The tablecloth was of leaf green jacquard design, the placemats were white silk, and there were crystal wine glasses glimmering under the lights. Napkin rings of her own design. An artistic touch she used as an outlet fromthe scientific methodical nature of her career
That's what had always intrigued him about her, the desire to personalise and decorate. From the photo frames to the curtains and various other items dotted throughout their city view apartment. These items all had a special personality. He liked it, it was theirs, it was home and it felt like it. The view reminded him of his apartment he had before prison, it kept in touch with that person.
As he closely observed Sarah's already prepared dining room on his way to work that morning Michael knew it wouldn't feel like home tonight, the formality made him uncomfortable, although he knew not to worry for her, she would be brilliant. Aesthetic organisation came naturally to her, uniqueness one of her best qualities. She came from a world where dinner parties mattered, the food, the wine, the setting all contributed to the outcome, there was usually something more formal or corporate based, going on when work colleagues came over for dinner. Although Sarah and Warden Henry Pope didn't operate like that, it's surely what it seemed like. Sarah's proposition for improvement to Fox River's medical structure had already been approved; he'd attended the awards ceremony that gave her the grant to implement it.
As the radio faded out and he cranked the hand brake into the on position, he settled himself, slowly removing the keys as he contemplated their guests for this evening.
He hadn't seen Pope since Fox River, 6 years had gone quickly. He and Lincoln both lived honest and legal lives but the presence of such authority and the memories embedded within it still made him tense. On edge, his mind begins turning at dangerous speed, automatically calculating and manipulating his pawns in a bigger game, because that's all they were once.
But not tonight he told himself, tonight was about her. Henry Pope and his wife Debra were attending dinner this evening so that Sarah and the Warden could discuss the new and exciting venture informally,
He double checked he'd locked all the doors and promised himself that he could do objectivity as he walked toward the lifts in the foyer of their building. He would listen to their discussion and not apply it to himself, the prisoner, who knew that improved medical facilities meant nothing to those guys, they were worried about survival, from their fellow inmates and the bulls. That intimate point of view Michael kept to himself and shared with nobody.
Breathing deeply he completed the rotation of the key and opened the door to the apartment he shared with his wife.
"Michael, its been too long" came the warm greeting from the Warden as soon as Michael stepped into view, shaking his hand with very pronounced movements. He respected Michael and was genuinely pleased to see him well. This eased Michael and he returned the greeting accordingly.
"So this is the man responsible for my anniversary present" was the playful greeting from Pope's wife.
"Debra, it's a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance". Michael spoke through his smile ignoring Debra's joke as he noticed the panicked side glance that Pope shot in his direction
Turning on the charm, Michael replied, "Nonsense, I was simply a structural advisor".
Sara had heard him come in and immediately put her duties in the kitchen on hold, he would need her comfort and reassurance tonight.
As soon as he saw her his clenched jaw relaxed and some of the darkness faded from his eyes, while the most intense orbs she'd ever encountered focused on her.
No words, his body said it all, she went to him and he took her in his arms. The embrace was quick, he held her tight and for a fleeting moment her feet lifted from the floor.
He released his wife from the desperate entanglement and swiftly kissed her passionately on the lips as if he'd forgotten they had company. Reluctantly withdrawing from her husband's endearments, Sara turned her attention to her guests and apologised for their display of affection by chastising Michael.
Pope's respect for their love was evidenced in his next comment "You are not Dr. Tancredi now, Sara, you are Mrs Michael Scofeild and that's nothing to be ashamed of, especially in your own home, am I understood?" he finished smiling.
The look on Michaels face in response to this comment was priceless, Sara observed. He raised his eyebrows, his lips twitched toward a smile that he tried to hide, and his stare clearly said, in a childlike playful manner, "I win".
Recovering quickly Sara announced that dinner was minutes away and that Michael should get himself a drink and take a seat while she brought out the food.