Adam’s hospital room
Stuart stands, peering into Adam’s face.
The door cracks open, and Liza peeks her head in.
Stuart: You’ve got all these people just waiting for you to open your eyes, Adam. Boy, you should see Liza talkin’ to those doctors. She’s so good and smart. Just like you. But I can see she misses you, even though you’re here. So hurry back, okay?
Liza: Stuart?
Stuart looks up.
Stuart: Hi.
Liza: Hi. Can I come in?
Stuart: Sure. We’re just having a talk. Well, I’m having a talk, really. Would you like to be with Adam, alone?
Liza: Do you mind?
Stuart: Nah. You’re the best medicine for him, Liza.
Stuart gets up and goes to the door.
Stuart: I’ll be right outside.
Stuart leaves.
Liza goes to Adam’s bedside and takes his hand in hers.
Liza: The doctors said you’re doing great, Adam. And I said, “Of course he is. He’s a fighter.” You should have seen Colby tonight. She’s a real fighter too. Just like her daddy. But we both need you. And I know you’ll get better. Because you know how much we need you. We need you with us, by our sides. And we need to hear your voice, and see the way your eyes light up, and the way you own a room when you enter it, or the way your mind moves like quicksilver when you’re scheming to devour some company whole. I need the way you know me. But most of all, I need the way you love me. Pretty selfish, huh? Well, I am selfish. It’s a little late in the game for me to be denying that.
Liza touches his cheek with her free hand.
Liza: They’re going to take you away for a little while. I said they could, because they’re going to figure out a way for you to come back to me. And I’ll be here for you when they’re done. Because I would never miss a single minute that I could be with you.
The door opens, and two orderlies come in with Dr. Jensen.
Dr. Jensen: Mrs. Chandler? We’re ready for him now.
Liza: Okay.
Liza bends down close to Adam, and whispers in his ear.
Liza: I’ll be waiting for you. I love you.
Liza kisses Adam tenderly, and then steps away from the bed.
The two orderlies come over, and take Adam from the room. Liza trails after them into the admitting room, looking at them as they make their way to the elevators.
Dr. Joe: Liza?
Liza doesn’t hear him, so Joe goes over and touches her on the shoulder.
Dr. Joe: Liza? I think it’s time for me to examine you.
Liza: Have you heard anything about Colby?
Dr. Joe: Not yet, but I understand her daddy is with her.
Liza looks confused for a moment, and then realizes what he means.
Liza: Oh. I was a little hard on Jake tonight.
Dr. Joe: Well, I’m sure he understands. And as soon as Colby is ready for you, you’ll be the first to know. Let’s find an empty examining room, okay?
Liza: Sure.
Stuart comes over to Liza as she and Joe are about to go towards the examining rooms.
Stuart: Liza? Um, sorry, but I was thinking ... I was just wondering ... does Hayley know?
Liza: Oh. I don’t think so. Could you call her?
Stuart: Sure. I’ll go do that.
Liza: Thanks, Stuart.
Stuart: Oh, Liza, you don’t need to thank me.
Liza: I think I do. So thank you, Stuart.
Stuart gives a little smile and heads towards the pay phones. Liza and Dr. Joe make their way to an examining
room.
******
Colby’s room.
Tad and Jake are sitting with each other as Colby sleeps. A nurse sits by Colby.
Tad (in a hushed tone): Well, I’m sorry to run out on you, but I’d better be getting home. Dixie’s telling Junior about Adam, and I want to be there for both of them.
Jake (in a hushed tone): I know. Thanks for being here.
Tad (in a hushed tone): Anytime.
Tad looks at Colby.
Tad: Good night, Colby.
Tad gets up, goes to the door and leaves.
******
An examining room.
Joe is finishing up with Liza.
Joe: Well, you look all fine. There’s a little piece of glass lodged in your cheek, but that should work itself out, so I don’t want to dig for it and make a mess of things. Just keep it clean and wait it out.
Liza: Thanks.
Joe: Liza, you know you’re family, and we’re here for you. Anything you need.
Liza: Thank you, Joe.
They look at each other for a moment.
Liza: Well, I’m going to check on Colby now. This is taking way too long.
Joe: I’m sure they’re just making absolutely sure that everything is fine.
Liza looks uncertain.
Liza: Me, too.
Liza makes her way out of the examining room.
******
Colby’s room.
Jake gets up and goes to the nurse.
Jake: I’m going to get back to the E.R. Please call me if there's any change.
Nurse: I will.
Jake (to Colby): Night, princess.
Jake leaves Colby’s room.