Chapter 48

After leaving work, Dara and Justus arrived at the hospital to see Keesha and also to meet Matthew and Veronica. They walked into Keesha’s room and saw that she seemed more alert.

"Hello," she said, her voice sounding stronger.

"Wow, Keesha," Justus couldn’t help commenting. "You look so much better."

"She’s coming out of her fog," Katie informed them.

"That’s fantastic!" Dara said.

"Are you in much pain?" Justus asked.

"At times," Keesha admitted. "I’m slowly being weaned off the morphine."

"Keesha’s recovering very well," Katie said and smiled. "She may be moved out of urgent care in two days."

"Keesha, we’re so happy for you," Dara said.

"Thanks. Sometimes, I still think this is all a dream, but everyone assures me it isn’t."

"Add us to the list of people who want to assure you this is no dream," Justus said, lovingly squeezing his cousin’s hand.

"You two look a little preoccupied," Keesha said, her eyes darting from Justus to Dara.

"You *are* feeling better," Dara said, amazed at her best friend’s perceptiveness.

"What’s going on?" Keesha asked, sincerely wanting to know the latest.

"We met with the adoption agency again today at their request," Justus explained.

"Did you get good news?" Keesha asked.

"Maybe," Justus said. "Two young children recently became orphans when their mother died in an auto accident. They’re here at the hospital recovering from their injuries. We’re going to visit them."

"That’s so sad," Keesha said, "but if anyone can give them a good, stable home, it’s you two. Good luck. I hope the meeting goes well."

"Thanks," Dara said.

Keesha sensed her friend’s nervousness.

"Just be your wonderful selves," Keesha said. "It won’t be easy, but it’ll be great for those two children to know they have people on their side."

"You’re right," Justus said. "We want to visit them to offer our support, even if we’re not the ones who end up adopting them."

"You guys are the best," Keesha said. "I know things will work out for all of you."

*~*

When Bobbie heard loud music coming from Michael’s room, she thought it was safe to talk to her dinner companion Jerry Jacks about what happened at the hospital with Jason. Jerry couldn’t believe how cruel Jason had been to Bobbie.

"What is his problem?" Jerry asked.

"Well, to be fair, he is going through a major trauma."

"Then why didn’t he keep his mouth shut and not say anything?"

"I guess he felt he had to tell me what he thinks."

"But to accuse you of not doing right by Michael is ridiculous. Tony knows about this, right?"

"Yes, he does. I told him immediately."

"Good."

Jerry gazed into Bobbie’s dark eyes and trailed the pad of his index finger along her cheek.

"I don’t want you taking care of Jason. Let some other nurse take his abuse. You don’t need it, love."

Bobbie smiled and kissed him.

"I like it when you’re concerned about me."

"I’m *always* concerned about you," he said, scooting closer to her on the sofa. "Haven’t you learned that yet?"

*~*

"Julianna?"

Michael turned down his music so he didn’t have to yell into his cell phone.

"Hi, Michael," Julianna said, happy to hear his voice. "How are you?"

"I’m not sure. I just heard something very disturbing."

"What?" she asked, involuntarily tensing.

"I can’t go into the details, but could you do me a big favor?"

"I guess so. What is it?"

"Could you meet me at the hospital around one tomorrow afternoon?"

"Okay, but why?"

"There’s somebody I need to see."

"Why do I get the feeling you’re not talking about my mother?"

"I’m not," Michael said and explained his situation. "Jason is in the hospital, Julianna. And I need to see him."

*~*

"What are you doing here?" Jason asked Monica, after she had entered his room.

"I came to see how you're feeling. Is that not allowed?"

"I already told Alan I don't want any visitors. Don't tell anyone I'm here, Monica. I mean it."

She took several steps closer to his bed. "Not even Emily? I'm sure she would like to see you."

"Before I get shipped off to a mental institution? I don't think so."

Jason sat up straighter in the bed and turned his head away from Monica.

"Alan was speculating about that," she informed her son. "Dr. Lewis hasn't talked to you since your evaluation, has he?"

"No, but I suppose being in some clinic until I'm analyzed to death would be better than rotting in a jail cell. Maybe."

"It would be, Jason. You would have a chance to get well."

He turned steely blue eyes in her direction. "Who says I'm sick?"

Monica stared back just as determined. "I heard you were undeniably cruel to Bobbie earlier. Carly was her daughter, you know."

"Like she ever cared!"

"Who are you to make that kind of a judgment?"

"I know how Bobbie treated Carly. I was there, Monica. You weren't."

"And what about how Carly treated Bobbie?"

"That was Carly's business," Jason defended. "She had her reasons."

"That's how you explained everything, isn't it? Sonny and Carly, and you, and even Courtney, had a reason for everything you did, so how dare anyone else find fault with your lifestyle, your choices."

"That's right," Jason said. "We were a family. It's the only world I've ever felt comfortable in."

"Well, now, you're going to have to find a way to make yourself comfortable in a totally different world."

"Don't you think I know that?!" he yelled. "Tell Alan they can send me off tomorrow. I don't care!"

"It's not Alan's call to make, but I can pass on your sentiment to him."

"Go ahead. I'm sure it's just a matter of time anyway."

Monica's features softened when she saw a flicker of fear enter her son's eyes.

"Getting professional help is what you need. Sonny and Carly are gone, and there is nothing you can do to bring them back. You have to let them go, Jason. You have to."

"Yeah, okay. I get the point."

Jason turned on his side, facing away from Monica.

"Go away, Monica. Just go away and leave me alone."

"I will," Monica said, wanting to place a reassuring hand on her son’s shoulder but feeling as though he would shrug it off, "for now. But I will see you again."

*~*

Carrying a bag that contained several puzzles and coloring books and crayons, Justus spotted Camille standing in front of Matthew and Veronica's hospital room. He and Dara reached her with several quick strides.

"Hello."

"Hi," Camille said, noticing the contents of the plastic bag. "Are those for the children?"

"Yes," Dara answered.

She smiled approvingly. "How thoughtful. I talked with them, and they are agreeable to meeting you. We'll make this visit a short one."

Justus and Dara nodded in understanding. A mixture of nervousness and excitement claimed both of them when Camille opened the door and allowed them entry.

The adorable young children were huddled together on one bed. Their dark eyes conveyed their wariness, along with some measure of curiosity. Justus and Dara remained at the foot of the bed while Camille stood next to the children.

"Matthew. Veronica. I'd like you to meet Dara and Justus Ward."

"Hi," Matthew said, and then quickly looked away.

Veronica didn't say anything, but she looked at Dara for a long time.

Dara smiled and said a pleasant "hello."

"Mr. and Mrs. Ward brought you a few goodies," Camille said. "Would you like to see what's in the bag?"

Matthew nodded; Veronica shrugged.

Dara and Justus took a few steps closer and handed the bag to Camille who placed it on the bed.

"Go ahead and open it," she encouraged both children.

Veronica nudged her older brother to see what was inside.

"Oh, wow!" Matthew exclaimed excitedly.

He pulled out a box that showed a picture of the Statue of Liberty.

"I love puzzles. Especially 3-D ones. How did you know?"

His eyes shone brightly as he carefully examined the box.

"Mrs. Liden was kind enough to tell us about some of your interests."

"Can I work on it in here?" he asked Camille. "I get bored sometimes."

"May I work on it in here," Camille gently corrected. "And, yes, Matthew, you may, as long as it's all right with the nurses."

"I'll ask them," he promised.

"I don't like puzzles," Veronica said unhappily.

"That's okay, sweetheart," Dara found herself saying as she moved closer to the young girl who looked so lost. "What about coloring?"

"I like that, I guess," she said and sighed.

"Here's a coloring book," Matthew said, pulling out an activity book. "And crayons."

Veronica flipped through the book with a smile on her face and then placed it on her lap. She carefully opened the box of crayons. Her black as coal eyes lit up when she saw the vibrant colors.

"I like this," she said and smiled at both Dara and Justus. "Thank you."

"Yeah," Matthew chimed in. "Thanks a lot!"

"You're both very welcome," Justus said.

"May I give each of you a hug?" Dara asked.

Overcome with emotion when the children looked at each other and then nodded, Dara held Veronica tightly to her and then lovingly embraced Matthew.

"Would it be all right if Dara and Justus visited you again tomorrow?" Camille asked.

"Yes," Matthew answered for himself and his sister. "We'd like that."

"Excellent," Camille said. "If you can come in the afternoon," she said to Dara and Justus, "maybe we could arrange for you to spend time with the children on the patio or in the children's play room."

"That sounds great," Justus said. "We'll call you in the morning to set up a time."

"Okay."

"Goodnight," Dara said to Matthew and Veronica.

"We'll see you tomorrow," Justus said.

They nodded.

After the adults had left the room, Veronica took her book and crayons and climbed into her own bed.

"I miss Mama so much," she said, trying not to cry.

"Me, too," Matthew said. "But Mr. and Mrs. Ward seem very nice."

Veronica nodded. "But will they want us to be their children, Matty? Cause if they don’t, what’s gonna happen to us?"