Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, here's what happened in the previous chapter: Bentley asked Sarah what she mostly remembered on that horrifically traumatic day. She shared what she remembered and the shocking moment where Chief Softer suddenly took over Chuck's surgery, which Beckman agreed to. Thankfully, Chuck's surgery went well. Moments after Bentley interviewed Hartley and Vivian. Unfortunately, the interview got a bit heated when the subject of Chuck's parents abandoning him, and Ellie was brought up by Bentley. Hartley and Vivian didn't take too kindly to it and took it very personally. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and Bentley was informed that they worked closely with a LAPD Detective name Lau "Smooth" Jalene who was assigned to investigate the case. The case against Lizzie Shafai otherwise known as Pita Girl. A case where Detective Lau shared with Bentley that they found more than they bargained after getting a warrant to search Lizzie's place. So, what happens in this chapter? Here are the who, what, where, when, why, how's? Who does Chuck call out when he finally wakes after surgery? What does Detective Lau find in a locked room after she and police enter Lizzie's place? Where did Lizzie want to go in one of the videos that were found that was used as evidence? When did Chuck share his version of what happened before getting stabbed? Why were Dr. Busgang and Dr. Dreyfus interviewed by Bentley? How does Chuck react to Chief Sofer's plan to help get fully recovered? Read and find out! I hope you enjoyed 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!
Doctrine of Proportionality
XXX
6 Months Ago
2 Days After Attack
"Wha…What happened?" Chuck groaned, waking up groggy in his hospital bed. It took him a moment to get his eyes focused as he called out the first name that came to him. "Sarah!?" he faintly uttered, in his weakened state.
The sound of Chuck's voice and the vital sign monitor going off caused Sarah to stir in the chair she was sleeping in next to him. It wasn't long before she was suddenly made aware of who was calling out to her. She immediately scrambled out of her chair and reached out to hold both of Chuck's hands after he attempted to remove his nasal cannula.
"Chuck, I'm here," she softly answered. A mixture of worry, relief, and happiness expressed in the sound of her voice as she gently cupped Chuck's face with her hands. "Baby, I was so scared and I didn't know if…"
"Where am I?" Chuck interjected, cutting off a clearly emotional Sarah.
For the last 48 hours, she was by Chuck's side and her duties as his future wife superseded her duties as Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center. Fortunately for her, Chief Beckman understood that knowing how much the auburn haired administrator truly cared about the two of them as if they were her own children. In any case, it took a moment for Sarah to compose herself after being an emotional wreck since the attack happened. After expressing a very relieved smile, Sarah answered his question.
"5th floor," Sarah did her best to calm herself down after waking up in a frantic frenzy after realizing Chuck regained consciousness. "You've been out since Friday."
At that point, she hesitated in asking the one question that could cause him to spiral. However, as much as she was hesitant in potentially freaking out, she would always be there for him to talk him down. Chuck would do the same for her, she thought to herself.
"Hey, look at me." Unfortunately, Sarah had a bit of difficulty in getting Chuck to do that. In his weakened and groggy state, he was still trying to get his bearings straight and it didn't help that he was squirming in his bed. It wasn't long before Chuck suddenly growled and hissed in pain, which caused him to tightly shut his eyes. Thankfully, that momentary opening gave Sarah the opportunity to repeat what she previously requested for him to do. "Baby, I need you to open your eyes and look at me," Sarah briefly paused and leaned in closer before she continued on. "Please."
At that point, someone entered Chuck's hospital room. "Chief?"
Sarah looked over her left shoulder and saw one of the nurses who was assigned to Chuck. "Lauren, page Chief Sofer and call Chief Beckman. Tell her Chuck's awake."
"What about, Dr. Woodcomb?" inquired the 5th floor nurse.
"I'll call Ellie."
"Yes ma'am." Lauren complied.
Afterwards, Sarah's attention returned to Chuck who still had his eyes tightly shut. She waited with anticipation for him to open his eyes and while doing so, she gently stroked his cheeks with her thumbs. Fortunately, it seemed to work. It wasn't long before his eyes finally opened and she was able to stare into the same brown eyes she first fell in love with 2 years ago. The fear and uncertainty that was seen in his eyes before was soon replaced with a sense of calming peace and familiarity.
"Hey, you." she whispered out.
"Sarah." he breathed out. A few seconds later, Chuck slightly furrowed his eyebrows. "You look awful," Chuck honestly pointed out. He was finally able to be fully focused on her after waking up in such a cloudy haze.
"Thanks," Sarah responded, expressing an amused smile. She shook her head knowing it was absolutely true. The fact she didn't have any makeup on or was wearing the same sweats for the past 48 hours, made that evidently clear. Plus, she hadn't washed her hair so she tied it back in a ponytail. However, she didn't care about how she looked because all she cared about was the man laying in bed who was now awake. Also instead of wearing high heels she wore her favorite pair of fitted slippers that were absolutely comfortable. "Do you remember what happened to you?"
Chuck was silent for a moment as he laid there and thought back on the reason why he was in a hospital bed on the 5th floor. His eyes suddenly widened when the realization set in.
"Knife!" he hollered out, attempting to sit up.
Unfortunately, his attempt in sitting up failed causing him to growl and his pain again. His eyes were momentarily shut tight as he breathed through the pain that slowly subsided. Thankfully, Sarah's soothing voice and the gentle touch of her hands on either side of his face immensely helped him ease out of his painful discomfort as well. After breathing out a sense of relief, Chuck slowly opened his eyes.
"I'm okay," Sarah uttered, with reassurance. "I wasn't hurt. All you need to know is that Casey and his security team took the person responsible and was arrested." she further shared. After he heard that, Chuck expressed his all too familiar toothy smile. "There's that smile I know and love."
The couple shared a heartfelt, poignant moment together before Chuck's trademark toothy smile faded away. A few seconds later, he asked one question. "Why?"
Sarah shook her head. "I don't know. It's crazy but she'll get punished for it. The police are trying to find out, baby." she answered. "Let's just focus on you getting better alright?"
Chuck nodded. Afterwards, she leaned down and softly pressed her lips against his. The kiss between them lasted for a brief moment before Sarah removed her hands from either side of Chuck's face. A few seconds later, she retrieved her iPhone from her right front pocket of her sweatpants.
"I'm not going anywhere." Sarah assured him. "I'm just calling someone who will probably be more happy than I am that you're awake?" she added, placing her iPhone up to her right ear.
Sarah took a few steps back and stood at the end of Chuck's bed. After waiting for a few seconds, a smile was expressed on her face.
"Hey El…"
XXX
The Present
"Could you elaborate further, Detective?" questioned Bentley, with keen interest.
Lau was briefly silent as she sat across from Bentley. Speaking of Bentley, she keenly observed the veteran detective as she sat there and gathered her thoughts. A few seconds later she responded.
"Over my 10 year career in the LAPD," She paused. "5 as a Detective. I've worked on a number of cases where the prime suspects were mentally disturbed and this case is no different." she added, shaking her head.
"Have any stuck with you personally?"
"They all do," Lau momentarily paused before she continued on. "Some more than others," she added, shaking her head. "There are times where I want to see the doctrine of proportionality happen," she shared. "But you stick with the justice system in hopes the right call is made."
"What is the doctrine of proportionality?"
"It's another term for letting the punishment fit the crime." she explained. "Especially if those crimes involve kids."
"How do you cope?" Bentley wondered.
The veteran detective hesitated as if she was struggling whether or not to answer Bentley's question, which the award-winning documentarian picked up on. Afterwards, she didn't want to push the issue further and decided to put the focus back on the investigation. Bentley nodded after she took a moment to clear her throat she resumed her line of questioning concerning the case.
"Anything out of the ordinary when you entered where Ms. Shafai lived?"
Bentley's questions broke Lau out of her momentary haze. It took a second to gather herself before she answered the documentarian's question. "Nothing really stood out." noted Lau. "At first glance, the suspect's apartment looked seemingly normal as we made our initial perimeter sweep downstairs before we headed upstairs. It was comfortably spacious and suited for a 27 year old single woman living in the Overland Ave area of Los Angeles. She was able to afford it since she does baking tutorials on her own successful YouTube channel called the Pita Parlor. " she noted.
At that point, the interview between Bentley and Detective Lau cut to footage from a police officer's body cam. It showed the search was already in progress of Lizzie Shafai's apartment after obtaining a legal warrant to enter the premises the following morning.
Detective! I think I may have found something upstairs!
What is it, boot?
A locked room. What do you think, Lieutenant?
We have the authorization to search every room.
So, since we don't have a key…
The officer's body footage cam showed Lau turning around, lifted her right leg a bit, and back kicked the door. Fortunately for her, the first attempt in gaining access to the locked room worked as the door flew open.
Holy ****! I guess that's why everybody at the department calls you Smooth.
Among other things. Right Lieutenant?
Remind her to tell you about the time she wound up in a close quarter combat fight with a female suspect. She didn't make her arrest easier on Smooth, that's for sure.
Seriously?
There's nothing like having your head repeatedly smashed against a car steering wheel's horn.
Woah!
Move your ass, boot.
Yes, Lieutenant.
After all 3 individuals entered the room and turned on the light, the officer's body cam footage showed what looked like a decorated room. A decorated room that was totally dedicated to the man she nearly stabbed to death in the hospital courtyard. As the footage rolled on, the officer's body cam slowly circled the room and revealed not only pictures plastered all over a room, but a shrine that paid homage to Chuck. However, that wasn't the most unsettling thing found in the room.
The Present
"My face on a mannequin's head," Chuck uttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "And wearing a wedding tux. Next to it was another mannequin wearing a wedding dress. Apparently her wedding dress. It wasn't an awesome sight looking at those photos."
"It was quite evident looking at the body cam footage with Detective Lau that Lizzie was preparing to get married to you, Chuck." Bentley pointed out. She briefly paused and furrowed her eyebrows before she continued on. "Not only that, there was additional evidence that further proved that she believed that you two belonged together." she added,
"Chuck nodded. "The video where I proposed to Sarah in the courtyard. She was somehow able to digitally impose her face over Sarah's.
"Detective Lau was able to go through her phone and laptop as well. There were more videos with her talking about how Sarah didn't deserve Chuck. How," revealed Bentley. Afterwards, she briefly looked down at the notecards in her hands. "She would have been better off quitting the hospital and getting back with her ex when he showed up. There was even one video where she planned to make contact with her dad but didn't go through with it."
"Thank God that didn't happen." Morgan responded, raising both eyebrows.
"Indeed, buddy." nodded Chuck. "
"According to Detective Lau, there was an actual timeline of her videos put together of her transformation into someone who gradually lost all semblance of reality." the award winning documentarian noted. "In her last video," Bentley stated. "The night before she ended up attacking you, she blamed Sarah for getting in the way of their love."
"You actually saved your wife, dude!" Morgan uttered, proudly smiling.
After Bentley heard Morgan mention that, it gave her the opportunity to ask a question that was intended for him earlier when he and his wife interviewed together. Unfortunately, she ended up asking Sarah a question instead. In any case, as she sat there across from Chuck she saw the reality of the situation hit Chuck knowing what could have been if he didn't react quickly enough and was too late in saving his wife.
"What do you remember most about that moment before you repeatedly got stabbed, Chuck?"
The question left Chuck briefly silent as she sat there about to relive something absolutely horrible that left nearly paralyzed. After he took a deep breath, he did his best to recall what happened.
"I remember seeing a woman coming towards Sarah with a knife," shared Chuck. "At the time, I didn't know it was Lizzie. The next thing I know I grabbed Sarah and pulled her to the other side of me. After that," he recalled, shaking his head." I suddenly felt like I got punched in my back. I honestly didn't think I was actually stabbed."
"Dr. Sofer said it was probably due to the rush of adrenaline you were feeling during that moment." Bentley retorted.
As Chuck momentarily thought back on that horrifying moment, he suddenly felt a twinge of pain from his lower back causing him to faintly grimace. It caused him to adjust the way he was sitting in his seat, which Morgan and Bentley noticed. A few seconds later, Chuck spoke up.
"What I remember happening next was feeling a stinging, warm sensation as I stumbled over to Sarah." At that point, Chuck suddenly snapped his fingers on both hands and suddenly pointed directly at Morgan. "Do you remember that scene in the movie Punisher where Thomas Jane's version of Frank Castle was torturing/interrogating one of Howard Saint's men, Mickey, with a blowtorch and a popsicle?"
Morgan instantly nodded. "Frank was psychologically rather physically torturing him. Mickey ended up becoming Frank's ally in taking down Saint, his family, and his entire organization. A fitting punishment for all that Castle endured and lost."
"Anyways," continued Chuck. He refocused the subject back on the feeling after being stabbed. "It felt cold at first but it eventually felt warm to the point where my lower back was sizzling. If that makes any sense." he added, shaking his head.
"Makes perfect sense, dude."
"That's when I ended up passing out." Chuck revealed. "I woke up not only in a hospital bed, but I found out it was Sunday," he added, in disbelief.
The interview with Chuck and Morgan instantly cut to Sarah's reaction when she was interviewed with Alex and Ellie.
"My Chuck." she breathed, expressing a soft, warm smile. She took a moment and wiped the tears from her eyes. Afterwards, it cut back to Bentley's interview with the childhood best friends.
Bentley nodded. "Thank you, Chuck. I know how tough and painful it was to share that not just with me, but with the viewing audience as well."
Instead of saying anything, Chuck simply nodded. Afterwards, the interview with Chuck and Morgan cut to the studio where Bentley stood by 2 photos that appeared on screen to her right. Both men are considered highly regarded in their field of expertise.
"After the break, you'll be introduced to two men who I interviewed who'll help provide a much broader scope and deeper understanding of Lizzie Shafai overall mental health. Westside Medical Center's clinical psychologist, Dr. Howard Busgang, and a board-certified therapist who is also a trusted associate of Chief Beckman," she revealed. "Dr. Leopold Dreyfus. Don't go away."
XXX
"Thank you for joining me, gentlemen," welcomed Bentley, sitting across from both men. All 3 individuals seated in front of the blue courtyard bench. "I appreciate the both of you taking the time to talk with me and pick your brains." she added, exchanging a courteous nod.
"You're welcome." nodded Busgang.
"Pick away." Dreyfus responded, with a nod.
"Dr. Busgang," Bentley briefly paused before she continued on. "Let me start off with you first. What do you believe Ms. Shafai is suffering from and do you stand by that diagnosis?"
"Distorted Reality Personality Disorder with symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder," answered Busgang. "And yes, I stand by my diagnosis." he added, with a firm nod towards Bentley.
"Would you further elaborate, Doctor Busgang?" requested Bentley.
"It's when a person, like Ms. Shafai, experiences a significantly altered or distorted perception of reality. Such distortions are often caused or triggered by hallucinations/false perceptions, delusions/false beliefs and/or disrupted or disorganized thinking." explained Busganged. "Over time, she basically imagined a life with Chuck that never really happened between the two of them. Sarah's arrival caused a mental break where her perceived false reality became completely fractured, which was clearly evident from the videos that were found." he further added. "It resulted in a crime of a one sided passion that nearly got Chuck killed.
Bentley nodded then turned her attention from Busgang to the man seated to his left. "Dr. Dreyfus, do you agree with his diagnosis?"
"I do," nodded Dreyfus, in agreement "And if I may add to my colleague's diagnosis a case of Dissociative Disorder." he added, motioning over to Busgang.
Speaking of Busgang, he wasn't dismissive of his colleague's added diagnosis. Instead, he acknowledged him evident by the way he leaned over and intently listened as Bentley spoke up.
"Go on, Dr. Dreyfus." encouraged Bentley.
"Dissociative Identity Disorder is when a person experiences a loss of connection between thoughts, memories, feelings, surroundings, behavior and identity." informed Drefyus. "Formerly known as multiple personality disorder." he elaborated further. "A very real possibility of switching to other undiagnosed identities. Two or more people talking or living inside her head."
"The feeling of being possessed by other identities." chimed in Busgang.
"So what you're basically saying is," Bentley shook her head in disbelief. "The voice told her to do it."
Dreyfus nodded and continued on. "Each identity with a unique name, personal history and features. These identities sometimes include differences in voice, gender, mannerisms and even such physical qualities as the need for eyeglasses" he listed off. "Additionally, differences in how familiar each identity is with the others. Dissociative identity disorder usually also includes bouts of amnesia and often includes times of confused wandering." he shared, with great detail.
What both men shared was considered very informative with Bentley and thought it was more than enough not for her, but for the viewing audience as well. She was wrong as Dr. Busgang spoke up once again.
"This actually reminds me of a patient I had several years ago," shared Busgang. "A very rare case study that involved a 27 year old single male named Neal and his other personality, Vick." he further noted. "To totally different personalities. Neal is considered an introvert while Vick is totally an extrovert."
"I recall reading that rare case study." responded Dreyfus. "It was an absolutely riveting and fascinating read," he added.
"How rare?" Bentley inquired.
"Both personalities somehow merged into a third personality. His name was Nev." revealed Busgang. "This led me to do an EEG of his brain. What I found was extraordinary." The excitement in Busgang's voice was clearly evident as he took a brief moment and gathered his thoughts before he continued to share his experience with a patient from his past. Although tests showed different IQs of the 3 different personalities they didn't necessarily share the same brain wavelength patterns. All 3 of them scored differently not only on personality tests, but had different handwriting, talents, IQ scores, voice patterns, etc."
"How cognizant were the personalities of each other, Dr. Busgang?" the award-winning documentarian asked.
"If you're asking if the personalities ever got along with one another," responded Busbang. "It seemed Neal and Vick did. However, when it came to Nev he completely disregarded the other two personalities. It was truly a medical phenomena that was beyond not only my understanding and explanation at the time, but for my other colleagues who I consulted with as well." he added, still in disbelief.
"When was the last time you treated Neal?" wondered Bentley.
"Oh," Busgang leaned back in his seat and thought back for a brief moment before he answered Bentley's questions. It's been at least 3 years. As far as I know, Nev is still the dominant personality and leads a relatively normal life."
At that point, Bentley asked a seemingly pertinent question. "What about Neal's friends and family? Any contact with them?"
Busgang shook his head. "Not that I know of. It's an unfortunate situation to think about, I'm sad to say."
"I have a question." Dr. Dreyfus piped up, getting his colleague's attention.
"What is it?" inquired Busgang.
"Did Neal's case bring up any moral and/or ethical dilemmas with you and possibly your colleagues?" wondered Dreyfus. What I'm trying to ask is," He stopped and further elaborated his question. "If you had the ability to permanently separate, as well as remove Vick and Nev would it be considered an act of murder?"
"That's a good question, Dr. Dreyfus." Her brief attention on Dreyfus was directed back to Busgang. "Doctor?"
After momentarily sitting in silence contemplating Dr. Dreyfus' question, Busgnag answered his colleague.
"On one hand I'm a medical licensed physician and as a physician I swore an oath to do no harm. I wouldn't feel right taking the lives of the other two personalities." he firmly uttered.
"Even if Neal's family and friends pleaded for you to do it?" questioned Bentley.
Busgang nodded. "On the other hand," he instantly chimed in. "I would do everything in my power as a human being to get Neal back for his family and friends." Busgang proclaimed.
"It's such a complex dichotomy filled with countless what-ifs and unanswered questions." Dreyfus pointed out.
"I think that perfectly sums it up, Dr. Dreyfus," acknowledged Bentley. "Especially in the case of Lizzie Shafai. Gentlemen," She gave an appreciative smile and nodded over at both men. "Thank you for such truly enlightening insights."
XXX
6 Months Ago
Sunday
5th Floor Chuck's Room
The decision to have Chuck on the 5th floor was made by Chief Beckman for the main purpose of privacy. Beckman knew that he wouldn't be able to properly recuperate and heal if staff, friends, family, and even fans, who traveled in person, wanted to check on him. If that actually happened it would have certainly taken its toll on Chuck mentally, emotionally, physically, and quite possibly spiritually as well. That is why only authorized individuals wearing a proper badge would be allowed to go up to see him for the time being. Of course, when it came to having the fans being updated on his condition she met with Morgan and Lazlo in working something out to send a message for showing their unwavering, loving support for someone truly beloved all around the globe.
In any case, when the news of Chuck waking up spread throughout the hospital it absolutely uplifted everyone, especially the kids in the children's wing. Fortunately for him, tons of get well cards and a giant banner made by the kids and would be brought to him once he regained enough strength. According to Ellie, she was told by Alex that it was the kids who rallied together and wanted something to do in order to not only uplift his spirits, but put a smile on his face when he woke up. Although he was disappointed in not getting right away and looking through all of them he looked forward to reading each one of them. What he also found out was they all planned something special for Chuck on Friday's Bash At The Bench knowing he was always there for them so they're returning the favor.
"I should get stabbed more often." Chuck jokingly remarked, trying to lighten the mood. He was laying in an elevated position in his hospital bed but was still noticeably in pain.
Chuck instantly got smacked for that comment on his right left shoulder. "That's not funny little brother."
Unfortunately, that smack caused Chuck to express a pained grin. "Hey, injured man here. Remember, sis?" He reached up with his right hand and massaged his left shoulder.
Sarah shook her head. "You know you deserved it." Sarah uttered, pointing to him. She was standing on the left side of his hospital bed while Ellie stood on the right.
"Sorry," apologized Ellie. "But you did deserve that for what you said." she added, sternly crossing her arms.
"Let's not add more injuries to my patient, Dr. Woodcomb," Chief Sofer stepped forward with her arms crossed and made her presence known. Her attention on the oldest Bartowski sibling moved to the youngest.
"I concur as well," nodded Beckman. She stood at the foot of Chuck's bed and expressed a smile towards him. "It's good to see, Chuck."
"Awesome to be seen." Chuck responded, expressing his trademark toothy smile.
"Mr. Bartowski, how are you feeling?" inquired Sofer.
"Hungry," answered Chuck. He took a momentary pause before he continued on. "But most of all thankful that I'm still alive because of you. In pain," he reiterated, raising his eyebrows. "But alive."
"After doing an initial check up on you, you seem to have all your faculties intact. It's a promising sign."
"That's awesome to hear."
"I'm not going to lie to you though, Bartowski," The seriousness in her voice was clearly evident and heard by not only Chuck, but by the 3 other women in the room as well. "You suffered spinal shock. It will take a while for the swelling and numbness to subside because of the injury to your L5. That's the primary concern right there."
"How long will that take?" Chuck asked, briefly glancing over at Sarah.
"It's going to take weeks, maybe even months," answered Chief Sofer. "And since it was a slight laceration to your L5, it's considered an incomplete rather than a complete injury." she shared.
"What's the difference?" inquired Sarah.
"A complete injury is where all feeling and all ability to control movement are lost below the spinal cord injury." Sofer explained. "What you've suffered is an incomplete injury where there's hopefully some feeling and control of movement."
"So that's why I have a catheter and this thing?" responded Chuck, pointing to his lower left side.
"Colonic tube for bowel movements," Ellie chimed in. "It's only temporary, Chuck." she added, sounding hopefully optimistic.
"So, what do you see for the long term Chief Sofer?" questioned Beckman.
"Bed rest," answered Sofer. "Plenty of best rest. Once there's a significant prognosis after all the swelling and numbness goes down, we'll do X-rays, CT scans, and MRI's. Plus, an EMG test."
"EMG?" questioned Chuck.
"Electromyogram," Softer replied. "It stimulates the muscles with electric pulses to see which muscles the nerves can reach." she further explained.
"And after that?" Beckman wondered.
"If the EMG tests go well," responded Sofer, "I foresee rehab." After Sofer mentioned rehab, Chuck couldn't help chuckle to himself. It left the 4 women in the room somewhat perplexed, especially Sofer. "What's so funny?
"Hannah is going to put me through the ringer. It's going to be torture." Chuck shared.
"For sure," Ellie mused, shaking her head.
"It's probably going to be like how Westley was tortured by Count Rugen in the movie The Princess Bride." the nerd pointed out.
"I know she will," grinned Sarah. "And enjoy every second of it." she added, looking more hopeful than before. "Hopefully, it's won't anything be like the torture machine that sucked the life out of Westley."
"The sound of ultimate suffering," recalled Chuck, raising both eyebrows. "Yeah, I hope not." he grinned, with amusement.
"It's good to see you smiling again, Sarah." Beckman stated, towards her second in common.
"I agree," acknowledged Ellie.
"Count me in." Chuck chimed in, raising his right hand.
"I'm just happy that I have him back," Sarah retorted, reaching to hold his hand. "My Chuck." she softly breathed out.
"He's not fully back," stated Sofer. At that point, Chief Sofer uncrossed her arms and placed both hands on top of the foot of Chuck's hospital bed. Afterwards, she leaned forward a bit and stared directly into the eyes of her patient. "The next few weeks, possibly months you'll be put through a test in every sense of the word. You'll either see me as your best friend or your worst enemy. It's just a matter of doing what I say and how I say it. No ifs, ands, or buts." She paused for a moment before she continued on. "I've heard I have a reputation around here and that I've been called The Viper."
"Well," Chuck innocently shrugged. "Not officially."
"Shut up, Bartowski."
"Yes ma'am." he responded back. Chuck ducked his head a bit.
"Listen. As long as you work with me instead of against me," stated Sofer. "There won't be any problems between the two of us. Deal?"
Chuck let Sofer's words sink in knowing it was going to be a long and painfully difficult road ahead of him. However, he thankfully knew that the people who have stuck with him will continue to stick by his side. Although not all of them were in the room, they're unwavering support and encouragement would certainly be given to him to quite literally get back on his feet. After he gave a firm nod to Ellie, Beckman and Sarah he directed his attention back to Chief Sofer.
"Deal."
The Present
"It turned out I ended up becoming my own worst enemy." Chuck regretfully shared. The sound of disappointment in his voice. His attention on Bentley was reverted to the woman sitting to his right. "And Sarah didn't deserve any of it." he added, shaking his head.
XXX
NOTE: I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED WRITING THIS CHAPTER. IT'S TRULY A LEARNING EXPERIENCE RESEARCHING SPINAL INJURIES AND WHAT GOES ON AFTERWARDS FOR THE HEALING PROCESS. IN ANY CASE, LEAVE A COMMENT AND SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS. THEY'RE CONSIDERED AN INCENTIVE FOR ANY FANFIC WRITER TO CONTINUE WRITING! I TIP MY TO YOU ALL AND ANY GRAMMATICAL OR PUNCTUATION ERRORS ARE MY OWN!
