Chapter 8
The doctors went down the corridor as soon as John had lead Meg away and Dr. Richards brought Tyus up to date on everything including Ben's treatment and introduced him to Simon, who explained they needed an official identification. Tyus agreed he could do this and went into Ben's room. Even though he knew what to expect he was very shocked seeing his friend's condition and quietly talked to him as he examined the differences between the twins. He checked that Ben's eyes and leg were free of scars and with the chest x-ray he saw the healed fractured ribs that were caused by the fight with Derek that freed him from the first kidnapping. He knew though there was no sign that his friend was hearing him he knew he might be and hoped his voice would give him comfort and knowledge that he was safe. As he checked the monitors he saw that there was brain activity which was another good sign his friend could recover.
After officially identified his friend to Simon he stood back thinking it all through and realised why Ben had been dumped now and John had to be told as soon as possible. But first he turned to Dr. Richards congratulating him on a job well done and confirmed they would share responsibilities and he would like another bed put in this room and would instruct the new staff on the need for silence knowing it would carry more weight coming from him.
The Fates were smiling - Casey was alone when Meg rang and briefly explained what had happened and she wanted clothes so she could stay over night. She also asked if he could tell Sara that she would be on her own today at least without explaining about Ben. After a pause as Casey got over the shock about his friend, he pondered about that one, they both knew Sara was in full protective mode over her sister especially after last night. So, that would mean her curiosity antennae would be working overtime which could mean trouble. But he also knew it needed to be done so said he would and hoped she would be too busy to think about things. He also knew he'd have to carefully re-arrange his day as there was no way he was going to be left out after this, his friend needed him.
Tyus walked into John's room and explained that there had been talk of a family trip sometime soon, which meant Derek could do a runner within the next few days. As he'd been in a couple of days ago to collect the paper work for Benjy and Maria to go abroad, he hadn't needed any as Ben's records were up to date. All they had to do was to stay for the Mass at the Mission which was about 4.30 and then most likely a party for Benjy at the Shock Wave. Derek's managers at The Deep and the Java Web at short notice if need be. As he spoke he saw Meg was very anxious and explained to both that Ben needed to know she was around and hopefully that would help him to come out of the coma.
Listening John realised they had a tight schedule to work to and could understand Meg's need. He gave her the transcript of the taped phone call, knowing it was better than listening to tape and warned her it would be upsetting but it would clear things up for her and hopefully she would know how to help Ben.
As they went to along the corridor Tyus gently warned Meg not expect Ben to show signs of coming round for several hours, he told her of his injuries and not to worry about the ventilator helping him to breath. And that hopefully they would be taking it away as soon as he was strong enough to breathe on his own.
In spite of the warning as Meg walked up to Ben's bedside she was shocked by his lack of colour that contrasted with the bruises on his face and arms, so much so she wasn't sure whether to hold his hand in case she hurt him even more.
Tyus saw her hesitation and gently told her at present he was sure Ben could not feel any pain so her touch would not hurt him and he needed that touch along with the sound of her voice to help find his way back to them.
Overcoming her fears she held Ben's hand gently and was sure she felt their connection, but it was so very faint that she knew things were worse than they'd been before. She reassured herself the fact she could feel the connection was a good sign he wanted to come home to them. For a couple of seconds she could not trust herself to speak feeling a lump in her throat, but gradually she geared herself up "Ben, I love you, … I want you to know you are safe now and I'm going to stay with you." To her surprise her voice came over clear and calm although she didn't feel either.
She jumped back in panic as the alarm sounded and the light flashed, but Tyus gently reassured her that was normal at present, but hopefully the heart beat would become regular and stronger and the alarms would stop and it would be the steady bleep of the monitor. Calming herself down she held Ben's hand again and told him she was still there and found a chair gently pushed beside her so sat down. No matter how reluctant she felt she knew she needed to read the transcript so with her hand resting against Ben's hand this time she started to read it and let the outside world drift away.
Tyus watched the couple for a moment then checked with the nurse, who would stay in the room all the time and left to reorganise his day knowing he would see Casey when he arrived.