to draw up a contract between the hospital and ourselves as a collective family in order for everyone to be covered and know what the expectations are. Go get the reports done then. I will see you in thirty minutes and god help this ward if our conditions are not met when I return."
Jay and Naomi look at Chris open mouthed. In sync they mouth "WOW".
Chris turns back round to the both of them. "There we go evidence to build a case against the negligible sons of bitches who put my nephew in harms way. They deserve to pay for what they've done and they will I will make sure of it. Right now that's handled lets go get a coffee while they finish making their arrangements. We will come back in twenty-eight minutes to see if they've done what they've been told."
"Yes sir" Jay and Naomi say in unison laughing together until all three of them reach the coffee shop and order their drinks and food through giggles. As they are still laughing at the thought of Mary P actually been taken down a peg or two Naomi starts to giggle and when she does she lets out a little piggy snort. Jay finds it absolutely adorable and actually finds it quite a turn on. He vacates the area to the toilet before someone notices the tent pole. He falls more and more in love with his wife every single day. As Naomi and Chris are sorting their drinks by stirring them and Naomi putting her milk and sugar in they both turn to see Maverick holding Jess' hand as she's rushed in to the maternity clinic on a stretcher. "Mav get my sister Naomi."
"Ok Jess it's done."
Maverick turns to see Naomi being wheeled towards him and Chris looks directly at him. A look to say what the hell is going on between you and Jess? Maverick looks like a scene out of a horror movie with the blood all over his white t shirt.
Naomi speaks first "What happened Maverick?"
"I went round after leaving here to drop off the ginger nut biscuits she wanted due to the sickness. We were talking. She was making a cup of tea for us both and all of a sudden she grabbed the counter and as she did that I managed to catch her before she hit the floor. She looked really pale. When I checked her over there was blood all over her trousers. I didn't know what to do so I called an ambulance. I covered her up and when I heard the sirens I ran out the door with her in my arms to get her to the vehicle and they blue lighted her in with sirens. She was clenching my hand the whole way insisting I get you."
"Thank you for looking after my sister. Chris can you take me through. Maverick wait here for Jay and ask him to borrow his spare shirt he keeps under his seat in his pick up."
Chris and Maverick share a knowing look. A look that says we are going to discuss this later.
Chris dropped Naomi to the reception part of the maternity clinic and hurried off to get Jay and get back to NICU before Mary P thought she had been let off the hook.
Twenty three minutes after leaving the unit Chris re-entered the unit with Jay at his side.
Walking down the corridor he sees Isaac in the side room closest to the office. A kettle and a fridge had been put in the room as well as a fold out bed. A microwave had also been provided for comfort and ease for the person on shift at Isaac's bedside. Sat on the coffee table next to Isaac's cot were the files Chris had asked for and Mary P was sat patiently feeding a fussing Isaac.
"Here you go buddy Daddy and Uncle Chris are here to visit you."
"Thank you Mary. Has he had his bum changed? And his feed?"
"Yes he's had his bottom changed. I did it myself. He only had a wet one. I suspect he is trying to go to the toilet but can't for some reason. I'm not quite sure what's going on with him though as he's not normally fussy."
"Could it be like Naomi told you that you are over feeding him? Has he been sick?"
"Yes he was sick after his feed. He wouldn't take it orally he was too sleepy so we gave it to him through the feeding tube."
"How much sick did he bring up?"
"It was projectile. As soon as he had his feed and change we moved him to this room and this is where he will stay now until he is fit enough to be discharged."
"Maybe you should take the advice of his mother. I know she has already raised this issue plenty of times. Regardless of his weight you are giving him too much milk and its filling his stomach up too much so when you try to wake him two hours later he's still full from the last feed that's why he's not waking."
Chris stands by watching this exchange.
"Is this true bro? That they're not listening to Naomi?"
Mary shuffles from foot to foot uncomfortable at the confrontational attitude Chris seems to have adapted.
"Judging by your demeanour Mary what my bro here is saying is true so I want you to go and get me a neonatologist who can address our concerns. And I don't mean Dr Patel who has been dealing with him so far I want a more senior consultant."
"Dr Patel is one of the best neonatologists in the country."
"It doesn't seem that way when his actions are making my nephew sicker than he already was. Not only that but seeing as though you've worked in this job for a long time Mary I'm assuming that you know that if you fill a babies stomach as full as you have then you in turn squash his diaphragm which is not helping him to ingest all the oxygen he needs naturally and that is why he is still on oxygen therapy. Not only that but he has high pressure on his lungs and if you make him scream too much like he's in pain then you are going to cause Isaac here to go in to a cardiac arrest. He isn't opening his bowels as he should either which is again in turn putting too much pressure on his lungs and then in turn his heart which is already fragile. But then you would know all that wouldn't you."
Jay stood fuming silently next to Chris. Chris feeling the heat coming off Jay touched his arm and shook his head slightly.
Mary P watched the exchange.
"I have tried to tell the neonatologist this however its futile. He only sees what the textbook says. Not the individual child."
"I want all of this in writing."
"Already done. It's the blue file at the bottom of the pile. All my recommendations have been ignored but they are all documented."
"Thank you the investigator has been in touch and apparently you know her."
"Who?"
"Zara Jameson"
"Yes we went to college and university together. She's the best negligence investigator and barrister there is. Send her my details and get her to contact me I will provide everything I need. Good job I was going to retire this year."
Chris stands looing after Mary as she leaves the room. Chris realises he still has his hand on Jay's arm.
"Right then. Snake Shit is waiting out the front for that clean shirt. And not only that go and check on Jess while you're there please. You go. I've got eyes on Isaac."
"You sure you got this bro."
"Seriously how much trouble can my nephew be?"
Jay chuckles knowing his son was already proving to be a troublesome boy.
Chris settles in to the chair situated watching over Isaac's cot and the paperwork had been strategically placed on the coffee table next to him and a laptop placed next to the pile. This was going to be a long ass job but looking at his nephew he settled down and knew it was going to be worth every second. Chris pulled the blue file from the bottom of the pile and got stuck in. Pulling out his phone he started taking photographs. He knew that he had to solve this for Jay and Naomi they looked exhausted. So much had happened in such a short time. Any way this was the least he could do after Naomi saved his life.
Jay had instantly seen Maverick sat in the waiting area but seeing how he was holding himself he recognised this stance. Maverick had been or was still in love with Jess. Chris had seen it and now Jay had seen it for himself. He would let it lie for the moment however that didn't mean he was going to let it lie. He decided he would speak to Chris and Tom later and see what they would suggest. Jay wouldn't normally be bothered but Jess was married and she was his sister in law first and foremost.
Maverick was sat with his head in his hands panicking about Jess. He had known Jess since she worked with him on the chinooks and medevac choppers in Afghanistan. He had never seen Jess this ill. Not even on the day she got shot whilst flying across Helmand province. She was taking the medevac chopper down to collect the casualties from the land mine that had gone off just outside of forwarding operating base Bastion and a stray Taliban bullet had hit her as she was in the middle of her descent. She still landed the medevac chopper, extracted the casualties and got back to FOB (forward operating base) Shawqat before actually even paying attention to her injury. It wasn't until he had walked up to her and tapped her on the arm that both Maverick and Jess had realised she'd been hit.
Jay approached "Mav, Bro, you ready to get this clean shirt?"
"Yes bro. thanks."
"You're quiet you ok bro?"
"Yeah Jana left me about six months ago and we have our divorce hearing tomorrow but given the state of our family at the minute I don't think it will be a wise idea to go with tensions running high. Not only that but the guy she slept with is denying all knowledge in a vain attempt to get her all the money I was paid for Afghanistan and all my army pension"
"You fucking what. How long were you married? Why didn't you tell us? What happened?"
"We were married five years and I came home to find her in bed with a surfer dude called Chad."
"Come with me bro."
Jay leads Maverick to the sonography department when Maverick sees a familiar person coming out of the scan room. Maverick stands bolt upright. Chad comes face to face with Maverick and Jay takes a step back. Maverick stares Chad right in the eyes. Chad recognises him and goes to run. Jay sticks out a foot and Chad goes flying backwards on to his ass. Chad tries to get up and Jay helps by grabbing his arm and dragging him to his feet.
"Ah the home wrecker. Or should I say gold digger."
"Look brah I didn't want anything to so with her schemes to wipe you of all your money that's not my style."
Maverick looks to Jay and Jay shrugs.
"Do I look like a fucking brassiere that holds women's boobs in place?"
"Erm No."
"And why on earth would you assume I am your brother? Do I look like a scruffy pot head hippy surfer guy to you?"
"No."
"Then why would you assume I am anything like you? Do I look like him bro?"
"Nah bro you look like a decent civilian who fought for his country and was injured saving the lives of others."
"I… I.. I…"
"Exactly… Nothing to say so here's how this is going to go down. At ten am tomorrow you are going to attend the court house in Chicago in your best suit. You are going to tell the defence for myself you are there to support my application for my ex wife to not get a single penny and most of all…"
Maverick menacingly stepped towards Chad.
"And I mean most of all you are going to tell the truth and when this is all done you are going to shake my hands and we are going to bury the hatchet because it seems you work with my sister in law and I will not have her upset given her current situation."
"It is all done. I would never hurt Naomi or her family intentionally. Would I Jay?"
"The verdict is still out on that one Chad."
"There we go. I will see you tomorrow morning bright eyed and bushy tailed. And if you turn up late or let me down then just remember I was part of the elite services in the army so I know how to hunt people down and make them do what I want." Maverick gently slaps Chad's face. Maverick walks away to Jay, puts his arm round his brother in arms and they walk off talking like they'd never been apart. Jay looks over his shoulder and sees Chad slump to the floor in a heap and smiles. His brother in arms still had it.
Wondering whether he should approach the subject of what was going on between Jess and him however given Jess was in the operating theatre and Naomi needed him he decided not to cause any more upheaval to the family today. It would wait. Jay only hoped Jess was aware of what he was going through.
"Lets head back bro the girls are going to need us especially my wife."
"Lets get going. Jay will you come tomorrow to my hearing?"
"Anything you ask bro I'm there."
Naomi sat impatiently outside of the operating theatre that they had rushed Jess in to when taking her on to the maternity unit. She was hoping and praying her little sister and her nieces and nephews would all be ok. Snake Shit and Jess though that was what was on her mind and she had a good mind to challenge him when he arrived back down here. She wouldn't because she wanted to get Jess' take on the whole situation first but things hadn't gone unnoticed. Not by Naomi. Not by Jay. Not by Chris. Chris thinking of the same thing at that time was hoping Afghanistan wasn't going to repeat itself again.
