From MVINCENT@DREW.EDUWed Apr 30 10:24:14 1997 Date: Wed, 30 Apr 1997 10:07:04 -0500 From: "Vincenti, Michelle" To: leigh@stgenesis.org Subject: (SQFF) Hope Regained OK, here's the second part to "Innocence Lost" - it's taken me a couple of days to actually fix it up because my uploading program had a fit, but... Just a few things that I forgot with the other stories (I haven't been having a good past few weeks...) : Disclaimers: 1) These characters _aren't_ mine (gasp!) I'm just borrowing them from seaQuest...you know, standard character disclaimer thingy. 2) The situation itself is fiction, but has been known to happen - guess you could say it's a "Based on a True Story" kind of deal. Please, please, please don't send this out or post it anywhere without my permission - for sanity's sake (and I'm not sure there's much of it left on my part ) Oh, yeah. And comments are welcome - just send them to RedMenace2047@hotmail.com (that's my other address...I prefer it for story comments) And the preceding "announcements" apply to "Now and Forever" as well as "Innocence Lost" (including the "Based on a True Story" thing) ******************** "Hope Regained" by Michelle Vincenti April 10, 1997 Med Bay Lucas is still in a coma, hooked up to several machines. Bridger's looking at Westphalen, shocked. They're at a "safe" distance away from Lucas. BRIDGER (disbelieving) How...how could this have happened? WESTPHALEN I thought I'd gotten through to him when he first collapsed? BRIDGER (angrily) Well, obviously you didn't. WESTPHALEN (glaring at him) You're supposed to be a father-figure to him and what do you do? You run and hide, denying that there even is a problem in the first place! (beat, accusatory) If anything, it's your fault that Lucas is in a coma! BRIDGER My fault?! What the hell are you talking about? WESTPHALEN You're like a father to that poor boy. You have been since his real father duped him on the _seaQuest_. (beat) _You_ should've been the one to look after him. _You_ should've been the one to talk to him. Tim shouldn't have been the person to go and comfort him. Tim may be a friend to Lucas, but you're his "father"! BRIDGER (tightly) Are you saying that I don't care? Are you saying that I neglect Lucas? I have never neglected that boy! I have done nothing but treat him as my own son! (beat) Ever since I lost Robert, Lucas has been like a son to me. He's filled a hole in my heart that's been there since Robert was KIA. (beat) I love Lucas as if he were my own flesh and blood. How could you think that I'd _ever_ willingly hurt him? WESTPHALEN I never said that you hurt him willingly. Just that by your negligence, you _have_ hurt him. BRIDGER I never meant to neglect him. You know how busy things get on this boat. He takes a deep breath. He glances back at Lucas and then turns back to Westphalen. BRIDGER (sadly) What can I do to help him now? WESTPHALEN There's nothing we can do now -- except wait. Lucas' dream Lucas is walking down a hallway of the _seaQuest_. It is silent -- there is no one around. Lucas starts searching through the boat, opening doors, looking for someone, anyone, to talk to. LUCAS Hello? Anyone here? (beat) Is anyone around? There's not another soul in sight. Lucas makes his way to the bridge, hoping to find someone there. He arrives on the birdge and looks around. Lights are flashing on the panels and everything is working. Lucas walks over to a console and sees the keyboard moving as if someone were typing. Lucas looks around, confused, but there's no one in the room. BRIDGER (V.O.) Report, Mister Ortiz. ORTIZ (V.O.) All systems check out, Sir. Everything's good here. Lucas hears various voices all over the bridge, but he looks around and sees no one there. The voices are disembodied. Suddenly, Lucas finds himself back on the beach where he had been with Michaela. He starts looking around, finding the place to be very quiet. He stares out into the ocean until he hears a voice behind him. MICHAELA Hey, gorgeous. Lucas turns around and sees the figure of Michaela standing behind him. Her auburn hair is loose, gently framing her face as the soft breeze blows through it. The breeze ruffles the folds of her white dress as she stands before him, smiling. Lucas is almost afraid to touch her -- he's not sure if he's seeing things. Michaela reaches out and gently touches his arm. Lucas puts his hand over hers and that's when he realizes that she's really there. LUCAS (whispering) Hey there. He embraces her, holding her close. Her warm breath tickles his ear. MICHAELA (softly) Don't leave me, Lucas. I couldn't stand the pain. I couldn't bear the heartache. I love you. Lucas caresses her hair gently. LUCAS I won't leave you, I promise. (beat) I love you, too. Lucas closes his eyes for a brief moment, still holding Michaela in his arms. He feels a sudden, quick movement and he opens his eyes. Michaela is nowhere in sight. There's no trace of her having even been there. LUCAS (calling) Michaela! Michaela! Where are you? Med Bay A week later. Lucas is just slowly waking from the coma. He's not fully conscious yet, but he's mumbling one word, repeating it over and over. LUCAS (very weakly) Michaela. Michaela. A young girl rushes into the room -- it's Michaela. She grasps Lucas' hand. MICHAELA I'm right here, sweetheart. I'm not going anywhere. Lucas still hasn't opened his eyes, but he's stopped mumbling and is now smiling slightly. MICHAELA (trying not to yell too loudly) Doctor Westphalen! Westphalen walks over to Michaela and Lucas. WESTPHALEN (exhausted) Yes, Michaela? MICHAELA I think that Lucas is coming around! He just kept repeating my name over and over and once I answered him, he stopped and smiled. WESTPHALEN (smiling) Well, that's certainly a good sign. (checking his vital signs) His vitals are still pretty weak, but I think I can venture to say that he's not comatose anymore, just unconscious. Michaela smiles and looks at Lucas. She brushes a stray hair from his forehead, leans over, and gently kisses him on the forehead. MICHAELA (whispering) You're going to be just fine, Lucas darling. You'll be fine. Westphalen smiles at the young couple. Bridger enters the Med Bay, looking like he hasn't slept for days. Westphalen sees Bridger enter and rushes over to him. WESTPHALEN (excited) I have wonderful news, Nathan! Lucas is going to be all right! BRIDGER (yawning) Don't tease me, Kristin. You know how much I care about that boy. WESTPHALEN I'm not teasing, Nathan. (retelling the story) Michaela told me that she was just returning from the bathroom when she heard Lucas calling her name. Weakly, but loud enough so she could hear him. She rushed to his side and when she answered him, he smiled. (beat, smiling) And I checked all of his signs. He should come out of this just fine. BRIDGER (worried) What about... (trailing off) I mean, Lucas -- WESTPHALEN Don't worry about that at the moment. We'll think of something once he's regained consciousness. Five days later, Lucas still hasn't regained consciousness, but he has called out to Michaela several times, and occasionally, for Darwin, O'Neill, Ortiz and Bridger. Ortiz walks into Med Bay, quietly. Michaela is sleeping at Lucas' bedside. ORTIZ (gently putting a hand on Michaela's shoulder) Michaela? MICHAELA Lucas? (relaxing) Oh, hi Miguel. ORTIZ Hi. I didn't mean to startle you. MICHAELA That's okay. ORTIZ How's he doing? Any change? MICHAELA No, not yet. Ortiz pulls up a chair and sits down as O'Neill walks in. O'Neill looks at Ortiz, silently asking if there has been any change. Ortiz slowly shakes his head. O'Neill gently puts his hand on Michaela's shoulder supportingly. She looks up at him, smiling slightly, and places her free hand on his, meanwhile holding Lucas' hand with the other. Darwin swims by as Bridger and Westphalen enter quietly. MICHAELA (softly) Lucas, we're all here. Every one of us that you've called out to over the past few days. Please, sweetheart. We all love you. We... She breaks off, starting to cry. O'Neill squeezes her shoulder. O'NEILL (comforting) Ssh. He'll be all right. Just calm down. Michaela slowly stops crying. She places her other hand on top of Lucas's. Lucas gently squeezes her hand and slowly opens her eyes, looking towards the swim tubes. LUCAS (whispering) Darwin? Darwin squeals and the vo-corder translation answers. DARWIN Lucas awake! WESTPHALEN (sighing with relief) Oh, thank God!! LUCAS (looking at Michaela) Michaela? MICHAELA Yes, sweetie. It's me. LUCAS What's going on? WESTPHALEN (walking over to Lucas) Just rest. You can talk later. Sea Deck Three weeks later. Lucas is gently petting Darwin. Ortiz and Michaela walk in together. ORTIZ Lucas! Where have you been? We've been looking everywhere for you! Lucas looks up at them and smiles. He stops petting Darwin and walks over to them. Lucas puts an arm around Michaela's shoulder and kisses her on the cheek. LUCAS I've been here talking to Darwin. (beat, with a glance at his friend) God, I've missed being able to see him. ORTIZ Well, you _were_ still pretty weak and Darwin would have only gotten you overexcited. MICHAELA You ready for some dinner? LUCAS (making excuses) I'm not really very hungry. ORTIZ (slowly growing angrier) Damn it, Lucas! The reason you're so weak now is because you didn't eat in the first place! (beat, calming down, almost begging) Please, Lucas. You _have_ to eat. Michaela gives Lucas the "sad puppy-dog eyes" look. MICHAELA (begging) Please? Please, honey? For me? She gives him the puppy-dog eyes again. LUCAS (breaking down) Oh, okay! Fine! (beat, pulling Michaela closer) You know I can't resist the puppy-dog eyes. Mess hall O'Neill and Hitchcock are sitting at a table, eating. O'Neill spots Lucas, Michaela and Ortiz walking in and smiles. Hitchcock sees them as well and eagerly waves them over. They walk over to the table. Lucas pulls out Michaela's chair for her and pushes it in once she's sat down. Michaela smiles up at him and he grins at her. Lucas sits down next to Michaela, picks up his fork and starts eating. Everyone is watching him to make sure he's okay. He looks at them with a reassuring smile and a general sigh of relief falls over them. Lucas' quarters. Three hours later. Lucas and Michaela are alone. Lucas is holding Michaela in his arms. MICHAELA (sighing happily) I thought I'd never get to feel your arms around me again. (beat) I thougth I'd never get the chance to be with you, alone. LUCAS (grinning) Well, here we are, alone, just you and me. (he bends over her) You're so beautiful, you know that? Michaela puts her head into his lap and he gently strokes her auburn hair. MICHAELA (gently touching his cheek) Mmm. You're not so bad yourself, gorgeous. Lucas smiles at her and she returns the smile. He gently lays her on the bed on her back, and lies on his side next to her, still holding her in his arms. LUCAS It feels _so_ good to be able to hold you. MICHAELA There's no place I'd rather be (smiling slightly) Than here with you. Lucas gently caresses her cheek and smiles at her. He gently kisses her cheek and looks into her eyes. She pulls him toward her and tenderly kisses him on the lips. Lucas sighs happily and holds her close. They lie there, entwined in each other's arms until they both fall asleep. Med Bay Bridger and Westphalen are discussing Lucas' condition. WESTPHALEN He's getting stronger, but it'll take a while before he's completely back to the vibrant teenager he used to be. BRIDGER (worried) How long will that be? WESTPHALEN It depends. Every person's recovery is different. BRIDGER Are you sure we should allow him to be with Darwin... (beat, unsteadily) And with Michaela? They both get him rather...excited. WESTPHALEN I think that the both of them are doing a world of good for Lucas and are only helping his recovery rather than hindering it. BRIDGER True, he does seem to be getting better... WESTPHALEN He _is_ getting better. Slowly, but he's getting better. Bridger looks relieved. Lucas' quarters An hour later. Ortiz quietly knocks on Lucas' door. He peeks his head in and sees Michaela and Lucas sleeping in each other's arms. He smiles and closes the door, trying not to make any noise. O'Neill approaches, smiling. O'NEILL (calling) Hey, Miguel! ORTIZ Ssh. Lucas is asleep and it's the most adorable sight in the world. O'NEILL (confused, has Miguel gone "loco"?_ Lucas sleeping is adorable? ORTIZ Just look in the door. O'Neill looks in and sees exactly what Ortiz saw. O'NEILL (smiling) Awww. That _is_ cute. (beat) I'm just glad that he found someone like Michaela. ORTIZ Yeah, she's perfect for Lucas. The two of them smile in the general direction of the door and quietly walk down the hall. An hour later, Lucas wakes up and looks at Michaela, who's still asleep. He tenderly brushes her hair away from her face and looks at her. LUCAS (thinking) She looks so peaceful. Almost like...an angel. Lucas gently kisses Michaela on the cheek. He pulls back and looks at her. He can't help himself and kisses her on the lips, gently. She wakes up and looks directly into his eyes with a look that can only be described as loving. She caresses his face with a touch so gentle, that he could barely feel it. Their eyes lock and the light is reflected in Michaela's eyes. Lucas' breath catches in his throat and he feels more in love with her at that moment than he ever had before. He daws her towards him and kisses her gently, but passionately. Lucas' hand goes from her cheek to her waist. Michaela runs her hands through his hair and slides her hands down to caress his back. They hold each other close, still kissing. Launch Bay Three days later. Lucas looks as happy and energetic as he was before he got sick. He is hugging Michaela, who has tears in her eyes. LUCAS C'mon, honey. Please don't cry. (beat, whispering so no one else hears) Or else I might start crying myself. She smiles at him, but she still has tears in her eyes. MICHAELA I can't help it. I'm going to miss you so much. LUCAS I'm going to miss you too, sweetheart. But it's like I said, I promise I'll come to visit on my next leave. I swear. MICHAELA Okay, as long as you promise... She trails off, looking deeply into his eyes. She sees his sincerity and hugs him tightly. MICHAELA I'd better go before I can't find the strength to leave. She starts to head into the launch when Lucas grabs her arm. She looks at him questioningly and he quickly pulls her towards him for one last kiss. When they finally separate, she grins at him and quickly leaves. Lucas looks after her longingly, smiling, but a single tear rolls down his cheek as he watches the love of his life depart. Fade to Black. THE END ** Author's note: With both "Innocence Lost" and "Hope Regained", I intended to emphasize the seriousness of the disease of anorexia. It is a dangerous and life-threatiening disease. Contrary to popular belief, not every anorexic suffers from the belief that they are fat and must lose weight to be liked. Some do it because they are lonely and others simply to gain a feeling of control over their lives. An anorexic will not always have all of the symptoms, such as a loss of energy. In fact, one day their energy may be through the roof, so to speak, and another, they may be slow and even appear to be lazy. Anorexia, as is true with other eating disorders, is a disease much like alcoholism. It is never cured. There is always a chance for relapse. Lucas "recovered" from this disease much quicker than most people, mostly to keep the story not only withing a decent time framing, but also to keep it short. The sad fact is, the number of people suffering from this traumatic disease is increasing by the day. If you suspect, or even know for a fact, that someone you care about is suffering from any eating disorder, please try to get them help. The one thing that a person suffering from a disease like this needs is a friend. Please, for the sake of not only our generation, but for the generations to follow, help eliminate the spread of a disease that exists not only in body, but in the mind as well. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Normal: seaquest-ff-request@stgenesis.org Subject: Unsubscribe Digest: seaquest-ff-d-request@stgenesis.org Subject: Unsubscribe