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Snap Judgment	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1434 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
***Warning: Language, angst, heartache
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 14
Ivan sat alone in the waiting room, hands folded together between his knees as he gazed at the checkered carpet beneath his feet. His gaze moved to the bloodstain on his left, which was a result of Mandy's vicious bite. He didn't need stitches but the nurse took him to get it properly cleaned and bandaged. Ivan didn't care about the bite; it was the last thing on his mind at the moment. Right now his biggest concern was Gilbert and how well the man was fairing in the hospital room. When the ambulance had arrived the EMT's sedated him inside and put on an oxygen mask. The exhaustion from the meltdown along with the sedatives knocked him right out. The EMTs asked a few questions about Gilbert's health and Ivan told them all he knew, but admitted he wasn't sure of his full medical history. Now he silently wondered just how much of Gilbert's health they were finding out with all the testing the man was undergoing. Since Gilbert had no insurance Ivan wanted to put the man on his own, but it was currently causing some issue and would have to wait until tomorrow morning.
"Mr. Braginski?" called a nurse.
"Yes, that's me." He stood up.
"You're the person who brought in Mr. Beilschmidt, correct?"
"I am. May I see him?"
"Oh, not yet. The doctor is still doing some testing. After the testing he'll be moved to the fifth floor."
Ivan frowned. 'That's the 'loony floor', as Mr. Berry had put it.' "Will I be able to see him then?"
She bit her lip and gave a lopsided smile. "I'm afraid you can't, Mr. Braginski, I'm sorry. We need to contact his family or next of kin because this is a delicate matter. Our policy is family members only for the first couple of days."
"No, you don't understand. He has no family. Both his parents are dead and he has a half-brother somewhere in Germany whom he hasn't spoken to in years!"
"Even still, we have to look for others. He may have an aunt or uncle somewhere. I know it's a hard and you're a very good friend to Mr. Beilschmidt. But at this time we need family, not friends. It may sound silly, but that's the policy and the law."
Ivan clenched his fists at his sides. "This is not fair."
"I understand, but rules are rules and I'm only doing my job. There's fresh coffee being brought out and some snacks, so please help yourself to them and try to relax, okay?" She gave a charming smile but Ivan didn't care, nor did he want any refreshments.
'It's not right! I should be able to see him and be at his side! These nurses and doctors weren't the ones pulling his struggling body out of a closet while he was kicking and scratching!' Ivan felt the tears stinging his eyes and moved to rub them with his sleeve. They were angry tears of frustration rather than sorrow. It hurt when the nurse said he wasn't allowed to see Gilbert just because he wasn't family.
"Ivan!" Ivan lifted his head to Francis and Antonio coming in. "The landlord told me what happened when I called to check up. Did you get my text?"
"Oh, no I didn't. Sorry. I'm not really thinking-"
"Don't worry about it," said Antonio. "We totally understand. I come bearing donuts and coffee." They both took a seat on either side of Ivan.
"So what happened?"
Ivan told them the whole story from the magazine, to Alfred, and to the meltdown. He still held the uneaten jelly donut in his hand, having no desire to eat. He did take a few sips of the coffee.
"Have you seen him yet?" Antonio asked.
"No!" He sneered. "They won't let me see him because I'm not family!"
Francis gasped. "Now that's not right! He doesn't even have family! All he really has is us three."
"And we're pretty damn close to family as it stands!" Antonio gave an angry snort. "I'm going to go see if I can talk to them, give the nurse some Spanish charm."
"Let's try French charm first."
Antonio rolled his eyes. "Fine, go." After Francis left he noticed Ivan still did not touch his donut. "You need to eat something, Ivan. I can go out and pick something else up for us if you don't like donuts?"
"No, it's not that. I'm just so disgusted with all this 'I'm not a family member' nonsense. I hope Francis can pull something."
"It's because this is a mental thing with Gilbert that they're not letting you see him. The hospital doesn't want a family member to come back and sue them for giving out personal information like this. That's why they're doing it." He wrapped one arm around Ivan's shoulders and used the other to pat his arm. "Just hang in there."
Francis came back wearing a smile. "Alright, here's the scoop. The doctor said you can see him after he's been moved but only for a few minutes. He can't share any information with you at this time but you will be able to see him. We can't, though." He pointed to himself and Antonio. "But that's alright. It's more important that you see him first."
It was better than nothing. "That's good." He smiled. "Thank you, Francis."
"I foresee trouble with this in the near future." Antonio pointed out.
"You're right," Ivan agreed, taking out his cell phone. "Excuse me while I call Alfred. He may be able to help us further." He went to the corner of the room and dialed Alfred. 'Please pick up!'
'Hello! You've reached Alfred Jones. I'm unable to take this call right now but leave your name, number, and reason and I'll get back to you!' *beep!*
'Goddamn it all!' "Alfred, it's me, Ivan. Call me back as SOON as you get this. There's been a big problem with Gilbert. Currently he's in the hospital after a meltdown and there are some issues. I don't care how late it is but call me. Bye." He hung up. "He didn't answer!"
"Ivan, come on, sit down and rest." Francis went over and ushered the large man back to the chairs. "Eat your donut."
Ivan grumbled as Antonio pushed the jelly donut back into his hands. Feeling a bit better now that he would be able to see Gilbert, Ivan brought the donut to his lips and took a bite. He watched the bit of pinkish jelly ooze through the center mixed with some white powdered sugar. Ivan looked at the white and pink of the jelly donut and it reminded him of Gilbert coloring. That's when a single tear escaped his eye and slipped down his cheek. Immediately, he was fawned over by Antonio.
"Oh no, don't cry!" Antonio pulled him into a tight hug. "Everything will be all right! You don't have to eat the jelly donut if you don't want it. Right? Let's get a laugh! Come on, a little smile!" He knew why Ivan had shed a tear but he hoped the joke would lighten the mood.
Ivan did give a tiny smile but it quickly faded. "Sorry…the donut just reminded me of Gilbert."
"Spongy and round?" Francis asked, sitting back on the other side.
"No, the coloring of the sugar and the jelly." He pulled away from Antonio. "I'm alright though. Thank you."
"Sure, no problem. Do you have a ride home?" Francis asked.
"I came in the ambulance but I'll just call a cab."
"We can give you a lift if you need one?" Antonio offered.
"I appreciate it, but I'd rather…you know…be alone." He smiled. "And there's no point in you two really staying here. If anything happens I'll give you a call."
"You sure you'll be alright, oso gigante?"
"Yes. Thanks again for your help. If you can, would you mind stopping by my place and checking on Mandy?"
"Sure, and I'll pick up some clothes for Gilbert as well." Francis said and stood up with Antonio. "Call us immediately if you need anything."
Ivan nodded and waved to them as they left, leaving him all alone once again in the waiting room. Almost three hours went by before Ivan was called over to see Gilbert. He had read every single magazine on the table from 'Reader's Digest' to 'USA Health Today'. It was a chore to keep awake, but now that he was seeing Gilbert he was wide awake. The doctor walked with him to a small room where Gilbert lay resting on a bed with an oxygen tube in his nose and an I.V. in his left arm. When he saw Ivan the pale lips curled into a smile and he held his arms out to him.
"Ivie!"
Ivan shoved passed the doctor and hugged Gilbert carefully. "It's good to see you awake! How are you feeling now?"
"Like a truck just ran me over and then backed up over me."
He pulled up a chair and sat beside Gilbert on the bed, taking the man's white hand in his own and stroking the top with his thumb. "I hope I didn't hurt you at all."
"I don't even remember what happened to be honest," Gilbert answered, blinking slowly. "I'm so damn tired though."
"You just need to rest and then we'll be back home where everything will be fine."
Gilbert sighed and looked up at the white ceiling. "I'm just like my mother. I'm on the nut floor right now. I don't care what they call it. I'm a mental case and I'll die here."
"You are NOT like your mother!" Ivan answered.
"This stuff is genetic."
"I don't care what it is, but you are not like your mother so stop thinking it!"
Gilbert gave a weak chuckle. "You know what the doctor told me? He said this is all caused by depression."
"No, this is different. He doesn't know your story. This is depression brought on by a tragic event. You just need time to heal and then you'll be fine."
The doctor cut in with a knock on the open door. "Mr. Braginski, time is up. You'll have to leave now."
"But he just got here!" Gilbert cried to the doctor. "I want him to stay a little more."
"I'm afraid he can't," answered the doctor.
"Because I'm not a family member," Ivan said with a hint of disdain.
"Huh?" Gilbert looked from Ivan to the doctor. "But, I have no family! Ivan is who I live with!"
The doctor appeared annoyed as he held the clipboard to his chest, but forced a smile. "It's the law and the policy of this hospital. We will see if there is anyone still around for you. If not, then we will put Mr. Braginski down as your next of kin."
"I want him put down as it now!" Gilbert demanded. "I told you I don't have anyone else!"
"Don't upset yourself, Gilbert," the doctor warned gently. "We don't want you having another episode."
Ivan squeezed Gilbert's hand and stroked the white hair. "Don't get yourself worked up. We'll get this all straightened out. I promise you." Ivan leaned down and kissed his forehead. "Just rest. I'll be back here tomorrow."
Gilbert grabbed Ivan's wrist with both his hands. "Don't go, Ivan! I want you to stay with me!"
"Gilbert, he has to leave now."
"NO! I'm only safe when Ivan's with me!" Gilbert hollered.
"You'll be perfectly safe here, I promise you," the doctor assured him, but Gilbert wasn't sold.
"Gilbert…I don't want you to upset yourself. I need to get home to Mandy. She's probably very upset over us not being there."
Gilbert's pink eyes welled with tears but he gave a nod and let go of Ivan's wrist. "Let her sleep in the bed with you tonight! And give her a big hug and a kiss on the nose for me!"
Ivan smiled. "Of course. Just rest for now and get some good sleep. I'll be back in the morning."
Before he left, Ivan stood at the door and waved to Gilbert, who looked absolutely frightened to be left alone but trying not to show it. It broke his heart to turn away from the room knowing he was leaving Gilbert alone in there, scared and sick. On the way home he stopped at an all-night convenience store where he picked up some stale jelly donuts to eat at home. All the liquor stores were closed so he couldn't pick up some vodka, even though he REALLY needed some right now. Perhaps it was better to have his full wits about him anyway.
When he entered the main floor the landlord was waving him over to the desk. Curious, Ivan went up to him and was presented with a paper.
"A note from Mr. Bradley. You missed out on a lot tonight, Ivan."
"What's happened?" Ivan asked but read the note first.
'Mr. Braginski,
We have Mandy safe with us in our apartment. On my way back I caught a suspicious looking man carrying the dog in his arms. When I questioned him and he dropped the dog and ran away. She is fine now, a little shaken up. Hope everything else went well. –Mr. Bradley.'
"I had the police here tonight," said the landlord. "Whoever that man was ran out and I had to call them. They found nothing but from now on there is a new policy here until this guy is caught! No one is allowed to pass by on name alone. Anyone who has a visitor has to come down to my desk and get the person themselves. This is an unknown man wondering my building and I won't stand for it."
"I agree completely." Ivan tucked the paper in his paper. "Thank you for this."
"How did your friend do by the way? Is everything okay?"
Ivan shrugged his shoulders. "They won't tell me anything as of now because I'm not family."
"Oh, I see. That's a shame. Well, if anything comes up I'll let you know."
"Alright, thank you." He headed for the elevator. 'That should keep the bastard away for awhile, but I worry about Gilbert being in that hospital alone.' He stared up at his reflection in the elevator mirror. 'Damn it all. Things were going so well too.' As he stepped out of the elevator at his floor, his cell rang. 'Good, it's Alfred!' "Hello." Ivan unlocked his door and went in, deciding to leave Mandy next door.
'Geez, I want to block your number sometimes. It's very late. What's going on now? What's all this about a meltdown?'
'Why are you up this late?' Ivan wondered. "Two things. One is a favor. As you know, Gilbert has no family left, but because of this mental thing I'm' not allowed to see him. It's because I'm not family. Is there a way you can help prove that he has no family and let me count instead?"
'Ivan, you're asking me to do a lot. Once the hospital finds out there is no one you can be his family. You'll just have to wait. Now what's the other thing?'
Ivan turned on the bedroom light. "It's about the magazine."
'Does Gilbert want to testify?'
"After this meltdown? Not at all. It's what drove him to it. I really want to know if you found out any more about it and if you've spoken to that agent? I haven't gotten a call back from you about it."
'Right. Well, I spoke to him and he appeared shocked, appalled, and confused. He's full of shit is what he is. I know he has those missing girls somewhere, along with a few others. Gilbert has to help us put these guys away. It will be easier for a man than a young girl. I do have one other good piece of news about that issue, though. There were many reviews on the main website complaining about the content in the pages, meaning Gilbert's rape. The issue is supposed to be taken off the shelves tomorrow.'
"When Gilbert is in his right state of mind I will ask him about this again. But there is NOTHING you can do about the family member thing? Can't you pull some strings? You know Gilbert's history more than they do and you can vouch for me."
He sighed. 'Why am I so fucking nice? I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what can be done. Are we finished now?'
"For now, yes. Thank you for your help."
'Peace out.'
"Bye."
After changing into his sleepwear, Ivan flopped onto the bed and looked at the spot where Gilbert should be. He reached his hand out and stroked the cold spot, wishing his lover were here right now. Alfred was right. As soon as they see there is no family for Gilbert he will be allowed. Gilbert needed him and no one else. They were family. Ivan even considered on the way home moving back to Russia and taking Gilbert with him so the man could get a fresh start. But he wasn't sure how keen Gilbert would be about living on a farm until they could get their own place. He would also have to learn the language, which wouldn't be hard for Gilbert because he's a fast learner. The man just doesn't know how to properly work his intelligence. Yet he could picture Gilbert dressed up in his grandmother's knitted woolen clothes and accessories while running down a snowy hill laughing his head off. The slightly rustic lifestyle may be what Gilbert needs to change his attitude. A whole different world would help to erase the old and start anew. Ivan could picture them both outside on a star filled night with the bonfire raging as they ate, danced, and drank. Or picturing them sitting on the back deck steps, dressed up warm and cuddled under a large blanket as the snow falls around them.
"I think in photographs," Ivan whispered to himself. "Gilbert might just come to love my family's farm."
The times he visited as a child were always memorable. The scenery was beautiful, being built out in an opening surrounded by trees and fields with the nearest city and neighbors houses being in driving distance. The night skies were perfectly clear, the aurora borealis could sometimes be seen, and the wolves would often howl at night. The farm animals were a different story though, and Ivan wondered how Gilbert would fare going out in the cold morning to collect eggs. Or help to corral the horses, donkeys, goats, and sheep. While they had electricity, his grandparent's home was still charmingly rustic and they preferred to do things the old fashion way if they could. The setup of the house would be NOTHING like what Gilbert was used to. There were no thousand thread count sheets or Louis Vuitton suitcases there. Almost everything was handmade by either his grandfather or grandmother. Ivan pulled the covers up and smiled at the memory of his grandparents' house, and wondered about the new ones he could make with Gilbert being there.
'I will ask him about it tomorrow. A change in lifestyle might just help to bring the old Gilbert back. We don't have to remain there forever.' Ivan settled down into the bed and fell asleep, body and mind exhausted.
/
"Mutti? Vati? Can I come in?" Young Gilbert knocked on his parents' bedroom door since it was locked. He was woken up in the middle of the night by the thunderstorm raging outside and it was frightening him. A loud crash made him jump and he knocked harder. "Mutti! Vati!"
"Gilbert, stop it!" yelled his father. "Go back to bed! I have work in the morning!"
"I'm scared, vati! The storm is loud!"
"So put the sheets over your head!"
"VATI!" He started to cry. "I'm scared!" He shrieked at another loud crash. "MUTTI!"
"For God's sake!" he heard his father stomping over and the door opened. "Go get your blanket and pillow. You can sleep on the floor beside your mother!"
Gilbert did as he was told, running to get his things and bring them to the side of the bed. His mother was sound asleep and his father could be heard muttering something in gargled German. Gilbert lay down on the floor with his blanket and pillow but yearned to be in the bed with his parents. On the floor he could still see the flashes of lighting and feel the rumble of the thunder vibrate through the floor. His father never liked when he was in bed with them because the bed was too small. With Gilbert between them he would get a bad night's sleep, and it would make him angry. But when he glanced up at his mother's side, he saw that her eyes were now open, blinking narrow slits at him in focus. She reached her hand down towards him and Gilbert took it in his smaller one, grasping two of her fingers. "Mutti." He smiled in content and kissed her fingers. "Mutti!"
"How's mom?" Gilbert asked his father who was sitting on the back porch step smoking.
"They escorted her away today, but she seemed happy." His father wouldn't look at him, only kept his back to him. "Not that she would actually know. At least where she is now they can help her better than we can." He puffed out a cloud of smoke.
"When can we see her?" Gilbert walked over and sat down beside him on the step.
"After a couple of days. She needs to settle in and be evaluated then we can visit. But she won't recognize who we are, Gilbert. You have to be prepared for that."
"I know." He sighed and buried his face in his hands.
"So…it's just you and me, buddy. I know we don't get along, but you're still my son and I'm proud of you. Everything will be alright."
Gilbert leaned into his father when the man slipped an arm around his shoulders. They sat there together in silence, this being the closet thing to a hug they ever shared.
"I know I'm not the best father, but I try."
Gilbert never responded.
"Gilbert Beilschmidt, you're gorgeous." He sat in his boss's large leather office chair, his head tilted back and eyes closed in sweet bliss, listening to every word Callaghan was saying to him. "You can be so much more if you cancel your contract and come to my company. The modeling will be different, but I can guarantee you security and a hearty paycheck."
Gilbert kept his eyes closed but smiled in his direction. "Keep talkin'." He felt the man take his bare leg, rolling down the soccer sock and removing the cleat.
"These long beautiful legs should be shown off more." Gilbert moaned at the gentle caress. "Come with me and I will give you a taste of heaven. You'll have wealth, style, vacations, anything your little heart desires; for when I first laid eyes upon you, I knew that I must have you as my own. To cherish and protect…to help make you great!"
"This all seems too good to be true."
"But you deserve it."
'I do deserve it. I've been handed shit all my life; I want to be handed gold!' He smiled and gave a nod. "Yes. Yes, I'll come with you." He finally opened his eyes, but screamed when he saw a demonic face where Callaghan's should be. He leapt out of the chair and ran, hearing the echoing laugh of the demon behind him. 'This is my price for fame and fortune!' He cried out in his mind but the demon wasn't done there. The pictures of his rape surrounded him from all sides with the demon face in place of Callaghan's.
He bolted upright in the bed with a yelp, gasping and sweating as his mind tried to make sense of what had happened. 'Dream. It was a dream. Dreams. Nothing more. Just dreams." His heart was racing, the thumping echoing in his ears. He looked up only to see the demonic face staring at him from the foot of the bed. He screamed and jumped from the sheets, running to the door and tugging on it to find it was locked. "LET ME OUT!" He pounded on the door. "LET ME OUT! PLEASE! HELP ME!" His mantra of cries finally brought in some nurses and one doctor, all whom forced him back to the bed. "NO! NO HE'S STILL THERE! HE'S STILL THERE! DON'T MAKE ME!"
Gilbert was held down on the bed where the doctor administered a sedative. He begged not to have it but they didn't listen. The sting from the needle in his thin skin brought forth a hiss of pain but his body instantly started to relax. He looked around for the demon face with Callaghan's body yet saw nothing but the nurses. "He's gone." Gilbert whispered.
"Who is talking about?" asked a nurse stroking his pale hair.
"Hallucinations," replied the doctor, moving to pick up a clipboard and write some notes. "We'll lower his dosage and see if that has any effect. If not, then we'll have to move further with examinations."
Another nurse spoke. She was the closet to Gilbert's vision so he stared at her while his eyelids became heavy. "Have we contacted anyone yet?"
"He does have a guardian. Both parents are dead, and there are no other known relatives listed. But there is someone registered as his next of kin. A Mr. Callaghan, whom Gilbert here has some sort of written agreement with."
'What did he say?' Gilbert's body was frozen with the drug but it didn't stop his mind from working yet. 'Oh my God…no, no they can't call him back! They can't! What agreement? I don't remember one! Ivan? Ivan! Where's Ivan! Ivan!'
"He just said something!" said another nurse. "His lips are moving." She leaned her ear down closer to his mouth. "He's saying 'Ivan'." The nurse wiped away a tear from Gilbert's cheek with her sleeve just as his eyes closed.
"Doctor, isn't that the name of the man who brought him in?"
"Yes, it is. However, we need to speak to Mr. Callaghan first. If he gives permission for Ivan to see Gilbert then we'll let it be so. We'll just have to wait until the morning."
/
Ivan looked in the hospital gift shop window, contemplating on bringing Gilbert something as a get well present. Even if he wasn't allowed to see the man, the nurses could at LEAST deliver a get well gift for him. He stepped inside and looked around, going over to the stuffed animal section. There were various teddy bears and other animals, but on the bottom shelf, the children's shelf, there was a row of small stuffed animals, mostly dogs and cats. Ivan grinned when he saw a German Sheppard that looked just like Mandy. He picked it up and glanced at the tags, noticing it had some sort of connection to the Internet, but that wasn't important. 'Gilbert will love this! It looks just like Mandy.'
Proud and content with his purchase, Ivan traveled up to the fifth floor and stopped at the front desk. "Excuse me, I'm here to see Gilbert Beilschmidt."
The nurse smiled. "Oh, Mr. Beilschmidt is with the doctor right now. I'm not sure how long they'll be but you may wait in the waiting room for a bit."
"Is everything alright?'
"I can't relay any information, I'm sorry."
"Okay, thank you." 'I hate everybody!' Ivan grumbled incoherent words as he took a seat in the waiting room. Once again the time passed slowly and he was sitting there for a long, long while. Two hours to be exact. Ivan kept checking his phone in hopes of a call or text message from Alfred. Apparently the man did not call the hospital yet, or he did and nothing could be done. 'I'm tired of waiting! I want to see my Gilbert!' Another hour passed, and then another. The nurse had nothing different to tell him. He feared this stuffed animal would lose its head due to his rising frustration.
And then, his cell rang: 'Alfred Jones'
"Thank the gods!" He picked up and went out of the waiting room. "Hello?"
'Dude…are you sitting down?'
Ivan heart dropped and his face drained of color. "Why?"
'Go somewhere secluded. I got some real shitty news for you.'
"Hold on." Ivan hurried out into a hall and hid inside the tiny chapel room. "What is it?" He sat on a pew, fearing the answer to come.
'I called the hospital this morning and spoke to the doctor. He told me that they DID find someone for Gilbert. A legal guardian…in which Gilbert has a written agreement with.'
"I don't understand what you mean?"
'Callaghan. It's almost like a civil partnership with marital benefits that aren't legal. At this moment, Callaghan is the 'only' family member allowed to see him. Ivan? Are you there?'
Ivan stared ahead in shock with the phone still next to his ear.
'Ivan!'
"What did you say…to the doctor about the issue we're having with Callaghan?"
'I let him know and he said that he spoke to the bastard and that he was 'very concerned'. Callaghan apparently offered to pay for the best of best care and treatment for him. The doc doesn't want to believe me, but I'm going to look in to this civil contract a little more.'
"Alfred, we don't have time for that! Can't you put some sort of protective paper out to keep him from making decisions about Gilbert?"
'That has to be passed by a judge, Ivan! Do you know how long that will take? LONG!'
Ivan swore under his breath. "Is there ANYTHING we can do? Anything at all?"
'The problem lies in the fact that Gilbert is not a minor, but an adult. If he was a minor, we could keep Callaghan away from him. Technically, since he is an adult Gilbert SHOULD be able to make his own decisions. However, because he's currently listed as 'mentally unstable' he can't be, quote- unquote, trusted, to make the right decision for himself. But, the doctor DID agree to speak with you, so try to keep yourself calm when speaking to him. Rashness will get you no where.'
"I'm going to go speak with him right now! Thank you for telling me, goodbye." He hung up and left the chapel to race back to the fifth floor. The same nurse was at the desk and his frantic features made her gasp in surprise. "I need to speak with the doctor caring for Gilbert! Please, it's very important!"
"But he's-"
"No! You don't understand! He spoke to a police detective this morning by the name of Alfred Jones! The doctor has granted me permission to speak with him! Ivan Braginski is my name."
She seemed to realize what he was talking about and picked up the phone. "I'll buzz his office right now and let him know." She dialed the number and waited a few seconds. "Doctor Hamilton, we have a Mr. Braginski here and I see his name on the list. He wishes to speak with you…yes…yes, thank you." She hung up and looked at Ivan. "He will speak to you now. Please follow me to his office."
"Thank you!" Ivan followed the young nurse wishing that she would move a little faster. His mind was a million places at once and he felt as if he would climb the walls. Ivan wasn't sure if he could even remain calm when speaking to the doctor. They might just throw him in to a room on this floor as well.
"Go right on in." She smiled and opened the door. "Goodby-" Ivan was already in.
"Doctor Hamilton?"
An older man, who appeared to be in his mid sixties, took off his glasses when Ivan sat down in front of his desk. "Mr. Braginski, what can I do for you? I spoke to your detective friend this morning."
"Doctor, please, you mustn't let Callaghan near Gilbert! Callaghan is the reason why Gilbert is here in the first place!"
"Yes, I am aware of that. Your friend told me everything this morning."
"And yet you are letting this man make decisions for Gilbert?"
"Please, calm yourself." The doctor glared. "I shouldn't even be speaking to you at all, so be grateful." He cleared his throat. "I've read Gilbert's health reports from the previous hospital and understand that he was beaten by this man. However, Gilbert is an adult and should have gotten away when he had the chance rather than dismissing any legal documents that could help him."
"But this man aims to HARM HIM." Ivan reached into his messenger bag and pulled out the magazine. "I have proof of just what kind of man this Callaghan is." He turned to the pages and placed them in front of the doctor, who blushed wildly and glanced away.
"Mr. Braginski! Put that-"
"No! You have to look! Please, this is important." He saw the doctor glance at the pictures, and then watched as the gray eyebrows became concerned.
"Is this-"
"Yes. Please, do not tell Gilbert I showed these to you. He'll be mortified. He doesn't want to bring these to court because he's embarrassed. But this man right here, Callaghan, should NOT have the right to care for Gilbert!"
The doctor closed the magazine. "Mr. Braginski, I'm afraid I cannot help you with this. What is in this magazine is a legal issue, not a hospital issue. I have to go by our policies set by the law. Currently, Gilbert's state of mind indicates that he cannot act for himself. The legal system states that I need to find SOMEONE, LEGALLY, who can help to make these decisions. Now, Mr. Callaghan has issued that he would like Gilbert to be put in a mental institution for further evaluation to help him heal."
"Over my dead body!" Ivan stood up so fast he knocked the chair over. He slammed his hands on the desk and glared at the doctor. "Gilbert is not crazy. His condition was brought on by a cruel, controlling man who physically and mentally abused him. Just because he's an 'adult' and 'should have left' does NOT mean he deserves this! He needs to be away from that man, and THEN he will get better! He doesn't need padded walls and a straight jacket!"
"Mr. Braginski! Calm yourself or I will call security and have you thrown out!" Ivan growled, his body shaking with pent up rage, frustration, and helplessness. "I understand how you feel-"
"No, you don't. You don't understand how I feel, or how Gilbert feels. You haven't walked a mile in his shoes!"
"You're right, I haven't. I have to follow the law or else I will get in trouble, and I won't have that!"
Ivan glared at him. "So you will let a life suffer because YOU don't want to get your hands dirty?"
"Fix my chair and sit down. Now. One more outburst and I will banned you from this hospital!" Ivan stood the chair back up and sat down, narrowing his gaze at the doctor. "There is something I can do." Dr. Hamilton put his glasses back on. "I will hold off on sending Gilbert to a mental institution because of legal concerns. Gilbert is my patient and under my care. If I see there is an immediate threat to his health I can keep any action from taking place until a judge passes the ruling. Get me a legal document stating these issues from the police and I will be allowed to keep Gilbert here."
Ivan stared at him, his features relaxing. "How much time do I have?"
"The sooner the better. There is another issue, though. I regret to inform you that Mr. Callaghan has asked that no one be allowed to see Gilbert. And your name is one of them on the list. I shouldn't even be speaking to you now, but since Gilbert keeps calling for and was checked in by you, I knew you are important to him. I'm violating a law right now."
"So…I can't see him at all?"
"No, I'm sorry. I'm doing a lot for you already, so please do not ask me to do anything further. Any sort of legal document you can get me I will follow, by all means. But right now, as it stands, Mr. Callaghan holds all the power."
'I will kill him!' Well, thank you for speaking to me, Dr. Hamilton." Ivan stood up and held out his hand. "I hope to be back by the end of the day with legal documents."
The doctor shook his hand. "I'm sorry I can't do more. Gilbert has spoken a lot about you, and I know you are a positive influence on him. If only things were different." He smiled.
"Yes. If only."
With his shoulders slumped, Ivan left the office in the foggy daze. The hallway seemed endless and his strides were short. He was desperately trying to take in everything he had just witnessed and heard. He felt numb; like his body wasn't even present with his mind. Ivan kept picturing Gilbert struggling inside a straight jacket, screaming and crying while that bastard sat back and laughed. Callaghan was only doing this to punish Gilbert and to keep them apart. The man did not want Gilbert to be happy so his plan now was to lock the albino away in a nuthouse so he can continue to have control. Gilbert was probably the first person to escape him, and Callaghan would see to it that such an act would not go unpunished.
The nurse waved 'goodbye' to him but he didn't acknowledge her at all. Instead, he slumped out to his car and sat in stunned silence. He let his head hit the steering wheel as he felt all the energy drain from his body. 'How can so much go so wrong so quickly?' something wet dripped onto his jeans, and that was when Ivan noticed he was crying. Not sobs; not wails, only simple, silent tears. 'When was the last time I cried?' he touched the wet spot on the thigh of his jeans. Ivan lifted his head to wipe away the tears and looked ahead at the hospital wall. Staring out, he gazed up to the fifth floor, thinking about Gilbert. His breath caught in his throat when the image of Gilbert was in the window. Ivan leapt out of his car and ran to stand under the window, waving his arms. "Gilbert!" He let out a joyful sob when the other waved back at him.
/
"Ivan!" Gilbert saw his lover waving at him and felt his heart swell with happiness. Desperately he tried to open the window but it was sealed completely, and the glass was too thick to break. Sadly, he pressed his hands to the glass, wishing they could be touching and hugging Ivan right now. Ivan waved to him again, and even blew him a kiss. Gilbert smiled and returned the gesture. "How I wish you were here with me now."
He was not allowed to see Ivan, and when the nurses had told him that he wanted to curl up and die right there on the bed. Gilbert never thought that he would need someone as much as he needed Ivan. He always thought he was strong, but not any more. His current condition was solid proof of that. All he wanted was to be buried in Ivan's arms; snuggled under his nightshirt or cuddling with him in the tub. Fresh tears stung his eyes, blurring his vision from the sight of Ivan beneath his window. How he wished there was a notebook or paper, something he could use to write a message to Ivan. Since he was now on 'suicide watch' they had taken everything that could be used as a weapon for self-harm, including a writing utensil.
"Ivan…Ivie." He pressed his forehead against the glass. "I want to be with you. I want to hear you play your cello for me." His eyes lit up with an idea, and he hoped Ivan would be able to read his signals. Gilbert pretended to play the cello, mouthing the word 'please' as he did. Ivan stared at him, but then a smile of glee struck his lovers face. Ivan gave him a thumbs up and hurried away. "I hope he understood!" Gilbert turned away from the window with a gleeful smile of his own, thinking how stupidly romantic it would be for Ivan to play his cello for him from under the window. He may not be able to hear it as well because of the glass, but it was worth the try. And just seeing him play would be enough! "I'll get through this." He took a deep breath. "I'll get through this. Everything will be all right. I just have to keep telling myself that."
There came a knock at the door and Gilbert yelped, rushing back to the bed and under the covers. The door opened and Doctor Hamilton came in. "Gilbert, there is someone here to see you."
End Chapter 14 TBC
***Suspense!***
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Snap Judgment