by Bob Cooper
***
Billy watched as Hillary sat up in bed eating from a tray of hospital food and the burger and fries he brought in for her. She belched loudly without an apology and continued shoveling the food in her mouth. She had been sedated since the ambulance ride to the hospital and woke up an hour ago famished.
Billy’s laughing broke her feeding frenzy.
“What?”
“You’re dribbling something down your chin,” he said, continuing to laugh.
Hillary wiped her chin and continued to eat.
“You know, I ate very little these past few days. And don’t forget, I’m eating for two,” she said between mouthfuls. “How’s the Gallery doing?”
“Well, I shut it down today. The artists were upset since I didn’t give them any explanation. Raina and Acey have been helping out. So when you get on your feet, we’ll start planning the next big event.”
Hillary stopped eating and pushed the tray away. She motioned for him to come closer. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him to her and hugged him with all her might.
“I love you more than anything,” she whispered.
“I love you too,” he whispered back.
“Okay, call the doctor. I want to get out of here. We have to go see Acey, Raina, and Aidan.
“Acey and Raina are okay but Aidan, not so much,” he said in a more somber tone.
“I remember Acey and Annie in an ambulance with him. What happened?”
“Raina said he was out of surgery. They had to reattach his arm. They’re not sure if it will heal. There is a chance he might lose it.”
“Oh my god! All because of me. These people are truly my friends and family, and I owe them so much,” she said. “Get me up. I have to go see him.”
“Not so fast,” Billy said, blocking her attempt to get out of bed. “Let me get the doctor first.”
Hillary gave in and laid down. The residual effect of the sedative left her dizzy.
“Well then, go get him.”
***
Captain Ryan was in the briefing room watching the newscast with other members of his team. Not much was said about Hillary’s kidnapping and the reasons for it, but the breaking news at the moment was the arrest of Major James Robbles and his associates. News about this shadowy sect leaked out gradually and piqued much interest, especially about the artifacts. He knew disclosure was imminent, and soon everyone would hear the secrets that were kept hidden for so long. He had no idea how the public would react, but that wasn’t his concern for now.
“Let me say that I’m proud of all of you for the hard work and dedication to this case,” he said, turning the volume down after the newscast finished. “We can now put this matter to rest and move on with other business.”
“What’s next?” someone asked him.
Before he could answer, Private Eloy interrupted. “Excuse me, Captain. You have a piece of unfinished business left in this case.”
Eyes turned to him, as he produced a stuffed Panda bear.
“I believe this belongs to the little girl. I think you should deliver it to her.”
Captain Ryan took the bear and dusted it off.
“Yes, I will,” he said.
Someone snapped a picture of him holding the bear, and it was posted on the net where, for at least the next week, he couldn’t go anywhere without someone asking him about his new friend.
***
Billy prepared the wheelchair for Hillary while the nurse helped her into it. The doctors wanted more tests on Hillary and the baby, and wouldn’t discharge her until they had the results. He wheeled her down to Aidan’s room where Raina, Acey, and Annie sat with Aidan, who was under sedation.
Acey ran over to Hillary and hugged her before Hillary could say anything. Nothing else was said between the two as they all sat and watched for signs that Aidan might wake up. Annie noticed his fingers moving under the sheets.
“Look! I think he’s waking up,” she said, pointing to his hand.
Raina contacted the nurse’s station to let them know.
“You can’t stay too long after he wakes up. He’s scheduled for an evaluation by the surgical team,” the nurse said.
“That’s okay. We want him to know we’re here,” Acey replied.
The nurse checked the IV and looked at the surgical dressings. The vital signs looked good on the monitor.
“He should be awake in a few minutes. He will be disoriented, so give him some time to adjust,” she said, leaving the room.
He stirred at the sound of her voice, and his eyes flickered, as the light flooded in. He opened one eye and saw them standing there watching him. A thin smile came across his face.
“Aidan. Are you awake?” Acey whispered softly.
Aidan tried to sit up but fell back when a wave of nausea rumbled through his stomach. Swallowing back the bile, he tried again.
“Just lay there. We’re all here for you,” Acey said.
“Even me!” Annie said.
A broad smile came across his face as he reached out with his good arm searching for Annie’s hand. She grabbed it, and he pulled her towards him.
“Is everyone alright?” he asked, remembering the reason why he was in the hospital in the first place.
“We’re all fine,” Raina said. “Thanks to you.”
“Where’s Hillary?” he asked.
“I’m right here,” she said, wheeling herself up to the bed.
“I want to thank you all for doing what you did to help me. I will always remember this and will always be there for you,” she said, kissing Aidan’s hand. “I’m sorry you got hurt on my account.”
Up to then, Aidan felt no pain at all. But when the memories came back, he gasped and reached over to his damaged arm. The tubes stuck into him prevented him from doing so. Acey saw the panic in his face and grabbed his hand before he ripped the tubes out.
“Hey, relax. They were able to put your arm back together. It’s part of you.”
Aidan exhaled and laid back down.
“You guys are the greatest. I’m so glad you are all here.”
“But we’re not all here,” Annie said suddenly looking sad.
“Who’s not here?” Aidan asked.
“Sam is missing. I can’t find him anywhere.”
“Well look who I have here,” Captain Ryan said, standing in the doorway.
“Sam!” Annie shouted, running up to the Captain.
He handed her the bear, and she hugged it.
“Thank you for finding him,” Annie said.
“Well, it’s me who should be thanking you—all of you. You all did a remarkable thing for your friend, Hillary. I want to personally commend you on behalf of the Guard for your service to the citizens of this city and to my team and me.”
Billy walked up to him.
“I’ll be forever grateful to you for helping us get Hillary back. Free donuts for you anytime at my catering service.”
“I might take you up on that,” Captain Ryan said laughing.
“It’s time for you all to leave,” the nurse on duty reported.
They all said goodbye to Aidan for now. Acey and Raina took Annie back to Acey’s apartment. Billy wheeled Hillary back to her room where they awaited the doctors to run a few more tests on the baby.
The captain lingered around until they all left. “May I have one last word with Mr. Carter?” he asked the nurse.
“Make it quick the evaluation team is on their way here,” she said, leaving the room.
“What you did was extraordinarily brave. I want you to think carefully about what I am about to say. I can get you back in the Guard and have the dishonorable discharge rescinded. I read what happened to you during Dirk’s trial, and though I understand why the Guard had to do it, I believe the circumstances outweigh the code of honor you broke.”
Aidan stared at him for the longest time before replying.
“Thank you for your vote of confidence. I will certainly think about it and let you
know.”
Captain Ryan saluted him as the team of doctors arrived.
“You guys take care of this hero. Treat him real well, you hear.”
The doctors acknowledged him as they hovered over Aidan.
“Hey, hero. How about some prickly-pear Jello and some ice water,” the head doctor teased.
“That doesn’t sound like a hero’s dinner. Is that all I get? I’m starved. How about something substantial,” Aidan responded.
“After we check you out and take some x-rays of your arm, we’ll consider that request,” he said.
21
Raina carried Annie’s backpack into Acey’s apartment and into her spare bedroom. Annie held Sam to her chest while checking out her temporary home. Acey watched as Annie became accustomed to her new surroundings. A white, frilly bedspread covered the four-poster bed. The sheets underneath were a light pink, and the room smelled like wildflowers she remembered from her father’s cabin. A monitor hung on the wall above the computer sitting on a small wooden desk that doubled as a dresser. Something caught her eye sitting up on a shelf. The funny-looking stuffed animal seemed to be looking right at her.
“Who’s that on the shelf?” she asked.
“That’s my friend Natty the Aardvark. He was and is one of my best friends.”
“Can I put Sam next to her?
“Sure,” Acey said, putting him up there.
Annie smiled with approval.
“It sure smells good in here—not like over at Aidan’s.”
Acey and Raina laughed, knowing Aidan’s office and apartment was located down the street from the city’s recycling and waste reclamation center.
“Do you like it?” Acey asked.
“I love it!” Annie replied.
“Good. Then put your clothes away and clean up. We’ll eat dinner when you’re done.”
Raina opened a bottle of wine and poured two glasses.
“She’s so beautiful,” she said, handing Acey a glass.
Acey took a sip and nodded her head in agreement.
“She can use a little female influence in her life,” Raina said, cautiously choosing her words.
“And what does that exactly mean?”
“Well, I think you’re really great with her, and she likes you.”
“Spit it out and say what’s on your mind,” Acey said.
“I think you would make a great mother for her.” Raina finally said what she really thought.
“Are you insane? No, I can’t be her mother or anyone’s mother,” Acey whispered a bit loudly.
Raina knew she had touched a raw nerve. Acey never felt a mother’s affection after her parents were killed.
“Look. Okay. Maybe mother was a bad choice of words. But you can have a positive influence in her life.”
“She’s got Aidan. She doesn’t need me.”
Raina stared at her with a “Do you really believe what you said” kind of look.
“Well, it’s true. He is doing a good job!” Acey said.
Annie walked in, wearing faded blue jeans and an old tee-shirt, which was too big for her. She seemed proud of the old leather belt wrapped around her midsection, which helped hide the extra material of the shirt.
“Aidan took me to the consignment shop last week. What do you think?” she said twirling around.
“I rest my case,” Raina whispered to Acey.
“You look very nice. But you know I think you and I should go shopping tomorrow. What do you say?”
“Yeah, that sounds great.”
After their late dinner, Acey put Annie to bed, while Raina cleaned the dishes. When Acey came out, Raina had already poured more wine.
“Annie no sooner hit the bed, and she was out. Didn’t get past the first three pages of the book she wanted me to read.”
Raina took a sip of her wine and smiled at Acey.
“What?” Acey asked.
“Oh, Nothing. You were pretty good with her tonight.”
“I don’t know what I’m doing here. This is such unfamiliar territory for me,” Acey said.
“What about Aidan?” Raina asked.
“Jeez, what about him?” Acey said, getting annoyed.
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe you should think about all you two have been through and sort out your feelings for him. There’s no question how he feels about you.”
“Because you’re my older, half-sister doesn’t give you the right to….”
Acey’s com link buzzed. Raina glanced over. It was Aidan calling from the hospital. Without saying another word, Raina hugged her and quietly left her apartment.
***
The next morning, Acey and Annie watched the news conference in Aidan’s hospital room while he slept. The media company Dirk engaged created a series of informational programs designed to introduce Earth’s populace to the artifacts found. A second set of programs were designed to follow up with discussions and debates regarding the implications of this information.
Overall, the world leaders pledged to continue and facilitate these sessions as more about the artifacts were discovered. Many social and religious institutions opened discussions to debate the implications of a universal life force and how it fit within their existing dogmas. There were those that outright rejected the artifacts as the work of the “devil” and protested publicly against acceptance, but they were in the minority. Even the Earthers, after the scandal with the “Righteous Way”, became less of an influence on society as their membership dwindled.
Aidan stirred and struggled to sit up. Acey reached over to help him.
“How are you feeling this morning?” she asked.
“I’ve been better,” he laughed.
“I hear Acey is taking you shopping today,” he said to Annie.
“Yeah, I wish you could come.”
“Maybe next time. I’m sure Acey is a much better shopper than I am.”
Annie watched as the glassy-eyed Aidan looked over at Acey. They stared at each other for the longest time. She took Acey’s hand and placed it in Aidan’s.
“I’ll leave you two love birds alone,” she said, walking out the room.
“Where are you going,” Acey asked.
“Down the hall to see Hillary.”
“Okay, tell her I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
When she was gone, Aidan pulled Acey to him and kissed her long and hard. She melted into him.
“I love you, Acey Saunders.”
“I love you too, Aidan Carter.”
The nervous cough from the doorway broke the spell, and Acey slowly pulled away.
“Time for physical therapy,” the nurse announced.
Aidan watched Acey slowly turn and leave the room.
***
Billy had Hillary’s computer, and he and Annie were reviewing some of the new art that would be displayed next week at the Gallery.
“Ewww! What is that?” Annie asked, looking at an abstract sculpture.
Billy studied it for a while.
“The artist designed it so that the owner can have it be whatever they want it to be. If this was yours, what would you want it to be?”
“I don’t think I would want it,” Annie answered.
“Yeah I don’t think I would either,” Billy said, laughing.
“Me neither,” said Acey watching from the doorway. Where’s Hillary?”
“The doctors are doing some more tests on her and the baby.”
“Why? Is there a problem?”
“Not that I’m aware of. They took her downstairs, so it will be a while before she’s back.”
“Okay. I’m taking Annie shopping. Is there anything I can get for you guys?”
“Not really. We hope to be out of here this afternoon.”
“See you later, then. Give Hillary our love.”
“Are you ready for some heavy-duty shopping?” she asked Annie.
“I’m ready,” she said, grabbing Sam and heading towards the door.
**
*
Aidan sat in a chair watching reruns of a silly reality show. The pain medication caused him to doze off every now and then, and it often made him sick to his stomach. So far, there was very little mobility in his arm, and the therapy was confirming his suspicions—at best, his arm would lay useless at his side, or worse, it would have to come off.
Sitting there, feeling sorry for himself wasn’t doing him any good. He had to put Annie back on a routine and get himself back to work. Then there was Acey. His mind drifted as the pain medication blurred his senses.
“I see you’re a fan,” Captain Ryan said, pointing to the reality show on the monitor.
“Oh, hi. Come in. Not really. Needed something mindless to watch while the pain medication did its thing,” he said, trying to focus on his silhouette in the doorway.
“How are you doing?”
“Well, there’s a good chance it will have to come off.”
“I see,” Captain Ryan said, watching Aidan turn his attention to the monitor.
“My offer stands. I can get your dishonorable discharge removed and get you back in the Guard.”
“What use would I be like this to the Guard?” he said, frustrated.
“There are analyst positions you could….”
“Captain. You and I know I would go stir crazy behind a desk.”
The Captain didn’t push the issue.
“Well, I wish you’d continue to think about it. I will pursue getting the dishonorable discharge changed. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do.”
“Thanks. It was an honor to work with you.”
***
Raina stared at the judge’s face as he reviewed the summation she had completed. The government attorneys also sat there as smug as could be, talking among themselves. This was her first time in court, pleading her case to the judge. Robert EagleFeather helped her prepare for her first trial, and he was pleased with her presentation. Jose’ and Ignacio sat next to her, waiting for the judge to rule on the case.
“In light of everything that’s happened, I can’t see how the judge will uphold the government’s injunction to stop your mining activities,” she said, leaning over to Jose’.