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Post by Natasha on Apr 12, 2007 17:18:57 GMT -5
April 24, 1991
The sun was shining, the water cool, and the boat was ready. Frank had spent the better part of the morning working on it. His parents and sister were going on the boat as well. A nice little family get together… Brooke had slept in while Frank made sure the tank was full and oil level fine and everything was working well. She didn’t seem to be feeling good lately, and he was worried she might be coming down with the flu.
And now they were on the lake. Daniel had insisted on handling the boat, since he was the more responsible male. That had caused some laughter and jokes. Frank was okay with his dad taking over, as it gave him more time to be with Brooke. He was used to being out on the lake with his family, and on a muggle contraption. He wasn’t so sure Brooke was going to be as steady…
Sitting in the back of the boat, he had an arm around his wife’s shoulders. They’d had their second year anniversary only a few months before, and it seemed every day was a new adventure. Or most days, anyway. Especially with her being as sick as she was. He hadn’t told his mother about it, hoping it would pass soon. Smiling and kissing her cheek, he whispered in her ear. “You sure you don’t want a life vest?” Gently poking her side, he teased her.
Glancing at his sister, who was making some smart remark, Frank merely rolled his eyes. Brooke had been about Isabelle’s age when they first met. It was odd to think it’d been that long ago… Lucky for Frank, he didn’t have to worry about it for very long before his father gunned it and they were off across the surface of the lake. His mother sat nearby, laughing and taking pictures and talking up a storm. Katherine always had stories to tell, whether she had told them twenty times before or not.
A short time later, the boat came to a slow stand still. His father turned around, popped a soda, and asked who was going to go first. Frank glanced at Brooke and grinned. “I’ll go first.” Shrugging, he stood up and started hooking everything up. Best to make sure it was working before anyone else got on it. “And then!” Turning around, he pointed a finger at Brooke. “I want to see what this woman can do.” Everyone agreed, and before long Frank was strapped in to the skis and in the water.
It wasn’t a very long trial. Once he got on the water, he was able to move in and out from the wake of the boat, jumping a few waves. Eventually he decided to go out with a bang. Once he hit a wave, he spun head first to try and complete a roll. He landed on his back. Groaning in slight discomfort as the boat came back, he listened to the jokes and laughter at his nice back flop.
Taking the skis off, he got back in the boat and took the life vest off. Offering it to Brooke, he smiled before settling back on his spot. Taking the offered soda, he took a sip before nodding to the lake. “You sure you can handle this, Brooke? It’s quite rocky out there today.” He knew she would take up the challenge, just not sure how well she would do. No one would give her nearly as hard of a time as they’d give Frank. “Need some pointers, babe?”
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Brooklynn Pratt
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Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Apr 12, 2007 17:50:55 GMT -5
Frank may have thought Brooke had been sleeping that morning. However every time she’d closed her eyes, all she’d been able to think about had been screaming, crying babies. She didn’t want this child, and so hadn’t told Frank. In a way, she hoped that if she ignored the fact it was there, it would go away. That was indeed stupid, but it seemed perfectly sensible to Brooke. Her and Frank hadn’t been married five minutes and she’d forgotten that one tablet. One tiny thing forgotten and now she had a lifetime to pay that back.
When Brooke was outside about to get on the boat, the fresh air was making her feel even more sick. Frank had said it was probably flu or something and Brooke simply went along with that, not wanting him to know yet. He’d probably have gotten excited and that was the last thing Brooke wanted. She was only 24, she didn’t want a baby. She was just getting into a great marriage.
“You sure you don’t want a life vest?”
Brooke had been in her own world as her and Frank sat on the boat. She snapped out of it, however, when Frank poked her side. Smiling to him, Brooke shook her head. “Amazingly I can swim. You might need it though.” She replied to him. This was going to be a long day and Brooke just longed to be back in bed, thinking, alone. There was no way she could have this baby.
Hearing Frank’s sister make a remark, Brooke smiled and glanced at him. This was what a family should be. Not like Brooke and her brother at each other’s necks all the time. That was no fun. Frank’s family were close, and Brooke was glad she was a part of it. Though what would they say if they found out? This baby thing was killing her and she refused to tell anyone.
Suddenly Daniel was asking who wanted to go first and Brooke grinned as Frank stepped up. This would be interesting. Brooke had never seen Frank do this before, heck, she’d only done it once when she’d been forced into it. The whole boating thing was very…muggle and she didn’t see the point in it, though it was simply lovely now she was there.
“And then! I want to see what this woman can do.”
Brooke’s eyes shot up and she smiled weakly as if she’d just been caught. “Aw come on. You don’t want to see me try.” But the others agreed with Frank and Brooke accepted defeat as Frank strapped up and got on the water. He was then doing pretty well. Brooke was watching along with the others and she let out a laugh as he fell onto his back. That served him right for showing off. Well at least she’d prove to him what she was made of.
When Frank was back, Brooke took the skis from him and smirked. “Nice landing.” She muttered before pulling the wetsuit up over her costume. She then strapped the ski’s on and glanced at the rest of his family, all eager to watch. Well wasn’t this going to go badly.
“You sure you can handle this, Brooke? It’s quite rocky out there today. Need some pointers, babe?”
Rolling her eyes, Brooke patted Frank on the back. “I should be giving you tips. Now watch an expert in action.” Shouldn’t have said that. What was it? Pride before a fall? “Ready now Daniel.” She said to Frank’s dad before lowering herself into the water.
The boat moved fast and Brooke held on for dear life. Hadn’t she told him she was an expert? Oh great. Well as she gained her confidence, Brooke stood up straighter while jumping the waves. She then dropped down, and jumped a wave, trying to copy Frank’s failed flip, only not fail. She did however lose her footing when she landed and let go of the rope, falling head first into the water and knocking her head on something as her leg scraped across a rock. Everything went black.
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Post by Natasha on Apr 12, 2007 18:27:46 GMT -5
“Amazingly I can swim. You might need it though.” Laughing, he smiled and pulled her closer. “Amazingly.” Brooke was a very strong swimmer, as was Frank when he wanted to be. “I might need it… otherwise I’ll have to call for my personal rescue lifeguard.” His family enjoyed hearing the story of how they met. Or at least his parents did… his sister had heard it enough that she made the gag sign when he started talking about it again. Like she was doing right now. Sticking his tongue out at her, he smiled and leaned comfortably black. No matter how old he got, making fun of his sister never got old… or immature. One of those things that was just normal. Isabelle mentioned something about how she couldn’t believe Brooke had fallen in love with her brother. True, she was using choice words and after Katherine gave her a little swat she shut up. His family loved Brooke. True, her accent was fun and entertaining, but they liked her for who she was. Frank had been ushered aside after the wedding by his mother, and she had told him how happy she was that he’d found someone so wonderful. His sister said he wasn’t worthy of her, and his father just treated Brooke like one of the family. Isabelle liked Brooke more for being a woman, or so Frank thought. Something about a sister… he could never really offer her that sort of help. “Aw come on. You don’t want to see me try.” Smiling as his family encouraged her, he shrugged and winked at his wife. “You’ll do fine. Just do what I do.” Then he was in the water, and was doing just fine until the last little bit. His sister was saying in a slightly higher pitched voice ‘ Just do what I do…’ while Frank gave her a glare. He didn’t think it’d been that long since he had last skied on the lake, but obviously he was a bit rusty. He scooped up some water and splashed his sister, eliciting a nice scream. “Nice landing.” His mouth dropped open at Brooke’s comment. Scooping up some more water, he splashed her as well. Smiling as he pulled back into the boat, he fixed his swimming trunks and sat down, taking the towel offered to him by his mother. “Thanks, Mom.” Turning to watch Brooke, he smiled as she started getting in wetsuit. Why she was doing that was beyond him… it wasn’t too chilly. “I should be giving you tips. Now watch an expert in action.” Laughing, Frank rolled his eyes back and took a sip of his soda. “Right… I’m watching, oh guru of water skiing.” His sister was laughing as well, giving him a hard time about how even his wife was making fun of him. Daniel nodded at the comment from Brooke and got ready to start it up. Frank settled back and watched Brooke get into the water. “Good luck.” Watching Brooke was fun. She was doing pretty well, very impressive for saying she’d only done it once or twice before. Maybe it was her younger body… Frank was going to blame it on that. Turning his head at a comment from his mother, he laughed. “It’s that ‘I can do anything that you can do but better’ mentality.” He watched his mother rest her hand on his dad’s shoulders before turning back to watch Brooke. A few more jumps, and he watched amazed as she decided to try the flip. He sat up straighter when she lost her footing and went down. “Dad! She fell!” He had to shout above the engine. Putting up the little flag that meant for other boats there was someone down, they came up beside where Brooke had fallen. Blinking in sudden fear, he saw her starting to sink. What was she doing? Jumping into the water, he quickly made it to her and helped hold her up. Damn her! She had forgotten the life vest. Unclipping the skis, he shook his head as his sister tossed a rope to him. Gripping it, he looked over Brooke. “She’s not conscious!” Shouting at his family, his dad started to call the lake patrol for an ambulance. Gently slapping his wife’s face, Frank shook his head. “No… no… Brooke! Come on…” A few hours later Frank sat in the room, next to Brooke’s bed, holding her hand. Biting his lip, he glanced from his parents to his sister. He had gone with the ambulance when they took her to the local emergency room while his family got the boat out of the water and took it home. The nurses and doctors had been in numerous times all ready. Finally a younger looking doctor, perhaps about Frank’s age, came in and smiled at everyone. He was a little too giddy for Frank’s taste. Shaking the man’s hand, Frank watched as the doctor did that to each family member before standing near the foot of the bed. “ Well! It seems everything is going to be fine! Just a minor concussion and a bruised, possibly twisted leg. She’ll need to stay off of it.” Glancing over the chart, he read something and then looked up and smiled warmly at Frank. “ Even greater news, the baby is fine! But you should really keep her off the lake until he’s born, okay?” Everyone stopped talking and stared at the doctor after this admission. The doctor looked from Frank to the others before back to Frank, his smile falling. Laughing as if that was funny, he shrugged and patted Brooke’s leg before leaving the room. Frank turned his attention back to Brooke, and his eyes moved down to her stomach. Baby? What baby? Brooke hadn’t told him about a baby… He felt a hand on his shoulder, and turning around he looked at his mother. “ You could’ve told us sooner, Franky.” Shaking his head, he was still in shock. “Ah… You know… I would have. I’m sorry. Must’ve skipped my mind.” Everyone laughed and said they would leave Frank alone for a little bit. Turning his attention back to Brooke, he wiped his eyes, feeling slight wetness clinging to his fingertips. He didn’t know what he could have lost… and Brooke had known! That would explain the constantly being sick… Irritation flew through him, and he tried his best to stay calm. Brooke was right there, not feeling good, and still asleep. He could deal with this… Somehow.
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Brooklynn Pratt
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Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Apr 12, 2007 18:55:54 GMT -5
Faint noises began to reach Brooke’s ears as she lay there. Her head felt as if someone had driven a knife through her brain and she couldn’t move. She just seemed to be frozen as she picked up on the faint voices. She couldn’t make out what they said, her head hurt too much. There was a hammering and she felt her leg searing. What the hell had happened? She felt someone holding her hand and tried to squeeze it, but she couldn’t. She was too drained and out of it.
“Well…going to be fine…minor concussion…twisted leg…off of it.”
Slowly the words made their way into Brooke’s brain and she slowly processed them. What had happened? Who was that speaking? Why did her head hurt so much? The last thing she remembered was skiing on the boat. Perhaps…nah, she’d not been that stupid. But twisted her leg? Concussion? Well her head was throbbing and her leg…well could she feel it now? She tried moving her toes, nothing.
“…news, the baby is… really keep her…until he’s born…”
The baby? Oh god, how did they know about it? Perhaps it was better with Brooke being unable to move. She looked asleep. Was she asleep? The voices were faint and she was moving in and out of hearing them. But now Frank knew? That was bad. He’d probably be pretty angry he’d not been told. Brooke faintly caught a small conversation between Frank and his mum before she heard them heading out. It was now that she tried opening her eyes.
After a few moments, she blinked slowly. Everything was out of focus and she had to blink a few times before Frank finally became clear. “Wha…what happened?” she whispered as her hand reached to her head. It was pounding viciously. Brooke now had a fair idea Frank would question her about this baby, but she hoped he’d not be quite that insensitive yet. She’d just woken up.
Looking around, Brooke had to blink more to get her vision back to normal. The room was all white and clean. Oh great, she was in hospital. And a muggle one by the look of it. What the hell had happened? Oh, now she could feel the leg. It seared. Hadn’t she felt someone touch it a few moment’s ago? Didn’t muggles use drugs for pain? Couldn’t they use them for her head now? Brooke was now full of questions.
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Post by Natasha on Apr 12, 2007 19:06:12 GMT -5
Frank watched Brooke, unsure of what to do. He wanted to pull up the hospital gown and look at her stomach, try and see if there were signs he should have noticed before… Biting his lip, he glanced from her face to the monitors that she was hooked up to back to her stomach. He didn’t get a chance to get much farther, however, when Brooke suddenly opened her eyes.
“Wha…what happened?”
He tried to smile. It wouldn’t come. Shrugging half heartedly, he gripped her hand with both of his hand leaned against the bed. Watching her reach for her head, he frowned in slight concern. “Ah… we were on the boat. You were showing me how much better you were on the skis.” Glancing down at her hand, he squeezed it again. He’d been worried something terrible had happened and she wouldn’t… well, just weird things that pop up when a loved one is in the hospital.
“You fell, hit your head. Concussion.” Swallowing, he glanced back at his wife. She seemed to be in pain. Reaching out, he pushed the call light, waiting for a nurse to come in. “Nothing big, just a minor one. Blacked out, came to the emergency room here…” Shrugging, he glanced down once again and frowned.
Taking a leap of faith, he cleared his throat. “You also injured your leg… and somehow got pregnant, all in one little spill.” He could make a joke about it. Now it was time to watch her reaction. Maybe she would want to know how the baby was… maybe she wouldn’t. He didn’t know anymore what his wife might feel. She had lied to him for a while, at least, and never once hinted to her being pregnant. It was more betrayal than anything.
He didn’t get a chance as the door opened, admitting an older nurse. She asked what was the matter. Motioning to his wife, Frank glanced up at her. “She’s in a lot of pain.” The nurse moved in farther and took a look at her, asking Brooke what her pain was. Once that was complete, she left the room and went about getting the appropriate medication for the amount of pain she was feeling.
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Brooklynn Pratt
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Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Apr 12, 2007 19:35:03 GMT -5
“Ah… we were on the boat. You were showing me how much better you were on the skis.”
Frowning, Brooke dropped her head back down. So it was at the lake. She probably did something stupid knowing her. Tried showing off and somehow thrown herself over. Surely it was nothing though. Hell, Brooke knew it was nothing. “Right…” She’d be fine soon and would be able to go home and get on with some things she wanted to do. But she had caught a mention of a baby and she feared Frank would be angry about that.
“You fell, hit your head. Concussion. Nothing big, just a minor one. Blacked out, came to the emergency room here…”
Blacked out? Well that much she could guess. She had just woken up in hospital after all. Concussion? What did that mean? Something on her head? Maybe just a really bad headache like she was having now. She was struggling to focus on Frank as her head pounded. Good, he rang for the nurse. She’d be able to help.
“You also injured your leg… and somehow got pregnant, all in one little spill.”
Oh no. He knew alright. Frowning, Brooke tried to sit up so she could look at him properly. “I did? Amazing.” She smiled weakly at him, flattening the sheets on top of her. She didn’t know what to say. Well she couldn’t act as if she didn’t know. That would be stupid. But thankfully however the nurse came in and headed over. Looking up, Brooke bit her tongue.
“She’s in a lot of pain.”
Brooke told the nurse what was bad, as if it wasn’t obvious, and the woman left. Her eyes then moved up to Frank and she took in a deep breath. Now to simply explain. He couldn’t be too angry about it. Right? Hell, he’d had enough confusing times with Brooke. She’d done worse and he’d forgiven her, so she guessed she just had to talk herself out of it. But now a lawyer, Brooke liked to think she could talk herself out of anything.
“About the baby. I’ve only recently found out.” She took in a deep breath, she was exhausted and her head killed. “I didn’t want to tell you because it could have been a mistake and I guess by telling you, it would mean it was real, and I was scared of that.” At least she’d given him the truth. He couldn’t be angry with that. He knew Brooke hadn’t wanted kids yet so she was bound to be uptight about being pregnant.
“I forgot one time and voila, one child for Frank Pratt. Signed, sealed and yet to be delivered.”
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Post by Natasha on Apr 13, 2007 0:09:58 GMT -5
Watching over Brooke, Frank was angry she hadn’t told him, but also worried. She seemed to be a little confused, trying to piece things together. He understood, but… Biting his lower lip, watching her, it was hard to know she must be in pain and be unable to do anything about it. Thank goodness they were at a hospital where they had amazing pain medication.
“I did? Amazing.”
Frowning, he glanced down and let her hand go, gently. She smoothed out the sheets, and he glanced to her stomach once more. When the nurse came in, he moved aside and let her do what she needed to. He listened silently as Brooke told the nurse about her pain. Resting his elbows against the side of the bed, his head in his hands, he tried to think of what else to say once the nurse had gone.
“About the baby. I’ve only recently found out… I didn’t want to tell you because it could have been a mistake and I guess by telling you, it would mean it was real, and I was scared of that.”
He bit back a response. Frank knew this wasn’t the time to argue about it, no matter how much he felt like it. Closing his eyes, he shrugged and rested against his palms. Did she not want to tell him because she hoped it was a mistake? Or that it would go away? She had explained enough times before how she didn’t want children. Or at least, not so ‘soon.’ They had argued about it enough times that he knew her position on it.
“I forgot one time and voila, one child for Frank Pratt. Signed, sealed and yet to be delivered.”
Why did it sound like she was keeping score? Forgot one time? Frowning, he looked up finally and stared at her. “Forgot what one time?” He was confused. Sadly, he had to be confused a little longer. The nurse came in with something to push through Brooke’s IV. Once again, he moved aside and let the nurse do her business. It was worrisome, seeing Brooke in a hospital bed hooked up to all these things…
The nurse left a few moments later and he sat back down, resting his hands on top of one another near hers. He wasn’t sure what to do. “How long have you known?” She said it was recent, but he was curious as to how recent. Sighing as he slumped against the bed, he shook his head. “The family was in the room when we found out, by the way.” No doubt they were informing other relatives, or at the very least getting something together to celebrate it.
“It’s one child for us… not for me, Brooke.” Sighing, he shook his head and leaned back. He was excited, yes, but also hurt that she hadn’t wanted it. That maybe something from him in that sense was so terrible she couldn’t stand the thought of it inside of her. Staring at her stomach, he reached a hand out, slowly, and rested it on top of it. Gently rubbing the area, he signed again and glanced back up at her. “You aren’t even a little bit excited?”
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Brooklynn Pratt
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Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Apr 13, 2007 4:03:42 GMT -5
“Forgot what one time?”
Frowning as the nurse walked in, Brooke didn’t like the look of the syringe she brought in for the IV. She however looked back at Frank and as the nurse put the stuff in, she simply muttered “The pill. I forgot one and so here you go.” It was amazing how just one caused this. She still struggled to comprehend it. She’d tried working it out, but her mind still couldn’t get around it, especially now.
“How long have you known?”
Looking down at her stomach, Brooke sighed. “About a week.” She said slowly, but then jumped on more before he could cut in. “I was going to tell you, I was just….worried. With the amount of people that lose them early on, I didn’t want that to happen and you to be gutted.” Well that was also the truth. “I just needed to find the right time to tell you.”
“The family was in the room when we found out, by the way.”
Oh brilliant, they all knew. Nodding and taking in a deep breath, Brooke squeezing Frank’s hand. “Right…” then Brooke’s eyes shot up to Frank’s and she frowned. “Did they know you didn’t know about it?” That would be interesting if they did. She’d have a lot more explaining to do. Then again, she’d already explained a lot. Poor Frank, she did see why he was probably angry, though he wasn’t showing it. But he’d just found out about his wife’s baby when she’d resisted telling him and made him think she was just ill.
“It’s one child for us… not for me, Brooke. You aren’t even a little bit excited?”
Brooke smiled weakly at the first comment. Of course it was for them. She was too young to have a child, in her mind, but hey, it was for both of them. She’d be the one going through the motions and giving birth, but it was for both of them. How did that work out? And what was so great about children? You gave birth to them, went through nine months of suffering and then had to deal with them for the rest of your life. Well that’s how her mother had always painted the picture.
Frank then rested a hand on Brooke’s stomach and rubbed it as if expecting to feel anything. She wasn’t that far into it, all he could feel was her stomach. Nothing he’d have missed the last few days. Brooke couldn’t exactly tell him she wasn’t excited, could she? Taking a deep breath in, she rested her hand on Frank’s. “I guess when I get used to the idea I’ll be more excited.” She muttered softly. Was that good enough?
“I wish I could have told you though. I was going to. This is a big thing. I’m twenty four and pregnant with my first child.” First child? Well done Brooke. “I am just doing well in work and climbing up the ladder just as this happens. I guess I am excited; it’s a baby of our own. But I don’t know how to look after a baby. If I wasn’t so scared, I would be excited.” Wasn’t she contradicting herself? She knew how confused she was now.
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Post by Natasha on Apr 13, 2007 11:35:41 GMT -5
“The pill. I forgot one and so here you go.”
Biting his lip, Frank simply glanced over her and raised an eyebrow. Brooke forgot one of her little pills? She never forgot them… He supposed that was how it happened, though. Frank was still kind of shocked. He was curious how long that had been, or when she’d forgotten it, but the nurse was giving them an overly friendly smile, and he simple smiled back and waited.
“About a week… I was going to tell you, I was just….worried. With the amount of people that lose them early on, I didn’t want that to happen and you to be gutted… I just needed to find the right time to tell you.”
A week… well, it could have been worse. She could have been lying to him for a month or two. That would have required more explaining. Instead, he simply took a slow inhale and nodded. He didn’t know if she was really all worried about losing the baby, as she was the life she had. Frank supposed he could understand that. Right time to tell him… obviously never happened.
“Right… Did they know you didn’t know about it?”
Feeling her hand squeeze, he glanced up at her. Shaking his head slowly, he blinked and glanced over her stomach. “No. I was kind of shocked, so I let them leave.” He would end up getting a lecture from his mother later about the dangers of not telling his parents about Brooke being pregnant. What could have happened on the boat, as an example. Frank would listen and nod and smile, but let Brooke hear all about it afterwards.
“I guess when I get used to the idea I’ll be more excited.”
Feeling her diaphragm expand under his hand, he smiled softly before her hand rested on top of his. He shrugged slightly at her explanation. It still kind of rubbed the wrong way, knowing she didn’t really want it. Rubbing his thumb gently back and forth while his other fingers rested spread out against the material, he sighed.
“I wish I could have told you though. I was going to. This is a big thing. I’m twenty four and pregnant with my first child… I am just doing well in work and climbing up the ladder just as this happens. I guess I am excited; it’s a baby of our own. But I don’t know how to look after a baby. If I wasn’t so scared, I would be excited.”
Frank listened silently, staring at her stomach a few more moments before pulling his hand back. Resting his elbows on the soft bedding, resting his chin on top of his hands, he supposed what she was saying made sense. If she’d only known a week, then it wasn’t a big deal. He didn’t think she would be one to call out as soon as the pregnancy test turned positive…
Then she got him. If he wasn’t feeling so completely out there, he might have realized she was wording things so he was willing to sympathize. That was what couples did, though. Reaching out, Frank gently took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it. Scooting his chair closer to the head of her bed, he glanced over her face. Scared? Didn’t that just break his heart…
“Don’t be scared, babe.” Moving a hand up to gently smooth her hair back, his eyes softened. Here was the mother of his child, his wife, the love of his life. And he was being selfish and petty. Swallowing, he kissed her hand again, smiling. Patting it, he rested his cheek against her hand and watched her a moment. “You’ll still do fine at work. You never let anything stop you before.” Taking in a slow breath, he smiled. “We’ll figure out how to take care of a baby. It’ll be okay.”
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Brooklynn Pratt
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Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Apr 13, 2007 12:18:32 GMT -5
Frank was staying quiet as Brooke spoke. It was obviously taking time for it to sink in. And surely he wouldn’t find her knowing a week that bad. She wouldn’t after all go shouting from the rooftops about her pregnancy, anyway. She still thought it was too soon for them. For her. Sure, Brooke was strong, but was she strong enough to handle a baby? A little living person relying on her to keep it alive and happy. Could she handle that responsibility?
Frank then kissed Brooke’s hand and moved closer to her head. She was beginning to feel more tired and fought to keep her eyes wide open. It was difficult and so she began to twist the bed sheet between the fingers of her hand, trying to stay awake.
“Don’t be scared, babe.”
She continued to twist. The sheet winding around her finger as she looked down at it. Frank smoothed her hair back and she glanced up at him. Well she’d twisted Frank around her little finger, so now there was the sheet to follow suit. Frank kissed her other hand and she smiled up at him as he pressed his cheek against it. Had he been worried when she’d gone under?
“You’ll still do fine at work. You never let anything stop you before. We’ll figure out how to take care of a baby. It’ll be okay.”
That was better. He didn’t seem to be angry anymore. Nodding and smiling weakly, Brooke drew her hand away from the sheet and dropped it down onto her stomach. “Is it okay? I mean, with the accident?” She asked. Well she had to be a bit more caring about the child. It seemed it would be stuck there a while if it was okay. Resting her head back against the pillow, Brooke fought harder to keep her eyes open. Maybe it was the hit to the head making her so drowsy?
Glancing at the door, Brooke frowned slightly. “Think I’m going to be told, by your mother, how stupid I was skiing when pregnant?” She asked, laughing slightly. She tried sitting up, propping the pillows up slightly with her spare hand. If she sat up, perhaps she would be quite so tired. “Fancy getting it over with now?” She added, spreading her legs out, cringing slightly at the searing through her right leg. That medication better work soon as.
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Post by Natasha on Apr 13, 2007 12:33:14 GMT -5
Watching over Brooke, Frank wasn’t sure if he was being supportive enough. She’d given him quite a scare with her fall, and then to find out there had been a baby to worry about, Frank nearly pulled his hair out. At least she was here… She was twisting the bed sheet, and Frank couldn’t figure out why… Was she still in pain?
“Is it okay? I mean, with the accident?”
OH! Frank had forgotten to tell her about it. He felt terrible now… “Yes, it’s fine. I mean, that’s how we found out. The doctor said… the baby was fine.” Continuing to gently stroke her hair, he smiled softly and kissed her hand again. She was safe, she had their child in her, and she looked exhausted. The least Frank could do was sit there with her and try and stay calm.
“Think I’m going to be told, by your mother, how stupid I was skiing when pregnant?”
Shaking his head, he glanced at her. “No… she would blame me.” Worry went through him when she tried sitting up. Jumping from his chair, he reached up and tried to help her. “Just rest, Brooke… I’ll help you.” Gently propping the pillows, fixing them this way and that, he glanced down at her. “Better?” Gently smoothing her hair again, he stood, hovering over her bed. “Just rest, babe.”
“Fancy getting it over with now?”
Frowning as she looked to be in pain, Frank rested against the side of her bed. He didn’t know how to make her feel better. “Getting what?” Then he realized. She wanted the family in there. “Oh… ah… you don’t look awake enough.” Biting on his lower lip, he shook his head. No… he didn’t want them to come back in. If Brooke dozed off from the medication, he would be left to be chewed into by his family.
A knock at the door caused Frank to turn away. Not wanting to leave her side, he cleared his throat. “Come in!” His mother stepped inside, and the look she had said volumes. She was irritated, that was clear. “Meredith is here…” She was whispering, glancing at Brooke to see how she was doing. She stepped a little farther into the room, smiling at Brooke. “How are you doing, sweety?” Always like his mom to check up on everyone.
Glancing at Brooke, he pulled his chair back over and sat down, glancing over her. “You sure you want to get it over with now?” Taking in a deep breath, he didn’t want to deal with Brooke’s mom on top of his family. Meredith would no doubt blame Frank for getting her daughter hurt, being that it was a ‘muggle’ contraption. Then his eyes went wide and he glanced at his mother. What must that woman be wearing?!
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Brooklynn Pratt
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Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Apr 13, 2007 13:21:15 GMT -5
“Yes, it’s fine. I mean, that’s how we found out. The doctor said… the baby was fine.”
Smiling up at him, Brooke nodded. The baby was fine. Is that what she’d wanted? Of course it was. It made Frank happy and she’d learn to get used to it, and perhaps even love it. She loved Frank so she could love a child they had together. Perhaps her mother had just been saying all that stuff to put her off having a child. In fact, she knew that was why her mother said that stuff. And having such an overpowering mother, Brooke tended to listen and not question. It was easier half the time.
“No… she would blame me…Just rest, Brooke… I’ll help you...Better?...Just rest, babe.”
Brooke didn’t want to ‘just rest’ She was thankful for Frank’s help with the pillows, but she wanted to get out of the bed and go home. She had a wand for pain relief and that wouldn’t make her drowsy. “That’s fine, thanks.” She muttered, resting back on the cushions as she sat up more now. “And I can’t…rest. I don’t want to be here.” Brooke was more one of those people that hated sitting down doing nothing, so lying in a hospital bed was her worst nightmare. Sure, she was getting more and more sleepy, but she wanted to get up.
“Getting what? Oh… ah… you don’t look awake enough.”
Trust Frank. Was that his way of saying her didn’t want them there? Nah, couldn’t be. They were his family. Rolling her eyes, Brooke found his reaction quite amusing. “I’m awake as ever.” She said, though it was obvious how wrong she was. Her face was pale and she still struggled to keep her eyes open. She was however determined to fight it. She felt stupid and helpless there and hated it. She had to stay awake.
“Meredith is here…How are you doing, sweety?”
The knock on the door and entrance of Katherine caused Brooke to smile at her. She however mentioned her mother was there and Brooke let out a long breath. Just what she needed. Upon being how she was, Brooke simply smiled up at Katherine. “Better.” She muttered, brushing some hair out of her face.
“You sure you want to get it over with now?”
Groaning, Brooke looked across at Frank and shook her head. “Not anymore, no.” Too late however and after a moment, Meredith rushed into the room, red-faced and out of breath. Brooke’s eyes traced down Meredith’s body and her moth dropped open. Meredith seemed to have made an attempt to look muggle and so was sporting a pair of bright red jeans, some platform shoes and a thin floral blouse with a neck of pearls. That wouldn’t have been so bad, only over the top she wore a blue and yellow anorak and a purple baseball cap saying ‘I love NY’.
Wincing as Brooke’s eyes took in what was in front of her, she sunk lower into the bed. “Mother…” Meredith rushed over to her, talking quickly in French about how stupid she’d been and how she shouldn’t do all those muggle things as it was suicidal and stupid. She then looked over Brooke and towards Frank on the other side of the bed. “How….irresponsible.” she spat at him, scowling towards Katherine. “Mother….” Brooke groaned again, in an attempt to stop her.
Meredith then turned around to her daughter and Brooke looked up at her, trying not to glare too much. Her mother asked her is she was okay and Brooke rolled her eyes. “Oui. Je suis génial…” she replied sarcastically. Meredith carried on, asking what had happened and what was wrong, whether it was serious. “Non, Je mal a la tête et a la jambe. Mais j'ai puis des médicaments. Donc arrêté souci!” Brooke replied quickly, before looking up at her mother’s hat and biting her lip. “It was my fault mother. Just because it’s something muggle, doesn’t mean it’s stupid. You can’t blame Frank for me falling into the water.”
Brooke rested back in bed, taking a breath before glaring back up at her mother. “And before you go off on one. You may not have heard. You’re expecting a grandchild. Deal with it.”
[Translation: Yes, I am great… No, I hurt my head and leg. But I have taken medication. So stop worrying.]
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Post by Natasha on Apr 13, 2007 13:47:14 GMT -5
“That’s fine, thanks… And I can’t…rest. I don’t want to be here.”
Sighing, Frank bit his lip. “I know… but it shouldn’t be long and they’ll be able to tell us we can go home. Think they were just going to… check… I don’t know. I’ll ask the doctor next time he comes in.” Brooke was not someone to sit and enjoy it. No, she had to find a reason to get up and move around. Sometimes that was annoying, especially if he wanted to just laze around. He could never stay comfortable then, as she would be cleaning up around him or talking about how he could be doing something else…
“I’m awake as ever.”
Shaking his head, he sighed. “Can I get you something to drink, at least?” She looked terrible. Well, perhaps terrible was too mean. She looked out of it, sick, and like she was going to pass out sooner rather than later. Something to perk her up might help, at least. Amazing how even in a hospital bed she could look adorable.
“Better.”
Smiling down at her, Frank blinked and glanced at his mother. Something wasn’t right… Meredith was there, obviously that was bad, but… Something was foreboding in the way Katherine lingered. “Good, good…” His mom gave him a look before moving aside.
“Not anymore, no.”
Nodding, he sighed and glanced down at Brooke’s hand. Gently squeezing it, he was caught off guard by the sudden noise behind him. Turning around, he couldn’t keep the horror from coming to his face. “Oh…” Meredith looked hideous. Either she was color blind, or mentally ill, she did not fit in at all. He was afraid to call her his mother-in-law for a moment… And then he realized she was his mother-in-law and that meant she could look scary.
Frank wanted to leave the room. Poor Brooke had to put up with her now, and listening to the woman sprout off in French made Frank’s head spin. Some of it he caught, but he was still learning. That was something Brooke enjoyed doing… teaching him how to speak French. And all the mess ups he made she enjoyed poking fun at…
“How…irresponsible.”
Gritting his teeth, Frank glanced at his mother and made a face as if to apologize. Katherine simply swatted her hand at him to shut him up. She was intently watching the show down as Daniel and Isabelle silently snuck in the room as well. Irresponsible, was he? Frank had a few comments to make over that, but kept them to himself. As much as he wanted to comment…
“…It was my fault mother. Just because it’s something muggle, doesn’t mean it’s stupid. You can’t blame Frank for me falling into the water… And before you go off on one. You may not have heard. You’re expecting a grandchild. Deal with it.”
Frank wished he could have had some say in what was being said. Rubbing Brooke’s hands, he also wished he could have had an excuse to leave the room. Biting his lip, he listened as the French was exchanged, knowing that was not the time to jump in. And then Brooke started speaking English again, and Frank took a deep breath. She was defying her mother in a muggle hospital. Great…
Then she told Meredith about a grandchild, and Frank closed his eyes. Wonderful. Now he would have to deal with that. Before she could cut in edge wise, Frank stood up and patted Brooke’s hand. “Meredith, she’s not feeling good, just got some pain medication, and is tired. Leave it be for now.” Glancing to Brooke, he bent over and kissed her forehead.
“Would you like me to get you anything? Something to eat? Drink? Duct tape for you mom?” He whispered this softly into her ear before pulling back, smiling. He was afraid of what Meredith might be thinking of doing to him right about then, but it sounded like she was talking with his parents. While that would have been funny, as Brooke’s mom was definitely not good at English, and his parents only knew how to pardon their French… Frank was glad he had Brooke to concentrate on.
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Brooklynn Pratt
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Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Apr 13, 2007 14:22:57 GMT -5
“I know… but it shouldn’t be long and they’ll be able to tell us we can go home. Think they were just going to… check… I don’t know. I’ll ask the doctor next time he comes in.”
But the doctor could take ages. Weren’t they normally rushed off their feet in places like this? “Can’t we just go anyway? I can discharge myself and sleep at home. The bed there is more comfortable.” She pouted, hoping Frank would agree. He probably wouldn’t however, wanting the best for her. And the best was probably staying until she was told she was okay to go home.
“Can I get you something to drink, at least?”
Did he just want to leave the room anyway? Frowning, Brooke shook her head, “I’m fine. Just want to go.” It was obvious how tired Brooke was as she rubbed her eyes again, trying to stay conscious. She ran her fingers through her hair, messing it up more and yet, for once in her life, she didn’t care.
The look on Meredith’s face was priceless. Brooke wiped her eyes, trying to remain awake as she smirked at her mother. The woman glared at Frank and cursed him silently. Great, her mother now hated him even more. What was wrong with Frank anyway? He treated her well and they did well for themselves. They loved each other and all Meredith could think about was his blood and the fact that her daughter was married to some common idiot she could blame for everything. When Frank stood up to face Meredith, Brooke swore her heart had stopped.
“Meredith, she’s not feeling good, just got some pain medication, and is tired. Leave it be for now.”
Well done Frank. Meredith glared at him with a look to say she wanted to kill him before she shook her head and looked down at Brooke. Brooke glared back up at her to say if she said one word, she’d slaughter her. Brooke didn’t want this display in the hospital. Meredith had probably already attracted attention in what she was wearing. Why couldn’t she have just looked normal? Ah yes, it was her mother.
“Would you like me to get you anything? Something to eat? Drink? Duct tape for you mom?”
Laughing quietly, Brooke bit her lip. “Can you get duck tape strong enough?” she whispered before glancing over to the others, they were all talking and not looking, so Brooke pulled Frank down, kissing him properly. Pulling back a moment later, she smiled up at him. “Don’t you dare leave me here with them. Alone.” She muttered. Isabelle seemed to have seen them kissing and made her way over, telling Brooke how horrible her brother was and how many diseases he harboured.
Brooke laughed and folded her arms. “I was doomed the night I met him then.” She said, knowing it would probably gross her out. Smiling up at Frank, Brooke rested her hand on her stomach. “What do you think it is? A little girl?” she asked.
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Post by Natasha on Apr 13, 2007 14:50:54 GMT -5
“Can’t we just go anyway? I can discharge myself and sleep at home. The bed there is more comfortable.”
Biting his lip, he glanced around and shrugged. Maybe they were looking at x-rays to make sure nothing serious was going on with her head. Then again, he didn’t think they were supposed to perform those when she was pregnant. Frank didn’t know. It was best to just wait and see.
“We’ll get you home soon, Brooke. Then you can sleep in the comfortable bed.” He didn’t want to tell her yet that the doctor had said she needed to stay off her feet for a while. That was definitely going to be something she didn’t want to hear. He’d end up bringing her her work, no doubt. Oh, well, he could do what she wanted for a few days. Once she was feeling better, then things would go back to normal.
“I’m fine. Just want to go.”
Nodding, slightly sad she wasn’t thirsty, he patted her hand. She was like a little child trying to stay awake. Frank thought it was cute. “If you’re tired, rest. We’ll get you in the car once they say we can go.” Hopefully that was soon… otherwise he’d have to hear about it later how long it had taken. Frank really wasn’t in the mood for that. She had stayed where she was for as long as she had to make sure she woke up. Now it was just a matter of them discharging her, or so Frank figured.
“Can you get duck tape strong enough?”
Frank had seen the evil eye that Meredith had given him when he put her down. Frank would definitely be regretting it… especially if she was going to insist on staying with them a couple days to make sure Brooke was ‘okay.’ Smiling when he was able to make Brooke laugh, he shrugged. “Super glue then.” He didn’t get very far before she pulled him down. Kissing her back, slightly caught off guard, he felt his ears turn a little red.
“Don’t you dare leave me here with them. Alone.”
Laughing softly, Frank sighed and nodded. “All right.” Leaning on the bed, kissing her lips again, he jumped slightly when Isabelle came over and started sprouting off. Jeez, his heart had stopped for a short time! “Hilarious, Isabelle… Hilarious.” Frowning, he shook his head and glanced back at Brooke. She was having fun with that.
“I was doomed the night I met him then.”
Smirking, he glanced at his sister. Watching the gag symbol, Frank rolled his eyes. “Not everyone thinks like you do.” The constant back and forth was all in good fun. Turning his attention back to Brooke, he saw her rest a hand on her stomach. Moving his free hand to rest on top of hers, he gently rubbed it.
“What do you think it is? A little girl?”
Isabelle had gotten closer, curiosity one of her stronger suits. “You don’t think it’s a boy?” Smiling, he gently tickled her stomach. “Why do you say a girl?” Frank was like most dad’s, and wanted a little boy. Though he was more concerned that if it was a girl, he wouldn’t know how to properly teach her. It’d be all on Brooke’s plate. With a boy, at least, Frank knew how to handle them.
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Brooklynn Pratt
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Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Apr 13, 2007 15:52:23 GMT -5
“Not everyone thinks like you do.”
Brooke smirked and her eyes moved from Frank to his sister. “Most do though.” She winked before sitting up a bit more. God, she couldn’t wait to get out of this bed. It was so uncomfortable. Heck, she’d walk home now if it was faster than waiting to get discharged. She wanted to go now. It would take ages. She knew that.
“You don’t think it’s a boy? Why do you say a girl?”
She didn’t know really. Just first thing she thought of. A little girl wouldn’t be so bad. She could dress her up and they could gang up on Frank. “Because boys are smelly and mean.” She whispered before sticking her tongue out at Frank. She was exhausted, she had to stay awake. Just a bit more. Hopefully the doctor would come and say she could go home. She needed it. Her eyelids felt heavier and heavier as she tried to keep them up.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door and Brooke’s eyes shot up to see a young doctor entering. He glanced up from his notes and smiled at Brooke. “Everything seems to be looking okay. That leg is badly bruised, so I recommend staying off it for a while.” Brooke’s eyes widened dramatically as she stared at him as if he’d just told her the end of the world was coming. Stay off…not she couldn’t. The doctor saw the look on her face and smiled. “We’ll get you some crutches, however.” he added, and good job to. “But all is good, so you’re fit to go home. If one of you could just sign here.” He turned the clipboard around to reveal a sheet.
“He can do that.” Brooke indicated for Frank to sign as one of the nurses detached her from those stupid wires and tubes. “Great.” Brooke said as she flung the sheet off and moved to stand up, as she did however, her head span and her leg gave way, she grabbed Frank’s shoulder to steady herself. Perhaps that wasn’t a good idea. Rolling his eyes, the doctor helped steady Brooke before she sat back on the bed. “Can you bring a wheelchair, nurse?” He asked the young girl before she nodded and walked out swiftly. Stay off her leg…Brooke would never manage it.
The rest of the family filed out of the room for Brooke to change. “If you get worse, don’t hesitate to come in.” The doctor said before smiling broadly and heading out of the room, clipboard under arm. When the door closed, Brooke looked up at Frank, dismay written across her face. “Stay off my feet? I’ll die.” She muttered in an irritated manner before looking around. “Now where’s my stuff?”
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Post by Natasha on Apr 13, 2007 16:26:47 GMT -5
“Most do though.”
His sister laughed as Frank sighed. No wonder Isabelle liked Brooke. She made fun of him as much as his sister did. “Mmhm… except for you.” She kept trying to sit up, and Frank wasn’t going for that. Putting a hand on her shoulder, he frowned. “Brooke… rest, dear.” He didn’t want to stay in the hospital longer because she messed up something. And he doubted that she wanted to either.
“Because boys are smelly and mean.”
Raising his eyebrows, Frank laughed and moved a little closer. “Watch it, or you might lose that tongue.” Gently tapping her nose, he kissed her lips again before pulling back. He really wanted to get home and celebrate the good news. Preferably alone… Glancing at the crowd of family, he sighed. Probably no chance of them having alone time until that evening.
Though he supposed he could always use the entire ‘Brooke needs to rest’ to try and usher them out sooner… Glancing up from his thoughts, he heard the knock and saw the doctor come in. The look he was giving his wife set Frank off a little. No, no, just being silly Frank. He knew how beautiful his wife was, and some things worried him. Not that he ever thought she would leave him for someone better…
“Everything seems to be looking okay. That leg is badly bruised, so I recommend staying off it for a while… We’ll get lyou some crutches, however… But all is good, so you’re fit to go home. If one of you could just sign here.”
“He can do that.”
Frank saw the reaction Brooke had to being told to stay off of it. Accepting the paper, Frank had to get his attention again for a pen. Clicking it, he quickly scribbled his signature, hearing someone behind him mumbling about how quills were much better. He didn’t even glance over his shoulder at Meredith. No point. Handing it back to the doctor, Frank turned just in time to see Brooke getting up.
Reaching out, he didn’t want her to fall. Frank let her steady herself against him, supporting her around the back, keeping the gown from opening up. That was all he needed to feel even more uncomfortable in the little hospital room. Brooke no doubt felt the same. Showing all of herself to his family, and her mother, probably wasn’t high on her list.
And if it was, Frank didn’t want to partake. Of course, when the doctor helped, Frank felt a bit of jealousy rush through him. Why did he have to touch Brooke? “You okay, babe?” Once she sat back down, he felt a little better. Standing next to her, he stared at the doctor, waiting for him to move away. And he didn’t. God… bless it.
As the rest of the family left the room, Frank glanced at the doctor. He wasn’t leaving? Didn’t Brooke need to get dressed? No way in hell was he staying in to see that show. Glad when he finally took his leave, Frank grunted. “Come back in? Right…” When the door closed, he sighed and looked back at Brooke.
“Stay off my feet? I’ll die… Now where’s my stuff?”
Turning to the bag they’d packed with her clothes, he glanced at what was in there. “Ah, my mom stopped and picked up some clean clothes at our place… so ah…” Pulling out the clothes, setting the underwear beside her, he smirked. “I hope you didn’t leave anything in the underwear drawer, dear.” It would be interesting and a bit embarrassing if she had. But then again, his mother hadn’t rifled through his drawer, so…
Setting the sweats and shirt down, he shrugged. “I think she thought comfort.” Frowning, he glanced around and made sure the door was closed. “Need some help changing, dear?” Smiling slightly, he was willing to help her if need be. They were still waiting for the wheelchair, anyway, and had to change before that got back.
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Brooklynn Pratt
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Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Apr 15, 2007 10:49:31 GMT -5
“You okay, babe?”
Frank was standing over her and Brooke could only guess he wasn’t happy with the doctor helping her. Rolling her eyes, Brooke moved herself onto the bed a bit more, her bruised left leg hanging limping over the side. “Yeah, bloody brilliant.” Brooke replied sarcastically. It was pretty obvious she wasn’t, and she just looked up at the two men as she tried to keep her eyes open. Damn that medication. Wasn’t it supposed to help? Not send her into a deep sleep.
“Come back in? Right…”
It was obvious Frank had taken a disliking to the doctor, and Brooke wanted to say something. Perhaps tell him how daft he was being. But she resisted and instead ran her fingers through her mass of thick messy blonde hair. What a sight she must have looked and she was sure Frank had never seen her look so ill. But he’d probably have to deal with it and most probably have a fight on his hands to keep her off her leg for a few days. Brooke hated sitting down for a long amount of time. She liked to be up, being active.
“Ah, my mom stopped and picked up some clean clothes at our place… so ah…I hope you didn’t leave anything in the underwear drawer, dear.”
Smirking, Brooke thought over that for a moment. That would be embarrassing. But hey, this whole situation was embarrassing anyway. She’d injured herself and couldn’t even remember what she’d done. And now she couldn’t even stand up properly and had had Frank’s mother go through her drawers to bring clothes in for her. Wasn’t this just super?
“I think she thought comfort. Need some help changing, dear?”
“Obviously.” Brooke replied coldly to Frank’s mention of comfort. She just wanted to get out of the place and when Frank mentioned needing help, her face dropped. Sure, he was her husband and too right he wanted to help. Brooke however, didn’t want help. She felt stupid enough sat on the bed, wanting to pass out, she didn’t want to feel anymore helpless. So picking up the briefs, she shook her head. “You’re more specialised taking them off than putting them on. Besides, there’ll be plenty of time to help me when I’m an old arthritic woman, I’m sure you can manage waiting until then.” She slipped the briefs on, fidgeting slightly before adjusting herself.
Reaching behind her, she pulled the string to undo the gown and let it slip down over her arms before she slipped her bra on followed by the shirt. “You know, I still don’t know what happened.” She muttered, doing the shirt buttons up with weak shaky hands. “And why are we here? Not at a real hospital.” Her version of being real, not being muggle. Surely a normal hospital would have stopped the pain without making her want to sleep. Pulling the sweats on, Brooke sat back and glanced at the door just as the nurse came in with the wheelchair.
“Is there a fireplace nearby?” Brooke asked Frank, half joking. She then saw the look the nurse gave her and she smiled. “Well a fire is always nice for the beginning of spring.” She shrugged, wanting to get out of the place. She’d of course need help getting into the wheel chair though.
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Post by Natasha on Apr 15, 2007 14:36:42 GMT -5
“Yeah, bloody brilliant.”
Smiling softly, he glanced down at her leg and sighed. At least Brooke was still in there, even with all the medication and pain she probably felt. It was good to see his wife emerging. Now it was just keeping her down off her leg without giving her an elephant tranquilizer… Maybe he could ask the doctor for some… Then he wouldn’t have to worry about whether or not she will stay off her feet.
From the way Brooke was smiling, Frank supposed there was nothing fun in her drawers that might have made for interesting conversation later. Oh, well, can’t have all the fun. Waiting for some reaction other than that, though, Frank didn’t know how else to help. She seemed to be fighting against falling asleep, though Frank didn’t see why. She needed to rest.
“Obviously… You’re more specialized in taking them off than putting them on. Besides, there’ll be plenty of time to help me when I’m an old arthritic woman, I’m sure you can manage waiting until then.”
Smiling, Frank agreed. He was good at taking them off… but that didn’t meant he couldn’t help. Reaching out a hand when she slipped the underwear on, he didn’t know if she would need the stability or not. Frank would be there if she did, he supposed. Of course, the moment she undid the gown and it slipped down, his eyes and mind went from being a gentleman to thinking how beautiful his wife was.
“You know, I still don’t know what happened.”
She pulled his thoughts from where he was. “What?” Blinking, he looked up at her face. He was a little sad she’d put her shirt on. Didn’t know what happened? She didn’t remember what happened on the lake? Opening his mouth, he was able to get in a breath before she continued.
“And why are we here? Not at a real hospital.”
Frowning, Frank glanced down at his hands for a moment. “It was an emergency. We had to call the ambulance. You got on the skis and fell and hit your head. By the time I reached you, you weren’t responding. So…” He wanted to help her with her sweats, but she seemed to have it under control. He was going to continue but the nurse came in. Standing up straighter, he held out Brooke’s socks and shoes.
“Is there a fireplace nearby? Well a fire is always nice for the beginning of spring.”
Rubbing his eyes, Frank wanted to get out of the hospital as quickly as possible. No doubt his mother had brought her car to take them at least part way home. They couldn’t very well apparate in the Muggle parking lot. After Brooke put her shoes on, Frank and the nurse helped her into the wheel chair. Stepping up behind the wheelchair, taking over, Frank kissed the top of her head and glanced around. They’d grabbed everything.
“If you’re ready, dear…” Gently pushing her out the door, they started to the side doors, where the nurse told them the family was waiting with the car. Taking a big breath, he tightened his smile. “Think your mom is going to have a fit about having to drive in a car?” Maybe she would just apparate to their house and wait for them there. It really would have been better. Squeezing Brooke’s shoulder softly, he glanced down at her. “You two doing all right?”
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