Hit and Run Part 4
Dec. 5th, 2010 11:38 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
marsabi1Title: Hit and Run
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Reid and Luke are happily engaged and living together, when a sudden event causes Luke to break it off with Reid. This is also my story for Natalie. I read a lot with Ethan and Faith, but not many stories have her in them. I always loved her for hugging Luke at the end of ATWT.
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Rating: PG
Warning: bottoms up ?
a/n: The operation day. Also, some unexpected support for Reid! This scene was a blast to imagine- I wish Reid had gotten scenes with these two people on the show!
Part 4
Dr. Alexa Jones was a tiny woman. She barely came up to most people’s shoulders. But she had a quick mind, skillful hands and a dirty mouth. Jet lagged and running of caffeine, she hurried over to Memorial hospital. Reid had not exaggerated – the place was a dump. But they must have done something right to attract a surgeon as gifted as Reid.
“Oliver!” She shouted at him. He looked awful, pale and withdrawn. She gave him a hug, which he endured with an eye roll. Well, at least that seemed like the old Reid.
He handed her the Snyder chart and they began to discuss the case.
“She’s so young, “ Alexa sighed. “I usually deal with the older patients.”
“You’d be good with Peds, “ Reid answered, “most of them are about your size.”
Alexa punched him lightly. “And you’d be good with the old people, most of them are too far gone to see how obnoxious you are.”
Reid was about to answer, when the elevator doors opened and a whole group of distraught people poured into the hallway.
The family had arrived.
A good-looking man rushed over . “How is she? Are you operating now? Can I go and see her?”
“Take it easy, Holden. “ Reid cleared his throat. He was eyeing a gorgeous blond man who had followed in the other man’s footsteps. The blond was looking at Reid too.
“This is Natalie’s surgeon – Dr. Jones.”
Alexa shook hands with Holden Snyder, and then she was thrown back by a sobbing woman with wild hair.
“Please help her! My baby!”
Alexa gently pushed the mother off of her. “I will do my best,” she assured the woman. Holden took her hand. Another woman came up. She had short, dark hair and a tight smile. “Lily,” she said. She grabbed Holden Snyder’s other hand.
“Molly,” Lily sniffed. Holden looked uneasily between the two women.
“We hope to operate in less than an hour,” Reid said, going back to Holden’s question, “so you really can’t see Natalie right now. She is being prepped. But you can go in right before the surgery for a moment.”
Holden nodded, his face upset.
A sullen teenage joined the group. “I want to see her now!”
“Come here,” said the dark-haired woman to the teen.
“I can take care of my daughter,” snapped the mother.
“Where were you when Natalie was out?” The dark-haired one replied.
Holden tried to calm the bickering women. He pushed them aside to talk to them.
Alexa raised an eyebrow at Reid. He shrugged.
Then he looked uncomfortable. The gorgeous blond had come closer to them.
The blond man licked his lips. “Can I talk to you,” he asked Reid, “just a minute?”
Reid shook his head. “Nothing to discuss. “
He nodded to Alexa.
“Alexa Jones, my- er - Luke Snyder.”
“Oh, you’re the fiancée.” Alexa looked him up and down, and then winked at Reid, “I see we still have the same taste in men.” Boy, the blond was yummy!
Luke frowned in confusion. He didn’t know what she was talking about and didn’t care. He wished that Reid would look at him.
“I just want to talk to you one minute,” Luke repeated.
Emma and Ethan ran up at that moment. Ethan grabbed at Luke around his knees. Luke automatically picked him up and hugged him. Reid took advantage of that and slipped away.
Alexa Jones smiled at Luke curiously, and followed Reid. They went into the lab and poured over Natalie’s scans.
Reid stared at the tests. “Can I observe?” He asked Alexa. “I’d like to be in the room.”
Alexa shrugged, “Of course. As long as you remember who is in charge.”
But truthfully, she’d welcome Reid’s presence. This was a very complex case.
They both washed up and put on scrubs.
Bob Hughes came in, “She’s prepped. All set?”
Dr. Jones frowned. “Well, I could use some extra hands. “
“Hmm,” Bob frowned, “unfortunately, we are a little short staffed right now,” he thought about Chris being suspended. “But I have a few eager interns.”
Alexa sighed. “Okay, I guess.” Interns? Crap, she thought. Then she sighed. “Bring them.”
Just moments later, Natalie was wheeled into the OR. Dr. Jones began the procedure, using a tiny laser the size of a thumb to neatly open up the skull. The brain was exposed, like the slicing of an orange. The sound of suction and machines could be heard just underneath the whispering voices of the nurses and interns. The incision was made. Reid watched from behind her. She was good. Her hands capable and focused.
But a few hours into the operation, it became difficult.
“Damn!” Alexa mumbled . “These blood vessels, so tiny.” A nurse mopped her face and pulled down her mask to give her a quick sip of water.
“I can’t see,” Alexa moved around. “Give me more light here,” she ordered the nurse.
“Help dissect this part,” she ordered the intern.
“Right!” The intern was almost giddy as he grabbed the scalpel.
“Look at this tissue damage,” Dr. Jones said.
Reid could see it over her left shoulder. It was bad.
The intern began to cut.
“No!” Alexa ordered, “not there.” She gestured with her head, her arms busy stitching another part of Natalie’s brain. “There. See?”
“No,” the intern said, wide-eyed now.
“There! “ Alexa said again, nodding. Trying to show him. She couldn’t help until her own part was done.
The intern blindly went to make the cut.
“Out of the way, moron,” Reid said suddenly , pushing the nervous intern aside. He could not stand it another moment. This bonehead would not touch Natalie.
Reid could see the tissue, the cut, the bleeding. It was like looking at a puzzle and just knowing where all the pieces fit. His mind clicked on it, and Reid felt a sense of calm. A sense of purpose. Luke had been right about one thing - in the OR, Reid could push aside everything else and just perform. He was that good.
Together now, he and Alexa cut and stitched and worked. They moved as one, picking up each other’s cues.
***
The operation lasted for hours. In the waiting room, Luke and the family sat helplessly. They had bickered, they had paced, they had eaten , they had slept. They had stared at the clock. They had watched bad television. They had bickered some more. And they waited.
At one point, Holden had taken Luke aside. “Are you okay?” He had asked.
“Well, nobody here is,” Luke had smiled.
Holden had searched his son’s eyes. “I know that. But I feel like there is more with you going on. You’re so silent- and just not like you.”
“I’m fine,” Luke said. At Holden’s look, Luke frowned. “I had a fight with Reid,” he admitted. He did not want to burden Holden with just how bad the fight had been. “But it’s no big thing.”
“Okay,” Holden patted Luke, “I’m sure you guys will work it out soon. “ Luke nodded. Holden’s glance went to Lily, sitting with Lucinda and Faith. “But don’t let it go on too long. Don’t let it fester. “
“I won’t,” Luke promised. Holden gave him a firm hug.
Then they’d gone back to waiting. The family played cards. The little ones grew tired and snuggled into the laps of the big ones, like nesting dolls.
The family huddled together. They drank coffee. They watched more bad television. They waited, waited and waited.
Finally, Dr. Jones came out from the OR.
The whole family rushed up.
She gave them a tired smile. “It went well. Natalie is in recovery.”
Everybody sighed with relief at once.
Dr. Jones continued, “We won’t know how she’ll be yet, but it looked good. Dr. Oliver and I managed to remove the damaged tissue.”
“What? “ Luke asked, “Reid operated with you?”
Dr. Jones nodded. “He was amazing, “she said simply. Then she laughed, “But don’t tell him I said it!”
Luke said nothing; he was rooted in place with shock.
“And Natalie will wake up when?” Lily was asking.
“Well, we want her body to rest, so we put her to sleep for the next day or so. Then we’ll wake her.” The doctor smiled. “I’m afraid I have to fly back to Boston tonight. More operations to do. But Dr. Oliver has her post-operative care planned out.”
“Is he coming out?” Luke asked.
“Should be.”
Luke gave her a big smile. “Thank you so much.”
She smiled back at him. He really was yummy, Alexa thought, Oliver always was a lucky bastard.
Dr. Jones turned to the family once more. “Natalie is strong and we’re hopeful. Take care now.”
“Thank you,” they all murmured.
Dr. Jones went down the hall. She took out her cell phone and began to book her return flight.
Meanwhile, Reid appeared from the OR.
The family embraced him, all except for a troubled Luke. He jammed his hands in his pockets and fought back tears. He wanted to work it out, but not with his entire family there.
After another quick briefing about Natalie, Reid excused himself. He was exhausted beyond imagination. He had been focused and energized in the operation, but now his emotions felt raw.
Luke followed him down the hallway.
“Wait! Reid!”
Impatiently, Reid turned. Luke smacked into him. He pushed Luke off quickly.
They looked at each other.
"Thank you,” Luke said softly, his eyes devouring Reid.
Reid shrugged. “If this wasn’t such a small hospital filled with idiotic interns- “ he shrugged again.
“We need to talk, okay?”
Reid said nothing.
“I’m sorry. I am! Can we please talk ?“ Luke suddenly pleaded.
Reid’s mouth drew into a hard line. “I don’t think so.”
“What?”
“I should just forget it, huh? Now that Luke Snyder had it come out his way?”
Luke shook his head, “No,” he said. “Reid it isn’t like that.”
“That’s exactly what this is- I did what you wanted and helped operate, so now you think a sorry will fix it all. You got what you wanted, right?” Reid sneered.
“No!” Luke took his elbow and held it. “ I was coming to talk, trying to talk before the surgery, but-“
“You know what?” Reid said, shaking off Luke’s arm. “I just don’t care right now. “
“Reid!”
He walked away.
Luke leaned heavily against the wall and banged his head against it.
***
Reid stayed in his small office for hours, going over every aspect of Natalie’s case. She would be awake soon and then they would know how successful it had been. Reid rubbed his eyes. He was drained, but the thought of going back to an empty house depressed him. He was no longer obligated to stay , but he stayed just the same. He opened up another file. It was late at night, the family was still taking shifts to watch over Natalie. Reid had checked her a few times, deliberately making sure it was not Luke’s shift. He sighed. The hospital was so quiet at this hour. Too silent.
The door of his office flung open suddenly, and Reid braced himself. He just could not deal with Luke right now. But it wasn’t him. Part of Reid felt relief and another part felt disappointed. He shook both feelings away.
Emma and Lucinda entered; they were hauling large bags.
“Hi,” Reid rose to his feet in confusion. He’s thought they’d left the hospital hours ago.
“Hello sweetheart,” Emma came over and gave Reid a warm hug. She put a bag down on his desk.
“What’s this?” Reid asked, perplexed.
“Really darling, you need some better lightening in here,” Lucinda was saying, making a face at Reid’s tiny desk lamp. “Bob Hughes can afford to give his top surgeon a bigger office too. I’m going to fax that man a memo. “
Emma dug into the bag and started bringing out foods: thick pieces of fried chicken, sweet potatoes in honey, apple pie.
“You need to eat, “ Emma scolded Reid gently. “Have you eaten at all today?” Emma gently touched Reid on the head and smoothed back his hair.
“I um-“ Reid stammered, embarrassed.
Emma clucked her tongue, “Skin and bones. No wonder Luke was concerned.”
“Luke?” Reid’s heart skipped a beat at his name.
“He sent us here, darling, “ Lucinda said, flopping into Reid’s chair, spinning around. “He’s concerned about you. “
Reid was silent. As far as he knew the family did not know they had split up. He wasn’t sure what to say or do.
“He asked us to take care of you and visit. I guess he had some things to do for Holden and
for Lily,” Emma added as she scooped Reid out a huge plate of food.
“You know what would be nice in this office? “ Lucinda mused, “a flat screen television. You could relax between operations. Why not! “ Lucinda gave Reid a wide grin, “Who deserves it more than the man saving our Natalie?”
“Look,” Reid said laughing at her, “Don’t get involved with your guns blazing or anything.” Reid pulled up another chair and sat down . ” I don’t need Bob accusing me of nepotism. That’s what I accuse him and Chris of.” Reid slowly picked up a fork and began to eat.
Emma beamed at him with approval. Reid shoveled in more food.
Damn! He was hungry.
“Fine, fine. Refuse my help with Bob. “ Lucinda reached into her bag. “Stubborn. Like me. “
She pulled out a bottle of Wild Turkey. “But you can’t refuse a shot.” Lucinda took out two glasses and poured .
“Luke did not give you that!” Reid exclaimed.
Lucinda grinned wickedly, “This is from my limo- I keep it fully stocked, darling.”
“I’m at the hospital,” Reid protested.
“You’re not on call. You’re just here. Waiting and watching. But you told us yourself, you put Natalie in a deep sleep for at least 48 hours, right?”
Reid nodded.
“So drink up, Oliver! Don’t make this old gal drink alone!”
Reid took the glass.
“What the hell?” he muttered. He’d been through enough; a drink did not sound bad.
“Cheers, old lady.”
“Down the hatch.”
The whiskey burned as it hit his throat.
“Emma?” Lucinda asked. “There is one more glass?”
“Oh, no ,no. Gracious me!” Emma shook her head.
Reid and Lucinda finished the shot.
“Oh and here,” Lucinda reached into the final bag. “Luke asked me to stop at your house and pick this up.”
She pulled out Reid’s toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit and comb.
“Luke..went home? “ Reid felt his heart slamming against his chest.
Lucinda shook her head. “Gave me the key. Here,” She tossed it to him. “But he wanted to make sure you had your stuff. He said you’d stubbornly be here all night.”
Reid felt a dull ache in the pit of his stomach. He picked up his toothbrush. This was the Luke he usually knew. Thoughtful ,sweet… Reid shook his head. No. It shouldn’t be so easy for Luke.
Reid did another shot with Lucinda, and ate more pie.
Watching them, Emma clucked her tongue.
“Oh, come on Emma!” Lucinda ordered, “Whiskey up.”
“No.”
"Why not? Holden and Molly have the kids, and we have the limo to drive you home. What’s stopping you?”
Emma paused. “Oh, well… maybe just a nip.”
Reid’s mouth fell open.
“Don’t just sit there like a dummy, “ cackled Lucinda, “pour the lady a drink.”
They drank. The bottle was soon half-empty.
Emma told them stories about Mr. Harvey Snyder, her husband, and the way he rode a stallion.
Lucinda shared tales of John Dixon. “A little bit of blackmail, darlings, leads to a lot of good sex. “ And then she shared the details of her one night stand with Craig Montgomery. Her story made even Reid blush.
Reid offered his argument that a real man kept his “number” of conquests to himself. The ladies both agreed with him. But the conversation made Reid restless- it made him think of Luke.
They talked long into the night.
***
After a while, Reid looked at his two “grandmas” and smiled.
“Thanks,” he told them. “Both of you.”
“Oh come on,” Emma gave his shoulders a quick rub. “We should thank you.”
“Well,” Reid sighed. “We still don’t know how she will be.”
They were all silent a moment.
“Then we’ll pray,” Emma said simply and bowed her head.
Lucinda and Reid glanced at her and then at each other.
“What the hell?” Lucinda shrugged. “I believe in the man upstairs.”
She bowed her head. Emma took Lucinda’s hand.
Reid swallowed the lump in his throat. He’s always been an agnostic and was still doubtful. But for Natalie---- for this family he loved ----
Reid offered a hand to each woman.
The three of them formed a tight little circle and prayed.
Author: Marsabi
Summary: Reid and Luke are happily engaged and living together, when a sudden event causes Luke to break it off with Reid. This is also my story for Natalie. I read a lot with Ethan and Faith, but not many stories have her in them. I always loved her for hugging Luke at the end of ATWT.
Disclaimer: Owned by ATWT
Rating: PG
Warning: bottoms up ?
a/n: The operation day. Also, some unexpected support for Reid! This scene was a blast to imagine- I wish Reid had gotten scenes with these two people on the show!
Part 4
Dr. Alexa Jones was a tiny woman. She barely came up to most people’s shoulders. But she had a quick mind, skillful hands and a dirty mouth. Jet lagged and running of caffeine, she hurried over to Memorial hospital. Reid had not exaggerated – the place was a dump. But they must have done something right to attract a surgeon as gifted as Reid.
“Oliver!” She shouted at him. He looked awful, pale and withdrawn. She gave him a hug, which he endured with an eye roll. Well, at least that seemed like the old Reid.
He handed her the Snyder chart and they began to discuss the case.
“She’s so young, “ Alexa sighed. “I usually deal with the older patients.”
“You’d be good with Peds, “ Reid answered, “most of them are about your size.”
Alexa punched him lightly. “And you’d be good with the old people, most of them are too far gone to see how obnoxious you are.”
Reid was about to answer, when the elevator doors opened and a whole group of distraught people poured into the hallway.
The family had arrived.
A good-looking man rushed over . “How is she? Are you operating now? Can I go and see her?”
“Take it easy, Holden. “ Reid cleared his throat. He was eyeing a gorgeous blond man who had followed in the other man’s footsteps. The blond was looking at Reid too.
“This is Natalie’s surgeon – Dr. Jones.”
Alexa shook hands with Holden Snyder, and then she was thrown back by a sobbing woman with wild hair.
“Please help her! My baby!”
Alexa gently pushed the mother off of her. “I will do my best,” she assured the woman. Holden took her hand. Another woman came up. She had short, dark hair and a tight smile. “Lily,” she said. She grabbed Holden Snyder’s other hand.
“Molly,” Lily sniffed. Holden looked uneasily between the two women.
“We hope to operate in less than an hour,” Reid said, going back to Holden’s question, “so you really can’t see Natalie right now. She is being prepped. But you can go in right before the surgery for a moment.”
Holden nodded, his face upset.
A sullen teenage joined the group. “I want to see her now!”
“Come here,” said the dark-haired woman to the teen.
“I can take care of my daughter,” snapped the mother.
“Where were you when Natalie was out?” The dark-haired one replied.
Holden tried to calm the bickering women. He pushed them aside to talk to them.
Alexa raised an eyebrow at Reid. He shrugged.
Then he looked uncomfortable. The gorgeous blond had come closer to them.
The blond man licked his lips. “Can I talk to you,” he asked Reid, “just a minute?”
Reid shook his head. “Nothing to discuss. “
He nodded to Alexa.
“Alexa Jones, my- er - Luke Snyder.”
“Oh, you’re the fiancée.” Alexa looked him up and down, and then winked at Reid, “I see we still have the same taste in men.” Boy, the blond was yummy!
Luke frowned in confusion. He didn’t know what she was talking about and didn’t care. He wished that Reid would look at him.
“I just want to talk to you one minute,” Luke repeated.
Emma and Ethan ran up at that moment. Ethan grabbed at Luke around his knees. Luke automatically picked him up and hugged him. Reid took advantage of that and slipped away.
Alexa Jones smiled at Luke curiously, and followed Reid. They went into the lab and poured over Natalie’s scans.
Reid stared at the tests. “Can I observe?” He asked Alexa. “I’d like to be in the room.”
Alexa shrugged, “Of course. As long as you remember who is in charge.”
But truthfully, she’d welcome Reid’s presence. This was a very complex case.
They both washed up and put on scrubs.
Bob Hughes came in, “She’s prepped. All set?”
Dr. Jones frowned. “Well, I could use some extra hands. “
“Hmm,” Bob frowned, “unfortunately, we are a little short staffed right now,” he thought about Chris being suspended. “But I have a few eager interns.”
Alexa sighed. “Okay, I guess.” Interns? Crap, she thought. Then she sighed. “Bring them.”
Just moments later, Natalie was wheeled into the OR. Dr. Jones began the procedure, using a tiny laser the size of a thumb to neatly open up the skull. The brain was exposed, like the slicing of an orange. The sound of suction and machines could be heard just underneath the whispering voices of the nurses and interns. The incision was made. Reid watched from behind her. She was good. Her hands capable and focused.
But a few hours into the operation, it became difficult.
“Damn!” Alexa mumbled . “These blood vessels, so tiny.” A nurse mopped her face and pulled down her mask to give her a quick sip of water.
“I can’t see,” Alexa moved around. “Give me more light here,” she ordered the nurse.
“Help dissect this part,” she ordered the intern.
“Right!” The intern was almost giddy as he grabbed the scalpel.
“Look at this tissue damage,” Dr. Jones said.
Reid could see it over her left shoulder. It was bad.
The intern began to cut.
“No!” Alexa ordered, “not there.” She gestured with her head, her arms busy stitching another part of Natalie’s brain. “There. See?”
“No,” the intern said, wide-eyed now.
“There! “ Alexa said again, nodding. Trying to show him. She couldn’t help until her own part was done.
The intern blindly went to make the cut.
“Out of the way, moron,” Reid said suddenly , pushing the nervous intern aside. He could not stand it another moment. This bonehead would not touch Natalie.
Reid could see the tissue, the cut, the bleeding. It was like looking at a puzzle and just knowing where all the pieces fit. His mind clicked on it, and Reid felt a sense of calm. A sense of purpose. Luke had been right about one thing - in the OR, Reid could push aside everything else and just perform. He was that good.
Together now, he and Alexa cut and stitched and worked. They moved as one, picking up each other’s cues.
***
The operation lasted for hours. In the waiting room, Luke and the family sat helplessly. They had bickered, they had paced, they had eaten , they had slept. They had stared at the clock. They had watched bad television. They had bickered some more. And they waited.
At one point, Holden had taken Luke aside. “Are you okay?” He had asked.
“Well, nobody here is,” Luke had smiled.
Holden had searched his son’s eyes. “I know that. But I feel like there is more with you going on. You’re so silent- and just not like you.”
“I’m fine,” Luke said. At Holden’s look, Luke frowned. “I had a fight with Reid,” he admitted. He did not want to burden Holden with just how bad the fight had been. “But it’s no big thing.”
“Okay,” Holden patted Luke, “I’m sure you guys will work it out soon. “ Luke nodded. Holden’s glance went to Lily, sitting with Lucinda and Faith. “But don’t let it go on too long. Don’t let it fester. “
“I won’t,” Luke promised. Holden gave him a firm hug.
Then they’d gone back to waiting. The family played cards. The little ones grew tired and snuggled into the laps of the big ones, like nesting dolls.
The family huddled together. They drank coffee. They watched more bad television. They waited, waited and waited.
Finally, Dr. Jones came out from the OR.
The whole family rushed up.
She gave them a tired smile. “It went well. Natalie is in recovery.”
Everybody sighed with relief at once.
Dr. Jones continued, “We won’t know how she’ll be yet, but it looked good. Dr. Oliver and I managed to remove the damaged tissue.”
“What? “ Luke asked, “Reid operated with you?”
Dr. Jones nodded. “He was amazing, “she said simply. Then she laughed, “But don’t tell him I said it!”
Luke said nothing; he was rooted in place with shock.
“And Natalie will wake up when?” Lily was asking.
“Well, we want her body to rest, so we put her to sleep for the next day or so. Then we’ll wake her.” The doctor smiled. “I’m afraid I have to fly back to Boston tonight. More operations to do. But Dr. Oliver has her post-operative care planned out.”
“Is he coming out?” Luke asked.
“Should be.”
Luke gave her a big smile. “Thank you so much.”
She smiled back at him. He really was yummy, Alexa thought, Oliver always was a lucky bastard.
Dr. Jones turned to the family once more. “Natalie is strong and we’re hopeful. Take care now.”
“Thank you,” they all murmured.
Dr. Jones went down the hall. She took out her cell phone and began to book her return flight.
Meanwhile, Reid appeared from the OR.
The family embraced him, all except for a troubled Luke. He jammed his hands in his pockets and fought back tears. He wanted to work it out, but not with his entire family there.
After another quick briefing about Natalie, Reid excused himself. He was exhausted beyond imagination. He had been focused and energized in the operation, but now his emotions felt raw.
Luke followed him down the hallway.
“Wait! Reid!”
Impatiently, Reid turned. Luke smacked into him. He pushed Luke off quickly.
They looked at each other.
"Thank you,” Luke said softly, his eyes devouring Reid.
Reid shrugged. “If this wasn’t such a small hospital filled with idiotic interns- “ he shrugged again.
“We need to talk, okay?”
Reid said nothing.
“I’m sorry. I am! Can we please talk ?“ Luke suddenly pleaded.
Reid’s mouth drew into a hard line. “I don’t think so.”
“What?”
“I should just forget it, huh? Now that Luke Snyder had it come out his way?”
Luke shook his head, “No,” he said. “Reid it isn’t like that.”
“That’s exactly what this is- I did what you wanted and helped operate, so now you think a sorry will fix it all. You got what you wanted, right?” Reid sneered.
“No!” Luke took his elbow and held it. “ I was coming to talk, trying to talk before the surgery, but-“
“You know what?” Reid said, shaking off Luke’s arm. “I just don’t care right now. “
“Reid!”
He walked away.
Luke leaned heavily against the wall and banged his head against it.
***
Reid stayed in his small office for hours, going over every aspect of Natalie’s case. She would be awake soon and then they would know how successful it had been. Reid rubbed his eyes. He was drained, but the thought of going back to an empty house depressed him. He was no longer obligated to stay , but he stayed just the same. He opened up another file. It was late at night, the family was still taking shifts to watch over Natalie. Reid had checked her a few times, deliberately making sure it was not Luke’s shift. He sighed. The hospital was so quiet at this hour. Too silent.
The door of his office flung open suddenly, and Reid braced himself. He just could not deal with Luke right now. But it wasn’t him. Part of Reid felt relief and another part felt disappointed. He shook both feelings away.
Emma and Lucinda entered; they were hauling large bags.
“Hi,” Reid rose to his feet in confusion. He’s thought they’d left the hospital hours ago.
“Hello sweetheart,” Emma came over and gave Reid a warm hug. She put a bag down on his desk.
“What’s this?” Reid asked, perplexed.
“Really darling, you need some better lightening in here,” Lucinda was saying, making a face at Reid’s tiny desk lamp. “Bob Hughes can afford to give his top surgeon a bigger office too. I’m going to fax that man a memo. “
Emma dug into the bag and started bringing out foods: thick pieces of fried chicken, sweet potatoes in honey, apple pie.
“You need to eat, “ Emma scolded Reid gently. “Have you eaten at all today?” Emma gently touched Reid on the head and smoothed back his hair.
“I um-“ Reid stammered, embarrassed.
Emma clucked her tongue, “Skin and bones. No wonder Luke was concerned.”
“Luke?” Reid’s heart skipped a beat at his name.
“He sent us here, darling, “ Lucinda said, flopping into Reid’s chair, spinning around. “He’s concerned about you. “
Reid was silent. As far as he knew the family did not know they had split up. He wasn’t sure what to say or do.
“He asked us to take care of you and visit. I guess he had some things to do for Holden and
for Lily,” Emma added as she scooped Reid out a huge plate of food.
“You know what would be nice in this office? “ Lucinda mused, “a flat screen television. You could relax between operations. Why not! “ Lucinda gave Reid a wide grin, “Who deserves it more than the man saving our Natalie?”
“Look,” Reid said laughing at her, “Don’t get involved with your guns blazing or anything.” Reid pulled up another chair and sat down . ” I don’t need Bob accusing me of nepotism. That’s what I accuse him and Chris of.” Reid slowly picked up a fork and began to eat.
Emma beamed at him with approval. Reid shoveled in more food.
Damn! He was hungry.
“Fine, fine. Refuse my help with Bob. “ Lucinda reached into her bag. “Stubborn. Like me. “
She pulled out a bottle of Wild Turkey. “But you can’t refuse a shot.” Lucinda took out two glasses and poured .
“Luke did not give you that!” Reid exclaimed.
Lucinda grinned wickedly, “This is from my limo- I keep it fully stocked, darling.”
“I’m at the hospital,” Reid protested.
“You’re not on call. You’re just here. Waiting and watching. But you told us yourself, you put Natalie in a deep sleep for at least 48 hours, right?”
Reid nodded.
“So drink up, Oliver! Don’t make this old gal drink alone!”
Reid took the glass.
“What the hell?” he muttered. He’d been through enough; a drink did not sound bad.
“Cheers, old lady.”
“Down the hatch.”
The whiskey burned as it hit his throat.
“Emma?” Lucinda asked. “There is one more glass?”
“Oh, no ,no. Gracious me!” Emma shook her head.
Reid and Lucinda finished the shot.
“Oh and here,” Lucinda reached into the final bag. “Luke asked me to stop at your house and pick this up.”
She pulled out Reid’s toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving kit and comb.
“Luke..went home? “ Reid felt his heart slamming against his chest.
Lucinda shook her head. “Gave me the key. Here,” She tossed it to him. “But he wanted to make sure you had your stuff. He said you’d stubbornly be here all night.”
Reid felt a dull ache in the pit of his stomach. He picked up his toothbrush. This was the Luke he usually knew. Thoughtful ,sweet… Reid shook his head. No. It shouldn’t be so easy for Luke.
Reid did another shot with Lucinda, and ate more pie.
Watching them, Emma clucked her tongue.
“Oh, come on Emma!” Lucinda ordered, “Whiskey up.”
“No.”
"Why not? Holden and Molly have the kids, and we have the limo to drive you home. What’s stopping you?”
Emma paused. “Oh, well… maybe just a nip.”
Reid’s mouth fell open.
“Don’t just sit there like a dummy, “ cackled Lucinda, “pour the lady a drink.”
They drank. The bottle was soon half-empty.
Emma told them stories about Mr. Harvey Snyder, her husband, and the way he rode a stallion.
Lucinda shared tales of John Dixon. “A little bit of blackmail, darlings, leads to a lot of good sex. “ And then she shared the details of her one night stand with Craig Montgomery. Her story made even Reid blush.
Reid offered his argument that a real man kept his “number” of conquests to himself. The ladies both agreed with him. But the conversation made Reid restless- it made him think of Luke.
They talked long into the night.
***
After a while, Reid looked at his two “grandmas” and smiled.
“Thanks,” he told them. “Both of you.”
“Oh come on,” Emma gave his shoulders a quick rub. “We should thank you.”
“Well,” Reid sighed. “We still don’t know how she will be.”
They were all silent a moment.
“Then we’ll pray,” Emma said simply and bowed her head.
Lucinda and Reid glanced at her and then at each other.
“What the hell?” Lucinda shrugged. “I believe in the man upstairs.”
She bowed her head. Emma took Lucinda’s hand.
Reid swallowed the lump in his throat. He’s always been an agnostic and was still doubtful. But for Natalie---- for this family he loved ----
Reid offered a hand to each woman.
The three of them formed a tight little circle and prayed.
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Date: 2010-12-05 08:01 pm (UTC)