First four days home was hell. Andy was in bed the whole time not wanting to see or talk to anyone. Robert took a week of to be with her, to help her but she rejected any help. She barely ate, barely getting out of bed. She lost her will to live.
She didn't want to see anyone. Vic and Luke came a couple of times but they sat and talk to Robert in the living room because she didn't want any company.
Luke noticed that Robert was a mess too. He wanted to help, to be there for her, to take away her pain. He was battling his own fights by himself. He was at the breaking point. The thought „I don't deserve happiness" was haunting him. It was haunting him to that point where he would just cry while he was showering. And he wasn't someone who would do that. He just wasn't that person.
He told Luke he will take another week of, saying it's because of Andy. And it was, partially. His head wasn't in the right place.
One more night came and Robert decided he will sleep on the couch. He had enough night next to her in the bed not feeling her presence. They were two strangers in the bed. It was like she was scared to cuddle next to him, to allow him to hug her, to kiss her. Oh how he missed kissing her. He didn't kissed her since she woke up in the hospital.
He missed her so much. Her laugh, her smile, her energy. And she was there but she wasn't. Her body was but her mind was else where or better say nowhere.
As Andy rolled over to Robert's side she definitely noticed that he didn't come to bed at usual time. His side was cold. She was just laying down on her back looking at the ceiling. Wanted to go out of the room, find him and hugged him but she knew that won't change things. He exprience trauma too. Maybe he wasn't physically hurt but he was suffering alone.
Knock on the door brought Robert from his thoughts. It was evening already.
Luke and Vic brought dinner and Vic decided that today was a day to talk to Andy and end all of this.
Vic headed upstairs and Luke stayed to talk to Robert.
Vic knocked two times and then enter the room without waiting for Andy to answer. Andy was awake, in bed but awake.
- Oh good. You are awake. Get up. C'mon.
She came to Andy's side and remove the blanket that was on her. Andy sat up against headboard holding her head in her hands.
- Listen to me now. Very carefully. I will tell you one thing. Never and I mean never, look at me, allowed yourself this. She was pointing at the empty bed side.
Being stuck in this room for almost a week. A week Andy. Robert is falling apart too. But how can you know that when you didn't propely saw him. She raised her voice.
Vic was pissed. Yes, her dad died but that wasn't the reason to do all of this. Andy didn't say a word. She just sat there, tears just falling down her face. Vic squeezed her leg as a sign of support.
- Fix it. Just show up downstairs. It's a progress. Vic gave her comforting look now.
Downstairs Luke was trying to start the conversation with Robert but he didn't know how. They heard Vic raised her voice but they didn't heard what she was saying. They just exchange looks.
As Luke was about to speak Robert spoke first.
- I don't know what to do anymore. I gave her space but I also gave her father a promise to be there for her but she doesn't want me here. I had to sleep on the couch because it hurts being next to her and just lay down like two strangers.
I think I'm cursed or something. Honestly I think I don't deserve happiness. I'm going crazy here.
As he finished speaking a single tear rolled down his face. But his eyes were red and it was a matter of time when he will breakdown.
Upstairs Vic ordered Andy to get herself together and take a bath. She wore Robert's crew shirt all the time. While she was showering Vic placed her clothes on the bed and headed downstairs.
She found Luke and Robert in the kitchen talking. She saw state Robert was in but she decided to join them anyway.
- She will be down in a few minutes even if I need to carry her down.
Robert chuckled at her statement. Vic placed her hand on Robert's shoulder giving support.
- Sorry if you heard me yelling that was necessary. But I guess it worked.
Vic raised her head when she heard the door open. Everyone looked up and Robert couldn't keep his tears anymore.
Andy was slowly getting down the stairs, Robert's heart was beating fast. All of the sudden he felt like he couldn't breathe so he went outside on the terrace and closed the door. Breathing rapidly, tears just falling down. He wasn't able to stop them. He was sobbing.
Vic motioned Andy where he went, her and Luke headed to the living room to be away from them while they talk.
Andy slowly puts a hand on the doorknob, took a deep breath and slowly open them.
Robert was sitting on the stairs.
At the end of the terrace there were two stairs were Robert was sitting and he was looking into the distance.
Andy came in front of him and squated placing her hands on his. Robert didn't want to look at her. Batling his tears not to fall again.
- I'm sorry. She whispered.
Robert kept looking around trying to blink away his tears but it was obvious that won't happen.
Andy took his chin and move his head towards her. Making him to look at her.
- I'm sorry. She repeated.
For all of it. Slowly tears started to fall down her face.
Robert finally looked at her and he was now crying too.
- I guess you not coming to bed was a much needed wake up call. She spoke after a few minutes.
Robert was debating what to do. He wanted to hug her, to kiss her but he couldn't. He decided to get up and leave her down.
He started to pace around the garden nervously scratching back of his head. Andy was sitting on the stairs.
He finally spoke.
- Andy, I can't do this anymore. I promised him to be there for you. And you know I'm the man of the word. I tried but you were... you were...
Andy got up quickly and came to him.
- I was selfish. I'm horrible person.
- I didn't mean to...you are grieving.
- I'm but that is not excuse to shut you down. And I'm sorry. I will keep repeating it until you forgive me for closing of. For not letting you in, for ignoring you for almost a week.
- You lost your father not me. But I lost you in all of that. Andy I can't function without you. It's like... it's like a part of me is missing. Like someone ripped that part of me.
I can't stop thinking that I'm cursed and that I don't deserve happiness. Since I got to the station everthing went downhill. All those near death experiences were when I was around you. Then your ex, your dad and you... you almost... died because of me. His voice was breaking and he was trying to move away from her.
Your life was so much better when I wasn't in it.
- Robert stop. She took his hand but he rejected to look at her.
Don't you dare saying something like that. My life is nothing without you. Nothing.
Look at me. She placed her hands on his cheeks and pull him down.
Everything that happens in the past brought us together, closer than ever.
The hell I went there to try to save you and I would do it all over again and again. And you... ( she caressed his chin) deserve all the happiness in the world. More than anybody.
- I'm sorry, you are right. I'm not usually like this. I guess I had too much alone time with my thoughts.
Us. We deserve all the happiness in the world. He placed a kiss on her lips.
You and me against the world. He kissed her again.
- You and me. We're all we have. She returned the kiss. Passionate one.
After all they missed each other so much.
- Do you really have to go? Andy scoffed as Robert got up to get ready to went out.
- You said you need groceries. You want to cook. He started laughing.
- Now I regret that. She made angry face.
He laughed at her facial expression. And kissed her before he headed to the bathroom.
- I just don't know what to do with myself. She shouted.
Robert opened the door and smiled.
- I will be back in a few hours. You'll live.
Pulling in front of the station Robert felt nervous.
He headed inside and entered his office finding Ripley by the desk.
- Wha... what are you doing here? Ripley was confused.
- Shh. Andy sent me grocery shopping but I need to come here first. Robert was closing the door slowly.
- So... you two are okay now.
- Yes, yes. Well getting there, it's a process. He came to his desk opening the last drawer and pulling a bag from it.
He sat in the chair across Ripley and pull a small red box from the bag.
- I came for this. I planned a trip for next week since Andy is okay and she can travel. And things are getting back to normal.
Ripley was left speechless.
- Do you think she will like it?
Robert opened the box and showed a engagement ring with oval diamond.
- Wow Sully. She is gonna love it.
- Well Vic helped a little because I couldn't decide between two of them.
- I bet she helped and she didn't tell me anything. When you are going to do it?
- We are going to Hawaii tomorrow morning for a few days. So there. It's her birthday this week so she won't suspect anything. And a little vacation will be good for us. He got up ready to leave.
- Put your poker face on or she will suspect something. Have fun you two.
And Robert left the station heading to the market.
Opening the door he saw Andy in the kitchen preping stuff for lunch. She had her headphones on so she didn't hear him or saw him. He puts down the bags and came behind her and hugged her.
Andy jumped scared and removed her headphones.
- Someone is in a mood today. Robert whispered to her ear.
She turned to face him. Putting her hands around his neck.
- I'm. No more depressed Andy. There is so much to live for. She kissed him.
-Okay then. I have a little surprise.
Since it's your birthday in a few days...
- Oh Robert.
- We are going to Hawaii for a few days.
- What? Really? She hugged him.
- I was planning this, something, since my birthday. I wanted to take you somewhere and I decided where when you came home from hospital.
- Wow. You know you didn't have to, right? She took his chin in her hand.
But this is exactly what we need. She kissed him.
- We definitely need this. He said with a smirk on his face.
Robert picked a very nice hotel that was on the beach. The room had an amazing view. Panoramic view of the ocean and the sunset. You could feel ocean breeze on the balcony. It was perfect.
Andy was amazed by everything.
- Wow Robert. You really outrang yourself. I definitely don't deserve this. With everything I did.
- Shh. He kissed her. We are okay now. That is all that matters.
Robert chose Oahu. They spent the first 2 days exploring the island. Went on a hike to see diamond head from a far and to enjoy the views from above. The view were amazing.
They also talked about everything and anything. Andy mostly feeling guilty for closing of and wanted to make up for it. Robert understood all of it he just had enough of her behavior. They sorted things out and this vacation was exactly what they needed.
They spent the most time on the beach. Relaxing and enjoy beautiful walks on the beach watching sunsets. Truly magical time to be on the beach.
Tomorrow is Andy's birthday and THE DAY. Robert decided to make her day special from the moment she wakes up.
Robert woke up first and just turn his head towards her, observing her. They way she fidgets and lightly smile while sleeping made Robert fall in love even more.
The hair fell down on her face so Robert move it behind her ear and kissed her while he was doing that she woke up.
- Good morning to you too. She said with her raspy morning voice while stretching.
- Happy Birthday beautiful. He gave her his birthday kiss.
- Mm I love my birthday already. We can do something more to spice this morning.
- Really? His eyes widened.
They didn't make love to each other since the accident.
- I'm fine, Robert. I'm not made of glass, I won't break.
- Well, then comes the first birthday present. He said as he climbs over her.
Starting to kiss her jawline, her neck. Putting his hands under her shirt, lifting it and taking off. Continues to kiss her colar bone, then between her breasts.
Andy took his head into her hands and pulled his head up to kiss him.
She was only in panties and she could feel he is hard already under his boxers.
He gave her long passionate kisses then got down to kiss her stomach. She had 4 small scars from laparoscopy. Slowly caressing every scar with his finger first and then placed a kiss on each scar.
He got down to her panties and he could hear her moans already. He slowly slid her panties kissing her left then right inner thigh what caused her to fidget under him.
She was more than ready for him and he didn't even do much down there.
He took of his boxers and slowly teased her at her entrance. With every move he made caused her to squeeze sheets harder and harder.
- Rob... Robert stop... teasing already. Andy said biting her lower lip
He got over her and slowly inserted himself. Kissing her neck in the process.
Both of them moaning in pleasure, gasping for air and all sweaty from the hot action.
Robert lifted her and they were in a sitting position now. Robert's arms were placed on Andy's back and Andy kept her arms around his neck occasionally putting her hands on his cheek when she was giving him kisses.
The balcony door were open and ocean breeze would occasionally fill the room.
- Fas... faster Robert. Andy was whispering on his ear.
It didn't take long for them to reach their climaxes at the same time. They separated from each other throwing themselves on the bed gasping for air.
After a few minutes Robert spoke first.
- Let's shower I have plans for today.
- Mm stop. She took his hand as he was passing by her bed side, he sat next to her removing lock of hair from her face and placing it behind her ear.
- Thank you for not giving up on me. She kissed him.
- Never. He kissed her again, took her hand and drag her from the bed to the shower.
After the shower they got dressed and because they replaced real breakfast with morning sex they decided to go eat some lunch instead.
They sat at the local beach restaurant and ordered their food but Andy was so curious what he planned for today so she started to be annoying with her questions.
- What you planned for today? You said you have plans for today, right?
- I have and I won't tell you anything. There is a reason they are called surprises and don't ask me again I won't say anything more just that I have big plans.
Andy grunted and scoffed and he enjoyed seeing her all excited and happy.
Her dad passed but she had to continue living and enjoying every moment of her life.
- My dad said that I will get to experience many blessings in the future. She said it as she was looking at the beach.
- Hey, hey let's not change the mood.
- No, no I'm okay it just I can't keep thinking about that sentence. It's stuck in my head.
- Let's not overthink now. I'm sure he is right. Robert had a smirk on his face.
Eat your food then we are going swimming in the ocean.
As the hours where passing Robert got more nervous. Not because of the proposal, he wanted to do it after 2 months of dating but it would be too soon. He was nervous will it go how he planned it to go. His biggest fear was that Andy would read him and figure it out before he get a chance to get on one knee and ask the question.
They had really great time at the beach, most of the time they spent hugged. Andy wrapping her legs around him and kissing him while the waves were hitting them. Or they would lay down on the sand while waves will wet their legs and they would just hold hands like the waves would take one away from the other.
They got back to the hotel room and Andy wanted to have hot steamy sex in the shower but Robert rejected her saying they will miss the sunset.
- It's going to be the most special sunset today so hurry up.
- I'm coming, I'm coming.
They got to the beach and sun was slowly started to go down. Robert wrapped his arm around Andy's shoulders bringing her closer to him and they kept walking.
Robert occasionally would kissed her forehead. They stopped walking and turned to watch the sunset.
- It's really magical. Andy said amazed by the view. Her eyes were sparkling.
- Not as much as you are. He gave her light kiss on the lips.
The moment was there, Robert felt so nervous that her will forget the words he was supposed to say. But that was it no turning back.
As she was watching the sunset Robert removed his arm that was placed on her shoulder so Andy gave him confusing look. He took her hand in his, which Andy was observing little bit confused, and got on one knee in front of her and opened the little box.
Andy was left in shook, putting her free hand over her mouth.
-Oh my God Rob...
- Andy, you are the best thing that happen to me since forever I think. I thought I would never get a chance at second love but the moment you walked into my life I knew I had love of my life in front of me even if it took me some time to realize that. He chuckled. Andy was in tears.
You got under my skin pretty fast and I wouldn't have it any other way. We went trough so much together which only made us stronger. You are my person I can't live without.
You make me happier than I ever thought I could be and if you let me I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way.
Andrea Herrera will you marry me?
- I thought you'll never ask.
Yees of course I will. A thousand times yes.
He got up and placed a ring on her left finger and Andy jumped onto him hugging him tightly and Robert spinning her around.
- I love you so much. Andy said sniffling from crying.
- I love you more. He puts her down and kisses her as the sun was already set and dark was all around them.