Lifeline in a Burning Sea...

Most of Chris' body was wrapped in cooling cloths, the only part visible was his face, his alarmingly pale skin covered in a damp sweat.

Jeff ran his hand gently over Chris' fevered brow, sighing softly. "You hang in there baby," Jeff said.

If Chris could hear Jeff, it didn't show, he lay just as still as before, pale as a ghost.

Jeff started to cry again, whimpering slightlyit too everything he had not to run out of the room.

Adam stepped up and laid a gentle hand on Jeff's shoulder "It'll be okay" he whispered softly "Chris will pull through this." He walked up and gently took Chris' hand

"Hang in there Chrissy" Adam's voice was soft "Come back to us."

Chris still lay unmoving, but a barely audible moan did slide past the ventilator tube.

Jeff was finally pushed past his breaking point, he walked, out of the room, his calm manner was almost scary as he dialed his brother's house, hoping to God that Evan would answer.

When the phone rang, Matt was being tackled by Hailey and Alexis, not to mention Melody and Carra so Evan answered the phone "Hello?"

Jeff blew a sigh of relief. "Evan, thank god it's you, listen Chris is very very very sick, his appendix ruptured, I need you guys to drop the girls off with my dad and come down here with me," Jeff was nearly begging.

"You bet, we'll be there as soon as we can" Evan hung up and discreetly drew Matt away "Chris is in the hospital" Evan whispered "We need to get the girls to your dad and get over there."

Matt nodded.

"Okay," Matt said.