Brenda could not believe what was happening right before her eyes. For absolutely no reason, Jax had suddenly lunged forward and fallen all the way down the stairs. As she reached out to try to grab him, an arm came around her and pulled her back. Brenda spun quickly to see Madeline standing next to her. Just as she was about to say something, she saw Madeline fly down the stairs to try to stop Jax's fall. Unfortunately, even with her increased strength, the best she was able to do was slow the rate of his fall, so that she hopefully prevented any serious injury. Brenda stood at the top of the stairs too terrified to even scream. She could not believe what had just happened. She looked at Madeline as she bent over Jax's unconscious form. The tears began to flow, slowly at first but at a rapidly increasing rate.

Before she knew it, Madeline was standing next to her again. She wrapped her arm around Brenda's shoulders and pulled her close. "Brenda, he's alive. I don't think his injuries are too serious, but he needs medical help immediately!"

Suddenly Benton and Mrs. Kelly came running into the foyer. When Benton looked up at Brenda at the top of the stairs, he could have sworn he saw a second woman standing there. He glanced over to where Jax lay on the floor and then back up to Brenda, who was now standing alone. Mrs. Kelly had immediately gone to check on Jax. When she discovered he was unconscious, but breathing, she ran to call 911.

Benton ran up the stairs to where Brenda stood unmoving, almost like she was in a trance. "Brenda, what happened?" Benton was frightened by the expression on her face. She didn't seem to have heard him. "Brenda?" he said again, shaking her to get her attention.

Brenda quickly came back to reality when he shook her. She looked up at him as the tears started to flow from her eyes. "I don't know what happened, Benton! One minute we were heading down to dinner with our arms around each other, and the next, Jax was falling down the stairs. If I didn't know it had been just the two of us at the top of those stairs, I would swear he had been pushed! Benton, is he okay? I have to go to him!!!"

Brenda started to run down the stairs, but Benton grabbed her arm to slow her down. "Slow down, Brenda! Do you want to fall as well?" He took hold of her hand and walked down the stairs with her. "Megan has already called for an ambulance. We shouldn't move him until they get here."

Brenda knelt next to Jax's unconscious body. She gently brushed the hair from his forehead. She looked up at Benton, "We should keep him warm; get the throw from the parlor sofa, will you?" Brenda turned her attention back to Jax. "Jax, can you hear me? Wake up, honey." Brenda spoke softly to him, stroking his cheek the entire time. She could see a large bruise developing on his forehead. He was so still that it started to frighten her. She continued to quietly talk to him until she heard the sound of the approaching sirens.

"Benton will you let them in please? I won't leave him! Would you also call Thomas and tell him what happened? Ask him to meet us at GH. You also better call Travis and tell him. Just tell him not to come to the hospital. We'll call him to let him know what is happening and if we need his help."

Just then there was a knock at the front door. Benton opened it and admitted the EMS crew. The two paramedics immediately went to Jax. "Ma'am, can you tell me what happened?" one of them asked as he came up to where Jax lay. "How far did he fall?" he asked.

"From the top" Brenda said very quietly. "He's been unconscious ever since."

The paramedic quickly stabilized Jax's head by holding it on each side and applying slight traction. The second paramedic began an initial review of Jax's condition. He checked for consciousness, a pulse, and breathing rate. While the first medic maintained stability of Jax's neck, the second began to check his head and neck for any deformities or obvious injuries, such as bleeding or a soft spot. When there were no obvious head injuries, he began his survey of the rest of Jax's body. He checked his chest for possible injuries to his ribs. He also checked his abdomen to determine if there was the possibility of internal bleeding. When he found the abdomen soft and not distended, he continued the rest of his evaluation.

Once they were satisfied that there were no obvious fractures or dislocations, the second medic began taking Jax's vital signs. He also contacted the Trauma Center at GH by radio to relay what they had encountered on scene. He reported Jax's vital signs to the hospital, along with the information that his pupils were equal and reactive and that Jax was not responsive to voice but was responsive to pain.

The Trauma Center instructed the paramedics to apply a cervical collar and secure him to a backboard. Once he was secure they were to administer oxygen and start an IV. They were told to contact them again when the squad was enroute.

The second paramedic carefully applied a cervical collar around Jax's neck before the first paramedic released his hold on Jax's head. Once his neck was secure the first medic looked up to Benton. "Can you give us a hand here? We're going to roll him over. When I tell you, slide the backboard up against his side as close as you can. Ready?" Benton knelt next to where they were working on Jax and took hold of the edge of the board. He nodded to the paramedic when he was ready.

Both of the paramedics were now on Jax's left side. They placed their hands evenly along his right side, "Okay, on the count of three. One… Two… Three!" The two paramedics gently rolled Jax over onto his left side as Benton slid the board under him. They slowly rolled him back onto his back and secured his head to the board with tape. They then secured him to the board and lifted the board onto the stretcher they had brought in. One of the paramedics then contacted GH again to let them know that they were heading in with the patient and gave them an estimated arrival time.

While the paramedics had been treating Jax, Brenda had been standing off to the side with Mrs. Kelly. Mrs. Kelly had been gently rubbing Brenda's back to try to comfort and reassure her as they watched the men work on Jax. When it was obvious they were ready to transport him, Brenda spoke up. "Can I come with him? I'm his wife." She walked over to where they had Jax on the stretcher and knelt beside him to brush the hair from his forehead again. He was still unconscious.

"Of course. We need to leave now, though. Are you ready?' Brenda nodded her head to the medic who had spoken to her. She grabbed the coat that Benton handed her and followed them out the door, never looking away from Jax on the stretcher, as they carried him down the stairs and placed him in the back of the ambulance. One of the medics helped her in and got in as well. The second medic secured the back doors and went around front to drive.

To Brenda, sitting in back the ambulance ride seemed to take forever, when it actually only took about four minutes. As soon as they arrived at the GH Trauma Center, the back doors were opened, Jax was wheeled out and taken directly to a treatment room. Brenda was left standing in the entrance area, totally overwhelmed. Just as she thought she couldn't take it anymore, she felt a man's arm come around her shoulders from behind. Startled by this, she quickly looked around at his face, only to find that it was Thomas. She turned around wrapped her arms tightly around him and started to cry uncontrollably. Thomas just stood there holding her for several minutes, until he could feel her sobs start to subside.

When she was finally able to bring herself to talk she pulled back slightly from him and looked up at his face. "I'm so glad you're here, Thomas! How could this have happened? Why now?" Brenda could feel herself starting to lose control again and she forced her self to calm down. Being this upset could not be good for the baby! She took a deep breath and hugged Thomas again until her fears began to subside.

Thomas softly rubbed her back as he had seen Jax do many times when Brenda was upset until she started to relax. "Where else would I be? You guys are the only family I have here in Port Charles. Besides, Jax would have my head if I let you deal with this alone. He's going to be mad enough when he wakes up and finds out all the fuss that is being made over him." He looked down at Brenda with a reassuring smile on his face.

Brenda realized that he was right. Jax would be angry about all the fuss. She didn't care though, as long as he was all right. She'd put him in his place if he gave anyone a hard time about treating him. He just HAD to be okay! She couldn't lose him now! No she wouldn't lose him now! He had promised, NO ONE LEAVES!!! She intended to hold him to that promise.

It seemed like she and Thomas had been waiting for hours outside the trauma room Jax was in. Thomas had completed all of the hospital forms for her, as she paced outside the room. Just as the police arrived to question her about the accident, the trauma specialist came out of the treatment room. He looked around until he saw them standing by the entrance with the police, "Are you Mrs. Jacks?" he asked Brenda.

"Yes, I am. How is my husband, doctor? Is he conscious yet?" Brenda's voice quivered as she spoke, and she realized she was squeezing Thomas's hand, waiting for the answer.

"Yes, he's awake and alert. He doesn't appear to have any obvious injuries -- with exception of some very severe bruises on his face -- probably caused by hitting the edges of the stairs during the fall. We're doing a CAT scan to rule out any internal head injury. Considering the length of time he was unconscious, I think he definitely has a concussion." Before the doctor had a chance to continue his report Brenda interrupted him.

"Can I see him?" she asked.

"Yes. In fact that's why I came out before we finished our workup. Your husband is so insistent on seeing you that he threatened to get up and walk out. You can see him for a few minutes while we wait for the test results to come back. Don't let him get excited or move around too much though. I have to warn you that his face is pretty bruised and swollen, so he may not look too great, but don't let him know that his appearance bothers you. Can you handle that?" The doctor looked straight at Brenda, letting her know that her answer would determine whether or not she got to see Jax.

"Yes, anything! Can I see him now? I promise I won't upset him!" Brenda looked expectantly at the doctor and started walking toward the room even before he gave permission.

"Of course, this way." The doctor walked ahead of Brenda into the treatment room, closing the door behind them.

As soon as they were in the room, Brenda stopped and took a very deep breath, fighting to retain control. As she slowly got the courage to look, she saw Jax lying flat on the treatment bed, surrounded by several nurses and technicians. There were two IV's attached to his arms, and she realized that the detached sound she was hearing in her head was actually the sound of his heartbeat on the monitor. She took comfort in the strong, steady sound of the beat. She walked closer to the bed and took a sudden gasp of air when she saw the bruises on Jax's face. The doctor had warned her that he was bruised, but she had not expected this. The entire right side of his face was discolored and badly swollen. His right eye was swollen shut and the left one was almost as bad. He was still wearing the cervical collar that the paramedics had put on at the house, but he was no longer lying on the backboard.

The doctor looked over at Brenda to make sure she was okay and would not upset his patient. He was actually surprised to see the resolve in her eyes to support her injured husband. He nodded to her to wait for a moment while he checked on Jax. She could have sworn that it had been hours, when it really was probably less than a minute, before he waved her over. As she approached the bed, he signaled to the medical team to give the patient and his wife some privacy. The doctor leaned over to whisper to Brenda before she got to the bed, "Remember, don't let him get upset. You can have five minutes for this visit." Brenda nodded her understanding, and the doctor walked back over to Jax and bent down to him, "Mr. Jacks? You have someone here who wants to see you. Are you ready for a visitor?"

Jax slowly opened his eyes as best he could and tried to nod his head but the collar prevented it. Instead, he whispered a muffled 'yes.' The doctor signaled for Brenda to come closer, and he discreetly backed away to allow them some privacy. Most of the medical team had left the room, with the exception of one nurse to discreetly monitor Jax's condition, so that Jax and Brenda could have some privacy.

Brenda came close to the bed and took Jax's hand in both of hers, "Hey, you! How are you doing?" She bent down and placed a soft kiss on his lips, just about the only place on his face that was not swollen and bruised.

Jax tried to smile, but it turned out more like a grimace because of the pain the effort caused. "Hey, yourself! I'm fine! Really! This is all so unnecessary!" He tried to get up from the bed, but Brenda put her hands on his chest before he could move.

"Jax, don't! Wait until the doctor says it's okay for you to move. Honey, please?" Brenda tried desperately to keep the fear out of her voice. The doctor had warned her not to allow Jax to become upset, and she needed to stay calm to do that. She could see by his face that her reaction had frightened him. She felt the need to explain things to him. She gently ran the backs of her fingers across his swollen face and moved closer to him. "Do you remember what happened?"

Jax closed his eyes for a minute to try to clear the fog from his brain. He had a headache the size of Texas, and his body ached in places he never knew existed. As the fog started to lift in his brain, he decided that if he hurt this much he had to be okay. "The last thing I remember is coming to the head of the stairs and hearing that voice in my head again, repeating that same phrase as my dream, 'Keep Brenda Safe.' Then, as I turned to look around, I could have sworn I felt someone push me from behind, and I lost my balance and started to fall. The last thing I remember is you screaming my name, until I woke up here a little while ago. How long was I unconscious?" Jax spoke in a very soft whisper, since anything louder made his head throb all the more.

Brenda leaned closer to him, still running her fingers along his face, and placed another kiss on his lips before answering his question. "You were unconscious for almost an hour. They brought you to the Trauma Center at GH by ambulance, and the doctors have been working on you ever since. They did a bunch of tests and x-rays and are waiting for the results. The doctor treating you, Dr. White, is the head of the trauma unit. He told me they did a CAT scan of your head, and they're waiting for the results. He said he didn't see any obvious injuries, but he was sure you have a concussion. He'll know more after the tests come back. In the meantime, you have to stay calm and rest quietly. I have to leave in a few minutes so they can finish your exam." Brenda continued to rub the side of his face, even as the bruising continued to darken. She didn't care; she was just grateful he was alive.

"I was so scared when I saw you fall, Jax! When I looked down and saw you lying unconscious at the foot of the stairs, I froze. Thank God, Benton and Mrs. Kelly came rushing out. Mrs. Kelly called 911, and Benton came up to help me. They were absolutely amazing, both of them! I don't know how I would have gotten through this without them." Brenda rested her head on the bed next to Jax's. She loved the feel of being close to him again. It reassured her that he would be okay somehow.

Jax raised his hand to gently caress her arm to reassure her. "I'm okay, Brenda -- really! I guess I must really look a sight. From what I could hear the medical people saying, my face is a real mess. But what about you? Are you sure you're okay? Have you talked to Dr. Meadows? A scare like this can't have been good for you."

Brenda was amazed. Here he was bruised and battered and most likely in a tremendous amount of pain, and the only thing he was worried about was her. Well, it was time for that to change. He was the priority right now, not her. She was not about to let him shift the focus to her. "I'm fine, Jax. Really! Thomas has been here with me the entire time, and he's kept me calm. Your son and I are just fine. You're the one I'm worried about!" She moved her hand from his face to place it gently on his chest, not sure if he was bruised there as well and having no desire to cause him more pain. "Are you in much pain?"

Jax tried to smile again but failed. "Some, but it's not that bad, except for this headache. I swear the top of my head feels like it wants to come off! Maybe I'd feel better if it did though." Jax laughed as best he could. He was amazed at how calm Brenda was. She really did have control of the situation. He could not remember loving her more or being more proud of her. Just then the doctor stepped quietly back into the room and approached them. Brenda took this as a signal she had to leave, but Jax would not release his grip on her hand. "No -- stay! I don't want to be away from you and my daughter. Whatever the doctor has to say or do, he can do it with you here. Understood, doctor?" Jax continued to hold Brenda's hand, as he looked up at Dr. White and then back at Brenda.

"That's fine. We're through for now. We got the test results back along with the CAT scan. There are no obvious injuries, other than the concussion that I told your wife about earlier. You have some pretty severe facial bruises and some slight bleeding in your right eye that we want to keep an eye on. I'm going to admit you to Intensive Care for tonight. If you remain stable during the night, we'll move you to a private room tomorrow. Once we get you up to Intensive Care, we'll possibly remove the cervical collar. I'm afraid you'll have to remain perfectly flat for the night, though -- just as a precaution. Besides, I think it'll relieve some of the discomfort from the fall. You're also not going to get much sleep. We'll keep checking on you to monitor your concussion."

The doctor turned his attention now to Brenda. "I understand from you friend outside that you're pregnant, Mrs. Jacks. Are you feeling all right? Would you like to speak with your OB/GYN before you go home?" Dr. White was startled by the loud reaction of both his patient and his wife.

"I'm not going home, Dr. White. I'm not leaving my husband until I know he's okay!" Brenda looked at Dr. White with a look of determination in her eyes that he could not remember seeing in a very long time. "You make whatever arrangements you have to with the nursing staff, but I am not leaving my husband tonight!"

Dr. White took her at her word. He was not about to argue with her in front of his patient. Besides, it was obvious that she had a calming influence on her husband. He decided that surrender was his only option. "Okay, you win. I'll arrange with the nursing staff for you to stay with him tonight. I must insist, though, that he get as much rest as possible." Brenda nodded her agreement and sat back down next to Jax, taking his hand in hers again.

A few minutes later they came to move Jax upstairs. As they were getting him ready to move, Brenda went out to talk to Thomas. As she came out the door, she saw Thomas leaning against the wall just down the hallway. He stood up straight when he saw her approach. "How is he?" Thomas could tell by the expression on Brenda's face that the news was going to be good.

"He's a sight, I'll tell you that! Really though, he has no broken bones, but he is very badly bruised. He also has a concussion, and they're monitoring some bleeding in his right eye. They're going to take him up to Intensive Care for the night. If he remains stable through the night, he'll be transferred to a private room some time tomorrow. I'm going to spend the night here with him. We already told the doctor, and he's made the necessary arrangements." Brenda suddenly realized that she had said all of that in just one breath, and smiled. "Why don't you head on home? You won't be able to see him until tomorrow anyway. Oh, could you do me a favor?" She reached out her hand to him. He took her hand in both of his before he answered.

"Anything. What do you need?" Thomas waited.

"Would you stop by the house on your way home? I know Benton and Mrs. Kelly must be worried. Would you also tell them that I'll be staying here for the night? Oh, and ask Mrs. Kelly if she would pack me a change of clothes for you to bring me tomorrow."

"Sure, I'll be glad to." Thomas pulled her into a tight hug. No wonder Jax loved this woman so much. She was everything a man could want in a wife. She was beautiful inside and out, and most importantly, she put Jax and those close to her above everything else. Thomas had known the first time that he met her that Brenda was the other half of Jax. The events tonight had only reinforced that feeling, and it brought a warm feeling to his heart. "Can I get you anything before I go?"

"No, I'm fine. I'll see you in the morning. If they give you any trouble about getting in to see Jax tomorrow, just tell them you're his brother." Brenda laughed softly at her statement, then suddenly became very serious.

Thomas had seen the changes come across her face and became concerned, "What is it, Brenda? Are you okay? Do you need a doctor?" Thomas looked around over her head, trying to get the attention of one of the medical personnel in the hallways, but Brenda pulled away so she could look at him.

"I'm fine, Thomas. I just realized that we didn't tell anyone what happened! Do you think we should call… someone?" She looked at Thomas with a look that could best be described as confused and a little bit frightened.

Thomas knew immediately to whom Brenda was referring. "Why don't we hold off until morning? That way you can ask Jax if he wants them told. After all, Brenda, the last thing we want to do is upset him, right?" Thomas returned Brenda's look of confusion with one of resolve that immediately comforted Brenda.

"Okay, I guess you're right. I'll see you in the morning." She leaned up and kissed his cheek. Just then the doors of the trauma room opened, and the bed containing Jax was wheeled out. Brenda waved good bye to Thomas and hurried over to Jax's side as they headed for the elevator.

Thomas stood watching until the elevator doors closed behind them. With everything that had happened, it had never occurred to him to contact Jax's family. As far as he was concerned, Brenda and the baby she was carrying were Jax's only family. He again realized that Brenda was a truly amazing woman. In spite of the abominable way she had been treated by the Jacks clan, she was still concerned about them being told about the accident. If it had been up to him, they would never be told.

This did bring up one point, though. The news of Jax's accident was sure to be on the news and in the early papers. The last thing either Jax or Brenda needed was an attack by his family or the media. Thomas went over to the security desk and identified himself to the guard on duty and asked to speak to his supervisor. When the sergeant arrived, Thomas explained the circumstances and asked that a guard be placed outside the Intensive Care Unit to keep unauthorized visitors out. He gave him a list of names of those people who were NOT to be permitted in. He also informed the sergeant that a uniformed member of the Jacks International security force would be assigned to Jax's room as soon as he was transferred out of intensive care. When the sergeant started to protest, Thomas told him that the Head of Security for the company, Travis Clark, would be down to see him shortly to finalize the security arrangements in a manner that would be acceptable to both the hospital and Mr. & Mrs. Jacks.

6:30 A.M.

Jax had spent a peaceful night, at least as peaceful as he could with being awakened by the nurses every couple of hours. He was comforted by the fact that Brenda was next to him. She had finally dozed off about midnight, clutching his hand in both of hers and resting her head on the edge of his bed. When the nurse had come in to check on him a few minutes ago, he had told her about Brenda's pregnancy and her problems with morning sickness. He had asked if there was any way of getting her some tea and dry toast before she woke up. The nurse had smiled and said that she'd see what could be arranged. She was back about five minutes later with a small, covered tray. She lifted the lid to show Jax the cup of tea and two slices of plain toast. She put the cover back in place to keep it warm. As she started to leave, she stopped and moved a wastebasket next to Brenda as she slept. Having had children of her own she knew that if today was going to be a bad day, it was going to set in quickly -- too quickly to try to find a facility in a strange place. As Jax noticed what she did, he looked up at her with a curious expression. She mouthed the words, 'Just in case,' to him with a smile, as she left the room.

About ten minutes later, Brenda began to stir. She slowly started to sit up, rubbing the back of her neck. Suddenly it hit. She knew she was going to be sick. With a panicked look on her face she quickly looked around the room. As soon as Jax saw her face, he knew what was happening and pointed to the wastebasket next to her. She grabbed it just in time. Being unable to help her, Jax did the next best thing. He pressed the call button, and the same nurse came quickly back into the room. As soon as she saw Brenda bending over the basket, she went into action. She signaled one of the other nurses to come in. The two of them helped Brenda through the attack and then helped her to the bathroom to clean up afterwards. When she slowly came back into the room, Jax could see that it had been a bad one.

As she slowly sat back down in the chair and leaned her head in her hands on the edge of the bed, Jax reached over and rubbed his hand up and down her arm. "Are you okay?" he asked with a smile.

Brenda looked at him over her fingers and nodded slowly, afraid any sudden movement would bring on another attack. She needed something in her stomach, fast! Jax could tell what she was thinking and pointed to the covered tray on the bedside table. Brenda lifted the lid and smiled at him.

How had he managed this, even in his condition? First taking a bite of the toast and then another, followed by a sip of the tea, she finally got up and leaned over the bed to kiss him. This also gave her the first opportunity to get a good look at his face. He was truly a mess. Most of his beautiful face was covered in large, purple bruises. His right eye was swollen completely shut, but the swelling in his left eye actually seemed to have gone down a little, allowing him to open it almost completely. "How are you feeling? Any better?" She gently rubbed the backs of her fingers against his swollen face.

"A little better, I think. I still hurt all over, but I think the headache is a little better. How about you? Did you get any rest last night?" Jax reached up and took her hand in his.

"I did, actually. I don't remember much of anything after the nurse came in about midnight. Until that little incident this morning, that is. I'm really sorry about that." Brenda suddenly realized that while she had been in the bathroom getting cleaned up, the nurses had taken care of things in here. She suddenly felt the need to go thank them -- after she finished the rest of her toast, that is!

"Hey, don't apologize. It isn't your fault our daughter has a mind of her own and likes to make her presence known on occasion. Besides, if I hadn't been so clumsy last night, you'd have been sleeping in you own bed, with your tea and toast waiting on your table for you to wake, instead of sleeping in a chair in a hospital room! Are you sure you shouldn't see Dr. Meadows? I mean, you have been through a lot the last twenty-four hours…"

"I tell you what… I'll call her in a little while and see if I can see her while they're doing your tests this morning. That way, when you're ready to be moved to your own room, I'll be back. Okay?" She bent down and kissed his hand, but quickly straightened up and took another bite of toast.

Jax smiled as he watched her actions. Wait a minute, what had she said about being moved to his own room? "Honey, what did you mean a minute ago when you said you'd be back by the time I was moved to my own room? I'm going home today, right?" He said with all the confidence of a CEO.

Just then Dr. White came into the room. "I'm afraid not, Mr. Jacks. You're going to be with us for a few more days. We want to keep an eye on your head injury for a while." Before Jax had a chance to protest the doctor continued, "That point is not up for discussion. You will be staying! If you give me or any of my nurses a hard time about it, I've been instructed to report your behavior to your wife!" He said the last part with a laugh that made both Jax and Brenda laugh as well for the first time since this nightmare had begun.

"Okay, okay, Dr. White, I promise to behave!" Jax said, trying to sound frightened of the threat of Brenda, but reaching to caress her hand at the same time. He pulled her hand up to his lips and kissed it softly.

"That's better. I'll see you a little later, when we run some more tests on you. If the results come back as I expect, we'll be moving you to your own room later this morning. By the way, do either of you know why there is a security guard stationed outside the ICU, screening visitors?" Dr. White looked from Brenda to Jax and back again.

"I guess that would be my fault." Brenda looked over to Dr. White and then back to Jax before speaking. "Last night before they moved you up here, I was talking to Thomas and I told him if the hospital gave him any trouble about coming up to see you that he should tell them he was your brother. I realized then, and so did he, that news of your accident would be on the TV news and in the papers by this morning. Thomas asked hospital security to station a guard outside the ICU to make sure no reporters or -- anyone you didn't want to see -- came in here. Do you mind?" She looked at Jax for a reaction. He just smiled at her and shook his head 'no.'

She then looked over at Dr. White, who had not said anything about what she had just told them. "That was quick thinking, Mrs. Jacks. I get so wrapped up in treating my patients sometimes that I don't pay attention to who they are. It was very wise to station a guard outside. There are several other patients in this unit that don't need the disturbance of reporters running in and out. I'm only sorry I didn't think of it myself."

Brenda looked over at him with a smile, "Thanks. Dr. White, do you happen to know if Dr. Meadows is in the hospital yet? Jax convinced me that I should try to see her and have her check me out after yesterday." Brenda looked lovingly down at Jax and rubbed her thumb across his hand.

"As a matter of fact, she is. I just heard one of the nurses say she finished a delivery about twenty minutes ago. Would you like me to give her a call and see if she can see you?"

"I'd really appreciate it if you would. I'd like to be back here by the time they move Jax to his own room." Brenda looked quickly down at Jax and then back over at Dr. White.

"You seem pretty confident that we will be moving him out of ICU today. May I ask why?"

"It's very simple, Dr. White. My husband has set his mind on getting well, and when he sets his mind on something, he gets it. Trust me, I know this from personal experience." Brenda smiled as she thought back to her experience. Suddenly it dawned on her that the doctor might have been trying to tell them something. "If I may ask, doctor, is there some reason why he wouldn't be moved?" Brenda reached over and held Jax's hand.

"No, none that I am aware of or anticipate. I was just wondering why you were so confident when we haven't even run the tests yet, that's all. I don't anticipate any problem with Jax's recovery. In fact, why don't I go call Dr. Meadows for you now, and we'll get started on the tests while you are gone?" With that Dr. White left the room and picked up the phone at the nurse's station. He came back about five minutes later. "Dr. Meadows will be glad to see you -- right now, if you would like."

Jax looked up at Brenda and smiled. He squeezed her hand slightly, "Go ahead. I'll meet you back here in a little while. Make sure our daughter is okay." Jax let go of Brenda's hand and gently rubbed his hand across her abdomen as he spoke very softly to the baby, "You be good for mommy, okay? She's had a rough time of it, so give her a break. Remember, little one, daddy loves you and your mom very much." Jax patted her abdomen gently and then looked up at Brenda. He was surprised to see tears forming in her eyes. "What's wrong, honey?"

"Nothing. You just amaze me, that's all." Brenda bent down and kissed him softly on his bruised forehead. "I'll be back in a little while. You behave, okay?" Brenda couldn't resist the urge to smile.

"I promise! Now go!" With that, he swatted her on the butt and laughed.

When Brenda returned to Jax's room about an hour later, she was surprised to see that the head of his bed was now elevated and that the cervical collar and both of the IV's had been removed. She had to admit that he did look better. He was still badly bruised, but some of the swelling seemed to have gone down. He had obviously had a chance to clean up and shave as well, probably with some help.

She was even more surprised to see Thomas sitting in the room with him. He had a small suitcase next to his chair. "Hey there!" she said as she walked over to the side of the bed. She gently sat on the edge of the bed where Jax had indicated and quickly took his hand in both of hers. "I take it your tests went well?" She leaned over and kissed him on the lips, surprised when he eagerly returned the kiss. "Yes, I'd say your tests went VERY well!" she said with a laugh.

She then turned her attention to Thomas. "Thanks for bringing my clothes. How were things at the house when you were there? Did you talk to Benton and Mrs. Kelly?"

"You're welcome for the clothes. Mrs. Kelly is something else though. She already had the bag packed when I got there last night. She had figured you'd be staying here last night. Benton has been fielding the calls and Travis has a security guard at the house and an extra car patrolling the neighborhood to keep reporters away. The company issued a brief statement that Jax is being treated for injuries received in a fall at home and is expected to make a complete recovery shortly." Thomas looked at Jax with a childlike smirk on his face. "That last part was my idea. I figured a little run-in with some stairs wouldn't keep him down for long. But now that I've seen what he looks like, maybe we should issue a new statement?" Jax took a swing at him, but didn't come close to connecting. "Also the hospital has stationed a guard outside the ICU to keep reporters and unwanted visitors out. When you move to your own room one of the Jacks International guards will be stationed outside your room at all times, until you are discharged."

Jax had not been listening very closely to what Thomas was saying, too busy looking at his beautiful wife, until he heard the part about the guard. He perked up as soon as Thomas had mentioned unwanted visitors. "What exactly do you mean by unwanted visitors coming in here?" He was pretty sure he knew, but he wanted to hear it from Thomas.

Brenda and Thomas looked at each other, trying to figure out which one of them would tell him. Finally, Brenda took the initiative. "Well, once we figured out that news of your accident would be all over the media we figured that…" she couldn't finish.

"That what, Brenda? Go on!" Her unwillingness to talk to him was obviously upsetting Jax. "Brenda?"

"That your family was bound to find out and come rushing over here!" Thomas said before Brenda could answer. "Jax, I told security not to let any of them in here or into your room once you are moved there. If you want to see them, let me know, and I'll change the orders immediately." Thomas looked at Jax and then at Brenda. He could have sworn that Brenda was holding her breath.

"NO! Don't change the orders! I don't want any of them anywhere near here! Is that understood?" The look that Jax directed at Thomas said much more than his words had. Thomas was glad they had waited to talk to Jax before saying anything to them. He looked over at Brenda and saw that she had begun to breathe again.

Brenda leaned over and hugged Jax tightly, a little too tightly because she heard a soft moan. She immediately let him go and sat up. "I'm sorry, honey! I didn't mean to hurt you! Are you okay? Should I get the nurse?"

Jax reached up and pulled her back down to rest her head on his chest, "I'm much better now. Don't worry, Brenda, I won't break! I'm just a little sore right now, that's all." He softly stroked her hair as he spoke, enjoying the feel of her breath on his neck. "Okay?"

"Okay. Tell you what -- why don't I go get cleaned up while Thomas is here to keep you company. I won't be long." Brenda kissed his chin before she got off the bed. She picked up the case that Mrs. Kelly had packed for her and headed back to the washroom she had used earlier.

Once Brenda was gone, Jax motioned for Thomas to sit back down in the chair, "Okay, tell me about it." Jax had known all along that there was something about last night that neither Brenda nor Thomas had told him.

"It's nothing really. When Brenda made the joke about me telling the nurses I was your brother, this really strange look came over her face. I'll tell you right now, Jax, it scared me! I thought something was wrong, but when I asked her if she needed a doctor she asked me about calling Jane! Can you believe that? After what they did to her -- after everything they put both of you through -- she's worried about them finding out about the accident on TV!"

Jax smiled. "I can believe it! Haven't I told you what an amazing woman my wife is? I'm glad you talked her out of it though. You and I both know that the three of them would have come charging in here, making demands and giving orders. I know she can stand her ground with the best of them any day of the week, but in her present condition and with all she's been through because of the accident, there is no way in hell I want any of them anywhere near Brenda! If any of them had been here last night, you know the first thing they would have done is accuse her of causing it! I won't have that, Thomas! I want you to make sure of it for me -- at least until I get out of here! Promise!" Jax's agitated state had attracted the attention of the nurses at the desk. When one of them looked up at him and then over at his monitor, Jax got the message and started to calm down. "Promise!"

Seeing how upset Jax was, Thomas reached over and squeezed his arm, "You know I will, mate. None of them will get anywhere near either one of you until you give the okay. I've already told Travis that, and he agrees completely. That's why he posted a guard in the house as well as increasing the patrol." Thomas leaned closer to Jax to whisper so as not to be overheard. "I talked to Benton just before I came up. He told me Jane had called to find out how you are. He told her you were okay and politely asked her not to call back. He also said that John and Jerry had come to the house, demanding to see Brenda, and the guards had escorted them off the property before they got near the door, with a warning that if they violated the protection order they would be arrested."

Jax started to get angry again but forced himself to calm down. "Thanks, Thomas. Would you thank Travis for me, as well? Also, tell him that under no circumstances are any of them to be allowed ANYWHERE near Brenda EVER!!!" Thomas nodded his head to acknowledge Jax's instructions. They were both startled by the sound of a voice from the doorway.

"Keep who away from me Jax?" Brenda was standing in the doorway of his room, looking much better. The nurses had been kind enough to show her where she could shower and change in private. She looked as beautiful as ever, except for the anxious look on her face. Before either Jax or Thomas could answer her question, Dr. White came back to the room.

"Well, Jax, your test results came back even better than I expected. I think it's safe to move you to your room now. I'll stop in to see you a little later. In the meantime, just remember what I said about getting excited." Dr. White looked at both Thomas and Brenda. Obviously the nurses had reported Jax's elevated heart rate earlier.

"I'll make sure of it, Dr. White" Brenda told the doctor as she walked over to stand next to Jax's bed. Once Dr. White was gone, Brenda turned her attention back to Jax. "Well… who do you want Thomas to keep away from me?" It was becoming obvious that Brenda was getting angry.

"Thomas told me Jane called the house this morning and the felons came by demanding to talk to you. I told him to keep them away from you until I get home, then we'll deal with them together. Boy, do you look great! Lack of sleep obviously agrees with you!" Jax had quickly told Brenda what she needed to hear and also managed to let her know that the subject was closed.

Brenda sat back on the edge of Jax's bed and leaned over to kiss him. She rested her head over his heart and just lay there for a minute before sitting up and looking over at Thomas. "Okay, for now. Thanks, Thomas, for telling him. I couldn't figure out how." She walked over to Thomas, who was standing by the door, and hugged him. "You really are my big brother, aren't you?" she said as she looked up at him with a smile.

Thomas hugged her back and then excused himself. He had things to take care of at the house, and he wanted to talk to Travis as well about Jax's instructions. Besides, it was pretty obvious that Jax and Brenda needed some time alone after all of this. He quietly left the room, closing the folding door behind him.

Brenda sat back down on the edge of the bed and wrapped herself around Jax again, thankful that he was not injured any worse than he was, and grateful that they had people like Thomas, Benton, Mrs. Kelly, and Travis in their lives. Brenda stayed wrapped around Jax until one of the nurses brought them each breakfast. No sooner had they finished eating than it was time for Jax to be moved to his room. Once he was settled, Brenda returned to her favorite place, lying next to Jax in the bed with her arms wrapped around him, her ear above his heart listening to its steady rhythm. It wasn't long before both of them fell sound asleep, comfortable for the first time since this whole nightmare had begun. Jax promised himself before dozing off though, to find out what exactly had happened at the top of those stairs. Brenda's last conscious thought before falling asleep was to promise herself to find a way to talk to Madeline when she got home to thank her for helping Jax and to find out what she knew about what had really happened.