Title: Chapter 8
Rating: M to be safe.
Authors note: Thanks for the reviews, sorry to keep you guessing but its essential for the story..and now you'll see why.
Summary: "Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect." ― Margaret Mitchell
Thursday, October 31st 2013.
"Happy Halloween!" Morgan and Hodges grinned in unison as they pulled the door back, revealing Morgan's newly decorated and Halloween themed home.
"Happy Halloween guys. Thanks for inviting us" Nick chuckled as he took in their costumes. Hodges donned a floor length black cape, pointed ears and ghastly eye make-up. Morgan on the other hand, had gone for a less menacing look, posing as a blonde 'Wonder Woman'. It was clear for all to see, her appearance was a sharp contrast to the broken and bruised blonde in the hospital bed five weeks ago. After only being on sick leave for two weeks, Morgan returned to work as soon as possible, claiming to be bored at home. Since then, Morgan had done some serious soul searching to figure out what she needed. The thing that finally made up her mind was a homicide case. Well, thought to be a homicide at first blush. A young single women was found home alone by her neighbour, who had assumed the worst. Upon arriving with Super Dave, Morgan had discovered she had in fact chocked to death on her evening meal and, worst of all, it could probably have been avoided if her ex-boyfriend had stayed with her that night. The next day, she sauntered through the lab looking for a certain trace technician, then sealed her lips with his. In full view of Nick, myself and many other lab rats no less. I had smiled sadly while witnessing the event, remembering a time when I had done a similar thing to my supervisor.
Five years later and back in the present, I turned to Hodges. "Nice. Dracula?" I nodded to Hodges. He smirked, obviously expecting such a guess.
"No, I'm Count Orlok. But don't worry Sara, everyone has made that mistake so far".
"Why not Dracula? You know when they made 'Nosferatu' the movie, Bram Stokers heirs sued over the adaptation, claiming it was the same as his 'Dracula' but they had just changed some of the names. So technically they are the same thing."
Hodges grinned, clearly enjoying our little banter. "I suppose I just prefer the works of F. W. Murnau...and 'Nosferatu' is considered to quite an influencial masterpeiice of cinema you know."
"I am not nearly drunk enough to listen to this" Nick muttered to Morgan. She gigged before stepping aside to let us in.
"Sorry guys" Hodges shrugged as he moved too. Together, they led us through the hallway and into the main room. Previously, I had only caught a glimpse of Morgan's new, albeit temporary decorations but did not see a single being. Now I set eyes on many familiar faces. Ecklie, Brass and Doc Robbins were gathered around the punch bowl while Ellie, Mandy and Henry were conversing near the fireplace. The fireplace itself was littered with faux spiders webs with skulls gathered in the opening instead of coals. All the occupants of the main room radiated a glow from the numerous candles scattered around the room. The music was not too loud but noticeable. "There is food in the kitchen too guys, Greg is already helping himself" Morgan smiled as she jerked her head towards the door on the far right.
"Why doesn't that surprise me" Nick shook his head as he made his way towards the punch bowl. He turned his head back towards me. "Punch Sara?". I nodded as he picked up a few plastic cups.
"Thanks" I gulped a few mouthfuls before joining in the conversation of the gentlemen at the punch bowl. "I can't believe how good they both look" I stated, referring to the women we had rescued nearly six weeks ago. My attention turned towards Ellie who was laughing along with the lab rats. Dressed in a 'Super-girl' costume with her hair pinned back, a couple of her scars were visible. Mr Applewhite had beat her so badly that her skin had split and torn in numerous areas, requiring stitches. Although the dimmed lighting covered her marks, I saw faint scarring above her eye socket and stretching across her chest.
"They do both look fantastic" Nick agreed as he sipped his punch. "Raised a couple of fighters there gentlemen". Both fathers noticeably swelled with pride at the mention of their daughters victory. 'Thank you's were uttered before conversation turned to costumes.
"What are you supposed to be? Something out of the evil dead?" Doc Robbins gestured towards my attire. I couldn't think of a good outfit, so I tore up some older clothes, covered myself in fake blood and put in some white contact lenses.
"I suppose so. There are so many zombie films right now though. So I could be anyone"
"CSI gone mad maybe?" Ecklie grinned.
"I'm not going to lie though, whatever you have done with your eyes..it is kind of creepy". Brass peered closer as he tried to figure out what I had done. At that moment, an authoritative knock sounded. Most of the people in the room turned towards the hallway, towards which Morgan was heading.
"Hey check out 'Wonder Woman'! You look hot M" Finns cheery voice trailed into the open room, shortly followed by its owner and a blushing Morgan. Finn sauntered past the other guests to place some wine on the table. "Hope you don't mind. Just wanted to bring a little something nice for you two".
"Well, you definitely brought something nice" Nick mumbled as his eyes trailed up and down her profile: a short white dress, black leather jacket that she had borrowed from myself, as well as thick eye-liner and a few pieces of hair clipped up. "I mean, you're supposed to be the 'Bride of Chucky', right?" Nick continued in a louder voice, attempting to cover his embarrassment.
"Yes Nick. Thanks for noticing" She returned smoothly as she poured herself some punch. "Oh and Sara..thanks for leading me this" She lifted the edge of the jacket.
"It's no problem Jules"
"You know I hate it when people call me that" She shook her head while trying to pout but couldn't remove the grin from her lips. "You don't want to make me angry. You won't like me when I'm angry".
"Aren't you angry on a daily basis?" Greg intervened, tenderly gripping a halt eaten cream bun in his hand. "You storm the lab like there is no tomorrow"
"That's just Jules" Ecklie joined in.
"Don't call me that" She turned to him with a pointed finger.
"If that is you when you are calm, then no. I really don't want to see you angry" I giggled as I made for more punch. The plastic cup in my hand collided with the wooden flooring as my knees suddenly weakened, forcing me to grip the edges of the table. My knuckles whitened while I tried to stop the swaying in my stomach.
"Sar? You okay there?"
"You alright sweetie?"
Not sure who was talking, I ignored the voices while I tried to concentrate on the punch bowl while a wave of nausea crashed over me. Now a hand was gently rubbing my back while I leaned over. I responded with a grateful sigh.
"Is she okay? What's going on?" That was Morgan's worried voice.
"I'm fine, a little ill" I shook my head as the nausea began to subside. "I've been ill for a couple days but it comes and goes"
"Oh, I've had that too" Henry's voice pipped up. "It must be a bug or something. It should go after a few days though" He reasoned as I began to stand properly again. I turned around to find an array of concerned faces, identifying the soothing hand as belonging to Brass.
"Yeah, I was ill a few days ago too. Probably got it from me" Greg stated sheepishly with a half shrug for good measure.
"It's okay. Thank you, thanks guys" I smiled as Greg offered me some water.
"See, I told you plastic cups would be better" Hodges turned to Morgan, causing her to roll her eyes.
"Really, now David. Sara is ill and-"
"I'm fine, seriously. I should probably eat something, I haven't eaten properly in a couple days."
"Go ahead sweetie" Morgan urged as she nodded towards the kitchen.
"I'll join you, I lost my cream bun somewhere" Greg looked around for his lost treat. "Man I was just getting to the jelly in the middle too"
"Ah. Don't worry Greg. Plenty of jelly and cream in the...patisserie?" Nick planted a firm reassuring hand on the younger man's shoulder, sharing a laugh with him.
"Sorry we are late. Couldn't find our lady bird costume" D.B, his wife and granddaughter, Katie, entered the social gathering. "Is everything okay here?" His eyes narrowed in my direction behind his glass frames. "Or is this part of the whole 'zombie sickness' thing?" He grinned to hide his concern.
"We're all good, just a stomach bug over here" I chuckled nervously. D.B. had come dressed in his lab coat, paired with a wacky Einstein inspired grey wig. Barbara had come as a seductive looking vampire, having fake blood dribbling from the corners of her mouth.
"I'm a bug!" Katie giggled and bounced slightly, causing her 'antennae' to bob.
"You supposed to be a crazy scientist?" Ecklie peered at D.B.s attire.
"Why not? I already had all the gear"
"You're supposed to come as someone else!" Morgan laughed as she lightly tapped her supervisors shoulder.
"I told him, he never listens" Barbara smiled sweetly, flashing her vampire teeth. "Sorry if I sound a little funny, these things make it near impossible to talk"
"I told you" D.B. flashed a cheeky smile at his wife, mimicking her wording. After admiring the committed couple for a few moments, I turned away to join Greg and Nick in the kitchen.
Morgan had not limited the Halloween decorations to her living room, with a orange and black striped table cloth hanging over the long table, covered in numerous bowls and plates of food. They were arranged by starters, mains and desserts. Unsurprisingly, Nick and Greg were stood talking at the dessert end of the table.
"Hey guys, enjoying yourself"
"God yes. This meat is so juicy" Nick answering gleefully as he chomped down on a BBQ spare rib.
"Not for me it isn't" I grimaced as I watched him eat.
"Sorry Sar." He turned away to finish his meaty treat before throwing the remains in the bin nearby.
"Are you feeling better?" Greg's voice was quietened by the cream bun he was devouring.
"A little yeah. I'll be fine."
"You're always fine, aren't you Sara" Nick peered over at me, wiping away any remains of the ribs from his slightly stubble struck chin.
"Sarcasm your second language Nicky?" I spat back, suddenly unhappy to be in his presence. Nick stood down, clearly not expecting my come back.
"Hey, come on you two. Show us that sibling love" Greg stood between us uneasily. "It's a celebration remember?"
"This is sibling love" I spoke to the younger man with an irritated tone. Nick shook his head, stepping past me to grab a paper plate. I heard him hum behind me as he reached around the table, selecting food then placing it on the plate. "Going for more ribs?" I added without dignity.
"Here, eat this. You always get snappy when you are hungry and tired." Nick spoke softly.
"Thank you" I said quietly, genuinely touched by his gesture of kindness. A sharp feeling of foolishness flooded my conscience as I thought of my actions just moments ago. Regardless of the fact that he was once my superior and we had both gone for the same promotion years ago, Nick has always been like a brother to me, even when we did argue. Although I had no siblings of my own, Nick told me that that was a normal thing for siblings to do.
"Sorry Nick, I am just fed up of this sickness"
"Well, Henry said it would go in a couple of days." Greg crossed the room and began searching the kitchen cupboards. "I'll see if Morgan has some flu and cold tablets or something. We could try shift it a little".
I found a seat then tucked into the little meal Nick had hand picked for me. Egg cress sandwich, a handful of ready salted crisps, some cheese cubes, salted crackers and a pickle. Biting into the sandwich I watched Greg move about the kitchen, then smiled at Nick to show my gratitude. "Delicious" I held up the bitten sandwich to illustrate. He nodded with a grin then turned to watch Greg, who now looked unsuccessful.
"No, can't find anything here"
"That's okay, I'll be fine. I'm feeling better already".
"I'm starved!" Brass walked into the kitchen along with Finn. "You feel better cookie?" Brass nodded to me.
"Fi-" I started but decided to change my answer. "Better, thanks".
"Good, I'm going to get started on these ribs" Brass grinned, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
"Ah, beat you to it man" Nick beamed.
"You're both gross" I shuddered as I finished my sandwich and started eating some of the crisps. "Egg cress all the way"
"You eat like a rabbit" Greg spoke in a poor Welsh accent, resulting in laughter from all those present.
"Thanks Greg, I love being compared to little furry creatures" I giggled but stopped short when another wave of nausea flushed through me. "Oh, ugh" I mumbled as I squeezed my eyes shut. "Where's the bathroom?" I spoke loud with urgency.
"Erm, it's upstairs to the left I think, you ok-" before Brass could finish I had pushed the plate from my lap, ran from the room and bolted up the stairs. Upon reaching the bathroom I slammed the door shut, not caring whether it was locked or not. I crouched over the toilet seat, crying out as bile violently pushed its way from my stomach into the empty bowl. Tears stung my eyes as my chest jerked uncontrollably.
"Sara? Sweetie can I come in?" Finn entered the bathroom, pulling my hair from my face before placing it in a bobble. "Here" she soothed as she placed a wet cloth to my burning forehead. I moved away from the toilet, hoping I was finished for now. Holding the cloth in place, I looked up at my friend.
"Finn, will you take me home?"
Monday, November 18th 2013.
"You want to join us for breakfast?" Nick popped his head around the door frame of the locker room. "So far its me, Greg, Morgan and Hodges, still need to ask D.B."
"Yeah, why not. Let me just grab my coat and stuff? I'll grab D.B on the way out"
"See you there?"
"Yes, see you in twenty".
With that he was gone, disappeared around the corner. After pulling my casual shoes on, I placed my boots in the locker, then made my way to D.B's office.
"Oh Sara! Wait a minute" Hodges all but jumped out at me from his lab. "Can I talk to you a second..in confidence?" He wrung his hands as his eyes flickered to survey the lab halls. Intrigued by his nervousness, I stepped into his lab.
"What's up?" I leaned against a table, waiting for him to explain.
"Well..it's just. It's about Morgan"
"Is she okay? She's not having nightmares or anything is she?"
"I don't know...because we haven't shared a bed...if you know what I mean" Hodges was obviously feeling awkward discussing this subject. "I don't know who to talk to about it. The guys would just laugh at me and I don't know Finn well enough"
"What...what exactly is the problem? I mean, have you..done other stuff?"
"Well, we've kissed...gotten quite passionate in that area. But..I..I don't know. I'm just worried she won't like me..in bed" He sighed, looking down at his feet.
"Listen to me Hodges. Morgan is a simple woman, she really feels for you. I know you have split from Elisabetta a short while ago, but a woman who judges a man based purely on how he is as a lover..is not the type of woman you should be with. Morgan just wants to know she is appreciated, like any woman. Be yourself, take it slow and enjoy yourself. Let it happen when it happens" He visibly relaxed as I spoke, a small smile spreading across his lips.
"Thanks Sara. I'll...I'll do that" He smiled, still awkward. "Can you not tell anyone about this?"
"Of course not" I shook my head but stopped when my vision didn't follow. "I'll see you at breakfast" He nodded, then turned back to his work: clearing things away. I walked from the lab space, down the hallway towards D.B.'s office, ignoring the cloudiness in my head. Slowing down, I gripped the walls as my vision gave away, my environment suddenly becoming dark.
I heard gasps as my being collapsed onto the hard floors. I heard footsteps rushing towards me. I heard someone shout my name. Then I heard: nothing.
"Sara...are you waking up? Excuse me nurse! My friend is waking up!" Finn's voice filtered into my waking mind. Pushing through the groggy feeling, I opened my eyes to see a pristine, almost entirely white room. The hospital. 'Great' I thought inwardly as I struggled to sit up.
"How long have I been out for?" I muttered to no one in particular.
"A couple hours. The doctors have been running tests"
"Did I faint? What happened?"
"Yes, Hodges said you were fine. Then you just collapsed in the lab. Everyone was here but were told to go home"
"That's okay"
"Ah, Miss Sidle. You're awake. Good stuff" An older, very experienced looking doctor waltzed into the room. "How are you feeling right now? A little bit of drowsiness is completely normal"
"Yeah, I do feel a little disorientated but okay overall"
"That's fine. We are giving you some fluids to return your blood pressure to normal, but you should be good to go tomorrow. A follow up consultation will be needed of course."
"I have low blood pressure?"
"Yes Miss Sidle, its perfectly normal during the first trimester. Nothing to worry too much about." He spoke those words in such a nonchalant manner that it actually offended me that he didn't realise the ramifications of them. The first trimester. My heart thudded as a cold sweat overcame me. The doctor looked down to his notepad to scribble some notes.
"I'm sorry" My voice was horse as my mouth was suddenly dry. "Did you just say..the first trimester?" The doctor looked back up, seemingly confused by my question.
"Yes...are you not aware that you're pregnant?"
Be honest, how many of you saw that coming? Leave a line, thanks!
TBC.
