Characters: CJ, Toby, Andy Abbey and OFC. And a little of everyone at some point.
Disclaimers: Oh if wishing made it so.
Rating: PG ish right now, but it ain't staying there
Feedback: You know you want to…And many thanks to those who have.
WORDLESS CONVERSATION
It was an unusual grouping that walked through the West Wing towards the Portico, the most direct route open to them. The gruff, private man tenderly carrying a wrapped-up bundle, followed by the bustling smaller woman, almost running to keep up with his strides and followed in turn by the woman who was normally the life and soul of the place, but now just an anxious accomplice, hoping to avoid any Press. Mrs Landingham looked up as they entered her office but they didn't even acknowledge her as they went straight out the Portico doors, and into the Residence. Abbey turned to CJ "Go on, I just need to pick up some things" she said, handing CJ her medical bag and turning down another corridor. Finally arriving at their destination Toby crossed over to the bed and sat down, Jilly still cradled in his arms as CJ knelt in front of them, a hand on each, quietly waiting.
"CJ, see if you can find some pyjamas or something will you? And get the door." Abbey asked entering the room a moment later, her hands full. Rising to do as she was asked, CJ gave Abbey a look of gratitude, glad that the woman was back in professional mode. Abbey set the equipment on the bed and sat down, looking at Toby.
"I'm going to set up an IV to get some fluids back in to her, which may hopefully raise her pressure a little, but probably won't do much for the temperature. Her lungs are quite crackly, but I think if we put her on oxygen the mask will panic her more."
"She has asthma…she normally has an inhaler somewhere around" CJ said, joining them, holding a pair of short pyjamas.
"She never carried the inhaler...you always had to practically hang it round her neck" Toby said with a small smile.
"Let me get the drip set up, we'll deal with the other stuff as we need to" Abbey said, moving to let CJ in, taking the supplies to the table at the head of the bed. .
"Abbey, could you get me some hot water, please?" he asked.
"Sure" she replied, going to the en-suite. "CJ, get her into those will you?"
"I'll do it" Toby said quietly. Unwrapping the comforter he sat the girl up gently. "Lift up" he said and as she obediently raised her arms, he drew the camisole upwards and over her head. CJ was prepared this time and didn't freeze at the sight of the ribcage predominantly exposed, each and every rib visible and the bruising and marks as on her arms and leg. She handed the top to Toby, who put her arms into the short jacket and buttoned it up gently. Moving Jilly to one leg he shifted his weight, placing his free leg in a wide stance and laid the girl on her back across his lap. Abbey, returning with the water and a towel watched him and was instantly reminded of Jed with their children when they were little, putting them to bed or changing nappies on his knee, gently but efficiently, like he had done it every day of his life, even though he was terrified the first few times. Abbey instinctively knew Toby had done this many times before. Lifting Jilly's hips with his hand at her back, Toby drew the skirt down letting it fall on the floor, before doing the same with her underwear, all the while looking into her eyes, wordless communication, brown eyes to green eyes. CJ manoeuvred the feet into the shorts and pulled them up as again Toby raised Jilly's hips so CJ could finish dressing her then he sat the girl up, pulling the comforter around her once more. Abbey brought the bowl to him, touched by this gentle side to Toby that she knew existed but had never witnessed so openly. "She was barefoot" he began but CJ had realised and taken the bowl and towel from Abbey. Kneeling on the floor, she took a cold foot in her hand, running the warm soapy flannel gently around it.
Abbey went back to the IV and began work. After a few minutes, she turned back to Toby. "Let's get this in," she said, holding the catheter of the IV. Toby unwrapped Jilly's arm from the comforter, as Abbey took her hand and rubbed it to raise the vein. Flinching and whimpering, Jilly pulled back and turned into Toby's body, pressing her hand in between them. CJ, finished with the cleaning, sat by Toby, and took the girl's hand. Murmuring sweet words and pet names they held her tight while Abbey slid the needle in, and connected the tubing. Wiping away her tears of pain and tiredness Toby stood up and let CJ pull the bedcovers back; laying her down he covered her up, bending down to pick up the comforter, which had fallen to the floor. CJ leaned over and kissed the girl "Go to sleep baby…we're right here" she said softly. Toby folded the comforter, laid it on the pillow next to her face and sat on the edge of the bed. Turning onto her side, Jilly pulled the comforter to her face, tubed hand on top, feeling the material in her fingers, rubbing the satin edge on her face. Toby gently stroked her hair. "Close your eyes, Button." They watched as the girl's lashes began to fall, flickering a few times before finally lying still. Waiting for a moment until she was sure the girl was asleep CJ gently touched Toby's arm. He withdrew his hand from Jilly's head, before standing and facing the two women. A finger to her lips Abbey hushed him and led the way across the room and into a small sitting room.
Pushing the door to, but not closing it completely she looked at the two staff before her. "Well?" she asked.
"Do you want to tell me who she is?" Abbey asked gently. Toby raised his sad brown eyes to Abbey's.
"Her name's Jillian Wyatt. She's Andi's sister."