Chapter 58 Nights into Morning
It's very late and there is nothing more Nathan can do until the morning. Lee, Jesse and Nathan stopped to see Carson about their shoulders and Carson just gave them a look as he was busy with many serious injuries. He just tossed all three liniment and told he would look at each of them when he had more time.
Nathan trudged home knowing Elizabeth had Allie and he was grateful for that. When he approached his house he saw a low light burning and wondered why. Frankly he was so tired and sore he didn't care; he just wanted some rest and knew tomorrow would be a long day as well.
Stepping in the house he saw two shaped sleeping on the floor in pallets. He quickly stripped out of his wet coat and made a beeline for the upstairs to clean up. On the steps he realized one of the shapes was Elizabeth, she rolled over and sleepily looked at him. He put his finger to his lips and mimed that he was going to get changed. Taking a quick sponge bath as he did not want to make much noise he dressed in his most comfortable warm clothes and realizes Allie must have gotten them out for him.
Coming downstairs he saw Elizabeth up and she quickly came up to embrace him. This was a loving comfort embrace as two people coming together and just thankful they have their family as compared to the individuals who had been impacted by the train crash. He then goes over to give Allie a kiss on the forehead and she rolls over saying "Love you Dad". He lovingly tucks her in saying "Love you too honey". Elizabeth is touched by this tender exchange.
Elizabeth quickly realizes that he is injured and while he tries to make light of it, she finally gets the story out of him. "Sit here and let me rub this liniment in" she says. Nathan is concerned that it is not proper and in a loud whisper Elizabeth says "Really, think of what you saw tonight; we are lucky you are not injured more. Now let me do this." He finally agrees and Elizabeth is none too gentle massaging the lotion into his shoulder and he utters couple of groans. Once the medication starts working it begins to feel better.
Elizabeth has fixed them a small hot toddy as Nathan is clearly chilled and both need to relax. They sit closely together with very little speech as their adrenaline is coming down and they begin to realize just how devastating tonight was and would continue for several days. Silent tears fall from Elizabeth's eyes and Nathan just holds her as she lets her emotions out.
Elizabeth tells him that Allie didn't want to sleep alone tonight and that is why they are camping. Nathan says "We used to do this if she was really worried about something, it seemed to comfort her"
Elizabeth says "We could all use comfort tonight. Come on let's try and get some sleep as tomorrow will be a long hard day. They laid on their separate pallets and cuddle each other for comfort as the situation today was not about passion between a loving couple, but comfort and support to help each other through a difficult situation.
During the night Elizabeth awakens distraught over the day and Nathan sensing this wakes and just soothes her back to sleep. Both finally sleep deeply exhausted from the day.
Elizabeth wakes first and is so thankful they are all together. She misses Little Jack, but know he is being well cared for. Quietly she gets up and looks to start coffee and as she knows Nathan will soon wake she looks around to start breakfast. Nathan then wakes and for a minute is disoriented and then realizes they had a family camp night and Elizabeth is up. Groaning about his shoulder and rubbing sleep from his eyes he finds her in his kitchen and he stops for a moment to just enjoy the scene. She turns and sees him giving him a welcoming smile and pours him some coffee. Before accepting the coffee he embraces her and they relish this quiet time together. Both know they will be busy this day helping in the emergency.
Over coffee they make plans. He has to go back to town as soon as possible and will be busy all day. Elizabeth wants to see Little Jack before she has to go help at the school. Once more Elizabeth massages the liniment in Nathan's shoulder to help. It is decided to wake Allie as she can help Elizabeth or her grandmother depended on what is needed. Elizabeth leaves the breakfast warming and with a loving kiss to Nathan she goes to her house to relieve Laura for a little.
Nathan wakes Allie, always a difficult task; however she is thrilled to see him and pops up saying "Dad". He hugs her and he gives her some time to wake up. After a couple of minutes he hurries her to breakfast as he needs to get into town. Allie understands how serious everything is and she cooperates. She will clean up and then go over to Elizabeth's and help her with school. If not she will go to the Café and help her grandmother. Nathan cautions her that he is not sure where he will be during the day and to let either Maura or Elizabeth know where she is. Allie reassures him saying "Don't worry about me today. I know you have a lot to do. I will make sure to check in with Grandma to tell her my plans." Nathan kisses her and heads off to town.
Meanwhile Little Jack is thrilled to see his mother and she gets him ready for the day and plays with him. She feels so comforted holding him as she always does, but today she realizes just how fleeting any of this could be. She readies herself and leaves for school with Laura willing to watch Little Jack all day if necessary. Everyone wants to do their part to help with this emergency.