Here we go. I don't own The Good Wife.
Will sat lost in his own thoughts until he was interrupted by a hand on his shoulder, and a cup of coffee handed to him.
"Figured you would need some serious caffeine to get through today."
Will smiled appreciatively at his brother-in-law. "Thanks, Owen."
"No problem."
They sat in a comfortable silence, drinking their coffee and listening to the soft beeps of the machines hooked up to Grace. Owen broke the silence first.
"Thank you, Will."
Confusion settled into Will. "Thank you? For what?"
"For taking care of my niece. For reassuring her. I came to check on her, and I heard you guys talking. And it was amazing. The way you comforted her, and calmed her down. Alicia would be proud."
Embarrassed at the praise, Will replied,- "I just did what any guy would do for his daughter. That's all."
"I think it is awesome that it doesn't even occur to you to use the word 'step-child' when referring to Zack or Grace. They are just your kids. And obviously not every guy would do it for their daughter, otherwise Peter would be here by now. "
"Peter was at some political campaign meeting in Springfield. Eli called a few hours ago to say they got the message Grace was in the hospital, and they were heading here."
Owen looked at him with raised eyebrows. "Why are you defending him?"
When Will didn't seem to have an answer, Owen continued speaking.
"He could have been across town at dinner, and he probably still would not have been here. Ever since the divorce, he has been so distant from his kids, and doesn't have time for them. Which is why It is so amazing that you just stepped right into the father figure they so desperately need."
Ignoring the comments about Peter, as it can be a touchy subject, he simply answered, "Thanks, Owen. I wasn't sure I would be good at this parenting thing. And I am still not so sure. And I can't help but feel like somehow I could have prevented Grace from developing an eating disorder."
"Stop right there. You are a great dad, and don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. And, from what I know, eating disorders are sneaky bastards. They inch there way into someone's life. Once they start, they are very difficult to control or stop. They can be undetected for weeks, months or even years. And sometimes, even the person being affected by the disorder doesn't realize they have one, because their thought process becomes so twisted. Do not feel guilty because you couldn't stop it. I heard you already tell Grace it isn't her fault, and if I know my sister at all, I am sure you had a similar conversation with her as well. So I am going to tell you now: It is not your fault Will. Ok?"
Will's voice cracked when he spoke. "I just don't understand. How could she do all this to herself? Why?" He stared intently into his coffee, as though it would magically give him the answer.
Owens voice was lower than usual when he replied. "I don't know. But I know that she is going to have the absolute best cheer leading, loving, support group there ever was."
Will half smiled. "Yes. We won't let her down."
"No, we won't."
"I am glad you and Zack came to stay with me last night. I don't know if I could have handled being by myself, while she was in surgery. So, thanks."
Owen shrugged it off. "No problem. That's what family is for."
They fell silent once again, until they heard an irate voice hiss from the doorway,
"Gardner! What did you do to my daughter?!"
It is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. If you, or someone you know, is suffering, please get help.
