Chapter sixteen!
Taylor and Ridge were on cloud nine. Both Steffy and Phoebe were recovering better from the surgery with each passing day. Phoebe, however, was still very fragile. The three major surgeries and the long coma had clearly taken a toll on her. She slept a lot and even when she was awake, she still seemed very groggy. Taylor reassured Ridge and told him that all the sleep was doing Phoebe good. That way, her body would get the energy it needed to recover.
She and Ridge were just happy that their daughter was out of the woods. It was a wonderful feeling for both of them to hold her hand, to feel that she was breathing and that she was with them again.
Once when Phoebe was awake, they had been all together at her bedside. Steffy had prevailed and Thomas had taken her to Phoebe in a wheelchair. Both sisters had tears in their eyes when they first saw each other again. They held hands and looked steadily into each other's eyes. It almost seemed as if they were communicating with each other in their own way. Steffy had regained her strength in the meantime. However, she still had to stay at the hospital for observation. She kept grumbling about the strict diet she had to follow and it was very hard for her that she was only allowed to take a certain amount of liquid until her body got used to the new condition. Taylor did everything she could to comfort her and gave her tips on how to cope with the constant feeling of thirst.
Ridge kept realizing during those days how useful it was to have a doctor in the family. Taylor always knew exactly what to do and she understood how to talk to the doctors. He himself often felt quite lost.
Ridge's interactions with Taylor had been a little awkward the last few days. Both of them had been very startled by the kiss. But then they had tacitly agreed not to attach any further significance to it. It had simply happened in the moment of joy and euphoria. Taylor did keep thinking about the kiss, but each time she tried to bring herself to reason and not read too much into it. Ridge had been pretty rattled by the kiss. He was aware that a very dangerous closeness had developed between him and Taylor lately. He seriously questioned why Taylor and he managed to stick together in times of crisis, and Brooke and he failed at every hurdle.
Despite his guilty conscience, Ridge decided not to mention the kiss to Brooke. Their relationship was already strained enough and things weren't exactly on the best of terms between Taylor and Brooke either. There was no need to add fuel to the fire.
Brooke had other things on her mind these days. She received the daily news from Ridge and the rest of the family about the great progress Phoebe was making. While this naturally pleased her on the one hand, it also made her uncomfortable. Rick shared his mother's fears. One morning at breakfast, he approached her about it.
"Hey Mom, do you know anything about Phoebe? How is she?"
"The doctors seem very pleased with her. She is out of danger for good, barring any more complications. But at the moment they don't expect something to happen."
"That's good...isn't it ?!!" said Rick with a little uncertainty.
"Yeah sure!" his mother said thoughtfully.
"And..um has Phoebe said anything yet? I mean, about the accident?"
"No, not so far! Even though she's doing a lot better. Ridge said the last few days she's still been very dazed and tired. I think she's been asleep most of the time. It all takes time. In addition, she doesn't seem to remember the accident, at least for the moment. Ridge told me she was pretty confused and the first thing she wanted to know was why she is in the hospital in the first place."
"So you're saying it's entirely possible that Phoebe won't be able to remember details of the accident at all?!"
"I hope so! But of course, she may still regain her memory at any time!"
"I see!" Rick made a startled face. "You know, that would be a disaster!"
"Let's not assume the worst right now. It's just as possible for it to go the other way!"
"But you're still worried." Brooke reached for his hand.
"Of course I'm worried about you. If everyone finds out the truth, I don't even want to imagine!"
"I never should have signed the protocol. Mom!"
"Don't start again. It was the best thing you could have done at the time, now stop it!"
It was indeed a fact that Phoebe couldn't remember anything so far. The whole last day was erased from her memory and so was the accident. The doctors explained to Ridge and Taylor, after the shock of the accident and the long coma, this was not unusual. There was still a chance that Phoebe's memories would come back. However, she should not be pressured under any circumstances.
Taylor was of the same opinion. She knew from experience people with amnesia should not be overwhelmed. She instructed everyone not to pester Phoebe with questions and not to push her. This was especially difficult for Ridge. He would have liked to talk to his daughter about the real circumstances of the accident, to finally clear all his doubts. But he respected the opinion of the doctors and Taylor.
Brooke and Ridge met for lunch together. Brooke unobtrusively asked Ridge about Phoebe's health. Ridge excitedly told her Phoebe was now much more aware than she had been a few days ago. Emotional, he recounted the moment Phoebe had first squeezed his and Taylor's hands, telling them how much she loved them.
"That must have been an exciting moment for you. It's wonderful for the whole family that Steffy and Phoebe recovered so quickly from surgery."
"That's true! Steffy is almost back to her old self. But the doctors want to keep her in the hospital for a few more days. Yesterday when they were changing her bandages, she stared very curiously at her scar, but the doctor assured her it would be a real bikini scar."
"Mmm and what about Phoebe? Have you talked to her about the accident yet?
"So far, not really, she still can't remember anything. But Taylor said it's all still within normal range. For now, she thinks it's best to wait and not push anything. It may well be that Phoebe's memory will come back on its own and if it doesn't there are some methods she can use to encourage the process. I'm relying on Taylor for that. After all, she's the expert in this area."
Brooke grumbled to herself. She looked at Ridge warily.
"Wouldn't it be better to just leave the subject alone. I mean, the most important thing is for Phoebe to be okay and get better!"
"What's your point?" asked Ridge skeptically.
"I'm just saying, you don't have to put unnecessary stress on her. That wouldn't be good for her at all."
"You do realize, though, even Phoebe doesn't remember anything, she has lots of questions. And at some point, she's going to ask them. We can't keep the subject under the wrap forever!" He looked at her suspiciously. "Why do I get the feeling that this thing isn't about Phoebe!"
"What are you trying to insinuate, Ridge?"
"I get the impression who you really care about is Rick! Are you afraid Phoebe might contradict Rick, and the accident happened in a completely different way?!" Brooke had a hard time covering her nervousness.
"That's absurd Ridge! I trust Rick and I know he was telling the truth. Besides, Rick has nothing to do with it. Why do you always think the worst of me when it comes to your kids?"
"Because you've mostly only been interested in Rick's well being and not Phoebe's."
"I could make the same accusation to you, Ridge! You've only think about Phoebe or Steffy. You never cared about how Rick was doing either. He could have died in the accident and you wouldn't have cared, and you've been neglecting RJ a lot lately."
"I don't see why I should care about Rick's well being and as for RJ, ok fine, I agree. But that's going to change. I'm going to make more time for him again!"
"I sure hope so! I really hope now that this whole ordeal is over and Phoebe is better, you'll get back to focusing on your real family." She reached for his hands. "On the family you have with me!"
"And this family includes Rick?!"
"Of course, he's my son!"
"And I'm telling you, as long as Rick is living with you, I'm not coming home. I just can't live under the same roof with that guy!"
Brooke rolled her eyes in exasperation. They were never going to agree on this.
The next day in the hospital. Phoebe was alone in her room, her mother had just left. Then the door opened again and Rick came in. Phoebe froze when she saw him.
"Rick, what are you doing here?" she asked, shocked.
"Hello Phoebe!" greeted Rick, with an over-friendly tone. "I want to see you and check how you're doing!"
As Rick stepped closer to the bed, Phoebe began to panic. She was shaking all over and breathing faster and faster.
"Rick, I want you to leave!" she brought out, gasping.
"But I just got here!" said Rick cheerfully. "I thought we could have a quiet talk!"
But Phoebe was getting worse. She could hardly breathe. Now Rick also noticed her poor condition.
"Phoebe, what's wrong? I'm not going to hurt you! I just want to talk to you!"
Phoebe's hand reached the emergency button. She pressed it again and again. The door opened and Bridget, followed by two nurses, came into the room.
"What happened?" By now Phoebe was hyperventilating and barely responsive.
"Rick, what happened?" The latter didn't understand what was going on.
"I have no idea! I was just going to see Phoebe. You said she'd be fine and it would be okay if I stop by for a minute. But as soon as I got there, it started."
"I think it's better if you go now!"
One nurse tried to push Rick out of the room while Bridget took care of Phoebe with the second nurse. She was giving her an injection. Rick wasn't about to just back down. He pushed past the nurse and approached Phoebe again.
"Please, I just want to talk to you!"
Taylor and Ridge had no idea what was going on in Phoebe's room. Taylor had been in the cafeteria briefly and then had stopped by to see Steffy. When Thomas appeared at his sister's, Taylor decided to check on Phoebe again. She ran into Ridge in the elevator. Ridge had spent the morning with RJ. The latter had given him a gift for Steffy and Phoebe. He had overheard a few things about them over the last few days, and at one point he overheard Stephanie saying Phoebe had been given a new life and she and Steffy could celebrate another birthday. For that reason he had made each of them a crown, because what was a birthday without a birthday crown.
Ridge and Taylor headed straight for Phoebe's room. They saw that her door was open and they heard a terrible commotion. They rushed to their daughter. Phoebe was beside herself. She was breathing heavily and shaking all over, plus she was in tears.
"What's going on?" Phoebe held out her hand to them.
"Mom! Make him go away! I don't want to see him! Tell him to leave me alone!" Taylor rushed to her daughter and took her in her arms. She stroked her hair.
"Calm down my sweetheart! It's going to be okay! Take it easy baby!" Phoebe snuggled tightly against her.
Ridge by now realized who was responsible for all this. He grabbed Rick and dragged him out of the room. While Taylor remained busy trying to calm her daughter, she gave Bridget a bitter look.
"How did he even get in here? Was this your idea?"
Bridget stammered sheepishly.
"He just wanted to check on her for a minute and make sure she was okay, and I thought it was fine. I didn't think anything else of it."
"You can see how miserable she is now!" Bridget realized she had made a terrible mistake.
"I'm sorry! I couldn't have known Phoebe would react so violently to him. I'll make sure he leaves Phoebe alone from now on."
Lowly, Bridget left the room with the nurses. Taylor held her daughter until she calmed down.
"It's all right, sweetheart! He's gone! He can't hurt you anymore." Phoebe suddenly had a new concern.
"Mom! Please have a look at what's going on. I'm afraid Rick and Dad are at each other's throats. Taylor stroked her hair and gave her a kiss.
Then she went out into the hallway. She saw Ridge pushing Rick toward the exit.
"Get out of here right now and don't you dare show your face here again! You have to stay away from Phoebe and Steffy." Rick grinned arrogantly at Ridge.
"Will old Ridge forbid me to look after his sweet little girls! I'm telling you, those two are going to come after me again pretty soon and there's nothing you can do about it!" Ridge was about to lunge at him when Taylor intervened.
"Stop it Ridge, he's not worth it!" She gave Rick a withering look.
"Get out of here right now before I have security throw you out!" Rick looked at her mockingly.
"And there's the third one who can't resist me! Does it bother you that I'm more interested in your girls?! I'm sure Phoebe will be eating out of my hand again, and if not, there's always Steffy."
Taylor saw red. She slapped Rick across his face. Even Ridge winced. Rick looked at her. Then he actually turned on his heel and disappeared. Ridge stared at Taylor, speechless. The latter suddenly had a triumphant smile on her lips.
"That felt really good! I should have done that ages ago."
"Wow, I'm impressed! You've got quite a swing on you!"
"Yeah, you better not mess with me!"
The two laughed. At that moment, Thomas joined them with Steffy in the wheelchair. They were going to see Phoebe as well.
Ridge held the door open for Thomas. Before he could follow him into the room, Taylor held him back.
"Please don't tell them about what just happened! Everyone doesn't have to know!" Ridge winked at her.
"Alright Doc, my lips are sealed!"
The whole family gathered around Phoebe's bedside. Thomas and Steffy were shocked to learn of Rick's appearance. Thomas got really angry.
"He really has some nerves just walking in here and bothering you. Don't you dare let him show up here again."
Ridge put his hand on Phoebe's.
"Don't worry about it! I'll take care of it, Rick will never come near Phoebe or Steffy." Phoebe was still reeling from the incident. She clung to her father's hand.
"I'm still scared, though! After all, he can walk in here at any time, and not always one of you will be there." Taylor put her arm around her.
"If it makes you feel better my darling, I'll stay with you tonight!" She looked to the others. "Maybe we can all take turns so that one of us is always with you!" Phoebe smiled gratefully at her mother. Steffy, meanwhile, had come up with a completely different idea. She signaled Thomas to push her out.
"We'll be right back!" she assured her sister and her parents.
While they went in search of Bridget, Steffy explained her plan to Thomas. The latter was enthusiastic and hoped it would work. A short time later, everything was settled. After some pleading and begging, Steffy had gotten it through that she was moved to Phoebe's room. Normally this was not appreciated in the ICU, but in this case the doctors were willing to make an exception. So a short time later, Steffy's bed was next to her sister's. Ridge and Taylor liked the idea.
Ridge, however, raised his finger in admonishment.
"Let's get this straight ladies, you're in the hospital. So no pillow fights and no wild party!"
"Oh too bad, now you just gave us the idea!" grinned Steffy cheekily at him.
"I'm warning you!" That's when Ridge thought of something. "Speaking of parties, I've got something for you guys!"
He pulled out the crowns RJ had made for the two girls. They immediately put them on. Ridge pulled out his phone to take pictures, when Steffy fought him off.
"Hold it Dad! Wait a minute, before you take pictures!
"Mom, can I have your brush, please?" Steffy knew she always had a hairbrush in her purse. Taylor dug it out and handed her daughter her mirror as well. Steffy pressed the mirror into Thomas' hand.
"Here, hold this!" She began brushing her hair. Thomas held the mirror in front of Steffy's face.
"Is the princess comfortable?" he inquired mockingly. Steffy paid no attention to him. She fixed her hair until she was satisfied with her appearance. While her father took some photos of her, Taylor helped Phoebe straighten up and brushed her daughter's hair. Steffy looked down on her.
"Dad, please just take pictures of my head. I think my t-shirt doesn't fit with the crown!" Thomas rolled his eyes. Phoebe looked in the mirror in horror. Taylor put the crown on her head.
"I still look so terribly pale! Well RJ won't notice!" Thomas groaned loudly.
"You've got to be kidding me! One is worried about her style and the other is barely out of her coma and is worried about her complexion! Mom, please tell me those two are adopted! They can't possibly have the same composition as me!" He tapped his forehead. Steffy stuck her tongue out at him.
"We do indeed have a very different composition there than you do! The only question is who's the cuckoo here!" Ridge intervened.
"Enough of that! None of you are cuckoos! But if you don't behave yourselves, the adoption can still be arranged!" Everyone burst out laughing. Phoebe had noticed her mother suddenly had a very melancholic look on her face.
"Hey Mom, are you alright?" She squeezed her hand several times. Taylor awoke from her rapture.
"Yeah, I just...do you guys actually realize, for the first time in a long time, we're all together, goofing around and being all joyful!" Ridge put his arm around her.
"That's right!" The three Forrester kids also agreed with their mother. The nightmare that had begun with Phoebe's accident was finally over.
Phoebe slept very fitfully that night. She dreamed very confused and the dream frightened her. She was startled out of her sleep. She was drenched in sweat, the images of the dream didn't let her go. Again and again, individual scenes appeared in her mind's eye. The rest of the night Phoebe could not fall asleep. The next morning, Steffy noticed that Phoebe was sleepy and very taciturn. Thomas burst into the room.
"Guess what happened yesterday?! Mom slapped Rick!"
"What?" Steffy thought she had misheard.
"It's true, I overheard Mom and Dad talking about it. Apparently Rick provoked them both so badly that Mom lost control and slapped him hard across the face!"
"Well done, I would never expect that!" Steffy matured, finding the idea just too delicious.
"But don't let on that you know, Mom doesn't want us to know about it. She's probably afraid for her sacred image."
A short time later, the door opened and her parents stepped inside. Phoebe had not joined the conversation. She was busy with her own thoughts. Taylor immediately something was bothering her. She sat down with her.
"What's the matter with you? Are you feeling worse again?"
"No, there's nothing wrong with me. It's just, I have something to tell you!" She looked around the room. "I had a dream last night about the accident. At first it was just flashes of images, but then it became clearer. I can remember everything!"
Taylor reached for her hand.
"Now, slow down! So you can remember the whole day again?"
"Yes to everything!" Everyone listened intently to her. "I remember that Thomas, Steffy and I were ready for the party. We had agreed to hold off on dessert because we were going to have an ice cream party at home. Then I said to them both I was going with my own car. I stopped by Rick's office. I wanted to confront him, I was so incredibly angry with him. Because of all the things he had done to me. It all came up that day. I wanted him to realize how much he hurt me and I wanted an answer from him why he was acting so out of line! But he...he just brushed me off like a stupid kid. He just told me to calm down, he treated me so condescendingly, it only made me angrier. Finally, he suggested that I go to the party with him. He said I was probably in no condition to drive because I was so upset!"
"So he offered you a ride even though you were fighting?"
"Yes! I don't really know why?! At first, I didn't even want to. But then I suddenly realized I hadn't even said everything I wanted to say. Rick was almost ready to leave, and at the last second, I jumped in the car with him!"
"And then what happened in the car?"
"Rick kept driving straight. I yelled at him all the time, I threw everything at him, all my anger, all my despair, all my bewilderment at his behavior. But he didn't seem to care at all. He just kept telling me to calm down and that he needed to focus on the road. He didn't really listen to me at all and then I got angrier and angrier. I kept yelling at him to stop! I wanted him to look me in the eye and talk to me. But he kept driving stubbornly straight ahead, always going faster...then I went after him. I started hitting him. I just wanted him to finally stop and then-"
Phoebe paused and closed her eyes.
"Take it easy sweetheart! Take all the time you need. Then what happened?"
"Then I kind of grabbed his steering wheel. I don't know why, I was beside myself. I just wanted him to stop and then I kind of had my foot on the pedals and must have slipped. Then all I can hear is Rick screaming and then I don't know anything!"
Everyone had been holding their breath the whole time and now they all exhaled deeply. Phoebe started to cry.
"This was all my fault! I caused this accident!" Taylor took her in his arms.
"No, it wasn't your fault. You just lost your temper. It was an unfortunate situation." Ridge now reached for her hand as well.
"It's going to be alright! The most important thing is that you're fine and you're going to be okay!"
A little later, Phoebe was resting a bit and Thomas and Steffy were playing cards, Taylor and Ridge left the room. Outside, Ridge vented his anger.
"I knew it, I knew it from the beginning!"
"What do you mean?"
"Rick lied to all of us stone cold!"
"Why? Essentially, Phoebe confirmed what he said, didn't she?"
"Except for one small detail! Rick has said all along that the fight didn't start until they were in the car and that he didn't have time to react. But according to Phoebe, they were already fighting at his office and arguing the whole way there. If Rick hadn't gotten off with Phoebe in the first place, or at least stopped, then this whole accident would never have happened, and that's exactly what Rick didn't tell us. He should have talked some sense into Phoebe. He could tell how upset she was and instead he just drove on!"
Taylor slowly realized what Ridge was getting at.
"Rick has been trying to put the sole blame on Phoebe this whole time, just to get his mind off of it. But he's not going to get away with it! I'll make sure of that!"
"What are you going to do?"
"Simple, I'm going to make sure that for once in his life Rick faces the consequences for his behavior!"