Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Chapter 5- Am I Dead?
Possible triggers:
Physical Assault
Attempted Sexual Assault
Language (Spicy but not horrible)
One week before the benefit…
Elizabeth left her apartment, heading to a dental appointment before making her way to work. She wasn't sure why she felt so self-conscious, but glanced down just to make certain she wasn't naked… 'surely Henry would have stopped me if I were,' she laughed softly.
There was no one staring at her, even though she was initially certain that everyone was. She told herself that it was just a regular day, nothing special, nothing different, but yet the hair standing up on the back of her neck told her otherwise. The further she walked to the train station, the more nervous she became.
There was someone watching her; she knew it; she felt it, but who? She saw no one glancing in her direction, that is until their eyes met. A man, in his late twenties, early thirties, nicely dressed, approximately 6 feet tall, muscular build with a slightly unkept beard, and wearing a Chicago Cubs baseball cap, smiled as he leaned up against a sign on the opposite side of the street with his leg bent and his foot resting against the pole.
Elizabeth stopped, trying her best to commit his face to memory, 'Do I know him?' she asked herself.
He then waved, tipped his hat and disappeared into the crowd.
'Was he staring at me, or' she glanced around the sidewalk, 'was he looking at someone else?" she thought.
This was the first time since she'd finished individual therapy that her fear had re-emerged. Before Ethan's attack on her, she was always careful, certainly didn't go out alone at night, and when taking an Uber home from wherever, she always texted Rosie a picture of the license plate just to be safe. After the attack, she barely went outside unless it was daylight, feeling much safer in crowds of people than just a few.
Thankfully, between the self-defense course, and therapy, she gained her life back…still careful, still cautious, but no longer afraid, and she didn't want to return to that difficult time in her life.
Her uncomfortable feeling disappeared, and she assumed that this glitch was nothing more than her active imagination.
Three days before the benefit…
Elizabeth's phone rang. The benefit was fast approaching, and she felt the need to answer each and every call. Most numbers she didn't recognize, but she'd learned a long time ago that, just like with her, a Boston area code didn't mean the person was calling from Boston. So, a Los Angeles area code could just as easily be attached to the phone from someone in the volunteer department at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Elizabeth was also quite familiar with the obnoxious 'boop' call. You know, the one where you answer, and hear the tale tell 'boop' sound of a call being transferred to a machine where the recording informs you that 'this is your final chance to get free solar paneling on your house; it's your lucky day to order energy efficient windows installed by a company that will be in your area,' or, the best one… 'we received the form you filled out, (which you didn't) at a recent woman's day event, (which you didn't attend-if there was even such an event).
She'd resigned yourself to the fact that although she hated hanging up on someone, this was actually a recording, she was hurting no one's feelings so she'd hang up anyway. Sadly, she was all too familiar with these calls.
So, as the benefit neared, the number of calls she received increased. Most came during the day, usually not before 9am, or after 8pm. Although many were the ever infuriating 'boop' calls, she was also contacted to handle the minor and occasional major benefit emergencies that seemed to land in her lap. Elizabeth couldn't help but to look forward to her life going back to a monotonous normal soon.
Unfortunately, with her time being consumed by work and 'benefit' business, her pending court hearing against Ethan was pressed back into the deep recesses of her mind. Even now, she had other things of interest living rent free in her head, such as the possibility of a new and exciting job, and a gorgeous doctor who seemed to want nothing more than to shower her with attention. So, the respite from thinking about Ethan was much appreciated.
Following the Benefit…
With this year's benefit in the books, Elizabeth had hopes that her life would return to normal, or as normal as it could following a much sought-after doctor who happened to bid a boatload of money for just one date with her.
A majority of the phone calls she was receiving daily dwindled drastically following the benefit. She still received the occasional spam call, but an app on her phone helped her identify those, and she simply declined to answer them.
So, it was confusing and somewhat alarming when she received several calls a day, all from different phone numbers, none of which she recognized. Each time she answered, there was no response. Well, there was heavy breathing, but no spoken words.
After it happened several times in one day, all occurring before noon, Elizabeth, sitting in her office, called the District Attorney's office.
"Cook County Office of the District Attorney; may I help you?" the secretary asked.
"May I speak to Mr. Galbraith, please?" Elizabeth responded.
"May I ask who's calling?"
"This is Elizabeth Thatcher…"
"Just a moment, please…"
A few minutes later, "Hello, Ms. Thatcher. I'm sorry to keep you waiting; I was on another call. What can I do for you…oh did you get the date of the next court hearing?"
"No, I hadn't heard anything…"
"Oh, forgive me. It's been crazy around here. I assumed that's why you were calling."
"So, when is it, and will Ethan be able to get this one continued?"
"Well, it's set for the Friday after next, and as for getting a continuance, we'll fight it, but I can't say he won't try," Mr. Galbraith advised. "So, if that's all you need, you have a nice day…"
"Wait," not hearing anything, she continued, "Mr. Galbraith, are you still there?"
"Yes, but I'm running late to court. What else do you need?"
Feeling much like a guppy in a sea of sharks, Elizabeth continued, "I've started getting phone calls, and when I answer no one says anything, and they just breathe heavily into the receiver. I think it's Ethan…"
"Does the person ever identify themselves?" Mr. Galbraith asked.
"No…" (I just said they don't talk) she thought, feeling even more insignificant.
"Do you recognize the phone number…?" he inquired, but somehow already knew the answer.
"No, all of the calls have come from different numbers…never the same one."
"Has Ethan been to your apartment or attempted to contact you in anyway?"
"Uh…"
"Ms. Thatcher, has he called you, come by your apartment, or place of work, emailed you, or sent a note by carrier pigeon…?"
'Well, that's ridiculous,' she thought. "Look, I'm sorry to bother you, and I know my case isn't your only one, or your most important one, for that matter, but it's important to me. My gut tells me that he's behind the phone calls."
"Well, unfortunately what you've told me is not much to go on, but if you get anything solid, or if he confronts you or threatens you, let me know. Is there anything else?"
Based on the way this conversation was moving, Elizabeth didn't feel as though anything she said would be taken seriously, but she went ahead and added, "I feel like someone is following me."
"Has anyone approached you?" he asked.
"No…"
"What makes you think someone is following you?"
"Well, there was a guy across the street from me and he smiled, waved and tipped his hat…" as the words came out of her mouth, Elizabeth knew it sounded absurd.
"Ms. Thatcher, you are an attractive woman, and I'm sure that men smile, wave and tip their hats at you all the time, and none of them are looking to harm you," he responded, quite callously. "Is there anything else?"
"Look, it's just a feeling, but I can't help but feel that something is going to happen…"
"Well, you have security at your building, so you should be fine, but if Ethan approaches you or attempts to contact you, call me back…"
"Sure, you'll be the first person I call," she stated before hanging up the phone. "Well, that was a waste of time. Somehow, I don't think my case will be important unless he's holding me at gunpoint, and even then, I'll have to wait in line…"
Elizabeth grabbed a bottle of water from her small office refrigerator and returned to the seat behind her desk. Things were becoming 'real.' The court date was now rapidly approaching and maybe it was just natural for her to become a bit antsy, anxious, nervous, scared, and hypersensitive. Maybe it was simply a coincidence, you know, wrong numbers are dialed every day, and with the thousands of people in the streets in Chicago, why should she assume that the one man she observed looking her way was actually smiling, waving and tipping his hat at her? Sure, all of that is true, people don't always apologize when they dial a wrong number… 'yeah, but they don't generally breathe heavily into the phone,' she thought.
As quickly as the heavy breathing phone calls and 'stalking' feeling started, they just as suddenly stopped. It seemed as though it started ages ago, but in reality, it was no more than a week, and now nothing. For whatever reason, she wasn't even getting 'boop' calls, which she considered a bonus.
Part of the self defense course Elizabeth took with Andrew had the instructor discussing their need to 'live' and not allow fear to rule their lives. For when you are fearful, "you tend to make mistakes, and in an attack situation, those could be deadly," the instructor advised.
The instructor discussed their need to learn how to protect themselves in a multitude of situations, whether the attack be a surprise, or anticipated, hopefully making each class member comfortable in their daily lives. Of course, Andrew jokingly offered to let Elizabeth move in with him, and he would protect her. His offer received a resounding "NO…"
Elizabeth considered herself cautious, she never went out at night alone, always ran in the early morning with Andrew, locked her apartment door immediately upon returning home, never left a drink unattended when she was out or consumed too much alcohol. She thought she was careful with the men she dated, but that theory was obliterated when Ethan, a good-looking man who appeared thoughtful and respectful sucker punched her in the face, knocked her to the floor and threatened to take the one part of herself that she held so dear.
She wasn't sure what would happen between her and Jack. Would he turn out to be the man she'd been looking for, or would he be like all the rest? No matter what, she refused to live her life in fear, looking over her shoulder waiting for the next horrible thing to happen.
She hoped that Ethan would get what he deserved in court, along with the help that he so desperately needed. Once the hearing was behind her…good or bad, she needed to learn from the experience, put it behind her and move forward.
Present time…
Elizabeth's apartment building- Auction date night- 12:15am
Jack sat in his car; his smile was broad as he thought back to their kiss. He wanted to walk her to her apartment, but then again, he didn't want to appear overzealous. She was leery of men; she had every right to be, and unfortunately, at this point, he had to include himself in that category. He'd done nothing questionable, well, nothing but lie to her when they first met, and as his parents instilled in him, 'trust takes a while to build, but can explode in a heartbeat.' So, he didn't want to do anything that would have her questioning his motives.
"Henry seemed to feel as though the building was secure," Jack muttered as he pulled out into traffic and passed Elizabeth's apartment building on his way home.
"Jack," a voice called out as he glanced in his passenger seat. He knew he was alone in the car, and hadn't been drinking so this couldn't be a hallucination. Sitting beside him, Jack swore he saw his father, and what he said shot right through him.
"Jack Thornton, your mother and I taught you better than this. When you take a lady out on a date, you see her safely to her door…a gentleman always sees a lady safely to her door…you know what you need to do, son…" the comment continued to replay on a constant loop in his head.
Jack remembered that specific conversation with his parents when he first started dating. He also knew he wasn't crazy, but something was telling him he needed to go back.
Thankfully the traffic at that time of night was fairly sparce. He made a U-turn in the street and drove back, pulling up over the curb into the small open area often used by the apartment management to stage get togethers for their residents.
As he reached the end of Elizabeth's building, he observed a light on the pavement which drew his eyes to something crumpled on the ground. It was too large for a bag of trash, but with his lights shining on the object, he quickly realized that it wasn't a 'what,' but a 'who…'
Jack jumped out of his car and rushed forward, and by his headlights, he quickly realized that it was a man, wearing a security guard uniform, lying lifeless on the ground, his lit flashlight resting beside him.
He wasn't familiar with this guard, but it was apparent by his uniform that he was employed by the security firm hired to protect the residents of the apartment building.
Jack quickly checked his vital signs; he was alive, but unconscious, a nasty cut dripping blood from the side of his head. A burn mark in his shirt and between his pointer and middle fingers on his right hand apparently left by a cigarette that had since been extinguished.
Jack raced toward the front of the building, banging on the glass of the locked door until he observed Henry approaching.
"Open the door…" Jack yelled.
"Come on, man, it's time to call it a night…" Henry responded, as he looked around for the security guard, just in case he had a problem with Jack.
"Open the door; Elizabeth's in danger…"
Standing at the locked door, Henry refused to budge. "She didn't invite you in. I'm sorry, but take it like a man. Go home…"
"Elizabeth needs help…"
"Are you drunk; go home…"
"You need to call 9-1-1; your guard is out here unconscious…LET ME IN…" Jack screamed, and his banging on the door was more powerful as he became even more irate.
Henry left the door and nonchalantly walked to a window that faced the side of the building. Observing the security guard on the ground, Henry ran back to the door and opened it.
"What happened?"
Jack ran for the elevator, "I don't know. I found him like that." Standing at the elevator, he repeatedly pushed the 'UP' button. "Call for the police and an ambulance. The guard is alive, but he needs help."
The bell rang, doors opened, and Jack rushed into the empty elevator, pushing #9, before cursing the door to close. As the doors closed and the car headed upward, it felt as though it was taking forever.
Ninth Floor Hallway…
Elizabeth exited the elevator, and headed for her apartment. She felt happy and hopeful for the first time in what seemed like forever, and if she hadn't been in heels, she'd have been skipping down the hall, excited and carefree.
The hallway seemed deserted, although she could hear TV's and music playing softly as she headed down to her apartment. A broad smile covered her face, and she was oblivious to anything except her need to call Rosie and gush over her amazing date with an equally amazing man.
Elizabeth approached her door. Observing a small piece of duct tape covering her peephole, she simply assumed this to be part of the prepping they were doing for painting that was scheduled to begin on Monday.
She turned her key in the lock and started to open her apartment door. Hearing shuffling nearby, she turned her head, but was hit with something as the door opened and she was shoved inside.
Elizabeth's apartment…
Stunned, Elizabeth hit the floor, striking her head on the corner of the table in her entryway. She could immediately feel a warm liquid rolling down her face, and realized it was blood after dabbing the back of her hand against her forehead. "What the…" she cried out, her voice was barely above a whisper, but to her, she felt certain she had screamed.
Elizabeth tried to get up, but a sharp pain in her ankle kept her on her hands and knees as she did her best to crawl away. She had yet to get a look at her assailant but once he spoke, and she consciously inhaled his cologne, his identity was quite clear, and memories of their last encounter flooded her.
"Look bitch, you aren't going to ruin the career I've worked so hard for…" he yelled as he grabbed a fist full of her hair and yanked her hard backward.
"AHHHHHH…" Elizabeth yelled, as her arms flailed, doing her best to get hold of his hands.
With her hair still wrapped around his hand, he began dragging her toward the hallway.
"Ethan, you need to leave. You're just making your situation worse…"
He stopped pulling and jerked her body up against the back corner of the sofa… "Shut up…" he yelled. "I thought the phone calls and the guy following you would have gotten the message across…you need to drop the charges…"
"I didn't file the charges. The police filed them, and they wouldn't let me drop them even if I wanted to, which I don't," she started to get up, only to be backhanded again, throwing her up against the buffet which sat on the back wall of her dining room.
Finding herself now sitting on the floor, his face was barely an inch from hers, and his eyes were wild, bloodshot and his pupils were dilated. She remembered the fear she felt during their last encounter, and how she took the self-defense course to keep from ever feeling that helpless again.
Elizabeth bent her fingers down and shoved her palm up into his nose. Hearing him yell, there was a distinct cracking sound, and she observed blood spewing everywhere, including across her face, furniture and clothing. At that point she was aware she'd done some damage. She turned away from him and did her best to stand and run.
Blood continued to roll over his chin, and onto his shirt. Ethan's nose was obviously broken. It was evident that he should be in pain, yet he looked crazed, and much like a man who had lost his mind. "If you're taking me down, I'm taking you with me, but we'll have some fun before we go…"
Elizabeth began swinging her legs, landing a hard kick to his crotch, causing him to double over. Ordinarily, that would have had a normal man re-thinking his plan, but somehow it was as if he barely felt it, and he just kept coming closer.
He pulled her up onto her feet, punched her in the stomach and as she doubled over, he pushed her and laughed as she fell backward over an ottoman, landing flat on her back on the floor, hitting so hard that it took the breath from her body.
She had no breath. She couldn't breathe in. She couldn't breathe out. She remembered this happening once in 10th grade when she fell flat on her back in gym class while learning how to vault. She lay on the floor, her teacher kneeling beside her, telling her to relax, her breath would return. It did, but this time was different. On this occasion, she had no time to wait.
Hearing noises out in the hall, Ethan turned his attention to the door, giving Elizabeth the time, she needed to gather her breath. She tried scooting herself toward her bedroom, hoping to lock the door, keeping him from her until help arrived.
She'd managed to crawl only five feet when she felt him grab the back of her dress and with the strength that she swore was reserved only for SEAL team members, weightlifters, and cartoon monsters, he practically lifted her off the floor and tossed her against the back of the sofa, where she slid down until her butt hit the floor.
As he walked back toward her, she screamed, finally finding her voice, hoping that neighbors would come running. She continued striking out with her hands and legs, doing her best to push him away. He grabbed her ankles, and pressed them toward the floor.
Ethan laughed, "Go ahead and fight, I like my women feisty…"
Elizabeth grabbed a lamp cord from the table beside the sofa and pulled it closer to the edge. She stretched hard, barely reaching its base. Grabbing it from the table, she swung it at Ethan.
Tearing it from her hands, he broke it over the coffee table, and held a piece of broken glass to her throat.
"Do you remember me telling you that you needed to get used to a man taking whatever he wants?"
She didn't respond, but she could feel the sharp blade of the glass cutting against her throat. He continued tugging at her clothing as she fought to remain covered; the slit in her dress was now torn up past her waist, meeting the V-neck of her top and splaying open. The strap over her right shoulder was ripped in two, hanging down the front of her body.
Her arms instinctively covered her body, as the dress she'd worn on her date was practically shredded, revealing her bra and panties to anyone within view.
Ethan backhanded her, "I asked you a question, bitch…" he yelled as Elizabeth lay on her stomach, crumpled on the floor, virtually lifeless. Assuming that she was knocked unconscious, he continued grabbing at her clothes, tearing what was left of her dress almost as if it were made of paper, "Finally, you talk too much."
Elizabeth was beaten. Her body hurt beyond anything she could have ever dreamed possible. She felt defeated and was close to asking the Lord to please take her, for she needed the pain and fear to stop. But then in her mind she saw her family; she saw Rosie, and she saw Jack… so she rolled over and continued fighting…kicking, punching, biting when he was close enough, and she opened her mouth and screamed even louder.
Down the hall, the elevator door opened, and screams were immediately heard. There were several people, both men and women, with their doors slightly ajar, listening, but refusing to get involved. Additionally, Jack had to push through two men, blocking the hallway, listening to Elizabeth's screams, but making no attempt to help her.
As Jack ran through the hallway, the screams became louder, more horrifying, and then he heard Elizabeth's voice, yelling at someone, "Please, stop…don't…please, just leave; you're hurting me…"
"Not on your life. You started this, and I'm gonna finish it."
Feeling as though Ethan would not stop until he'd killed her, Elizabeth dug deep inside, and began to fight with everything she had. She swung her arms; she kicked her legs, and just as Jack burst through the door, Ethan again backhanded her, tossing her like a ragdoll over the sofa where she lay crumpled on the floor between the couch and the coffee table, and no longer moved.
"WHOA," Ethan yelled out. "I don't know who you are, but come on in, we're getting ready to have a party," Ethan stated as he started unbuckling his belt.
Jack slowly stepped forward, "Hey what's up, man…?"
"No time to talk, do you want to party or not?" Ethan yelled as he stood over Elizabeth's limp body before he grabbed her arms and began pulling her with one hand toward the open floor.
Seeing something in Ethan's closed fist, Jack assumed it was sharp as it appeared to cut through his skin leaving a trail of blood, which ran off his fingers and onto the floor. Cautiously, Jack continued forward, trying to get in between them, "Doesn't look like she wants to party, man."
"I don't care. This bitch ruined my life, and now it's payback time," Ethan made the mistake of turning away from Jack. As Ethan's thumb ran across Elizabeth's bottom lip, the soft and beautiful lips Jack had kissed only moments ago, Jack lunged forward and pushed him away as they both fell to the floor.
Although the glass continued cutting through Ethan's hand, he refused to release it. Fists flew and punches were landed, as Ethan kept coming back for more, striking out in an attempt to slice or stab Jack.
Jack was fairly certain that Ethan was either under the influence of alcohol, although he smelled none, or a narcotic, which seemed more likely, as nothing seemed to faze him.
Jack punched Ethan several times doing his best to keep his body in front of Elizabeth's, trying to protect her the best he could. Ethan made one final attempt to reach Elizabeth, his arm coming down near her body as the blood on the point of the glass dripped to the floor.
Jack pushed Ethan as the glass sliced his right forearm open, adding his blood to the mix of the others.
Jack observed a difference in Ethan's expression as he made one final lunge. He blocked the arm which held his weapon and with a final punch, he watched Ethan fall backward, crashing through the coffee table and landing on the stone flooring in front of Elizabeth's electric fireplace.
Ethan didn't move. Not that Jack particularly cared, as his attention went immediately to Elizabeth. She was obviously unconscious, but her breathing seemed normal, however, her heart rate was elevated. Jack grabbed a throw from the back of her sofa to cover her body before running into the kitchen where he wet a rag and returned to Elizabeth's side.
While cleaning up the cut on Elizabeth's head, she started to regain consciousness, and immediately began fighting. Several police officers, having raced from the elevator to the sounds of a struggle, rushed into the apartment and observed Elizabeth fighting Jack.
"Elizabeth…stop, it's me, Jack. You're okay…stop, you're safe."
Elizabeth opened her eyes, but didn't immediately cease her assault on Jack. As quickly as she came to, she passed out again just as the paramedics followed the two police officers inside the apartment.
"Step away from her…" one of the officers yelled, as the other, observing blood everywhere, and two bodies lying on the floor, pulled his weapon and pointed it at Jack. "Back away," both officers screamed in unison.
Immediately, Jack raised his hands, was handcuffed and taken into police custody, while the paramedics provided aid to both Elizabeth and Ethan. Although Jack was attempting to explain that Ethan was the aggressor, the officers, having found Elizabeth fighting him when they arrived, weren't so sure.
"Let me go; I'm a doctor, I need to check Elizabeth…"
"The paramedics are checking on her; you're going to stay right here until we sort this out," one of the officers stated, realizing that Ethan was knocked out and also in need of medical care.
Jack struggled as officers held him, and his heart broke as Elizabeth lay on the floor, her dress was shredded, the throw no longer covering her, leaving her body on display for everyone in the room.
"Please just let me make sure she's okay…" Jack pleaded, but no one was listening.
Henry came through the door. Observing Elizabeth on the floor, lying on her stomach, her body seemingly covered in blood, and her dress in fabric strips hiding nothing underneath, he glanced over and realized that Jack was being held back by officers.
As blood rolled down the side of Elizabeth's face, Henry yelled, "Let Dr. Jack go. That guy," Henry pointed to a still unconscious Ethan, "he's been charged with assaulting her, and he's not supposed to be here."
The cuffs were immediately removed from Jack's wrists, and he rushed over to Elizabeth. Carefully, he rolled her onto her back, grabbed the throw off the floor and covered her exposed body.
One of the officers wasn't so certain that Jack held no blame, so the interrogation began, "Who is she?"
"Elizabeth Thatcher," Jack responded as the paramedics pulled the blanket back again leaving her body exposed. "Have the decency to cover her… please."
"Let them take care of her. You pay attention to me…"
"How do you know her?"
"We had a date this evening…?"
"Oh…"
"Oh, what…? I didn't do this, he did…" Jack stated, his anger growing as he pointed toward Ethan, who remained lifeless on the floor. Turning back toward Elizabeth, Jack shouted out, "Damn it, cover her up…"
The officer's hand on Jack's uninjured arm turned him back around, "Are you sure this wasn't some agreed upon activity that maybe got out of hand…?"
Jack looked at the blood on the furniture, floor, their clothes and Elizabeth's body, and his anger flared. "Seriously…? That guy attacked her before, and he's not supposed to be here. There's security in this building to keep people like him out, but I suspect he knocked out the guard in order to get to her."
Glancing back at Elizabeth, Jack pleaded some more, "Please let me help her. I'm a doctor; I can help her more than they can."
The officer said nothing, and although things were flowing at normal speed, Jack was certain that everything was moving in slow motion. He was angry with the officer who was too concerned with his absurd questioning to worry himself with Elizabeth's physical condition, and her need for a doctor…a real doctor.
Elizabeth was placed on the stretcher, strapped in, and finally covered by a sheet before the paramedics began wheeling her out of her apartment.
"Can't we do this later; I need to go with her to the hospital…" Jack yelled, which did nothing but anger the hot-shot officer.
"You'll stay right here until we release you," the officer responded, so set on displaying his authority that he was even oblivious to the bleeding injury on Jack's arm.
Truth be told, Jack was so concerned about Elizabeth that he hadn't felt any pain or realized that he, himself, was injured.
"Please, at least let me call the hospital to make sure that someone sees her when she gets there," Jack practically begged.
"Go ahead, but I'm not done yet…" the officer stood by as he waited on Jack to make his call.
Jack pulled out his phone and dialed. "Hey Matt, are you in the ER tonight?"
"Yeah, and it's a madhouse. People are crazy tonight. Did you get called in?" he asked. Before Jack could answer, Matt blurted out, "Oh wait, didn't you have a hot date tonight?"
"Look, I'll explain later, but there's a white female, 30 years old, being brought in by an ambulance. I need to make sure she gets right in, and you have to see her when she gets there."
"What's going on, Jack…who is she?" Matt inquired.
"She's the woman I went out with tonight."
"Oh crap…what happened? Why aren't you with her?"
"The police are here and won't let me leave yet…"
"Jack don't say anything but 'yes' or 'no,' do you need me to call a lawyer for you?"
"Matt, I didn't do anything, so 'No.' The guy who attacked her months ago came back to apparently finish her off." Jack's hand roughly ran through his hair, "Look Matt, she's special; I can't get to her yet, and I need to make sure she's okay. There was so much blood, and I don't know her injuries, but she's unconscious. Please don't pass her off to someone else, or make her wait in a cubicle. I don't want her to be scared," Jack pleaded.
"Are you hurt?" Matt asked.
Jack remained unaware of the slice across his arm, paying no attention to the blood as it ran passed his wrist and hand and eventually dripped onto the floor. "No, I'm fine."
"Jack, I'll handle it. You take care of what's going on there, and I've got your girl. I'm sure she's going to want to see you when you get here…"
Jack knew that Elizabeth wasn't exactly 'his girl,' at least not yet, but he believed in his heart that she someday would be. He also wasn't so certain that she'd want to see him. Would she blame him? He would understand if she did, because he certainly felt responsible. "Thanks Matt. I'll get there as soon as I can…"
Jack was by himself with nothing but his thoughts to occupy him. He was antsy, and angry, thinking about Elizabeth, and just wanted to be released to go to her. The original officers were joined by three more who stood around talking as another set of paramedics continued working on Ethan.
"Hey, aren't you Dr. Thornton," the female paramedic asked.
"Yes…" Jack was short and to the point, before turning to stare at the officer who was forcing him to remain in the apartment. He could only imagine the rumors that would circulate around the hospital over this, but at this moment, he couldn't have cared less.
Still not free to go, Jack looked around at the disarray in Elizabeth's apartment, the broken lamp, tossed furniture, blood stains that were scattered throughout, and then something odd…duct tape covering the peep hole on the outside of Elizabeth's door into the hallway. He was angry with Ethan, but he was also disappointed in himself for not making sure that her apartment was safe before leaving.
He knew why he didn't push to walk her to her door…he didn't want her to think he was expecting an invitation inside…an invitation to enjoy more physical intimacy from her than she was prepared to give. He certainly wasn't, and would like to think he wouldn't have stayed even if invited, but his body already ached for her, so he wasn't sure if he'd been able to walk away had the situation presented itself.
He honestly believed that it was too soon at this early stage in their relationship to assume she'd want to be intimate with him, and he was more than willing to wait. Besides, when the time was right, he'd want to make love to her, not simply have sex.
Jack had never been so emotionally distraught over a woman before, but here he stood, tears filling his eyes and pushing over his eyelid as they spilled down his cheeks. His fingers dried the wetness on his face, but he seemed to have little control as more tears fell to replace them.
Jack sat on the ottoman, his face in his hands, "You're free to go, Dr. Thornton…" the same officer who had been interrogating him advised.
"Wait, let the paramedics look at your arm," the officer yelled, but Jack was focused on getting to the hospital, and didn't even acknowledge him.
One officer called out to another, "Hey, look at this," as they made their way to Elizabeth entryway door and made note of the duct tape covering her outside peephole.
Jack bolted from her apartment and raced to the elevator. It wasn't until he was in his car trying to turn the key that he felt the pain in his arm. He grabbed a clean rag from his glovebox, wrapped it around his arm and headed for the hospital.
Jack pushed the button for his phone to connect to his car, "Siri, call Lee on his cell…"
"Hey, are you two coming out to the club tonight…?"
"Lee, is Rosie with you?" Jack asked.
"Well, she's here, but she's in the bathroom right now, is something wrong," Lee could sense the strain in Jack's voice.
"Look, Elizabeth was attacked in her apartment by Ethan, and she's on her way to the hospital."
"Where were you…?"
"I dropped her off, and she said she was fine going up alone. She didn't invite me up and I didn't want to seem pushy," Jack regretfully admitted. "I don't know if he was in her apartment when she walked in, but I'd barely pulled away when I went back. The guard was knocked out on the side of the building, and by the time the elevator got me to the 9th floor…Lee it was horrible."
"Is she okay?" Lee asked as he worked his way toward the restrooms.
"I don't know. She was unconscious, but woke up for a minute and then passed out again."
"How was she in the ambulance?"
"The police kept me at the apartment asking all sorts of questions, and wouldn't let me leave."
"Jack, are you in trouble; I can get in touch with Jim Mitchell if you are…"
"No, they let me go, but I wasn't with her when she needed me. I'm on my way now. Matt Hawkins is a buddy of mine from med school and he's running the ER tonight. He said he'd take care of her."
"What can we do…?"
"Look, I don't want to call her parents. They don't know me, and it would probably be better coming from Rosie. They can call me if they want, and I can update them on her condition."
"You've got it, buddy. Let me find Rosie, and we'll be on our way…"
"Thanks, Lee."
"She'll be okay, Jack…"
"I hope you're right."
Northwestern Memorial Hospital…
He parked his car outside the ER entrance and ran inside. "April, buzz me through…" Jack called out as the nurse behind the counter pressed a button and the electronic doors to the ER cubicles opened.
"Where is Elizabeth Thatcher?" Jack asked as he practically ran into the nurse's station.
"Dr. Thornton, you're bleeding," Aiden Winthrop, a male nurse called out as it was evident that the wrap on Jack's arm did little to protect the wound.
"Where is Elizabeth Thatcher?" Jack called out again.
Daisy, the southern transplant nurse from Savannah, Georgia, standing behind the deck glanced up at the board, "She's in cubicle #8, but she's in Radiology now getting a CT scan." As Jack took off for room #8 in hopes that she had already returned, Daisy yelled out, "Dr. Thornton, you need to be looked at."
Jack quickly ran to cubicle #8, but stopped and slowly opened the curtain. The room was empty, and he felt every bit of air being sucked from his lungs.
Jack stepped out into the hall, "Matt," Jack called out as his colleague slipped out of one room and was heading for another.
He jogged down the hall to talk to Jack before taking on his next ER patient, "Hey, she hasn't regained consciousness, yet. I ordered a CT scan. They were a little backed up in Radiology, but she should be back soon."
Seeing the fear in Jack's eyes, and knowing that he needed all available information, Matt continued, "She has a nasty cut right on her hairline, and Adam, my resident, will come in when she gets back to suture it." Observing the look on Jack's face, he turned to a passing nurse, "Please bring me a suture kit and tell Adam that I'll take care of the sutures in #8…"
Matt turned back toward Jack, "Looks like you might need a suture kit, as well. Let's step into a room, and let me take a look…"
"Thanks Matt, for taking care of Elizabeth and not passing her off on your resident. I'll be fine…" Jack leaned up against the wall, took a deep breath and prepared to wait for Elizabeth's return.
"Jack, she's going to come out of this. You have to have faith, and you need to get your arm looked at," Matt responded.
Dismissing Matt's concern for his own injury, Jack responded, "Matt, she's special. I haven't told her how I feel, but…she's just very special."
"Well, Jack Thornton, the man I thought would forever be a bachelor has lost his heart," Matt replied. Trying to get Jack to relax, he asked, "Tell me about her…"
"We met at Lee's club opening. She is a supervisor with Cook County Social Services," Jack stated as a smile covered his face. It was so bright that it quickly spread and lit up his eyes. "Hey, you know the kid I did the heart transplant on?"
"Yeah, I remember; how is he doing?"
"He's doing great. Anyway, he's in social services custody, and Elizabeth was his social worker at one time. Man, that kid is mature, well beyond his years, and I've learned, through him, some of the things that make her such a wonderful person. Matt, we've got to get her through this…"
Dr. Nora Guzman, a hospital cardiologist working a shift in the ER, approached. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I didn't know you'd be in tonight, Jack. Are you available for a consult?" Before he could answer, she observed the wrap on his arm that was covered in blood, "Jack, what happened; are you okay?"
"I'll be fine; I've just got some things on my mind."
"Looks like it. I'm sorry; I'll call Dr. Hamilton and set up a consultation," she replied.
This was Jack's department and technically he was available, it's just that his heart certainly wasn't in it. However, he needed to push what happened to Elizabeth deep down inside and handle the other patients that needed his assistance. "No, I'm here and I'm glad to help."
"Okay, if you're sure…"
"Hey, I'll be back after I check on a patient," Matt advised. As he started down the hallway to cubicle #16, he stopped, turned around and walked back, "Oh, and Jack, Ms. Thatcher has a nasty bruise on her chest, so I've also ordered an x-ray to rule out any broken ribs. That may be why it's taking so long."
Jack stood with Dr. Guzman in the hallway, his back against the wall as she discussed the case of a 33-year-old male who suffered his first heart attack and was being brought in by ambulance.
"Is she someone special?" Dr. Guzman asked, inquiring about the patient Jack was obviously waiting on. She'd known Jack for many years, and although they were not 'friends,' more like colleagues, she was aware of his last breakup several years ago, but had no idea that he was currently dating anyone.
"Yes…" Jack responded without going into detail.
As they discussed the testing to be done and concerns of her incoming patient, Dr. Guzman seemed drawn to Jack's torn shirt sleeve and the wrap around his arm which had seemingly stopped the flow of blood, but did nothing to hide the fact that there was an injury.
"Jack, are you sure you're, okay?" she asked.
"Yes, why…?"
"Your arm; it looks pretty nasty. What happened…?" she inquired.
Jack had no intention of spilling everything that had happened within the past few hours in the hallway of the hospital with a doctor that he'd known for years, but did not consider to be a close friend. What happened was way too personal.
As he opened his mouth hoping to say something that would possibly satisfy her, the elevator doors opened, and an orderly pushed a stretcher carrying Elizabeth back into cubicle #8.
"Nora, I need to take care of this first. Let me know when your patient arrives," Jack stated as he followed the stretcher into the room.
"I will" she replied. "Take care of that arm…"
"I will," Jack responded, although taking care of his arm was the least of his concerns.
It seemed like time was moving in slow motion, for when Jack entered Elizabeth's room, Matt was already in there giving orders to the nurse beside him as he prepared to suture the cut on her forehead, located at her hairline.
"Yes, doctor…" the nurse responded as she quickly walked past Jack and out of the room.
"How did you get in here?" Jack asked as he approached Elizabeth's bed.
"Dude, I walked right past you, but in all fairness, your eyes were on her."
"How is she?" Jack peeked at Elizabeth's face, which unlike the last time he saw her, was no longer covered in blood. Her left eye was black and blue, her cheeks were scraped, either from Ethan's nails or possibly the broken glass that scattered the room, and the right side of her jaw was bruised. The print of Ethan's left hand still remained on her neck as fire flew through him and he grabbed her chart off the table.
"There's no real change from when she was brought in. I mean, she's still unconscious. Her vitals have remained stable, so it could be her body blocking out the trauma…I'm not sure, but the CT scan should tell us something. This cut on her forehead was nasty. I'm not sure what she was hit with, but there were a few shards of glass that we removed from the wound when she first came in."
"Thank you for taking care of her…"
"Well, she still needs to go down for a chest x-ray. Unfortunately, the portable machine blew something and isn't working," Matt advised. "So, an orderly will come get her when they're ready. Just so you know, Dr. Cavanaugh is here to consult on her CT scan."
"Look Matt, Elizabeth and I have had some issues with Carter. I'd rather he not be involved."
"Hey, I can't say I'd want Carter around my girl, either. If my girl was in here, I'd want you working on her, so I understand, but he's a neurosurgeon, the best one on staff. You want her to have the best, right," Matt replied.
"You're right, Matt."
"What happened to her?" Matt asked as he pulled Jack away from Elizabeth's bedside.
"She was attacked by an ex-boyfriend months ago, and the court date is coming up next week. He's apparently a lawyer in a big, fancy firm, and came back, I think, to finish her off because he didn't want her testifying against him," Jack recounted as his hand held hers and his eyes never looked away. "I'm not sure if he was brought here or not, but I tell you, Matt, I think he was on something. I didn't smell alcohol, so it must have been coke or meth…I mean, nothing seemed to rattle him. I think Elizabeth must have gotten a few good hits in, because his nose was already broken when I got there."
"Well, I haven't seen anyone in the ER that presented with injuries like you mentioned, and there aren't any police standing by, so maybe he went to another hospital," Matt advised.
"Well, the paramedics were still working on him when I left her apartment, so there's no telling. Matt, if he comes here, I need to know."
"Jack, don't even think of doing something to him…"
"I just want to make certain she's protected," Jack replied, although down deep inside, beating Ethan to a pulp was within the realm of possibility.
Jack glanced up at the machines monitoring her vital signs before his eyes returned to her.
"Does she have family here?" Matt asked.
"Her parents are in Boston. Her best friend is dating Lee, so she was going to call them…" Jack responded as his phone vibrated in his pocket. Pulling it out, he didn't recognize the number, "Speaking of which, this may be them now…"
Jack stepped out into the hallway, "Hello…"
"This is William Thatcher. I need to speak with Dr. Thornton."
"Mr. Thatcher, this is Jack Thornton…"
"Are you a doctor?"
"Yes sir, I am. I'm the head of the cardiothoracic department at Northwestern Memorial Hospital."
"I'm sorry; I thought Elizabeth had been attacked. Does Elizabeth have a heart condition?" he asked.
"No sir; her heart is fine, and yes sir, she was attacked. My contact with Elizabeth has been personal in nature."
"Oh, I see. So, Rosie called and said Elizabeth was on her way to the hospital, but she didn't have a lot of information," Mr. Thatcher replied. "Her mother and I will be there as soon as possible."
"Hopefully we'll have some answers by the time you arrive."
Mr. Thatcher knew that he could ask more about Jack's personal relationship with Elizabeth later, but now he needed to know what happened. "Do you know what happened?"
"Mr. Thatcher, Elizabeth was attacked in her apartment by Ethan after…" Jack began before her father cut him off.
"How did that maniac get to her. I arranged for security in her building, so she'd be safe. No one should have been able to get inside unnoticed," Mr. Thatcher blurted out, his voice filled with frustration and anger. "I'm sorry. It's not your fault…I'm just angry and scared for my girl. Is she okay…?"
"I'm at the hospital now. Mr. Thatcher, I need to let you know that Elizabeth is unconscious. She did wake up once, but lost consciousness again before she was put in the ambulance."
"How bad is it…?" Mr. Thatcher asked.
Jack loved giving good news to families. Bad news, well, that was a different story. However, he was an intelligent, kind and warmhearted man, who also happened to be a doctor. So, even bad news given to loved ones was done with great compassion. However, this was different. This was Elizabeth. This was the woman he honestly felt he'd already lost his heart to.
In Elizabeth's case, there were still 'unknowns' with regard to her condition, and Jack was not one to speculate…not where his 'future wife' was concerned. However, he did choose to keep that tidbit of information to himself. Well, Lee knew how Jack felt, but that was something he'd take to his grave, if necessary.
Jack didn't like the term 'coma,' but Elizabeth had been unconscious for several hours, and unless something changed, he'd be explaining that to her parents. As per protocol, once a CT scan is completed, a neurologist reviews the results, assigning to the patient a score on the Glascow Coma Scale. Jack prayed for a high number.
At this point, there was really no reason to suspect that she wouldn't regain consciousness. Her body just needed a little time to heal. Unfortunately, with no test results to back that, he simply said, "Mr. Thatcher, right now we're running tests and gathering results in order to make a diagnosis. Hopefully, we'll know what's going on by the time you get here."
"I wish I had made her come home. I knew after he hurt her the last time that he wouldn't stop," Mr. Thatcher stated. Jack had never spoken to Mr. Thatcher before, but it wasn't difficult to tell he was angry and scared.
"Well, right now I'm waiting for someone to take her back to Radiology for a chest x-ray. Her CT scan has been done and I'll talk with the neurologist on call once he's had a chance to review the scan," Jack advised. "A colleague of mine is handling her case."
"Why aren't you handling her case?"
"Mr. Thatcher, I'm too close to the case to be her doctor, but, of course, if necessary, I'm available to consult, and please know that I will be very involved in knowing what's going on."
"Dr. Thornton, you said your contact with Elizabeth is personal in nature; are you and Elizabeth dating?" he asked.
"Yes sir…"
"Would you please stay with her until we get there. I don't want my little girl to be alone…"
Jack knew that Elizabeth was 30 years-old, but he assumed to a father, a daughter would always be 'his little girl.' "I'm not leaving her alone, Mr. Thatcher…" Jack promised.
"We took off a while ago, and we'll get to the hospital as soon as we can."
"I'll have a car at the airport to bring you to the hospital…" Jack advised before the call was ended.
"Thank you, Dr. Thornton…"
"Please, call me Jack…"
Jack immediately called the car service he had used on many occasions. Although arrangements are generally made ahead of time, Jack was well known to the company, and it was promised that a car would be at the airport and the driver would have a placard identifying that he was there for the Thatcher's.
Turning his attention back to Matt, Jack said, "I feel useless. I need to be doing something?"
Turning his attention back to Jack's injury, Matt remarked, "Your arm, man. That looks nasty. You need to have it looked at. Come on with me, and let me take care of it."
"I can't leave. She might wake up, and I don't want her to be alone," Jack stated as he began pacing the room.
"Well, your arm can't wait, so if I need to treat you in here, I will," Matt replied.
"I'm not leaving…"
"Jack, you're a surgeon…you can't play games with stuff like this."
"It's fine. I'll deal with it once her parents get here. I'm not leaving. I promised her father that she wouldn't be alone."
"I'll be right back," Matt stated as he started for the door to gather suture supplies to treat the injury to Jack's arm, planning to do so in Elizabeth's cubicle #8. "Don't leave."
Matt had been gone for a few minutes when Jack heard screaming and crying in the hallway. He immediately assumed that it was someone whose loved one was being treated in another cubicle. That is until the door was vigorously pushed open, and Rosie rushed into the room with Lee doing his best to keep up with her.
Seeing Jack sitting beside Elizabeth's bed, his head bowed and seemingly praying, she cried out, "Oh no…oh, please no…is she…?"
Jack quickly interjected, "She's unconscious, but talk to her. Studies show that she can hear you…"
"Is she going to be, okay?" Rosie cried out as the tears falling down her cheeks had already done their job and blurred her vision. Before the first question was answered, she asked another, "What happened…?"
"We can talk about that outside. Talk to her about something pleasant…" Jack suggested.
"Oh my gosh, Jack…your arm. Are you okay?" Lee called out.
"I'm fine," Jack responded to Lee. Turning his attention to Rosie, he stated, I know we met before at the club, but I'm Jack…thank you for calling Elizabeth's parents. They're on their way."
"They were on their way, I think, before I hung up the phone," Rosie replied. "Jack, what happened?" she asked again as tears rolled down her cheeks. "How did this happen?"
They stepped over by the door, "We had such a nice time on the dinner cruise, and she finally agreed to give us a chance. I took her home, and…"
"Was he waiting for her when you went into her apartment?" Rosie asked as she rushed back to hold Elizabeth's hand, careful not to interfere with the IV which was in the top of her other hand.
Jack lowered his head. He couldn't possibly feel more guilty for what happened, "I said good night to Elizabeth in the lobby, and she got into the elevator and disappeared."
"So, did she call you…what made you go back?" Rosie asked.
"Henry was in the lobby, and the guard was supposedly on a smoke break, so I guess she felt comfortable going upstairs alone," Jack replied.
"Why didn't you go up with her…?" Rosie's voice was louder, and her tone was angrier. "You should have protected her…"
"Rosie, stop…" Lee snapped.
"No, Lee, she's right. I sensed that things weren't right. The security guard wasn't there, but…"
"But what, Jack…why did you let this happen?" Rosie's tone and words were harsh, and landed deep into his soul.
"Rosie, Jack isn't the one who did this. We need to remember who is to blame here…" Lee wasn't sure why Jack didn't walk Elizabeth to her door, but he was standing firm with his best friend, the same man who had always had his back since they'd first met many years ago.
"I know that Jack didn't beat her up, but he was in her apartment. At least she wouldn't have walked in there alone…" Rosie kept pushing, becoming angrier every time she looked over at Elizabeth's lifeless body. "Did you have another date you were rushing to, or maybe a game on TV you were missing?"
"Rosie," Lee's voice was firm. "That's enough…" Lee took hold of her free hand, "Please, we don't know what happened. Jack cares about Elizabeth and he would never intentionally put her in harm's way."
"You're right…I should have walked her to her door. If she lived in a house or townhouse or apartment without security, I would have. I wasn't trying to get out of there for another date or to get home to watch a game on TV," Jack replied, the tears he uncharacteristically shed were burning his eyes.
Jack wiped his eyes, as the blood from the rag covering his arm showed through the tear in his shirt sleeve, "Jack, what happened to your arm?" Rosie asked, now seemingly concerned about his physical condition, as well.
He paid no attention to the recent question, as he was still focused on the one before, so he continued talking. "I wanted to walk her up to her apartment. But everything seemed so quiet, and I guess she didn't feel the need. Maybe it had been so long since she'd seen him…no, that can't be it. She has court coming up so I'm sure what he did to her before was in her mind."
Jack shook his head, "I don't know, but after everything that happened with Ethan before, I didn't want to sound pushy…I didn't want her to think I was expecting more from this evening." Jack was hoping that Rosie would understand what he meant.
He glanced down at his hand as it joined Elizabeth's, "I wanted her to trust me; I needed her to know that I wouldn't push her to do anything she didn't want to do. So, when the time came and she did invite me to see her upstairs to her apartment, that it would be just that. She would invite me inside, and feel safe with me. I would not burst inside and lay claim to someone who wasn't mine to have."
As tears rolled down his cheeks, Jack's eyes kept burning. He could barely see, but still kept talking. "I was wrong. I should have been firm; I should have demanded that she let me go up with her, and I should have made sure that she was safe, and no one was in her apartment before I left. I'm so sorry…"
Rosie wiped her eyes several times before breaking away from Lee. She walked around the bed and wrapped Jack in her arms. "No, I'm sorry; I shouldn't have said those things. I know Elizabeth better than anyone, and she wouldn't want you to feel guilty."
"Rosie, you don't have to say that…" Jack responded; his voice was soft and lacked the self-assurance he usually displayed.
Rosie continued, "I know what you're saying. Elizabeth doesn't trust men, Ethan saw to that, and even though I can tell how much you already care about her, you're letting her take things at her own speed. Elizabeth would have thought you were expecting to be invited in, even if you told her that you just wanted to make sure she was safe. She would not see the kind, considerate man who is now before me, torn up over his decision, with feelings for her that are even deeper than I believe he realizes."
Jack momentarily returned to 'doctor mode' checking the beeping machines, satisfied that she was stable, but disappointed that she was still unconscious.
"What made you go back?" Lee asked.
"My dad…"
"Excuse me?" Lee responded.
"I know it sounds crazy, and if I wasn't there, I wouldn't have believed it," Jack replied.
"What are you talking about?" Lee inquired.
"I didn't feel good about leaving. I mean, Henry was there, and he acted as though everything was fine. But as I pulled out into traffic, I swear, my dad was in the passenger seat, and he said… "Your mother and I taught you better than this. When you take a lady out on a date, you see her safely to her door…a gentleman always sees her safely to her door…you know what you need to do, son…"
Jack scratched his head, trying to make sense of it all, "So, I made a U-turn, and went back. The guard was knocked out on the side of the building, and Henry wouldn't let me in. I told him to check the window on the side of the lobby and after he saw the guard, he let me in, and I ran for the elevator."
Jack looked up at Lee, "You know, I'm not sure what happened, but when I got out of the elevator on Elizabeth's floor, there were apartment doors cracked along the hallway. People were listening to her scream, but did nothing. How could they just do nothing…?"
"A lot of people don't want to get involved, and some are scared," Lee responded.
"Thank heavens you went back…" Rosie added.
"I shouldn't have left. At least if I'd walked her to her apartment and made sure she was alone, she'd be okay now…"
"You don't know that Jack," Rosie advised him. Glancing down at his arm, Rosie asked again, "What happened…?"
"Huh, what…?" Jack replied.
"Your arm; you need to have it looked at, Jack," Rosie stated.
"Do I have to hold you down?" Lee's voice became quite stern. "Jack, you're a doctor, you know how serious injuries like this can be."
"I'll get it looked at after I know Elizabeth is okay. Right now, I'm worried about her. I'll be okay…"
"Why is it that doctors make the worst patients?" Rosie asked.
Matt stepped into the room and pushed the curtain back as he slipped into Elizabeth's cubicle. "Look, why don't you let them stay with her so I can get a look at your arm?"
"Matt, you know Lee, and this is his girlfriend, and Elizabeth's best friend, Rosie. As for my arm, I'm fine, and I'll get it looked at after I know what's going on with Elizabeth…"
"Jack, you aren't fine. You may not feel anything because right now your concern is for your girlfriend, but man, you're a surgeon. You can't play games with this kind of injury," Matt turned to walk out, "Come on; I'll have you back as quickly as I can."
"Can't you do it in here?" Jack asked. "I don't want to leave her…"
"Well, I could, but I don't want to gross out your friends here. So, come with me, and we'll be back in a few minutes," Matt advised.
"Room #18 is vacant…" Matt advised, as Jack ran down the hall.
Jack slipped into cubicle #18 and took a seat as Matt gathered the suture kit, antibiotics, wound cleaner and gauze and placed it on the table beside Jack.
"Hey, what did he cut you with?" Matt asked as he unwrapped the rag from Jack's arm.
"I don't remember," Jack replied, his ear remained trained for any sounds coming from down the hall.
"I don't think so, but whatever it was, it went right through your dress shirt. Were you wearing a jacket?"
"No, I took it off when I went out to my car," Jack replied.
"Could it have been a broken piece of glass?" Matt asked as he cleaned the wound that would clearly require stitches. "I'm sorry, Jack. Here's a shot to numb the area, because I'm sure this is going to be painful."
Jack felt nothing as the needle went into his skin, and the cleaning solution began to sanitize his wound. "I don't know what he cut me with, Matt. I remember seeing him holding something and obviously it was sharp because it was cutting through his own hand, but things were somewhat intense, and I just don't remember…"
"Well, it's kind of jagged, but fortunately it doesn't appear to have cut through any ligaments or tendons, and I don't see any trash in it. Can you make a fist for me?"
Jack did as he was asked. "Can you hurry up. I need to get back to Elizabeth."
"She's not alone, Jack. You need to take care of yourself. I don't know her, but something tells me she wouldn't want you jeopardizing your health or career just so you can sit beside her." Matt cleaned the area and studied the open wound. "We don't want infection to set in here…"
Once he closed the wound using six sutures, Matt smiled at his handiwork. "This should heal, but you have to promise me that you'll pay attention and take care of it."
Jack wasn't really listening, but agreed anyway…anything to get back to Elizabeth's room.
Matt grabbed a vial containing Ceftriaxone, an antibiotic to prevent bacterial infections, from the tray, drew back on a syringe, and did what nurses usually handled, he gave Jack a shot. "Which wrap do you want to cover this?"
"Matt, I don't care, just hurry up, please…" Jack stated. He didn't mean to sound ungrateful, but his concern, his thoughts, and his fears remained back in cubicle #8.
Matt smiled as he rifled through the various packages of self-adhesive wrap. Some were for kids, some seemed feminine, while others were in dark, solid and somewhat masculine colors. Matt snickered as he grabbed a roll and covered his handiwork on Jack's arm. "Okay, Dr. Thornton, I hurried up, and you are free to go…"
"Thanks, Matt," Jack remarked as he took off and headed for Elizabeth's room, without even glancing at his arm.
Before passing the nurse's station, Jack was caught by Dr. Cavanaugh, who was also on his way to Elizabeth's room, as well.
"Carter," Jack caught his attention. He tilted his head toward a vacant room, leading the way as Carter followed.
"Man, what happened to her?" Carter asked.
"Look, I just need to know what the CT scan said; what's her Glascow number?" Jack responded. He didn't like Carter, but Matt was right, and as specialties go, Neurology was Carter's baby, and as such, he was the best.
"Well, I saw her while she was in Radiology, and I have to say that she looks worse than the CT scan shows. When I saw the bruising and the cut on her head, I was expecting it to be worse. Her Glascow number is 13, so it's a mild TBI (traumatic brain injury). I don't see anything surgically that we need to do, and if she doesn't come out of her coma in the next few days, we'll re-run the scans."
Carter got up to leave, "Hey Carter," Jack called out, causing his colleague to turn around.
"Yeah…look Jack, I'm sorry about everything before. You know me, I don't like to lose, but I really do hope she comes out of it. I mean, don't think this will keep me from trying to take her away from you…after all, I'm all about the games. I like to catch and release, that is after we've had some fun."
Jack released a hard breath. Carter was an excellent neurologist, but apparently never developed the desired characteristics of a friend. "I don't know why I thought I could expect anything but your games. You're a good doctor, Carter, and as that goes, I appreciate your input. As a man, leave her alone."
"We'll pick this conversation back up once she recovers. So, if you need me to consult again, just call me."
"Thanks for your help." Jack responded, hating to have to depend on Carter's expertise, but willing to deal with the 'devil' to get her the treatment and care she needed. He followed Carter out of the room and headed back to cubicle #8.
He pulled the curtain back and the room was empty. Jack caught the attention of a nurse walking by, "Excuse me; where is Ms. Thatcher?"
"She was taken down for a chest x-ray. The couple that was in here with her are out in the waiting area. I think Ms. Thatcher's parents have arrived, and everyone is waiting for you in the lobby."
"Thank you," Jack responded. "I'd like Ms. Thatcher to be admitted and placed in ICU. Who's handling direct admissions this morning?" Jack asked.
"Dr. Hawkins…" the nurse replied.
"Okay, thanks…please find Elizabe…I mean, Ms. Thatcher a room in ICU," Jack advised.
"Okay, I'll need approval from Dr. Hawkins. I mean the ER is packed and I'm not sure what the regular floor vacancies look like."
"Just find Ms. Thatcher a room, and I take care of getting approval from Matt…"
Jack walked up and down the ER unit searching for Matt, eventually running into him as he left one cubicle and headed for another.
"WHOA," Matt gasped as they nearly ran into each other. "Did you already hear?"
"Hear what…?" Jack asked.
"The guy you fought with came in just a little while ago. Apparently, he suffered a heart attack on site, possibly brought on by the drugs you suspect he was on."
"Which cubicle is he in?" Jack asked but as Matt thought about whether or not to provide the information, Jack observed an officer standing outside cubicle #24. "Never mind, I think I know…"
"Jack, don't do anything that will compromise your career or the possible criminal case that's against him."
"I won't…"
"Do I need to have an intern shadow you to keep you out of trouble?"
"Matt, I'm fine. Back to Elizabeth and her care; I'm glad I found you. I want Elizabeth admitted into ICU. I know that she could go to a regular room, but I want her to have closer attention that ICU will provide. You have to sign off on it since you're the ER head right now."
"No problem, I'll take care of it.," Matt advised. "But who are you kidding; you aren't going to leave her side…that's even better than ICU. By the way, did she ever get the chest x-ray?"
"She's there now." Jack advised. "Oh, Carter said her Glascow number was 13, so thankfully it's a mild TBI."
"That's great news," Matt remarked as he shook Jack's hand. "I'll take care of the admission. And you stay out of his cubicle."
"Thanks, man; I know you're right. It's just hard; I want to k…" Jack responded before Matt cut his off.
"Don't say it, Jack. I know you want him to pay, but" he leaned in and whispered, "killing someone isn't in your DNA."
"I'll keep myself under control," Jack responded. "Oh, by the way, do you know if Nora Guzman's patient made it in yet. She wanted me to consult, and once I get up to ICU with Elizabeth, I don't plan on leaving."
"No, last time I saw her, she was in cubicle #21," Matt advised.
"Thanks, I'll check it out…don't forget to approve Elizabeth for ICU."
"I'm on it right now…" Matt replied as the two men went their separate ways.
Jack walked down to cubicle #21. Finding Dr. Guzman perusing a patient chart, Jack asked, "Is this the patient you wanted me to consult on?"
"No, he's in cubicle #24…"
"#24…?" Jack sucked in a hard breath.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"No…are you done here?" he asked, hoping she wasn't.
"No; I need about ten minutes," she replied.
"Perfect, I'll meet you down there."
Jack walked with a sense of purpose down the hall passed cubicles #22, and #23, grabbed the chart out of the holder outside cubicle #24, flashed his ID at the officer standing guard, and walked inside the room.
He stood beside Ethan's bed, quietly staring. Ethan's nose was packed with gauze, and his hand was heavily bandaged. Jack could only assume that his hand had been sutured as there was no blood seeping through the wrap. Given what he'd seen of that injury, he assumed that there was major tendon and ligament damage that would need to be dealt with at a later date…but he didn't care. In that moment, Jack envisioned Elizabeth's lifeless body, and he honestly believed that he could kill him.
Ethan's eyes opened, and the immediate elevation in his respiration and blood pressure proved that he recognized Jack. Not having seen Jack before that night in Elizabeth's apartment, Ethan was apparently concerned that he was simply wearing a white coat to slip through the hospital unnoticed in his quest to hurt him.
Jack stepped closer and leaned forward, "You know who I am, don't you?"
Ethan's eyes and mouth were wide open, but he remained quiet.
"Good, you stay quiet, and you listen to everything I have to say," Jack began. "I am a cardiologist here in this hospital; actually, I'm not just a cardiologist, I run the whole damn program. So, let's just say, I know my way around here." Jack spoke with a firm, matter of fact tone, "A heart attack is bad," his tone lowered and sounded quite somber, "It's really bad…" Jack shook his head slightly from side to side as he pursed his lips, "deadly even. Just like that," Jack snapped his fingers, "POOF, and you can be gone. It's called the 'silent killer' for a reason."
Ethan glanced over at the door, "Look at me…" Jack's voice was low, but extremely firm. "I want you to understand what I'm saying so there is no confusion."
Jack glanced back at the door to make certain that they were still alone, "Don't you ever talk, touch or otherwise contact Elizabeth Thatcher again. You're a poor excuse for a man, and I pray you get everything you deserve when you go to court. You're slime, and you go after a woman because you think you can intimidate her, mistakenly believing yourself to be stronger than her. By the looks of your face, someone did some damage to your nose, and the way you're lying all bent up in this bed, I'd say your testicles have probably seen better days. We both know that's the damage Elizabeth did, but you don't want to know what I, as a doctor, have the opportunity to do to you…without anyone…ever…suspecting a thing. Do you understand?"
As Ethan began to shake his head up and down, Dr. Guzman walked in, "Oh, you're already here. Have you had an opportunity to do an exam?" she directed her question to Jack.
"No, we were just having a frank conversation about how dangerous heart attacks can be…you know, they happen so fast, and are known as the silent killer for a reason, because most of the time you don't even know it's coming."
Dr Guzman knew that her patient was in police custody for some reason, but she had no idea of the connection between him and Jack. "Dr. Thornton is correct, and he's the best in this field, so you need to listen to him."
Jack read through Ethan's chart before completing an exam while accompanied by Dr. Guzman, and found no need for services other than medication and monitoring. He handed the chart back to Nora, thankful that after Ethan was stabilized, the police officer would be transporting him directly to jail.
Again, Jack headed for the lobby exit. Trying to gather his thoughts as to what he'd tell Elizabeth's parents, he stopped just shy of opening the door.
Finally, Jack pushed the door open. He stepped out into the overly packed waiting area and found Rosie and Lee sitting with a man and woman he didn't recognize, presumably Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher, and he approached.
"Oh, here's Jack, now…" Rosie announced as she, Lee and Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher stood. Jack stuck out his arm, "Hello, Mr. Thatcher, I'm Jack Thornton. Turning his attention to Mrs. Thatcher, he shook her hand as well, "Ma'am…"
"How is Elizabeth," Rosie asked, getting the question out before Mr. Thatcher could open his mouth.
"She's still in Radiology getting a chest x-ray, but she should be done soon," Jack advised. With the ER waiting area fully packed, Jack stated, "Let's go back to one of the offices for some privacy."
Once in the private office, away from the sickness, injuries, crying children and moaning adults in the waiting area, Jack advised, "We're getting Elizabeth a room in ICU…"
"Oh no, how bad is she?" Mrs. Thatcher grabbed her husband's arm, as her knees buckled.
Jack and Mr. Thatcher helped her to a chair. "Please everyone, take a seat and I'll explain what we know."
With everyone seated, Jack stated, "First of all, I'm requesting she be in ICU because the level of care is much higher on that floor. There are no more than two patients for every nurse, and often times its one-to-one."
"Thank you for explaining that; when can we see her?" Mrs. Thatcher asked.
"Well, I'll get you up to see her as soon as she's settled in her room. But I need to let you know, Elizabeth is still unconscious, and right now, she's considered to be in a coma."
"Oh no, my baby," Mrs. Thatcher broke down, and she and her husband held tight to each other.
"I know the term 'coma' sounds quite scary, but she is stable, so we're happy about that." Jack went on further to explain, "Please understand, there is a scale we use to determine the level of traumatic brain injury that has occurred, and Elizabeth's is mild. The scale runs from three to fifteen, with three being the worst and fifteen being the mildest. Elizabeth measures at 13. So, I don't have any reason to believe that she won't wake up."
"When?" Rosie asked.
Jack released a hard breath. "I can't give you a time frame. Some people wake up within hours, while others could be days, weeks, maybe even months." He walked over to Mrs. Thatcher and knelt down in front of her chair, "Elizabeth is strong, and she is a fighter. We need to talk to her whenever we visit, and give her a reason to come back to us," he smiled reassuringly.
Jack stood and leaned against a vacant desk that sat to one side of the room, "The other issues are the chest x-ray which was done because Elizabeth has some bruising, and we want to be sure that there are no broken ribs. The cut on her forehead has been sutured and should heal without any problem." Seeing the frightened look on everyone's faces, Jack asked, "Do you have any questions?"
Mr. Thatcher looked at his wife, and then turned his attention back to Jack, "I don't think so. Although I'm sure we will as the days pass."
The hospital phone that Jack carried all the time buzzed. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled it out and glanced at the screen. "Elizabeth is back from getting her chest x-ray and there is a room available for her on the ICU floor. I'm going to make certain she gets settled and then I'll bring you up," he stated, directing his comment to Elizabeth's parents.
Turning to Rosie, he added, "I can only let her parents in right now, but as soon as I know that the visits aren't overwhelming her, I'll let you visit, too."
Jack walked toward the door, "Feel free to hang out here, or if you'd like, the cafeteria is open," he glanced at his watch, "and will start serving lunch in about 30 minutes. I can text Lee when Elizabeth is settled and ready for a visit."
"Thank you, Jack…" Mr. Thatcher responded as he stood and stuck out his arm to shake Jack's hand. Observing the rip in Jack's right sleeve, and the pink bandage decorated with hearts which was obviously covering an injury of some type, he asked, "Did Ethan do that to you?"
Jack glanced down and for the first time observed the feminine wrap on his arm, "Uh, yes sir."
"What did he do, and how badly are you hurt?" Mr. Thatcher asked.
"There was a broken lamp, and I believe it was a piece of glass. He just sliced my arm; a few sutures took take care of it. I'll be fine," Jack stated as he played down the fact that Ethan was actually attempting to stab Elizabeth.
Mr. Thatcher felt the irritation in his eyes as tears formed while wrestling with the thought of Ethan having a sharp weapon as he attacked Elizabeth. "Thank you, so much for protecting her. You put your life on the line to help her, and there is absolutely no way her mother and I can possibly thank you enough."
"Mr. Thatcher, I just did what any man would have done in the same situation," Jack responded, knowing full well how incorrect that statement was. If true, he wouldn't have passed multiple open apartment doors occupied by several men, or practically shoved two men out of his way as he ran down the hall toward Elizabeth's screams.
"Somehow, I'm not so sure…so, thank you."
"That's not necessary. Elizabeth means a lot to a bunch of people," Jack was nervous about telling her father how he felt about her when he had not yet told her. "I'm going to go check on Elizabeth's transfer to ICU."
Jack left and headed toward the ICU. The stretcher carrying Elizabeth was just coming off the elevator as he made his way onto the unit.
Jack stood outside her room as the nurses hooked up the various machines and the saline IV that was inserted into the top of her hand. The nurses made note of each bruise, cut, and scar throughout her body, advising Jack that they were finished as they walked out of her room.
"Has her chest x-ray been read, yet?" he asked.
"I'm not sure, but I'll call down to Radiology…" one of the nurses advised.
"Please let me know what you find out…"
"Yes, Dr. Thornton…"
Jack walked into Elizabeth's room, pulled a chair to her bedside and took a seat. He held her right hand as his eyes stared at her face. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he thought of the fear and pain that she'd gone through only hours before…and he knew in his heart that he could have prevented it. How was he going to explain to her parents that he'd taken her out and practically done a drive-by when he dropped her off, leaving her to fend for herself against a madman.
"I'm so sorry, Elizabeth," his voice was soft, barely audible to anyone who wasn't within arm's length. "Your parents are here. I'll call to let them know you're in a room; I just wanted to sit with you and…I don't know; I'm just so sorry."
Jack reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He pushed Lee's contact information and waited on him to answer.
"Hey Jack; is everything okay?" Lee asked.
"Yes. Are Elizabeth's parents still with you?" Jack replied.
"Yes," Lee responded, "they're still here with Rosie and me."
"Elizabeth is in Room #306, and please explain to Rosie that Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher are the only ones who can visit right now."
"She not happy, but she does understand," Lee responded.
Jack remained in Elizabeth's room until her parents entered. He grabbed another chair from the storage room behind the nurse's station, and gave everyone privacy while he waited for the chest x-ray results from Radiology.
The x-rays sat locked in a computer program in Radiology waiting for an available doctor to read them. Concerned that it was taking too long to get answers, Jack headed down to view Elizabeth's x-ray, stopping off at her room first.
Quietly, he slipped into her room. His heart sank as he observed her parents holding Elizabeth's hands, pleading with her to come back to them.
Sensing someone in the room, Mr. Thatcher jumped up from his seat.
"Please sit down," Jack stated as he walked into Elizabeth's room. Checking the machines which kept obnoxiously beeping, sounds that were always disturbing to visitors, Jack pressed several buttons and the noise ceased. "The chest x-ray is done, but apparently there is no one in Radiology available to read it. I'm going down to take a look at it and I'll be back shortly."
"Thank you…" Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher responded in unison.
Radiology…
Jack walked through the doors of the Radiology Department and approached a nurse who was exiting one of the x-ray suites.
"Excuse me," Jack didn't recognize her, "I'm…"
"Dr. Thornton, yes sir; how can I help you?" she replied.
Jack couldn't remember ever being in Radiology to review x-rays before and felt slightly lost. "I need the x-ray on Ms. Elizabeth Thatcher."
"Yes sir. The computer in this room has a program for handling x-rays. Are you able to get into it?" the nurse asked.
"Could you please pull it up. I'm not usually down here, but this is important," Jack replied.
"Sure," she replied as they entered the office, and she pulled up Elizabeth's x-ray on the screen. "Do you need anything else?"
"No…thank you for your help," he stated as he pulled up a chair and intently searched every inch of Elizabeth's body that appeared on the x-ray. "Hmm, thank God, no fractures." He shut down the computer and headed back toward the ICU.
ICU…
Jack stepped into Elizabeth's room. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher turned to face him. Fear covered their faces as they anticipated the news Jack was there to convey. "She has bruising, and I'm sure her ribs are sore, but there are no fractures."
As the day ended and evening fell, Elizabeth remained in a coma. Mr. Thatcher advised that he needed to find a hotel nearby, as Mrs. Thatcher, although fighting against leaving the hospital, was exhausted and needed to rest.
"My office is on the first floor, and I have a suite attached. If you don't want to leave, you are more than welcome to stay in my suite," Jack offered.
"Where will you stay; or are you going home?" Mr. Thatcher asked.
"No sir; I'm not going home. I have some patients that I need to check on," he really didn't, "so, I'll keep an eye on Elizabeth."
"William, I don't want to leave her," Mrs. Thatcher stated, her voice sounding drained, and it was evident that she was both emotionally and physically exhausted.
"Honey, Jack will contact us if anything changes," Mr. Thatcher turned to Jack for confirmation.
"I'll let you know if there is the slightest change," Jack promised.
William leaned over and spoke softly to his wife, "I'm worried about Elizabeth, but I'm also concerned about you, dear."
"Okay, I'll go, but I'm not ready to leave her just yet," Mrs. Thatcher's attention returned to Elizabeth, who seemingly looked as though she were simply sleeping. With the exception of her bandaged head and bruising, there would be no need to suspect anything was wrong. Oh, well, there was also the machine she was attached to as well, which kept signaling that she was being monitored for a reason.
"I'm going to step out and give you two some time alone with her. When you're ready to leave let me know and I'll get you into my office," Jack stated as he turned for the door.
"Jack, thank you for everything. I mean, we've just met, and I'm sorry that it is under these circumstances, but we want to thank you for taking care of our baby," Mr. Thatcher stated, his misty eyes uncharacteristic of the man known for being a bear in the boardroom.
"There is no need to thank me, sir. Elizabeth is a remarkable woman, and I believe that she will come out of this stronger than ever," Jack replied, knowing at some point he was going to have to apologize to her parents for even allowing this to happen.
Jack stepped out into the hallway, and found Lee standing just outside the waiting area. Their eyes met as Jack approached his best friend, the one who always seemed to put things into perspective for him.
Stepping into the empty waiting area, Jack asked, "Where's Rosie?"
"She went to the restroom and to get us some coffee," Lee responded. "How is she; has there been any change?"
"No, she's stable. The chest x-ray showed no rib fractures, so that's good, but she's still in a coma," Jack took a seat, dropping his face into his hands. "Lee, how am I going to tell her parents that it was my fault that Elizabeth got hurt in the first place? Mr. Thatcher is thanking me for taking such good care of her, and…" he stood and started pacing, "she wouldn't be here if I'd just made sure she was safely inside her apartment."
Lee knew Jack needed to talk, so he waited to respond until he was finished.
"You know, Mr. Thatcher is going to push her to move home. I just know it," Jack muttered. "I care about her, Lee. I don't want her moving away. But I guess I could see her father wanting her home so he could take care of her. Oh, I don't even know what I'm talking about; Elizabeth won't want anything to do with me now. I mean, I practically tossed her out of the car when I drove by… Rosie's right, and I have to tell her parents, but how…"
Now was the time for Lee to put everything in perspective, to right the wrong thinking Jack's mind had settled into. As Lee's mouth opened, Rosie's voice shot out.
"You say nothing, Jack. I was wrong. You aren't to blame, and I'm so sorry that I made you feel that you were. I mean, I wish you had walked her to her apartment, but as much as Elizabeth likes you, and I'm here to tell you that she likes you a lot, she would have worried that you had ulterior motives. She would have fought you on it; I'm sure of it," Rosie rambled on as she entered the room.
"But he was waiting for her in her apartment. Somehow, he got into her home, and maybe I could have kept this from happening," Jack was still uncertain that he believed Rosie.
"Look Jack, I'm telling you that I know Elizabeth and she wouldn't want you blaming yourself. But I also realize that you won't believe what I say until Elizabeth wakes up and tells us what happened," Rosie looked scared, but her tone was firm. "She is going to wake up, right?"
"There is really no reason why she won't. I think her body is just waiting until it feels safe to do so…" Jack stated as he hugged both Lee and Rosie. "I'm going to go back and check on her. Oh Lee, I'm letting her parents use my suite. Would you mind taking them down when they're ready?"
"Sure, no problem," Lee responded. "How about I go out and get them something to eat. They're both bound to be hungry…neither one ate anything when we went to the cafeteria."
"Let me check to see what they'd like, and I'd appreciate you doing that."
Jack went back to Elizabeth's room. After Mrs. Thatcher argued with her husband about not being hungry, they both agreed to hamburgers from the very popular, Smashburger, which was located only two blocks away.
Rosie, knowing that her visits with Elizabeth would be few and far between, if at all, talked Jack into allowing her to sit by her best friend's bedside, so she wouldn't be alone, allowing him the opportunity to check on a few hospitalized patients.
Jack reviewed Elizabeth's chart, seeing that there was no change, which in medicine is not necessarily a bad thing. Although she hadn't improved, she hadn't deteriorated either. He still believed that her body required rest and her mind just needed to feel safe, and once they were able to accomplish that, she would come back to them.
"Look, Lee will be back after he gets dinner for everyone, so, check with him or one of the nurses if you need to reach me. Just keep talking to her. Talk about things that she remembers doing with you. We need to get her brain more active."
"Thank you, Jack, for letting me sit with her. I'll do what I can…" Rosie stated as he opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.
Jack stopped off at the nurse's station, "Excuse me…"
"Yes, Dr. Thornton…" Terri Butler, and ICU nurse closed the chart she was writing in, and gave her full attention to Jack.
"My…" Jack wasn't sure what to say or how to describe his relationship with Elizabeth. They had actually agreed to continue dating, and to him that meant that she was… "Um, my girlfriend, Elizabeth has her best friend sitting with her. I'm going to do rounds and I'll be on the 2nd floor if you need me."
"I understand. I have to check her IV and she's due for her pain meds in about 10 minutes," Terri responded.
"Thank you…"
"You're welcome, Dr. Thornton. Um, by the way, I'm sorry about Ms. Thatcher. I hope she'll be okay…"
"She will be," Jack's tone was firm as he turned to walk away. As he entered the empty elevator and pushed the button for the 2nd floor, his fingers swept under his eyes, wiping away the salty droplets that fell. "Elizabeth, you've got to come back. If you don't want to do it for me, please come back to your parents and Rosie…"
Jack's office…
Lee returned with dinner, and took Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher to Jack's office where they could eat and rest. He exchanged phone numbers with Mr. Thatcher for himself and Jack in case there was a need to call.
"Do you need anything before I head out?" Lee asked Elizabeth's parents.
"No, but thank you for everything. Will you be seeing Jack?" Mr. Thatcher asked.
"Yes sir. I got him some dinner, too. Did you need me to tell him something?" Lee turned around, released the door handle and folded down the top of the food bag.
"Please just let him know that I…I mean, we need to be notified if anything changes."
"I'll let him know, Mr. Thatcher. I hope you and Mrs. Thatcher are able to get some rest."
Standing at the first-floor bank of elevators, Lee texted Jack.
"I'm back, E's parents r situated. I'm on my way to 3rd floor…"
ICU- Elizabeth's room…
Jack walked into Elizabeth's room and found Rosie holding her best friend's hand. He stood quietly, and listened as Rosie spoke.
"Hey, do you remember when we were in 9th…no, I think it was 10th grade and that weird guy, oh what was his name…? Never mind, that's not important. Oh, it was Stevie, or Stewie, or something like that. No wait, it was Adam. Hmm, no that's the guy who thought that the Trojan mascot was actually a condom," Rosie laughed, and the comment brought a smile to Jack's face as well. "Anyway, I don't remember his name, but I bet you do, so wake up and tell me."
"His name was Donovan; every time we talk about this, you forget his name. I don't know why. I mean, don't you remember people calling him 'Duffus Donovan?' I never did; I thought it was mean, but when I think about it, he was a duffus. That gym door escapade was hilarious. Rosie, why does everything seem so far away? Rosie, talk to me…I'm scared; why can't I open my eyes? What happened…?"
Rosie waited for a moment and when Elizabeth didn't wake up, Rosie continued, "Okay, I guess you want me to tell you the story even though I know you remember it."
"I don't want you to tell me the story. I lived it, remember? Anyway, we've talked about that for years. Right now, I want you to tell me what happened. Why am I lying in this bed? Why is everyone crying? Why is Jack telling me how sorry he is? Why won't you answer me…?" Elizabeth's internal voice was screaming. "Oh no, am I dead…?"
Rosie continued with her story, "Anyway, we were in gym class, and he wanted to show everyone that he could kick that thing, you know, it's that arm thing at the top of those doors. Do you remember? I know you do, because we used to laugh about it all the time. I remember him running toward the door, and just as he jumped, kicking his left leg out in front of him, someone opened the gym door, and he flew out into the hallway."
Rosie sat quietly for a few moments. It was a memory that had always made them laugh hysterically, but not this time. This time there were just tears. This time there was fear, uncertainty, and anger as Rosie bowed her head, resting her forehead on Elizabeth's arm.
Jack approached and placed his hand on Rosie's shoulder, "Lee's back. Why don't you go out and sit with him for a little while."
"What are you going to do?" she asked as she stood in the doorway.
"I'm going to sit in here with her…" Jack replied.
"Will you let us know if anything changes?" Rosie asked as Lee stepped up behind her and placed his arms around her waist.
Watching Rosie sink back against Lee's body, Jack smiled. It was evident that they had found something special between them, and he couldn't help but to long for the same feelings with Elizabeth. "I will be sure to let you know just after I tell her parents."
"Try to get some rest," Rosie commented as she took hold of Lee's hand.
"I'll be fine. I'm a doctor and I'm used to long periods without sleep."
"Maybe so, but during those long periods without sleep, you probably weren't worrying about someone you obviously care a great deal about," she responded.
Jack smiled. "Don't worry about me; I'll be fine."
Lee placed a burger, fries and Coke on the table beside Jack's chair. "Try to eat something, man."
"Thanks for dinner," Jack responded, knowing that his body was too unsettled and there was no way he could eat. Turning back to face Elizabeth, he heard the door close as Lee and Rosie gave them some privacy.
Jack took a seat in the chair beside Elizabeth's bed. He inhaled deeply before slipping his right hand, palm side up, under her hand as his left hand closed over the top, encasing her hand within his.
"You know, I've spent most of my life with people telling me how brave I am…brave, how I handled the family once my father died; brave, to attend medical school; brave, to pursue Cardiology as a specialty; and brave to take on this job as the department head at the hospital at such a young age. But I've got to tell you right now, Elizabeth…I don't feel so brave."
Jack took his left hand, wiping away his tears with his fingers before returning it to its previous 'home,' on top of her hand. He took a deep breath, and lowered his head, "I don't feel brave right at all. E-liz-a-beth, I'm a doctor, and every bit of my training says that you're going to be okay; there is no reason that you won't wake up. But as a man," he wiped his eyes again, "I'm looking at the woman I've been waiting for all of my life, and I'm so scared of losing you. You asked me before 'what scares me…?' This…you lying in the bed in such a deep sleep that I can't wake you; that's what scares the hell out of me."
The initial privacy Jack felt was short lived when the door opened, and Elizabeth's nurse, Terri wheeled her cart inside the door. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'll be out quick…"
"That's okay," Jack responded as he turned his head and wiped his eyes. "Thank you for taking such good care of her…" Jack responded, his voice wavered and sounded weak.
"You are more than welcome, and please let me know if you need anything in between my check-ins."
"Thank you," Jack stated before returning his complete attention back to Elizabeth.
Terri obviously knew of Dr. Jack Thornton. She'd seen him in the hospital, but she hadn't had the occasion to work with him. She'd heard the rumors, however; the ones where he generally dated a woman once, took her home, had his way with her and then cast her aside. Those were the rumors, but she chose not to live by the misinformation that often circulated throughout the hospital. Besides, if that was how he chose to live his life, it was none of her business. She was happily married and simply came to work to do her job and provide the best service possible to her patients.
She scanned Elizabeth's wristband before doing the same to the bar codes on the IV bag and the pain medication bottle. With everything completed in the room, she gathered her trash, dropping the needle into the 'sharps' container before tossing the other items in the waste can. As she pushed her cart toward the door, Jack jumped up and opened the door for her.
"Thank you…"
"You're welcome," he stated before returning to his seat beside Elizabeth's bed. He could think only of her, and at this moment felt useless. Here he was, a doctor, with degrees, and accolades too numerous to mention, and yet he, like everyone else, was forced to wait for Elizabeth to wake in her own time.
As Terri pushed her cart to her next patient room, she thought about Jack, and the fact that there was no way the rumors about him could be true. Never before had she seen a man appear so devoted, and look at a woman so lovingly as Jack did to Elizabeth. Then it dawned on her; those other women were jealous, and they might as well get over it, because it was evident that he only had eyes for the woman whose hand he held praying that she'd wake up from her coma.
Once the door to Elizabeth's room was closed and they were again alone, Jack scooted his chair closer to the bed, "You know, you have to come back. You promised me that you were willing to give us a chance together… to see where this thing between us goes. I'm not letting you off so easy," he stated, although the guilt he felt over not protecting her had him questioning whether or not she'd still be willing to give them a chance.
He inhaled and then released a hard breath. He slipped his hand under hers, enclosing it with his fingers, "You may find this to be crazy, but I've never met a woman who so quickly and easily slipped into my heart and made herself at home. You may not realize it, but from the moment I saw you, you captivated me with your smile. Oh, what I wouldn't give to see that smile right now," Jack spoke softly as he raised her hand to his lips. "We've dealt with some trust issues…I mean, I know I shouldn't have lied to you when we first met. I wanted to be honest. I wanted to keep you there all night and just talk. Unfortunately, our lack of honesty pushed us apart. But you know, I believe we were meant to be together. Think about it…in a city this large, two people rarely meet, go their separate ways and then meet again. Okay, okay, I know you're thinking that we would have met anyway, because your best friend is dating my best friend, and you're right…I don't deny that. But we didn't need them to work their magic on us; we found our way back to each other in sprite of our initial deception."
Jack glanced around the small room to make certain they were still alone. "You have every right to be upset with me, but…Elizabeth, I know that I'll win you over again. You see, I think…no, that's wrong; I know that we were made for each other. I felt it that first night we met, and even when I didn't know who you were, it didn't keep me from searching." Jack stopped for a moment and chuckled softly, "I even asked a doctor at the hospital whose wife is a teacher if she knew anyone in the school system named 'Grace.' She told her husband about one woman, and although I'm sure she is a lovely person, she obviously wasn't you."
Jack wiped his eyes, sweeping away the tears and sleep that had accumulated. "I'm sorry, maybe I've already told you that story before, but it's important for you to hear…you, my beautiful, sweet Elizabeth are the woman I want in my life, and I will do whatever I have to in order to prove that to you. You may not see it, but I believe that we are meant for each other. Wake up…wake up so you can either agree or argue. Anything is better than this silent treatment. I'm sorry; I know you can't help it."
Hours passed, the machine keeping track of Elizabeth's vital signs began beeping, so Jack stood, and pressed several buttons before the noise stopped. He returned to his seat and again slipped his hand under hers, seeing the increase in her heart rate when their skin touched.
The door opened, "I'm sorry, Dr. Thornton," Terri, Elizabeth's nurse, quietly stated, as if she was afraid that she'd wake up the patient. "I don't mean to disturb you. I came to check her machine, but I see you've already reset it. I'll stay out of your way, but I need to change her IV, and it's time for her pain meds…"
"You do what you need to. I'll stay out of your way…" Jack stated as his eyes remained on Elizabeth, seeking any sign indicating that she was waking from her deep slumber.
"These rooms are so small. I guess it makes it easier to tell family that not everyone can visit, because there just isn't a lot of room."
"Thank you for taking care of her. I want to make sure she's comfortable," Jack stated as he stood and stepped away from Elizabeth's bed and toward the door hoping to give Terri the space needed to move about within the small ICU room. "I'm going to step out, but I'll be back…"
"NO, no Jack, don't leave…please stay…please, hold my hand…I'm so scared, and I feel like I'm drifting away. Why are you leaving; I don't want to be alone. Jack, can't you hear me…?" Elizabeth's internal voice screamed.
Jack started to open the door, but turned back and looked at Elizabeth, almost certain that she'd called out to him. Unfortunately, there was no change, but yet, he sensed something, a difference in her. Turning back, he stayed out of Terri's way, but remained in the room. Stepping up to the open side of the bed, Jack leaned down and whispered, "I'm right here, and I'm not leaving," and again he took hold of her hand.
"If you need some time away, I can sit in here with her for a few minutes," Terri offered.
Jack stared down at Elizabeth's face, "No, I'm staying…"
"Okay, I'm done. Do you need anything before I leave?"
"No, thank you, though." Jack looked at his watch. Somehow, he'd been sitting by her side for over five hours. It was now 2:30am, and as the nurse left, his phone rang.
"Hello…" Jack answered it on the first ring.
"Jack, it's William Thatcher," he stated in a hushed tone. "Is there any change?"
"No sir. She's resting comfortably, though," Jack responded. He wanted to share that her heart rate increased when he held her hand, but he wasn't sure that meant anything more than she was either excited, or scared of him, the latter of which turned his stomach. "Are you and Mrs. Thatcher able to get any rest?"
"Is that my dad? Jack, tell him I love them. Jack…did you hear me?" Elizabeth's inner voice screamed.
"I finally got Grace to fall asleep, but if you're sure Elizabeth is okay without us, I'd like for her to rest some more."
Jack's eyes never looked away from Elizabeth. "Mr. Thatcher, Elizabeth seems comfortable, and there has been no other change. I'm here with her right now, and I'm not leaving. So, please get some rest and hopefully by morning there will be some positive change."
Jack placed his phone on the table beside the food and drink Lee left him, but he never consumed. He continued talking, hoping that Elizabeth could hear him. Cardiology was his specialty, but he'd learned in basic medical school classes that studies had shown patients in comas could hear the voices of those around them. His main goal was to get her to come back to her family and friends, and he'd deal with the consequences of her blaming him for what happened once she regained consciousness.
Jack heard the door open but never turned around. Matt stepped inside, "How's she doing?" he asked.
"Her vitals are stable, but she's still in a coma…" Jack replied, his eyes never leaving her.
"Hey, I'm free for a while. Why don't you go get some sleep and I'll sit with her," Matt offered.
"That's thoughtful of you, Matt, but I'm not leaving her. She doesn't know you, and I don't want her to be scared when she wakes up."
"Atta-boy, Jack. That's what I want to hear from you…when she wakes up, and she will," Matt stated. "You can't sit here with her all day every day. You know as well as I do that there is no way to tell when she's going to wake up."
"I have to be here to tell her how sorry I am…"
"Jack…It's not your fault. I don't blame you…Please, I wish someone would listen to me!" Elizabeth's inner voice screamed; and both her blood pressure and heart rate increased; although, outwardly, she remained quiet and still.
"Jack, this isn't your fault. You didn't do this to her," Matt responded.
"Maybe not, but I could have prevented it," Jack's guilt was obviously weighing heavily upon him.
"Look man, you don't know that, and you have to stop blaming yourself," Matt put his hand on Jack's shoulder. "I'll bet when she wakes up, she'll tell you the same thing."
"She is such a special woman, Matt…"
"You're really hooked, aren't you?"
"What…?"
"I didn't think there would come a day that a woman would affect you like this. You've always been all about medicine and your career. I mean, you're a very caring and compassionate doctor…you know, all the things we were encouraged to be in med school, but this…this is definitely personal. So, it's obvious, you've found that special woman who will make you want to settle down," Matt suggested.
Glancing up at Matt momentarily, Jack's eyes quickly returned to Elizabeth's face. As tears rolled from his eyes, he spoke softly, "They say, when you know, you know. I knew the moment I met her. I can't lose her, Matt."
"You aren't going to lose her. But I don't think she'd want you killing yourself without sleeping or eating, either," Matt replied in as compassionate of a voice as possible. "At some point, you need to go back to work…you can't be here 24/7."
"If that happens, then I'll hire a nurse to sit with her. I don't want her to be alone…"
"WOW, I hope I find what you have."
"Don't go looking for it, Matt. That special woman will come along when you least expect it," Jack pulled her hand up to his lips. "This may have done it for us, though."
"What do you mean?" Matt asked.
"How can she ever look at me as someone who can protect her when I let him attack her again. He wanted to kill her," Jack broke down as he held her hand. "I can't even look at myself in the mirror. He wanted to ra…"
"Jack stop… you know as well as I do that we can't be everywhere. As a doctor in this hospital, you're also aware that whenever a possible rape victim comes in, we have to do an exam. Because she came in beaten, unconscious and wearing only her under clothes, we did an exam with an SAEK (Sexual Assault Evidence Kit) and…"
"And what?" Jack asked, the oxygen in the room finding it difficult to make it passed the lump in his throat.
"She wasn't sexually assaulted, Jack. You got there in time…" Matt advised.
Jack closed his eyes and released a breath he had no idea he was holding. "Thank God for that, but I don't think she'll ever forgive me. Why should she…I'll never forgive myself."
Jack was exhausted, and emotionally broke down, "I'm sorry…this is just so hard. I don't think I can let her go, but really, how can she ever feel anything for me but contempt and anger? That's certainly not much to build a relationship on…"
"Jack, I don't know what I can tell you to make you understand. She's alive, and the test results show there's no reason she won't come out of the coma. You saved her…you didn't do this to her," Matt did his best to get Jack to understand.
"But I feel like I just handed her to him…"
Matt's hospital phone rang… "Dr. Hawkins…"
Jack paid no attention to Matt's call, focusing completely on Elizabeth's hand joined with his.
"Hey, I'm needed in the ER; call me if you need anything," Matt offered before leaving the room. "It's going to be okay, man…"
"From your mouth to her ears. I can only hope you're right," Jack responded as he raised his hand to say 'goodbye' without turning his eyes away from Elizabeth.
Jack heard the door open as Matt slipped out into the hall. "You know, I was patient when it came to you going out with me, but I have to tell you, right now, this waiting is hard. I need to see your eyes open. I want to tell you how sorry I am…please, Elizabeth… wake up…."
When she didn't move, Jack held her hand as his thumb brushed gently over her skin. Leaning over, his lips close to her ear, he whispered, "E-liz-a-beth, you mean so much to me, and I'm so thankful for the day you came into my life. You have no idea how you have opened my heart…please, please wake up."
"I'm awake, Jack. I'm right here. Can't you see…?" Elizabeth cried out, unfortunately, her voice could only be heard by her.
Reaching for his phone again, Jack pulled up the audio of the song they'd first danced to on the dinner cruise, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," by Frankie Valli.
He held her hand up to his lips, "Remember this song? Listen to it, Elizabeth. The words, they're powerful, and they're perfect." Jack sang as the song played through his phone; his voice wavering with emotion…
Pardon the way that I stare.
There's nothing else to compare.
The sight of you leaves me weak.
There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it's real.
You're just too good to be true…can't take my eyes off you.
Jack rested Elizabeth's hand beside her body, squeezing it gently. He knew from his earlier medical training that when talking to patients in comas, you should keep the topic light and upbeat. That was his intent, but his good intentions quickly went southward, for all he could think about was how he'd let her down.
Tears rolled down his cheeks, "I'm so sorry, Elizabeth. Everything, all of this is my fault. I should have walked you to your apartment, checked inside to make sure you were safe before I left. It shouldn't have happened…it wouldn't have happened if I'd seen you home…seen you to your door. I'm so sorry, and I don't blame you for hating me. But to hate me, you have to wake up. I'll take your anger at me as long as I know you're okay. Please, come back to all of us…your parents, Rosie, and me," he spoke softly as tears rolled down his cheeks.
"I'm here…I'm here, Jack. Why can't you hear me? It's not your fault; you saved me. Please, don't cry," Elizabeth's eyes remained closed…in her head, she was screaming, but outwardly she remained quiet, with tears rolling from the sides of her eyes as the only sign that Jack may be breaking through to her.
"Fight back, Elizabeth. You're the strongest woman I've ever known. You can come back to everyone. It's safe…" Jack was exhausted, and his tone was emotional, but he had no plans to leave her. He rose up from his seat, and leaned over her. He wiped her tears before gently and tenderly kissing her, just below her sutured forehead. "I'm not leaving you, but you have to fight…"
Jack rested his head on their joined hands. His eyes remained closed as sleep was beginning to consume him.
Suddenly, his eyes shot open as he felt her thumb brush across the top of her hand. As he leaned back in his seat, Jack observed her eyelids flutter. "Elizabeth…you're safe. Wake up…"
Slowly her right eye opened…
Jack immediately jumped into 'doctor mode,' and began checking her vitals, "You're safe, and your vitals are good. Just lay quietly. Are you in any pain?"
Her right eye was almost fully open, and her left looked much like a coin slot on a vending machine, as she finally responded, "No, no pain, just…so tired…"
"That's understandable. Just relax…you're safe," Jack spoke softly, having a hard time controlling his own excitement.
Jack sat beside her bed, holding her hand, and placing soft, sweet kisses on her knuckles. "Do you know your full name?"
"That's a stupid question. Don't you have my chart? I'm sure my name is on it."
"Humor me…"
"Okay, but I'm not laughing…Elizabeth Grace Thatcher…"
"What's your birthdate?"
"September 5th…"
"Do you know who I am…?"
She looked weary, but both eyes were now open. "Jonathan…I'm sorry, but I don't remember exchanging last names. Why are you wearing a doctor's coat; aren't you a mechanic…?"
"What…?"
"I'm sorry," her eyes closed but she continued talking, "Patient humor…"
"Not funny…"
"I'm laughing on the inside. Seriously, I know you're Jack Thornton. I'm sorry, that's Dr. Jack…" she swallowed, "Thornton." She was slow, and her voice was weak, but she was finally awake.
"Do you know where you are?" he asked.
"Hospital…why…?" her eyes closed. As they reopened, tears rolled across her temples, "Oh, I remember; he tried to kill me, Jack…and you…"
"Your parents and Rosie are here. I need to get your parents; they will be so happy to see you awake," Jack interrupted, concerned with where her thought was taking her. He stood and started for the door.
"No, Jack…wait." Her voice was weak, and he had to strain to hear her.
He rushed back to her bed, "Are you in pain?"
"No…yes, well, not if I don't move…or breathe or blink…" she tried to laugh, but barely managed to pass the words through her overly dry mouth. "May I have some water…?"
Jack grabbed a cup from the counter and poured cool water from a pitcher Terri had previously left on one of her visits during the night to check on Elizabeth. Picking up a straw, he unwrapped it before sticking it into the liquid and holding it for her to take a sip. "Not too much…"
"Mmm, that's better. Thank you."
Jack put the cup on the table and again started for the door.
"Wait, we need to talk, first," Elizabeth ran her tongue over her dry lips.
"Please, we can talk later. I know your parents will want to see you…"
"No, you and I have to talk before I see my parents; it's important."
Jack returned to her bedside, somewhat hesitant, and simply waiting on her to verbally blast him. However, if she didn't speak, there was still a chance that they could get through this with their budding romance intact. "You know, you should just relax. You really need to rest; we don't need to talk right now…"
"Yes, we do…"
"Look, Elizabeth, I'm…"
"Don't say it; don't you dare say it," Elizabeth responded as tears filled her eyes.
Jack was confused, "Don't say what?" Jack's arm rested along the mattress.
Elizabeth placed her hand on his, her fingers weaving easily through his as if they were made of water. "That you blame yourself. You think that this is your fault. That you should have done this or that…that you could have prevented it from happening. Jack, you aren't to blame for this…" she managed to say the words as the tears began to sting her eyes, managing to spill over onto her cheeks.
Jack stood up and grabbed a tissue, dabbing it below her eyes, wiping away tears as others formed to take their place.
"What are you talking about?" Jack knew, but he wasn't sure how she knew.
"I heard you, Jack. I heard you talking, and it wasn't your fault, none of this is your fault."
Jack returned to the seat beside her bed. He again took hold of her hand as tears filled his own eyes, "Elizabeth, I would give anything to turn back the clock. I would have ridden with you in the elevator to your floor, walked you to your apartment, stepped inside to make sure it was safe, kissed you good night and walked out. I would have known he was there, in your apartment, waiting for you. I would have protected you, and you wouldn't be here right now."
"No Jack; you wouldn't have seen him in my apartment."
"I would have, and I should have protected you…"
"No, you wouldn't have seen him, because he wasn't in my apartment. He was hiding in the hall somewhere. I never saw him. He came up behind me and pushed his way in when I opened the door. He wouldn't have done that if you had been there."
"That's what I mean; I should have been there to protect you…"
"No, he would have waited until you left and then he would have come back. Although, he's not bright, because I have a peephole and I would have seen him. Please Jack, you can't blame yourself; it's not your fault."
Suddenly Jack remembered that slight piece of evidence which proved what she was saying…the duct tape over the peephole would have kept his identity a mystery until she opened her door. Even knowing this information, Jack still felt guilty that he was unable to keep Ethan away from her.
"How can you, after everything you've been through, let me off the hook like that?" he asked, wiping her eyes before reaching for another tissue to brush away his own.
"I'm not letting you off the hook, Jack…you were never on the hook. If anything, you saved my life," she broke down as Jack leaned over the bed and held her. "I thought I could protect myself; I mean, I don't even know why I wasted my time on those self-defense classes."
Jack sat down on the side of her bed, "It wasn't a waste of time. You broke his nose, and gave me and the police time to get to you," Jack was adamant; his pride in what she'd done shined through. "It was not a waste of time…I think it saved your life."
"No Jack…You did, and I'll never be able to repay you…"
"Elizabeth, don't you know by now how much I care about you? I mean, we may not have known each other for a long time, but I've learned enough about you to know that I want to know more. You're awake, your vital signs are good, you're going to be fine, and you haven't kicked my butt out of your room, so I'm considering this a big time win for me," Jack stated as his broad smile covered his face. It was the first time he'd smiled in more than 24 hours.
As his arm rested beside her, her hand rubbed gently upward, causing him to wince when she moved across the wrap covering his sutures. "What's that…?" she asked.
"Oh, nothing; I'm fine…"
"Did he hurt you, Jack…?"
"It's just a cut on my arm. A doctor friend of mind took care of it, and I'll be fine."
Her tears were unrelenting, "You got hurt because of me…"
"Elizabeth, I'm fine…please, don't worry about me…"
"But I do. Jack, he could have killed you…"
"And he could have killed you, but he didn't. We're here, together. You're awake, and I feel so blessed to be able to look into your beautiful blue eyes again," Jack's smile was broad and bright. "I need to let your parents and Rosie know that you're awake. Everyone has been so worried about you."
"Okay, but I don't want to hear you say that it's your fault, because it isn't. The fault lies with Ethan, and hopefully he'll get what he deserves in court," she stated as Jack leaned over and gently kissed the top of her head.
"Thank you for waking up…" Jack stated softly as his smile brought about the deep dimples that Elizabeth loved.
"Did you get any sleep?" Elizabeth asked.
"Don't worry about me; I'm used to going without sleep…I'm fine," he responded, feeling energized knowing that she didn't hate him for what happened.
Now he was looking forward to notifying her parents and Rosie, but he wanted to make certain that her visitors didn't overwhelm her. Jack glanced at his watch; it was now 6:30 am. Terri had been in Elizabeth's room multiple times, but with him being a doctor, he told her to take care of the other patients, and he'd call her if he needed anything.
No assistance was needed before, but now it was. Jack opened the door and his complete demeanor had changed. Terri looked up from behind the counter of the nurse's station, "She's awake," he called out.
Terri jumped up, "That's wonderful. What do you need?"
"Could you check to see if she's due for her pain meds, please?" Jack asked as he continued down the hall. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Her parents crashed in my office suite, so I'm going to get them."
Stopping off in the waiting room, Jack found Lee sitting on the sofa, sound asleep. Rosie was lying beside him, her head resting in Lee's lap as his arm lay draped across her shoulders.
"Hey, Lee…Rosie," Jack whispered as he lightly shook Lee's shoulder.
Startled, Lee jumped and practically sent Rosie rolling onto the floor. "What's wrong…"
"Rosie, Elizabeth is awake…"
Rosie jumped up and headed for the door. Turning back to look at Jack, she stated, "You aren't going to try to keep me from her, are you?"
"You have to be very quiet and calm. I don't want her stressed, but you can sit with her until I get her parents."
Rosie ran back and hugged Jack, "Thank you…" but disappeared down the hall before he could respond.
Jack left Lee alone in the waiting room as he ran to his office to tell Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher.
Standing in front of the block of elevators, one door opened and as Jack ran in, he passed Elizabeth's parents who rushed out. As the doors began to close, both Elizabeth's parents and Jack realized what was happening, and Jack began pressing the button to open the door.
As the door fully opened, Jack couldn't contain his enthusiasm, "She's awake…"
Both Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher broke into thankful, appreciative smiles.
Jack bolted from the elevator, and they walked briskly toward Elizabeth's room. "Rosie is in with her…"
Jack slowly opened the door and heard Elizabeth speaking to Rosie, "Please, you have to make him understand; it isn't his fault."
"I'll make him understand…" Rosie responded.
"What day is it?" she asked.
"It's Monday morning…" Rosie replied.
Elizabeth pulled at her covers, "I need to get to work."
Jack entered the room with her parents behind him. "Hey, you have visitors," Jack spoke, hoping to announce himself and her parents. Approaching her bed he took her arm, "Where do you think you're headed?"
Elizabeth started to stand, but feeling woozy she dropped back down onto the bed. "You won't be going to work today, and don't count on tomorrow, either," Jack advised. "Rosie, can you call her supervisor and explain that she'll be out for at least the next few days? We'll reassess her condition after that."
"Yes, I'll be glad to," Rosie responded.
Jack walked back toward the door, "I hate to cut your visit short, but lets step out in the hallway and give her parents some time alone with her."
"Please, Jack…can you stay?" she practically begged.
"Sure, if that's what you want…" Turning his attention toward her parents, Jack added, "Just remember she has suffered a trauma; her body is tired, and she really needs to rest."
"Thank you, Jack for letting us spend some time with her. Her mother and I have no intention of upsetting her."
Jack sat back and allowed Elizabeth to visit with her parents. Most likely due to her pain medication, she drifted off to sleep several times, but was only asleep for short periods before waking again.
The conversation was pleasant and calm until Mr. Thatcher changed the subject and advised Elizabeth that he was going to prepare everything for her to return home to Boston once she was released from the hospital.
"Daddy, I don't want to leave. I want to stay. I have Rosie, and…" she glanced over at Jack as her father interrupted her.
"I realize that, honey, but you need to come home. Your mother and I let you try this, but it's over now…." Her father stated; his voice sounded extremely firm.
"Daddy, I'm not a child. I'm a grown woman, and I'm not leaving," Elizabeth, although weak, was just as firm. "I have court on Friday…"
"Elizabeth," Jack interjected, "that may need to be continued."
"No, no Jack; please I need to be able to end this. I can't handle another postponement. I need Ethan out of my life, and I need to be able to move on."
"Well, we'll have to see how you're doing in the next day or so before we make a decision on that. Besides, I'm not sure about Ethan," Jack replied.
He knew that Ethan was released and taken to jail from the hospital, but what the lawyers would choose to do from there would remain to be seen.
"If it has to be continued, you'll come home with us, and we'll see that you get back for the hearing," her father informed her.
Worried that this conversation would upset Elizabeth, Jack wanted to say, 'Mr. Thatcher maybe we should table this conversation forever, because she's not going back to Boston…she's already home.' Instead, Jack offered, "Mr. Thatcher, maybe we should table this conversation until Elizabeth is feeling stronger."
Elizabeth wanted to make certain that her father knew where she stood, "No daddy. My life is in Chicago now…besides, I was just offered a new job," Elizabeth advised.
"A new job? It's here in Chicago, right?" Jack asked.
"Well, I haven't accepted it, but I want to, and yes, it's here is Chicago, but specifically, it's here in the hospital…"
"Excuse me…?" Jack's eyes went wide. "It's here, right here in this hospital…?"
To be continued…
