While I Was Away(32)

... until she realized she wasn't holding onto anything at all.

Just one more moment.





18




River, August, and Ocean Reins stood at the foot of their sister's hospital bed. Despite opening her eyes the week before, the doctors weren't very optimistic about her health.

She'd been in a coma for almost four months. The chances of her waking up at all were slim, and if she did, the chances were even smaller that she'd have normal brain function. They'd be lucky if she'd even remember who she was, let alone her family.

The time to make a permanent decision was upon them. A lengthy illness in the United States was not cheap, they were reminded of that fact constantly. Had Adele ever spoken of her last wishes? Had she ever expressed what she'd want in the event of a coma or vegetative state? Had she, per chance, filled out an Advanced Health Care Directive?

Their mother was a wreck. Their father even more so. They'd essentially moved to Los Angeles to be with their comatose daughter, draining a large chunk of their savings in the process.

August was gone more often than not – he had a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and while they'd been more than understanding about his situation, he still had obligations to his team and the other players. He was flying back and forth all the time.

River had started a new job there in Los Angeles, which meant he got to live close to his sister, but he had less time to visit her.

Ocean was the only brother not working, but that could only last for so long.

We're all moving forward, and she's stuck in one place.

“I don't believe it,” he breathed.

“What?” River asked.

“That she won't wake up.”

“You heard the doctor,” August sighed. “And what we want, and what is reality, are two very different things. We need to start thinking about the fact that this could be forever.”

“Jesus, why don't you just go pull the plug?” Ocean snarled at his little brother.

“Calm down, I never said that – but she can't stay here. Mom and Dad can't deal with this, so it's going to be up to us. We need to start thinking about what's best for Adele, in this state.”

It was kind of shocking, their little brother being the voice of reason. Ocean looked over at him. August had his arms crossed in front of his broad chest, a backwards hat keeping his too-long hair out of his face. He looked very serious as he glared at the hospital bed, almost as if it were the reason for Adele's coma.

River was standing next to him. Ocean frowned as he looked over the “middle child”. River had always been kinda quiet, but it seemed like anymore, he didn't speak unless it was absolutely necessary, and he almost never smiled.

When did we get like this? So serious, withdrawn, and angry? Adele would hate us like this.

“I've been so caught up in my own head,” Ocean cleared his throat before he started speaking again. “I should've been thinking more about the family, and less about myself. She deserved better, you guys deserved better – hell, even Charlie deserved better. I'm sorry.”

“Shut up,” August snapped.

“Excuse me?”

“Shut up. Watching 'Mr. Perfect' turn into a nut job has been a godsend. It's why neither of us have had the mental breakdown we're just two steps away from – you're the perfect distraction. So stop feeling sorry for yourself,” August explained.

Ocean was a little shocked at first, then he burst out laughing. Even River managed a small smile.

“Nut job, huh?” Ocean snorted.

“Oh yeah. Big time. You and that Charlie drama, it's all been a very welcome distraction, honestly.”

“Charlie drama,” Ocean sighed, rubbing his hand down his face. “We never found out what the whole thing with Big Red Whatsherface was about.”

“I never found out anything – I was at work,” River interrupted, his voice coarse and scratchy. “You guys didn't even tell me she'd opened her eyes till that night. What all happened, exactly?”

“Oh, Ocean here thinks he caught good ol' Chuck slipping his tongue down that one redhead's throat,” August filled him in.

“What?”

“Yeah.”

“In Adele's room?” River sounded stunned.

“In the parking lot,” Ocean corrected. “And I don't think I caught him – I know I did. They had their arms around each other, they'd been kissing. I kept meaning to grill him about it later, but he's been tough to pin down ever since his physical therapy got moved to a different place.”

“Zoey didn't seem surprised, did you notice? We should call her and -” August began, but was stopped short when River abruptly turned and started walking out of the room. His brothers hurried after him, pulling him to a stop.

“What are you doing?” Ocean asked.

“All you two ever do is talk!” River snapped. Finally, really, snapped, Ocean realized.

Looks like River just took those last two steps into his mental breakdown.

“What do you want us to do?” Ocean asked, glancing at August, who looked just as bewildered as he felt.

“Kick his fucking ass!”

“You can't just go beat up Charlie,” Ocean insisted.