A Very Special Day
By Milford
Starskysgirl@ureach.com
Response to Challenge 122
Summary: Steve is injured on Father's Day.
Angst, hurt/comfort, G.
Disclaimer: Characters don't belong to me and have been borrowed
for
entertainment purposes only.
Constructive criticism is welcome, however no flames please. This
is my first
attempt at DM fiction and I am having fun. A special thanks to
Betty for her
help and encouragement!
Steve Sloan cursed his luck as he raced to the shop. He'd had
every intention of collecting his father's day present in the
morning, but he'd been running late after sleeping through his
alarm. The day had progressed from bad to worse when he was
called unexpectedly to a meeting with the district attorney who
wanted to discuss some points on an upcoming case. He'd insisted
on doing this on Saturday morning, and not waiting until the
following week, and it caused Steve to lose even more time. To
make matters worse, it had taken twice as long as it should have,
due to the district attorney not turning up on time, and then
being rather long-winded and pedantic. Fortunately Steve only had
to collect the gift since he'd chosen it several weeks earlier -
it was a silver ornamental picture frame with a family photograph
of both Carol and him. Steve had also arranged for Carol to visit
them and she'd arrived the day before and they'd had the photo
taken. The photographer had promised that the photo would be
placed in the frame and ready for collection on Saturday morning.
Carol was staying with friends just until Sunday, when she would
appear at the beach house for a surprise breakfast. It had all
worked out very well, since Carol had many friends to catch up
with and Steve was sure he'd managed to surprise his father --
for the first time ever. It was always very difficult to pull any
surprises on the perceptive Dr. Mark Sloan, but Steve was
confident he'd managed it at last. He knew Mark had no inkling
Carol was in town, for he wouldn't be able to resist seeing her,
or insisting she stayed with them. Which she would from Sunday
through to Wednesday. He'd also managed to ensure his father was
off-duty, although his father was unaware of this. It had taken
some manipulating, since his father was Head of Internal
Medicine, but the deed had been done. He'd even managed to secure
a few days vacation leave for himself to spend with his father
and sister. He raced into the shop, feeling very pleased with
himself. He'd planned a very special day for his father this
year, and it would be.
It had been a particularly tough year for them both, many crises
and dangers, the worst being Steve's own shooting which had
resulted in Mark being arrested and placed on death row. Steve's
memories of the shooting were mercifully blurred but he did
recall the sentence of death being passed down on his father. It
still sent chills down his spine and the fact his gentle and
compassionate father had been placed in such a position was
horrifying to him. He'd never doubted his father's love, but
these horrific events had shown clearly how strong that love was.
They'd never really discussed the emotional ramifications of it
all, preferring instead to just continue on with their lives,
trying to put it all behind them, but Steve felt moved to make
this father's day a particularly special one. The love and
support his father showed him, day after day, needed to be
acknowledged, so this day had become very important to him. Steve
relaxed as he collected the gift and walked back to his car. He
looked at the steadily darkening sky and wondered if a storm was
brewing. It didn't matter, Carol was safely in LA and if
necessary he'd go collect her in the morning. All he needed to do
now was to put in a few hours at Barbecue Bob's and then go home,
in readiness for the next day.
"Hey, Jesse, how's it going?" Steve walked into their
restaurant, quickly looking around to see if his father was
there.
"Pretty quiet night. My guess is the weather is keeping them
away as there are storm warnings out. We had a good lunch trade
though." Jesse watched Steve looking around Bob's and
interpreted the reason correctly. "Your dad came in but went
home as soon as he'd eaten. There was a huge pile up on the
highway this morning and the day was long and hard. Hey, you
gonna tell me what you got him?" Jesse grinned widely,
looking much more like an excited child than the highly skilled
emergency room surgeon he was.
"Got him?" Steve tried to keep his face blank.
"Don't give me that, Sloan. You're the last person in the
world to forget Father's Day and, if you did, then I might have
to give you an injury." Jesse was only half joking, although
he knew Steve would never forget his father. He was envious of
the strong and loving bond that existed between the Sloans. His
own relationship to his father had been very different and it had
taken him awhile to realize and accept that fathers and sons
could love each other and be
friends, even when their careers were so very different. Although
Mark was a consultant to the police department and his naturally
inquisitive mind made him a natural for solving puzzles, his main
interest and love was in medicine. Sometimes Jesse wanted to ask
Mark what he thought of Steve being in the police department. He
knew all too well the anxiety and worry Mark felt when Steve was
undercover, or he thought he was in danger, but other than that
he'd never seen anything but complete acceptance between them.
They weren't openly affectionate often, but somehow no one ever
doubted their bond. They even shared a house
which really amazed Jesse. Sometimes he wanted to ask Steve if
Mark had been upset when he'd first gone into the army and then
joined the LAPD. But somehow the questions were never asked.
Jesse had a deep and strong respect and admiration for Mark, so
his joke to Steve about injuring him if he forgot Mark was only
half joking. He felt protective of both of them and was forever
grateful to have them as friends.
Steve grinned. "It's a surprise and I know if I told you
then dad would find out."
Jesse pouted. "Are you saying I can't keep a secret?"
"Yep! At least not from my dad. You'll find out soon enough.
Just make sure you
and Amanda come round for dinner. You'd be welcome at lunch but
you said you had
plans and Amanda is spending time with her parents." Steve
knew the special day
wouldn't be complete for Mark without his extended family.
"Yeah, Mary wants me to meet her dad who's flying in for the
day." Jesse grimaced as he spoke. Steve noticed but didn't
say anything. He suspected this relationship wasn't going to go
anywhere. Ever since Susan had left, Jesse had been drifting from
one girl to another. The difference with Mary was that she was
stronger willed than most and she'd obviously talked a reluctant
Jesse into meeting her father. Steve decided not to tease him,
for he knew how raw the wounds from Susan were. "Wouldn't
miss dinner for anything."
Steve looked around at the quiet restaurant again, and back at
his friend, noticing the tired lines around Jesse's eyes.
"Why don't you call it a night? I can handle things here and
close up."
Jesse smiled gratefully. "I might just take you up on that.
It's been a long day. It's 7.30 already so I doubt you'll get a
rush now. Might just beat the storm, too." Jesse had turned
to leave but at these words he stopped himself. "Why don't
you close up too? Get home before it all hits. I doubt we'll miss
too much business at this point."
Steve shook his head. "It's tempting but I wouldn't mind
taking a look at the books. Been kinda busy lately and this might
be a good opportunity to catch up."
"Okay then. I'll see you tomorrow."
"See ya." Steve watched as Jesse left before turning
his attention to the restaurant. It was indeed quiet, with no
customers. He decided he'd send his staff home if nothing
happened in the next hour or so. He pulled the books out and sat
down to study them, for it really had been too long. Business was
very good and they were starting to show a profit which was
encouraging. It was difficult at times juggling his full time,
sometimes more than full time,
demanding job, with the restaurant, but it was worth it. It was
equally difficult for Jesse but somehow it worked out and they
managed. This was probably because they were good friends who
both cared and respected the other, and when one was tired or
sick, the other took over. Fortunately it seemed to work and they
hadn't had to face an occasion when both were down at the same
time. Jesse was a good friend and a good man, a younger brother
he'd never had
and he knew Mark thought of him as a second son.
The evening did remain quiet so Steve sent his few staff home,
saying he could cope with anything that cropped up. By now it was
raining and the storm was on its way. Sighing, Steve decided to
close up. It was 11:30. Any lost business at that point wouldn't
be worth worrying about. He locked up and ran to his truck. He
opened the glove compartment and took out the photograph. It was
a good photo of both of them, together, something that didn't
happen much at all these days. He loved Carol but they were very
different people and she visited rarely. When she did, everything
went well but she had lived her own life for many years and
wasn't interested in living in LA again. It was now raining
steadily and Steve had to concentrate on the road. He decided he
just wanted to get home, so he turned off the highway to take the
shortcut through the hills. He was startled at the loud rumbling
thunder.
"Terrific! Just what I need." Steve muttered under his
breath. He regretted taking the shortcut almost immediately as
the downpour became heavier, but he doubted turning around would
be a good idea. Slowing down even more, Steve was grateful for
his sturdy truck. He looked up as the headlights of a car behind
him flashed in his rearview mirror. They hadn't been dimmed and
Steve had to blink his eyes to avoid the brightness.
"Darn fool. What's he doing?" Steve spoke aloud as the
lights approached him fast, the car paying no heed to the poor
driving conditions.
"What the?" Steve exclaimed as the car pulled out from
behind him to overtake. The overtaking vehicle moved back into
the lane, but unfortunately miscalculated the speed and clipped
Steve's front. Steve immediately lost control of the car and
fought valiantly to keep the car on the road. He had no chance as
the road was slippery and wet and the truck ploughed over the
embankment and stopped as it smashed into a tree. The entire
front of the truck was severely damaged and Steve had been thrown
hard against steering wheel, his legs being pinned under the
damaged dashboard. Opening his eyes with difficulty, he knew he
was trapped. Trapped and wet as the rain poured in from the
broken windshield. He gasped with pain as he took a breath,
knowing his ribs were cracked and possibly broken. He tried to
reach over for the radio but as he did, he spotted the photo,
somehow still in position on the seat next to him. With a great
deal of difficulty and determination, he pulled it over to him.
He wanted to put it into his pocket, or under his jacket, but it
wasn't possible. He was too sore and movement was limited, but he
was determined to protect the photo from the rain. Instead, he
had to settle for pulling it close to him, hoping his body would
provide some shelter. The effort exhausted him and he blinked
back tears of frustration and pain. He normally wouldn't have
been as emotional but he saw on the clock in the truck that it
had just turned midnight. It was officially Father's Day. Not
quite the day I had planned, dad. Forgive me. Steve closed his
eyes in despair. He couldn't even reach the police radio. Finally
his body won the battle for rest and he lapsed into
unconsciousness.
---
Mark was cheerful as he got out of bed and made his way to the
shower. He had a strong suspicion that Steve had something big
planned for Father's Day. Neither of them had said anything but
Mark knew his son very well and he could tell by his air of
barely suppressed excitement that something was up. Mark didn't
ask him or try to find out this time, for he somehow felt it was
important to his son to surprise him. Steve had often said,
usually with regret, that surprising his father was next to
impossible. Mark was more than grateful that both of them were
still around to share this special day. It had been a real horror
year, the worst of which had been the phone call telling him
Steve had been shot. It still gave him nightmares, seeing his
usually strong and active son lying so helpless and close to
death. It had been a miracle indeed that Steve had survived but
he'd been arrested shortly after for murder and he had not been
around for his son as he began his difficult recovery. Somehow
Steve had made it back, he'd joked after about him having strong
motivation to get back on his feet again as he had to help his
dad. They'd never really had a meaningful discussion about
all that had gone on, they had just continued as they'd been. By
the time the charges against Mark had been dropped, Steve had
been back on his feet. It had been a very tough year, so Mark
didn't want to do anything to ruin Steve's plans, even though he
was almost beside himself with curiosity. However, the day had
arrived. Grinning to himself, he finished his shower and started
dressing. The phone ringing interrupted him. He paused for a
moment, remembering the awful morning not so long ago when he'd
been informed of Steve being shot. Not again, please, not again.
Mark shook his head hard. Don't get paranoid, Sloan. It's
probably the hospital wanting me to go in. I hope not though.
Mark grabbed the phone.
"Mark Sloan here."
"Uh, Dr. Sloan? This is Marjory Wilson from Admitting. I'm
sorry to tell you that your son…"
Mark sat down as he felt his world crash around him. The words
floated through his mind, it was happening again.
"…..a car accident and has been admitted…. Dr.
Sloan? Dr Sloan, can you hear me?"
Mark swallowed hard. "Yes, I hear you. I'll be right
there."
Mark never remembered how he managed to drive safely to the
hospital. It was all a blur. He really didn't know how badly hurt
his son was either, since he'd just hung up on the hospital. He'd
find out soon enough. When he arrived at the hospital, he raced
straight in and found Amanda waiting anxiously.
"Oh, Mark, I'm so sorry. I heard Steve was brought in."
Mark hugged her.
"Where's Jesse? Is there any news yet?" Mark fought
back panic. "Jesse!" He pulled away gently from Amanda
as he saw their friend walking towards them.
"Jesse?" Mark was fearful as he saw the tiredness in
Jesse's face. Jesse rubbed his eyes as he spoke.
"He's in ICU, Mark. He was brought in this morning…"
"And? Will he be okay?" Mark felt his hand being
squeezed gently by Amanda.
"He's sustained serious chest injuries, a broken collarbone
and concussion. He's also suffered some severe bruising and cuts,
especially to his legs where he must have been pinned. Nothing
too serious there, just sore. He's got a nasty gash on his head,
so we have to assume a concussion too. We've had to intubate him
to help with his breathing and then, of course, there's the fact
he was out in the cold and wet probably for many hours before he
was found. This, combined with his chest injuries, means there's
a risk of pneumonia."
Mark swayed slightly at the news and Amanda and Jesse led him
forward to a chair.
"He's strong, Mark, strong and fit and that'll only help
him. Barring any unforeseen surprises, I think he'll be okay but
we'll know more when he regains consciousness."
"I need to sit with him." Mark stood up and walked
wearily to the door. It was going to be another vigil at his
son's bedside. How many more times? But this was Father's Day and
it was supposed to be a very special day. Jesse and Amanda
watched Mark leave, noticing he was suddenly walking like an old
man. Amanda blinked back tears, not wanting to contemplate what
would happen if Steve didn't make it. He was a wonderful friend
but she had little doubt it would destroy Mark too.
Mark approached the bed slowly, noting the machines and IV
attached to his son's body - again. How many more times could he
do this? How many more times could Steve survive? He knew it
wouldn't matter how many times his son was injured, he would
always be around for him, however much it upset him. But the
second question was tougher. How many times could Steve's body
sustain such major trauma and survive? It was a question he
didn't want the answer to. He pulled up a chair, and took hold of
Steve's hand, rubbing it gently.
"Oh Steve, somehow I don't think this is what you had
planned, son. I know you had something big planned. You didn't
know that, did you?" Mark gently stroked back Steve's hair
from his forehead with his free hand. "I know you so well
and you can't hide anything from me but I didn't want to ruin it
for you by asking. But you've gotta know you can't fool your old
man." Mark swallowed. "You've got to come back to me,
son. I can't imagine a world without you in it. I'm so proud of
you, and I love you very much. You shouldn't really scare me like
this though. It's not good for me. Nor you, for that
matter."
"Daddy?" A soft feminine voice interrupted his
thoughts. He released Steve's hand and whizzed around to see his
other child, his daughter, standing at the door. He fell forward
and pulled her into his arms.
"Carol! I can't believe you're here." He felt the
wetness of her tears on his shoulder and held her close.
"It was a surprise for you, daddy. Steve…" Carol
swallowed hard, "planned this all. I was supposed to come
round for breakfast but when I got to the beach house and neither
of your cars were there, I knew something was up and I figured
this was a good place to start. Then I saw Jesse and he told me…"
Mark held her even closer, trying to absorb the fact that his
daughter was with him and it had been a surprise by his son.
"Is he going to be okay?"
Mark nodded, unable to speak at first. "His chances are good
since he's fit and strong, but we'll know more when he wakes
up."
"Excuse me, Dr. Sloan? Your son had some things with him and
they were brought in with him. He was holding this in his
hand." A nurse had come up to them without either of them
knowing. Mark moved to the door, and Carol approached the bed,
wishing against all hope this was a joke or a dream. But her
brother just lay in the bed, his breathing obviously being
assisted by the machine he was hooked up to.
Mark looked at the wet and battered photograph in its silver
frame. It was obviously a very recent photo and he blinked back
tears. There was even some blood on the frame. Steve, my son,
you've just got to come back to me. He walked over to the bed and
rested his hand on Carol's shoulder.
"It's great to see you, honey."
Carol nodded. "I was so looking forward to this, as was
Steve. We wanted to see your face and he's going to be really
upset at having missed his own surprise. He wanted it to be a
very special day."
Mark squeezed her shoulder, unable to speak. He pulled up another
chair and sat down to wait. Carol didn't say anything more,
content to be there for her brother and father. She noted with
dismay that Mark looked every bit his age then and she knew it
would be worse if Steve didn't make it. She had always felt very
loved by her parents, but she didn't share the closeness that her
father and brother had. She'd been closer to her mother and after
her mother had died she'd moved away and made her own life.
Although she loved both her brother and
her father very much, they were different and had different
interests. Since Steve had joined the LAPD, she dreaded what
would happen to her dad if Steve was killed. The nightmare of
Steve's terrible shooting and the arrest of their father was very
much on her mind. Steve had been shot and her father had been so
distraught the police had suspected him of murder. Under normal
circumstances, this would have been crazy but she knew only too
well how strong their bond was.
It was early evening when Steve started showing signs of
regaining consciousness. Mark noticed it first and stood up,
gently stroking Steve's forehead again and telling him not to
panic. He asked Carol to push the buzzer and to get Jesse paged.
Jesse came in on the run and asked Carol and Mark to move away
while he examined his patient. Amanda had joined them and the
three stood a vigil outside while Steve was checked. Carol stood
close to her dad, praying everything was going to work out well.
Jesse came out after an interminable time. Mark stared at him
hard, trying to read the expression on his friend's face. Jesse
smiled slowly and the three anxious people let out sighs of
relief.
"He's regained consciousness and his breathing is now
better. I think he's going to be okay, although he's going to be
sore for a while. We still have to watch for pneumonia."
Mark smiled his thanks and entered the room. Carol hugged Jesse.
"Thank you, Jesse, thank you so much." Jesse returned
the hug and exchanged a
glance with Amanda.
"You're more than welcome, Carol. Just glad it's good news…"
Carol heard the slight waver in Jesse's voice and hugged him
tighter, knowing how tough this would have been for Jesse. She
knew how strong their friendship was. She pulled away and entered
the room.
Mark was talking quietly to his son, who was looking upset. Mark
was stroking his forehead, trying to convince him everything was
okay. Steve felt like he'd been hit by a truck and his chest
hurt. But the knowledge he'd managed to ruin Father's Day was
really upsetting to him and was making him a lot more emotional
than he normally was. He couldn't believe he was back in the
hospital and his father looked like he'd aged ten years. He
looked up as he felt a soft hand taking hold of his. He grimaced
at Carol.
"Sorry, sis,…" His voice was hoarse and he was
losing his battle to stay awake.
"Not really what I had in mind," Carol joked softly,
"But the important thing is you're going to be okay and we
can celebrate Father's Day later."
Steve closed his eyes, feeling this was nowhere near good enough,
but Mark spoke
up more firmly.
"Steve, Carol's right. The only thing that matters to me is
that you're going to recover. Nothing else is important and this
makes today a very special day for me."
Steve couldn't speak. He just wanted to lose himself in
unconsciousness but his body wasn't cooperating this time. He
didn't want his father to comfort him, he wanted…what did he
want? He felt so tired. Mark watched his injured son and the
expressions passing across his face. He suddenly knew what Steve
wanted and he would make sure he got it. Not today, but in the
next few days. They did have things to talk about and to resolve.
They should have dealt with issues after his release from prison,
but they never had. It was time to change that and he would make
sure it happened.1
"Steve, my son, we'll talk again later, but I want you to
sleep now and know that I'm the happiest father in the world
today. I have my son with me and my beautiful daughter." He
smiled at Carol who reached down to hold Steve's hand.
Steve squeezed back gently. He'd opened his eyes at his father's
words and saw the love and understanding in his face. Maybe his
father was right, the main thing was they were all together. They
did have time to talk later. He sighed as he felt the weariness
pulling him under.
"Happy Father's Day…." Steve's voice drifted off
as he finally fell asleep.
"Thanks, son, for making it a happy one." Mark
whispered.
End.
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