Rachel darted off the elevator, calling out to Jack when she saw him. Followed by Ashley and Traci, Rachel said, "Is Kyle okay?"
"They are still working on him," Jack said.
"What happened?" Traci said.
"He developed a high fever," Jack said, "He was weak and non-responsive. Doctors rushed in and they won't tell me anything."
"I don't understand he was fine," Rachel said, "He was alert, cracking jokes and was even out of bed, so how does this happen?"
"I don't know, I was out of the room when all of it began," Jack said.
"You said you haven't heard anything," Rachel said, "How do you know he was feverish and weak if you were not with him?"
"Because, I was," Lola said, strolling over.
"You?" Rachel said, "What did you do to him?"
"Nothing," Lola said, "I only wanted to see for myself that he was doing so well."
"What part of stay away did you not understand?" Rachel said.
"Kyle did not seem to mind, when I came to visit him," Lola said.
"Just because he was too weak to throw you out, does not mean that I can't," Rachel said.
"Stop," Jack said, stepping between them, "This is not going to help Kyle."
"Jack," Billy's voice was approaching, "What's happened now?"
"I wish I knew," Jack said.
"Billy," Rachel whimpered, falling into his arms.
Lola watched as Billy held Rachel in his arms, offering her the occasional comforting words. Turning to the others, she said, "I'd like to stay, if that's okay."
Glancing at Rachel, Ashley said, "I would like to say yes but…"
"She can stay," Rachel said, still holding onto Billy.
"What could they be doing in there?" Jack worried.
Traci gave her brother a comforting arm rub, before she said, "Here comes the doctor."
"How is he?" Jack said.
"We were able to stabilize Kyle's condition," Dr. Hastings said.
"What happened?" Jack said, "He was doing so well."
"Kyle has developed an infection, which is what produced the fever," Dr. Hastings said.
"That caused this episode?" Jack said.
"Not at all," Dr. Hastings said, "This was not the same type of distress he experienced earlier. Aside from the infection, he had a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotics I had prescribed. I have started him on an alternate medication which should prevent any further issues."
"This was an allergic reaction?" Rachel said, "So, Kyle's going to be okay?"
"We have resolved the issue with his medication," Dr. Hastings said, "While it should work to treat the infection, Kyle still has a very high fever, bringing that down is the main concern."
"But you can do that right?" Rachel said.
"We are doing our best to alleviate the situation," Dr. Hastings said.
"Is that enough?" Rachel said.
"Rachel, the doctor is doing everything he can," Billy said.
"Is he?" Rachel said, "Is that why Kyle went into distress not once but twice? Is that why he had a bad reaction to his medication? Now he has an infection and who knows what will happen to him with this fever. How much is Kyle supposed to…" Rachel's words were washed away by an unsteady step, before she dropped.
"Rachel!" Billy said, catching her as she fell.
"Easy," Billy said, as he assisted Rachel into a chair.
"How are you feeling now?" Dr. Hastings said.
"You mean other that embarrassed that I fainted?" Rachel said.
"When was the last time you ate something?" Dr. Hastings said.
"I don't remember," Rachel said, "Awhile ago."
"Have you had any sleep?" Dr. Hastings said.
"Same answer," Rachel said.
"Lack of food, sleep and added stress, is why you fainted," Dr. Hastings said, "I thought you went home to take care of yourself."
"I came back when Kyle got worse," Rachel said, "I can't leave him when he is like this."
"Kyle would want you to keep your strength up," Billy said, "I want you to sit there, while I get you something to eat."
"If I can find somewhere nearby for you to lie down, will you get some sleep?" Dr. Hastings said.
"I don't know," Rachel said.
"I will come and get you the minute there is anything to tell," Dr. Hastings said, "I don't want to have to admit you to the hospital too."
"Okay, I will try," Rachel said.
"As for the rest of you," Dr. Hastings started.
"Not going anywhere," Jack said.
"You see, he's stubborn that way," Ashley said.
"I thought so," Dr. Hastings said.
"He's not the only one," Billy said, returning with a small paper bag. He opened the top of it before handing it to Rachel.
"Thanks," Rachel said. Sitting next to her, Billy said, "We are all sticking around."
Returning from a short walk, Jack entered the waiting area, prepared to settle in until news came regarding Kyle's condition.
"Jack," Traci said, when she saw him, "Ashley, had to leave. She wanted me to tell you she's thinking of Kyle and you. She felt bad for not being here and is going to try to check in later."
"Of course, I understand," Jack said, "The same goes for you. You don't have to wait around here and go stir crazy like me."
"Sounds like you need someone here with you," Traci said.
"Billy's here and Rachel," Jack said, "I'm fine, really."
"I was considering taking a break," Traci said.
"Then you go," Jack said.
"You will keep me updated?" Traci said.
"Absolutely," Jack said.
Sharing a hug with her brother, Traci said, "I will be saying extra prayers for Kyle."
"Thank you," Jack said.
As Traci left, Jack strolled over towards the lounge sofa, where Billy was sitting. Next to Billy, with a pillow pushed up against his leg, Rachel was curled up sleeping.
Jack smiled at Billy, who glanced over at Rachel and shrugged his shoulders. "At least she's finally asleep," Billy spoke softly.
"I'm glad to see her getting some rest," Jack said.
"Traci take off?" Billy said.
"Yes," Jack said, as he sat in a chair on the other side of Billy, "What's happened to Lola?"
"Work," Billy said, "She didn't want to leave, but I told her we would let her know once there was news."
"You can go too," Jack said, "We could be waiting a long time."
"I'm good," Billy said, "I'm here for all of you."
"Especially Rachel," Jack said, "You have been her rock through all of this."
"No matter what has gone on between us, I still care about her," Billy said, "I am glad she feels like she can lean on me. Which she is literally doing right now." Billy and Jack shared a soft laugh, before Billy continued, "Besides, it was what Kyle wanted."
"I'm not sure what you mean by that," Jack said.
"Before Kyle had his surgery, he asked me to look after Rachel," Billy said, "He said if anything were to happen to him, he wanted me to take care of her. Of course I would anyway."
"She's family," Jack said, "I guess once the wedding happens, Rachel will be your in law, as your niece."
"After what she and I have been through, that is going to take some getting used to," Billy said, "You are going to a have a daughter-in-law."
"Yes I am," Jack said, "Am I also going to have a sister-in-law?"
"If you are talking about Victoria, I have told you she does not want to get married," Billy said.
"But you do," Jack said.
"I have tried to convince her," Billy said, "But her mind is made up. There's no changing it."
"That does not mean you give up trying to nudge her in that direction," Jack said.
"I hear you," Billy said.
Approaching footsteps caused Jack and Billy to look up, as Rachel stirred. Spying Dr. Hasting, Jack stood up saying, "Tell me you have good news."
Waking to see the doctor, Rachel scrambled to her feet. "Has something happened?" she said.
The events of the day, weighed heavily on Traci's mind, as she walked through the hallway of the hospital. She was lost in her thoughts and did not notice someone who rounded the corner, until she heard her name. "Traci?"
Looking up into a familiar face, Traci smiled, "Paul," she said.
"We have to stop meeting like this," Paul joked.
"We are doing that a lot," Traci said, "You are not here for a health reason, are you?"
"No, I was following up on something for work," Paul said, "Is everything alright with you?"
"Personally, I am fine," Traci said, "It's my nephew. He is going through such a difficult time."
"Is this concerning what you told me about Kyle before?" Paul said, "I hope his condition has not become worse."
"Good news seems to be followed by bad news," Traci said, "And now things are not looking good again. I have been through worry, relief and now back to concern."
"I am sorry to hear that," Paul said.
Traci wiped away some escaped tears, as she said, "Nothing like a family emergency to make you have a good cry."
"Would you like to get a coffee and talk?" Paul said.
Settling her tears, Traci said, "I would like that very much."
"Doctor how is my son?" Jack said.
"Kyle's fever broke," Dr. Hastings said.
Jack, Rachel and Billy breathed a sigh of relief.
"Does this mean, he will be okay?" Rachel said.
"Now that the fever is down and he is responding well to the revised medication," Dr. Hastings began, "I believe Kyle will make a full recovery."
"Thank you," Jack said, "For everything."
"Kyle still has a difficult road ahead of him," Dr. Hastings said, "He will have headaches that could persist for the next 2 or 3 weeks. He will have trouble with balance and will need assistance to even walk a few feet. By the time he goes home, he will at least need supervision when he is on his feet. He could have cognitive issues, forgetting things he's been told, remembering when or if he has taken his medication. There could be times his speech is affected. He may become discouraged with his recovery and depression is not uncommon. I know he has a strong support system around him, which he will need. For the first few weeks, I recommend that someone should be with Kyle at all times."
"We will take care of all your instructions," Jack said, "Kyle will have all the love and support he needs."
"Can I see him?" Rachel said.
"Of course," Dr. Hastings said.
"I'm sorry Jack," Rachel said, "I should have asked if you mind if I…"
"Go ahead," Jack smiled. Rachel smiled back before retreating.
Putting a hand on his brother's shoulder, Billy said, "Is it possible this ordeal is finally over?"
"I am beginning to think so," Jack said.
Placing a coffee on the table, in front of Traci, Paul sat across from her at the coffeehouse and said, "So, tell me what is troubling you."
"It's nothing for you to worry about," Traci said.
"I can see you are upset," Paul said, "About your nephew, I assume."
Traci nodded. "I feel so badly for him. He has been through so much…" Traci paused, "I don't want to trouble you with this."
"I am here to listen," Paul said, "That's what friends are for."
"I remember telling you, I thought something was seriously wrong with Kyle's health," Traci said.
"You were wondering if you should have said anything to the family about it," Paul reminded.
"It turns out I didn't have to," Traci said, "Kyle held a family meeting and told us all he had a brain tumor."
"A tumor?" Paul said, "Is it treatable?"
"We discovered it was malignant and he had cancer," Traci said, "He was so upset and worried. Kyle feared he was not even going to survive."
"How awful," Paul said, "How is he doing now?"
"He had surgery and during the procedure, he went into distress," Traci said, "We almost lost him." Tears came to her eyes as she continued, "Then we got the news. The doctors were able to remove the entire tumor, and miracle of miracles, Kyle is now cancer free."
"That is wonderful news," Paul said, "So everything worked out."
"That's what we thought," Traci said, "He woke up and was doing well. That is until he developed a high fever and his vitals dropped again. The doctors say if his fever does not come down soon, he could suffer serious long term disability."
"I am so sorry," Paul said, "This must be so stressful for Kyle and his family. For you as well."
"He is so young," Traci said, "He does not deserve to suffer like this."
"That's the key," Paul said, "Because he is young and strong. He has a good chance to come through this just fine."
"That is my greatest hope," Traci said.
Across the room Michael and Lauren entered the coffeehouse. Michael sat at a booth and noticed Lauren neglect to join him.
"Please have a seat," Michael said.
"Paul is over there," Lauren said, sitting down.
"Are we feeling obliged to say hello?" Michael said.
"I don't think so," Lauren said, "He is talking to Traci."
"And…?" Michael said. Seeing Lauren's gaze transfixed on Paul and Traci, Michael said, "Most people think it is not polite to stare."
"Michael, look at them," Lauren said, "Are they holding hands?"
Leaning over to take quick peek, Michael focused back on Lauren as he said, "It appears so."
"What is up with that?" Lauren said.
Only then did Paul and Traci realize, they had taken each other's hand. Traci was thinking how comforting, she found the hand holding to be, until she remembered Paul was a married man. She let go of her grasp, Paul taking his cue to do the same.
"I apologize," Paul said, "I hope don't you feel I overstepped just now."
"I don't think that," Traci said, "Tell me, are things better with Christine?"
"You don't want to know," Paul said.
"I do," Traci said, "But something tells me you are still having difficulties."
"We have had a complete communication breakdown," Paul sighed, "We are apart more than we are together. When we do have time for each other we argue or worse we don't talk at all. The tension is our relationship just seems to keep growing."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Traci said, "I was so hoping the two of you would work things out."
"We have decided to separate," Paul said.
"Oh dear," Traci said, "If being apart was your biggest issue, then does it make sense to separate?"
"We felt it was best," Paul said.
"That's too bad…" Traci trailed off as her phone beeped, "I'm sorry, excuse me."
Paul watched the smile that came across Traci's face as she read her message. Her expression transformed into excitement as she released a happy exclamation.
"What is it?" Paul said.
"Kyle's fever broke," Traci said, relived, "The doctor feels he will make a full recovery!"
"That's wonderful news," Paul said, "It all did turn out for the best."
Lauren kept glancing at the duo, as she said, "Something is going on over there."
"Don't run interference," Michael said, "Could be completely innocent."
Lauren watched Traci and Paul stand up, Paul saying, "Tell you family how happy I am to hear the good news."
"I will," Traci said, "Thank you for the talk, I really appreciate it." She gave Paul a quick hug before she left the coffeehouse.
"Completely innocent?" Lauren said, to Michael as she stood up.
"You are not going over there," Michael said, as Lauren stepped away, "Apparently you are." Michael sighed.
Paul was startled as Lauren approached him, "Okay, out with it," Lauren said.
"Nice to see you too Lauren," Paul said, "Lovely day."
"Don't lovely day me," Lauren said, "What is going on with you and Traci Abbott?"
The sensation of someone taking his hand and gently rubbing it, caused Kyle to stir. Realizing Kyle was waking up, Rachel smiled at him. "Hey there," she said.
Although Kyle still felt very sleepy, he managed to smile and say, "You came back."
"You can't keep me away for long," Rachel said, "How are you feeling?"
"Not so good," Kyle said.
"That is because you have a fever," Rachel said, "You have an infection from the surgery."
"I was afraid of something like that," Kyle sighed.
"The doctor has given you a new medication that should work and make you feel better," Rachel said, "You were having a bad reaction to the other treatment."
"I was?" Kyle said.
"You were," Rachel said, "You have to stop scaring us like that."
"Sorry," Kyle said.
"The main thing is you are going to be just fine," Rachel said.
"If you say so," Kyle said, "I'm really glad you're here."
"I am going to stay with you," Rachel said, "As long as you need."
"That would be forever," Kyle said.
"Works for me," Rachel said.
"Lauren, what are you talking about?" Paul said.
"You and Traci," Lauren said, sitting across from him, "Is something going on?"
"I don't know what gives the idea that anything is going on," Paul said.
"Did I or did I not see the two of you holding hands?" Lauren said.
"You know, it may surprise when I say this," Paul started, "But my personal life is none of your concern. However, to alleviate your fears, nothing romantic is going on with me and another woman."
"It did not look like that to me," Lauren said.
"Lauren…" Paul sighed.
"Holding hands?" Lauren said, "And then there was the hug."
"As usual, your imagination is getting the best of you," Paul said.
"Last I heard you are a married man," Lauren said.
"Then you have not heard the latest," Paul said.
"What does that mean?" Lauren said.
"Chris and I are separating," Paul said, "It has been coming for a long time."
"I didn't realize you were having problems," Lauren said, "So, you chose Traci to confide in?"
"We simply got to talking," Paul said, "She was very worried about a family member who is ill. I offered to console her and she ended up consoling me."
"Is her family member Kyle?" Lauren said, "I heard about his condition."
"Thankfully, she just got the news, Kyle is doing much better and should recover," Paul said.
"That's wonderful," Lauren said.
"It is," Paul said, "Are you done grilling me about my personal life?"
"Just one more thing," Lauren said, "If things are really over with you and Christine, you might want to consider putting some spark into your life. Like the one I saw between you and Traci."
"You look a little better," Jack said, sitting at Kyle's bedside.
"I don't feel better," Kyle said, "Not in the least."
"With everything you've been through in the last 24 hours, you are bound to be worn out," Jack said.
"I am going to be okay, right?" Kyle said.
"You are," Jack confirmed, "I know you feel lousy right now, but you will recover over time. We will have you back on your feet sooner than you think."
"Thanks for saying that," Kyle said.
"I only speak the truth," Jack smiled.
"You know what this reminds me of?" Kyle said.
"What?" Jack said.
"You sitting here, at my bedside, reminds me of when I was a kid. You used to read me bedtime stories and tuck me in at night," Kyle said.
"You often dozed off as I read to you," Jack said, "I could tell you a story now if you like."
"That's okay, you don't have to," Kyle said.
"I have a good one," Jack said, "The story of how many people were in the waiting room, while you were in surgery. The number of them would surprise you."
"Who was here?" Kyle said.
"Besides me and Rachel," Jack started, "Traci, Billy and Ashley were here."
"Ashley came?" Kyle said, "All the way from Paris because of me?"
"She loves you, just like the rest of us," Jack said, "Also waiting were Abby, Tessa and Mariah. Plus Summer and Fen."
"Baldwin?" Kyle said, "That one surprises me."
"Considering your recent history, me too," Jack said, "But he seemed genuinely concerned about how you were doing. Never doubt you have a lot of people in your life who love you."
"That's nice to hear," Kyle sleepily said.
"We all waited together," Jack said, "It was a long time, but I'm sure you would rather talk about something else." Not getting a response, Jack said, "Kyle?" Peering closer Jack could see Kyle had fallen asleep.
"Still got that magic touch," Jack smiled.