A Time For Love (A Time For Love Series-Book 1)

The Night Goes On

LENA POV

I smile as I see the sweet exchange between Stef and Bird as I decide to head to the cafeteria for some warm tea. Despite the fact that it was now snowing outside I had decided to head on back to the hospital because being home right now was just feeling rather impossible. I'd most likely get better sleep here and just use one of the spare beds some of the nurses used when they pulled doubt shifts.

Instinctively my first stop was to check on Bird but when I peeked into her room I saw her snuggled with Stef talking quietly as neither of them noticed me.  I realize Bird must of had a bad dream and most likely called Stef's room.

As I head to the cafeteria and pour my tea, I yawn from exhaustion as I see Mike sitting at a table alone. Walking over he looks right at me and smiles.

"Mike? Hi. Are you okay?"

"Lena, hey. PT's work this late?" He laughs as I take a seat at the table with him and set my tea down.

"No, not usually, but you know I'm a different case." I smile as he laughs now. "Can't sleep?"

"No, not at all. It's weird, Lena. I'm grateful I'm okay. I am grateful I can return to work at some point even if it's just desk duty for now. But, at the same time, I feel damn terrible about it. I feel terrible that my sister isn't okay. I basically walked away with a scratch, and she, she's got a host of things going on. And Tess..well...yeah. Just doesn't seem fair, ya know."

"I know. I can only imagine how bad that must feel, Mike."

"Feels horrible. Survivors guilt they call it I guess.  And me being a big brother and all, that should be me in there. Not my little sister, Lena." He shakes his head as I gently rest my hand on top of his.

"Listen, I know it's hard and I know you would rather it be you in there then your sister, but life is, it's so confusing sometimes, Mike. I don't think Stef would want you in her position because she loves you so much. But, I understand. I'd feel the same way you do. I really would because none of what happened to you four is fair."

"We arrest shit, Lena. I mean the lowest of the low. And this guy, trash. He shouldn't have even been out on the street the amount of arrests and things he had on his rap sheet. Drugs, armed robbery, burglary, domestic abuse, child abuse. Part of me wishes his ass was still alive so that I could...never mind. Saying that won't do a thing. Won't bring Tess back, won't help my sister, or Bird. But man, I'm pissed and I just want..I want that guy to know it."

"No, I know. I know. But, you are entitled to your feelings and anger, Mike. Because what happened wasn't fair.  You are right none of it was. And it was unfortunate that Tess had to loose her life, and that Stef and Bird and you were shot. I hate that it happened to you, and, I want you to know whatever you need, Mike, please tell me. Let me know."

"Ahh Lena you do alot. I mean you see my sister, she's been a handful in all this."

"She has a brain injury, Mike. And I don't take it personally. She can't help it. Well, some she can I believe."

"Oh some she can for sure!" He laughs as I join him shaking my head. "She can definitely control some of it. Bird is the only one she doesn't tear into. So that makes me think she CAN control her attitude and frustration. But, you know, she always had an edge to her. Never liked help and was a ball buster. She busted my ass from day one!"

"I can see that." I laugh sipping my tea as he smiles. "I can also see she has a big heart, and that this entire thing has thrown her off track. It would anyone, Mike. And if she works hard, and puts in the effort I believe she will walk again and regain some of her memory and cognitive abilities. Maybe not all but I believe I can help her." He stares hard at me now as I see the sadness form on his face.