A/N: Hopefully you enjoy this chapter as much as the last. I enjoy hearing from you. Let me know what you think, review!
Chapter 11
As slowly as each minute and each hour dragged by, the days flew past in a haze of activity. There were never enough hours in the day to get everything done and as much as I fought my sister on it, she always made sure I went home in the evening to eat, relax and sleep. She insisted Aric wouldn't want me to run myself down caring for him, when others were there to help. I knew she was right but I hated leaving him.
When I was at the hospital, I was kept busy making sure Aric received the best medical treatment possible. Doctor Jeffre was highly skilled and respected in the medical community and I trusted he had my mate's best interest at heart, but other's not so much. The military staff was spread thin and worn out caring for the large number of injured soldiers that came with a protracted war effort. The private sector medical personnel, while sympathetic to the plight of their counterparts, had been burned to many times by the Republic government not paying the bills incurred for soldiers' care.
I quickly found the best way to make sure medical doors were opened for my XO, was Doctor Jeffre's reference and my last name. I hated throwing it around but I'd do anything to ensure Aric got the absolutely best treatment possible. My family's deep pockets guaranteed payment, easing civilian medical staff's concerns. It did make me worry that my comrades-in-arms were not getting the best attention possible but I could do little about that right now. I did make a note to talk to my father about putting soldiers and veteran issues on his political agenda.
The evenings were more difficult. My sister always made sure I went home at a "reasonable" hour, ate and rested. Back at the apartment, it was hard to focus on anything; I was constantly distracted by my thoughts of Aric. Not just my worries, though those were by far the most painful, but also by my fantasies. I found myself daydreaming about how he'd react when I spilled my secret to him. I dreamt of our future together, careers and family and what each might bring…promotions, safety, and a home of our own…children. I never envisioned myself as a mother, but with Aric I could see it. His children growing inside me, watching him hold our kits for the first time and hearing them call me "mama." I could see it and I worried it the nightmare I was currently living might shatter that dream, taking it away before I even had the chance to live it.
I tried to distract myself from my fears by keeping busy while at the apartment. I tried painting. I took up my paintbrush and started working on the unfinished painting sitting on my easel. For a time, it seemed to be going well. The image I had seen in my previous efforts started coming out. I spent some time adding more touches to the image, a swipe of the brush here and a splash of color there. A streak of red turned into a sea of red. Blood red, shimmering in the light…like the pool of blood that Aric lain in on the Gauntlet. Aric, who was in a kolto tank….gah!
The next evening I decided to go for a run and wear myself out, hoping to sleep well later. I threw on my running gear, tank top, shorts and running shoes. I picked up a small pack containing my identification, some cash, holo-communicator and a vibroblade. I wasn't going out without a weapon. I took the elevator down to the building's lobby and as I went out the front door, I put on a headset and started listening to my favorite music.
I loved running outside and set a fast pace. While it could be dangerous on the lower levels of Coruscant, up here it seemed to be a different world. There was no garbage on the streets, no vandalism, no one hanging out on the street corners and all the buildings were occupied by thriving businesses. It was flourishing, colorful, economically vibrant, and dynamic. Reaching my stride, I passed pedestrians, food vendors and street artists.
As I worked off all my pent up energy and frustration, my mind and emotions settled. As I continued to run, my anxiety slowly began to drop and I felt better each footfall.
After my long, hard run I rounded the last corner and headed home to the apartment building. I poured on the speed the last 100 meters, giving it all I had. With a last gasp, I reached the large glass doors and slowed to stop. I stood on the sidewalk, hands on my knees and gasping for air.
The doorman droid opened the door for me and said, "Welcome back Miss K'agan."
"Thank you," I said, as I straightened up and walked back in the building. I was breathing hard, hot, and sweaty but I felt much better.
Heading over to the bank of elevators I pushed the button and waited. When the doors opened, I stepped, pushed the button for our floor and they swished closed, as they started up, I took a couple of deep breaths. After a few moments, we reached our destination and I walked out. I headed for the kitchen and was surprised to find K'eegan cooking. Opening the refrigerator, I pulled out a bottle of water and twisted off the cap. Tipping it up, I took a couple of big swallows of the cool liquid.
Leaning against the counter, I said, "Not that I'm complaining that you're cooking but what are you doing here Sis?"
"Elara's at the medical center with Aric and Corso has the overnight shift, so I decided to spend the evening with you," she explained, while stirring something in the pan. "And I'm aware your culinary skills haven't improved, so if I want something edible this evening I'm cooking."
She was right but I couldn't resist sticking my tongue out at her. K'eegan returned the gesture as she stirred and we both broke out laughing.
After I finally quit snickering, I said, "Thanks, I haven't laughed liked that in a while!"
"You're welcome!"
"What are you making?"
"Spicy Gargon Gumbo," my sister answered as she stirred the food in the pan again.
Leaning in, I attempted to grab a small taste from the pan but my twin was quicker and hit my fingers with the spoon. "No! Wait until it's done!"
"Just a bite," I whined.
"No," she said, waving the spoon at me. "Go take a shower and change. It will be done when you're finished."
"I'll be back in a few," I said, smiling, before I turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Shutting my bedroom door, I quickly stripped and took a shower. After I finished my shower and toweled off, I dressed in a large soft shirt and sweat pants. I headed back to the kitchen and found a large bowl of gumbo and a hunk of bread waiting for me on the table. Sitting down, I picked up the spoon, took a bite and closed my eyes when the spices hit my taste buds. I couldn't stop the moan of pleasure that escaped my lips. Swallowing, I took another.
"Oh my gods," I said, between mouthfuls, to my grinning sister sitting across from me, "K'eegan this is sinful!"
"Thank you!"
For the next few minutes, the only sounds in the dining room were the echo of spoons clinking against the sides of our bowls. As we finished off our dinner, I said, "It seems like all I've been saying to you tonight but thank you."
"You looked like you could use a good meal," she replied, before taking her last bite.
Standing I picked up our dishes, "Let me," I told her.
"Will do," she said, as she watched me clean up.
As I rinsed the dishes and put them in the washer, my sister asked, "How about a holo-film?"
I nod and reply, "Ok, I'll finish up in here and meet you in the lounge."
Without a word my sister disappeared around the corner. I rinsed all the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, before wiping the counters down. Opening the door, I reached into one of the cupboards and grabbed a large bowl. From another cabinet I found a bag of chips, tore them open, and poured them into it. Picking up the dish, I walked over to the refrigerator, opened it and grabbed two bottles of water. I took my snacks and headed for the lounge.
Sitting down on the large couch next to K'eegan, I placed the chips between us and handed her a bottle.
"Thanks," she said, opening it and taking a drink.
"No problem," I answered. "What'd you pick?" I asked, as I pulled a blanket off the back of the couch and covered my legs with it.
"Don't remember the title," K'eegan replied, as she grabbed a handful of chips, "Some holo-drama from Corellia."
'From home,' I thought fondly. I hadn't been back to my home world in quite a while and I was beginning to miss it. "Sounds good, start it up when you're ready."
Picking up the remote, my twin pointed it at the projector and pushed a button. The film started and we both got comfortable on the couch. We ate our snacks and passed a couple of hours in companionable silence, both ohhing and ahhing in all the appropriate spots.
As the credits rolled, I stood up and stretched. Yawning, I said, "I think I'll head to bed."
"Me too," my twin replied as she turned off the projector and stood. Giving me a quick hug, she said, "I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight K'eegan," I replied, as she walked towards her room and I started to mine.
"Night K'agan," she echoed with a smile and closed her door.
I closed mine and stretched again. Grabbing a pair of pajamas, I took off my clothes, gently folded them and laid them over the desk chair. I slipped into bed and pulled the covers up over me. Turning on my side, I closed my eyes and tried to fall asleep. A short time later I drifted off into slumber.
