Secrets

Aftermath

Five hours.

Five hours since he fell apart in his best friend's arms.

Five hours since he was escorted to the surgery waiting room.

It's where he still sat surrounded by family and friends. The hospital had notified Rachel's dad since he was in no state to do so. Dean sat with his head in his hands, only looking up to check if it was the doctor coming through the door. He shook off any offer for food, water, or rest.

Not until he knew she was okay.

When the door opened and the surgeon walked into the room, all the air seemed to be sucked out. When he called their last name Dean felt like he was in slow motion as he approached.

"How is she?" Dean rushed out.

"She's stable," the doctor answered, "Mr. McGuiere, we should talk in private."

Victor, who was standing slightly behind Dean, stepped up, "we're her family. He's just going to give us the update when you leave."

The surgeon sighed, "she coded twice. She lost a lot of blood as well if detective Ballias had been any later..."

Dean turned his head to look at Ben, they shared a knowing look. Ben nodded his head at Dean a silent acknowledgment to the silent thank you.

"Mr. McGuiere," the surgeon interrupted, "her condition was worse off than we initially thought."

"What does that mean?" he asked.

"We had to perform a full hysterectomy," the doctor informed. "The amount of damage she had to her lower abdominal area was extensive, there was no way to save any of it."

A soft gasp came from Megan behind him, Dean knew the news wouldn't go down well with his wife. They had just had the twins so talking about more kids wasn't really on their mind. But the option to have more had just been stolen away from them.

"She's in recovery and is heavily sedated," He continued.

"Can I see her?" Dean asked.

"Yes," he answered, "once we get her moved to a regular room the rest of you may visit. We ask only two at a time though."

Dean wasn't prepared when he walked into the post-op room. Rachel's skin was so pale she almost blended in with the bedsheets. Cotton bandages covered her throat and arms to hide her superficial cuts. Seeing her deflated the weight in his chest.

Being told she was fine was great but actually seeing it for his own eyes, was completely different. He reached out and cupped her cheek with one hand,and intertwined their fingers with the other. He knew she couldn't grip back but it didn't matter just feeling her heartbeat was enough.

Dean leaned over her, he gently pressed his forehead to hers. Tears of relief dripped lightly upon her cheeks. He laughed at himself while using his thumb to remove them. A nurse bustled in interrupting him.

She gave him a smile, "We're going to move her now, would you like to come?"

Not trusting his voice, he nodded in response.

It was four hours after being moved that she finally awoke. She was groggy and disoriented her eyes flicked around the room before they landed on Dean's sleeping form.

"He hasn't left that spot," Victor said gently so as not to startle her.

"Daddy," she said softly. Rachel then motioned to her throat then to the pitcher behind him.

"I can't give you that until your doctor okay's it, Rach, you know better."

"I'm fine," she croaked softly, "please, dad."