"Can you pass me the jell-o?" Morgan turned from the TV screen briefly, just long enough to spot the wanted item and grab the edges with his finger tips. Reid reached forward, wincing at the pain in his ribs.
"Sit back." It wasn't said maliciously, nor bossy for that matter. But instead held a certain quality, like a teacher giving instructions. Reid flopped back into the raised bed, while Morgan brought the Jell-O to an easily assessable reach. He turned back to the TV, but watched the youngest member of the team.
The first couple days out of surgery were the hardest. For Morgan that is. The oxygen mask had been removed the day after surgery. It was obvious he was in pain, and Derek had to swallow the bitter anger he felt toward the Unit Chief. It lay in the pit of his stomach, buried. The anger he had toward Hotch was nothing compared to the quilt he felt over his anger at Hotch.
It wasn't Hotchs fault. He knew that. He just couldn't really accept it, hence his quilt.
"Why are we watching this? The events shown in this film are completely impossible."
"It's not supposed to be possible Reid, that's why they call it a movie."
"It states in the beginning that it was based on actual events."
"Based. They always exaggerate things in the movies." They both turned the attention back to the movie. Reid chewed slowly, his body aching. He had only seen Hotch once, briefly. Hotch hadn't really said anything, his eyes diverted. He knew Hotch blamed him. He was a distraction. He knew Hotch was angry that day. He only irritated him more. It was his fault and he didn't blame Hotch for not wanting to see him.
"Morgan?"
"Yeah?"
Reid stirred his Jell-o, unsure of how to word his fears. Morgan turned toward Reid, hearing the anxiety in his voice. "What's up?"
"Is-" He cut himself off.
"Just spit it out."
"Is Hotch angry at me?" He took another bite of the blue Jell-O. It didn't taste as good as before.
"What?" His voice bewildered and a bit angry.
Reid, not wanting Morgan to be mad at him too, hurried to explain. "In the car, when he was driving, he was just so angry. I was bothering him, I was trying to make him feel better. Like what you do for me. But he didn't want to talk to me, and I mean I understand and everything. But he won't even look at me now." He took in a much needed breathe. His eyes studying the frayed edges of the blanket. He shouldn't have said anything.
"That was not your fault." Morgan was on his feet "It was not Hotch's fault. Hotch is not angry at you."
"Have you seen him lately?"
"Yeah, and when I look at his eyes I see quilt not anger. You know Reid for a profiler, your not too good at profiling Hotch." The comment was said in jest, but it didn't make Reid feel any better.
Reid didn't say anything so Morgan continued. "I need you to listen to me here kid. It. Was. Not. Your. Fault." Reid stayed silent. It was no use fighting with Morgan, he knew the truth. What more was there to say?
"Come on Reid. I'll beat this in to your head if I have too. This was not your fault."
He knew the truth. Nothing Morgan said could change that.
"Hey Hotch." Looking up from his sneakers to the face of his friend caused his vision to blur. "You okay?"
"Just blurry vision, the doctor said it will pass."
"You almost ready?"
"To get out of here?"
Gideon smiled. "Its only been a week."
"You haven't been the one in here." Slowly, Hotch climbed to his feet.
"Aaron Hotchner!"
Not her again. Carmen Fitzpatrick had taken a… special interest… in the senior advisor. The simple terms, she had been on his ass for the last week. But in truth he had grown a little fond of her. His own mother had acted like she does, protective and caring.
"Get your ass in that wheelchair right now. Who the hell do you think you are, the incredible hulk. I swear child, you will be the death of me."
Hotch laughed at her words. "Honestly, do you think you'll out live me?"
"Watch your attitude." A small smile was planted on her face. Hotch slowed lowered into the wheelchair before coming close enough to plop down.
"Is your wife picking you up." Carmen said pushing Hotch down the hallway.
"Her and Jack are bringing the car around. Turn here."
"Why? The exits that way."
"There's someone I have to talk too first."
I am soooooooooooooooooooo sorry. I haven't really had the inspiration to write lately, but I did manage to get this chapter out, however short it is.
So bad/good news how you look at it. I'm 99.6% sure that the next chapter is the last. Hotch and Reid will talk, and Gideon and Reid will talk and then he'll get out of the hospital and that will be it.
Thanks for sticking around with me this long. I know I've been a pain but I appreciate all the support you've given me so thanks!!!
