Having just finished a surgery, I change into some clean scrubs before grabbing my lab coat to start making rounds. Stepping back against the wall for balance, I bend over, my hands on my knees, trying to gather my wits about me. It was a tough surgery. A kid riding a bike was hit by a car. Unfortunately his injuries were just too severe. I couldn't save him. Children are the hardest to lose. After taking several deep breaths, I stand back up so I can go to the cafeteria quickly to grab a cup of coffee.
"Damon? Are you okay?" I hear Caroline ask, taking me by surprise as I didn't even notice her till now.
"I'll be fine."
"I know that look. You're not okay. Do you want to talk about it?"
"I couldn't save him, Care. He was just a kid, a victim of a hit and run," I whisper, turning away from her for a moment. Then much to my surprise, she takes me into her arms, hugging me with so much affection. I can't help but hug my sister back.
"I'm sorry Damon. I can't imagine how much it hurts to lose a child. But there is no doubt in my mind that you did everything humanly possible to save that boy. It's easy for me to stand here and say that but it's true Damon. You're a gifted surgeon and I'm extremely proud of my little brother."
Pulling back, I press a kiss to her hair. "Thanks sis. That really means a lot. I need to go make rounds. Hey do you have any plans for Annabelle this weekend? I thought maybe she and I could take Papa to the park. Would she like that?"
"Of course. She's completely smitten with her favorite uncle. Don't you know that by now?" she laughs.
Smiling, "Ah, you know how much I love her. Have her ready around eleven. That way she and I can have lunch with Pops too. Thanks again sis. I really have to get going," I tell her before stepping into the stairwell, jogging up to fifth floor, trying to shake off the knot in my chest.
When I step out of the stairwell, I hear who I think is Elena whimpering. "Mr. James, you're hurting me. Please let go," she says, her voice anxious and sounding fearful. As fast as my feet will carry me, I follow her voice till I find her. The old man's eyes look murderous as he glares at Elena. His hand is wrapped tightly around her wrist while his other fisted hand is pummeling her. Running to her side, I grab a hold of the arm that he's hitting her with, while at the same time, I grab his fingers so she can free her wrist from his grasp. Once she's free, I let go of the man stepping back quickly when he starts to swing at me. Noticing that Elena has left the room, I walk quickly to the nurse's desk hoping to find her.
"Who has the patient in 506?" I ask.
"I do Dr. Salvatore," a blonde nurse steps up.
"Does he have any Ativan or Haldol ordered? If not, you need to call his Doctor. I just caught him assaulting Elena. Do you know where she is?" I ask.
"I had no idea. He does have dementia though. I'll see what he has ordered," she finishes.
"Did you see where Elena went off to?"
"Yes, she stepped into the lounge."
Nodding, I set out to find her. When I step into the lounge, she looks up. Unexpectedly, my gut twists when I see her wiping tears from her eyes. When I see the bruises beginning to form on her wrist already, I walk over to her, taking it in my hands. After a moment, I let go to grab an ice pack for her. Gently, I place the ice on her wrist. I can't help but feel her eyes on me, watching my every movement as I examine it. It's pretty swollen already. When I hear a little crepitus when flexing it carefully, I turn my eyes to her. "I think he may have broken your wrist. Come, let me take you to the emergency department so you can have it X rayed."
After wiping a tear with her other hand, she nods. "Thank you for helping me, Damon."
"Every once in awhile, I have to put the red cape back on," I tell her softly, raising my eyebrows, teasingly. When she laughs despite her pain, I know I said the right thing. I hold her wrist ever so gently and offer her my other hand to help her up. When she sways a bit, I grab onto her middle, preventing her from falling. After easing her back onto the couch, I help her lay down for a few moments.
"I'm going to go to get a wheelchair. You're a little green and in no condition to walk down to the ED. I'll be right back."
When I happen to see the nurse manager of Elena's floor standing at the desk, I hurry over to her. "Mrs. Cox, I caught the patient in 506 assaulting Elena. I think he broke her wrist. I'm going to take her down to the emergency room. You'll need someone to take her patients," I inform her.
"Tell her not to worry, I'll take care of it. But do tell her that she needs to fill out an incident report so Workmen's Compensation can pay her bills."
"I will tell her. I need a wheelchair. She nearly fainted once already," I tell her as I glance around to see if a wheelchair is handy. Finally I spot one, grab it and go to fetch Elena.
With her arm freshly casted, Elena is woozy from the pain medication they've given her. She can barely keep her eyes open when I ask about her child. "Elena, you're in no condition to drive. Why don't you let me take you home? Do we need to pick up your little boy from the daycare?"
"Jer...my? Yes, I need to get him," she says, trying to sit up. Her hands are clutching the edge of the gurney so tightly her knuckles are white as she struggles to stay upright. After I help her into the wheelchair again, I wheel her out of the door to my car. After I help her inside, I reach around and secure her seatbelt. Once we arrive at the hospital's children's center, I help her out of the car. Still weak kneed, she clings to me so we can go in and sign Jeremy out.
After helping her to sit down in one of the chairs, I walk to the receptionist. "Elena was injured at work today," I begin, pointing to Elena. She's a little out of it from the pain medication she was given. We came to get Jeremy."
"Of course, Dr. Salvatore. Do you think you can have her sign this while I go get him?"
"Sure," I tell her as I take the clipboard from her.
"Elena, you need to sign this so they can release Jeremy," I tell her. Her pupils are still constricted due to the opiates she was given. Bobbing her head, she weakly grabs the pen and scrawls something. Unable to stifle a little laugh, I shake my head. This girl obviously has no tolerance for narcotics.
When I turn around to take the clipboard back to the desk, I see that Eva has come back with Jeremy holding her hand. After handing her the clipboard, I stoop down to his level. "Hi there Jeremy. I'm Damon. I'm a friend of your mom. She has an owie so I'm going to take you two home, okay?"
His little mouth is hanging open as he stares at Elena. When he turns his cute little face back to mine, he says, "Otay."
"Eva, I'm going to help Elena out to my car. I'll be right back for him. Do you by chance have a car seat I can use? I'll bring it back tomorrow."
"Sure," I'll get it.
After pulling my car up to the entrance, I help Elena in, secure the car seat and buckle Jeremy in safely. Before I put the car in gear, I grab her purse to see if her address is on her driver's license. She's much too loopy to tell me. Knowing Elena can't safely take care of him in the condition she's in, I know I'm going to spend the night on her couch. Hopefully, she'll understand when the effects of her medication wear off.
Once I get her home, I look into Elena's purse for her house key. After taking Jeremy inside, I go back to the car to find her sound asleep again. I settle her into my arms and carry her into the house. "Jeremy, can you tell me which is your mama's room?"
He bobs his head up and down then leads me to her room. After I lay her gently on the bed, I take off her shoes and stockings then cover her up. I take a moment to look around. Walking over to the dresser, I glance at her pictures. There are pictures of Jeremy, Elena and Jeremy and an older man with a younger woman. I don't see anything masculine in this room at all. Whatever the reason, that makes me smile.
Suddenly, I feel a tug on my jeans, "Me hungry."
Picking Jeremy up, I take him into the kitchen to make him something to eat. When he's done eating, I take him to get him cleaned up. After washing his little hands and face, he takes my hand and pulls me into what looks like his room. "Pway with me?" he asks.
"What do you want to play?" I ask when I sit down on the floor with him. He runs to his toy box, grabs a box of toddler sized legos and scatters them willy-nilly on the floor in front of me. After we spend a good hour building things with them, I can't help but notice that his eyes are getting heavy. Standing up, I lift him into my arms.
"Can you tell me where your jammies are?" Laying his little head on my shoulder, he points to his bed. Finding them under his pillow, I take him into the bathroom and run a bubble bath for him. Once he's spiffy clean, I sit him on his potty chair.
"Me go potty," he tells me proudly, pointing to it when he stands up. After helping him step into a pullups and then his jammies, I pick him up and carry him back to his room to tuck him in.
"Goodnight Jeremy," I whisper in his ear. He surprises me when he wraps his little arms around my neck, squeezing as tightly as he can. After pressing a slobbery kiss to my cheek, he lets go and grabs his teddy bear before closing his eyes.
Unable to stop the genuine smile that forms on my lips, I pull up his covers and turn the night light on before closing his door. I check on Elena once more before going downstairs to clean up the dishes. After I finish, I find an afghan blanket laying across her recliner and a throw pillow to make myself comfortable with on the couch.
"Damon?" I startle awake when I feel a hand on my shoulder.
Lurching upright, never taking my eyes from hers, "I hope you aren't mad. I stayed because you were in no shape to take care of Jeremy."
"No, I'm not mad," she whispers, taking a seat beside me on the couch.
"How's your arm?"
"It hurts. I'm not going to be able to work for a few weeks though. I hate that," she says, her brown eyes meeting my blue ones.
"That reminds me, Mrs. Cox said you'll need to fill out an incident report. That way workmen's compensation can pay your bills."
"Thanks for all you did for me yesterday. I really appreciate it," she whispers, leaning in towards me. Just as our lips are about to touch, Jeremy cries aloud breaking the spell.
"Um, I'll go get him. It'll be hard for you to lift him one-armed," I tell her smiling.
I stayed long enough to get Jeremy ready for the day and make us some breakfast before saying goodbye. "I really need to get to the hospital." Handing her a card from my wallet, I tell her, "It has my cell number on it. If you need anything, Elena. Please do call."
"You've done more than enough. Thank you again," she says, walking me to the door.
"Anytime," I tell her, leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek. "Goodbye Elena."
"You go bye, Daymin?" Jeremy says, his thumb in his mouth.
Picking him up, I whisper in his ear, "I'll come play with you again if it's okay with her," I say to him, pointing at Elena.
"Me like that," he squeals, before giving me another hug with those tiny arms of his.
"Goodbye. You be good okay?"
Bobbing his head up and down animatedly, he sticks his thumb back in his mouth and runs towards his room.
Pulling the front door open, I turn and look at her once more before closing the door behind me.
"Push me Uncle Damon," Annabelle squeals after jumping on the swing set.
"I'm coming," I laugh and begin to push her.
"Look at me, Papa," she screams as she sails through the air.
"I see you sweetie. You're way up high," my grandfather acknowledges.
"Stop Uncle Damon, I want to go on the jungle gym," she squeaks.
After helping her off of the swing safely, I point to papa telling her, "I'm going to go sit over there on the bench and visit with Papa."
"Okay," she yells as she runs over to it and starts climbing the rope ladder.
All the while keeping one eye on her, I go back and sit beside my grandfather. "Have you heard anymore from Stefan?" he asks.
"No, I haven't but in my defense, I've been terribly busy at the hospital. Today's the first day I've had off in ages. The hospital is trying to recruit another trauma surgeon to help me and Dr. Winchester out. Either they have no takers or the package they're offering isn't enticing enough for anyone to take the bait."
"I talked to Jack. He said that Stefan looked healthy."
"He did. But I'm not about to let him be alone with dad till I know this isn't just an act. His wife looked healthy too. She wore short sleeves and I didn't see any scaring, you know, needle scars on her arms."
Looking down at my hands, I take a deep breath and turn back to him. "I just don't know if I can ever completely forgive him."
He wraps an arm across my shoulder on the back of the bench. "Jack is my son. I got down on my knees more times in those few weeks than I ever had before. I'll be forever grateful to you for saving my son's life. A parent shouldn't have to bury their children. And while I fully understand why you're struggling with this, just try to keep an open mind. If not for Stefan, then do it for your dad. He loves all of his children. He did however reassure me that he was going to abide by your wishes about not seeing Stefan unaccompanied. He's so proud of the man you have become, Damon. I hope you know that."
"I do, Papa." When I look over at Annabelle, I notice Elena and Jeremy walking over to the slide. Unable to take my eyes off of her, she's wearing a yellow, flower print sun dress with spaghetti straps and flip flops. I exhale heavily as her long, svelte legs send shivers up my spine.
"Do you know her?" Papa asks, elbowing me gently in the ribs. "She's quite the looker," he continues, raising his eyebrows at me teasingly.
"Papa?"
"What? I'm not too old to appreciate a beautiful woman," he chuckles.
"Elena is a nurse at the hospital."
"What are you waiting for? Go on over there and tell her hello."
Smiling, I shake my head at his antics. I love my grandpa. "Um, I guess I'll do just that."
"That's my boy," he says, giving me a wink.
"Daymin," Jeremy yells, running into my arms.
"Hi Jeremy. Did your mama bring you here to play?"
"Ah ha," he squeals, clapping excitedly.
"Hi Jeremy," Annabelle says as she approaches us.
"Do you want to push him on the baby swing for a little bit Annabelle? I'll buy you an ice cream cone after while."
"Come on Jeremy," she says, taking his hand in hers.
"How's your arm?" I ask.
"It's much better. Thank you. I have to go back to the Dr. next week. I'm anxious to go back to work though," Elena replies wistfully.
"I'm anxious for you to come back too," I tease, raising my eyebrows alluringly.
"Why don't you come over here and sit down with us?" I ask, gesturing toward the bench where my grandfather is sitting.
After we walk over to the bench, I turn to her. "Elena, this is my grandfather, Andrew Salvatore. Papa, this is Elena. She's an RN at the hospital."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," he says, extending his hand.
"The pleasure is all mine," she replies, smiling that twenty megawatt smile at him before sitting beside me.
"I'm just going to let you two talk. Is it okay if I take your little boy over to get an ice cream with me and Annabelle?" Papa says, pointing at the ice cream shop on the other side of the playground.
"That's very kind of you but it's not necessary. I'm sorry if I interrupted your afternoon."
Papa shakes his head at her. "You didn't interrupt. We were just talking. Now what kind of ice cream does your little boy like?"
"Strawberry."
"Okay. We'll be back in a little while. Annabelle?" he yells to get her attention. As Jeremy and Anna are running towards us, he stumbles, landing face first in the grass. When he starts wailing hysterically, I get up and run over to him."
After helping him up and brushing the grass off of him, I pick him up. "Are you okay little man?"
Jutting his little lip out, he shakes his head no as tears trail down his cheeks. As my eyes seek out Elena's, I give him a little squeeze trying to comfort him a bit. When our eyes meet, she smiles at me and mouths thank you. I smile right back at her before turning my attention back to Jeremy. "Do you think some ice cream will make it all better?" Immediately his little head is bobbing up and down.
"Okay. Let's get you some ice cream," I tell him as I carry him over to Elena, Annabelle and my grandfather.
"Jeremy, this is my papa. He's going to get you and Annabelle some ice cream."
Papa extends his arms to take him. Jeremy looks at me hesitantly then reaches out to my grand dad. With Jeremy in one arm and holding Annabelle's hand with his other hand, the three of them walk towards the ice cream shack.
"Thanks for helping with Jeremy. He couldn't stop talking about how you played Legos with him. Thank you for everything."
"He's a great kid."
"He is," she agrees.
"So, about the elephant in the room... Have you given any more thought to going out with me?"
Her eyes meet mine for a long moment before she lowers them to where her hands are knotted in her lap. "Um..."
"Elena, what are you afraid of?" I ask, my blue eyes boring into her brown ones.
"I don't know, Damon. I've heard rumors."
"Elena? I'll be the first to admit that I'm no saint but do you believe everything you hear?"
"No, of course not. But I have a child to think about. I'm not interested in casual sex just for the sake of having it."
"Why do you think that's all I'm interested in? I like you Elena, a lot. I just want to get to know you better."
When she starts chewing on her lower lip, I feel my dick twitch. Shaking off the shiver that shoots through my body, I reposition myself a little then ask, "How about this? I'm taking Annabelle to the zoo in Richmond next week. Maybe you and Jeremy would like to come along? All I'm asking for is a chance." After a long moment, She looks up at me. "Finally, she smiles," I tease when she shows me that beautiful ear to ear grin of hers.
"Jeremy would love the zoo and so would I."
"Me got ice cream," Jeremy squeals running towards Elena. I grab him from behind, lifting him up, just before he can get his sticky hands all over her.
"Hey champ, let's go wash your hands so you don't get your mom's dress all sticky."
"I'll come with you," papa tells me with a wink. "And that my boy is how you win over the ladies," he chuckles, patting me on the back as we walk towards the park's restroom.
Yes, sometimes nurses should get combat pay. I got punched with a closed fist by a 96 year old one time among other things. Whoever said old people are weak didn't know what the hell they were talking about! I love Damon's grandfather. Thank you all so much for the reviews, follows and favorites. A special shout out to Eva for helping me bring these stories to life. Much more of this one to come. Please have a look at 'Pieces of Eight' and 'Breathe'. Remember to click that review button. Your reviews really do spur the muse.. Have a wonderful day everyone. Until next time...