Chapter 55

Llanview Hospital, mid-day

Clinton has made it through the night with a vigil by his parents and other relatives. In the waiting area that is just outside where Clinton remains fighting for his life, Nash is rubbing Jessica's shoulder while Clint, Dorian, and Viki surround her. They all look exhausted. Dr. Blair is explaining Clinton's condition and the medical procedures that are in place. Clinton has Infant Respiratory Distress.

Dr. Blair: We were very fortunate that our pediatric resuscitation team was prompt in responding.

Dorian: Yes, very fortunate.

Clint: So what's going on now?

Dr. Blair: Well, Clinton is on a breathing machine to deliver oxygen as well as pressure, which keeps the lungs inflated.

Dorian: And the drug therapy, you mentioned earlier?

Dr. Blair: Severe cases are also treated with a drug that is close to the natural surfactant found in the lungs. The drug is dripped into the lungs through a very thin tube in the baby’s trachea.

Jessica: He's so tiny.

Nash: For how long? How long is he going to be on the tubes?

Dr. Blair: The drug treatment reduces the risk of lung rupture and within a few days Clinton should be breathing more easily. Oxygen and pressure will be reduced as soon as possible to prevent side effects associated with too much oxygen or pressure.

Nash: By side effects you mean? (Viki watches Jessica who seems in shock)

Dr. Blair: We would like to think more positively, Mr. Brennan.

Nash: Sorry, but, but...

Clint: It's all right, Nash. We all understand.

Viki: Doctor I think that you should be candid so as to ease their anxiety. (Dorian's expression is that of helplessness. She looks at Viki comforting Jessica, at Nash's distraught face and then at the doctor.)

Dr. Blair: Very well. Long-term complications may develop as a result of oxygen toxicity, high pressures delivered to the lungs, the severity of the condition itself, or periods when the brain or other organs did not receive enough oxygen.

Nash: No oxygen! Brain damage? You mean he could die! (Jessica starts to cry. Viki steps toward her but stops as Nash has his arms wrapped around her.)

Clint: C'mon son, don't go there!

Dorian and Viki exchange a glance. Dorian squeezes Clint's hand that is on her shoulder.

Jessica (buries her face into Nash's chest): Oh God!

Dorian: That's not going to happen Nash! That baby in there is a fighter! (Clint glances at her.) He's your son, Nash! It's in his blood!

Viki: And Clinton is Jessica's baby, too! Oh darling, you really should get some rest.

Nash (removes her from his shoulder and looks her in the eyes): Your mother is right.

Jessica: Are you saying I should leave?

Nash: I could, I could suggest it but ...

Dorian: Jessica, that little guy has come through the worst of it, which is a very good sign. (She sighs, not totally convinced herself) Isn't that right, doctor?

Dr. Blair: Yes, thank you Dr. Lord. I don't want to give the impression that he still doesn't have a long way to go.

Clint (approaches Jessica): Sweetheart, Dorian and I will be here for the first watch with Nash while you and your mother get some rest and come back later. How about that?

Viki: Yes. Yes. (Glances at Clint and then takes note of Clint's nod to continue with his lead.) I have called Kevin and Kelly and Natalie. We'll take turns keeping an eye on the little one.

Jessica: No. I can't leave. Mom, what if he? What if...

Viki: Oh darling... I, I

Nash: It's OK. (Nash takes Jessica into his arms and they walk to away to another area that is close by. Viki shrugs and says, "Well, we tried.")

Clint: I'm worried about her. She's been through so much lately.

Dr. Blair (is leaving): Well, if you'll excuse me?

Dorian: Yes, of course doctor. Viki, we all want to do what's best.

Viki: Whatever that is.

Dorian: I think we all know how difficult it is to leave your baby after giving birth. A mother wants to be there for her baby. (Dorian and Viki exchange knowing looks.)

Clint: I suppose that's normal.

Viki: Of course it is.

Clint: Nash and Jessica... I don't know how much more they can take.

Dorian (caresses his chest): Darling, Jessica is will be in good care with Nash and Viki. Maybe we should go out for some fresh air on the terrace, get some coffee, maybe? It will help us to think more clearly. Viki would you like some coffee?

Viki: No, thank you, Dorian.

Clint: We'll be in the cafeteria for a little while anyway, if anything, you know?

Viki: Yes, no problem.

Dorian(is about to leave and then stops): Clint, why don't you go without me to the cafeteria for a second. (He frowns.) I just need to talk to Viki about something.

Clint: I mean I can just stay and wait?

Dorian: Clint.

Clint: Oh, I see. This is about whatever it is that you still can't seem to share with me?! (Seems agitated.)

Viki: Clint your voice! You need to keep it down! You always get grumpy when you do not get enough sleep.

Clint: Right. Right. I no longer take orders from you, Viki! Not that I ever cared for you telling me what to do when we were married! I suppose that's why we are divorced!

Dorian: Yes, to be honest--this is about what Viki and I discussed earlier.

Clint: So you gonna clue me in or whisper about it behind my back?

Viki (rolls her eyes): I am done with it! WHATEVER! (She walks away and joins Jessica.)

Clint: Now that she's gone. Are you going to level with me, Dorian?

Dorian: I will but, but this isn't the time.

Clint (glances at Viki, who is watching them, and then addresses Dorian): I don't like secrets and lies, Dorian. And, I'm not in the mood to be toyed with. When you got that figured out about me, you know where to find me. (He walks off.)

Dorian looks exasperated and then walks toward the glass enclosure and watches baby Clinton. "Please, live. You're a Cramer."

Clint has approached behind her and overheard her utterance. He questions, "Dorian?" (Dorian turns and is visibly shaken.) "You said that Clinton was a Cramer? What do you mean by that?"

Yay, not only are we getting the Diva and the Cowboy on the message board but we're getting it on screen too!!!!! I'm on soap cloud nine!

And I'm glad that this is all comming to a head. I think 55 chapters is long enough to be toying with us ;) !

Yay yay yay yay for n2.gif. After months on the show/ weeks on the board. :D

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I like her letting it slip that way.

It's very soapy! hearts1.gif

Great Chapter---Thanks Cheryl!