Chapter 13
The group, including the DA, Judge, and officers, descended on the hospital all at once and caused quite a stir as they entered the reception area and went straight to the isolation wing without signing in first.
The bustle they created as they chatted amongst themselves and reassured security they were entitled to go what they were doing continued as they walked through the doors and along the corridor. And only stopped when Tyus hushed them sharply as he came out of a side room where he'd been resting. Having got silence and guessing what they were here for he tersely explained where they could go to find the officer and the prisoners so they would be deterred in insisting they see Ben and let them go.
As the group suitably subdued moved passed him he saw Joan and John walk in and by their concerned looks knew they'd been discussing what had happened in detail. He smiled and said lightly to reassure Joan knowing his tone would say millions. "Come to see the happy couple?" Joan gave half a smile and nodded as he carried on. "Give a moment for this noisy lot sort themselves out then I'll let you in their room. Good news is they are both sleeping at the moment and I don't want them disturbed." He shifted his attention to John having guessed the answer but wanting know for sure and asked. "It all went well then?"
John smiled and realised he could solve his new problem and said. "Yes it had its ups and downs. I'll tell you in full later. That is if we can rest up here for tonight." He saw the flicker and carried on quickly to reassure the doctor. "We will be quiet as mice and gone by tomorrow afternoon. Although I would like to stay and see Ben properly awake, so I can return his watch and ring, which I took off Derek."
Tyus smiled understanding it was a personal need from the trauma as well as a police duty and replied: "You can have the rooms for as long as you need them. I'll certainly not turn you out. Ben doesn't stay awake for long at the moment but is quieter when he wakes up now, so no promises." He gave a sigh remembering and explained. "The first time he caused havoc and knocked a nurse over into the IV stand, but this last time it was only a tremor running through him till he realised where he was and Meg was with him. He's not speaking yet, but I expect that to come back tomorrow after he starts to drink and eat properly and truly realises it's all over."
He turned to towards Joan who was still looking very concerned and realised she could help herself and them and asked. "In the morning could you bring some of his favourite foods and have a group breakfast. Needn't be much but a selection would be good, but no sandwiches that might knock him back if our assumptions are right."
He saw Joan puzzled expression and realised what her thoughts might be and carried on with a gentle chuckle. "The hospital food is good and if he wakes early he'll be feed. Your food will give a family connection and acceptance which I know you have. I want him to think of choices and forward to the future because his memories of what happened are coming back in waves of panic which leave him very weak and unsure.
As he needs to rest as much as possible I'm going to restrict visitors to you, Meg and John." He saw her nod of acceptance and as the crowd had gone into the other corridor it was quiet and said leading the way. "I'll take you in now."
The doors closed almost silently behind them as they stood just inside the room and took in the scene. The two beds were side by side so Meg could sleep beside Ben because that's what kept him settled. Despite the tubes helping Ben to recover, they both lay on their sides facing each other, Meg was curled towards him and they were holding hands. Meg was fully clothed on top of the blankets of her bed so she could move easily out the way if need be.
Taking it all in Joan then looked at Tyus and then at John knowing her questions were answered, her daughter had found her dream love and knew it this time, and these two men and had stopped the unthinkable pain from happening and whispered. "Thank you, both of you and your teams. I'll see you in the morning." and left before her emotions got the better of her.
Both men nodded acceptance knowing words weren't needed they were happy with the outcome as well. Tyus then went over to check things out with the nurse stationed in the corner. John stayed still amazed at the difference from the last time he had seen Ben and knew that whole night would haunt him for awhile. But on the upside he also knew he had seen a mother's love for both of them in Joan's reaction just now and with Meg's love Ben would recover and find a family he could trust. He shook his head and smiled at the way the whole thing had turned out and sensing Tyus was ready to leave went to find out what mayhem the prisoners might have caused or were causing now they were finding out their fates.
oxoxo
Meg was dreaming they were dancing in their room at the Santa Barbara hotel at Thanksgiving. She could feel the atmosphere of that evening and yet there was a strangely gentle tentative feel to it all which hadn't been there before. She could feel his arms around her as their bodies moved together with the music and she raised her face to his and they kissed. She felt her love for him in that kiss and his love for her join it and when they gently broke to carry on dancing she felt that tentative feeling disappear and their bond and love was there again. She felt the warmth of his body next to hers as he gently guided her through the dance till the end knowing what would happen next.
The dream stopped suddenly as she woke instinctively knowing he had moved and where they were and felt via his hand a tremor run through him and knew it was apprehension as he woke and sat up saying gently. "Ben, it's alright, I'm here you're safe now."
In the dim light she saw him open his eyes and watch her. She smiled knowing he knew her and as he struggled to try and say something she stopped him exclaiming as she felt herself blush. "You were in my dream as we danced at Thanksgiving! When we kissed you knew our love was safe, that's why it changed!"
She saw his slight nod and even in the dimmed light she could see that sparkle in his eyes was back. Then realising everything she gave a gentle laugh and said softly. "You were there before when I dreamt it … and I thought I'd lost you... could not catch you... But really I did, didn't I?"
She felt his grip tighten and then released and she felt awed by the whole thing, then with a small smile she tucked her hair out the way and gently reached over and gently kissed him ready to back off if need be but felt his gentle response and knew it was okay. … they were okay and when they broke she said knowing his other need. "I'll get you a drink."
She watched him as his eyes never left her and he nodded yes, not trying to speak now knowing he could trust her.
She nodded and slid off her bed to get one from the ever present nurse who would help if needed but not intrude. She helped him with it and when she returned from taking the glass back she gave a slight smile and sigh, he was already asleep and looked so peaceful. Carefully not to disturb him she lay beside him and gently held his hand again and then watched him sleep feeling very happy knowing they would never leave each and eventually drifted back to sleep.
oxoxo
Sunset Beach woke up in the morning with a buzz running through it and lots more people out and about. Vanessa's story was on the front page and she had been on the local TV and radio stations as the story broke late the night before. This had brought out the curious locals, sightseers and of course there was the cat and mouse game between the real camera crews and news reporters tv and otherwise trying to get their stories. as well as the police protecting peoples privacy and evidence.
There was also the official bustle as the police tried to protect privacy and evidence as the monument was demolished and Tim's body was retrieved and taken to the mortuary as well as searches of Ben's house, Java Web and The Deep.
At the Shock Wave though trade was good and chaotic at times Hank managed to take a quiet few moments to cope with his grief as well as start the process of finding Tim's replacement. In Sunset Sisters Sara felt as she was sinking as she tried to rearrange her rosters knowing Meg wouldn't leave Ben as well as coping with the extra people bustling in and out and was surprised by an offer of help from another business in the arcade and took it no questions asked. On the beach Casey checked the people were all right and he found himself starting to relax knowing his old friendship could be renewed in time.
oxoxo
Having dogged the on lookers Joan arrived at the hospital with a large tray of food and was greeted by John who eyed it hopefully even though he'd already eaten and was feeling refreshed from a fairly good nights sleep. "They are both awake and Tyus said we could go straight in."
She laughed at his expression and replied to the unasked question. "Yes, there is enough for you as well."
He gave a chuckle and said. "Never could refuse home cooked food."
They went in and found Tyus was helping Ben to sit up and Meg had put a table by the bed. The tray of food was put on the table and mother and daughter hugged and had a few words. Then Joan turned to Ben and smiled saying gently. "I've brought you your favourites with all our love, the others will see you as soon as you are strong enough to cope with them."
Ben nodded his thanks and Joan quickly pulled back to cover to the food so everyone could take what they wanted knowing distraction would be a good thing, emotions over what had happened could sink them. From what they saw there was certainly no danger of anyone going hungry for the rest of the day and Meg took a selection for both of them and sat on the bed next to Ben so she could help him as his wrists were causing him trouble.
After they were full and the leftovers were put away safe for later John sat beside Ben and quietly gave him back his watch and ring knowing no words were needed.
Ben looked at them feeling the emotions overwhelm him and tried to thank John, knowing how close to death he'd come but his voice cracked and he started to shake. He took a breath to steady himself and looked at Meg who understood his silent plea and smiled and reassured him gently she would keep them safe till he could wear them again.
Seeing the time was right for distraction Joan told them about the offer at Santa Barbara and got smiles of hope and Tyus agreed that it would be a good idea for them to go and went to check the details.
Feeling better than he had Ben wanted to know what had happened and knew they needed to know what he knew. He tried to talk but his voice cracked so words came out missed or half spoken which frustrated and tired him.
John gently stopped him and gave a very brief version of events as well as what would happen to the accused.
Ben listened and took it all in then nodded his thanks and tried to ask if Meg could get some things from the house and it could be sold immediately, knowing he'd never wanted to go back there again.
John got the gist of it and said he would make arrangements then seeing how tired Ben was getting made his excuses to leave. As he left the room he looked back at the group and could see the love bond between the couple as Meg took care of him so that he could rest and knew things would get better and he'd be back later to get a proper statement.
oxoxo
While Ben slept, sometimes restlessly, Joan and Meg chatted about life and the future till Tyus came back. Then they watched silently as he checked Ben without waking him then sat with them and quietly told them Ben could go to Santa Barbara as soon as he was strong enough to travel till then he would stay here. Seeing their smiles of joy he also explained that although Ben should be moved to the other hospital he would stay where he was under his and Dr Richards care and so Meg could be with him all the time. Then left knowing they would go back to making plans.
Later when Meg left with John to get the things Ben wanted from the house and a change of clothes for herself, Joan sat watching over her son in law so he would know he was safe as he drifted in and out of sleep and contemplated the future now her girls were happy.