Can't Stop (Frusciante fan fic)

Part 27-Me and My Friends

A/N: Little bit of filler, but if you read through to the end, you may see where this is going. Plus, John does something really sweet in this chapter that you can't miss.And his feline namesake reenters the picture.

I feel myself growing angry and letting go of Greg's hand, trying not to lose my temper. I could have fucking died, and he's still looking wistful, out in la-la land, until he feels me loosening my grip on his hands. He turns his head back toward me and looks to reclaim my hand in his. I sigh, letting him do so.

"Oh, God, Ellie, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said that, I forgot myself for a minute. I know you don't want that and got really sick.. I'm so sorry.." He looks flustered, while I stare at him in silence, trying to collect my thoughts.

I just put my head back on the pillow, not knowing what to say. "Well, I'm glad you and the kids came by, Greg. And I'm so grateful for you taking care of Aaron and Sophia. They are definitely a handful," I weakly chuckle. "I think I should get some more rest. I know that's all I've been doing. But I want them to get this damn catheter out and walk out of here late tomorrow or early Monday."

Just then, Aaron and all the kids come in, looking happy and well-fed. "Your Mom is very tired Sophie," Greg says. "Why don't we let her rest and you and your dad can go back to your apartment to spend some time together, since he has your mom's car?" Sophia and Greg nod in agreement and look at me. "Alright. Come give me a hug, everyone, and I'll see you during visiting hours tomorrow!" Sophia and Greg give me big kisses on the cheek.

About an hour later, Jennifer the PA comes in. "Hi Ellie, how are you doing? I think it's about time for them to bring dinner around. How do you feel about getting this Foley catheter out beforehand and seeing if you can pee on your own."

"Oh, God, please and thank you!" I say. She deflates the balloon and removes the catheter expertly. I have the urge to get up right away, and ring the nurse so I can fully empty my bladder and intestines in the bathroom. She obliges me, unhooks me from the IV bags and Morphine pump. All goes well. She hooks me back up, I eat dinner, and ring the bell afterward so I can get up and walk around the halls. She follows me to make sure I don't fall, but I feel fine knowing the security of the IV pole is available.

She leaves me with the bedpan so I won't be awakening her all night, though the nurse thinks I should be able to be disconnected from all the bags and just given Morphine as needed by tomorrow. Sounds good to me.

Just as I settle back into bed, ready to push the Morphine button for a pang of pain, my hospital phone rings. "Mama?" I hear Sophia's voice on the other line. "Hi, Sophie, what's going on?! Are you OK?" I ask worriedly.

"I'm great, Mom! Dad and I had seafood pasta for dinner, and are going to bed soon so we can see you tomorrow before his flight back to Monterey. I just wanted to tell you that John called tonight and asked how you were doing."

"What?! Sophie, did you call John and bother him with this? Why, oh Sophia, why?" 

 "Because I know he cares about you, Mom. And because I knew he would listen to me. No one in our family listens to me." This is very hard to argue with.

"Well, I hope you told him I'm on the mend. You must have worried John sick. Don't do that again without asking first, understand?" "Yeah, OK, Mom, I told him you were better and he seemed really happy. He played guitar for us over the phone too. Some Mars Volta because Dad likes them. I do too now."

Great, so John had to indulge Aaron as well as Sophie. I'm dealing with two children here. But John still warms my heart. "I'm glad to hear that honey. Now get to bed soon. You can watch some TV with your dad first if you're not tired, but nothing scary. I love you baby. See you tomorrow."