December 12, 2007 2:24 PM
Hospital Lobby

Dressed in a pair of simple black slacks, and a loose T-Shirt to match, Nicholas walked into the hospital lobby with a very noticible look of reluctance, and even some fear. It has been awhile since he has been out of the hospital grounds, and the last few weeks changed him very much. His appearance alone showed much change; he was paler now, and his body was already showing a less fitness. A thin layer of fat was forming over the muscle, but his once fit and firm body was not totally a lost cause--yet. As Nicholas looked around the lobby, he slipped his hands into his pockets, an action which in a way had grown to provide some sense of support for him. It closed him, in a way, and provided the framework for the walls he was trying to rebuild between himself and the rest of the world. The walls were still badly damaged, though, so he was as vulnerable now as he was in the hospital. He was at least stable, now.

"Mr. McCallister!" called a familiar voice, which was quickly accompanied by the smiling face of Nick's ex-secretary, Mrs. Jennings. "There you are, I've been waiting for you for a little while. Mrs. McCallister sent me to get you, since she has to go pick up the young Michael." At the mention of his children, Nick showed the first sign of of a smile, but it was very faint. He nodded to Ol' Miss Hitler, and said, "Thanks for coming to get me, but it wasn't nessecary. I could have called a cab, ya know."

She waved her hand dismissively, "Oh get off it, Mr. McCallister. I don't work for you, but you're still going to be listening to me. Mrs. McCallister has hired me, with a contract, to be your personal assistant until you get back on your feet. So, come on now, its time for you to get going home." He took ahold of his arm, and dragged the dumbfounded Nick out of the hospital, and into his car, which she quite kindely informed him, he wouldn't be driving until he was off the anti-depessants.

Upon arrival at the McCallister Apartment, Nick looked around, seeming to be a bit more withdrawn then he was before. Things were different here, it was evident. But he couldn't put his hand on precisely what it was. When he went into his room, he was stopped dead in his tracks. It was very, very, different here. Of course it would be; why would Danyelle still be sleeping here? Her things were all gone.. All those little items which had made this room less cold and sterile. He felt a momentary rush of guilt, and closed his eyes tightly, letting out a long, hard sigh.

After collecting himself, and putting his belongings away, Nick out into the living room, and seated himself down on the loveseat, watching TV, and waiting for Danyelle to return with Michael. It sure was taking a long time.

5:30 PM

"Daddy?" Michael pulled on Nicholas' shoulders, until he Nick awoke groggily, opening his eyes and squinting, peering around, before he saw his son, eagerly shaking him. "Mike!" said Nicholas, as he quickly wraped his arms around his son and held him tight. The two embraced for a long moment, Nick listening and feeling the soft heartbeat of his boy.

"I'm glad your home, Dad." said Mike as he pulled away a little, smiling in the way that couldn't help but bring a large smile in response. "I'm glad i'm home too, Mikey, I've missed you." Michael quickly hugged Nicholas again, before pulling away again and looking beyond Nick.

"Hello, Nicholas." spoke a female voice... Danyelle. Nick tensed, almost instantly, and lifted Mike off of his lap..standing slowly to turn and look at his wife. "Dany." he said, his tone weak.

"It's good to see you're up.. You are looking well." Her tone was awkward, and she had a hard time looking at him apparently. She let out a faint, soft sound then continued, "Michael's staying here with you, here, for a couple days. Liz and I will.. be at our apartment."

Nick flinched, and looked down, then away.. He nodded, slightly. He couldn't bring himself to speak, so waited, silently, as Danyelle looked upon him with grief in her eyes. "We.. have to talk, soon, Nicholas.. We .." She sighed, then shook her head and walked out.

12:00 AM

Nick had very little sleep that night. Most of it was spent, awake, listening to the breath and heartbeat of his son as he held him. He missed him, so much..