Sorry this has been so long in coming. Ms word quit working and ate the original ending of the story, but not to worry, I've finally gotten enough time to rewrite it. Sorry this part is so short; I promise the next part is longer! All previous disclaimers are still relevant - besides I don't have anything but a bunch of student loans growing by the semester! Please let me know if there is still interest! Thanks! -Hem
Don blinked himself awake, and then took inventory of his situation. Fear knotted his stomach and began to weave itself around his heart when he found the room empty. His father wouldn't have left unless something had happened to Charlie. He eased his legs over the side of the bed and was just about to stand up when the door opened.
"Donnie! What do you think you're doing?" Alan rushed forward and tried to push his son back down.
"I'm fine!" Don barked out while fending his father's arms off. "What about Charlie? When I woke up and found you gone, I..I thought Charlie had..." he trailed off, unable to continue his thought.
"Come on lie back down. Dr. Starnes will be in shortly." Alan pulled the covers back and then tucked them around Don who promptly began untucking them. "Your brother is still in ICU, but Dr. Weisz promised to allow us to visit him later today."
"Someone paged a nurse?" A tall red head entered the room and crossed over to the bed,
"Yes, my hard-headed son seems to think he can just waltz out of bed."
"Well, Dr. Starnes is coming to release you Mr. Eppes, so hold your horses. We wouldn't want you to hurt yourself again." She smiled as she adjusted the blanket around Don's torso.
Don rolled his eyes, and was about to say something when Dr. Starnes appeared at the doorway.
"Ready to go home?" She smiled at Alan before turning to Don. "I know you have reason to stay here, but I think you both need to go home, get a shower, some real food and maybe a nap." She held up a hand when she saw Don object. "Listen, I just checked on Charlie; he is holding his own, but it won't do him any good if his brother and father are not taking care of themselves. Dr. Weisz told me she was going to let you see Charlie this afternoon. That means you have at least 5 hours to go home and take care of yourselves." She fixed them each with a stern gaze, and both found themselves shifting uncomfortably.
"Fine..." Don finally muttered.
Once all the papers were signed and handed over, Dr. Starnes left, promising to check in ICU later in the day. Don practically jumped out of bed, but a second later groaned loudly.
"Did you hurt yourself, Superman?" Alan asked while hurrying to Don's side.
"No!" He snapped before softening his tone, "I just forgot that I have no clothes to change into. Maybe the gift shop sells sweats and t-shirts."
"Don't worry, I stopped at your place and picked up a couple of changes of clothes." Alan held out a small duffel bag. "You're going to want to stop by later and grab some more."
"Why? These will work until I'm back home." Don pulled a dark green t-shirt over his head.
"I'd feel better if you stayed with me for the time being. At least until we know... until your brother..." Alan couldn't finish any future thought of Charlie; his eyes reflected the sorrow and fear he couldn't let himself feel or show in this seemingly helpless situation. He knew Don would have preferred brooding at his own home in solitude, but he couldn't stand the thought of both of his sons alone – each facing a very difficult tomorrow. So he resolved to pull the one who was still within arms length, closer – he just felt safer that way. An awkward, heavy silence descended upon the room; both men had plenty of words and thoughts tumbling around, but neither could drudge up any words of encouragement.
After dressing, Don led his suddenly too quiet father out of the hospital. Alan had wanted to stop at ICU, but he didn't fight when Don steered him away from the elevators. Once in the car, Don let the breath he had been holding out. It wasn't until they pulled into the driveway that both men found their voices.
"Dad..."
"Son..."
Each paused and waited for the other to finish.
"Dad," Don struggled to find the right words. "Thanks, and I'm sorry." The weight wasn't gone from his shoulders, but he did find it easier to breathe.
His father smiled and hooked an arm around his neck, pulling him in for a hug. "You've nothing to be sorry for." He whispered before squeezing and releasing. Charlie hadn't lied when he said they were not the hugging types, but now seemed like an appropriate time to start.
TBC - soon - I promise!
