Listen to Your Heart

Part 3

Brian and Jennifer descended upon the hospital in full protective mode. Brett Keller had been dealing with contrary movie studio execs and temperamental movie stars for many years, but they were nothing compared to Justin Taylor’s mother and lover.

Between Jennifer ‘s waspy aloofness as she asked about the details of the accident and Brian’s ranting about careless idiots and lawsuits if Justin was not cared for properly, Brett was more than happy to retreat to find Justin’s doctor so they could harass that poor man.

As they watched the harried movie producer hurry down the hospital corridor Jennifer spoke to Brian, “well, I think we put the fear of God into him.”

“Good,” Brian responded. “Justin was his responsibility and he fucked up. These people need to be held accountable for their screw-ups.”

“He does seem very concerned about Justin. It looks like he hasn’t left here since the accident and he did make sure to let us know that the studio is covering all of Justin’s medical expenses.”

“They fucking better if they know what’s good for them and they better have the best fucking doctors in this town looking after him.”

Jennifer laid a hand on Brian’s arm, “Brian, try to stay calm. It’s not going to do you any good to lose your temper with these people. We will handle this and we’ll make sure Justin is taken care of.”

Brian reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose, “fuck; I just want him to be OK you know?” He lowered his hand and took a deep breath before speaking again, “I promise I’ll be good Mother Taylor,” he smirked.

“You know it makes me feel really fucking old when you call me that,” Jennifer responded with a smile.

Brett chose that moment to arrive with Justin’s doctor in tow, “Brian, Ms. Taylor, this is Dr. Hammond.”

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you both. I’m sure you are anxious to hear about Justin’s condition,” said the handsome man who looked to be somewhere in his forties. The doctor continued when both Brian and Jennifer nodded their response. “As you know Justin was standing very near an explosive device when it went off prematurely. Luckily the blast knocked him out of range of the worst of the flames. He did however hit his head on the pavement and suffer a broken left wrist from the fall. He does have a severe concussion and has not totally regained consciousness yet.”

“So he’s in a coma?” Jennifer asked in a shaky voice as Brian laid a comforting arm across her shoulders.

“No, not at all,” the doctor was quick to respond. “He has been in various levels on consciousness since he arrived. He has called out your name several times Mr. Kinney, but he just hasn’t been completely awake and coherent yet. From what I have observed we shouldn’t have to wait too long for that.”

Brian nodded and made himself ask the question he knew Jennifer could not bring herself to ask, “what about permanent damage Doctor? I assume you’ve seen his chart and know of his previous condition.”

The doctor smiled reassuringly, “yes I am aware of Justin’s previous injury and the affects of it. He was lucky that his injury this time is in a completely different area of his brain. I don’t think the motor skills in his right hand should be affected at all and his broken left wrist should heal without a problem. As far as any other lasting effects we’ll just have to wait for him to wake up to assess that. I’m sorry but that’s the best answer I can give you for now.”

Jennifer nodded, “thank you doctor. You’ve been very helpful, I’m sure Justin is very lucky to have you on his case. May we see my son now?”

“Certainly, I’m sure Mr. Keller here would be happy to take you to Justin’s room. If you’ll excuse me I have another patient I need to see. If you have any more questions please let them know at the nurse’s station and they will find me.”

Both Brian and Jennifer politely dismissed the doctor and turned to Brett, “lead the way,” said Brian with a not entirely friendly look on his face.

Brett smiled wanly and led them down the opposite corridor, thankful that he and Dr. Hammond had survived the inquisition. He prayed Justin really would be OK, not only for the sake of the young man, but for his sake as well. Brian Kinney could be a very intimidating man when he wanted to be.

***********************************

Jennifer sighed as she shifted in the uncomfortable hospital chair. She felt like she had spent way too much of her life in these chairs. She gazed at her son and ran gentle fingers up his arm above the cast on his wrist. He had already endured so much in his short life, she couldn’t believe that they were here again facing yet another trial.

She let her gaze shift over to her son’s lover. Brian was leaning forward with his head resting on the bed next to Justin’s thigh; his large hand entwined with Justin’s own. He had fallen asleep, finally letting his worry and exhaustion win out. She marveled at how young and unguarded he looked while asleep. This man who could be so cold, sarcastic and emotionally unavailable, and yet who obviously loved her son with every ounce of his being. He also fiercely loved his own son and was a loyal and giving friend. Yes, Brian Kinney was defiantly an enigma, but God help her she had come to love him as one of her own.

Justin moaned softly and Jennifer turned her attention back to her son in time to see his eyes flutter open. She reached up to stroke his cheek softly, “Justin; wake up sweetie. We need you to wake up.”

Her movements roused Brian, “what’s happening? Is he awake?”

Jennifer nodded, “I think he’s getting there.”

They watched as Justin’s eyelids finally opened all the way, “Mom, Brian?” He asked softly as his eyes came into focus, his voice sounding a bit raspy.

“Oh honey. I’m so glad you’re awake and you know who we are,” Jennifer kissed Justin gently on the cheek then stood to wipe a tear from her eye. “I’m going to go tell the nurses you’re awake now. I’m sure Dr. Hammond will want to see you.”

Brian watched Justin closely; the younger man seemed to be frightened as he looked around the room then finally let his gaze light on his lover, “Brian?” He pleaded in a small voice.

Brian moved in closer, still holding Justin’s hand, “I’m here, you’re in the hospital. There was an accident on the movie set, but you’re going to be fine.”

Brian leaned down and placed a gentle and reassuring kiss on Justin’s lips, when he went to pull away Justin placed his left hand on the side of Brian’s face, wincing in pain and looking curiously at the cast, “Brian?” He questioned again in almost a whisper.

“You broke your wrist, hence the cast,” Brian explained, “the doctor said it

should heal no problem.” Brian stopped and looked into Justin’s eyes and still all he could see was fear. His heart rate quickened, “what is it Sunshine? What’s the matter?”

Justin stared blankly for a few moments as he struggled to sit up. Brian helped him move the bed into a sitting position and kept a grip on his shoulders to help steady the younger man. When Justin seemed more comfortable he finally spoke, “I can’t hear you Brian,” he looked desperately into his lover‘s eyes and clutched his had tightly, “I can’t hear anything.”

Justin began to tremble violently as Brian stood up straight and gently held Justin’s head against his chest softly stroking his hair, “fuck,” he whispered softly to himself as Jennifer and a nurse entered the room.

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