by Mj Fields
Fucking bitches, I thought. “Can I help you sir?”
I looked over at the tall leggy brunette nurse, “I’m Jaxson Irons’ health care proxy. Only two at a time allowed in his room. How can we bend that little rule sweetheart?”
“I’d have to ask his doctor,” she blushed.
“That would be much appreciated, till then you think I could slip inside,” I paused and looked her up and down. “It could be our little secret.”
She nodded, “You get caught, don’t say I allowed it.”
“Nurse?”
“Bobbie, my name is Bobbie.”
“I like it girl,” I winked. “I thank you, Lieutenant Irons thanks you, and the United States Navy thanks you.”
She giggled and turned around, red faced and out of her element. I watched her walk away. That was one fine ass.
I walked in and conversation ceased.
“Ladies,” I nodded and walked past them to Jax. “Hey brother, that is one bad ass head wrap you’re sporting. Every one is here waiting for you to wake up and start shouting orders man. You didn’t lose anyone today, 3 went out, 3 came back. You did your thing Irons, but I am gonna whoop your ass for going back down, broken leg and arm and your acting like a fucking fish, fool.”
I pulled the chair up next to him.
“You look like hell by the way. How ‘bout you open up those eyes and tell me to fuck off.”
“Lieutenant Shadows there are ladies present,” Helen scolded me.
“My bad,” fucking ice queen, I thought to myself.
“Jaxson, it’s Mimi, I’m here sweetheart. Wake up and let me see those beautiful blue eyes.”
Dr. Neil walked in and looked around, “Three of you?”
“Yes well Lieutenant Shadows was last in.” Mimi tattled on me.
“His healthcare proxy,” Dr. Neil nodded, “I think it would be fine that he stay. Is Mr. Irons in the waiting room?”
“Yes, Senator Irons stepped out briefly to allow Jaxson’s very good friend Mimi, a few moments with him,” Helen answered.
“Well Mimi, could you go and ask him come in. The girl with dark hair, is she still here? Family right?”
“No,” Mimi and Helen answered together.
And I said yes at the same time.
Dr. Neil looked at me and then Helen. “Alright, could you please go and ask him to come in, we have some things to discuss as far as treatment for Lieutenant Irons.”
She walked over and looked at the ribbon coming out of the machine next to Jax’s bed and made a note in the chart.
The Senator walked in and she turned around.
“If you’d like to have a seat I have some information.”
Dr. Neil walked over to shut the door and stopped, “Miss Cruz,” she held the door open and allowed Frankie to walk in.
“Mrs. Irons, Dr. Neil. Jaxson and I were married on Thursday.”
“That’s preposterous,” Helen spat.
“I am not sure what is going on, but I am going to say this once. I am Lieutenant Irons’ doctor, I will ask that you all leave if I feel its best for him. If you can all stay calm for him then we will have no problems. I understand that everyone’s emotions are heightened but that will not do him any good.”
“She’s lying,” Helen snapped.
“No, she’s not,” I interrupted. “I agree with the good doctor and being Irons’ appointed proxy I have a moral and legal responsibility to make sure he is --.”
“He’s our son!” Helen screamed.
“That’s enough Helen.” Senator Irons hissed at her.
I looked at Frankie and narrowed my eyes. She responded by moving her head side to side slightly, an obvious fuck you. Little Will, was gonna be a fucking problem. After overhearing Mimi and Helen, I knew shit was going south real fucking quick.
Chapter 11
Frankie
Not again
For a moment, in the waiting room when Mimi said Jaxson had come to her the night before we were married I wanted to run. It hurt. But until Jaxson could tell me what I already knew, that she was lying, I would shove my insecurities and doubts to that dark part of me, the part that only Jaxson could make feel—lighter.
When she came out patting her eyes dry with a tissue and telling Jax’s father that he was needed I felt like I was going to lose it. I didn’t know what was going on, she got to see him and I hadn’t since his surgery. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to be with him. I know after he woke up and scolded me for going against Shadows’ advice he would understand.
Seeing him like this broke something inside me, I hoped that if it was sabotage whoever was behind it came after me. Whoever tried to hurt Jax would pay. If it was truly an accident, anyone who had or ever would hurt Jax would feel my wrath. His mother was public enemy number one right now.
I stood beside him and took his hand, “I’m here Jax, and I am not going anywhere. You are going to be fine. Dr. Neil is going to tell us your treatment plan and we are going to make sure you are alright.
I leaned over and kissed the bandage on his head, then his lips. “I love you Jaxson.”
The heart monitor began to spike and the beeps louder and at a faster pace. “I won’t stop thinking it or feeling it, I love you.”
“Is he waking up?” Senator Irons asked.
“No, but he is responding to whatever Miss Cruz--.”
“Mrs. Irons,” I corrected her and stroked Jax’s hand slowly.
“So what exactly does that mean, Dr. Neil?” Shadows asked.
“It means he’s fighting to wake up and probably knows she’s here.”
“I am, I’m right here Jax.”
“Or he is agitated by something,” his mother said. “He used to have nightmares when he was much younger.”
“Well we will have no more of those, Jax.” I whispered. “You and I are so happy together. I love you Jaxson, until you wake up and ask me to say it again, I will be right here.”
“Jaxson’s heart is strong. We think the frontal lobe, broken leg, and arm were caused by the impact of the crash. The leg and arm are fixed and should heal nicely. The frontal lobe is where the bleed was. We have stopped that when we drained what we could so that the pressure didn’t become too much for his body’s natural healing to bear. In the process we discovered that there is also some damage to the hippocampus. This part of the brain is essential for memory functions. Especially important is that it is where short-term memory is made into long-term memory. This damage could have been done when Lieutenant Irons went back in. Lack of oxygen is the likely culprit. The good thing is this area is one of the few areas that can grow new neurons. But under stressful situations that may not happen as quickly, or completely as we are hopeful for.”
“Why hasn’t he woken up?” Shadows asked.
“His medication is causing him to sleep. That’s something we need to discuss. We think keeping him in a drug induced coma for a while will help him heal faster and more completely.”
“Well then do that,” Shadows said insistently.
“That is our assumption Lieutenant Shadows. In order to know for sure the extent of the brain injury it is also possible that we allow him to wake up on his own so that we can see what he will be facing.”
“Will it cause him physical pain?” I asked as I rubbed my thumb over his wrist avoiding the wires connected to him.
“Which do you feel is best for him?” Jax’s father asked.
“Francesca, yes, he will feel more pain than he would in the medical coma. I am asking you, his family, his proxy because you would know better what he would want.”
“He’s strong wake him up,” his mother said.
I looked at Shadows, “Aside from pain is there any medical reason not to do this?”
“The problem is, we won’t know until we speak to him.”
The decision was made. “Jaxson, I can’t wait to see you open those blue eyes.”
I walked past the waiting room on my way to the bath
room, and the Deveroux family was still there.
I looked in the mirror and combed my hair with my fingers and cupped water and rinsed my face.
The door opened as I was drying it off and Mimi walked in.
She stood two feet from me saying nothing, just looking at me. I don’t know what came over me but I started to laugh and went to walk by her.
“So you think he loves you?”
“I know he does,” I opened the door and she slammed it shut.
“You don’t know everything about Jaxson. You don’t know his goals, his ambitions, his secrets, but I do. I know all of them.”
“Please move so I can get back to my husband,” I said and turned so I could see her response.
“You’re delusional.”
“No, but you are two seconds from getting shoved on your ass if you don’t get out of my way.”
“Did this delusion happen before or after he was at my condo on Wednesday night.”
“I trust Jaxson, now get the hell out of my way.”
“Of course you do, naivety looks good on you.”
“Yeah well what doesn’t,” I pushed her hand out of the way.
“You better watch your back.”
“You better watch yours.” I pushed her hand again.
“You can’t have what’s mine.”
“Here’s the deal. Jax was never yours. Joel was mine and you went after him,” she looked stunned. “Yeah, I know some things, but unlike you, I don’t really give a damn. Jaxson and I are not only married, but we are a team.” I gave her one final shove and walked out of the room.
I wanted answers. I wanted to know if she was telling me the truth, if Jax had went to her the night before we got married, and if yes why? Why would he go to her? He told me they talked daily. He knew that troubled me, yet he would go to her?
My heart was beating like a bass drum when I saw Titan get off the elevator.
I stopped and watched him, trying to figure out what he knew. If it was truly an accident or if they had something to do with it.
“Trouble maker,” he said when he saw me looking at him.
I shook my head and shrugged my shoulders and then the tears started again.
He came up and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, “Put that shit away and pull on the combat boots Irons 2, you dove head first into some treacherous water girl. No time to act like a pussy.”
“Did they cause--.”
“For fuck sake did Shadows tell you everything,” he growled in my ear.
“He was trying to--.”
“Keep your mouth shut? That worked out well, Commander Smith already asked me if it were true,” he huffed.
“I’m not hiding my marriage.”
“You know, you’re a little pain in the ass. Your brother and Jax may buy into the little girl shit but you and me aren’t going there. You want to act like you have a fucking clue then man the fuck up.” His words were gruff, but his body was relaxed and his eyes were warm.
“I’m not afraid of you.”
“I’m not the one to be afraid of. I will let you know where the bear shit in the buckwheat Betty Badass but you need to make sure you don’t step in the shit. Understand?”
I nodded.
“Electrical short too close to the fuel cell. It’s ruled an accident.”
“But you don’t believe it?”
“Illusions, smoke screens, and politicians. All three try to get you to think one thing, when behind it is all a fucking ploy. Now this conversation stops and I go see my boy. How fucked up does he look?”
“Jax is beautiful.”
“Look, I don’t deal with needles and blood well so shoot me straight Irons 2.”
I nodded and fought back tears, “He’s messed up. Leg and arm broken. He has needles and tubes everywhere. I don’t even know where to touch him so he doesn’t feel pain.” We were at the door now, “But Jax is beautiful.”
I let him step in ahead of me. Within two seconds his knees buckled and he was on the floor.
“Big pussy,” Shadows grabbed him before his head hit the ground.
“Is he okay?” Dr. Neil pulled up a chair and Shadows put him in it.
“He’s a pussy. Out there he can take care of shit, bring him to a medical facility and he turns to mush. That’s why he changed career paths. Fucker is a genius, wanted to be a doctor but can’t hack it unless it’s in the field,” Shadows biffed him in the back of the head, “Wake up pussy.”
Titan s grumbled, “Screw you bitch.” And lifted his head.
“Don’t look at him man or you’ll fall out again,” Shadows joked.
Titan looked up as Dr. Neil squatted in front of him. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
“I’m fine nurse,” he took a deep breath and sat up.
“Dr. Neil, I’m a doctor. Now answer the question Lieutenant or I will take you to a room of your own and do a thorough workup.
He leaned forward towards her, “I think I like that idea.”
“Okay, I have been as calm in light of the Motley Crew my son chose to look after his best interest but this isn’t working. I want them out. We are here, the three of you can leave.”
“Not gonna happen, Helen.” Titan stood up and extended his hand to Jonathon, “Senator.”
Jax’s father Jonathon rolled his eyes and looked away. “I am going to have to side with my wife on this.”
“What were his nightmares about?” I looked at his parents.
“Excuse me?”
“If we are debating who should be here and who should not, tell me Mrs. Irons, what were your sons nightmares about? Then tell me how often Jaxson heard the words I love you from either of you growing up.”
“Miss Cruz--.”
“Mrs. Irons,” I corrected her.
“That’s debatable.” She hissed and glared at me with icy gray eyes.
“That’s reality, Helen.” Titan came over and stood next to me. He glanced over at Jax, “You look like shit brother.”
“He looks beautiful.” I elbowed Titan and looked back at his parents, “I’m not leaving his side. I am his wife and I have nothing but his best interests at heart.”
“And his bank account.”
“That has nothing to do with my love for him.”
“Did my son tell you the stipulations of his trust? Did you know if he was married by the time he turned 29, his inheritance doubled? Do you think you were the only woman he had waiting in the wings for such a proposal? He and Mimi have become very close, do you think if you had said no--.”
“That’s enough Mrs. Irons.” Dr. Neil stopped her venomous attack on me.
“If you think for a minute, I don’t know how you feel about me you are wrong. Jax and I tell each other everything.”
“Aww, but I see doubt playing in your eyes Miss Cruz.”
“Get her out of here,” Shadows snapped at Dr. Neil.
“No let her stay, let her see her son laying here in need of love, kindness, and prayers while she spews--.”
“Frankie, enough,” Titan stopped my attack.
“I’m sorry.” I turned to Jax, “I’m sorry Jaxson.”
“The first 24 hours are crucial. We are weaning the meds back and leaving the tube in. I am going to insist that only his proxies stay overnight. The rest of you are more than welcome to stay in the waiting room.”
“No Dr. Neil, that’s--.”
“Frankie, we won’t leave his side. If he wakes up you’ll be next to know. Go home get some sleep--.”
“I’m not leavening.”
“Frankie--.” Titan started.
“Jax, wake up,” I cupped his face and held my forehead to his, “Wake up and make them let me stay.” The monitor spiked again, “See, he wants me here.”
“Or he wants you to go away,” his mother said quietly.
“Okay, let’s say goodbye for now,” Dr. Neil put her hand on my back.
Walking out of that room was the second hardest thing I hav
e ever done in my life. My whole body trembled as I started down the hall. Why couldn’t I just have kept my mouth shut? Why did I let her bait me? Why was I the one walking out of the hospital room that my husband lay fighting for his life in?
“Mrs. Irons,” I looked up at a nurse, “Come with me please.” I followed her behind the desk and into the employee lounge. “Dr. Neil will be in shortly to talk to you. Get comfortable, there are drinks and food in the refrigerator. Toothbrushes, paste, and combs in the cupboard. Fresh blankets and pillows in the closet. There is a charging strip for your phone on the counter if you need it. If you want to nap you can.”
“Thank you,” was all I could say. It wasn’t even nearly enough. I didn’t have to face Mimi and her slanderous attacks on Jax’s and my relationship. I wouldn’t have to look at the monster who didn’t even know what her sons nightmares were, or had the ability to say three words to him. Three words that every child deserves to hear.
I sat and closed my eyes, pulled my knees up and sobbed. I cried just as hard as I did when Will died. I hated emotional pain. Nothing was worse, nothing. I sat with my head back looking at the ceiling trying to focus on anything but feeling helpless and torn on the inside.
“Francesca, you’re bleeding,” I looked up and Dr. Neil was standing in front of me. I looked down at my hand and saw red.
“Oh, oh I don’t know how that happened.” I looked at my other hand, and the blood on my pointer and thumb proved otherwise.
She walked over and bent down with a wipe in her hand. She took my hand and looked at it, “Did you realize what you were doing?”
I didn’t answer for a moment, “I didn’t do it.”
“Right,” she stood and walked to a cupboard and grabbed a bandage and finished cleaning my hand and then wrapped it up.
“Besides this, how are you?”
“How is Jax?” I snapped.
“Still asleep. Vitals are still strong. I am very hopeful he is going to be fine. Long road ahead of you both but I think everything will work out fine.”
I pulled my hand back, “Thank you.”
She grabbed two bottles of water out of the refrigerator and handed me one, “You know I understand NSSI. The physical pain is easier to handle than the emotional.”
