1 - I don't own NCIS or any of it's characters. Just using them as inspiration for some fanfictions.
2 - I'm NOT a native english speaker. So there may have mistakes (it certainly have). I'm sorry. My english is not 100%. But it's good. I'm trying hard to let it easy to understand what I tell.
3 - I'm not expert in medicine so I'm sorry if there is something wrong about the medical parts.
Previously on Ncis:
- So doctor. How is he? - Abby asked tremulous getting up.
- I'm sorry. We've lost him... - The doctor was saying.
She didn't even waited to hear his complete sentence. After those last words life stopped making sense for her. It was like a hole had appeared right underneath her feet and she was falling through it.
- I'm sorry. We've lost him twice through the surgery, for a few minutes at each time. It was necessary to restart his heart. Those minutes can have made his condition get worst. With his heart stopped the oxygen couldn't be taken to his brain. So now he may have some brain damage. Or even irreversible damage leading to encephalic death. But we'll only know in further exams. Or if he ever wake up.
- So he didn't die but his situation is even worst? - Gibbs asked
- Yes. I told you there were some risks. We managed to fix his spine, his thorax and lungs. But we'll only see results if he wake up. Because we need him to answer our commands so we can see what is right or wrong.
- Could his spine wound have affected his arms and legs moviments?
- Too soon to tell.
Abby who was lost in thoughts for a few seconds started to pay attention on doctor words again. She then realized she had jumped into conclusions.
- So you're saying that he is still alive? - she asked
- Yes. That's what I just told you. Severely critical but alive.
She felt a strong relief run through her body. There was still a chance. It wasn't over yet. She would stick with him even knowing how extremely hard his condition was. She would fight for him. She wouldn't allow anybody to give up of him. She would be there to make sure that all that could be done, would be done for him.
- Are you Abigail Sciuto?
- Yes that's me. Why?
- I've been told that you're the one who found him. And that you moved him...
- Don't tell that this is wrong. I know it's. I know first aid procedures. But believe me I had to do that! He would be dead by now if I didn't. Now he's bad but at least he has a chance.
- Calm down lady. I was going to tell you that your CPR was primordial. The problem wasn't about moving him. His breathing is still the problem. And we're managing this with the breathing machine. Just so you know you gave him a last chance to be brave and fight for his life.
- I know. He's not a lost case. You'll see.
- What are his chances to survive? - Gibbs asked - In terms of percentage.
- I don't like to tell this but I've got to be honest. Seeing how he is now I'd give a 1% chance of survive. And all the sequels he may have. I hate to tell you but I'd give him one week at the most.
- Is he that bad? - Gibbs asked
- Unfortunatelly. At this point only a miracle can save him. He's at God's hands - the doctor spoke - Now if you excuse me I must go back. And I'll let you know when you can come to see him.
- Thank you for the news - Gibbs said. He and Abby went back to the chairs. He had an arm around her healthy shoulder. He knew she must be suffering with all of these bad news. It's hard for him, could you imagine what it was like for her? Only God knew. He could only pray for God to give her strenght to keep going if the the worst happen. Which could happen any moment judging his condition.
- You know, people give up on things easily - Abby said - They need to trust more in faith. It's a hard moment but miracles happen. They can say whatever they want but I'll hold on in this 1%. Sometimes you get lost but you always find your way out. I believe in miracles so all of you can tell me he's not gonna make it but I'll disagree. I believe on his recover. So I'm lost right now but the when he wake up and his health start to improve each day more, that's the moment when I'll find myself again. Then you all will witness a miracle.
- I believe you. Of course all of us want him back. But it's not our choice. And you should open your eyes or you'll suffer way more if he dies. It's nice that you have hope and I want to believe that everything is going to be ok but seriously I don't think he'll survive. The blast, his wounds, his heart stopped. It's not something that will easily get back to normal.
- If you alll want to be negative that's on you. But I'm strong in my decision. I'll stick with him through it all. And we'll see the day he'll get out of this hospital more healthy than never. It doesn't matter that people says he only got 1% chance of getting out of it alive. This is what will count more in the end. He's brave and this ain't an easy battle. I know he'll make it. Something in here - she pointed to her heart - says he won't die.
- Alright - Gibbs said after seeing determination in her eyes. He knew it wasn't worth to try to tell the otherwise to her. To make her see the reality. It was already too late in the night - You should go home, change into new clothes and get some rest. C'mon I'll drive you home.
- No. I can't go. I just can't stay away from him. What if... what if something happen?
- Don't worry. He's not going anywhere. The doctors are taking care of him and there's nothing you can do now. Tomorrow you can come and visit him.
Contradicted she had no option but follow his suggestion. She didn't want to leave but she had to go home. Her clothes were dirty and she had dust from the blast on her body and she definitly needed a bath. Feeling emotionally and phisically exhausted she knew it wasn't a good idea to disagree with him. But she wouldn't stay away for too long. The most earlier in the next morning she would be back to see him.
Getting home she didn't feel like doing anything. She went to the bathtub, took off her clothes and got in. The water falling on her head while filling the bath. So many things running into her mind that she didn't even know what to think. Closing her eyes she wasn't able to hold anymore a tear that was threatening to fall a long time. McGee meant everything to her. Even that a relationship hadn't worked before. His friend was the most special. She had a lot of friends but with him it was always different. Sometimes words weren't even needed. They knew what was going on with each other just by the look. They would go to each other when they needed to talk like when something was wrong. Because they understood perfectly what the other felt and they only could find solace together.
She couldn't deny that she still loved him. But she managed to sort out this from their friendship a long time ago. She learned to to live with it. Since she was the one who ended the things between them she thought she didn't had the right to take a chance again with him. And now this misfortune. Not knowing what could happen. She felt much love for him but in this war for his life, this meant nothing. She would be there for him as a friend. Just as she would be for any other friend. Deep down she would never admit that, but her love was somehow affecting her judgements and this was making her not be able to see reality cristal clear. She couldn't see any other way than McGee walking out the hospital and being 100% healthy. She put this in her mind with such determination. It made it seem like he was lightly injuried. When in reality even his heart had stopped.
And to be true she would do everything, even something out of her power, to help his recovery. Do much more for him than for any other friend. Ziva and Tony were like brother and sister to her. Gibbs like a father. Ducky and Jimmy and people at NCIS were like a family too. However she had never been able to place McGee like a brother. It felt awkward. Having had a past with him. Even after all those years he meant way more than a brother would mean. It was confusing to figure out how to sort him in her life. She had enforced herself to kept their friendship on top of any other possibility. And knew he must have done the same. Or things could get embarrassing between them.
Abby stepped out of the bathtub and wrapped herself in a towel. She felt so tired that didn't even put new clothes. She went straight to her coffin bed and lay there. Afraid of falling asleep and have a nightmare about all of this she just kept looking up nowhere specifically just lost in thoughts.
After sometime she knew she wasn't getting any sleeping that night and got up putting some new clothes. She took a travel bag and started to put things necessary to spend some days at the hospital and make her stay at least confortable. Clothes, book, hygiene products and a few other things. She was determined to stay by his side for as long as he had to stay there.
It wasn't even 7am and Abby was already in the hospital. She tried to see him but she wasn't allowed. It could have made her lost her pacience but instead she decided to wait. She was a bit stressed with all that happened and a discussion so soon in the morning would help in anything. She then made her way to Tony's room where she was allowed since he wasn't an ICU patient. For her surprise he was already awaken.
- Abby! Good morning. What are you doing here so soon?
- The obvious. Waiting to see Tim. It's gonna take some time - Abby said sitting in a chair close to the wall and putting her bag in the chair by her side - Are you feeling better?
- Yes. I just want to get out of this bed. There's nothing to do. I miss my movies. At least if there were a television here it would make things easier. So are you planning to move here to the hospital along with McGee?
- That's no funny. As long as I can I'll stay at his room. He's all alone there. I want to make him companion. You know maybe he can hear me. People in coma can't express reaction or answers but they still can hear.
- Sorry I was just joking. It's nice from you to do that and I'll visit him too but you don't have to stay there like living there with him. If we get better it'll be an extremely long road. It's not gonna happen all of a sudden. Staying here waiting to see progress will be like a torture.
- There's not "if he get better". He is going to get better. What is wrong if you guys? Are you guys wanting to see him dead?
- Of course not. Honestly, what do you see that we don't? - Tony asked curious about her strong faith - McGee is too weak, unconcious, barely breathing, his heartbeat is getting lower and lower. It's about to stop. Forgive me Abby but he's practically a dead man. I wish there was other way around but I'm not blind. Only the inexplicable will take him out of this situation. What makes you think...?
- Ok I get it. You also don't believe in miracles. None of you do. That's a pity. Because in the end you all are going to be mistaken.
- Won't you wanna be part of the plan to catch Dearing?
- Of course I'll. Why?
- You won't be able to stay here all the time.
- I know. But I will spend all my free time with him.
They kept their talking for a few more minutes untill Gibbs and Ziva arrived in the room. He had his famous coffee with him and Ziva was carrying a laptop. They wished a good morning between them.
- We just got back from the NCIS building. It is a mess. Luckly the structure didn't came down completely. But it's damaged. The stair is under rubbles and Vance was found in between them. Before you two worry he's okay. Injuried but ok.
- I got acess to the flash drive where McGee saved the data. Now I'm putting in order. Hopefully we'll find something that help us locate that man - Ziva said
- Are you going to travel to somewhere Abby? - Gibbs asked
- To McGee's room. I want to see him. But they didn't allow me going in there yet. They said it's too soon. As if in his situation he would mind having me there so soon.
- I told you to go home and rest... - Gibbs was saying
- And I told you I wouldn't stay far from him for too long - Abby said getting up and taking her travel bag with her - I'm sorry about talking like this to you Gibbs. But you have no idea how much I'm suffering right now by being kept away from him. Please take me to see him. Help me talk them into letting me go there. I'm not gonna be a problem. I just... I just wanna be with him. It isn't ask too much, is it?
Gibbs couldn't deny her that. And if this is what will make her feel better then he would help her for sure. Ziva stayed with Tony while they went to the reception. After what seemed like fifteen minutes they finaly got them to let her stay with him. She had to sign a paper accepting some rules. One of the nurses lead them to McGee's room.
Five minutes later they reached their destination. The nurse let them there and went to take care of other patiente. Abby was the first one to get in. She would never get used to the image of him tied to the bed. He was not actually tied. But it looked like that. Again he had the breathing pipe connecting the machine to his mouth. He had something over his nose too. And an IV that was beeing used to keep him hydrated. He was even more pale if it was possible.
It was hard for Gibbs to see his agent in that way, actually he had became like a son to him so it made even harder. He would pray for him to be ok but seeing him with his own eyes made him think it wouldn't be worth. He was so weak and vulnerable. Like the doctor said he would have only days left until... until he couldn't resist to the damages anymore.
- His condition seems pretty ugly, doesn't? - Abby asked. She had a sad look upon her face. She wished they could go back and time at least to be able to save everybody. She wished they had had more time to leave the building. So at least he wouldn't be badly injured.
- I'm sorry. I wish I could tell you everything will be ok but you can see how he really is.
- Why am I the only one who think he can pull through it all? Is it that hard to believe?
- Maybe because you can find faith where no one else can - Gibbs said - Look I'll leave you alone with him. I got to go back and start to chase that bastard. You will be fine?
- Now that I'm with him, yes. Thanks Gibbs - She said hugging him
- Did you had dinner last night? Did you had any sleep?
- No. How could I? With all that happened?
- How do you intend to be strong for him if you get sick? You must take care of yourself too Abby. I'll send someone to bring you food. And get some sleep as son as you can.
- I'll. Now I'm feeling better.
- Call me if you need.
Gibbs left the room leaving one hopefully Abby behind. She started to get settled on that room. It wasn't big but it didn't had to be. It had a small couch close to the wall and a chair. Which she pulled closer to his bed and sat in front of him.
- Hey big man. Are you trying to scare all of us? You better not let me alone in this crazy world. Whom I'm going to appeal when I need a miracle from Santa? You're the only one who understand everything I talk like the terms I use in the lab and obviously the computer terms that are your speciality. Did you forget you're my geek? - Abby said and started stroking lightly his had - It has been excruciating to watch you like this. Motionless, tied in all those machines. I guess I'm the only one who thinks you can recover from all of this. So help me Timmy. To prove them wrong. You're strong so just hold on. And I promise you we'll take down that man who did this. And just so you know, I'll be with you as long as you need. Sometimes I'll leave to help Gibbs but other than that I'll spend most of the time here by your side waiting for the day when you'll wake up. I know it's out of your control, but please don't take so long. And dammit, stop scaring us!
This was only the begining of a long journey but she didn't care. As long as it worked and he could get back to them she would be really happy. She glanced his heart monitor. It was beating a bit slower than the normal way.
- C'mon heart of a lion! You should speed up a little.
During the next seven days things didn't changed. Abby's routine was the same. Wake up in the small couch in his room, stay a bit with him, go home for eat and take shower. Go to Ncis to pack up her lab. It wasn't destroyed at all. All her machines were intact. Only the windows and minor things had been damaged. She was there along Ziva helping Gibbs and Vance find Dearing. They were gettying closer to find the man. And then at night she would get back to the hospital to see him. She used to tell him how was her day and how things were gonig at NCIS. Everyday she did this.
Still between these days Tony had been discharged from the hospital. He was told to remain at rest. He had to use a wheelchair for a few more days to avoid making strain because of his abdomen. It didn't take too long to he ignore the medical orders and walk by himself. It's was painful but he couldn't stand keeping his movements limited. Ziva tried to get him back to the weelchair but it was worthless. He wanted to help find Dearing. He had visited McGee too and felt sad seeing his "little brother" like that. He made him a promisse that all of it wasn't going to be in vain.
They were told by Jimmy that Ducky was feeling better. After the blast it was only by now (a week later) that they were starting to get the good news. They were really close to catch the man and everyone was getting better. The only problem was McGee that hadn't had any improvement in his health. And was still considered critical. His family came to visit him. Sarah (his sister), his mother and even his father with whom he had some past issues.
After the ninth day after the blast, Abby kept her routine and arrived in McGee's room at the end of night. She put her bag on the couch, the travel bag was kept under it since she wasn't going to carry it everywhere, and started to pacing back and forth in the room.
- Timmy. I'm sorry I'm this late. You won't belive but I have huge news. Actually I know you will believe but... whatever. Wanna guess? Wanna guess? I just got a confirmation that you're not in this situation in vain. Your flash drive had a precious clue. We found out a bank account under an alias and we manage to put our hands in a security video camera that proves that this account is from Dearing. And we have an adress to get him. Gibbs is about to coordinate a team to arrest him. Even Tony is in the plan. A bit hurt yet and against Gibbs orders but he doesn't want to miss this opportunity to give that bastard what he deserves.
She then took a book out of her travel bag and pulled the chair closer to his bed.
- We did it Tim. With your help. It's only matter of time until he have him on our hands. For the people who died, for the ones hurt, for Ducky. For you. So be strong because we all love you. You know it pretty well. I have a lot of things to tell but for now I'm going to read a book for us. A friend of mine indicated me this one. It's about science and technology. There's a chapter about Jet packs. I'm sure knowing how crazy you're about it, you must have read something like this before but I don't think you'll mind.
She started reading the book for him without noticing that Tony and Ziva were watching her by the door.
- She is so affectionate to him - Ziva said - All the things she has be doing for him. Making him company even when he has no idea what is happening. Looks like a mother taking care of her son.
- There's nothing about mother/son with these two. I'd say she is like a wife protecting her husband.
- Then I would say friends. However it is clearly something way more than that. We help ours friends when they need. But what she is doing for him is...
- You don't need much to understand the key word for this?
- And what would that be?
- Love, my dear - Tony said - Abby is a big hearted person. And she would be there for a lot of friends. When Cade got shot she made him a visit. I heard that this made McGee quite jealous but that's not the point. What she's doing for him is much more than she would do for any other friend. I believe what she feels for him it's much more than just a friendship. If not that, what else could it be?
- Let's hope McGee will be ok. Then we will know. I don't know what goes on between them but I guess if everything end up alright after all of this then there might be a chance for them to get together. But I'm not the right person to talk about it - Ziva said - Let's go. We must go back and help Gibbs.
They left and Abby was still reading for McGee. Some minutes when she was really sleepy, she stopped and went to sleep on the couch. The next morning she woke earlier. She was about to head for NCIS to see how things went with Dearing.
- Good morning honey. I didn't want it but I'll have to go soon today. I can't wait to know how the operation to arrest Dearing went. I'll be back soon and hope I can bring you the best news possible. Wish me luck!
When she got to building she went to the squadroom and sat at McGee's desk. In the previous days she had arranged his drawers and took his personal belongings to keep them in a better place. For the moment his things where at her house. The front of the building was restricted. Only in the back part was allowed to be used. She had tried to call Gibbs and the others on their cellphones but couldn't. When she got inside the squad room she was told they were in MTAC in a conference. Twenty minute later they finally get out of there and Abby, that was really anxious by now, had the chance to know what happened.
- Please tell me the plan worked and that Dearing is behind the bars ready to pay for his acts.
- It didn't went as we wanted - Gibbs said - We found him. Our intention was to arrest him but he chose to withstand the arrest order. There were no other option except to shoot him down.
- He deserved to suffer for what he had done. Dead he won't face the consequences but he chose his end when he decided to confront us. At the end he payed for his acts. He won't cause any more problems for us.
- Yes. That's done. Now we have to concentrate to fix things over here before we can get another case.
- We just need McGee and Ducky healthy and everything is going to be as it was. After all it's just another war we've won.
- Talking about Ducky. Palmmer called yesterday saying he was finally discharged from the hospital - Gibbs said - He'll stay a few more days there to rest. But if he could he would be here already.
- He better stay away from all this stressfull situation. I'm going back to see McGee. Do you want to come?
- Yes. Just give me a minute.
Gibbs drove their way to the hospital. Meanwhile he was telling Abby some details from last night operation. It didn't take long for them to reach the hospital. They were heading to the ICU hall right now.
- It will take time but until there Vance ordered us to work improvised in the building. Agent Dorneget is going to join the team to replace McGee. But I'm sure they are working hard to give us better conditions. - Gibbs said
- Dorneget is a nice guy. But it will be temporarily until McGee get back. I'm sure he will want get back as fast as he can. I wonder if we could do a party... No. No. I don't wonder. We'll definitely do a party for Ducky and McGee to welcome them back. I've already got some... - She was saying while they opened the ICU hall. The scene that they encountered was shocking, mostly for her.
- Code blue. Code blue. Room 115 - A nurse was saying. There was a rush between the medical staff - Bring the desfibrillator here now! The patient suffered a cardiac arrest.
- 115? Oh my God. That's Tim's room. What is happening? - she asked. Not waiting an answer she started running but soon as she did this Gibbs caught and hold her - Get off me! I need to...
- You two stay where you are. Emergency procedure. You can't come in. Go back to the waiting room - another nurse ordered. Gibbs tried to pull her but Abby resisted. She tried at least to have a better angle to see what was happening. The nurses put the equipment in the room to start the procedure.
- Let's resuscitate the paciente. On 3 - the doctor said - 1, 2. Move away, 3! - The man used the desfibrillator to give McGee's heart a shock. There was no response.
- Nothing.
- Again! Move away. 1,2,3! - the doctor repeated the procedure. Once more without response - For the last time! Move away! 1,2,3! Go.
There was a moment of apprehensiveness in the room where everyone was looking at his heart monitor. Abby was waiting outside in the hall fearing what could happen. Gibbs was by her side also fearing for his agent's life. It took some more seconds than it should but finally the monitor started to signalize his heartbeat again.
- That was close. Let's keep an eye on him hour by hour.
They took the equipment out of the room and doctor left the place too. The moment Abby saw him she ran to him.
- Please doctor. Is he ok?
- He got him stable again. His heart is weak and we'll run some exams trying to figure out what is going on. He is here for almost two weeks and no signal of improvement on his health. His time is running out. If he doesn't show any improvement then I'm afraid there's nothing more we can do. His heartbeat is too slow and we aren't being able to revert this situation. Sooner or later this will start to harm his blood circulation and it may make his organs fail. It's going to become irreversible.
- Can I see him?
- I'm afraid not today. We'll have to take extra care with him. He'll be taken to examinations rooms and maybe other procedures. It's better you come back tomorrow.
- What if something happen to him?
- We'll let you know. Now if you excuse me.
The doctor went away leaving behind a desolated Abby who was being hugged by Gibbs.
- I can't take it Gibbs! It's too much! - she said failing on holding her tears that now started to stream down on her face - I'm trying so hard to be strong for him but seeing him almost dying doesn't help.
- Since you won't be able to stay here I'll take you to my house. You can rest there and we can talk abou it if you want.
- I really didn't want to go away from him now but I don't think I have choice.
Abby was feeling really down. And what she saw was just painful. She wouldn't give up on him but she wasn't blind. She could see he was getting every day worse bu she didn't want to believe on it. She rejected this fact.
Gibbs told she could do whatever she wanted in his house. To make her feel comfortable. She was feeling so exhausted emotionally that she tried to sleep to rest her mind.
By the night Gibbs and Abby were down in his basement. He was building something with a wood piece while she had been sitting close watching him. But by know she kept pacing back and forth lost in her thoughts.
- Something in your mind Abby?
- A lot I guess. Everything that is happening is just confusing. And poor Tim. Being on the hospital for two weeks and not getting any better. Why him Gibbs? He's an awesome person. He wouldn't harm even a fly. He doesn't deserve it.
- I know. I wished that no one had been hurt badly. But we can't control those things.
- It's not fair! - she said a bit loud - He can be tough when he needs to be. But other than that he's a sweet guy. Hard to find someone like him. I couldn't live without having him around.
- All this past days you've been over protective, over careful on him. And between all of us you're the only one who believe he has a chance although his bad condition - Gibbs said - You still love him, don't you?
Abby was surprised by his question. She thought he wouldn't never ask something like this for her mostly because she tried hard to hide it. She didn't want to admit it because in the end it wouldn't change anything.
- No. I don't. We're good friends and... - she was saying but stoped when she looked in his eyes. He surely knew it was a lie and she hated lying to him - Ok. You got me. Yes. I do love him. Very much. But it doesn't matter now.
- Do you think he loves you the same way?
- Why are you asking me this? Maybe. Sometimes I think so. He gets quite jealous at times and cares too much about me. So what? That doesn't mean anything.
- If you love each other why didn't you.. you kown...
- To get together? It doesn't mean just because we love each other that it makes things easier. We have being friends for too long. I don't think by now love would change something about us. When he first came to work at NCIS we had a nice time together but he wanted to get serious too fast and I wanted it to be casual at first. We weren't ready. After that we got used to see each other almost every single day. And as a result we got really close as friends. We talk about things that I wouldn't talk to any other friend.
- Is friendship enough for you?
- I can't answer that. I mean, the fact that we see each other a lot made us, kind of unintentionally, take this for granted that it would happen forever. We never really stopped to think about maybe trying again. And now that we've been apart by this explosion I don't know what to think seeing how his health is not improving.
- So you're hoping he get better so you two can have your happy ending?
- God no! Gibbs, why do you think of me like that? I want him totally healed but everything I'm doing, and I'm not gonna deny that there's love on it, is merely by our friendship. I'd do this for him like he would do for me. The fact that I love him makes me stronger to keep by his side, without loosing hope. But you from all the people should know that I don't expect anything in return. I would never do that. I want to help him in this hard moment, through his recovery as long as it takes. For all of this as a friend. The day he gets totally healthy again I'll be so much happy. It doesn't matter if he doesn't want me to be something more in his life. If he chooses another woman for him I'll be happy the same way. As long as she isn't another psycho I'll be ok with it. Sometimes he has bad luck with women. I just want my best friend back. Besides it'd be selfish from me to want him back just because I was almost at risk of loosing him forever since I was the one who had ended the things back then.
- Then you should not let love affect your judgments. We want him to get better but what if it's time to let him go...
- Please don't say it!
- Yes I have to say it - Gibbs said - Maybe what is better for him it's not good for you. Life demand us sometimes to make extremely hard decisions. I know this might break your heart but what if it's best for him to finaly rest in peace?
- No! He still has a chance. I'm not letting go of him.
- A small one. You have to understand Abby, if he pull through, which would be a miracle, the sequels are going to be severe. It can make him suffer and make he become depressed. And God knows what else. Do you really want to see him alive but in pain and suffering for not being able to get his life as it was before?
- Of course not. But who says it's going to be like that? Don't you think he can deal with the sequels? No one said it is easy but I'm telling you: he can.
- You're not thinking straight. If McGee were at your place seeing you in that hospital bed he also wouldn't bear seeing you alive and suffering. As much as it would hurt him he would let you go in peace. You surely also means a lot for him but seeing you this way would be painful for both of you.
- You're probably right but I don't wanna listen to it anymore. No matter what everyone says I still believe. Can you guys at least pretend that you believe too? - She asked making her way out of the basement.
- Where are you going?
- Home.
That night was hard for Abby get sleep. She kept having nightmares with McGee no making it. She woke up several times. She was realising at each day how complicated his condition was. But that doesn't mean she would give up the hope.
The next week went by without any improvements on McGee's health. It has been over 24 days without response and the doctors were starting to think about other alternatives. They had done a lot of exams and hadn't got good results. They knew the pacient hadn't had brain death because they had response from McGee's eyes. When they did the test with the flashlight in his eyes the patient showed some reflexes. But other than that, nothing else.
During those days Abby didn't change much her routine. She still would spend some time by his side and sleep on the couch. But she started to get back to her normal routine. She went more to home, to church, to NCIS and other places she needed to go. Sister Rosita, with whom she still used to play bowling, gave her a small necklace that had an amulet for protection. She took it and tied it in his bedside. Maybe this should bring him more protection.
It was a thursday afternoon when Abby had left McGee's room to go in a compromise. At night Gibbs called her and told she needed to get back to the hospital with urgency. She quit what she was doing and went there as fast as he could. The way she drove could have got herself in a car crash but she didn't mind. She needed to know what was going on and it pissed her very much that Gibbs didn't want to talk what that was about.
When she got to the waiting room she saw Gibbs, Tony and Ziva standing close to each other in silence. All of them had their backs turned to the door. But as she walked to them, they could hear her boots sounds and turned to face her. The look on their faces was of consternation.
- What happened? - She could barely talk - Why those faces? How bad is it?
- I'm so sorry Abby - Gibbs said while Tony and Ziva stood by her side putting their hands on her shoulder as trying to give her some confort for what the boss was about to tell her - The doctors came to talk to us. Along those days since the blast they had been doing incessantly a lot of exams in order to heal him. It has been many days without a proper response. They've come to a decision.
- Just tell me! What is it?
- They don't think there's something they still can do for him. There's no reason to keep him on the machines since he doesn't show any improvement - Tony said
- It's over Abby. There's no other way. The doctors are going turn off the machines that support him. They're just waiting you to go in there and say your farewell. We already gave him our goodbye - Ziva said
- No! No!. He's not dead yet! They can't do this! - Abby said - They didn't say he's already dead. So he has a chance. And I told you I'm not letting go of him. I'm not going to allow this.
- Remember what I told you last week. You need to let him go. It's the best for him. You don't want to see him suffer, do you? - Gibbs said - Don't worry. He won't feel anything. He'll go away sleeping. No pain. No suffer. He'll depart peaceful.
Those words had been so painful to hear. It was too much to handle. She couldn't hold her tears from coming down her face.
- He would never hold a grudge about you. He loved you and understood your opinion when you broke up with him - Ziva said
- Be proud the man he became. From how much he grew up as an agent. Remember how many bad guys he helped to put behind the bars. How many lives he saved. Unfortunatelly we are loosing him today but he'll never be forgotten - Tony said - We have only good things to remember of him. Believe me. It's going to be hard loosing our probie. Not only for you.
- They're going to sacrifice him! He's not dead! I can't believe you're allowing this! How can you?
- There's nothing we can do - Gibbs said - He had no reaction until now. Staying on the machines for more time won't help if he has no reaction. The doctors will have to turn off the machines sooner or later.
- The lack of faith from all of you is unbearable. - Abby said angry - But that's your choice If you want to give up on him that easy. But then you are the weak ones! I'm sorry for you guys. Now if you excuse me, I'll say my goodbye.
She left them behind heading to McGee's room. She didn't know exactly what to tell him. But surely it wasn't a goodbye. It could seem the worst moment but she knew it wasn't over. A miracle was about to happen, she thought. And feeling hopeful she arrived on his room.
Chapter 3 is up! Finally. I just finished it. It got even bigger than the last one.. 7000 words. wow.
I didn't review it yet because I know I'm a bit late in update it. I should have done thursday as normal. So I'm sorry if there's a lot of mistakes. I guess it will have only some minor mistakes.
I'm so sorry for posting it a bit late. But I had the famous "writer block" problem just as McGee. I kept without being able to write for like 3 days. I had the ideas but couldn't put them on paper. This left me late with the story. Now I know what he means when he has writer's block. I'd call it as a tired mind.
About the end of last chapter. Of course I couldn't kill off McGee (yet). He's my favorite character. I just love this guy. Pity he's not real.
Thanks to: Dr. Angel Bean, Mcgiggles, hslacer, McGeeklover, beverlie4055. For your lovely reviews.
Just to let you know: the reviews are open for everyone! ( i had the option that blocked the anon reviews On. I jcorrected that).
So let me know what you think! Leave your review!
Hope you enjoy it!