95 Rhythm of life
Word Soap: As The World Keeps Turning
Author: SYLnl
Title: #95 Rhythm of life
Rating: PG
Summary: “Everything has rhythm. Everything dances.” - Maya Angelou
Big Thanks To: ltklo, for brushing up my grammar
Previously on As The World Keeps Turning:
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19 #20
#21 #22 #23 #24 #25 #26 #27 #28 #29 #30 #31 #32 #33 #34 #35 #36 #37 #38 #39 #40 #41 #42 #43 #44 #45 #46 #47 #48 #49 #50 #51 #52 #53 #54 #55 #56 #57 #58 #59 #60 #61 #62 #63 #64 #65 #66 #67 #68 #69 #70 #71 #72 #73 #74 #75 #76 #77 #78 #79 #80 #81 #82 #83 #84 #85 #86 #87 #88 #89 #90 #91 #92 #93 #94
Damian, Lucinda and John were already there and the Look & Read room filled up pretty quick. John immediately made his way to Reid with a brown cardboard file in his hand and after greeting his grandmother and father, Luke joined the two doctors at the light box. He held the sleeping Danny close to his chest.
Although he was no expert, Luke knew it was bad. He looked at the white spot in the head scan and the white spot in the neck scan. No surprises there. Reid had already informed them that Lily had been shot in her head and neck. But the location of the two bullets was disturbing. He could see it in John’s face and he could feel it when Reid put his arm around him and pulled him a little closer.
When Reid turned, he looked at the family. His family. He looked at John and the older man smiled. Understanding.
“The bad news is that the bullets are both in very dangerous spots,” John started to explain. “The one in the head has penetrated the right parietal lobe. That means her personality could be affected. The other one is cervical.” John pointed at his neck, “and that means that the use of her arms or legs can be affected. The good news is, that this guy here,” he slapped Reid on his shoulder, “selected the top doctors for this neuro wing and two of them are working their butts off, right now.”
Everyone nodded.
“Could she die?” Faith tried to look calm, but the panic was in her eyes.
“She could,” John nodded, “It’s not likely, but it’s a major operation, so that’s always dangerous.”
Luke sat down and looked around. Visualizing this waiting room, many months ago, he’d often asked himself what kind of room he would like to be in if he had to wait for news about a loved one. Hoping that would never be his reality. But now it was. And he was grateful for the nice chairs, the warm colors and the homey feel of the room. It made it easier to relax.
He watched the boy in his arms and smiled. Trying to let him stay at Emma’s had proved to be one step too soon and a part of Luke was happy Danny was here. Feeling responsible for his son gave him the strength to stay calm.
His eyes met Damian’s.
“Are you okay?”
Damian shrugged. “In shock, like all of us.” His eyes looked sad and worried, but he smiled when he looked at Danny.
“So this is your son.”
Luke's chest expanded with pride.
“It is. This is Danny.”
“He’s beautiful,” Damian whispered, “He looks like you.”
Luke just nodded.
“He looks a lot better than the first picture you sent,” Damian’s smile was approving.
“Yeah, he does. Food, love and sleep - in random order - is doing wonders for him.”
“He couldn’t be in a better place, then.”
Luke smiled. He was surprised Damian showed no intention of coming closer and Luke appreciated that. He wasn’t ready to let Damian in.
When the door opened, all eyes were on the newcomer and Bob smiled apologetically.
“It’s only me,” he softly tapped Reid on his back, but made a straight line for Luke and Danny.
“Nurse Lorraine told me you brought Danny too, so after hearing all the stories I wanted to meet the brave guy myself.”
He pulled up a chair and took his time looking at the sleeping boy. Then his attention turned to Luke.
“You’re obviously doing a great job. He looks content.”
“He does now,” Luke smiled, “but he still has nightmares and panic attacks.” Luke softly caressed Danny’s cheek. “Every day a new piece of the puzzle comes out in a cry or remark and he’s painting a gruesome picture.”
Bob shook his head. “It’s just incomprehensible.”
“I know,” Luke nodded. “I always thought I had a troublesome youth, but at least I was always loved during those ordeals.”
“And all your acquired experience can be useful with Danny now,” Bob softly said. “You’re a survivor too, Luke. Just like that little boy. If anyone can show this boy how to overcome pain and suffering, it’s you. You and Reid.”
Bob and Luke both watched the said doctor, who was talking to John. As if he could feel their eyes, Reid looked up and gave a quick smile.
“Reid coped with his pain by shutting down emotionally and I think he will notice immediately if Danny starts doing that.”
Luke agreed. “And maybe dealing with Danny will heal some of those old wounds.”
Bob smiled. “I’m sure there will be a lot of interaction on that front. My children have triggered me a lot and it forced me to take a good look at myself. Wasn’t always easy…”
Both men chuckled. “I already started that journey before Danny came along,” Luke confided, “and Dr. Michaels is helping me with it. My next appointment is in two days and I already arranged to bring Danny too.”
“Great idea. Lynn is really good.”
Luke grinned. “She is. She…”
He was interrupted by the opening of the door and this time Dr. Lucy Montgomery and Dr. Gary Morgan entered. Looking tired, but…what was the word…pleased?
“The surgery went very well,” Lucy started. Yeah, pleased was the right word. “We were able to remove both bullets and didn’t encounter any surprises.”
“We must warn you that the bullets did do some damage. Time will tell how severe that damage is.”
“Can we see her?” Lucinda tried very hard to stay composed, but her concern was apparent.
“Not yet, grandmother.” Lucy put her hand on the woman’s arm. “And it might take some time. I’m talking at least eight hours here. So why don’t you let John take you home?”
Lucinda was brooding on a way to bend the rules, but Lucy knew her very well and shook her head. “She needs her rest, now. Give her that. It will help her fight this. I will be here, grandma. I’ll watch over her and call you if anything happens. I promise.”
Without her fighting spirit, Lucinda looked old and John put his arm around her. She motioned at Damian. “You stay with us. We still don’t know who’s behind all this, so I’m not letting you stay in that house by yourself.”
Damian just nodded. His desire to be in control was deactivated. He had a pretty strong hunch who they were dealing with and the last thing he wanted to be was alone right now.
“Are you ready to go home too?” Reid checked his watch. Almost midnight. “My day off starts in ten minutes…”
Luke grinned. He knew that look. So he nodded and rose to his feet. His hand caressed Reid’s cheek for a moment.
“You look tired. Do you want me to drive?”
“If you’re up for it…please,” Reid kissed him, “Shall I take Danny?”
Luke wanted to assure him he was fine, but then he saw the longing in the blue eyes and he nodded.
“Please,” he smiled, letting Reid pluck him from his neck, “He’s getting heavier.”
“I’m glad,” Reid grinned, noticed Gary’s searching glance and turned so the doctor could see the sleeping face. He smiled.
“He’s cute,” Gary stated the obvious. “You keep blowing my mind, Oliver. Living together, rings and now a kid.”
“I blow my own mind too,” Reid admitted, “but I’m loving every minute of it.”
“I can tell,” Gary nodded and gave him a genuine smile. “And I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. How are you doing?”
“Hanging in there. Ruggs is a big help.”
Reid was pleased with himself. “I knew he would be.”
“I’m working on Kevin to join me at the Christmas reception, but I don’t think I’ll get him in wheels that fast.”
“That’s three days from now… that sounds a little premature, if you ask me.”
“According to Ruggs there are some contraptions that we could use, but Kevin doesn’t want to show himself like that.”
“As I can understand,” Reid nodded calmly.
“Me too. But this is his reality, so Ruggs thinks it’s important he faces that.”
“Hmm, we all have our own rhythm of dealing with stuff like that. Look at this kid. He’s been through hell. I don’t know how long it’s gonna take for him to heal from that. It takes as long as it takes. If you rush Kevin, he’s gonna resent you.”
Gary nodded. “It’s a fine line between pushing him too hard and keeping him in the game,” he admitted. “I’ll talk to him, tomorrow.”
“You do that,” Reid nodded at Danny. “I’m gonna take this little guy and his hot daddy home.”
Dr. Gary Morgan didn’t answer. He watched Reid leave. Two small arms around his neck and one strong arm around his waist. It was a sight he’d never imagined. Not even in Dallas, during their… whatever it was. Reid as a committed partner and a father. But for some mysterious reason it now looked like the most natural thing in the world.