TRIXIE CHAPTER 16

Charlie didn't want to leave; he wanted to stay with Don. Alan tried persuading him to leave but Charlie was adamant, he wanted to wait for Don to wake up, to know that he was going to be alright.
Alan had no choice but to go back and sit on the sofa and wait, muttering "Stubborn, bull headed just like his brother….."

Megan laughed quietly and said to Alan, "Just like his brother, Alan, both of your sons are very stubborn, let me try."

Megan went to Charlie and pulled up a chair to sit next to him.
She told him that Don would sleep through the night and he should be doing the same thing and come back in the morning.

She lowered her voice and told him that his father really needed the few hours sleep before he came in again in the morning.

She also told him a nurse would be there as soon as they left and she would look after Don and Trixie throughout the night.

Still Charlie didn't move. Megan looked at Alan and shook her head; she tried again.

"Charlie, you need to rest too, you know. You are also injured and suffered some blood loss and your hand must be giving you some discomfort and pain. My goodness, you have stitches in your hand as proof; even if you are not thinking of your own discomfort, think of your father.

Look at him, he is clearly exhausted and both of you were injured, almost right in front of his eyes! Charlie think….what he's been through."

Charlie raised his head and looked at Megan with teary eyes and said softly, "Megan, I know but I want to see Don wake up first. I want to know that he's going to be alright. Do you know that he threw himself in front of me when that man raised his knife to strike at me?" Charlie laid his head on Don's bed.

Megan looked at Charlie and then at the still unconscious man. So different and yet so alike, they might not show it but each would do things for the other in their own way. Don is very protective of Charlie and Charlie will do anything for his big brother. Megan sighed and prepared to wait with Charlie.

Don moved ever so slightly such that no one noticed it. He heard voices above him, Megan and Charlie talking. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Charlie's head on his bedside. He had laid his bandaged hand on Don's bed and Don touched it lightly.

"Charr...lee, Char..."

Charlie raised his head and opened his eyes, 'Don, Don….."

Alan stood up and quickly went to Don's bedside, "Donnie, you're awake? How are you feeling, son?"
"Dad, ti..red. Char…li, go home..Dad, go home ..take…Char..li home."

Megan looked at the three Eppes men, marveling at the love they had for each other and wished her own family was like that.

Don's team went towards their boss and each greeted the injured man in their own way. Don raised a tired hand to them.
He looked at Megan and Megan understood.

Megan turned to Alan and said "Alan, I think we all need to go home and let Don have his rest." She made an eye to Alan and pointed to Charlie.

"Donnie, you rest, we'll come back in a few hours' time."

"umm Good, Dad, Trixie?" Don asked

"She's your room mate, son. Dr. Stewart said a nurse will come and stay with her for the night, you needn't worry."

"umm good, care for her..Charlie, go home please? I'm alright." Don said looking at Charlie.

"Don….why?" Charlie insisted.

"Why? I'm the big brother, that's why. Charlie…please take dad home."

"Ok, but we'll talk later today."

"No talk, unless you're bigger than me. Either way, no way." Don said and then to his dad, 'Nite Dad." and he closed his eyes.

Megan and the guys stifled their chuckles.
"Either way, you lose, Charlie." Colby chipped in.

"OK, that's all. Good night again, everyone. Charlie come on let's go, we are disturbing Don."

This time Megan gave a stifled cough, she corrected herself and said, "Goodnight all, Sleep well, Boss, see you later today."

Megan and the guys went off after Megan confirmed that Alan was OK to drive home with Charlie.

"Night Donnie, if you are not feeling well, just call out, there will be a nurse sitting in here. OK?" Alan kissed Don's forehead and waited for Charlie.

"Sleep well big brother, bigger or not, we are going to have that talk." Charlie gave his brother a peck on his forehead.

They left Don's room and Alan went up to Jenny to tell her that they are on way home and that Don had awakened briefly.
Jenny told them not to worry; Don and Trixie would be watched over until the morning. Alan thanked her and he went off with Charlie in tow.

Alan turned his car out of the hospital grounds and drove off; in the shadows a car was waiting and watching.

Tbc

A/N: Thanks to my beta- Mikiss