Seeking Relief

Resolve x4

Jake’s heart felt like it was going to splinter into a million pieces. This small body shook and shivered with such agony as her sobs took over. They all sat like that, all of them holding her while she cried, for a long time. He has no idea how much time passed, but it was long enough that his arm started going numb. But there was no way in hell he was going to let go, not when she was finally accepting comfort from them, when she obviously needed it. He made a vow to himself that whatever it took, he was going to help this woman regain her foothold in life. He wanted to be there by her side when she had a smile on her face and fire back in her eyes. He glanced around his group of friends and he saw his feelings mirrored in their faces. Mitch was resigned with determination. He saw vindictiveness flash across Emmett’s face. He knew that Emmett would have Mitch’s back when it was time to rally up some legal help for Jade. Jake looked up at Adam. Adam looked up and made eye contact with Jake. Jake saw agony and guilt flash across his face, along with something….softer? Jake couldn’t quite make it out. They all watched each other as Jade’s cries quieted, slowed, and her breathing became softer.

Mitch leaned down to look through the hair that fell across Jade’s face.

“I think she fell asleep.” Mitch said. Jake supported Jade while Adam slowly extracted his arm from her waist. He wasn’t quite ready to let her go, though.

“Let’s let her rest and get some rest ourselves.” Adam said. Emmett nodded, with a glance out of the corner of his eye at Jake, he said, “I think we’d like to come back and visit her.” Jake looked at him and nodded.

“I would, too.” Mitch said.

“Okay, I’ll make sure you all are on the visitors allowed list. Mitch, I won’t be able to help you regarding readying a malpractice lawsuit. Now, once you get a lawyer retained, I’d be more than happy to provide an affidavit.” Mitch nodded, knowing that since Adam was a doctor, he had to stay unbiased.

“I’ll help him.” Emmett said. Jake smiled to himself as he thought I knew it.

“Come on, man, let’s go home.” Emmett said to Jake. Jake nodded, and went to lay Jade against her pillows.

Her eyes fluttered open and she looked at all four of them as they gazed down at her.

“Thank you.” She said softly.

“Of course. Jade we’d like to come back and visit again.” Adam said. Jade closed her eyes and smiled slightly.

“Okay.” She said on a sigh. Within a few seconds her breathing was evening out again. Adam reached to brush her hair off her face and slowly drag the back of his fingers across her cheek. Then he stood up and walked toward the doorway. He paused waiting for his companions.

Jake leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek, then got up to join Adam. Mitch lightly squeezed her knee, while Emmett stood up. Emmett held the back of Jade’s head pressed a kiss to her forehead, then let his hand slide down her hair. When he joined the rest, they walked out of the hospital in a quiet group.

They agreed to reconvene later after they’ve all rested.