Brian’s POV
I picked Penny up, put her in the car and rushed to the hospital. This clearly wasn't food poisoning and I was scared as hell. I didn't even think; I did what she wanted. Adam didn't answer, so I left a message.
“This is Brian Haner. Penny is sick and she told me she wanted me to call you just before she lost consciousness. I am driving her to the hospital here in town right now. I'm pretty sure she has a high fever.” I realized after I left the message that she wanted him first off. I felt a pang of jealousy and then snapped to my senses, remembering that Penny was out cold beside me.

I pulled up to the emergency room, got Penny out of the car and ran in. I didn't even shut the car off. I heard the horn go off because I had the keyless fob in my pocket, but I didn't care. They saw me carrying in an unconscious woman and had me take her back to an examination room. I gave them her name and they said that I should go park my car really quick. I ran and did so in a panic. On my way back through the waiting room I was recognized. A fan tried to stop me and ask for an autograph or something, I blew by them so fast I can't even tell you if they were male or female.

I filled the Doctor in on Penny's condition and told them that her Doctor was in town. I tried to call again and even text Adam.
She still hadn't come to; they had taken blood but the results would take time. They ran an EKG and EEG and both were fine. They put her on an I.V. because she appeared to be dehydrated and needed meds to try to bring her fever down. She was still sweating and now instead of hot, her hands were cold and clammy. She wasn't still either, she seemed to be in pain but not conscious. She would even speak softly here and there, usually it was just Brian and a couple of times it was Adam. I told her I was there and that I loved her, but I doubted she could hear me. I felt totally helpless, this wasn't supposed to be happening. This wasn't part of what Jimmy showed me. He said I could save her.

She was running a very high fever, which was the main concern. I called Chloe and Tess, they were on their way. All I could do was wait and pray.

Adam called an hour after we arrived at the hospital and spoke to the Doctor on call and they moved her up to the ICU because of her being high risk. Adam arrived shortly after. You could tell Adam was shaken and nervous. He didn't have privileges at the hospital, but the Doctor's there followed his direction. She was given her normal treatment and lots of fluids.

Adam's POV
I left Gwyn's, I was furious. I hadn’t even processed it all when I realized I had multiple voicemails and texts from Brian. I quickly looked up the address of the hospital and mapped it in. I called the hospital and spoke to the Doctor on call, they were taking her to the ICU. I needed to call Gwyn next.
“What did you give her?” I said before she could even say Hello.
“Hello to you too.” She said sarcastically.
“Stop the bullshit games. Penny is in the ICU; I need to know what it was.”
“Oops, I might have over done it a tad.”
“A tad? What was it?” I demanded.
“I'm not telling you. Just keep pumping fluids through her. Good luck.” The line was dead, she hung up on me.
I got to the hospital and did everything I could without actually telling them I knew what was wrong. I even had her stomach pumped, but I'm sure it was too late to do any good. Without knowing what Gwyn had actually given her, there wasn't much I could do.

Brian barely left her side, it was clear I was wrong about his priorities. He would wipe the sweat from her forehead and talk to her. He was so frustrated because “we” couldn't figure out what was wrong.

Gwyn showed up at the hospital, putting on a great show. My fear was that she was there to finish what she started.

Only three visitors were allowed in the room at a time. I was in the waiting room while Penny's daughter and sister were in with her. Gwyn rushed up to me.
“Oh my God! I just heard, is Penny okay?”
I ushered her to an empty side of the room away from Penny's other relatives and friends.
“Go away Gwyn.” I said.
“But I want to be here for my special friend.” She smirked.
“Stay away from her. This is your fault and you promised no more.”
“You think I would give her more?”
“I absolutely do. But I also think you are here to weasel your way into Brian's good graces.”
“You are right on the second part, but wrong on the first. I'm not ready for the comfort the grieving husband thing, yet.”
“You should have thought of that before you did this. He might end up being a grieving husband now, if you don't tell me what it was so I can help her.”
“I'm not telling you, then you could tell them what to look for.”
I gritted my teeth and said quietly. “If you hurt her again, you will pay for it. Hopefully she makes it okay this time, if she doesn't…”
“Can I go see him now?” She asked.
“Don't you mean her?”
“Yea, whatever.” She said.
“I will be with you and watching you every second.”
“Aww, don't you trust me?” She flashed an evil grin. “Let's go.”
Penny's family came out and Gwyn and I went back to her room. Gwyn hugged Brian and was SO concerned about Penny. I didn't take my eyes off of her for a second. Of course, Gwyn was more interested in talking to Brian than Penny.
“It's hard to believe that less than five hours ago she was eating dinner with us. I hope this doesn't mean a setback for her recovery.” Gwyn poked. “She looks so sick and frail right now.”
“We aren't worried about that right now, we just want her to get through this.”
You could tell Brian just wanted to get rid of her, I think we both were thinking the same thing. We didn't know if Penny could hear her, but we knew it would just upset her if she did.
“This is not related to her illness; we have run tests to make sure.” I said, not able to say the real reason I knew. Of course, Gwyn knew.
“You know Gwyn; I need to take a walk do you want me to walk out with you?” Brian asked, I'm sure he was hoping to ditch her once she walked out of the room.
“That would be great, I'm sure you need a break.” She said.
Brian ushered her out. I am sure Gwyn was happy. I was now alone with Penny.


I went over to the bed and picked up where Brian had left off, wiping the sweat from her face with a cool damp cloth. At first I didn't say a word, just watching as her head moved about uncomfortably. I felt the need to talk to her, but not knowing if she could hear me or not I had to be careful. But I needed to get things off my chest.
“Penny, you need to push to get through this. I am so sorry. I should have known; I should have seen what…was wrong.” It was hard not to say too much. “I promise you, I will do everything I can to make sure you are never sick like this again.” Then I couldn't hold back my feelings. “You are very special to me and I will do whatever I have to do…” I wanted to say protect her, but that could be saying too much. As I struggled to finish the sentence, Brian walked back in.
“Did she wake up?” He said.
“No. But she is starting to get some color back and sweating less.”
“I thought I heard you talking.”
“I was just keeping her company while you were gone”
“Thanks.” He said, in an almost angry voice.

Brian's POV
I had enough of Gwyn, I didn't want to take the chance of Penny hearing her. I walked with her out to the waiting room.
“We need to talk.” I said.
“Talk?” She said batting her eyelashes.
“You need to be more careful about what you say to and in front of Penny.”
“She can't hear me.”
“We don't know that and I'm not just talking about right now.” I was trying to be as nice as I could. “Twice, you have upset her with something I'm sure you meant innocently.”
“The car accident thing and the sex thing?” She said.
“We don't have to discuss the details. I am just asking you to be more sensitive in what you say from now on.”
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset her and I will make sure I think it through from now on.”
“Thank you and thanks for coming to see Penny. I have to get back to her.”
Gwyn looked displeased, but then smiled. “Of course, I'll check in on Penny tomorrow.” She left and I headed back to Penny.

As I stood outside the door of Penny's room, I overheard Adam telling Penny that she was special to him and that he would do whatever he had to do. He didn't finish the sentence, but I'm sure it was to make her his. I needed his help right then, but after Penny got through this I was going to make sure I kept her away from him as much as possible.

Adam stayed there for hours, we barely spoke to each other. Penny’s fever finally broke and she seemed to finally be resting comfortably. Then at 2:00 AM she opened her eyes slowly.
“Hey Penz, it's good to see those blue eyes.” I said. She just looked at me, then finally spoke.
“Where am I?” She whispered.
“You're in the ICU, Sweetie.”
“ICU?” She asked.
“Yes, but you're going to be okay.” I said. “Right, Dr. Gabriel?”
“Adam is here?”
Adam walked up to the bed.
“You're going to be okay. Don't worry” He smiled, trying to reassure her. “I'm going to go talk to the Doctor here.” As soon as he left, Penny asked.
“What's wrong with me? I need to know.” I could tell it was hurting her to talk.
“Why don't I see if I can get you some water?”
“Brian!” She forced out louder. “Tell me!”
“We don't know Penz. They ran all kinds of tests; they couldn't find the cause.” She was getting very upset. “Everything is going to be okay.” I kissed her gently. “Please just try to stay calm. I love you, I'm so glad you are awake.”
“Is this going to keep me from…” She was about to cry.
“Adam doesn't think so, but he doesn't know for sure at this point.”
“I want to go home, right now.” She demanded.
“Penz, you need to stay here until the Doctors say you're okay to go home.”
“We are missing precious time together.”
“Maybe I shouldn't go.” I said.
“You know you have to and I don't want you to let everyone down again because of me.” She said.
“If this happens again, I'm not going and if I'm gone I'm coming back.” I could tell she didn't like me saying that. “Hopefully you'll be home soon and I am going to stay right here until you are.” I kissed her. “No more arguing, rest your throat.”

Adam's POV
As I left the room I could hear Brian telling her that he loved her. I felt a stabbing pain in my head. I was sick over what I would have to do and I would be helping Gwyn do. I knew that Gwyn giving her more than ever was no accident, it was a warning.

Notes