Back to Fan FictionThe Nanny is a copyright of Sony Pictures, Tri-Star television, High School Sweethearts and Sternin and Fraser’s Ink, Inc and CBS Television. I don’t own any of these characters. This is a fictional story.
by
Mary Smith
(nilesandccfan@hotmail.com)
It was a day like any other at Sheffield/Babcock productions. CC and Niles had been at each others throats since the minute she had walked into the mansion. Niles had opened the door like every other morning and as usual made a rude comment toward CC.
"Oh, it’s just you. I was hoping that maybe you had not made it back to your coffin before sunrise but I guess I will just have to keep dreaming."
"Shut-up Niles. It is bad enough I have to look at your horrid face but having to hear your revolting voice makes me nauseated this early in the morning."
Niles was to busy admiring CC’s attire to respond to her comment. It was a warm summer day so CC was not dressed in her usual unflattering business suits. Today she had on a sleeveless, slightly low cut blouse and linen slacks. The outfit complimented her hour glass figure and her flawless coloring. She was quiet stunning and Niles was definitely stunned.
CC turned around when Niles had no comeback to her remark. "What’s the matter Butler Boy, cat got your tongue."
Niles realized he was gawking, "Not at all. My body was just recovering from the startle it receives every morning I open the door to your imagine. Even if I have been doing it for 15 years and my mind knows what to expect, my body has to recover from the horrifying sight each and every time."
CC knew Niles was lying but also knew he would never admit he was appreciating what he saw. "You know Niles it would not hurt you to be nice to me every now and then."
"Be nice to you. Why would I want to do something so ridiculous?"
"Because I have feelings and would like you to treat me with respect just once."
Niles laughed at CC’s remark. "Feelings? I do not believe it is possible for someone without a heart to have feelings."
CC glared at Niles with hurt and anger in her eyes. "I don’t know why I even bother speaking to you in the mornings. You never have a kind word to say to me." CC waited for Niles to say something, anything but he only watched her with an annoying smirk on his face, like he was enjoying her misery. "Just forget it and would you please let Maxwell know I am here and I am going to the office, if you are capable of doing something beside being ugly and rude." CC said with frustration and she turned and headed toward the office.
Niles smiled as CC stomped off in anger. He watched until she disappeared down the hall. "Damn, she is beautiful but unfortunately out of my league." He said to low for CC to hear.
CC went to the office angry more at herself then Niles. She knew that ever day Niles and her badgered one another and both of them enjoyed it but this morning she would of appreciated it if just once he would have been nice to her. The sexy butler had been haunting CC’s dreams off and on ever since the night of Maxwell and Nanny Fine’s wedding and last night the dream she had was still haunting her this morning. She could not remember anything that happened between her and Niles when they returned to the mansion after Maxwell and Nanny Fine’s wedding reception but she knew that something without a doubt had occurred. The following morning when she woke up in Niles’ bed sore in places that had not been quiet so tender in a very long time, she suspected her and Niles had been intimate. When she had come down to the kitchen and Niles had acted so offended in front of Sylvia, insulting her, she swore to herself that she would never speak of that night again and she hadn’t. The only problem now was she wanted to remember every detail of what had happened that night. The more she tried to remember what had happened that night between her and Niles, the more dreams she would have that involved her and Niles together intimately. The dreams were very graphic and arousing, so when she awoke in the mornings after having one of these dreams she was usually frustrated, edgy and very curious if her dreams of the annoying butler could hold any truth. After about a half hour CC heard a knock at the door and knew it was the man she dreamt of to often.
Niles entered the office after knocking. "Miss Babcock, Mr. Sheffield said to tell you he would be along before much longer."
CC was sitting on the green couch and refused to look up at Niles. She did not want to see his gorgeous smile and radiant blue eyes. "Thank you." she answered pretending to read a script.
"Would you care for anything for breakfast?" Niles asked as he watched CC place the end of her pencil in her mouth concentrating on her work and scarcely acknowledging him. He observed her beauty as the sunlight glistened off of her and wished he could tell her how beautiful he thought she was.
"I think I will just have coffee." she answered him still never raising her head.
"You really should eat something. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Niles responded.
CC was surprised at Niles’ concern and let her guard down looking up toward him. "I didn’t know you cared whether or not I lived or died, much less ate breakfast."
Niles smiled with a gleam in his eyes and said "I care because if you were not around I would have no one to entertain myself with."
CC smiled back at Niles knowing he was doing his best to be nice without seeming to care to much and answered. "Thank you for you concern but I believe I will take just the coffee."
Niles turned to leave but before he was out the door CC stopped him and said "and Niles, no dirty water, socks, or any other disgusting ingredients. Just coffee."
Niles smiled at his adversary and said "I would never do nothing of the sort." and winked as he turned and exited.
CC smiled as her stomach fluttered and she thought of this man and their strange relationship. Niles and her had been enemies since day one but through the years they had developed a friendship of sorts but now CC felt more than just friendly toward Niles. She knew Niles did not return this sentiment or he wouldn’t have been so revolted and obnoxious the morning after Maxwell and Nanny Fine’s wedding. Anyway, she was a Babcock and Babcock’s did not have intimate relationships with servants. At least relationships that were out in the open. If she could only stop having those dreams with Niles looking so sexually enticing and being such a wonderful lover.
CC sighed doing her best to return her mind back to the work in front of her and trying to remove Niles from her thoughts but she knew from experience that Niles could never be removed from her thoughts. He was always there to some degree.
Several minutes later Maxwell arrived in the office. "Good morning, CC. We missed you this morning at breakfast. Did you get Niles to bring you something?"
"Yes, he was suppose to bring me coffee but as usual he is absent when he is needed."
"I am right here and here is you coffee. You don’t have very much patience." Niles said as he entered the office with CC’s coffee.
"Well, you have been gone forever. It seems that you would be a little more efficient being you have been a butler for a hundred years now. Oh, maybe that is it, you are so old and slow, it takes you forever just to get from the kitchen to the office." CC knew Niles had not been gone very long but did not want to miss the chance to give him a little of what he had gave her this morning when she arrived.
"If I were you , I would not talk about anyone being old. You are the one who sailed here with Columbus." Niles answered setting the tray with coffee and two pieces of toast down.
CC noticed Niles had brought her something to eat and wondered if he was trying to poison her or maybe he actually cared about her health. She came close to asking if he was trying to poison her but decided it was best not to give him any ideas.
"Thank you, Niles." she said dryly.
"Humph, imagine that, the ice princess thanking a servant."
CC looked at Niles and rolled her eyes. "At least you know your station in life."
"Oh, Miss Babcock, I love being right underneath you." Niles said smirking and wriggling his brow at CC suggesting something completely different from what she had been talking about.
CC let her eyes travel the length of Niles’ body and said "In your dreams butler boy."
"No, in yours, Miss Babcock, in yours and only yours." Niles responded as he watched CC‘s cheek flush with color.
Maxwell Sheffield had been listening to his butler and business partner bicker with each other for years. At times it became intolerable but he mostly did his best to ignore the two. He was starting to suspect that they were attracted to each other but knew neither one would ever admit it. Before Niles could exit the office Maxwell stopped him.
"Niles, do you think you could deliver this contract for me? I need to have it signed by tomorrow and CC nor I will have the time to deliver it today."
"Yes sir. Where is it that I will be going?" Niles asked turning his attention away from the infuriating but sexually arousing woman.
"The address is on the envelope. You better leave as soon as possible. Traffic is horrid and I would like for Mr. Perkins to have the contract early so he can read and sign it before the end of the day."
"Very well sir, I will be leaving now."
CC stopped Niles from leaving by saying "Oh, and Niles, I am not going to miss you. Just take your time. The longer you are gone the more time I will have to pretend you don’t existent."
"You only say you would not miss me but you know you would be miserable if I was not here to make your life worth living." Niles said exiting the office after blowing CC a kiss.
Maxwell watched and listened to the exchange between his butler and business partner and noticed CC was blushing after Niles’ departure and that she was taking a special interest in his butler‘s disappearing image, especially his rear end.
"CC, did Niles say something to embarrass you?" Maxwell asked enjoying CC’s obvious uneasiness at his question.
CC looked up at Maxwell and said "Why would I be embarrassed by anything that decrepit toad had to say."
"I don’t know but you are blushing and if it was not something he said maybe it was something he made you think about that caused you to blush." Maxwell said watching CC squirm.
CC turned redder and answered "I am hot, not embarrassed and the only thing Niles makes me think about is how every day I come to work and have to put up with his dumb and rude behavior."
Maxwell laughed. "Very well, I will not continue to pester you but it is obvious something about Niles makes you very uncomfortable and I don‘t think it is his behavior."
"Maxwell, I have no idea what you are trying to insinuate but Niles does nothing but annoy me." CC said returning her eyes to her work, so she could avoid Maxwell’s gaze.
Maxwell laughed at his business partner and said "If you say so."
CC wanted to defend herself against what Maxwell was suggesting but felt it best just to leave the conversation at that, so she did not respond.
Maxwell and CC worked for about three hours without interruption and neither of them had realized so much time had passed. Being CC had not eaten the toast Niles had brought her that morning her stomach was empty and had begun to growl.
"I am getting hungry. I wonder if Niles is back." CC said as the noise her stomach was making made her think about getting something to eat.
"Niles would of informed me of his return and the out come of his trip when he returned, so I doubt if he has returned." Maxwell said looking at his watch. "He has been gone a good while. I did not realize it had been so long. Maybe I should try to call him and see what is holding him up."
Maxwell picked up the phone and dialed. After the phone had rang several times he said "Humph, No answer. Maybe he is back and just forgot to come and let me know."
"I’ll go see if that pathetic excuse for a man is here and if he is he can get me something to eat. I am starving. Do you want anything?" CC asked Maxwell before exiting the office.
"Not right now. I believe I will wait and see if Fran has eaten already."
"Alright, I’ll be back shortly."
CC was a little concerned about Niles‘ whereabouts but figured he either had returned already or got side tracked. She headed for the kitchen where she found Fran and Sylvia eating, which did not surprise her. How Maxwell had thought Fran had not eaten already was beyond her. She seemed to never stop eating since she became pregnant.
"Hey Miss Babcock." Fran greeted CC.
"Hello Nanny Fine, Sylvia." Sylvia never stopped eating to respond. She just waved and smiled at CC. CC asked the pair of ladies "Have the two of you seen Niles?"
"Not since earlier. He said he was going on an errand for Maxwell and left. I haven’t seen him since then." Fran said as she put another bite of cake in her mouth.
"How long has he been gone?" CC asked more concerned.
"Umm, about three hours." Fran answered with difficulty since her mouth still had food in it.
"I wish he was hear. He could make me something better than this to eat." Sylvia said still putting food in her mouth as she complained.
"So, he has not returned?" CC asked Fran not even acknowledging Sylvia‘s comment.
Fran shook her head no because her mouth was to full to talk.
"Thanks. When he returns please ask him to come to the office. Maxwell needs to tell him something." CC said.
"I’ll tell him as soon as he gets back." Fran answered CC as CC left the kitchen and headed back to the office to let Maxwell know that Niles had not returned yet.
CC arrived back in the office and told Maxwell what she had found out. "No Maxwell, Niles did not make it back. He probably stopped off at Husky Butler’s or something. All I know is, if he does not get back soon, I am going to starve to death and it will be all his fault."
"CC, that is a pretty selfish thing to say. Niles should have been back more than an hour ago, even if he had heavy traffic. I am worried something is wrong." Maxwell said "It is not like him to just go off in the middle of an important errand and not report to me where he is or what is happening."
CC did not want to admit it but she was getting more worried about Niles as time went by. "Maxwell, Niles is fine. If any one is capable of handling any situation it is Niles. He is a very resourceful man, even if he is a pain in the ass."
"I am aware of Niles is capable of handling just about any problem that may arise but maybe something beyond his control happened."
"He will be back any minute. Quit being such a worrywart."
Before Maxwell could respond the phone began to ring. After about the third ring Maxwell said "CC, will you please answer the phone, Niles is gone remember."
"Oh, yeah." CC said as she picked up the phone and said "Sheffield/Babcock Productions, CC Babcock speaking how may I help you?"
After a pause CC said "Yes it is. I am his business partner. Is there anything I can assist you with?"
Maxwell had returned to reading and editing the play on his desk when the tone of CC’s voice caught his attention. When he looked up he saw that CC looked concerned about whatever was being discussed over the phone.
"Yes he is an employee of Mr. Sheffield’s. I see. Can you tell me what hospital? No, I am familiar with it. Thank you." and CC hung up the phone. When she turned and looked at Maxwell he noticed how pale she was and the look on her face frightened him.
Alarmed at CC’s reaction to the phone call Maxwell stood and went to CC’s side and asked. "What is it? Is it Niles?"
CC shook her head yes and Maxwell saw that CC appeared frightened. When she spoke it was so soft, Maxwell had trouble hearing what she said. "Yes. He was in an accident and……."
"And what, CC?" Maxwell asked raising his voice, which is something he did not do very often.
This startled CC who jumped "And the officer said they were flying him in a helicopter to St. Vincent’s hospital."
"Oh dear Lord." Maxwell said running his hand through his hair. "It must be pretty bad if they are flying him. Did he say how bad Niles was hurt?"
"No. All he said is that we needed to get in touch with a family member and have then in route to the hospital as soon as possible." CC said beginning to become more worried. "Oh Maxwell, What if he is……….?"
"Don’t say it. He will be fine." Maxwell told CC as he left the office hollering for Fran.
CC sat down on the couch because her legs had gotten weak as she thought of Niles being injured and not making it. Closing her eyes she prayed "Oh dear God, please let him be alright. I know I don’t deserve to be heard but just this once please hear me. Let Niles be okay and I will never be mean to him again. I promise."
CC was doing her best not to panic when Maxwell’s head appeared in the doorway and he said "CC, Fran and I are going to the hospital. Would you like to come?"
CC hurriedly gathered her belongings and said "Yes, I am coming. Don‘t you dare leave without me."
The trio rode to the hospital with very little to say. Fran noticed how upset CC was and tried to reassure her Niles would be fine. She reached into the back seat and took hold of CC’s hand. "Miss Babcock, we all know how strong Niles is. He‘ll be fine."
CC squeezed Fran’s hand back and smiled. She did not say anything, afraid if she did she would break down in front of Maxwell and Fran.
As the arrive at the hospital and Maxwell located a place to park in the parking garage he attempted to lighten the mood. "Let’s go and see if Niles is flirting with all the pretty nurses or if he is giving everyone orders on what to do." But no one responded.
They made their way to the emergency department and Maxwell went to the information desk to ask about Niles.
He returned and explained what was going on to Fran and CC. "He has just arrived and they are working on him. The lady at the desk was unable to give me any more information. She said for us to sit here and wait and someone would be out to speak with us shortly."
CC could not sit. She paced back and worth, looking at her watch every couple of minutes. Maxwell and Fran sat next to each other with Maxwell comforting Fran.
"Do you think he will be alright, Maxwell? How bad of an accident was it?" Fran asked.
"I don’t know any more details than I have told you and whether or not he will be alright, we will just have to wait to find out." Maxwell answered his worried wife.
CC was listening to Maxwell and Fran and said "He will be fine. Both of you said it earlier and we have to continue to believe that and if someone doesn’t come to tell us something soon I am going to blow a gasket and then they will understand that no one keeps a Babcock waiting."
"CC, come and sit. It will do no good to get angry and upset. I am sure they are doing their very best and will give us an update shortly." Maxwell said.
CC reluctantly sat down next to Fran but stood right back up and said. "Maybe I should go tell them Niles better receive the very best and I will pay all the cost. I don’t care how much it is."
"I already explained that nothing is to be spared and that price was no option, that I would be responsible for the bill. Sit and try your best to remain calm." Maxwell answered.
CC sat back down next the Fran who took her hand and said "That is awful sweet of you Miss Babcock. Niles is lucky to have you as his friend. He would have been touched."
CC shyly smiled and said "I’ll touch him if he makes me wait out here much longer."
Maxwell and Fran smiled at CC because it was obvious she was very concerned for the man she proclaimed to hate on a daily basis but would never admit to anyone, how much she really cared for him.
They sat in silence after that for several more minutes and then a man dressed in scrubs approached them.
"Are you here for Mr. Niles Butler?" the man asked as he approached.
All three stood up with Maxwell answering and extending his hand. "Yes, I am Maxwell Sheffield, Niles’ employer. This is my wife and business partner. We are all very close friends of Niles. Is he okay?"
"Does Mr. Butler have any family that I could speak too?" the man asked.
"No, he is from England and all of his family live abroad. We are the closes thing he has to family here in America." Maxwell explained.
"We may not be related to Niles but we are his family." Fran added.
"I understand but I am really not suppose to discuss a patients condition with anyone but family. Perhaps you could contact someone or give me a number that I can reach them?"
CC stepped forward. "Look Doogie Howser, didn’t you hear, Niles has no family here. He my not be my blood relative but I am closer to him then I am to my own family and I want to see him and know how he is. I don’t care what rules you follow just go ask Niles and he will tell you that you can tell us anything and he wants to see us." CC was practically hollering by now and starting to draw attention from several people sitting in the waiting area.
The man took a deep breath. He could see that this woman was not going to take no for an answer without causing a scene and that all of them evidently knew Mr. Butler and were all very concerned about his status.
"If you would please follow me to a more private place so I can explain Mr. Butler’s injuries and condition."
The man lead Maxwell, Fran, and CC into a room where they all sat. "First let me introduce my self. My name is Doctor Forge, not Doogie Howser." he said looking at CC making her uncomfortable. "I am the chief trauma surgeon at St. Vincent’s. Mr. Butler was in a very serious automobile accident." The doctor paused then asked. "Have you been given any details?"
"No" everyone answered at once.
"The only information we have received is that Niles was in an accident and that he was being brought to this hospital." Maxwell explained to the doctor.
"The accident Mr. Butler was in was a very serious accident and we are still making sure he has no life threatening injuries." the doctor explained.
"Will he be alright?" Maxwell asked the doctor.
"I wish I could give you an honest answer but I am not sure at this time. We are in the process of running different test to aid us in answering all your questions. I can tell you what I know so far. We have been successful in stabilizing him but it does appear that he received a pretty nasty blow to the head and it is possible he may have some internal injuries. He is being transported to x-ray for a CT scan, as we speak."
"How bad is the injury to his head?" Maxwell asked.
"Well, as of his arrival into the emergency room he was in and out of consciousness and seems to be having some memory loss. It does appear he probably his a concussion but I am more worried about the internal bleeding that seems to be going on."
"Do you know what sort of internal injuries he has and whether they will require surgery?" Maxwell asked the doctor.
"That is why he is having the CT scan of his abdomen and one of his head. We will have to wait and see if surgery is required but it is a good possibility he will have to have surgery. You may want to contact his family and just let them know his condition in case we have complications." Dr. Forge explained to Maxwell.
"Yes, I will do that as soon as possible."
"Do you have any further questions?" Dr. Forge asked.
"When can we see him?" CC asked.
"Let me see if he has returned from x-ray and then I will let you know if he is able to have visitors or not."
Maxwell, Fran, and CC returned to the ER waiting area and waited for Dr. Forge to check on Niles’ status. Fran called Gracie and explained to her what had happened and where they were. Gracie was very upset. Niles was like an uncle to her. He had help raise the young girl. Fran managed to reassure her everything was going to be alright. Gracie said she would call Brighton, and Maggie.
"Did you get Gracie?" Maxwell asked when Fran returned to the sitting area.
"Yes. I thought I would never calm her down. She got pretty upset."
"She loves Niles very much and even if she does not remember, we all went through something very similar when Sarah died." Maxwell answered.
"But Niles is going to be fine, isn’t he?" Fran looked at Maxwell scared.
"I hope so, darling." he answered putting his arm around her shoulders.
"He will be fine and I don’t want to hear anything negative again." CC said as she continued to pace.
After about thirty minutes Fran had dozed off with her head on Maxwell’s shoulder. She became tired easily being she was six months pregnant with twins. CC was still pacing and a nervous wreck.
"CC, you might as well sit and try to relax. I am sure they would of come and told us if Niles‘ condition had changed." Maxwell said.
"I can’t relax and I don’t understand how the two of you are so calm. Niles could be……." CC could not finish her thought. She turned away from Maxwell so he could not see her face and wiped at the tears that started to fall.
Maxwell did not respond to CC’s emotional state. He knew she was upset about Niles but he also knew she was the type of person who wanted everyone to think she was cold and callus and would not be comfortable with him trying to console her right now.
Dr. Forge came into the waiting area and approached Maxwell, Fran, and CC. Maxwell woke Fran and CC moved closer so she could hear.
"I’m sorry it took so long but it appears your friend is bleeding internally and will be going to surgery. With the type of injury he had, I wanted to call in a specialist."
"How bad is it?" Fran asked clinging to Maxwell’s arm.
"Well, it all depends on what we find once we open him up. From the CT results, it seems Mr. Worthington has a laceration to his spleen. It depends on how severe the laceration is and the amount of blood loss during surgery but the surgeon doing the surgery is the best, so we should have a good outcome."
"I want no cost spared. He is to have the best available. I will be responsible for any cost his insurance does not cover." CC demanded.
"Mr. Sheffield has already taken care of that matter and I still think he is going to be fine but he did loss a good bit of blood already. We have given him four pints since his arrival to the ER. As soon as we know everything is fine during the surgery, I‘ll let you know. Now, let me direct you to the surgery waiting area."
Maxwell, Fran, and CC all waited for three more hours while Niles was in surgery. Fran was exhausted, Maxwell was worried, and CC was exhausted, worried, and driving everyone else a nervous wreck by pacing.
"CC, please sit before you wear a hole in the carpet. Dr. Forge said he would let us know something as soon as he could." Maxwell said.
CC reluctantly sat down next to Maxwell. "How much longer is this going to take? It’s been over three hours already."
"I am sure everything is fine. They would of come and told us if something had happened." Maxwell answered.
CC was afraid of losing Niles. She did not know how she would be able to deal with Niles not surviving if she had to. "Maxwell, do you think he will be okay?"
"I am not a doctor but Dr. Forge sounded hopeful." Maxwell heard CC sniffle and saw her drying her eyes.
Dr. Forge finally came to give them a report. "Good news. He did fine during surgery and his laceration to his spleen was not as bad as we had originally thought. We are still concerned about his head injury but no deterioration has been noted."
Maxwell hugged Fran and CC. "Thank god." CC said.
"When will we know if he is going to be alright?" Fran asked.
"If by tomorrow he does not start responding better and is still not able to answer simple questions adequately, we may need to have the neurologist evaluate him but as long as he does not get worse until tomorrow, what he is doing is pretty normal for the type of injury he received and for his spleen injury, if he does not start to run a temp or bleeding, we are good. Any further questions."
"Can anyone stay with him tonight?" CC asked.
Maxwell was surprised at CC’s question. He had no idea who would stay with Niles if they allowed it. Fran was in no condition to stay and he could not let Fran go home without him just in case she started having complications in the middle of the night and he was almost positive CC did not plan on being Niles’ private sitter.
"We usually only allow family members to stay, if they insist." Dr. Forge said and noticed CC was fixing to protest so he held up his hand to stop her. "But under the circumstances, if someone would like to stay and they are cooperative, one person can stay." the doctor answered, as he looked at CC.
"Then I want to stay." CC said.
Maxwell and Fran both looked at CC surprised and confused. Maxwell asked "Why would you want to stay, CC? There is nothing that you can do and you and Niles do nothing but argue when you are together."
CC blushed because she was embarrassed that Maxwell had made this comment in front of the doctor. "Maxwell, how could you say such a thing? Niles and I don’t argue all the time, we just have a funny way of showing each other how much we care and I am staying and no one is going to stop me." CC answered adamantly.
"Do you know what Niles will think when he wakes up and sees you? He’ll think he has died and gone to hell, that’s what he’ll think." Fran said.
"He will not. He’ll be glad to have me there." CC said.
"CC, are you sure you want to do this?" Maxwell asked
"Yes. Now, you two go home and I will call if anything changes."
"Mr. Sheffield, if Miss Babcock wants to stay and you do not think Mr. Butler would object she is more than welcome to stay but as I said before you must follow the rules." Dr. Forge finished, looking sternly at CC.
"Niles would not object, aren’t I right Maxwell?" CC looked at Maxwell with a look that told Maxwell he better not disagree with her.
"Mr. Sheffield, I am putting you as Mr. Butler’s primary contact, so if you think he would not want anyone staying in his room with him you have the right to deny this privilege." Dr. Forge said.
Maxwell could see CC looking at him with eyes that dared him to deny her the right to stay with Niles.
"I guess Niles would be fine with CC staying with him." Maxwell answered sounding unsure.
"Alright, then if you would like I will let you come and see Mr. Butler for a couple of minutes and Miss Babcock can get settled. Just follow me. Remember, they have him sedated and he will be swollen and bruised from the trauma. We had to shave some of his hair off and he has a bandage to his head. He may not look like his self at all but don‘t be alarmed. All of these things have been done in his best interest."
"Can he hear us?" Fran asked.
"Very possibly. He may not respond right now but he can probably hear you." Dr. Forge answered as he lead the trio to Niles room.
As they entered ICU the sights and sounds were a little overwhelming. They were lead to a small room and lying in the bed was Niles. He had a bandage on his head and his face was distorted a little from all the swelling and discoloration but they all could see it was Niles.
Maxwell and Fran walked to the bed and Fran laid her hand on Niles’ and said "Niles, it’s Fran. Maxwell and Miss Babcock are here also. We love you and know you will be better soon." Fran could not hold back the emotions any more and began to cry.
Maxwell spoke to his long time friend. "Hey, old man, I hear you got one hell of a bump on your head but we all know your head is hard enough to withstand any knock." Maxwell felt uncomfortable with all the emotions he was feeling. He was not sure of what else to say and Fran was holding onto him crying. He looked to CC who had not made it any further than inside the door. He gestured for CC to come closer and said "Believe it or not, even CC is here to see you. She says she is going to stay here with you tonight, so you better get well in case she is planning something harmful while they have you sedated."
CC looked crossly at Maxwell and walked toward Niles’ bedside. "Don’t you listen to him. I am staying because I know that I am the only one who could possibly handle your obnoxious personality when you wake up later. The nurses would be lost if I did not stay and keep you straight." CC had placed Niles’ hand in hers and was caressing it. "Maxwell and Fran are going to go on home so Fran can rest and Maxwell can call your family to let them know the mess you got yourself into. So you rest and I will be right here with you to see that everyone treats you right."
Maxwell was surprised at CC’s strength and also thankful she was being strong. Handling Fran was one to many emotional females right now.
"Yes, Fran is very tired and I need to let your family know as soon as possible, that you are here." Maxwell said. "We will see you tomorrow, old man."
Fran moved to the bedside, leaned over, and kissed Niles’ cheek. "We love you, Niles and we will be back tomorrow. Miss Babcock will take good care of you. She might not say it but she loves you too."
CC blushed at what Fran said to Niles but she did not deny what was said. Maxwell and Fran walked toward the door and Maxwell motioned for CC to follow them.
CC leaned over and said "I’ll be right back." and she gave Niles a kiss on the cheek.
Maxwell and Fran had not seen CC kiss Niles, they had already made it outside the room. When CC joined them she saw Fran crying and Maxwell doing his best to comfort her.
"He looks horrible, Maxwell." Fran cried.
"I know but the doctor said he will be fine." Maxwell answered.
"Quit crying, Fran." CC said angrily. "He is not going to fine. Niles is to strong and to bull headed to let this bring him down. It may take a while but he will be fine and if I hear you say he looks horrible again I will…….I don’t know what I will do but I don’t want to hear it again. Understand!!"
"CC, calm down. I know you are upset but it is no reason to be so harsh. Niles will be alright and there is no reason for any of us to get unreasonable. Niles is like my brother. He has been by my side, supporting me, for as long as I can remember and it causes me great pain to see him lying there defenseless." Maxwell said as he held a crying Fran in his arms. "We are all worried about him."
CC for the first time since Sarah’s death watched her long time friend shed a tear. Maxwell was a man that did not show his feelings or display emotion often and she knew that Maxwell was hurting very much right now.
"I am sorry Maxwell. This whole day has got me a nervous wreck. Fran, I am sorry. I didn‘t mean to sound cruel."
Fran pulled away from Maxwell and walked over to CC and gave her a hug. CC returned the hug with just as much enthusiasm. Afterwards Fran held CC’s hands in hers and said "Take care of him and call if anything changes, ok."
CC nodded her head yes and said "Go home. I promise I will call if anything happens."
"and." Fran said looking at CC.
"I promise to take good care of him." CC said smiling. "I promise not to retaliate for all he has done me in the past while he is so defenseless and weak."
"You better take good care of him are I will never forgive you." Maxwell said. "I owe that man more than any of you could imagine and CC don‘t cause any trouble."
"You have nothing to worry about. Believe it or not I also care deeply for that ancient fossil laying in that bed." CC said as she gestured toward Niles’ room.
Maxwell could see that CC meant what she said. "We will see you in the morning. We will pick you up some clothes and other items for you to have tomorrow on our way home."
"Thank you. I would appreciate it." CC answered.
Maxwell and Fran both gave CC a hug and they headed home. CC returned to Niles’ room and pulled a chair close to his bed. She sat and held his hand. The humming and beeping coming from all the different machines were the only noise in the room.
"Some mess you got yourself into. Leave it to you to cause so much trouble."
CC place her hand on top of Niles’ and looked at the bruising and swelling to his face. She thought that even with his injuries he was still a handsome man.
"You better start waking up soon. You don’t have that much time left, being you are older than Methuselah." CC smiled as she thought of all the come backs Niles could of gave her with that comment.
"See, you are missing getting a good one on me. I will be able to sit here and insult you one right behind the other if you don’t open your eyes and start talking."
CC heard a knock at the door and a pretty young nurse walked in. "Hi, Mrs. Butler. I am Susie. I will be taking care of your husband tonight."
CC rose from her chair and gave the nurse room to work. She looked at her watch, not realizing it was so late. She never corrected the honest mistake made by the nurse when she assumed CC was Niles’ wife. She did not feel it was necessary and she liked the feeling of being called Mrs. Butler.
"I am just going to exam him and make sure everything is working correctly. You can stay if you like or if you are uncomfortable just wait outside."
CC was not to sure what she would see but she did not want to leave Niles’ side. "I’ll stay, if it is alright."
The young nurse smiled and said "Sure, it’s no problem." The nurse walked to the head of Niles’ bed and started her assessment as she talked to both Niles and CC. "Hello, Mr. Butler. I am your nurse and I am just going to check a couple of things. Your wife is here also." The young lady looked up at CC and asked "What is your name, honey?"
CC wasn’t sure if she liked this young ever so cheerful girl calling her honey being she was probably old enough to be her mother but she did not say anything. "It’s CC."
"CC, that’s a strange name but anyway, nice to meet you CC, and if I can be of service just give me a holler." The nurse went back to examining Niles and talking to him. "CC is going to stay with you tonight. She must love you an awful lot to endure sitting up in one of those dreadful chairs. She won’t get much rest and will probably have a hell of a back ache tomorrow."
CC thought about how funny Niles would think it was that this girl was talking about her, CC Babcock, loving him and being his wife. She could almost hear his baritone voice saying "She is incapable of loving anyone. She is so cold her nickname is the ice princess and Babcock‘s don‘t love butlers, they just order them around and they most definitely don‘t marry servants." Her heart broke at the thought. She fought hard to stop the tears from falling. She wondered if she would ever hear his beautiful voice again.
Susie’s voice brought her back to the hospital room. "I am just going to check you catheter tubing to make sure it is not kinked."
CC was not sure what catheter the nurse was speaking of but even if she had very little medical knowledge she had a good idea she was fixing to see more of Niles than she ever imagined she would. Sure enough, the nurse pulled back the sheet and Niles’ most private region was exposed for her to see. She knew she should turn and not stare but she just couldn’t. As she watched the nurse continue her exam, she wondered if Niles was having swelling to this body part also because it’s size was larger then she had ever seen in her experiences with men, even if there were only enough to count on one hand. Part of her was glad when the nurse was finished and the sheet was returned to it’s proper place but another part of her had enjoyed the chance to see Niles undressed and him not know it.
CC was sure she was red because she could feel the heat in her face. Thank God the nurse was to busy with her task to notice CC’s embarrassment.
Finally the nurse finished. She looked up at CC, who had regained her composure. "Everything looks alright. If you need anything just press the call light and I will be here as soon as I can. I’ll get someone to bring you a blanket and pillow. I don’t know if it will do any good but it couldn’t hurt."
CC smiled at the young girl. "Thank you."
"Your welcome, Mrs. Butler. If you notice he is hurting or wakes up just push the call light." the nurse answered as she exited the room never giving CC the opportunity to explain she was not Niles‘ wife.
CC settled back down in the chair next to Niles’ bed and held his hand again. As she watched him breath in and out she wondered if he could hear everything that was said like Dr. Forge had said and if he could hear would he remember when he woke up. She smiled thinking that when he was better she might tell him about what just happen and use it to tease him. She would tell him she was not aware that a man could be so small, even if that would be the biggest lie she ever told.
"Did you hear that, your nurse thinks I am your wife. I surprised that didn’t bring you back to the real world." CC smiled as she let the tears flow. She sat quietly for a while as she watched him breath. Her emotions were so jumbled right now. She did not want to think about Niles dying or living only to be a vegetable. How could she tolerate life without her Niles.
"Niles, please be okay. I don’t want to have to face life without you there making me miserable. Who is going to be my escort to all those boring functions when I don’t have a date? How am I going to go a whole day without you pestering and annoying me? I live for those moments." CC then laid her head down on Niles’ bed, as close to him as she could get.
She cried silently as she thought about the many times Niles escorted her to parties or some other event that her and Maxwell were obligated to attend. On more than one occasion one of her female acquaintances had asked her who was the strikingly handsome man she was dating. CC had always explained he was just a friend and that he was Maxwell’s butler. One or two of the women had acted appalled that she would be seen with a butler but the majority of them had asked if she would introduce them so they could get to know her very handsome, sexy date better. The first couple of times one of her female friends asked her to introduce Niles to them she had said no but then the women asked if she was sure that her and Niles were only friends and not more. No matter how much she denied that nothing was going on between herself and Niles the women just laughed. So she had begun introducing Niles to all the ladies that asked her too. Deep down she was always afraid that Niles would find one of the women appealing and then she would have to spend the rest of the evening watching him flirt with another women but no matter how bold the women were, and at times they were down right scandalous, Niles was always a gentleman and she was the center of his attention. When Niles escorted her, CC was always proud to have him at her side. He was always so handsome and everyone enjoyed his company. She would never let him know she was proud but she had rather have Niles there with her then anyone else.
Tonight as she cried with her head on his bed, holding his hand, she was regretting not telling him she loved him. CC’s eyes flew open when she realized she had just admitted to herself she was in love with Niles. She raised her head as the realization sunk in and looked at the man laying in the bed. She smiled at him and caressed his cheek as she cried "Oh Niles, I am scared of the feelings that I have for you. I know that sounds funny but I have never felt this way about anyone else before. It is so strange feeling this way. I did not even know what loving someone felt like until now. I am so sorry for all the times I said mean, hateful things to you." CC was being careful not to hurt him as she caressed his cheek. "You are such an amazing man, with so many remarkable talents and I have secretly admired you for these wonderful traits since I first met you. Maxwell is blessed to have had you at his side. I don’t believe he would of prospered as he has if it wasn’t for your guidance. I have often wondered why you didn’t go and follow you own dreams. You had to have had dreams of your own. You are to intelligent to have just wanted to stand in Maxwell’s shadow all of your life." CC lightly placed her lips on Niles’ hand and then she laid her cheek there. "I don’t know what is going to happen from here own and I wish I could promise you that if you woke at this moment I would be able to tell you I love you but I don’t know. Tonight I can say it." CC raised her head so she could look at Niles. "Niles, I love you. I love you more than anything else in this world and I beg you please wake up and return to me."
CC put her head back on the bed at Niles’ side, holding his hand in hers and quietly cried herself to sleep as the steady beep and hum of the machines continued in the background. Niles haunted her dreams more than ever as she slept. This time in her dreams Niles died and the agony this caused her was unbearable. She woke herself by crying out his name and was glad to see him still breathing when she opened her eyes. The dream was so painful it took her a while to dose off again because she was afraid she would have another nightmare but she did go back to sleep, with her head laying at Niles‘ side.
CC felt Niles move once during the night. She called for the nurse immediately, as she was told to do earlier and they came and did a quick exam but he never opened his eyes. Her sleep was restless from then on. The next thing she knew someone was coming into the room saying "Good morning. How is my patient doing?"
CC opened her eyes and raised her head trying to remember where she was and then it all came back. The pain in her back was horrible, so she stood and stretched. She looked at Niles to see if she could see any changes. He was not as swollen and his color looked better. The nurse who had woke her up was now doing several different things around Niles’ bed.
"Hi, my name is Lucy and I will be Mr. Butler’s nurse today."
"Nice to met you." CC answered still not fully awake. CC saw Niles start to stir. "Niles, can you hear me?" she asked him excited.
Niles thought he heard Miss Babcock calling for him. He tried to turn his head in the direction her voice came from but the pain that shot through his head stopped his attempt to move. Niles still heard Miss Babcock calling for him. He wondered if the pain he was feeling in his head was due to her hitting him with something.
"Niles, open you eyes. Come on Rip Van Winkle, you have been sleeping long enough."
Niles groaned from the pain and CC’s insult. He could not figure out why he was in so much pain. Finally Niles opened his eyes and standing before him was Miss Babcock and she had a huge smile on her face. "Miss Babcock, where am I and what did you do to me?"
"Good morning to you too. You are in St. Vincent’s hospital. " CC answered Niles still smiling.
"Why? Did you try to kill me and are here to finish the job?" Niles asked trying to rub his head but realized he only had one arm that would move. The other was in a cast.
The nurse walked to where Niles saw her for the first time. "Hello, Mr. Butler. How are you feeling?"
"Awful. My head is killing me." Niles noticed CC had not moved away from his bedside. "Don’t leave me alone with her. She is probably the reason I am in here." Niles pleaded with the nurse.
CC looked hurt by Niles’ words. The nurse observed this and explained "Don’t let what he is saying hurt you. Sometimes after a head injury people say some of the strangest things." The nurse turned back to Niles and said "Now, Mr. Butler, your wife has not left your bedside since you were admitted. She loves you and she would never harm you."
"My wife. Lady I don’t know what you a talking about but this woman is definitely not my wife."
The nurse just shook her head at CC, as to say , don’t pay him any mind and did not respond to Niles’ comment.
"Mrs. Butler, if you would like to get breakfast, it is time for Mr. Butler to receive his bath. Of course if you want to stay you are welcome." The nurse said as she smiled at CC.
"Over my dead body." Niles said loudly.
CC did not believe she was ready to see Niles getting a bath, even if the thought of how Niles would be mortified and how much she would probably enjoy it made her think about staying. CC looked at Niles and said "Ummm, I believe I will go and grab a cup of coffee and make a call."
For a second Niles thought CC was planning on staying in the room while he received his bath. He was relieved when he heard her state she wasn’t.
"Alright. We will see you in a bit." the nurse said.
CC grabbed her purse. The nurse was getting different items ready for Niles’ bath. "Where is the cafeteria?" CC asked.
"First floor, out the elevator doors to the left and down the hall. You can’t miss it."
CC walked back to the bedside, and kissed Niles’ cheek lightly. "I’ll see you in a little while. Don‘t go anywhere before I get back."
Niles was so confused by what was going on. He had figured out that he was in a hospital but why and what had happened to him he did not remember. He also did not understand why Miss Babcock was being nice to him and for some reason the nurse thought she was his wife.
The nurse could see CC was having a hard time leaving Niles’ side. "He will be fine, I promise. It will only take about thirty minutes. Go get something to eat. You need to keep your strength up."
CC laid her hand on Niles’ chest and looked into his confused blue eyes. "Will you be alright while I am gone?"
"Yes, I’ll be fine. You are you coming back, aren‘t you?" Niles asked.
CC smiled down at Niles and answered "I’ll be back before you know." She leaned over again and kissed Niles on the cheek. "Take care, butler boy. I‘ll be back soon."
Niles was to confused to answer her.
After CC left the nurse proceeded to give him his bath. Niles decided to ask her a couple of questions, so maybe he could figure out what was going on.
CC called Maxwell to let him and Fran know that Niles was awake and doing good. Maxwell was relieved to hear the good news and told CC to let Niles know his mother, sister, and one of his sister-in-laws would be arriving later in the morning from London.
Maxwell also asked CC if she would like to go home, since it looked like Niles was doing okay. He was surprised when she refused and said she was not leaving Niles until the doctor reported that he would be fine.
CC returned to Niles’ room when she thought it had been long enough for the nurse to have given him his bath and finished. She did not want to walk in on Niles during his bath time, even if the thought made her warm all over. Only thing is, she wanted to be the one giving him a bath, not some young pretty nurse.
When she got to his room she knocked on the door hoping Niles was descent. She heard a male voice call out for her to come in and did not recognize it as Niles’.
CC entered the room and saw the famous Dr. Forge in the room talking with Niles. "Hello, Miss Babcock. Did you enjoy your stay in our wonderful hospital and I hope you had a restful night?"
"Oh, yes. It was just dreamy. The accommodations were first class." CC answered sarcastically, knowing that the doctor was trying to be humorous.
Niles did not understand why CC was being so snide to his doctor. The man seemed to be a pleasant enough chap but then Niles remembered CC Babcock did not have to have a reason to be rude.
"Good, I’m glad you found it so wonderful and I take it you behaved yourself since no one notified me otherwise." the doctor answered.
"Yeah, I bet you are just thrilled that I didn‘t misbehave and you could not throw me out. Now, how about we skip how I spent the night and you just let me know how Niles is doing." CC rudely answered.
Dr. Forge laughed. This woman may be rude and harsh but she sure had spunk. "It seems, Mr. Worthington, is doing great. We are going to move him to a private room on the regular floor, later today and possibly send him home as early as tomorrow, if everything continues to go well."
CC was so glad to hear this. "Thank God." CC said as she closed her eyes like she was really giving thanks.
"Yes, he is a very lucky man and whether it was god or not, he does have a lots to be thankful for." Dr. Forge then turned his attention back to Niles and said. "Mr. Butler, I will be back to see you later today. They will come to move you to your new room and then attempt to start getting you to walk. We want to make sure you don’t have any neurological problems we need to be concerned with. Okay?"
"I guess so. It’s not like I have any choice in the matter and I don’t believe I have any other plans at this moment." Niles answered.
"Good. Take care. I’ll see you later and keep this young lady from causing to much trouble." Dr. Forge told Niles as he pointed to CC. "and Miss Babcock, you have a wonderful day."
"I don’t know how you expect me to control her. I have never known anyone who could." Niles explained.
Dr. Forge laughed and made his way to the door. "Well, I guess that is a tall order for someone who is ill but just ring for a nurse if she gets out of hand."
CC smirked at the doctor and when his back was to her as he headed out the door she stuck her tongue out at him. Niles did not know why CC and Dr. Forge did not like each other but when CC did this he started laughing. The pain in his ribs made him yell out as he laughed. "Owww, that hurts."
CC rushed over to Niles’ bedside. "What’s wrong? You need me to go get the doctor?" she asked him panicking.
"No, I’m fine. Just when I laugh my ribs hurt and as much as you seem to dislike that man he might think you are running after him to do him harm, if you go chasing after him. You better just stay put." Niles said as he cradled his ribs.
"He’s is the one who is lacking in courtesy, not me. Asking how I spent the night, knowing good and well, I sat up in a straight back chair for over 16 hours and insinuating there was a chance I would not follow the rules. He knew that I would never jeopardize the opportunity to stay by your bedside."
"I am sorry, if my being ill caused you any undo stress or pain but you did not have to stay with me, even thou I am very grateful." Niles said a little hurt CC was complaining so much about staying with him last night.
CC heard the hurt in Niles’ voice and knew he had gotten the wrong idea. "Oh, don’t think I would let them keep me from staying with you. No one tells CC Babcock she can’t do something and there was no way in hell they were stopping me from being with you, as long as you were unconscious."
Niles did not understand why CC was so adamant about being at his bedside. "But why were you so dead set on staying with me. I know there was nothing for you to gain by staying with me. At least, I don’t think there was anything in it for you."
CC avoided eye contact with Niles and was noticeably embarrassed. "Well, Fran couldn’t stay and Maxwell was not able to let Fran stay by herself in her condition, so I figured that left just me. It would have been pretty inhumane if I just went home, leaving you here all alone."
"And correct me if I am wrong but it’s inhumane your middle name?"
When Niles was rude to CC it hurt her, being she had just spent the night sitting by his bedside, confessing her love for him, and worrying about his welfare. "You know Niles, it would be nice of you to at least pretend you are just a tiny bit grateful that I sat up all night in the most uncomfortable chair ever made, worried to death about your sorry ass. Just maybe, I am not the mean horrible person, you always accuse me of being."
Niles knew he had messed up. He was only teasing CC, like he always did but she was right, and he owed her an apology. "Miss Babcock, I am sorry. You are right and I am extremely thankful you stayed with me last night." Niles reached for CC’s hand. "Can you please forgive my thoughtlessness."
CC was looking at her shoes. She was afraid she would cry if she looked at Niles. Partly because he had hurt her feelings and partly because she was exhausted. When she answered, her voice was so low, Niles barely heard her reply. "Yes, I forgive you, just like always."
"Thank you and I really do appreciate you being by my side all night but I was being cared for by the staff at the hospital and they could of notified Maxwell if need be. I don’t believe it was necessary someone stay with me." Niles said.
CC turned red and answered. "I was only trying to help. I just felt since you have no family here, someone should stay in case something went wrong. I’m sorry if I over stepped my boundaries. My intentions were good."
Niles knew he had hurt CC’s feelings again by questioning her motives. "Miss Babcock, I am grateful you stayed and you did not over step your boundaries." Niles still held CC’s hand in his. "Please don’t get angry. I am just not use to you caring about me."
CC let Niles hold her hand but would not look up at him. "Shows you how much you know."
Niles was confused. "How much I know about what?"
CC took a while to answer him. Finally she said "About me caring about you."
Before Niles could question her further there was a knock at the door. CC pulled her hand from Niles’ as the door opened.
It was a nurse, who need to get Niles’ vital signs and do a quick check on his condition. CC explained she was going to step outside and let the nurse do her job. Niles knew CC was leaving so she would not have to explain her remark about caring about him but he was unable to stop her.
The nurse did what she had to do and left. Niles hoped CC would return to his room the minute the nurse left but she didn’t. It was an hour or more before CC returned.
"Where have you been?" Niles asked her frustrated she had been gone so long.
"Oh, now you want me here." CC teased him.
Niles was still upset with her. "I never said I didn’t want you here. I just questioned why you wanted to be here."
"Well, I’m back. I went to the gift shop and bought a couple of magazines and some candy. Want some?" CC asked offering Niles a piece of candy.
"No. Come sit back down."
CC sat back in the chair that was close to the side of Niles’ bed. Niles reached for her hand with his one good arm. CC saw Niles was trying to get her to hold his hand, so she moved the chair closer and took his hand. "What is it? Is something wrong?" CC asked Niles concerned with the serious look on his face.
"No, I just thought you had left and gone home before we could finish our discussion."
"What discussion?"
"The one we were having before the nurse barged in here and disturbed us." Niles said.
"What, about me caring about you?"
Again, before Niles could answer CC someone knocked at the door. Niles rolled his eyes in his head with aggravation. "Someone up there is trying to stop you from answering me." Niles said as the door opened.
"Hello, old man. It is good to see you awake. I have a surprise for you." Maxwell said as he opened the door.
Maxwell held the door open as three women CC did not recognize came into the room.
"Mother." Niles said holding his one good hand out to the older of the three women.
CC stepped to the side and moved into the corner of the room. She watched as Niles greeted each one of his family members, trying to figure out who the other two women were.
"Jen, Lori what a surprise. When did you arrive?" Niles asked as he gave each women a hug.
"We just arrived this morning. How did you manage to get yourself into such a mess?" the woman named Lori teased Niles.
"Believe you me, this time I had nothing to do with what happened." Niles smiled. "Jen, you look wonderful."
"Thank you and I guess compared to what you look like you are correct." the youngest of the three women teased Niles.
Niles laughed. "Mom, are you going to let these two tease me while I am ill? It is up to you to defend from them."
"Thank God, you look well enough to defend yourself. From what Maxwell had told us, I was expecting a lots worst."
"When we first arrived at the hospital yesterday, his condition was a lots worst. Fran, CC, and myself were all worried from what we were told and saw." Maxwell explained.
Niles remembered CC was there and motioned for her to come to his bedside. "Miss Babcock, I would like to introduce you to my mother, Maria Butler, my little sister Jen, and my sister-in-law Lori. Everyone this is Miss Babcock. She is Maxwell‘s business partner and a friend."
After Niles had introduced CC to his family CC tried to fade back into her corner but Niles grabbed her hand and would not let her go. Everyone observed Niles and CC holding hands. Maxwell was confused by the gesture and Niles’ family wondered if this lady was more then a friend to Niles.
"So, Miss Babcock, you are business partners with Maxwell?" Maria asked the lady her son was holding onto.
"Yes. I have been Maxwell’s partner for about three years now."
"Oh, I was under the impression that you have been working with Maxwell for much longer then that."
"I worked for Maxwell for close to fifteen years prior to becoming partners with him, so you assumed correctly. I have been around for many years."
"She has been around for at least a hundred years but has only known Maxwell for eighteen of those hundred." Niles teased.
"Alright, butler boy, you have one lump on your head would you like another?" CC teased back at Niles.
"Oh, Miss Babcock, you know you had all the opportunity you needed to harm me while you sat by my bedside last night and I survived the night without incident."
"Well, don’t start thinking you are safe now. I could always stop feeling sorry for you and remember everything you have done to me in the past. I might snap and decide to take you out and then who would take care of you once you are home." CC said smiling at Niles.
"Well, as soon as he is able, Niles can come back to London and I will take care of him. It will be a while before he is able to work again, so he need not stay here." Maria adamantly stated.
"Mother, we will discuss where I will be staying later and Miss Babcock, I would never believe I am safe alone with you but there are many more things you could do to me other than putting a lump on my head and some of those things are not mentionable in front of my mother."
The things that came to CC’s mind that she would like to do to Niles while they were alone made her blush. She could feel all the eyes in the room on her as her cheeks turned red and could not think of a witty come back to say to Niles.
Niles could see his comment had done exactly what his heart had hoped it would do, he had made CC think of intimate things she would like to do with him alone. He also knew he had made CC very uncomfortable in front of Maxwell and his family and was going to take advantage of his good fortune. "Miss Babcock, you are blushing. Did I say something to embarrass you?"
CC glared as Niles. He knew exactly what he had said to make her blush and when everyone left she planned on talking to him about it but right now all she wanted to do was disappear and that just did not seem possible. "No, it is just a little warm in here. I think I am going to step out for a bit and get something to drink. Please excuse me." and before Niles could stop her she fled the room, not making eye contact with anyone as she left.
When CC was gone Nile’s sister, Jen said "Niles’ I believe you upset your friend by your comment. You should not have done that. You embarrassed her."
"Oh, she is fine and I don’t know why she became uncomfortable. She should be use to me teasing her."
"But I don’t believe I have ever heard you tease her in that way and in front of your family, no less." Maxwell said.
"How do you mean, sir?" Niles asked.
"Niles Butler, you know exactly what you were doing when you commented on the things she could do to you while alone that you would not say in front of me. My god, everyone else knew what you were referring to. You should be ashamed of yourself. Maxwell told us that Miss Babcock has not left your side since arriving at the hospital and you go and insult her in front of your family and Maxwell. I raised you with more manners then that and there is nothing to discuss about where you are to go to recover. Home is where you belong, with your family."
Everyone watched while Maria scolded Niles for humiliating CC and told him he was expected to return home.
"I am sorry, mom. I was only teasing Miss Babcock and as far as my recovering, let‘s see what the doctor has to say about how long it will take for me to recover and then I will decide where I will go to recover." Niles answered his mother, who saw that her son was not willing to discuss moving back to London at this time.
"It is not me you need to apologize to and don‘t think you are going to use your illness to get out of this. It is that lovely young lady, who evidently cares for you very deeply and whom I also need to thank for being here for you when I was unable, you owe an apology. Now, when she returns you either apologize or I will have to apologize for you. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma’am." Niles answered his mother still pouting like a child.
"For a man nearly fifty, you are acting like a child. I cannot wait to tell Michel about this. He will have a hoot over it when I tell him." Lori said. Michel was Niles’ brother, who was two years younger then him and they had always enjoyed teasing and getting one another in trouble as children. Lori knew her husband would enjoy hearing about his older brother being scolded by his mother in front of everyone.
"Oh, I bet he will but you tell him not to laugh to hard. I am sure I could dig up something to tell mom about that would cause her to scold him also." Niles said.
Everyone turned toward the door when they heard CC returning. CC blushed again when she saw everyone looking at her as she came into the room. CC thought, she had spent last night praying for that old troll to recover without incident and now all she wanted to do was wrap her hands around his neck and strangle him.
"Miss Babcock."
CC looked up at Niles when he called her name. "Yes."
"Can you come here?" Niles asked CC reaching his hand to her for her to come to his bedside.
CC reluctantly went to the side of Niles’ bed but did not take his offered hand. Niles motioned for her to get closer so he could take her hand in his. Being she did not want to call any further attention to herself, CC did as Niles was asking and moved closer and took his hand.
CC wanted to tell Niles what a low life she thought he was but did not want to be humiliated any further in front of everyone. When she glared down at Niles the eyes he gave her tore at her heart. He looked like a small child begging for forgiveness and there was no way she could deny him.
Maxwell could see how uncomfortable CC was and felt maybe her and Niles may need some privacy. "I believe we should let Niles rest, what do you say."
"I think you are right, Maxwell. Miss Babcock, why don’t you go and rest and I will stay with Niles." Maria said.
"I don’t mind staying. I’m not tired." CC answered.
"My dear, you have got to be exhausted and I have not had the opportunity to express my gratitude to you for staying with my son last night. I know he can be a pain sometimes but I love him greatly and owe you more then I could ever repay for seeing to him when I could not."
CC smiled at the elder lady and said "You don’t have to thank me. I would not of had it any other way." CC looked down at Niles and continued. "Yes, he is a pain in the ass at times but we all care about him."
Niles could see in CC’s eyes that she meant every word she said. He thought he almost saw tears forming but then CC looked away. "So, no one owes anyone anything." CC finished before she became emotional.
"I can see you care for my son a great deal and I am thankful for that. Please, go home and rest. I will stay with him."
CC looked back at Niles and searched his face to see if he was okay with her leaving. She did not want to leave his side but she was tired and did not want to deny Niles’ mother her wish.
"Miss Babcock, go and rest." Niles said to her. "But before you leave, I would like to speak to you alone."
Everyone but Maria, told Niles bye and stepped outside along with Niles’ mother to give CC and Niles some privacy.
After everyone had stepped out and they were alone Niles pulled CC’s hand to his mouth and kiss it then said "I am sorry for teasing and embarrassing you in front of my family. I did not think about what I was saying and how you would feel. Please forgive me."
CC look down at Niles and could see he meant what he said. She pulled a chair to the side of the bed so she could sit and be eye level with him. Smiling at him she answered "I forgive you but only because you are laying here in a hospital bed and are defenseless."
Niles was happy to hear CC accept his apology. "I also want to thank you for staying with me. It means very much to me that you were here with me."
CC blushed again and smiled. "Your welcome." The two sat for a second just looking into each others eyes. Both were thinking how bad they wanted to kiss each other but neither made the move.
CC reached over and caressed Niles cheek with her free hand while Niles still held her other hand. "I better be going. They are probably waiting on me."
Niles did not want CC to leave but knew she was tired and needed to rest. "Yes, I guess they are." Neither move. They just sat gazing at each other.
CC knew she needed to go before someone came to get her. "I’ll see you tomorrow, okay."
"Promise."
CC smiled and shook her head yes.
"I’ll be waiting."
"I’ll be here before you know it." CC stood to leave but Niles would not let go of her hand. She leaned over and gently kissed him on the lips and then said "Bye, butler boy. I’ll see you in the morning. Be good and rest."
Niles pulled CC back to him and kissed her again but this time the kiss was much more passionate.
Maria became worried and decided to go back into the room and see if everything was alright. Maxwell had told her and the girls about Niles and CC’s strange treatment of each other. She hoped they had not become angry with one another and began to argue. She figured she better make sure her son was safe. When she entered the room she was quiet surprise to find Niles and CC in a heated kiss.
Niles nor CC heard Maria enter the room. Both were enjoying the kiss to much to pay attention to anything else.
Maria cleared her throat to announce her presence in the room.
CC heard Niles’ mother and jerked up looking guilt.
"I am sorry for interrupting but I believe Maxwell is waiting on you, my dear." Maria said doing her best not to laugh.
CC was redder then she had been earlier and she did not know what to say to Niles’ mother.
"Yes, I better go." She turned back to Niles and smiled. "See you tomorrow."
"Tomorrow." Niles said winking at CC.
CC started to walk away from the bedside reluctantly never taking her eyes off of Niles.
Maria could see how hard of a time CC was having leaving her son. "I’ll take good care of him. I promise."
CC looked at Niles’ mother and smiled then she looked back at Niles and could not resist going back to him and kissing him bye one last time. She did not care who saw. After kissing him say whispered to him "I love you." and not waiting for a response she fled the room holding back her tears.
After CC hurried out of the room, Maria could see the shocked look on her son’s face. "Niles, is something wrong?"
Niles shook his head trying to clear it, making sure he was conscious and not still out of it. "Mom, can you pinch me?"
"What? Why would you want me to do such a thing?"
"I want to make sure I am not dreaming."
"Well, I can assure you, you are not dreaming. Did something happen between you and Miss Babcock?"
Niles looked over at his mother and smiled "I……..I just heard Miss Babcock say three of the most beautiful words and they were directed to me."
Maria smiled at her son, knowing he was saying that Miss Babcock had just said she loved him and it was probably the first time and very unexpected. "Well, that is all and nice but you need to rest and quit gabbing. Now, close your eyes and get some sleep and after the doctor let‘s us know how long you will need to recover, we will discuss with him how soon you can travel." She said as she tucked Niles’ blankets around him.
Niles was to tired to argue with his mother about not wanting to return to London, so he said. "Yes, ma’am. I think I will. I have had an exhausting day." and Niles closed his eyes and drifted to sleep dreaming of CC.
CC returned to the mansion with Maxwell, Jen, and Lori. During the ride to the mansion Maxwell reminisced with Jen and Lori of times when him and Niles were young boys and teenagers. From listening to the three talk of the past, CC gathered that Lori had begun dating Niles’ brother around the time Maxwell and Niles were setting off for college and Jen was born when Niles was around the age of eleven or twelve years old.
The three told colorful stories of pranks and stunts that Niles, Maxwell, and Michel had pulled as young boys and men. It sounded as thou Niles came from a very close knit family, which was something CC had never realized. She thought about how hard it must be for him to hardly ever see his family.
When they arrived at the mansion, CC excused herself and went upstairs to shower and change clothes. She was very tired and was well over due a good shower.
The three women were in the kitchen preparing dinner. Fran had little experience at cooking but bothLori and Jen knew their way around a kitchen. As Lori helped prepare dinner she decided to see if Fran was willing to tell her and Jen a little about what was going on between Niles and Miss Babcock.
"Fran, what is the story between Niles and Miss Babcock?" Lori asked.
Fran had been helping Jen with locating a pan when Lori sprung the question on her. She placed the pan in front of Jen and pulled a stool over to the counter where Lori was working and hoisted herself up onto it. "Oy, where do I start. Well, they pretty much have always disliked each other, at least that is how they acted toward each other. Not a day goes by that Niles doesn’t insult Miss Babcock or Miss Babcock doesn’t say something mean to him."
"They sure didn’t act like they hated each other today." Jen said as she exchanged looks with Lori.
"What? What, did something happen while everyone was at the hospital?" Fran asked as she saw the two women looking at each other and smirking.
"Nothing special. Niles just held Miss Babcock’s hand the whole time we were there." Lori answered.
"Until he embarrassed her and she left the room." Jen added.
"What did he do to embarrass her and you mean to tell me, Miss Babcock didn’t defended herself?" Fran asked.
"No, she just turned red and made up the excuse she need something to drink." Lori answered her.
"But what did Niles do that made her so embarrassed that she left?" Fran questioned.
Jen and Lori both snickered. "He made a comment that insinuated Miss Babcock and he could do intimate things together the next time they were alone and this seemed to make Miss Babcock very uncomfortable, which I think my brother knew before he said it."
Fran gasped and covered her mouth. "No he didn’t. I bet she was uncomfortable, being your mother was there and you two. Man, is she going to let him have it when he is better. He should know better then to make CC mad at him."
"He evidently doesn’t." CC said as she entered the room from the back stairway, surprising everyone. "I guess I’ll let him slide this time, being he just had a head injury. I’ll just assume that’s why he was so inconsiderate."
Jen and Lori were blushing because they had just been caught gossiping. Fran did not seem to be worried at all. "Lori and Jen a were just telling me that you and Niles seemed to be very cozy today at the hospital." Fran watched as CC blushed but tried to hide it by turning to open the refrigerator and get herself a bottle of water.
"Niles had just emerged from an unconscious state, following a serious injury that had all of us worrying for him. I was only being supportive to his needs and nothing more." CC explained as she located a bottle of water from the refrigerator and going to sit at the kitchen table.
"It just not like you to be nice to Niles but I guess under the circumstances, I understand." Fran answered, as she moved to the table to sit with CC.
"No, Niles and I have not exactly been buddies in the past but the scare of almost losing him made me realize how much I value him."
"So, you and my brother are not involved?" Jen asked.
"But do you tease and pester him back because Miss Babcock torments Niles as much as he torments her." Fran said.
"I do not. He only gets what he deserves. He is constantly annoying me. From the moment I get here in the morning until I leave in the evening, the man hounds me with insults and rude comments. What the hell do you expect me to do, let him torture me?" CC said defending herself.
"Oh, like you don’t enjoy him teasing you. If he isn’t in Maxwell’s office every hour on the hour, you go looking for him." Fran stated.
CC defended herself again but when she did she was not as adamant. "I don’t go looking for him because I miss his crude treatment of me. He usually is delinquent in something he is suppose to be doing for me or Maxwell and I just go to find him so I can get him to complete the task."
"Yeah right. Whatever."
"Look, Niles and I are not involved in the way Jen was talking about and I doubt he is flirting with me, when he is calling me a hooker or cow but I will admit that Niles and I have decided to be friends since his accident."
"Friends is always a good starting point but just remember that he is a Butler and the Butler men do seem to love teasing the ones they love the most. Just ask Maxwell about it." Jen added.
CC decided she was to exhausted to continue this conversation and she would just skip dinner and head for be but before leaving she wanted to ask Jen and Lori a question about something that had been bothering her. "Was Maria serious about Niles returning to London to recover?"
"She seemed to be quiet serious and when my mother gets something set in her mind, it is hard to change it." Jen answered CC.
"But what if Niles doesn‘t want to go or his doctor thinks it is best for him to remain here?" Fran asked.
"Maria is very stubborn. She will not be discouraged so easily." Lori answered.
"Well, I hope she listens to what Niles wants but right now all I want is to crawl in bed and sleep." CC turned to Fran and said. "Please come and wake me if the hospital calls."
Fran smiled at CC. "I promise."
"I’ll see everyone tomorrow."
"Don’t you want to wait for dinner?" Lori asked.
"Thank you but I don’t believe I would be able to stay awake."
The three women watched as CC headed up the back stairway and when she was out of sight Lori whispered loud enough for Fran and Jen to hear. "She’s got it bad for Niles. I can see it in her eyes. Every time his name is mentioned they twinkle like stars and she gets a rosy glow."
"Yes, I believe you are right and from what I saw my brother has it bad for her too."
Fran giggled along with the other women. "I wonder what went on in that hospital room last night and this morning. Maybe, CC assisted Niles with some personal care, if you know what I mean."
"Oh, you are so bad." Lori said while laughing at Fran.
CC slept like a log until the early morning hours. She woke up in a panic, dredged in sweat and short of breath. She had been having the same dream again, about Niles being killed in an accident. When she realized where she was and remembered Niles was fine when she left the hospital yesterday, she tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t. After tossing and turning for what seemed like hours, she rolled over to look at the clock. "Four a.m., I might as well get up and get something to eat." CC said as she rolled out of bed and located her slippers.
She headed to the kitchen and could smell coffee brewing. "Someone else is having trouble sleeping."
When she entered the dimly lit kitchen, she could see Lori sitting up at the small table drinking a cup of coffee. "Good morning. You’re up early."
"Yes, I couldn’t sleep any longer. My body is demanding food." CC answered as she searched the refrigerator for something to eat.
"Want me to cook you something?" Lori asked, thinking CC did not strike her as the type of woman who was a master in the kitchen.
"No, I think I can whip me up something simple." Lori watched in amazement as CC pulled out the makings of an omelet. "Would you like an omelet?" CC asked her.
Lori placed her mug down on the kitchen table and rose to go and assist CC. "I believe I would. How about we make this a joint effort?"
"Sounds good to me."
The two ladies worked side by side cooking themselves breakfast. Their conversation never drifted far from general everyday topics. After completing their task, they sat at the kitchen table to eat.
"Miss Babcock, I have to hand it to you, you make a very good omelet."
"Thank you but some of the credit goes to you and call me CC."
Lori swallowed her bite of food then answered. "So, CC, you have been knowing Niles and Maxwell for quite a while now."
"Yes, I guess close to twenty years. I met Maxwell through his first wife Sarah. Sarah and I were friends from the time we were teenagers in boarding school together."
"Sarah was a sweet woman but Fran seems nice also."
"Fran is nice enough but Sarah and I were very close, so I guess I haven’t really given Fran the chance she deserves." CC paused while she took a bite of her breakfast. "Niles seems to like her, so I guess she can’t be all bad."
"You have faith in Niles’ opinion of her?"
"Yes, I guess so. Niles is usually a good judge of someone’s character and he is a very intelligent man."
Lori and CC eat the rest of their breakfast in silence. When they were done, Lori took the dishes to the sink then returned to the table. "Do you mind of I ask you a personal question?"
"Well, let’s hear it and then I’ll tell you if I mind or not." CC answered, interested in what this woman wanted to know about her.
"Are you interested in Niles, in more than a friendship kind of way?"
CC had to hand it to the woman, she was ballsy. Not knowing if she was ready to admit her feelings to Niles to anyone, she thought about how she was going to answer Lori’s question.
Lori watched and waited for CC to answer her. She could see that CC was deciding on how to answer her and knew that CC was probably not going to be 100% truthful with her answer.
"Niles and I are just learning how to be friends and whether or not either one of us is interested in anything beyond friendship, is something far off in the future, if it ever happens."
"I understand what you are saying but is there a chance you are harboring feelings for him that you may not want anyone else to know about."
CC had thought about what Niles was thinking since she had told him she loved him. She realized she would evidentially have to explain herself to him and now that she had slept on it, she was not so sure she was ready to take the next step with him. "Why are you so concerned about my feelings for Niles? I know you are married to his brother but why do you think it is any of your business?" CC had done the only thing she ever did when she felt cornered, she lashed out.
Lori did not take CC’s reaction to her personal. She was not that easily offended. "I guess I have no business about your feelings but Niles is my husband’s brother and I have been his sister-in-law for twenty-two years and I care about him greatly."
CC stood to leave. "I can promise you I will do nothing that will cause your precious brother-in-law any harm and being you know Niles so well, you should know he is quite capable of taking care of himself."
"CC, please sit. Don’t leave angry. I meant no harm and I apologize if I upset you." Lori liked CC, she like her spunk and did not want to have the woman hate her. She had a feeling that one day they would be family.
CC glared at the lady sitting at the table and decided she really was only concerned about Niles and had not intended to interfere in CC’s personal feelings. CC sat back down and did not respond.
Lori was relieved when CC sat down and gave her another chance to become friends. "Again, I am sorry but I will say, I think we both care for Niles and want what is best for him."
CC could not disagree with that remark. "Yes, I will agree on that."
"How about I tell you some of the things Niles has done before you met him? With the type of friendship the two of you have, you can always use what I tell you to blackmail him."
CC liked what she was hearing. Any information she could use against Niles was always welcomed. Maybe, she could learn to like Lori after all.
Lori and CC sat up for the next three hours and talked. Lori told CC some of the things that Niles, Maxwell, and Michel had gotten themselves into as young men. Niles and Lori’s husband seemed to be the two who always cooked up the schemes. CC, in return, told Lori some of the various situations Niles had found himself in since working for Maxwell. She even told Lori about the time she caught him dancing in his underwear in the living room, which is something she had never told anyone about.
When Fran arrived in the kitchen later that morning, she found CC and Lori still sitting at the table laughing at something. "Hey, what’s so funny?"
Lori knew some of the things CC had told her were secrets and she knew to gain CC’s trust, they would have to remain so. "Oh, nothing. We were just getting to know each other a little better." Lori said as she winked at CC over the rim of her coffee cup.
Fran was putting herself some decaffeinated coffee to brew. "CC, I hope you didn’t try to scare off our guest."
CC rolled her eyes at Fran’s accusation. "Why do you people always think I am a horrible ogre or something? Believe it or not, I can be friendly."
Fran sat at the table with her coffee. "I’m sorry but there have been times when you were not your friendly Walmart greeter."
"Fran, CC has been nothing but hospitable toward me." Lori defended her new friend.
"See, I told you so."
"Okay, okay. I apologize. Geez, you think I had accused her of killing someone." Fran said.
"Hey, what’s all the commotion about?" Maggie asked as she came down stairs rubbing her eyes. "And who is going to fix breakfast? I’m hungry. I miss Niles." the girl said all in one breath as she made her way to the table.
"So do I sweety and we’ll get breakfast fixed." Fran said as she hugged her step daughter. "Have the two of you checked on Niles yet?"
"No, it’s still kind of early. Let’s get breakfast fixed and then we can call." Lori said.
Fran was surprised when CC helped Lori and Jen with fixing breakfast. She didn’t think CC had any domestic skills at all but saw she was mistaken.
By the time everyone finished with breakfast and the kitchen was cleaned it was almost nine o’clock. CC had gone upstairs and dressed while everyone was helping clean the kitchen. Before anyone else was ready to head for the hospital, CC announced she was going to take a cab to the hospital instead of waiting. Maxwell tried to convince her to wait but was not successful.
CC arrived at the hospital close to ten o’clock. Her stomach was uneasy as she rode the elevator up to the floor Niles’ room was on. She was not sure how Niles was going to react to her this morning or how she was going to react to him but there was no denying she was excited to see him.
Taking a deep breath CC knocked on Niles’ room door.
"Come in." Maria responded to their visitor.
CC opened the door slowly and stuck her head in. "Good morning. How is he?" she asked Niles’ mother.
"See for yourself." Maria gestured toward Niles and smiled.
"Good morning, sweat heart." Niles said winking at a blushing CC.
"Good morning and I can see a knock on your head has not changed you at all."
Maria stood and grabbed her purse. "Since you are here, I believe I will try to locate some breakfast. You don’t mind, do you?"
CC’s attention had been on the man laying in the hospital bed and when Niles’ mother spoke she was reminded of her presences. "Oh, by no means." CC gave Maria directions to the cafeteria and promised she would take care of Niles while Maria was gone.
After his mother had left Niles decided to see if his mind hadn’t been playing tricks on him and that CC had really said she loved him. "I won’t bite if you come closer."
CC smiled at the man she loved so dearly. "Sometimes I’m not so sure." she answered as she pulled a chair next to Niles’ bed.
When she was settled in the chair Niles reached out for her hand and she met him half way. "You know, I am still not completely well. I could use a little love. Do you think it would be possible to get another kiss?"
"We may be able to work something out." CC answered with a smirk.
"Let’s hear it. What kind of deal do I have to make? It will probably be a while before I could be your personal servant but if you are willing to wait."
"I guess I could wait for a while but not to long." CC said as she leaned over to give Niles a kiss. After she ended the kiss CC sat back down in the chair and asked "Niles, are you going to go back to London with your family?"
"My mother seems to think I am but I would rather just stay here. The only thing is, I am not sure who will help me after I am discharged."
"Maxwell would probably hire someone and if he doesn’t, I will." CC said.
"You would do that for me?"
CC blushed and looked away. Shyly she said "I don’t want you to leave."
"Then I guess I will have to just tell my mom, I can’t leave." Niles said smiling at CC. "Now, I do believe I would do just about anything for a kiss from you." Niles said.
"That’s good information to know because it is possible you will owe me a lifetime of personal service before long." CC said as she kissed Niles again.
Maxwell, Fran, Jen, and Lori had met up with Maria in the elevator. Maria decided to wait on eating and ride back up with everyone to Niles’ room. She explained that CC had just arrived and that the doctor had not visited yet.
Fran knocked softly on the door and did not wait for a response before opening the door for everyone to enter. As everyone entered the room, the sight of CC half way in Niles’ bed and Niles doing his best using his one good arm, to get a feel of CC‘s but, was a little startling.
The couple who were enjoying each other so much, they did not hear when they were no longer alone. Maxwell could not believe his eyes. Here was his butler groping his business partner, while he and everyone watched.
"CC, Niles is still not well. Don’t you think this could wait." Maxwell said announcing to Niles and CC they had company.
When CC heard Maxwell’s voice she returned to the real world and turned to face the small group of on lookers.
Lori, Jen, and Fran were all laughing at the startled CC. Maria just shook her head and said "This is pretty much the same position I found them in yesterday. You kind of get use to it by the second time."
"You caught them kissing yesterday?" Fran asked shocked.
"Yes I did and from what Maxwell and you had told us about the way Niles and CC behaved when they were around each other, I was very surprised."
"Well, so are we. What the hell is going on between the two of you?" Maxwell asked.
"Well sir, Miss Babcock and I decided that after fighting for seventeen years it was time for a change and this was the opposite of fighting and much more fun." Niles explained.
CC looked at Niles and smiled. "Yes, I have to agree, it is definitely more fun."
Everyone turned when they heard a knock at the door. Dr. Forge entered the room and was surprised at the amount of people in the small hospital room. "Well Mr. Butler, you seem to have become quiet popular since my last visit."
"Yes, it seems so." Niles answered then introduced his family to the doctor. When all introductions were done Dr. Forge asked everyone to step out so he could exam Niles.
"Can Miss Babcock stay?" Niles asked.
"If you would like her too." Dr. Forge answered.
"Yes, please."
Everyone else waited outside the hospital room door.
"Well, how about that, Niles and Miss Babcock. Who would of ever thought." Fran said.
"I told you so." Lori said.
"How did you know?" Maxwell asked.
"I recognized they were in love with each other yesterday." Lori responded.
"I have been knowing for years Niles loved her. I could tell by the way he spoke about her every time he came home. I’m just glad it seems she loves him also. It is past time he marries." Maria said.
"Marries, good Lord, they only just stopped trying to kill one another a day and a half ago." Maxwell said.
"You’ll see. I just hope she will wait for Niles to return once he has recovered." Maria said.
"Maria, I am willing to see that Niles has the best possible care, right here in at my home. There is really no need for him to return to London." Maxwell said.
"Yes there is. I am his mother, he has no wife, so it is up to me to see to his well being. That is final and I will here no more about it." Maria said.
Dr. Forge emerged from the room and said "It looks like our patient will be ready to go home by tomorrow. It will be a while before he is able to return to work and someone will have to assist him for a while with a couple of things but I do believe he is going to make a full recovery. He will require some therapy for the first couple of weeks but besides that he will be just fine."
"How long before he can fly? He will be going back to London so I can see to his needs." Maria asked.
"Miss Babcock has agreed to provide all the assistances and care Mr. Butler will need once he is home, so I I assumed he would be remaining in New York but if not, he will be able to fly in about a week or so."
"Thank you, Dr. Forge." Maria said as she shook to doctor’s hand.
"You’re welcome and Mr. Butler needs to schedule an appointment to see me in a week but Miss Babcock said she was going to take care of that and anything else that needs to be done."
"I bet she does." Fran said.
Everyone went back into Niles’ room and found CC practically in the bed with Niles again. The two were giggling and kissing like teenagers.
"Dear Lord, I hope this is not what I have to endure from now on." Maxwell said.
Fran slapped Maxwell on the arm. "Oh, quit whining. I think it is cute."
Everyone laughed at Maxwell and Fran.
"I guess Jen, Lori, and I can head back home. You seem to have your own private nurse ready, willing, and able." Maria said with hurt in her voice.
"Yes, now all I need to do is get well enough so I can be able because I am sure ready and willing." Niles answered his mother.
"Dear lord. He thinks he is a young kid. Son, you are close to fifty years old not fifteen, please try and remember that. This is why it is best you come home." Maria said
"Mom, I am staying here and there is nothing else to discuss. Please understand, for once in my life I have the chance and being happy. Don’t take that away from me."
Maria was ashamed that she was being so selfish. "Very well, but I will be coming back soon to see how you are and Miss Babcock."
CC looked at Niles’ mother. "Yes."
"I expect to find him well and able when I return." Maria said sternly.
"Don’t worry, Miss Butler. I promise to give him the best care money can buy and all the loving I have in my heart for him." CC said.
"I love you, my bottle blonde."
"And I love you, dust buster."
Everyone laughed at the couple.
The End
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