Steady swimmer Chapter 7

A/N: I guess I wasn't as clear as I should have been. This story is AU FICTION. Any attempt to squeeze it into reality will, of course, be frustrating. Some readers, like myself, like AU stories. Some do not. If you don't, please read at your own peril! I appreciate ALL reviews; the good, the bad, the ugly. If bad or ugly – please try to tell me where and how I might do better. I do listen, even when I don't agree. In'joi!

BROKEN

ST. VICTOR'S ER

Armin hugs Eddie, virtually ignoring Jamie.

"Of course I came daddy, Jamie brought me," she reaches and grasps Jamie's hand again.

Armin gives Jamie a perfunctory nod; without eye contact.

Jamie responds with a smile, which Armin doesn't see.

Eddie notices and frowns.

Jamie squeezes her hand, and kisses her cheek.

Armin appears not to notice. Anything.

(Sorry to harp on this, it becomes important later)

2 HOURS LATER

A young Asian doctor, in bloody scrubs comes into the waiting room. "Family of Sophia Janko?"

Armin, Eddie & Jamie rise and approach the doctor.

"We are Mrs. Janko's family," Armin announces.

"I am Doctor Chan," he looks grim. "I'm sorry, but we've had some complications. Will you follow me, please?"

He leads them to a small conference room.

"Please, take a seat."

8888888888888888888

After they all are seated, the doctor begins, "Mrs. Janko is alive, but we had a challenging time with her. She coded once on the operating table; fortunately, we were successful in reviving her. The left hip was badly broken, shattered actually. It was very brittle"

Armin gasps and looks down. He refuses to show any emotion, or reach out to Eddie.

Eddie is trembling, holding so tightly to Jamie that he thinks she may crush his hand; he doesn't care.

The doc continues, "we finally got an artificial acetabulum to seat, and stay in place. We then had to place an extra-long ball and femur segment. Things are looking and working well at this point. Any questions so far?"

"No, sir," Armin whispers.

Eddie shakes her head; no. Jamie concurs with her.

"Because of the complex repair, Mrs. Janko will likely require an extended stay in rehab. I cannot stress too much the good that strong family support will be for her recovery. I hope you all understand that. Any questions?"

Armin raises his head and asks, "How long, doctor. In rehab, I mean?"

"I would estimate at least 3 weeks, maybe as long as 6 weeks. Her determination, and your support will be critical factors."

"Can we see her," Eddie asks.

"Yes, but she will be in ICU overnight, maybe longer. While in ICU, visitors are limited to one at a time. For tonight, we will relax that a little; two may visit her tonight. Tomorrow her condition will dictate visitation. A nurse will come and tell you when she is settled; and will lead two of you back to see her."

"Thank you," Eddie whispers. Armin nods.

88888888888888

WAITING ROOM

Armin sits with his elbows on knees, his head in his hands. The only sign of life is when his phone rings and he gets up to take a call. He says not a word to Eddie, he offers her no physical contact.

Jamie doesn't understand it. His family would be verbally and physically sportive of the grieving, suffering member – to excess sometimes. What a difference!

Jamie engulfs Eddie in his physical and emotional presence. He quietly pumps love and support into every pore, continuously. She soaks it up. 'This is family support! I love it, I love him!'

"Eddie, can I get you anything?" Jamie inquires.

"Ah . . . can you find me a Coke?"

"I'll try. I'm going to call my mom and update her." He had called home right after they had arrived at the hospital and had settled in the waiting room.

"Ok, don't be long, please," Eddie sniffles.

"I won't." Jamie lets go of her hands and walks off.

88888888888888888

"Reagan residence," Mary answers.

"Mom, it's Jamie."

"Jamie, how are things going?"

He updates his mom and tells her, "I'm going to stay with Eddie as long as she wants to stay, mom. If it's all night, so be it."

"Jamie, are you sure about that?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Eddie and I have expressed our love for each other, mom. I'm all in; I'll be supporting her all the way. I hope you can support me in this."

"Of course, Jameson. Just be careful, and respectful son."

"I will. I love you mom."

"Love you too. I'll update the family. Is there anything you or Eddie need?"

"No, I'll call if there is anything. Bye."

"Bye, son."

88888888888888

Jamie brings back a Coke and 2 bottles of water. He gives Eddie her soda and offers Armin a bottle of water. Armin takes it and mumbles a thank you. At least that's what Jamire thinks the mumble was.

He sits back down beside Eddie and she curls into his side. She does say thank you and pulls his hand to her lips for a soft kiss. She takes a couple of sips of her Coke.

After 30" a nurse comes and escorts Armin & Eddie back to the ICU. They stay for 15" then return to the waiting room.

"Jamie, do you want to visit mom?" Eddie asks.

"No, not tonight. Too soon after surgery. I'm here to support you, babe. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I want to stay the night. I want to be here in case something happens. Can you stay for a while?"

"As long as you stay, I'll stay."

"All night? You don't have to do that."

"Babe, I'm all in! You know that. I love you!" He whispers that last part, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Armin can't believe that last part. He keeps quiet.

Eddie snuggles closer.

After a while Armin gets up and motions for Eddie to follow him. They walk a little way down the hall.

"Edit, I don't want that boy staying with you!"

"What? Jamie is my boyfriend. He's staying to support me."

"Edit, I will not allow it!"

"Allow? Dad, please!"

"NO! He will go home, now!"

Armin marches back to the waiting room, Eddie trailing behind, distraught.

"JAMESON, you can go home, NOW."

"But sir, I'm staying to support Eddie."

"Edit and I are leaving now. She will come with me; you may drive yourself home. Is that clear?"

"Dad, I want to stay the night." Eddie is crying now.

"No, Edit. Your mother is being well cared for. We are going home, now." He knows that if he leaves Eddie here, Jamie will stay too. He will not permit that.

Armin takes Eddie by the arm and walks to the parking garage. She knows better than to resist. Her heart is breaking, tears overflowing.

Jamie lingers for a bit, in case Eddie does return to keep a vigil for her mom. She doesn't.

8888888888888888888888

BAY RIDGE

Jamie parks his car and walks into the kitchen. He finds Mary tidying up for the night.

"Jamie! I thought you would be longer at the hospital?"

"Well, I thought so too. Eddie wanted to stay the night; her dad said no, when he realized that I would be staying with her."

"Oh dear, how did that go over?"

"Not well. Eddie cried . . . but she didn't disobey her dad. I felt bad for her. Mom, I want to support her thru this!"

"And we will support you, son." Frank says as he walks into the kitchen. He overheard that last part.

"Thanks dad," Jamie hugs his parents. "Can I offer to pick Eddie up early and take her by the hospital before school?"

"Sure son. Whatever you need to do to support your girl, we'll support you in it," Frank says.

"Thanks dad, mom! Night."

"Night, Jamie."

88888888888888888888888

JAMIE'S ROOM

"Eddie Janko."

"It's me, babe."

"Jamie! I'm sorry. You shouldn't be tied up in my family mess."

"Eddie, remember, I LOVE YOU! I'm all in, supporting you. OK?"

"Oh, Jamie . . . I LOVE YOU TOO!"

"Listen, I'll pick you up early and take you by the hospital. Even if you can't see your mom, at least you can talk to a nurse and get a report. Ok?"

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. I'll be there at 07:00, and I'll bring breakfast."

"You spoil me!"

"I try!"

Before he calls it a night, Jamie talks with his mom about having some take-away breakfast ready to go in the morning. She is on board.

88888888888888888888

Throughout Mrs. Janko's 5-day hospital stay, Jamie faithfully transports Eddie to and from St. Victor's. He visits with her mom when she is up to it, and is there when Sophia is discharged; listening to all the discharge instructions and therapy prescriptions. He is determined to do all he can to support Eddie, his love, and her mother.

Some ice is melting between Sophia and himself. There is still a definite chill in the air when Armin is present. Fortunately, or not, husband and father is mostly MIA.

What a difference in families! Eddie is especially cognizant.

Jamie is especially helpful on discharge day. While Sophia is wheelchair transported in a van, he drives Eddie and all the home equipment home in his car . . . it barely fits.

He helps Eddie's mom get situated, supplies in the apartment, and Eddie settled too. He makes sure he has the next week's therapy appointments on his calendar, then says good-by.

Home therapy starts in 2 days!

88888888888888

TBC