Chapter 17

Thanks for all the reviews :D

Joey and his father came laughing down the stairs and along the corridor; back to Joey's room. They entered the room, still with their high spirits. Joey flash his eyes around the area before they landed on the figure in the chair. The person had their head in their hands and their elbows on their knees.

Noticing his brother, Joey wiped the smile off his face and cleared his throat, "where's Sam?" He asked.

"You're back," Tom brought his head up, and had a small smile playing on his lips. "Um, she went home. Her shift starts in a few hours. She said that she would come see you on her breaks," Tom replied, passing on the message.

"Right, thanks," Joey raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"

"Can't I see my brother?" Tom laughed nervously. "Should we get you back into bed?" He said as he stood up and used his head to gesture towards the bed.

Joey walked around the other side of the bed and gently lower himself backwards. Tom went to help him, but Joey knocked his hands away.

All three of them turned their head towards the door as a nurse crept in.

"I am just going to connect the machines back to Joey," she said nicely. The nurse was probably in her late thirties, average height, average size and had light brown hair.

They all nodded without a word; pausing any conversation until the nurse departed. After about fifteen minutes, the nurse left them to it.

"Why, Tom? Why?" Joey asked staring at his brother with a angered look.

"I don't know. I couldn't think straight -"

Joey interrupted him there, "was that before or after the drink?"

Tom sighed, appalled at what he had done and how it had affected his little brother. "I didn't feel... great. I couldn't understand why you had gotten into this mess. I was kicking myself that it was my fault. I realised that there was no point continuing to hit the wall, so I went to the pub," Tom ended his case with a low and quiet voice.

"Yeah and of course that always solves everything?" Joey shouted. "Do you not remember that we just lost mum because she was drunk? I never knew her! I know my brother. I don't want the same to happen to him! But he seems too arrogant to notice that!"

At this point, their father interjected. "I don't want you two arguing, got it?" He pointed at Joey and then Tom, then back and forth between the two. "I'm going to leave now and you are going to sort this disagreement out!" David turned on his heels, opened the door and walked out; slamming the door as best as he could behind him.

Neither of them spoke. There was silence for about twenty minutes.

Then Joey spoke. "Do you know when I can go home?"

"No," Tom replied, "I'll go ask."

He walked out and returned a few moments later.

"The doctor says you can be discharged tomorrow morning, depending on how you are throughout the night," Tom explained.

"Thanks," was all Joey said.

"Look, I'm sorry bro. What I did was a mistake. I can't rewind the clocks. If I could, you wouldn't be in here," Tom choked out, looking as if he was close to break, using his arms to clarify his point.

Joey sat there in silence. Too unbothered to speak. Thinking what to say.

Eventually he spoke, "I guess we all learnt something there. I don't fully forgive you, Tom, but I can try to get on with you, for the time being. I can't just forget this whole thing easily. Give me time and I will forgive you. Don't expect me to make it easy for you. I'm just glad you didn't do anything insanely stupid," Joey said as he turned his head to face his brother.

"I understand that. Thanks," Tom mumbled, knowing that everything said was true.

"And you can go get dad back in here. I know you can't ever forgive him, but you can at least try and get on with him," Joey said slightly annoyed.

"Fine. It will take time -"

"It's been over five years," Joey interrupted.

"But, I will try, for you," Tom sighed.

"Thank you," Joey replied with a smug smile.

A few hours passed. There was little conversation between the two brothers. They only attempted small talk.

David came in and the out. Leaving when Clare called him. He excused himself and left quietly.

Also within that time, Sam came in. She brought food with her. The three sat in various places of the room: Tom sat slouched back on the chair, Joey laid on the bed proped up with a two pillows, and Sam sat crossed legged on the end of the bed. They stayed that way, eating their sandwiches, continuing the same small talk, until Sam had to resume work.

Throughout the time Sam was there, Joey sensed there was something going on between her and his brother. And he wanted to know what.

"You should really go home Tom. Get some rest," Joey said when he knew Sam would be out of earshot.

"Just a few more hours, and I will," Tom replied, looking down at Joey. "So, I will go home, sort out your space, and then come collect you tomorrow. Sound good?"

"Sounds good. Thanks," Joey mumbled, a little embarrassed at his appreciation.

Tom left about two hours later. He walked to the ED staff room, got his bag, and walked out the main exit. Once he stepped outside, he felt the cold air hit his face. It was dark out, but thanks to the street lights he could see.

He didn't go home. He went to where his feet decided to take him. When he got there, he looked up. Noticing where he found himself, he knew he'd much rather be here than alone in his flat.

He wandered up to the front door. Knocked. No reply. Knocked again. No reply. He realised she must still be working.

He glanced at his phone for the time. He considered it wouldn't be long until she arrived here.

He started to pace around the little car park. Thinking of what to say. If he could say anything. He knew he was in the wrong, once again today, for coming here. He hoped she wouldn't mind. He wanted to know that she knew it was wrong for everything that he had done. He wanted to know that they were alright; Sam and him.

He came to a halt as he heard a car pull into its parking space. The woman he wanted to see made her way out of the car. She didn't notice him at first; until she lifted her head up. The look of surprise swept her face.

She closed the car door and walked up to him. "Everything alright?" She asked.

He didn't say anything; just leant down and engulfed her in a tight embrace. After a few seconds, the two spread apart. He looked into her eyes; and she looked into his.

She asked, "what happened?"

"Nothing," he shook his head. "Can I stay?" He enquired.

For a brief moment, they stayed looking into each others eyes. She swiftly averted her gaze and walked to her front door, while he watched her every move; turning around when she started to walk.

He momentarily stood still - questioning whether to follow her. He decided to. He walked into her home and closed the door behind him.

Had to include that scene from Saturday night, although intentionally left some little details out. Hope that was fine. Anyway, please review :) :D