A/N This story was pretty much plnned out in summer 2005 and I always had the impression that Don and Charlie wasn't all that close as they were in later seasons. Thus the less emotional Don although he is concerned about Charlie.
THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR
Part 6
Terry wasn't sure how long they'd sat waiting when she finally saw Dr. Liang approaching. Still in his surgical scrubs. He came to a stop before there pair and regarded Don for a minute before saying, "I take it that you're the missing brother."
"Yes, I am. How is Charlie?" Don asked quickly as he got to his feet.
"He's doing very well I must say. His appendix was still intact so I was able to perform a less invasive surgical procedure," the surgeon replied.
"That's good news. When can I see him?" Don asked the relief evident in his voice.
"He'll still be in recovery for a while longer and then moved to a room in the Med/Surg Unit. You can see him once he's there. I'll make sure and keep you informed," Dr. Liang replied.
"Thank you," Don said.
"Now if you will excuse, me I have other sick patients to attend to," the surgeon replied and headed for the exit.
Don watched the doctor leave and then said, "Excuse me," getting to his feet a little unsteadily.
"Are you all right?" Terry asked.
"I'm okay. Just been sitting too long. Be back in a few," he replied and began to make his way toward the restrooms at the end of the hall.
Terry nodded and settled back on the couch, reaching for a magazine. She knew that Don deep down Don had been worried about Charlie although the brothers didn't have the closest of relationships at times.
Inside the men's room Don made use of the facilities and went to wash his hands. Standing at the sink, he caught sight of his reflection and sighed, seeing the faint lines of exhaustion. Even though his team had been instrumental in apprehending a wannabe Ted Bundy, the week had worn him down and all he wanted was some time to recharge before the next case, the next innocent lives destroyed. After splashing cold water on his face, he dried it off and pulled out his phone, deciding that it was a good as time as any to call his father.
Despite the approaching late hour, Alan Eppes was still up enjoying the company of his college roommate and other friends from his younger days. And the fine wine that was being served. He was listening to Joshua Abrams recounting somewhat embellished tales of the time they took apart and reassembled the dean's prize 1939 Packard on the roof of the administration building. Of course he'd only been part of a group of twelve and they had been out celebrating a little too much upon making it to their senior year. When his phone rang, he checked the caller ID and said, "Excuse me a minute while I take this. I expressly told the boys to call only if it was an absolute emergency."
"Okay, Eppes. But I am just about to get to the good part," Joshua said.
Stepping out into the cool night air, Alan quickly answered his phone. "Hello."
"Dad," Don started to say.
His father cut him off. "Don, what's going on? Why are you calling?"
"Dad, Charlie's in the hospital. He had to have his appendix removed and the doctor says he's doing okay," the older son said.
"What exactly did the doctor say?" Alan asked.
"He said that he was able to use a less invasive surgical procedure," Don replied, trying to recall exactly what he'd been told.
"Less invasive? What did he mean by that?" Alan asked.
"Look, Dad, I don't really know but the doctor didn't seem to be worried about Charlie," Don answered.
"Doctors are supposed to be that way. I'll be there as soon as I can. You be sure and tell that to Charlie," Alan instructed. "What hospital?"
"Huntington Memorial. I'll tell him that when I see him. Hey, didn't you say that you were riding down to San Diego with Joshua Abrams?" Don asked.
"I did. Then I'll rent a car and drive back," Alan said. He hung up his phone and went back inside.
"So what did your son have to say?" Joshua asked.
"Charlie's in the hospital. Is there any car rental places nearby?" Alan replied.
Joshua reached out an arm and pulled him into a chair. "Hold on, Eppes, you've had your fair share of Gabe's fine wine. Now what exactly did Don say was wrong with Charlie?" he asked.
"Don said that he had his appendix removed and the doctor used a less invasive procedure," Alan answered.
"If Charlie's surgeon used the keyhole procedure then it means his appendix hadn't ruptured so there was probably minimal chance of any infection spreading. In fact if no complication arise then he probably will be released from the hospital in a few days," Dr. Gabriel Andrews explained.
"See the best surgeon in San Diego is telling you that there is nothing to worry about," Joshua said. He set down his glass of sparkling cider. "Give me time to get packed and I'll drive you on back. We can always continue this reunion in LA. Gabe, don't you have some vacation coming up soon?"
"In a couple of months. I've been meaning to get to LA and see Rhianna at UCLA. I guess we could stay at your house," he told Alan.
"It's not my house anymore. Charlie bought it but I'm sure he wouldn't mind," Alan replied.
As soon as he finished the phone call, Don headed back to the waiting area. Taking a seat beside, Terry he said, "Dad's upset. I just hope that he doesn't try and drive back by himself tonight. The weather channel was predicting thunderstorms between here and San Diego."
