Guarded Heart

Chapter 27

Meanwhile in Iraq, Jake is laying in the hospital bed with his leg up in a harness and a bullet wound in his other leg.

"Hey sir, how are you feeling?" Jones asked sitting next to him.

"Like I lost a leg Jones."

"Sir I'm sorry, if I didn't pass out on watch I would have been able to alert everyone in time."

"Jones, it's fine. Don't blame yourself. Be thankful that what happened to me is the worst of it all."

"Have you told Ethan yet?"

"No, we talked on skype earlier, but I didn't tell him, I can't. He's been through enough and has enough going on without having me to worry about."

"But sir, he would want to know, you know that."
"Yes, I do, I also know he would put his recovery on hold and come over here to help me and I'm fine."

"But..."

"Enough Jones."

"Yes sir, sorry sir." Jake sighs.

"I'm sorry Jones, it's not you, you are right, but I can't tell him, not over the phone."

"I understand. The plane should be here soon sir, I packed all your things for you and got it ready to go."

"Thanks Jones. You are one hell of a Marine, don't ever forget that. It was a pleasure serving with you, take care of these misfits while I'm gone ok?"

"Yes sir. You can count on me."

"I know I can. When you all get home, we'll have to have a get together, this time celebrating Ethan's recovery, mine and y'alls return home, safe and sound."

"Yes sir." Him and the guys sit and talk for a bit before he is wheeled to the plane and is on his way home. When he lands Ryan is there waiting on him.

"Welcome home sir, good to see you again."

"Thanks Ryan, he doesn't know does he?"

"Nope, he's resting now. I figured it was a good time to slip out of there while he's sleeping."

"It's a good thing I landed at night, he's gonna freak when he sees me, like this."

"No, he's gonna be happy just to see you. Now come on, I also took his keys and we're gonna go to his house and get your stuff inside and you can take a shower, rest and early in the morning, we'll go to the hospital."

"Sounds good, I am tired." He helps Jake to his car and he drives to Ethan's house. He opens the door and helps Jake inside.

"Good thing there is a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. I'm not going to be able to make it up the stairs yet."

"I'll go put your stuff in the bedroom and grab you some clothes and set them in the bathroom. Want me to help you in the shower?"

"That would be great, thanks."

"No problem sir." Ryan gets Jake's stuff into the bedroom and grabs him some clothes and helps him in the bathroom.

"Here sir, sit. I'll be right back." Ryan ran out and grabbed a plastic chair and put it in the shower and turned it on. Jake takes his clothes off and Ryan helps him stand up and into the shower.

"Call me when you're done sir."

"Thanks Ryan, I know this isn't how you imagined spending your night, but I appreciate it."

"It's really no problem at all sir." With that Ryan walks out and goes to the kitchen and makes some burgers and as they get done, he hears Jake calling him. He goes to the bathroom and hands Jake a towel and helps Jake out of the shower.