Chapter 42

It could have been his innate sense of empathy or the fact that he knew Father so well after all these years, but Vincent was aware of exactly when Father knew the results. His back stiffened and Vincent's exceptional hearing picked up a quiet sigh. The news was not good and Vincent wondered how his brother was going to handle it.

Father and Peter conferred quietly on the other side of the room and only someone with Vincent's hearing could have heard what they were saying. That was how he knew before the two doctors came over to the group that Devin would have to face surgery as well as a long recovery flat on his back. The last three days had been hard on everyone. Vincent didn't know how several weeks of the same would affect everyone, especially his brother.

"The news isn't good, is it?!" Devin questioned. "I can tell by the look on your face Pops."

"Don't call me…" Father started to correct Devin, but then thought better of it in light of what he needed to tell him. "No, I'm sorry but the news isn't good."

"Oh dear," Mary uttered softly.

"Oh Dev!" Rebecca said, taking hold of his hand.

Vincent simply placed a hand of support on his brother's shoulder as Father continued, "The X=ray showed that it isn't just swelling that is keeping you from any feeling below your waist. You do have a herniated nerve and Peter and I will need to operate. I know it is a lot to take in, but the sooner that we do it the sooner you will be on the road to recovery."

What frightened everyone in the room was that Devin had gone completely still at the news. His eyes were blank and he didn't say anything or even move. For irrepressibly spirit like was this was highly unusual.

Rebecca understood what was going on with Devin. She had come to know him so well in the last few days. The loud, cheerful, fun-loving Devin had gotten the worst news of his life. He had admitted to her that he's never had to have surgery before and even the prospect had frightened him, keeping him awake much of the night. Now here that fear was realized and the surgery he dreaded loomed on the horizon. Not only that, but Father seemed to be in a hurry to do it now without giving Devin anytime to mentally prepare.

She shouldn't have been surprised when Vincent spoke, but maybe it was because she was so focused on Devin that she forgot for a moment how in tune Vincent always was to other's emotions.

"Father, I think Devin may need a little time to adjust to the idea of surgery. It has been this long, would another few hours really hurt? Maybe you could do the surgery after lunch?"

Jacob started to sputter, "But time is of the essence! And with Devin out of his cast he could start to move around causing more damage."

"I do not think Devin is in any mood to move around right now, but if it will make you feel better Rebecca and I will stay and keep him company."

Once again Father was about to protest when Peter put his hand on his old friend's arm, "Jacob, I agree that the surgery should been done as soon as possible, however, a few hours shouldn't make a lot of difference. Remember we always like for our patients to be in a positive frame of mind and if giving Devin a few hours can accomplish that, then it is a good thing."

Jacob considered Peter's words and then nodded, "We will be back after lunch. Vincent please keep him as still as possible."

"I will Father," Vincent said, and then the other three left the room.

When they were gone Rebecca gently took Devin's hand and asked, "Do you want to talk about this Dev?"

He wearily shook his head, closing his eyes as if to shut out the world. Rebecca's hurt showed on her face.

To be continued…..