Chapter 24

Joey entered resus. In his hands were some supplies that he had been told to bring there.

"I have some gloves here. Fletch said you needed 'em." He announced. Still unaware of the patient who had been pushed into the room barely two minutes before he came. He turned to Charlie – who was looking at him in a slightly hesitant state.

"Do you want to follow me a second, Joey?" Charlie more commanded than questioned.

Charlie placed his hand on Joey's shoulder, turning him slightly.

"What's up?" Joey asked, placing down the boxes, and outstretched his arm to push open the door he was about to collide with.

"Look, mate, I'm sorry to have to tell you this," Charlie began softly. "But, in there, is Tom." He watched as Joey's eyes turned from confusion, to worry, to anger, and to dread.

"What happened?" Joey croaked.

"Your brother was involved in an accident. A motorcycle clipped him, so he was knocked down. I'll add he was drunk. The police have asked for any witnesses. But, for the time being, Tom needs your support. Jeff told us that he mumbled something about needing to change – I don't know if that means anything to you." Charlie annotated.

Joey slowly nodded. "What are his injuries?"

"He has sustained a broken leg, which will only need a simple cast, and a few cuts and bruises. If you want, you can go through and see him. When you came in, he was beginning to wake up."

Joey brushed past Charlie, thanking him for his explanatories.

He walked quickly to the bed that his brother lay at. He looked down at him with mixed emotions – the misunderstandings of his brother's actions mainly.

"Why? You're an idiot." Joey harshly whispered to his brother.

He closed his eyes, shaking his head.

Suddenly, there was a muffled – tipsy – response. "I'm sorry, mate."

Joey whipped his head up, meeting his brother's eyes with his own.

"What I did was wrong. I've asked Zoe to make me a referral to a psychiatrist. I need you, bro. I'm sorry." Tom pleaded.

"I think you should apologize to Sam." Joey stated. He turned on his heel and exited the room once again.

A few hours passed, and Tom continued to stare at the ceiling, ignoring the doctors and nurses coming and going around him. He was too caught up in it all. His mind was racing. He thought over and over about what he would say if Sam walked in.

She was sceptical. Zoe had briefly informed her of what was behind these doors stood before her. She wondered whether she should run again. It wouldn't matter; would it? Besides, there was only half a hope of reconciliation.

Without any realization of her surroundings or fears, she opened the double swinging door. She glanced around the room. She saw him almost immediately, lying there, looking nowhere.

She stood at the end of his bed. He obviously hadn't seen her yet.

"Hey," she cracked.

His head snapped down in shock, his mouth vaguely agape. "Hey," he returned.

They blankly stared at one another, which seemed forever for the both of them.

"Sam. I didn't think you would come to see me." He said, ashamed.

"Neither did I." He tried to laugh at her comment, but, after realizing she wasn't seeing the light side, he stopped his failing attempt.

"I'm sorry." He said for the zillionth time in his head, but the first aloud – after speaking to his younger brother.

She couldn't keep it together any longer; she let the tears fall. She didn't know what had set her off – whether it was his apologetic exterior, or seeing him so vulnerable, or anything.

"Don't cry." He soothed. "I need your help; I want your help. I also don't want to be without you for another second. Please can you help me." He said, revealing a usually hidden emotional side.

She took his hand in hers and caressed the back with her thumb. "I'm here."

That's all he needed. He pulled her head down to his, using his free hand to gently wrap around her neck. He tenderly kissed her soft lips, mutually content with the other's presence.

After a few longing and hopefully never ending seconds, they both pulled away.

Tom had a huge grin, stretching deep into his cheeks, just like Sam. Now or never, he thought.

He blurted, not quite knowing what became him, and "will you marry me?"

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