Busted

Hope

    Ashley walked into Andy's room again. It has been nearly a week since the accident and Andy has yet to show any improvement. He sighed to himself and cursed the gods for this situation. Why is it every time he meets someone whom he's remotely interested in, something happens. Either they disappear or they just don't accept him. Ashley walked through the doorway and noticed Amy, Andy's mom looking as if she'd been crying again. He placed a hand on her shoulder and offered a comforting smile. "What'd the doctor say?" he asked quietly.
Amy sighed and sniffled as she wiped the tears that had just formed from her eyes. "They said that they don't think he'll ever wake up.. And that I had until today to decide whether or not to keep him on the machines." she whispered, tears starting to spill down  her face again. Ashley shook his head and hugged her gently. "Do what you think is best. Don't let the doctors push you around.. They can't force you to let him go.. Not legally anyways.." he said.
Amy shook her head and kissed Andy's hand. "I don't want to take him off quite yet... I feel like he's still here.. Just too weak to wake up quite yet.. He's a strong and stubborn boy.."
    Ashley smiled as he looked at the raven haired boy in front of him. "I think you're right.." He replied. He rubbed Andy's arm gently and smiled as his heart rate started to pick up slightly. "I think these doctors are full of shit.. Andy is still here with us.. Just look at how he responds to mine or your touch.." He pointed out.
Amy looked up at the monitor as they each let go of Andy. His heart rate started to change, almost as if he were panicking. She watched as Ashley gently took Andy's hand. "It's okay.. We're still here.." he whispered soothingly. Andy's heart rate started to even out and he looked much more peaceful.
Ashley looked at Amy and smiled. "So, are you really going to let these doctors try and convince you to give up on your son? He's clearly still with us.. He just needs to rest and build strength."
Amy nodded as CC and Jake appeared in the doorway. CC looked as if he hasn't slept in days. He clung to Jake's side, wearing only a pair of dark jeans and a red hoodie.
    "Hi guys.." Jake finally said with a small smile. He led CC over to the little couch beside the bed. Ashley looked at CC and smiled. "Cee.. Buddy, Andy is going to be just fine.. Look.." he says as he points to the screen. He holds Andy's hand and watches his vital signs start to steady themselves.
CC looked up at the monitor and grinned. "Do you think he can hear us?" he asked looking hopeful. Ashley smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "What do you think?" he replied.
"I think he can hear and sense us.." Jake replied, kissing the top of CC's head. CC snuggled closely and yawned. "Sorry.. I Haven't slept since the accident.."
Ashley nodded and looked at the door as the doctor walked in. He had a grim look on his face. He walked over to Amy. "Mrs. Biersack, I'm sorry but I need your decision.." he said.
Ashley looked at the doctor with a deadly glare. "Excuse me, but who are you to tell a mother that you can't keep her son alive without a legitimate reason.. I've been here since day one, and you only have three patients in the ICU right now that are on vents... why the hell do you think it's okay to just waltz in here and tell this woman that her son must die?" he snapped.
The doctor looked at Ashley, he stood there for a moment stunned and speechless at what  had just been said to him.
    Amy shook her head and placed her hand on Ashley's arm. "Doctor, I understand.. But I believe that my son will pull through this, If you believe that it is necessary to take him off of the machine, you may.. My son will not leave this world without a fight.." she said.
Ashley looked at her shocked. "Are you sure about this?" he asked calmly.
She shook her head and wiped her tears. "I know that this may sound contradictory, but even though he does respond to this... I don't want to let him suffer. If he pulls through, then he does.. But if he doesn't, then I'd prefer him to be at peace.."
Ashley nodded and sighed. She was completely right, it was selfish to leave Andy hooked to all of this when there was no guarantee that he'd pull through.
    Amy signed the papers granting the doctors permission to turn off the machine and remove the tubes. Ashley looked down at the floor as the doctor walked over and flipped the switch, the room falling silent except for the beeping of the monitor. The doctor unhooked Andy from the machine and started checking him over. Ashley shook his head for a moment as he watched Andy. He could've swore he watched Andy's chest rise on it's own. The doctor looked at Amy and smiled. "Mrs. Biersack, you're right.. Your son is a fighter.. He's breathing on his own.." he said.
CC sat up and looked at everyone. "What?" he asked looking around wide eyed. Ashley smiled turning to face him. "Andy is breathing on his own.." he said softly.
He smiled bigger and took Andy's hand. "Way to go bright eyes... you keep doing what you're doing.."