Categories > Celebrities > Fall Out Boy > All We Are
Thanks for the great review guys. Keep it up! Love, Dani
Chapter 6
Pete’s cab pulled up in front of St. Joseph’s hospital after coming straight from the airport. The only thought in his head for the past few hours was the phone call he had received from a devastated Patrick and the thought that he needed to get to Chicago as fast as possible.
The last conversation that Pete had with anyone in Chicago had been right before boarding the airplane at LAX. That would have been almost 6 hours ago. He had spoken to Patrick’s Mom Linda, and she had said that Marie was still in surgery undergoing an emergency c-section. Since he had arrived at O’Hare he had been trying to reach someone but so far had no luck.
Pete thrust the first large bill he found in his wallet at the taxi driver assuming it would be more than enough to cover the fare. Clutching the only bag that he had taken the time to pack, he jumped out of the taxi and headed toward the front doors of the hospital. Soon Pete found himself standing in a huge open lobby where he quickly spotted the information desk and approached it.
There was an elderly volunteer in charge of the desk and she wasted no time informing Pete that she was not allowed to give any information regarding the name he was inquiring after. After several minutes that consisted of a mixture of the Wentz charm and good old fashion begging, a phone call was made up to the maternity floor. The results were that Pete was to wait in the lobby until someone came to escort him up.
Though irritated by the delay, Pete was actually appreciative of the hospitals measures to protect Patrick and Marie’s privacy. ‘The last thing we need right now is the media to get wind of this.’ he thought. So far he’s been extremely lucky that no press had spotted him leaving or arriving at either airport. With that thought he tightened the strings to his plain black hoodie around his head nervously.
Before long the nearby elevator doors opened and out stepped Marie’s older brother Tyler. As soon as he saw him, Pete jumped up and rushed to join him back on the first available elevator going up. “Glad to see you man.” he said, relieved to see a familiar face.
On the ride up to the seventh floor, Tyler began filling him in on everything that they knew so far. “First of all, Marie’s doctor said that she did as well as could be expected during the surgery, and she should make a full recovery.” Tyler assured. Pete was relieved to hear that bit good news. He wanted to ask a question that had been plaguing his mind, but was afraid of what the answer would be.
So he took a deep breath and asked it anyway, “What about the baby, Marie was seven months right? That’s too early.” Tyler shook his head before he answered, “We don’t know a lot yet, all we know is that they had to work on her for a long time, and she’s alive.” Then Tyler paused and bit his lower lip in a nervous gesture before adding, “Pete….they told Patrick that there was a 50% chance she wouldn’t make it through the night.”
A heavy silence fell between the two men the rest of the ride up. Pete had been stunned into silence by those words, and he was worried about Patrick. ‘How is Patrick holding up with all of this?’ he wondered.
When they finally stepped of the elevator onto the maternity floor, Pete followed Tyler to a waiting room that had a few familiar faces sitting and standing around. One of the first people he saw was Andy and his girlfriend Amanda who were sitting nervously drinking a bottle of water. When they spotted Pete walking in, they both jumped up to give him a quick hug. “Dude, so glad you got here. I think Patrick’s gonna’ lose it.” Andy informed his friend solemnly.
Then a hand on Pete’s shoulder gently turned him, and he found himself being embraced by Linda, Patrick’s Mom. He noted the swollen look around her blue eyes, and guessed she had been crying quit a bit with all the worry and stress. “Oh Pete thank you for getting here so quickly, you know how much it means to Patrick and Marie.” Pete smiled sadly at her then answered, “Like I would be anywhere else.” She gave him a sad smile in return.
Sometime later, when most everyone had went home with the promise of phone updates, Pete paced the waiting room. Between the worry and his natural tendency for restlessness there was no chance in hell he would be sitting down anytime soon.
Both Linda and Elizabeth, Marie’s Mother were sitting huddled together nearby. They were sipping on little cups of shitty coffee and talking in low voices. Meanwhile, Tyler and Marie’s Dad Rick were quietly watching TV on a television set placed in the corner of the room.
Just as Pete was contemplating the merits of getting his own little shitty cup of coffee, Patrick walked into the waiting area. When they saw one another, a much needed hug of friendship and comfort was exchanged. As Patrick pulled back, he had tears swimming in his eyes and he seemed to be barley holding on to his composure. ‘God, I have never seen him look so worn down.’ Pete thought as he looked closely at his friend.
The family then gathered around Patrick to get the latest update on both Mother and child. He began to speak, “Well Marie is finally awake, and they said that you could start going to her room two at a time for now.” he was mainly looking at Marie’s parents as he said this. He knew how desperately they both wanted to see their only daughter.
He added quickly before he could be interrupted by questions, “She knows everything…Umm…Dr. Weber thought it would be best to be honest with her about what’s going on. She needs to be…prepared….you know....just in case…” Those last words seemed to almost become stuck in his throat and he couldn‘t seem finish the sentence.
He went on, “Everything with the baby is basically the same, they just can’t tell us anything concrete yet. Though It was mentioned that someone would be around to update me in the next hour or so.”
Linda jumped in and asked the first question, “ Have you seen the baby yet Patrick?” He looked at her and gave a weak smile. “Yeah Mom, they let me see her for a few minutes.” Then he said to everyone, “She’s perfect, and she looks just like Marie.” Marie’s Mom began to cry when she heard him say that.
Then he added softly, “She’s just so tiny, like a little doll. You just wouldn’t believe all the tubes and wires they have attached to her though.” It was painful for Patrick to recall what their baby looked like when he had seen her.
Linda could tell that her son was not coping well with the shock of everything that had happened, so she decided to take control of the situation for the moment at least. “Why don’t you go get some food and coffee with Pete?” She proposed.
Patrick looked completely taken aback at that suggestion. “Mom, I’m only out here for a few minutes to fill you guys in.” he snapped. “I have to go back and be with Marie!”
Linda and Pete made eye contact, and they both were thinking the same thing. They knew if they didn’t force Patrick to take care of himself, he would literally make himself sick with worry. Though known as a soft spoken gentle person, his stubbornness was legendary when he had his mind set. The only thing to do was nip it in the bud, and that’s what Linda was set on doing.
“Nonsense, you have to take care of yourself or you’ll be no good for either Marie or the baby.” she admonished. Then she quickly added, “Don’t you think Elizabeth and Rick should have a chance to visit with their daughter.” Linda like any Mother, knew what buttons worked with her son.
Patrick looked like he was preparing an counter argument, but Elizabeth cut him off first, “I need to see my daughter Patrick, and honey If ANYTHING changes we will step out and call you on your phone immediately.” she assured him.
Several minutes later that is how a very reluctant Patrick found himself on an elevator with Pete heading toward the ground floor in search of food. No words were exchanged, but Pete knew that when Patrick was ready to talk he would. He just needed a little time.
Once they found their way to a surprisingly small cafeteria, Pete grabbed an orange juice and waited patiently for Patrick to find something to eat. When Patrick made a cup of coffee and seemed to be done, Pete gave him a pointed look. “Seriously dude, Linda will have our heads if you go back up there without eating anything.”
Patrick gave a glare, then grabbed a sealed sandwich which on the package claimed to be chicken salad, then quickly made his way to the cash register. Pete shook his head and sighed, then grabbed a bag of chips before following behind his friend.
Once settled at a table in the corner of the room, Patrick opened his sandwich and began to eat. He seemed almost to be in a trance… Bite, chew, swallow, bite chew swallow..
Though silence was never Pete’s strong suit, he simply sat with his friend and offered what comfort he could with his presence. Finally after several long minutes, Patrick seemed to snap back to reality and he looked up sadly. “This is my fault you know.” he mumbled.
Pete thought he was hearing things at first, but then when it registered. “What!? How in the name of God could any of this be your fault!?” he inquired. “I’ve got news for you buddy, something like this is a little out of your hands.”
Patrick shook his head and bit out, “You just don’t get it do you!? I was suppose to take care of them. I should have KNOWN there was something wrong!” Patrick was getting louder as he spoke. “What if I had spent a little less time bitching and complaining about her moods or….or…stupid shit like sending me for ice cream, maybe I could have done something to stop this!” Pete just stared at Patrick and shook his head.
‘Alright enough’s enough, he’s being completely unreasonable now.’ he thought. “Patrick, shut the fuck up and listen to yourself!” he said harshly. It had the desired effect, because Patrick’s mouth had dropped open and formed a small o. Pete quickly went on while he had Patrick’s full attention, “I know your hurting, and I know your scared, but there is no way you can blame yourself for what happened!” then he switched to a more soothing tone, “I have never heard you seriously complain one time since Marie has been pregnant. Joke about her moodiness? Yeah, sure! Complain? No way.”
Pete was on a roll now, and though Patrick’s head was down with his chin resting on his chest, it seemed he was really listening. Pete continued on hoping that he was getting through to his best friend,
“The way I see it, blaming yourself is just wasting valuable energy, energy that you’re going to need for Marie and the baby.” Pete reached over and put his hand on Patrick’s shoulder. “There IS something you can do now… you can be there for Marie. She really needs you, not some guilt ridden version of you.”
Patrick looked up with watery eyes and for the first time made direct eye contact with Pete. His face had began to take on a thoughtful look as he pondered what Pete had said to him.
Finally after several moments passed by, Patrick finally spoke, “ I…I know your right, it’s just…I came so close to losing everything Pete. When they took her away for surgery, all I could do was sit in that fucking waiting room while my wife was bleeding to death while losing our child. I have never felt so helpless in my life. I will NEVER forget that feeling.” Pete listened and nodded his head in understanding of what his friend was saying.
Again a silence descended in which Patrick used to gather his thoughts and feelings. He sat up straighter in his chair before saying, “Thank you…I guess I just needed to freak out of something, but for what it’s worth I do feel better.” He gave a little smile.
Pete grinned back at him before saying, “Marie’s going to be alright man, that’s the positive. As far as the baby goes, she’s tough like her Mom.”
Patrick’s smile turned into a slight frown as he thought of his daughter who was fighting for her little life. “I just wish they could tell us more. The doctor that I spoke to, Dr. Conner, Conway, whatever his name is, told me absolutely nothing except that it was touch and go, then he just rushed off. I have so many questions I want to ask!” Patrick through up his hands as he said that.
Before Pete could comment, Patrick’s sidekick sounded off with Princes’ Little Red Corvette. Patrick rushed to reach for his sidekick that was in the pocket of his hoodie, then he answered. “Hello? …Yeah we’ll be right up!”
Even before he ended the call Patrick was already standing up. “The doctor is ready to update me on the baby.” He grabbed their trash then said, “Come on, let’s go!” Pete rushed to stand up at hearing that. Patrick reached over and hit Pete lightly on the arm as they walked back toward the elevators. “Thanks again man.” he said. Pete gave a quick smile in return then said, “That’s what I’m here for.”
Chapter 6
Pete’s cab pulled up in front of St. Joseph’s hospital after coming straight from the airport. The only thought in his head for the past few hours was the phone call he had received from a devastated Patrick and the thought that he needed to get to Chicago as fast as possible.
The last conversation that Pete had with anyone in Chicago had been right before boarding the airplane at LAX. That would have been almost 6 hours ago. He had spoken to Patrick’s Mom Linda, and she had said that Marie was still in surgery undergoing an emergency c-section. Since he had arrived at O’Hare he had been trying to reach someone but so far had no luck.
Pete thrust the first large bill he found in his wallet at the taxi driver assuming it would be more than enough to cover the fare. Clutching the only bag that he had taken the time to pack, he jumped out of the taxi and headed toward the front doors of the hospital. Soon Pete found himself standing in a huge open lobby where he quickly spotted the information desk and approached it.
There was an elderly volunteer in charge of the desk and she wasted no time informing Pete that she was not allowed to give any information regarding the name he was inquiring after. After several minutes that consisted of a mixture of the Wentz charm and good old fashion begging, a phone call was made up to the maternity floor. The results were that Pete was to wait in the lobby until someone came to escort him up.
Though irritated by the delay, Pete was actually appreciative of the hospitals measures to protect Patrick and Marie’s privacy. ‘The last thing we need right now is the media to get wind of this.’ he thought. So far he’s been extremely lucky that no press had spotted him leaving or arriving at either airport. With that thought he tightened the strings to his plain black hoodie around his head nervously.
Before long the nearby elevator doors opened and out stepped Marie’s older brother Tyler. As soon as he saw him, Pete jumped up and rushed to join him back on the first available elevator going up. “Glad to see you man.” he said, relieved to see a familiar face.
On the ride up to the seventh floor, Tyler began filling him in on everything that they knew so far. “First of all, Marie’s doctor said that she did as well as could be expected during the surgery, and she should make a full recovery.” Tyler assured. Pete was relieved to hear that bit good news. He wanted to ask a question that had been plaguing his mind, but was afraid of what the answer would be.
So he took a deep breath and asked it anyway, “What about the baby, Marie was seven months right? That’s too early.” Tyler shook his head before he answered, “We don’t know a lot yet, all we know is that they had to work on her for a long time, and she’s alive.” Then Tyler paused and bit his lower lip in a nervous gesture before adding, “Pete….they told Patrick that there was a 50% chance she wouldn’t make it through the night.”
A heavy silence fell between the two men the rest of the ride up. Pete had been stunned into silence by those words, and he was worried about Patrick. ‘How is Patrick holding up with all of this?’ he wondered.
When they finally stepped of the elevator onto the maternity floor, Pete followed Tyler to a waiting room that had a few familiar faces sitting and standing around. One of the first people he saw was Andy and his girlfriend Amanda who were sitting nervously drinking a bottle of water. When they spotted Pete walking in, they both jumped up to give him a quick hug. “Dude, so glad you got here. I think Patrick’s gonna’ lose it.” Andy informed his friend solemnly.
Then a hand on Pete’s shoulder gently turned him, and he found himself being embraced by Linda, Patrick’s Mom. He noted the swollen look around her blue eyes, and guessed she had been crying quit a bit with all the worry and stress. “Oh Pete thank you for getting here so quickly, you know how much it means to Patrick and Marie.” Pete smiled sadly at her then answered, “Like I would be anywhere else.” She gave him a sad smile in return.
Sometime later, when most everyone had went home with the promise of phone updates, Pete paced the waiting room. Between the worry and his natural tendency for restlessness there was no chance in hell he would be sitting down anytime soon.
Both Linda and Elizabeth, Marie’s Mother were sitting huddled together nearby. They were sipping on little cups of shitty coffee and talking in low voices. Meanwhile, Tyler and Marie’s Dad Rick were quietly watching TV on a television set placed in the corner of the room.
Just as Pete was contemplating the merits of getting his own little shitty cup of coffee, Patrick walked into the waiting area. When they saw one another, a much needed hug of friendship and comfort was exchanged. As Patrick pulled back, he had tears swimming in his eyes and he seemed to be barley holding on to his composure. ‘God, I have never seen him look so worn down.’ Pete thought as he looked closely at his friend.
The family then gathered around Patrick to get the latest update on both Mother and child. He began to speak, “Well Marie is finally awake, and they said that you could start going to her room two at a time for now.” he was mainly looking at Marie’s parents as he said this. He knew how desperately they both wanted to see their only daughter.
He added quickly before he could be interrupted by questions, “She knows everything…Umm…Dr. Weber thought it would be best to be honest with her about what’s going on. She needs to be…prepared….you know....just in case…” Those last words seemed to almost become stuck in his throat and he couldn‘t seem finish the sentence.
He went on, “Everything with the baby is basically the same, they just can’t tell us anything concrete yet. Though It was mentioned that someone would be around to update me in the next hour or so.”
Linda jumped in and asked the first question, “ Have you seen the baby yet Patrick?” He looked at her and gave a weak smile. “Yeah Mom, they let me see her for a few minutes.” Then he said to everyone, “She’s perfect, and she looks just like Marie.” Marie’s Mom began to cry when she heard him say that.
Then he added softly, “She’s just so tiny, like a little doll. You just wouldn’t believe all the tubes and wires they have attached to her though.” It was painful for Patrick to recall what their baby looked like when he had seen her.
Linda could tell that her son was not coping well with the shock of everything that had happened, so she decided to take control of the situation for the moment at least. “Why don’t you go get some food and coffee with Pete?” She proposed.
Patrick looked completely taken aback at that suggestion. “Mom, I’m only out here for a few minutes to fill you guys in.” he snapped. “I have to go back and be with Marie!”
Linda and Pete made eye contact, and they both were thinking the same thing. They knew if they didn’t force Patrick to take care of himself, he would literally make himself sick with worry. Though known as a soft spoken gentle person, his stubbornness was legendary when he had his mind set. The only thing to do was nip it in the bud, and that’s what Linda was set on doing.
“Nonsense, you have to take care of yourself or you’ll be no good for either Marie or the baby.” she admonished. Then she quickly added, “Don’t you think Elizabeth and Rick should have a chance to visit with their daughter.” Linda like any Mother, knew what buttons worked with her son.
Patrick looked like he was preparing an counter argument, but Elizabeth cut him off first, “I need to see my daughter Patrick, and honey If ANYTHING changes we will step out and call you on your phone immediately.” she assured him.
Several minutes later that is how a very reluctant Patrick found himself on an elevator with Pete heading toward the ground floor in search of food. No words were exchanged, but Pete knew that when Patrick was ready to talk he would. He just needed a little time.
Once they found their way to a surprisingly small cafeteria, Pete grabbed an orange juice and waited patiently for Patrick to find something to eat. When Patrick made a cup of coffee and seemed to be done, Pete gave him a pointed look. “Seriously dude, Linda will have our heads if you go back up there without eating anything.”
Patrick gave a glare, then grabbed a sealed sandwich which on the package claimed to be chicken salad, then quickly made his way to the cash register. Pete shook his head and sighed, then grabbed a bag of chips before following behind his friend.
Once settled at a table in the corner of the room, Patrick opened his sandwich and began to eat. He seemed almost to be in a trance… Bite, chew, swallow, bite chew swallow..
Though silence was never Pete’s strong suit, he simply sat with his friend and offered what comfort he could with his presence. Finally after several long minutes, Patrick seemed to snap back to reality and he looked up sadly. “This is my fault you know.” he mumbled.
Pete thought he was hearing things at first, but then when it registered. “What!? How in the name of God could any of this be your fault!?” he inquired. “I’ve got news for you buddy, something like this is a little out of your hands.”
Patrick shook his head and bit out, “You just don’t get it do you!? I was suppose to take care of them. I should have KNOWN there was something wrong!” Patrick was getting louder as he spoke. “What if I had spent a little less time bitching and complaining about her moods or….or…stupid shit like sending me for ice cream, maybe I could have done something to stop this!” Pete just stared at Patrick and shook his head.
‘Alright enough’s enough, he’s being completely unreasonable now.’ he thought. “Patrick, shut the fuck up and listen to yourself!” he said harshly. It had the desired effect, because Patrick’s mouth had dropped open and formed a small o. Pete quickly went on while he had Patrick’s full attention, “I know your hurting, and I know your scared, but there is no way you can blame yourself for what happened!” then he switched to a more soothing tone, “I have never heard you seriously complain one time since Marie has been pregnant. Joke about her moodiness? Yeah, sure! Complain? No way.”
Pete was on a roll now, and though Patrick’s head was down with his chin resting on his chest, it seemed he was really listening. Pete continued on hoping that he was getting through to his best friend,
“The way I see it, blaming yourself is just wasting valuable energy, energy that you’re going to need for Marie and the baby.” Pete reached over and put his hand on Patrick’s shoulder. “There IS something you can do now… you can be there for Marie. She really needs you, not some guilt ridden version of you.”
Patrick looked up with watery eyes and for the first time made direct eye contact with Pete. His face had began to take on a thoughtful look as he pondered what Pete had said to him.
Finally after several moments passed by, Patrick finally spoke, “ I…I know your right, it’s just…I came so close to losing everything Pete. When they took her away for surgery, all I could do was sit in that fucking waiting room while my wife was bleeding to death while losing our child. I have never felt so helpless in my life. I will NEVER forget that feeling.” Pete listened and nodded his head in understanding of what his friend was saying.
Again a silence descended in which Patrick used to gather his thoughts and feelings. He sat up straighter in his chair before saying, “Thank you…I guess I just needed to freak out of something, but for what it’s worth I do feel better.” He gave a little smile.
Pete grinned back at him before saying, “Marie’s going to be alright man, that’s the positive. As far as the baby goes, she’s tough like her Mom.”
Patrick’s smile turned into a slight frown as he thought of his daughter who was fighting for her little life. “I just wish they could tell us more. The doctor that I spoke to, Dr. Conner, Conway, whatever his name is, told me absolutely nothing except that it was touch and go, then he just rushed off. I have so many questions I want to ask!” Patrick through up his hands as he said that.
Before Pete could comment, Patrick’s sidekick sounded off with Princes’ Little Red Corvette. Patrick rushed to reach for his sidekick that was in the pocket of his hoodie, then he answered. “Hello? …Yeah we’ll be right up!”
Even before he ended the call Patrick was already standing up. “The doctor is ready to update me on the baby.” He grabbed their trash then said, “Come on, let’s go!” Pete rushed to stand up at hearing that. Patrick reached over and hit Pete lightly on the arm as they walked back toward the elevators. “Thanks again man.” he said. Pete gave a quick smile in return then said, “That’s what I’m here for.”
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