Chapter 25: Updated Condition

After the hospital's call, Emily moved as quickly as she could to get to James. She wasn't meant to drop Jack off for another hour or so. Rather than bring him to Jessica's early, she decided to just take him with her. She didn't really want to bring the boys to the hospital, unsure what was happening, but found that was the only thing she could do, so she called a car and told the boys to get their shoes on. Plans for the day changed.

"Is everything ok?" Jack asked, concerned.

"Everything's fine. You're just going to come with Nate and me to the hospital to visit his dad."

"I am? Does my dad know?"

"I'm going to call him right now."

Jack didn't say anything. Of course, he didn't want to spend the day at the hospital, but he knew how much Nate wanted to see his dad, so he didn't mind coming along.

True to her word, Emily called Hotch back and told him that the hospital called her. "They want me to come right away."

"Do you know why?"

"I have no clue. I know this isn't ideal, but I'm going to take Jack with us. It wasn't part of the plan, but Jessica isn't expecting him for an hour, and you said she'd be out this morning. So, he either comes, or we come up with an alternative very quickly."

"It's fine, Emily. Take him. Call me when you know what's happening. If I need to, I can try to swing by during my lunch hour."

Emily promised to call and hung up. They needed to get going and the car was there. The whole ride was filled with tension. She tried, for the kids' sake, not to let it show, but she was worried. She didn't know what to expect. That didn't absolve once they got to the hospital either.

In fact, it only got worse. Emily took the boys to James' floor and then to his room. She asked them to please wait right outside in the chairs and not to move.

"Why can't we just come in?" Nate asked.

"Because I am the adult and I'm asking you to please do as I say."

"But I want to see my dad."

"And you will. Just give me a second."

"Ok," Nate grumbled.

Emily waited to see the boys seated and talking amongst themselves before heading into the room. James didn't look any different to her. He still had the respirator in. They were going to take it out this week. Maybe that was what the meeting was about? But they were supposed to meet Wednesday. It was only Monday. She was going to drive herself crazy wondering. It sounded urgent, though, so she figured she should go find the doctor. For that, she didn't want to bring the boys.

Thankfully, a nurse came in to check on James and Emily saw an opportunity.

"How's he doing?" Emily asked.

"Better. Stable."

"Hasn't he been stable?" Was she missing something?

"Well, the seizure took a lot out of him. Made his heart erratic and the swelling return."

"What? What seizure?" Now she really was panicked.

"Oh… You didn't know. Well, you should really discuss it with the doctor."

"That was why I'm here. I… Look I have a meeting with Dr. Durant about James, but I have two kids with me today and had no time to find someone to watch them. Now that I know about the seizure, I'm even more eager to meet with Dr. Durant. What's the likelihood that James has another seizure?"

"I can't answer that," the nurse said. "He's on medication and being monitored, but there's no guarantee that he won't have another one."

"Ok…" Not helpful… "Can I leave the kids in here without them being traumatized?"

"Kids aren't supposed to be in here."

"This is one of those kids' father, so they have a right to be in here." She wasn't going to waste time arguing. "If something happens, can you just get them out of here… Please."

It took some doing, but Emily appealed to the woman's maternal instinct and emotion to get her to agree. It was about her break time, she told Emily, so she could stay there for fifteen minutes or so before needing to get back to work.

"Thank you so much."

Emily owed the nurse one, she thought, as she told the boys to visit with James. She got them settled and introduced them to Nurse Taylor.

"We don't need a babysitter," Jack told her.

"No offense Jack. I know you're a smart, reliable kid, but you are still a kid."

"I'm twelve."

"When I was twelve…" Nope, she wasn't going to finish the thought. "Twelve doesn't mean you should stay on your own. The both of you behave and I'll be right back."

"Where are you going?" Nate asked.

"I'm going to meet with your dad's doctor. He wants to talk to me."

"Can't I come?"

"No. I'm sorry, but you need to stay here with Jack."

Eagerly, she reasoned with Nate and finally got him to just spend time with his father and Jack after telling him that she would talk with him about her meeting after. It was enough to pacify him, mostly, because he didn't realize she'd give him the toned down, child-friendly version of things.

Emily gave the boys one last look before heading for Dr. Durant's office. The crutches slowed everything down, but it hurt too much not to use them. Thankfully, Dr. Durant caught Emily midway to his office.

"Emily," he stopped her.

She didn't give him a chance to say much else as she jumped in with questions. "James had a seizure? Is he ok? What's going on?"

"Let's have a seat," he said, escorting her to the nearby lounge area.

Emily stared at him in anticipation. She needed answers. She needed to understand what was happening with her friend.

"This morning, James had a seizure."

"I got that, but why, and what are you doing about it?"

Dr. Durant explained that James had a brain bleed caused by the head injury. "It's a chronic subdural hematoma. This means that the blood pooled slowly and is causing pressure in the brain in the form of a clot."

"This caused the seizure?"

The doctor used as simple language as possible to explain the problem. "Yes. While we initially treated it with medication hoping the bleed would reabsorb, the seizure happened after that, pointing to the condition worsening. I just got the latest CT scan and results from the EEG. The bleed is rather large and, though anticonvulsants are, thus far, preventing more seizures, I don't believe that the bleed will stop unless we go in to fix it."

"Surgery?"

He told her they wanted to drill burr holes into the skull. "This will allow us to drain the blood and relieve the pressure."

"There are no other options?"

"A craniotomy," he told her, "But that's a more intensive surgery in which we physically remove the clot by taking off a piece of the skull and exposing the brain. Because of his condition, we wanted to avoid major surgery. Burr holes are the best option at this point."

Emily shook her head. "Just… Do it. I'll sign whatever. Just, please, help him."

She suddenly felt so tired. Every day, it seemed like she got more emotionally exhausted.

"We'll prep him right away."

"Is this… Is he going to survive?"

"I'm confident that this will be key to his recovery."

"That's not a yes."

"I can't give you guarantees, but I can say that this is in his best interest."

"Ok," she sadly responded. "When?"

"Like I said, we'll start getting him prepped shortly and then take him to the OR."

Good, Emily thought, that meant there was time for her to explain to Nate what was happening and allow him to say whatever he wanted to James… Just in case. She wasted no time making that happen. She thanked Dr. Durant and then returned to Nate and Jack. Nurse Taylor was just outside the room. Emily thanked her for her aid and then went in to see the boys.

"You're back," Nate excitedly said.

"I am, and now we should talk."

"Uh oh," Jack mumbled. Emily wished he hadn't said that.

"What's wrong?" Nate asked.

Emily joined the boys in the seats. "It's about your dad, Nate."

"Is he ok?"

"He will be." Emily didn't know if it was appropriate to have this conversation in front of Jack, but opted to include him for moral support, if nothing else. "Remember that I told you that your dad was hurt really badly, especially in his head."

"Yeah."

"Well, that caused his brain to bleed a little and, at first medicine helped. But there was another bleed that was slow and continued to grow, now it's making his head hurt more."

Nate looked worried.

"The doctors think they can help him feel better, but they want to do a surgery."

"On his head?"

"His brain," Jack corrected Nate.

"Yes, on his brain."

"But… but that's scary."

"I know it is, but this will make his body feel better. You know when you get a really bad headache," Emily started, trying to give Nate some idea of what the surgery would do for James, even if there was no relatable experience.

"Like when I play too hard in the heat and sweat so much without drinking enough water?"

"Sure, like that. And you get a bad headache. Your dad's head is like that, but worse. It hurts him so much that it could be part of why he's not waking up like we thought he would."

"The surgery will help him wake up?"

"That's very possible. We'd have to wait and see, but I'm hopeful."

"When does he need surgery?"

Emily sighed. "Now."

"Now?" His eyes bulged. "But why?"

"I've already explained, Nate. The doctor needs to do it now before it gets worse."

"Can… Can he die?"

Emily put her hand on Nate's shoulder and held his attention. Jack offered him a hand too. "I'm not going to lie to you, Nate. Any surgery is dangerous, especially when you're hurt like your father is, but not doing the surgery would be worse."

"I don't want him hurt. I don't want him to die."

"It'll be ok," Jack said. "My friend's mom needed surgery once, a big one that took hours, and she was ok, so your dad will be too."

Emily smiled and silently thanked Jack for the assist when it seemed like Nate was calming down.

"He'll be ok?" Nate questioned, tears evident in his eyes.

"The doctor believes so. Yes. He'll be ok." She decided to just voice that. She hoped it was true, and, though she wasn't sure, had to give him that same hope.

Emily hugged him and told him that a nurse would be in any moment to get him ready for surgery and they would be kicked out of the room for that, so she said he should talk with his father now and wish him luck.

"Do you want to be alone with him?"

Nate nodded.

"Ok. Jack and I will be right outside the door. You have a few minutes."

Jack helped Emily up and held the door open for her, a gentleman like his father.

"Are you ok?" he asked once they were out of the room.

"I am. Thank you Jack."

"I'm sorry about your friend."

"Thanks."

"Is he really going to be ok?"

"I really hope so. I'm going to call your dad to let him know what's going on. Would you like to talk to him too?"

"Yeah."

"Ok."

Emily called Hotch and filled him in. He asked if she wanted him to be there, and, while Emily would have liked that, she told him no.

"Just focus on work. I have Nate to focus on. I did want to talk to you about Jack, though. I was supposed to bring him to Jessica's on our way back the hospital, but plans changed. I don't know if I can pry Nate away while James is in surgery and, honestly, I don't really want to leave either. Do you think you can call her and see if she can pick him up?"

"Of course. I'll call right away."

On her side of the line, Jack was trying to get her attention.

"What is it, Jack?"

"Can I talk to him?"

"Sure… Ok. Here," she passed him the phone.

"Dad?"

"Jack? What's up?"

"I don't want to go to Aunt Jessica's."

"Why not?"

"I want to stay here with Emily and Nate. They need me."

It warmed both adults' hearts when he said that.

"Are you sure, Jack? There's not going to be much you can do there."

"I'm sure. They're my friends and you always say you need to be there for your friends."

"You're a smart kid, Bud. You know that?"

"You've told me a couple of times."

"If you're sure about this, I'll see if it's ok with Emily and then talk to your aunt."

"I am."

"Alright. I love you and will come by as soon as I can. Call me if you need me."

Jack promised he would and then passed the phone back to Emily like his father asked. Emily told him she had no problem with Jack staying. He was helping her and Nate, too, so he was welcomed as long as he wanted.

"You don't need to stay, Jack," Emily told him once she hung up with Hotch. "It's not going to be any fun here."

"I know, but Nate is my friend and I can help him. That means I should be here."

"I appreciate that. If you want to leave, at any time, just let me know."

"I won't want to," he assured her.

Emily ran her hand through his hair and thanked him. That was just as the prep team was coming for James. Nate came running over to her.

"They're taking him," he said.

"Did you say what you wanted to say?"

He nodded. Nate told his father that he loved him and really wanted him to hurry up and get better already. He missed him and knew Emily did too. He was much more emotional as he spoke to James, but that was the gist of it.

Emily took her friend's hand and wished him luck in surgery. "Come back to us," she whispered. "Please… For Nate."

And then, just like that, he was being whisked away.

The surgery itself wasn't long, just forty-five minutes or so, but the wait was tedious. It didn't help that she couldn't pace. Jack, the amazing boy he was, kept Nate occupied. He just talked with Nate and told him stories. Emily had never been more thankful to have that boy in her life. She was stressed, and she feared that was only the beginning of that feeling. She wasn't wrong.

Nate, out of the blue, walked away from Jack and sat closer to Emily, just staring at her for a minute.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

Shyly, almost scared, he looked at her and asked, "What happens to me if daddy dies too? Then I have no one."

"That's not true." Emily inhaled deeply. "I think your dad is going to be ok, but if anything ever happens, you will have me. I promise. I will always be here for you, and I know it's not the same thing as having your dads, but I will love and care for you just like they have."

"And you'll have me," Jack added. "My dad too. And all the BAU family. We take care of each other."

"He's right, Nate. I know you're scared, but no matter what, you'll never be alone."

"But I won't have my dads."

Emily felt the emotion tie into a knot in her stomach. "James is still with us. You can't give up on him, Nate."

"Yeah Nate," Jack added. "I know it's hard, but Emily says he'll be ok, so he will. Emily doesn't lie."

If only things were that black and white.

"Emily," Dr. Durant called, her heart pumping.

"Wait here boys," she directed as she hobbled over to the doctor. "How is he?"

"He did well. He's out of surgery." Relief. Her body was flooded with relief. "He'll be in post-op for a few hours and we'll continue to monitor him for future bleeding as well as post-op infection. We're going to continue with his doses of prophylactic anticonvulsants and reassess that later."

"What does this mean, though? Is he ok? What can we expect if… when he wakes up?"

"Are you asking about the brain damage?" She nodded. "Again, we can't know until he wakes up. That is a potential complication, but it's not likely the surgery worsened or created any new damage. Right now, let's just focus on his recovery."

"Meaning?"

"We're going to let his body recover for the next twenty-four hours, and then I'd like to see where he is with the respirator. If all goes well, we should still have it out sometime this week."

"Ok…" Emily had questions. She still wanted to ask about him waking up and about the damage, but she didn't have it in her to hear a half-answer and the questions just didn't seem to pass her tongue. "Ok. Thank you."

"In a few hours, he should be returned to his room and you can see him, but let's try to give him as much rest as possible. Barring complications, he's on the right track now."

Like that hadn't been said before…

Once the doctor left, Emily returned to the kids with a big smile.

"Is Dad ok?" Nate asked.

"He's ok," Emily said, immediately receiving a huge hug from Nate. "The surgery is over, and we can see him in a couple of hours."

"That's great," Jack added.

The three had a mini celebration. Emily was, of course, thrilled that her friend was ok, but even more so, just ecstatic that she didn't have to let Nate down.

"I take it things went well," Hotch's voice startled them. He, JJ, and Penelope were all there.

"Dad," Jack said. "He made it out of surgery."

"That's great," Hotch said, mimicking his son's earlier sentiments.

"Very good news," JJ agreed.

"We're very happy," Emily said. "What are you guys doing here?"

"We thought you could use the support."

"We would have been here sooner, but the boss man," she made a-hem coughing noises and pointed to Hotch, "wouldn't let us use the sirens."

"With good reason PG. You guys didn't need to come."

"We wanted to," JJ insisted. "So, everything went ok?"

"Yes. James is out of surgery and in post-op. We can't see him for a while, but he is ok."

They could all see Nate and Emily were very happy about this, as they should have been.

"How are you doing Nate?" Hotch asked.

"I'm good. I think. I just want my dad to be awake."

"I know," Hotch said, ruffling Nate's thick hair. "Have you guys eaten?"

The boys shook their head.

"Well, it's going to be a little while before anyone can see James. What do you say? Want to have some food?"

Nate shrugged.

"You should go with Jack and Hotch, Nate. I'll stay here so that if he comes earlier than expected, he won't be alone," Emily said when she saw Nate's hesitancy.

"Yeah? Ok," Nate agreed.

Hotch really wanted Emily to go eat, too, but he'd bring her back something and force her if needed.

"Let's go boys."

Hotch led them away, and Emily fell back into the uncomfortable, hard chair and leaned back.

"Long day," JJ joked.

"Long few weeks," Emily responded. "Not that I'm not happy to see you guys, but you didn't have to come."

"We wanted too."

"Oh, phooey. Of course we needed to be here," Penelope said. "Derek, Spencer, and Dave wanted to come too, but you know, Dave really shouldn't be driving with the meds he's on."

"No, he shouldn't. I'm glad he didn't come. He's where he needs to be."

"And the other guys are doing a… consult they couldn't get out of. They said if we're still here when they're done, they'll come by."

"Great. Thanks for being here."

"Wanna tell us how you're really doing?" Penelope probed.

"I… I'm ok. I know I say that a lot, but I mean it. It wasn't an easy day, but I'm getting through it and so are Nate and James. That makes it better. Now I have you all here, and that helps too."

"Ah, she's a sweetie and she loves us," Penelope sung.

"I do love you both."

The girls tried to lighten the mood. JJ shared a story about something hilarious Henry did, and Emily welcomed the distraction as they waited.

"So," Penelope began, leaning forward like she wanted to keep the conversation hush, hush. "Did you and Hotch share a bed last night?"

"Pen," Emily moaned, facepalming. "We have never nor are we planning to share a bed."

Garcia and JJ rolled their eyes.

"The not planning part will make it hotter. Good, stick with that."

"JJ, control your friend."

"My friend," she said. "She's your friend."

"I'm everyone's friend," Penelope huffed.

The girls continued to tease each other falling into old patterns. All that was missing was some wine, and maybe some snacks. Hotch, however, would take care of that last part.

When the boys returned, they came bearing coffee and treats, for which all were grateful.

"Did my dad come back yet?" Nate asked.

"Not yet. They said a few hours and then we can't stay with him for very long."

"Alright." It wasn't really the answer he was looking for, but at least he would get to see his dad.

After their lunch, Emily sent the girls home. There was no reason for all of them to be there, she told them. "Go be with your family or go out. Have fun."

"We'd have more fun if you came with us."

"Soon," Emily promised. "Once things settle down."

"We're going to hold you to that," JJ said.

"Don't I know it."

Once they were gone, Hotch asked her the same thing they did, how she was really doing, and she gave the same response.

"I was scared, and I know Nate was too. Jack really helped us both. You have one great kid there."

"Thanks." He was inclined to agree with her. His son was one of a kind. "I'm here if you need anything," Hotch reminded her.

"You've already been here for me. I don't think I can forget it."

"Then I'm doing my job."

"More than," Emily said.

Emily leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder before Hotch gave her a hug, which she happily returned. He had gone above and beyond to help her, and the surprises weren't over yet.

After Emily and Nate got to see James, who looked worse than he had earlier – which was normal they were told – Hotch insisted on taking them home.

"Visiting hours will be over soon. You won't be able to see him. Let's go."

Emily was tired and easily agreed, even if a part of her wanted to stay. It worried her, however, how easily Nate was convinced. She told herself she would need to watch and see if something was going on with him. When they got home, Hotch asked the boys to go wash up while he started on dinner, which Emily insisted she help with saying it was the least she could do, until they heard a scream.

It was a surprised, happy kind of scream. A yell. Jack's room was different. The bunkbeds were set and all of Jack's stuff was moved to the top.

"It's so cool," Jack beamed. "Thanks Dad!"

"You're welcome, Bud, but you'll have to thank Spencer and Derek. They're the ones that did it all today."

"Wow. Look, Nate. This one is your bed," he pointed to the bottom. "It even has your stuffed animal waiting."

"That's Patch."

"Cool name. He has patches."

As the boys checked out their new digs, Hotch told Emily she should check out the office.

"What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything. Just go check it out. I'm right behind you."

Emily and Hotch walked to, what was the office, and opened the door.

"Woah… This looks…"

"Completely different," Hotch finished.

"Like an actual bedroom. For who?"

"You, of course. It's more your style, isn't it?"

"Why?"

"You might be here for a day, you might be here for months. Either way, you deserve to have your own space and you can't go back to the cabin. So this is it. Derek and Spencer put this together, style input by JJ and Garcia, and paid for by Dave. He thought you should be comfortable too."

"This was really amazing, but so unnecessary. I was fine with sleeping on the pullout if you would have let me."

"I know, but you shouldn't live with fine. Now, just say thank you and enjoy it."

"Thank you and enjoy it," she said teasingly. "Seriously though, thank you. This is great."

"I'm glad you like it. I think JJ got some more clothes for you in there too."

That was something she needed. Emily took it all in. It made her remember why the BAU and this team was so important to her. Aside from Clyde, they were the first chosen family she knew she could count on, always.

"You want to check it out more or come help me cook?"

"I think I'll help. I can check it out later."

"Ok."

It seemed like everything was getting better, and by the end of that week, a lot of things had changed. Though not yet alert and awake, James was off the respirator and had no sign of infection or rebleeds. He was healing and, in time, the doctor was sure he would wake. Any moment now. Nate was a little on edge where James was concerned, but Emily, Hotch, Jack, and the whole team were always around to comfort and bring hope.

Emily was happy that the legal paperwork for her to officially be Nate's guardian was in the works. They were able to keep Emily's kinship to Nate quiet from the team and Elizabeth as they filed the necessary paperwork, which was something she wanted. She hadn't yet decided whether it was her place or her time to tell Nate about their blood bond. It wasn't a pressing issue, and it was something she should discuss with James. She was overstepping so much already. Plus, with Bardolino in prison awaiting trial, Emily thought it was best to keep anything regarding Nate on the down low. She didn't believe anyone else in the family would be after Nate, but there was no reason to draw any attention to him.

Elizabeth, however, did find it surprising to learn her daughter was staying at her ex-boss' home indefinitely.

"It's not indefinitely, Mother," Emily tried to reason. "It's just until I can get official custody of Nate and find somewhere to stay that works with my leg."

"Speaking of, have you had your appointment? If you haven't, I have a list of superior orthopedic surgeons I can share."

"Thank you, but Pen already compiled the same list and the recommendation I was given was at the top, so I have an appointment next week and will be sticking with him unless he's a real asshole."

"Language," Elizabeth scolded.

Things with Elizabeth were working out well. Elizabeth was making every effort to be included in her daughter's life, and she appreciated it. The home front, it seemed, was going strong. Vince's body was going to be escorted back to the states with Clyde very soon and a funeral was in the works. Nate liked the idea of what a funeral meant. He would get a chance to say goodbye and he wanted that. He was also really excited about school and the prospect of being in the same one as Jack, who was quickly becoming like a big brother to him, always taking him under his wing.

Everything was looking up. Still, Emily had some less than restful nights. Late one evening, Emily was having trouble sleeping. She woke up with a headache, a sore leg and thoughts about James possibly not waking up, and she just couldn't fall back asleep, so she decided to make some tea and watch some TV until she was ready to pass out. Quietly as she could, she set herself up in the living room, but a visitor came to join her.

"What are you doing up?" Emily asked Jack.

"I woke up and couldn't sleep again."

"Me too. Want to join me?"

"Ok," Jack said, plopping beside her on the couch. Before getting cozy, he put a pillow under her knee. "Dad says you should keep it elevated."

"Thanks Dr. Jack."

He laughed and took the spot beside her. It was quiet and comfortable between them as the night wore on. Jack, though, had something on his mind.

"Emily?"

"Yes Jack?"

"Can I ask something? Dad said it wasn't my business, but I'm curious."

"Ok."

"I know Nate has – had – two dads. They were gay, so was he adopted?"

Such interesting thoughts, Emily said to herself. Why was he thinking about that? "No. He wasn't."

"So, that means he has a mom somewhere?"

"I suppose, yes."

"Does she love him?"

Emily was quick to answer, "I know she does."

"Is she going to take him away from us?"

Emily looked at him curiously. "Why are you worried about that?"

"I like Nate. I don't want him to leave. He needs us."

"I agree, Jack. He needs us. All of us, and I will do everything I can to keep him here with us no matter what happens with James."

"Good."

Emily agreed.

"But how did it work? How does Nate have two dads and a mom? Does he have two moms too?"

Oh boy, Emily thought. This was going to be a fun conversation.