Chapter Two-Hundred-Thirty-Five
After Nick left Ashley looked at Bella in Denise’s arms and she stuck her lower lip out in a pout as she remembered suddenly that she hasn’t been able to hold her since earlier that morning. Denise who understood immediately why her daughter was pouting went over and sat next to her.
“Here honey, can you move your legs so you’re sitting Indian style?”
“Mhm,” Ashley answered as she understands the meaning behind her question and she sat up and shifted so that she was sitting Indian style. Denise carefully lay Bella in her lap then so she was lying there gazing up at her.
“Yay,” she cheered happily and she lightly rubbed her finger over the back of her soft and tiny hand.
“Hi my baby Bells, Hiii” she spoke in baby talk. “Ashee has missed you so much. What have you been up to all day huh? Have you been having fun with Nicky?” Bella gazed up at Ashley, clearly content with listening to her talk. “You’re such a good little baby, yes you’re. You hardly ever make a fuss. How did we get so lucky?” Bella smiled up at Ashley in response. “Oh! What a smile you have there, you’re so brilliant,” she insisted proudly and she looked at Denise who looked just as impressed as she was.
“That she is. Most babies don’t usually smile like that until they’re at least 3 to 4 months old.” Ashley beamed and looked down at Bella fondly.
“That’s my Bella Rose. She is a genius baby I tell you, pure genius. I bet she is going to grow up to be the female version of Einstein – no joke.” Denise laughed and Ashley leaned forward and planted a kiss on Bella’s forehead.
“I can see you’ve really gotten attached to her,” Denise replied in a somewhat serious tone. Ashley nodded.
“Can you blame me?”
“No, I can’t…I think you’d have to be pretty crazy not to. But I’m a little concerned honey…as all motherly figures would be,” Denise replied, being sure to be careful with her words. She knows Ashley is still slightly sensitive about the ‘two moms’ deal and doesn’t want her to get any ideas that she is trying to replace her birth mother. She knows she has to ease her way into the mom thing very slowly as to not scare her off. “You’re only seventeen. In two more months, you’ll be eighteen. You have these big dreams and haven’t even gotten the education that you need yet to accomplish those dreams. So my biggest concern is, how much is having Bella to care for going to effect that? Will you be able to still do all of that? And with you getting so attached and all…isn’t that a little dangerous? What if someone wants to adopt her? Will you be able to let them?”
“To be honest…I don’t know,” Ashley answered softly. “A small irresponsible part of me – the part that’s fallen in love with this baby that is, was secretly having thoughts – and I stress the word thoughts…about adopting her as soon as I’m eighteen.” She admitted sheepishly and she quickly went on before Denise could say her opinion, which she could already see, would’ve been disapproval by the look on her face. “Or at least…’put her on hold’ so to speak. Have a talk with Brooke and tell her I do plan on adopting her in the future, so can you please keep her away from adoption? That way she’ll be mine… but I’ll have the Orphanage to lean on until I’m ready to take full responsibility.”
“Which will be when?” Denise questioned, trying to keep an open mind. She’s not too worried, because she can already see she puts a lot of thoughts into her actions and tries her best to do what’s right so she trusts that she will do the right thing.
“After all of my schooling. When I finally accomplish my career goal and have my own two feet securely on the ground. Basically when I’m not relying on you and Nick to support me.” Denise looked impressed. She is definitely a lot easier then her Alex that’s for sure. He tends to think with his heart rather then his head at times. That’s not entirely a bad thing, because her son has a big heart but she definitely has to guide him a little more sometimes. She stared at Ashley contemplatively for a few moments, deciding exactly what her Christmas present for her is going to be this year. She can see that she is responsible enough for it. So why shouldn’t she have it?
“I can live with that plan. Just don’t officially adopt her until then. Trust me it’s for your own good.” Ashley nodded.
“I know what I want. I always have and I was taught that if I want something I need to go get it. I intend to. Trust me, I’m not going to let Bella sway me from my dreams…because she’s part of them.”
“Well I’m glad,” Denise replied while smiling some.
“Am I part of them too?” Dakota asked suddenly, as she had been sitting next to her with her arm linked with hers and she was playing with Bella. Ashley smiled down at her and she wrapped her good arm around her and bent down and kissed the top of her head.
“You most certainly are.” Dakota beamed.
“Trust me Kota, you and I are a lot alike when it comes to dreams,” Ashley hinted, and she winked at her. Dakota smiled even bigger, as she caught on to her hint and Denise couldn’t help but laugh a little bit. Just then Marcus walked in the room and Ashley raised her eyebrow at the sight of him.
“Aren’t you supposed to be off protecting my brother from rabid fans?” Ashley asked, only teasing about the ‘rabid’ part. Marcus laughed.
“Apparently he’s more concerned about your safety then his own at the moment. And while that is pretty stupid of him, I also can’t blame him.” Ashley rolled her eyes some.
“So how’d he talk you into it?”
“He’s buying me coffee tonight – and he paid me twenty bucks too so I’m good.” Ashley scoffed playfully.
“Twenty bucks and coffee? Is that all I am worth?” she joked.
“Nick chipped in another twenty if that helps.” Ashley shook her head.
“So anyway, I’ve come in here to ask you if you wanted anything. I went and got ice cream from the store and some snacks before they left.”
“What kind do you got?”
“Nick said you love rocky road – so I got you that.” Ashley smiled.
“That’s my man – looks like he’s getting some after all,” She teased. Marcus snorted and Denise narrowed her eyes. She looked at them both innocently.
“I’m just kidding people, sheesh! Not till February, I know.”
“Ha, Ha” Denise replied sarcastically. Marcus chuckled.
“So rocky road then?”
“Mhm – what else do you got?”
“Gummy Bears, M&M’s, Hot Apple Pie, and two 2 liters of Dr Pepper.” Ashley gaped at him.
“Well what are you waiting for, Baby-sitter? Bring it all in here and we’ll have an Ellen party!” She insisted enthusiastically.
“Yeah Marcus, bring those M&Ms in here,” Dakota added, she too gaping at the security guard she considers family.
“Please,” Ashley added as she leaned forward and rubbed her nose over Dakota’s affectionately.
“Please,” she repeated sweetly.
“Sure thing,” Marcus replied while smiling at the two in front of him. “But you might want to get that TV turned on. The show starts in ten minutes.” He then turned and went to get the junkfood that Nick and AJ said would take Ashley’s mind off of being annoyed with them for getting her a baby-sitter. They know her too well. Dakota hopped up and bounded toward the end of the bed.
“We can’ts miss daddy, Ashee! We hafta hurry ups and gets the TV on Ellen!”
“We won’t miss him baby. You know Ellen likes to begin the show first and then announce her guest stars onstage. Remember last time?”
“Well we can’ts miss Ellen either! The beginning of her show is always fun,” Dakota insisted as she hit the power button. Just then Marcus and Brandon walked in the room, the both of them carrying junkfood in their hands.
“Brandon!” Ashley cheered, as this is the first time she’s seen him all day. He didn’t even come out of his studio for dinner.
“Hi honey,” Brandon replied, while eyeing Ashley’s arm with sadness and guilt. When he set the bags of candy down he went over and wrapped his arms around her for a hug.
“Why didn’t you tell someone to come get me? I feel awful for locking myself up in my studio when you were going through a bullet wound.”
“Doctor Johnson offered to, but I told him not to disturb you. I knew you were busy.”
“Hey. If someone shoots my best friend in the arm I want to know about it. I don’t care how busy I am. I can paint anytime.”
“I’m fine. A little loopy because Nick made Doctor Johnson drug me up before he left but otherwise fine. How about you join us for our Ellen party?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Brandon replied after chuckling a little about her drug comment. He kissed her cheek and then went over and sat in the lazy boy chair, putting the footrest up just as the Ellen show was beginning to start. Dakota squealed and bounded over to the bed and she placed herself back in her spot between Ashley and Denise. Ashley lay back against her blankets with her legs up so that Bella lay rested against them and Marcus handed her a piece of apple pie with rocky road ice cream on the side.
“Ashee can I hold Bella? Please?” Dakota asked hopefully. Ashley looked at Denise who looked at her and Ashley nodded her approval. Denise carefully took Bella from her and she placed her in Dakota’s arms after Dakota had positioned her arms the correct way that Ashley had taught her to have them in when she holds a baby. Denise looked at her questioningly and Ashley gave her a reassuring look.
“You don’t have to help her. She knows what to do, she’s my helper.” Denise let go of Bella and Dakota beamed cheerfully up at Ashley, who winked at her, and then she looked at the TV screen and she sat there waiting patiently for her daddy to come on TV.
~*~*~*~*~
Meanwhile at Universal Studies where Ellen’s show is being held, Ellen greeted the boys and the kids backstage and told them to wait until they were announced and then come out onstage just like last time. After speaking with them for a few moments, she went out onstage to start her show. While they were waiting, Kevin placed Elenore so her feet were on the ground and he knelt down and gently took her arms into his so she could talk to him.
“I’m gonna have to go out onstage in a few moments,” he informed her gently.
“Kay,” Elenore replied softly, and she snuggled into him not getting the hint in the least bit – or just plain not wanting to.
“You’re going to have to stay here with Jerry,” he told her as he rubbed his hand over her back in slow circular motion.
“How come?” She questioned slowly, and he recognized the bewilderment in her eyes.
“Because I’ll be lonely if you don’t,” Jerald insisted, as he too knelt down in front of her.
“Laney will keeps you company – An’ Q, Raul, an’ Drew...”
“But I want your company too.”
“Why?”
“Someone’s gotta help these guy’s keep me safe. Security aint complete without Raphael.”
“You’ll be fine. Your Master Splinter an’ all,” She insisted, patting him on the shoulder.
“Please Ellie?” Jerald pleaded, but Elenore turned to Kevin and slid her arms around him sticking her lower lip out in a pout and she suddenly put a death grip upon him. Kevin sighed and shook his head at his brother.
“Just let it go Jer, she’s not going to cooperate.”
“No she’s not,” Elenore pouted.
“I have an idea,” Brian spoke up, and he went over and joined his cousins in trying to pry Elenore from Kevin. Elenore who by this time had her face buried in Kevin’s shoulder glanced out at her favorite Backstreet Boy revealing only one eye.
“Why don’t we create a grand entrance for our special Ellie – just like a real princess?” Elenore actually turned away from Kevin’s shoulder then and looked at Brian interestedly.
“A special entrance?”
“Absolutely. Why don’t you stay back here with your Uncle Jerry for awhile and then we’ll tell Ellen to announce you out onstage. Just like she would with a real guest star and then you can come out and be with us, and she’ll ask you some questions of your very own to answer.”
“An’ I can be a princess?”
“Definitely.”
“Buts I’m not wearin’ any princess clothes. I don’ts looks like a princess.” Brian was about to open her mouth to reply, when suddenly a woman who just happened to be backstage and had been listening, and had taken a liking to Elenore spoke up.
“I think I can take care of that,” She announced, and Kevin, Brian, Jerald, Elenore, and everybody else looked at her curiously to see that she was one of Ellen’s people. Kevin raised his eyebrow.
“Is it okay if I take her and her uncle back to the dressing room and I’ll find her some royalty clothes to wear?”
“I guess that would be okay,” Kevin agreed after eyeing her for a few moments and he looked at his brother and gave him a secret look. She may be dressed as the part of one of Ellen’s crew, but he could never be too careful. The woman looked over at the other kids in the room. Josh was standing in front of Brian who had his arms wrapped around him, AJ was holding Laila, and Sarah of course had Nick. Ryan lay lounging on one of the couches, not having a single care in the world about what’s going on around him.
“How about the other kids? That boy over there would make a handsome prince. And I’m sure the two girls would love to dress up as princesses as well. Are you willing to share your grand entrance with the other kids, Elenore?” She asked, looking at the little girl who she’s knows to be Elenore just from listening. Plus, she remembers them from the last interview.
“No I don’ts mind,” Elenore replied readily, as she is just excited to get back in Ellen’s dressing room and look at all of the dress up clothes that she is sure hundreds of celebrities have worn before her. Ellen’s crew lady got permission from Brian, Nick, and AJ and they waited until the boys were all called out onstage before Jerald and the woman guided the kids back into the dressing room.
“So what is your name?” Jerald asked curiously, as he walked a long side her and Elenore who was watching him closely smirked a little but kept quiet nonetheless.
“Grace,” the crew lady answered as she held the door open for her guests. “And you are?”
“Jerald. Kevin’s brother.”
“Yeah, I figured that much was true…Uncle Jerry,” She told him while rolling her eyes some and she walked off to go help the kids pick out outfits. Jerald stared after her, admiring her long red hair and gorgeous brown eyes. He took in a deep breath and followed her while silently cursing himself for using the ‘I’m Kevin’s brother’ card. That probably sounded bad, but he didn’t mean it that way.
~*~*~*~*~
Meanwhile, onstage, Ellen was interviewing the Boys.
"So fellas, what have you all been up too?" Ellen asked. "A.J., I've heard you've a new sister or two - is this true? And Nick, you're dating her?"
"Yes, I've a sister now," A.J. grinned. "Technically two if you count her sister, especially since Kori and I fight like siblings. But, really Ashley is the only one my Mom adopted."
"And yes, I'm dating her," Nick piped up, before Ellen could ask him again. "Denise gave me permission, and Ashley and I have been dating ever since."
"Now, did you love her before or after she was adopted?" Ellen wanted to know.
"Before," Nick admitted - though that was all he could admit without incriminating himself. "And I knew she felt the same, but we waited until she was adopted so no one would end up in any trouble for it. The last thing we want to do is cause trouble like that for either of us. And before fans ask and harass her about it, no we’re are not sleeping together. Not in the way y'all are thinking anyway. We wouldn't dare until she was at least of age, and besides we've two kids and two puppies lying between us - talk about Eeew. I'm not scarring my daughter like that. Hell no." The fans laughed at that, as the other Boys smirked and chuckled somewhat. Ellen laughed as well.
"Well, talk about getting everything out in the open."
"Well, I had to before somebody started spreading nasty rumors about my girlfriend. The media has harassed her enough already." Ellen nodded, as did some of the fans on instinct, as they were used to nodding along while watching BSB on TVs in their homes.
"So, you guys are going to sing for us later, right?" Ellen checked, already knowing they were, but wanting the fans to know too.
"Yes, we are," Howie replied, smiling and winking at the audience. "But as for what we're singing, well, you'll just have to wait and see."
"Also, A.J., you were in New York, recently, right?"
A.J. nodded. "Yes, I was."
"And you beat some guys up while there?"
"Yes, I did," A.J. admitted. "I'm not proud of myself for it, but I wasn't about to stand there and let them say horrible crap to my girlfriend, who was already having a horrible enough day as it was. I'm not afraid to protect my girlfriend's reputation; especially when I know what the idiots are saying are in fact a bunch of bull."
"And you weren't arrested for it?"
"Well, I was dragged out by the cops," A.J. stated. "But thanks to a fan who'd happen to see everything, no charges were pressed - though, I would've pressed charges in return for stalking and sexual harassment. But, I let thing’s drop since they let the issue drop. Though, I'm not condoning random fights to protect someone's rep - but when you're in love, well, things happen." They had a short commercial break then, and when they came back on the air, Ellen continued her questioning.
"Now, I heard on the news something about a shooting today, and your sister being shot?" Ellen questioned carefully, as she wasn't sure of all the details. Just the fact the shooting had been directed at someone in the Backstreet crew. Nick squirmed, as A.J. nodded unable to speak - he was suddenly choked up with emotion once more.
"She'll be okay, as she was only shot in the arm," Kevin stated, not wanting to worry people more than necessary. "She shouldn't have been shot at all, but there are some people out there after her for stupid reasons. Her injury would've been a whole lot worse, had Q. not shoved her into the car. If he hadn't of moved her, she - she might not even be here right now." Nick blinked rapidly, trying to keep his tears at bay, while A.J. continued to try and swallow the lump in his throat.
"As you can see, we've all become pretty attached to her," Howie said softly, as he saw the others struggling. He would be more choked up too, but someone had to remain level-headed during this conversation. "We're all a little - more than a little actually - shook up about the fact they were able to get closer to us and her than we'd thought they'd be able too."
"But everyone is okay now?" Ellen wanted to make sure.
"Yes, we're all okay - though Ashley has to rest for a few days," Brian answered.
"And how’re the kids all doing? Are Ellie and Josh still going at it?" Ellen queried. "I know they were last time - before Disney World."
"I think we'll let you see for yourself how they are," Brian chuckled. "They're actually coming out in a few minutes with some of their friends."
"I look forward to seeing them again," Ellen smiled. They went to another commercial break and returned a few minutes later, only for everyone at home to see BSB and Ellen onstage laughing - though clueless as to why.
"Aha," Ellen laughed. "As you can see, there was an amusing story during the commercial break. But, we don't have time to get into it, so I'm sure someone here will probably log online later and post somewhere what was said, as they heard most of it too." There were cheers from the crowd of fans in the studio audience at that.
"Okay, now I've been told we've some special guests backstage awaiting an introduction," Ellen went on. "I'm sure some of you will remember most them from last time. Here are Elenore, Josh, Sarah, and Laila." Elenore came out then dressed in a sparkly sequined blue and purple dress, while Josh came out with a cape, nice jeans, and a nice shirt. Sarah wore a light pink dress that flared out at the bottom and had a sequined star design on the bottom right-hand corner. Laila meanwhile, had a small yellow dress on that looked like a baby version of the dress Belle wears in Beauty and the Beast. The girls are all wearing tiaras, except Laila who had a flower in her hair instead. And Josh has a crown placed perfectly on his head, and a kingly staff in his one hand. Kevin smirked as he saw the huge grin on Elenore's face, and the fact she was holding Josh's hand tightly. Sure sign that she was slightly nervous, though extremely excited - and it would definitely shock the socks off Ellen and everyone else. A.J. chuckled as he spotted Laila at Sarah's side, toddling alongside her carefully.
"Jay!" Laila exclaimed upon spotting him in return. She attempted to run for him, but tripped and went down. A.J. quickly jumped up and lifted her up into his arms and kissed her forehead sweetly before tossing her up into the air. Anything to avoid the tears that had been welling up in her small eyes.
"Heya Princess Laila!" Laila squealed in response, kicking her legs and giggling as the audience awed over the fact bad boy A.J. was showing the world just what a big softie he truly was. Sarah hurried to Nick soon as she saw that A.J. had the baby, and snuggled in once he'd set her in his lap. Elenore and Josh walked past A.J. and climbed up into the chair that had been placed there for them. Ellen had tried to put two chairs, but Brian and Kevin had insisted that one was enough. A.J. took his seat with Laila, just as Ellen began to question the kids.
"So, Elenore, Josh - how's it going? It seems you two are getting along much better now; how come?" Ellen asked.
"We're good," Josh answered for both of them. "We just got back from Kentucky not that long ago. It was fun!"
"'Cause Joshy's turned into Leonardo, an' doesn't acts like Shredder no more," Elenore smiled, grinning at Josh some.
"Ellie!" Josh groaned. "Must you call me that on T.V.?"
"Yes," Elenore giggled. "You're my Joshy, an' they gots to knows it!”
Josh rolled his eyes. "I got sick of being Shredder. Leo's better anyway."
"Which is perfect, since Leo and Raph fight too," Nick chuckled. "Even though they really care deeply about one another."
"They don'ts date, Nicky!" Elenore exclaimed. "They're brothers! They're s'pose to fight!"
"Yeah!" Josh agreed. "Besides, Ellie's practically my cousin!"
"Practically your cousin?" Ellen repeated, raising her eyebrows. "Last time I saw you guys, Brian was just your caregiver."
"I adopted him not too long after we went to Disney World," Brian piped up.
"He ain't kiddin' you there," A.J. laughed. "Two days later, the kid was his."
"Well, can you blame me?" Brian countered. "I was not letting him get away from me again!"
"No, I can't blame you," A.J. stated. "But Kevin, on the other hand...what the Hell is taking you so long, man?"
"I don't care to discuss that on national television nor with anyone I haven't already confided in," Kevin stated, cursing A.J. for bringing that fact up, as he saw Ellie's face fall some. He'd be sure to smack the younger man upside the head for that later.
"So, what else is new with you guys?" Ellen queried, sensing that to be a sensitive subject.
"We're doing the Kissmas Bash and Jingle Ball this year," Howie said. "And I believe something New Year's Eve, but I'm not sure on that one just yet."
Ellen nodded. "And Josh, Ellie - do you guys get along as much as or more than Raphael and Leonardo?" Elenore giggled as Josh replied, "More than, 'less Ellie decides she wants to mud wrestle an' drive me crazy by trying to give away secrets that don't need to be given away."
"But it's fun to torture you!" Elenore laughed. "An' you always give the best chases if I bugs you 'bout your secret." Ellen smiled.
"I'm glad to see you too getting along now." She then turned her attention back on Nick. "How's your daughter doing?"
"She's doing better now that she knows Ashley will be okay," Nick grinned, unable to help but do so when talking about his baby girl. "She stayed behind to keep her company and gorge on the junkfood we left with them."
"And how're you doing Sarah?" Ellen wanted to know, also remembering her from last time. "I see you're still with Nick." Sarah nodded, as she wrote her answer down on her notepad. Fine. It read.
"Is Nick taking good care of you?" Again, Sarah nodded, scribbling another quick note. Nicky's my hero. Ellen read it aloud for everyone, causing the fans to awe again, as they thought it was super sweet.
"Howie, do you have anyone you're looking after now?" Ellen questioned. "I'd ask A.J., but he seems pre-occupied with the little one." A.J. made a face at Laila then, making her giggle some more. Howie chuckled, as he replied.
"Yes, in fact I do have someone I'm looking after right now. He's actually Laila's older brother; he's nine."
"Did you make him your responsibility?"
"Sort of," Howie said. "I just seemed to connect with him best out of everywhere, and A.J. automatically connected with Laila. So it was only natural we try and keep them together as much as possible. Ryan's actually backstage right now - he's reading a novel I got for him the other day. He's a vivid reader." Ellen nodded again.
"He sounds like a sweet kid."
"Don'ts let Howie fools you," Elenore muttered, leaning into Josh some.
"Ellie," Kevin warned warily. Elenore gave him an innocent grin; her head still rested on Josh's shoulder.
"We'll be right back with the Backstreet Boys and their kids," Ellen announced, as they cut to another commercial break. Finally they were back on the air, after what seemed to be a super long commercial break. "We're back with the Backstreet Boys, who are going to sing us some songs." There was an excited squeal heard next to them, over the cheer of the fans. The Boys glanced over to where the kids still sat next to Ellen, only to find Ellie on her feet jumping up and down excitedly. It dawned on them then, that after all this time, she'd never had more than two of them sing to her at once. Josh groaned, rolling his eyes as he tried to yank Elenore back into their chair.
"Ellie! Be quiet!" He hissed.
"They're gonna sings! Joshy, they're gonna sings!" Elenore shrieked delightedly, jumping like crazy, as she was beyond ecstatic.
"They sing to you all the time!" Josh argued.
"Kevy, Brian, an' Nicky sangs to me!" Elenore argued. "Nots the Backstreet Boys!" The Boys chuckled, as they began to sing Christmas Time as A.J. shifted Laila who he still had in his arms. He couldn't bring himself to put her down, and she refused to let him - all the excited fans making her nervous. After Christmas Time, they went into Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and White Christmas. Once done with those, they called the kids, who came running, over to them. Brian crouched down behind Josh, as Nick did so to Sarah and Kevin did the same with Elenore. A.J. and Howie remained standing - Howie, as he didn't have Ryan with him and A.J. since he was already holding Laila. They then proceeded to sing I'll Be Home For Christmas - all three kids snuggling into the three Backstreet Boys that were singing to them and them alone, while A.J. and Howie harmonized. Soon as I'll Be Home For Christmas was finished, they dove right into Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, and Frosty The Snowman at Nick and Elenore's requests.
~*~*~*~*~
Meanwhile at the Orphanage, while Ashley, Dakota, Brandon, and Marcus sat watching The Ellen Show, Denise got up and gently handed a sleeping Bella over to Dakota whom carefully – but gladly accepted her and she looked at Ashley who was watching her curiously.
“I’ll be back sweetie. Since the show is about over anyway, I’m gonna go downstairs and stretch my legs a bit.”
“Kay,” Ashley replied softly. “Don’t go very far please,” she pleaded sounding just like a little girl who is sick and in need of her mommy and it warmed Denise’s heart.
“I won’t honey,” She promised, and she walked out of the room. Ashley sat and watched the end of the show, and by the time it was over Doctor Johnson walked in.
“Hey sweetheart. Are you doing okay?” he asked gently. Ashley nodded.
“Is your medicine still working?”
“Mhm.”
“No pain?”
“None.”
“What did you give her Steve? She was pretty loopy earlier.”
“Some good stuff,” Doctor Johnson answered. “It’s medicine I ordered specially for her so she wouldn’t have to take stuff that made her fall asleep all the time.”
“Ah,” Brandon replied and Doctor Johnson moved closer to her.
“I’m gonna take your cast off for a bit, okay? I want to take a look” he explained so she wouldn’t react badly to him touching her. He knows she pretty much trusts him by now, but it’s best to be cautious. He’s supposed to let all of his patients know what he’s doing when he does it anyway.
“Kay,” Ashley replied, feeling very eager to get it off for awhile. Doctor Johnson undid the sling and set it to the side and then unwrapped her cast and he took a look.
“How come you wanted to look?” Ashley wanted to know.
“I just wanted to check up on it and see how it’s doing,” he reassured. “No worries – you should definitely be healed in two weeks” he added as he began to wrap the cast back around her arm.
“Can I have the sling off for awhile? It gets uncomfortable.” she pleaded.
“For awhile. But not all the time because it helps if you keep your arm as still as possible.”
“Kay,” she replied and he grabbed a couple of pillows, stacked them on top of each other and he carefully placed her arm ontop of the pillows so it was rested there. She sat there gazing at him for a long while in silence and as she did, she for the first time noticed how tired he looks.
“You look tired…busy day? I mean…besides saving my ass again, that is…”
“Yeah, real busy” Doctor Johnson nodded, looking away from her and Brandon rolled his eyes.
“He was up all night long last night. Don’t let him lie to you.” Ashley raised her eyebrow and looked at him.
“Why?” Doctor Johnson sighed.
“Thanks, Thanks a lot” He told him sarcastically and he looked at Ashley.
“I just couldn’t sleep is all.”
“He was in with the woman in the coma. Because he is too attached.” Doctor Johnson cast his brother a dark look.
“I’ve gotta go,” he insisted moodily, and he stood up to leave but Ashley grabbed him by the arm with her good hand and pulled him back down.
“No you don’t.”
“I have to work.”
“They’ll get a long fine without you. You are a doctor, not superman.” Doctor Johnson sighed.
“What’s the update on this woman in the coma?” She asked gently.
“They’re starting to give up on her,” Doctor Johnson answered, fighting back his tears.
“Who?”
“Everybody. Her family, her friends, the rest of the staff in the hospital wing…her family has decided that they’re giving her until the day after Christmas – Twelve o’ clock in the morning. If she doesn’t make any kind of sign that she is going to pull through, they’re pulling the plug.” Ashley gently squeezed her hand into his, but otherwise didn’t say a word. What could she say?
“I can’t lose her…not her too,” He insisted softly, and Ashley and Brandon could hear his voice falter slightly. “I tried so hard…”
“Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be honey. Maybe it’s just her time.”
“It can’t be. I worked way to hard to lose her.”
“Steven some day you’re just going to have to face the cold hard fact that you can’t save everybody” Brandon spoke up for the first time. “It’s tough I know, but it’s not always in your hands.”
“Then what good am I being a doctor if I can’t save everybody?”
“Because…” Ashley began softly. “If it weren’t for you, the ones you could save wouldn’t be here right now.” She reached up and cupped his cheek and tilted his head to the side so he was looking at her. “No, you can’t save everybody because sometimes it is just their time to go. It’s hard, it’s not fair, but it’s the cold hard truth. But you can save those who are meant to be saved, and that means more to them then you will ever know. I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for you. You’re a hero Doctor Johnson…my hero and I will always be forever grateful to you. You gave me another chance and there are so many other people before me who were given another chance too. You’re doing a really great thing and I’m sure your sister would be proud of you. I’m sorry you lost her…trust me, I understand completely how that feels. But I know she wouldn’t want you to keep beating yourself up over this either. She would want you to move on with your life and be happy…because honey, you deserve that.” Doctor Johnson didn’t reply, he only sat there as tears fell from his eyes and Ashley wrapped her good arm around his neck pulling him close for a hug. He slid both his arms around her and hugged her back, though he was careful of her arm. Brandon reached out and squeezed his brother’s shoulder.
“She loved you Steve…very much. You were so important to her, that sometimes I felt jealous. She would be sad if she knew you were hurting. Be happy for Kayline. Move on.” Doctor Johnson pulled Brandon into a hug also.
“Yes you lost a couple of people…and they should never be forgotten. It’s a sad thing, but you also can’t forget about all of the people you’ve rescued. All of the good that you’ve done to make up for it,” Ashley added. “Plus…this woman in the coma…she still has time. Don’t completely give up yet…we have until the end of Christmas. God works in mysterious ways...and has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.”
“You’re right…” Doctor Johnson replied softly. “You’re right…” He sat there quietly hugging her as he rubbed his hand over her back and after a few moments he spoke up again.
“Ashley?”
“Hmm?”
“Call me Steve from now on.”
Author's Chapter Notes:
Here's the next chapter.
It was co-written with Lenni.
Enjoy =)
It was co-written with Lenni.
Enjoy =)
