Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 14

"Hi, Tommy?" Nikolas said, as he entered Simone's room. "Where's your mother? Did something happen?"

"Oh, hi, Nikolas," Tommy said, turning away from the window. With a smile he said, "They're running tests on her. She woke up last night."

Nikolas said, "Congratulations! How? What happened?"

"Last night, Gina and I came back here. We sat with Mama for a while and then, I walked Gina to her car. When I came back, Mama's eyes were open, and she kept whispering my name. Man, I think I woke up the entire floor," Tommy laughed, "I screamed so loudly. I think your aunt thought I had finally lost it because when she came in here, she had an orderly with her. I think she screamed louder than I did when she saw that Mama was awake. I'm surprised she didn't tell you when you came in. She's been telling everyone who walks by. So many people, I've never even seen before have stopped by."

Nikolas laughed, "Yeah, that sounds like my Aunt Amy. She wasn't at the nurses' station when I came in, but I'm sure I'll hear an earful later. I'm really happy for you, Tommy. Have the doctors told you anything at all?"

"Nothing," Tommy sighed. "Grandmother is with her, and she said she'll let me know as soon as she knows something. Elizabeth and Lucky are here. They went to the Recovery Room to grab breakfast. They just left. Gina is on her way over, too. She almost screamed my ear off when I called her this morning."

"This is really great news," Nikolas replied. He was happy for Tommy, but his own worries troubled him. Suddenly, he felt like he was an intruder and he rose from the chair to leave.

"You don't have to go," Tommy said. He saw the expression on Nikolas' face and said, "Is something wrong? You don't look so good."

"I don't want to disturb you with my worries on such a good day for you. I think I should just go."

"You're not disturbing me. What's wrong? And why are you here on a Saturday morning? Usually, you and Dawn visit on Sunday. What brings you to the hospital today? Is it Dawn? Elizabeth said that she's been sick. Was she admitted?" Tommy asked, becoming more and more concerned with each question.

"You're right. It's Dawn. She's with Dr. Lambert, having a few tests run. She was sick again this morning and we decided that it was time for her to see a doctor," Nikolas said, as he moved to sit down again.

"Do you think it's serious?" Tommy asked with a worried frown.

"Well, yeah, if what we suspect is correct. Then, it's very serious," Nikolas said.

"What do you think is wrong?" Tommy asked. When Nikolas looked away, Tommy felt embarrassed that he may have said too much. He quickly added, "I'm sorry. If you don't want to talk about it, it's fine. I want you to know that either of you need anything, please let me know, okay?"

"No, don't apologize. I appreciate your concern, but it's personal," Nikolas said, turning his head to face Tommy again. He wanted to talk to Tommy about it, but he wasn't sure if he should. He never had a male friend his own age before, and he wondered about whether or not some things were better left unsaid.

"Okay, I understand," Tommy said, "but remember, I'm here for both of you if you need me."

Nikolas digested Tommy's softly spoken words. He knew that Tommy was sincere and that he could trust him. Nikolas decided to share his concerns with him. "I changed my mind. I would like to talk if you wouldn't mind listening."

"Of course, I don't mind. Hold on. Let me close the door first," Tommy said. He moved to close the door. When he came back, he sat on Simone's bed and mentally prepared himself for Nikolas' words.