––––––––
“The press is going crazy over the crash. Every channel has it on loop as ‘Breaking News’. It's a mad house outside the hospital. I'm going to pull all the guys I can get out there to keep some order.” Peter announced striding in to the waiting area.
“Ugh, I can't think about that right now. I haven't been able to get in touch yet with December's adoptive mother but at least I've spoken to spoken to the Chief of Medicine and got her permission to move Tom and December into a private room together. I convinced her it would be less taxing on her hospital staff and security that way. And yet I still haven’t spoken to the doctors who are operating on her. No one has told me anything!” Clarissa exclaimed, pacing back and forth.
Peter caught her arm, forcing her to pause in her steps.
“December's being looked after. There's nothing you can do for her but be patient. Why don't you go check on Tom? He needs someone in there with him.”
Clarissa smiled gratefully at him. “You're right. Thank you. I'll text the others to let them know where the private wing is so they can just meet there. If there's any problem, call me and I'll be back here like a shot.” she closed the space between them, kissing him lightly before speeding off in search of the Radiology ward.
––––––––
“We were just about to move him. Great timing, he seems a little distressed.” A tall male nurse explained, moving aside slightly to reveal an agitated Tom, who looked worse for wear.
“How is he?”
“Two fractured ribs, sprained ankle, and a couple of bruises. Nothing a strong guy like himself can't handle” He replied, grinning at Tom who offered a small half smile. His face looked pasty and grayish from his own trauma.
“Can we have a moment, please?” Clarissa asked quietly.
“Sure. I'll just get his belongings in order.”
“Tom...” She rushed to his side and hugged him gingerly. “How're you feeling?”
“I'll survive. Where's December?” His eyes flickered to the doorway. A stricken expression set in when she didn't magically appear.
“She's in surgery still, Tom. Don't worry though because I've arranged for you two to share a room in the private wing. You'll see her as soon as she's out.” Clarissa squeezed his hand reassuringly. His lips flattened out into grim line as he clenched his jaw.
“Was it Darren who did this?”
“That’s not it import-”
“Was it him? Was it?” He interrupted, becoming increasingly distressed with each word. He repeatedly dragged a trembling hand through his short dark hair.
“We think so, yes. Damien and Peter aren't going to rest until they get him. I swear to you, he'll never hurt either of you again.” Clarissa pledged.
Utter anguish flooded his face, making his eyes red and watery as he struggled with the flood of emotion. He looked away, rapidly blinking to keep the tears at bay but a few escaped nonetheless.
“She knew this would happen. I convinced her to get in the car when she didn't want to. She knew something like this would happen. Clarissa, she begged me not to make her come back and I didn't listen and now...Oh God. Please don't let her die.” he pleaded, choking back a sob. Clarissa stood frozen. She couldn’t think of what to say to help ease his mind when she felt the same way.
The nurse appeared, casting a concerned glance from Tom to Clarissa.
“I think you need to get some rest, Mr. Elmswood. It'll do you good.”
Clarissa read his name tag, Gabriel Ruiz, RN., and committed it to memory. He deserved a raise but since she didn't have the authority, at least she could send him some concert or even movie premiere tickets.
She mouthed “Thanks” as he administered a sedative to help Tom sleep.
““Where's Maurice? I have to call Sister Florence, she needs to be here.” Tom wondered as Nurse Ruiz helped him get into a more comfortable position on his hospital bed.
“I've spoken to Maurice, he's on his way. So is Terrence and no one is answering at the church. But I’ll keep calling until I get her, okay? When you wake up, you'll be in your new room.”
“That's good. Please get in touch with my mother or else she'll be worried and I won't hear the end of it.” Tom said sleepily, barely able to keep his eyes opened.
“She adores December. Everyone does. Not as much as me though.”
“No, not as much as you.” Clarissa agreed with a sorrowful smile.
––––––––
“I brought you a latte. Any news?” Terrence leaned down to kiss her on the cheek and handed her the hot drink before taking the uncomfortable seat next to her.
“Ooh, thank you, this is just what I needed. Well, she's out of surgery, so hopefully the doctor will be out soon to talk us and then we can see her. Tom's still out though, thank goodness.” Clarissa answered, massaging the bridge of her nose in exhaustion.
“I can't believe this happened. I'm still in shock. Dee barely has to go to the doctor and now she just had surgery to stop bleeding on her brain?”
“I know.” They sat quietly, staring at the cold white walls in front of them.
“You know she'll milk this for all its worth, don't you?”
Clarissa snorted despite being teary eyed.
“I know. Every time we tell her no, she'll bring it up.”
He smiled sadly, nodding. Once again, silence invited itself to the conversation as they sat sipping their drinks. After a while Terrence spoke again, his voice sounding wobbly.
“She'll be fine, right?”
“Of course she will. She has to be.” Clarissa laid her head on his shoulder. It was eating her up inside having to reassure everyone else when she longed for it herself.
“Where’s Tom’s manager? I thought he’d be here by now?”
“He’s handling everything media related but he’s on his way.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Speaking of which, how was it out there? Peter said there were some NYPD officers outside keeping order?” Clarissa asked, wrapping both hands around the cup of steaming liquid, enjoying the heat emanating from within.
“Some? He should have said nearly all! It’s literally pure insanity out there. I barely shoved my way in so I can only imagine how bad it will be later on. Her fans are pouring in from all over the city and Tom's too. It's crazy.”
“Can you call David and ask him to record as much footage as he can? I bet they would love to see all this outpouring of love for them.” She suggested. Terrence perked up instantly.
“Oh, that's a great idea. I’ll call him now.”
“I'm going to go hover around the door to their room. Maybe her doctors will take the hint and come outside faster. This waiting thing is killing me.” Clarissa shouted after him as he headed further down the hallway for privacy.