* Author's note: Colleen and Andrew have always been one of my favorite couples on the show. Their love was just so pure and innocent and I don't think that many people gave them enough credit. The show never covered a lot of their relationship development even though it was clear they were always together. I've decided to write a series of stories through Colleen and Andrew's perspective that intertwine with the show. I in no way own or have created any of these characters and I also use actual scenes and quotes from the show. I intend to fill in the blanks between those scenes. Please enjoy!
Colleen Cooper was headed towards Graces Cafe to join her friend Becky for some breakfast. She had come into town early that morning just as she had been doing almost everyday as of late. She was eager to stop at the telegraph office to see whether or not she had received any letters. She was even too eager to wait for her brother, pa, and very pregnant ma.
About a month ago she had sent several applications out to local colleges in hopes of attending one. Her dream was to eventually go to medical school and start her own practice, just like her Ma had done.
As Colleen approached the Cafe she spotted Becky right away.
"Hey Colleen! Did ya get a letter yet?" , inquired Becky
"No not yet" Colleen responded with clear disappointment that was slowly turning into concern about her future. She slumped down in the chair next to her friend. "It's been awhile since I sent the applications. I'm starting to think they just aren't interested in having me as a student and if I don't get accepted, I don't know what I'll do. Becoming a doctor is the only thing I've wanted for years now"
"Don't worry. You're smarter than anyone I've ever known, well except maybe for Dr Mike, but she's the one teachin' you. You'll hear real soon. I just know it. At least you have a plan... Not like me."
Colleen sat up straighter and tried to sound cheerful for Becky's sake. "Well what about getting married?! Having lots of babies!? That's a plan too! Isn't that still what you want Becky?"
Becky makes a sour face. "Sure it is... It's just that... You sorta need a man to marry and have babies with and there ain't anybody lining up to propose to me. You and Jared have a better chance of getting married before I ever do"
"Me and Jared?!" Colleen asks kind of surprised. She had spent a lot of time with him over the past couple of years, just fooling around, being kids, having fun, and a little kissing but she definitely never saw their relationship leading towards marriage. "I just figured that once I left for college that Jared and I would go our separate ways. I'm not even thinking about marriage to anyone at this point. I'm far too preoccupied with helping out at the clinic and working towards my education. Trust me Becky, you'll be long married before I'm even ready for such a thing"
The two best friends smiled at each other, both thinking about the direction their lives were headed. They knew that they too would go their separate ways but neither one was willing to think about being apart.
After finishing up her breakfast, Colleen made her way to the train station. She was meeting her family there to pick up Dr. Mike's ma and two sisters. They were traveling to Colorado Springs all the way from Boston so that they could be with Dr. Mike, or Michaela as they called her, for the babie's arrival. This was Michaela's first baby after all. She and her husband Sully had adopted Colleen, Brian and Matthew.
Dr. Mike made her way towards the train as it came to a halt with Sully and the children following behind. Of course, Elizabeth Quinn, was one of the first passengers off the train. She went immediately to her daughter to give the proper greetings and well wishes. Elizabeth was followed by her two eldest daughters, Rebecca and Marjorie. Everyone was startled by Marjorie's brightly colored and eccentric outfit! The once prim and proper Boston lady was now dressed in what Michaela referred to as "pantaloons".
"They're called bloomers Michaela!" Marjorie said with a laugh "After Amelia Bloomer! She's pioneering this brave new way of dressing and why not? Women are entitled to move about with the same freedom as men"
Michaela still in a bit of disbeleif, "And the color, it's quite striking"
"Well it is springtime Michaela when all flowers bloom" boasts Marjorie.
"speaking of blooming, I hardly recognized these children" Elizabeth stated as she continued her greetings of the family. "Brian, you look so handsome and mature" she said hugging the almost teen boy. "Matthew, I do hope you're being careful sheriff"
"Yes, Ma'am" answered the eldest of the Coopers.
"Colleen, every year you become more beautiful"
"She'll be going to college soon!" added Michaela with pride
At the mention of college, Colleen's anxiety about her lack of acceptance returned and she couldn't help but get lost in her worrisome thoughts. They were only interupted by her Grandmother shouting, "Andrew!"
A handsome young man swiftly stepped off the train. He was dressed in an all white and beige suit and had a naive sort of grin from ear to ear. He was the ever ambitious city boy, ready to come out to experience the wild west.
Elizabeth proudly introduced him, "This is Andrew Cook... Doctor Andrew Cook. He will deliver your baby".
Andrew stood there still grinning and trying to look confident and clearly enjoying his new title of "doctor", as he had only recently graduated from Harvard medical school. Elizabeth, ignorant of the shock she had just caused, was also beaming with self satisfaction for finding someone to "help" Michaela. She was known for trying to take control of the lives of her daughters but the looks on everyone else's faces seemed to say that she may have gone too far this time. Nevertheless, the Quinn/Cooper/Sully family tried to hide the look of shock and they welcomed Andrew and set off to get their guests settled into the extra recovery rooms at the clinic.
When they arrived at the clinic, Matthew and Sully grabbed some of the luggage and brought it inside. Eager to help and fit in, Andrew quickly grabbed two bags off the wagon, turned to go inside, and then suddenly felt his feet slide out from under him and found himself sitting in the muddy street.
When Colleen saw Andrew slip she couldn't help but laugh but she also felt bad for him as he looked rather sheepish sitting there in his once pristine suit. She went over and offered him her hand. Andrew looked up to see Colleen. He immediately noticed her sweet smile. Her friendly disposition put him at ease. He took her hand, sort of laughed off the situation and followed her inside.
That night, Colleen laid awake thinking about the day's events. The arrival of her Grandmother and aunts was just enough to distract her from thinking about her college plans. She also had to admit that much of her thoughts seemed to keep drifting to Andrew. She found him to be physically attractive but there was also something so genuinely sweet and unassuming about him that made her want to get to know him better.
The next morning, Andrew woke up excited to start his adventure in the west. He was born and raised in Boston without much exposure to other ways of life. He practically leapt at the opportunity to come to Colorado. He was fascinated by the tiny town he was in and he greatly admired Michaela's ability to work in such a modest medical environment. He wanted to learn as much as possible while he was there.
When he went down stairs into the main room of the clinic, he was greeted by Michaela and her entire family and they were more than ready to question him on his experience and preparedness. It wasn't long before he felt as if he was under fire. "How many babies have you delivered?", "What if something goes wrong?", "Are you familiar with the procedure for a caesarian section?". He tried his very best to appear calm and collected but could feel his confidence slowly fading.
The family eventually left to go about their day and Michaela began to familiarize Andrew with the clinic. She had a planned hernia operation shortly and Andrew was to assist. He was also happy to learn that Colleen would be staying as well. She had a way of smiling at him that calmed his awkwardness. Something that told him that he didn't need to try so hard. Something that made him want to try even harder to impress her.
Colleen had spent the following day preoccupied with Dr. Mike's baby shower. She helped set up the food, tables, and blankets. She was overjoyed to be welcoming a new baby brother or sister into the family. Despite having a wonderful time at the party, Colleen was a bit disappointed to have been away from the clinic which had also meant she didn't get to see Andrew. He had really impressed her with his suturing skills when Dr. Mike had asked him to close at the end of the hernia procedure. She was eager to tell him so and hoped to have the opportunity to speak with him soon.
The next morning, the town was all hustle and bustle. It was the day of the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new hotel and health resort that was to be built by the town's Banker. Preston A. Lodge III was the type of man who needed to impress everyone with his money and so even a ground breaking ceremony needed to be a luxurious event. The morning had a festive air as the Quinn ladies, Michaela, Colleen and Andrew made their way down the street. Dr. Mike, however, was not up for celebrating that day. Sully had been working late at the Palmer Creek Reservation the night before and had not returned home. Though this was not necessarily unusual, she was still concerned. They all stopped in front of the clinic as they were approached by Preston who was ready to escort the ladies to the ceremony. Marjorie and Rebecca each took an arm and off they went. Dr. Mike had decided to stay in town in case there was any word in regards to Sully. Elizabeth chose to stay also so that Michaela wouldn't be left to worry by herself. The two headed inside leaving Colleen and Andrew alone outside on the porch.
The two stood for a moment neither knowing what to say but both hoping to be able to spend some time together. Andrew nervously breaks the silence first.
"Are you... going to the ground breaking ceremony?"
"I was thinking about it" Colleen responds coyly
Andrew stammers on, "May I... I mean... would you consider doing me the honor of... allowing me to..."
Colleen smiles. She's humored by the fact that he is not very good at this and decides to end his torture by interupting with a quick, "Yes. I would love to go with you"
Andrew sighs with releif and returns Colleen's smile. He's glad that Colleen isn't turned off by his awkwardness and his nerves begin to settle as he offers her his arm and the pair follow the crowds towards the ceremony.
Colleen beamed with pride as she walked alongside Andrew. This was the first time they were truely alone. Much of their conversations thus far were dictated by Dr. Mike or Mrs. Quinn. Now, they finally had a chance to get to know each other a little. Andrew wasn't sure how to start a conversation and kept stealing glances down at Colleen before quickly turning away being sure to avoid potentially uncomfortable eye contact. Colleen however, never took her eyes off of Andrew and it was she who initiated the conversation.
"You did a real good job with Mr. Voss's sutures yesterday. I'm sure the scar will be barely noticable."
The compliment boosted Andrew's confidence just enough for him to finally look down at Colleen as he sincerely thanked her. "To be honest though, I was very nervous. I don't think your ma and Sully have much confidence in me. It was as if she was testing me when she asked me to close."
"They don't yet... and she was" Colleen meant no offense in this but Andrew looked a little disturbed so Colleen positively added "don't worry. They were just surprised by you comin here that's all. Once they see what a fine doctor you are I'm sure they'll get used to the idea of your delivering the baby. I actually overheard Dr. Mike tell Sully that she thought you were quite talented"
"Well that's a start I suppose" Andrew half heartedly laughed. He was self consious talking about his own skills and wanted to change the subject. "So how long have you been volunteering as a nurse for Michaela? You seem to have a vast knowledge of medicine."
"Well, my real Ma was a midwife so I often helped her during deliveries and learned a lot about all that. But then when Dr. Mike came to town, I watched her real close and saw the passion and dedication she put into helping folks and saving lives. I decided then that I wanted to be just like her. So I try to help out after school or whenever I can. She's taught me so much about medicine but she's also been a great role model for me. She's taught me to be strong and to never hide behind the fact that I'm a woman. She's encouraged me to go after my dreams and to not be afraid to acheive them in a man's world."
Andrew could see the determination in Colleen's eyes. He couldn't help but be amazed and a little jealous of her confidence. "That's wonderful!" he genuinely declared. "I hope to learn a great deal from her as well."
"Well if you stick around long enough, I'm sure you will" Collen said sweetly and in a way that hinted she indeed wanted him to stick around at least long enough for them to become better friends. Andrew got the hint.
"That'd be nice" Andrew responded as he and Colleen locked eyes at last. There was no denying that these two had a special connection already, even if neither of them knew exactly what to make of it just yet.
Their moment was interupted by the start of a brass band playing. They had arrived at the ground breaking and began to mingle with the crowd.
Everyone later returned to the Sully homestead for dinner. Brian couldn't stop talking about the ceremony and laughed as he recalled the humorous events of the day. Events that were caused by a tussle between two townsmen (both of whom were not impressed by Preston) that left the hotel investors angry, the food ruined, and Preston face first in a pile of mud. Michaela was concerned for everyone's safety of course and was happy to hear that no one was hurt. She was even more concerned about Sully however, as he still had not returned home. The men in town had formed a search party but there had been no word from them.
Colleen woke up the next morning and couldn't help but smile to herself. Talking with Andrew and recalling everything Dr. Mike had taught her made her feel more relaxed about her future. For the first time in a long time she wasn't worried about getting an acceptance letter. As she made her way down stairs for breakfast she noticed it was real quiet.
"MA!?" She called out as she checked the house for Michaela. Then she found a note sitting on the dining table. It read:
GONE TO FIND SULLY.
Colleen rushed into town and found Elizabeth, Rebecca, Marjorie and Andrew having breakfast at Grace's. The alarmed expression of the family drew the attention of Michaela's friends Grace, Myra and Dorothy. Obviously they had all been concerned about Sully but if anyone could survive in the woods, Sully could. But Michaela? She was in no condition to be out there. The search party had not returned yet and now they had no idea that Michaela was out there too.
Horace, Myra's husband and telegraph operator, offered to go out to search but Elizabeth quickly pointed out that he had to stay in case word came through via telegram. Andrew then chimed in that he should go. It was a brave gesture but probably not the best one seeing as though he didn't know the area and also did not have the skills to even ride a horse. He was glad when Elizabeth shot down that plan too. They did need a doctor in town afterall.
The usually sensible and proper Rebecca was finally the one to suggest that the women should go! Marjorie was clearly proud of her sister and wondered why she hadn't thought of such a thing herself. Elizabeth protested but Grace, Dorothy and Myra were already sold on the idea and off to get horses from the livery.
Colleen turned to Andrew, "We should prepare the clinic in case someone comes back hurt" and he followed her lead. Andrew couldn't believe how take charge the women in this town were. They were nothing like most of the women back in Boston. He didn't mind though. He admired the town for their diverse thinking and acceptance. Colorado Springs was quickly becoming a place where he could see himself settling down.
Back at the clinic Colleen set up some instruments and started to clean them thoroughly. Andrew began a check list of medicines and supplies he may need. They worked diligently along side one another.
"I'm amazed at how everyone in town has come together to help Michaela and Sully. Is there often such a sense of comaraderie amongst the community?" Andrew inquired.
"Yeah. Kinda. I mean there are a lot of disputes or differences in opinion among the townsfolk but when it comes to something serious... we all sort of come together. The people of the town really do care about each other here. I'm going to miss them all when I leave for college." It was the first time that Colleen talked about going to college with such certainty. She also wanted to impress Andrew.
"College? I hadn't realized you'd be leaving" Andrew said a bit disappointed. He had underestimated her ambitions by assuming that she wanted to continue working for Dr. Quinn as a nurse. He had no doubt though that she was the type of girl that could do anything she set her mind to. "Have you chosen a school to study at yet?
"I'm looking for a college with good pre medical studies. I sent out four applications about a month ago"
"Any response yet?"
"Not yet... but Dr. Mike says my grades are good enough to get into any college. And then I'll go to medical school" The more Colleen talked about it and heard it out loud, the better she felt about her circumstance.
"That's a difficult career choice for a woman" Andrew stated
"I know. but Dr. Mike did it"
"That's admirable. To endure the rigors of medical school and then go on to establish your own medical clinic is.."
"I hope to do the same" Colleen interupted. She was suddenly very aware of her unwavering confidence which was only enhanced by Andrew's genuine encouragement.
"I beleive you will" he said, looking directly into her eyes and seeing her determination. Andrew found himself to be truly in aw of this young woman. She was not afraid to be unconventional. She had drive and confident. Not only was she smart but she was beautiful too. He could get lost in her sweet brown eyes. Sweet. That was the key word. She had a natural sweetness about her that he gravitated towards. She was easy to talk to and had an ability to calm his nerves.
"What about you?" Colleen asked. "What do you want to do when you go back to Boston?"
"My uncle wants me to work for him in his medical practice. It's one of the finest in Boston. He wants to groom me to one day take over for him"
Colleen is impressed. She's always been intrigued with Boston and large cities. It all seems so glamourous to her. "Is that what you want to do? I mean, do you want to work for your uncle?"
Andrew isn't so sure though. "I don't know... I never really thought about it..."
Just as Andrew was in mid thought, The Reverend Johnson and Preston came bursting into the clinic supporting Horace who was in clear pain. Andrew's heart began to race. He was in charge now. On his own for the first time.
But it was Colleen who responded first. "Horace! What happened?!"
"He was sending a telegraph and then he just doubled over"
"Well what's wrong with him?" Andrew asked and wanted to kick himself as soon as he did.
"We don't know!" responded the Reverend
and then Preston, looking just as bewildered about Andrew's response, remarked "That's why we brought him to you"
Andrew felt so stupid. He had panicked and let his nerves take over. He quickly collected himself and knew that he had to prove he was able to take the lead. He began his examination. Clearly uncomfortable with the all the pressure, Andrew kept looking to Colleen for reassurance that he was doing alright. She didn't disappoint.
After determining that Horace had gallstones, he prescribed laudanum for the pain and helped to make Horace comfortable while they waited for the stones to pass.
After some time, Horace's condition was not improving. He developed a sudden high fever. The stone had become lodged in the duct and he had developed an infection. Andrew knew that the recommended procedure was to open up the gall bladder and extract the stone but he was reluctant to do so. He wanted to wait for Dr. Quinn.
"Is it safe to wait?" Colleen asked, very concerned.
"no" Andrew sighed... "I need to operate"
"If you need any help, I'll help in anyway I can.." The Reverand offered
"That's alright Reverand. I already have an assistant" Andrew said as he intensely looked over at Colleen. He needed her there and he needed it to be only her there. He wasn't sure that he could perform the surgery with everyone else watching him. Colleen was the only one that would make this situation easier for him.
"I'll prepare for surgery" She said.
Colleen's confidence soared at the thought of Andrew wanting her to assist him. To her this meant that he trusted her and respected her skills as a nurse and student of medicine.
The reverand and Preston stepped outside and Andrew turned to Michaela's medical references to familiarize himself with the surgery one last time.
Colleen prepped Horace and when everything was all set Andrew looked up from the book, took a couple of deep breaths and walked over to the surgical table. Colleen handed him the scalpel. He took it, looked down at his patient and then hesitated.
"Are you alright?" Colleen asked
Andrew finally allowed himself to be vulnerable and didn't stutter over his words. "This is my first solo surgery". He didn't try to hide the fact that he was nervous. He knew that Colleen wouldn't judge him for it. He was right. She gave him exactly what he was looking for. A reassuring smile and sweet encouraging words. It was that same smile that he'd quickly grown accustomed to. The smile that gave him the confidence to go on.
With Colleen at his side, Andrew managed to make it through the surgery without any complications. The only thing left was to close.
"Good work Dr. Cook" Colleen said proudly. She handed him a needle and thread and then took a cloth, leaned in close and wiped his brow. Andrew confidently met Colleen's eyes and they lingered there creating a brief moment of intimacy. Their admiration for one another was growing stonger.
Andrew had been wanting to impress Colleen and now he had. But that was just a bonus. He had also impressed himself. Despite having graduated first in his class, Andrew often questioned his skills as a physician. He knew that he often let his nerves get the best of him and wasn't sure if he had the ability to work without supervision. Today he proved that he could do it and toyed with the idea of managing his own clinic. Perhaps he wouldn't return to Boston to work for his uncle. Perhaps he'd found a new home in Colorado.
Andrew got Horace settled into a recovery room and was just lecturing him on how to prevent further stones from forming when Myra came rushing in. The search party of women had returned. Andrew left the married couple to themselves and hurried out of the clinic to get an update.
The women had not found any sign of Sully or Michaela. The tension and anxiety of everyone was high. It only increased when Matthew and the rest of the other search party rode into town. They too had not found anything and the soldiers at the reservation had no information on the situation. Everyone began to talk at once trying to come up with a new plan.
"LOOK!" Dorothy shouted and pointed at a wagon coming towards them all.
It was Sully and Dr. Mike and they had a joyous surprise for everyone. Everyone gasped with excited as they saw Dr. Mike was holding a tiny newborn baby wrapped up in Sully's buckskin coat. She had gone into labor in the middle of the woods and with no other choice, Sully had to deliver his own child. It was a miracle that everyone was so happy and healthy. Everyone gathered around the wagon giving their congratulations.
After getting cleaned up at the clinic, Michaela, Sully, Matthew, Brian and Colleen headed home with the newest member of their family. Her name was Catherine Sully. Katie for short. The Coopers instantly fell in love with their sister.
Colleen carried Katie around the homestead as she, Brian and Matthew gave the grand tour. Katie was getting tired so Colleen placed her in the wooden cradle.
"Here Katie, this cradle was made just for you. By your Pa" Then looking over at Sully. "our Pa". Sully and Michaela both looked over at all four of their children, clearly touched by Colleen's sentiment. Colleen couldn't feel more blessed to be part of such an amazing family. They may not all be blood, but they were still family. At that moment her fears about going to college were far in the back of her mind and her only thoughts were in regards to the people who surrounded her and all the positive changes. So many changes.