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Chapter 32
The next day went much the same way as the previous day had gone. Jack had breakfast with Irina and the triplets in the cafeteria and after they played a board game. When Jack was examined by the doctor, Irina and the triplets went for a walk outside to get some fresh air.
When they came back from their walk, Jack met up with them and they walked around the halls for a little while before eating lunch in the cafeteria. Until dinnertime they spent the time playing cards, playing board games, watching TV and movies, and walking around.
After dinner they walked around and after the triplets colored, while Jack and Irina each read a book, and looked at the triplets’ drawings from time to time, commenting on how nice they looked.
When it was time for bed nothing changed from the previous night. The triplets said goodnight to Jack first, and after Irina said a quick goodnight while keeping her distance. He sighed when she left the room thinking that what happened in Kashmir was still too traumatizing for her.
The next morning after just finishing breakfast the doctor walked over to their table.
“Good morning, everyone.”
“Good morning, doctor.”
“How are you feeling today, Mr. Bristow?”
“I feel really good. I can feel that I get better day by day, and I’m not so sore anymore.”
“That’s really good to hear. Your examinations certainly also show that you’re healing very well.”
“Since I’m doing so well, I was wondering when I could go home?”
Irina was a bit afraid of hearing the doctor’s answer. She didn’t know if the doctor would discharge Jack sooner than what was good for him just because he was doing well so soon.
The doctor smiled at Jack.
“I can understand you’re anxious to get home, as you all must be. But I’d like to keep you here for a while longer. You still need to use the crutches for a while yet and you also need to be able to get up on your own. And I’d love it if you practically only use a cane when you leave here. Your wounds are healing nicely, but I also need for them to be a little more healed before I’m discharging you.” Jack nodded and Irina felt relieved.
“Any idea how long I’ll be here?”
“Hopefully less than a week. Around half a week I’d assume with the progress you’ve been making.” Jack stared a little at the doctor.
“Half a week?” The doctor nodded at Jack. “You made it sound like I’d be here for weeks.” The doctor let out a laugh.
“Sorry about that. But no, if you continue to recover as well as you’ve done so far, then I’m discharging you in a couple of days. Of course as we’ve talked about, you’ll have to stay at a hospital for a little while when you get back. Just so they can monitor your recovery for a little while and so that you can walk around without the use of crutches.” Jack smiled and so did the triplets.
“That’s really great news, daddy.” Maddie got on her knees on her chair and leaned in and gave Jack a kiss on the cheek. He smiled at her.
“I think so too.” He looked around at Ethan and Caitie too, who smiled just as widely at him as Maddie did, but when he looked at Irina she only gave him a little smile. She nodded.
“Yes, Jack that’s great news.” His smile faded and he nodded.
He started to get worried that she was not looking forward to going home and get things back to normal. That being home where they were more together than they’d been here for most of the time he’d been awake would be too much intimacy too soon. To him it started to make sense with the way she’d been behaving. He shook the thought from his mind thinking he was probably imagining things. Going home would most likely be what she needed and what they needed. When she was home in her normal surroundings, she’d probably be more comfortable and open up. He didn’t have time to think more about it as the doctor started talking again.
“Mr. Bristow, if you’re not too busy I’d like to give you your examination now.” Jack shook his head.
“No, we might as well get it out of the way now.”
“Okay good. I’d also like to have you do some exercises and that might take a while. No more than an hour though. An hour and a half tops.” Jack looked around at Irina and the triplets. Irina nodded.
“We can go for a walk around town in the mean time.” She looked at the triplets. “Would you like to do that?” They all nodded.
“That way we can get a birthday present for uncle Kendall.” Irina smiled at Ethan.
“I think he’d like that.”
“We should probably still keep it a secret even though it’s his birthday today.” Irina nodded.
“Yeah, no point in spoiling the surprise.”
“Do you think it’ll be okay with Sydney and Nadia if we call him first?” The triplets looked between their parents and Jack and Irina smiled at them.
“Yes, I think they’ll be just fine with that.”
“Well, since we know what we’ll be doing, we might as well get going.”
“I’ll just get some nurses to help me.” The doctor left and Irina stood up. When she did so did the triplets. Irina looked at Jack.
“Where should we meet up with you when we get back?”
“What about here?” She nodded. “An hour and a half from now?”
He hoped she would agree to that. He didn’t feel like being alone for too long, but he also didn’t know if she’d stay out longer from the hospital now that she had the opportunity. He was relieved when she nodded.
“Sure.”
“Okay. Have a good time.”
“You too, daddy.” He smiled at Ethan and each of the triplets gave him a kiss on the cheek. Jack noticed that Irina looked away when they did that.
“Bye, daddy.”
“Bye, guys.”
Jack’s examination and exercises went well and after he sat by the table in the cafeteria reading a book while waiting for Irina and the triplets to return.
When they returned, they showed Jack what they had bought for Kendall, and they stayed at the table talking about their trip and Jack’s examination until lunchtime.
After lunch the day went by as the previous one, and in the evening they went back to Jack’s room to call Kendall.
“Kendall.”
“Hi uncle Kendall. Happy birthday.”
“Hi kids.” Kendall’s happiness of hearing the triplets was evident in his voice.
“Thank you.”
“Hi Kendall. Happy birthday.”
“Happy birthday.”
“Thank you. How are you all doing?”
“We’re doing fine, and daddy’s doing better every day.”
“That’s great to hear, and it’s great for you, Jack.”
“Thanks Kendall.”
“Any idea when you can come home?”
“The doctor told me today that I’ll probably be discharged in a couple of days.”
“Jack, that’s great news.”
“Yeah, it is. Though, I’ll still have to spend some time in a hospital at home, as you know.”
“But still, it’s better being in a hospital at home rather than being in a hospital in another country.” Jack let out a small laugh.
“You’ve got a point.”
“How will you be celebrating your birthday, uncle Kendall? Are you going to have a party?” Kendall laughed a little at Maddie’s question.
“Well, I won’t be having a party at my place, because I’ll be working until late in the afternoon. But Sydney offered to invite everyone for dinner at her place so we could celebrate, and I took her up on her offer. Will, Rachel, and T.J. are also leaving tomorrow, so it’s also going to be a goodbye party for them.”
“That’s nice, uncle Kendall.”
“We bought you a present today.”
“You guys didn’t have to do that.”
“We wanted to.”
“Well, thank you. So? What did you get me?”
“We’re not telling you that.”
“No, you have to wait until you open it when we get home.” Kendall let out a laugh.
“Okay then. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what you got for me.”
They kept talking to Kendall for a while longer, and after hanging up they called Sydney and Nadia. When they were done with that, they went to bed and once again there was no difference between Jack and Irina.
At APO Kendall arrived for work at the same time as Dixon. An hour later Sydney, Nadia, Vaughn, Eric, Marshall, Carrie, Katya, and Rachel joined them. They all walked into the meeting room where Kendall and Dixon were sitting.
“Happy birthday, Kendall.”
Sydney, Nadia, Carrie, and Rachel walked over to him and gave him each a hug. He smiled at them.
“Thank you.” Katya looked at him.
“Well, it’s easy to see that you’re a year older.” He rolled his eyes at her and she smirked at him. “Happy birthday.”
“Thanks.” Vaughn and Eric walked up to him and handed him a present.
“Here. We bought you a little something extra.” Kendall looked at them a little puzzled but took the present.
“Why didn’t you wait until tonight to give me this?” They smiled.
“We just thought that now would be better.” He smiled back.
“Well, thank you.”
“Open it.” Kendall nodded and sat down while everyone else also took a seat around the table.
He opened the present, gaped a little when he saw what they’d gotten him, and then glared at Vaughn and Eric while he held up the book he’d been given.
“Sex for Dummies?” Sydney and Nadia gaped while everyone else laughed.
After a few seconds of laughing Vaughn and Eric finally got their laughter under control to answer him.
“Don’t pay too much attention to the title. It’s not like we think you’re a dummy or anything like that.” Eric nodded agreeing with Vaughn.
“No, not at all. We just thought that you could use a little help in the love department.” Kendall still glared at them.
“And what makes you think I need any help in that department?”
“Oh come on. You haven’t had a date since Irina’s birthday.”
“At least not that we know of.”
“Right. So, we just figured you could use a little help.”
“Well, I don’t need any help, thank you very much. And for your information my date had no complaints at all.” Both Vaughn and Eric leaned forward in their chairs.
“That sounds intriguing. Care to share?”
“Absolutely not. Now if you’ve had your fun, can we get back to work?”
“Sure.”
“Thank you.”
“Just one more thing.” Kendall groaned.
“What?”
“Are you still seeing the woman you were on a date with on Irina’s birthday? And if you are, is she coming tonight?” Kendall glared even more at Eric.
“I’m not going to answer your first question, because it’s none of your business. And it’s a no to your second question.”
“Interesting. Now from the way you answered Eric’s last question are we to assume that you’re still seeing the woman?” Kendall glared at Vaughn.
“Like I said, it’s none of your business. Now get back to work.” Both Vaughn and Eric laughed.
“Fine, fine. We’ll get back to work.”
“Good.” Kendall got up from his seat, took the book with him and left the meeting room leaving most of the others laughing.
Late in the afternoon Kendall showed up at Sydney and Vaughn’s house for dinner. Sergei opened the door with all of the kids with the exception of Nicholas, David, and T.J.
“Hi Kendall. Happy birthday.” Kendall received a hug from Sergei.
“Thanks.”
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE KENDALL.” Kendall laughed at all the kids simultaneously wishing him a happy birthday.
“Thank you guys.” All the kids then hugged him all at the same time, and after he got individual hugs from everyone. Sergei looked at Kendall.
“Everyone is in the living room.” Kendall nodded and followed him and all the kids in there.
Dinner went well and so did the rest of the evening. They talked and had fun and to Kendall’s great surprise Katya didn’t throw any remarks at him and hadn’t thrown any remarks at him since the one she threw at him at the office.
Later in the evening Isabelle, Sarah, Nicholas, and T.J. had been put to bed, while the rest of the kids had fallen asleep as well with the exception of Robin and Stephen. The rest of the kids were lying down in another room while Stephen and Robin were watching TV in a different room.
The party was about to break up and Kendall went to the kitchen with some of the mugs. He found Katya drinking a glass of water. When he put the mugs down he looked at her.
“You’ve been really quiet tonight. Actually, you’ve been quiet all day since this morning at the office.” She looked at him and spoke calmly.
“Haven’t I a right to be?” He nodded.
“Yes of course. But usually you throw remarks at me, and you haven’t done that since that one you threw at me this morning at the office. Is it part of my birthday present that you haven’t thrown any remarks at me other than that one?” He had a grin on his face, but she remained neutral.
“No, not really.”
“Then why haven’t you thrown remarks at me?”
“I haven’t felt like it.” He looked at her concerned.
“Katya, are you alright?” She rolled her eyes annoyed by his question.
“Yes, I’m perfectly fine.” He rolled his eyes frustrated by her answer.
“Well, excuse me for asking. It’s unusual for you not to throw remarks at me, so I was just worried that there was something wrong with you.” She gave him an angry look.
“There’s no need for you to worry about me. I’m fine.” She sighed. “I’m going to check to see if Sergei is ready to leave.” She walked passed him.
“Thank you for my present.” She stopped. He’d spoken calmly and she turned around. “I really like the shirt. I love the material and the color is great. And the book is by one of my favorite authors, so I know I’m going to love that. It’s very considerate of you to give me such a present. Thank you.” He smiled at her but she just shrugged.
“No, big deal. You needed a present, so I bought one.” He was a little surprised by her reaction.
“But still you put a lot of thought into that present and I really appreciate that.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“Whatever.” He gaped a little and she turned around. “I’m going to find Sergei now. Enjoy the rest of your birthday.” With that she left the kitchen. Kendall shook his.
“Yeah, thanks.”
“Thanks for what?” He turned and saw Sydney walking into the kitchen. He shook his head.
“Nothing, I was just talking to Katya.”
“Did you fight?” He shook his head.
“No, we didn’t, but I was being nice and she didn’t really care about that.”
“Well, at least she hasn’t thrown any remarks at you all evening. That’s always something.” He smiled at her.
“Yeah that’s always something.” He walked over to her and hugged her. “Thank you for a very nice birthday.”
“It was my pleasure.” They smiled at each other.
“I should be getting home. It’s getting late.”
“Everyone else is out in the hall waiting to leave too.” He nodded and together they went out into the hall.
Out in the hall Kendall once again thanked everyone for the presents he’d received and said goodbye to everyone, giving each of them a hug with the exception of Katya and Chase. Kendall knew that Chase had apologized and that, that no doubt would lead to a better relationship between her and Irina and between her and everyone else, but he still didn’t think that she was on hugging terms with anyone, and he didn’t feel comfortable giving her a hug yet.
Katya was already ready to leave and was standing by the door. Though they weren’t on hugging terms either and never even shook hands, he thought it was best to leave her alone given her behavior in the kitchen. Instead he concentrated on the others and gave Rachel a hug, who was next in line.
“I hope you had a nice birthday.”
“I certainly had. It’s too bad you have to go back home, but I guess that was inevitable.” She smiled at him.
“Yes, nothing we can do about that. Will has to get back to work. He’s done all the research he can here for his next story, but he’s needed back at the office. And since Jack, Irina, and the triplets are alright there’s really nothing more for me to do here.”
“You also have T.J.’s first birthday coming up, so I’m sure you want to be home to celebrate that and have your families there.”
“Yeah, we’d like that, though we consider you all family too. But I think we’ll be back again as soon as we can to visit Jack, Irina, and the triplets.”
“They’ll certainly like that. Take care and get home safely.”
“We will. You take care too.” They smiled at each other and Kendall moved on to say goodbye to Will. They hugged.
“Bye Will. It was good having you here.”
“I’m glad I could be here. Thank you for the present for T.J.”
“Don’t mention it. Get back home safely.”
“We’ll make sure of it. Talk to you soon.”
“Absolutely. Bye Will.”
“Bye.”
When Kendall had said his goodbyes, he went to the living room and picked up his present and went back out into the hall and left at the same time as everyone else.
An hour later in India Jack, Irina, and the triplets were sitting in the cafeteria having just finished lunch when the doctor walked over to their table.
“Hello everyone.”
“Hello doctor.”
“How are you feeling today, Mr. Bristow? Better than yesterday?” Jack nodded.
“Yes, I am.”
“From what the nurses told me, you still need their help getting out of bed and to sit down.”
“Yes, though I can definitely feel I get stronger and I think I should be able to get up on my own soon.”
“That’s good to hear and it’s actually what I came to talk to you about. I thought that you could practice getting in and out of bed on your own, and sitting down in a chair on your own and getting up again.” Jack was happy, but Irina got worried.
“I’d like to do that.” Irina looked at the doctor.
“Are you sure that’s such a good idea? He’s only been out of bed for a little while, and I don’t think he’s ready to try getting in and out of bed on his own or sitting down in a chair and getting up again.”
Jack was irritated by Irina’s question and wanted to say something, but also didn’t want to say anything in front of the triplets. He was also irritated that she was addressing the doctor and not him. The doctor smiled at her.
“Yes, I’m absolutely sure it’s a good idea. It would be best if Mr. Bristow was able to get in and out of bed on his own as well as sitting down in a chair and getting up on his own before being discharged.”
“He only got out of bed a few days ago. It’s too soon for him to try to do this on his own.”
“Mrs. Bristow, I assure you it’s not. If it gets to be too much for Mr. Bristow, we’ll stop. You can be sure that I won’t make him overdue it, and Mr. Bristow will tell me if he needs to rest.”
“Yes, I will.” Irina looked at Jack and could hear that he was slightly agitated. Knowing she couldn’t stop Jack, she reluctantly nodded.
“Okay.”
“It might take a while depending on how much Mr. Bristow can handle. You’re welcome to join us, if you’d like?”
She would always want to be by Jack’s side no matter what, but Irina knew she wouldn’t be able to stand to see Jack in pain, and she knew that he’d at least be in a little pain. She also knew that she wouldn’t be able to just sit still somewhere around the hospital waiting for the exercises to be over with. She knew she’d be worrying sick about Jack no matter where she was, but she figured that getting out of the hospital for a while might help a little. She looked at the triplets.
“How about the four of us go out while daddy does his exercises?”
Jack was disappointed that she didn’t want to stay with him, which only made him believe even more that she was still too traumatized about Kashmir.
The triplets looked at each other and then Caitie looked at Jack.
“Would that be alright with you, daddy?” Even though he would’ve liked them to stay, he wasn’t going to force Irina to do so, if she didn’t want to. Instead he gave Caitie a reassuring smile.
“Of course, sweetheart. There’s nothing for you to do other than watch me do my exercises, and that might be a bit boring for you. Besides, I’m a big boy, so I’ll be alright.” He looked at Ethan and Maddie and gave them a reassuring smile too. Ethan looked at Irina.
“Sure mommy, we can go out.”
“Well, since everyone is onboard with that, we might as well get going now.” The triplets nodded and Maddie looked at Jack.
“Will you call us when you’re done with your exercises, so that we can get back to you?” He smiled at her.
“Yes, sweetheart.” The triplets smiled at him and got up from their seats when Irina got up from hers. She looked at him.
“Don’t overdue it, Jack.”
“I won’t.” She could hear that he was slightly agitated again, and nodded. “Have fun.”
“We will.”
The triplets each gave him a kiss before they and Irina left. Jack looked at the doctor.
“Let’s get started on those exercises.”
Jack’s exercises had gone alright. He’d had trouble from time to time and had rested and was sure that he’d probably still need help getting up and down from sitting down and help in getting to bed for the remainder of the day. But overall he was making progress and both he and the doctor were happy about that.
He’d done exercises for two hours and had called Irina to let her and the triplets know he was done. She’d told him they were in the middle of getting an ice cream, and that they’d return, when they’d eaten it. He told her, he’d be waiting in the living area, and that’s where they found him reading a book when they returned.
The triplets walked up to him and gave him each a kiss.
“Hi daddy. How did your exercises go?” He smiled at them.
“They went fine.”
“Did you have any trouble?” He looked at Maddie and nodded.
“A little from time to time, but I’m making progress. I’ll need help for the rest of the day still because my body needs to rest, but I’m making progress.”
“That’s great, daddy.”
“Yeah, I think so too. How was your time out?”
“It was very nice.”
“We went to the playground. It was fun.” Jack laughed a little.
“Yeah, I can imagine. How was the ice cream?”
“Delicious. Ice cream is always delicious, daddy.” He laughed more at that remark.
“Right. I guess I really didn’t need to ask about that. So what do you want to do now?” He looked at Irina.
“Since you had trouble with your exercises it would be best if you rested in your bed for a while.” Jack got agitated again, but took a deep breath to calm himself before answering Irina.
“No, I don’t need to rest. I’ve rested plenty in between doing the exercises, so I don’t need to rest now. And like I’ve just said, I’ll also be getting help getting up and sitting down for the rest of the day as well as getting help in getting to bed.”
“But Jack, you need to rest.” She shook her head. “I’m getting a couple of nurses.”
“I said no.” His voice was now agitated and a little louder. He also gave her a look that made no room for arguments.
She looked at him and they just looked at each other for a few seconds without anyone saying anything.
The triplets looked at each other and then looked from one parent to another feeling a little nervous about the situation. Finally Ethan broke the silence.
“Can we watch a movie?” Jack gave Irina one last look indicating he meant business, and then turned to his son smiling at him.
“Of course, sweetheart.” He then looked at Irina again and spoke calmer, but his facial expression remained the same a little. “Could you put one on?” She nodded after a few seconds.
“Of course.”
The spent the rest of the day mainly watching TV, movies, and the triplets also colored without Jack and Irina saying much to each other. The triplets did most of the talking and talked eagerly about their day, and didn’t pay more attention to what had happened between their parents when they’d gotten home from their time out.
When bedtime came around, the triplets said goodnight to Jack first while Irina got the waiting room ready. By the time she went to say goodnight to him he was already in bed, ready to sleep. They said a brief goodnight to each other, and when Irina left Jack sighed heavily letting go of his frustrations.
The following day went much the same as the previous day. Jack did the same exercises as the day before and Irina and the triplets went for a walk around town in the meantime. In the afternoon they came back and walked around the halls in the hospital and also used the time watching TV and playing board games and cards. After dinner they did the same and when Irina said goodnight to Jack as the last one, they once again only said a brief goodnight to each other. The only thing that was different from the previous day was that Jack and Irina hadn’t argued.
The next day the doctor walked into Jack’s room with two nurses. Jack had asked someone to get nurses to help him sit up and Maddie had gone to get them. Irina, Caitie, and Ethan were in his room too.
“Good morning, Mr. Bristow.”
“Good morning, doctor. I’d like to get up now.”
“So what’s stopping you?” Jack looked at the doctor a little surprised. “You’ve done great the last two days and the nurses can’t help you forever. I think it’s time you try getting up on your own in the morning. Don’t you?” Jack smiled and nodded.
“Yes, I think you’re right.”
Irina wanted to protest, but thought for the sake of the triplets that it was best not to argue with Jack. Instead she bit her bottom lip fearing that he would hurt his recovery in trying to get up on his own.
“Give it a try whenever you’re ready. We’ll be right here in case you need help.” Jack nodded and Irina and the triplets took a few steps back, so that the doctor and nurses would have easy access to Jack in case he needed help.
Jack took a couple of deep breaths preparing and steadying himself. When he felt ready he took hold of the bed on both sides with his hands and slowly started to pull himself up. He winced a little, but not much.
Irina saw that he was in pain and wanted nothing more than to rush to his side and make him lie back down. But she remained in place and she was relieved when he finally sat up.
Jack looked around at everyone and smiled. The triplets started to clap.
“Good job, daddy.” Jack let out a small laugh.
“Thanks.”
“You’ve been able to sit up on your own, Mr. Bristow, and now you just have to get out of bed too.” Jack nodded and took a couple of deep breaths before continuing.
He slowly moved his leg over the side of the bed. When he’d done that, he reached for the crutches that had been placed within his reach the night before. After getting them, he took another breath before trying to stand up.
Irina held her breath fearing that he might fall down, but she breathed a silent sigh of relief, when he got up without falling down.
Jack looked around and shrugged.
“Piece of cake.” Everyone but Irina laughed.
“If you say so, Mr. Bristow. Now I’d like you to take a few steps, so I can see if you do that as well as getting out of bed.” Jack nodded and walked towards the triplets as easily as he’d walked the last couple of days. “Very good, Mr. Bristow. You think you can manage to go to the bathroom on your own too?”
“I won’t know unless I give it a try.” The doctor moved out of the way and let Jack go to the bathroom.
Jack walked out a couple of minutes later.
“How did it go?”
“It went well.”
“I doubt you’re able to put on a pair of pants on your own just yet.” Jack shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Okay, we’ll help you with that. What about putting on a robe? Try that.”
Jack walked over to the door where his robe was hanging. Irina wanted to protest again, thinking that it wouldn’t be good for him trying to do that on his own because it would mean that he would only be leaning on one crutch, while getting it and putting it on. But she was relieved when Jack was able to get it on without any help. Still she was afraid with everything that he’d done that he was draining himself of his strength. Strength she believed he needed to get better and not use up trying to get out of bed on his own.
The triplets, on the other hand, were excited about Jack’s progress.
“Daddy, you’re doing great.” He smiled at them.
“Thank you.” The doctor walked over to Jack.
“Let me just check your stitches to see how things look.” After a quick examination the doctor smiled at Jack. “Everything looks great. Let’s see how you do with sitting down.” Jack walked over to one of the chairs. Again he took a breath before slowly sitting down. He managed that too and the doctor smiled. “Amazing progress, Mr. Bristow. Try to get up.” Jack managed that too. “Well done. Let’s put some pants on you while you’re standing and then you and your family can be off to the cafeteria for breakfast.”
One of the nurses grabbed Jack’s sweatpants and helped him put them on. While the nurse did that, Irina looked away not wanting to see another woman helping her husband get dressed. When the nurse had put the pants on him, and put his slippers in front of him so that he could put them on, Jack looked at the doctor after putting on his slippers.
“Is there anything else I should do?” The doctor shook his head.
“No, not at the moment. We’ll walk down with you to the cafeteria to make sure that you can sit down on your own there too. Later we’ll do some more exercises, so that you can get even more used to getting by on your own.” Jack nodded.
“Okay. Well, if there’s nothing else then I think we should go to the cafeteria. I’m starving.” The doctor laughed.
“Well, let’s not stand in the way of your hunger. After you.” Jack walked out first followed by everyone else.
Jack continued getting better at sitting down and getting up throughout the day. While he went through his exercises and a longer examination, Irina and the triplets went to town. When they got back the triplets told Jack about their day, and Jack told them that he’d shaved himself for the first time. Though she didn’t led on, Irina was happy to hear that none of the nurses had done it.
The rest of the afternoon went by as the previous day and later they all sat down to dinner in the cafeteria. When they were done eating the doctor walked up to them. Jack nodded.
“Evening, doctor.”
“Good evening, everyone.” The rest of them nodded at the doctor. “Mr. Bristow, given how well you’ve been doing all day, I’ve decided to discharge you the day after tomorrow.” Both Jack and Irina gaped. Jack gaped because he was surprised whereas Irina gaped because she thought it was too soon for him to be discharged.
“Seriously?” The doctor nodded at Jack.
“Yes, I’m serious. As I told you a few days ago, I had thoughts about discharging you in a few days if you continued to do well, and you most certainly have.”
“It’s too soon.” Everyone looked at Irina, and Jack could feel he started to get agitated again. “You also said the other day that you’d prefer if he walked out of here only using a cane, and he isn’t. He’s not even close to only using a cane.”
“He might not be using a cane yet, Mrs. Bristow, but I assure you that your husband is well enough to be discharged. I wouldn’t make this decision if I wasn’t absolutely sure.” Irina nodded slightly.
“I do realize that, but I still think it’s too soon.”
“Again I can only say that it’s not too soon. As you know your husband will spend some time in a hospital at home before he’s allowed to be completely discharged.” Irina looked at Jack and she received an agitated look. She nodded and sighed.
“Fine.”
“I’ll need to talk to the doctor, who’ll be in charge of you when you get home, so that I can pass on your chart. But since I assume that no one is up yet in the US, I can get the information tomorrow morning on when to make contact. You should also make arrangements for your trip home, so that I can pass on any instructions to the crew onboard in case you need help onboard.” Jack nodded.
“I’ll make sure you get it.”
“Thank you. Well, I won’t take up anymore of your time. I just came to pass on the happy news.”
“Thank you.” The doctor left and Jack looked at the triplets, who were smiling from ear to ear.
“We’re finally going home.”
“That’s really great news, daddy.”
“It’ll be great seeing everyone again.”
“Yeah, I think so too.” He looked at Irina and she nodded.
“Yes, it’ll be good to come home.” He nodded back and was calmer than before.
When they called home in the evening everyone was thrilled to hear that Jack, Irina, and the triplets were coming home. After talking with the family at home, Jack got on the phone with Dixon and arranged for a plane to pick them up. The doctor had an hour earlier told them at what time they’d be leaving, so that they could make the exact plans for their departure.
After talking to Dixon, Jack got in touch with Dr. Peter Blake, who would be in charge of Jack during his stay in hospital. When that call ended, Ethan went to get a couple of nurses, who would make sure that Jack was alright getting in bed on his own. When Ethan left, so did Irina to make the waiting room ready for sleep.
Jack managed getting ready for bed on his own and only needed the nurses to help him take off his pants. When they’d done that, they left and the triplets said goodnight. As they walked out, Irina walked in. They looked at each other for a little while without saying anything.
“Well, I should let you get your rest.”
“Alright.”
“Goodnight, Jack.”
“Goodnight.” Jack sighed when she left, but was happy that they were all going home soon.
The next day Jack got out of bed on his own, though two nurses were present in his room. They helped him to get his pants on, but other than that he managed on his own.
When Jack had to do his exercises, Maddie suggested that the others stayed at the hospital and packed their things. Irina had agreed to that.
After Jack was done with his exercises they played board games and walked around until dinnertime. During dinner the triplets talked about being excited to go home and seeing everyone again, whom they’d missed a lot. Both Jack and Irina smiled at them, and Irina knew that even though she still thought Jack was being discharged too early, it would be best for the triplets to go home.
The spent the time until they called home playing board games. When it was their time to say goodnight to each other, Jack and Irina once again kept it brief.
The next morning Jack woke up feeling happy about finally going home. He hoped he wouldn’t have to spend too much time in hospital at home, but at least he’d be home, so he could deal with the stay in hospital. He decided he’d had enough of lying in bed, so he got up before anyone came to his room.
Shortly after he’d gotten up the triplets walked in and were happy that he was already up. Caitie went and got a nurse, and before Irina entered the room Jack had already his pants on and ready to leave for the cafeteria. Irina was not happy that he’d gotten up without anyone in the room, but she kept quiet about it.
They only stayed at the hospital for a few hours before it was time to leave. Jack had one last examination and the doctor was very pleased with the results. When the car that would take them to the airport was packed, they said goodbye to the doctor and the staff.
“Don’t get me wrong Mr. Bristow, but even though you’ve been a great patient, I’m happy to see you leave.” Jack laughed.
“I’m happy about leaving too.”
“Take care and I wish you all the best.” He looked at Irina and the triplets. “I wish all of you all the best.” Irina nodded.
“Thank you.”
They said one last goodbye to everyone before getting in the car and leaving.
When they got to the airport and the luggage had been brought onboard, they all took one last look around before boarding the plane. Jack then looked at them.
“Let’s go home.”
TBC