The World Kept Turning.

Note; Again character thought in italics.

Reviews always welcome.

Chapter 3.

A couple of days later he'd been called to the hospital his Mom had an episode, she was inconsolable and had brushed off the nurses, the Doctor; he'd been called him.

They'd been on their way back to 1PP Alex was driving and she'd simply turned the car around.

She'd waited in the car while he'd gone in but nothing anyone did seemed to calm Frances in desperation he'd said Alex was waiting in the car then her hands had stretched out and she'd called for Alex…..

Bobby's heart had lurched seeing his Mom "okay" was one thing, but for Alex to be caught up into their world, seriously not what he wanted.

But he had little choice an hour of trying and his Mom still cried out for Alex.

Even now his stomach churned he'd been unable to leave, as she was sobbing inconsolably in his arms so a nurse had gone out… to ask her, ask Alex to enter his inner sanctum to see him at his weakest. His Mom was his Achilles heel, all his life she'd been slipping away from him but now he had to let her go.

Shit

Afterwards he'd wondered if Eames realised how hard it was for him to allow her into the chaos that was his world. Even one glimpse of pity on her face when she entered the room could have broken them. Broken him.

But she stepped in and flicked a look to him; he was standing to the side when she came in. Frances had just broken free of his arms and was ranting in the bed about "them"

Tired, so very tired…

The look Eames gave him was one he didn't recognise; but it wasn't pity….his Mom was shouting, waving her arms around….they didn't want to medicate her but for her own safety…it would be necessary soon.

Alex perched on the bed catching her eyes with her own, Frances flaying hands had stilled yet still shook until they came into contact with Eames jacket holding on like her life depended on it….maybe in her mind it did.

Watching as his partner caught his Mothers hands in her own, all the while speaking softly, so soft he could barely hear, but the same way he did as if to a child.

At that moment his heart almost broke….he'd never had anyone step in and help with his Mom it was always him, she'd always wanted just him. Oh yes she called for Frank...the golden son…but at the end of the day it was Bobby who calmed her fears.

Now …now Eames pulled the other woman…..his Mom, close to her like a child and stroked her thinned hair, whispering reassurance to her as she did. He struggled to keep the tears behind his lids…scrunching his eyelids closed keeping the tears at bay. Closing his eyes at the image of his Mother being held by someone who held his own heart, was almost too much …his Mother's sobs were subsiding.

What I wouldn't give to be held

His back was still against the wall, hands deep in his pockets. Like a lost soul he watched as the scene in front of him moved slowly. Eames was in no rush…cradling the older woman in her arms rocking her gently.

The nurses turned offering him the reassurance of touch, nodded as they left the room, disaster averted.

They were alone then the three of them, Eames stood helping Frances sit up, she caught his eye, he moved sweeping up the bed covers, smoothing the sheets as he did. Their hands had touched as they'd helped his Mom sit up in bed.

Suddenly Frances eyes focused on her son, and she'd grasped his hand speaking in a hushed but worried tone…

"Bobby, where have you been …I'm tired, so tired"

"I…I've been right here…it's okay Ma…I 'm here now… I'll sit with you…" he held her hand his fingers brushing her face…her free hand grasped his jacket sleeve.

Alex moved back to the doorway and waited till he looked at her she motioned with her head that she would was going to the car…he knew she'd be waiting for him.

An hour or so later he made his way out to the car his defences were down; they didn't speak she drove him home.

He'd felt he should say something but his embarrassment and shame were old friends…he hopped out of the car, as soon as she pulled up.

"Thanks"

"Bobby"

He'd heard her call, but hadn't turned around; it was raining and the tears rolled down his face, they were partners they didn't step over that line. He walked on.

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