Further on Down the Road

by ThumperE23

Eleven years have passed since Keith said goodbye to Izzy in Brooke's garden. What has happened in the small city between the river and the sea since then? Who has gotten older? Who has grown up? Who has reached their dreams? Who has had dreams fail? Who has moved away? Who has returned? What happened during the annus horribilis?

826. Chapter 826: New Hanover County MC

Chapter 826: New Hanover County Medical Center

Tuesday, April 4th, Early Morning

The trip from Cutty Sark 2 to the New Hanover Medical Center was quick. The two police units escorted her in her SUV. Being connected and having a deep legacy had some advantages, after all. The funny thing was that when you take advantage, it is never for a good thing.

Kelly drove her SUV into the medical center parking lot. Without delay, she hurried towards the emergency department's entrance, hardly noticing the large, boxy Rescue 27 parked in the fire lane.

In the waiting room, Kelly saw her brother standing, his T-shirt sweat-stained. He was still in his firefighting pants, with red suspenders holding them up. The ever-present THFR baseball cap was perched on his head. Huck held his arms open, and Kelly rushed to him. His large arms encased her and held her close.

It's been a long day without you, my friend

And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

We've come a long way from where we began

Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

When I see you again

"What's the word?" Kelly asked.

"They're working on the problem," Huck said.

"How did it happen?" Kelly asked.

Huck sighed, "I don't know," he said, his uncertainty hanging in the air like a heavy cloud.

Kelly looked at her brother. "Are you staying?" she asked.

Huck shook his head. "We've got to get back to the station. Chief Lowell, let us be here until you arrive," he said.

Kelly nodded, "Brett is watching the kids," she said.

"I'll call Chase," Huck said.

"Thank you," Kelly said.

"You're welcome, Tom," Huck said, using Kelly's old nickname.

"Huckleberry," Kelly whispered.

Huck untangled himself and gathered his crew. They headed toward the waiting Rig. Kelly turned and looked at the triage nurse.

Damn, who knew?

All the planes we flew, good things we been through

That I'd be standin' right here talkin' to you

'Bout another path, I know we loved to hit the road and laugh

But somethin' told me that it wouldn't last

Had to switch up, look at things different, see the bigger picture

Those were the days, hard work forever pays

Now I see you in a better place (see you in a better place)

Uh

"Mrs. McMichael?" The Nurse asked.

"Yes," Kelly said.

"Follow me," The Nurse said.

Kelly followed the nurse into a small, private waiting room. Looking around the quiet room, she found a comfortable couch and tried to relax. However, because she was so stressed, finding comfort became a desperate need. She reached into her bag, pulled out her smartphone, and texted.

Despite her efforts to avoid the reality of the situation, Kelly launched another app and delved into the countless news articles and stories. It didn't help.

After what seemed like hours, the door opened, and Dr. Ashton "AP" Perry, MD, walked in carrying a reusable shopping bag. Kelly sat up and looked at Ashton.

How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got?

Everythin' I went through, you were standin' there by my side

And now you gon' be with me for the last ride

It's been a long day without you, my friend

And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again (I'll see you again)

We've come a long way (yeah, we came a long way)

From where we began (you know where we started)

Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again (let me tell you)

When I see you again

"Any word?" Ashton asked.

Kelly shook her head, "Nothing, AP," she said.

"Do you have any news?" Ashton asked.

Kelly sighed, "No," she said, looking at her friend's confusion.

"I brought you a change of clothes, as asked," Ashton said.

"Thanks," Kelly said and took the bag.

"Do you have an idea how this happened?" Ashton asked.

"I have no idea what happened, just they're here," Kelly said.

Ashton nodded, "Is there anyone else waiting with you?" she asked.

Kelly shook her head, "No," she said.

Ashton nodded, "Get changed, I'll wait with you," she said.

"Who is watching Cam?" Kelly asked.

"He's with his dad," Ashton said.

Kelly nodded, "Thanks, AP," she said.

"No problem," Ashton said.

Kelly went into the nearest restroom and locked the door. She was dressed to go out for a nice dinner. Sliding out the clothes AP brought, she looked them over. Kelly reflected on one truth about this country: you could usually find an open Walmart, so Ashton picked up some clothes. Looking at the plain black sweatpants and a gray hoodie. Kelly shrugged. Beggars can't be choosers. Kelly slipped out of her evening dress, pulled on the sweatpants, and followed with the hoodie. Ashton also bought cheap sneakers, so she slipped them on as well.

Oh, oh

Ooh (yeah)

First, you both go out your way and the vibe is feelin' strong

And what's small turned to a friendship, a friendship turned to a bond

And that bond'll never be broken, the love will never get lost

(The love never get lost)

And when brotherhood come first, then the line'll never be crossed

Established it on our own when that line had to be drawn

And that line is what we reached, so remember me when I'm gone

(Remember me when I'm gone)

After leaving the restroom, Kelly joined Ashton in the waiting room. Ashton was sitting in a chair. Kelly yawned as she put the reusable bag on the chair and got on the couch.

"You look tired," Ashton said.

"Maybe a little," Kelly said.

"Take a nap, I'll keep watch," Ashton said.

"Are you sure?" Kelly said.

"Yeah," Ashton said.

"Okay," Kelly said, curled up on the couch. After a moment, Ashton got up, retrieved a blanket, and covered Kelly.

About an hour later, someone told them some news, which relocated them to another part of the medical center. Kelly sat again on the family room sofa while Ashton went for coffee.

How can we not talk about family when family's all that we got?

Everythin' I went through, you were standin' there by my side

And now you gon' be with me for the last ride

So let the light guide your way, yeah

Hold every memory as you go

And every road you take

Will always lead you home, home

Ashton returned to the family waiting room and watched over Kelly. Once she finished her coffee, she felt tired and took an extra blanket. She grabbed it and curled it up in the chair to catch a nap.

Their sleep was abruptly interrupted when someone shook Kelly awake. Kelly picked up her head and looked at an exhausted doctor standing there. She moved her neck to loosen it and spread her arms wide, the tension in the room palpable.

It's been a long day without you, my friend

And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

We've come a long way from where we began

Oh, I'll tell you all about it when I see you again

When I see you again

Kelly looked over and saw Ashton waking up as well. Kelly sat up and looked at the doctor.

"It's not good," Kelly said.

The doctor shook their head. "Not good," the Doctor said in an exhausted voice.

"So, what do we do?" Kelly asked.

"I think you might want to visit," The doctor said.

Kelly nodded, "Yeah," she said.

"Follow me," The doctor said.

Kelly got up and looked at Ashton with a sigh. "I'm going to visit," she said.

"I'll be here," Ashton said.

Kelly nodded and walked out of the family waiting room.

Oh (uh), oh (yeah-yeah, yeah)

Ooh (yo, yo, uh)

When I see you again (see you again, yeah, yeah)

Oh (yeah), oh (yeah, yeah, oh-oh)

Ooh (uh-huh, yup)

When I see you again