Hi Readers: Sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out to you guys, but I got a bit distracted and just decided to do something else for a bit; and then I had supper, because I started to get hungry. But now, I'm back and ready to get back to the story. But first, I want to remind you that I am not going to write their second day at the hospital; rather, I am going to write the third day. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter Two Hundred and Fifty-Five
Hospital Day 3: Checking In
December 11, 2019 – Kapiolani-Tripler Medical Center
He was currently in the midst of taking a morning run today, having decided to go out as he needed to change his thoughts; he had to try and forget just what happened yesterday, the scare that they had with Bella. She had to go in for a surgery, a surgery that could fix something; not that the parents wanted to know, as they wanted to just keep thinking that their daughters were perfect. And now, they are in the clear they said; at least, they hope that they're in the clear. Of course, they'll keep praying each and every day that they're okay…and that they'll be able to take them home, which is exactly what the doctors are telling them they'll be able to do. But still, they know that they need to take it easy and just relax; and that's something that Matt and Gabby have both agreed about. They are going to relax, and they are going to take it easy; and that's fine, because they both know that it's something that they have to do. But Matt also knows that he needs to do something else, and that would be call home so that he can check on Matteo and Noah.
He wants to call home and check just how they're doing at the big house, since they haven't been there in a while. And he can just hope and pray that the boys are going to be okay. But the truth is, Matt thinks that everything is going to be okay. But still, Matt does want to check in; but he just needs to figure out who he should call, which was the entire reason why Matt hasn't made the call yet. But now, he is as he just decided who he was going to call; and that would be Antonio, as he was probably not the one who was taking care of the boys right now. And while yes, he appointed him to take care of the company; but at the same time, he said that he can do it from home so that he can be there with the boys….because that's what Matt and Gabby both want. They want to make sure that their boys have a constant right now, a constant which they can't give them right now; not that it's in their control, but it's due to the fact that they need to be here with Matteo and Noah's sisters Bella and Sofia. He needs to make sure that they're okay, and healthy.
And so far, they are okay; other than the surgery that Bella had to deal with, which is the entire reason why Matt hasn't gone home. Well, one of the reasons that he hasn't gone home; the other being due to the fact that he has PTSD, and he knows that he wouldn't really be able to give the boys what they need if he was home with them. If he was home with them, then he would want to give them his full attention; but that wouldn't happen, because this is where his head and heart really is right now: at the hospital, with Gabby, Bella, and Sofia. And so far, he's been happy to be here; because it means that they can take it easy, and they can just concentrate on their girls. But now, he needs to go something else; and that would be check in on their sons. So now, he's going to do just that; he's going to call home and check on the boys. So, time to stop stalling. Time to call home and check on his boys: Matteo and Noah. Which is exactly what Gabby actually asked him to do, she asked him to check on their sons, which is what he's doing right now.
Going to grab his AirPods from his pocket, Matt proceeded to put them in his ears; after which, he put his case back into his pocket as he didn't want to see it while he watched Andy run around in the back of the hospital. They have a play pen back here for service dogs, so Matt decided to bring him down here while he talks to Antonio, which is exactly what he's going to start doing, just as soon as he picks up the call that he just started (since he pushed his name on his phone). And lucky for him, it didn't take long for Antonio to answer the call. "Well, I can only hope that this isn't a business call." Matt sighed as he heard his brother-in-law say that, as that was not why he was calling. "Antonio, can we really not talk about business right now? We're two weeks away from my kids' first Christmas." Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that. "Wow, first Christmas as a family, also first one with four kids." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that. "Wouldn't have it any other way though." Antonio agreed with his brother-in-law as he said that.
"So, how can I help you? Do you guys need some more clothes?" Matt snickered. "No, we're good. We haven't really changed much out of what we're wearing." Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Let me guess, because you're so comfortable with each other?" Matt agreed with Antonio when he said that, as that most definitely is exactly what they are. "Based on the circumstances, we most certainly are. However, I'm not here to talk to you about the girls right now." Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that. "Let me guess, you want to get an update on the boys?" Matt sighed as Antonio asked him that. "I just want to know how they are, and how they're doing right now. Whether they're just…" Antonio then went ahead and reassured Matt that everything is okay. "Matt, everything is okay; I promise that we're doing good, and we're going to bring them soon." Matt agreed with Antonio when he said that, before thinking about it. "I think that's something that Gabby would really enjoy, because I know she misses them."
Antonio agreed. "Are you guys going to keep them there? Because I know that you probably want to spend time with them too, and maybe even spend the night with them." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that. "I can already tell you that they're going to be here Christmas Eve through the New Year. We want to be with them around Christmas time, and I just want to be with my entire family. But maybe you can do something for us?" Antonio was confused as he heard his brother-in-law say that. "Didn't we just bring you guys food?" Matt agreed with Antonio as he asked him whether he just brought them food. "Yes, but what I'm talking about is not related to our food. Rather, I'm taking about you just having some bags ready; you know, just in case Gabby wants them out of the blue." Antonio agreed with his brother-in-law when he said that, as that most definitely is a good idea. "Well, I think that's a really good idea." Matt snickered as he heard Antonio say that. "I know, I'm full of good ideas." Antonio laughed as he heard Matt say that.
"Just be lucky that I know that you need to get some laughs in, and just get some happy ideas in your mind." Matt sighed as he heard Antonio say that, as that most definitely is something that he needs. He needs happy thoughts in his mind, because he wants to think positively when it comes to their daughters. "I'm just worried when it comes to laughing too much, because this is a lot to deal with; you know, because we did have to go through this with the boys too." Antonio agreed with his brother-in-law as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Yeah, I know what you mean." Matt took a breath as he heard Antonio say that, glad that this is exactly what he's doing right now. That he's talking to his brother-in-law, as it gives them a chance to really just breathe and relax. "Thanks for making me feel a bit better." Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "I know, you need to just take it easy and relax right now. But are things okay there? Not too much stress?" Matt agreed. "We're breathing and taking it easy."
Matt then took a breath. "But I think that Gabby is going to do some sketching to get her mind off of things, because we can't always just hold each other as we watch movies all the time." Antonio snickered as he heard Matt say that, well aware that was the case. "Well, I am not going to keep you longer than I need to." Matt shook his head. "You aren't, I'm outside right now." Antonio was confused as he heard his brother-in-law say that. "Why are you outside?" Matt laughed. "Because I don't want to step in dog feces." Antonio then understood what he was talking about. "Oh right, I forgot about Andy.. Sorry." Matt agreed with Antonio when he said that, before looking at Andy as he walked around and just had a bit of fun. "Hey, think you can get something for me if you ever come?" Antonio agreed. "What might that be?" Matt smiled. "Can you stop at a dog store and just get Andy a bone. He can just have something to gnaw at while he's with us." Antonio thought about it, and actually liked that idea. "I think that'd be a nice idea."
Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that, well aware that was the case. "I know, it's why I thought about it. I just think that Andy needs to do stuff while he's here, because I can't really be outside with him much; heck, I can only do it for a bit right now. And that's only due to the fact that we have a guest right now." Antonio was confused when he said that. "Who's there with you guys?" Matt snickered. "I have a sibling too Antonio." Antonio then realized that. "Oh, your sister is there to meet the girls." Matt agreed with Antonio when he said that Christie is there so that she can meet the girls, because that's exactly what's happening right now. "And that's the only way I was comfortable with taking Andy out. I am always so worried about them." Antonio agreed with his brother as he said that, well aware that was the case. "And that's normal Matt. You're worried about your family." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Well, I just hope that things are going to be okay soon." Antonio agreed with Matt.
"I'm sure that the doctors are going to do everything that they can so that they can get you guys out of there as soon as you can, but you know that you're good right? We have the boys for now, and we have the company too. Just take it easy and concentrate on Bella and Sofia; love the names by the way." Matt snickered as he heard Antonio say that, especially as he loves his daughters' names as well. "Well, I love my daughters' names as well. Bella Grace and Sofia Marie Casey." Antonio agreed with Matt as he mentioned what the girls' names are once more. "I think we both know that you don't care what their names are, because you just love your daughters in general." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that, as that most certainly is the case. "I know, and that's always going to be the case. I am so glad that we're doing better, and that Gabby is okay. She's feeling a bit better right now." Antonio liked the sound of that. "I like the sound of that, and I can only imagine just how relieved you feel that she's feeling better right now." Matt agreed.
"And that's what I'm concentrating on, that they're feeling better each and every day. That's all I can concentrate on. The fact that they're feeling better each and every day." Antonio understood why that would be the case, and he's extremely happy over the fact that his brother-in-law will just take it easy and concentrate on himself for a bit. "And are you going to concentrate on yourself too? Make sure that you have mental health time for yourself?" Taking a breath, Antonio let Matt have a moment to think about that; after which, he proceeded to keep talking. "Matt, I just hope that you know there are resources that you can have there. I would really look into what they have there, because I think that you would really benefit from taking a bit of time there." Matt sighed as he heard Antonio say that. "Yeah, that's something I need to look into; especially after last night." Antonio sighed as he heard his brother-in-law say that, because he can only imagine what that means. "Let me guess, you had some PTSD last night?"
When Antonio asked him whether he had some PTSD last night, Matt took a breath due to the fact that is something that happened last night; he had PTSD related to the last time this happened, but he just didn't want to talk about that. And that was due to the fact that he was the reason why he has that PTSD nightmare, because you know what happened. "I'd rather not talk about this Antonio." Knowing why that's the cases, Antonio just agreed. "Right, of course. Sorry again about that." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that, before taking a breath. "Sorry, this is just hard." Antonio completely understood what his brother-in-law said, because nobody ever said that this would be easy; nor should it be easy, because you don't want this to happen to anybody. Under no circumstances did Antonio want this to happen to his sister and brother-in-law, especially when they had to deal with his in the past. But now, they are having to go through this again. "I think you just need to breathe, and you need to take it easy right now Matt."
Matt agreed with his brother-in-law as he said that, because that most certainly is exactly what he needs to do. He needs to breathe, and he needs to take it easy for the sake of both his wife, as well as his newborn daughters. "I promise, I'm trying." Antonio agreed. "And that's all Gabby can ask for, because you need to remember that she knows that you're suffering about this too; please don't think that she doesn't know that, because she does. In fact, she asked me to talk to you whenever you call and check on you." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that, before smiling as he was glad that was the case. "I am not going to say what I'm thinking, because you are just going to say it." Antonio laughed as he heard Matt say that, well aware of just what he was talking about. "You aren't worthy of that gorgeous wife of yours." Matt groaned as he heard Antonio say that. "Seriously, did you really have to say that?" Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that. "Hey, it made you smile; didn't it?" Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that.
"Yeah, it did. And I'm glad that you made me smile…because that's something that I most certainly needed." Antonio agreed. "And that's something that you need to do more of Matt, because you need to remember that everything is okay. You need to smile sometimes, and you need to just be happy that you have the girls. Because I know you are." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that he's happy to have the girls, as he most certainly is happy to have the girls now. "Oh, I most certainly am happy to have the girls. And I am so glad that Gabby is okay. The truth is that was my worst fear. I know this is going to sound horrible, but I could deal with…" Antonio agreed with Matt ahead of time, so that he didn't need to say what he was thinking. "Matt don't say that. I know what you're trying to say, and I don't want you to have to hear yourself say it. It's hard, and I am not going to let you say that. Please Matt." Matt agreed with Antonio when he said that, glad that he stopped him from saying that. "Thanks Antonio." Antonio agreed.
"Matt, we all know how you're feeling right now. You're feeling grateful that you still have your wife, and that you have your daughters. And that's all that matters at the end of the day: that you have Gabby, Bella, and Sofia; and they truly are your miracles." Matt agreed with Antonio when he said that, because that most certainly is something that he loves hearing; especially since it's the truth, his girls truly are his miracles. "Gabby hated it when I said that last time I said goodbye." Antonio agreed with Matt as he said that. "I completely understand why that's the case. But we also know that you need to take it easy now, and you need to relax. Things are okay, and you don't need to think about that anymore; especially since you guys are back in a better place, and you guys have the life that you guys have always wanted. You have the kids, and you have each other. But now, you need to concentrate on Andy; then you need to go back to your girls in the hospital, spend time with your sister too." Matt laughed and agreed with his brother-in-law.
"Thank you so much Antonio, I'm going to get going now." Antonio agreed with his brother-in-law. "Call me next time you want to check on the boys, and I'll come visit this weekend." Matt agreed. "Thanks again for all you've done for me, and I can't wait to be with my girls again. Talk soon and have a good day Antonio." Antonio agreed with his brother-in-law as he said that. "Same to you. Send Gabby my love." Matt agreed with Antonio as he said that, before going to hang up with him. After which, he turned his head and looked at Andy. "Come here Andy. Let's go inside and spend some time with the girls." Andy agreed with Matt as he said that, before walking up to him; after which, Matt bent down and proceeded to attach his leach so that he can take him back into the hospital. Standing up, Matt smiled as he proceeded to lead him inside the hospital; then, he would grab both himself and Gabby some breakfast in the cafeteria…because that's what Gabby needs right now, some nice breakfast. He just hopes that they made omelets again.
Casey NICU Hospital Suite - "I swear, this is a really nice suite." Gabby agreed with her sister-in-law as she said that, feeling the same way. "I know, Matt really went all out for me." Turning to look at her sister-in-law while standing next to her nieces, Christie smiled due to the fact that she knows that. And she also knows why he got the suite for her. "That's because he loves you Gabby, that's why he decided to get this suite for you. He wanted to give you the best hospital suite that they have here in the NICU." Gabby smiled as she heard Christie say that, before looking at her. "By the way, I'm still sticking with the fact that you aren't to talk about business with my husband." Christie agreed with Gabby as she said that, before starting to make her way over to the bed. "Hey, I already know that Gabby; I know that I'm not to talk business with Matt, because he already told me that on his way to take Andy out to the washroom." Gabby agreed with Christie as she said that, smiling at her. "So, how did your conversation with Jim go yesterday?"
Christie laughed. "Seriously? You just gave birth, and you want information about that?" Gabby agreed with Christie as she asked him that, as that was exactly what she wanted some information about. "I mean, it's not like she has to stay here; she can go see her dad, because we aren't going to have a big Christmas anyways. I mean, we might do it where it's just me, Matt, and the boys here at the hospital." Christie agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Well, I think that would be a good idea, as you need to take it easy and just relax. How are you feeling anyways?" Gabby sighed. "As good as I can be after that, still trying to relax and get my strength back for when I need to talk to my friend." Christie sighed. "Just to let you know, the board voted 16 to 2 to temporarily suspend her from the board." Gabby agreed with Christie as she said that. "Okay, I understand why." Christie agreed with Gabby before smiling at her and grabbing her hand, after which she stroked it with her thumb. "We have your back Gabby. The Casey Family sticks together."
Gabby smiled as she heard Christie say that. "I just hope that Matt's okay, I haven't really spoken to him about it much." Christie was a bit confused as she heard Gabby say that, unsure of just what she's talking about. "What are you talking about Gabby?" Taking a breath, Gabby looked at her sister-in-law. "I don't know whether this is affecting his PTSD or not. I mean, I can only assume that it is." Christie agreed, and definitely understood why that would worry her. "Well, I think we both know that you do need to talk to your husband about whether he's dealing with PTSD." That's when Gabby and Christie both heard a voice. "Don't worry, he's been coming down to talk to somebody with PTSD all the time." Turning her head, Gabby snickered a bit when she saw just who was at the door. "Well, if it isn't the newlywed. How are you Jeff?" Jeff smiled as he walked in so that he could come say hi. However, Christie was a bit confused. "Wait, how do you know the doctor from Hawaii?" Jeff laughed as he stood up and looked at Christie.
"Ms. Casey, I can assure you that you already know me. Dr. Jeff Clarke, Attending Physician in the Emergency Department, and President and Deputy CEO of Casey Health." Christie then realized who he was. "Oh god, now I recognize you." Jeff agreed. "I know Matt from when we were at Firehouse 51 together." Gabby looked at Jeff when he said that. "And when you tried to shut down our firehouse!" Jeff gulped as he heard Gabby say that, well aware that was the case. "Sorry about that." Gabby agreed with Jeff as he said that. "You here as a favor to Matt?" Jeff shook his head. "I wanted to come check on you myself, send you my best from me and Lisa." Gabby agreed with Jeff as he said that. "I have to say, I am really surprised that you guys got back together, and then got married. I remember when you were at the firehouse, you were having a bad time together." Jeff agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Time passed, and I still love her. I couldn't stay away." Snickering, Gabby agreed with Jeff. "More like she couldn't stay away from you."
Jeff just looked at his boss' wife right now. "Okay, I am not going to debate this. But last time I checked, you guys split up for a while." Gabby agreed with Jeff as he said that. "Yes, but we never got divorced." Jeff agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Okay, I am not going to argue with you guys; or else my boss over there might make me work more." Gabby shook her head as she heard Jeff say that, as that's not the case. "Matt is on paternity leave right now, and he's concentrating on me and the kids." Jeff agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Well, I'm just glad that you guys are okay. I just wanted to send my best, but I know you want to relax and take it easy right now." Gabby agreed with Jeff as he said that. "I'm just waiting for Matt to come back this morning." Christie agreed with Gabby as she said that, before looking at the recliner. "Mind if I sit in your room here?" Gabby shook her head. "Of course not, you can keep me company as we wait for Matt to come back with some breakfast." Christie agreed with Gabby as she said that.
"Did you take care of the boys last night?" Christie snickered. "No, I was at home with Violet. She sends her love by the way." Gabby agreed with Christie as she said that. "She going to come visit sometime?" Christie agreed. "We'll be here at Christmas." Gabby sighed. "I think me, and Matt might just do it where it's just the seven of us on Christmas." Christie was a bit confused as she heard Gabby say that. "The seven of us?" Gabby smiled as she heard Christie say that and was about to explain…until Matt did just that.
"Yeah. We're thinking Christmas will be just the seven of us this year: Me, Gabby, Matteo, Noah, Bella, Sofia, and Andy."