I do realize that if Joe were being prepped for surgery, as he was in my last chapter, that they would be rushing and visitors wouldn't be allowed. But for the sake of a brotherly moment, I'm making an exception and he's gonna see his brothers.
I want to give an over-due birthday shoutout to ListeningtoJonas. I hope you had a great birthday!
Anonymous! Oh My Jonas. When I read your review like 5 minutes ago, I immediately went here and started typing. I can't believe you broke your arm! I feel extra bad for not updating sooner now. So as a get well soon present from me, you'l have something to read to when you wake up. Feel better!
Enjoy!
Joe's room was busy yet quiet. It reminded Kevin of an old silent film, where the pictures are sped up but their is no sound. It was slightly bothersome. He observed the doctors and nurse bustling around the bed that no doubt, contained his brother. He was surprised at himself when felt himself shaking. He was actually nervous to see his brother. The last time he had seen Joe, he had been unconscious on a stretcher. He knew that he wouldn't be in any better shape. The doctors hadn't done anthing for him yet. Not until after the surgery would Joe be better.
If he lives through it.
Kevin mentally smacked himself for thinking in such a way. Joe was strong, and he would make it through this. He has to make it through this. Kevin didn't think he himself would survive if Joe didn't.
He was brought back to reality and out of his troubled thoughts when he felt Nick's hand tighten around his. He looked at his little brother and felt his chest tighten. Never in all his life had he seen Nick look so broken.
Instinctively, Kevin put a strong arm around Nick's shoulder's and pulled him as close as he could to his side. Nick's presence giving him renewed strength.
Dr. Wheeler cleared his thought loudly, gaining the attention of mainly everyone in the room. "Please could we give these boys a quick moment alone with their brother?"
Everyone nodded and began moving toward the door.
"Patty," Dr. Wheeler said to a short gray haired nurse. "I'll need you to stay and finish prepping Joseph. Just do it quietly. Everyone, make sure the O.R. is ready. We'll be ready in about five minutes."
Doctor Wheeler turned around, facing the door. As he walked by Kevin, he placed a head on his shoulder and whispered to him, "Say what you need to quickly. We'll do everything we can for him but medicine has no guarantees." With that, he swiftly left the room.
Kevin gulped. The doctors words were less than comforting. He found his legs carrying him to Joe's side. His whole body was numb. Nick walked with him, still held closely to his side.
"Joe?" Kevin said softly.
Joe's eyes opened right away. A slight smile played across his lips as he looked into the faces of his brothers.
"Hey guys," he replied. Kevin hated the way he sounded so weak. His breath coming in shallow gasps. It hurt him to imagine the pain his little brother was feeling at the moment.
He felt Nick start shaking next to him. Kevin removed his arm and Nick shot forward, wrapping his arms gently, yet firmly around Joe.
Joe reacted quickly, raising his hand and running it through Nick's hair. Kevin noticed Joe's wrist was wrapped and remembered the video and the painful snap when Joe's arm hit the ground at the start of his beating. He quickly shook his head of the thoughts.
Nick was sobbing violently into Joe's shoulder. Joe's eyes were shut, tears escaping and running down his pale face.
"I'm so sorry," Nick said, his voice breaking. "It's all my fault. I'm so scared."
"Sssh," Joe soothed. "Don't you dare say it's your fault. It's not your fault." Joe took a moment to regain his breath, which was becoming harder and more painful with each passing moment.
"I love you little brother, more than life." Nick cried harder. "I would take a thousand beatings before I ever saw you take a punch."
Kevin felt moisture gather in his eyes as he smiled proudly at Joe's words, knowing that he himself felt the same way about both of his brothers.
"I'm so scared," Nick mumbled again.
"Don't be," Joe coughed slightly, forcing it away. "You've got Kevin." He looked over Nick's shoulder at his big brother. He extended his arm and Kevin joined the hug. Joe winced at the added pressure on his injuries but then smiled at the feeling of his brothers being with him.
"Promise me you'l be okay."
Joe was silent for a second, "Nick,"
"No. Promise me Joe. Say it."
"Only if you say something for me first little bro," Joe said quietly.
"What?" Nick asked, lifting his head so he could see Joe's face.
"I wanna hear you say that its not your fault."
Nick shook his head slightly. No matter what Joe said, he felt guilty.
"Nick say it."
"I can't lie to you."
Joe sighed, frustrated. He was tired and in to much pain to even begin to describe it. All he wanted before he went into the surgery that would decide if he lived or not was to know that his little brother was okay.
"I have to hear you say it."
"Joe, it's not that easy, I'm sorry."
"Then I am too." Nick looked at him confused. "If you won't say it, if you blame yourself and feel guilty, if you won't tell me that you know it's not your fault, I won't promise you I'll be okay. Cause I won't be."
Nick felt his heart throb painfully. Tears flowed freely from his eyes and he stared at his brother with his mouth wide open. Kevin did the same, unable to believe that Joe had just said that to Nick.
"Joe," Kevin started, but Joe cut him off.
"If he blames himself then I'm not gonna be okay," Joe said quietly. He shifted slightly and his face contorted in pain as his broken ribs protested loudly. He had never felt pain worse than that. He wanted it to be over. He closed his eyes, trying to breathe.
Kevin and Nick looked at Joe worriedly. Patty pressed the button next to Joe's bed and said, "Times up boys. I'm sorry bu he's not looking good. He's needs surgery now."
"Joe?" Kevin said. Joe opened his eyes slightly, pain clouding his vision. "I love you Joe."
"I love you too big brother. Tell mom and dad and Frankie that I love em?" Kevin nodded.
"It's not my fault."
Joe turned his head to his little brother, the corner of his mouth twitching. "What?"
Nick looked him in the eyes and said firmly, "It's not my fault."
"That's what I was waiting for."
Nick hugged his brother once more, praying it wouldn't't be the last time.
"I love you Joe, so much. Your my hero."
Joe smiled through his tears, not expecting that. "I love you too Nick. I'll see you after my surgery. I promise."
Patty watched the tearful scene and felt her heart break for the three boys. She could only imagine how close they were. "Boys? I'm sorry," More doctors came through the door with Joe's gurney, "but it's time for you to leave."
Kevin nodded and stood, not bothering to wipe the tears away, knowing they would be back again soon. "Come on Nick."
Nick slowly let go of Joe, their eyes never leaving each other. "Good luck."
Joe smiled and closed his eyes, the fear of the impending surgery finally dawning on him. He had been so busy trying to be Strong for his brothers that he didn't realize how bad off he was. He found himself wishing he hadn't made Nick that promise. The way he felt, he didn't know how good the promise truly was.
"1,2,3," he heard, and he was lifted from his bed to the gurney. He felt himself moving and he opened his eyes. His brothers watched sadly as he was wheeled past them. He had never seen them look so sad. He felt bad for causing it.
Deciding he needed to try his best to make good on his promise, he closed his eyes, took a deep, painful breath, and prayed.
Kevin and Nick made their way slowly down the hall and back into the waiting room. Their parents greeted them by standing up, questions written all over their faces. Nick side stepped them both. He walked over to a chair that was secluded and sat down. He placed his head in his hands and tried to think positively.
"He's going to surgery now," Kevin said.
"How did he seem. Okay? Was he in too much pain?" Mrs. Jonas asked fearfully.
Kevin sighed, wanting nothing more than to get away from everything. "I dunno. He's Joe. He didn't act scared, but I could tell that he was terrified."
His dad nodded, knowing Joe would put on a brave face.
Kevin felt new tears come as he remembered Joe's face, contorted in pain. He slouched and sat in the nearest seat. His mom sat down next to him, rubbing comforting circles on his back.
"I c-can't stand seeing him like that ma," Kevin sobbed into his hands.
"I know baby, I know."
The four Jonas' sat in the waiting room. Kevin in between his parents, Nick alone, trapped in his thoughts.
Denise prayed for her baby boy to make it through this and for her family to stay strong.
Paul prayed for his son's life and for Kevin and Nick to be okay.
Kevin prayed for his little brother to beat this and to pull through.
Nick prayed for his hero to stay with him. He said every possible prayer he could think of in his head and made any deal that came to mind.
Now all they do was wait. It was in someone eles's hands now.
So now I've got a major hand cramp but I hope this turned out alright. Thanks for being so great.
Tell me what you think please.