Chapter 5

Calleigh started to wake up, after what seemed ages, Alexx was looking at her worried sick.

Oh Sugar, you scared me to death – she said holding her hand.

Calleigh was dizzy, she couldn't remember right away what had happened, why had she blacked out, but that lasted for just a few merciful seconds. The guilt that had overwhelmed her before, returned with full force once she was totally conscious, this time however she said nothing, Alexx looked worried enough as it was.

She took in her surroundings, she was in a hospital room, white covering every square inch around her, except for a vase full with yellow tulips, her favorite flowers, she smiled at them before looking down at her battered body, she was wearing a leg brace, it had several hinges to allow her some movement, but maintain her knee somehow immobile, that was good, she though, her leg wasn't broken.

Her arms were covered in bruises and cuts, probably every part of her body was, it didn't mattered, her only wish was to get out of there and find Horatio, guilt and all, she had to find out about him.

Horatio, please tell me how is he? – Calleigh asked trying to get off her bed at the same time, Alexx was ahead of her; she grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her down on to her pillows.

Calm down baby, he made it out from surgery, which is a miracle by itself, he is still listed as critical, so he can't have any visitors, and you need to rest honey.

But ….

You are staying here Calleigh, and that's final.

Calleigh knew better than to argue with her friend, so she quietly lean down as the ME's pager started blipping.

Oh dear, I have to go Calleigh, would you be all right? – Alexx said standing up and grabbing her purse.

Sure, thank you Alexx.

Be good, ok? – She said walking out hurriedly.

Calleigh waited for a few minutes before trying to stand, it hurt, but it was not too bad, the brace supported her leg really well, she hated to go against Alexx recommendations, but there was no way she was staying in her room without knowing about Horatio.

She managed to find a robe and a pair of slippers and quietly stepped out of her room, she had to use the walls to steady herself; her leg wasn't cooperating as much as she would like, but that was not going to stop her.

Some nurses looked at her with concern, she didn't make eye contact with any of them so they didn't bother her.

She reached the elevators after what seemed ages, while she waited for a car to arrive, she looked up to the Hospital directory, the ICU was located 2 floors up.

The elevator doors opened, and Frank Tripp stepped out almost crashing into her.

Calleigh! What are you doing wandering about? I was on my way to keep you company, Alexx called. – He said smiling, moving aside at the same time, so Calleigh could step into the elevator, and he followed.

Frank held her by one arm and held her firmly all the way to the ICU, he was her friend too, and he knew she wanted to see H, so he figured he better keep and eye on her, as Alexx had told him to do.

Calleigh, how do you feel?

I am ok Frank, how about you? – She said looking at the bandage covering the detective's forehead.

- Oh this? It's nothing, just a cut from a flying piece of something. - He said touching it. – I saw Ryan a little while ago, he told me to say hi, the poor fellow is going crazy, the lab is quite shorthanded, he is the only one from dayshift working now, Natalia won't leave Erik's side – he added grinning.

But, Erik is ok, right? – She asked a little worried, she hadn't seen him since he was rescued.

Of course he is, just a broken rib and many cuts, he says he feels all stitched up like a quilt, whatever that is.

Calleigh laughed a little.

- Erik, is enjoying the attentions of 2 beautiful ladies, between Natalia and Marisol, he will be spoiled rotten by the end of the day.

Marisol is there too? – She asked before she could help herself, she had expected to find her camped down outside Horatio's room.

Sure.

As Calleigh and Frank reached the ICU, The detective's pager started to blip.

Cal can you get back alone?

Sure Frank, thanks

See you tomorrow – He said walking away.

Calleigh reached the ICU nurse station trying to think how to convince a nurse to let her see Horatio; she knew patients in this area were allowed

no visitors because of their condition, but she was so desperate she just had to try.

Caroline Peterson had been a nurse for more than 20 years; several years back she had been promoted to ICU head nurse, she knew from experience how difficult it was for the families of her patients to be kept away from their loved ones, and the young woman before her looked on the verge of tears, she was injured too.

Can I help you Miss? – She said with a tender voice.

Hello, my name is Calleigh Duquesne, I realize it really late and … please, I need to see Lt. Horatio Caine , please I beg you – she said tears streaming from her green eyes, she hated to cry but she couldn't help it.

Caroline stepped out from behind her desk and hugged the blond CSI, she had comforting arms, that had held many in similar situations.

Calm down dear, let me see what I can do, ok? – She said as she helped Calleigh sat down on a couch, and disappeared into an office, a few minutes later she came back with a folder in her hand.

Feeling better?

Yes, thank you, I am sorry, its just that I am so worried – Calleigh said

Its ok, now lets see – she answered opening the folder – Lt. Horatio Caine is listed as critical, he underwent a delicate surgery to remove part of his liver, his left lung collapsed during surgery and has now 3 chest tubes connected to a Pleur-evac, both his legs are broken and have been immobilized, he sustained a heavy loss of blood and has already have 3 transfusions since this morning. He is breathing on his own, which is very good, and he is stable at the moment.

Oh Lord – Calleigh said in a whisper.

Well, now you know what you can expect to see, you can go in for just a few minutes, ok?

Calleigh couldn't believe it, she smiled her amazing smile to Caroline and walked into Horatio's room, it was almost midnight now, no one else was in the ICU ward, and that was fine with her.

She approached the bed, trying very hard not to cry, he looked terrible, even worse than before, without thinking she leaned over and kissed him on the forehead, the only place she could see that was bruise free; taking his hand she sat next to him on the only chair of the room.

Hey handsome, you hang in there, ok? You have made it so far Horatio, keep fighting please, even if you are not mine to have I can't bear loosing you, I love you much, so very much.

Calleigh kept caressing his swollen hand not noticing Horatio was opening his eyes, the sedation was wearing out and he was wakening up.

Cal …. – He whispered

Oh dear Lord, Horatio! – She said jumping of the chair, letting his hand go. – Hi there, welcome back handsome. I'll call the nurse ok?

She stared to turn to press the call button, but Horatio grabbed her hand making her turn again.

Don't… go – he said, his blue eyes fixing on her.

I won't – she said smiling at him, sitting back next to him.