The miracle of Phoebe!

Chapter six!

Taylor and Ridge couldn't do anything but watch helplessly as the nurses carried Phoebe away. Both went together to the waiting area. Taylor slumped in a chair, she was distraught. Ridge embraced her in his arms and tried to comfort her. But nothing could calm Taylor down, she knew very well how serious the situation was. She was terrified of losing Phoebe. She shared her fears with Ridge.

"I have a really bad feeling, I mean Phoebe's condition was critical before and she barely made it through the first surgery and now a second one?! What if she doesn't make it through this? Her body isn't strong enough for that kind of stress!" 

Ridge didn't know how to encourage her, he was also very worried about his daughter.

"We can only pray everything will go well and that Phoebe will survive!"

Short time later the rest of the family arrived. Bridget had called them and told them about the critical situation. Stephanie with Steffy and Thomas arrived first. Anxious, they wanted to know what was going on. Taylor regained her composure and together with Ridge she explained to them what had happened earlier. In the meantime, Eric arrived too. All of them were deeply shocked and concerned when they learned the bad news. But there was nothing they could do but hope for some redeeming information from the OR.

Meanwhile, Brooke chatted with her sisters. After Eric had left in a hurry, Rick had also retreated to his room. Donna and Katie had noticed all evening long, Brooke was very quiet and tense. Also it had not escaped their notice that Ridge had left immediately. Katie asked Brooke about the reason for Ridge's getaway. Brooke told them about her argument with Ridge.

"He was pretty upset because I wanted to celebrate Rick's homecoming. He thought it is inappropriate for us to celebrate while Phoebe is still in the hospital."

"But Phoebe is not going to get any better if we're all just moping around. Besides, it was just a simple dinner." Brooke nodded at Donna in agreement.

"Exactly, but Ridge doesn't have any compassion for me. I think he resents the fact that I'm happy my son is doing well again while his daughter is still in a critical condition."

"But that's not your fault! He should be happy with you that at least Rick is back on his feet!" Katie demanded.

"I told him the same thing, but he obviously doesn't see it that way. Besides, I think he still blames Rick for the accident!"

"But there's no evidence against Rick, or is there something?" inquired Donna.

"Well not so far, but Lt. Baker obviously still has some questions for Rick. He wants him to make a statement soon. However, in my opinion Rick should take it easy for a few more days. He's not in any condition for that kind of exposure right now, but Ridge is insisting that Rick makes his statement as soon as possible!"

"That's kind of understandable, I mean that he wants some answers. You can't blame him for that. Any of us would react the same!"

"Yeah, but I just don't like his aggressive tone towards Rick. It was an accident and the police will come to the same conclusion. But I'm worried about what a statement might do to Rick. He's still pretty much in shock!" Katie thought hard.

"But maybe it would help him. There is a chance it might free him to finally talk about it. Besides, the sooner the matter is cleared up and the case is closed and the police confirm that it was an accident, the sooner there will be peace again between you and especially between Rick and Ridge. It could ease the situation for all of you." Brooke had to admit, Katie had a point 

"Maybe you're right!" agreed Brooke to her. A short time later, Donna and Katie said goodbye to their sister and Brooke retreated to her bedroom. 

At the hospital, they were still waiting. Everyone paced nervously, transfixed at the clock. Time just wouldn't go by. Every minute felt like an hour. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Phoebe's doctor appeared. They ran up to him. He made a very thoughtful and troubled face.