Father of Mine
Part 5
John’s voice was cold. Madeline’s smile faded.
"I suppose I deserve that," she said, "How’re you doing, John?"
"What do you want, Madeline?"
"You’re being a bit rude."
"Why shouldn’t I be? Did you expect to come here and have me welcome you with open arms? Well, I’m not," John said, "You’ve done too much to my life already so I’d rather you were out of it."
"Then I take it you’ve met Vinnie," she said.
"That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?"
"John, I also came to see you! I wanted to see how you were and how your life has been – "
"Without you?" John asked. Madeline slightly nodded, "Well I’ll tell ya. I actually have a very wonderful life. I’m married to a woman that I love very much, and guess what, she actually loves me! And I have three beautiful children who are the greatest joys in my life and to add to that list there’s my fourth child who I’ve just met after eighteen years of being absent from his life!"
"Then you’re angry," she said.
"I’d say so. How could you do that, Madeline? How could you leave knowing you were pregnant and then tell Vinnie that I abandoned you before he was born?"
"I was scared, all right? If I told him the truth then I knew he’d try to find you and he’d hate me forever. Lying to him gave me a few more years at least!" Madeline cried.
"As opposed to lying to him and then having him leave home? He’s my son and I had every right to help raise him. Why did you leave?" John asked.
"I told you in the note," Madeline answered.
"To hell with the note, Madeline. I wanna know from you. Why did you leave?"
"I didn’t want to end up a typical "fireman’s wife." I wasn’t going to spend my days worrying whether you’d come home to me or not. I couldn’t handle that kind of pressure, John!" Madeline yelled.
"Pressure?! What pressure? I never tried to turn you into what you call a "fireman’s wife," John said.
"Don’t patronize me, John Gage. I know what you wanted. You wanted a sweet little wife that you could come home to after a long shift. You wanted a wife who’d be able to make you breakfast in the morning and do the chores around the house while she took care of the hoard of children you had. Just like Roy’s wife! And I bet that’s just what you found in your new wife, huh? How air-headed is she to go along with something like that?" Madeline said. John advanced towards Madeline with a fury he never knew he had in him. He grabbed Madeline’s shoulders.
"Don’t you ever say anything like that about my wife! Laura is the best thing that ever happened to me! We have been able to work around our schedules in order to raise our children and it has worked fine for thirteen years and I love her!" John said. Madeline’s eyes began to brim with tears.
"The way you loved me," Madeline said.
"I may have loved you once, but I don’t anymore. I love my wife and my children and that includes Vinnie," John stated.
"Fine, John," Madeline started as she wiped away her tears, "be happy with your life. But Vinnie is still my son and if I can, I’ll take him back to Boston with me." Madeline reached into the pocket of her jacket and pulled out a small piece of paper. "This is the hotel I’m staying at along with the room number and phone number. Please give it to Vinnie."
"I will," John said. He took the paper from Madeline. He watched her walk over to her car. Just as she was about to get in, Madeline looked back at John.
"I never stopped loving you, John. If that means anything," she said, hoping it would mean something. John just shook his head.
"It doesn’t matter, Madeline. It doesn’t change anything," John said. Fighting tears, Madeline got into the car. As quickly as she could she drove the car away from the ranch house.
* * *
John sat out on the back porch. In his hand was a beer and in his eyes was nothing but mixed emotions. He’d managed to hold it in when the kids got home from school but Laura saw it the minute she stepped through the door. She managed to keep the kids from bothering John too much that night. John was quiet because he was thinking and Laura wasn’t going to push him into telling her the problem. He would when he was ready. Vinnie, on the other hand, needed to know. Deep down, he already knew.
Vinnie walked out to the porch and sat down. John hardly noticed him until Vinnie cleared his throat. John half smiled.
"Your mother came by today," John finally said.
"When?" Vinnie asked.
"While you were with Lexie. She gave me this," John said. He handed the paper to Vinnie, "She wants you to call her."
"Did you two talk?"
"Yeah, we did, but it was more fighting than talking."
"What about?"
"Certain things that I’d rather not talk about," John said.
"You really must have loved her if she got to you like this," Vinnie said.
"The past is a remarkable thing. It can shape you into a better person and it can also creep up on you and make you miserable," John said as he took a sip from his beer.
"Is that what I did?" Vinnie asked. John looked deep into Vinnie’s eyes. He was aching for an answer.
"Come here," John said. He stood up and hugged Vinnie, "You never made me miserable, Vinnie. You’re my son and I love you. Nothing will ever change that, all right?"
"All right," Vinnie said.
"Why don’t you go inside and help Laura with dinner. I’ll be in shortly," John said. Vinnie nodded and went into the house. Laura was already setting the table. Tess and J.R. were watching a television program.
"How is he?" Laura asked.
"He’ll be fine," Vinnie said.
"Good. Could you go tell Andy it’s time for dinner?" Vinnie walked over to Andy’s room and knocked on the door.
"Andy, it’s Vinnie," he said.
"Go away!" Andy shouted. Vinnie stepped away from the door. Laura looked almost as shocked when she heard the angry sound of her son’s voice.
"I’ll talk to him," Vinnie said. Cautiously, Vinnie opened the door to Andy’s room. When he was entirely in the room he shut the door. Andy was sitting on his bed. He glared angrily at Vinnie. "What’s up, Andy?"
"Just go away," Andy said.
"Come on, Andy, tell me what’s wrong. We’re brothers."
"We’re not brothers!" Andy shouted.
"Andy, come one, calm down. What did I do?" Vinnie asked. Then Vinnie noticed the open window. The back porch was right outside Andy’s room. "You heard."
"You shouldn’t have come here! Everything was fine until you came! I hate you! Get out!" Andy shouted. Andy got off of his bed. He pushed past Vinnie as he left his room. Vinnie turned around and looked outside the room. Vinnie joined the others at the table. John was inside already and was serving dinner to the three kids. They were the perfect family from where he stood.
"I’m sorry, Andy," he whispered.
* * *
"Chief, your son is here to see you," said Hyatt, one of John’s firemen. John was doing some busy work to keep his mind off of the recent visit Vinnie had with Madeline and the mounting frustration that was building at home. Andy always seemed to be angry and Laura was on edge at even the mention of Madeline’s name. John was now glad that being a fireman required a 24-hour shift.
"Send him in," John said. Vinnie walked in. He was without his suede jacket that he usually wore. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, which John had noticed was happening quite frequently. John motioned for Vinnie to sit down. "What’s wrong, Vinnie?"
"I just broke up with Lexie," Vinnie said.
"Why in the world would you do that?" John asked.
"Because I can’t have a girlfriend in L.A. when I live in Boston," Vinnie said. John looked away from Vinnie to try and hide his disappointment.
"Then you’ve decided?"
"I think it would just be better for everyone if I went back to Boston. Besides, I have a bunch of friends back home who’re wondering where I am," Vinnie explained. John nodded, trying to keep his emotions in tact, "I came to California for one reason, to see my father. And I’ve done that. Now I can go home knowing who my father is and knowing that I don’t hate him."
"When are you leaving?" John asked.
"Friday."
"But that’s tomorrow!"
"Mom wants to get home as soon as possible. She left Jesse in charge of the theater and she’s not too trusting of his business sense," Vinnie said, trying to laugh. John didn’t.
"You sure aren’t leaving much time, are you?"
"I just want to get out of here," Vinnie said.
"I know it’s your decision, but I’d be lying if I said I was glad you were going home. I liked having you here," John said.
"I liked being here," Vinnie returned. Vinnie stood up and extended his hand, which John shook, "Bye, John."
"Good-bye, Vinnie," John said. Vinnie walked over to the door and reached for the door knob, "Vinnie – "
"Yeah?"
"Write me, will you? I’m still your father and I wanna know what’s going on," John said.
"I will. Promise," Vinnie said. Vinnie walked out the door. John leaned against his desk to try and keep himself under control. Out of frustration he pushed all of the papers off his desk and watched them fall to the floor.
"Damn!" he whispered, sharply.
* * *
The phone at the station rang at 8:00 that night. The guys at the station were all watching a movie in the day room so none of them really noticed when John slipped out to answer the phone. It was the first time he’d been out of his office all day. A couple of his men had finally been able to coax him out of the office to watch the movie with the guys but John really wasn’t in the mood. He just wanted the shift to end so he could go home and at least catch Vinnie before he left.
"Station 110, Chief Gage speaking," John said.
"John," came Laura’s voice. She was working at the hospital so John knew it was important. She never called when she was at work.
"Laura, what is it?" John asked. He could here Laura sobbing.
"It’s Vinnie," she said. Fear took over John’s body. He was barely able to hold on to the phone.
"What happened?"
"They just brought him in. It’s bad, John," she said.
"All right, I’ll be there as soon as I can," John said. He didn’t bother to say good-bye. John quickly hung up the phone and rushed into the day room. All of the firemen stopped laughing at the television and quickly turned to their fear stricken Chief.
"Chief, what’s wrong?" asked Newton.
"My son’s in the hospital. I don’t know what’s wrong but it’s bad. Greer, I need you to call dispatch and tell them to get a replacement. I’m going to the hospital," John announced.
"It’s all right, Chief. Just go and be with your kid," said Greer. John forgot to change out of his uniform. He grabbed his keys and ran out to the parking lot. He was so worried and scared at the same time that he couldn’t get his key into the keyhole. Giving himself a few minutes to calm down, he was finally able to get into the car and drive to Rampart.
* * *
He’d never felt this frightened since Laura had given birth to all of their kids. John waked down the corridor of the emergency ward in Rampart Hospital. The first familiar face he saw was Laura’s. She was sitting at the nurse station, waiting. When she saw John she ran into his arms. John tried to keep her calm but wasn’t even sure he’d be able to do the same for himself.
"I’m so sorry, John," she said.
"Is he – ?"
"No, he’s alive. I just can’t believe this happened to him," she cried. Over Laura’s shoulder, John saw Dr. Brackett. John made sure Laura was all right before walking up to his friend.
"Doc, have you seen Vinnie?" John asked. Brackett nodded and frowned. "Well, what happened?"
"Vinnie was the victim of a mugging. He was found with his wallet in his hands, empty. After they robbed him they beat him. He has a broken right tibia, several broken ribs, a collapsed lung, abdominal bleeding, and a possible hairline fracture," Brackett explained. John forced himself to stay strong despite all of the information he’d just received.
"Can I see him?"
"No. I just sent him up to surgery. Sean is taking care of him," he said.
"Do you know if he’ll live?" John asked.
"I can’t say, John. Vinnie is young and he’s strong just as you were when you were injured. We won’t know until the surgery is over," Brackett explained, "Excuse me." Brackett, unable to look at John, walked into another treatment room. John walked back over to Laura and held her again. It wasn’t for her sake but for his own.
"I think I should call Madeline," John said.
"Do you have her number?" Laura asked.
"Yeah, Vinnie gave it to me after he called her the other day. I’ll go use the pay phone outside," John said. Laura let go of him and watched her husband walk wearily out of the emergency ward.
* * *
"Yes, I’d like to speak to Madeline Bishop," John said.
"I’m sorry, but Ms. Bishop asked not to be disturbed tonight," said the woman at the desk at Madeline’s hotel. John’s temper was just about shot. He was tired and frustrated and angry.
"Listen! You get Ms. Bishop on the phone right now! Her son is in the hospital and it’s urgent!" John shouted. For a moment there was silence but then the phone picked up.
"Hello?"
"Madeline, this is John. Vinnie’s in the hospital," John said.
"Oh God! I’ll be there as soon as I can. Rampart, right?"
"Yes," John said. He hung up the phone without waiting for any other response from Madeline. He wondered if he should call Roy and Joanne to tell them. Lexie had been closer to Vinnie then a lot of people and she at least deserved to know. John put in the thirty-five cents and dialed Roy’s number.
* * *
Joanne answered the phone in the kitchen. Roy and Lexie were playing a game of cards while they watched the television.
"Hello?"
"Joanne? This is John." Joanne could here the fear in John’s voice. He sounded like he was trying to hold back the urge to cry.
"Johnny, what’s wrong?"
"It’s Vinnie he’s in the hospital. I wasn’t sure if I should’ve called – "
"You made the right decision. Vinnie is very important to us too," Joanne said. She felt the tears begin as she listened to John tell her what had happened. What was she going to tell Lexie?
"I just wanted you guys to know."
"All right, Johnny, we’ll be there soon," Joanne said.
"Thank you, Joanne."
"We’ll see you soon, John," she said, "Bye."
"Bye." Joanne hung up the phone and practically burst into tears. Roy walked into the kitchen and noticed Joanne’s emotional state.
"Honey, what’s wrong?" Roy asked. Joanne walked into his arms and hugged him, sobbing into his shirt.
"It’s Vinnie. He’s hurt and John’s not sure if he’ll make it," she cried. Roy held his wife. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Lexie waiting for him to return. What would he tell her and how would she handle it?
* * *
John sat in a corner of the waiting room. He didn’t speak to anyone, not even when Roy and his family arrived, and he didn’t move at all. He just sat there, staring at the wall, waiting. The last time he’d checked his watch it was midnight, but he wasn’t sure how long ago it’d been since he’d looked at it. He couldn’t feel and he couldn’t think. The world just seemed to be passing by as he sat in his corner of it and just waited. And he didn’t even know what he was waiting for. At any moment Dr. Kay could come through the door and announce either that his son was alive or he was dead. Then what? He might be in a coma and never wake up. He could develop pneumonia or any number of things could happen after surgery that could end his life. It was the worst moment of his son’s life and John didn’t even know what was going on or if there was any way he could help. He’d never felt more helpless in his whole life.
"Uncle Johnny?" For the first time, John finally was woken up by the sound of Lexie’s voice. He looked around the room and noticed that he and Lexie were alone in the waiting room. "Are you okay?"
"No, sweetie, I’m not," John said as gently as he could.
"I know. I’m worried about Vinnie too," she said. John put his arm around Lexie but felt the material of her jacket. He looked down.
"This is Vinnie’s jacket, isn’t it?" he asked.
"Yeah. He gave it to me when he came and – broke up with me," she struggled to say, "I’m sorry, Uncle Johnny."
"No, don’t be sorry. There was nothing we could do to prevent this," John explained. Lexie burst into tears and buried her head in John’s chest.
"I’m so scared, Uncle Johnny. I’ve never been this scared in my life. I never thought I’d ever go through what Chris and Jenny went through with Dad," she cried. John held Lexie and rocked her, "I know I’m young but I think I love him."
"Lexie, never think you’re too young to be in love. I saw it in his eyes. He loves you too. I know he does. And you have to hold on to that, sweetheart, because that’s what’s going to get him through this; your love and my love," John said.
"It just seems so hopeless. What if he doesn’t make it?" she asked. Then John saw himself for a moment. Lexie was thinking the same thoughts and having the same doubts.
"No, Lexie, you never give up hope!" John said. He stared hard into her eyes, "Hope is the last thing we have left to hold on to! Vinnie needs you to always be on his side! Promise me you won’t lose hope."
"I-I promise, Uncle Johnny. I promise," she said. John held Lexie again.
"I promise," John whispered.
* * *
Everyone was still in the waiting room at 1:30 a.m. when Dr. Kay walked in. Laura had taken off of her shift early and was with John in the room. John held Laura’s hand. Roy, Joanne, and Lexie waited patiently and Madeline stood alone as all eyes were glued to the doctor.
"He came through the surgery fine. His leg is being set right now. There was a considerable amount of abdominal bleeding but we managed to stop it. We re-inflated his lung and wrapped his chest. The hairline fracture isn’t very serious so we’ll just have to observe it to make sure surgery isn’t required," Dr. Kay explained.
"Will he be all right, Doctor?" Madeline asked.
"I’m very confident that he will make a full recovery," he said. Everyone let out a sigh of relief, but Dr. Kay still kept a solemn expression, "However, he’s in a coma right now and I’m not sure when he’ll wake up. It was probably due to the fracture."
"So, there’s still a chance he might – " Lexie couldn’t bring herself to finish. Dr. Kay turned to her.
"There is a chance but it is very slim, Miss DeSoto. I have every confidence that he will wake up and recover," he said. Lexie tried to smile.
"Can we at least see him?" asked Madeline.
"After we move him to ICU you can see him. Just make it two at a time and very short," he said.
* * *
John waited outside of Vinnie’s room for Madeline to come out. They’d decided to let Lexie go in first so she could go home and get some sleep. Roy was going to let her stay home from school but she still needed rest. Madeline was still inside. John leaned against the wall and kept waiting. After a while, the door finally opened. Madeline was crying. Out of habit, John held her.
"He’s just a baby, John. Just a little baby," she sobbed.
"He’s going to be fine, Maddie," John said. Madeline looked up at him. She pulled his head down to her and kissed him with a passion he never remembered getting from Madeline when they were married. John pushed away from her and stood as far apart from her as possible.
"We can’t, Madeline," he said.
"I never thought I’d miss you so much, John. I can’t remember how many times I longed to kiss you and be with you," she said.
"Stop it, Madeline, just stop. If you’re done, then I’m going in to see my son," John said. Madeline nodded and walked away. John waited until he couldn’t see her anymore before he entered Vinnie’s room. John wasn’t prepared for the sight he saw. Vinnie’s leg was propped up in traction. IV’s were snaking out of his arm and he was on a respirator to help him breathe. John felt his knees weaken. His son’s face was bruised and cut and he was as pale as a ghost. John turned away for a moment to strengthen himself. He found a chair and put it next to the bed. John sat in the chair, watching his son. He listened to the sounds of the heart monitor and the respirator. John took hold of Vinnie’s hand, making sure he didn’t rip out any IV’s. He was tired and weary from the hours he’d spent waiting. Now he could at least he happy that Vinnie had made it through surgery. With one weight lifted from his shoulders, John fell asleep at his son’s side.
* * *
"Are you ready to have the airway taken out, Vinnie?" Dr. Brackett asked. Vinnie nodded happily at the thought of taking the airway out of his throat. Since he’d woken up two days ago after being in a coma three days earlier, the respirator had been nothing but an annoyance. He was glad that Dr. Brackett would be taking it out.
"All right. I’m gonna unplug it and then when I pull it out, I want you to exhale as much and as hard as you can, okay?" he said. Vinnie nodded again. Dr. Brackett turned the respirator off. He grabbed hold of the airway. "Take a deep breath." Vinnie took a deep breath. "Now exhale!" As Vinnie exhaled, Brackett pulled the tube out of his throat. Vinnie started to couch and gag but the spasm subsided. He took another deep breath and then relaxed on the bed.
"How do you feel?" asked the nurse who’d been in the room.
"Good," Vinnie rasped. The nurse handed him a glass of water, which Vinnie took gladly.
"What about now?" she asked.
"It helps," Vinnie said.
"Your throat will be sore for a few days. I’ll just make sure you get an extra dose of ice cream. You have some visitors," Dr. Brackett said.
"Send them in," Vinnie said. The nurse opened the door and let Laura and the kids inside. Dr. Brackett squeezed Laura’s arm before he and the nurse left the room. Tess and J.R. sat on the bed while Laura and Andy stood nearby.
"How’re you feeling?" asked Tess.
"Better now that you guys are here," he rasped.
"We’re not going to stay long, Vinnie. I’m taking the kids to their Uncle Cody’s today but they wanted to see you first. Now don’t look at me like that, Tess, we’ll come visit Vinnie tomorrow, okay? Now let’s go before Uncle Cody thinks the worst happened," Laura said. Laura leaned over and gave Vinnie a kiss on the cheek. Tess and J.R. gave Vinnie a hug and then followed their mother out of the room. Andy stayed behind.
"Hi, Andy," Vinnie said. Andy smiled, but was unable to look Vinnie in the eye. He felt ashamed of himself and Vinnie could tell.
"I wanted to apologize, Vinnie. I’m sorry for what I said," Andy said.
"I know, Andy. You were just angry," Vinnie said. "It doesn’t matter because we’re – " Vinnie’s throat felt raw. He reached over for his water and drank some.
"We’re still brothers?" Andy finished. Vinnie smiled and nodded. Andy walked over to Vinnie and shook his hand. "I’m glad we’re brothers."
"So am I," Vinnie said.
* * *
It was a few hours later before Lexie walked into the room. She stood in front of the door just watching Vinnie. She wasn’t sure if he was sleeping or awake. He turned his head and saw her; he smiled. Lexie ran over to the bed and hugged Vinnie. She couldn’t help herself and started crying.
"I love you, Vinnie," she said. Vinnie brought her face up to his.
"I love you too, Lexie," he said and kissed her.
* * *
John came in a while after Lexie. Vinnie was still awake.
"Hey, Dad," he said. John had never heard a more beautiful word in his life. He brought a chair up to the bed and sat down.
"How’s it going?" he asked.
"Good. My voice isn’t as raspy as it was earlier," Vinnie said.
"Has your mother been here?" he asked.
"They said she came by while I was asleep but she only stayed for a few minutes," Vinnie said. John frowned.
"Dr. Brackett told me you should be out of the hospital in less than a week. He says you’re making good progress," John said, "Won’t be long until you can go home."
"I’m not going," Vinnie said.
"What?" John said, happily but he tried to sound surprised.
"I’m not leaving Lexie or my brothers and sisters. Besides, there are some really good schools here that I was thinking of going to. And, I need more time with my father," Vinnie said.
"We have all the time in the world," John said. He and Vinnie hugged. "I love you, son."
"I love you, Dad."
* * *
2004 …
John, Laura, J.R., and Tess all sat in the front pew of the church. They waited patiently as the ushers brought the bridesmaids down the aisle. John looked at the other row of pews. He frowned when he saw no trace of Madeline. She’d said that she would be busy but John knew better. He knew Vinnie was upset about it but his son wasn’t about to ruin the best day of his life. Joanne, Chris and his family, and Jennifer and her husband took up the first two rows. Jennifer was noticeably pregnant, which was much to Roy’s delight that his daughter was finally starting a family. She and her husband, William, a London fashion designer, were moving to Los Angeles permanently but still needed to get a few more things from London before the move was complete. They were going to extend the Firefly Company to Los Angeles. John smiled at the happy couple. He liked William very much and the young man liked him too, which made John all the more confident that they’d stay together for a long time.
John looked ahead at Vinnie as he stood in front of the priest. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo. His hair had been cut somewhat shorter since he’d joined the Fire Department back in 2000, and he’d bulked up a bit from weight lifting. Standing behind Vinnie was his best man, Andy. Andy was a strapping young man of eighteen. He didn’t have a girlfriend yet but he wasn’t worried about it. Andy, like his father and older brother, was a new member of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He was certainly making his father proud.
Tess was a beautiful young sixteen-year-old. Her concentration was still on her Indian heritage and she was taking a course at the community college in Anthropology. It was a rare occasion when she wore her hair in long braids, but she liked to do it for fun every once and a while. J.R., who now wanted to be called just Jon, was pursuing his musical interests. He was taking piano lessons and trumpet lessons along with the guitar. His voice was absolutely beautiful and John was certain his son would make it in the world of music. Though his heart still troubled him, Jon took it easy and tried not to over exert himself.
The music changed and the congregation rose as the bride was walked down the aisle by her father. Roy looked so proud and full of joy for his youngest child. He couldn’t stop smiling. Lexie squeezed her father’s arm and smiled as they approached the end of the aisle. Roy lifted the veil and kissed Lexie on the cheek. He took Vinnie’s hand and gave Lexie over to Vinnie.
"I couldn’t have chosen a better man for my daughter," Roy said.
"Thank you, Uncle Roy," Vinnie said. Lexie giggled. She gave her father a kiss and then joined Vinnie in front of Father Davidson. The congregation sat back down. Laura squeezed John’s hand.
"Are you happy, John Gage?" she asked.
"I couldn’t be happier," John answered.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Vincent Michael Gage and Alexandra Taylor DeSoto in holy matrimony…"
The End
"Father of Mine" ©2000 Samantha Cross. "Emergency!" and its characters © Mark VII Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. No infringement of any copyrights or trademarks is intended or should be inferred. This is a work of fiction, and any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.
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