It's been almost a week. A week of pure hell.

I ended up leaving Dean Porter's office abruptly after hearing the news that James could be convicted of a felony if Malcolm's family presses charges. Paul knows to keep this a secret as we don't know anything yet. As of right now, the police have been unable to contact a relative. But they have TWO years.

On top of all that, I don't know what's going on with Julia but she's a fucking mess. She's getting worse, not better. I actually feel bad she is going through what she is going through and know it's not her fault, but Nate seems extra stressed out because of it. I'm not ok with that.

Today I'm keeping my mind busy at the hospital going over agenda's with Nate. Everyone is here. Jeremy comes in to read Julia's chart and everyone is suddenly on edge. I have no idea why.

Is Julia walking on eggshells because of her mental outbursts? Did the psychiatrist warn her about having to go into a facility for them or something? Shit's going down and I'm not in on the secret.

While I'm running through the calendar with Nate, his eyes are focused on Dr. Donovan. Julia and the doctor are sitting at the kitchen table having some intense conversation no one can hear. But Nate doesn't turn his eyes away from Jeremy one time while I'm talking.

Once the conversation ends Jeremy stands up.

"You're doing a good job eating breakfast today, Julia." He says but Julia just stares ahead.

"Well. I'm off. I'll pop back in before the end of the night." The doctor leaves and Nate's attention is now completely on Julia.

"Hold on, sorry Trish. Give me a second." He gets up while I'm in mid sentence and makes his way to Julia at the kitchen table. I roll my eyes and watch him sit down. I have no idea what they are talking about but Julia suddenly shouts, getting everyone's attention.

"MAKE IT FUCKING TODAY!" Julia shouts and swipes her tray of food off the table before crossing her arms over the table and hiding her head in them.

"Ok. Ok, doll. I'll figure it out." Nate says just as Jonah comes in to the room.

"Today.. we need to figure out how to get that evaluation today, Jonah. She can't stay here and she won't leave without James. He said something..."

"Who said something? JAMES?" I ask but no one responds to my question.

"I'll go make some calls." Jonah replies. What the hell is going on in this room lately? I feel like Paul and I are out of the loop a little.

*****

Unfortunately, all but two of James's sisters are working during the day. All but Katie who is having a hard time with his mom, and Kendall. Jonah was able to make an appointment for Dr. Giovanni to come in during his lunch for one more evaluation for James before discharge, but a family member needs to be present.

That leaves us with Kendall. The one sister who has yet to come up to see her brother.

Jonah is good though. He's a phenomenal nurse and has a way with his words. Casey is here now too, helping Julia shower real quick and get ready before the appointment. Kendall is in the small breakroom, pacing back and forth, getting into her own head.

"Do you want to just stay in your wheelchair until you're strong enough to stand with the crutches? We can work on that more once you're home and more comfortable." Casey sits Julia in the wheelchair when Julia nods.

"Maybe you can go and talk to Kendall for a few minutes first to help her nerves?" Nate looks down at Julia

"Yeah."

But before anyone has a chance to leave the room, the door slowly opens. Kendall stands in the doorway and stares at her brother. Her eyes are already puffy from crying. She pays no attention to anyone else in the room and we all stay quiet for her.

Kendall covers her hand with her mouth when she sees James. He looks the same, aside from a little more of a beard compared to his usual stubble and in need of a haircut. But he was just bathed so looks good.

"You can go sit with him if you'd like." Nate says to Kendall.

"He can hear us. I know he can. And sometimes.. sometimes he will squeeze my hand or.... come here. Watch!" Julia wheels herself over to James, excited to show Kendall how James is indeed, here with us in some form or another.

Julia leans over and kisses the corner of his mouth. He puckers his lips.

"See!!! Did you see that?! He's here." Julia looks up at Kendall who is still standing in the doorway in complete shock. "You're here with us, baby." Julia smiles and rests his hand on her cheek.

"He...he can feel that? He can .. can he.." Kendall is at a loss for words while tears fall down her face.

"You can go sit with him."

I decide to give James and his sister some privacy. "Cmon Paulie, lets go grab a coffee."

We leave the room and soon everyone else follows behind us, closing the door.

"What the hell did Donovan say?" Jonah blurts out now that Julia isn't here. My eyes widen as and I give Jonah a strange look.

"I.. I don't know yet. Jonah..." Nate responds. Ok, I'm really confused now.

"Donovan?" I look at Nate.

"I'll talk to you about it later, ok? I promise."

Something happened. Something that can't be said in the here and now. But before I can even ask questions, a buzzing sound is heard from the nurses station. James's call button. Jonah is the first to swing open the door to see what's wrong.

The minute the door opens, we all freeze.

James is sitting up. Hugging his sister.

"Holy shit.." Jonah turns around and yells to the nurses station. "Page Giovanni. NOW!"

Everything happens so quick. Kendall lets go of her brother and he looks around the room. He's awake. He's out of his coma and he's awake.

"Holy shit." I hear Nate say. Everyone is in shock. Stunned. Relieved.

Dr. Giovanni rushes in with a team of four other doctors behind him.

"Well, what do we have here!" He exclaims. And as much as I never want to let James go, I back away so the doctor can examine him. "Good morning, M. Gallo. Sleep well?" The doctor jokes bringing little laughs out of all of us.

We all watch as the doctor flashes his light across James's eyes and he responds. He looks around the room confused.

"Do you know where you are, James?" Dr. Giovanni asks and the rest of the doctors move in a little with their clipboards, ready to document everything.

James shakes his head no. Of course he wouldn't know where he is, but I understand this is all protocol.

"Do you know who this is?" The doctor points to Julia and James nods and smiles, reaching out his hand for her to hold. It's almost unbelievable to witness.

"Can you say her name?"

Nothing.

"That's ok. That's called Minimally Conscious State. It may take him awhile to process things. We won't worry too much about brain damage for some time. He'll need plenty of time to catch up to speed. "

"James. This one here...she's been taking real good care of you."

James looks at Julia and nods.

He understands.

"Well, I'm not worried about your brain at all, son. You can understand us, can't you?" Dr. Giovanni smiles at his patient.

We are ALL crying messes now.