That Same Evening – Winners and Losers
"Hey. How're you doing?"
Adam rested his hand on Aaron's shoulder, but he shrugged it off.
"That has to be the most stupid question ever. I'm back in a hospital something I swore I would never do after Paddy, the night before my wedding no less, so how do you think I am feeling?"
"I know I'm sorry."
"No I'm sorry. He really hadn't meant to snap at him. After Paddy I thought I was moving on, but we're back here. Aaron squeezed Jackson's hand as tears trickled down his face. I can't lose him too."
"And you won't. Just wait for him to wake up. They had been at the hospital over four hours and so far Jackson was still unconscious. Do you want anything? A drink or a chocolate bar? I could go to the canteen."
"No, thanks. Is Hazel coming in for a bit? I'm just nipping to the loo."
"You go. I'll watch him."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Where is Hazel? In fact where are my mum and dad?"
"They nipped out an hour ago."
"Where to? Suddenly Adam couldn't look him in the eye. Did they go to see his dad? Adam. Tell me."
"I think they went to have a word."
"But what if something happens?"
"She knows you're here with him. Besides I said I'd call her if anything changed."
"I swear Adam if they don't deal with Gerry I will."
Adam was saved from responding, as the machine connected to Jackson's heart started to flash and beep.
"Call a nurse. His eyes flickered. Jay can you hear me? Oh thank God."
"So you two ladies wait here-"
"Don't be daft. I'm here for our Aaron."
"And he is my husband."
'That's what I thought.'
Gordon mumbled.
"So, does he live alone?"
"No he has a girlfriend, a son and another baby on the way."
"No wonder Jackson doesn't think much of him."
"We're not here to judge. Gordon reprimanded her. Besides we'd hardly win Parent Of The Year Awards."
"No, but I never hit our Aaron."
"No matter how much you wanted to, ey?"
"That's not the point."
"Enough bickering. Gordon interrupted what was fast turning into one of their cat fights. We're here to-"
"Wring his bloody neck."
"No. He grabbed Chaz's arm. Maybe you should wait in the car. We are here to talk. I'll go up first."
"No. I better had. He'll be expecting me at least."
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
"Shhhh. Turn it off for God's sake. You'll wake the whole street up."
"It's our Aaron."
"Great. What does he say?"
"Give me a sec. It says…Jackson's awake and talking and the doctors are doing tests."
"Thank God. So we should be getting back to them."
"What about Gerry?"
"Jackson was right. He isn't worth it. Tomorrow or soon our boys will be getting married and he doesn't have to be there, he's made his choice."
"What about all the pain he's caused? Are you just going to let him win?"
"How has he won? He's just lost himself a wonderful son and son in law. They are happy, we're happy, he's not. Come on. Lets go."