Chapter 286 - Unusual family time

13 April, Military Base Hospital, City K

Twenty-five minutes after Sally left, Dominic came running into the ward, with Chester trailing behind him. As soon as he spotted Lexi, he ran over and threw himself into her arms peppering her face with kisses, before saying "I missed you so much mummy. But where is daddy Matthew?"

Gently pulling Dominic back slightly Lexi laughed a little before saying "I see that I am so low in your priorities Dominic."

"Mummy, you are alright. But Daddy Matthew was hurt trying to protect the most important person to both him and me, you mummy. I have to make sure he knows that I am so happy he did the right thing by you mummy."

Seeing that Lexi was close to tears Chester said "Dominic stop trying to manipulate your mummy. You know, when we asked for directions that your Daddy Matthew is with the medical staff and will be back here in a little bit of time. I think your mummy needs your care now, and then, provided you are not silly, when your Daddy Matthew is back you can play cute with him."

"Stop being mean Uncle Chester. I wonder why Uncle Phillip puts up with you."

Coming over and ruffling Dominic's hair Chester responded "Because he loves me Dominic. Now, can you give me a couple of minutes to talk to your mummy?"

"So, you want to ditch me Uncle Chester?"

"No, I just need to tell her a couple of things, and you already know this…"

"So, I am just going to sit with mummy."

Shaking her head, Lexi reached over, and pulled Dominic onto her lap for a hug, before saying "You monkey. If you behave, I will give you a treat…"

A voice from the door interrupted Lexi saying "No Dominic. Good behaviour does not require you being bribed."

Dominic turned and pulled out of Lexi's arms running over before yelling "Daddy Matthew…"

Lexi concerned said "Be careful Dominic," which stopped Dominic just as he reached Matthew. Matthew paused and opened his arms and Dominic moved in for a hug, before quickly returning to Lexi's side to allow Matthew to come into the room.

"Chester," came Matthew's response, which drew a nod.

"Matthew. I was not certain when you would be back, so I was going to tell Lexi, so you did not worry. Last night when they did all the medical checks on those of us who the military brought here the doctors contacted Phillip's oncologist who wanted him monitored overnight …"

Concerned, Matthew interrupted and said, "Is he alright?"

"Stop panicking Matthew. The oncologist was worried about stress given the experimental treatment protocol that is being used. I saw Phillip earlier this morning and he seemed alright. At that time, the doctors here were simply waiting for a consultation with Phillip's oncologist before he was discharged. That has happened and they are completing the discharge procedures. Phillip has a follow up appointment with the oncologist Monday, but I need to get him home and reduce his stress…"

Knowing exactly what the source of his stress would be Matthew said, "You wanted to make sure I was alright to let him know to reduce one stress?"

"Right. What is the situation?"

"I have come through the surgery well but will have to remain in hospital for a few days for monitoring of the wound for post-operative infection. Plus, they have already started me on the rehabilitation. Tell him not to worry about me, and when I get out of here, I will come and see him."

Chester nodded and looked at Lexi, before adding "And you?"

"Chester, just some bruising," responded Lexi quietly. Physically that was right, but at the same time she knew within herself how much she was hurting emotionally. No one needed to know that. No matter what she promised she was not going to get counselling, as that would result in the secrets that she wanted hidden getting out.

Chester looked at Lexi and could see similar hurt in her eyes as she had at the time of Richard's death. As if the world was crashing down on her, and pushing was not going to achieve anything. Chester said "Lexi, Phillip wanted to see Matthew before he left, so I am going to take him away for a few minutes."

"Meanie, Uncle Chester. Daddy Matthew has just gotten back to mummy and I and now you want to take him away," came a somewhat despondent comment from Dominic.

Lexi looked at him carefully and could see that he was up to mischief. Hugging him, she said "Go, and we will wait here."

Carefully pushing the wheelchair with Matthew in outside the room, Chester was escorted down a corridor to the room where Phillip was waiting. Before entering Chester stopped and said "Matthew, she is hurting. She had a similar look when Richard was killed. It is as if the world is collapsing on her. I stepped up to let her go away last time, but it took years for her to be ready to return. She does not have that option. You need to do something."

"I know Chester. I observed it this morning when I finally roused from sleep and the surgery. The as sitting beside the bed, tears in her eyes stressing out about the whole situation. While I was having the initial rehabilitation session, the medics informed me they believe she has post traumatic stress disorder. Not unexpected with what has happened over the last twelve months, but their position is she needs to agree to assessment and treatment, and not be pushed into it. They said if we push her at this time, it will make the situation worse."

"But she needs help, now."

"Chester, I have seen enough soldiers impacted by post traumatic stress disorder to know you cannot force treatment on them. All you can do is encourage them to get help and be there to support them whatever they choose." Matthew paused and said "Now let us go and see Phillip so you can get him home and I can head back to my wife and step-son."

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