Everyone's Got Problems

[wrongturntaken]

Thank you for asking and i'm very sorry i haven't been able to update like i said i would but i've been having a few personal problems. I'm afraid i'll only be able to update when i have time and the muse to write again as i don't want to put something up just for the sake of it and have it be rubbish.

I do appreciate the support and i will try to update in the near future.

[amz89]

WOW I just finished reading the whole thing, amazing I love it, I was up till 2am this morning lol and I just finished the last chapter I haven't read any of your other fics before but this is amazing. I liked how you clarified the other fic to this one made it easier for me thanks heaps.

Update when you can x

[bikinikill]

Hey

I hope things are ok. Whenever you can update it will be fantastic. But look after yourself first.

Take care

[xknomex]

hey,

just reread this whole fic, its just FANTASTIC

I was wondering if there was any chance of an update soon? haven't seen you around in a while, hope all is okay

xx

[wrongturntaken]

Firstly, a HUGE apology!!! I'm so sorry there haven't been any updates in so long! First it was uni and then work, and then we got a puppy at home so i just haven't had the time, energy, or inspiration to write. Although, i'm glad i'm updating this fic at long last, i still can't promise that there will be regular updates. I'm hoping to kind of rap this one up soon so it might not be as good as it could be...

And thank you for everyone's support, it really means a lot! Thank you

As it's been so long i'll also give you a quick character and history reference point.

Aden and Belle - a little obvious but ah well, Belle's just finishing her job at the paper so she can work full time at the Drop in centre where Aden is a counsellor. The Drop In centre is also in memory of the baby they lost; Jamie Taylor-Jefferies.

Mark is their biological son who is 16 (just had his birthday when everyone found out he was diabetic and had been hiding it from his parents), likes to play footy and has just started dating Tess's best friend; Lisa 17.

Tess is Aden and Belle's adopted daughter, 17 and dating adelle's new foster son' Tyler, also 17. Although they have only just gotten back together.

Nicole is a doctor and Geoff a minister, they are married, with a daughter; Rachel, 15, considered to be Tess and Mark's cousin.

Irene is an older woman now but someone all the characters look up to.

In the last chapter Larry, Justin and Sean have just returned and Aden didn't quite know what to do about it although this one doesn't quite flow from that one...

I hope that helps!

Chapter 36

"Rachel, what's going on? Please tell me," Belle begged the doctor as she hurried past her in the corridor. "Is he gonna be okay?"

Rachel stopped to look at her, "We're doing everything we can Belle. I'm afraid I can't explain everything right now, another emergency has come in but I'll come and see you as soon as I can."

Belle nodded ever so slightly, only just acknowledging Rachel's response before the doctor continued on her way.

"Belle, what are you doing here?" Nicole asked as she poked her nose up from the chart she was reading to see her sister in law looking somehow stranded in the corridor.

Belle looked at her, and that one terrified and broken look was enough to know something was seriously wrong.

Nicole's face visibly dropped to match the expression, "Aden?" she whispered in horror.

Belle nodded as she let out an extremely slow breath.

"What happened?" Nicole's voice was full of concern.

"I don't know, they haven't told me anything, I don't even know how badly hurt he is Nicole," Belle practically whined as the doctor came to sit beside her, rubbing soothing circles on her back as horrible thoughts whorled around in her own head.

"I'll find out," she exclaimed determinedly and without waiting for a response, got up off the chair and walked away.

Belle looked gratefully at her as she departed even though she couldn't see. The seconds seem to take minutes as Nicole took a quarter of an hour to return. Belle could tell by the look on her face that she wasn't bringing good news.

"Belle," Nicole began softly. "I think we should move into a consulting room," she gave her the smallest of supportive smiles and watched as the shaky woman picked up her bag and coat from underneath her chair before following her to the room.

Nicole held open the door and gestured Belle inside the room before closing the door purposefully behind her. They both took their seats opposite each other but apart from the desk, so as to not have an obstruction between them.

"Belle…" Nicole began gently.

"Nic, he's not…?" She didn't even have to finish the sentence, Nicole knew what she meant.

"No, no, he's not," Nicole reassured her quickly.

Belle nodded slightly in what seemed like relief before sniffling slightly, "But it's bad?"

She nodded slowly. "I wanted to be the one to talk to you, at least to begin with."

"Please just tell me," Belle begged, the torture of not knowing was too unbearable any longer.

Nicole nodded again, "There was a car crash. A drunk driver ran through a red light and…" Belle's eyes widened in horror, "…and the impact of the cars caused Aden to sustain a couple of broken ribs and a ruptured spleen as well as some…" she paused and let out a small but audible breath as Belle could see in her eyes there was something worse, "…head trauma."

Flashback

"Seriously, dad, are you okay?" Tess asked her father as he busied himself making dinner for the family.

"Yes Tess," he answered as though he had been asked too many times.

"Do you want me to call Mum?"

"No, she'll be home soon anyway. I'll talk to her then…"

"Are you sure?"

Aden stopped what he was doing and looked his daughter straight in the eyes, "Seriously Tess, I'm fine."

"Yeah, right, dad! Your long lost family rock up here after all these years, you invite them in for a drink and then order them to leave… that's not the behaviour of someone who's okay. That's the behaviour of someone who's really confused…"

Aden had to laugh, "So you're the counsellor now, are you?"

"What can I say, I learned from the best," Tess shrugged with an amused smile.

Aden sighed, "Yeah, I'm confused but this really isn't something I should discuss with you before I've thought about it myself and talked to your mother."

"Fine, then I'm calling her…"

"Tess…" but before he could let out any more complaint, she was already dialling Belle's number.

*

"So what are you going to do?" Belle asked as she paced in front of her husband in the bedroom as he sat on the end of their bed in contemplative thought.

"I don't know," he shrugged.

"Do you want to get to know them or…"

"I don't know." "Honey, I know this is hard for you and you probably don't want to but you need to think about…"

Aden stood up suddenly, "What the hell do you think I've been doing since this afternoon?" he shouted at his wife.

Belle looked taken aback, he'd never spoken to her like that in all the years they'd been married.

He looked shocked at his own tone which immediately turned into a look of apology, "I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "But I just can't stop thinking about it. The person I was when I last saw my dad… I just don't want to be like that again…"

Belle approached her husband and stroked a soothing hand down his upper arm, "You won't be. You're not the same person you were when all of that happened."

He looked up at her intently, "…and so the chances are neither is he…"

Belle stroked his hair comfortingly as they stayed in silence for a few minutes.

"Let's just go and have dinner with the kids, get an early night and maybe things will be clearer in the morning," Aden's suggestion broke the silence.

Belle smiled in agreement.

*

"How are you feeling this morning?" Belle asked her husband as he rushed around the kitchen.

"Late," he answered her simply as he gave her a quick peck on the lips and darted to the door.

"Aden!" Belle called in slight exasperation.

He paused for a moment, "We'll talk later. I love you."

"Love you too. Be careful!" Belle gave up trying to get him to stay and instead took a sip of coffee as she waited for the others to come down for breakfast.

End Flashback

*

"He's in surgery now and they're removing his spleen which hopefully shouldn't be too long, although it means I need to ask you for a decision."

"…a decision?" Belle asked confusedly.

"The head injury he sustained has caused some bleeding in the brain and we need to drain it…"

"Then do it," Belle said hurriedly.

"It's not that simple," Nicole sighed. "The operation is extremely risky. There's only a…" she paused and swallowed, fighting back her own threatening tears, "…fifty percent chance… that he'll make it," she put the statement out there as clearly and slowly as possible, allowing Belle the time to process it.

Belle didn't seem to have a reaction, she breathed deeply and looked at the wall behind Nicole, unable to face making eye contact, "…and if he doesn't have it?"

Nicole averted her eyes before looking back at her friend sadly, "There's still the chance he could… die," she said, breaking slightly herself. "…or he could be in a coma, or there could be other serious consequences if we wait to try other treatment." She tried to get all the consequences out before her dam would break completely.

"Right," Belle said; nodding her head firmly in understanding.

"Belle, you have to understand that this is the most effective treatment and probably Aden's best chance at a… normal life again."

"What do you think?" Belle asked forwardly, eyes begging Nicole to provide the answer that would save them all.

Nicole sighed, "I shouldn't usually give my opinion on a matter like this, but…" She paused before saying slowly, "…I think that he should have the surgery."

"Then do it."

"Belle, you have to understand that even if the surgery goes well, there are other possibilities that things won't be the same…"

"I trust you Nicole, tell them to do the surgery," Belle told her.

Nicole hated the fact that Belle now thought Aden's fate was in her hands but was inwardly glad that she had decided to accept her advice. "You'll have to speak to the specialist about what happens after the surgery too… if… if he makes it."

"I understand that," Belle told her adamantly; still letting no emotion appear on her face.

"Do you?" Nicole asked her imploringly with a look of sadness on her features.

Belle looked at her questioningly.

"I'm not just talking about a broken leg here Belle. The brain… it's different to the rest of your body and the chances are Aden might never be the same person you knew him as this morning," she explained sadly although she tried to keep herself as professional as possible as the thoughts of what she was saying to Belle, sifted clearly through her mind and an image of the possibility encompassed it.

Belle felt the tears stinging the back of her eyes but refused to let them fall. "If there's a chance for Aden to still be Aden, or Aden to still be at least alive, then I take that over any other option."

Nicole nodded once, "You can stay in here if you like, it's going to be a long surgery. Have you told the kids or anyone else yet?"

Belle shook her head slightly before finding some sense of control in the task which appeared in the tone of her answer, "I'll do it now."

Nicole stood up to leave but as she got to the door she heard Belle's voice once more.

"Who?"

Nicole knew what she was asking and took a second before replying, "I don't know."

"Is he hurt too?" Belle asked quietly and this time Nicole could tell she was crying as the changing pitch of her voice hung fresh in the air and tears began to finally fall down her own cheeks.

"He died on impact," she explained without turning around before continuing on her way out of the room leaving a sobbing Belle behind her.

*

"Would you two stop messing around?" Tess exclaimed as Lisa, Mark, Rachel, Tess and Tyler all met at the lockers, having organised to go to lunch at the diner.

"What sis?" Mark said nonchalantly as he leaned in to Lisa for another kiss.

"Argh," Tess said as Lisa smiled teasingly at her.

Tyler had been watching Tess's reactions and gently leaned over from her side to kiss her once on the lips gently. He stood back for a second and looked happily at her before she crashed her lips onto his once more, this time causing Mark and Lisa to watch the display of passion in front of them, as several other people around them had already decided to do. Lisa and Mark went back to kissing and Rachel now stood in between the two couples.

"Well this isn't awkward!" she exclaimed as a gorgeous girl with auburn hair looked her up and down as she passed and smiled. Rachel smiled back as she pushed a strand of her short blond hair behind her ear shyly. The PDA warriors seemed no fun to hang out with and she didn't want to be the fifth wheel so she left, unnoticed by either couple, as she ran to catch up with the girl who had just left.

"Hey stop, stop, stop!" Tess said suddenly, hitting Tyler on the chest causing him to pout. She laughed slightly, "My phone," she explained before picking it up, "Mum, what's up?" Tess asked as Tyler held round her waist and started tickling her slightly. She batted his hand, "Sorry Mum I can't hear you, can you say that again?"

"Are Mark and Tyler with you, Tess?" Belle said unevenly.

"Yeah, we're just about to head to the diner for lunch," Tess told her; as though up for a chat. "What did you want?"

Belle paused for a moment, unable to put into words what she had to tell her daughter, "It's you're Dad."

"What about him?" Tess answered, still unaware that something was so wrong even as her expression turned to slightly more concerned and the others were all looking at her curiously.

There was silence from her mother on the other end of the line.

"Is he okay?" Tess asked; now beginning to worry.

Silence.

"Mum, is he okay?" she asked more firmly this time.

Tess could hear her mother physically swallow before answering, "He was in an accident this morning."

"…an accident?" Tess gasped questioningly as this time everyone looked genuinely worried.

"Tess… they're not sure… that he's going to make it," Belle said the words that she knew would cut through her daughter's heart like a sharp knife.

"What?" she asked even though she had heard absolutely fine.

"He might not make it…" Belle repeated as though her daughter's question hadn't been rhetorical.

The phone fell out of Tess's hand and landed hard on the ground.

Mark was looking at the phone on the floor, and bent cautiously down to pick it up. Holding it to his ear, he said tentatively, "Mum?"

"Oh Mark," Belle sighed in slight relief. "Is Tess alright?"

At this point Tess turned out of Tyler to face him and nodded her head in order for him to tell her mother that she was okay. The last thing Belle needed was to be worried about her too, she just needed a few moments to process what she had said.

"What's going on?" Mark asked.

"Your dad was in an accident this morning and… it's bad Mark, it's really bad," Belle said and nearly broke down over the phone although she hoped her son couldn't hear it.

"We're on our way," Mark said extremely quietly before hanging up the phone. "Dad's in hospital," he explained to the others who hadn't heard. "Tyler can you drive?" he asked; thinking that Tess was in no state to do so.

"Of course," Tyler answered before asking worriedly, "Is he okay?"

Mark shook his head.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Lisa spoke to Mark as she gently rubbed her hand supportively up and down his upper arm.

"Thank you but I think it just needs to be the family right now."

Lisa didn't let the deflation show on her face that he didn't want her there to support him. She knew it was important that they deal with this how best they could.

*

"Mrs Jefferies," the consultant said as she gestured Belle and Tess into the room Nicole and Belle had spoken in earlier.

They all took their seats before another word was uttered, Belle and Tess sitting across from the specialist.

"Okay, the surgery went well," she said with the slightest of smiles.

Belle and Tess breathed simultaneous small sighs of relief.

"We managed to drain the blood but we have to wait for the swelling to go down in the brain before we know the full extent of the damage," she continued. "Aden was hit on the left side of the head which is where the language part of the brain is." She looked at the two people in front of her, not expecting them to say anything as most people didn't until the full extent of what they were worrying about had been explained to them. "It's also responsible for the movement in the right side. There a slight possibility that some of Aden's brain may not be functioning any more which means he could be paralysed on his right or have difficulties with understanding and speech… if he wakes up," she finished what she knew she had to tell them.

"If?" Belle questioned quietly.

"Although the surgery went well, Aden's body is extremely weak, his energy needs to go to supporting his other injuries as well as his brain. The injury to his head was also extremely severe and it is a strong possibility that he might not wake up."

Tess looked at the doctor and then to her mother, they were both holding back tears and although sat too far apart, Tess held out a hand for her mother to take. She did so and squeezed before letting go; not wanting to have to be the one to be supported through this by her daughter.

"Can we see him?" Belle asked; not allowing herself to cry as she asked the doctor.

"Of course," she nodded. "He's attached to a lot of wires at the moment and a ventilator as he can't breathe on his own. The wires are just for monitoring purposes. It's nothing out of the ordinary, it's just to make sure we keep check of everything and do everything we can to get him better."

Belle nodded, "Thank you."

"I'll give you a moment," she said before leaving the room.

"Mum," Tess whispered before moving her chair over and reaching over to her mother as they wrapped their arms around each other. They stayed there for what seemed like ages as neither one of them seemed to have a reaction. Both so determined to keep back the tears to stay strong for the other one. "We have to tell Mark and Tyler," Tess finally said as she broke apart from her mother.

"Yeah," Belle said. "Can you go and get them, we can explain it in here?"

"Sure," Tess said before leaving to get her brother and her boyfriend.

*

"Hey babe," Belle said softly as she saw Aden for the first time since he had been injured. It was such a struggle to keep back the tears but she didn't want AdenAden. You said that we'd be together forever and it's in a contract so you're not breaking that now," she told him as she looked at his swollen head. Most of it now shaved from where they had operated. "God Aden, what happened?" she said trying to not detach the wires that were attached to his chest as she whispered the words in his ears, some part of her hoping that would be enough for him to respond. Of course he didn't, even as she leant down to kiss his cheek, leaving her presence lingering there as a single silent tear trickled down her cheek and landed on his to continue the trail. "I love you," she whispered before standing back and taking him all in properly. to hear them. He knew that he'd hate her seeing him like that. Lying helpless in the hospital clothes provided and unable to do anything for himself. She had opted to come in on her own to begin with, she just needed to have the time alone with him to process it. She walked over to his bedside and took his hand, the left one, just in case the other side was paralysed she had thought subconsciously. "You're gonna wake up and you're gonna be fine, because there is no way you're leaving me Aden. You said that we'd be together forever and it's in a contract so you're not breaking that now," she told him as she looked at his swollen head. Most of it now shaved from where they had operated. "God Aden, what happened?" she said trying to not detach the wires that were attached to his chest as she whispered the words in his ears, some part of her hoping that would be enough for him to respond. Of course he didn't, even as she leant down to kiss his cheek, leaving her presence lingering there as a single silent tear trickled down her cheek and landed on his to continue the trail. "I love you," she whispered before standing back and taking him all in properly.

So there you go! I told you a while back you were gonna hate me! I used some personal experiences to write this chapter so it was quite hard to get out. Hope you liked it, although it's not the nicest of chapters in the whole scheme of things...

Please leave me a comment! I'd really appreciate it, and hopefully it'll motivate me to get the next chapter done!

[LAURZY!]

First off, YAY your back

Secondly, OMG what have you done to Aden?! He cant die or be seriously ill

Apart from the shock of it all, i thought it was brilliant!!! Really well written

Looking forward to reading more whenever you can update next, dont feel the need to rush it though, i know life can get hectic! and we can wait

[~Zoe~]

Its good to see you back

I hope Aden is okay and that its nothing to serious. The chapter was great to read, well written.

Looking forward to the next update whenever you can

[MrsL]

So glad you are back but WOW and OH NO come to mind.

Absolutely brilliant and I hope you continue to write as this is brilliant.

Hope everything is Ok in your life and we will wait for as long as you need us to.

I really hope you aren't killing Aden off though

[Jody]

Thank you for coming back to this. I've really been missing this fic. It's one of my favourites on this site.

I loved the way you handled the stuff about his father and brothers coming to visit. The Tess and Aden scene was good. I liked how she wouldn't drop the subject and then decided to call Belle before Aden had much of a chance to say anything. Aden was right though. He really should talk to Belle and take some time to think about things first. The short scene between Belle and Aden was really good as well. I like the way you wrote that part between them. Aden came of much better in this chapter then the last.

Good scene with the kid's finding out. I'm glad that Lisa understood about Mark not wanting her to go the hospital with them. The last scene with Belle and Aden was really sad.

[adellejefferiesxox]

YAY You're back!!! Loved the chapter, thanks for the summary really helped.

I hope you can update "Missing Pieces" I'm just dying to read another chapter of that