Picking Up The Pieces

Chapter One

"We're here, everyone out!" Vic yelled.

I ripped open the door and took off, everyone running behind me.

"We're looking for Erin Aschow!" Alysha yelled at the receptionist as we ran in.

The nurse frantically searched on her computer and told us she was in surgery on the 5th floor.

I didn't even bother with the elevator and neither did anyone else. We all ran up the stairs and to the front desk of the floor.

"We're here for Erin Aschow!" Alysha yelled out again.

A doctor over heard us and ran towards us, "She's in surgery, can I speak with her most immediate family member." I glanced at his name tag, he was Dr. Iero.

I stepped forward and he lead me down the hall away from the others. Walking away from them was horrible, I can still hear their cries in my head. He pulled me to the side and said, "She's in surgery right now, she's doing really good considering her conditions, however we don't know how long it will last, I'll assume you'll be staying here till it's over?"

"Yes, of course" I replied, somewhat relieved.

I walked back over to the group and told them everything I knew.

"Well, we aren't leaving till she's out, we'll stay with you."

"Yeah, Tone, we aren't leaving" Danielle said.

"Thanks, guys" I said bursting into tears.

Everyone embraced me in a hug. I still remember the way we all felt smushed together. In the moment I felt like everything would be okay.

We all sat down in the waiting room and watched the F.R.I.E.N.D.S reruns on the hospital TV.

After 6 hours of surgery Doctor Iero came out again. We all scrambled to him.

"She's doing wonderful," we all sighed in relief, "she has about an hour left, she's pulling through though" he assured us.

He walked back through the doors and I broke down.

"See, Tony, she's okay" Jaime said in tears.

We all embraced in a hug again.

"Let's find out if Joey takes back the chick, alright?" Vic joked.

"Sounds great" I replied with a smile.

After about half an hour, the girls were passed out along with Mike and Vic. Vic and Danielle looked adorable cuddled up together since they were both so small. Jaime, who was sitting next to me with Jessica asleep in his lap, leaned over and said, "How ya holding up?"

"You know I feel really lucky that she's gonna make it through"

"You are lucky, man" he replied.

"Thanks for sticking it out with me, Hime."

"No problem."

Doctor Iero headed towards us, I jumped up as Jaime woke everyone up.

"She's sedated but you can all go in and see her, however only for a bit and then it can only be just Tony."

We all sighed in relief and walked with the doctor to her room.

Seeing her hooked up to all those machines was terrifying. I walked over to her and dropped to my knees by her bed. I held her limp hand and kissed her forehead softly. I then started crying.

"Don't cry, she's okay now" Jessica said, kneeling beside me.

"I just hate seeing her like this ya know?" I said with tears streaming down my face.

"We know, kid" Mike said.

"Alright, it's time for the rest of you to go, Tony, feel free to stay."

Doctor Iero excited with the rest of them leaving me alone with Erin.

I stroked her hair, "I hate seeing you like this, darling, but you'll be okay soon, I promised to protect you and I won't break that promise, I love you so much, E."

I pulled up a chair and sat down, still holding her hand in mine. I finally felt relieved enough to sleep a little, however that was interrupted by a nightmare.

I don't know how much time had passed, but I woke up to a loud beep. Then it hit me. Doctors and nurses ran in to fix why she was beeping. I just broke down and screamed and cried as someone dragged me out of the room.

"Erin, no! I love you, E, pull through for me!"

Jaime set me down in the waiting room and the others crowded around me in a giant hug.

Soon Doctor Iero came out looking glum. He again pulled me off to the side.

"She's gone. I'm sorry for your loss."

"No! This isn't fair! Save her, someone, go save her, she'll be okay just help her!" I argued.

He walked off and everyone came and embraced me in tears.

"I didn't even get to say goodbye" I whispered under my breath.

My flashback stopped as a hand gripped my shoulder. I started crying again.

"Come on, it's time to go home, Tone" Jaime said.

I walked with him back to his car and we drove off.