Timbervale

[CarmineHilton 6]

Another lovely chapter! People do seem to die a lot on that same location haha XD

But I don't really care, the chapters/stories are great!

xo

[Porter 68]

Wow.... looks like I'm right now making monthly updates. Shameful of me. But, hey, those applications for schools aren't going to finish themselves and work doesn't just give me a freepaycheck. This update was originally slated for the New Year's, but well, stuff happens.

The next chapter will be a major one. And I need everyone's help.

I will be opening up voting on the character tomorrow afternoon!

Before I post the update, replies:

jacqulina: Thanks! And I hope yours was good too!

tomasneto: Thanks!

art128: Thanks!

Wrightguy0: Nope. Twists galore ahead!

zelgadis: New ultra clean bus technology for the year 2012. Sure. Makes enough sense.

TehMonday Avenger: I thought the Devil was down in Georgia. Must be vacationing I guess.

Hawkeye9: Thanks! I try to out everything I can into every update!

suplado!: As always, it’s a pleasure to see you popping into the thread. It’s an honor that you enjoy my work!

CarmineHilton: Yeah, but notice how they aren't all officially dead yet. And your character makes his appearance this chapter.

As some of you may notice, I'm using the name of Carmine Hilton as one of the character's names. He won one of the two places in the "Guess the Car" contest. Projectadam (from SC4D) will be added soon in a different update.

Ok. Now on to:

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“…Regenra can be known to cause low blood pressure, fever, vomiting, and serious skin reactions, along with bleeding issues at the site of injection. All medicines have benefits and risks, and there may be other options, so consult your doctor. Regenra: It’s time to live to its fullest. NexGenics, A Tricell Company.

What do you say to exceptional handling and first class safety features? To truly advanced technology and a rich interior design? What do you say to the lowest cost, and only fully electric car in its class?  To winner of five different awards from JD Power?  Say hello to the future. Introducing the new Quantum QX1000e. We’re thinking at the speed of Quantum.

Catch Governor Palin and Secretary of State Clinton face off at the third presidential debate, tonight during the continued coverage of Election 2012, here on CNN.

…Welcome back to the news room here at CNN headquarters in Atlanta. Markets are opening high today with trends up in every market today as the communications sector sees yet another acquisition by Tricomm of the Windsor Park owned Interlink Communications. After FCC and government regulators gave the final approval to the Timbervale company, markets have continued their upward climb. 

Also making headlines, the technology sector has seen a boost with the merger as Tricomm has officially announced the release of the much anticipated Evo 2, produced in an unheard of venture between Apple and Samsung. Release of the phone is expected to be this week, after finalization of the two companies’ merger.

Also making headlines in the tech sector….”

As Carmine turned his attention away from the small flat panel in the break room, he focused back on the tray in front of him, stirring the creamer into the coffee as his mind drifted back to the troubling conversation he had overheard his boss having to some man on the phone the evening before…

-----------------------------

“… Good. And so how did you set it up? Ah, good. You did after all come highly recommended. And did you set the car up exactly as I wanted? And it’s in the correct spot?” Duceppe Gaston asked to the person on the phone, looking out the window, the ever present evil smirk on his face.

“Um sir, I have some, uh, papers from the CEO for you to sign if you aren’t too terribly busy?” asked Carmine in a whisper, the fear of the man easily heard in his voice as he poked his head in the door.

“Hilton, you continue to prove your stupidity to me every chance you get, don’t you?” Gaston snapped, turning his angry glare to the blonde, “If you ever interrupt me on a phone call ever again, you damn imbecile, I will personally see to it that you suffer for it. And trust me, I will MAKE you suffer. Am I clear? And where the hell is my lunch? I ordered it 5 minutes ago. How about you get off your lazy ass and do what I tell you?”

Knowing better than to reply, Carmine slipped back out the door, forgetting to completely close the door. Trying to calm down before he made his way to the cafeteria for the man’s lunch, he stood still, breathing deep as Gaston’s voice carried out the door.

“Oh, that was just the bumbling idiot that they hired to be my assistant. I’d fire him and replace him with some proper eye candy, but then I’d have the board on my case. So you can guarantee that it will be done exactly as planned then? Good. I’ll send the other half as soon as I see the proof myself. I expect you to send me photo proof of it, understood? Goodbye then.”

----------------------------------------------------

Taking his coffee mug with him, he walked over to his desk, surprised to see that the desk across from his was empty of the young blonde that usually occupied it. Didn’t Lukas usually arrive before him, he wondered as he sat down, logging into the computer in front of him and checking the mail that needed to be sorted as the sun slowly started to peek through the flurries of snow slowly covering the city.

Personally, he was slightly envious of the kid. The kid really was a looker, and it was slightly unfair that he got the nicer guy to work for.

Huh…. and for that matter, wasn’t the company head supposed to be here as well? Carmine continued to wonder to himself, his attention turning to the small icon on his desktop flashing to notify him of an urgent memo.

Opening up the file, he scanned through it, his eyebrows rising as he realized what its contents said. Terrible loss of the CEO in a car wreck, deepest sympathy from the new interim head of the company? Merger expected to be rescheduled for this afternoon instead of this morning?

“What the hell? The merger isn’t until this afternoon!” Carmine blurted out under his breath, bewilderment playing across his face, “That can’t be right. Someone must be playing a joke. This is just nuts! Even the time code is wrong…”

The shock continued to set in as he finally looked at the letter head and signature on the memo. His attention turned to the muffled sounds coming from the office behind. Getting up, he turned and walked into the office behind him, startled to see that his boss was yelling into the phone with his back turned to him.

“I don’t care. We had an agreement. I told you that I wanted that bastard Handover dead, not his little street ----- of an assistant. No. I don’t care what you have to do; you are going to take care of the problem. You listen here, I don’t care if you have to shoot him yourself, but you ARE going to make sure he is dead. Don’t give me that crap; I’m not paying you for doing a half ----- job! Don’t you call me back until it’s done!” Gaston screamed, slamming the phone into its cradle.

Swallowing, Carmine slowly started backing out of the office, reaching for the door knob behind him as the man in front of him began speaking in a low voice.

“So, I guess you didn’t get the hint when I told you to never interrupt me when I’m in a phone call. I swear, good help really is so hard to find.” Gaston said, reaching out the table against the glass window in front of him.

“You’re a monster. And I’m going to the cops with what I have.” Carmine said out loud, his voice gaining an edge on the discovery of what the man in front of him was doing.

“Ah my dear, dear Carmine, you truly underestimate how much smarter I am than you. You really think I wouldn’t have a plan on how to deal with any problem that arose?” Gaston said, giving a sickly smile as turned around, bringing his hands behind his back. 

“You know what, you don’t scare me. I know you’re going to go to jail for a long time. And if I could give YOU a word of advice, don’t drop the soap,” Carmine retorted, his cheeks flushing as his voice quickly gained volume, turning to walk out of the room.

Hearing a loud clicking noise, Carmine froze as his mind quickly processed what made that sound.

“Well let me give you a word of advice too. As my father always told me, all is fair in corporate warfare…” the man said flatly, pointing the gun at the blonds’ back, “Oh, and never, ever, turn your back on a man when he has a gun pointed at your back.”

Gulping, Carmine could feel his face draining of its blood.

“You won’t get away with this...” he began, as Gaston pulled the trigger, sending out a loud bang in the office. Sending blood across the carpeted floor, Carmine slumped to his knees in agony as the bullet ripped its way through him and out his chest.

Walking over to him, Gaston began to laugh as he bent down placed a second gun in Carmine’s hand, as the blonde struggled to breathe, blood gurgling out of his chest.

“Oh yes I will…” he replied, as he kicked Carmine fully to the floor as he stood up before he continued, “In fact, I’m going to make sure you help with my alibi.” 

“And if you could do just one more thing for me before I terminate your employment? Give our former employer my regards…” he said, smiling as he emptied his clip into the back of his former assistant, dropping his cell phone into a puddle of the man’s blood.

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Extras:

Well. That's it! hope you all enjoy the voting tomorrow (today if you want to call it that)

Jacob

[jacqulina 162]

excellent work and pics my friend,great story line

[CarmineHilton 6]

Oh my god...... I'm dead...................

Another great story, porter! Really love the way you wright them

Ever thought of maybe writing a book or so? I would surely buy it (even when I almost never read one before )

But I know now, that if there would ever be a Tricomm, I shouldn't go working there xD

Fabulous work, loved it!

[Darth Apple 54]

to all those who write that story , this is just totally awesome , I spent an hour reading it when I intended to take a quick look.

sometimes the most unusual cjs are the best ones.

[Zelgadis 638]

Well, I've already read the story, which is great. That is a perfectly evil executive there. Kinda starting to remind me of Arthur Petrelli.

Now I get to see the pictures I missed too. Which are equally great!

ISF

[suplado! 23]

wow -- lots of cool inovation, very interesting...anyway -- i like the new year celebration, the fireworks looks awesome in the city

[suomi2005 52]

Nice firework and snow effects and I like the logo youve putted on the Metlife building.

[Tomasneto 20]

Yeah!! Many cool inovation in your CJ!! Very nice, guy!!!

[Porter 68]

OK!!!! Voting is now open! Sorry for the wait, just been swamped with paperwork trying to get into a program at college for my career. 

Anyways... your choices should be sent to me by PM. 

Pretty simple. Remember, only choose someone on the list, which includes a small back story and a list of the injuries (for all you medical nerds out there like me).

Jacob

The List:

1) Lukas Overton- Shy teenager. Was molested as a child. Personal secretary to Brian Handover, CEO of Tricomm.

21 yr old Male: Abdominal impalement, shattered scapula and superior portion of humerus, femur, and right clavicle, severe concussion, perforated small intestine and liver, massive blood loss.

2) Andrew Grensing- Intern at Timbervale Hospital Downtown. Hit by bus why walking across street with sister.

26 yr old Male: Broken left and right femur, 3 broken ribs with outer perforation, collapsed lung, fractured left and right radius and ulna, fractured T1, T6, L1, L2, L4, bradycardia and hypotensive, massive bleeding of spleen, massive contusion of kidney.

3) Sebastian Overton- Brother of Lukas. Riding bus at time of accident.

16 yr old Male: Severe concussion to occipital region of head, broken tibia, fractured C1 and C2, swelling in C-spine region of spinal cord and brain stem.

4) Elsa Baum- wife of Dr. Tristan Baum. Gave up two children (Lukas and Sebastian) for adoption at age of 17. Currently pregnant.

38 yr old Female: Lacerations to face and hands, broken humerus, severe contusions to arms, back, and abdominal region. Fetal heart rate exhibiting bradycardia with signs of possible fibrillation.

5) Carmine Hilton (no relation )- Personal assistant to Duceppe Gaston, 'possible' suspect to planned assassination of Brian Handover.

31 yr old Male: 6 GSW to thoracic cavity, 9 GSW to abdominal cavity. Possible trauma to right ventricle chamber, collapsed left lung, perforated stomach, perforated small intestine, perforated bowel, massive truama to left kidney, superior part of liver and inferior pancreas.

Enjoy!

[Zelgadis 638]

Wait, all by PM?  Why on earth would you do that? 

ISF

[ironicepitome 0]

OMG... That's awesome. Although the Tricomm looks like a bladder...

[Porter 68]

Ok. Two bits of news here. Nobody (2 people over 2 sites) has really sent their vote on the next arc. I need them if you want the next chapter to come out.

Which brings me to the other point. Looks like I'm going to have to redo the Timbervale region from scratch. For some reason, every time i try to open the region, I get a CTD. Even tried manually moving over cities to try and fix it, but looks like something happened the files. So it might be a little while before I post the next update (see: 1 month possibly).

Jacob

[suplado! 23]

aw -- sorry about your region, anyway, you can make another cool region!! hope to see it soon...

[ironicepitome 0]

Oh monkey-nuggets, that's depressing. Well, can i have that car? And didn't that Regenra stuff cause Windsor Park?

[Porter 68]

OK. Finally got the new region set up for building. And I finished mapping out the city names. Also figured I'd get a little caught up on the replies here...

jacqulina: Thanks!

CarmineHilton: Yup. Maybe. It's up to the readers. And actually, I use creative writing like this to keep my writing skills in shape, but a book wouldn't be out of the question I guess. (See: Hey all you publishers out there?)

blakesterville: That would be me. And my lovely team of proofreaders Ian (zelgadis) and Dan (shadowassassin). I'm glad you enjoy the CJ so far. Don't forget to see some of the others out here.

zelgadis: Yup, and I get to see your's early too. And I drew the evil inspiriation from Vincent and the dentist's office (don't ask).

suplado!: Still doesn't compare to the skills you have with Jargeah!

suomi2005: Thanks! I design all my logos by hand. Call it a hobby if you will.

Tomasneto: Thanks!

zelgadis (2): To make you ask dumb questions (Waiting for the day someone gets annoyued by me and I get "banned" -cough-)

ironicepitome: Bladder? Must mean it's "wet yourself it so awesomely" good.

suplado (2): Yeah. Making it harder, better, faster, and stronger. The whole works!

ironicepitome: Monkey nuggets? Those the new kid's meal at McEndangered? No, you can't have the car, already promised it to someone else (aka Me). And maybe Regenra is an important plot development, maybe it's detracting attention from something more important and its totally bogus... Who knows?

OK! Now to the new improved region!

I'm now off to the land of BATs and plop'in.

Jacob

PS: Don't forget to vote for the dead character people!

[Ntq€310 1]

The Region looks nice, cant wait to see it filled in

[ironicepitome 0]

yea, lets go with that... nice anyway you put it.

[Twenty20 28]

Beautiful pics and fireworks. I like the story !

[Porter 68]

Ok! The update is almost finished being written so I figured I'd add in a little Interlude between arcs to give you all a little taste of the next story arc.

So far the rebuilding of my region is going well... just slow with using growable vs plop.

Well, off to the replies-

Ntq$310: Thanks! It's slow going but getting there. Have to post a region view eventually.BTW, congrats on the Trixie!

ironicepitome: Thanks! I think?

Twenty20: Thanks!

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“… Approximately 1.2 million are still without power as the severe winter storm that swept through the Central Plains region continues to make its way across the Northeast and Tennessee Valley areas. The storm has dumped as much as 3 feet of snow and up to 2 inches of ice in Maine and New York, and has so far accounted for nearly 27 deaths.

As for the weather here in the Timbervale Metropolitan area, the highs are expected to reach around 29 today, and we’re still seeing a few isolated flurries across the city as the last of the storm makes its way through the region. We’ll have your full forecast in 20. Let’s now go to Jean with the traffic. Jean?

Well, it’s going to be slow going throughout the city today as the DOT finishes clearing the streets. As for accidents and congestion in the city, expect slow going on the I-627 Expressway as a non-injury 3 car pileup  on the Murphy Bridge has traffic down to 1 lane going north, as well as some slow going in along US-81 as construction crews are working to repair a burst water main near the Federal Parkway. We’ll make sure to keep you informed as other traffic issues develop. Back to you guys in the news room.

We have breaking news coming  in to the station as we go live to Marcy Lee on scene at a major accident downtown at Central Plaza and North Federal Parkway. Marcy, what can you tell us?

Well Katie, I’m here on scene where a massive 15 car pile has literally shut down the east downtown area. It looks like a Metrolink bus was also involved in the crash and is laying on its side, and the bus also appears to have hit a pedestrian while involved in the accident. And we’ve also gotten unconfirmed reports that Tricomm CEO Brian Handover was involved in the crash.

We have here James Goldstein, an MBA here at the one of the buildings overlooking the scene, who witnessed the events. Mr. Gordon, what happened?

Well, can I give my boo a shout out? Hey Alexis, I love you for real girl! And a huge wassup out to my boys up in Aspen, C-Ooooo! You dogs be crazy up on them slopes! 970 fo’ life! Wooh!

Um… ok… anyways sir, what was it that you witnessed?

Well, I was standing here waiting for a taxi and that real pimped out black car there ran the light, crossed the lane and hit that minivan there head on. It flipped in the air all crazy like and crashed into that blue car there. Then that red car got rear-ended by that green SUV, which almost hit a girl getting ready to cross the street. Then that bus there hit a guy, like wham yo, trying I think to like help out the people in the accident and s…

Sir, you can’t say that on the air…

Aight…. Well anyways, then the bus got t-boned by that semi and I don’t really remember what happened after that. I just got on my cell and called 911 and got some co-workers to come help those people there.

Marcy, are there any reports on how many people were injured from the accident?

Well, Gary, the police so far haven’t given any official numbers, but on scene witnesses told us that there were anywhere from 35-49 people pulled from the bus wreckage and at least another 20 people from various vehicles. Police have shut down the Federal Parkway bridge and a 1 mile section of Riverside Avenue as they continue to clear the area, and are diverting traffic to the 15^thSt and Pine Road bridges. We’ll try and get more information to you all in the news room as we get it. Back to you Katie.

Also breaking news in to the station are gunshots heard from the Tricomm building. We’ll get you more information on it after a short commercial break…”

---

Turning her attention away from the television, Rin Kazuki set her cup of coffee and bagel down as she looked back down to the cell phone as another message from her employer.

Picking up the phone, she pressed the accept button and read the message on the screen.

Sighing, she tossed the phone back onto the table and resumed eating her breakfast.

“Doesn’t he realize just who I am?” she mumbled to herself, grabbing a pen from the cup on the table and writing out her plan on the legal pad in front of her.

“You don’t threaten a world class assassin, nor do you underestimate her. Oh, Rin make sure to take care of the little hiccup in the plan. Granted, it will take a couple of months of planning, but I will get it done. And as for the loose ends, I can take care of them as well. And, hell, I’ll even slice Gaston in the end too, since he’s been so rude.”

“And for the cute blonde boy in the car,” she continued musing to herself, “… he is going to be Rin’s little bonus in the end. Such a fine specimen and Rin really does need a new toy to play with. She just doesn’t know how I go through them so fast!”

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Extra (sorry, short update means few extra pics)

[jacqulina 162]

awww shucks sorry about your ctd probs but hey you came back again with amazing work my friend

[ironicepitome 0]

YAY! Ur back! Make something happen at the airport. That would be awesome!

[Ntq€310 1]

Nice pics and story.......very realistic.

[Zelgadis 638]

Hee hee. Just like every dimwit interviewed on national television.

ISF

[ironicepitome 0]

what do u mean by: dimwit zelgadis?

[Porter 68]

NOTE: All replies will now be posted after updates are finished!

Brian hadn’t noticed the medics. Not when they opened the car, not when they tried to talk to him. He couldn’t see them through his tears, couldn’t hear them through his pleading for Lukas to wake up. His body was so cold, so numb, that he didn’t feel the hands touch him and when they started to gently pull him away and out of the car, Brian weakly fought them.

It was no use.

They won, in the end, and all he could do was watch in dismay from where they’d sat him as they worked to extract Lukas from the wreckage with some sort of saw. His body trembled and every breath seemed to come with less air than he needed.

Someone was speaking to him, but he didn’t listen. He couldn’t. All he could do was hope with everything that he had that his stupidity hadn’t cost him the ultimate price. Someone stood in front of him and started speaking, but Brian absently pushed himself up with one leg and looked past the person; unable to take his eyes off of Lukas.

The person moved out of his line of sight and a moment later a blanket was placed gently over his shoulders. Someone was speaking to him again; something about him needed to sit and about shock, but it was faint. 

Lukas. 

He had to be with Lukas.

He had to make sure that Lukas would be alright...

Tears welled up in his eyes and he whispered, “This is all my fault... If only…”

“Sir,” the voice said again and he felt someone try to lead him away. “Come with me. You need to be treated.”

Brian shook his head and when he blinked, the tears that had gathered in his eyes escaped and trickled down his chilly cheeks. “I can’t,” he gasped, not able to get enough air to speak. “I have to make sure...”

“We’re taking care of him. Please, come with me. You’ve sustained some major injuries as well and you’re in shock. We need to treat you.” There was a pause, then a shouted, “Jackson, grab Davings and get a stretcher over here.” It meant something, Brian was sure, but it meant nothing to him. 

Suddenly, the saw stopped and there were shouts for morphine because Lukas was awake. Brian tried to stand, tried to go to him, but was pushed back into place; the same voice telling him that they were bringing a stretcher for him and that his passenger would be okay.

Brian shook his head vaguely as he watched the other medics with Lukas. The teen was starting to scream now, and Brian tried to get up again but he cried out as a sharp pain flared in his knee and spread through his leg. More tears came, though not from the pain. No, the pain was nothing. It was for Lukas, and because he couldn’t get to him. He’d done this, and now he couldn’t even try to help...

“Just a small prick, now,” he heard before a small pain bit at his uninjured arm. Brian looked over in time to see a needle being pulled out, and then he felt hands grab him and move him to lie on something.

“Luke...” Brian whispered before something was placed over his nose and mouth, supplying him with more air. He closed his eyes and felt warm liquid run down his face from his eyes as he begged silently for Lukas to be okay.

 

 

Brian opened his eyes and stared up through the darkness at the ceiling. The first thing he noticed was that he was warm—hot, in fact, as if someone had put a whole bundle of blankets on him.

The next thing he noticed was something strapped over his nose and mouth. Some sort of oxygen mask? He tried to lift a hand, planning to take it off, but his left arm wouldn’t move, and his right seemed heavy...

He blinked as he realized that he did indeed have several blankets on him. That explained it... but... He looked around again. Where was Lukas? Was he alright? Fear pricked at his heart, and panic started to set in. He had to know. He had to find out.

Slowly, Brian started moving his right arm up in an effort to get out of bed, when the door opened and the room was flooded with light from the hall. A woman, a nurse by the look of her uniform, walked in and messed with a few of the buttons and tubes before looking down at him. She jumped slightly in surprise when she realized he was awake.

Pressing a hand to her chest, the nurse took a deep breath to calm herself before saying, “You scared the living daylights out of me, you know that?” Brian shrugged a little to show that he hadn’t meant to. She shook her head, reached over, and took the oxygen mask off. “How you feeling, honey?” she asked with a slight Southern accent.

“Don’t know,” he answered weakly. “I’m guessing not so great if I’m here?” To this she merely laughed and asked him whether he felt any discomfort.

The woman, Sarah Thornberry, was pleasant enough as she relieved him of a few of the blankets and checked his vitals. She’d also gotten him water for which he couldn’t have been more grateful for.

He quickly learned that he’d come away from the accident with a broken arm, a dislocated knee, and some cuts and bruises. He’d broken his arm near the elbow joint, and shattered the bone in his wrist. Apparently, he’d need surgery on it, but it wasn’t anything that would keep him in the hospital any longer than his other injuries.

Unfortunately, each time he asked about Lukas, the nurse quickly changed the subject, telling him ‘not to worry his pretty little head about it’. Finally, Brian reached over with his good hand and held her arm. He gazed steadily into her eyes and whispered, “Please... I have to know... Please understand...”

He swallowed, not sure how to make her see that he couldn’t go on without at least knowing. Not taking her eyes from his, she reached over and put her hand over the one he’d used to grab her with. 

“Alright,” she said finally. “I don’t know much, but I know they got that boy into surgery as soon as he got here. That was yesterday. I know he’s been in a couple times, but... I’m sorry, I just don’t know more. He’s in good hands though with Dr. Baum.”

He felt tired and exhausted, but he used what strength he had to squeeze her arm. “Find out for me, please... I can’t live without knowing. ” That last part just slipped out. He hadn’t meant to say it, he didn’t want her to know how desperate he was, but it was true. He needed to know. All he could think of was that Lukas was dead, or alive but in a state that he’d never fully recover... 

For a moment she simply looked at him, then her expression softened. “I see,” she said quietly and gave him a small smile. “I understand. I’ll do what I can for you.” 

Brian slowly let go of her arm, and she placed it on the bed. With her assurances, he closed his eyes and let himself drift back to sleep.

 

It’s been almost three months since that day, Brian reflected, stepping out of the shiny metal interior of the elevator and into the brightly lit hallways of the hospital. Brian’s first few days after the accident were spent mostly sleeping or being examined by doctors. He’d gone into surgery for his wrist and though they were sure it would heal up alright, the doctors said that he’d probably have problems with it for the rest of his life.

For now his left arm was in a cast, and his left knee had a brace around it. He would have to use a crutch while it healed, but only time would tell if it would heal properly or if he’d need some sort of corrective surgery for that as well.

The small cuts on his forehead had healed up nicely. He’d been lucky that he hadn’t sustained any major injuries to his head. Although his injuries were bad, it was the effects of going into shock that had kept him in the hospital for so long.

He’d had visitors, of course. His co-workers had come, both to offer condolences and to try cheering him up. And he’d had a half-hearted scolding from Sebastian, but he could tell he was more worried than angry.

And then, of course, there was Lukas. 

When Brian reached the nurses’ station, he leaned heavily against the counter. He’d stopped at the flower shop on his way, buying a bouquet of red roses, and carried them in between his body and his cast. Now he set it on the counter to alleviate some pressure while he waited. His knee ached and he was almost out of breath from the exertion. His armpit throbbed from the crutch and he thought that those pain killers sounded very nice at the moment.

The nurse on duty was on the phone giving Brian a chance to look around while he waited. He hadn’t known initially where they’d taken Lukas, and had needed to inquire about it. When he found out they’d sent him here and Brian almost felt amused.

Almost.

If it were a different situation, perhaps he would, but right now...

Entering the room, he noticed as the younger blonde turned around and smiled at him and grabbed the flowers and promptly grabbing a vase.

Sighing, Brian slumped into the chair next to the bed and watched as Sebastian made his way expertly around the room.

“So, any improvements?” he asked warily, watching as Sebastian finished tending to the flowers and leaned against the counter.

“Well, they said his EEG is still inconclusive, and that he’s going to need another surgery to help correct the fracture in his shoulder. The neurologist said though that he’s responding to external stimuli and that it’s really promising…” the boy replied, a smile moving warily across his face, “How about you?”

“Well,” he started, until he was interrupted by the sound of Sebastian’s stomach rumbling from across the room.

“You didn’t eat yet, did you?” he asked, looking at the teen as a blush spread across the boy’s face. Shaking his head, he reached into his back pocket and tossed his wallet to him.

“Here, go get whatever you want. I’ll keep an eye on him for a while…” he said, smiling as he held up his hand before the teen could reply, “And don’t worry. I’ll be fine by myself. Go eat. Now.”

Smiling, he watched Sebastian walk out the door, and make his way towards the elevator.

Getting back up, he shuffled over to the bed, looking down on the bed.

“Hi. I… I know you probably can’t hear me. But… well… I wanted to come by and see how you are doing and tell you what has happened since, well… you know. Um… first they decided to take away my license, no big surprise there. They also blamed the accident on ice on the road, so that kind of helped take some of the blame away from me… not that I deserve it. The board went ahead and made Gaston the interim CEO while I’m off on a sabbatical and medical leave. Apparently they’re really mad at me because I hired that Hilton guy. The guy tried to go postal and kill Gaston. Go figure, not that I blame the kid, that guy is just a really big bastard. They let him hire his own assistant and, big shocker; he hired this blonde bimbo supermodel named Rin something. She’s kind of freaky. Well… that’s all that’s really happened….” He trailed off, his voice cracking as he held off tears and looked away.

Taking a deep breath, he ran his hand through Lukas’ hair, and wiped his own face with his other hand before continuing.

“Lukas, I’m just so sorry. If…. If only I hadn’t been a jerk to you. This is my fault. If only you’d just wake up. Just wake up so I can tell you I…”

“…. smell like Band-aids…” the blonde murmured, groaning as he opened his eyes opened slightly.

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REPLIES:

jacqulina: Thanks! It does suck, but now i can actually do a couple of things i wanted to do anyways!

ironicepitome: Yup. Maybe something will happen at the airport down the road.... not sure yet....

Ntq$310: Thanks!

Zelgadis: Yep. Thanks for the help on him!

ironicepitome (2): Lol.... please tell me your joking...

[jacqulina 162]

excellent work my friend,pics are amazing too.when i had to restart my city,i also felt i could do more now and do some things i couldnt before.keep up the fantastic work.

[art128 4,618]

awesome update Jacob, the last picture is by far my favorite !!

[Wrightguy0 40]

Freakin great update porter

[patfirefghtr 159]

Smell like bandaids Jacob you are soooo soooo very mean to leave off there aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh lol!!! But a damn great cliff hanger to the next chapter!!!