Home » The Archives » Chapter 9 » Regrouping and Recouperation
| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #206 is a reply to message #205] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:53   |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Friday, August 10, 2068, 10 a.m., Los Angeles (Noon, same day, Kansas; 5 a.m., August 11, Tracy Island)
"Good morning, love," Jeff said as he entered Dianne's room, smiling. He dropped an overnight case on the chair, and made his way over to the bed.
"You're a sight for sore eyes," she replied, smiling back, reaching out for him.
"Ready to get out of here?" he asked as he gently hugged her.
"More than ready." A puzzled frown crossed her face. "Where are the kids?"
"I've got them packing up for the trip home," Jeff explained, sitting on the edge of Dianne's hospital bed. "Scott should be here soon. He's dropped Tin-Tin and Callie off at the base in Wichita. Tin-Tin's supposed to escort Heather Kennedy back to the island, and Callie's gone for a little vacation over her birthday."
Dianne sighed. "I feel so out of the loop."
Jeff cupped her face with a hand and chuckled. "You and me both, love." He leaned forward to touch his forehead to hers. "We'll both get up to speed once we get home."
"Well, there you are," a voice called from the doorway. They both glanced over to see Drew come in, a data pad in his hand. "I was wondering when you'd show up, Jeff. Surprised you're not out pestering the nurses to hurry things along."
"Not when it comes to Dianne," Jeff said mildly. "Besides, I knew the head honcho would show up soon enough."
Drew chuckled. "I guess we know each other too well, huh, Jeff?" He glanced over the notes again. "Looks like you're good to go this afternoon, Di. I have a meeting in about a half-hour, then I'll be by to process your discharge... as long as no emergencies arise."
"Close the door, will you?" Jeff asked. "I need to talk to you about something."
Drew turned and closed the door, then locked it. "If it's about the donation..."
"It is," Jeff said quietly, relief in his tone. "Did it arrive?"
"Yes," Drew replied, his voice also dropping to a murmur. "That's what the meeting is about, announcing the donation." He shook his head. "I don't know how you did that, really. The bean counters are trying to trace where the money came from, Gerry's running around in circles trying to trace the message you sent, and Dr. Taylor's just sitting back in stunned -- but pleased -- surprise."
"I hope it covers the bill," Jeff said, grinning.
"More than covers it, I'd say." Drew returned the grin. "I hear that the police also heard from International Rescue, and their benevolence fund's coffers were quietly filled as well."
"They did stellar work," Jeff said. "It was the least we could do."
"And when were you going to share the details with me?" Dianne asked, one eyebrow raised.
"On the way home, if you weren't too tired," Jeff told her, stroking her cheek.
"And with that I'll make my exit and leave you two lovebirds alone," Drew said, turning toward the door.
"You're coming out to the island soon?" Jeff asked.
"Yes, as soon as my schedule allows," Drew replied, opening the door. "Maggie's planning on going with you to help with the kids, and I'll need to drag my bride away from your tropical paradise." He raised a hand in farewell. "I'll be back later with the discharge papers." As he left, he closed the door behind him again.
Dianne drew a deep breath in through her nose and let it out in a loud, shaky sigh. "I can hardly wait to get out of here."
"And I can hardly wait to get you home," Jeff said, resting his hand on the side of her neck. "Though you're going to find it hard to get around for a bit with your leg still healing and all."
"I know. But even the sick room at home will be better than the hospital here," she told him. "For one, the food will be better..."
"I could have snuck in something from Maggie's kitchen," Jeff remonstrated. "You should have asked."
Dianne shook her head. "It's okay. She had enough to do feeding the rest of the family. But thanks for smuggling in those brownies that Lena sent. They were soooo delicious. I'll have to send a thank you." She glanced over at the overnight case. "Are those my clothes?" She pulled back the covers and maneuvered herself carefully to the edge of the bed.
Jeff got up to give her room, and fetch the case. "Yes, I hope they'll suit. Your mother picked them out, with Cherie's help."
"I'm sure they'll be fine, though I'm not going to be walking down any fashion runway anytime soon... if ever." She took the case from his hand and began to pull out the clothes.
"I think Cherie wanted to feel needed. She and the boys have had a rough time."
"I know. It's been rough for all of us."
Jeff moved behind her and began to untie the strings of the hospital gown. As he did, he kissed the back of her neck, and smoothed his hands gently over her still-bruised shoulders.
"Mmmm." Dianne let out a soft groan. "That feels so good.... but..."
"But," Jeff said, his voice sounding husky, "you're in no condition to go any farther, right?"
"Unfortunately true," she replied, turning her head to look at him.
He came up close to kiss her, making sure that she didn't have to twist to reach his lips, holding onto her upper arms. "We'll find a way... soon."
"Ah'll hold you to that, suh," she murmured as she kissed him back.
Post by Tikatu on 1/5/2007
  
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