Dean made his way with the group as they walked towards the bank of elevators at the end of the hall. Ed Bauer again shook his hand telling him thank you for all he had done for his daughter. But the thought that plagued the back of Dean's mind was had he done enough? Michelle's aunt had told them all to stop laying blame yet that was much easier said then done. With that thought he entered Michelle's room.

It was dimly lit and quiet again the only sound he heard was the blip...blip…blip of the monitor. Dean settled himself in the chair adjacent to Michelle's bed watching the rise and fall of her chest. Her peaceful sleep brought him comfort and solace.

The events of the past hours bombarded his senses. All of it still a blur except for only one prominent thought resounding over and over again. The thought that Danny had to make it. No matter the distance that had grown between them in the past years, Dean couldn't fathom Danny not being a part of his life. During the formidable years he and Danny had been inseparable.

You couldn't find one without finding the other. Dean was smiling, almost laughing in fact, at the image his mind conjured up of Danny's first attempt at kissing a girl for real, none of that spin the bottle stuff. Neither of them could have been more then thirteen. Debbie Pitz had had a crush on Danny for the entire school year. She was like his shadow. Danny wasn't able to go anywhere without her being at his heels making a vain attempt at being one of the guys.

Danny took every opportunity to tease her hoping like hell that would get her to vanish, but not Debbie. She never once backed away. Thinking about it now many of Michelle's actions mirrored those of Debbie Pitz. She was a spitfire to say the least. Debbie gave Danny a run for his money around every corner. He had been completely crushed when she and her family moved out of state.

Debbie's departure coupled with his father's death, his mother's quickie marriage to Thomas and then her mental demise had forced Danny's safe happy existence to come careening to a stand still.

His own family did their best to fill the hole in Danny's life but somehow it just was never enough. Danny had been hell bent on destruction and had almost succeeded that was until this beautiful spirit entered his life.

Dean smiled gently touching Michelle's blonde tresses. This wonderful person had brought back the Danny that he had lost all those years before. It wasn't until that very moment that Dean realized just how much he missed his best friend.

There weren't words to express how thankful he had been that Michelle had come into Danny's life. Their start was rocky and certainly full of mistakes on both sides but Dean had no doubt that they could weather the storm if the man upstairs saw his way clear to granting them the chance.

Dean bowed his head. He wasn't a churchgoer by any means but presently he knew that if this was going to work they both needed some divine intervention. Silently he prayed for Danny's swift recovery, prayed for Michelle's scars both physically and mentally to heal and lastly he found himself asking for the guidance and wisdom on how to explain Danny's condition. He asked for the words that would provide Michelle with understanding of all the possibilities that encompassed his current state.

Throughout the night and into the wee hours of the morning nurses were in to check on her periodically. They administered the combination of new drugs prescribed to bring her blood pressure to normal levels through the IV tube. Dean made a mental note that the monitor had been sounding less frequently. He knew that was a very good sign.

The morning sun dawned over the horizon as Michelle made her first attempts at movement. Dean stood watching the brilliant hues burn off the morning haze. The colors of red, orange, yellow and the faintest hint of magenta lit up the morning sky. The warm rays cast a sparkling kaleidoscope across the walls of Michelle's room.

"Dean," Michelle's voice was a hoarse whisper her eyes adjusting to the light of day.

"Right here, Michelle," he said moving back to her side.

"What are you doing here? It's Danny…..isn't it?" The panic raising in her voice was crystal clear. His eyes darted to the monitor waiting certain that it would be sounding momentarily. "Dean…what's going on!?! You have to tell me," her tone grew even more urgent.

"Michelle, easy now sit back and relax please."

"WOULD YOU STOP TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF ME AND JUST TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE!!!" The burst of energy sent the BP monitor into motion. Once again the stream of nurses flowed into the room all the while Michelle continues talking over them trying to no avail to find out something about Danny.

"Sir, excuse me….you'll have to leave now," a nurse turned to Dean.

"NO!" Michelle shouted, "I want him to stay." She was stricken by a sudden wave of fear unsure of everything going on around her.

"I think that I should stay," Dean returned, "Mr. Bauer asked that I stay with her."

Michelle turned staring at him as if to say 'my father' completely taken aback by the words she had heard.

Dean came to stand beside the bed staying out of the nurses way as much as possible. Grabbing Michelle's hand in his own he began softly speaking to her, "Listen to me. Your blood pressure is really high. I get it that you want to know things about Danny. And I promise to tell you everything," he stated looking her square in the eye, "But you have to make a promise too. You have to promise me that you will be calm and quiet. All through the night you were doing great. I want to keep it that way. Understand?" Michelle nodded.

Dean saw that the monitor had been reset and most of the commotion around them had died down.

"I promised both Danny and your father that I would take care of you and that's exactly what I intend to do."

"My father? What does he have to do with any of this?" she questioned.

"Well," Dean paused, "He wanted to know about you and Danny....so Malcolm, Stacey and I told him all that we knew........"

"GREAT....JUST GREAT!" her tone was harsh.

"Remember what I said about being quiet?"

"I wish I could, but you just gave my father all the ammunition he needs to be sure that Danny's out of my life for good!" Michelle countered with an anguish filled voice.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Dean offered, "He seemed genuinely open to all that we told him. And believe me Malcolm didn't pull any punches when it came to Danny. He told your dad all he knew. Your dad didn't even flinch at what Malcolm laid on the table."

She couldn't believe the scene that Dean had just explained. That's not at all what she expected. Ed Bauer didn't rant......he didn't rave......that wasn't the man she was accustomed to calling daddy.

"Are you sure you were talking to my father and not some pod person? 'Cause what you just told me is hard to believe."

"It was his idea that I stay with you last night. He didn't want you to wake up alone this morning. I'm pretty sure that he wanted to be the one to stay himself but I got the feeling he thought that you wouldn't want him."

Michelle didn't let herself think about his final words. She couldn't deal with her father right now. "I'm glad you are here," she remarked touching his hand, "Could you please tell me about Danny now?"

"I can only tell you what we know so far. The surgery went well. Everything was what they expected to find...no surprises. His doctor said he would more then likely be in recovery until this morning."

"Was he awake? Did you see him?"

"No not last night. He was still pretty out of after the surgery." Dean didn't know if Michelle was ready for the entire truth just yet. He wanted to take this slowly and see how she handled each thing one at a time.

"Do you think you could find out how he is now? For me please?" she smiled.

"Why don't we wait until your dad gets here and we talk to your doctor?" Dean offered in an effort to buy himself a bit more time.

"Please, please just do this for me. I need to know what's going on with him." Michelle swung her legs to the side of the doing her best to stand.

"WHOA..... What do you think you are doing?" Dean barked desperately trying to keep her in bed.

"If you won't find things out for me.....I'll just have to go find out for myself!"

She stood up knees buckling and head spinning all over again. Dean knew that all too familiar look by now. He scooped her in his arms placing her in her bed.

"YOU ARE SO STUBBORN!!!" he said harshly, "You and Danny are a match made in heaven."

"I am not," she replied in return.

"You have a severe concussion and you think that you can get up and just do whatever it is you please. That's not stubborn huh?"

Why Dean had even bothered to try to do things any other way then Michelle's was beyond all comprehension. After yesterday he should have known better, much better.

"Okay, maybe I'm a little stubborn," she relented slightly.

Dean couldn't stop the grin that par took of his face. "Promise me that you will stay in bed and I will go find out what I can about Danny. Promise me okay?"

"I promise. I promise," she said again as Dean gave her a weary eye.

Dean rode the elevator to the seventh floor apprehensive about Danny's condition. In the back of his mind he knew that if he didn't formally ask he could continue to believe that this would all work out for the best. It was a scary proposition to think otherwise.

Dean was surprised to see Malcolm sleeping in one of the waiting area chairs. "Hey," he swatted at Malcolm's foot.

"Huh....what?" he squinted rubbing at his eyes. "How's Michelle?" he asked once realizing that it was Dean standing before him.

"Better I think. Stubborn as hell though."

"So what's new about that?" Malcolm laughed.

"She actually thought that she could just make her way up here to see him."

"I hope you stopped her," Malcolm countered.

"Yeah, but not until she just about fainted again." Malcolm's gaze grew serious. He certainly didn't like the sounds of what he was hearing.

"She's all right though?"

"Yeah I think it was just everything. She's doing pretty good. I even told her about Danny."

"WHAT? Why would you do that?" He couldn't believe his ears. If Dean was supposed to be looking out for Michelle's best interests he was doing a poor job.

"Hey calm down would you? I only told her that the surgery went well. And that he would be in recovery until this morning. That's all. I didn't go any further then that. I certainly didn't want to press my luck." Malcolm let out a heavy sigh of relief. "What kind of idiot do you take me for? Did you really think I would tell her there's a possibility that Danny might not wake up? And that she might be his last chance to......." Dean couldn't even complete his thought as he stared at Malcolm disbelieving his lack of faith in him.

"You yourself said how stubborn she can be. I just thought....who cares what I though," Malcolm looked away.

"Have you been here all night?" Dean questioned.

"Yeah," Malcolm answered rubbing his hand against the stubble poking from his jaw.

"Is there any news?" Dean hesitated.

"Nothing since last night. The doctor should be here to do his rounds soon. Do you want to get a cup of coffee with me?"

"Yeah, but could we go somewhere other then the cafeteria? I can't stomach another cup of hospital coffee," Dean half laughed.

"Definitely!"

It was a dazzling spring morning in the city. Traffic was beginning to bustle as Malcolm and Dean crossed the street heading for the corner donut shop. Both men took a seat at the counter suddenly feeling out of place in the land of the living. In a place that had nothing to with Danny Santos, Michelle Bauer or Parker Simms for that matter. They busied themselves with mundane conversation mainly enjoying the hustle of the small coffee shop around them. After two cups of coffee the pair knew their escape had come to an end. It was time to face what was coming next whether they wanted to or not.

They stood silent as the elevator ascended to the seventh floor again. It was only seven o'clock in the morning yet both men were already feeling worn out. The ordeal had taken its toll on everyone not just the two people lying in the hospital.

Malcolm stood before the nurses station as he had done so many times the past night. The night nurse had been replaced with the day shift and he found himself explaining who he was all over again. He was beginning to feel like a broken record. Once the young woman was satisfied with his answer, she went about informing him that the doctor was in with Danny now and they would be able to speak with him once he had completed his rounds in the ICU.

Dean and Malcolm paced in front of the desk while each of their minds circled the things that they knew as fact. Immediately Michelle's face flashed in Dean's memory. He had completely forgotten that she had been waiting for news of Danny all this time. No doubt she was well past frantic by now. He looked down at his wrist. He had been gone for over an hour. Stopping short Malcolm just about collided with him.

"What?" Malcolm questioned.

"I totally forgot about Michelle. I can only imagine what she's thinking....most definitely the worst. I was supposed to get her news on Danny's condition!" Dean's voice was thick with worry. "I have to go. I need to be sure she's okay."

Dean bolted in the direction of the elevators just as Danny's doctor emerged through the doorway.

"WAIT!" Malcolm called. Dean turned to see the doctor standing along side of him. "You might as well wait now. As least you won't go back empty handed."

"So what's Danny's prognosis?" Malcolm questioned the doctor.

"Well we still need to perform another CT scan as I said before. I have that scheduled for late this morning. His vital signs are strong and his pupils are equal and reactive….."

"Which means?" Dean asked anxiously.

"That means that I don't expect to find anything unusual when the CT is run. The only thing that disturbs me is that he hasn't regained consciousness. They isn't any medical reason to explain it."

"So he never woke up at all?" Malcolm asked not wanting to believe it.

"No…I'm sorry not even for a short time," the doctor wished he had better news to relay.

"So what's next other then the CT scan you talked about?" Malcolm couldn't believe that this was all there was.

"We can't do much more except wait and see. As I explained last night, the ball is really in Danny's court now. I have done everything medically necessary. Now it's up to Danny."

"I would like to run an idea past you," Malcolm stated.

"What would that be?" the man asked.

"Danny's girlfriend…you know the girl you admitted last night," Malcolm paused.

"Yes?"

"I was wondering….do you think that it would help Danny's condition any to have her come to see him? They are extremely close. I can't help thinking that she might be able to help." Malcolm searched the man's face for some sort of understanding. He had so much as eluded to the fact that if Danny didn't want to wake up then he wouldn't. "I believe that maybe he needs to know that she's okay. You don't seem to understand the trauma that these two have been through together. I have my suspicion that Danny feels responsible in some way. Am I making any sense here?" Malcolm questioned still facing a blank stare.

"To be quite honest…yes…yes you are. A great deal of a person's recovery deals with their state of mind. It couldn't do him any harm to at least try. I will have to check with Dr. Lathem though. I can't commit his patient to something...not if he feels she isn't ready the strain."

"Fair enough," Malcolm agreed.

"She needs to see him as much as he needs her," Dean offered from his sideline perch, "She's done nothing but ask about him."

"That maybe true, however I need to be certain that Michelle can physically handle it. It will put a great deal of stress on her and if Dr. Lathem hasn't been able to control her BP yet it may be out of the question."

"Dean," Malcolm eyed him cautiously, "Let's just see how it goes okay? I know that you want to do whatever you can to help Danny, but putting Michelle's health at risk isn't something that he would want."

"I know," Dean relented.

"I will speak with Dr. Lathem and get back to you with his answer. If he agrees we can bring Ms. Bauer up after Danny has had the CT scan."

"Thank you," Malcolm shook his hand.

"I don't know…" Dean started, "I still that that Michelle should see him no matter what her doctor says. It will do them both good. I know it……."

"I know it too," Malcolm interrupted him, "But we have no choice to play by the rules. I didn't play by them once already and look where that us gotten everyone," His whole role in this nightmare plagued him. "I think this time we should just go along with the higher powers." Dean was less then convinced. "Well let's go see Michelle and tell her the little we know."

The bottom fell out of the pit of Dean's stomach when they entered the room finding Michelle nowhere.

Dean's mouth went dry at the sight of Michelle's empty bed while beside him Malcolm's mind raced wildly. Both men knew they had left her alone too long and were feeling responsible for whatever may have happened to her.

"WHERE IS SHE……WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED….I WASN'T GONE THAT LONG….." Dean's words ran together as he paced the floor in front of the bed.

"Calm down. Let's go find a nurse and see what's going on," Malcolm sounded much calmer then he actually was.

Before they were able to head in the direction of the nurse's station, Ed Bauer appeared from the waiting area. "Good morning."

"Where's Michelle?!?!" Dean asked anxiously.

"They took her for another head scan. Dr. Lathem wanted to be sure that things were healing properly. She was complaining of being a little lightheaded still."

"Thank god!" Dean let out the breath he had been holding, "I should have never left her sir. I'm sorry. She wanted to know about Danny….I tired to get her to wait until you got here but you know Michelle….she was hell bent on finding something out. She told me that if I wouldn't go she would go herself."

"Sounds just like my daughter," Ed had to smile, "Not to worry son. It was quite all right."

"Other then the lightheadedness she is experiencing how is she doing?" Malcolm questioned.

"The doctor is optimistic. Her blood pressure isn't normal yet but it has come down substantially. He's sure that within the day she should be able to go home."

"That's great really. What a relief." Malcolm exclaimed.

"How's Danny doing?" It was now Ed's turn to ask the questions.

"Physically he's fine. They are going to run a few more tests this morning just to be sure…."

"He's awake then?" Ed cut in.

"I'm afraid not." Malcolm's expression darkened somewhat.

"I don't understand. You just said they told you he was fine."

"I know but his doctor feels that it's all up to Danny now. He has to want to wake up. I was hoping that Michelle would be able to go up and see him. I still say she's going to be the best thing for him."

"I don't know if that's such a good idea."

"Why?" Dean questioned with an edge to his voice, "I know that she would do anything for him." He couldn't believe that Michelle's father knew so little about his own daughter.

"I don't think she's strong enough yet. Her BP is still on the high side," Ed heard his words knowing exactly what they sounded like. He sounded like he didn't care about helping Danny, but that wasn't the case at all. He just wanted to look out for his daughter and didn't want to put her in harms way if he could help it.

"But……." Malcolm stopped Dean before he was able to continue.

Malcolm couldn't help wonder what Mr. Bauer was thinking at the moment. He had lost his wife in a very brutal way and Malcolm sensed that he was trying to protect his daughter in the only way he knew how.

"We discussed Michelle's seeing Danny with his doctor this morning," Malcolm began, "He felt that it couldn't hurt to have her visit with him. He did however say that he would have to check with her doctor first. He made it very clear that Dr. Lathem's word was law."

"I apologize for how I must have sounded before," Ed said, "It's just that I can't get a handle on any of this. Suddenly my life is out of control all over again. I spent a the greater part of last night talking to Meta and I know that I have to accept Michelle's choices but I have no idea how to do that. I think that's what terrifies me the most."

Malcolm looked on at a man so obviously torn by the ghosts of his past. "As much as Michelle reminds you of Maureen, she's not her. Don't lose your daughter to your own demons."

"You and my aunt must be plugged into the same circuit. That's the same thing she said."

"Enjoy Michelle. You of all people know how fragile life truly is. Don't waste so much energy on the things that you don't have any control over. Danny's a good guy who's package is a bit dented is all. He loves your daughter and would do anything for her, if that isn't already abundantly clear."

"It's crystal clear. As clear as I know her love for him is. I assure you if Dr. Lathem says that it's all right for her to see Danny I won't stand in the way."

Dean was relieved at hearing Michelle's father agree to what he was certain would help Danny not to mention her as well.

"I was told that she would be downstairs for a while, could I interest you all in some breakfast?" Ed asked.

"I think that we would like that," Malcolm remarked looking at Dean.

"Sure that sounds fine."

"Good, just let me make a call to Meta and ask her to come and wait here for Michelle. Just in case we don't make it before she's finished for some reason."

"That's a good idea and I should really call the center too. I bet that everyone is on pins and needles waiting for some news."

While the others were making their necessary calls, Dean made his way back to Danny's room. He hadn't even bothered stopping at the desk to ask to see him. After the long days spent there, Dean had had about all he could take of the hospital rules and regulations.

It amazed him that there wasn't a single empty bed in the ICU Unit. The room was so full in fact that it took Dean a minute to locate his friend. Danny looked as he had when they were kids; no longer did he posses that tough exterior he prided himself on. His face was bruised and arm in a cast. The doctor's hadn't said anything about a broken arm. Dean thought that probably went without saying and it was definitely the least of Danny's problems.

Dean's eyes scanned the machines that Danny was attached to. There was three times more here then he had seen in Michelle's room. He stood there trying to make sense of them all. The one that stood out as familiar was the blood pressure monitor. It was identical to the one he had watched last night in Michelle's room.

Without warning Dean felt a single tear slide down his cheek dropping to the sterile white sheet on the bed leaving a perfect circle beside Danny's hand. With that one tear came a flood of others that Dean had no power over. The helpless feeling consumed him as he stood beside his friend.

"Hey buddy," Dean said in a whisper, "I know this is tough for you…..but man you have to pull through this. Michelle isn't going to make it without you. I want you to know I have done everything you asked. I took care of her….well the best that I knew how. You two are so much alike," he smiled despite his tears, "Both of you are so damned stubborn." His words forced him to recall all the times that he and Danny had argued over the years because Danny was too bullheaded for his own good. "Danny, she never stopped thinking about you not that whole time. Man that girl loves you…..she loves you so much. You have to come back to her, hell to me too. I've finally found my long lost friend again. I have Michelle to thank for that……you do too. She a wonderful gift given to you. Treasure her Danny………."

"Excuse me," the voice startled him. Dean turned to see a nurse standing behind him.

"I know…..I know…..I'm not supposed to be here right? I just had to see him. He's my best friend for god sakes." Dean waited to be politely told to make his exit.

"No, no I'm not here to kick you out. I want to ask you something. What were you talking to him about?"

"I was telling him how much we all need him; telling him about his girlfriend….stuff like that why?" Dean was puzzled.

"Well I noticed some activity registering on the monitors so I thought I would come in to check on him. I didn't realize he wasn't alone. That explains the activity."

"English please….exactly what are you trying to say?"

"He was having a response to the things that you were saying. His heart rate noticeably increased and his pulse rate quickened."

"That's a good sign right?" Dean still more then a bit confused.

"Yes…I would have to say so."

"Thank you…thank you so much," Dean was so excited he jumped up and kissed the middle-aged woman. He was on the verge of bursting. Her words had been the ray of hope that he so desperately needed. "Hang in there buddy."

Dean anxiously waited for Malcolm. He couldn't wait to tell him what happened with Danny convinced now more then ever that Michelle was all Danny needed to bring him back.

"Where did you go?" Malcolm asked.

"I just had to see Danny. I wanted him to know that we are all pulling for him."

"I should have known. I hate to be the one to break this to you but you are just as stubborn as you think Danny and Michelle are," Malcolm let out a little chuckle.

Dean turned his head not wanting to acknowledge that Malcolm was correct in his assumption.

"Well let's go get that breakfast. Meta will call me if Michelle is brought back to her room before we return."

The waitress had just taken their orders and filled their cups when Dean began to speak, "I have to tell you both something. I really think that no matter what the doctors say Michelle should go see Danny today."

"Dean," Malcolm sighed heavily, "We have discussed this. You know the deal. We play by the doc's rules. We have to do what's best for Michelle too, not just Danny."

"I have to agree, " Mr. Bauer interjected also. "I understand your need to help your friend, but I really don't want it to be at the expense of my daughter." Ed knew he once again sounded cold and unfeeling but he still couldn't see his way clear to just hanging Michelle out to dry if she wasn't ready for what that really meant.

"NO….both of you don't understand!" Dean's tone grew with urgency as he tried to make them see that he was right, "I got a response from him when I was talking to him. I didn't know it at first but this nurse said that his heart rate increased and his pulse picked up. She was really positive about it…..thought it was a good sign. I was talking to him about Michelle. Do you know what that means? If he would just hear her voice I know….." he choked, "I know that's all it would take!"

Dean heard how crazed he sounded but he couldn't let this opportunity slip through his fingers. This was his last shot at getting the men before him to realize just how important this truly was.

Ed spoke first, "Son, I have every intention of letting Michelle see Danny if she's up to it. I want him to get well as much as you do. I want the chance to thank the young man for taking care of my daughter better then I could myself. But understand that Michelle is still my daughter and I can't subject her to any stress that she isn't ready for. I know that makes sense to you right?" Dean nodded. "I have a great deal to make up for with her. I have done a great many things that I am none too proud of. Keeping her from Danny would serve to lengthen my list of wrong doings. I have no intention of that happening. So please rest easy, both Danny and Michelle will be together as soon as it is possible."

Malcolm was awe struck by Ed Bauer's words. He knew it was no small feet for a man like Mr. Bauer to say such things. In the time that he had known Maureen, Malcolm was under the impression that Ed was not one to wear his heart on his sleeve. Malcolm imagined this whole thing was a foreign concept to him.

Ed Bauer asked a million and one questions as they continued with breakfast. He wanted to know things about the center, Michelle and as much as he could about Danny Santos. He found himself preparing for his inevitable confrontation with Michelle in much the same way he would a grand scale business meeting. The more he knew the better prepared he would be do handle whatever came his way certain that the deck was stacked against him.

Michelle wasn't going to be an easy sell. She certainly wouldn't take to his sudden change, he knew that she would be searching for his ulterior motive. Amazing himself Ed heard his voice asking for advice from those sitting at the table, for they knew his daughter better then he himself did.

Malcolm gained a whole new respect for this man who was a world wind businessman. As they walked back to the hospital, Malcolm thought how hard this man had worked to make himself a success in the corporate world but in dealing with his own flesh and blood he was so inept. It was wonderful to see Ed letting down his preconceived notions about the world and heading in the right direction to get back to his daughter. Malcolm's only concern now was would Michelle let him.

Ed Bauer had Dr. Lathem paged when they returned to Michelle's floor. It was time to get all the needed facts in deciding if she was strong enough to withstand learning of Danny's true condition and further more seeing him.

"I apologize for having pulled you away from your other patients but as I am sure you are well aware we are anxious to know what is happening with my daughter."

"That is not a problem sir," Dr. Lathem afforded Ed Bauer every respect. In many instances if it had not been for Bauer Industries this hospital wouldn't have been in the standing it was. "I hope you don't mind but I asked Danny's doctor to join us as well."

"No that's quite all right. It appears these two go hand in hand," Ed returned.

"Michelle should be back in her room momentarily. The second scan showed nothing different then the original. It's understandable that she will still be lightheaded at times. In a few days those symptoms should subside. I would prefer that she didn't drive for a least a week or so just to be on the safe side."

"What about her blood pressure?" Mr. Bauer asked.

"It's still a bit higher then I would like but it seems as though the drugs we have administered are beginning to take effect. If all goes well today we should be releasing her tomorrow morning."

All three men looked relieved at those words.

"Is she strong enough to see Danny?" Ed asked.

"At first I thought no." Malcolm and Ed watched as Dean's eyes fell to the floor, "But in talking to Dr. Maxwell, I now feel that it would be in both patient's best interests to let them be together." Dean could have kissed the man standing before him.

It was now Dr. Maxwell, Danny's doctor, turn to speak, "Nurse Reynolds told me what she witnessed this morning while you were talking with him," he directed his remarks towards Dean, "I believe that Danny will respond well to having his girlfriend there. I want you all to know that I have instructed the nurses on duty in the ICU to keep a close eye on her. If for any reason they even suspect that she might not be handling it well they are to call Dr. Lathem immediately." His last remark had been expressly to relieve any apprehensions Michelle's father may still have had.

"Thank you," Ed acknowledged his efforts.

"I am sure that there will not be a problem though, "Dr. Lathem added, "I'm positive that once Michelle knows what is going on with Danny her BP will stabilize. She still is so very worried about him. The nurses downstairs told me that it was all they could do to keep her quiet while they performed the head scan."

Dean could do nothing more then smile, "That's Michelle for you," he stated.

"Is there any further developments in Danny's condition?" Malcolm questioned.

"No not yet. He should be on his way to the CT room as we speak. Once that is done we will be moving him to his own room. Technically he's out of danger as long as we don't find anything unusual on this scan. So when he's situated we will let you know and then you can bring Michelle to see him."

"Thank you both very much," Ed shook both doctor's hands.

The three of them were again alone staring at one another not knowing what to do with the information they now possessed.

"Would you like to be the one to tell her that she can see Danny?" Malcolm asked Ed.

"No….." he hesitated, "I don't think that she would want to hear anything that I had to say. Not even that," he half laughed knowing he spoke the truth.

"You are being far too hard on yourself and not giving Michelle the credit she deserves."

"Maybe so but to be honest with you I'm not sure that I am ready to face her. I have been rehearsing this speech over and over again and at this instant I can't remember a damn word of it. I would much rather you talk to her."

"I hate to admit that we might be in the same boat. Sad to say she might not really care to see me either. I am well aware that she thinks that my not being truthful with Danny is the main reason for this fiasco. She's bound to be a little apprehensive of me as well."

Both men turned and looked directly at Dean, "Looks like the job is all yours, would you mind?" Ed asked tentatively.

"Are you sure?" The job that lay ahead of him was a tough one and Dean knew it.

"Most sure. You have been the one person I know as of late that she feels she can trust," Ed touched his arm. "Even more importantly I have faith that you can do a better job explaining things. Besides you were the one who truly knew that they need each other."

Dean inhaled deeply and pushed the door open. Meta was sitting beside the bed doing her very best to keep Michelle distracted. To his eyes she was still so battered but he took notice that she was no longer attached to the BP monitor.

"DEAN!" she said her face brightening.

"Hey there," he returned quietly, "How are you holding up?

"I'd be much better if someone would please tell me what was happening with Danny. I can't get a straight answer out of anyone!" her exasperation was evident, "When you never came back this morning I tried to come and find you…….."

"That explains why you were lightheaded again," he interrupted, "I thought you promised to stay in bed and wait for me?"

"I did but you were taking so long."

"Michelle, that's not an excuse," he said chastising her like a small child, "I'm sorry that I didn't get back in time to talk to you. We had to talk to Danny's doctor. Then when we came back to talk to you, you were gone for those tests……."

"Never mind…how is Danny? Can I see him? Has he been asking for me? You didn't tell him that I was sick did you? He doesn't need to be worrying about me right now………"

"Whoa, would you please slow up? I can only answer one question at a time," he had to laugh. He imagined this must have been how he sounded while talking to Malcolm and her father earlier.

"Sorry," she offered.

"I think that I will leave you two alone," Meta said making her way towards the door, "Is Mr. Bauer still here?" she asked.

"Yeah he's outside with Malcolm."

"My dad's here?" Michelle wasn't able to hide her surprise. This was a workday for him. Ed Bauer NEVER missed work for any reason. He had barely taken a two full days away from the office when his wife died. The thought that he was here now was lost on Michelle.

"Yeah he was here this morning when Malcolm and I came back from grabbing a coffee. Actually, we all just had breakfast."

Now for sure Michelle knew they were talking about two different men. Her father never went to breakfast. No time he would always say. He did power lunches but not breakfast. "Are you sure you are talking about my dad…really?"

"Yes, positive."

"Okay….whatever," Michelle didn't have the time or energy to waste on trying to make sense out of her father, "What about Danny"

"I want you to remember that you need to stay calm." For Michelle those words had an ominous ring. "The surgery went very well. He has to have another CT scan this morning, actually he should be having it right now. They want to be sure that everything is looking the way it should. If all goes well they will be moving him into his own room this afternoon."

"Then he's doing good?" Michelle smiled with relief.

"Well….not exactly," Dean hesitated.

"What do you mean not exactly?" Michelle rose up to a sitting position.

The look on her face at present illustrated surely that her head was again spinning. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked instantly at her side.

"Yeah…yeah I am fine. I just moved too fast. They said that that may be a problem for a few days."

Despite her explanation he noted how suddenly pale she appeared to be much in the same manner she had before fainting into his arms that very last time.

"Michelle, you don't look so good."

"I'M OKAY!" she retorted angrily, "Please just tell me about Danny."

Against his better judgment Dean resisted his urge to go for a nurse.

"Medically, they have done everything for him and physically he should be okay but he's not awake."

"Why?" was the only word Michelle could get her brain to form.

"I don't know. There could be so many reasons. Malcolm thinks it's because Danny feels responsible for what happened to you with Parker. I have to agree with him. I know Danny and I know he blames himself."

"THAT'S SO UNTRUE! God," she gasped, "I was the one who fell for Parker's act. Danny warned me about him from the very beginning. He couldn't have know what was going to happen!"

"But Michelle you just said so yourself. Danny didn't trust the guy from the word go. Why do you think that Danny just all of the sudden showed up at the cast party? He knew you were there with Parker. He couldn't stomach the thought."

Michelle dropped her head into her hands letting out a heavy sigh. She wasn't able to fathom how they had gotten to this point. They fought so hard to find their way to one another and the blink of an eye everything had been shredded right before her. Yet in the grand scheme of things she and Danny had always been connected.

"Are you sure that you are all right?" Dean repeated fearing that this was more then she could take.

"Yes, I was just thinking about everything. Can I at least see him?"

"Definitely! Actually his doctor thinks that you might be big help. They really have done everything they can. It's all up to him now. This morning I went to see him talking about you. I told him how much you loved him and needed him. You know doing whatever I could to wake him up. One of the nurses noticed that he responded. They got some signs on his monitors I don't really know all of the ins and outs. I know his hearing your voice would make all the difference."

"What are we waiting for then?" she said swinging he legs to the side of the bed, "Whoa…too fast," she said as she steadied herself on the bedrail.

"Would you please take it slow?" he begged, "I don't want a repeat of last night."

"Dean, I'm sorry. I mean sorry for putting you through so much. I just couldn't think about anything but Danny."

"I totally get that. I just wanted to take care of you like I promised him I would. It was so obvious that you weren't doing too well."

"What if I promise to do this your way this time? Could you please take me to see him now?"

"We have to wait until they let us know when he's back in his own room."

"I don't know if I can wait. He needs me….needs to know that I am here. I have to make him understand how much I love him and that I don't blame him for any of this mess." Her anxiousness had returned.

"Michelle, relax okay? I promise as soon as we can we will go to him."

"Thank you….so much," Michelle reached for his hand, "I don't know what I would have done without you. You are such a great friend and you barely even know me."

"You were easy to befriend," Dean kissed her lightly on the cheek.

The door to the room opened and Michelle saw her father standing in front of her. Her body tightened at his presence and Dean now had a true sense of just why Mr. Bauer had asked him to speak with her. The tension between the two of them was abundantly clear.

"I think I'll leave you two alone to talk." Dean knew he had a great deal to say to his daughter.

"No, please stay," she reached for his arm.

"Michelle, I would like to talk with you alone, but if you feel more comfortable with Dean staying I completely understand."

Her father's willingness to comply with her request silenced her.