A Fresh Start
Chapter Two Hundred Forty Three
Sam pulls up to Cross Creek. She reaches to open the door but Julien reaches to stop her. She looks at him and then sits back. He gets out and walks around her car. Opening the door for her, he looks around as she gets out of the car. "He's in jail and I seriously doubt he's been able to get his men together to come after me."
"Whether he has or not, is not the point. I'm paid to guard you, everywhere you go." Julien says, walking behind her as they walk up to the door.
"This is my sister-in-law's house. He doesn't even know that." Sam says, as Reva opens the door.
"He doesn't know what?" Reva asks, as Sam hugs her.
"It's nothing. Julien, this is my sister-in-law Reva Shayne Lewis. Reva, this is Julien, my body guard for now."
"I thought you said this wasn't serious." Reva says, as they walk in and she closes the door.
"It's not. Jeremiah is in jail. He has been since this morning. But until the trial is over and things are settled with Jeremiah, I have a body guard, courtesy of my very over-protective, though somewhat understanding husband." Sam says, walking into the living room. She looks around, rather surprised at the décor. "Somehow I didn't picture this as your house."
"You thought I would have something more like you have."
'Well, yeah." Sam says, taking her coat off. She lays it on the arm of the couch after sitting her purse down.
"This was the family cabin for Josh's father… well Jeffrey's too. It's been in the Lewis family for generations. It was in Oklahoma, but a few years ago, Josh moved it to here and we sold our home here." She says, looking around. "You know, it might be a good idea to do a little re-decorating."
"No, no, that's not what I meant. This is beautiful."
"It's beautiful for the hills around Tulsa, but it doesn't quite fit here in Springfield."
"It's your family's home, don't change it because…."
"I wouldn't, I promise. I think I can update this and still keep the feel of Cross Creek, besides, it's not the decorations that make this place, it's the memories." She says, walking into the kitchen. "And Julien, I didn't mean to be rude, welcome."
"Thank you, Mrs. Lewis." He says, nodding as Sam settles onto a bar stool.
"Cassie should be here any moment." Reva says, as Sam nods.
"So, how are things with you and Josh?"
"A lot less tense, since he's accepted that Jeffrey's his brother, which will make Thanksgiving easier." She says, pouring them both something to drink. She turns to give a glass of tea to Sam, but holds back. "I didn't think about it. Would you like some water?"
"The tea is fine. A little caffeine won't hurt the baby."
"I can make you something else. I've got some mint herbal tea and some green tea, I'll make some of that."
"Reva, you don't have to make anything special."
"It's fine. Cassie will need something else to drink as well. Julien, why don't you sit down? And would like some tea?"
"I prefer to stand, but I will have some tea, thank you." He says, standing within sight of the door and windows at the front of the house.
"So, your brother wants to keep you from testifying for this girl's mother, why?"
"I'm an outsider and he considers me to be interfering with his business."
"You were only doing your job."
"Yes, but my… we were taught to believe in healing through faith and prayer and not so much on modern medicine. Mrs. Owens took a great risk keeping Arianna. And then she took a greater risk bringing her to see not just a doctor but to see me. The law arrested her for keeping Arianna, but my brother will punish her and Arianna if either of them are returned to them. My brother's knows that I will do everything I can to keep that from happening, thus I am interfering in his business and he despises me for it."
"That makes absolutely no sense." Reva says, as Cassie walks in.
"What doesn't make sense?" Cassie asks, as she closes the door.
"We were talking about Sam and her brother." Reva says, as she walks into the kitchen.
"Sam's brother, he's in Georgia." Cassie says, looking at Sam.
She nods, as she says. "He's not in Georgia, not anymore. He's in jail right now, but he moved to Laurel Falls right after J and I married last summer."
"He moved to Laurel Falls, why?" Cassie asks, sitting down next to Sam.
"I'm not sure all the reason, but I'm fairly certain it was so he could be close enough to me to bring me back into "the fold"." She says, holding up quotation marks. "At least that was the reasoning he gave to everyone that came with him." She says, as Cassie notices Julien standing by the door in full view of the windows.
"Who are you?" Cassie asks, watching him as Reva sits down at the table beside the bar.
"Ahhh, that's Julien." Sam says, as she looks at her. "He's my bodyguard." She says quickly.
"You're bodyguard! Why do you need a bodyguard?"
"It's a long story, so I'll give the abridged version. Julien is here to keep me safe from Jeremiah. Jeremiah is… well he was a threat to me and the safety of the baby, so Jeffrey had Noah send in an agent to guard me until everything is settled."
"Why is your brother threatening you?"
"I'm set to testify on behalf of a woman that was once a member of the same religious sect that I was brought up in. She was charged with kidnapping after she kept her teenage daughter away from her father after her visitation period was up. She brought the girl to me, to be treated for a severely injured shoulder, which I did. But now Jeremiah sees me as interfering in his business and Jeffrey is afraid, or was afraid that he might try to do something to me to keep me from testifying on behalf of this woman."
"And now Jeffrey's not afraid because he's here?" Cassie asks, nodding at Julien.
"No, he's still concerned, but Jeremiah was arrested this morning in Laurel Falls on unrelated charges. But Jeffrey is still concerned that even though Jeremiah's still in jail, he might still send someone after me, thus Julien gets to go wherever I am. So, Thanksgiving, what are we planning?" Sam asks, looking at both of them.
Taking the hint, Reva says. "Josh usually fixes the turkey. Cassie's going to fix her world famous peach pie."
"It's not world famous, but I'll make the peach pie."
"I can make my mom's dressing." Sam says.
"That's good, anything else."
"Well, it is the holidays and I know she's not here, but you could make the fudge." Cassie says, looking at Reva.
"I haven't made that since Tammy…."
"I know, but Richard likes your fudge too."
"So, I'll make the fudge. Since we're talking about food, is anyone hungry?"
"I'm starved. I didn't eat before… well this morning." Sam says.
"I'm hungry too." Cassie says, as Reva gets up and walks into the kitchen.
"Well, we've got at least two of the desserts."
"Billy's going to expect your casserole again." Cassie says, getting up to get something to drink.
"I'm making some mint green tea." Reva says, as Cassie gets a glass of water.
"That's fine, I want some water." She says, taking a drink as she walks back to her seat. "You're going to make the casserole?" Cassie asks.
"Of course, I'll make the casserole. But I'm not sure it fits with Thanksgiving."
"Maybe not, but Billy will want it. Are there any dishes that Jeffrey will want?" Cassie asks, looking at Sam.
"You know, I don't really know. We didn't have much chance to celebrate the holiday's traditionally before. Most times, we were on assignment and we would get turkey and dressing where ever we could find it."
"You guys took assignments over the holidays?"
"Well, yeah, Jeffrey didn't have any family then and I wasn't welcome at home either so it didn't make sense for us to take time off."
"What about afterwards, when you were…."
"When Jeffrey thought I was dead. I went to my sisters sometimes, but usually I was at the hospital. I know something else I can make, mash potatoes."
"That's good, Reva really…."
"Watch it, little sister." Reva says, looking at Cassie.
"I was only going to say that you can't really make them."
"Ummm hmmm.' Reva says, looking at her.
"You're the one that nearly burned the house down."
"I did not. The smoke alarm went off."
"Yes, because you left a pot of potatoes on the stove and they boiled dry while you went to the store for an hour."
"It wasn't an hour. Fifteen, twenty minutes at the most and I asked Marah to watch them till I got back."
"She asked a fifteen year old to watch boiling potatoes." Cassie says, looking at Sam. She smiles.
"So, how bad did you burn them?"
"They weren't that bad."
"Putting gravy on them didn't even help them."
"So, why didn't you make more?" Sam asks, looking at Reva. She doesn't answer.
"Because, she wasn't going to go back to the store…."
"It wasn't that I wasn't going to go back. I couldn't go back. They were closed and I used the last of my potatoes to fix them." Reva says, getting the stuff out for sandwiches.
"Alright, so I'll take pity on the family and I'll make mash potatoes." Sam says, smiling at her.
"I see how this is going to be, you two are going to gang up on me." Reva says, pointing the knife at them.
"We would never to that." They say simultaneously, both of them grinning.
"There is one thing I wanted to ask?" Sam says, looking at them.
"What's that?" Cassie asks.
"My sister Megan, she's living here now. And I'm not sure, but her boys might be going to DC for the holiday and I wouldn't want her to be by herself…."
"Of course she can come." Reva says.
"Of course she can." Cassie agrees.
"I'll ask her and let you know." Sam says, as Reva hands her a sandwich. "Thank you." Sam says and she nods.
"I think we should all bring at least two vegetables and I'll bring my peach pie."
'That's probably the best way to do it." Reva says, handing a sandwich to Cassie. "Josh, will be doing the turkey?"
"Is Billy bringing Stacey?"
"I don't know. I haven't asked him."
"Ava and William know that they are welcome too." Reva asks, looking at them.
"I'll be sure to mention it to Richard."
"And I'll do the same to Jeffrey."
"Is that everything?" Reva asks, before starting in on her sandwich.
"It seems that way." Cassie says, looking at Sam.
"Yeah, I think that's fine."
"Good."
"One more thing though." Cassie says, as they look at her. "I think we should have Christmas dinner at the farm."
'Are you sure you want to do that, with everything that's going on right now."
"Yes."
"Have you said anything to Richard?" Reva asks.
"No not yet, but it's the perfect setting for Christmas." Cassie says, as she swallows.
"The farm is a beautiful place. It reminds me a little bit of my grandparents place in Georgia."
"Where are you from in Georgia?" Reva asks, looking at Sam.
"I'm from a small town north of Atlanta. My family has lived there since before the Civil War." Sam says, taking a drink.
"Why would I need to talk to Richard about Christmas?" Cassie asks, looking at Reva.
"I was thinking it might be too much with the campaign and all." Reva says, after taking a drink. "I mean you're going to be in the middle of it and then have all of us at the farm for the holiday, isn't that a lot?"
"No, it's not. It's only for one day. And if I need some help I'm sure I could pay one of the staff at the Beacon some extra money to come over and help. I want you all to be there."
"I'm not upset Cassie. I just thought maybe you would want to ask Richard before you make any definite plans."
"I'll say something to him, but I don't think he'll be worried."
"That's all I'm suggesting." Reva says. "So, Sam what's going to happen with your brother?"
"I don't really know. He'll be processed through. He may get bail, but I doubt it. If the DA's smart he'll argue that he's a flight risk, which he is but then it's more likely that he'll stay here because he's not finished with his plans for me. So I don't know.
"And you think he's still going to come after you even though he's been arrested."
"Yes, he'll still come after me. He knows no fear about the law and he wants to bring me back into the fold."
"I can't imagine living like that. You can't make your own decisions. You have to follow his rules, otherwise you're…." Reva looks at Sam.
"If you break the rules of the sect, you're lost in the eyes of the congregation and God."
"And he believes God feels this way, so he's justified in doing this."
"Yes, he… we...that's the way we were taught. Everything you do is to honor God and the only way to honor him, is to follow the rules that my father set out. Rules he said came from God."
"But were more his own personal beliefs and less about what God would want?" Cassie asks.
"Yes, it was more about his beliefs than Gods. But saying that God told him this gave him wide powers to control everyone's lives."
"He doesn't control your life."
"But in a way he does. I'm terrified that I'll be exactly like him to this baby and I don't want that." Sam says, laying her hand on her stomach.
"Speaking of babies, are you sure you're only having one baby?" Reva asks, looking at her.
Smiling, she says. "I'm not sure, but Dr. Sedgwick hasn't said anything about more than one, but then I've only had one sonogram done and I won't have another one for another month or two. How are you doing?" She asks, looking at Cassie.
"I'm great. Except for becoming tired easier and Richard watching over me, it's hard to imagine that I'm actually pregnant. I was looking at Tammy's room the other day." Cassie says, finishing her sandwich.
"You were looking at Tammy's room, why?" Reva asks, after she swallows her last bite of sandwich.
"Richard and I are thinking about letting that room be the nursery. It's the closest to our room and…."
"You don't have to explain Cassie. I was just surprised. It makes sense to use Tammy's old room as a nursery."
"I was trying to work out how I would set the room up when Richard came home from a meeting. I don't know if it consciously or unconsciously that he does it, but he pulls me away from things that I need to do and maybe because he doesn't want me to do too much."
"I think that is why Jeffrey was so freaked out about my brother. I'm pregnant and he forgot that I'm trained to protect myself. He was reminded when Frank ordered the protection detail." Sam says.
"I'm just happy I'm past that stage. Now I get to spoil my grandkids and nieces and nephews."
"We don't know which it will be." Cassie says, sitting back. "How Jeffrey been with Ava?"
"Actually, he seems fine with all of it."
"What's going on with the planning for the wedding?" Reva asks, as Josh pulls up. Reva gets up and walks over to the door after hearing a car pull up.
"Who is it?" Cassie asks.
"Ummm, it's Josh." She says, opening the door as he walks up. "I wasn't expecting you." She says, as he leans in and kisses her before they walk into the house. He sees Sam and Cassie sitting at the table with plates in front of them.
"I know. I thought we could go to lunch, but it looks like you've already had lunch."
"We did, we were working out the details for Thanksgiving and….."
"We were hungry." Sam says.
"So, Reva made us all sandwiches." Cassie says.
"I guess I should've called." Josh says.
"Well, it's not a total loss." Sam says, getting up and reaching for her coat, pulling it on as Cassie stands up.
Cassie pulls her coat on as she says. "I need to be going too. I have some things I need to do for Richard and the campaign."
"How is that going?" Josh asks.
"It's just started, but it seems to be going well."
"Good.' He says, as she and Sam turn for the door. He opens it and they walk out as Reva walks up beside him.
"We've got everything planned for Thanksgiving?" She asks.
"I think so. " Cassie says, as Sam nods. "We'll see you later." Cassie says, reaching to hug Reva and then Josh.
Sam follows her. Stepping back, she looks at Reva and says. "Thank you for inviting me."
"You're welcome. We'll talk more and keep us up to date about your brother."
"I will." She says, turning for her car with Julien behind her.
"See you Sam." Cassie says.
"Bye." She says, turning around. :"Be careful going home."
"You too." Cassie says, as Julien opens her car door. He closes the door and then walks around the car as Sam starts the car.
"Who was that guy with her?" Josh asks, as they pull away.
"That's her bodyguard." Cassie says, as Josh looks at her.
' "I'll explain it. Are you going home now?" Reva asks.
"Yes, I got a couple things to do before the boys come home." Cassie says, reaching to hug Reva and then Josh. "We'll see you both later."
"Definitely." Reva says, as Cassie turns around.
"Bye Cassie." Josh says.
Turning around, Cassie waves and then walks on to her car as they go inside. Cassie leaves a few moments later.
Reva closes the door and then walks back into the kitchen. Josh watches as she gathers up their lunch dishes and rinses them off before she puts them in the dishwasher. She turns to him. "I'm sorry about lunch."
"It's fine." He says, walking over to her.
"We were discussing Thanksgiving and making plans for that. And we were talking about other things."
"Since Sam was here I can assume that she and Jeffrey will be at dinner."
"Yes. Are you okay with…?"
He reaches for her as he says. "I'm not fighting Jeffrey being a part of this family anymore. I wasn't really fighting him anyway."
"You were fighting the fact that HB slept with someone beside your mom again."
"Yes."
"Did you tell him that?"
"Yes, the other day when I went to talk to him about how he handled finding out about Ava. Billy pointed out that he's been through the same situation as I am going through right now with Dj, so I went to talk to him."
"Has he contacted you at all?" She asks, letting him go. He releases her.
"No, I'm going to set back and let him come to me."
"And what if he doesn't?"
"Then I'll have you, Marah, Shayne and Jonathan. I'll set something aside for him, but I'm not going to force a relationship on him." He says, walking into the living room. She follows him, sitting down beside him on the couch.
"Alright, if that's what you want to do. Cassie suggested that we have Christmas at the farm this year."
"Isn't that going to be too much?"
"That's why I suggested that she talk to Richard first before we make final plans."
He settles back into the couch before he looks at her. He's thinking about leaning over and kissing her. Looking at him and seeing the fire in his eyes, she moves to get up and he asks. "Where are you going?" She holds her hand out. He takes it, standing up.
"Come on." She says, leading the way to the stairs.
"You know I really did only come home for lunch with you." He says, following as she leads him into their bedroom.
Sam was almost home when her cell phone starts ringing. As she stops at the light in front of Company, she pulls her phone from her purse. "Yes." She answers on the second ring.
"Dr. O'Neill?" A woman asks.
"Yes. Who is this?"
"Doctor, I'm the nurse on duty taking care of Mrs. Marler."
"Is something wrong?" Sam asks, as the light changes.
"Not wrong ma'am. I think she's waking up."
"Waking up… she… alright I'm almost to the hospital. I'll be there in five minutes." Sam says, turning in the opposite direction of home as she hangs up. "I've got to go by the hospital to check on a patient." Sam says, as Julien looks at her.
"We should call Mr. O'Neill." He says, reaching for his phone.
"There's no need to call him. I won't be long." Sam says, pulling up to the hospital.
She finds a parking place as quickly as possible and then gets out with Julien following her. In less than five minutes, she walks up to the nurses station as the lead nurse looks up. "Dr. O'Neill." She says, surprised to see her so soon after she called.
"What's going on with Blake?" Sam asks, reaching for the chart that the nurse hands her.
"We documented everything, ma'am…"
"Just call me Sam or Dr. O'Neill." Sam says, as the nurse nods.
"The activity started last night. Minor twitches in her hands which could be explained by involuntary muscle spasms, but this morning there was some minor eye movement." The nurse says.
"Has there been anything in the last hour?"
"We checked on her ten minutes ago, and the movement seems to have increased, that's why we called you."
"I'm going to go examine her. Has anyone contacted the family?"
"No ma'am, our first call was to you."
"Good, I'll call after I examine her, if I need too." Sam says, turning away from the nurse's desk. Julien follows her. When she reaches Blake's room, she turns to him. "You will need to wait out here." She says, as he nods. Pushing the door open, she walks into Blake's room. The door closes behind her as she walks over to the bed. "Good morning, Blake." She says, reaching for her flashlight. Shining the light into her eyes as she checks them, she notices increased response to stimulation. "The nurses seem to think you're trying to wake up." She says, checking her pulse and breathing. "Is that what you're trying to do?" She asks, brushing back her hair. "You know you are safe here and everyone wants you to wake up. Don't you think it's about time that you did? You're kids need…." She's falls quiet as she sees her eyes flutter. After a moment she says. "I think everyone has forgotten about the website, so you can…." Slowly Blake opens her eyes. The first thing she sees is Sam standing beside her bed, gently stroking her hair. "Welcome back, Mrs. Marler." Sam says, as Blake stares at her. "I'm Dr. O'Neill."
"Where is my mom?" Blake asks quietly.
"She's not here right now, but I can get her." Sam says, reaching for her cell phone. Blake shakes her head.
"That's not what I wanted to ask." She says, watching Sam.
"Okay." Sam says, pulling up a chair. She sits down.
"You're Jeffrey's wife." Blake says, watching her.
"Yes, we were married last summer."
"When did you meet?"
"We met several years ago, and were a couple then but we hadn't seen each other in years until he came into the hospital where I was working in DC."
"Where you were taking care of Richard?"
"Yes." Sam replies, surprised that she knew about Richard.
"I heard you talking about Cassie and Richard the other day, when Jeffrey was here. He's the reason I woke up. You know that we were involved before I got sick."
"Yes, he told me about it when he found out that I was going to be your doctor. Your mom asked me to take over your case."
"Why?"
"She thought I could help you come back. They will all be excited that you're awake. So maybe we should call them."
"There's just one more thing." Blake says, looking at her stomach. "You're pregnant."
"Yes."
"Is it Jeffrey's?"
"Yes."
"Please don't take these questions the wrong way. I didn't wake up to take Jeffrey away from you. Even if I wanted too, I don't think I could."
"We love each other a lot. We have for a long time."
"I could see that when he was here with you."
"Maybe you can tell me what you heard when we here." Sam says, getting up. "I'm going to call Holly and then I'm going to order a round of tests." She says, as Blake nods.
She turns to leave as Blake says. "The website wasn't the only reason I didn't want to wake up." Sam turns back to her. "I was with Ross. He was my husband and the father of my kids but he died a few years ago."
"I know who he is. He contacted the agency where I worked just before he died. He had an appointment to see one of our agents the week after he died. I'm going to call your mom and then I'll be back." Sam says, as Blake nods. Sam leaves the room as Blake looks around the room.
Jeffrey looks out the window again. He didn't expect Sam to be gone this long. She was only going over to Reva's for lunch and to talk about Thanksgiving. Julien was with her. Which is the only reason, he hadn't panicked yet, but the feeling was starting to build. He tried to tell himself that she was at Reva's and that she had forgotten the time. But he felt like something had changed and even with Jeremiah in jail, he still couldn't quite stop worrying about him.
Sam walks up to the nurse's station. Reaching for the phone, she dials Holly's number. As she's waiting for her to answer, she makes some notes in Blake's file, including scheduling a battery of test to start as soon as possible. Holly answers on the third ring, slightly breathless. "Hello, Holly Reid."
"Are you okay?" Sam asks.
"Yes, I was outside getting some things from the car when I heard the phone ringing. Is everything okay with Blake?"
"Actually, that's why I'm calling. I have some news."
"She's okay… She's not…." Holly reaches for the counter beside her.
"She's fine, perfectly fine. But you need to come to the hospital as quickly as possible, immediately actually."
"I'll be there in twenty minutes." Holly says, looking at herself in the mirror. She needed a shower, but it would have to wait. Something in Sam's voice told her there wasn't time.
"I'll be here." Sam says, as Julien walks up. Sam hangs up as she continues making notes in Blake's folder.
"Dr. O'Neill." He says, as Sam looks up. "Are you going to be much longer?"
"I don't know how long I'll be, why?"
"I was thinking that maybe I should call Mr. O'Neill, check in with him." Julien says, as Sam glances down at her watch.
"Oh, I didn't realize the time. I need to call him anyway." She says, as she reaches for the phone. Dialing his cell phone, she waits for him to answer. The call goes directly to voicemail. Surprised, she says. "J, I'm calling to let you know that I'm at the hospital with Blake. There have been some developments with her case. When you get this, you need to call me." She says, hanging up a couple moments later.
Jeffrey turns away from the window and then looks at the clock. He pulls out his cell phone and realizes that the battery is dead. Walking over to the door leading to Sam's office downstairs, he goes to her office. Picking up the phone, he dials Reva's cell number from memory.
Moving onto her side, Reva looks at Josh and smiles. "It's been a long time since we did this."
"You mean sex in the middle of the day." He says, leaning in to kiss her as her cell phone rings. "Ignore it."
"We can't ignore it." She says, sitting up and looking around for her jeans. They are on the other side of the bed. Leaning across Josh, he slowly moves his hand down her back as she pulls her phone from the pocket of her jeans. "Stop that." She says, as she answers the phone. "Reva Shayne."
"Reva, I'm sorry to call, but I'm looking for Sam. Is she still there?"
"Ah, no. They left about a half hour ago."
"Was she alone?"
"No, that guy was with her. They left before Cassie left."
"Did she say if she was stopping anywhere on the way home?"
"No, but I didn't ask either."
"Okay."
"Is everything okay?"
"I'm worried. If she left a half hour ago, she should be home but she's not and I haven't heard from her or her bodyguard."
"Where's her brother?" Reva asks. Josh looks at her when he hears that. She holds up a finger to stall his question.
"As far as I know he's still in custody, but that doesn't mean he couldn't have arranged for someone to take her."
"Do you think he would go to that much trouble? Wouldn't he be more concerned with talking with his lawyer or arranging bail?"
"He hasn't been arraigned yet, so he's still locked up but that doesn't mean that he wouldn't order his men to come after Sam from jail. I thought she would be alright, going to your house with Julien with her but she should be home by now."
"I'm sure there's an explanation. She probably decided to stop somewhere and she's lost track of time. She'll be walking in the door before too long. Have you tried her bodyguard's number?"
"Actually no, I didn't think about it. Let me call him."
"Alright." She says, hanging up the phone a few seconds later.
"What's wrong?" Josh asks, as she lays down beside him.
"He was calling to see if Sam's still here. She's not home yet and he's worried."
"About her brother."
"You know about that?"
"I was at Company last night when he called to place an order. Buzz asked me to take it to them and he told about the problems their having with her brother."
'Why didn't you say anything last night?"
"It seems we were a little distracted last night." He says, looking at her.
"I suppose we were." She says, settling against him.
"I spoke to Billy about it this morning too."
"Why?"
"In case he needs us, Billy will know what's happening."
"Do you think something will happen?"
"I hope not, but it's better to be prepared. Have you talked to Marah or Shayne about Thanksgiving?"
"No, have you?"
"No, one of us might want to talk to them." He says, settling into the bed.
"I know." She says, idly moving her hands on his chest. A few moments later, she looks up and realizes he's asleep. Smiling, she closes her eyes and falls asleep herself.
After hanging up with Reva, Jeffrey dials Julien's cell phone. After a couple rings, he picks up. "Hello, Julien Parker."
"Julien, its Jeffrey. Are you with Sam?"
"Yes sir, of course I am."
"Is she there with you now? She should be home if she left Reva's thirty minutes ago."
"She's not with me now, but we're at Cedars."
"Cedars, why! Did something happen. Did Jeremiah…?"
"Nothing has happened to her, Sir. She's here taking care of a patient. The hospital called her on the way home and asked that she come in to look at this patient. She tried to call your cell phone but got your voicemail." Julien say, as Sam walks out of Blake's room. Holly had arrived shortly after Sam had left the message for Jeffrey. She has spent the last ten minutes, looking Blake over and explaining the tests that she ordered to both Blake and Holly. "...would you like to speak to her? She just…."
"Yes." Jeffrey says, as Julien turns to Sam.
"Ma'am, Col. O'Neill would like to speak with you." Julien says, holding out the phone.
She walks over and takes it. "J."
"I've been worried sick. You should've been home almost an hour ago. I thought maybe your brother had ordered…."
"I'm sorry. I was on my way home when Blake's nurse called me to the hospital and I've been busy with her."
"Is she okay? Are you okay?"
"We're both fine. But I think Blake's doing a little bit better than me."
"What do you mean, she's doing better?"
"She's actually awake."
"What do you mean awake, like awake, awake." He says surprised.
"Yes, like awake, awake. The nurse called me on the way home about increased activity, indicating that Blake was trying to come back. Holly's here now. We'll be doing tests for the next few days, but her prognosis is good." He sighs as he settles back into the couch. "You were really worried." She says, walking away from Julien.
"Yes. I know you can handle yourself, but I expect your brother to do something even if he is locked up."
"I'm sorry I didn't call. Julien suggested it but I told him there was no need because I didn't think I would be this long. I know you worry about me, but you can relax. I'm at the hospital and Julien is with me. He's not going to let anything happen to me, nor will I."
"I know. I'm not used to having so much to lose. I lost you once."
"I know, and we have more now than we did then. Sit back darlin and relax. I'll be home as soon as I finish with Blake, I promise."
"Did she say anything when she woke up?"
"A few things, but I can't really tell you."
"Alright, will you call me when you're leaving the hospital?"
"Yes, but check your phone. I called and it went straight to your voicemail."
"The battery is dead. I'll put it on the charger when I go upstairs."
"Where are you at?"
"I'm at you're office, it's the only phone I had."
"Alright, but don't touch any of the office doors or exam rooms, you'll set off the alarm and you'll have everyone over there. I'll be home as soon as I have Blake settled."
"I won't and I love you."
"We love you too." She says, walking back to Blake's room. "I'll call you when we're leaving."
"Alright." He says and they hang up.
She hands the phone back to Julien. "He's worried. I should've called him when I got the call."
"I'm sure he'll be alright." He says, putting the phone in his pocket.
"I shouldn't be much longer." Sam says, pushing the door open for Blake's room.
An hour later, Blake is settled back in her room. "I should have the results of these tests by tomorrow. I'm going to set you up on a course of physical therapy. It's only to help you rebuild your strength. Right now, we're keeping you on the liquid diet and then slowly we'll introduce solid foods. Visitors are okay, but don't tire yourself out."
"Thank you." Holly says, holding out her hand.
"You're welcome, we still have some ground to cover, but you've made the first step." She says, looking at Blake. "I'll be by tomorrow to check on you."
"Thank you." Blake says, quietly.
Sam leaves with Holly and Blake talking quietly. Julien is in the hall waiting. "I've got to give some orders to the nurse and then we can go." She says, as he nods, following her down the hall. Five minutes later, they are walking towards the elevator. When they get outside, Sam pulls her coat around her as she dials Jeffrey's number. He answers on the second ring. "Hello."
"Hi, I'm calling to let you know I'm leaving now. I'll be home in five minutes, unless you need me to pick something up."
"I need you to come home, that's all."
"I'm on my way." She says, smiling as they walk up to the car. Getting in, she starts the car and then backs out and pulls away.
"I'm waiting." He says.
"I'm leaving Cedars now." She says, pulling out of the parking lot, turning for home as she hangs up.