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CHAPTER ELEVEN
Three hours later Wednesday afternoon March 26 3:20 P.M. MDT Denver Health, Denver, CO
Hi, Raz whispered.Boy Scout, Alex said.
She opened and closed her eyes. Raz moved to sit on the edge of her bed.
Hes gone, he replied. Before you ask, Matthew is out of surgery. The doctors believe he will make a full recovery.
He smiled at her. She frowned.
You hurt me, she said.
Yes, I did, he said. I wont insult you with excuses. I will regret it for the rest of my life.
I wish I knew why, she said. Its so very confusing.
I know, he said. I think its confusing too.
Arent you supposed to be in Washington?
Joseph is leading the group until you are up and around. He has assessed each of us and offered us a tentative contract.
Alex closed her eyes. She was hallucinating.
I thought I heard you say Joseph?
Yep, Raz nodded. The President wants us to find Cee Cee Joiner. Colonel Gordon put Joseph on the table as the way to make it happen. The Fort acquiesced to the Commander and Chief.
Joseph who? Which Joseph?
Joseph Walter. Major Joseph Walter. In fact, youre now a Lieutenant Colonel.
Now I know Im hallucinating, she said.
Did you really quit?
Yep, Alex said. Im a civilian. I havent ever been one. No more vaults, no more guns, no more assholes, just lunch with the girls and whatever else civilians do...
Alex faded out. Her eyes closed then popped open again.
Shop! Yep, shopping. Time to spend the inheritance. I only have one pair of non-military shoes. Sami has at least three hundred. I have to catch up. So you see, Im not a Lieutenant Colonel. Im a housewife. A rich doctors wife.
Uh huh, Raz said.
Her brown eyes drifted across his face. She saw his sorrow and remorse. Her soul ached to tell him everything like she had for the last six years. But she didnt trust him. When she sighed, he cupped her face with his hand.
Im sorry. I took you for granted. In my own desire to prove myself, I acted as if you were inferior wrong Knowing better, I trampled on your feelings, your kindness and our His eyes caressed her face before he added, Friendship.
Under the warmth of his gray eyes, she felt the ice thaw from her heart.
I dont know how to do it. The words burst from her. I dont know how to be the Fey and a leader and me and a friend and a soldier and I sit in my stupid office longing for Charlie or for some sign from Charlie. Im supposed to have all this near-psychic ability or that Fey guy is supposed to be eerie psychic and Charlies not talking.
Everyone expects a lot from you, Raz said. When we were in Paris? Dominic told me you were more fragile than you looked. I know hes right but in the day to day knowing and working with you, I forget.
Alex nodded.
Forgive me?
Why are you here? She didnt want to give in too easily.
To make up with you, he said.
Oh...
She yawned.
Really? Cuz I dont feel very good and...
Pressing the call button for a nurse, Raz held out a bowl. Alex threw up. Taking away the bowl, he gave her a clean hand towel. A nurse fluttered in the room, saw Raz, blushed, batted her eyes at him, and then finally took the vomit from the room.
Every time, she said.
Every time, he said. Its my pleasure to ass-ist you.
Alex laughed.
FFFFFF
Half hour later
Wednesday evening
March 26 4:00 P.M. MDT
Denver Health, Denver, CO
John and Troy ran ten miles along the Platte River. After showering at home, they stopped for sandwiches at the Spicy Pickle. They were paying when John received the call they had been waiting for Alex was out of surgery. She had been moved to recovery. Raz was guarding her through the transition to ICU. Matthew had already settled in the ICU. While their status remained critical, they expect to downgrade their status by nightfall.
Driving down Eighth Avenue, they saw a hoard of press surrounding the building. The viral video of Alex fighting the Boy Scout brought out the most aggressive paparazzi. In response, Fort Carson dispatched a battalion to guard Alex and Matthew. The soldiers and paparazzi held an uneasy standoff around the hospital.
John and Troy avoided the photographers and soldiers by parking in the doctors parking. Using Johns badge, they made their way through the employee entrances to ICU where they were directed to a private waiting room. Standing in the doorway, John groaned when Rebecca Hargreaves flew at him. Her hazel eyes shot bullets of anger.
Im told you are the reason I am not allowed to see my daughter.
Thats correct, John said.
Who do you think you are? She is MY daughter.
I wanted to have a word with you first.
About what?
If you mention even one word about Alex not being able to have children, so help me God, I will make certain you never see her again.
John and Rebecca stared at each other in angry silence.
What are you talking about? Rebecca spit out.
When you told my wife of twelve hours that moving in with her twin guaranteed she would die alone, I stayed out of it. Johns voice became dangerous, low and rage-filled. When you insisted that my gorgeous wife would never find love as a Green Beret, I stayed out of it. When you harangued her over being too old to have children, I stayed out if it. When you created this hideous blonde headed blue eyed fakery, I stayed out of it.
Not this time.
Rebeccas hazel eyes blinked at his angry, staccato words.
Why why are you saying this?
Because my wonderful, beautiful, amazing wife is convinced I will divorce her now that we cannot have our own children.
Stunned, Rebecca took a step backward. She stared at John. Slowly, her head moved up and down.
If you decide to ignore this warning, you do not know who you are dealing with. I will not allow my wife to be scolded about provincial bullshit. No more. Not ever again. Do you understand me?
Yes, I do. Rebecca was silent for a moment while they locked eyes. I deserve it. And I am sorry. You are right. I have been provincial. I
What? Unable to understand her words, John shook his head.
Im sorry. Thats all. Ive never really known how to apologize to you for everything. I have a lot of reasons excuses, really. Rebecca made a slight smile. Alex hates excuses. The truth is, I have grown a lot in the last year. I hope you will allow me the chance to prove myself to you to Alex.
Shocked, Johns eyes went wide and his mouth fell open. Controlling, dismissive, judgmental Rebecca apologized to him. Recovering quickly, John wondered if Rebecca was trying to manipulate him.
Youre probably wondering if this is some kind of ploy, Rebecca said. She smiled. Its not. Patrick and I have spent a lot of time talking about everything thats happened in the last year. Hes helped me understand some things about myself mostly.
Rebecca looked up at John.
I never imagined my daughter, or son for that matter, would find a friend like you. You have been a good friend to Max and a wonderful husband to Alexandra. Rebecca nodded her head.
Patricks words? John asked.
How did you know? Rebecca wrinkled her nose.
Sounds like him. Using his breath, John worked to let go of his rage. Calmer, he said, Thank you for your apology. It means quite a bit to me. Shall we visit her together?
Rebecca nodded. Turning to catch Patricks eye, Rebecca followed John to the ICU. Trece stood guard at Alexs bed. When they drew close, Trece rolled his eyes and pulled the curtain back.
Alex and Max where lying together in the bed whispering to each other. When Alex saw John and her mother, her eyes widened and she started laughing. Max looked up to see what she was laughing at. He whispered something to her. They laughed their identical laughs.
John could only smile at the identical laughs from identical smiling faces. Rebecca was smiling as well. Who wouldnt?
When do...
Alex started but Max whispered something to her. She whispered something back to him. They laughed again.
Shaking his head, John walked forward to the bed. He bent over and kissed Alexs lips. She smiled then stroked his face. John dropped to his knees so his face was right next to hers.
For the record, he said. Im never divorcing you.
Alexs hand flew to her mouth and her eyes filled with tears.
Max punched her shoulder.
I told you so.
Alex glanced at Max then her mother. Rebecca nodded to Alex.
What about babies? Alex whispered.
I loved you the moment I saw you. John leaned closer to her then whispered, If I get you? I dont give a crap about babies.
Alex nodded.
And, we are taking you home as soon as we can set up transportation. Your team is sorting the details.
My what? Alex asked.
Amazing things have happened while you were getting your beauty rest, John said. Nice cast.
Alex held up the bright blue fiberglass cast which now adorned her left forearm. She wiggled her fingers showing the cast thread around her thumb
Blue like my eyes. She bat her brown eyes.
Max and Alex laughed in delight of her joke.
Blue like the fairy tattooed on your arm, John said. I need to
Control everything, Alex, Max and John said in unison. The twins laughed.
Yes, well, its a challenging job but Im up for it, John said. Actually, I need to check with your doctors. I will leave you with your family. Shall I get Patrick?
Alex nodded.
She caught his hand when he turned to leave. For a moment their eyes held in silent communication. With a nod of his head, John left her.
FFFFFF
A half hour later
Wednesday evening
March 26 5:10 P.M. MDT
Denver Health, Denver, CO
Hi.
Erin Hargreaves leaned over the bed to kiss Matthew when he opened his eyes.
His brown eyes took in her sparkling green eyes. He touched a red curl hanging in her face. Even though he woke to her face every morning for most of the last year, he still felt a little disbelief that she was his girlfriend, his love, his life. His thumb ran along her lips. Erin smiled.
You had us very worried, Mr. Mac Clenaghan, Erin said. Were thinking you might be safer in rural Afghanistan. But you insist on playing with your friend Alex. Youll have to learn to be more careful.
Matthew attempted a laugh and groaned instead. He tried to say something.
What? Erin leaned her ear close to his mouth to catch his words.
Captain, Matthew said. Captain Mac Clenaghan, US Army.
Erin laughed and mock hit him. He smiled at his joke.
Before you ask, Alex is all right. Shes out of surgery. They are getting ready to move her home. They want to move you to their house. I... I said it was all right. I stayed there when...
Its fine, Matthew said. Better than the hospital and too much for you alone at the loft. Will you... Youll be there with me. Right?
Of course.
Erin gave a relieved smile. This was the first time shed been asked to make decisions for him. She didnt want to do the wrong thing.
Matthew tried to speak but his dry mouth only manage a croak.
Ice chip? Erin reached the side table for a cup of ice chips then sat on the edge of his bed. Just a few.
She placed two ice chips in his mouth.
Youre getting revenge for your surgeries, Matthew said.
Erin beamed at him.
Not too much ice. She imitated his voice. You dont want to choke.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him for a kiss.
Be careful, Matt. You dont want to tear your stitches.
Even though she gave her warning, petite Erin made no effort to move off his chest. She was tiny against his broad shoulders.
Matthew thought she was perfect.
I have something to say to you, Matthew said. before anything else happens.
Erin squinted her eyes. Since the beginning of the year, he had been on and on about getting married. She loved him. She wanted to spend her life with him. She just didnt want to get married. Stiffening, she sat up in preparation for another onslaught.
Wait, Matthew said. Come back.
He held his arms out to her. With a sigh, she tucked her head against his shoulder.
I had a conversation with...
He was going to say Jesse, but he realized Erin might think he was weird.
I had a conversation with a friend and I realized by trying to make you marry me, I was acting like Marcos.
Erin gasped and her eyes filled with tears. Sitting up on her elbows, she looked into his face.
I dont really care if we get married. I want to spend every single day of my life with you. If you dont want to get married thats all right with me.
What about Erin started then stopped when Matthew put his fingers over her mouth.
I want it all children, a real home, careers, a life we build together. I want that with you, Erin always only with you.
Matthew strength waned.
Me too, Erin said. Ive wanted that since I was sixteen years old.
Matthew smiled.
I have to get this out before I run out of steam. Matthew looked up to see Jesse encouraging him to get on with it.
Im very sorry for being disrespectful impatient not listening to what you needed.
He sucked in air.
I promise I wont try to force you to do anything you dont want to do. Thats my he gasped. My vow of commitment to to you. To love you all my life to support you trust you...
Through her tears, Erin watched him slip into unconsciousness again. She kissed his forehead then wiped her face. Sitting with her feet dangling on the edge of the bed, she reviewed everything in her mind. She nodded her head.
Thanks Jesse, Erin whispered.
F
Learning to Stand is the second novel in the Alex the Fey thriller series written by Claudia Hall Christian.
The novel is available in paperback at Amazon, our store, your local library and bookstore. Entire chapters are be published at On-a-limb.com, StoriesbyClaudia.com and AlextheFey.com.
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