Unexpected

Part 3: Old News

What happened in that van is impossible to describe.

It all seemed like one fast blur to Max.

All he remembers is the door shutting.

The van driving fast.

Someone yelling about a blockade and then Davonte opening fire in the van, while one of his friends stabbed a cop.

Other than that, all he knows is he talked to the police briefly and then came to escort the two officers into the ED.

When he saw Helen looking like a sad lost puppy, he had to wait and compose himself before entering. He wanted nothing more than to run up, kiss her and hold her tight.

So as she was losing strength, he caught her just before her knees gave out completely and he held her as tight as possible.

But seeing how pissed Cassian was, he remembered his place.

At this moment in time, Helen is seeing Cassian and she has made it abundantly clear that that isn't going to change.

So, just when he thought he was going to give into his desires and kiss Helen lovingly to calm and reassure her- he pulls away and leaves her standing there.

Her face contorts slightly as he does so.

As if this action hurts her.

"Max..." She quietly and helplessly says as he weakly flashes her a small smile.

"Good to know you're alright." He says before moving around her and heading into the chaos of the Truama bays.

"Shin, we need you to prep for surgery." Lauren says and he turns to her.

"It's my day off. I'm going home." He snottily says and heads off. Looking at Reynolds, Max gives him a small pleading look.

"I'll get it, Max. Don't worry." He says before pulling the gurney behind him.

"Thanks. How's Brunstetter and the others?"

"Good. Brunstetter is in surgery and Candelario is checking in with the other patients. Everything is flowing smoothly...now." Lauren clarifies and hugs Max as he comes near her. Helen watches this exchange and it fires her insides slightly. Seeing his hands reassuringly rubbing her shoulder blades makes her sick. "I'm glad you're alright."

"Thank you...I should, um...I should check on Luna and Marie." He says and heads off. His head is spinning. His heart is pounding and he feels nauseous. Everything is moving so fast around him it seems.

Needing it to stop, he takes off running. Racing through the hallways.

Dodging.

Weaving.

Skirting.

And jumping around people- Max makes it to his office faster than he ever has before. Unlocking the door, he finds Marie holding Luna on her lap, reading her a news article on puppies.

"Dr. Goodwin! Are you alright?"

"I am now." He says as he picks up Luna and holds her tightly. The child seems rather uncomfortable with this action and begins crying and pushing her father away. Frustration builds in him and he sets the child down on the couch as Marie awkwardly leaves, passing Helen on her way out. She shuts the door and looks between Luna and her distraught father.

She hasn't seen the poor girl since the day before Max took her to live with Georgia's parents. Only videos and pictures filled her in on the child's development.