[ Worry filled his face as he kept his eyes carefully trained on Carl while the doctors and nurses took care of him. Why had Judy riled him up so fiercely? He could call the teacher if absolutely necessary but something felt off about the entire thing. The way Carl's eyes darted around and the sheer desperation in his voice as if they were missing apart of their family. Perhaps they just had the disorientation to blame and the long length of the coma. Had Carl dreamed during it, blurring the fantasy with the present?
Slumping back into the chair when everyone left, Rick dozed back and forth himself, rousing instantly from the sound of Carl's voice. Stifling a yawn, he looked over towards the entrance of the room. Why did Carl need one of the nurses? ]
Ya hurtin', Carl? Need anythin? [ With a look of concern, he pressed the button to call one of the nurses and Beth appeared in a couple of seconds with a soft smile on her face. ] Think Carl needs somethin'.
[ They both looked over at him, waiting for what he needed to say but before he really had the chance Lori and Shane practically burst into the room. Lori sobbing and rushing over to Carl's bedside. Rick sighed and tried to hold onto Lori to keep her from draping herself over their son. He hardly gave Shane a second glance, far too angry still about how things happened between all of them.
Lori quickly demanded to speak to a doctor and to view the results herself, which prompted a slight disagreement between her and Shane. Typical. ]
[ He has to think about the question, and he shakes his head sluggishly. Beth comes back into the room and he smiles at her. It's good to see her alive. He knows that logically it doesn't make sense for her to be around, but he's glad. Carl has always liked Beth. As she's checking over his vitals, he addresses her quietly. ]
Is Maggie here, too? [ Beth looks equal parts surprised and confused by his outburst, but before she can say anything, Lori and Shane come into the room in a flurry of motion and noise.
Carl opens his mouth to speak, but find that he can't. His hands tremble, and he grips the sheets tightly so that they still.
He can't believe it..
They're standing right in front of him looking the same way they did the day they died.. His mom's arms wrap around him as best as she can from how he's laying. Her fingers move gently through his hair and god, he whimpers. ]
M-mom... [ His voice cracks, and he grabs onto her as tight as he can. This will never happen again. He'll wake up and they'll be back in Alexandria and this will all have been a dream. One he doesn't want to wake up from.. ]
[ While Lori and Carl shared a moment, Shane pulled Rick over to talk to him. More like argue with him about Carl's care and where he should end up outside of the hospital to recover. Of course, Lori and Shane felt he should stay with them because they wanted to claim they had a more stable environment. He nearly laughed out loud by the insinuation because really? They were constantly having parties and staying out all hours of the night or so he heard around the block.
When it came to stability, he had far more. He had a stable job, relationship and home life. Carl would come home with him and he made sure to drive the point home with Shane. The man looked downright furious but tried to keep from reacting too much outwardly all the same.
An outburst would only prove his point more. ]
[ Lori kissed Carl's forehead, looking at him with pure happiness on her face. ] Of course I am, sweetheart, traffic kept us a little longer than we expected but we got here as soon as we could. Do you need anything? Anything at all? I can get it for you.
[ Keeping an ear out, Rick nearly rolled his eyes at Lori's insistence. This would be messy, wouldn't it? ]
[ He shakes his head, disbelieving that this is happening. It feels so real, but there are facts he knows for sure- Mom is dead, Shane is dead, and Judith means more to him in the world than anything, now. All of this? He's having trouble fully wrapping his mind around it. Carl lets his mom hold him, even gives her a strained and tired smile when she kisses his forehead. ]
You didn't bring Judith. [ It's a plain observation, but maybe dad didn't want to upset him for some reason. Mom was always the one to tell him things.. ]
[ Watching the display, Shane's hands rested on his hips. God, when they got that phone call, the one that he and Lori had gotten so used to not getting.. It's a god damned miracle, really. Concerning, though. They'd done a lot of research on what to expect.. Taking care of Carl is going to be a full-time job. One Rick isn't really equipped for. He levels his old partner with a sympathetic look, but schools it into something more professional while all the while, he's fuming on the inside.
What kind of guy keeps a woman away from her kid? ]
I get where you're comin' from, Rick. I do. But the fact of the matter is: Carl's gonna be needin' a lot of care. Something you really ain't got the luxury of givin' him with your job. His mama? She can look after him the way he'll need. Whenever he needs it- not when it suits your work schedule.
[ A low blow, really. They have Carl to think about now, and there's a high possibility he'll have special needs for the foreseeable future. Never heard of anyone waking up from a coma not being a little fucked up. ]
[ With his attention on Shane at the moment, Rick missed most of the exchange between Lori and Carl but happened to hear the name 'Judith' again. Carl seemed so determined to see or talk to whoever Judith happened to be but Rick only knew of his teacher. His favorite teacher, though, so maybe it meant something. A comfort, maybe? Some familiarity?
Lori looked just as confused, continuing to run her hand through Carl's hair. ]
Who is Judith, sweetheart? [ Unlike Rick, she didn't try to ease things with him as much. ]
[ Shane had better feel really glad they were currently in a hospital, in Carl's room no less or else he would have found himself bleeding on the ground. Jaw working, he tried to keep the tight smile on his face to not alert too much suspicion their way.
What kind of man stole another man's wife? ]
Ya mean the same way you both took care of Carl while he was in the coma? You both barely came by even after the Doctor told us all how hearing our voices mattered. [ His fingers curled tightly into his palms. ] Would this care be before or after your wild nights out or the multitude of parties you throw? Because I don't think either one of you are fit to do what Carl needs right now. If I got to, I'll take a leave of absence from work but there's no way in hell I'm leavin' him. You both can come stay with us sometimes.
[ More so, his problem rested with Shane, who he found completely unfit to take care of anyone, least of all Carl. He had too brutal of an approach and defaulted onto selfish behaviors more often than not, shown by the relationship he forged with Lori.
Shane could try all he wanted but he would never be him.
But Lori had drifted as well, seemingly capturing onto the life she 'lost' when they had Carl and she became a mother and a wife. ]
[ He's angry. Angrier than he's felt in a long time, he feels. Carl jerks his head away from his mom's hand, that single eye narrowing to a slit. He could forgive her for not knowing, since she died giving birth to her... but if she's here, it makes sense that she would know, right? And what about Shane? Judith is technically hers. He's not stupid.. He's known for a while, because they don't really look similar. It doesn't matter, though. She's still his sister, and for that matter.. ]
Your daughter??!
[ Shane does his best to stay calm, he really does. The fact of the matter is, Rick's pissing him off a little, and this really isn't the bestsituation. His mouth presses into a thin line and his hand comes up to rub over his chin before his eyes focus back on Carl and Lori. The kid's getting agitated about something, though he couldn't say what, he hadn't been putting that much focus on the conversation. Let his mom have some time with him, and all. ]
D'you even have the damndest clue what this has been doin' to Lori? Her little boy's been in this damn hospital for years-- not knowing whether he was ever gonna wake up again. Thank god he did, but all she wanted was a little support, and she sure as hell wasn't getting it from you, Rick.
[ He stops his tirade when Carl starts yelling, or as best as the kid can. Probably hurts like hell. Shane takes another step closer to the bed when it looks like Carl might strike out. Daughter? What the hell was he going on about? Lori sure as hell wasn't pregnant. Hasn't been since Carl. ]
Hey now-- Don't go yellin' at yer mom. Just lie down and stay calm.
[ With how in tune he tended to be, Rick had already turned towards Carl before he even exclaimed anything else and Shane stormed over. The anger he felt for his former best friend simmered in the background in favor of focusing on Carl and making sure he didn't hurt himself in his agitation. The last thing they needed was for him to have a relapse, especially so soon after waking up in the first place.
Letting out a calming breath, he approached closer to Carl's bed on the opposite side from Lori. ]
Carl, look at me. Remember what the doctor said - steady breaths. In and out. Tell me what is upsettin' ya. We'll figure it out.
[ The frustration he felt towards Lori and Shane only heightened because neither knew how to deal with this. HE had been the one to sit with the doctors in all the meetings and HE had been the one to attend the support groups. Had it been difficult? Of course, but he wanted to make sure to be there for Carl and make up for all the days he missed in the past because of work. Never again. He wouldn't miss one single day ever again. ]
We can work out anythin' together. You know that.
[ Lori looked angry but she took a step forward to murmur similar things to Carl. ]
[ It's hard to catch a breath, to even think past the red flags going off in his head. None of them know, they don’t—
Carl, look at me. His dad’s voice cuts through and he does manage to look at him, though he still struggles to breathe normally. He glances around the room; his mom is hovering anxiously, and Shane looks angry. His focus goes back to his dad with a feeble nod as he tries to keep his breathing level. Once it’s back under control, he feels exhausted, mentally and physically. Why are none of them talking about Judith? It’s like she doesn’t exist, and Carl knows in his heart that she does. He watched her grow up.. ]
I’m just tired.. When can I go home? [ He looks between his mom and dad. ]
[ Shane watched everything with his arms crossed and a contemplative expression. What research he did said that someone waking up from a coma would be confused, might mix up some details- but this seems more complicated than that. Carl is seriously convinced that this Judith is real, and upset by it. Rick’s not handling this too well, and it’s clear to him that Carl should go home with them to be with his mom. Everything has been so hard on Lori, having Carl back is overwhelming in the best of ways. How many birthdays did she spend in agony because he was growing up in the hospital unable to return the hugs from his parents? ]
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postocular) wrote2017-05-28 09:53 pm
no subject
Slumping back into the chair when everyone left, Rick dozed back and forth himself, rousing instantly from the sound of Carl's voice. Stifling a yawn, he looked over towards the entrance of the room. Why did Carl need one of the nurses? ]
Ya hurtin', Carl? Need anythin? [ With a look of concern, he pressed the button to call one of the nurses and Beth appeared in a couple of seconds with a soft smile on her face. ] Think Carl needs somethin'.
[ They both looked over at him, waiting for what he needed to say but before he really had the chance Lori and Shane practically burst into the room. Lori sobbing and rushing over to Carl's bedside. Rick sighed and tried to hold onto Lori to keep her from draping herself over their son. He hardly gave Shane a second glance, far too angry still about how things happened between all of them.
Lori quickly demanded to speak to a doctor and to view the results herself, which prompted a slight disagreement between her and Shane. Typical. ]
Can we all calm down? Carl just woke up!
no subject
Is Maggie here, too? [ Beth looks equal parts surprised and confused by his outburst, but before she can say anything, Lori and Shane come into the room in a flurry of motion and noise.
Carl opens his mouth to speak, but find that he can't. His hands tremble, and he grips the sheets tightly so that they still.
He can't believe it..
They're standing right in front of him looking the same way they did the day they died.. His mom's arms wrap around him as best as she can from how he's laying. Her fingers move gently through his hair and god, he whimpers. ]
M-mom... [ His voice cracks, and he grabs onto her as tight as he can. This will never happen again. He'll wake up and they'll be back in Alexandria and this will all have been a dream. One he doesn't want to wake up from.. ]
You're really here..
no subject
When it came to stability, he had far more. He had a stable job, relationship and home life. Carl would come home with him and he made sure to drive the point home with Shane. The man looked downright furious but tried to keep from reacting too much outwardly all the same.
An outburst would only prove his point more. ]
[ Lori kissed Carl's forehead, looking at him with pure happiness on her face. ] Of course I am, sweetheart, traffic kept us a little longer than we expected but we got here as soon as we could. Do you need anything? Anything at all? I can get it for you.
[ Keeping an ear out, Rick nearly rolled his eyes at Lori's insistence. This would be messy, wouldn't it? ]
no subject
You didn't bring Judith. [ It's a plain observation, but maybe dad didn't want to upset him for some reason. Mom was always the one to tell him things.. ]
[ Watching the display, Shane's hands rested on his hips. God, when they got that phone call, the one that he and Lori had gotten so used to not getting.. It's a god damned miracle, really. Concerning, though. They'd done a lot of research on what to expect.. Taking care of Carl is going to be a full-time job. One Rick isn't really equipped for. He levels his old partner with a sympathetic look, but schools it into something more professional while all the while, he's fuming on the inside.
What kind of guy keeps a woman away from her kid? ]
I get where you're comin' from, Rick. I do. But the fact of the matter is: Carl's gonna be needin' a lot of care. Something you really ain't got the luxury of givin' him with your job. His mama? She can look after him the way he'll need. Whenever he needs it- not when it suits your work schedule.
[ A low blow, really. They have Carl to think about now, and there's a high possibility he'll have special needs for the foreseeable future. Never heard of anyone waking up from a coma not being a little fucked up. ]
no subject
Lori looked just as confused, continuing to run her hand through Carl's hair. ]
Who is Judith, sweetheart? [ Unlike Rick, she didn't try to ease things with him as much. ]
[ Shane had better feel really glad they were currently in a hospital, in Carl's room no less or else he would have found himself bleeding on the ground. Jaw working, he tried to keep the tight smile on his face to not alert too much suspicion their way.
What kind of man stole another man's wife? ]
Ya mean the same way you both took care of Carl while he was in the coma? You both barely came by even after the Doctor told us all how hearing our voices mattered. [ His fingers curled tightly into his palms. ] Would this care be before or after your wild nights out or the multitude of parties you throw? Because I don't think either one of you are fit to do what Carl needs right now. If I got to, I'll take a leave of absence from work but there's no way in hell I'm leavin' him. You both can come stay with us sometimes.
[ More so, his problem rested with Shane, who he found completely unfit to take care of anyone, least of all Carl. He had too brutal of an approach and defaulted onto selfish behaviors more often than not, shown by the relationship he forged with Lori.
Shane could try all he wanted but he would never be him.
But Lori had drifted as well, seemingly capturing onto the life she 'lost' when they had Carl and she became a mother and a wife. ]
no subject
Your daughter??!
[ Shane does his best to stay calm, he really does. The fact of the matter is, Rick's pissing him off a little, and this really isn't the bestsituation. His mouth presses into a thin line and his hand comes up to rub over his chin before his eyes focus back on Carl and Lori. The kid's getting agitated about something, though he couldn't say what, he hadn't been putting that much focus on the conversation. Let his mom have some time with him, and all. ]
D'you even have the damndest clue what this has been doin' to Lori? Her little boy's been in this damn hospital for years-- not knowing whether he was ever gonna wake up again. Thank god he did, but all she wanted was a little support, and she sure as hell wasn't getting it from you, Rick.
[ He stops his tirade when Carl starts yelling, or as best as the kid can. Probably hurts like hell. Shane takes another step closer to the bed when it looks like Carl might strike out. Daughter? What the hell was he going on about? Lori sure as hell wasn't pregnant. Hasn't been since Carl. ]
Hey now-- Don't go yellin' at yer mom. Just lie down and stay calm.
no subject
Letting out a calming breath, he approached closer to Carl's bed on the opposite side from Lori. ]
Carl, look at me. Remember what the doctor said - steady breaths. In and out. Tell me what is upsettin' ya. We'll figure it out.
[ The frustration he felt towards Lori and Shane only heightened because neither knew how to deal with this. HE had been the one to sit with the doctors in all the meetings and HE had been the one to attend the support groups. Had it been difficult? Of course, but he wanted to make sure to be there for Carl and make up for all the days he missed in the past because of work. Never again. He wouldn't miss one single day ever again. ]
We can work out anythin' together. You know that.
[ Lori looked angry but she took a step forward to murmur similar things to Carl. ]
no subject
Carl, look at me. His dad’s voice cuts through and he does manage to look at him, though he still struggles to breathe normally. He glances around the room; his mom is hovering anxiously, and Shane looks angry. His focus goes back to his dad with a feeble nod as he tries to keep his breathing level. Once it’s back under control, he feels exhausted, mentally and physically. Why are none of them talking about Judith? It’s like she doesn’t exist, and Carl knows in his heart that she does. He watched her grow up.. ]
I’m just tired.. When can I go home? [ He looks between his mom and dad. ]
[ Shane watched everything with his arms crossed and a contemplative expression. What research he did said that someone waking up from a coma would be confused, might mix up some details- but this seems more complicated than that. Carl is seriously convinced that this Judith is real, and upset by it. Rick’s not handling this too well, and it’s clear to him that Carl should go home with them to be with his mom. Everything has been so hard on Lori, having Carl back is overwhelming in the best of ways. How many birthdays did she spend in agony because he was growing up in the hospital unable to return the hugs from his parents? ]