Tragedia Et Amor - 15. Chapter 15

The chop was picking up on the way out. Later it might be rough returning to port, but for now I was happy to be diving a night dive. I looked down before I stepped off. Hitting the water with a splash before I floated to the surface and adjusted my buoyancy. As is usual. It only took two corrections before I had it where I wanted it. Internally, I laughed at the first few times I went diving and the amount of tries it would take me to achieve balance. Dad was always patient with me. We had a large group today of 14 and we were trying to get this dive in while we watched the weather. We are probably canceling tomorrow’s dives as the storm gets closer to the coast. The dive itself was a night dive at one of the submerged oil rig platforms that was cut off 40 feet below the surface. As usual, the dive was fantastic. The fish and coral under our hand-held lights were a perfect contrast to the surrounding water. Dreams of having my own set of decommissioned offshore oil rigs are still fresh in my mind as we work hard to find the donations. I was following behind as Mike led the group with Victor. T.J., which was short for Tanner Jones, one of our seventeen-year-old Junior Dive Masters, stuck with me.

We were down almost 40 minutes before people started to surface. Sadly enough, we left the dark underwater world of wonders heading for the overhead light. The lights came from the dive boat, acting like a beacon in the night for everyone to follow. The waves had picked up as was expected; I noticed as waited for everyone to climb out of the water. T.J. stayed with me until Mike called us in. Everyone was accounted for, motioning T.J. to go first. I was the last man out, as I always am. The waves had picked up to 5 foot swells as we dove. Climbing the ladder was a trick, and I was doing fine until someone reached out to help me. I couldn’t get No out fast enough as the hand grabbed my arm and pulled. Combining that with the waves rolling us at the same time and the fact I had twin tanks on again. My balance was gone, and I was crashing against the transom with my extra 120 pounds of gear. The scream came out as I hit. Trying as hard as I could to shift my weight as I went down. Still landing with my right hand in front of me and my body twisted to the left, smashing my leg into the other boarding ladder. The pain between my left leg and my right wrist was excruciating.

T.J. was yelling for everyone to get back as I heard the others trying to help me. Mike was soon there with Víctor and Eddie. T.J. had moved everyone back, as Mike was the first to get by my face. He carefully looked at my expression and asked questions. I heard T.J. yelling again, and I growled.

“T.J. stop. He didn’t know any better.” I said, as I turned my head to look up at Mike’s concerned face. “My right wrist is broken. Maybe my left leg, too.” Which caused him to flinch. “Get the crane powered up. It can reach all the way out here. Get these tanks loose enough to get a harness on me and lift me to the deck.”

“Got it boss.” Mike said as he turned and nodded to Eddie, who moved people out of the way so he could bring the cranes hydraulics online while Mike had Victor grab a harness out of the forward storage compartment. The guy that tried to help me was apologizing profusely. T.J. told him to shut up. I bristled.

“Tanner Jones. Come here. Now.” I barked out, then wheezed in pain. That got everyone’s attention before he scrambled down onto the transom and kneeled next to me. I could tell he was upset. Scared even.

“Yes Orion?” He said nervously. I reached over and grabbed his hand with my left hand. Just that simple movement made me wince again.

“Stop yelling and talk calmly. I’m OK. The injuries are not serious.”

“But. He caused it and your leg…”

“Stop Tanner. I’ll be OK. He was just trying to help. I didn’t say no fast enough. Perhaps you should apologize for yelling at him and explain that you are upset because I was hurt. Also, explain to him why you should help no one with dual tanks unless he asks first and receives permission. Otherwise, losing their balance like what just happened could happen. Understand what I am asking you to do?” I rasped out between the jolts of pain. He nodded his head in the affirmative. I released his hand and patted it before pulling it back. T.J. climbed back up the ladder and went to find the guy he yelled at. Multiple people were looking over the side and the crane was overhead as Victor was climbing back down. Both he and Mike tried to get the harness on me.

“Send out a PAN, PAN. Advise Port-A: we need an ambulance at the city dock and paramedics.” I rasped out again in pain as they tried to get the tanks off me and the harness on me. Mike was feeling my left leg, and I growled out for him to stop.

“It’s not compounded.” He said.

“I don’t think so either, but I have a lot of hardware in there. Might be shattered.” I took a few ragged breaths. “Lift me onto the deck. No matter how much I scream. Get me on that deck.”

“Orion. Your mother is on the radio. She heard the Pan, Pan. The Port Master has made the calls and wants to know our ETA.” Victor yelled over.

“Our ETA is after these guys get me on deck. Lie to my mother. On my orders. Tell her I broke my wrist. Only.” I took a pause as I breathed in a few ragged breaths through my teeth to fight the pain.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. And you are all a witness. I told Victor to lie for the moment. I don’t need this going out over the radio. Better yet, tell her to wait until we get close enough for cell reception and I’ll call her.” He nodded and took off. “Lift me up.” Mike nodded, and Eddie went up to raise the crane. Within seconds, the wire tightened and my harness snugged as it took my weight. Lifting me slowly off the transom deck. Taking everything I had not to scream out in pain as my leg moved. There is a very good possibility that a bone is shattered and it sure as hell felt like it.

I was lying on one of the benches as Eddie brought us into Port. Tanner was right next to me. My own personal bodyguard. He kept me warm and everyone away from me as he held my hand. Mom had been called, and she was getting Quinn. They were going to meet us at the hospital. That would be good enough. I’ll probably end up transferring up the Corpus Christie or something.

“Raider coming alongside.” Eddie yelled back as he slowed us. I heard the siren and saw the reflection of the lights as they came around and up to our side. In minutes, I was looking up at Barney’s and Caleb’s faces.

“Right wrist is broken. Left leg is fucked. Don’t cut the suit yet.”

“Shut up Orion. We’ll take care of it. Think I’ll let anything happen to my future, brother-in-law?” Said Caleb as he and Barney got to work on me. They slid a back board under me. To expedite my departure as Eddie continued to motor us into the dock and the waiting ambulance.

“So.” I rasped out. “You two finally worked it out?” Barney let out a deep rumble of a laugh.

“Yeah. He told me what you did. That was perfect. Got them both on the same page now.” Said Barney just before he jabbed me with a mild pain killer. By the time we reached the pier, the pain was manageable.

And it took twenty minutes to get me off the boat and into the Ambulance, because, you know. Everyone needs to take my vitals 10 times. Double check what they already double checked. Have me explain, again, what happened. Just because I am in pain doesn’t mean they should be in a hurry. Ten minutes later, they were wheeling me into the emergency room where Mom and Quinn were waiting.

“Orion?” Said Quinn as he moved to my side and kissed me.

“I’ll be OK baby.” I whispered, and he moved back. His eyes kept darting at my leg as the doctor asked me questions. Some mom answered. They removed the rest of my wetsuit as they checked me out, and then I was wheeled out for a series of X-Rays. I mean a series. They were doing my hand, arm, both legs, my back and hips. Because they say I am covered with bruises. Which I am sure I am. Quinn won’t be happy about that, or actually he would. More for him to add to his routine of trying to kiss my injuries and make them better. An hour later, I was wheeled back to the emergency room.

“It’s late. Why don’t the two of you go home? I’m not leaving here tonight. You can come back in the morning.” I said, all ready to doze off with the pain killers in my system. They will have to evaluate my x-rays and then put a cast on my arm…the joys. Right hand means I won’t be driving either, since my Jeep is a standard. Quinn was looking at my arm and I could see the wheels turning.

“Lilian, why don’t you go home and I’ll stay for a while longer,” Quinn said to my mom. She thought it over and let out a small sigh before she hugged him and kissed me on the forehead.

“I’ll be back around 8. That should give the doctors time to figure who you’ll be seeing tomorrow.” She said. To which I grimaced before I nodded.

“Yeah… I’ll probably be transferring up to Corpus Christie.” Mom’s eyes sadden as she nodded. I just told her how bad I think the leg is. Quinn was concerned at my remark and that, too, showed in his eyes. After mom left. He sat down beside me and held my good hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss before he spoke softly to me.

“How bad could it be, Orion?” My shrug was noncommittal.

“It’s possible that my leg is shattered in places.” His hand gripped me tighter. “It’s also possible that I am just bruised and in pain. I won’t know until they look at the X-Rays… possibly take me for a Cat Scan, but that would have to be up in Corpus Christie. They don’t have that equipment here. This is just a band aid station.” I said with as much confidence as I could muster. Which wasn’t much. I had always been told by the doctors that the one thing I never want to do with all the hardware in my leg was break it again. That if I did, it would most likely shatter. Not break. And we’ll know soon enough.

“Well… If it’s not broken, you could drive the car and I’ll take the Jeep.” I smiled at that.

“Thank you baby. I think I’ll need too… Maybe it’s time I traded the Jeep in on something a little more family oriented.” I said. More thinking out loud, but it had the desired effect as Quinn laughed. At least until the doctor walked in.

“Well Mr. Hanson. That is quite the impressive amount of hardware you have in your left leg. There are some concerns and I would like to send you up to Corpus Christie in the morning. Let them run some scans and another set of X-rays. We think you have a few new cracks, but aren’t sure.” He stopped talking as I winced at that. Quinn felt my own grip tighten in his hand as he sat quietly, waiting for me to respond. Finally, I just nodded in agreement.

“Then I’ll make those arrangements. We have an orthopedic specialist that just arrived and is looking at your X-rays now. He should be along to get your arm and wrist set. It’s a minor fracture, but we think it would be better to go with the hard cast instead of the soft. Dr. Segal will explain it when he arrives. And they tell me your room here is already set for tonight.” He fished something out of his pocket and handed it to Quinn. “Here is the breakfast menu. Fill it out and once you two get upstairs, add the room number and give it to the nurse on duty.”

“Thank you doctor.” I said. He nodded and left the room. Four minutes later, a young gentleman with just the beginning of gray appearing in his hair arrived and explained everything as he discussed the X-rays. Technically, the right arm will be sore as hell for a few days, but the decision for the cast was precautionary. Besides, my health insurance would cover everything that wasn’t covered by the lawsuit insurance. Wonderful thing about that. No matter how it happens, anything with my previous injuries is covered for the rest of my life. That is the effect of having the best lawyers' money could buy.

* * *

It was forty minutes later when I was wheeled into a room and shifted to a bed. Arm very much heavier with the cast, which Quinn signed already. I made him lean down and kiss me before I sent him home. It was after midnight. He dropped off the breakfast order on his way out as I dosed off. Only to be awakened every two hours by someone checking my vitals. Sure enough, my blood pressure was up the third time. She asked me how I was feeling and I snorted.

“In pain. Exhausted as I keep getting woke up and hungry, now that I am up.” She smiled as she departed and returned a few minutes later with pain meds.

“Thank you.” Was all I said as I tried to sleep once again, but gave it up as the breakfast service was starting. At least that was what I thought all the racket was in the hallway. It wasn’t long before Mom slipped into the room with a carrier, two coffees, and a bag of donuts. I smiled just as my breakfast tray arrived. It worked out well because I was hungry. Mom asked the magic question.

“When are they transferring you?”

“Today. I don’t know when. They want Cat Scans and more X-rays. Doctor Segal took care of the arm. The cast is just a precaution.” I said as more nodded.

“I’m guessing you will be car hunting, then.” Which made me laugh.

“Yeah. Quinn and I talked about it last night. He should be here soon.” I said as the door pushed open and he had a drink holder and bag too.

“Great minds think alike, I see,” He said as he hugged Mom and then kissed me. “Did they tell you when you are leaving yet?”

“No. I expect after I finish eating, the doctor will be by to fill us in.”

“Doesn’t look like you slept much last night.” He said as Mom chuckled.

“I doubt if he did. Never could.” She said to Quinn before she turned to me. “You didn’t bite anyone's head off. Did you?” My frown gave it away, and she sighed.

“So, he’s not the best patient?” Quinn asked with a smirk, which made her hug him again.

“No. No, he is not. Wait until he’s been laid up a few days. You’ll be pulling your hair out.”

“I’m not that bad.” I grumbled out as they both laughed at me.

* * *

It was after lunch when the doctor finally dropped in and filled us in on the plan. Which included me heading up to Corpus Christie in about an hour. A full battery of scans once I am settled in the room up there for the night. He explained to the two of them what they could see here, but it was not conclusive and needed to wait until the doctors up there looked at everything? After he left, I sighed. Thankfully, we had enough staff now. Quinn was even going to help tomorrow at the dive shop. Mom and he worked out a plan, so one of them would be with me and the other would be at the shop. The foundation could take care of itself with little input from me or Quinn.

Four hours later, I was up in Corpus Christie. The ride was jarring to my body, and this place was much larger than our little band aid station. I could already tell it was going to be a rough night with all the noise and, of course, people wanting to check my vitals every two hours. Surviving the battery of X-rays and Cat Scans before I had dinner. Quinn had come up and Mom would be here in the morning. He was holding my hand as we watched TV together when someone knocked before entering the room.

“Hey you. How did you make out? Is it broken?” Asked Caleb as he entered, leading Aiden. Quinn jumped up to hug them both before they shook hands with me.

“It is, and it isn’t. There is bruising and they see one crack. Very minuscule. Now the question is, do I have the hardware removed or leave it in?” I said.

“But. You were going to have it removed soon, anyway. Correct?” Asked Aiden as he held Caleb from behind.

“I was waiting until after the Foundation was up and running with full monetary autonomy, but now…”

“Yes. We think it will be done now. If only to prevent a bone shatter if he falls again.” Said Quinn, authoritatively. I smiled over at my top from the bottom fiancée as I squeezed his hand. “So he’ll be laid up until after the summer.”

“Your wedding?”

“Continues as planned.” I finished for them.

“When do you come home?” Asked Caleb.

“Tomorrow, it looks like. Then I’ll mope around the condo for a few weeks as my arm heals more. Doctor’s said I could have the cast off in 4 weeks and then it’s back under the knife for me. Surgery, then my occupational torturist. By the time of our wedding, I should be good as new.” I said before Quinn leaned in and kissed me. I smirked as I pulled away from him with a wink, as I turned back to the two of them.

“So. Aiden. Are you moved in yet?” I asked innocently. I already knew he was, but they have said nothing to us yet. He blushed slightly as Quinn snickered next to me.

“Yes. I’m moved in now.”

“Much better than sneaking out every morning, isn’t it?” Which made Quinn shake his head as Aiden nodded in agreement before he kissed Caleb’s neck, who gave me a wide, toothy grin.

* * *

And so the following week passed as I lazed around the condo, bored out of my gourd. Even with all the work, Quinn brought me the first few days. Finally, he let me come down to the shop as well as the Foundation for a few hours a day. That was until I growled and pinned him to the wall. He was upset about me hurting my arm. I was upset as I haven’t had sex in almost three weeks. Blow jobs didn’t count. Although the one in the hospital was fun. Even if I was sure we were heard. Reviewing the Foundation’s donations, I smiled as we were one step closer to being able to finance the offshore oil rig. Working with those numbers, I worked out a possible, bare bones plan to accomplish everything I wanted to do on a less than optimal scale. Reviewing what I had worked out, nodded as it would accomplish the proof of concept I wanted.

It was August and the plastic cup touched my lips. I opened as the ice chips poured in. Sucking on them as Quinn’s hand wiped my face with a damp cloth. The cup nudged my lips again before another batch of ice chips was deposited in my mouth. I heard the mumbled words as he talked with my mom and they talked with the doctor. I guess I was being transferred up to my room now as an attendant came in and started moving stuff. I was disconnected from the wall oxygen mount and all the equipment off to the side before being wheeled out. What felt like hours was only minutes being I was placed in a room that actually had a nice eastern view. Turning my head, I looked out the window to the bay in the distance and tried to count the sails I saw. It didn’t last as they lowered my bed to lie flat. I felt the kiss on my forehead and the whispered words.

“Sleep now, baby. I’ll wake you for dinner.” Said Quinn.

Both he and mom had rented a suite for the week up here. They wouldn’t need to drive back and forth to Port Aransas for the next few days. Mike was stepping into his role as assistant manager rather well, so I’ve heard. The next morning when I woke to the sight of a smiling Quinn with breakfast sandwiches for us. An addition to my breakfast that he choose for me last night. As he had figured, I didn’t sleep well after he left last night. Too much noise and having vitals checked. Today was also going to be my first time up on my feet. If all goes well, then I’ll have my first therapy evaluation this afternoon and then home tomorrow morning after therapy. I traded the Jeep in while I was recuperating prior to the operation. I now have a Dodge Ram mega cab pickup. Automatic, Cummins diesel and the bed was measured for a high-top heavy-duty contractors cap that could hold my roof tent. Quinn also made some purchases for it as he wants us to go camping up in the high country of Texas and Colorado on BLM land. I smiled at the thought. He just wants to scare the wildlife by having sex outdoors. No sooner had I dismissed that thought, the therapist arrived to help me get mobile for the first time. Or more accurately. Applaud me as I lifted myself to my feet and walked around.

Quinn

Thank God for Lilian and her ability to explain everything in terms I could understand. She kept me from having a mental breakdown more than once over the past few weeks. I settled down after I stopped yelling at Orion. Once, he pinned me to the wall again. I didn’t want him to hurt himself, but he wanted to make love to me in a way that we will not be able to do for a at least 4 weeks after the operation. And his mother was right. He gets cranky when he gets bored, but I kept control and wouldn’t let him have it. Our sexual escapade was the only time I did, and he overpowered me… so we were going to have sex no matter how much I yelled at him and his lopsided grin as he humored me. Later that night, he held me tight and let me have control again after he had fucked me twice and I had him once. He was in pain and didn’t care as he whispered his love for me. Told me that no matter what happens, I am the only person who he will give control to. I smiled as I fell asleep on his side. My head was on his shoulder and his cast on a pillow on top of me. It was hot, but I didn’t care. My baby wanted me tight against him, and I obeyed his last command before my eyes closed.

Orion

Quinn was nervous as he and my mom watched me walk around the room before I was OK’d to get back in bed. More than once he wanted to help me, but mom held him back. Whispering into his ear. At least I would be wheeled down to therapy in a wheel chair. Mom had the ice back on my leg to help keep the swelling down as we chatted about the day's activities and what has been going on back at the shop and Foundation. Another batch of donation requests went out. Again farther afield than the last batch. One more and we will have reached out to the top 70 thousand high net worth individuals that have donated to charities in the past. Quinn showed me a report that listed our last group of donations. He had thank-you letters for me to sign later when I needed something to do. Our total now, after all expenses, was just over 800 thousand, net. That meant we had passed my goal of one million, but the cost of getting there was high. Close to three hundred thousand.

The latest on the Rig donation, it’s still coming in early to mid-November. Right after we get back from our honeymoon. I am so looking forward to that trip and so is he. Something keeps tickling the back of my mind as we talk about it. He has something planned, I think, but I can’t figure out what it would be. I gave myself an internal shrug as I pulled his hand to my lips and kissed him. Causing him to give me the sweetest smile. If mom wasn’t here and my new stitches aren’t healed enough yet. I would have had him pinned down again as I make love to him. Right here in the hospital.

By dinner time I had a few comments about my physical torturist that mom gave me dirty looks for as Quinn sat wide eyed and silent. I could see the gears turning in his mind and the sadness that flashed across his face as he thought back to all the times I was nasty when we were younger. It wasn’t him, but the pain that my therapy caused me. The good news was that after tomorrow morning's session, I would be discharged. Quinn had the truck and plenty of pillows, blankets and some ice gel packs already chilling for the ride home. Plus, he hit the big box pharmacy and grabbed everything needed to keep me in fresh bandages for a few days and coverings for after that. Mom was heading home tonight and Quinn was checking out of the hotel tomorrow morning. Everyone was waiting for me to come home. Caleb and Barney had the day off and were going to meet us at the condo complex to help get me settled in. All things Quinn has been arranging. Grandma came down yesterday, so someone will be nearby if needed to let everyone else be able to go to work. Instead of babysitting me.