Andy felt warm and cosy. She had very nice dreams and Miranda's bed was wonderfully soft and comfortable. Wait... Miranda's bed?
The flash of morning confusion left her rather quickly when she turned her head to the left and found a peacefully sleeping Miranda Priestley beside her.
What now?
The last thing she needed was an awkward 'morning after' situation...
Having made a decision, the young woman carefully slipped out of bed, hoping that she wouldn't wake Miranda. To Andy's relief, the editor didn't stir, so she quietly left the room and tiptoed back into her own. The clock on the wall said 6:36am. Thankfully enough time to have a shower, make breakfast and wake Miranda up, before the nurse arrived.
The warm shower allowed Andy time to think about the previous night. She was somewhat concerned and rather curious to know what had caused the older woman to break down like that. Of course the whole hospital ordeal was enough for normal people to react that way, but Miranda wasn't someone you'd label as normal. There must be more to it, Andy was sure, but she knew that she couldn't just ask. She'd have to wait until Miranda was ready to talk about it.
Andy smiled at Roy's thoughtfulness when she opened the bag he had brought for her. There was haute couture as well as her comfy slob-out clothes. She opted for white fleece trousers and a cosy sweatshirt. It wouldn't go down well with the Queen of Fashion, but her need to feel comfortable won, regardless of the editor's opinion.
Looking at what Roy had brought reminded her that he couldn't bring as much work as she wanted, because she had left her notes in the office. She would have to go and get them soon. Her boss was very understanding, but she had the feeling that she'd better not count on that for long. She could at least work from here while taking care of Miranda.
A quick time check told Andy that she should really start making breakfast. Still aware of what would make her former boss happy, she brewed Miranda's favourite coffee and arranged a plate with toast, jam and a kiwi fruit. Grabbing the tray with Miranda's and her own breakfast on it, she headed to the editor's bedroom.
When she opened the door she found Miranda still sleeping. She couldn't help but smile at the peaceful form and a warmth settled around her heart. Placing the tray on the bedside table, she carefully sat on the edge of the bed and placed a gentle hand on Miranda's shoulder.
"Miranda, "she whispered. "Time to wake up." She started gently rubbing the editor's hand until the blue eyes fluttered open and connected with her's. "Good morning. I brought breakfast."
"Why am I not surprised that your very first thought in the morning is wasted on food." Her voice sounded chilly, but the amused twitching of her lips betrayed the older woman.
Andrea wondered briefly what Miranda's reaction were if she knew that her very first thoughts in the morning circled around herself...
"I am too predictable," she answered, standing up to give Miranda enough room to sit up. Andrea placed the tray on the editor's lap and both woman began eating breakfast. It was strange but comfortable. They had obviously come to a silent agreement that they wouldn't bring up the previous night. Andy remembered it was like that when she worked for the Queen of Fashion. After the very first month of disaster, they developed a unique understanding that didn't need words. It was one of the things that made their relationship special, one of the things she missed in her life. Sometimes she wondered if Miranda missed that too, but the answer always came as clear as crystal. Miranda didn't miss anyone but her girls.
"You seem awfully far away this morning, Andrea," the editor stated, sipping her coffee and eyeing the younger woman carefully.
Andy smiled in response. "I am sorry, Miranda. I'm just organizing the next few days in my head. Is there anything that you need me to take care of or organize for you?"
The time when Andy would shake in fear when she had to ask the editor a question was long gone.
The older woman paused in her movements. "No, but you should know that I will tell Emily to bring the book."
Andy knew it would come to this, but she had hoped it would take a little longer. "Miranda, do you think that is wise? You know I will have to stop you from going to work for at least two weeks. Even when after checking the book, you think you need to, right? Can you promise me not to fight over that when you look at the book?"
The older woman took a few deep breath. She absolutely detested being patronized.
Andrea saw the editor's facial expression tense. "Miranda, I don't mean to be condescending, but I care about you. If that means I have to lock you in this room, I will. Do you understand that? You can scare them over the phone, but I won't let you out of here until the doctors say you can."
Before Miranda could reply, the doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of the nurse. "That will be your beauty program coming in." Andy took the tray from Miranda's lap and headed for the door.
"Beauty program from hell," Andy heard the editor mutter and quietly laughed to herself, while opening the door.
"Good morning," Andy greeted the nurse.
"I hope so," Susi replied, remembering the day before.
"Just think of how much better you will feel when you get out of here." Andy winked at the scared woman and led her upstairs.
"And here we go again," Miranda said sweetly when the nurse entered the room in Andy's wake.
"Miranda, do you want me to stay with you or wait outside?"
"Oh you can wait outside Andrea. I'm sure this helpful nurse and I will have a terrific time, don't you think?"
Not good. Miranda spoke in a voice she always used when she asked her employers if these were the best and final ideas they could offer for the new issue.
"No, she doesn't think that and I don't think that either." Andy turned to the slightly shaking nurse. "I will be just outside of this door if you need me. The bathroom is over there when you need water and towels."
With a last warning look at Miranda, Andy left the room, not sure she had done the right thing. It was like seeing Daniel enter the lion's den and deciding to stand on the edge and watch. She started pacing nervously in front of the door, just in case she needed to help the poor nurse. It was quite a long time, but in the end the door opened and a very pale and unhappy looking nurse came out. "I'm done for this morning. I shall be back to change the IV bag in the evening and I think and dearly hope that it will be the last one. Just make sure she doesn't move too much. I'm going home now. I think I need a drink!"
"Thank you so much. I'll see you out," Andy offered.
"Thank you but that isn't necessary. I'll find my way. You better go in. I think she is pretty exhausted." Susi was already on her way down and Andy just let her go. She too thought she should go in and see to Miranda.
When Andy carefully entered the room, she found Miranda with her eyes closed, looking considerably better. She was still very pale and the drip going into her arm always looked a bit dangerous, but with her hair washed she looked much more like herself.
"Andrea," Miranda whispered, somehow knowing that the young woman was there.
Andy sat on the edge of the bed. "Miranda, you look almost as good as new. Are you feeling a little better?"
The editor opened her eyes. "At least I'm feeling cleaner now."
"The rest will follow soon, I am sure," Andy said sympathetically. "Miranda, I need to go to the office to get my notices so that I can work from here."
The look on the older woman's face told Andy just how much she liked the idea. "Tell Roy to get it."
A deep sigh escaped Andrea's mouth. "I need to do it myself, Miranda. I promise I will hurry back, but I told my editor that I can't come into the office because of a family emergency and sending Roy wouldn't help at all. I'll go to the office, pick up my notes and arrange with my editor to work from here. That won't be a problem, but I need to organize that myself."
Miranda wasn't happy, but she knew Andrea was right. She needed to work after all and she had already lied to her boss to be able to be here. "Fine." The voice sounded uncaring although it was far from the truth. She hated to be left alone, the fear that Andrea might not come back always lingering in the back of her mind, but she'd never admit that.
"Fine?" Andrea asked unbelievingly. She was prepared for many a reaction, but that was not one of them.
"Isn't that what I just said?" Miranda's patience was quickly waning.
"Yes, of course." A few seconds passed with neither woman saying a word.
"Why are you still here," Miranda broke the silence.
"I'm staying until you fall asleep." Andy's tone was final.
"Who says I am tired?" She was, of course, and it was sweet of the young journalist that she wanted to stay, but she wouldn't make it too easy.
"Your eyes do." Knowing that moving with a drip in your arm wasn't too easy, Andrea asked " Shall I take one pillow out so that you can rest more comfortably?"
Miranda didn't say anything and from long experience Andy knew that a lack of negation was practically a ringing endorsement so she stood up, carefully pulling out one of the pillows that supported the older woman's back. She watched Miranda wriggle down into a lying position and without thinking, pulled the cover up to make sure Miranda was warm enough.
Not knowing what to say, Miranda remained silent. It was touching that Andrea seemed to care that much. Afraid that it would show in her eyes she quickly closed them and drifted off to sleep shortly after.
A big thanks to by beta! I'm looking forward to reading your reviews... ;)