Disclaimer (For the last time!): I don’t own LOTR

If there are any grammar mistakes I apologize. I haven't had someone beta my chapters since Ch. 18

Chapter 25

Marcus strolled down the corridors of Oakland hospital, tired but ready to make the last of his nightly rounds. Nurses and doctors rushed by talking in hushed voices about various patients and their medications.

He had just completed medical school for neurology the previous year and had begun his residency at one of the state’s fairly competent hospitals just ten months before. Those ten months seemed like they had spanned twenty years. He was lucky enough to have received the position of assistant to the medical chief of staff, Dr. Rice.

Being a doctor was meant to be a difficult job, but he never imagined it would be so challenging. When he went into neurology Marcus hadn’t known he would have to spend four years doing residency as a regular doctor, but at least he was allowed one of the most difficult floors to work. The majority of their patients were head cases and many of them were either in a coma or vegetables.

One of their most intriguing patients was a young raven-haired woman barely into her twenties. Layla Callahan had been brought in last September from excessive drinking and found strong traces of ecstasy in her blood had been found.

Later, after receiving a report from the police with comments from her friend Kelly, they found out she had not been aware of the ecstasy until it was too late and went into shock. Marcus could not help but feel angered towards the one who had drugged Layla, though he was perplexed as to why.

The woman had not once opened her eyes since arriving and that was ten months ago. When he was on break and no one was around he would often go to Layla’s room and sit in the chair by the bed and watch her. Marcus had no explanation for his actions and didn’t know why he found her so enthralling when they had never spoken. He would often sit there and try and imagine what she was like. Was she shy and friendly or was she aggressive and determined? What color were her eyes? Were they brown, green, grey, or even one of the various shades of blue?

He’d always been serious and studious and never gave much thought to women before until this particular woman was rushed into the emergency room.

It broke Marcus’ heart to see Layla’s family and friends come in day after day, hoping for the woman’s recovery and received no word of change. Dr. Rice held little hope for the comatose woman, but Marcus ever the optimist, disagreed with his superior.

Dr. Rice feared Marcus was becoming too obsessed with the comatose patient and tried to keep him on other less serious cases on their floor. But this evening, the doctor would be giving his monthly report to the family and as his assistant Marcus had to be present.

Marcus snapped out of his reverie when he heard shouting and the red haired woman Kelly running down the hallway in his direction with tears on her face. He quickened his pace.

He hoped nothing had happened to Layla.

Kelly finally caught sight of him. “Layla’s starting to wake up, Dr. Stone.”

“Are you certain?” Marcus asked urgently and attempted to calm the hysterical woman down. He himself, felt on the verge of toppling over in excitement. She was waking up!

“Yes, I’m certain. She moved and her eyelids were fluttering.” The woman snapped her green eyes flashing. “Now, go and get Dr. Rice and come back here pronto.”

Not needing further instruction, Marcus did just that.

OoO

I blinked, feeling extremely groggy and found myself staring up at a stark white ceiling. Where the hell was I? The last thing I remembered was being at some party at Sigma house. I glanced down and noticed the various tubes and I.V. coming out of my body and the thin transparent hospital gown. Something serious had happened to me. But what?

“Layla?”

I turned to find, Kelly staring back at me her face full of relief and happiness. “Kelly? What happened?”

My friend didn’t answer but launched herself at me and hugged me tightly.

“We had thought we lost you, Layla. You’ve been in a coma for ten months and even the doctor didn’t think you would ever wake up.” Kelly sobbed.

The word 'lost' struck a nerve and for no reason at all I started crying too. I couldn’t explain it, but it felt like I had lost something. Like the feeling people get when they lose those close to them, but that didn’t make any sense. I hadn't lost anyone...had I?

Kelly only held me tighter and I let her because I needed the comfort and so did she. Ten months? I had been unconscious for ten months? I was thoroughly confused now.

“I know things don’t make any sense right now, but both of your doctors will be in soon and explain everything, okay?”

I nodded wordlessly and continued to cry.

OoO

Marcus skidded to a halt in his superior’s office and received a peculiar stare from the older man, who had just been slipping his lab coat on. It wasn’t everyday his assistant ran like the devil was at his heels in order to get to his office.

“What is it, Marcus?”

“The woman, Layla is waking up.” Marcus panted as he tried to get a hold of himself. It wouldn’t do any good for him to become too excited over the matter until Dr. Rice had a look at the woman.

Dr. Rice’s brows furrowed at the way his assistant addressed a patient so casually but decided to let it slide. The young man hadn’t been sleeping well in months and if what Marcus said was true, he had been incorrect. Truthfully, he did not think the young woman would ever recover. “I will be there momentarily. Go and check on Ms. Callahan.”

When Marcus arrived back at the room it was too see the raven-haired woman sitting up in bed being held tightly by her friend. Both of them were crying. He too felt tears spring to his eyes at the touching scene, but he was a doctor and could not become any more emotionally involved then he already was at the time. “Ms. Johnson? I hate to interrupt your reunion with Ms. Callahan, but someone needs to inform the family.”

Kelly broke away from her friend reluctantly and nodded and kept glancing at her friend the whole time she crossed the room as if afraid if she turned away Layla wouldn’t be awake.

Layla turned her gaze to him and a jolt shot through him. It felt as if he had known her from somewhere, but that was impossible. Marcus only saw her for the first time when the ambulance brought her in. Still, the feeling of déjà vu would not go away.

Well, at the very least he had the answer to his question about her eye color. They were an intensely beautiful shade of cerulean blue, which greatly complimented her dark hair and pale skin. Marcus thought she was adorable and looked like a china doll. Many of the patients had nicknames on the floor and hers just happened to be ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Most of the unit called her by the pseudonym, Marcus included.

“OoO

“Ms. Johnson? I hate to interrupt your reunion with Ms. Callahan but someone needs to inform the family.”

I started at the sound of the solid baritone. There was something disturbingly familiar about that voice. Where had I heard it before?

Kelly squeezed me tightly before leaving the room to call my family. I wiped the tears from my face with a corner of the sheet and turned to face the doctor and I was struck speechless. The man was somewhere in his late twenties and was very handsome. He had golden hair and dark blue eyes hidden behind thin wire-rimmed glasses. It wasn’t so much his good looks that gave me pause, but the foreign feelings which stirred within me. I felt like I had met him somewhere before, but could not place his face. For a moment he looked equally as startled before he seemed to pull himself together.

I finally managed to find my voice after staring at the man rudely. “Have we met somewhere before?”

The man shook his head and smiled apologetically. “I had been wondering the same thing, but I don’t think so.”

“Oh.” I said quietly, feeling a little disappointed and looked down at my hands. “It’s just you seem so familiar.”

“Maybe we were friends in a past life or something.” He joked and I rolled my eyes.

Doctor’s weren’t known for their sense of humor, but at least this one seemed to have some bedside manner. “Anyways, Kelly told me some of what happened, but I’m still confused about a lot of things. Like what happened to me and how did I wind up in a coma for ten months?”

“I will leave that up to Dr. Rice to explain. He is your primary physician. I am just his assistant, Dr. Stone.”

“Ah, a newbie.”

The doctor laughed warmly and made his way over to me. “I see you are a very eloquent person, Ms. Callahan.”

I quirked an eyebrow as the man got out his stethoscope and checked my breathing and heart. He really was an odd man, but charming nonetheless. “So, when am I going to get all of these tube things out of me? I feel like Frankenstein.”

“When Dr. Rice determines your medical status and not until then.” Dr. Stone said sternly. “I think he will agree to remove everything except the I.V. and the heart monitor.”

“I suppose, that’s not unreasonable.” I agreed reluctantly.

“Indeed.” A cool and crisp voice said from the doorway. A thin man with iron-grey hair and a faint smile entered the room. “I am glad to see our Sleeping Beauty has finally awakened from her midsummer night's dream.”

I groaned at the sound of both familiar names. “Don’t tell me, you guys have been actually calling me that.” How corny and very doctor like. Doctors should seriously be forced to go through some clown classes or something.

Dr. Stone shrugged casually. “Then I suppose we won’t tell you.”

“God, get me out of here.” I muttered.

“It was undoubtedly by of his grace that you have awakened.” Dr. Rice said seriously. “Your brain activity was extremely low, so low in fact that I thought you would die within a year or less. I did not believe you would awaken, but it seems even doctors can be wrong sometimes.”

“I think this is the first time any of my doctors have admitted to being wrong.” I said dryly. “I wish I had a tape recorder.”

Dr. Rice was apparently an easy going guy because he didn’t take any offense. “Yes, we are a prideful bunch. Dr. Stone here is in his first year of residency and still has awhile to acquire the sinful pride of doctors.”

The younger man bowed dramatically. “I try my best to be humble.”

Okay. These had to be the weirdest doctors I had ever met in my entire life. I was half-tempted to push the big red emergency call button on my remote and call for help. “This is all very…interesting, but I still don’t know why I ended up in a coma.”

Dr. Rice wiped his glasses clean on a handkerchief. “Yes, sorry for getting off track. I believe you attended a party last September at Sigma house?”

I nodded. I couldn't say much to argue that point. WMU was one of the nation's top party colleges.

"Well, apparently the young man you befriended slipped you some ecstasy when he gave you alcohol. The two opposite elements clashed in your body and hence you were in a coma."

I guess it made sense now. "What happened to the guy?"

"He's been tried and will be in prison for seven years." The young doctor said solemnly.

I felt a smidgen of pity for the guy. His life was ruined all because he tried to ruin mine. What's the matter with me? Since when was I so calm and reasonable. Maybe being in a coma altered my personality.

OoO

Layla was forced to stay in the hospital for the next two weeks and over that time Marcus would try to check on her for a few minutes during his rounds, but sometimes he would find her asleep. Dr. Rice finally agreed to discharge her, but she would have to return every week for a check up. As the summer wound to an end and the colleges started for the year, Marcus became increasingly busy with a large influx of patients and was unable to be there for Layla’s examinations. Instead, they were left up to Dr. Rice. He would ask his superior how she was doing during his breaks and the doctor would always assure Marcus she was doing well and was starting back up at Western for the fall semester.

It wasn’t until his day off and a trip to Starbucks that he saw her again. She was sitting in the back of the café with papers scattered all over the table and what looked like a sketch book in front of her. Layla’s dark hair was pulled back in a messy knot and he was amused to note she was dressed in a tank top and pajama pants. Marcus smiled and ordered his cappuccino and made his way over to her. He glanced at the sketch book on the table to see what she was drawing and then down to her feet. “I half expected you to be wearing slippers and here I find you‘re wearing tennis shoes, Ms. Callahan.”

A blush crawled across her cheeks as she noticed who was standing in front of her. “Dr. Stone?”

Marcus laughed and slipped one hand into his pocket. Layla was cute when she blushed. “Please, do not call me that. I am simply Marcus.”

“Only if you don’t call me Ms. Callahan. It makes me feel old.” Layla complained arbitrarily and brushed loose strands of her hair back impatiently from her face. “I’m only 22 for heaven’s sake.”

He was surprised; he had mistaken her for only eighteen. “Alright, Layla. So what brings you here?”

She smiled and rested her elbows on the table. “Kelly was supposed to meet me here but she just called and said her boyfriend had planned to do something today only she had forgotten about it.”

“Well, since we are both lacking in company, how about I join you?” Marcus suggested offhandedly, interested in getting to know the woman in a less severe setting than a hospital.

Layla gestured to the seat across from her. “Go right ahead.”

“How are your classes going this semester?”

Layla grimaced and made a face. “They’re going. I never actually placed any effort in my work before and am finding it a challenge. The only classes I ever bothered to try in were Art and Japanese.”

This came as a surprise as Marcus had pegged Layla for a party girl. “Do you enjoy studying Art and Japanese?”

She nodded enthusiastically, her cerulean eyes shining. “I'm a double major, Japanese and Art History. This will be my last year at WMU and then I will hopefully graduate. I plan on continuing my studies overseas in Japan and then eventually live over there and become a teacher at one of the English language schools.”

Marcus was slightly disappointed at this bit of information, although he wasn‘t sure why. He was working on his second year of residency with two to go and Layla had less than a year left until she moved overseas. “Don’t they have English schools here as well?”

Layla bit her lip and frowned. “You know, I don’t know. They could. But I still want to go and study over there at least. But it’s something to consider. I think that‘s enough about me for now. I don’t want to come off sounding like I’m in love with myself. What about you? I noticed you had a slight accent, so are you from a different country?”

Marcus sat back in his seat and sipped his cappuccino. “I lived in England until I was fifteen and then moved back to the United States with my parents. They were archaeologists and moved to England to study Stonehenge and other seemingly ancient Celtic sites before I was born. I graduated from the University of Michigan two years ago and ever since have been here doing my residency.”

Layla nodded thoughtfully. “I thought it was odd you were so formal and polite. The men raised here are jackasses.”

Marcus nearly spit out his coffee when he heard the woman swear. He had never heard her do so before and was a little astonished by her action, but he didn’t know what to make of what she said about the ‘jackass’ comment.

“What branch of medicine are you going into?”

“Neurology.” He said calmly. “Ever since my grandfather died of a brain tumor twelve years ago, I have been interested in going into the field in order to help save lives.”

Layla gasped and laid a hand over his in concern. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

Marcus shook his head, but didn‘t pull away from her touch which sent a thrill up his spine. “There is no need for an apology, you had no idea. Besides, it was long ago. I never gave being a doctor a single thought until grandfather passed away and I gradually grew to enjoy it. Its strange how happenings and dreams will affect us so detrimentally.”

Why was he telling her this when she was a complete stranger? He had never brought up his beloved grandfather’s death to even his family before. There was something about this woman which made him feel he could trust her and share his thoughts with her. It was as if he known her for years but that was absurd.

“What do you mean dreams?” She demanded.

“Do you think it’s possible for dreams to have an influence on us?”

“I don‘t know. Maybe. Yes.” Layla flipped through her notebook until she reached a certain page and tossed it to him. “Look at this. This was based on one of my dreams.”

It was a horse and riding a top the horse was a Wookie. The two were traveling through a barren desert which had candy cane trees instead of cactuses. The drawing was well-done, clean lines and perfectly detailed, but Marcus had never seen anything so bizarre in his life. Layla clearly had a vivid imagination.

“I usually dismiss my dreams as they are a bunch of jumbled and erratic nonsense, but occasionally they are useful in my artwork. Why do you ask?”

“I’ve been having strange dreams lately.” He said quietly.

“What kind of dreams?” Layla said interestedly.

“Well, there was one where I was in a medieval city hidden in a lush valley. It was very beautiful and open and there were waterfalls descending from the cliff side. The people around weren’t normal people, they were elves.”

Layla stared at him blankly. “Elves?”

“Yes, and I happened to be one of them. I think I was a warrior of sorts, but I spent most of my time behind a desk in a study. And in the dream you came bounding into my office demanding I go with you for a picnic.” Marcus finished, slightly embarrassed at telling her.

“Sounds…intriguing.”

“I also had a few other strange dreams. In one you told me you were going back home rather than staying and then you died in my arms.” He left the part out about him kissing her and confessing his undying love because it even disturbed him and Marcus did not want Layla to think he was a crazy stalker.

"In the other dream I was standing upon the battlements of a white stone city and an army of monstrous creatures was advancing on the city. There was a terrible scream and I looked above to see this huge winged grotesque creature flying towards me. Its claws ripped through my body and then darkness closed in around me. I think it was a dream of my death.” Marcus confessed, relieved to have finally told someone of the dream which had plagued his thoughts for the past week. It had seemed so real and he was not one to dream of such things.

Layla sighed. “I think I get it now. Spending all that time around me in a coma and having me awaken has probably caused the first dream. You seem like a very caring man, so it’s understandable you would dream about your patients dying. You don’t want to fail any of them and want to save them.”

“That makes some sense.” Marcus acknowledged. “Though, I am rather surprised you are taking it so calmly. I was dreaming about your death you know.”

Layla rolled her eyes. “Unless you are Native American and can see into the future through prophetic dreams than I very much doubt it’s going to happen.”

“No, I am not Native American.”

For someone six years younger than him, Layla was certainly wise. Marcus always knew he would like the female patient if she ever woke up. On the other hand, he never imagined she would possess such intensity, but there was also some youthful naivety about her as well. She seemed like one of those people who would have a child-like heart throughout their entire lives. It was rather endearing.

“Have you been watching the Lord of the Rings movies recently, Marcus?” She asked shrewdly.

“No.”

“ As for your other dream, what you described was basically the Battle of Pelennor Fields featured in the Return of the King. Anyway, don’t pay too much attention to the dream. We all dream of our death in some form or another.” Layla assured him. “Remember Freud? He said death is programmed into our subconscious and that we relate everything to death.”

Marcus slapped himself mentally. How could he have forgotten that? He had taken several psychology classes in order to obtain his degree. “ I apologize. I had every intention of getting to know you better and I go off and talk about something serious.”

“Don’t worry.” She said with a smirk. “Seriousness is a permanent disease all of you doctors seem to have and can‘t escape.”

Marcus mock glared at her, but couldn’t keep a straight face and ended up laughing. “Maybe you could help me lighten up. We should go and see a movie sometime, how about you meet me at the cinema next Saturday?”

Layla laced her fingers behind her head and leaned back in her chair and regarded him thoughtfully. “Are you asking me out in your own strange, doctor-like way, Marcus?”

It wasn’t Marcus’ original intention, but it really wasn't a bad idea. He hadn't dated anyone in six years and it was about time he started again. Besides, Layla seemed like an interesting woman. He knew he wouldn't be bored with her. “Yes. Yes, I am.”

OoO

After that day in Starbucks the two started dating. Marcus finished his residency and Layla finished her studies overseas. He set up his own practice and Layla pursued her language career. They married five years after their first meeting and at twenty-seven Layla gave birth to two twin girls, Evelyn and Desiree. The two girls were both identical images of Marcus, but they both had Layla’s quirky personality, which he would tease his wife about.

Neither of the two were aware of their past together in Middle Earth nor were they reunited with their elven friends in their life time. It was not until they passed through the gates of Valinor that their memories were restored and the two were able to reunite with some of their old elf friends.

AN: (Super long) Yep. Glorfindel became Mortal! I thought it would be a nice change from the usual earth girl turned elf that stays with their elven lover and sails to Valinor. Besides, why does the girl always have to sacrifice everything for the sake of a man?

When Layla was first introduced she was obnoxious, bratty, selfish, and immature. But throughout the fic she matured, but still retained her fiery personality. I wanted her to be a real person, rather than someone who seemed so perfect without any problems.

I want to thank you for all of the support I have received. I’m not sure I will ever write a LOTR fic again, but you never know. I have some other fics floating around, most of them are anime but I do have a POTC fic.

If you’re interested I posted a section titled Indirect Links in my profile. I mention various aspects of my story which relate to things I’ve experience in my life. Despite the links Layla is not a self-insert, I am nothing like her nor is Layla even my name.

Finally, what are your thoughts on this chapter? What did you think of my OC Layla/Aier/Isilotse? What was your favorite chapter, the least? I know there were some chapters that I’ve read over and was like ‘What the hell was I thinking?’ but I’ve never actually sat down and wrote a story before let alone a fan fiction.