Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: After Chuck shares the news of Kessel Run getting an investor with Sarah over a phone call, he along with Morgan and Kathleen do their homework on Everette Conway. The newest Rockstar Rebel that was chosen anonymously. At least that's what Chuck shared with Morgan and Kathleen in order to protect Conway's anonymity. In any case, doing there usual rundown in regards to getting to know Everett thanks to Alex, Chuck would have a idea that would most definitely be considered an absolute surprise if they're able to pull it off. The surprise is getting Vinnie Jones to appear at Bash At The Bench because Juggernaut if Everette's X-Men character. So they do all they possibly can involving social media minus their YouTube channel to avoid having Everette get wind out and spoiling the surprise itself. So what's in store for this chapter? According to Sarah's former co-workers what horror/thriller movie character is Graham compared to? Who does Sarah say her favorite classic tv show character is to Dr. Dreyfus? Where did Sarah do her internship and eventually work at before Langley Memorial Medical? How long did Sarah work in Langley Memorial before Graham made her deal with a problematic headache by the name of Kieren Ryker. Finally, why does Chuck find himself thinking he's Julia Robert's all of a sudden? Read and find out! Anyways, hope you enjoy the read and leave a comment to share your own thoughts on this particular chapters. As always, reviews are awesome.

Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment I truly appreciate it. Please continue to do so as it gives me the incentive to write more chapters.

I don't own Chuck.

Healing Old Wounds

XXX

"Welcome back Sarah. I'm glad you decided to return." greeted Dr. Dreyfus sitting in his dark brown leather chair. From his perspective, his newest patient seems to be more open than closely guarded as she had been yesterday while sitting on the couch across from him, which is leading him to believe she's made a positive leap forward.

"As Chief Beckman said..." she replied, with arms somewhat crossed and resting down on her lap. "...I've been provided an opportunity and I'm certainly not going to waste it." Sarah firmly emphasized, knowing it will most definitely do some good in the long run.

For Sarah, her conversation with Chief Beckman yesterday in the courtyard while sitting together on the blue bench concerning her former boss Langston Graham was truly enlightening. She always thought he saw and used her as a tool to do his own dirty work for him as his Wildcard Enforcer, which wasn't far from the truth. Her auburn haired boss truly opened her eyes to a side of a man who she considered to more of a father figure than her own father who was never really there for her, in every sense of the word.

"That's excellent to hear. It's a positive step in the right direction." he retorted, taking a second to jot it down in his notepad. Afterwards, he takes a moment to readjust his spectacles then peers up returning his attention to his patient on the couch looking considerably relaxed. "Ok, when last we left off you mentioned your lightning..."

In that instance, Sarah interjects raising her right hand. "I'd...umm...like to talk about something else for today if you don't mind. If it's okay with you."

"That's fine." the experienced therapist acknowledged with a nod. "We'll put a pin on it. Set aside that topic of discussion for our next session on how your bolt of lightning finally hit." Dr. Dreyfus briefly looks down at his notes. "Chuck Bartowski. His name, correct?" he noted back, peering back up again and looking towards Sarah. His newest patient nods leading him to comfortably settle in and then continues on. "What would you like to speak about?" he questioned, with utmost curiosity and keen interest on his part.

"I learned something yesterday that brought to light how my former boss actually helped save me from myself." she informed the older man sitting in the dark brown leather couch.

"How so?"

Sarah takes a deep breath before sharing their working relationship. What better way than to start from the beginning when she first started working at Langley Memorial Medical, she thinks to herself. "After graduating from Georgetown, I started working at Georgetown University Hospital practically from the bottom. I did my internship there while going to college in order to get some much needed experience under my belt. Next thing I know, a couple years pass and within a blink of an eye I'm the Practice Administrator there. The youngest person to ever hold that position."

"Tremendous accomplishment. You should be proud." pointed out Dr. Dreyfus.

"I was..." She quickly corrects herself. "...I mean I still am proud of that particular accomplishment. "It's what I was able to accomplish and achieve at such a young age that I suddenly became a blip on Director Langston Graham's radar of all people. He runs Langley Memorial Medical in D.C." Sarah shared, recalling how she initially became of an important interest to her now former employer.

"The way you said his name." the experienced therapist responded picking up something noteworthy. "A surprised tone. Shocked even, as best I can describe. Why?" he inquired, listening very intently.

In that instance, Sarah takes a moment to think about that question and let it sink in for a bit. After a few seconds of sitting there, she gives her answer to Dr. Dreyfus. "When I was growing up, I decided I wanted to be in the medical field and I knew using healing magic like the ones in Harry Potter wouldn't actually work..." the blonde briefly shrugged, with a faint smile on her face. "...but I didn't really know in what field. All I knew was I wanted to be part of something that helps people. Help make their lives better. You know?"

"The term for that is called being altruistic." chimed in Dr. Dreyfus, expressing a small grin. "Common amongst individuals who truly want nothing more than to help others, regardless of the impact it might have on let's say..." he shared, pointing to Sarah. "...yourself."

"Huh. I never knew that. You learn something new every day." faintly chuckled Sarah. She briefly shakes her head then continues on reflecting back once again. In doing so, she grabs a pillow that is situated behind her purse located to her right and sort of hugs it against her upper torso all-the-while looking ever so comfortable sitting there. "Anyways, I heard by word of mouth and rumblings going around that working for Langston Graham was considered challenging. A truly intimidating figure. From what I heard, he'd expect so much out of you and would give little to no praise at all in return. The reason his hospital had a reputation for such a high employee turnover rate. Plus, a number of former employees who had issues with him, for whatever reason, nicknamed him Candyman."

"Candy Man? Like the song that Sammy Davis Jr. sang?" inquired Dr. Dreyfus.

Instantly, Sarah shakes her head in response. "No. More like the movie about a scary killer in the realm of the paranormal usually shown around Halloween. Way taller than Sammy Davis Jr. I've watched the movie and I honestly didn't see it. No hook for a hand and bees coming out of his mouth that are kept in his hollowed-out abdomen, which are hidden underneath a large fur trench coat to hide his gross mutilated body because of being tortured. Nothing. That's pretty much the description and backstory of his character from what I remember. It's been a while since I've last seen it." Sarah shared, taking that moment to shrug her shoulders again.

"Not much into scary movies myself. I'm more into family comedies that I can watch with my grandkids like Angels in the Outfield, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Pagemaster, My Favorite Martian, The Addams Family and the sequel." he listed off, tickled at the thought of them pleading with him to watch it with them. Puppy dog eyes and the oftentimes deadly, as well as dangerous, pouty lips that he can't help but be wrapped around their little fingers. "I don't know what it is about those movies that I enjoy so much other than spending quality time with them."

"That's sweet. I used to watch the Addams Family tv series growing up. Cousin Itt still is my favorite character." she revealed, thinking back on a childhood that wasn't considered all that bad. "It's on TV land now where other classics are shown."

"Oh really." Dr. Dreyfus nodded. "I watched it myself when it actually aired week to week. That and Taxi."

"Taxi? I don't think I've seen it."

"Before your time. About a cab driving business. A cast of quirky and funny characters like Reverend Jim. As For the Addams Family, I leaned more towards Uncle Fester. I guess I just dated myself." he added faintly smiling, with a self-deprecating shrug of his shoulders. "Of course, between the series and 2 movies, I do favor the movie version of Uncle Fester. That's just me though." Dr. Dreyfus chuckled with amusement.

It's at that point, Sarah chimes in. "Oh, just a heads up though..." Sarah warned, pointing at Dr. Dreyfus. "...don't ever get talked into going into the bathroom and saying Candyman 3 times."

"I'll take it under advisement." he nodded, reaching up with his left finger to firmly tap the side of his nose. He then points to Sarah afterwards.

After sharing an amused chuckle together, the man who earned a doctorate and master's degree in his field of expertise jotted some notes down in his notepad. He clicks the top of his pen then lifts his head returning his attention back to his newest patient recommended to him by his old friend Chief Administrator Diane Beckman.

"Let's refocus back on your former position at Langley Memorial Medical shall we. What made you take the job?" he wondered, with genuine keen interest on his part.

That's a good question. It's what immediately came to mind while sitting there on the couch across from her experienced and not mention seasoned therapist. In her mind, she could give a myriad of different answers as to why she accepted a job that Graham offered her not really knowing at the time she'd eventually reach the position of Chief Operating Officer. However, it really circles back to the one person that's considered root cause of her being her in the first place...Jack Burton.

Thinking about it further, on one hand she could respond by saying that she wanted to prove herself to stick it to her father. To show him that she did it all on her own proving to him she was able to break the proverbial glass ceiling being the youngest female ever to be in a position of authority as Practice Administrator at Georgetown University Hospital.

It certainly became a driving force in having the determination, focus, and last but not least competitive spirit. To push herself beyond what she's capable of doing in regards to tapping into that innate inner strength she didn't know she had until she found, then utilized, it when she needed it the most.

"I consider myself a competitive person and I take up any challenge that lies before me partly instilled in me by my own father. This wasn't any different." Sarah replied, thinking back on her first introduction to Langston Graham. "Sure, I was scared, nervous, uncertain and thinking I may be in over my head, but I didn't show or act like it when I came face to face with the man. I needed to show him that I wasn't intimidated or going to back down allowing him to have the power. I decided to take control and that's when it all shifted."

"Shifted? How exactly?"

"It all started with a former colleague of mine named Kieren Ryker." answered Sarah. Right then, her eyebrows furrow and eyes express a glaring intensity as she is about to reflect back on what she considers a pivotal turning point in her career working for Graham.

XXX

"It was 3 months after accepting the position of Chief Operating Officer at Langley Memorial Medical." Sarah recalled. "I was tasked to face a challenge that would be considered my defining moment and setting the tone in becoming Langston Graham's right hand. His Wildcard Enforcer." she emphasized, taking a deep breath and giving an elongated exhale afterwards. She continues partially hugging the couch pillow that's now located more on her lap than against her upper torso area.

"This Kieren Ryker. What position did he hold?" inquired Dr. Dreyfus, leaning to his left while sitting as comfortable as he can in his dark brown leather chair. His left hand propped under his chin with his finger raised on the side of his cheek and thumb underneath for support. He intently waits for his patient's answer, which didn't take long at all for her to give.

"Senior Attending Physician in the area of Pediatric Medicine. A man who was incredibly good at his job, but could also be a self centered and quick tempered prick when it comes to believing in doing what's right vs. doing what's best for his young patients. His rebellious and at times cavalier going against the grain attitude resulted in reprimands in the form of verbal warnings, a number of disciplinary actions filed and noted on his record along with some very complicated ethical dilemmas faced involving the hospital itself. Think of him as if he was Doctor Doug Ross from the hit NBC show ER, but far less of a Hollywood leading ladies man ala George Clooney who portrayed the character.

"Very descriptive. A bit harsh as well, I might add."

"Doc, if you had gotten to know Kieren Ryker like I did, you would agree with me. He was married to the job and because of that he would get confrontational. It's why we never got along and constantly butted heads with each other." she retorted back, shaking her head. "It got to a point where it became a point of contention and a major headache for my former boss."

While sitting there, she vividly recalls the meeting she had in his office and the incredibly intense atmosphere emanating within the room itself. For her, she could see and not to mention feel the mixture of tension filled aggravation, annoyance, and heaping amounts of utmost frustration. Feelings and emotions that have been stewing within for years after dealing with his problematic employee for so many years before she arrived taking the position of Chief Operating Officer. It all came to ahead when Ryker made a decision resulting in a patient's diagnosis that would certainly make waves not just around the hospital, but in the media as well. Him thinking doing what's right superseded what the hospital felt was right would end up costing him his job at Langley Memorial Medical.

"It was 2002. It made headline news online and on television of a how a doctor misdiagnosed a young patient of his. A 6 month old baby girl to be exact named Jazmin. It even made international news since the family was vacationing from Budapest and were staying in D.C. for the night. They planned to head out in the morning and go on their way to California looking forward to visiting places like Disneyland, according to an interpreter for the distraught father." Sarah divulged, thinking back and trying not to skimp out on all the details.

"What was the misdiagnosis?" inquired Dr. Dreyfus.

"Shaken baby syndrome. Ryker was 100% sure it was and even convinced me with proof after he did a detailed work up on her." Sarah answered. However, she would shake her head knowing how the whole sordid and messy ordeal ended up turning out. "Yeah, sure I was convinced and it was one of those times where we set aside our difference to help in the health and well-being of a defenseless infant." she added, breathing out a reflective sigh of disbelief. "Of course, Graham wanted more tests done. Making sure every possible effort was done the right way in order to do what's best for the infant."

"So I take it there was a definite answer to what actually happened to Jazmin?"

"Yes. The baby actually suffered from BEAC. Benign Extra-Axial Collections. From what a well-respected specialist in the same field as Ryker confirmed in his report and in person, that there is a condition that exists where there is a little extra space between the child's brain and skull. It ends up stretching the vein between the surface of the brain and the big draining vein called the superior sagittal."

"You still remember that after all these years."

In response, Sarah shrugs her shoulders and then gives her response. "It's the cases that stick with you that have the biggest effect on you personally and professionally. There were moments when I would visit Jazmin before the whole ordeal got out of hand and just sit with her. Things in my life seemed far less important, complicated, and crazy as I sat with her, talked with her, and even sang for her when she would get a bit fussy."

"What song?"

"Something my mother used to sing to me when I was a baby. A Lullaby. It was also a song that I used to sing to my sister Molly when she was a baby." It's at that point Sarah begins thinking back and starts singing the lullaby without any objection coming from Dr. Dreyfus.

Slumber my darling
Your mother is here
Guarding your dreams from all terror and fear
Sunlight has passed
And the twilight has gone
Slumber my darling and the nights coming on.

Afterwards, Sarah shakes her heads refocusing her attention back to her therapist only to find that he's smiling at her. This causes here to respond with one word. "What?"

"Nice song. Mind if I use it for my grandkids, but change it up with grandpa instead of mother? I don't think your mother wouldn't mind."

"Go ahead. Hope it works for you, Doc." chuckled Sarah.

After taking a moment to laugh as well, Dr. Dreyfus returns the focus back on the subject at hand. "You know, that moment with baby Jazmin references back to your altruistic side, Sarah. Despite all that was happening, you did your best in focusing on what was most important instead of letting your ego and pride take over."

Sarah shrugs her shoulders once again. "Even Graham's dislike of Ryker was set aside as well. A momentary truce all for the sake of an innocent infant where all 3 of us mutually agreed to keep the matter in house until there would more tests be done if the original diagnosis was wrong. It happens all the time in the medical field."

"I'm assuming that momentary truce didn't last long." Dr. Dreyfus questioned, tilting his head briefly to the right. His right brow arching ever so slightly upward.

"You would be right." nodded Sarah. "He went rogue and leaked the situation to the press after agreeing to keep it in house. DCFS..."

"Department of Children and Families services." chimed in Dr. Dreyfus. "I am very familiar with them."

In that instance, Sarah nods and surmises that in his line of work that when it comes to family or individual therapy DFCS can certainly come to play, especially when children are involved. In any case, her thoughts refocus on the matter at hand regarding the baby infant.

"That's when Pieter and Lili Burkesh hired a lawyer and filed a lawsuit against Graham, as well as the hospital involving Jazmin. That's when me being 2nd in command of Langley Memorial Medical had to do some major damage control and keep Graham calm as best I could at the same time. That in itself would most definitely be considered a tremendous undertaking." she once again divulged. "At the same time, I would end up becoming the face of the hospital even though they had a go to spokesperson when doing press conferences. That was considerably overwhelming since I was a pretty much a newbie in my position. Being thrown into the deep end and all that."

"I'm sure it was. How was Graham's mental and emotional state during that time?" the experienced therapist asked. "Difficult to be around and work with?" he wondered.

"You could say that. He blew off steam by yelling and screaming at me. Plus, throwing stuff at the wall in his office. Let me point out though..." she said leaning forward sitting on the couch. Her right finger adamantly raised in the air in front of her. "...Graham never hurt me physically. I just want to make that perfectly clear. Not once did he ever do that." insisted Sarah, emphasizing that piece of information regarding her working relationship with her former boss. "I considered...still consider him a father figure to this day knowing what I know now from Chief Beckman."

Dr. Dreyfus acknowledges Sarah's response concerning Langston Graham not being physically abusive to his latest patient. In his line of work, he's met countless others sitting on that same couch who experienced a plethora of abuse in many different forms. Marriage and dating relationships abuse mostly, being in the area of family or individual therapy. In his mind, it's considerably difficult to not get personally attached to patients who deep down know it's not their fault but can't help think and/or feel that way, especially those who can't or are unable to speak for themselves. Essentially, it can truly take its toll to the point where it ultimately becomes a mental and emotional distraction professionally, he thinks to himself.

"So, I take it Kieren Ryker was fired?" questioned Dr. Dreyfus.

"It was my red test that Graham gave me to see if I would either pass or fail the order I was given." stated Sarah, furrowing her eyebrows afterwards.

XXX

"Red test? Care to explain?" A look of intrigued curiosity once again looms on Dr. Dreyfus' face after hearing those two words uttered by Sarah.

"A red test in Director Langston Graham's view..." began Sarah, thinking back on the particular moment in time. "...is his own version of a probationary period final exam. To prove your worth and loyalty usually initiated for employees in higher ranking positions who have completed their first year. I'd been only working for him as Chief Operating Office for 3 months when I was given my red test." she shared, explaining it in its simplest terms for the seasoned therapist.

"A tremendous amount of pressure placed on your young shoulders. Did you have any belief within yourself that you could handle what you'd been tasked to do?" noted Dr. Dreyfus.

Sarah nods without even thinking about it. "I did what was best for the Langley Memorial Medical, especially after finding out the lengths he went after leaking the situation to the press." She's silent for a moment shaking her head a bit then begins again. "As for having belief in myself in being able to handle what I've been tasked to do? Hmmm. I think it goes back to what Graham said to me on my very first day on the job when I came face to face with him."

"And that was?"

"Sometimes doctors lose their way and never make it back. It would be up to me to handle the situation knowing he hired me because of how much potential he saw in me." Sarah answered, somewhat prophetically. "To become his right hand and not end up losing my way in the process the way Ryker did."

"How did you respond?

"Accepted my role and told him not to worry. That he won't lose me and I'll be able to handle whatever task given no matter how challenging it was." the Chief Operating Officer retorted.

"Bold statement to respond back with."

"I had something to prove not just to myself, but to Graham as well. That I am capable of accomplishing what I set out to do." she firmly responded back.

"Stemming back to your competitive nature." he remarked, jotting it down on his notepad beforehand.

"That's right." Sarah nodded. "He even went so far as to share how he took a keen interest in me and kept a watchful eye on my progress during my time at Georgetown University Hospital. That was surprising to hear coming from him."

"So, you think he had someone on the inside spying for him to keep tabs on you?" asked Dr. Dreyfus, quirking his right brow.

"Probably and I call it more like scouting than anything else. Plus, a man of his reputation has quite possibly eyes and ears everywhere when it comes to choosing people to work for or alongside him. It's as if he works for some government agency like the C.I.A. or something." mused Sarah, shaking her head.

After thinking about it for a moment, she knows how Graham operates and thinks to the point where she wouldn't put it passed him to do something such as having someone on the inside scouting her, she thinks to herself. Her thoughts concerning that particular matter are refocused back to the resulting aftermath dealing with a considerably problematic Kieren Ryker.

"Anyways, he would be fired a month and half later after I used some of my unorthodox resourcefulness to find out he'd done some highly unethical and outlandish things like bribing, to the point of threatening, the nursing staff that were on duty that time to lie for him. Thankfully, it didn't go to court but lawyers did become involved." she shared, taking a deep breath afterwards. "I knew he was hiding something, but didn't know what it was. I felt it in my gut. Thus, I would be dubbed Graham's Wildcard Enforcer because of my unorthodox ways of getting answers or solving problems."

"Interesting. I would like to delve more into that. Wildcard Enforcer. A title you were ceremoniously dubbed with by Langston Graham.

"Sure, Doc. Fine by me." shrugged Sarah, open to delving into that particular aspect of her position. "I had to hold myself to a demeanor in which I lacked a certain amount of empathy when I had to handle a situation or any sort of problem. Plus, enforcing rules and policies that tend to get ignored. I did it in a cold and calculating robotic way. Sort of like the actor who portrayed the T-1000 liquid version Terminator in the sequel, Judgement Day. Robert Patrick, I think is his name."

"I've met him. Nice fellow."

"Awesome. I remember he took over after David Duchovny's character Fox Mulder left the series The X-Files. Was it for a role in a movie he was going to be in?"

"Sorry, can't answer that." he answered, with his eyebrows raised up and eyes a bit wider than normal.

"Ah." nodded Sarah, instantly realizing what he meant by that. She then once again returns the focus back to her title as Graham's Wildcard Enforcer. "I remember mentioning to Chuck, a couple of staff, and fellow colleagues during a meeting when I became boss temporarily, after Chief Beckman went on a much needed vacation, that I developed a reputation for being very unpredictable, Whatever Graham needed me to do, I came back with results by any means necessary. The staff, and not to mention my fellow colleagues at Langley Memorial, either disliked, hated, or resented me for it. In most cases, all of the above. At first, I ignored it and just went about doing my job much to my enjoyment. At times a little too much. Then it got to the point where I just didn't care."

"Do you remember when exactly?"

A brief moment of silence is given in response as Sarah takes a second or two to think back. She then gives a quick nod and speaks up as if she suddenly remembers the exact moment in question. "When I called off my wedding to Cole. There was a considerable amount of unresolved anger and I didn't know what to do with it. So..."

"So, you took it out on the staff and your colleagues at Langley Memorial Medical." instantly chimed in Dr. Dreyfus.

"Unfortunately." Sarah shrugged with regret. "Yet, somewhere along the lines Graham changed as well. Rumor had it his marriage was falling apart but he kept his personal life very private. I didn't even know he was married. Actually, nobody really did with the exception of maybe Chief Beckman." she added, shaking her head thinking back on the overall mystique of one Director Langston Graham.

"It seems to humanize him don't you think? No longer seen as a larger than life figure akin to the all powerful Oz if compared to." Dr. Dreyfus suggested.

Sarah expresses a faint grin in response and being briefly silent for a moment she then continues on. "Even though he was hardest on me most of all and expected more out of me, there were rare occasions he asked about my lady feelings."

"Lady feelings?"

"It's a term the hospital's head of security John Casey coined." answered Sarah. "You'd probably have a field day if he were sitting on this couch, if you could actually get him to talk. I think you'd be a miracle worker if you made it happen." she added with an amused chuckle.

Dr. Dreyfus expresses his amusement with faint laughter on his part. Afterwards, he gives his response. "What makes you think I haven't?" he retorted back, quirking his right brow. After saying saying, he could clearly see the realization setting in from where his latest patient is sitting. In that instance, he can sense that Sarah wants to know more but takes that opportunity to refocus back on the topic at hand.

"So, were there any instances other than asking about your lady feelings in which you were able to get a glimpse of Graham's humanity. His human, more personable side?"

"Well, there was the time..."

For the past 20 minutes or so, she shared from her own perspective heartfelt and not to mention endearing moments between the two of them that have positively stuck with her involving Director Langston Graham. It was during those 20 minutes, the mood gradually changed within the room as Sarah smiled and laughed, sharing memories that would end up giving the Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center a new found sense of respect to her former boss. A sense of respect where it was the seemingly insignificant things done or said that shed light on how he looked out for her all throughout her years at Langley Memorial Medical more than she ever realized. It's that realization that Sarah made on her own that would cause Dr. Dreyfus to do something completely unexpected much to his patient's surprise.

"I think we've made some considerable progress when it comes to moving on from your past, especially with your old life in D.C., Sarah." positively remarked Dr. Dreyfus, with a sense of encouragement. "Now, you mentioned earlier in our session that you knew healing magic like the ones in Harry Potter wouldn't actually work."

"Yes, that's right. I was a kid wrapped up in the whole Potterverse and still am as an adult. Immersed myself in reading all the book and watch all the movies so far."

"Like my grandkids." Dr. Dreyfus retorted with laughter. He shakes his head knowing how wrapped up his own grandchildren have gotten within that whole realm of fantasy genre.

"Ok. So, what magical spell would best fit ending today's session and closing the chapter on any harsh feelings, as well healing old wounds concerning your former boss?"

A look of surprise is shown all over Sarah's face after that question is specifically asked. Afterwards, she searches her memory banks for the right spell that would heal, so to speak, the wounded relationship she had, or in this case may have again, with Director Langston Graham. Anything can happen, she thinks to herself. After careful consideration on her part, she finally chooses the spell then leans forward with a smile on her face while looking directly at Dr. Dreyfus.

"Vulnera Sanentur." she confidently called out.

XXX

The office door of one Vivian McArthur opens as a young female representative steps aside with Chuck stepping forward with an impressive smile on his face as he looks around his childhood friend's surroundings. For him, it's been a while since he stepped foot in the law firm of Winterbottom, McArthur, & Associates knowing that the last time he was there he talked to Hartley concerning the possible whereabouts of his father, which turned out to be a dead end. Of course, Chuck is still grateful that his foster father is still dedicated when it comes to not giving up the search for his best friend and brother not related by blood. In any case, the only child of Hartley and Della Winterbottom stands up and happily exchanges a smile with Chuck as he gives him a warm family embrace.

"When I got the call you were downstairs, I was a bit surprised. What brings you down here, Chuck? Legal troubles? Sarah?" she inquired, quirking her right brow a tinge of concern in her voice.

"Oh no..." he said briefly waving both hands in front of him. "...nothing like that. Sarah and I are awesome. More than awesome." Chuck added, expressing a toothy smile. "Actually, I'm here to ask do you and Hartley have anything planned this weekend?"

"Nothing really." In that instance, Vivian motions for her quintessential foster brother to have a seat leading Chuck to sit in the chair closest to him, situated in front of Vivian's desk. Afterwards, she continues on while making her way back and sits down behind her desk. "The weekend gives us the opportunity for us to recharge our batteries since crime never really sleeps. Last week was considerably barmy for us dealing with the company that owns the luxury ship The Contessa." she stated, briefly shrugging her shoulders.

"Yeah, I heard about that on the news. The two owners are Roni Eimacher and Barry Greenfield." he shared.

"Two individuals who are in our sights and responsible for the major catastrophe that happened involving a laser light show. Among other things as well. We have them dead to rights. Our clients have been waiting for this case to go to court for a year. Granted, their physical wounds have healed but not the mental and emotional wounds that still linger." nodded Vivian, with a seemingly intense ere of confidence.

"Good luck. I'm sure you and Hartley are going to kill it." remarked Chuck, leaning forward to knock on the corner of the wooden desk. Afterwards, he changes the subject to refocus on why he's sitting in Vivian's office. "Anyways, the reason I'm asking about what you and your dad are doing this weekend is Westside Medical Center annual hospital gala is happening. This year it's sponsored by Make A Wish Foundation and since you both practically helped in doubling Cherice Baxter's medical bills I thought I'd ask personally."

"How sweet of you." responded Vivian, beaming with a smile of appreciation. "I can't speak for my father but I would be delighted to attend. Gives me an excuse to get all fancied up."

After saying that, the sound of a knock is heard leading Chuck and Vivian to turn their attention to the office door opening up with Hartley poking his upper half inside. "Vi..." He stops midway in saying his daughter's name when he notices Chuck sitting there causing him to express his unmistakable wide smile. "Charles, my boy! What brings you here to honor and grace us with your presence!?" he happily greeted with exuberance, stepping forward to shake hands with a now standing Chuck Bartowski. The two then exchange a momentary hug afterwards.

Instead of Chuck answering, it's Vivian who provides her father with the information. "He's invited us to attend a hospital gala this weekend, father. It will be sponsored by Make a Wish Foundation and he thought he would come down personally to ask. I said yes since I don't have anything planned this weekend. Saturday to be exact. You?"

"I do..." responded Hartley, keenly noticing the looks of disappointment on Vivian and Chuck's face. "...but I'll clear my schedule. Just for you, lad." he added, pointing to the youngest Bartowski sibling. Afterwards, he steps back looking at the self-professed nerd up and down, leading Chuck to express of mixture of confusion and wonder. His attention briefly turns to Vivian who expresses the same look as she observes her father apparently sizing up a man who she considers family.

"Hartley?" breathed out Chuck.

"Son..." began Hartley, crossing his arms expressing a seemingly intense look towards him. "...what will you be wearing to the gala?"

"Well, I'll be wearing what I've always worn. My dad's suit. It's the only suit I own."

A look of shock, horror, and surprise is expressed on Vivian's face as she gets up from her desk to where she stands next to the man she grew up with. "Bullocks. You're joking, right?"

Chuck is about to respond when Hartley chimes in. "You don't mean the one you wore at your high school graduation, do you?"

"That's the one." Chuck stands there darting his eyes back and forth at both individuals who are seemingly in stunned silence after sharing that bit of information. "Listen, it's the one thing that I have of my dad's that I wear on special occasions that warrants me to dress up. It has sentimental value."

There are a few moments of silence between Vivian and Hartley as they take a moment to exchange a father-daughter look. In doing so, a non-verbal exchange happens that both individuals seemingly know what the other is thinking, causing Chuck to wonder what is up, clearly noticing the exchange as well. He wouldn't have to wait long to find out as Hartley speaks up. "Then let's remedy that, lad."

"Remedy what?"

"A new suit or tux. Saturday morning and go for a fitting."

"And..." stated Vivian, stepping back and looking at Chuck from head to toe. "...a professional makeover. I'll text you where you'll meet us. Everybody will be gobsmacked, especially Sarah. Do you agree, father?" she added, with a firm and determined nod.

"Indeed." His attention then turns to Chuck. He locks eyes with the young man he helped raise with his late wife Della after his parents left him and Ellie. "You're going to feel like a whole new man after this, Charles." he firmly stated, stepping forward and reaches up to places both hands on his shoulders.

A mixture of emotions can be seen within the eyes of Chuck by Hartley while standing there, locked eye to eye with him. His concentration would suddenly be broken by Vivian suddenly appearing in his peripheral vision causing both men to turn their heads towards her. Both men, mainly Chuck, notice Vivian solely focusing on Chuck's hair. She then reaches up, rustling and raking her hands through it.

"Time for a change, Chuck. Are you up for it?"

It suddenly dawns on Chuck what he's gotten himself into and although he wants to back out of it, he can't help but feel a fresh look is needed. After looking back and forth at Vivian and Hartley who are dead set on doing this and just waiting for him agree to it, he gives his response. "Why do I suddenly feel like I'm Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman?" he breathes out, completely dumbfounded.

XXX


NOTE: So what do you think? Sarah making progress yet again in her therapy session with Dr.. Dreyfus to the point of bonding over classic television shows. Hope you caught some of the series references from season 5 in this chapter. As for Chuck, he's getting a complete makeover with the help of Hartley and Vivian. That's going to potential be a fun chapter to write knowing there are 2 series character that will possibly show up involved in Chuck's transformation. Anyways, leave a comment and share your thoughts. Thanks for being supportive of this story and to NEVR for doing the beta. You rock dude as always!