Well, to let you all knowmy mood is on the upswingfor now. My Wildcats won their first game, although the rest of the SEC isnt doing so hot.

Darkhorse, Sous chef, I promise, life does get better. But I hate to tell you, Dana & Lara dont go through Sharons pursebut stay tunedI have a plan.

Barb & Alma, from one writer to two others, thank you so very much for your E-mails. I am so looking forward to your continued work.

Slm, I am sorry to hear about your friend. But I promise that I have a plan, just as God does. Like I have been told, He never puts more on your shoulders than you can handle (although, sometimes we all wonder just how strong we can be). Thank you for sharing with us.

Aly, thank you for the comment and E-mail and welcome to the family. And people can be stronger than you think, especially when they are needed.

Julia, you can write as long of a comment as you would like, as long as I can say thank you and welcome.

Geauxtigers, thank you as always. Yes it is sad, but what do they sayIt is always darkest before the dawn. So I promise there will once again be brightness in the future. And as far as how long I can keep it this upIm not sureI hope to keep it up as long as you will allow me.

And my wonderful distraction K…you are the best…I couldnt ask for anything more in someone like you.

And now for the most famous words in Fan fic (yeah right!)grab whatever and enjoy!


Chapter 18


The waiting room began to close in on everyone when they saw the doctors face. The first to him was Irwin, praying that he was reading the doctor wrong and that his wife was still with them. The other three approached also, never letting go of each others hands, all pleading with God they would do anything if He would just let Sharon live.

As the doctor looked at the family that stood before him, as he had done hundreds of times before, he delivered the news as best he could. Mr. Fairbanks, we have done all that we can do. Fours hearts, four lives were ready to be shattered. The rest is up to her. There was a collective breath let out. She was alive. That is what mattered most to them. She has a very long way to go, but we have repaired what damage we could.

What you could? Irwins eyes became bewildered.

Yes, what we could. We had to remove her kidney and spleen. We have stopped the bleeding in her brain and have drained what fluid we could and have repaired her lung. We had an orthopedist come in and set her pelvic bone in place. Our main enemy right now is going to be swelling of the brain tissue and if more fluid or blood were to show up. The doctor drew in a deep breath and continued. She is in an induced coma.

In an induced coma, what does that mean? Irwin only knew that people in a coma may never wake up and the longer that they were unconscious, the worse it could get.

What that means is that we have medicated her to keep her unconscious. Her body, as you well know has been through a trauma that most people wouldnt have survived. We want her body to have some time to heal before we bring her out of it. We will begin to do that very slowly in a couple of days. Her chances to recover from this are better than they would have been years ago. Now, the doctor laid his hand gently on Irwins shoulder, she will be in recovery for about another hour and then they are going to take her to the ICU, where they will take excellent care of her. There is nothing that you will be able to do tonight, so go home, get some rest and come back tomorrow. You will need it because we have a long way to go.

Thank you doctor, for everything. Irwin extended his hand and shook the miracle workers that stood before him. As the doctor headed back into the surgical suite area, Irwin turned to see the three that were standing behind him. Come on Howie, lets go home. We will come back first thing. Irwin knew that the doctor was right and that they needed to go home. Howie squeezed his sisters hand and gave a half-hearted smile to her, telling her bye.

Dana turned as her father and Howie began to walk out of the waiting area to see her father place his arm on Howies shoulders, pulling him close to his side. The tears began to fall once again as they had so many times during the day.

Come on sweetheart. The doctor is right. We need to get some rest, we can come back first thing in the morning. Lara felt as if she had said something wrong when Dana looked at her.

I cant leave her alone. I need to stay. If you want to go home, you can, but Im not leaving. Dana stood her ground.

Im not leaving you here alone. If you want to stay, we will stay. I guess we need to go to the ICU waiting room and let them know what we are doing. Lara would not leave Dana in her time of need. She pulled her into a hug, You will make it through this. You are stronger than you know. I love you so much.

Sobs began to rack Danas body as the two stood in the middle of the desolate room holding each other, Dana holding on for dear life, Lara holding on to give Dana strength. As the sobs finally began to subside, Lara pulled back and cupped Danas face within her loving hands and dipped down to look straight into her eyes. Now, lets go tell the nurses that we are going to stay. Lara took her thumbs and wiped Danas tear stained cheeks.

They walked down the deserted halls, looking for the Intensive Care Unit. Finally arriving at two doors that extended the width of the hallway, the waiting room on their right. They decided to enter the room to their right, not sure when Danas mother would be brought to the floor.

The room was quiet, but there were people all around. Some were sleeping in the loungers waiting for the next time they would be allowed to go back to see their loved ones. Others sat watching the clock tick time away, others prayed. A few stared at Lara and Dana as they entered the room.

There was a desk and a phone for a volunteer, like there had been in the surgery waiting room, but there was a sign posted next to it, To reach the Nurses Desk, Dial 571. Lara picked up the receiver and dialed the number. Yes, we were wondering if someone could let us know when Sharon Fairbanks was brought up? Yes, her daughter. Dana couldnt hear the person on the other end, but knew what was being said by the way Lara spoke. Yes, thank you. Lara placed the phone back down. They will call as soon as she has been settled in. They said that they were expecting her at anytime.

They scanned the room for two chairs or anything together. As they looked to the right, they saw a lounger with a chair next to it. Lara led Dana to the lounger, knowing that she needed rest and she took the chair. Dana just stared into space, praying like her mom had taught her when she was a little girl.

About an hour later, the phone in the waiting room rang. A woman sitting the closest to it, answered. Is there someone from the Fairbanks family here?

Yes. Dana got up and walked across the room to get the phone. Her eyes looked into the older womans as she took the receiver out of her hand. Thank you.

The voice on the other end was almost soothing. Okay. There are two of us. Yes, thank you. Dana went back over to Lara and extended her hand, Come on, they said we could go back for just a couple of minutes.

Are you sure? Dont you want some time alone? Lara didnt want to intrude.

Yes I am sure, I need you beside me. You belong beside me. Dana bent down and grabbed Laras hand that was on the arm of the chair and pulled her up. As they walked out into the hallway, Dana pressed the big silver button on the wall and the doors opened into the world of the ICU. They read the sign in front of them. It pointed to the CCU, which was to the left and the ICU, which was to the right. Before they rounded the corner, they could hear the ventilators breathing for people. They heard the beeps of heart monitors and they heard the hushed talking of the nurses. They approached a young nurse that was sitting behind a tall counter.

Yes, may I help you?

Um, we were told that we could see Sharon Fairbanks for a few minutes, she was just brought up. Danas heart was in the pit of her stomach.

Oh, yes. The nurse looked down at the papers in front of her. She is in bed 4, right over there. She pointed to the right.

Thank you. Danas heart sank a little deeper as they both approached the darkened room. She gripped Laras hand a little tighter.

As they passed the other rooms, no one was awake. Everyone was hooked up to machines. It seemed ironic to Dana, every room had a TV and no one could watch them. They turned into the doorway of her mothers room and she let out a gasp at the sight before her. Her mother was surrounded by machines and monitors. A ventilator was taped to her mouth. IVs were coming out of her arm. A bag hung on the side of the bed with a large tube leading to her mothers body. Her head was wrapped with a bandage, unlike the blood-matted hair that she saw before. The force that wouldnt allow her to enter the ER earlier had returned. She felt as if her feet were made of concrete, or even worse, lead. Her heart traveled from her stomach to her throat in one breath. Her hand covering her mouth to stop any noise that might try to escape, her eyes wide and brimming with tears. She saw a nurse on the other side of the bed writing on a clipboard. She jumped as she heard a machine kick on and a sound escaped, alerting the nurse that they were there.

Thats the blood pressure monitor. It does that about every 15 minutes. She looked at the two standing in the doorway, knowing that the horror before them was not easy to see. She is a fighter. She is hanging in there. You know, you can talk to her. She can hear you.

As Danas eyes shifted to the nurse, a tear escaped. She can?

Yeah, she can. The nurse had a very comforting demeanor. Sometimes it helps if they know they arent alone.

Lara gripped Danas hand and they finally approached the bedside. Can I touch her?

You can hold her hand. Just be careful not to hit anything. The nurse gave them a sweet smile, Ill leave you alone. If you have any questions or need anything, I am Jane, and I will be here until 7 in the morning. With that, she left Dana and Lara alone with Sharon.

Dana dropped Laras hand and hesitantly reached over the raised railing. She touched her mothers smooth hand with her fingertip. Hey mom. The nurse said that you could hear us. I hope you can. Now she slipped her fingers over the back of her mothers hand and around to the palm. You gave us a real scare today. You need to get better so you can watch me in my tournaments this year. My coach says I can win if I keep the intensity that I have now. Tears began to escape her eyes. You need to get better. We still have a lot to talk about and I know that you cant stand to leave something that isnt finished. As a tear fell onto the sheets, Lara walked up behind her and placed her hands on Danas upper arms and placed her chin on Danas shoulder.

The words stopped and all that filled the room was the beeping sounds that echoed her mothers heartbeat and the ventilator which breathed for her. Dana and Lara both stood there, wishing this day could be done over. Dana placed her free hand over one of Laras that was on her arm and leaned back into her shoulder.

Why dont we go back out to the waiting area and try to get some rest. Dana just shook her head at Laras suggestion. We can come back in a couple of hours. That is when the next visiting hours are.

Before they left, Dana leaned down and whispered the three words to her mother that she had whispered earlier. I love you.

As they returned to the waiting area, they saw that two lounge chairs were open right next to each other. They saw people with blankets and pillows, sleeping. Lara approached the older woman who had answered the phone earlier and asked her where the pillows and blankets were. The woman pointed her towards the closet in the far corner of the room. Dana sat in one of the chairs, waiting for Lara to join her.

Here you go. Lara handed Dana a pillow and placed the blanket over her as she opened the lounger and laid back. After Dana was settled, Lara tried to get comfortable in the other one. She finally rolled on her side facing Dana and stroked her cheek. Good night.

Good night. Dana placed her hand over the one that was one her cheek and held it there. She turned and gently kissed the captured hand. Thank you. I couldnt have made it through today without you. She then got as close to Lara as she could, despite the arms on the chair and snuggled into her shoulder as Lara wrapped her arms around her, protecting her from anything and everything.

The chairs seemed uncomfortable, but the exhaustion won out. The next thing that either one of them knew was that a woman was waking Lara up because she was told that they were with the Fairbanks family. There is a phone call for you.

A sleepy Lara moved slowly, hoping not to wake Dana. Thank you. She walked over to a small corner table that had a dim light on it next to the phone. Hello?

Dana?

No this is Lara. Who is this? Still not awake, Lara didnt recognize the voice on the other end.

Its Alice.

Oh, hi. Im sorry, Im not really awake.

Thats okay. I heard on the news about the accident and when I tried Danas cell phone, all I got was her voice mail.

Yeah, we have to shut them off up here. Lara yawned and was rubbing her eyes.

Where are you? I called the switchboard and they just transferred me. Anxiety began to fill Alices voice.

We are in the ICU waiting room. Dana is finally sleeping. Lara looked over and saw that Dana hadnt moved and inch.

ICU? How bad is it?

Well, she was in surgery most of the evening. She is in an induced coma now. They had to drain fluid off of her brain, remove a kidney and do a lot of repair internally. Lara could hear the gasp on the other end. She could almost see Alices eyes getting wider and her hand over her mouth.

Oh my God.

Well, I probably better get back to Dana before she wakes up. I will give you a call if anything changes.

Yeah, please do that. Tell Dana I love her and if you need anything

I will. Lara heard a click on the other end and placed the receiver back on the cradle. She gently laid back down and she felt Dana snuggle closer, almost as if she had known Lara had gotten up. Lara placed a kiss on Danas forehead and fell asleep, praying the nightmare would be over soon.

As the sun peaked through the barely opened blinds, Dana felt someone touching her leg. As her eyes fluttered open, she saw five of her closest friends standing in front of her, Alice, Shane, Marina and even Bette and Tina. As she sat up, Lara woke up, feeling Dana move and was in awe of the sight of this group of women who had come to support their friend.

We brought you breakfast. Marinas accented voice broke the silence as she held out a bag of bagels and muffins.

Dana rose from her prone position and stood to hug her friends. She couldnt say anything, her emotions wouldnt let her, but her eyes told each one of them thank you.
As the group hug broke up, Dana, could feel the love from her friends.

Have you heard anything? Bette broke the silence.

No, not yet. We got to go in to see her last night. Dana began to cry and her hands became more animated, she was hooked up to all of these machines, the nurse said she could hear us, but I dont know. Danas frown and tears took over her face as Bette rubbed her arm to try and calm her down.

Dana, your mom is tough like you. Alice wanted to try and reassure her friend that things would be ok. Remember, she is the one who taught you how to be strong.

If your mom is anything like you Danes, she is one stubborn woman.

Thanks Shane. The corner of Danas mouth lifted.

Well, we just wanted to let you know that we are here for you. Call us if you need us. Bette thought that it was time for them to go since visiting hours were about to start.

Thanks guys, you are the best. Dana went in for another group hug before they left, well everyone except Alice, she stayed behind.

Hey, Im going to put these away and get some coffee. Ill be back in a minute. Lara excused herself and took the pillows and blankets back to the closet.

So, how are you really doin? Alice knew that Dana was putting up a brave front for everyone.

I dont know to tell you the truth. I feel lost right now. It was just weird, yesterday, I felt great and then all of a sudden, I had an overwhelming sense of dread come over me. And then this.

I thought I might hang around for a few, just in case.

Thanks Alice, but I know that a hospital isnt the most fun place to be. You dont have to stay for me.

Who said I was staying for you? Im staying for that hot redhead over by the closet. Damn, shes *****. Alice began to quietly laugh.

Oh you really think so? Dana laughed for the first time in over 12 hours.
Yeah I do. You know she dated this friend of mine and I heard that she was just awesome in the sack.

Whos awesome in the sack? Lara caught the tail end of the conversation.

Danas face got blood red. Some redhead that I heard about. Alice was trying to keep the mood light.

Oh really? Lara caught on quick. I heard that she had this awesome girlfriend that was, oh my God, that was the best in bed.

REALLY? Alice turned towards Lara, crossed her arms and began nodding her head as if they were about to have a serious conversation about this wonder in the sack.

Stop it you two. You guys are embarrassing me.

Awe, poor baby. Lara grabbed Dana into her arms and hugged her.

Geez, now would we do something like that?

Hey, visiting hours are about to start. Are you ready to go back in?

Yeah. As ready as I will ever be. Dana drew in a deep breath as to fortify herself against impending danger.

Ill wait here for you guys.

Thanks Alice. Dana gripped her hand to emphasize her gratefulness.

As they headed towards the ICU room, before they rounded the corner, they heard what sounded like an alarm going off and Dana stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide open in shock.