The reporter finally spoke. "We are still waiting for Jones to put down his net." The television showed ambulances rushing to the scene, as a medic quickly got out and ran to the car. "Wait, we are getting word that there is no response to the crew from the 71."
Emma's heart clenched, as Robin's voice came over the TV. "Killian? Respond. Killian? Answer me...Mate?! Killian...Killian!"
The audio from Robin was quickly cut off, the camera zoomed in on the scene, and the reporter attempted to chime in. "Folks, we are trying to get as much information as we can. As of right now we know that the paramedics are at the car, and are assessing Jones before moving him."
Tears were falling down her face as she watched the scene. She should be there right now, goddammit. The ring from her phone startled her and she dropped it, rushing to pick it up, hoping it was Robin or someone...it was David. She answered but couldn't talk; he must have heard her breathing. "Emma...relax. Take a deep breath for me." When she didn't do as he asked he repeated himself and finally she managed to take that breath. "Now let it out slowly." She did so as her eyes watched the medical personnel move around. "Again."
She tried to, but when she saw the crew start to cut away at the car, trying to get him out she lost it. The sobs punctuated by "No…please...God….no."
"Emma, we are on our way over. It's going to be okay." She could hear the car starting, and absently knew the phone was being passed.
"Sweetheart...keep breathing," Mary Margaret told her, voice gentle almost as if she was trying to sooth a small child.
Then she watched as they pulled him out of the car. The fact that he wasn't moving, he wasn't helping, was making her stomach lurch. The words of the reporter were barely heard. "They have him out of the car, and onto the stretcher." They showed them quickly push the gurney inside the ambulance and the medics closed the doors behind them. Immediately, the lights and the siren were on, and the ambulance raced off of the race track. "The lights and sirens are a good sign, folks. As soon as we have more news on Killian Jones's condition, we will cut into the broadcast."
The cameras swept over the track, and she caught sight of his crew as they rushed out of the pit. They were probably on their way to the hospital...where she should be. Mary Margaret spoke again. "Emma, if the siren is on that means…"
She didn't need to hear the rest; it meant that he was still alive. At least for now.
She heard the beep of the gate, and hit both buttons on her keychain, unable to do anything else. It didn't take long until she heard them enter through the door from the garage, with David calling out, "Emma?"
"David!" she cried, desperately needing her brother. He ran into the room with Mary Margaret right behind him. Before she knew it, her brother scooped her up into his arms and held her tight as she sobbed into his chest.
Mary Margaret pried the phone out of Emma's hand and looked up Robin's number, so she could send out a text.
ES: Robin, this MM, Emma's SIL- please as soon as you have any news let us know.
ES: Her brother and I are with her.
The TV was still on Emma watched the wrecker pull his car off the track; that image just made her cry that much harder. The camera then changed to the track's infield care center, where some of the other drivers involved in the crash were being discharged after being evaluated by the doctors.
Victor recounted what he saw happen in the crash, told everyone he was okay, and then hoped and prayed that Killian was alright. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you, buddy."
The same sentiments were echoed by the other drivers as they exited, all hoping that he was okay. But there was still no update.
Mary Margaret found the keys and pressed the button shutting the garage door, then she jumped as Emma's phone chimed signifying a text. She looked quickly to find it was Ruby.
RL: We are headed to the Hosp. now. Let you know what we find out. Stay strong.
Mary Margaret was about to answer when a few more texts came in.
AS: Eric and I are heading to check on Killian. It will be okay.
AH: Almost to Hospital, text you soon. Remember to breathe.
The brunette gave a soft smile at seeing the new friends Emma had made, and the concern they had for her. "Emma, your friends say they are on the way to the hospital to check on him."
Emma barely nodded, her vision only on the TV, anger creeping in as the now-clean track was ready for the race to resume only with a lot fewer cars, and as if one of their drivers wasn't just taken to the hospital. They had all told her about the crashes. How many times did they say it was safe? That really bad crashes you could walk away from? Why the hell was she here, and not with him clear across the country? What if...she couldn't let herself think that.
David looked over to his wife, over his sister's head. They weren't sure what to do, both knowing that if anything happened to Killian...neither wanted to contemplate what it would do to her. The phone beeped again and Mary Margaret took a quick look.
RL: At hospital. All I know is he is stable.
Mary Margaret breathed a sigh of relief. "That's Robin. Killian is stable. That's all the information he has. But Emma…" she reached her hand out to tug on her friend's arm, getting her attention. "He's okay. He's going to be okay."
With the news, she was able to take a breath, the tears now in relief. She knew it could change, she knew he could still be hurt pretty bad. But it gave her hope. She nodded and leaned back into her brother for support. The race continued in the background, and about five minutes later the reporter cut in. "We have a small update, we have been told that Killian Jones is currently in stable condition. When we know more, so will you."
The race continued and then finished without any more word. Jefferson, the driver who had caused the wreck was the one to actually win it, followed by August Booth. The knowledge made Emma furious. How was he allowed to continue when it was his fault? In the end, Killian came in 32nd, Phillip right in front of him, and the rest followed, all their cars wrecked in the crash and their finishing position called in the order they were in when the caution flag was waved.
They both tried to get Emma to eat dinner, but she wasn't hungry, even when David offered to run and get her grilled cheese and onion rings. It was almost eight when her phone rang, seeing that it was Robin, Mary Margaret immediately handed over the phone.
Emma quickly answered it, "Robin, please tell me he's okay."
"Hello, beautiful," came the raspy reply from Killian.
"Oh, thank God!" The new tears that streamed down her face this time were from happiness. "Are you okay?" David and Mary Margaret shared a smile, both their shoulders relaxing because it was him on the phone.
"Sore, but I'll be fine. They are letting me out soon, but I'll be home late. Don't wait…"
"Are you kidding me? I'm not supposed to wait up for you? After the hell you put me through?"
"Emma…"
"And how the hell are they letting you out? What happened?" She heard the grunt of pain on the other side. "What's wrong?"
"It just hurts to move, love. I'm okay. I've had worse."
"You've had worse? That doesn't make me feel better." How dare he try to play this down? Even though she wanted to hear his voice, talk to him, she knew there was only one way to get an answer. "Put Robin on the phone."
"Emma…"
"I love you. You scared the hell out of me. Put Robin on now."
He sighed over the line. "I love you, too."
She heard the phone passed and then Robin was there, "Hi, Emma."
"I want the truth—what is wrong? How is he?"
"The crash pushed the steering column into his chest. It knocked the air out of him, cracked a couple ribs, gave him a concussion, and a few good bruises. It knocked him unconscious, which caused them to take him to the hospital. He's going to be sore for awhile, and he is for sure out of the next race."
Emma could hear Killian objecting in the background, and Robin sighed. "No matter what he may say. The doctors, myself, and Regina all say he is out the next race. The doctors back home will determine when he can come back after that." He turned away from the phone, and tried to muffle the speaker. "Bloody hell mate, no arguing." He then returned back to the phone, "Ruby and Ashley went back to track and are packing Killian's things. I will ride with him on the plane back and will drive him home."
"So, he's really okay?"
"Yes, Emma. He is really okay. He will be just fine, sooner if he listens to the doctors. But he did give us a bloody good fright, didn't he?"
"You can say that again."
"Emma, the doctor has just come in. I'll get the discharge orders and give them to you." She wanted to laugh at that, they both knew how stubborn he was. "I'll have him call you when we get to the airport."
"Thank you, Robin."
"You're welcome. See you soon." And with that he hung up the phone, and she closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths. She then opened them to look at her brother and sister-in-law. "He's okay. He's okay." Mary Margaret hugged her, and David rubbed her back. Once her nerves were more calm she turned to look at her brother. "How did you know where he lived?"
"Ummm…" David looked a little nervous. "I may have accessed his record from the speeding ticket to get the address." It might have been the fact that she knew Killian was okay, it might have been the fact that she was so relieved, but she couldn't stop herself from laughing. She was so grateful to have such a wonderful brother and sister-in-law.
After telling them she was fine at least ten times, David and Mary Margaret finally left for the night. She sent a text to Archie letting him know that she wasn't going to be able to come in the next day, and he immediately replied that it was more than okay, and he hoped that Killian would get well soon.
The waiting for him to get back was driving her insane, so she resorted to something she rarely did to take up her time and vent her frustration. Clean. His house was pretty much spotless, but she threw in a load of clothes, put away the dishes in the dishwasher, cleaned out anything in the fridge that was going bad, arranged the shoes by the door, and everything else she could think of. Until she heard the small honk.
She rushed to the front door, opened it, and ran out in her bare feet to see Robin walking around the car to the passenger seat, that Killian already had the door open to. "I told you to wait for me!" he yelled at Killian.
"I'm not a bloody invalid, mate." He replied as he slowly made it out of the car, trying to shake off his friend's hands.
"Let him help you," Emma demanded, as she tried to will herself not to run to him and possibly hurt him.
Killian's head snapped up and he winced from the movement, but he did as told and allowed Robin to help him out of the car and into the house. Emma stayed out of the way, almost afraid to touch him for fear of hurting him or that he might disappear. "I'm home now; you don't have to help me into my room." Killian complained even as Robin continued to walk him into the bedroom. Emma quickly moved past them and pulled back the blanket and top sheet so that Robin could sit Killian down on the bed.
Once Robin stood back up, he looked at Emma. "Good luck with this stubborn bastard."
She smiled at him, "Thank you, Robin. For everything."
He nodded at her. "I'll go get his bags and bring them in the door and lock it behind me. But before I do," he reached into his back pockets, and pulled out some folded papers and a bottle. "The doctor's instructions and pain meds." She took both from him, and quickly looked through the papers as he continued. "He'll need another pill in about an hour. He also has an appointment with his doctor already scheduled for 1pm tomorrow. I'll come and…"
She waved him off. "I'll take him." They both looked at her, and she looked to Killian. "I'm taking tomorrow off. Archie already approved. I assume you know where the appointment is?"
Killian nodded lightly and then started to move to sit back in the bed, to rest against the headboard.
"Okay. I'll see you both later. Don't worry; I will see myself out."
"Thanks, mate," Killian said as his friend walked down and out of the hall. He then turned to Emma, who was hovering at the end of the bed looking through the doctor's instructions. She hadn't even tried to touch him yet; heck, she was barely looking at him. He swallowed hard. "Emma?"
"Yeah?" she asked absently as she continued to read all the restrictions, and what to look out for in case she had to rush him to the hospital.
"Emma...look at me."
She stared harder at the paper, trying to hold back her emotions. For some reason she just knew if she looked at him, she would break down. She could already feel the tears in her eyes, and he didn't need to see her like that. He didn't need to take care of her right now. "Let me go get some water so you can take one of these," she said as she shook the pill bottle and walked out of the bedroom. "Don't you dare think of moving while I'm gone," she called over her shoulder as she left.
Once she got to the living room she made a pitstop into the small powder room, and locked the door behind her as the tears started to fall. Before they had arrived she couldn't wait to see him, make sure he was okay. But then as soon as she saw him try to move, saw Robin having to help him around, it made it even more real and all the thoughts and feelings that she had almost lost him came rushing back. However she needed to get control of herself. He needed her, and he needed to get his medication soon, and she didn't have time for this. She took deep breaths, turned on the water and splashed her face a few times, trying to remove the puffy redness.
She took one more deep breath and exited the bathroom, quickly went to the kitchen to grab a few bottles of water, and checked the time; it was almost two in the morning. She padded quickly back to the bedroom and sat two bottles of water on the nightstand beside him. She took one more and loosened the cap and sat it down as well, before she went to her side and sat one down for herself. "Tired, hungry?" she asked as she grabbed the shirt she was going to sleep in and started changing, her back to him.
He sighed as she continued to go about doing things, still not looking at him. "Got some sleep and ate on the plane." He watched as she grabbed her clothes and walked away to put them in the hamper. "Did you eat?"
"I'm fine. A little tired," she replied as she came back, head down, and scooted into bed.
He could tell she was avoiding the question, so the answer was she hadn't. "Emma, don't make me get out of this bed and get you something to eat."
"Killian…"
"Emma...look at me." He watched her jaw clench from her side profile, her eyes close tight, her hands fisted into the blanket. "Are you THAT angry with me?"
That broke her out of it, and she turned to him, her eyes searched his face, "Of course I'm NOT angry with you. Why would I be angry with YOU?"
"Well, until just now, you have refused to even look at me...please talk to me, Emma."
"Everything's fine."
"You know you are a terrible liar." He reached his hand out to her, and she reached hers out for his. Slowly, they made contact, and he saw the small intake of air as she touched him, her lower lip quivering. "I'm okay, love. I'm okay." He clasped his hand with hers, and gave a light tug on her hand to get her to come closer. She shook her head no. "Why?"
"I don't want to hurt you." She motioned to him; she wasn't sure what to do. He sat up straighter and winced. "See."
"Emma…I need to have you in my arms just as much you need to be." He slowly started to lift the t-shirt off of himself, and her hands were there to quickly help him. "I may have gone through things like this before, but it doesn't mean it doesn't shake me up a bit."
As soon as his shirt was off she gasped at the dark bruising over his chest and abdomen from the steering wheel. Her fingers started to reach of them, but she stopped and pulled back. He took her hand and pulled it to him, and laid her palm against his chest. "Gently."
She felt his warm skin, felt his chest move and breath, and her lips trembled even as she tried to stop it. She tried to pull away, but he kept her hand there. "Killian…"
His hand moved from her wrist to her elbow and tugged lightly. "Please." She relented and slowly sank into his side, barely touching him, only to have his arm wrap around her and pull her closer. He let out a sigh and kissed the top of her head as she settled hers on his shoulder. "I'm sorry I worried you."
She nuzzled her face into his neck, took in his scent, reveling in the feel of him there with her. "I'm just glad you are home. That you're okay."
His arms tightened around her and he winced, she tried to pull away feeling that she hurt him. "It's not you, Emma. It's just close to me needing more pain medication."
She turned to the clock and he was right. She took out a pill and handed it to him so he could down it. "Okay, time to get some sleep. Those are doctor's orders."
"I'll agree as long as you curl up with me."
She shook her head, but couldn't help the small smile. "Oh, wait. Liam, does he know?"
"I sent him a text when we landed. So he wouldn't worry."
She nodded as she got up and turned off the lights, and then her own as they carefully maneuvered together under the blankets, to sleep in each other's arms. Now that she was back where she belonged, she was going to make sure she was never not there, ever again. She wasn't sure how, but she would find a way.
The next morning, Emma woke early and got up to make breakfast. She couldn't cook like Killian could, but she could make scrambled eggs with cheese and toast. She perused the doctor's instructions and noticed the restriction on caffeine. "No morning coffee," she sighed, but instead poured them both a large glass of orange juice. She then took the tray back into the bedroom, and sat it down on her side of the bed along with herself. She watched him for a second, willing the tears to stay away at the bruises peeking out from under the sheet on his chest. Instead her fingers lightly trailed over his face.
It was time for him to take his medicine again, so she knew she needed to wake him, "Killian…" she called softly as she leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Killian...wake up." She kissed his nose, and the corner of his mouth.
He smiled into the kiss and started to reach for her and then groaned at the movement, as his brain caught up with his body. "That bloody hurts."
Emma nodded, as her fingers lightly trailed over his cheek, "Here—time for your pain killers." She helped him sit up, and gave him the juice so he could take it.
He swallowed it down, and then looked at the food. "Breakfast in bed, what did I do to…" he stopped at the hard look she gave him. "Thank you, love." She moved the food between them and he furrowed his brow, "No coffee?"
"None for you. Doctor's orders." She smiled at his pout. "Oh no. No puppy dog eyes. It's not going to work. If you want to get back on the track, you need to heal, and that means doing what the doctors say."
He smiled, and was relieved to know that she wasn't going to try to talk him out of getting back in the car. They started to eat breakfast, and then get get ready for his doctor's appointment. It was the first time they ever took a shower together that was just a shower. Even if he had tried to hint at more, she shut it down fast, and he knew better than to argue. Once all dressed and ready to go, she stole the keys to his car, knowing that it would be a softer ride than the bug, and there was no way he was driving. To her small surprise, he didn't even question it as they both got into the car and he directed her where to go.
The doctor ran a ton of tests, many that they had run at the hospital as well. In the end, he confirmed what the others had said, and told him that he was lucky and that the concussion was minor. His ribs were cracked, not broken. He also gave Killian some hope: as long as he did what the doctor ordered, he might only have to miss one race, maybe two. They made an appointment for the following Monday, and with the good news, they headed home.
She got him home and into bed. "You know, he didn't say I couldn't move. Or that I needed bed rest," he complained.
"True, but he did say to take it easy. In here is close to the bathroom, and you have the TV. Also." She got into bed next to him, and leaned against his shoulder. "I can cuddle."
He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, and he raised his eyebrow. "We could do more than cuddle."
Emma rolled her eyes. "He said no strenuous activity."
His fingers lightly trailed over her arm. "It doesn't have to be strenuous, love…I know you like to be on top."
She looked into his eyes, challenge in them. "Oh, really? You think that if I'm on top, you can just lie there?" She got to her knees and straddled his hips; he moaned and his eyes closed as she put more of her weight on him. She rocked a little, and he rocked back only to then wince from the movement. She shook her head. "Yeah, I thought so." She climbed back off him, and curled softly into his side, as he let out a loud sigh. "Sorry, buddy; not happening."
He pouted as he took the remote and tried to find something to watch on TV, while they figured out what pizza they wanted to get for delivery.
The following day, Emma went into work only after Killian convinced her he would be good and would be alright alone. She immediately got questions from Archie, Tink, and Ingrid when she walked in the door, asking if Killian was okay. She told them the story, and later at lunch, Tink asked her how she was, but she couldn't, wouldn't tell her everything. Once work was over, she went to her apartment to grab a few more clothes, then stopped for take-out and headed back to Killian's.
He laughed when she dropped the food off by the bed and then looked around the house, making sure he had followed orders. "I swear, I've only been to the bathroom and the kitchen to get food."
"Just had to make sure with you." She winked as she changed into her PJs and plopped into bed with him.
The next day, when she came home the next day, she was shocked to see a car in the drive and Victor and Ruby inside visiting with him. All of them were sitting in the living room. "I know love, I know. I'm supposed to be relaxing, but I swear, besides answering the door, I have been sitting on the couch."
Victor raised his hands. "We are both witnesses."
Ruby smiled, "Honest. He's been a good boy."
Emma laughed and shook her head. "When, how?"
Victor laughed. "We live about a half hour away. Not all, but many drivers live close to this area, where many of the various racing headquarters are. We just usually get enough of his smug face on the weekends not to come by during the week." Killian threw a pillow at him, and they all laughed.
They ordered Chinese that night, and Emma made a mental note to bring some healthy food home with her tomorrow. When Killian was starting to get sleepy, their guests decided it was a good idea to head home as well. They bid them goodnight, and Emma walked them to the car.
Ruby gave her a tight hug. "We are so glad he's okay, and that he has you to look over him."
Victor nodded. "You're probably the only one he listens too."
Emma laughed, but also knew they were more than likely correct. "Well, hopefully he'll be better and we'll see you at a race soon."
Victor and Ruby gave each other a look, catching the fact that she was certain she would be at his next race, but they recovered quickly and gave her each another hug, and then headed back home. When she got back inside, she gently woke a dozing Killian from the couch, and ushered him into bed.
The week went on with Robin, Eric, Sean, and Phillip all visiting during the day while she was at work. All were trying to keep him company, but also to make sure that their friend was okay and following doctor's orders. They obviously knew him well. But to be honest, he was being good for many reasons. One, he wanted to get back to racing as quickly as possible. His chances of a championship got lower and lower the more races he missed. But second, and most important, was Emma. He didn't want to disappoint her or make her worry.
That weekend was really hard, watching practice and then the race without him being in it. Jefferson pulled more questionable moves, which caused another wreck; this time, he was caught up in it himself. Luckily, no one was injured, but he finished 41st and poor Phillip was collected with it to finish 40th. The rest of the race progressed as normal, and Sean almost won but the 14 car got just past him to come in first.
That Monday, Emma took the morning off to take Killian to the doctor. He had tried to convince her Robin would do it, or he could take a car, but she wouldn't hear it. With some more tests, the doctor was happy to say that his concussion looked a lot better, and even Emma could tell the bruises were better and he was moving around easier. He was off the prescription pain killers and was just taking ibuprofen. If Killian kept up the healing progress, he could potentially race that Saturday in Texas. Emma looked confused for a second, before Killian explained the spring race in Texas was always on Saturday night.
Once Emma drove him home and then headed to work, Killian called Robin to tell him what the doctor had said, and to get the guys ready to head out to Texas. As long as the doctors cleared him to be okay to drive, he could handle the little pain from the bruises and still-taped ribs. But when he talked to Robin, he was shocked to find out that NASCAR officials had reviewed the last few races and that Jefferson was put on probation for his reckless actions for the next 12 competition races, docked 25 points in the standings, and issued a hundred-thousand dollar fine.
"Wow," were the only words he could say. The officials had actually done something; the only question was if it would actually do some good.
"I know, mate. It's too bad that you had to get hurt, as well as all the wrecks and more cars damaged, but hopefully this will get the message across so he stops before someone really gets hurt."
They continued to chat and discussed things for the upcoming race. Later, Emma brought home a roasted chicken and prepared garden salad; this time, they were eating in the family room while watching television. The doctor had lifted quite a few restrictions. "So, when do we fly out?" She asked him.
"Well, I need to fly out Wednesday, due to the Saturday race. But, if you can still go, getting in on Friday night will work…"
She shook her head. "Nope, I'll leave with you on Wednesday night. Archie already approved." Emma knew this week Archie was willing to give her a pass without question, since everyone was worried about Killian, and all wanted her there with him when he went back racing. But at some point, the excuse wouldn't work. She drove the thought out of her mind; she'd deal with that later.
He wanted to question her taking more time off, but he was too happy to have her coming with him. He'd have to express his thanks to Archie when he saw him next, and made a mental note to get some tickets for him and the shelter for the Charlotte race nearby. "Okay then, after work on Wednesday, we'll head out. We'll stay until Sunday morning and then fly back."
"Sounds good," she said, taking another bite of the salad.
"I just hope the doctor will clear me for the race." He knew his doctor was hopeful, and things were progressing well, but there was still a chance they would say he couldn't race.
She leaned over and grasped his hand. "It will be fine. And if for some reason, they say no, then you'll be back at the next one."
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "You know love, the doctor did clear me for some physical activity." He bit his lip, his eyebrows waggled at her.
She pulled her hand away and laughed. "Listen, Saturday night after you race, and thus the doctors cleared you, we can have as much...physical activity your heart desires."
He bit his lip harder, his eyes darkening. "Are you sure you want to put that offer on the table, darling? Do you really think you can handle it?"
She wanted to groan at that popped T—he knew exactly what it did to her. "I'm sure you are the one who couldn't handle it."
His smile grew. "We shall see." He then winked at her, giving her that smirk that made her legs rub together. Which of course he saw, and made him chuckle. "You know, Swan, I do love a challenge."
She shook her head and tried to hide her smile. Oh yes, she knew that; she also knew this was a game that they would both win, no matter what.