Scorned Pt. 13

Potomac General –

Penelope, Fran and Dave paced the waiting room floor. Derek had been rushed back to the hospital for examination and testing for pain that he’d been hiding for the last few weeks. The doctors had given them several scenarios; some good and some not so good. They wanted to be hopeful, but hope had often been the enemy in their line of work.

Reid had insisted on staying with Derek. He had abandoned his brother long enough and now he vowed not to leave his side. So, here he was while test after test was run watching as Derek lay bravely in silence. He was the strongest person he knew. So, as they waited and Derek endured the poking and prodding, Reid prayed to a God that he wasn’t sure existed.

“He’s going to be okay; he’s going to be okay.” Reid whispered to himself.

It was several hours before the doctors followed by Reid came out and spoke with them all. JJ, Hotch and Derek’s sisters had arrived and joined the others in the waiting room.

“I think we may have good news.” The doctor began.

“Oh my God!” Penelope’s hand flew to her mouth.

Reid smiled and moved past the doctors to stand with the others.

“Because there was swelling for so long around Agent Morgan’s spine it created some damage that prevented us from seeing a small blood clot along his spine.”

“That doesn’t sound good.” Fran began.

“Well, it wasn’t but because his general health before he was shot was so good, that area has healed and now we’re able to see the clot on our tests.” The doctor continued.

“So, does this mean he’ll be able to walk?” Penelope asked hopefully.

“It means that we need to go in and remove the clot. If what we think is true, once the clot is removed, the feeling in his legs will return.”

Everyone was overjoyed and began holding on to each other. This was the best news they’d received in weeks.

“There are some risks.” He continued.

“Risks?” Fran asked.

“This surgery is very dangerous, and a wrong move could be fatal.”

Fran pulled away walking across the room to think. She’d spent the last thirty years of her life as a nurse and she’d watched doctors perform miracles on other people’s family members, but this was her son, and she wasn’t sure she was willing to risk his life. Moments later, she felt Dave wrap his arms around her and pull her against his chest.

“What do I do?”

“You do what your son would want you to do, Bella.”

“He’s going to want the surgery but what if it doesn’t work? I can’t lose my son!”

“You know Derek and you know if there is a slim chance that he could walk again, he’s going to take it. You won’t be able to talk him out of it even if you wanted to.”

“I know; I know.”

Derek watched as one by one his family and friends filed into his room. He saw the worry on their faces. This had been the most optimistic he’d felt in weeks, so he had a fight on his hands in convincing them that surgery was the only option for him.

“You know.” He began.

Fran and Penelope approached his bed taking his hands in theirs. He saw the tears threatening to fall.

“Are you sure about this, Baby Boy? Fran asked.

“I’m more than sure, Ma.”

He glanced at the love of his life who had already surrendered to the tears.

“Baby Girl, no tears, please. It’s going to be okay; I promise.”

“You can’t make that promise, Handsome.”

“I need you to stand by me now more than ever; all of you.” He looked pleadingly at each of them.

All of them nodded, yes and then smiled as they struggled to be positive. It was him now being strong for them.

“We’re here for you, no matter what.” Reid assured. “Right guys?”

“You heard the man.” JJ joked. “We’re here and if this is what you want, it’s what we want too.”

“Thanks JJ.”

A few minutes later the doctor came in and shooed them out of the room. While he gave Derek some last-minute information, the nurses prepped him for surgery. He wished he had spoken up about the pain sooner but nevertheless, he felt optimistic and he felt that everything that Sam had taken from him would soon be returned.

Just as Derek was wheeled out of the room, Penelope stepped back in. The nurses nodded and gave them a few minutes alone.

“Baby Girl.”

“Hey...”

“What are you doing here?”

“You didn’t think I would let you go into surgery without a good luck kiss, did you?”

“I don’t need luck as long as I have you.”

She leaned down and planted a sweet kiss on his lips.

“Always. I love you, Derek Morgan.”

He pulled her down for another passionate kiss.

“And I love you, Penelope Garcia.”

And with that, the nurses reappeared and pushed him down the hallway toward the elevators.

“He’s going to be okay; he’s going to be okay.”

Four hours felt like four days and the group had become well-acquainted with the vending machines and the stale coffee at the nurses’ station. Penelope had grown quiet and Fran was worried about her future daughter-in-law and the baby she was carrying. It was two more hours before the doctor stepped into the waiting room. The group jumped to their feet. The tired smile on the surgeon’s face was encouraging.

“Well...” He began.

“How is he, doctor?” Penelope asked.

“Everything went quite well. In fact, the injury was not as bad as we were expecting, and he did really well! He should be able to be transferred back to the rehab center in about a week and resume his physical therapy.”

“Are you saying he’ll walk again?” Sarah asked.

“He has a few months of rehab ahead of him, but yes, I expect him to make a full recovery.”

Hugs and tears of joy filled the room, and it was an amazing sight to see.

“Can we see him?” Reid asked.

“He’ll be in the recovery room for the next hour or so, but afterwards, yes, you can see him.”

Dave grabbed the doctor’s hand and shook it vigorously.

“Thank you, doc; thank you and your team for everything!”

“My pleasure Agent Rossi.”

Penelope placed a hand on her belly as everyone shared smiles and feelings of relief. Then for a brief tearful moment she looked up toward heaven and smiled.

“Thank you! Thank you!”

...to be continued

*Disclaimer: The Derek Morgan Chronicles is fan fiction based on the CBS Crime drama, Criminal Minds. We do not own Criminal Minds or its characters.