A/N: This was inspired by the song "Gone Away," by Safetysuit. Thanks again for the reviews and alerts, I really appreciate it. :)
Gillian sat alone in the darkness, arms wrapped protectively around herself as she looked out the window and waited, watching for the headlights to come into view from the driveway below. It had been hours now - hours since he'd left her, completely consumed with his own pain and too selfish to care about hers.
"It just hurts too much," he'd said, turning away from her to walk out of the room. His words had been as hollow as his eyes.
She heard his heavy footsteps descend the stairs, heard the front door as it closed behind him. And then she saw him get into his car and drive away, without even looking back.
He had no right to leave her, alone and grieving in a room full of pink hues and the promise of a happy life. What irony.
It was their pain, after all. Sophie had been their daughter. And Gillian had watched helplessly as a stranger took her away – literally took the baby from her arms without so much as an ounce of sympathy. She'd never known agony like this before. Wasn't sure she could ever feel anything else again.
She hadn't even cried yet.
She sat quietly in the rocking chair, Sophie's soft blanket held tightly to her chest. The phone call startled her; and her heart surged in the hope that maybe the birth mother had changed her mind again. Maybe it really wasn't too late. Maybe…
She brought the receiver to her ear, but could not speak. Inhale, exhale... just keep breathing.
"Gillian, love, it's me. It's Cal."
His voice was soft, soothing. And in that moment, it was the sweetest sound she'd ever heard because she knew she wasn't alone. The tears began to fall then, before she even knew they had formed.
"Is there anything you need?" he breathed. "Anything at all?"
She let out a shaky breath, hopeful that he would understand her even without words.
I need a friend.
"I'm on my way, darling," he said softly.
There had been no need to ask; he just knew.
She was still seated at the window when he pulled into the driveway. As soon as he stepped out of the car, he glanced up at her – knew she would be there, in Sophie's room, waiting for him. He knew her so well.
She heard him unlock the front door with the spare key she'd given him long ago. She heard his footsteps as they ascended the staircase. And then she heard his voice, warm and gentle behind her.
"I'm here, love."
She stood and turned toward him then, Sophie's blanket still clutched tightly in her hand. His eyes were warm, yet sad… as if seeing her pain caused him pain as well. They had always been that connected.
Without a word, he opened his arms and she fell against him, grateful.
"I would do anything in this world to take your pain away," he whispered.
Gillian would never remember how long they stood together, embracing in the room that had been her daughter's. And she would never remember the words she spoke, trying to tell him how thankful she was for his friendship.
But she would always remember the love that shone from his eyes.