Me and Ms. Jones
“Hey there.” Jody squeezes Alex’s hand as she opens her eyes. The first thing she notice is that the room is filled with red roses and an odd white flower.
“Hi.” Alex glances around. “What are all these?”
“I don’t know they were delivered as soon as you got back from surgery. How are you feeling, sweetie?”
“Alive. What happened?” Her arm hurts, her leg hurts, everything hurts.
“A car accident. Do you know who took you?”
“Wha… oh no… Saul… they have Saul…” Alex tries to get up but her body launches an unignorable protest.
“Who’s Saul.”
“A friend of Krissy’s. I had her phone. They thought I was her and said they’d kill him if I didn’t go with them and I couldn’t let them…” Alex looks down at the bandaged arm. “They were doing something. I’m not sure who they were, they were german I think. The old one was at least and the one on the phone.”
“Excuse me.” There’s a knock on the door. “Delivery for a Miss Alex Jones?” A delivery person knocks at the door. He’s holding an enormous stuffed bear with a bouquet of chocolate roses and a heart that says. “I’m sorry.”
“That’s me?” She frowns and moves her hand to sign for it, but it hurts to move it.
“I’ll sing.” Jody waves him over.
“Thanks. The guy looks around.” It’s none of my business, but…. don’t take him back. This… this doesn’t mean anything.” He plots to the flowers. “It’s not worth your life.”
“What?” Alex frowns as she takes the card with her left hand and opens it. “To my little honey badger,” she reads and laughs. Jody tips the man and sends him on his way. “I’m sorry. I was stupid and reckless. Please forgive me for hurting you. Much love and sorrow, your big bad wolf. What?”
“The brother of Claire’s girlfriend stole my car and used it to force the car you were in into an accident.” Jody explains flatly.
“Oh.”
“Do you mind telling me why this idiot referred to you as his future lover?”
“Because he’s a shameless flirt. And it’s not going to happen. He’s only ever been a wolf or dog around me. He wasn’t being serious.” Alex brushes it off. Jody pointedly looks around the room.
“This looks fairly serious to me.” Jodie looks around the room.
“We need to call Sam and Dean. Some one has to rescue Saul. And we need to tell Claire someone’s after Krissy and her baby.” Alex tries to sit up but moves her arm as she does so. It hurts like a burns, and she starts to wraps the bandage.
“Alex, what are you doing? Stop!” Jody grabs her hand.
“They were burning wards onto my arm. I need to get pictures of them so we know what they were trying to do.”
“Alex. We have pictures. I will make sure Sam and Dean get them when they arrive. You are going to stay put and heal. You almost died, Alex.” Jody puts her forehead on Alex’s. “Do you appreciate that at all?” A chill of fear runs down her spine.
“Geez, kiddo, what happened to you?” They look to the door and see Babe there, her siblings behind her. “Sorry it took so long to get here, Michael kind of chased me to the other side of the universe.
“Your son happened.” Jody snaps at her. “Fenris.”
“What? Not Rhys.” The angel looks genuinely astonished. “He’s not even supposed to be…” she’s interrupted by a stern comment from Michael. “No, he’s my son. I will deal with this.”
“He was trying to help me.” Alex explains with a sigh. “He just chose an unfortunate way to do it, I guess. Is everything alright with you three?” She asks as Michael and Babe quietly argue.
“See, I told you. I know my children. Hold on let me fix you up real quick.” Babe lifts her hand.
“Wait.” Raphael grabs her wrist. “Her condition is not life threatening. And how do you intend to explain her instant recovery?”
“I… don’t?” Babe replies slowly.
“He has a point, Bree. I have to live here, and there’s enough weird stuff around me as it is. Maybe after I’m discharged. I can cancel follow ups and no one will be the wiser.” Alex says regretfully.
“Who attacked you?” Michael demands.
“I don’t know. They have Saul, Hara’s vessel. They thought I was Krissy because I had her phone. If I didn’t go they said they’d kill him and I didn’t have time to explain and I couldn’t just let them…” Alex feels a bit embarrassed at the disbelieving look Raphael gives her.
“And when they found out you weren’t who they thought you were? What exactly did you intend to do then?” He asks derisively.
“I don’t know. I was just trying to keep them from killing Saul immediately.” She explains sheepishly. “They were German, I think, and were burning some symbols on my arm as we went.” She nods to her bandaged arm.
“Raphael.” Michael nods to him.
“May I?” He motions to her arm. Alex nods.
“Stay and stand guard over Ms. Jones while Gabriel and I take care of this.” Michael instructs his sibling. Raphael nods and walks over to examine Alex’s arm as the others vanish.
“You don’t need to remove the bandage?” She asks.
“No.” He shakes his head. “They were trying to bind you.”
“What does that mean?” Jody asks.
“It means you would have been unable to cast spells or have spells cast up on you, beneficial or detrimental. Were you a vessel, you would have been unable to take an angel in, if one was already inside you, they would be unable to leave.” Raphael touches her skin near the edge of the bandage. She gives a sigh and and relaxes back, almost melting into the pillow as the pain just dissappears.
“What did you just do?”
“Encouraged a release of endorphins to help with the pain, fortified her immune system with increased white blood cell and platelet count, and balanced the flora in her digestive system. She will at the very least be at the optimum natural rate of natural human healing. When you’re released, I will heal you the rest of the way. “ He stands by the window in a spot free of flowers.
“I’m going to go fill out some paperwork. Need to requisition a new car.” Jody kisses Alex’s forehead. “I’ll be back in a little bit. Would you like anything? Are you hungry?”
“No. Thanks.” Alex shakes her heads, and slowly takes the remote from beside her head. “So, how are you doing? Is everything okay now?” Raphael just raises an eyebrow at her. “Well, you know, relatively okay.”
“I have no desire to indulge in idle conversation. I am here to secure your safety not entertain you.”
“It’s not idle conversation. I’m concerned about my friends and your… Michael.”
“And which are you more concerned for?”
“Both. Everyone, but mostly you and Michael.” This response gets a witheringly skeptical look from Raphael. “Everyone else has a large network of friends and family and allies, people they’re close to and depend on. And you’re doing much better at adjusting to things than he is. So, mostly Michael I suppose.” She considers.
“She’s not well.” Raphael says quietly. “I doubt talking will help in any way. But should she wish to confide in you and seek your counsel I will not interfere. Do not betray her.” The threat implied in that last statement is fairly terrifying.
“Wasn’t planning on it.” Alex turns the T.V. on.
“Alex!” Claire runs into the room. “Are you alright?”
“She’ll be fine.” Raphael states, turning back to the window.
“Was I asking you?” Claire snaps, “What happened? Who the hell sent all these flowers?”
“Claire, is Krissy with you?” Alex grabs her arm.
“No. She wouldn’t leave. Don’t worry, I sent her Thanatos as back up. I figured I’d shove some responsibilities in her face while I was at it. Now tell me what happened and whether or not I have to skin a wolf.”
“Claire! You let her? What the hell were you thinking?” Alex smacks her with a pillow.
“That my sister was in the hospital and maybe dying. I should never have left you alone I should have known something would happen. I can’t leave either of you alone for a second. I should have been there! I should have… I’m talking to time and you’re going to start training again, understand?”
“No one could have predicted this Claire.” Alex sighs. “Don’t be so over dramatic.”
“Who are you calling over dramatic Ms. I’m going to die a virgin because the supernatural world keeps interfering in my relationships.”
“I swear to god, Claire, if you don’t stop calling me a virgin. I will beat you over the head with a bedpan.”
“So… you and John? Or did you succumb to the charms of an african god.” Claire teases. Alex just glares at her.
“No. And I am not discussing this now. Go back to Krissy and watch out for germans who know magic will you? Michael and Bree are looking for Saul, but still.”
“I’m not leaving you unprotected, Alex.” Claire objects. Raphael crosses his arms at this, but doesn’t say anything.
“Raphael’s here. I’ll be fine.” Alex attempts to reassure her. The look on Claire’s face makes her feelings on entrusting her loved ones to the care of angels beyond clear.
“Michael has instructed me to guard Ms. Jones and I will do so, regardless of your opinion on the subject. This is an extreme honor, given that only prophets have previously been assigned the protection of an archangel.” Raphael informs her pointedly.
“Hasn’t every single prophet died a violent and untimely death?” Claire asks just as pointedly.
“No prophet has been killed by supernatural means while an archangel was a live to protect them.” Raphael counters, fairly irritated by this observation. “Unfortunately, we were ordered not to interfere with mundane human assaillants. It was not an order I agreed with but I followed it none the less.”
“Just following orders. I see. Oh, well that’s probably for the best given what happened the last time you showed a little initiative.”
“Claire.” Alex glares at her. “Stop it. Just leave him alone, okay?”
“I do not need you to defend me.” Raphael turns on her.
“Don’t talk to her that way you ungrateful prick! You assholes destroyed her apartment and all her school work in the bargain. All four of her term papers. She failed three classes because of you! She lost everything she owned…” Claire walks over to him. “And all she’s been trying to do is help you.”
“Excuse me.” A nurse enters the room “But am I going to have to call security? This is a hospital word. People are sick and need rest as does your friend. Now if you can’t behave yourselves I am going to have to ask you to leave. The flowers are bad enough,” She shakes her head at the display.
“Fine. You don’t want me here, Alex. I’m gone.” Claire heads back out the door.
“Claire, I didn’t say that. Oh for…” Alex sighs “Fine, just go back to your partner, okay? She needs you right now.” Alex calls after her. The nurse just gives her a reproachful look. “Sorry,” She gives a sheepish smile.
“Try to rest. Someone will be in to check your vitals shortly.” The nurse leaves, closing the door. Alex just clicks the channels trying to find something but there’s nothing good on. Jody brought some movies from home, but her leg is not in walking condition.
“I don’t suppose you’d be willing to put in a movie for me?” Alex asks hopefully. Raphael just stares at her. “Never mind.” At least Jerry Springer is on.
“That cheating lying shit slept with my father, my mother, my cousin, my best friend and our prize sow, Porkina! That was my pig, Jeffrey! Not yours!”
“Oh it’s one of these shows.” Alex rolls her eyes, but doesn’t change the channel..
“What movie do you wish to see and how do I play it?” Raphael says as a fight breaks out on stage with dubbed in hog squeals.
“Um… hold on.” Alex grabs the bag. “Oh… she didn’t” She smiles then looks up at Raphael. “What’s your level of tolerance for sacreligious comedies?”
“Is it more or less sacreligious than your constant blasphemy?”
“What constant… oh, right. Sorry. I’ll… try to stop taking the lord’s name in vain.” Alex blushes. “And it’s more silly than offensive. Monty Python and the Holy Grail?” She holds it up. “Compared to Bree, it can barely be called sacrilegious at all.”
“Very well.” He takes it. “How does this machine work?”
“There should be a button by a small slot on the side of the tv. But the disk in the slot the picture facing us. Make sure it’s the right one. Claire never puts them back in the right cases. Yep. It should start automatically. Just let me find the right…” Alex flips through to find the auxilliary channels. “There we are. Put it in.” The screen remains blue. “Oh wait, auxilliary two? No, ah here we g-oh m- what the fuck?” She drops the remote as the screen is filled with images of an obscene and outrageously sacrilegious nature.
“Forgive me father for I am sinning.”
“Yes, yes!”
“No! Shit! What the fuck!” Alex scrambles to grab the remote again and turns the tv off.
“Never tell me your definition of severely sacrilegious.” Raphael gasps dryly.
“Hahaha.” Alex comments dryly. “That wasn’t… what...how did… Goddamn it, Bree! You little brat! That’s not funny!” she curses, feeling fairly sure her friend is laughing at her right now. “Crap. Sorry. I’m…. grrrr…” She throttles the air with one hand.
“Actually that was a fairly appropriate perjorative. “He sighs turning back to her. “I can get you a book.”
“No. I’m fine.” Alex sighs. “How long… yes?” She looks back to the door or there’s another knock.”
“Delivery for Alex Jones?” Another delivery man enters holding a basket, covered with a red cloth.
“That’s me.” She replies. He places it down on the tray table. and has her sign for it.
“Thanks.” He looks around and walks out. Alex removes the cloth. It’s a little red cape, and there’s a small laptop, a cellphone, a box of sausages, cheese, and crackers, a chess board and a pack of cards that’s nothing but fifty two queen of hearts. Sweet but useless for playing with, so she puts them back.
“Do you play?” She asks hopefully, tapping the chess set. Raphael doesn't respond and just turns to look back out the window. “That must have been hard, having to let bad things happen to people under your care.”
“If I play chess with you with you stop trying to engage me in conversation?”
“You’ll have to teach me. I’ve only played checkers.”
“Very well.” He pulls a chair over and puts the basket down on the floor before setting up the chess board.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to think as far ahead as you.” Alex sighs as Raphael checkmates her.
“Likely not. But there is value in trying. I will never be as powerful or skilled as she is, but I can measure my progress by how long it takes me to loose or if I’m any faster to catch a ruse I didn’t before.”
“Doesn’t it get frustrating?” Alex looks at the board.
“Yes. When I go for a long time without improving, but that just makes my eventual success that much more rewarding.”
“I suppose immortality’s nice that way.” Alex sighs leaning back against the raised bed.
“Existence is nice that way. Let’s try again. A lot of chess is simply memorizing positions and opportunities and recognizing the patterns when they appear. If you wished to learn, I’d run drills and such, but I assume you just wish engage your mind while in the hospital and have no desire to persue it beyong that.”
“True, it beats talks shows.” She takes a sip of her water. “Can I ask you a question?”
“You may ask.”
“Will you answer it?” Alex grins at his wording.
“Probably not.”
“Why is there a hell?”
“I don’t know.”
“Who would know?” She prods.
“Our father would. He’s not big on explaining himself. The most common answers were ‘because’ and ‘you’ll just have to trust me.’ I don’t understand why he allowed it to exist. I don’t understand why pain and suffering exists. I knew everything then can be said about it. I know it’s function and place in the world, but I don’t know why things have to be as they are. Why it has to be necessary. Why it was created to work this way. I never will and to be honest I often suspect my father doesn’t either. There is no Rhyme or reason or justice to anything. No purpose, no higher meaning. Perhaps he was just bored and playing with us all for his own amusement and now that he’s gone we are just so many abandoned playthings decaying in the yard. The question is not why is there a hell but why is there anything. A never ending stream of why.”
“Oh.” Alex says as Raphael just looks at the chessboard, and reaches out to touch his hand automatically.
“Don’t.” He moves his hand back.
“Sorry.”
“Why must you touch everyone you speak to?” Raphael asks a bit testily.
“I don’t know. It’s just...nice touching warm body, it’s reassuring.” Alex shrugs. “People need people. Sometimes I have a hard time believing…”
“Believing?”
“Just that I am where I am, what I am, with who I’m with. I’ll try my best to remember not to touch you. I’m tired. I’m going to try to get some sleep. If Bree comes back when I’m asleep could you have her take the basket back to her son, Rhys? I can’t accept these.”
“I will.”