A month later
After an intense month of physical therapy and it finally paying off, Alvin woke up again to an empty bed and he hated it. He hard worked really hard physically, emotionally and psychologically in bettering himself. Hank had kept his promise and had been there every step of the way and even if Al's interactions with Caitlin had been too few for his taste, he knew through Hank that she was doing fine and that she was standing by him. She had decided to stay with Hank and Meredith to preserve herself from the emotional and physical strain of being around Al would have entailed. He had respected her decision.
He sat up and took his cane and stood. He grew stronger every day and it was obvious that the cane was more a psychological need than a physical one, it was like a safety net for him. But he was more and more confident that it was only a question of days before he discarded of it. He wasn't ready to run a semi-marathon but he was walking and that was exceptional! He had an appointment that morning with Dr. Loumis and he was eager to here what she had to say.
As he walked out of Dr. Loumis' office, he was in a very good mood. He was almost at 90% capacity and she assured him that he kept going that it would be as if nothing had ever happened. He would still need to get the board's green light, but he could in a matter of time return to full duty.
When the elevator stopped on his floor and the door slid open, he took a step towards it and found himself face to face with Caitlin and Meredith.
Caitlin looked at him and her heart skipped a beat. It did so for many reasons. First, she was still in love with him and seeing him reminded her of how badly she missed him. Secondly, he looked like the Alvin she had known before all of this had happened and he was handsome. Third and lastly, he was walking and that had been the best news she'd had in a long time.
He smiled upon seeing her, he too realizing his love and devotion for her and how he had missed her. Yet he felt awkward, he didn't know what to say or how to act and it was obvious that he wasn't the only one. Yet as strong as she was, she made the first step.
"Alvin, you're walking. That's fantastic"!
"Yes, still need a little help but Dr. Loumis says it's just a question of a couple of days before I can get rid of this very gentlemanlike accessory".
"It's good to see you Meredith", he said politely.
"You too Al. It's good to see you on your feet again".
He then turned his full of attention to Caitlin as Meredith discreetly kept herself busy.
"How are you"?
"I'm good", she said in a soft voice.
He looked at her. She had gotten much bigger and aside from looking very tired, she looked beautiful.
"How are they doing"?
"So far so good. I'm on my way to see Dr. Baxter, I just had to get a routine blood test done in the lab first".
"That's good to hear".
His hand naturally found it's way to her face. "I've missed you".
She put her hand over his. "I've missed you too".
The elevator stopped and the door opened. "That's our stop". She stood not knowing what to say next or do as Meredith held the door open.
He nodded. "Take care of yourself".
She nodded and sadly exited the elevator.
He watched as the elevator doors closed and it continued its descent. He too suddenly felt sad and melancholic. He slowly started walking out of the hospital then stopped. It took him less than 10 seconds to realize that he didn't want to leave.
Meredith and Caitlin sat in the waiting room and chatted. Suddenly, Meredith stopped talking and smiled at Caitlin.
"I don't think my presence is needed anymore", she said kindly.
"What"?
Caitlin turned around and saw Alvin standing a few feet from them. Meredith patted Caitlin's hand and stood. She walked over to Alvin and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"I'm glad the old Alvin is back".
He nodded. "Here, do me a favor, someone might need this more than me". He handed over his cane and walked over determined towards Cat.
As Caitlin watched him get closer, she couldn't help but have her eyes fill up with tears of joy and pride. It had taken him time, but he was finally winning his battle. She stood and he instantly put his arm around her.
"Have I told you lately that I love you"? he asked as he looked into her dark brown eyes.
"Not that I can recall".
He caressed her cheek with his thumb. "I love you. Do you hear me? I LOVE YOU"!
"I love you too".
He pulled her in closer as he kissed her. God how he had missed being to hold her, to touch her, to feel her against him and to have his lips graze hers.
"Caitlin"?
They parted and turned their heads, with a look on their face that was worthy of two teenagers being caught in the act of kissing, either at school or at home. Dr. Baxter was apparently undisturbed by what they had been doing and smiled.
"I'm ready for you".
Caitlin took Alvin's hand in hers and they walked in together, more united than ever, into Dr. Baxter's office.
Alvin watched impatiently as Dr. Baxter prepared the ultrasound machine. When the screen came to life, he was mesmerized. It had been months since he had seen the twins and as he watched them move and saw their faces up close in 4D, his heart filled up with so much love. Love for them but even more for Caitlin, who was giving him this beautiful gift.
He looked at Caitlin and smiled as he held her hand. Suddenly, everything bad that had happened the past months simply vanished. They weren't important anymore.
"This is what I wanted you to fight for".
He simply nodded and kissed her again. She had been right. This, the babies, her, the two of them, the four of them, they had been all along what had been important. When he had lost the use of his legs, he had gotten lost in his fears, in his anger, in his despair and it had brought only darkness. As it had been the case when she had come back in to his life, she had been the light and he vowed himself to never turn away from it ever again.