Beachy

Section 2

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.

Several hours later............

"Colleen? Are you awake?" Michael Romanowski whispered from the doorway. He crept into the room and sat down on the windowsill, looking out the window. Colleen's parents came into the room.

"Ski? When did you get here?" Mrs. Dougherty asked.

"A few minutes ago. Are the results in yet?"

"Preliminary results say a blood clot. They've started Collie on medication. They'll know more in the morning." Mr. Dougherty repeated what the doctors had told him.

"Well, all we can do is wait...and pray." Ski said and turned back to look out the window.

"I was going to sit with Collie for awhile, but, if you'd like to, it's okay." Mrs. Dougherty said.

"Thank you. I'd like that." Ski said.

"Have you eaten yet?" Mr. Dougherty asked.

"I grabbed a burger on the way over."

"Ski? Mitch and I have been talking with one of the psychiatrists here at the hospital. We all think that maybe it would do you and the rest of the lifeguards some good to have a therapy session or two with someone to face your feelings and grieve for Dave and the accident."

"I can't do that. Not until the police are sure it was an accident or intentional. Dougie and I've done some of our own investigating and we know that the accident was no accident. I spent half of today at the precinct telling the police everything Dougie and I discovered. There will be a news conference tomorrow afternoon about it."

"Hey, what's all the noise?" Colleen asked as she awoke.

"We're sorry. Did we wake you?" Ski asked as he went over to the side of the bed and took her hand.

"It's okay. How long have I been out?"

"Since you got back from the CAT scan. How are you feeling?" her mother asked.

"A little better. What did the tests show?"

"Prelims show it as a blood clot. We'll know for sure tomorrow." her father assured her.

"Well, I guess a few more hours won't hurt." Colleen sounded down.

"C'mon, that's great news. The blood clot is treatable with medication, Colleen." Ski squeezed her hand.

"I know, but, I'm more concerned about the swelling and whether or not it's gone down at all. I want my eyesight back." Colleen stated matter-of-factly.

"We all want your eyesight back too, Collie. Let's just concentrate on one thing at a time here okay?" Ski asked.

"Yeah." she mumbled.

"That didn't sound very enthusiastic." her father supported Ski.

"It's the best I can do right now."

"That's fine. But you'll see just how right I am sooner or later. I just know it." Ski kissed her on the forehead.

"Honey, your mother and I are going to go home now. We'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, kiss the twins for me." Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty each kissed her on the forehead.

"We will. Goodnight, Ski." Mrs. Dougherty said.

"Goodnight." Ski replied, once they were gone he opened up to Colleen.

"Collie, I need to talk to you about something." he started.

"What is it, Ski?" Colleen asked.

"Collie, there's going to be a news conference tomorrow. The police are ruling the accident as sabotage. Dave's death and your brother and sister-in-law's deaths and those of everyone else are being ruled as murders and an official homicide investigation is underway."

"What? How? Why?" Colleen sat up.

"Well, Dougie and I did some digging. Dean's been a very bad boy. Very bad."

"What? Dean's behind the boat explosion?"

"Yeah. Seems he owed some loan sharks a lot of money and when he couldn't pay it, he planned to sink the boat to get the insurance money. The bomb wasn't scheduled to explode until later that evening."

"How do you know all this?"

"Dean confessed this morning and even gave the name of the loan shark."

"I can't believe this. Dean confessed to killing his own brother. Are you sure?"

"Yup. We're sure. I talked with the detective that was here the other day and helped him scan the harbor and beach this morning on patrol. Someone called HQ and said that Dean might be behind it and when the detective questioned Dean, he asked for a lawyer to be present and confessed to everything."

"Oh, no. Do Dean's parents know?"

"They probably do now."

"What about my parents."

"The detective is probably talking with them now. There is still going to be a bodyguard posted outside your door until the police feel that you are safe."

"This is too much. It's too much." Colleen whispered as she let everything she was just told sink in.

"I'm sorry, Collie. I was hoping that nothing would point to Dean, but all the evidence points to him and his confession points to him."

"I want to talk to Dean."

"You can't. He's been transferred to a secured prison wing."

"I need to talk to him."

"As soon as you are out of this place, you can."

"I have to know why."

"I promise you'll get your answers. First, you have to get better. You have to get your eyesight back."

"I need to know why, Ski."

"I understand, believe me I do, but there's nothing you can do for Dean. You can do something for Dave and you can do something for me."

"What is that?"

"You can get your eyesight back, get well, and come back to work as a lifeguard."

"I have so many thoughts going through my mind. I'm not sure what I'm going to do in the future or what I'm going to do right now."

"Right now, you're going to rest and get well and I'm going to help. Shawnee is back starting next week and I've asked for a leave of absence.

"But..."

"No buts. I've talked this over with your parents and with Mitch. It'll be helping you and helping me. I mean it, Collie. I'm going to help you get better and keep you safe and watch over you. I've promised myself and I promised Dave and your brother."

"You are really sweet, Ski. Really you are, but I can't be the center of your life. How are you going to pay the rent? And all your other bills for that matter?"

"Don't you worry about that. Like I said, you concentrate on getting better. It's getting late, I really should go. Do you need anything?" Ski asked as he stood up.

"Yeah, a hug." Collie asked.

"One hug coming up." Ski kneeled down on the bed and scooped her up in a hug. "I promise, I'm gonna help you get well." Ski whispered and put her back down onto the bed.

"Okay, okay. Go home and get some sleep because we have a lot of work to do."

"You too. I'll be back in the morning." Ski said and left the room.

"Goodnight, Ski." Colleen said and cuddled underneath the covers.

 

"Michael!" Mr. Dougherty chased down Ski in the parking lot of the hospital.

"Mr. D. I take it by the look on your face that you've spoken with the police?"

"Yes, we have. Have you told Colleen?"

"I've told her all she needs to know right now." Ski replied.

"What didn't you tell her?" Mr. Dougherty asked.

"I didn't tell her that Dean had planned to kill her and Dave, I told her it was suppose to be an accident and that the bomb was suppose to go off late that night."

"Did she believe you?"

"To an extent. She wants to talk to Dean. She wants answers. Answers that she needs to get past the loss of Dave and Crystal and William and to go on living. I promise I will help her through all of this and through her recovery. Just like we talked about earlier."

"Thanks. I talked with her doctor before I came out after you and he thinks that it's just a blood clot because the medicine is working and the swelling has gone down and her vitals are stabilized."

"Excellent. Well, I'm really drained. I guess I'll go on home now. Call me if there's any change."

"We will and thanks again."

"Thanks for letting me help." Ski said and got in his car and drove off. Mr. Dougherty watched Ski drive off into the night before getting into his own car and going home.

 

"Well, doc? How am I doing?" Colleen asked her doctor when he came to check on her after the rest of the tests had been done the next morning.

"Well, the CAT scan definitely shows that you have a blood clot and not more swelling of your brain. The good news is that with the medication we have you on, the blood clot is diminishing plus the swelling has started to go down. You definitely have a guardian angel looking after you." `Yeah, his name is Dave' Colleen thought to herself.

"When can I start PT and go home."

"PT can start tomorrow. I want you to rest for today. I've allowed Mitch and Kevin to stop by today since you were sleeping when they tried last night. Other than them, your parents, and Ski, no other visitors until after PT tomorrow afternoon. Depending on how you do in PT for the remainder of the week, I might let you go home over the weekend."

"Seriously! Thanks. Have you talked with my parents yet?"

"Right before I came in to talk to you. So, when your lunch arrives, eat it all, take your medicine and then take a nap. Mitch and Kevin won't be by until after four."

"I just have one more question."

"What is it?

"I want to visit Dean McCollum."

"Absolutely, positively not!" Ski exclaimed as he had overheard her request as he walked into her room.

"Sorry, Colleen. Dean is not allowed any visitors except for his parents and his lawyer at this time." the Doctor announced.

"Colleen Marie Dougherty! The only time you will see Dean is at his trial." Ski's voice was raised.

"Ski, for pete's sake, lower your voice. I'm blind, not deaf." Colleen giggled. The doctor chuckled.

"I see we're finally in a better mood. You did that just to get my goat, didn't you?"

"I'll be by on rounds later." The doctor excused himself.

"Yeah, I had no intention of going to see Dean. I plan on getting out of this hospital, hopefully getting my eyesight back, and going back to the beach where I belong."

"Whoa, what's the turnabout about?"

"I had a dream last night about Dave and the plans he and I were making and what he would want me to do about them. However, most of them need your input seeing how you're my best friend and my eyes at the moment. Plus I've been making new plans due to the fact that I'm now a very rich person."

"Wait a minute, don't you think you should wait until you are out of here first and you have your eyesight back?"

"No, I have to keep busy. I have to make sure that Dave is not forgotten and that he didn't die in vain. I don't know why Dean did what he did or why, but Dave and my brother and sister-in-law will not be forgotten. Will you help me?"

"You know I will. Where do I start?" Ski asked.

"Well, my lunch should be here any minute so would you mind helping me with that? And then, I should take a nap. Kevin and Mitch are coming by this afternoon."

"Okay." Ski said.

"Oh, did you hear what the doctor said?"

"No."

"If everything goes well, I could be home by Monday."

"Good. I hope you're going home to your parents' place."

"I'm going to ask them when they get here later. I really have no choice about it until I get my eyesight back. Besides, I need to be there for the twins' sakes and for my sake."

"Not to mention, your mom will insist on it and will love taking care of you."

"Daddy will too. Oh, Ski, I don't know what I'd do without you. Now that Dave is gone, you truly are my best friend." Colleen began to cry.

"Ssh, everything will be alright." Ski went over to the bed and put his arms around her and let her cry. They stayed that way for nearly half an hour.

"Oh, my. Your shirt is soaked." She exclaimed once she calmed down.

"It's okay. It's not the first time you've soaked one of my shirts and I hope it won't be the last."

"I doubt it. What time is it?"

"Almost 12:30. I've gotta get to the beach. Mitch has been letting me slack with my schedule, but, now that you're getting better, maybe I can get my schedule back on track."

"Please do. You've been terrific, but, I think you should get back to your routine. I'm so sorry that you've been slacking because of me."

"Don't be sorry. I wanted to do it. Always remember that. I'm going to go check on your lunch and then I'm outta here until later on. Okay?" Ski kissed her on the forehead.

"Turn on the TV before you go? Kennedy Circle High comes on. Channel 3, I think." she asked.

"You bet. Speaking of your lunch, here it comes now."

"I thought mushroom pizza would be good." a familiar voice said.

"Hi, mom!" Colleen smiled.

"I love it when you smile. I'll see you both later." Ski left.

"How are you today?"

"Good, mom. I get to start PT tomorrow and I can't wait. How are the twins?"

"It's rough. I rocked them both to sleep last night. Shawnee has them now. She took them to the zoo." Mrs. Dougherty explained as she emptied the bag.

"Ah! French Fries and a burger?" Colleen questioned as she sniffed the air.

"Yes, the doctor said it was okay. I also got you a strawberry shake." Her mother explained.

"What's wrong, ma?" Colleen asked. Her mother's voice sounded odd.

"I'm just tired, Coll. That's all."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, c'mon now, eat. Your burger is right in front of you and your fries are to your right. Your shake is to your left." her mother instructed.

"I hope I don't have to get use to this, ma. Because I don't know if I can adapt to being blind for the rest of my life."

"One day at a time, Colleen. Now, c'mon and eat." they ate and Colleen listened to her soaps until she fell asleep. Mrs. Dougherty left after cleaning up the trash.

 

"Mitch, Kevin, have you been in to see Colleen yet?" Ski asked as he met them in the lobby of the hospital. It was six o'clock and he had come straight from the beach.

"We're headed there now. Right, Kev?" Mitch asked his son.

"Yeah, dad." Kevin quietly answered. Ski ruffled Kevin's hair.

"Good, gives me time to grab something in the cafe. She'll be really happy that you both came to visit her. She's suffering from beach withdrawal. I'll be up in a little while." Ski assured them.

"Do you want us to let her know you're here?"

"Naw, she'll just get mad. She says that I shouldn't be slacking in my routine because of her."

"She's right, however, I understand where you're coming from. See you in a little while." Mitch said. Kevin had wandered over to the gift shop and Ski headed towards the cafeteria.

 

"Colleen? You awake?" Kevin whispered as he entered the room. His father was right behind him.

"Kevin? Is that you?"

"Yeah."

"C'mon in."

"Did we wake you?" Mitch asked.

"No, actually, I just woke up from a long nap. It must be sixish." Colleen said.

"Wow. How did you know that?" Kevin asked.

"The way the sunlight's hitting my face. What's the exact time?"

"Almost six-thirty." Kevin replied.

"Boy, I did take a long nap. I fell asleep watching TV with my mom earlier this afternoon. So, Kevin, how are you? I'm so glad you came to see me. Come on over and sit down on the bed next to me." Colleen patted a spot next to her.

Kevin was afraid to sit down next to her. Colleen sensed his feelings.

"I'm not going to break, Kev. I'm fine, really. Just have this seeing problem right now." she joked.

"You really can't see me?"

"Not right now, but soon, I hope." Colleen smiled.

"Me too."

"Kevin? Can I have a hug, please? I miss your hugs." Colleen asked. Kevin was reluctant at first but then gave her a hug. Mitch had a tear roll down his cheek as he watched them from the doorway.

"Kevin. Your dad tells me that you haven't been yourself lately. Why?"

"I saw the explosion and it scares me."

"I know you're scared, but you don't have to be anymore. You know why?"

"No?"

"Because David's in heaven and he's going to watch over us from now on."

"You really believe that?"

"Yes, I do. And I know that Dave would want you to talk about your fears with your parents, or the shrink, or even me. You and I have something very special in common, ya know."

"What?"

"We both loved David very much. You loved him as a big brother and I washis girlfriend. Don't feel that you have to avoid me because Dave isn't around. You can always come to me whether it's to talk or to hang out. Don't shut me out of your life. I don't want to shut you out of mine." Colleen explained. Mitch could see a smile form on his son's lips.

"I promise, Collie. I'll try not to forget Dave and everything we did together and I promise to come hang out with you whenever possible."

"Good. Me too." Mitch said.

"Mitch, I forgot you were still in the room." Collie said, winced, then moved her hands to her temples.

"What is it, Colleen? What's wrong?" Mitch immediately asked and ran to her bedside.

Colleen opened her eyes then closed them again. She saw a bright light.

"I'm not sure, but I think my eyesight's coming back."

"What about the pain you just had? You were rubbing your temples." Kevin said.

"It's not there anymore. It's probably nothing. But could you turn off this light above my bed, Kevin, and Mitch, go get a nurse." Colleen kept her eyes closed and put a pillow over her face. Kevin and Mitch did what she asked. A nurse was by her side within seconds.

"Mitch? I have to ask you and Kevin to wait outside while Colleen and I talk." the nurse said. "Colleen? Colleen? What's going on?" the nurse asked her. The nurse gently lifted the pillow away from Colleen's face.

"Are the lights off?" Colleen asked, tears running down her face.

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"I was talking with Kevin when I got a sharp pain right here." Colleen lifted her hand to her temples, "I opened my eyes and saw a bright flash of light and closed my eyes again. That's when I asked Kevin to turn out the lights and Mitch to go get a nurse."

"Are you having any pain right now?"

"No."

"Will you open your eyes for me?"

"I'm afraid to."

"How about I get your doctor down here and the guys back in here. Then will you try opening your eyes again?"

"Um, just my doctor. I don't want to get Kevin and Mitch's hopes up just yet. Can you also call my parents?"

"Sure." the nurse called Colleen's doctor from her room and also called her parents and explained what had happened. "Your parents are on their way. I need to go out to the station, are you going to be okay until your doctor gets here?"

"Yeah. Could you..."

"Don't worry, I'll talk to the guys for you."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

 

Mitch and Kevin watched the nurse walk over to them with Colleen's chart.

"Hi, I'm Karen. Colleen has asked for you guys to go on home. She's waiting for the doctor right now."

"Is she okay?" Kevin asked.

"She's doing fine."

"What's going on?"

"Well, she's asked to see the doctor. I cannot give you any update on what happened until she is examined by him."

"Do you think her eyesight is coming back?" Mitch asked.

"It's a possibility. Again, I'm not a doctor."

"We understand. Thank you. I think her parents should be here."

"They're on their way. She had me call them while I was in with her earlier."

Colleen's doctor walked over to Karen and the guys.

"Good evening, Mitch." the doctor said.

"Good evening, Brett." Mitch said. Dr. Brett Collins was Mitch's half-brother.

"Is Colleen gonna be ok?" Kevin asked his uncle.

"Of course, squirt. If you and your dad wanna wait around, I'll be out as soon as I can."

"Thanks."

"Dr. Collins, here is her chart."

"Thank you, Karen. As soon as her parents arrive, bring them in. Excuse me." Dr. Collins took the chart from the nurse and went into Colleen's room.

"Hi, Colleen. The nurse tells me you saw a bright flash of light."

"Yeah, and I think I'm seeing double." Colleen said.

"Shield your eyes a moment, I'm going to turn on the lights." the doctor instructed her. She obeyed. "Now, we've been through this routine before. Only this time, I'm not going to tell you what I'm doing. You just tell me what, if anything, you can see. Okay?"

"Yup." Colleen said.

"Good. First, though, you can feel the light on your face. Describe what you see, not what you feel."

"Okay, well, I can see an outline of you, but it's fuzzy. I think you're holding something flat...a clipboard, maybe, and I can see your doctor's coat. It looks grayish to me and fuzzy."

"That's good, Colleen." the doctor moved over to her bedside. "I'm gonna examine your eyes. Just relax." he took out his pen light and flashed the light directly into her eyes.

"Whoa! That's intense, doc." Colleen said.

"Describe what you're seeing."

"Spots of light like after I've rubbed my eyes."

"How bright are these spots of lights?"

"Oh, gosh, like when you enter a dark room and first turn on the light."

"Colleen? Dr. Collins? What's going on?" Mr. Dougherty asked as he and Mrs. Dougherty entered the room.

"Hi, daddy. You're looking pretty good...at least the outline of you is." Colleen smiled.

"What! You can see?" Mr. Dougherty exclaimed.

"Not quite, Mr. Dougherty. I'd like to do another CAT scan right away." Dr. Collins asked.

"Okay." Colleen said.

"Why? What's it going to tell you?" Mrs. Dougherty asked.

"I want to see how far down the swelling has gone. The pupils are responding to light sensitivity, which is good. I'm afraid that I'm going to have to cover your eyes again, though, Colleen. Is that alright?"

"Yes. Please, whatever you have to do." Colleen readily agreed.

"Okay then. Let me go schedule the CAT scan. Meanwhile, I'll have a nurse come in and bandage your eyes. Now, until we do the CAT scan, I can't prescribe any medication for any pain that may occur. Can you tough it out for a little while?"

"Yeah, I think so. Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. You may be on the road to a full recovery, but I want to make sure first. Relax and get some rest, okay?" Dr. Collins said.

"Okay, Dr. Collins." Colleen said.

"Honey, we're going to go outside and talk with Mitch and Kevin. We'll be back in a little while." Mrs. Dougherty said.

"Mom, could you call Ski and tell him about our good news?" Colleen asked before she let go of her mother's hand.

"Of course, dear. Now, the nurse is here to bandage your eyes. We'll stop by later." Mrs. Dougherty kissed her daughter on the cheek and left the room.

 

"Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty? How is she?" Kevin ran to them as soon as they left Colleen's room.

"She's going to be just fine. The doctor wants to do some more tests so she needs her rest." Mr. Dougherty said.

"Is she getting her eyesight back?" Kevin continued to ask.

"Kev, why don't you and I go sit down in the waiting room and talk?" Mrs. Dougherty suggested. "Mr. D has to make a few calls. I'll tell you everything I know."

Kevin looked at his father for approval. Mitch nodded his head, allowing Kevin to go with Mrs. Dougherty. They went into the waiting room.

"Mitch, do you have Ski's number on you? Colleen wanted for my wife to contact Ski on what's going on."

"No need, Mr. D. Ski's in the cafeteria. We can have him paged." Mitch said.

"Good idea. Could you do that while I call Shawnee and check on the twins?" Mr. D suggested.

"Will do." Mitch headed towards the nurses' station while Mr. Dougherty found a payphone. Five minutes later, Ski was at the nurses' station.

"Ski! Good news! Colleen can see shapes." Kevin ran to him.

"Hey pal! That is good news. How ya doin?" Ski was enthusiastic as he picked Kevin up and gave him a hug.

"Hi, Ski. I guess Kevin told you the news?" Mitch said.

"Yeah. How much sight has she gotten back?"

"Kevin, why don't you go sit with Mrs. Dougherty? I want to talk with Ski."

"Can I have some money for a soda?" Kevin asked.

"Sure, here..." Mitch gave him a dollar in change and watched Kevin walk away from him.

"Well, she can see figures and shapes and bright light hurts her eyes. Dr. Collins is going to be doing a CAT scan as soon as he can schedule it in. They re-bandaged her eyes until the results are in. Hopefully, she's resting." Mitch explained.

"What happened?"

"Well, when Kevin and I were in with her, She started rubbing her temple and asked Kevin to turn out the lights and for me to get the nurse. She said she felt sharp pain and saw a bright flash of light." Mitch continued.

"Whoa, does this mean that her sight is coming back full force?"

"We don't know. That's what the CAT scan is for. Right now she can see outlines of things, but they have bandaged her eyes."

"Man, I hope she gets her sight back. 100%. I'm gonna go in and check on her." Ski headed towards her room.

"You love her, don't you?"

"I always have, Mitch. I've never stopped."

"Does she know how you feel?"

"No, but David did. He always did know." Mitch said.

"Take things slow, okay?"

"I will. I have no intention of telling her how I feel just yet or asking her out on a date. It's too soon. I'm just going to be there for her as I always have been." Ski said.

"Kevin and I are going to go on home, call or stop by if you need to talk." Mitch offered.

"Thanks, I think that I just want to be by myself for now. Goodnight." Ski said and went into Colleen's room. "Colleen? Are you awake?" he whispered. He waited at the door to see if she would reply, when she didn't he walked over to her bedside and sat down in the chair next to it and grabbed a hold of her hand. He remained that way for a half hour, until Dr. Collins came in.

"Hi, Michael. We're ready to do the CAT scan."

"Let me wake her." Michael suggested.

"Okay, I'll be back in 10 minutes." Dr. Collins left the room.

"Colleen? Collie? Time to wake up." Ski said as he pushed her hair away from her eyes.

"Hmmm? What time is it?" Colleen asked.

"Almost eight. Dr. Collins is ready to do the CAT scan." Ski explained.

"Did my mom tell you everything?" Colleen said as she sat up.

"Mitch did. I was already in the cafeteria when I was paged."

"Good. Are you okay? You sound distant?"

"I'm fine, Coll. Don't worry about me. Just concentrate on getting better." Ski assured her.

"I'm trying. Is everyone still here?"

"No. Mitch and Kevin went home. I think your parents are in the waiting room, though."

"Oh, please tell them to go on home. The twins need them."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine. Dr. Collins is going to do the CAT scan and then I'm going to go back to sleep." Colleen said.

"Sounds like a plan. If you don't mind, I think I'll just hang out here for awhile." Ski said. Tears were streaming down his face.

"Oh, Ski. Why don't you go out and have some fun? Call up Billy and Shawnee or one of your other friends. You deserve some fun." Colleen moved her hand up to his cheek. She felt the tears. "You're crying. Why?"

"That's sweat, Coll." He lied. Dr. Collins came into the room.

"Okay, Colleen, you ready to do the CAT scan?" Dr. Collins asked.

"Um, yeah." Colleen replied. She began to worry about Ski. "Ski, will you stay and wait for me to get back?"

"I have no intention of going anywhere." Ski said and helped Colleen get into the wheelchair that Dr. Collins brought with him.

"We should be back in about an hour." Dr. Collins said.

"Okay. I'll see you in an hour, Colleen."

"I hope so." Colleen said as Dr. Collins wheeled her out of the room. Ski sat back down in the chair and wept. He loved her so much and to see her so dependent on others when he knew just how independent she loved to be, hurt him deeply.

 

"Good morning, Colleen." Dr. Collins stated as he walked into her room a few days later.

"So, how am I doing, doc?" Colleen asked him.

"You tell me?"

"Well, I really like the blues and greens in your tie. They light up your eyes even more than yesterday." Dr. Collins laughed.

"I'm glad you approve. Well, today's the day you can go home, on one condition!"

"What's that." Colleen smiled.

"You wear the prescribed sunglasses whenever you are outside. Your eyes are still sensitive to sunlight. And remember, until I give the okay, do not go back to work at the beach."

"I know, I'll be busy with doing other things anyway." Colleen said.

"Okay then, I just need to finish the paperwork, get your signature, then you can be on your way. Oh, where are you going to be staying? With your parents?"

"No, I'm going home...to my apartment. I've got to call Ski and tell him the good news and I've got to pack. I'll see you in a little while?"

"Yes, Colleen. I'll be back as soon as I can." Dr. Collins said and left the room.

Colleen picked up the phone and called Ski's house. Ski had told her that he had the day off when he visited with her the night before.

"Hello?" a groggy-voiced Ski answered the phone.

"Ski? It's me Colleen."

"What's wrong?" Ski asked with alarm in his voice.

"Nothing, I've got good news. I'm being released from the hospital today and I need your help."

"You're going home today! That's great! What do you need me to do?"

"I need for you to go to my apartment and get the jeep. You'll find the keys on the key ring next to the backdoor."

"You're not going to stay with your parents for a little while?"

"No, I need to go back to the apartment for a few days. To say goodbye to Dave, will you help me?"

"Of course I will. Let me take a shower and wake up and I'll be over in about an hour or so, okay?"

"Thanks so much."

"Collie, are you sure you want to do this?"

"I'm sure. I need to do this."

"Okay. I'll see you soon."

"See ya soon." Colleen hung up the phone and went into the bathroom to change and put on some makeup before packing up everything.

 

A little over an hour later Ski walked in with Dr. Collins.

"What's this? A conspiracy?" Colleen asked as she zipped up her suitcase.

"No, just found the doctor finishing up the paperwork at the nurses' station. You almost ready?" Ski asked.

"Yeah."

"Colleen, we're gonna leave through a side door." Ski said suddenly.

"Why? What's going on?"

Ski looked at Dr. Collins.

"Your release was leaked to the press." Ski answered her.

"Okay, so we leave through a side door. Dr. Collins, can you handle the press? I know I'm going to have to talk to them sooner or later, but I'm just not ready yet. I have some things that I need to do before hand." Colleen said. A candy striper came into the room with a wheelchair.

"I'll handle them. I just need your signature on the paperwork and then you're free to go." Dr. Collins handed the clipboard with the release forms over to her.

Ski had looked around the room.

"Coll, I don't think all of these flowers are going to fit in the back of the jeep." he said to her.

"I know, that's why I would like it if they could be taken to the pediatric ward?" Colleen asked as she signed the papers.

"Amy will see that they get there."

"Oh, the carnations, I'd like them to go to Jimmy Peterson. You know, the little boy that I had therapy sessions with."

"I'll see that he gets them." Amy, the candy striper said.

"Other than that, everything that I'm taking home with me is on the cart, except for the suitcase." Colleen pointed out. Ski looked over at the cart and saw that the roses and the stuffed animals that he got for her were on it. He smiled.

"Okay, doc. Here you go. Can I go home now?" Colleen handed back the paper work.

"Sure. Nurse Benson will walk with you out to the jeep. I'll see you in two weeks for a check-up."

"You bet. One more thing?" Colleen asked.

"What is it?"

"Can I have a hug?" Colleen asked.

Dr. Collins opened his arms for her to step into.

"Thanks for everything and thanks for your friendship too." Colleen whispered in his ear.

"Just remember to wear those sunglasses when you're out in the sun and out in the open." Dr. Collins helped her back into the wheelchair.

"I will."

"And get some rest, you're still a little weak." Dr. Collins said as he watched them leave the room. Colleen raised her hand in a wave as she went down the hall.

"Are you sure I can't help you with anything else?" Ski asked once they had finished stocking the refrigerator with groceries.

"Nope, that's all. Why don't we just relax a while in the living room." Colleen suggested.

"How about lunch? You haven't eaten anything." Ski suggested.

"Okay."

"Good, go pick out a movie while I make some sandwiches." Ski playfully kicked her out of the kitchen. Colleen went into the living room and instead of picking out a movie she played back the answering machine. "Hey, Ski? Didn't anyone check the answering machine while I was in the hospital? There's a lot of messages on this thing." she yelled to him. Ski had run back into the living room to find Colleen holding a picture of her and David and crying. Ski sat down next to her.

"He left a message that morning. He said he loved me."

"I'll get a new tape this afternoon. Don't listen to these now." Ski said, he put the music video station on. "I'll be right back." Ski left Colleen in the living room while he finished making lunch. The phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Ski? Is that you?"

"Hey Mitch. What's up?"

"Colleen's mother just called me. She said that Collie was released this morning. Is she there?"

"Um, yeah, but she's not doing so good."

"What do you mean?"

"Remember how I told you about Dave leaving a message on the answering machine the day of the explosion?"

"Don't tell me she heard it?"

"Yeah, she did. Look, I'm making lunch for us now, how about calling back later? I'm going to try to get her mind off of Dave."

"Okay, Ski. But, I think I should warn you, her mother is looking for her." Mitch said.

"Thanks." Ski hung up the phone.

"Who was on the phone?" Colleen asked as she came into the kitchen.

"Mitch, your mom is looking for you."

"Oh, I forgot to call her and tell her I was being released today. She's probably worried."

"Better call before she shows up." Ski smiled.

"You're right." Colleen took the phone and walked into the living room.

"Hi, mom. It's me."

"Colleen Marie! Where are you?" her mother asked.

"I'm home, where I belong. I just thought you should know." Colleen replied. "And please, don't come over. I'm alright, Ski's with me. We're about to have lunch."

"Collie, I don't think you should be there." her mother insisted.

"I don't want to discuss my living arrangements with you, mom. I'll call later, some time after dinner. Give the twins a kiss for me." Colleen said and hung up the phone.

"Lunch is ready." Ski said as he entered the living room.

"Wow! You even made Kool-Aid. I'm impressed." Colleen smiled.

"I do know how to read directions, thank you very much." Ski teased.

"This is really nice of you to do all this for me and to help me with groceries and coming home and everything, but I don't need a babysitter." Colleen said as they ate the turkey sandwiches.

"I know you don't, but I don't mind doing this. I like helping. You know that."

"Okay, let me put it another way. I need time to grieve for David and for William and Crystal. Time by myself, that's why I'm going away for a few days." Colleen said matter-of-factly.

"You're what? Are you crazy?"

"No. I just need to be by myself for a few days and I know that with everyone at HQ including you and my parents and Dave's parents, I feel that I won't get the privacy I want and need to grieve. I've already made the arrangements with Dr. Collins and my father." Ski couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"What are you telling me exactly?"

"As you know, the viewings and funerals for Dave, William, and Crystal are tomorrow. Immediately after the funeral, I'm leaving for the East Coast for a few weeks. Dave loved the East and always wanted to go there for a vacation. I'm going there to rest, relax and think. I'll be gone for about two weeks."

"Why can't you stay here."

"Because I can't work right now. Doctor's orders. I know that right now, if I don't work and stay here that I'll go nuts, that's why I've got to get away. Please understand." Colleen said.

"I do, but let me go with you. You shouldn't be alone." Ski said.

Colleen took his hands in hers.

"Since the explosion occurred, I haven't been alone. Someone's always been with me for pretty much of my waking hours. I have every right to feel this way and I need to do this. For my sanity."

"Okay, okay, I understand." Ski sounded angry. He got up and left the room. Colleen threw up her hands in disbelief, "Why me?" she said and went to look for him. She found him out on the patio overlooking the ocean.

"Ski? What exactly is wrong? Please talk to me?" Colleen asked.

"Nothing, I have to leave. I'm sorry." Ski said. He kissed her on the forehead and hastily left her apartment. Colleen stayed out on the balcony and just looked at the waves coming in. She imagined Dave taking an early morning surf on them and it was there that she let the tears begin in a steady stream. The entire time she was in the hospital she never allowed herself to let go and admit that David was truly gone; that her brother, William and his wife, Crystal, were gone as well. She sat down on a lawn chair and put the afghan that was at the foot of it, over her. She let the memories flow of the many times she and David would sit out on the deck and just watch their dogs play in the water. "Oh god! The dogs!" Colleen snapped out of her funk and called her mother again.

"Hello?"

"Mom, it's me? Where are Mickey and Minnie?" Colleen asked. Mickey was a German Shepherd and Minnie was a Cocker Spaniel.

"Headquarters or with Kevin? Mitch offered to take care of them. Hey, are you okay."

"Yeah, mom. I'm just dealing with reality."

"How about coming over for dinner tonight. The twins would love to see you."

"Okay, I'll be there around 7:30. I gotta go. I have to find the dogs." Colleen said and hung up the phone. She called Mitch at headquarters.

"Headquarters, Mitch speaking."

"Hi, Mitch. It's Colleen."

"Hey, how ya doing?"

"I'm home. I understand you've been dog-sitting?"

"Yeah, the dogs are here with me now. Kevin just got back. Do you want Kevin to bring them over to you?"

"No, I'll be down shortly? Did Ski show up there?"

"No, why?"

"He got angry with me, then told me nothing was wrong, and left a little while ago."

"You told him you wanted to be alone to grieve and that you were going away, right?"

"Yeah, he's my best friend. I had to."

"You know how stubborn he is when it comes to you. Give him some time, he'll be fine."

"I don't know. Something's up with him. I can feel it. Anyway, let me just freshen up and then I'll be over. Oh, and thanks for taking care of the dogs for me."

"Anytime. I'll see you soon." Mitch hung up the phone and went to find MJ and Shawnee to tell them the good news. Colleen grabbed a shower and put on a short outfit. She noted right away that she had lost weight. `Better start workouts right away', she commented. When she got into the living room, she heard Ski on the answering machine.

"...Collie, are you there? If you are, please answer the phone...Collie? Oh, well, I guess you don't want to talk to me right now. I'm sorry about earlier. I'll call back later I guess." Ski said and hung up the phone. `Ski, I don't know what your problem is, but, you've got to stop treating me with kid gloves.' Colleen said, she put on some make-up, grabbed a pair of flip-flops, her purse, the sunglasses and her keys and headed towards headquarters. "Shit, I should clean out David's locker." Colleen said aloud and found a place to turnaround to head back to the apartment. She ran in and grabbed one of her lifeguard duffle bags and again headed towards HQ.

 

"Mitch? Mitch?" Colleen said as she searched for him throughout the building. She found him, and everyone else, in the common room.

"Welcome home!" Everyone had shouted. She smiled and went straight to Mitch.

"You dirty dog, you. I should've known you would pull something like this."

"I had help." Mitch said and pointed at MJ and Shawnee.

"Well, thanks everyone. For your prayers, your phone calls, your flowers, and your concern, but most of all for your strength and belief in me. Without it, I might still be in the hospital learning how to cope with being blind." Colleen said to everyone. She saw Ski standing at the top of the stairs.

"Yes, I called him." Mitch said.

"I can't stay, Mitch, but I need to clean out Dave's locker." Colleen said to Mitch. "Everyone, thanks for the warm welcome, but I can't stay. Excuse me." Colleen excused herself and went into the men's locker room. Ski followed her.

"Collie, I need to talk to you." Ski said. Colleen had opened Dave's locker and had begun packing the duffel bag.

"Not now, Ski. I can't deal with you right now." Colleen didn't even look at him.

"Well, you have to deal with me." Ski said and walked over to Dave's locker and stood between Colleen and the locker.

"Not now, not today. I've come to clean out David's locker and to get my dogs, then I'm going to my parents' for supper." Colleen told him.

"Did you get my phone message?"

"I can't talk now, please, just go away." Colleen said and pushed Ski away.

This time, Ski didn't argue. He didn't say a word. He just left. Colleen sat down on the bench and cried for a few minutes before finishing up with the locker, locating the dogs and leaving headquarters.

 

"Mom? Dad? Jessie? Joey?" Colleen said as she opened the back door.

"Aunt Collie! Aunt Collie!" Colleen heard the twins yell as they ran toward her. Colleen took off the sunglasses and opened her arms in preparation to give the twins a hug.

"There you are! My two favorite kids in the whole world." Colleen said. The twins ran right into her arms.

"Collie. How are you feeling?" Her father said as he entered the family room.

"A little tired. I packed a bag and brought the dogs with me. Is it okay if I stay over tonight? I thought I could handle being in the apartment, but I can't just yet." Colleen asked her father as she gave him a hug, while still holding the twins.

"Of course you can. Where are the dogs now?"

"In their kennels. I forgot how hard it was to get Mickey into his!"

"I'll go get them and bring them in. Your mother is in the kitchen. Your mom will be glad that you're staying over tonight. We were both hoping you'd stay with us for awhile."

"Daddy, you know my plans. Did you write up my will?"

"Yeah, it's all ready for your signature. We'll talk business after the twins are in bed."

"Okay. C'mon, Joey, Jess. Let's go find Gramma." Colleen said. She put the twins down, but Jessie wouldn't let go. "Okay, I'll hold you." Colleen said as Jessie wrapped her arms around Colleen's neck a little more. Joey took Colleen's other hand and led her into the kitchen.

"Gramma! Look!" Joey proudly exclaimed as they entered the kitchen.

"What? What?" Mrs. Dougherty playfully exclaimed.

"Auntie Collie!" Jessie proudly announced.

"Hi, dear." Mrs. Dougherty embraced her daughter.

"Hi, mom." Colleen said.

"Dinner won't be ready until seven-thirty. It's only five-thirty."

"I know..." Colleen said.

"Collie is going to stay over for tonight." Mr. Dougherty announced as he and the dogs came into the kitchen.

"Good, good. Well, your room is ready. You look tired, why don't you go up and take a nap?" her mother suggested.

"If the kids will let me." Colleen laughed.

"Joey, Jessica, leave Aunt Colleen alone and go play in the family room with Mickey." Mrs. Dougherty instructed.

"Promise you'll play later?" Jessica asked Colleen.

"I promise, little one." Colleen put Jessica down.

"Well, do I need to show you to your room, too?" her mother commented.

"Maybe you could tuck me in?" Colleen shyly asked as she picked up Minnie. Minnie eagerly licked Colleen's face.

"Okay, go on up. I'll be right there." Mrs. Dougherty said.

"Dad, would you mind getting my bag and putting the jeep in the garage?"

"No problem, sweetie."

"And if Ski calls, I'm not here."

"We understand, Collie." Mr. Dougherty told his daughter. Colleen put Minnie down and walked towards the stairway and up to her old room. "Come along, Minnie." she said to the dog and together they went up to her room.

"Bill, I'm worried about her." Mrs. Dougherty said.

"She'll be fine, Sarah. She's not ready to stay in the apartment alone yet. So until she is, we'll be right here for her." Mr. Dougherty hugged his wife.

"Keep an eye on the twins, I'll be right down." Mrs. Dougherty said.

"Okay, Collie, what's wrong?" Mrs. Dougherty asked her daughter once the door was closed behind her.

"I went to HQ to pick up the dogs and while I was there...I cleaned out David's locker. He's really gone, ma...gone!" Colleen softly spoke while looking out the window at the back yard. The twins were playing with the dogs.

"Yes, honey, he's gone."

"All the time I spent in the hospital, I always held out hope in the back of my mind that David wasn't dead, that he survived the explosion, that no one knew exactly where he was, but, he's being..." Colleen couldn't help but cry uncontrollably.

"Laid to rest tomorrow. I know, honey. I know." Mrs. Dougherty was crying too. "You've been trying to be so strong for everyone else that you wouldn't let yourself truly believe that the explosion really happened. It's okay Colleen, your father and I are here for you." Mother and daughter hugged.

"How are we going to get through tomorrow?" Colleen asked after she managed to control the sobs.

"By knowing that David, Crystal, and William are with God and are watching over us. That's all we can do. Now, what's going on with Ski? Are you two fighting?"

"I'm not sure what we're doing? I told him that after the funeral tomorrow that I'm going away for two weeks, to grieve for David. Ski was so upset with me, mom. I think he's too protective of me. I can't deal with him right now. I just can't." Colleen insisted.

"Ski loves you, Collie. I can see it in his eyes and his face whenever he's near you, at the mention of your name and when he's thinking about you. Colleen, I believe he's loved you from the first day you two met."

"You can't be serious, mom. If he loves me, then why hasn't he said anything to me? Why is he..." Colleen stopped short, "Ah, that would explain his behavior lately, especially today in the locker room. Oh, gosh. What am I going to do?"

"Things will work out with you two. You'll see. Now, why not take a nap before dinner?"

"I have to run an errand, ma. Don't hold dinner for me and please don't worry about me."

"Do you need any money? Will you be okay?"

"No money and I'll be fine. I'll hook up the car phone if you want me to." Colleen said.

"I'd feel better if you took the Storm. The car phone's already hooked up and the CB too, plus it's safer to drive at night."

"Okay, mom. I'll take the Storm. I'm gonna go change and redo my face and then I'll be out of here."

"Can I ask where you're going?"

"I'm not sure. I guess to find Ski first and then probably over to the wharf."

"Alright, if you need anything just shout. The CB will be on most of the night."

"Thanks, mom." Colleen hugged her mother.

Colleen picked up the phone and dialed Ski's house.

"Hello?"

"Ski? It's Colleen. We need to talk. Can I come over?" Colleen asked.

"Sure. How soon will you be here?" Ski asked. He sounded like he was sleeping.

"Fifteen minutes okay?"

"Yeah. I'll be here." Ski said and hung up the phone.

 

Colleen drove over to Ski's house with the country music station on. She could see Ski sitting on the beach in front of his apartment. She parked the car in his garage and walked over to where he was sitting.

"Hi, Ski."

"Hi, Colleen. Have a seat."

"Can we walk instead?" Colleen asked.

"Sure." Ski said. Colleen helped him up. "C'mon Chase." Ski yelled to his Labrador retriever.

They walked in silence for a while, enjoying the sea breeze and the sunset. Ski spoke first.

"Colleen, I don't know how to say this and I can't wait any longer to say it so I'm just going to say it." Ski stopped walking and looked at Colleen.

"What is it?" Colleen said.

"I'm in love with you. I have been for the longest time. I wasn't planning on telling you just yet, but with you going away for two weeks is just going to make me insane. Please don't go." he begged.

"I have to go, Ski. I have to say good-bye to David in my own way. I've been thinking too and I want you to come with me. You're my best friend and I trust you with my life, but before I can move on, I need to say good-bye to David. Can you understand me?"

"Does this mean that there's hope for you and me?"

"I don't know about a relationship more than friends right now. What I'm saying is be patient with me. Dave and I had something very special and it's going to take a while to let go and move on, but I'm trying. Okay?"

"You have just made me the happiest lifeguard ever!" Ski said and swept her up into a big swirl of a hug.

"Please let me down!" Colleen laughed. Chase was barking and jumping around them. Ski put her down and she held her head.

"Oh, gosh, are you okay? I'm sorry." Ski said.

"Yeah, my head is still really sensitive yet, but I'm okay." Colleen insisted.

"Did you eat yet?" They began walking back towards the beach house.

"No. I'm going to go to the wharf for dinner. It was Dave's favorite place. How about coming with me?" Colleen asked.

"Sure. Let me just take a quick shower?"

"Alright. I'll call my mom while you're in the shower. I don't want her to worry. I told her I was going to stay over there tonight and then I came to see you."

"Okay. Chase! Here boy!" Ski yelled for the dog to follow them. Chase was barking wildly at something he found in the water.

"I think he's found something in the water, Ski. Maybe we should check it out?" Colleen suggested. They jogged over to where Chase was.

"What is it boy?" Colleen asked as Ski scanned the water.

"Oh my god, look, out about half a mile... Looks like a capsized boat. Go call for help." Ski instructed.

"But..."

"Just do it." Ski yelled as he took off his shirt. Colleen ran back up to the patio and called HQ.

"Mitch? I'm at Ski's. There's a small craft capsized about half a mile off of Zuma point. Send the Scarab, possible multi-victims." Colleen said and ran with the cellular phone to where Chase still was. Colleen had grabbed a lifesaver and canteen for Ski. She saw Ski dive down into the water.

"Colleen, don't hang up the phone." Mitch said.

"I won't." Colleen replied. "Chase, come." Colleen instructed the dog to come near her. A few people had begun gathering around her.

"Colleen?"

"Mitch?"

"Where's Ski now?"

"He just dove under the water...wait, here he comes."

"Okay. I've got the scarab and two units on their way."

"Thanks Mitch." Colleen put the cellular phone in her pocket and went knee deep into the water to help Ski with the victims.

"Colleen? It's too murky down there. Visibility is very low. How long before the Scarab gets here?" Ski asked as he handed a little girl to Colleen. The little girl was fine.

"Any minute. Two units are on their way as well." Colleen said.

"I can't wait. I've got to go back under. Stay here." Ski instructed.

"Hey, can I help?" a young man in his twenties asked.

"Are you a strong swimmer?"

"Yes. I'm a lifeguard in Seattle, here on vacation."

"Take the lifesaver and try to stay close to me. There is very low visibility. A Scarab and two units are on their way." Ski said. He and the young man ran back out onto the water. Some people from the crowd had gotten towels and blankets for the little girl and the other victims.

"I want my mommy!" the little girl said.

"Honey, my name is Colleen. What's yours?" Colleen asked as she wrapped the little girl in a towel to dry her off.

"Amanda."

"Amanda, is your mommy out in the water?"

"Uh-huh, so's my daddy."

"Was anyone else with you and your parents in the boat?"

"Grampa and Stevie and Brian."

"How old are you?"

"Five."

"You’re a brave little girl, Amanda. So, your mom, dad, grampa and brothers are still out there?" Colleen asked Amanda. She saw the Scarab and heard the sirens from the units.

"Uh-huh."

"Good girl. Okay, I'm going to leave you with this nice lady while I go help the other lifeguards." Colleen handed Amanda to one of the girls.

"Collie! Dad said a boat capsized." Kevin came running down the beach.

"Yeah, stay here. I'm going out." Colleen said as she handed him the cellular phone and kicked off her shoes.

"How many victims?"

"About five more." Colleen yelled then dove into the water. Mitch and Dougie pulled up to see Colleen dive in.

"Kevin, how many more victims?"

"Five, dad. Colleen just went out there too."

"Dougie, grab an extra canteen." Mitch said as he grabbed an extra one off the back of the truck. Mitch and Dougie went in after the victims. The Scarab pulled up and Ski and the young man handed victims to MJ in the boat. The mother and two sons were still under.

"MJ, I need oxygen and a light for me and the kid."

"My name is Sam." MJ handed each man a small oxygen tank and a flashlight.

"The calvary is on its way. There are still three more victims. The mother and two sons." MJ instructed.

"Okay. Sam, on the count of three, we go down together. Remember, stay close." Ski instructed. MJ counted to three for them and they disappeared under the water. Within minutes, the mother and two sons were found, all three needed to be revived, but were fine.

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