A/N: Here I am with an update. Thank you for your kind (too kind) reviews. One of you asked for Sucre to be present.. well here he is :)
A few more weeks have passed and Michael was feeling much better. Still on sick leave and not able to work or drive his car, but in general his state improved considerably. Doctor White was very happy with his post-op state and the way things were going. He was pretty sure they were past the stage where things could go wrong beyond their control, as long as Michael followed all the recommendations to the letter, which he, luckily, did.
He didn't need his brother's or nephew's presence at all times anymore, but they still spent quite a lot of time in his appartment. During daytime, when he was mostly alone, he would read a little and go for long walks. More than once he ended up in the park where he met Sara, but had no such luck anymore. He tried to remember something, anything that could give him a clue about how to find her. She mentioned she was at the gym that day.. But that wasn't really a clue, since he had no idea which one she went to, and there must be tens of them in this neighbourhood alone. Besides, a decent gym's policy for sure didn't include giving away information about their members. He sighed and went home, trying to ignore the gnawing sensation in his chest, whenever his mind went back to the image of her upset and lost face before she left him in the coffeeshop. Oh he's been there recently too, a few times. If someone knew the reason why he went to these particular places, looking at people, hoping to see that auburn hair and beautiful hazel eyes, he would feel embarassed, maybe even ashamed, because it could seem kind of like stalking.. But he wouldn't do it if he wasn't worried about her. If he could make sure she was alright, he would let it go. If she was alright, she would have been back at work. Or quit this hospital and found another job in some other place, not just taken some long unpaid leave without letting her collegues (and patients?) know what was going on.
The next check-up appointment came soon and having gone through all the tests and procedures, Michael couldn't stop himself from walking to reception and taking a look around. Maybe her name will be on the board (no). He looked at the woman behind the counter and realized that he hasn't seen her here before. Alright, might as well go and ask her about doctor Tancerdi without a risk of being deemed creepy.
Unfortunately, the answer was still the same, no news on her. He was starting to feel desparate. Maybe he should let it go for real. He walked away from the counter and took the nearest turn to the right slowly, thoughtfully, when suddenly saw someone standing in front of him behind the corner. He slowed down even more and took a look at the person. Nurse Katie. Michael didn't even have time to open his mouth, when she just looked at him with a mix of..understanding? and doubtfullness and then she said quietly and hastily: "Gateway Foundation, North". After that she gave him another look that most likely meant "don't make me regret this" and disappeared in the long hallway.
Of course he knew what Gateway Foundation was and what it meant. His first and most prominent reaction was "she is indeed in trouble". That is all. Was he taken aback by this information? No. Discouraged? Hardly. God, his own brother had been this close to serious alcohol abuse and Michael was pretty sure Lincoln knew what drugs were not only in theory. It was a long time ago. They've had some hard years behind them. Michael had seen enough things in his life to know that people who had to go into rehab centers often were not some cons or criminal elements. Look at Sara, she was a doctor, for god's sake. She was educated and smart, and she was a daughter of this mighty politician. He could imagine how that could be stressful and affect his child's life in a negative way. He didn't know her well enough to come to any conclusions, also he didn't know her well enoug to judge this young woman. She wasn't anything but professional and kind to him. What he knew is that she was struggling with something. She mentioned she used to see a therapist. She was miserable and lost when he saw her the last time. And since then his mind kept coming back to her, even after surgery and everything he went through, he couldn't let go. He just needed to see her, find out how is she. Maybe she needed help. She had his phone number, but of course she didn't call. Besides, she knew he had been going through brain surgery. Of course she wouldn't call.
All these thoughts were rushing through his head during the cab ride home, and while he searched the internet for more details about Gateway Foundation.
Do they allow visitors? Is she there under her real name? How would she feel about him coming there? He thought about Katie and why she chose to tell him. Probably she knew Sara needed support. And she saw how many times Michael asked about her at the hospital, it gave her the idea that he cared. And she knew him as a patient and was aware of his background to know that he wasn't some creepy stalker. It gave him some degree of confidence that Sara would not be angry or upset by his visit.
He was able to find out that visitations depended upon the program Sara was in, of which he of course had no idea. But that's okay, he will come up with the way to see her. The thing that worried him the most was Sara's reaction. He didn't want her to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable with his visit, which was probably unavoidable. He couldn't decide what was the better way to handle this, - somehow let her know in advance and therefore make it her decision if she wants to see him and be prepared for it, or just go ahead and show up out of nowhere. He checked the time and it was past 5pm, most likely too late for going there, concidering the time he would need to get there, and evening traffic. He chanced calling them but ofcourse noone would give him any information about the patients over the phone (and probably in person too). He spent the most of the evening thinking about the best way to deal with his need to see Sara, until exhaustion took over him and he fell asleep within minutes after his head hit the pillow.
The next day came and he woke up with a heavy head, having spent too much time last night concentrating, today he felt groggy and lethargic. Having no more power to comprehend, he decided to just go out there and act. Besides, knowing where she was gave him the feeling that she was close and he didn't want to wait another minute to see her. However, when he arrived to the main entrance, his determination somewhat wavered and he stopped few steps away in indecision. He stayed there, having turned his back to the cold wind, taking in the surroundings. Few moments later the door to the building behind him opened and he cought himself thinking, if it were a movie, he would totally see Sara coming out the door behind him. But of course it was no movie but his harsh reality, so when he turned he saw a young man approximately of his age. His hair was also shorn and his skin was darker, Michael would assume he was Puerto-Rican. They guy stepped out and turned to the left, breathing the cold winter air like it was the air of freedom. Michael watched him carefuly until he turned to and caught him staring. The guy glared back somewhat suspiciously but after taking in Michael's appeareance and his fine clothing seemed to relax. And his interest was obviously piqued.
- Can't make that final step? It's fine, just do it. I will hold the door for you.
He actually moved to the door but Michael was faster to stop him with reply:
- Uh, no, I'm actually looking for a visit with someone from here.
- Really, who would that be?
- Um. A girl named Sara. Do you know her?
The guy pursed his lips and looked Michael over with renewed interest as if he was assessing him.
- And who would you be?
Michael licked his lips and looked away for a long moment.
- I guess I'm..
- No, man, - the guy grimaced and started talking formidably, - if you only guess, you stay away from Sara, okay? She is doing so good, she doesn't need any trouble with you people. Not Sara. Just get out of here.
- No, wait. I meant.. I am only her patient. You know she is a doctor, right?
This earned him another look full of suspicion and he pressed further:
- So she was my doctor. My name is Michael. Michael Scofield. I just want to check on her. See if she is alright.
He didn't know why he decided to just be honest with this man, who just came out of the rehab center..maybe because he also cared about Sara? The protectiveness he showed towards her made Michael feel as if they were in the same boat. And hearing Sara was doing good lifted a conciderable amount of weight off his chest. But this guy was not easy to convince. Michael sighed and took off his beanie, turning around.
- See this? I had an operation recently. Brain surgery. She was my doctor.
When he turned back, the guy looked impressed and a bit aghast.
- Do you believe me now? I won't get her in trouble. It's the last thing I want. Do you know if she can have visitors?
- She can, if she wants. - He replied hesitantly watching Michael putting his hat back on with caution. - But she never had any. Besides, you can't just go in there and..
- I know, I know. Just.. say, are you going back there?
- Yeah. My aunt is about to pick me up but I'm coming back tonight. She wants me to do another 30 days.. But I swear, I am staying out of trouble this time. I could leave right now, you know. But I am not going anywhere. Just waiting here for her, - he said with some degree of pride in his tone and Michael cought himself smiling a little. - I'm Sucre, by the way.
He extended his hand and shook Michael's.
- Nice to meet you, Sucre. Do you trust me and my scarred scull enough to pass a small message to Sara?
- That depends on what exactly you want me to pass, - he looked at Michael with a challenge. - They will check me, you know. And I'm staying out of trouble.
- Just give me a second. It's nothing illegal.
He turned away and fumbled for something in his pockets. Another few moments later he placed a small weightless thing in Sucre's hand. A small paper crane he just made with a page from the small noteblock he kept in his chestpocket. Sucre inspected it carefully, looking under every wing and unfolding every fold, revealing a scribbled message inside, which earned him a disapproving look from Michael, but he just glared back, keeping up his inspection. At the end he even smelled the paper crane, before nodding approvingly and placing it in his pocket.
- If she doesn't want to have anything to do with this I'm sorry, mate, I am not doing this again. Don't stalk her, or me.
- I won't. It's up to her. Just this once.
Sucre nodded again, and turned to the car that just pulled up to the curb.
- I gotta go.
- Thank you, - Michael watched him jump in the car and hug the short elderly lady behind the wheal.
Well, this hasn't gone too bad. The next few days were going to be long and full of hopeful expectation, as well as moments of bitter disappointment, for sure.
I know, I know. It will happen in the next chapter, I promise!)