Chapter Five
Maddie, sat at Jack's bedside, her eyes swollen from crying as she held his hand and watched the beeping and gasping machines as they measured her husband's vital statistics. Jazz was whispering quietly to the doctor who was standing near the door, looking as if he wanted to make a quick escape and was trapped. Danny and Sam walked slowly into the room and Maddie looked up.
"Danny!" she called, then ran into her son's arms.
"How's Dad?" He asked as he wrapped his arms around his mother as she trembled.
"He's going to be fine. Just fine." She sniffed then started crying. Danny looked toward his father, unconscious and hooked up to machines and wondered how long it would take Vlad to show his ugly face.
Apparently, not long enough, Danny thought as he turned in time to bump into Vlad as he walked into the room. "Here is your coffee Maddie my dear," Vlad said as he righted himself after almost bumping into Danny.
"Ahh Daniel," he said in surprise, and relief. "I'm glad they found you."
"Vlad," Danny said shortly as his arms tightened protectively around his mother.
"I've been here awhile," Vlad told Danny his eyes sparking, daring Danny to chase him off. "I was on the phone with Maddie when I heard the explosion and rushed over through The Ghost Zone." He smiled slightly and Danny narrowed his eyes. Danny looked over at his unconscious father again.
"We need to talk Vlad," he growled trying to sound friendly but failing miserably. "Out in the hall."
"I'll stay with your mom," Sam told Danny softly as she put her arm around Maddie's waist and guided her back to Jack Fenton's bedside.
XxXxXxXxX
"I know what you're thinking Daniel," Vlad began soothing as Danny stood looking down at Vlad with an anger filled glowing green eyes. Vlad still couldn't get over how tall Danny was. Vlad still wasn't used to looking up at the boy instead of down at him. "But it wasn't me really!" He held up his hand. "I swear."
"It was just a well planned "accident" right?" Danny accused as he stared Vlad down.
Vlad sighed heavily "Even if I did rig the device to explode, which I'm not saying I did. The heart attack was completely your father's fault."
Danny paused a moment. "Heart attack?"
"Yes Daniel," Vlad said gently. "Your father's penchant for cookies and fudge has finally caught up with him. Considering his amazing girth I am surprised it took as long as it did."
"It's true," Jazz said as she came up beside Danny. "I don't think that Vlad is entirely to blame for things this time." She narrowed her eyes at Vlad for a moment then looked at Danny.
"Then what is he doing here?" Danny asked Jazz angrily. "Don't you think his arrival is a little too convenient?"
Both Danny and Jazz looked at Vlad expectantly. "I am here to support my dear friend Jack in his time of need by taking care of Maddie for him while he's indisposed." Vlad defended.
"Yes, I think take care of Mom is the operative word here," Danny growled.
"I really need to talk to you," Jazz said as she pulled at Danny she shot Vlad a warning glance and he held up his hands to indicate that he wasn't going to follow.
"You two go talk," Vlad said unnecessarily. "I'll just get back to your mother…"
"Stay away from my mother you son of a…." Danny started but Jazz grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"Danny!" she started to yell, then looked around embarrassed. "Now!"
He followed her to an empty waiting room and watch as she went to stand by the window "What?" Danny finally asked as he looked into his sister's worried eyes. Jazz sighed then pressed her forehead to the cool glass of the window.
"Is he going to be all right?" Danny asked worriedly.
Jazz took a deep breath and thought for a moment. "We'll know more when he regains consciousness. His heart attack was moderate but he needs more tests. Unfortunately, his heart is the least of his problems." Jazz's eyes filled with tears and Danny put his arm around her.
"I feel so responsible," she sniffled. "I've added so much to his stress, what with the wedding then calling it off.."
Danny laughed weakly. "Dad doesn't stress about things like that Jazz. He stresses about his inventions and ghosts. The real world doesn't affect him too much. Stop beating yourself up."
Jazz shook her head. "You don't know Dad like I do Danny. He hides all his worries in his inventions and ghost hunting. There are things…you don't know about that…" She broke off in a sob and Danny put his hand on her shoulder.
"And you do?" Danny asked becoming offended that things were going on with his family that he wasn't aware of.
Jazz rubbed her face over her hand and looked up as a doctor and nurse ran into Jack's room. Maddie, Vlad and Sam were ushered out. Jazz looked at Danny for a moment.
"Go," he said as he pushed his sister toward the door. "Make sure he's all right." Jazz nodded and ran into the room.
Maddie was leaning against Vlad and Sam looked a little dazed. Danny walked over and suppressed the urge to pull his mother away from Vlad. She was so pale and small it was scary to see someone as positive and bright as Maddie Fenton, so listless. Danny put his arm around Sam and she patted his back reassuringly.
"Your father has regained consciousness," Vlad said flatly as he held eye contact with Danny. "He's going to be fine."
"Thank goodness," Maddie said breathlessly. She hugged Vlad. "Thank you for being here Vlad. I know it means the world to Jack. He thinks so highly of you."
Danny's observant eyes did not miss the flash of guilt which flickered across Vlad's face which sent Danny into marveling that Vlad had a conscience at all. "I'm pleased I could be here to support your family during this difficult time," was all Vlad said as he looked from Danny to Maddie.
Sam had put her hand on Danny's back. He looked down at her and sighed as he pulled her close. Maddie looked at her son and Sam and her face brightened. "When are you two going to set a date?" She asked tiredly.
Danny and Sam looked at each other a moment then shrugged their shoulders. "We haven't discussed that yet," Sam said. "We have so much going on in our lives right now that…"
Maddie reached out and touched Sam's arm. "Don't put it off Sweetie. Please." Sam watched pain and fear flicker in Maddie's eyes and she turned to look at Danny.
"Your father," Maddie continued as Danny glared at Vlad, who still had his arm around her, as she spoke. "Was saying just this morning that he believed the two of you would be shacked up in that apartment forever and make excuses that there was never time. And it's true. There is never enough time."
Maddie paused a moment then continued. She looked up at Danny who broke eye contact with Vlad in order to give her his full attention. "And he said," she paused as her emotions seemed to swell out of control. "That it would do his heart good to see the two of you married." She started crying again and Danny took the opportunity to reach out to comfort his mother, pulling her away from Vlad.
"Sam and I will talk," Danny promised his mother. "Well have a date for you by the end of the week." He made eye contact with Sam and she nodded her head. "We should know how Dad is by then okay?"
"As long as you promise," Maddie scolded.
"We promise," Sam said as she put her hand on Maddie's back. Danny's mother turned and looked at the girl her son had always loved and embraced her.
It was at that moment that Jazz emerged from the room looking a little less grim. "We think he's going to be all right," she said in relief. Her expression sobered. "Well at least he's out of danger for now." She looked at her Mom, whose eyes widened. "We are, I mean they are going to keep him for a few days and run tests, but we're confidant that he'll pull through this."
"Thank you Jazz." Maddie said as she hugged her daughter.
"No more cookies Mom," Jazz admonished. "And fudge. Dad's going to have to contend with some major lifestyle changes." Maddie only nodded as Jack's doctor exited the room.
"I assume Dr. Fenton here has already filled you in on Jack's condition," he said as he smiled wryly. "So I'll tell you now. He needs his rest. You can go in to see him briefly and then I want everyone to go home. You can come back in the morning."
Danny looked at Vlad. "And you don't need to come back at all," he said. Vlad narrowed his eyes at Danny.
"I'm going to stay with Mom." Jazz told everyone. "I have the time off for my honeymoon anyway so…Wow it's really fortuitous that I didn't marry Todd isn't it? Or I'd be so far away right now." She smiled sadly.
"Speaking of which," Sam said as she looked around. "Where is Tucker?"
"He hates hospitals," Danny answered flatly. "You know that."
Sam laughed. "Well then isn't it ironic that he's now involved with a medical professional." Danny laughed as well, but Jazz stood watching them with her hands on her hips.
"He's going to need to get over that fear if he's going to be involved with me at all," Jazz said as she headed down the hall. "Now Danny you can see Dad, but then I want you two go home before you fall over from exhaustion. You've been through too much today as it is."
Danny watched Jazz go and shook his head. "Over the years," he said in disgust. "She's become bossier and bossier." He looked again at Vlad who was standing too near.
"You do look pale by boy," Vlad remarked worriedly.
"I'm not your boy!" Danny said as he poked his finger to Vlad's chest. "Go back to Wisconsin where you belong." Danny took Sam's hand and walked into Jack's hospital room.
"What no wedding invite?" Vlad called as they went. As soon as they were out of site his look of concern changed to a large smile and he walked down the hall to the elevator.
XxXxXxXxX
"Son!" Jack boomed tiredly as Danny and Sam entered the room and stood by his bedside.
"Hey Dad," Danny said softly as he put his hand on his father's arm.
"Sorry to alarm you like this," Jack said eagerly. "I was trying to get the calibrations correct on my latest device and BOOM!"
"Jack," Maddie warned. "You need to rest."
"Oh sorry Honey," Jack said as he relaxed against the pillows and smiled at his son. "I hear you had an adventurous day. Hero at a supermarket eh?'
"You heard about that?" Danny asked in surprise.
"Of course I did," Jack answered happily. "And I'm proud of you son." Jack paused and his expression sobered. "I've always been proud of you Danny. Always."
"I love you Dad," Danny said then hugged his father.
"We really should go," Jazz interrupted. Danny hugged his mother while Jack and Sam made eye contact with each other. Jack winked at Sam and made a cheesy thumbs up sign which made her smile. Jazz kissed her father good bye first and left before Danny and Sam.
"I'll see you soon," Jack called. "Don't worry about me. Fenton's are made of strong stuff."
XxXxXxXxX
Danny and Sam made their way to the parking garage, more to make sure Jazz had a safe way to get home rather than looking for a way themselves. Danny had flown them to the hospital, and he would fly them home. No car was necessary. found Tucker downstairs in his car. Danny had flown to the hospital with Sam, so they had no car, but Danny had wanted to see if Tucker was around.
In finding Jazz they also found Tucker. They expected as they happened on the scene beside Tucker's car that the couple would be hugging but, instead Jazz was telling Tucker that he really should be concerned about his health and that his diet needed changing.
"You know," Sam began she leaned against the driver side door. "You're wasting your breath Jazz. I've been trying since the ninth grade to get Tucker to change his eating habits."
"Danny," Tucker begged in desperation. "Help me! They're ganging up on me!"
"Sorry," Danny said as he put up his hands. "In the interest of my well being I can't interfere."
Tucker shot Danny a sour look. "Some hero you are!"
Danny smiled. "If you were a pretty girl on the other hand…."
Sam punched him lightly in the stomach. "You're a sexist pig. I can't believe I said I'd marry you!"
Danny doubled up and groaned, "Does this mean the wedding is off?" Sam gave him a glare of mock anger.
"Yes you pig," she said as she observed the Danny's sad face, then giggled and hugged him. "Sorry, I take that back. No no you're never escaping."
"Oh darn," Danny said his eyes sparkling as he looked into Sam's. Tucker rolled his eyes and looked at Jazz who was smiling at her brother and her fiancée.
"You see what I put up with?" Tucker told her who only nodded her head in sympathy.
"So has Mom bugged you about setting a date yet?" Jazz asked as she took Tucker's hand. Tucker smiled and pulled her closer.
Danny and Sam looked at each other thoughtfully. "I was thinking," Sam began. "That October Thirty-first would be really cool for a wedding."
"You're kidding right?" Danny asked as he raised his eyebrows.
"Yeah," Sam admitted. "I am. It's too cliché. But, you have to admit it would be funny. Goth girl marries Ghost boy on Halloween." She smiled to her self then noticed everyone was looking at her. "What?" she asked.
"I thought you out grew all of that?" Tucker replied as he leaned his elbows on the outside of his car window. "Like it was just a really long phase. I've even seen you in pink recently."
"And I thought you would outgrow being in love with your PDA," Sam teased. Tucker blushed slightly and looked at Jazz. He sighed knowing Sam's teasing had a potential to get worse.
"I'm really tired," Danny told Sam. "I think we should go home before I'm too exhausted to fly."
"We could always hitch a ride wi…" Sam started then caught the look on Danny's face and smiled softly. "Oh yeah right." She said.
"Besides," Jazz began as she blushed. "I am commissioning Tucker to give Mom and I a ride back to Fenton Works." Danny and Sam wished everyone a good night as they walked out of the car park arm in arm. Jazz and Tucker watched them go wistfully.
"They're such a cute couple," Jazz said and sighed. "I just hope that Dad….well…."
"Jack will be fine," Tucker replied as he put one hand on the side of Jazz's face. "You said so yourself."
"Well," Jazz said sheepishly as she looked at Tucker. "There's actually a lot I didn't tell them."
"Didn't tell them. Why?" Tucker asked sadly as he watched a pained expression flit across Jazz's face.
"I'm a doctor! It's part of my training to be ambiguous." Jazz defended. "Besides I'm tired of seeing happiness constantly being ripped away from those two every time they find it. Hopefully the danger will pass and they never have to know."
"That's not right Jazz." Tucker warned as he resisted the urge to kiss her. "They're not going to be very pleased when they find out what you did, especially if things don't turn out the way you hope."
Jazz gave Tucker a worried look. "Lets just hope. Okay?" She opened the car door. "Come up with me," she ordered.
"No way!" Tucker said as he fought her pulling on his arm. "Not going up there. Needles up there."
"Don't be a big baby," Jazz chastised. "If you don't, we'll just stay here and discuss the psychological effects of…"
Tucker jumped forward. "Okay, okay," he said quickly. "I'll go up with you."
"Thank you," Jazz laughed with a pleased look on her face as she took his hand and dragged him into the hospital while he mumbled under his breath about the bad smell and crazy doctors.
XxXxXxXxXxX
The next morning a phone call to the hospital brought early bad news for Maddie Fenton. With Jazz still asleep she made her way to the hospital to see her beloved husband.
Jazz had hidden the keys to both the Fenton Family Assault Vehicle and the Specter Speeder, stating that her mother was too emotionally distraught to drive, so Maddie decided to take the bus. She was sitting on a bench waiting at the final stop before the hospital. The doctors weren't sure if he would make it another twenty four hours.
Maddie Fenton sat on that green bench feeling old and tired. All her joyfulness and perkiness was gone in the wake of worry and grief. She loved her husband with all her heart and even now worshipped him with a sort of fan girl glee. As goofy and silly as Jack was, he had the heart of a lion, a hero. He simply hid his light beneath his dopey silly persona. Maddie felt blessed to be one of the people who could see past the idiocy and into the brilliance. She covered her face with her hands and leaned forward as she began to weep.
"Hey lady," came a small voice. "Are you all right?" Maddie looked up and came face to face with a little bucktoothed boy wearing a pink baseball hat and carrying a pink and a green balloon.
"Hey Sweetie," she said kindly as she smiled shakily. "I'm fine. Thank you for asking. My name is Maddie. What's yours?"
The boy sat down beside her. "My name is Timmy," he replied "If you're fine, then why are you crying?" He handed her a tissue. Maddie took it gratefully not questioning why a little boy was walking around with tissues in his pocket.
Maddie looked at him thoughtfully and said. "My husband is very sick."
"Oh," Timmy said. "Is he really bad?"
"He's going to die," Maddie sobbed then began to weep into her hands again. The little boy looked at his balloons.
"You love him don't you?" Timmy asked sadly.
"Yes," Maddie said as she tried to gain control of herself.
Timmy patted her back. "Have any kids?"
"Yes," Maddie answered. "Two. Jazz and Danny, but they're grown up now and…I don't…know what I'll do without Jack…." The bus pulled up and Maddie looked at Timmy. "I need to go," she said as she looked sadly at the little boy.
"Don't worry," Timmy cheerfully. "I bet your husband will be fine."
Maddie hugged the little boy to her, surprising him a little. "I hope you're right," she said softly. "Thank you Timmy."
Timmy watched and waved as she got on the bus then said to his balloons. "Remember the time I wished that I could be ten years old forever so I never had to lose you guys?"
"Yes Timmy," Wanda replied thoughtfully. "We remember."
"We remember everything, Timmy." Cosmo added dumbly.
"Is there enough magic left for me to wish her husband to be all right?" Timmy asked as he watched the bus drive away.
"Of course there is Sweetie," Wanda said proudly.
"Wishes are unlimited when they are selfless and come from the heart," Cosmo added.
"Then I wish it," Timmy said as the bus faded from site. "I wish that Maddie's husband pulls through and that everything will be all right."
"That's a nice wish Sport," Wanda said her eyes tearing up.
"The best ever!" Cosmo said as he transformed from his balloon form and waved his wand to make Timmy's wish come true.
XxXxXxXxXxX
OLD A/N: So yeah. I hope you don't hate me for that. Or think it was too cheesy or silly. But we all know the news about Danny being disrupted after 53 episodes, but we also have to morn the loss of The Fairly Odd Parents. This is my tribute to FOP. Because you know Timmy would do it…plus, I just wanted to make him 10 forever so that he, Wanda and Cosmo would never have to be separated.