Author note:
A bit of angst for our favorite couple. Thank you all for continuing to read my story. Drop me a note if you are still enjoying.
CH 73-Torn
The Banquet went well, and Naima was able to attend and record Emma's performance. There was an added surprise. Emma was recognized for her talent and contributions to the Drama and Music department. Naima sent the video to Ray, Jason, and Clay. Davis was able to rig up the big TV in the Rec area and show the video for the whole team.
The subsequent weekend was quiet for Emma. Clay texted her that he would be on comms blackout for the next 72 hrs., so not to worry if she didn't hear from him. She tried her best, but she worried anyway. As the allotted timeframe was ending, she was anxiously anticipating a message about when they might be returning home. She was sitting in History class when there was a knock on the door. She saw her teacher speaking with someone and paid little attention until they called her over. It was her school counselor.
"Miss Hayes, you have a visitor here in the office. I think it would be best if you brought your things with you."
Emma almost couldn't breath and her whole body was shaking as she went back to her desk to retrieve her bag and purse. There were very few reasons that the counselor would come get her and take her to the office, and none of them were good. She blinked back tears as she walked and tried to control her breathing. Stepping into the counselor's private office, Emma spotted Naima. As the older woman reached out to her, her legs buckled under her and she had to catch herself and sit down.
"Wh…wh…what's going on? What's wrong? Who is it?"
Logically, Emma knew that if Jason or Clay had been killed, it wouldn't be Naima informing her. The Navy would send an officer and a Chaplin to the apartment to do the notification. But, if Naima was pulling her out of class, it was serious.
"Honey, Ensign Davis called. The team has sustained some injuries and they are coming home. "
"Who," Emma begged again. Now the tears were streaming down her cheeks and obscuring her vision.
"Clay suffered a concussion and some cuts and other injuries. From what she knows, it appears he will be okay. But they are taking him to the hospital."
Emma breathed a sigh of relief and offered a weak smile. "Thank God! I mean, that's horrible, but as long as he's going to be okay…"
Naima reached out and took Emma's hand. "Em, that wasn't the only injury."
Emma's brows knit together in confusion and then her eyes widened in understanding. "Daddy?"
The one, small word escaped her lips in almost a whisper. Naima took a deep breath and tried to find the words.
"Yes, Em. It's your dad. He was hurt pretty bad. I guess there was an explosion. I don't really know much. But your dad got caught up in it. And…he's in critical condition. They are transporting him directly to the ICU once they touchdown. I'm so sorry honey."
Emma leaned into Naima's arms and sobbed. This couldn't happen. How could God take her dad too? Was she going to be an orphan? What about….
Emma's head shot up and she asked, "Mikey?"
"I talked to your Grandma. She's going to get Mikey and tell him."
Thinking about what her little brother and Grandmother must be going through brought on a fresh wave of tears. Naima just sat quietly, rubbing her back and holding her.
"Em, they should be at the hospital in about an hour. Let's get your stuff and go meet your Grandma and Mikey."
Emma nodded woodenly. She felt terrified and numb all at the same time. It wasn't until she was sitting in the front seat of Naima's car on their way to the hospital that she even thought about the rest of the team.
"I'm sorry Naima. I didn't even ask about Ray. Is he okay? What about everyone else?"
"A few bumps and bruises, but the rest of the team is fine."
They reached the hospital and walked inside making their way slowly toward the waiting area for the ICU. Emma spied her family and rushed to her Grandma with a cry. Linda held her and the two wept together. Naima sat next to Mikey and wrapped her arm around the boy, offering what comfort she could.
This wasn't the first time Emma had found herself at the hospital worrying over her dad. There were at least two other occasions that she remembered where he had been injured badly enough that she and Mikey and her mom had huddled in a similar waiting room praying for him to be okay. It seemed forever until a familiar face appeared and was able to fill them in a little bit. Ray walked in first and headed for Naima. He took her in his arms and then went to Emma.
"Em, honey…I'm sorry. We got separated and your dad and Clay…"
"It's alright. I…where are they…how are they?"
"Um, Trent is with Jace. They're checking Clay in now, Sonny's with him."
Emma was torn. Part of her wanted to run to Clay, to see him and make sure for herself that he was okay. Yet, she didn't want to move from this spot until they had news on her dad's condition. Ray moved on to convey his feelings and support to Mikey and Linda. Naima saw Emma was struggling.
"Em, why don't you go and check in on Clay? It will probably be a while until they get your dad settled in and are able to come talk to us about his situation."
Emma still wasn't sure. She didn't want to abandon her grandmother and brother. Linda overheard and spoke to her granddaughter also.
"Naima's right honey. Go to Clay. At least you can put that part of your worry to rest. I promise that if we hear anything…someone will come get you."
"Okay. You're right. I need to see him. But, please…come tell me as soon as you know anything about dad."
"I promise honey. Now go. Give Clay our love."
Ray stepped over and put his arm around her. "C'mon Em. I'll take you to him."
They walked the halls quietly until they reached Clay's room. Sonny was standing outside. He reached out for Emma and gave her a bear hug.
"They're just getting' him settled Sunshine. You should be able to see him in just a minute. Good thing too. He ain't gonna be able to rest proper until he sees ya."
Ray spoke up. "Em, I'm going to go back and wait with Naima for news on Jace. You good here?"
Sonny answered for both of them. "We're good. I'm gonna make sure Blondezilla is okay and then I'll come on down."
They waited silently until a nurse finally stepped into the hallway. "You can come in and see him now. But I will warn you, he's very tired and in a fair amount of pain. We're trying to balance his head injury with his need for pain killers.
Emma nodded, "I understand."
The nurse stepped back and allowed them entrance. Emma's grip on Sonny's hand was like a vice. He kept an arm around her as they entered Clay's room. His eyes were closed, and they assumed he was sleeping. When Emma saw the bandages and the tubes, she choked back a sob. Sonny's arm tightened around her. Clay's eyes fluttered and he tried to reach out to Emma.
"Em…Em, baby, it's ok, 'm okay," he managed to croak out.
"Shhh. Don't move Clay. I'm here. I'm right here."
She hurried over to his side and gently lifted his hand to her lips. She was trying her hardest to be strong for him. He didn't need to worry about her right now.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."
"Wasssn't 'sleep yet. Needed to see you."
His words were slurred and heavy as he fought to stay alert. She laid his hand down carefully and he patted the bed lightly.
"With me babe."
"Are you sure I should…"
"Please."
Sonny watched her lay carefully at his side and Clay wrapped his arm around her and held her. He backed out quietly and left them.
