Riptide

She waited a few seconds then got up quietly and left the room. Max and Jay smiled. "Is it our turn now?"

Mel felt badly that she had to disappoint them. "Sorry, he fell asleep boys."

They both frowned.

She walked over to Casey who was standing by the nurse's station. She looked up and smiled at Mel. "What's up chica? How is your boy?"

She smiled weakly. "A bit out of it, but much better."

Casey smiled. "Yay."

Mel checked the time with a worried expression on her face. "Um, I am going to go for a walk."

Casey grabbed her hands and looked into her eyes. She knew when her best friend was lying. "Do you want company?"

Mel shook her head. "No hun. You stay with the boys. Besides, I would feel better if you were here with Nath while I am gone."

Casey looked worried. "Oh alright then." She said. "Enjoy your...walk"

Mel nodded then headed to the elevator.

Casey shook her head. She knew exactly where she was going and it wasn't for a walk.

It was getting late and visiting hours were almost over. The nurse came into Nathan's room to remind his friends that visiting hours were just about over. At the time Max and Siva were sitting with Nathan talking to him whenever he was awake.

"Guess we should head out." Siva said to Max.

Max shrugged. "Are you going to be okay mate?" he asked Nathan.

Nathan nodded. "Not my first time in a hospital mate."

Tom popped his head into the room. "We gotta go boys."

Max looked back at Nathan still worried.

Nathan smiled. "I'm fine Max really. You boys should go. I will see you tomorrow for the show."

Siva's mouth dropped open. "Yeah you can watch us from a chair."

Nathan shook his head. "No, I am performing end of story."

Max pressed his lips together. "Nath there is not way in hell..."

"Leave him alone boys." Tom chimed in. "Let him get some rest and we'll talk about it in the mornin'."

Nathan nodded at Tom. He was always looking out for him. Each one of the boys hugged Nathan goodbye and gathered in the hallway.

"Do you need a ride home Case?" Max asked politely.

"I have my car, but thank you."

Max nodded.

Just then Melanie stepped off of the elevator and headed over to them.

"Where have you been?" Max asked.

Melanie opened her mouth then closed it, not really sure how to answer that.

"Ready to head out?" Casey asked trying to avoid the awkward conversation.

Melanie shook her head. "No I'm staying."

"Visiting hours are over." Tom explained.

"It's alright." she said not really worried about it.

Kevin then escorted the boys out of the hospital and Casey moved closer to Mel.

"I'll stay with you."

Melanie shook her head. "No way girlie. You get some sleep. I will be fine. I am no stranger to this."