Chapter 3: Only a Whisper of Hope
Abby touched Tony's hand then leaned to kiss him on the forehead. "You better get well, Tony. You promised me a bowling night with the nuns."
Gibbs chuckled lightly before he fake slapped Tony. He didn't really touch his head just the air around it. "You will come out of this." Gibbs leaned over to whisper. "I told you to stay home on this one."
"Like I said." McGee grinned. "He never listens, Boss."
"That's for sure, Tim." Gibbs breathed out in a slight sigh of relief. Tony wasn't out of danger but he was headed that way compared to earlier. All they had was hope. He trusted Tony to fight for life just like he did years ago.
"I think he's like a cat." Abby smiled as she grinned and rocked back and forth on the heels of her large buckled up boots. Every one stared with questioning gazes. "What? He has nine lives. I mean look how many times Tony has escaped death."
"How many lives does he have left then?" Ziva walked up placing her fingers in his hand briefly before pulling back. She swallowed before turning away from Tony. Before any could say a word to her, she bolted quickly from the room.
"I'll go after her, Gibbs." Abby placed one more kiss on Tony's head. "If he wakes up, call on my cell."
"You're not supposed to have cells on in the hospital, Abby." McGee reminded her. Gibbs slapped the back of McGee's head. "But we will call if Tony wakes up." McGee added quickly.
Gibbs leaned and kissed Abby on the side of her head. "Abs, take care of Ziva for me. Okay?"
Abby shook her head as she headed out to find Ziva. A portly nurse looked up over he clipboard as the ladies retreated from the room. Her wispy gray hair told of her many years experience as a nurse. He demeanor was another indication of her experience. The nurse looked up from giving Tony more medicine through his IV. "He won't be waking up any time soon. I could tell his wife was upset so I thought you should tell her. We're keeping him in a induced coma for a couple of days to ease the pain and take down some of the swelling."
"Wife?" Gibbs turned to question the nurse.
"Oh. I assumed the one was his wife. I think her name is Ziva." The nurse pulled off her latex gloves to throw them in the trash. "She …." The nurse smiled. "I guess I assumed wrong."
"She's just his partner." McGee spoke up.
"Oh." The nurse raised an eyebrow as she spoke. "I'll leave you to talk with him. The doctor prefers we talk to the comatose patients. He said it sometimes helps ease their anxiety of not knowing what his going on."
The nurse exited the room leaving Gibbs and McGee to have some time with Tony.
In the meantime, Abby found Ziva splashing water in her face. She looked like she has been crying.
"Are you okay?" Abby touched Ziva's shoulder. Ziva flinched at Abby's touch but didn't remove her hand. "Tony knew what he was doing, Ziva. He was doing his job when he jumped in front of that bullet. It's not your fault."
"I know." Ziva turned away from the sink. She placed her hands behind her leaning on the porcelain of the sink. "That's not it, Abby."
Abby turned to lean against the sink as well. She folded her arms over her chest. "Then what is it? Tony is going to make it."
"I think so too." Ziva blinked as another tear sneaked over her lashes and down her cheek. "I mean….I can't allow myself to think otherwise. He is Tony."
"Sorry to interrupt, Ladies." the nurse that took care of Tony walked in the bathroom. "I just thought you should know that I was the one that prepped your friend for surgery."
"Yes." Ziva questioned as she waited for the nurse to add something. After all, she didn't care who prepped Tony for surgery.
"Well." the nurse smiled genuinely. "Are you Ziva?"
"Yes." Ziva once again looked quizzical at the nurse. "Why?"
"He whispered your name quite a few times while he was being prepped. He was in and out of it while the anesthetic took hold of him. I guess because he was worried about his partner." The nurse thought it may help the girl to know how much this particular patient cared for her.
Ziva bit her lip. "I think I need some air." Once again Ziva escaped from the presence of others.
"Her fist shooting?" The nurse turned to Abby and questioned.
"Not at all." Abby frowned at Ziva's reaction at the mere mention of Tony whispering her name.
"Oh." The nurse winked. "First time facing she's in love then."
Once again…thanks to those who are reviewing and reading this story. I appreciate your thoughts and input. Tony will wake up next chapter…because I have to have Tony in my story because he is my fave after all.