Down All Your Darkest Roads

Chapter Twelve

A/N: Huge disclaimer! I apologise in advance if what I discuss in this chapter is medically inaccurate, I did a bit of research and worked with what I understood.

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Christine and Stevie raced to Cedars-Sinai in such a state of disarray it would have been amusing if the circumstances weren't so awful. They threw themselves into Stevie's car in their pyjamas, found the closest park that was probably illegal, then hurtled through the hospital until they found the room Mick had provided directions to over the phone.

"Oh brilliant, I'm so glad you two are here!" Mick exclaimed as he enveloped the women in a big hug.

Christine rubbed his back and glanced at Lindsey over his shoulder; he looked pale and terrified but relieved to see Christine and Stevie.

"How is he? What exactly happened?" Christine asked, her eyes darting between Mick and Lindsey anxiously.

"He was unconscious but had seizures one after another," Mick paused to take a shaky breath. "That's how Julie described it. She couldn't tell when one stopped before the other one started."

Christine felt her body go numb with shock. "Those are really dangerous, he can get brain damage."

Mick nodded. Next to her, Stevie whimpered and slipped her hand in Christine's, holding on fast.

"The doctors said he's stable and responsive. There aren't any immediate signs of long term damage but they're keeping him here for more tests." Mick explained. "It's a miracle, really."

Christine exhaled at the tentatively good news and squeezed Stevie's trembling hand. "The bastard never listens. I knew something like this would happen."

Mick rubbed his hand over his face exhaustedly. "Yeah well, maybe it will take nearly carking it for him to finally get his fucking act together. Not that I can talk."

"I was going to say," Lindsey said, eyeing him wearily.

The door opened and Julie entered the hallway, her eyes immediately zeroing in on Christine.

"Oh, you're here, are you?" She observed tersely, looking at her up and down.

"Of course she is!" Stevie snapped. "Got a problem with that?"

"Don't worry about it, Stevie." Christine murmured. "Can we see him?"

"Yes, he wants to see all of you." Julie directed her answer at the men. "I suggest not all going in at once."

"Sure," Mick agreed. "Lindsey and I will go in now and then Stevie and Chris."

Julie said her goodbyes to Mick and Lindsey before they stepped into the room. Not wanting to be around Christine, Julie immediately strode down the hallway without giving either girl a second glance.

"Fucking bitch." Stevie spat, glaring daggers at Julie's retreating form. "Why is she still so rude to you? You and John have been divorced for what? Ten years now?"

"Eleven, actually." Christine corrected her dryly. "I just ignore her, I don't really care about what she thinks."

Stevie turned to her with a tender look on her face. "You're a better person than I am, babe. I would have pulled her hair out by now."

Christine shrugged. "Drunk Tusk tour Chris wanted to but she realised that her replacement was not worth the energy and a possible restraining order."

Stevie rested her head on Christine's shoulder while they waited for their turn. Eventually, The door opened and Mick and Lindsey filed out, their demeanours substantially more relaxed than before. Christine and Stevie stood up and looked at them expectantly.