Chapter 34

I lay in my bed wondering where Richie was. He had said he was going to come see me today he had been staying with my parents since he got discharged.  It was quite boring sitting here in the hospital doing nothing, Okay scratch nothing, since I had started to get better, but not much, still on my way to recovery my phsyio therapists had started me on some exercises to strengthen my muscles.
It was scary really to see myself I had gone from a robust guy weighing in at 150 to barely that. I was going to have to work hard to get back up to healthy weight and muscle.

I was just working on the rubber band's when Lainey came into the room. I'd had a bath already and my medication too; so I wasn't sure what she was there for. “hey... just waiting for Richie to come in...”

Her face went from smiling to sad. “he's not coming in today … Jon...”

I frowned this time to myself. “what do you mean he's not … he called only this morning to tell me that he was coming in to see me... you brought me the message?” my heart thudded in my chest something was wrong it was written all over her face. “Lainey what's wrong?”

She sighed as if she didn't want to tell me but would anyway. 

“He was coming to see you when he was checking in with me,  He was in a lot of pain Jon.... Doctor Markus has readmitted him he's got a bad infection where the surgery site is.....”

I sat up faster than I thought, “I want to see him...”

“Jon you are supposed to be resting … and he's sick its not good for you to be ...”

“Lainey he risked his life for mine so I could live .. the least I could so is go see him please help me do that …. please.... I'll do whatever you want I just need to see him... have you called my parents...”

“ yes, they have been called, and so has Richie's … they should be here soon..." Lainey, c'mon give me a break eh, after all Rich has done for me, your rules I swear I'll be good..." I smiled the famous Jon Bon Jovi smile,
" alright Jon but if I take you to see him you need to wear a mask cause we can't risk you catching anything … AND you have to stay in the wheelchair and let me push you … and when I say its time for you to go back to your room NO arguments... Got it!!! ”
"Got it!" 

Twenty minutes later I was in a robe with a white mask over my face heading in the
wheelchair down to Richie's room.
The door opened and Richie was laying on his side sleeping. He looked so pale not like my
best friend. My heart lurched with guilt this was MY fault … if he hadn't had to have surgery
for me he wouldn't be sick like this. I leaned forward slightly wincing but wrapped my fingers
around Richie's long ones. “I'm here man.... damn it Richie ..” I whispered.

 

My mind was in a whirl, but I had to know, "Lainey, is Rich laying here cause of what he did for me?, he looks real bad..."

She looked at me, and thought long and hard before she replied. "The infection has broke through the surgery site and caused an infection in his blood, but for most patients having the same type of op, nothing like this occurs, Richie has been outside, in the open air and there are viruses and stuff that just look for openings, and with him having an operation his immune system will be weaker."
"So, if he had not had the op he would have been fine, so it is my fault."
"Jon, it's no-one's fault, it's just circumstance, at least he's in the best place, We will take good care of him."
"But,..."
"no but's Jon, Richie was not forced to give you his kidney, he did it out of choice and kinship, now is the whole visit going to be about who's to blame or are we gonna focus on getting him better?"
I nodded my head, Lainey made sense and since everything that had happened to me, all I could see was a negative outlook. I really struggled to see any positives, Richie was my best friend, hell he was my brother, he had sacrificed himself to save me. Yeah, I know it sounds dramatic but it's facts. I looked at Lainey, "what can I do"  she was stood by the basin filling his water pitcher, looking back at me she answered, " talk to him, let him know you are there"
I nodded my head, then unwrapping my fingers around his fingers, I took his hand and held it in mine, "Cmon bro, open your eyes, talk to me, I love you man..."
He moved, not much, but a little, beads of sweat nestled in his brow, he frowned, showing he was in pain, then slowly, very slowly his brown eye's opened and locked on to mine.
"Hey,"
"Hey yourself, what's with getting re admitted eh?, miss me that much, my ma's cooking that bad?"
he smiled, and cleared his throat, wincing in pain as he did, "Nah man, it was Lainey I missed"
Lainey was stood at the basin still, Richie had no idea she was in the room, I looked over at her, she looked down at her feet, her face was crimson in colour. composing herself She turned back to face Richie's back and brought his water pitcher and placed it on the tray trolley, then walking round to where I was sitting in my chair holding Rich's hand she spoke, "that's real nice to know Rich, but you could have asked me on a date instead, this is way to extreme don't cha think?"
Richie looked at her and this time it was his turn to go red, "I,er, sorry, I really didn't mean to embarrass you, I er..."
Lainey laughed, "hey its totally fine, that's twice you have flattered me, listen I will be out at the station, Jon, you have fifteen minutes ok, then I'll be back to get you."
I nodded at Lainey. Rich then butted in, "Hey Lainey, so when I am all fixed how about coming out for dinner with me?"
Standing in the doorway she answered, "Yeah, I'd love to." then still smiling she left the room.
"how bout that, eh Jon?"
"how bout you being back in here?, what happened?"
"I dunno, I was fine this morning, told ya ma that my pain was below zero, then I took a slow walk to the cab company, caught a cab, and bam, it hit me like a tornado, and now I'm here."
"Man I'm sorry, if ya hadn't had the op you'd be fine."
"Stop already Jon, its cool, ok, I chose to help you, it's just one of those things alright."
"Yeah, but its facts bro, if..."
"Jon, seriously bro stop ok?, it's happened lets just concentrate on getting us back to normal eh, so we can concentrate on the band."
I listened to what he was saying, he didn't blame me, so I had to stop blaming myself. in my head another song was taking shape, at this rate i'd have a whole album before I left hospital.
"So what you thinking on?"
"nothing much, just got the lyrics to a song pounding away at my brain."
"Yeah?, check my closet I bought a pad and pens for you, I've wrote a track too, see what ya think."
"i'll get Lainey to fetch it when she comes back in. Rich Thanks man, I love ya."
his eyes were heavy and he started to tremble, but managed to reply, "I love ya too bro." his face then contorted in pain and he cried out, I grabbed the bell and pressed, in seconds Lainey was in the room."
"What's wrong with him Lainey, he was fine? I don't understand.."
"Its fine, Jon... look I need to take you outside ok?"
Lainey moved me quickly just as Dr Markus went in to tend to Richie. What had happened now?"
It seemed like forever, but Dr Markus came out of his room, he had beads of sweat on his brow and a concerned look on his face.
"Is he ok Dr?"
"Yeah, hes stable for now."
"What happened Doc?"
"He is allergic to Penicillin."
"We have him on Amoxiclavin now instead, that should be ok, but we have to monitor him to be sure. What are you doing here anyway Jon?"
"i was visiting"
"Were you?, who gave you permission?"
"I begged Lainey to bring me."
"Jon, until Richie is out of the woods and the infection has cleared you are not to be anywhere near him, your early into recovery, we don't want anymore problems, got it?"
I hung my head and nodded, Dr Markus called Lainey over, "Nurse Powner, A word please."
I watched as it was obvious she was being scalded for bringing me to see Rich, it was not right. I had to speak.
"hey Doc, please don't lay in to Lainey, it was all me, really,"
"thank you Jon, but please leave this to me." just like that he blanked me. when he was through he walked off, and Lainey came over to take me back to my room.
"I'm sorry. I did not want you to get into trouble."
"its ok, I should have known better, and Jon, no more Jon Bon Jovi smiles ok?"
"ok, will rich be ok?"
"Doc thinks so, but we will have to wait and see."
"You will keep me informed won't ya?"
"Course I will."
stopping at my room door, she opened it and pushed me inside, helped me out of the chair and into the arm chair at the side of my bed.
"Right, you comfortable?"
"Yeah, i'm good, can I ask one thing?"
"Sure"
"Richie said he has brought a pad and some pens infor me, he thinks they are in his closet, could you fetch them for me?"
She nodded, "ok, but it wont be till the end of my shift."
"Thanks."
As Lainey left my room I sat thinking about Richie and for the umpteenth time since being in hospital I prayed real hard for both Rich and me, Bon Jovi could not be done with yet could it?"



 

  

Chapter 33

Being early morning the traffic into the city was slow, I sat in the back of the cab and watched people going about their business, people shuffling along to get to their jobs, shopping or meeting friends. I'd never really paid this much attention before, and it kinda struck something inside me.

Being a musician you kind of take it for granted that life moves at an easy pace, well apart from being on tour when things are manic, but tours last for a year or two at most, these people I was watching did the same things day in day out, I could not imagine for one second what it was like to hold a regular job. I was so pleased I could do what I loved. 

We were sat stationary in traffic for over thirty minutes, and really I could of walked to the hospital, but my side was a aching a little and I promised Ma not to over do it, and with only four days left before I could return to my own home I was not going to get my stay at The Bongiovi's extended.

I sat back and soon enough the cab starting moving and ten minutes later he pulled up outside the hospital, I took the drivers card so could call and book a return cab when I wanted to head home, out of the cab I paid my fare and gave a tip and headed into the hospital. 

As i walked the pain in my side was causing me to wince a little, as the elevator arrived I got on and pressed number six, which was Jon's floor.

We arrived in seconds, getting off before checking in and heading to see my bud, I needed to take some pain killers. I knew where the bathrooms were and went in that direction, down the hallway and turning left I walked into the mens restroom.
They were empty, no  one was using the room, I was grateful, normally as soon as I am recognised I'm asked for autographs and stuff, let me be clear when I'm feeling fine I really don't mind  but today, well I don't know but I was not up to seeing my fans, in my heart I now did not feel like seeing anybody, for some reason I wanted to be home in bed.

I pulled at the paper cups and got some drinking water, checking my pockets I took out my pain killers and opening the bottle I Shook two into my palm and took them with the water. 

I Swallowed hard, and hoped the pain would ease real quick, it was intense, moving to the full size mirror on the restroom wall I lifted my shirt and removed the dressing a little, it was red and sore.

Only two hours previous the pain was under zero, now it was riding at a nine, i re stuck the dressing and moved to the basin and faucet, running the water I splashed myself with cool water, face dripping I leaned my arms on the basin and looked at my reflection in the mirror, it was evident I was in pain it was etched over my face. I stood leaning and gently breathing in and out until the worse of the pain had subsided, enough for me to feel better. 

leaving the restroom I went out to the nurses station to report in and go see Jon.

I made a note to myself to take things much easier from now on and rest was still needed. I concluded Ma knew more than I did, walking slowly to the nurses desk, I felt guilty now for being the jerk  I was to them both, now I could see they only ever had my best intentions in their hearts. 

At the nurses station Lainey was behind the desk, as I approached she looked up and smiled at me, then her face turned to concern, "Richie, are you ok?" Truth be known I was in agony, my breathing became rapid as I tried to answer, acting fast Dr Markus was paged, the other nurse went and got a wheel chair, gratefully I sat down, my breathing became more ragged and I felt cold and shivery, what was wrong with me. 

The Dr arrived in minutes, everyone was rushing round, my vitals were checked, blood taken, I didn't fight them as I was too weak, eventually Doc Markus spoke to me,
"Richie, you a serious blood infection,  its called scepticema, I need you to be admitted for 48 hours, we need you on a intraveneous antibiotic drip, no arguments ok? it's serious and we need to keep a close watch on you,  nurse ill leave him with you"

I nodded my head to weak to argue, did my walk cause this?, my mind was wondering and I was in and out of consciousness. when I awoke, I was in a hospital gown and in my old room in my old hospital bed.  

I thought everything was healing fine, what had I done.........that was my last thought as I drifted out of consciousness again. 

Chapter 32

Settled at Ma and Pa's home, they looked after me without a doubt, but I could not move without one or the other checking up on me, I had been with them ten days and it felt like 10 months. When I woke this morning I was determined I was gonna get out of the house and get some fresh air alone, even if it killed me. I showered then dressed after checking my scar; it was getting better and so was the pain, you know when the Dr's ask you on a scale of one to ten,  with ten being the worst, how the pain is? well, my pain was 0.1, un countable, to where it was two weeks ago.

 

All dressed I checked my reflection in the mirror, satisfied I looked ok I headed down stairs to grab a coffee and something to eat, and to say good morning to my hosts.

As I walked down the stairs, breakfast smells reached my senses and I could not help breathing in the delicious smell of the cooking bacon, turning the corner I walked into the kitchen and saw Ma stood at the stove, she did not see me, so I spoke first, "morning Ma"
"Oh, morning Richie, how are you feeling today?"
"I'm good thanks, that sure smells good ma"
"Sit, its nearly ready."
I did as commanded and a plate of bacon, and eggs  was put before me, with a cup of coffee.
"Ma, you're the best"
She smiled
"I enjoy looking after you."
Pa walked into the kitchen having been out in the yard pegging ma's washing on the clothes line for her, watching them interact they were each others ying and yang, and really fit each other comfortably like a pair of worn gloves. Pa washed his hands and sat at the table, and ma placed his breakfast in front on him.
"Good morning son, sleep well?"
"Morning Pa, yeah as always"
"How ya feeling?"

Inside I wanted to scream, our conversations were not interesting at all, but the god damn questions were intense. and always involved how I was feeling,  I held back and just smiled and replied.
"I'm good, thanks, you?"

"Oh, fair I'd say, but with ma's great breakfast I'll be more than good." he winked at ma as he spoke the last word. Ma smiled at him and turned back to continue with her own breakfast.

"So ma and me were thinking, how about a trip to the beach today, a lil bit of sunshine to restore your ol bones, whadda ya say?"

I could feel my internal radar wanting to scream out, "JUST LET ME ALONE ALREADY" but I bit down on my tongue and replied calmly.

"err, possibly not a great idea pa, my scar is still healing, last thing I need is to get Sand into the wound and get an infection, but hey, why don't you and ma go, I don't wanna put a damper on your plans."

I waited, hoping, no praying I did not have to tell them what I wanted to do, and that I wanted to be alone.

Ma spoke, "Oh, John, we can't go off enjoying ourselves when Richie needs us."

"Ma, I'm fine, you go, really have a great time."

Ma sat down, but eyed me suspiciously, I took a deep breath and decided to start with compliments, that way I could add in to the conversation about my plans for the day. 

"Ma, this bacon is delicious, you are a great cook."
"Aw you flatter me," still she eyed me carefully, taking time eating her own breakfast, while studying my expression.
The nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach was summersaulting in knots, I tried to avoid eye contact cause one things for sure, you could not pull the wool over ma's eye's she was a shrewd cookie make no mistake. I guess its a parent's radar. finally she spoke,

"Ok, out with it son, what's wrong?"
"Nothings wrong ma, I mean it, you are a great cook and make the best breakfast in New Jersey" I smiled my best smile.
"huh huh, not buying it sambora, give"
"What?"
"What it is your working up to saying?, Son I've had 3 boy's I know all the tricks... so what is it?" I laughed nervously,
"Its nothing, really......"
"So tell me what its nothing about..."
"Ok, look, now don't take this the wrong way or anything right, cause you know; I really appreciate what you have, no are doing for me,
"Y-e-a-h"
" but thing is, I need some time alone, time to get my head together and stuff, I was thinkin after breakfast of taking a walk and getting some fresh air, and just see where my legs take me."  I swallowed hard and sat waiting.... damn I was twenty eight years of age, why was I feeling nervous, I had my own pad,......  I reasoned it to myself and concluded it came down to respect. finally after looking from one to the other Ma spoke.
"Ok, we get it, you want away us, I guess we have been a little full on, but its only been with best intentions"
"ma, I know and I'm real thankful to you, ... both.... but I need time out, we can do the boardwalk tomorrow, I promise "  Damn, I watched Ma' expression, and I am sure I saw disappointment flit across her face, the last thing after all they had done for me was to hurt them, but I needed space on my own.
As she spoke she placed her hand on my arm, 

"Its fine, we get it don't we John, just promise me you won't over do it and if you need a cab grab one back home, ok"

I smiled and agreed "ok ma, thanks."

She looked at me and smiled back and her hand moved from my arm to my hand.
"So, could a trip to the hospital be included in your walk by chance?"

"I smiled, "Maybe, let's see."

"Well, a certain nurse has just started her shift of ten days, so you are bound to catch her at some point today."

Inside I felt my heart flip again, was I that transparent that Ma saw what I wanted to do and how I felt?.

again I smiled, "thanks Ma." I got up from the table and moved round and kissed Ma on the cheek, Pa looked across and waved his hand, I'll be back around six if that's ok?"

"Sure thing, Supper will be ready and waiting, Richie remember take it easy, I mean it."

"I promise ma."

I left through the kitchen door walked round the outside of the house.
I inhaled the air deep into my lungs and savoured the taste, sweet nectar, out on the side walk I kept breathing deep, the sun was warm on my face, and I felt free.
My plans were to take a gentle walk down to the cab company by way of a stationers, and get them to drop me at the hospital.

I walked at a steady pace so not to stretch or possibly injure myself and reached the cab office in forty minutes, walking inside I booked a cab and sat in the waiting area for the cab to collect me from base. while I waited I opened the pad I had got for Jon from the stationer's and wrote a few lyrics to a song that had been going round in my head.

 "Something For The Pain"
Happiness, it's been no friend to me
But forever after ain't what it's all cracked up to be
Yeah, I had a taste, you were my fantasy
But I lost my faith when I hit reality
I don't need no Guru to tell me what to do
When your feeling like a headline on
Yesterday's news

Come on, come on, come on
Give me something for the pain
Give me something for the blues
Give me something for the pain when
I feel I've been danglin' from a hang-man's noose
Give me something I can use
To get me through the night
Make me feel all right,
Something like you

Loneliness has found a home in me
My suitcase and guitar are my only family
I've tried to need someone, like they needed me
I opened up my heart, but all I did was bleed
I don't need no lover, just to get screwed
They don't make a bandage, that's going to cover my bruise

Come on, come on, come on
Give me something for the pain
Give me something for the blues
Give me something for the pain when
I feel I've been danglin' from a hang-man's noose
Give me something I can use
To get me through the night
Make me feel all right,
Something like you

Pull me under (Help I'm falling)
Run through my veins (Night is calling)
To a place (Feels like I'm flying)
Where I feel no pain (Christ I'm dying)
Be the pillow under my head
Cover me when I'm in your bed
Take me higher than I've ever been
Take me down and back again
Come to me, be my disguise
Open your coat, let me crawl inside
Come on, come on, come on

Come on, come on, come on
Give me something for the pain
Give me something for the blues
Give me something for the pain when
I feel I've been danglin' from a hang-man's noose
Give me something I can use
To get me through the night
Make me feel all right,
Something like you.

I finished writing just as the cab arrived, the driver came in, "Cab for Sambora?"
putting the pad away I answered, "Yeah that's me, lets go."

Chapter 31

“get some rest Jon I'll see you later ….” I said as I walked out of the room. I turned to watch him it broke my heart having to leave him there but I had to go home and rest up; so I could help him get back on his feet. To get our band back to the way it used to be. He waved at me sadly as I closed the door . I was glad that Jon had been moved down to critical care instead of ICU it meant when we visited him we could stay longer. When he was in ICU we could only see him for a few minutes and only one at a time. Now we all could be with him though Doc Markus said not too excite him too much as Jon still needed rest.

He was still on the ICU floor so if there was a problem they could keep an eye on him. Doc had arranged for him to have a TV though to stimulate the boredom, Maybe he would get a room mate when he was moved off the ICU floor? then again maybe not, as we had to keep security so tight around him.  Closing the door to his room I turned down the hall way and met up with Lainey who had my bag,
"Hey, thanks,"
" your welcome, so straight home is it?"
"I guess yeah,"
"So who is looking after you now you can leave?"
"Me, why?"
"No Richie, did Dr not explain?"
"Explain what, he has released me, I thought I'd be good to go?"
"No, not quite how it works, Doc agreed to your release you as long as it was into the care of a family member or with a hired nurse."
"Damn, so if I have no one appointed..."
"Yep you can't leave."
"Seriously? ... you are telling me I can't go?"
"Not unless you have someone to look after you... I'm sorry, as head nurse that is the last thing I have to check before counter signing your release forms...."  
"Ok, erm how about I hired you? you said a hired nurse?"
Lainey laughed, "Yeah that's right, but from a nursing agency, I can't I am contracted to the hospital." I was just about to try and sway Lainey to come work for me, when ma and pa arrived, with a wheel chair in tow. 

“ready to go Rich?” Carol asked as she had a wheelchair setting by her.

"Am I? "

"If you have a carer plan in place, if not I cannot counter sign Richie"

"oh its all arranged dear, Richie is coming to stay with us." 

my eyes bulged in my head, as I choked on hearing the news from ma, why hadn't this been explained to me before. I watched as ma and Lainey went off to sign the final papers, admitting defeat I sat in the wheel chair and pa placed my bag on my knee.

Ma returned and Lainey too, "All fixed your now good to go, make sure you take it easy Richie, your check-up appointment is noted and ma has it."

I looked down at the floor, feeling like a little kid, I just mumbled my thanks. Lainey squatted down by my side, "Hey, its not forever, two weeks at most, and least you will eat decent food.... and don't worry bout jon, I will take good care of him..."

I managed a weak smile and said goodbye.

Ma stood at the side of me as pa pushed me towards the elevator, "you are ok right rich?"

"Yeah, just concerned I'm leaving Jon. we have been through so much..." part of what I was saying was true and part was missing Lainey every day and not getting the chance to ask her out.

“he'll be fine son … Lainey promised to keep a good eye on him... you liked her and trusted her, stop fussing”

I know" I muttered, but there was a lonely ache in my heart, one that I was struggling to hide.  

Carol lent forward and kissed the top of my head as we left

“your such a good boy Richie...”

I just kept quiet as we left to go get something to eat . I had to admit I was starving the food here left a lot to be desired.

In the car on the way to restaurant ma and pa chatted to themselves and occasionally I joined in, but for the most part, I sat quiet my mind thinking on Jon, the band and Lainey. I even thought

I thought about smuggling something in for Jonny to eat, then scratched the idea, he was on a strict diet right. the last thing I wanted to do was impede his recovery.

Pa pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and we headed inside.

We were shown to our seats pretty quick and handed our menus we chose our meals and gave the order, I poured a glass of water from the pitcher and took a sip when Ma jovi looked at me. “Richie you are good about coming to stay with me and Jon for awhile....” 

"Sure," I was not keen and it showed,  Sure they had just put me in their will but now they had set about organising my life,  i felt like a kid... all I wanted was to get back home. I had to try and talk them out of it.

“  Look I am grateful really I am, but there really is no need I can look after myself, I don't want to impose on you guys, not after all you have done for me.”

Ma was deaf to my pleas,

“Sweetheart though you are healing you still need to be taken care of for a couple weeks since you can't lift anything … and we want to …. I have made up Jonny's old room... and you can stay in there so when he comes home you can bunk together...”

Pa cleared his throat “though that won't be for awhile...... as he's going to be in the hospital for a bit and then moved to the rehabilitation hospital once he's ready for it...” he took a sip of coffee after it was poured.

 

I tried again, “really you don't have to … I can take care of myself …. “ I smiled at them,

“Richie we know we don't have to but we want to …. you've done so much for us let us do this for you please...” Ma begged me.

“I can't take care of Jonny right now …. and its killing me seeing just how much he still has to go through before he'll even be home...” She whispered.

 

I grasped that discussion I had wanted to figure out a way to help. “yeah Jon said that they told him he had to relearn to walk and build strength again. Relearn how to walk WHY?”

 I thought about it over and over, then the answers. Came, he had been bed bound for six months his muscles had wasted, they needed to be strengthend to be able to hold his weight, it was terrible but had to be done, I swore I'd be there to help him along and now I'd just go with the flow and stay with ma and pa until I could live alone again, as lainey said it was only two weeks after all.

Chapter 30

Walking back along the hospital hallway I walked straight into Ma and Pa Jovi and Dr Markus.
"Been to say bye to Jon Richie?"
"Yeah Doc, he's been telling me about sending him to rehab, he's real anxious, take it easy with him...."
"Not to easy, we need him on his feet."
"Yeah I know, I mean in what you expect of him, he's a proud guy and does not accept failure"
Doc patted me on the shoulder, "hey we have got him this far, well get him the rest... trust me and leave it with me, Ok?"
I looked down at the floor and felt a bit sheepish trying to tell the Doc how to do his job, but knowing Jon as well as I did, I know if his stubborn streak kicked in they would be done for. I looked to the right as Ma and Pa stepped out of the Docs shadow, "Hey Ma, Pa, you here to see Jon? he's watching TV..  least he was when I left him"
Pa spoke first, "Yeah, were here for Jon, but you too Richie."
"Me? why?" it was always a worry when parents, your own or friends wanted to talk to you, I swallowed nervously at the lump in my throat.
Pa put his arm on my shoulders, and laughed..." Don't look so scared its nothing bad son, we are here to take you home that's all and stop off for a meal on the way, your mom was stuck at work today and well, we are more than happy to help out."
I eyed them both suspiciously, I did not need my mom to collect me, I was ready to call a cab, but I went along with pa. "ok, thanks I guess."
Lifting his head from his note board Doc spoke, " ma, pa, why don't you go see Jon and ill go with Richie and conclude his release, Richie can meet you in Jon's room when were done.
I watched as Ma & Pa headed off to see their son and I followed the doc back into my room.

my shirt was lifted, and my op site checked, all good, stitches had been removed and the scar was healing well, all my vitals were good, and I was given my release forms and told if I had pain from the site of the op to take acetaminophen when needed. Shaking the docs hand I watched as he left and went off to see his other patients.  I turned back into the room and continued collecting the rest of my things and putting them into my holdall, my concentration interrupted, when my nurse stuck her head round the door and smiled at me, "Hey, so your checking out today then eh?, food that bad?"
"Yeah, erm... I mean yeah I'm checking out not that the food was bad..."
"Really? the full plates I collect after service tells me different, and that includes yours..." she laughed
"Ok, I give in the food was not the best... but the service was.." I studied her reaction, I can't lie, I really fancied her, and I am sure she fancied me too. she looked down at the floor with a blush on her cheeks.
"Hey I'm sorry I didn't mean to embarrass you."
"you haven't, I'm flattered, and thanks, I'm not used to getting compliments."
"really?, you're amazing, are you serious?, Your boyfriend's a really lucky guy."
yeah I was fishing, but I had too... I wanted to ask her out, and until today I had never, or we had never spoken to this degree.
"Oh, there's no boyfriend, was once, but he did not understand my calling and my choice of career. so well,... we said goodbye... that was three years ago, and with the shifts I work, I don't get to meet guys... but that's ok,....  I'm taking my finals next week and if I pass I will be credited as a full intern.
"way to go, I bet you'll pass with flying colours."
" hope so."
" you will... trust me,.... hey can I leave my bag here until I go, I've gotta go get Jon's mom and pop and I'm told not to much lifting yet..."
"Sure, no problem, tell ya what I'll take it and stow it behind the nurses station that way you have to see me and say thanks and goodbye before you leave"
"Id say goodbye to ya before I left anyway, and thanks is heart felt." I touched my hand over my heart to emphasise the words.
She smiled and nodded at me and took my bag with her from my room. So, ok, I knew something's about my nurse such as;
Her name was Elaine, but she liked to be called Lainey, she stood about 170cm tall, with long blonde hair and the bluest eyes you had ever seen, and a smile to melt even the most frozen of hearts, she had a wonderful figure too and was the kindest person I had ever met. yes sir, I was asking Lainey out before I left make no mistake about it.

As I walked past the nurses station she smiled at me again and I felt my heart skip a beat, somehow I smiled back, but didn't detour from going to get ma and pa, hands in pockets I carried on walking in the direction of Jon's room.
My mind thinking over as I walked, how was I gonna ask her out? damn what if there was a code she could not see patients?, did a rule like that exist? I had no idea, but I was gonna chance it any how.

Reaching my buds door I knocked, three sets of eye's locked on me standing at the door, as I entered I felt like I had interrupted something.
" Hey, sorry if I'm cutting in..."
"not all Rich, come in son,"
for some reason I was feeling real anxious again.
I looked at Jon, he was smiling real broad and his smile crinkled his eye's in the corners, something was definitely cooking here.
"What goes on?"
"Sit Son, come sit here, there's something we need to say to you, Jonny knows, and relax its nothing bad, we promise."
I Walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, again careful not to dislodge anything, as I sat Jon placed his hand on my hand, and ma rested her hand on my knee.
Pa spoke, "Richie, what you have done to save our boy we can never ever thank you or repay you enough, its fact without you our boy would not be here." "its fine I...." pa raised his hand, "Let me finish son, please... you are the reason our Jon has got a second chance at living, you helped me with doc McGhee and manning too without your help those slime balls would still be loose, Richie, we see you more as our son than we ever thought possible and we love you with all our hearts, for that reason, " ma reached into her handbag and produced an envelope with a red bow on top and handed it to me, "we want to give you this...." I looked at them all, there eye's on me. "Go ahead open it Rich"  I looked away then down at the envelope, slowly I undid the flap and took out the contents, the ribbon dropping to the floor. I open the letter and read what was written.

it read... "we Carol Ann Bongiovi and John Frank Bongiovi snr do hereby bequeath an equal share of our estate to our Sons John Francis Bongiovi Jnr, Mathew Clayton Bongiovi, Anthony Antoro Bongiovi and Richard Sambora after estate taxes with no inclusions or exceptions."

there was other writing to as it was a legal document, but the off shot was that ma and pa had included me in their will after their demise and they counted me as their son. I could feel the tears pricking at the back of my eye's as I looked up at them all. "I don't know what to say, but thanks, you didn't have too, honest. "
"Sssssh  we wanted to, Richie its our way of letting you know how much we love you and thank you for what you have done. " I looked down at the paper document and read it again, then looking up I spoke, " well thanks guys if your sure, I'm happy to accept"  I reached over and hugged ma, then pa and I stood and embraced each other, then leaning into Jon it was a pat and a hug. looking at Jon I spoke,
" So, Jovi, you kept that one quiet.."
"Hey, I had no idea bro, they told me about it just as you walked in, honest to god,"
"So you cool with it?"
"Yeah course I am, man after what you have done for me, hell its not enough, but its something.."
"hey its plenty, and honest guys I'm touched, your love and kindness has blown me away " Ma and pa smiled back, then Pa spoke,
"So are you all good to go then son?"
"Yeah all good to go, just gotta get my bag on the way out."
Ma and pa said goodbye to Jon with a promise they would return later, I too said goodbye and we held each other again, this time really as brothers, not in name but now in blood.