Chapter 10 -
JJ and Garcia were the first to arrive at the hospital the following morning, quickly stopping off for coffee and some breakfast to take with them. Garcia could tell that there was something wrong with JJ but she also knew that JJ would talk to her when she was ready. Garcia gently opened the door and smiled warmly towards Rebecca and Emily, quickly noticing that Tara had yet to regain consciousness.
"Morning, how's our girl?"
Garcia moved and placed the drinks and food onto a small table before she wrapping her arms around Rebecca and holding her tightly.
"She's doing okay, breathing on her own."
"That's great, and how are you doing?"
Garcia moved her head as she looked carefully at Rebecca, she could see that she hadn't slept and the worry and concern evident on her face.
"I'll be better when she wakes up."
Garcia hugged Rebecca tightly again as she watched JJ gesture to Emily that she wanted to talk to her outside. Seamlessly Emily moved past Garcia, kissing her friend on the cheek as Garcia and Rebecca sat back down on the chairs, with Rebecca quickly taking a hold of Tara's hand once more.
JJ bowed her head as she waited outside the room, as Emily quietly closed the door she swiftly put her hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Jen?"
JJ shook her head as Emily moved her hand to her elbow and gently led JJ away until they found a quiet space and sat down. Emily moved her chair so that it was touching JJ's and then took a hold of JJ's hands.
"Jen, come on, talk to me."
Emily smiled, even though she was emotionally drained and sleep deprived, Emily could tell that her friend needed her full attention. JJ slowly brought her head up and looked into Emily's eyes, a lump forming in her throat as she spoke.
"You're all going to think badly of me."
"Never Jen, come on what is it?"
"I want to go home, I need to see my boys."
The tears quickly started to trickle down JJ's cheeks.
"Oh Jen, sweetheart!"
Emily quickly hugged her friend, bringing her in close so that her head was nestled in the crook of Emily's neck as Emily whispered softly into JJ's ear.
"Jen, darling, you've been hurt too, you rushed back to get Tara back but you're still hurt. Nobody is going to think anything other than how strong you are."
Emily stopped and kissed the top of JJ's head but she kept a hold of her friend. Waiting patiently until JJ was ready to move away from her touch.
Emily had her arm around JJ's waist as they walked back into the room, managing a small smile JJ walked over and swapped seats with Garcia. Once seated JJ reached and put her arm around Rebecca, but the movement caused a slight wince of pain as she forgot her injuries from the cash.
"Hi JJ, take it easy."
Rebecca turned her head and smiled at JJ, releasing one of her hands she gently put it on top of JJ's.
"I'm so sorry Rebecca."
"It wasn't your fault JJ, you looked after Tara so well for me, I can't thank you enough."
"I was thinking about going home but if you need me of course I'll stay."
JJ's voice broke slightly as she finished, instantly Rebecca reached up and put her hand on JJ's cheek.
"Oh JJ, it's fine, please go home and see your family."
JJ smiled as she lent into Rebecca's touch before she nodded her head.
"Can you please promise me one thing?"
"Anything Rebecca."
Their voices were quiet as they whispered to each other.
"Will you go and see Libby for me? I left in such a rush I know how close she and Tara are."
JJ smiled and nodded her head.
"Of course, I was hoping that she would come and stay with us until Emily and you all came home."
Rebecca smiled as she let go of Tara's hand and embraced JJ.
Rebecca was still sitting resolutely beside Tara, her hand holding onto Tara's, struggling at times to keep her eyes open as she had Garcia's arm gently around her back. Drifting off to sleep Rebecca felt the grip on her hand tighten. That was all the movement Rebecca needed as she suddenly opened her eyes wide and sat forward, Garcia mimicking the movement as they both looked over at Tara.
"Tara, sweetheart, it's me, I'm here with you."
Rebecca moved so that she was whispering into Tara's ear but her eyes were still closed.
"I'll go and get the doctor!"
Garcia smiled and rubbed Rebecca's back as she moved out of the room and began to look earnestly for someone to come and make sure Tara was ok.
"Come on Tara, open your eyes for me."
Rebecca spoke softly as she stroked Tara's hand, feeling her girlfriend's fingers move against hers Rebecca smiled once more as then she saw Tara's eyes open.
"Hey you, I am so glad to see your beautiful eyes."
Tears trickled down Rebecca's cheeks as she looked at Tara, the relief evident in her eyes.
Garcia stood outside the room, smiling as she watched the doctor carefully check Tara over, but her eyes were still open as Rebecca stayed sitting close. Garcia quickly pulled out her cell.
"Hey Garcia, is everything ok?"
"Where are you Emily?"
"We are just about near the airport, why?"
"She's awake Emily!"
"Oh my! Is she ok?"
"The doctor is in with her now, I just wanted to let you know as soon as possible."
"Thanks Garcia, that is wonderful news. I'll just drop JJ off and then I'll come straight back."
Garcia smiled as the call finished, glad that she had managed to relay the news before JJ had boarded her flight home. There was still a long road of recovery ahead, for both Tara and JJ, but as least now the fog had cleared and there was a clear road ahead of them.
