Till Death Us Do Part

Chapter 4



Author: Lockhart

E-mail: Katie@ballantyne24.freeserve.co.uk

Category: Mark/Elizabeth

Rating: PG13 4/4 parts

Spoilers: Just a few minor ones for season 7

Archive: Archive my fic on your site if you wish but please let me know first

Disclaimer: I don't own ER or any of the charcters but I've asked Santa very nicely if he could bring John Carter to my doorstep on Christmas morning wrapped up in a nice big bow, tee hee hee!! This is a Mark/ Elizabeth fanfic which takes place mid season 7.

Author's Notes: See end of fic

Summary: Continuation of Till Death Us Do Part Chapter 3



And when he shall die,

Take him and cut him out in little stars,

And he will make the face of heaven so fine,

That all the world will be in love with night

And pay no worship to the garish sun.

( Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare )

"Dearly beloved" the vicar spoke full of sorrow and pity. "We are gathered together here in the precense of God, to mourn the passing of Dr Mark Greene"

Elizabeth could still hear the minister's words clearly inside her head. A week had passed since the death of her dear husband and not a single night passed by when she didn't cry herself to sleep. That is when she could actually manage a few hours of sleep. The woman rubbed her puffy eyes and lay down on the couch. It seemed like an eternity ago since she sat in the exact same spot in the comfort and safety of Mark's arms, watching soppy romantic movies together and eating bowl upon bowls of popcorn. If it wasn't for the baby grwoing insode of her she would have seriously considered ending her own life. There just didn't seem to be a point in living anymore if the one man she truly loved with all her heart and soul wasn't there by her side. Her unborn child was a great comfort though. A part of Mark would be with her and always remain with her. Elizabeth walked back through to her bedroom and wrapped one of Mark's old, green sweater's around her shoulders. It almost felt as though his big, strong arms were holding her tight and giving her a comforting hug. She was so frightened of the future now. Years ahead spent raising a child alone, growing old with no one by her side. What kind of life did she have to look forward to without Mark there with her? Time is a great healer, her mother told her before heading back home to England. Those words did nothing to calm Elizabeth's fears though, she simply didn't believe she could ever be happy again. Suddenly a loud knock at the doot startled the female surgeon.

"Lizzie?" a familiar, bellowing voice called. "Lizzie are you there?"

Elizabeth sighed deeply as she hurried through to the hallway of her grand house. She didn't particulary care for visitors at the moment, especially if the visitor was Robert Romano of all people. She simply could not take any of his obnoxious comments at a time like the present. "Hello Robert" she tried to sound enthusiastic as she opened the door.

"Lizzie" he nodded, strolling right past her, not even waiting for an invitation to enter.

"If it's about work I'll start back on Monday" she replied following the man through to her sitting room. "I'll work extra shifts and overtime to cover the amount of time taken off"

"I know you view me as a cold-hearted, loathsome monster" Robert looked at her with a twinge of sadness in his eyes. "And I know you'll never like me either. You are one incredible woman Elizabeth Corday. You are honest, hard-working, beautiful, intelligent......."

"Robert" she interrupted, dreading to think where this conversation was leading.

"No let me finish" he demanded. "I just want to let you know that I do care about you.I have never seen you so happy than the time I saw you with Mark. It breaks my heart to think that I may never see that smile on your face again"

"Mark was my life" she concluded. "He meant the world to me. He was the first thing I thought about when I woke up in the morning and the last thing at night"

"I truly am sorry for you Elizabeth" Robert replied sadly.

"I can't.......I can't......I'm sorry" she suddenly burst into a flood of tears leaning her small head against the man's broad shoulder.

"Shhhhhh, it's okay" he whispered, holding the sobbing female tenderly in his arms. "Shhhhh it's okay. It's painful to lose the one you love, I too know the exact feeling" Robert leaned forward slightly and kissed Elizabeth's forehead. I lost you.

********

Kerry tapped her silver pen along the recption desk before yawning quietly. She had been working a bundle of double shifts to cover for the amount of staff absent with the flu. She was not feeling particulary great herself but it was her duty to keep the Er running smoothly and efficiently. Her mind was pre-occupied though with the death of her dear friend Mark. Although she hadn't always got on with the man, she respected him and they had seemed to grow a lot closer over the past couple of months. He truly did care about Elizabeth and Kerry still felt rather guilty for the way she had treated him before she found out he was dying. Mark Greene had not only be a good, honest and loving man but a superb doctor who always kept the interests of his patients as a top priority in his position as an Er Attending.

"Dr Weaver, trauma coming in, two majors, three minors, ETA's ten minutes away" John Carter informed her as he walked towards the small, wooden desk she was sitting finishing her charts at.

"Okay prepare the trauma rooms and inform the staff" Kerry replied as she ran a single hand through her short, ginger hair. "I'll be there in a minute once I've finished this chart"

"Okay" John nodded at her instructions as he strolled quickly towards the adjacent trauma rooms. Life at the hospital simply didn't feel the same now that Mark was gone. Mark had been a particulary good friend to John and his death left a large, gaping hole in the younger doctor's heart. When John was brutally stabbed by the law student Paul Sobriki, Mark had been a great comfort during the awful ordeal. He had visited the younger man nearly every day as he lay in the ICU recovering from the attack. The hardest moment of John's life had been the time he became addicted to drugs following the stabbing but once again Mark had proved to be a superb friend. He didn't judge John like others did, he offered his hand in friendship and urged him to seek help. Unlike others he had been willing to give Carter another chance. He deeply cared about the residents he worked with at the hospital and made new students feel welcome and valued. Even through difficult periods such as Carol Hathaway's suicide attempt he always tried his best to keep staff morale high and good spirits throughout Cook County.

"Dr Benton" Carter shouted the surgeon's name as he saw him exit Trauma three. "Dr Weaver needs you soon, incoming trauma"

"Fine, I just need to pick up some medicine for a patient in curtain 2" Peter replied as he walked towards the drug lock-up. It was hard to believe that Mark was gone, it only seemed a short while ago since they were working together in the trauma rooms, saving patients lives together. Peter was a difficult man and found it hard to trust others, but Mark had proved very easy to get along with. Sure they clashed at times but the male surgeon always held a great like for the other man. Peter was very fond of Elizabeth, even though they stopped dating years agao he still considered her to be a very valuable friend. It had been wonderful to see her happy again with Mark, they truly were a perfect couple. It didn't matter what doctor it was, every person in the Er had their own reasons for sorely missing Dr Mark Greene.

********

"Hello Mark" Elizabeth smiled as she knelt down below his gravestone. "I brought you some lilies. Remember you said they were your favourite flowers?" The widow placed a gloved hand on the stone and traced the words that were etched with her index finger. 'Dr Mark Greene. Beloved husband, devoted friend' Simple yet poignant. It said the memories that were locked deep in Elizabeth's heart. "Robert came round to see me earlier" she continued to talk. "It's funny how the cruellest events can bring out the good side of a person. He told me to take as much time as I needed off work, especially what with the baby due. Did I tell you I felt it kick? It was wonderful Mark, such a beautiful feeling. I just wish you were here to share that magical moment. Wherever you are now I hope you are happy. I just live with the hope that someday we'll be reunited. When I go to sleep I hear your voice beside me. I dream that you whisper words of encouragement in my ears and your voice is oh so sweet. Sometimes I close my eyes in the middle of the day and see your smiling face full of love and laughter. Then when I look out to the sky at night I see your face reflecting in every single star out there" Elizabeth paused for a moment before finally laying the flowers she was holding beside the gravestone. "It hurts that you're not here though. No matter how hard I pray or hope you can never return to me. I realise I have to carry on with my life, but it doesn't stop me thinking about what could have been. Did I tell how much I loved you? Did I tell you that often enough?" Elizabeth stood up from her postion on the cold, hard ground. "I have to go Mark, even though I could spend all day here with you. If I can't actuaaly be with you, I can at least try to be as close as posssible. Little Mark sends his love and so do I. Goodbye"

********

Rachel tapped her short, brightly painted fingernails along the wooden kitchen table in boredom. She was supposed to be doing an English essay on somebody who has been a great influence on your life, but she simply couldn't concentrate on the task. It had been difficult to concentrate on anything since her father's death. Rachel had felt incredibly guilty because she had not been there when he passed away. She sat and wondered how scared he must have been knowing her was going to die and become seperated from the ones he loved. How she wished she could turn back the clock and give him one last great, big hug before he left. Chewing her already short fingernails, she reached into the trouser pockets of her black trousers and took out the neatly folded piece of paper inside.

Dear Rachel,

It's hard to believe how fast you have grown over these past years. I still remember the very day you were born, it will always remain the happiest day of my life. I have never experienced so much joy or happiness than the moment the nurse placed you into my arms. You were so tiny, so beautiful, so precious. I don't know if I ever told you this but it was me who decided on the name Rachel. A perfect name for my special, little girl. You mean the world to me, I only wish I could be around to watch you grow up. To watch you graduate from high school, to escort you up the aisle to your waiting husband, to cradle my very first grandchild in my arms. You have been such a wonderful daughter to me and a much valued friend. I'll take all the memories we've shared over the years with me and keep them locked away in my heart for eternity. From the time I played Father Christmas at your party to the time you utterd 'dadda' as your very first word. From the times I helped you to ride your bicycle to when I gave you a lending hand with your homework. Those are memories I'll treasure forever and ever. I promise to never forget you Rachel. I love you with all my heart and soul, more than any words can ever describe. No matter where you are, I'll be watching over you and guiding my special daughter through the hardships of life. Take care of Elizabeth, Jennifer and your little half-brother who will be born soon, you all have to take care of each other now that I am gone. Life is hard but enjoy the good times that it brings.I'm proud of you sweetheart, always remember that. Take care, goodbye daughter, goodbye.

Rachel placed the piece of paper in front of her and picked up the blue pen that sat upon her jotter. She now knew exactly who she was going to write about.

*******

Elizabeth placed the cardboard box on top of the small table and collapsed onto one of the chairs that sat around it. Now eight and three quarter months pregnant, her stomack had grown very large and her ankles felt as though they might buckle under her legs at any moment. She had just spent the afternoon clearing out Mark's locker at the hospital, a task which was inevitable but had been put off for as long as possible. It had brought back so many wonderful memories, but sadly didn't bring back Mark. She had stopped crying now, all the water in her body had probably dried up with the amount of tears she had shed over the past months. Deep down in her heart though she would always remain mourning for her lost husband. Now though she kept busy looking forward to the birth of their son with great anticipation and excitement.

"Good afternoon Elizabeth" Kerry walked into the locker room clutching a mug of steaming, hot coffee. "Didn't expect to see you back in the Er for a while"

"Just clearing out Mark's locker" Elizabeth replied as she placed the stethocope she had been holding back into the box"

"Oh" Kerry sighed sadly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeh" the pregnant female nodded. "Everything brings back such wonderful memories. I found a photo on the inside door of his locker took when we went camping in Wisconsin....ouch!"

"What, what is it?" Kerry rushed over to Elizabeth's side. "Are you in pain?"

"I think the baby is on it's way" she smiled in reply, placing a hand tenderly over her large bump.

********

"Okay push Elizabeth, push!" Kerry encouraged the woman who was currently in labour at the very top of her voice.

"I am pushing!" Elizabeth exclaimed feeling rather tired and frustrated.

"C'mon Elizabeth you are doing great" Abby told her as she stroked the surgeon's long, curly strands of hair.

"One more push" Kerry interrupted. "Ready?"

Elizabeth screamed in intense pain when suddenly the cries of a newborn baby entered the room.

"Congratulations" Weaver smiled, glowing with extreme happiness and joy as she placed the bundle of joy into the proud Elizabeth's arms. "You have a beautiful, perfectly healthy baby son"

********

"Hello Mark" Elizabeth smiled as she held her baby son tightly in her arms. She was sitting on a rocking chair by the window of a small room up in the OB Department. Looking out into the night sky she gazed at the beautiful, twinkling stars that lit up the darkness. "Well we did it, we have a gorgeous, healthy baby boy"

We said we'd walk together baby come what may

That come the twilight should we lose our way

If as we're walking a hand should slip free

I'll wait for you

And should I fall behind

Wait for me

"He's so beautiful Mark, I hope you can see him" she continued as she stared at the moon. "I promise I will take good care of him. I will always be there for him when he needs my support. Little Mark will grow up to know what a wonderful man his father was. He'll grow to become proud of you"

We sore we'd travel darlin' side by side

We'd help each other stay in stride

But each lover's steps fall so differently

So I'll wait for you

And should I fall behind

Wait for me

"I know you'll always be watching over us though, I am ceratin of that fact. Your unconditional love will remain throughout our whole lives. I still wish you were here beside me, every night I pray you will return but sadly I know my prayers will always remain unanswered. It was such a magical moment when I heard our son's cries as he entered into this world. The moment we had dreamed about for ages"

Now everyone dreams of a love lasting and true

But you and I know what this world can do

So let's make our steps clear that the other may see

And I'll wait for you

Should I fall behind

Wait for me

"Kerry was a great support during the birth, she kept her promise to you. I know we are seperated from each other my love, but wait for me and one day we shall be reunited as a family. I dream of that day every night as I sleep alone. Wait for me and I promise I'll return to you"

Now there's a beautiful river in the valley ahead

And there 'neath the oak's bough, soon we will be wed

Should we lose each other

In the shadow of the evening tress

I'll wait for you

And should I fall behind

Wait for me

Darlin' I'll wait for you

Should I fall behind

Wait for me

"Till death us do part Mark Greene" Elizabeth finished speaking as she lovingly cradled her newborn son in the comfort and safety of her arms. "Till death us do part"

Oh, wait for me



Author's Notes: Well that's Till Death Us Do Part come to an end, hope you all enjoyed it folks!! The song used at the end there was 'If I Should Fall Behind' by Bruce Springsteen but also sang by Faith Hill. I probably wrote Romano completely out of character in this chapter but my next fanfic which will be about him, will explain all. So hope you enjoyed it, feel free to send feedback at Katie@ballantyne24.freeserve.co.uk Also if you have any ideas for new fanifcs or how I could inprove my writing also feel free to e-mail me. Until next time, byeeeeeeeee!!!!!