CHAPTER 7
"We're here," Caitlin announced as Hawke helped Chance out of the back of the Jet Ranger. The doctors had warned about emotional detachment, possibly being afraid that he would hurt them again if he forgot them like he had this time, and he was still pretty distant, Chance being the exception. Practically any time you saw one the other wasn't far away. Bits of memory were coming back, mostly of distant past, but at least it was something. Flying was another oddity though; it didn't seem to phase him in the least, like he knew exactly what was going on, but he hadn't made any mention of flying himself, something he normally pushed pretty hard for.
String greeted Saint John warmly and now with more familiarity then Dom with a vague sense of recognition.
Dom hoped Hawke couldn't see the pain that mounted up inside of him. String had enough to go through and didn't need to feel bad about something he couldn't help. But they had been through so much together, surely he would remember something…
"Dom. Dom," Caitlin repeated.
"Uh yeah," he answered absently as he brought his thoughts back to the present.
"I was thinking I should be able to start coming back up here on a more regular basis. String still has physiotherapy, but he's getting along pretty well and should be alright at the cabin. I know you've been really understaffed lately planning for four pilots then suddenly down to one."
"Le is doing better so Saint John is flying again and we're managing alright."
"I should be up here though. Honestly I don't think he would much mind, especially if I left Chance with him."
"Are you sure that is such a good idea? I heard psychological trauma and amnesia can make one more irritable and.."
"I'm sure," Caitlin said confidently. "They've been getting along perfectly. It's scary how much they are alike."
He had his hesitations but the extra help would be nice. "Fine," he conceded, "but only if you're positive."
"I am. Now where is he anyway?"
"I think he went back to talk to Saint John; whether he remembers it or not they are still the inseparable Hawke brothers, you know."
\A/
"Are you sure it's such a good idea? That'll leave just you and Saint John running the business."
"Dom, we can handle it."
"What if-"
"Dom, go. You've been planning to go to this for weeks."
"That was before String had that accident," Dominic protested.
"You ran it by yourself during Vietnam then just you and String for years after that; Just Saint John and I will be ok for the four days you'll be gone. It'll be fun, now go and enjoy yourself."
\A/
"Don't worry. It will all come back in time, and I can tell you're already doing a lot better than you were."
String simply looked back at his brother, hoping that he was right.
"We're her for you. No matter what," Saint John promised.
"Thanks Sinj," the younger brother said in genuine gratitude as he hugged his older brother and went to join his wife who was waiting on him to go home.
Saint John smiled as he watched his brother leave. Sinj, he thought happily, a nickname String had called him since they were kids, a name that only String typically called him.
\A/
"Uncle Dom," Saint John radioed from the cabin, his own voice more than a little shaky. "We need your help. The boat and the storm…." his voice trailed off again. He had always learned you had to keep calm during emergencies like this but that was much easier said than done. " Our parents are gone - and String - he's just sitting there, he won't say anything."
"Ok, so you all were out in the boat when the storm came up and the boat was capsized," Dom said trying to piece together the little bits of information he had just received.
"Uh-huh," Saint John replied. "Dom, I'm scared."
String watched his brother carefully, tuning out the scared, weak and trembling voice and focusing on the bravery and courage it took to take charge like this. Saint John had lost his parents just as much as he had, but still he went on making sure someone knew, that someone could take care of them.
"Just stay calm and stay warm," Dominic advised. "I'll be there as soon as I can."
As soon as the storm had cleared enough for him to get the chopper in, Dom landed on the dock and rushed in. Compassion and concern were evident in his features; he'd just lost his best friend, but instead of dwelling on the things he couldn't change he focused on the things he could change. There would be time to break down later, not they needed him. He had lost a good friend, they had last a father and mother.
Dom took them under his wing, becoming like a second father to them, sheltering them. Dominic Santini - owner and operator of Santini Air to most; father , friend, and mentor to them.