Beachy

Please note: This is copyrighted (©) by me, Tammtamm. Please do not copy it or save it without my permission. Thank you. This story has some connection to the story Missy and Bob, but you won't see that until much later in the story (however, you may see some similarities). Feedback for the story should be sent to stories@iwuvjoey.com. Any similarities between the characters and people in real life are purely coincidental. These are characters from my mind (although some names and characteristics were "borrowed" from Baywatch). This is purely for enjoyment purposes only. Any and all comments should be sent to me at iwuvjoey@iwuvjoey.com unless it's feedback pertaining to the story. Thank you.

In her hospital room with several doctors and nurses, her parents, and her friend Michael Romanowski, Colleen Dougherty anxiously awaited for the doctor to remove the bandages that were on her eyes. She wanted to see everyone and everything again. That's all she wanted.

"I can't see! Daddy, I can't see!" Colleen Dougherty cried out after the doctor took the bandages off of her eyes. Colleen Dougherty had been involved in an explosion on her boyfriend's family yacht. The explosion killed her boyfriend - Dave, her brother and sister-in-law, and the eight-member crew. She and her boyfriend's brother were the only survivors. The explosion took place three weeks prior to today.

"Calm down, Colleen. It's only temporary. You've experienced massive trauma to the head and neck region." The doctor tried to explain.

"Calm down! How am I supposed to calm down? My boyfriend and my brother are dead. My sister-in-law is dead and the crew is dead. I'm a lifeguard and I couldn't even save my own brother and now I can't see. Temporary blindness my ass!" Colleen was mad. Mad at everyone and everything.

"C'mon, kitten. You're alive. You did all you could to save William, Dave, and Crystal. Everything you possibly could." Mr. Dougherty said in her air in his calmest, softest daddy voice from when she was a little girl. Her mother was holding onto one of her hands and just patted it because she didn’t want to speak for fear Colleen would hear just how upset her mom was in her mom’s voice.

"Collie, it's amazing that you're still alive, this is just a temporary set back." Michael Romanowski, her best friend and fellow lifeguard tried to explain.

"Could everyone please leave me alone? I want to be alone for awhile. None of you understand. None of you." Colleen said to everyone in her room. She had tears streaming down her face as she laid down on her side, away from the doorway and away from her parents and best friend.

Michael looked toward Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty then walked over to the other side of the bed as they left the room and took hold of her hand.

"You're not the only one in pain, Collie. I lost a really good friend and I almost lost you. Don't give up on yourself or your dreams, because I'm not and I believe in you. The doctor said that your blindness is just a temporary blindness. You have to believe that. We all do. Don't shut us out. We're all hurting too." Michael was crying too. He wasn’t afraid to let her know how upset he was too.

"I'm so scared, Ski...what if I can never see again? Lifeguarding is my life.  The beach is my life." She cried. Ski took a tissue and gently wiped the tears away from her eyes.

"You'll overcome this. One way or another. The blindness is just a temporary obstacle. You've had a long day. You should rest. If you need anything, anything at all, just call. The phone is on the nightstand on your right side." Michael kissed her on the forehead and left her to rest. Her parents were waiting for him out in the hallway.

"She's never been this scared before." Mr. Dougherty asked.

"I know… and she definitely blames herself for not being able to rescue everyone. I'm worried. Do you know if she's been having nightmares or anything about the explosion. Has she remembered anything?"

"She hasn't said anything to us about them. I thought she had blacked the explosion out?" Mrs. Dougherty said. Michael noticed Detective Maxim Anders walking towards them with Dave's parents. "Detective Anders... Mr. and Mrs. Mc Collum." Michael acknowledged.

"How's Collie?" Mrs. Mc Collum asked Mrs. Dougherty after they embraced each other.

"The doctor took the bandages off today. She can't see. The doctor said it's only temporary. She's not handling anything very well. The good news is that we can take her home possibly as early as Saturday. How's Dean?"

"More concerned about Collie than he is about himself. Although he won't come to see Collie."

"Would it be alright if I talk with Colleen?" the detective asked.

"She just found out that she can't see, Detective. We were trying to get her to get some rest. Can't it wait?" Colleen's father asked.

"We have reason to believe that the boat was sabotaged. The explosion was not an accident." Detective Anders replied.

"Oh good lord!" Mrs. Dougherty clasped her hand to her chest.

"Now, now, ma. It'll be all right.  Detective, I want you to tell me everything you know and I want to know it now."

"Excuse me, but I'm going to go check on Collie." Michael excused himself and returned to Colleen's room. Colleen was standing at the window with her hand on the glass. She was thinking of David. One of her favorite memories of David was watching him play Frisbee with Kevin Buchanan, Mitch’s son, on their days off in front of their apartment on the beach. She heard the door open.

"I could feel the sunlight on my face. It feels so warm." she whispered.

"You should be resting. You're still recuperating." Ski spoke softly. She recognized his Old Spice after shave aroma as it filled the room when he entered it. She wondered what Ski was wearing. Probably a pair of Levi button flies and a white T-shirt, both fitting tightly on his body enough to outline the muscles in his torso and arms, and a light flannel shirt unbuttoned over the T-shirt. That was what he was wearing the night before the accident and he was wearing a similar outfit now.

"Ski, I can't sleep and I can't except my blindness...even if it is temporary.  I have to find out what's going on. There's more to that explosion than everyone is telling me. Besides...I'm not exactly sure where the bed is." Colleen remarked as she gave him a slight grin. She had to laugh to herself as she remembered the crack she and MJ had said to him – “such a macho man, our Ski.”

"I think I just saw you smile. You haven't done that in a very long time.  Let me help you back to the bed." Michael offered her his hand by touching her elbow.

"What do you know about the explosion. We still haven't talked about it. I need to know. Anything and everything possible. I don’t know why my memory won’t come back and I’m sick of everyone telling me it will come back when my subconscious believes I’m ready." Colleen asked him as he helped her to bed. Once she was back under the covers.

"I don't know if I should tell you this, but, I will.," Ski sat down on the bed next to her. "Dougie and I were the first on the scene. We had Scarab duty that day. When we got there, you were screaming that William and Crystal were dead and that you couldn't find Dave. You had a gash down the side of your face and you were bleeding pretty bad."  Michael traced the slash down the side of her face for her, he held back on how she got the slash down her face as it was painful for him to even think of it. She still had a bandage over the area. Colleen was trying to imagine the scene in her mind to no avail.

"I can't remember it. I remember that day up to lunch and then everything afterwards is a blank. I just remember waking up and not being able to open my eyes to see anything."

"That was three days later. You were unconscious and needed surgery." He admitted.

"Mom told me that part. Continue with what you saw, please. I have to know."

"I dove into the water and handed you to Dougie. Matt and Roe had arrived by that time along with MJ and Mitch in the other scarab so Matt and Roe jumped in with you and Dougie and they took you back to shore."

"Who found Dave?"

"I did. He was still on the boat, trapped under the mast. He was still alive..." Michael started to choke up. He didn’t know if he could continue. Everything was still as if it had just happened moments ago.

"What Ski? Don't leave anything out. Please! I have to know." she pleaded with him. She reached for his face and could imagine by his expression that he was trying not to cry.

"He was still alive. He only had bruises and abrasions on the outside, but his ribs were smashed and had punctured his lungs. While we were working with the coastguard, he constantly joked with all of us. When we got him back to land, he made me promise to take care of you and I promised him I would.”. Ski took her hands away from his face and held them in his. “He told me to tell you that he loved you and that he would see us again someday. … I think he knew he wasn't going to make it." Michael had tears coming down his face. "Mitch drove me here to see how you were and the rest is history."  Colleen had tears falling down her face as well.

"Talking about me again?  What did I do this time?" Mitch asked as he came through the door. Colleen instinctly turned her head towards the voice. "Hey? Why all the tears, pet?" Mitch embraced Colleen.

 “Um, hi Mitch.” She said, trying to sound cheery.

"I just told her about the explosion and what we arrived to witness." Michael said.

"Well, now. The good thing about this is that you're alive, Collie.  Despite all the events and losses. How are you doing? I see that the doctor took the bandages off." Mitch was concerned for one of his favorite lifeguards and good friends.

"I can't see. The doctor says that it is temporary blindness." She told him.

"As soon as the swelling goes down, you'll be able to see again. You took a nasty hit from the explosion and the anchor." Mitch said. He didn’t realize he had said something wrong until Ski said "I didn't tell her about the anchor."

"What about the anchor, Ski?" Collie asked.

"You swam right into the anchor before I could get to you and you knocked yourself unconscious. It was a pretty serious hit to the temple. It’s also how you got that gash." He admitted.

"That explains the swelling. But, I still don't understand the blindness."

"It could be hysterical, Collie. Think about it. You've been through a very traumatic event. You have to believe that you will get your sight back."   Mitch said, trying to sound encouraging.

"Look, there's a detective outside with your parents who would like to talk to you. He said that they have reason to believe that the boat was sabotaged.   Are you up to it?" Mitch asked.

 “Sabotaged? Are you sure?” Colleen asked.

 “Yeah, Collie, the police are pretty sure.” Ski said.

"Okay, I’ll talk to him. Wait, before you let him in, could you do me a favor, Ski?" Colleen asked.

"Anything."

"Could you take me to see Dean later? Please? I need to go to him and know that he’s alive." Colleen asked.

"We'll see. If you're both up to it, I will." Michael said.

"Okay, Colleen. I'm going to get back to the beach and tell everyone how much of a brat you are to the staff. I'll stop by during visiting hours tonight, okay?" Mitch kissed her on the forehead. He joked with her. She knew he cared and that he was just trying to make her smile.

"Uh-huh. And thanks for telling me everything about the accident. Maybe it will help me remember what happened. Let everyone know I'm going to be just fine." Colleen replied. She really did believe that she would be… some day.

"Now, that's the Collie I know and love. See you later." Mitch kissed her hand before he left.

"Ski, I have just one more question before you let the detective in." Colleen said to her friend.

"What is it?" he asked from the doorway.

"Did you go to Dave's funeral?"

"There hasn't been one yet. There hasn't been one for anyone yet. The police are doing extensive autopsies on everyone.” Ski paused for a brief moment then said, “Besides, one of Dave's requests to me was that you were to have the final say on his burial."

"What else did he say to you? Please, I want to know everything." She said. He came back and sat in the chair next to her bed.

"Well, he said that you two were planning to get married at Christmas and that..." he said. He noticed Colleen perk up when he mentioned marriage.

"The rings! We gave each other coral rings." she whispered. She was getting images back… bits and pieces of memory. She started to cry again.

"He gave me his and told me to give it to you when I felt you were ready to deal with the pain of his death and everything. I have it at home on a cord...” he wanted to stop. He hated to see her upset like this. “You're upset. I really shouldn't be telling you all of this just now. How about if I come back tomorrow and tell you more? I'm going to go see Dean before I go pick up Jessie and Joey for your parents. Anyway, the Detective wants to question you." Jessie and Joey were William and Crystal's twins. Her parents were going to take care of them now.

"Ski? Thanks for everything. I mean it.”, she told him. She reached out for his face. He placed her hand on his cheek.

"Hey, what are friends for anyway?" Michael said and kissed her on the forehead before leaving the room. A few moments later the Detective entered her room.

"Hello, Colleen. I'm Detective Maxim Anders. I've been assigned to your case. I'm really sorry about your loss of your boyfriend and family. I do hope you are up to my questions." He asked as he shook the hand that she held out for him.

"I'll try to help you as best as I can, but right now, I can't remember how the explosion happened or the events that occurred before I found myself in the hospital and unable to open my eyes." Colleen replied. "Would you mind handing me the box of tissues that is on the night stand, please?" she felt as if she were about to sneeze.

The detective handed her the tissues.

"Did you know that David had a will and that you are the sole benefactor of everything in his will?" the detective asked quite frankly.

"What! That's silly. Dave didn't have a will. Why would he have a will?" Colleen laughed off the question. She couldn’t believe he would ask her that. David didn’t have anything of real value for a will.

"Well, he does have a will and everything was left to you, including his inheritance from his grandparents. You're now a very wealthy young woman, Colleen." the detective said. At first, he didn’t believe that she didn’t know about David’s wealth or his will.

"I don't know what you're getting at, detective. Dave and I were barely making the bills each month. Why do you insist that Dave was wealthy! I thought you wanted to talk about the explosion!" Colleen's voice was raised enough that the nurse could hear it outside the door. The nurse came in.

"Please, don't get Colleen upset. She really should be resting. She could have a relapse." the nurse explained to the detective. She stood at the door and held it open for the detective.

"I'll come back another time." The detective said.

"With questions about the explosion, I hope." Colleen said. The nurse helped her get situated under the blankets. "Nurse, could you please send in my parents. I know they're still out there." She asked.

"Only for a few moments. The doctor said you are to rest." The nurse allowed.

"Thanks."

"What's wrong Collie?" her father asked, halfway through the door a few moments later.

"I need to speak with Dave's parents. I was just informed that Dave had made out a will and left everything to me. I don't understand this stuff about a will. He didn't have anything to leave anyone."

"You're wrong, Collie. See David was adopted by the Mc Collums when he was a few months old. His parents and brother were in a tragic car accident and his grandparents couldn't take care of him because they were too old. David's grandfather was the founder of Patrick's Pubs International. The Mc Collums were his parents best friends. David has always known about what he was worth, however, he didn't want anyone to know about it and he got great pleasure out of being a lifeguard and living life with you the way it was meant to be."

"Why didn't he tell me? He should have told me." Colleen asked.

"That was what the boat ride was for. That and to propose to you. He had told your brother and mother and me of what he was planning to do."

"How long have you known about his wealth?"

"Since he was adopted. After all, I am the Mc Collum's lawyer."

"Did you draw up the will? Did you know what was in his will? How come you never told me."

"Yes, yes, and because I promised David I wouldn’t."

"So you knew about everything?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I promised David I wouldn't."

"I don't believe this. I don't believe any of this!" Colleen said in disgust. She didn’t know how to feel at that moment. She didn’t know if David had told her about his wealth before he proposed to her that day or if he held that back for fear that she might not marry him because he kept it from her. She didn’t know if she should be angry: more mournful for him; or angry with her parents for not telling her or mad at herself for not knowing.

"Colleen, money never mattered to David. All he cared about was you and lifeguarding. Nothing more. When we get you home, we'll talk about this more. But before I go there’s something else I want to discuss with you."

"Fine, daddy. We'll talk about Dave's will when I come home." Colleen turned away from his father.

"Collie, the detective is putting an armed guard outside your door for your protection." He said directly.

"What for?" she asked and sat up.

"Because he's not sure about the cause of the explosion yet. And your mother and I insisted on it. Please don't argue with us on this. You can't see at the moment and your mother and I would feel much better." He admitted.

"Okay, as long as Ski and Mitch are still allowed in? And you and mom are safe? What about the twins?" she was concerned.

"Mommy and I are fine and the twins are too. And of course Ski and Mitch will be allowed in."

"Daddy, did the detective talk to Dean yet?" she asked.

"I don't know. Listen, kitten. You need to rest. The telephone is to your right on the night stand, and the nurse's button is right above your left shoulder. Your mother and I are going to go home and take care of the twins. We'll come by in the morning." Her father said. “We love you.”

"I love you too. See you in the morning." Colleen said. She heard the door close a few minutes later. That's when she broke down and really cried for the first time about the accident. She missed David so much and knowing that they weren't going to spend the rest of their lives together really hurt. Colleen cried herself to sleep that night.

When Colleen woke up the next morning, she had a feeling she wasn't alone. "Who's there?" she asked.

"You're awake? It's me, Mitch." Mitch replied, "I stopped by last night, but you were sleeping."

"What time is it?" Colleen asked. She sat up on the bed. She was happy that she wasn’t alone in the room. She felt so alone when no one else was there with her.

"Almost eleven. Your parents will be by after lunch."

"How long have you been here? I must look like such a mess." She said as she reached for the drawer on the nightstand to pull out her brush to redo her hair. Mitch immediately went to that side of the bed and got it out for her.

"Just a little while. I didn't want to wake you. You need your rest. And you look beautiful." Mitch said as he brushed her hair gently for her.

"What's wrong, Mitch? You sound upset."

"My best lifeguard is out of commission for a while and there's nothing I can do to help you get better. That's what's wrong." Mitch said. He sat down on the bed and grabbed her hand.

"I promise that I will get better as fast as I can. But if I don't get my eyesight back then we both have a problem." Colleen commented.

"Let's not talk about that. Let's talk about something else." He didn’t want to upset her or himself.

"Roe and Dougie. Are they dating yet or what?" Colleen said. Mitch laughed. "Well, you said that you wanted to change the subject." Colleen laughed too.

"True and Dougie still hasn't gotten up the nerve to ask Roe out yet. But according to MJ, if Dougie doesn't make the first move by the end of the week, Roe will."

"Ha! I knew it. Good for her. So, how's everyone else doing? And Kevin? How's he? How come he hasn't come to see me?"

"He's taking the accident really hard. Kevin was surfing when he saw the explosion. That threw him for a loop. When he showed up at headquarters and found out that it was you and Dave, he shut himself away from everyone, including me. Janice is flying in from Seattle to see if she can get him to talk to her. I'm really worried about him."

"He just needs some time. Dave was like a big brother to him. Kevin will be okay." Colleen hoped she sounded convincing. She wasn’t sure if she would be okay, let alone Kevin. She knew how much Kevin meant to Dave and how much Dave meant to Kevin.

"I know, I just wish I could help him." Mitch said.

"You're his father, he knows that when he's ready to talk that you are there for him." She encouraged him.

"Then explain why I called Janice?" Mitch said.

"Because having his mother around might bring him out of his funk. Sometimes kids need their both their parents to help them through something like this." She knew she needed both of hers.

"He won't go near the water, Coll. He's afraid that the next boat explosion will involve me." Mitch told her. He hadn’t talked to anyone else about this yet. Not even the psychiatrist.

"What! That's ridiculous! Did you talk to him?" she asked. She was so worried for Kevin and Mitch.

"I tried. He's been having nightmares about the explosion and seeing me on the boat. He's in with the psychologist right now."

"Ugh! I have an appointment with one later today. Do you think you could get Kevin to come see me? Maybe it will help if he sees me."

"I'll try," Mitch looked at his watch, "It's eleven-thirty. I should go get Kevin. I'll try to get him to come see you this afternoon. Ski said that he would come over after his shift is over. Do you need anything?" he asked.

"Yeah, a hug." Colleen said.

"Sure." Mitch said and leaned over to hug Colleen. "Get better soon. I'm praying for you."

"Thanks, Mitch. See ya later." Colleen said. A nurse came in immediately after Mitch left the room.

"Hello, Colleen. The doctor will be in shortly to see you. Are you hungry?" The nurse asked. She had a tray of food with her.

"Not really, but I'll try eating. What've ya got?" Colleen asked.

"Seafood salad!" a male voice said as another person entered Colleen's room.

"Dougie? Is that you?" Colleen cheered up at the sound of his voice. She was pretty sure it was him.

"Of course it's me. Who’d you think it was? Brad Pitt?" he chuckled.

 “I wish!” she exclaimed.

"Sir, she can't have that." the nurse said.

"Yes I can. The only reason why I'm still in here is because of my head injury. Ask my doctor." Colleen said to the nurse.

"Alright! I'd say you're ready to go home!" Dougie said. He looked at the nurse and suppressed a laugh.

"Fine, Colleen. I'll just leave this tray here on your side table if you come to your senses."

"You must be new because I don't recall your voice since I've been here and coherent so let me tell you this. I can't see at the moment. I know what I can and cannot eat right now and I do not like your attitude." Colleen said as the nurse began to leave the room.

"Collie, don't..." Dougie warned.

"Doug, could you get that nurse's name and write it down please."

"Sure but what's going on?"

"Complaint time."

"Colleen! You're mean!" Dougie said. Colleen chuckled.

"So. Hey, did you really bring Seafood Salad?" Colleen changed the subject.

"You know it. I also brought you some Iced Tea." Dougie said. Colleen heard him take the things out of a bag. He handed her the bowl of salad and a spoon and set the Iced tea on the bedside table.

"Were your ears burning earlier? Mitch and I were talking about you." Colleen said as she took a bite.

"No. What were you two talking about?" Dougie sat down on her left side.

"You and Roe. Have you asked her out yet?" Colleen asked.

"Haven't had time lately to do that. I'll get around to it." He lied. He was nervous about asking Roe out.

"You'd better do it soon, or you'll lose her." Colleen said. She didn't want him to know that Roe would make the first move.

"I know. I just have had a lot to deal with the past few weeks. We all have and I sort of put Roe in the back of my mind." He admitted.

"Dougie, I know you helped with the rescue of the explosion. Ski told me all about it. Thank you." She was so sincere.

"I only wish it didn't happen. Did Mitch tell you that MJ tried to resign a few days after the explosion?"

"No! Did he let her?" Colleen hoped that MJ didn’t leave.

"She's taking a vacation to clear her head. It seems that she and Dean were involved and he doesn't remember her. She's stayed away from basically everyone except Mitch." Dougie didn't know that everyone decided that it was best for Colleen right now if she didn't know that Dean was suffering from memory loss too.

"Did she say where she was going?" Colleen didn’t catch on and just continued the conversation.

"Mitch said she went to visit her parents in Florida. Let's not talk about that anymore. I saw Billy and Shawnee over this past weekend with Billy, Jr.   Billy's internship in Australia is over and they just came home." He wanted to cheer her up and he knew that telling her about Billy and Shawnee would.

"That's great. Do they know about the accident?" she perked up when he mentioned Billy and Shawnee. She wanted to know everything he told them. She hadn’t heard from them since before the accident.

"Yeah, your father told them. He also told them that the doctors might release you as soon as this coming weekend." Dougie got up and moved towards the door. Dougie opened the door and had a finger to his mouth. Billy and Shawnee tiptoed into the doorway.

"That sounds promising. Could you ask Billy and Shawnee to come visit with me sometime? I've really missed them."

"Did we hear you say you missed us?" Billy asked. He and Shawnee were so relieved that she was alright.

"Billy? Is that you? I’d know your voice anywhere." Colleen turned her face to where the voices were.

"Yeah, and Shawnee's with me." Billy let Shawnee thru to go to Colleen.

"Hey girlfriend!" Shawnee ran over and hugged Colleen.

" Boy are you a sight for sore eyes! Dougie...you brought them with you, didn't you?" Colleen had happy tears coming down her face.

"Yup. We’ll be right back okay? I need to talk with Billy. We'll leave you two alone." Dougie explained. He wanted to give Colleen and Shawnee some girl time. He and Ski thought that Shawnee would open Colleen up some regarding David and the accident.

"Promise you'll be back in a little while?" Colleen asked. She really wanted to talk with Dougie some more.

"Don't worry, I'll bring him back." Billy said. He went over and gave Colleen a hug. "It's good to see you. Shawnee and I have really missed you. But don’t every pull a stunt like this again. I don’t like seeing you in here and you know how I hate hospitals." He teased.

"I've missed you guys too." Colleen laughed. Billy and Dougie left the room.

"Hey, you know, you have to bring me up to speed with everything that's gone on at work since I'll be going back next week." Shawnee said while she opened up Colleen’s lunch.

"You're coming back to work? Who's going to watch the baby?"

"My mom and a nanny. See, my parents have really softened towards Billy and we are living in the guest house and one of the conditions was that my mom gets to take care of the baby along with a nanny. I'll be interviewing all afternoon and tomorrow for one. You want to apply?"

"Sorry, I've got a job. Right now, it's to get my eyesight back so that I can get back to the beach."

"I'm so sorry about Dave and your brother and Crystal. We came back as soon as we heard."

"Thanks, but you didn't have to."

"Billy's internship was over and we were both homesick. Besides, after the two weeks that my parents had spent in Australia getting to know Billy after the baby, they were anxious to have us home. And I know you need me right now. Just as much as I need you."

"I told you your dad would come around."

"Yeah, you did. Well, both he and Billy are trying with each other and that's all my mom and I want. They are still a little hesitant about some things, but they're both coming around."

"Shawnee, it's okay to talk about the explosion. Don't avoid it."

"I just don't want you upset."

"I think that part is over. I just miss everyone so much and this blindness is driving me nuts. The doctor says it could be hysterical. I hope it is. I have an appointment with a shrink later. We'll see if maybe, just maybe, how deep the emotional damage is."

"I can tell you miss the beach. You're usually glowing whenever I see you."

"That'll come back some day. Right now, I have to concentrate on getting better. For Dave and for my brother. My parents are going to raise the twins. Did you know that? Crystal's mother has too much with taking care of her father to raise the twins. My parents are going to work out a visiting arrangement with them, though, and with Crystal's younger sister. You should see the twins. They are so adorable."

"I'll see them soon enough. So what's Mitch been up to?"

"Besides raising a teenager...falling in and out of love like an eighteen year old. Since you went to Australia, he's fallen in love with four different women. This last one, though, she's been with him the longest. I think it's four months. His ex, Janice, has gotten re-married to this guy that Mitch actually approves of. Speaking of Janice, she's coming out to help Kevin get through the explosion thing."

"That's cool. So tell me more about Mitch's current flame."

"Well, her name is Ganna and she's 26. She is a nurse at the Community hospital."

"How'd they meet?"

"Mitch, Dave, and I were on Scarab duty when a call came in about a boat fire off of the cape. When we got there the boat was fully engulfed and there were three victims in the water. Ganna and her parents. Dave and I managed to get Ganna and her mother into the Scarab, but her father had begun having chest pains and having a hard time breathing so we had to act fast.  Anyway, after our shift was over, Mitch was getting down all the information he needed for our report when Ganna made the first move and asked him out. There was some intense body language going on between those two. Kevin adores her too."

"That's great! I can't wait to catch up with everybody! I've missed a lot of goings on and I've missed everyone very much as well." Shawnee said.

"We've missed you and Billy just as much. The beach just hasn't been the same without you guys."

"Yeah, well...we're back and Billy is going back to school to be a Social worker."

"What about lifeguarding?"

"He'll still do that on weekends and a few days a week. Like I told you earlier, he and my father are making compromises with each other. It's nice."

"Good. I'm glad. Listen, there's something I'm going to tell you that you're not going to believe and you have to swear that you will keep it to yourself until the news becomes public."

"You know I will."

"Not even Billy."

"Wow, this must be serious."

"David left a will and in that will everything was left to me."

"That's no secret."

"How about the fact that he was a very wealthy man?" Colleen said.  Shawnee was shocked.

"What, you mean Dave was rich!?"

"Yeah."

"Oh my god. When did you find this out?"

"Yesterday, when a detective questioned me. I'm just beginning to realize that David had a part of his life that he didn't share with me. And I try not to dwell on that because my father swears that David was planning on telling me."

"You mean your dad knew that David was rich?"

"Yeah, my dad was his lawyer. Anyway, David inherited `Patrick's Pubs International' from his grandfather when he was really young."

"What are you going to do?"

"Pray that I get my eyesight back and then I don't know. One day at a time." Colleen shrugged it off.

"Boy, Dave sure kept this awfully quiet."

"I wonder what else he kept quiet and from me?" Colleen said under her breath.

"I should let you nap a little while. We've been talking for quite some time." Shawnee told her.

"Only if you promise that you'll stop by later." Colleen said and began to rub her temples. "Could you ask the nurse for some aspirin for me. I'm beginning to get a headache."

"Sure, we'll be right back." Shawnee said and left the room. Billy and Doug were waiting outside the door, talking.

"How do you think she is?" Doug asked.

"You were right. She is a little distant, but not too much. I need to track down a nurse for Collie, she says she's starting to get a headache. She's also tired.  Billy, I'm so glad we came home." Shawnee explained and hugged her husband.

"Go talk to the nurse, then we have to get over to your parents' to Nanny shop." Billy said.

"Nanny shop?" Dougie asked.

"Yeah, we're going to have a nanny for junior. So this afternoon we're interviewing." Billy explained to him.

"Excuse me." Shawnee said and went to find a nurse. Billy was continuing to tell Dougie the story about how Shawnee's parents had gone out to Austria and talked with them when they heard a scream come from Colleen's room. They ran into her room not knowing what to expect.

"Collie!" Billy flew open the door. Colleen was lying on the floor, unconscious. "Dougie, get help." he said then turned her from her side onto her back and held her in his arms. "Colleen, open your eyes for me. Say something, c'mon." Billy rocked her.

"My head hurts really bad. Make it stop." she whispered. Two nurses and her doctor came in, Doug and Shawnee were right behind.

"Colleen, what happened?" the doctor asked. He lifted her up put her back in bed.

"I got this really bad headache all of a sudden, I couldn't find the nurse's call button, so I went to stand up and the pain got so intense." Colleen said.

"I don't like this, Colleen. I want to do a CAT scan again and run some more tests? Do you have any objections?"

"No, but, what's wrong?"

"I think you may have a blood clot, and if you do medicine will dissolve it."

"If it's not a blood clot?" Billy asked.

"We won't know until the CAT scan."

"Do it then." Colleen said. The pain was getting worse. "And can you give me anything for this headache now?" she heard someone else come into the room.

"Doctor, what's going on?" it was Colleen's father.

"Colleen developed a really intense headache within a matter of minutes. We need to do another CAT scan. Let's go outside and talk about this. I'll go into more detail." he turned around to speak to Colleen. "I'll have the nurse bring you some aspirin, and I'm afraid that I'm going to ask everyone to leave so that you can have some peace and quiet. I want you to try to get some sleep, Colleen. This is serious." the doctor reiterated.

"Collie, honey. Will you be okay?" her father asked.

"Yeah, daddy. I'll be fine." Everyone except for a nurse left the room.

 

"Look, Mr. Dougherty, I'm truly concerned about this complication. We need to do a CAT scan immediately to determine if her brain is swelling even more or if a blood clot has formed on the brain. If it's a blood clot, medicine will be prescribed and hopefully dissolve the clot." he paused for a moment.

"And if it's not?"

"We'll have to restrict everything and everyone from Colleen so that she'll rest. It's possible she might have a seizure and it could be severe. We might have to paralyze her if that happens."

"Oh, Jesus!"

"It's to protect her from injuring herself and it's only if she loses consciousness again or goes into a coma. These are all possibilities."

"What about the pain she's in now?"

"We're going to try regular aspirin for now. Aspirin thins the blood. She shows no sign of the brain swelling."

"Alright, do the CAT scan. I'll tell everyone to stay away until further notice as long as Michael, her mother, and I can get a few minutes with her every few hours."

"Agreed. I'll get the CAT scan set up."

"Thank you doctor." Mr. Dougherty headed back toward his daughter's room. Doug, Billy, and Shawnee were waiting outside her room.

"A nurse just went in to see how she's doing, Mr. D." Shawnee explained.

"Good. Look, kids, I'm sorry, but until we get her completely out of the woods and on the way to recovery, I'm afraid that the only ones allowed to see her are Ski, and her mother and I."

"How bad is it?" Doug asked.

"I'm not sure yet, but I'll make sure that Ski and I keep you all posted. If everything turns out okay, you should be able to see her in a few days. She needs rest right now and she's not letting herself get it."

The nurse came out.

"Colleen is sleeping right now. I think it's better if you take this to the waiting room."

"We will, I just want to check on her before we all leave." Mr. Dougherty said, "I'll be right out."

"We'll meet you in the waiting room." Billy said and gently pushed both Shawnee and Doug toward the waiting room.

"This doesn't sound good, guys." Shawnee said once they were in the waiting room. She and Billy sat down.

"Everyone's gonna be really worried about her." Billy said.

"Like we're not already?" Doug snapped. He was pacing the floor.

"Whoa, guys, just take it easy." Shawnee said.

"You weren't one of the first ones to arrive on the scene. You didn't see Colleen screaming and in hysterics. You didn't see her knock herself unconscious. You didn't watch one of your best friends die." Doug began to raise his voice. Billy went over and embraced Doug.

"You're right, we weren't, but we're here now and we're just as scared and worried about her as you and everyone else are." Billy explained. Roe walked into the room with MJ.

"Dougie? What's wrong?" Roe ran over to Doug and Doug buried his face in her hair.

"Shawnee, Billy, when did you get back?"

"Not soon enough, MJ. How are you?" Shawnee asked as they embraced.

"I'm okay. How's Colleen?"

"She nearly passed out about half an hour ago. The doctor won't allow any more visitors except for Ski and her parents. Apparently she's not getting enough rest." Billy said. Roe came over to where they were standing.

"Where'd Doug go?" Billy asked.

"He needed some fresh air. He's taking all of this pretty hard." Roe explained.

"Roe, this is Billy and Shawnee. Shawnee and Billy, this is Roe. She just became an official lifeguard AND she beat Billy's record for the 100 meter swim."

"No way! It's about time! Roe, you've just deflated his ego." Shawnee laughed. MJ and Billy joined Roe and Shawnee in laughter.

"I'd better call Ski and tell him what's happened. He's going to want to be here if any new developments occur. Anybody got some change?" MJ asked. Shawnee handed MJ a few quarters.

"You'd better tell Mitch, too." she said.

"Tell Mitch what?" Mitch asked as he and his son Kevin, walked into the room.

"Colleen nearly passed out almost an hour ago. She's not allowed anymore visitors except for Ski and her parents until further notice." Shawnee said.

"No! I need to see Colleen, dad. They can't do this." Kevin stated. Shawnee walked over to him.

"Kev, they have to find out why Colleen nearly passed out. With everyone visiting her these past few days she hasn't gotten much rest. Maybe you can call her later after she wakes up from her nap?" Shawnee explained.

"Can I dad?" Kevin looked at his father.

"Sure." Kevin smiled.

"Thanks Shawnee." Kevin gave Shawnee a hug.

"Oh, my, Kevin. You've gotten stronger and bigger." she commented.

"Well, I'm going to go call Ski. Anyone want to come with me?" MJ asked.

"I'll go. Hon, I'll be right back." Billy told Shawnee.

"Where's Doug?" Mitch asked.

"Getting fresh air. I'd better go find him. How about coming with me Kevin?" Roe asked. Kevin followed her out the door.

"Okay, Shawnee. What exactly happened with Collie?" They both sat down on a couch.

"Colleen developed a really intense headache really fast and tried to get help when she couldn't find the nurse's call button. She nearly passed out when she stood up and headed for the door. Her dad is in with her now. The doctor said that he wants to do another CAT scan on her."

"Do they think that the swelling has started up again?"

"It's a possibility. Either swelling or they're afraid that she may be forming a blood clot on the brain."

"Your father is a neurosurgeon. Does he know about Colleen and her condition?"

"No. But, I think that he should be called in. Colleen's doctor is good, but I think her parents would feel better with a second opinion."

Mr. Dougherty came into the room.

"Hi, Mitch, Shawnee. Where the rest of the group go?" he asked as he sat down.

"To call Ski and find Doug."

"Poor Doug, he's not taking Colleen's accident well."

"I don't think Doug ever expected to have to rescue a fellow lifeguard in that kind of a situation." Mitch said.

"Has he been to see Dr. Manskie?" Shawnee asked.

"Daily and for the most part, it helps, but he's still very emotional. He's the one who came to me and requested desk duty." Mitch explained.

"The accident has affected many lives, kids. Many lives." Mr. Dougherty sighed. "I only wish that we'll all come through this a little stronger."

"We will, we all will. You'll see, Mr. D." Shawnee said. "I was wondering if you were thinking about getting a second opinion about Colleen's head injury."

"It was suggested, but Colleen trusts this doctor, and I don't want to see her go through all the testing and everything yet again. Why? Who do you have in mind?"

"My father. I'm sure he'd want to do this."

"Really? I totally forgot your father was a neurosurgeon. Thank you. I'm going to go call Colleen's mother and talk to the doctor. Oh, yeah. Colleen's sleeping but before she drifted off, the doctor agreed to let Kevin in to see her." Mr. Dougherty kissed Shawnee on the forehead and quickly left the room.

"I think things are beginning to look up for all of us." Mitch told Shawnee.

"I hope so." Shawnee looked at her watch. "Uh-oh, I've gotta find Billy and go interview nanny's if I'm to come back to work next week."

"Good luck." Mitch said. They hugged and she left in the direction that Billy went. Kevin came back into the waiting room.

"Hey, sport. Did you find Doug?"

"No. Roe told me to come back to you. She thinks he went to the pier so she's gonna go look there for him."

"Okay. Can you wait here for a minute?" Mitch was concerned about Kevin. He didn't know how Kevin would react.

"I know, you want to call in to HQ. Yeah, I'll wait."

"MJ should be back soon." Mitch wanted to assure him.

"Dad! I'll be fine. I'm in the hospital. You're as bad as grandma when I go visit her and gramps." Kevin laughed. Mitch laughed too.

Mitch left the room.

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