Lean on me: Chapter 2
By: The Confused One
A/N: Well, here we are at chapter 2. It's interesting to be writing a story where the only purpose is to be sad. LOL Of course, said sadness will bring Bobby and Alex closer together. Anyway, hope everyone enjoys and please remember to review. Thanks.
Having tried to hold herself together, with those words from the doctor she lost it. The news was too much. She felt her knees buckle, and she felt Bobby grab her arm to keep her up. He held her close and let her sob, neither even noticed what else the doctor said or when he left.
The others cops gave them a little space. Bobby was finally able to get her to a couch where he held her a little longer. Looking around the room, Bobby noted that just about everyone looked shell-shocked. He wasn't surprised. Three cops were dead, a horrible reminder to all of them of the risks they take in their job everyday. He gently rubbed his partner's back and wished he could make it better for her.
As Alex was able to pull herself back together, most of the squad made their exit with hugs, sorrow, and apologies. It was down to Alex, Bobby, and Andy. Still a little shaky, Alex announced, mostly to Bobby, "I need. I need to go home. I have to call Amber, his sister. His parents died in a car accident about eight years ago. Amber was all the family he had left."
Bobby nodded. He promised. Yeah. That's fine. I can take you home, and then you can call her."
Andy nodded. Sitting down, he lamented, "I'm so sorry Alex. God, I should have done something to protect him. I should have watched his back better."
Alex shook her head. Squeezing his shoulder, she assured him, "You didn't do anything wrong Andy. You can't blame yourself. I can't blame myself either."
Andy nodded absently. He promised, "Call Amber. Tell her I'm sorry. I'll wait for the paperwork. I'll only bring you what you need to look at and sign."
Alex swallowed hard. She nodded slowly. She agreed, "Thank you."
Bobby watched her finally stand. He silently walked with her to the car. He knew this was going to be one of the longest nights either of them had ever had.
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Bobby followed closely behind Alex, as she stumbled into her apartment. He sensed her hesitation. She finally walked in and made it to the couch before bursting into fresh tears. Closing and locking the door, Bobby was at her side. He held her again.
Finally able to speak, she choked out, "What am I supposed to do without him?"
Bobby rubbed her back still. He tried to come up with something but fell short. He finally whispered, "You pick up the pieces a little at a time and put your life back together, without him."
Alex bristled a little and slowly nodded. Pulling away, she announced again, "I have to call Amber."
Bobby nodded. He asked, "Do you want some tea?"
Alex nodded slowly. She watched him disappear into the kitchen before picking up the phone. Shaking, she forced herself to dial the number. Hearing clanking and rummaging through her cabinets, Alex closed her eyes. Focusing on the ringing of the phone, she called out, "The tea bags are in the cabinet right beside the refrigerator."
Bobby sighed and nodded to himself. Calling out thanks, he pulled out the tea bags and began filling the tea pot with water. It was the first time he had been in her apartment, and he had to admit, it was a pretty nice apartment. He listened painfully as Alex talked to Amber on the phone. Finishing the tea as she hung up, he walked out with the two cups. Sitting one down in front of her, he was worried. She looked like death warmed over. He sat down carefully beside her and tried to reassure her, "You will get through this."
Alex fought back more tears and looked at him, slightly confused and slightly impressed. Every once in a while, she was convinced he could read minds. She sipped her tea. It had just the right amount of sugar. He never ceased to amaze her. She finally spoke, "I don't how though. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up any second and find all of this is just a horrible nightmare. I'm just. I'm not sure I can get through this."
Bobby nodded in understanding. Putting his cup down, he softly replied, "I'm so sorry Alex. You will get through this though. You have a lot of people who are going to make sure of that."
Alex nodded slowly. She finally whispered, "I already feel so lost without him."
Bobby sighed. He finally suggested, "Maybe. There isn't anything else that can be done tonight. Maybe you should try to lie down."
Alex shook her head. She resisted, "No. I can't. I couldn't sleep tonight if I tried. Thank you though."
Bobby nodded. Leaning back on the couch, he promised, "Well, I'll stay as long as you want me here. We can do whatever you want."
Alex looked at him. She was grateful that he was there, but she didn't want to force him to stay all night or anything. She tried to give him an out, "Thanks, but you don't have to stay here and keep me company. I'll be OK alone."
Bobby sighed and tried to reassure her, "I'm fine. I want to make sure you're OK."
Alex nodded slightly. Realizing she wasn't going to get rid of him, she sighed with a little relief. Honestly, she didn't want him to go, but she also wanted to keep the silence between them. She didn't want to talk. Grabbing the remote for the TV, she turned it on, explaining, "I have to do something to try not to think about it."
Bobby nodded slowly. He didn't complain when she wanted to watch the Andy Griffith show on TVLand. He was almost surprised when she curled up and leaned up against him arm. Before the show was over, she was asleep. Bobby silently took his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed Deakins' at home. He needed to explain why neither of them would be at work later that morning. It was already one am, and he was sure his Captain was going to love him for waking him and his family up, but Bobby knew he didn't have much of a choice.