2020-02-26 - The Prodigal Son's Return

He looked uncomfortable but hey it's what you would expect when you spend a day in a chair in the ICU. He got the call when she came in unconcious and drove straight to the hospital to start.. well filling out paperwork. Nothing is more confusing then looking in on your sister with not a lot of answers. And so, he waited just like the nurse as her condition improved. He was texting his contacts in Colorado saying he will be out of state for a bit. No open jobs required him, so all that was left was to wait.

It had been a scary 24 hours with the procedure to repair Stephanie's chest. But she'd pulled through. And slowly, her condition improved. She is starting to show signs of consciousness. Mostly just her moving slightly at this point, but it's something.

For the first time this week he wished his gift included reading minds. But instead he waited like normal people do for updates and told people he was busy with colorful language. He sighs and just watches her, waiting for some idea what happened.

The nurse mentions things like chest trauma, broken ribs and a cracked sternum. She reports that the repairs were successful, it's just a matter of waiting until she regains consciousness.

And as the nurse departs to check on other patients, Stephanie's hand moves again and this time, she slowly opens her eyes.

Like a giant afraid to crush someone, Jake stuck his pointer finger into Stephanie's open hand. He smiles at her as he waits for his sister to focus on him. "So you know you did not need a car accident to get me to come visit right?" He tried to grin.

Slowly lifting the oxygen mask helping her breathe to uncover her mouth so she can talk, Stephanie lets out a pained groan before she says quietly, "It wasn't an accident."

"I figured as much but before you have me asking if there was major head trauma, we are in the hospital and it's better to act like it was. Anyway, hi sis, welcome back to the living." He tries to keep it light knowing this was always a struggle for Stephanie.

"Fuck, don't make me laugh, asshole. I'm gonna pop a line." She tries to follow Jake's lead as far as the tone of the conversation and even tries to fake a laugh in the midst of coughing. They have always had this unspoken agreement that they did not want to end up sent upstate like their mother, and they were both in agreement that prior to being placed in a nursing home, she'd been placed in the institution because she, like them, had gifts, and many, like their father, believed she was going crazy. So they were careful, cautious. "You're right. I think we're clear though...I'm glad to see you, Jake."

"Good to see you too Stephanie. Would have rather better circumstances. We can talk at home. I just got finished informing Colorado that I won't be back for a few days. Now you are stuck with me." He grins at her and squeezes her hand gently. "Remember Doc, I'm the one who gets beat up, you are supposed to fix me."

"I never wanted you to put your life on hold for me," Steph explains quietly, "I didn't want you to be stuck here like I was." She sighs. "You don't need fixing, you don't need me anymore. You're doing just fine."

"Yup head trauma. Look just because you went.to school does not mean you are smarter. There's some common sense things you missed. Like the fact I am bigger than you.. like because we are siblings I love you. Hell you seem to forget I like you, that's more than Dad can say." He shook his head. "I did not put my life on hold for you, you chose to chase your dream. Do not start doubting the stars now."

"I never got out. I never got the scholarships, I never got the money to go. I got stuck here. Everyone left except for me." Stephanie scoffed, then she coughed, the process hurt but she managed to get the cough out. "No, I mean, now, now that I'm here, I'm the one that's hurting. You're not supposed to be the one taking care of me."

"You never wanted to leave or you would have. Do not think of it any other way." He eyed her looking to end further arguments. "So, now that you went and messed up to order of things, I will be the one taking care of you. Now put your mask back on and rest. I am not going anywhere." He leans over to kiss her forehead and helps her with the oxygen mask before dropping back into the painful ass chair.

Stephanie looks mildly irritated at Jake but does not have the energy to argue. She knows what he's doing and she doesn't have the energy to fight him on it. "What about Colorado?" she says, lifting the mask, before putting it back into place when she's not speaking.

"What part of concentrate on getting better did you miss, how about the I only left for a job part Ientooned?" He shakes his head still grinning. "If anyone doubted we were related they would just need to listen to us talk. Stubborn ass Little Big."

There is a faint sound of laughter underneath the oxygen mask as Steph shifts it and says, "I had to remind you who's boss." She sounds playful if not a bit quiet.

Jake was back out of the chair and dragged it over tot the bed before sitting back down. He reached for her hand and gave it a light squeeze. "Yeah yeah, I swear for a smart person you are so stupid sometimes." He chuckles.

"Admit that you love it, little brother," she says quietly. She makes sure that she continues to keep the mask on when she is not speaking.

"Yes my drama llama sister, if not for you, how would I ever have known how the kick the crap out of someone." He laughs. "Now rest."

Grabbing hold of Jake's hand, Stephanie concedes to resting, closing her eyes.