Authors note: So I know it has been over a year since I updated this story and I am so sorry I kept you all waiting for an update. For those of you that have added this story to your favorites or follows list thank you. As for all of you that have reviewed another large thank you to all of you as well. I hope this chapter does not disappoint.
Disclaimer: I do not own Blue Bloods. I only own ideas.
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Jamie had just started to cross the road when all of a sudden there was a car. Before he could react Jamie saw the blinding bright headlights and heard loud shouts of, "Jamie!" before his world went black.
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At the sight of the car, both brothers broke into a sprint with the hope they could prevent the inevitable. After reaching the car Danny and Joe heard a terrified voice, "Is he okay?" Looking over their shoulders the two brothers saw the top of Erin's head, as she frantically searched for her cell phone. Quickly surveying the crash site, both brothers knew they would need help getting to their brother and it would unfortunately be a while before they knew if Jamie was alright. However Danny and Joe did not have time to even attempt a rescue, because by some phenomenon the reckless driver escaped. The driver did not get far though with Danny and Joe quickly giving chase. As they were walking back to the accident suspect in hand, Joe found a small opening that allowed him to see Jamie for the first time. Unfortunately the sight didn't ease his mind, his brother was unconscious, bleeding from a head wound and smashed in the car like a sardine. Seconds after Joe saw Jamie, two cop cars, a fire truck and an ambulance came roaring down the road stopping mere feet away. In a matter of minutes the firefighters had rescued an unconscious Jamie from his mangled car, strapped him to a back board and loaded him into the back of a waiting ambulance. The Reagan's were climbing in themselves when the medic said," Meet us at the hospital." As he pushed the siblings out and slammed the doors shut.
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The Reagan siblings to say the least expected someone could ride along with Jamie but instead of arguing, they rushed to the hospital because all that mattered was Jamie was alright. On the way to the hospital, Erin called the family. Upon entering the hospital; Erin, Danny and Joe received a thousand questions from the family. While everyone was waiting for word, Garret came and went after getting an answer on something or other since the commissioner's job was never done. All Joe could think was, "I hope dad told Garret the only thing that matters is my son." Although if he was honest the conversation probably was about Jamie because Garret was a close family friend of his fathers. It felt like hours had passed, with no answers. When in reality it was just over an hour when a doctor finally entered the waiting room.
"Family of Jamison Reagan." When the waiting room stood up the doctor motioned for everyone to sit, "My name is Dr. George, "when Jamie came into the hospital he was unconscious and his breathing was slow. Jamie is still unconscious so we are going to admit him for observation. Now I know you all want to see him and you can, once we have him settled in his room.."
Before the doctor could continue Frank interrupted, "Thank you for all your help." The relief that washed over everyone's face was clear as day. The doctor almost hated to continue but he did, "You are welcome but before I leave I have a few questions."
"Okay?" Frank replied confused the doctor had questions for them.
"Do you know Jamie's recent medical history?"
"Just read the chart." Danny bluntly replied.
"Yes we do have a medical history we pulled when Jamie was admitted but our records need updating to effectively treat Jamie. Based on the physical exam I have a few questions being as Jamie is not awake I was wondering if you could try to answer them."
"We can try "Linda declared.
"Well for one has Jamie had any previous surgeries?"
"To my knowledge Jamie is healthy. The only surgery he ever had being to remove his tonsils. The only other health condition we know of is he is highly allergic to olives.
The doctor thanked the family for the information and left the waiting room. As the doctor was on his way to his office, his pager released a loud shrill sound requesting his presence in the trauma room.
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Upon arrival at the trauma room the doctor saw Jamie was starting to come to. So he pulled out his pen light and flashed it in Jamie's eyes while he said, "Mr. Reagan I am Dr. George. You were in an accident. Do you know where you are?"
"A hospital."
"Good and how are you feeling?"
"A bit sore."
"Just a bit?" The doctor replied as he proceeded to complete all the necessary medical tests a few moments later it was clear that Jamie was coherent and for the time being stable although his oxygen had not improved as much as he wanted. Before the doctor could continue the examination Jamie said, "When can I get out of here?"
"Well based on the time you were unconscious and the tests we ran you have a mild concussion. I also do not like how low…" As the doctor was speaking Jamie's thoughts wandered, "Great I'm stuck in this hospital for abit." As his thoughts wandered back he heard the doctor say, "Now don't get me wrong the levels are normal baring on low but they are not so dangerously low we need to take drastic action but it is something we will be watching. Before I let you rest, I noticed your file is out dated the last record we have being from when you were eighteen. Can you tell me is there any medical history we should know?"
"Yes but, It would be easier for me to have the records sent over is there a phone I could use?"
"Yeah here, just press one to make an outside call." The doctor replied as he handed Jamie the phone and left. Jamie just nodded ended his call as his eyes started to close with the phone against his ear. For all he really wanted was sleep, even if it meant sleeping in a hospital bed Jamie hung up the phone and fell asleep.
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Before heading to his office Dr. George stopped at the waiting room. Upon entering the waiting room he could see the fear clear in the Reagan's faces that Jamie had taken a turn for the worse. "Well good news, Jamie is awake and responsive we are moving him to a room. You can see him, once he's settled. Just keep in mind he needs his rest."
"Thank you for everything." Frank replied as he shook the doctor's hand. Moments later Dr. George ran into his nurse who said, "Here." As she handed over a huge stack of papers. "I only asked for the record of my most recent patient." Dr. George inwardly thought.
Thankfully, for the Reagan's the wait to see Jamie was short. Upon arrival at Jamie's room, The Reagan family saw Jamie lying in the hospital bed with faint bruises on his face a nasal cannula and a heart monitor on his finger. As they approached the bed Jamie opened his eyes. Frank was the first one to speak, "Son, how are you feeling?" Frank asked as he leaned in to give Jamie a gentle hug. Jamie was not as quick to reply as everyone in the room had hoped but he eventually did, "I'm fine." Jamie replied between breaths. At Jamie's words the family's concern grew, as he looked paler since they had arrived and was obviously struggling to breath. However before anyone could express their concerns or call a nurse, a loud shrill alarm sounded and the room was a flurry of activity.
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The doctor was just over half way through the file with no large red flags that was until he reached the patients mid-twenties he had to reread the records because none of it fit the persona of his patient. However, as the doctor reread parts of the file his fear for his patient grew. The doctor had just finished reading the concerning sections of medical history over again when he was paged to Jamie's room. Upon arrival the doctor got straight down to business ordering tests and medications.
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The Reagan's found themselves standing in Jamie's hospital room waiting again for an update. Finally the doctor and Jamie returned. "Well Jamie's left lung was starting to collapse…."
"Wait I thought you said he was fine?" Danny voiced.
"At that time he was and still is as we were able to quickly treat the problem. But, unfortunately, Jamie was susceptible to a collapsed lung and the trauma definitely did not help. The good news is we caught this early. Jamie I will be back to check on you in a bit try and get some rest that is the best thing for you. After a short visit everyone could see Jamie was tiring so they headed to the waiting room for the night. In the morning, Danny woke up to find his father already up and sipping on a cup of coffee so he said, "Dad did you get any sleep?"
"Some, and yourself?"
"Same." Danny replied as he headed for the coffee pot.
Throughout the night Jamie tossed and turned reminding him just how much he hated being in the hospital. If anything was impossible it was sleep. Since it was pretty much guaranteed you would be woken up every two hours by a nurse checking vitals or a noise in the distance. So when he woke up at 7:30 am he decided to just give up on sleep. As he was starting to sit up, there was a knock on the hospital door. Jamie thought this was odd because nurses would just come running in but he replied, "Come in."
The doctor entered, "Jamie how are you feeling this morning?"
"Great when can I leave?"
"Well, we need to run some tests but I think you should be out of here by tonight or tomorrow at the latest. Although that does not mean you are clear for work. You are going to have to rest for at least a week, but let's not get ahead of ourselves first the tests."
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An hour and a half later the Reagan family had finished breakfast and headed up to Jamie's room just as visiting hours had started, only to find the room empty. Confusion started to set in but was quickly resolved when Jamie entered the room in a wheel chair being pushed by a nurse seconds later. Joe was the first one to speak. "Hey kid glad to see you up and about ready to make a run for it Joe joked."
The nurse glared at Joe as she watched the patient walk the few steps to the bed. "The doctor said as long as the tests are clear I can leave."
"That seems too soon." Linda replied letting her medical professional take over. As she glanced at Jamie's vitals only to find them all within normal ranges.
"Not soon enough, for me because I can't wait to get home to my bed. It is horrible sleeping in the hospital. I think I would get more sleep at a rock concert." Jamie replied earning a few chuckles from the family.
"We will cross that bridge when we come to it." Frank replied.
Jamie was about to question what his father meant but there was a knock on the door followed by the doctor entering the room. "Well Jamie, I know how much you want to go home and your test results are good enough to go home. I will have the nurse bring in the paperwork. A page of the paperwork will have a detailed list of what we talked about. As for your injuries you can expect soreness for a few days. I also expect this concussion to take longer to heal than earlier ones, so for the time being no work or driving. Although your lung did cause a problem, it seems to have resolved itself but at the first sign of trouble you must come back immediately. On the last page of the paper work, are the indicator you should come back in case you forgot what to look for any questions?"
"No I think that covers it thanks" Jamie replied. Thankful his family was hung up on the doctor's last sentence to speak.
Alright then I will see you in a week for a follow up.
"See you then." Jamie replied as he slowly got up to go change out of his hospital gown. Jamie did not make it far before he stumbled and the offers of help came flooding in. But Jamie declined every last one because he knew he could do this alone. Once Jamie was in the bathroom Frank said, "Danny, Joe do you think you could take Jamie back to my place? It turns out I have a meeting that cannot be pushed." "Sure." Danny replied.
"He will need some clothing; Erin, Linda do you think you could take care of that? Erin and Linda nodded there agreement and were about to speak when Jamie said, "I am not staying with you."
"Jamie you're going to need some help until you recover. "Frank replied, as he watched his son slowly make his way to the bed.
"No all I need is a lift home." Jamie stubbornly replied, as he inwardly thought," This is nothing, I have been though worse."
"Sorry not happening." Frank abruptly replied. Jamie saw no real point in beating the bush. He was an adult he could leave when he wanted. So for now he caved to make his family and more specifically his father happy.
About an hour later Jamie was sitting in a wheel chair with Danny at his side as they waited for Joe to get the car. The wait was deadly silent Jamie could tell Danny wanted to dive in and ask him a thousand and one questions but thankfully he didn't. Once the car parked, Jamie started slowly walked the few steps from the chair to the car.
The drive home was silent and long because for some reason Danny insisted on driving Joe's car under the speed limit for the first time in his life. After a few minutes Danny and Joe glancing into the back seat to find Jamie was sound asleep with his head against the window. So they sped up a bit and finished the trip. When the car parked Jamie shot awake, and were out of the car before any help could be offered. Surprised, Danny and Joe fell into the slow pace one on each side incase Jamie needed help. Upon entering the house, Jamie saw Henry standing in the Foyer with a smile. After giving Jamie a gentle hug. "I made your favorite macaroni and cheese for lunch." Henry stated with a wide smile. Jamie smiled and replied, "Sorry pops I am not hungry I think I am going to go take a nap."
"Alright do you want to sleep on the couch or we could help you up to your room…"
"Thanks pops but I got it" Jamie replied as he slowly headed up the stairs."
"Alright if you need anything just holler." Henry replied as he watched his stubborn grandson for a second slowly going up the stairs.
"I will thanks pops." Jamie replied between strained breaths already exhausted from the day's events.
Henry nodded his concern clear on his face, as he watched Jamie until he reached the landing.
A few seconds later Henry had corralled his remaining grandsons into the kitchen for lunch. Once Jamie's door closed henry said, "So you thought driving slow would cause enough tension he would spill his secrets?"
"It was worth a try, when he was a kid it worked." Danny replied.
At that moment Erin, Linda and Frank entered the kitchen. Erin chimed in, "Did he say anything?"
"No not a peep the plan backfired and he fell straight to sleep." Joe chimed in between bits of macaroni.
"I guess we just have to wait for him to wake up." Henry replied with a sigh.
"About that, I was thinking we should do this on his time table or else he may shut down." As Frank was finishing his comment Jamie rolled over out of his bed with a growling stomach ready for some food. So he decided to go back to the kitchen even though he just made it up. Jamie had just reached the stairs near the kitchen when he heard.
"It took him two years to tell us this much. If we follow his time frame the statute of limitations might have passed." Danny chimed in with Erin nodding her head in agreement.
Jamie could not believe what he was hearing. Frank was ready to reply but a sleepy-eyed Jamie with anger on his face spoke from the doorway. "This is not a case you need to solve Danny just drop it."
"Jamie" frank said feeling like he needed to ease the tension but it was too late Jamie had already turned and was walking to the side door. As Jamie exited the house he pushed himself to move faster, completely forgetting his recent hospital stay and doctors' orders not to overdo it. Jamie was about a house over when he felt his body starting to protest, knowing he needed to stop or else land back in the hospital, he sat down and rested on the neighbors grass.
The Reagan's were just a few steps away from Jamie when they saw him partially collapses on the neighbors grass. Danny and Joe started to run in high gear hoping the worse did not happen again closing the short distance in a matter of seconds thankfully when they got there Jamie was awake. Joe was the first one to speak, "Kid you alright?"
"Yeah I just need a minute." Jamie replied.
After a few seconds to his brothers surprise Jamie started to try and walk back to the house stopping every few steps to lean on something. Danny and Joe left no room for arguments as they both grabbed hold and steadied Jamie for the short walk back the rest of the family following. Once Danny and Joe had Jamie settled on the couch and were about to sit down themselves Linda spoke. "Could you go get him some food and water?" Danny and Joe took the hint both giving Jamie a pat on the shoulder as they passed everyone except Frank took the hint and left. Linda had a sneaking suspicion that Frank had gotten the message but wanted to make sure with his own eyes his youngest was alright. Jamie looked like he was ready to protest but after a stern glare from Linda and his father he just sat there and let Linda look him over. At some points he saw her face frown but she said nothing so he didn't either. After a few minutes of silence Frank could not take it anymore and said, "Should we go back to the hospital?"
"I think if he just rests he should be fine." Linda replied.
"Thanks Linda." Jamie replied as he got situated on the couch while Linda walked out of the room.
"Dad I am fine"
"I could not be happier, but we need to talk."
"Later. "Jamie replied not wanting to dive into this now or really ever but the longer he could put it off the better.
"Alright" Frank turned on the television to kill the silence in the room. A few minutes into the show and Jamie was sound asleep. Frank stayed and watched his son and the show for a few minutes relieved Jamie was here considering the brief insight he had into the past he never knew about. Frank after a few minutes turned off the tv and went into the kitchen. It was clear by everyone's face, they all knew this needed to happen of Jamie's timetable. A few hours later Jamie woke up on the couch. Sitting up he made his way to the kitchen as he started to eat Joe walked in from the backyard to grab a cup of coffee and asked, "Is this seat taken?"
Jamie just nodded his head no. So Joe took a seat and started to sip on his coffee. After a few seconds Jamie spoke, "How come everyone wants to control my life?"
"Kid I know it feels like we are trying to run your life but we're not we just want to make sure you are alright above everything else."
After a sigh Jamie spoke," I know you are right but when I heard Danny earlier some part of me felt like all anyone cared about was the possible pending case and Danny was the only one brave enough to say it."
"Oh Jamie I can't tell you how sorry we all are you heard that especially Danny, but when someone threatens or harms one of us we all jump in for the rescue. But by no stretch does that mean we do not trust your ability to handle a situation we just want to know we are here to help. Besides you dropped such a big secret on us we all went right into protect mode because no one gets away with harming you. I promise we could never think of anything you did as only a pending case to close we are family and just want to help."
Jamie in his heart knew his brother was right but he could not stop himself, "then why every time we get together does it feel like a game of twenty questions?
"Honestly Jamie you are so secretive we have to ask questions if we want to know anything about your life."
"I guess you're right. But I just need you all to drop this I took care of it."
"Alright let's assume for a moment that is true, than why did you hide this for so long? I hope you know if we knew about his when it happened we would have been there in a heartbeat. If I had to guess I would say you hid this because it is not really over and you are scared. Jamie come on you know I am right you still have scars." At Jamie's puzzled look Joe continued, "Yes they more mental than physical at least to my knowledge and yes they were more obvious two years ago. Like that time Sean surprised you and jumped on your back but they are still there the way you snapped at dinner..."
"Did you ever think I snapped like that because my opinion was different?"
"Well yes I did. But your opinion is only the start of this. I am not sure what this all is but you need to know we are your family and I like everyone else just wants to help."
"There's that word again."
"What word?" Joe replied as he calmly took a sip of coffee.
"Help, Joe I am curious do you all forget I am an adult and can handle my own problems?"
"Jamie if you really feel this way then I am sorry you are kidding yourself. You have changed come on you completely changed your career and sometimes when your startled you still jump. Jamie I am not trying to make this hard on you but you need to admit you were the victim. I know you do not like asking for help but be honest with yourself and you will realize you need it... I'm sorry you feel like we are just trying to solve a problem but the truth is we are all just worried."
"Not the kind of help you are implying." Jamie replied.
"Now you lost me."
"Never mind it's not important, could you get me a piece of paper and a pen."
Joe was not sure what to think but did as his brother requested unsure if this was Jamie's way of changing the topic or what but figured he had pushed him enough for today. After handing Jamie the piece of paper Joe sat back down and started to reread that morning's sports section. A paragraph in and to Joe's surprise, Jamie handed back the paper. Joe studied the paper for a moment and seeing it was a list of directions Joe replied," Jamie what's this."
" The only way I can prove to all of you this is all handled is to explain everything, seeing as dad won't let me leave here I need help getting the items on that list "
Joe to say the least was pleasantly surprised Jamie was going to let them in, but his words failed him so he just nodded his head in understanding. "Joe I have one additional request, this is all done here and everything discussed never leaves the family. Oh and Joe please do not let Danny trash my apartment." Jamie said while he slowly got up and started to walk out of the kitchen.
At that joe laughed and said" Alright kid I will make sure it is still standing when we leave. "
"Thanks Joe."
"Jamie it no problem but you know we do not have to do this know the only thing that matters is you get better."
"I know but I feel like this is the right time and it's the only way I know to put this to bed. Speaking of bed I think I am going to bed."
"Alright kid, do you need help getting upstairs?" Joe asked as he saw this conversation and the stress of the past few days had really worn the kid out and he looked like he was ready to collapse where he sat. .
Jamie for a moment thought about going it alone but the truth was the thought of climbing the stairs was daunting, "If you don't mind that would be great."
On their way out of the kitchen Joe and Jamie ran into Danny and their father. Jamie simply stated, "I'm going to go to bed."
"Alright son do you need help getting upstairs"
"No I think we got it." Joe replied.
"Alright well let us know if you need anything." Danny and Frank simultaneously replied knowing better than to hover but were glad Jamie was letting at least one of them help him. As much as it hurt it was not one of them. .
Jamie nodded in understanding as he and Joe made their way up the stairs with Joe at his side. When they reached Jamie's old room and Jamie crawled under the covers he fell right to sleep. Before leaving the room, Joe made sure the kids cell phone was on silent but in easy reach if he needed anything before he quietly closed the door and heading back down stairs.
A few minutes had passed since Joe had come back down stairs and was sipping on his coffee while discussing this year's upcoming football season when suddenly Danny's cell phone rang.
"Danny confused who would be calling him when everyone he knew was here and he was off of work. Danny glanced at his phone briefly surprised to see it was Jamie considering the kid just went to sleep. Putting his suspicions aside Danny answered the phone,"Hey kid."
"Hi do you think you could bring me a glass of water and the pill bottle on the counter, I forgot to grab them on my way up."
"Sure be right up." Danny replied. Seconds later Danny arrived at Jaime's room. After knocking on the door Danny entered and handed Jamie the glass of water. Jamie nodded in thanks as he accepted the glass of water. After a sip Danny handed Jamie the medicine. After Jamie took the medicine Danny spoke, "Jamie about earlier…"
"Danny I know where you are going and let me stop you, I know you care it's just in that moment I let my head take control, I know you would do anything to protect me and your statement earlier was the only way you knew how to handle the bit of information I provided. We are fine Danny I promise."
"Well I should let you get some sleep because no offense kid but you look like you need it."
"Thanks Danny."
"No problem kid call if you need anything."
Jamie nodded in understanding as he closed his eyes and tried to fall back asleep. As Danny walked into the kitchen, he saw Joe was sitting at the table staring at what looked like a handwritten list. With everyone else in the kitchen. "What's going on?"
"So before Jamie went upstairs we talked long story short Jamie believes he has this handled and knows that we are here to help."
"Joe I am glad you got him to see the light but we all know he is not okay." Frank replied.
"I know dad and I brought that up as well. Although he is not convinced everything is not handled he wrote this out and said once we have all of this he will tell us what happened."
"How is a piece of paper going to do that?" Erin asked.
"Well sis on this paper are a few thing Jamie needs to explain all of this and since he knows dad basically has him on house arrest he requested our help."
Henry had to smirk since he knew it was true Jamie was not getting anywhere until he was well.
"Alright what can we do?" Frank replied.
"Well Jamie already really broke this down to four people before we go any further he requested this not leave the family." After seeing the family nod in understanding Joe continued. "Dad on this list is a police report could you get that?" at franks nod Joe wrote down the number. Frank nodded as he accepted the report number. Unsure if it was a good thing there was a report and if he really wanted to read it. Now Erin could you get the court docket number here is the number" Joe stated as he handed Erin the section of Jamie's paper with the writing on it. Erin did recognize the system but she knew it would take some time. "Linda Jamie has medical records on here could you deal with that?"
"Sure"
Finally Jamie needs some more stuff from his apartment Danny I thought we could do that. We can go tomorrow if that is alright with you.
Why don't we go now?" Danny commented."
"I think Joe is right, it is getting late lets order some dinner and approach this in the morning."
