By - Red
Summary – In the Blink of an Eye everything changes.
Disclaimer – I don't own them and make no attempts at claiming that I do. Enjoy!
Part Two
1100 Local
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Christmas Day
Once again Mattie found herself pacing outside a closed door. This time the door led to the ICU were Harm was now. They'd let him in a few minutes ago but she couldn't go. She was bordering on boil when Harriet and Bud showed up. They couldn't stay long but they wanted to be here.
Ten minutes later Harm appeared through the doors rubbing his hand through his hair again. Mattie sighed. It was a repeat of last night again.
"How's the Colonel doing?" Bud spoke up.
"Bud. Harriet." Harm sounded surprised. "You didn't have to come down here today. I would have called to let you know."
"We know Sir but the Colonel would do the same for us."
"She woke up for a second but she's heavily sedated and really out of it. They have her on a ventilator…" Harm shuddered. "To help her lungs heal. I'm not sure when they're going to move her to a room she can have visitors." Harm stopped realizing he was rambling.
"But she woke up right. Opened her eyes and everything right Harm?" Mattie was trying to sound calm and not as scared as she really was.
"Yep squirt. That's a good sign. The doctors are pleased with how she handled the night." Harm beamed at her but it was short lived. Reality was harsh; they had a long battle ahead of them.
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1300 Local Bethesda
Naval Hospital
Christmas Day
General Cresswell walked into the ICU waiting room not surprised to see half his staff camped out despite it being Christmas. He didn't think he'd ever fully grasp how tight this crew was but after the last few days he was starting to form an idea.
"Any news?" He waved them off as they started to rise.
Harriet responded. "Not really. She's in and out of it. Harm convinced them to let Mattie see her for a few minutes."
"Very well." Cresswell responded. "Let the Commander know I was here." With that the General disappeared down the hall again.
"You believe he actually drove all the way out here just to leave again?" Harriet asked.
"I think that the Colonel knew him from a previous assignment. I'm not sure though." Bud took her hand.
"Harriet you guys should go home." They looked up at Harm. They hadn't heard him yet. "There's another storm coming in and you have kids that need to enjoy Christmas."
"We don't mind Harm. Mac would be here for us." Bud spoke up remembering her visits when he was here after Afghanistan.
"Actually Mac would want you to be with children and out of the snow storm Harriet." Harm reminded her with a smile.
"Where's Mattie?" Jen broke in.
"She went to the chapel. Jen can you check on her please? I want to get back."
"Sure Sir." They watched her exit.
"How'd it really go Sir?" Harriet asked.
Harm ran his hand through his hair again. It was a nervous twitch he was developing that Mac would find infinite ways to tease him about. "I'm not really sure."
"Commander Rabb?" Harm turned at the sound of Mac's nurse.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yes Sir. The Colonel is awake again and agitated. The doctors think you should be in there with her."
Harm looked torn.
"We'll wait for Mattie, and then we'll go Sir."
"Thanks Harriet."
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Harm worked his way towards the head of Mac's bed. The nurses were finishing up. Despite seeing Mac several times before his breath caught in his throat. Wires and tubes were coming out of every available part of Mac. His eyes shifted to her eyes. They were open but cloudy with fear and pain and all the drugs the doctors were pumping into her.
"Sarah." He reached through the bars of the Halo brace fastened to her head, brushing her hair back. "It's Harm can you hear me?"
He searched eyes for recognition. They cleared long enough for him to see the utter terror inside. "It's okay. You were in an accident. You're at Bethesda." Her eyes pleaded with him. "They have a tube in your mouth. Just relax. I won't let anything happen."
Mac tried to shake her head no but nothing happened. She hurt but she didn't. She felt disconnected and couldn't remember anything. She was bordering on panic and couldn't communicate with him. With one more pleading look at him to help her she disappeared into the darkness again.
Harm watched Mac's eyes fluttered shut. He let out the breath he'd been holding.
"She's doing fine Sir." Her nurse informed him.
He smiled at her grateful.
"They're going to take her for more tests." She held up her hand at him. "I'd suggest taking your daughter home. The tests are just to get a better gauge at the swelling. It's just routine."
"Can I sit a few minutes longer?"
"I can only give you a few." The nurse nodded at him continuing preparing Mac.
When he felt the familiar knot in his throat he decided it was time to go. With a promise to Mac sleeping form that he'd be back later he quickly fled the ICU.
TBC
