Changes

Rating: K

Genre: Romance

Disclaimers: not mine

Summary: Is it possible to find love again when your life has been shattered? Alternate Universe

Warning: I don't know if this is absolutely necessary but there is a character death.

A/N: STFBEye characters are again placed in an alternate universe. Please keep in mind certain creative liberties have been taken in the writing of this story because after all, these characters may be real to us but ultimately, they still exist in reel time only. Otherwise, their lives would be very different if I had anything to say about it!

----------

Chapter 1

Bobby Manning sat on the deck looking at the view before him—rolling green hills, trees dotting the landscape against the expansive blue sky—a peaceful vista made to order to soothe the soul. Then why did he feel so empty?

Footsteps were heard behind him. "Hey, Bobby," called out a masculine voice, "how 'bout some lunch?"

"Not hungry, mate," replied Bobby. "Maybe later."

Jack Hudson eyed the tall Aussie in concern. Since the accident that claimed the life of his fiancée six month ago, the normally ebullient man had become withdrawn, at times fluctuating between anger and apathy.

"You need to eat something," Jack said mildly. "You hardly ate any breakfast."

"I appreciate your concern but I'll eat when I'm ready," Bobby said in a tired voice.

Jack opened his mouth to argue but snapped it shut. Bobby could be stubborn when he chose.

"All right," Jack responded. "By the way, you have that doctor's appointment at two. The receptionist said to come early to fill out the usual forms."

"Why do I need to see another doctor?" Bobby grumbled. "I've seen enough to last a life time."

Jack just shrugged. "You're still recovering, Bobby, no matter what you think. Your doctor recommended this Dr. Leland. Besides, you still have to see a physical therapist for that leg and arm." Both had been badly broken in the accident.

"Why can't everyone just leave me alone?" he demanded.

"You will be," pointed out Jack. "No one knows you're here. And here, they leave you alone. But, you still have to see the doctor and continue your physical therapy if you want that arm and leg of yours to regain full function. Dr. Mitchell said it's only a matter of time and you following directions. I told him that latter part may be asking a bit much since you're not so good at that," he smirked.

For the first time that day, a small smile hovered on Bobby's lips. "All right. I'll see this Dr. Leland."

"Good," nodded Jack. "And in the meantime, I'll bring out that sandwich and lemonade. I make a mean tuna fish sandwich if I do say so myself." He left for the kitchen.

Bobby lay back in the recliner thinking how lucky he was to have a friend like Jack. This was Jack's hideaway, the place he came when he wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

They met at the gym ten years ago and quickly became friends despite the differences in their careers. In fact, Jack's girlfriend at the time was the one who had introduced Darcy to him three years ago.

Darcy! It hurt to think of her. Bright and beautiful Darcy with her dark chestnut hair and big brown eyes. He loved her very much. Another three weeks and they would've been married and on their honeymoon in Hawaii. He had been planning to surprise her with two tickets for an inter-island cruise since she had once said she always dreamed of visiting all the islands. Those tickets were now buried on the bottom of a drawer, never to be used.

He closed his eyes in pain. Would he ever be able to love again? He didn't think so. He didn't want to hurt like this ever again.

----------

"Mr. Manning," said the receptionist handing him a clipboard, "Please fill out these forms. The top one is the new patient information sheet-front and back. The second is our patient confidentiality form. Bring them back when you've completed them."

As he clutched the clipboard in one hand, he wondered how to hold it and navigate to a chair with his crutches.

"Here," said a pretty blonde in a lab coat, "let me hold that for you while you get a seat," she offered holding out her hand. "Looks like you have your hands full' she remarked nodding at the crutches. A golden retriever was at her side.

"I'm fine," he said brusquely. "I don't need your help."

Taken aback at his rudeness, her hand dropped to her side. "I only wanted to help," she said quietly. "I'm sorry." She turned towards the counter, forcing a smile. "Here's the report Dr. Leland wanted."

Great," remarked the receptionist taking the folder. "New patient," she mouthed, eyebrows raised. Out loud she said, "Don't forget—7:15 in front of the theatre."

"I'll be there," the blonde replied. "C'mon, Levi." The woman and dog retreated down the corridor.

Bobby watched them go. He was sorry he'd been so abrupt but he'd become very sensitive about his condition and hated to have people hovering over him.

"She only wanted to help," Jack commented matter-of-factly as he joined his friend. After dropping off Bobby and parking the car, he entered the clinic just in time to witness the whole scene. He took the clipboard from Bobby.

Bobby shrugged a shoulder "I'm sorry." He hobbled to a seat.

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to," pointed out Jack as he handed the papers to Bobby.

"I'll never see her again so what does it matter?" said Bobby trying to brush it off.

Jack tilted his head. "It's not that big a place, " he warned his friend. "You might run into her at the market or the post office or maybe even here at the clinic."

"Forget about it," Bobby ordered. "I have."

Jack just shook his head as he sat down next to his friend. "Whatever you say."

----------

"You're coming along fine," pronounced Dr. Leland as he pocketed his stethoscope. "A bit thin but all things considered, you're looking good. I read the report your doctor forwarded and I must say, considering the extent of your injuries, you're doing remarkably well."

Bobby's expression didn't change. He'd seen too many doctors in the past few months to feel pleased about his condition.

"Dr. Mitchell recommended continuing your physical therapy while you're recuperating and I concur," added the doctor. "We're fortunate that a town this size has a therapist and it just so happens she's excellent. You'll enjoy working with her." He scribbled a few things on Bobby's chart. "I'll see you in two weeks to see how you're doing. Keep up the good work." When he reached the door, the doctor turned "I'll have my nurse make your first appointment with Sue."

"Sue?" It was one of the few words he'd volunteered throughout the examination.

"The physical therapist," was the brief answer. "Like I said, she's excellent. Take care now."

The doctor left and the nurse came in. "Need help with that shirt?" she asked cheerfully when she saw him struggling to put his arm through the sleeve.

"I can do it myself," he snapped.

"Fine," responded the nurse, eyebrows rose at the patient's curt manner. "I came in to check what days and times would be convenient for you for therapy. Doctor wants you to go twice a week for now."

"It doesn't matter," was the response.

"Afternoon? Morning?"

"I said it doesn't matter."

"Fine," said Lucy tersely. "How 'bout if I call and let you know the days and times?"

"Whatever." Bobby limped to his crutches and left without another word.

"Oh-kay," Lucy said to herself as she started to prep the room for the next patient. "I can see we're gonna have a fine time with this one. I feel sorry for Sue already."

----------

"I feel sorry for you," repeated Lucy as she sat next to Sue in the theatre waiting for the performance to begin. A touring company of Stomp had come to their town and a group from the clinic decided to go. Sue was reluctant to attend because of her deafness but Lucy and Sherry had assured her she would enjoy it. It was a visual performance as well as an auditory one, Sherry told her.

"Why?"

"That new patient of yours—Bobby Manning? Let's just say, no one is gonna be calling him Mr. Sunshine any time soon," remarked Lucy darkly.

Sue shrugged. "I don't need to love my patients," she reminded her friend. "I only need to work with them."

"It's too bad," Lucy continued as though she hadn't heard her friend. "He could be pretty darn attractive if he smiled. His friend is cute," she smiled.

"What will Dimitrius say?" asked Sue, tongue-in-cheek.

"He knows my heart belongs to him," Lucy replied confidently. "But I'm not dead."

"You're terrible," Sue scolded mockingly. The lights started to dim. "Shh!"

----------