Chapter 6

Kowalski started panicking gazing at the empty bed. Veccico came up behind him and felt the same. He could hear Kowalski ask over and over, "Ben, where's Ben. Did something happen oh god did it"?

A nurse came over to see what was wrong, "Sir, are you Mr Kowalski!"?

Kowalski starred back at her with fear in his eyes,"Ya is it Ben, did something happen"?

The nurse patted his arm, "Mr Kowalski, Mr Fraser was moved to a ward. I'm sorry no one contacted you, sorry for frightening you".

Kowalski sagged into the chair that was behind him, "Thank god, when I saw the empty bed. I thought, I thought you know".

Veccico put his hand on his shoulder and asked the nurse, "Can you tell us what ward he was moved to please"?

The nurse smiled a kind smile, "Of course, Mr Fraser was moved to the first floor room 7. Again I'm so sorry. I thought someone rang you. You'll be happy to know that Mr Fraser had a very good night last night".

Kowalski was in to much shock to speak anymore. So Veccico did it for him, "Thank you, I'll just take him down there now".

The nurse watched them leave. Then she went looking for the person who was meant to contact them give to them a piece of her mind.

As they got to Ben's room they both paused outside the door.

Veccico asked, "Do you want to go in on your own"?

Kowalski looked blankly at the door, "Ya if you don't mind, just for a few minutes".

Veccico squeeze his shoulder, "No problem. You after all Benny's husband Kowalski. You call me when you're ready".

Kowalski half smiled, "Thanks Veccico, I will".

Kowalski made his way into Ben's room. He saw Ben lying there. Ben looked like something out of a horror movie, wires and machines everywhere. Ray couldn't help looking at the blanket that covered Ben's body, knowing what the damage was underneath.

Ray took Ben's hand in his and felt it tighten right away.

Ben whispered, "Ray".

Ray's tears flowed faster at the sound of Ben's voice, "Ben I'm here my love, I'm here".

Ben's eyes looked so lost and filled with pain.

Ben chocked out, "Oh Ray". Ben started to cry his heart out.

Ray held Ben as best as he could to let him cry it out, "Let it out Ben, we can get through this".

Ray felt new tears sting his eyes.

Ben finally quietened his tears, "I'm sorry Ray. I can still feel them you know, my legs. I can still feel them, are they really gone"?

Ray dropped his head, "I'm sorry Ben".

Ben tears came again in heart wrenching sobs.

Ray held Ben's hand to his heart, "Ben Veccico is here. Do you want to talk to him? He said that he was sorry for blowing up. He has been looking after me all night".

Ben's eyes looked as if there was noting left behind them, "I'll talk to him. But no one else I do not want anyone else please no visitors. I just don't want people to see me".

Ray bent down and kissed Ben, "Ok Ben, whatever you want is fine. You call the shots and say when you're ready ok".

Ray went out and got Veccico, "Ben said he'll talk to you. He doesn't want any other visitors".

Veccico made his way in followed by Ray.

Veccico gasped inwardly at the sight of Ben. He had to push down the rising panic that was setting in.

Ben would not meet his eyes.

Veccico spoke softly, "Hi Benny, I'm sorry for what I said before. It was just a shock you know. It was totally uncalled for what I said. Just so you know I'll stay for as long as ye need me. I'll look after Kowalski for you while you're in hospital".

Ben's voice was like a whisper, "Yes It was Ray, you had no right to say what you said. I do accept your apology. Ray I could be in here months. What about your new life in Florida"?

Veccico grabbed the railing at the side of the bed, "Benny you're far more important then a bowling alley. I told you I'll stay for as long as you both need me. Stella knows and understands ok, so don't worry".

Ben's eyes were getting heavy, "Look I'll go leave you sleep. I'll walk Dief for you. You be ok Kowalski, do you need anything before I go".

Ray showed his thanks in his face, "I'm good, thanks Veccico".

Just after Veccico left Ray settled into the chair and watched Ben sleep.

Ray's attention was gotten when the doctor came into the room.

The doctor came over and checked Ben's chart. The doctor introduced himself, "Hi I'm, Dr O'Mara I'm looking after Mr Fraser. You must be his husband Mr Kowalski".

Ray shook his hand, "Hi Doctor call me Ray please. How is he doing"?

Dr O'Mara took Ray to a side room, "Ray as you know Mr Fraser injuries were very sever. He will be in hospital for several weeks. Then he will have to use a wheelchair for awhile until he is strong enough and healed enough to be fitted for prosthetics. I've already explain this to him. He wanted you to know as soon as possible".

Ray felt his body shake, "Doctor Will Ben still be able to be a Mountie"?

Dr O'Mara sighed, "No I'm afraid not, well not a field one. Mr Fraser could still serve from behind a desk or teach. But in the field, no I'm afraid not".

Ray swallowed hard, "I thought so. It's just Ben, everything was finally going right for him you know. We are so happy and now god this is just not fucking fair".

Dr O'Mara nodded, "I agree Ray. Look head back to Mr Fraser and I'll check on you later".

Ray stood, "Thank you doctor".

Ray made his way back in and found Ben starring out the window from his bed.

Ray stopped at the doorway, "Ben".

Ben turned his head and there was a little light in his eyes on seeing his Ray, "Ray".

Ray moved to his side, "Ben I just had a chat with the doctor so I'm up to speed now".

Ben took Ray's hand and pressed over his heart, "I'll be ok Ray. It will take time, but I have you so I know I'll get through anything".

Ray's tears fell once more, "Oh Ben, I love you so much. I hope I'm enough for you"?

Ben closed his eyes, "You are Ray, more then enough".

Ben fell back to sleep still hold Ray's hand to his heart.

Ray stood looking down at their clasped hands thinking, 'Ben is just to calm about all this. He is going to snap. I'm not leaving his side. So I can be here for him when he dose. So I can hold him close and keep him safe'.