Title: Adjustments
Author: Listabets
Rating: PG-13 and a bit of R for the most part
Category: Robert and Elizabeth romance
Disclaimer: I do not own Robert or Elizabeth. I'm just borrowing them for a little bit for my own amusement, and hopefully for the amusement of those reading this.
Sorry for the delay---busy, busy, busy! I am going to develop this story as is and ignore what is happening on the show. So I guess this is becoming an A.U. piece!! Enjoy and thanks for the Reviews!! I love the feedback! ............................................................................ ....................................................
The sun glinted off the water of Lake Michigan as Elizabeth watched the man and child settle onto the carousel. Robert lifted Ella in his arms and placed her on the rather goofy looking Frog that she had become so taken with. The first two trips had included Elizabeth but her stomach was not up to ride number three. She was pleased to see her daughter laughing at whatever Robert was telling her, as he leaned against the carousel animal and protected Ella from falling with his good arm. As the music began and the ride moved forward Robert glanced up and caught Elizabeth watching him. Smiling, he gave a mock salute with his free hand and then returned his attention to a very excited Ella. The cool breeze felt wonderful on Elizabeth's face as she leaned back on the bench and turned her attention to the boats bobbing on the lakes surface. Others had obviously had just as wonderful a day as she had and were lazing on boats, stowing equipment or taking the last zips around on jet ski's before the sun set on another day.
Elizabeth was feeling warm and relaxed in the sun as she reflected on the events of her first real "date" with Robert. He had been so careful to make sure that Ella was entertained and stimulated. The Children's Museum was the ideal environment for all three of them to spend time together without too much pressure. He had no problem pretending to be camping and growing vegetables in Tree House Trail. Ella and Robert pretended to catch fish in the river and they all played in the log cabin. The play maze allowed the three of them to explore an urban environment complete with a pretend store where Ella could play shopkeeper and a bus she could pretend to drive. The museum also had an exhibit on Charles Schultz and the Peanuts. Ella was fascinated with the larger than life models of Snoopy and all the gang around the dog house. She laughed and clapped as Robert protected her from a very large Snoopy, which to a two year old resembled a monster rather than a friendly iconic beagle. They had enjoyed lunch at Bubba Gump, which meant getting some wonderful shrimp for the grownups and the safety of a good grilled cheese sandwich for the munchkin. While the meal was enjoyable it didn't take long to realize that the charm of a Forrest Gump themed restaurant would wear thin rather quickly! Elizabeth stretched her arms over her head and smiled as she remembered Robert's look of relief when they left the restaurant and Elizabeth commented that it might be best if they not return anytime too soon.
Settling into a more comfortable position on the bench Elizabeth scanned the slowing carousel for Robert and Ella. She spotted them as they waved to get her attention. Robert easily scooped his miniature companion up and carried her off the ride and while Ella clearly negotiated for another turn Robert seemed to be ready to find something else to do. Elizabeth watched as the man and child made their way through the lingering crowds and felt an odd pressure in her chest. It felt like something rising up inside her, filling her up. All of a sudden it dawned on Elizabeth that what she was feeling was happiness, a bubble of joy building inside of her at the sight of her daughter laughing and happy in the arms of a man Elizabeth had grown to care about deeply.
"Had about enough then?" Elizabeth called out in greeting. Robert placed Ella carefully on the ground and the little girl ran to her Mother as fast as her little legs would carry her.
"Rode the frog Mummy." Ella announced merrily as Elizabeth bent down and bundled Ella into her lap for a big hug and kiss.
"Was it fun sweetie?" Elizabeth smoothed the hair from Ella's face and watched as her daughter beamed with pleasure.
"Went wound and wound with Wobert." She said as she smiled up at her new friend. "Wobert went wound and wound with Ella." Ella completed her story with a dramatic gesture toward the carousel indicating that this was the center of the exciting event for her.
" Would you like some juice in your stroller?" Elizabeth deftly moved Ella from her lap, settled her into the stroller and grabbed a juice box all before the little girl could protest. Elizabeth straightened and caught Robert watching her interact with her daughter.
"Did you enjoy your ride on the carousel?" Elizabeth enquired with a smile
"I think that you had the right idea opting out for the third trip, but yes all in all it was very nice." Robert glanced down at Ella who was watching a sea gull peck at a crust of bread "Kids really put things into perspective. It doesn't take much to make them happy, does it."
"No, it is fairly elemental with a small child." Elizabeth was enjoying the play of the late afternoon sun on Robert's face, the softening of his expression as he watched Ella "As adults we don't have the luxury of innocence and so pleasure isn't as pure."
"We don't have innocence but we do have choices and I think that we choose what we do because we fear that pure pleasure. We tell ourselves that things are more complicated then they are so we can have an excuse to protect ourselves." Robert was looking out over the lake, as he leaned against the rail, and Elizabeth couldn't read his eyes. Gently she reached out her hand and turned his face toward her.
"Are you saying that as children we throw ourselves into life without the fear of being hurt and that as adults we no longer feel safe taking those risks?" Elizabeth watched as Robert thought for a moment and she could almost see him begin to form an evasive witty remark that would stop the conversation from being too personal. "Answer me truthfully-not sarcastically."
Robert turned his back to the lake and faced Elizabeth fully. "Yes, but I don't always think it is intentional. It is frightening to make choices that could ultimately hurt us. I think that many people go for the safe route because the risk is far less. As we lose the innocence of childhood we understand the cost of our actions." Robert leaned down and ruffled Ella's hair "This one is probably getting a bit bored listing to the adults rattle on. Do you think she would tolerate a swift look around the Smith Museum of Stained Glass? It's right here on the Pier."
Elizabeth pushed herself away from the rail and took hold of the stroller handles. She was well aware that Robert was using Ella to end the conversation, but that was OK. "I'd love to see the Stained Glass and Ella should be fine-she's pretty worn out." Elizabeth glanced over at Robert trying to read his mood. He still seemed relaxed and comfortable and she was glad she had not pressed him to reveal more of himself.
............................................................................ .................................................
As the sleek Jag wound its way through the streets of Chicago Elizabeth enjoyed the comfort of the passenger seat. Robert had not had the car modified in any way to accommodate for the loss of his arm, but he seemed to have no problems. She watched as he expertly downshifted to reduce speed and blend with traffic as they entered the residential neighborhood close to her home.
"What are you staring at Lizzie?" Robert glanced her way but quickly returned his attention to the road ahead. "Do I have something on my face?"
"Just enjoying the ride, and the company." She placed her hand on top of his on the gearshift and gave it a brief squeeze before letting go. "Ella and I have had a wonderful day." Elizabeth turned in her seat to check on her daughter and found that Ella was quietly staring out the window from the comfort of her car seat. "I think someone will need a quick dinner and to be put to bed."
"Won't I get a shower first?" Robert teased
"Only if you are a very good boy and eat all you vegetables!" Elizabeth quipped.
Robert slowed the car and maneuvered into Elizabeth's drive. Cutting off the engine he slipped from the car and began to remove Ella's stroller from the trunk. Gathering her daughter in her arms Elizabeth headed into the house and immediately started getting Ella something to eat. Hearing the front door shut softly she securely strapped the tired toddler into her high chair and handed her a sippy cup of milk.
"I'm just giving her something to eat before she passes out from exhaustion, can I get you anything?" Elizabeth looked up from the fridge to find Robert leaning casually against the kitchen counter. "Some water, iced tea or a glass of white wine?"
"Since I am driving I'll take some iced tea. Let me get it while you see to Miss Ella here. Can I make one for you too?" Robert moved into the kitchen and went about finding ice and glasses.
"Yes, Thank you" Elizabeth put a plate of Chicken noodle casserole into the microwave and reached out to accept the glass of tea that Robert was offering.
"To a lovely day and two lovely ladies" Robert raised his glass in a toast and Elizabeth clinked her glass with his.
"To the man who suggested it" Elizabeth responded.
From the high chair Ella raised her sippy cup and said "Frog goes wound and wound." And banged the cup down on her tray.
"Yes it does sweetie!" Elizabeth retrieved Ella's dinner from the microwave and after checking it is the right temperature places it in front of her hungry daughter. Holding her spoon in one hand she begins to feed herself with the other.
Robert laughs as he watches the little girl completely ignore the spoon in her hand and use her fingers instead. "Good technique kiddo! It's much easier that way!"
Elizabeth sips her iced tea and watches him obviously enjoying Ella's antics. She hadn't expected them to get along so well and realizes that there is a lot about Robert she still doesn't know. Elizabeth feels his eyes on her and also realizes that she has been silent for rather too long to be polite.
"A penny for your thoughts." Robert offers
Elizabeth's first instinct is to make a joke but instead she decides to be a little more direct. "I'm not ready for today to end." She states quietly
Not sure how to respond Robert also decides that honesty is the best way forward "I'm glad." Looking at the sleepy girl in the high chair he smiles "I believe some else here is about finished for the day."
Elizabeth unfastened the straps holding Ella in the chair and lifts her out. "I'm going to change her and get her into bed, I won't be long." Heading up the stairs she calls out behind her "Just make yourself at home."
After giving Ella a quick clean up and getting her tucked into her cot Elizabeth heads to her bathroom to quickly wash her hands and freshen up a bit. Leaning on the vanity Elizabeth is surprised to see her cheeks are rosy from the sun and the wind, her hair is tousled and her eyes are bright and clear. Smiling at herself briefly Elizabeth turns and heads downstairs to join Robert. She pauses at the top of the stairs and takes a deep breath. Today was a turning point. Turning to where she isn't sure, but as she quietly heads down the stairs Elizabeth decides that taking the risk and allowing herself to be open with Robert could lead to either some serious hurt, or some amazing pleasure, and she is ready to take a chance.
Rating: PG-13 and a bit of R for the most part
Category: Robert and Elizabeth romance
Disclaimer: I do not own Robert or Elizabeth. I'm just borrowing them for a little bit for my own amusement, and hopefully for the amusement of those reading this.
Sorry for the delay---busy, busy, busy! I am going to develop this story as is and ignore what is happening on the show. So I guess this is becoming an A.U. piece!! Enjoy and thanks for the Reviews!! I love the feedback! ............................................................................ ....................................................
The sun glinted off the water of Lake Michigan as Elizabeth watched the man and child settle onto the carousel. Robert lifted Ella in his arms and placed her on the rather goofy looking Frog that she had become so taken with. The first two trips had included Elizabeth but her stomach was not up to ride number three. She was pleased to see her daughter laughing at whatever Robert was telling her, as he leaned against the carousel animal and protected Ella from falling with his good arm. As the music began and the ride moved forward Robert glanced up and caught Elizabeth watching him. Smiling, he gave a mock salute with his free hand and then returned his attention to a very excited Ella. The cool breeze felt wonderful on Elizabeth's face as she leaned back on the bench and turned her attention to the boats bobbing on the lakes surface. Others had obviously had just as wonderful a day as she had and were lazing on boats, stowing equipment or taking the last zips around on jet ski's before the sun set on another day.
Elizabeth was feeling warm and relaxed in the sun as she reflected on the events of her first real "date" with Robert. He had been so careful to make sure that Ella was entertained and stimulated. The Children's Museum was the ideal environment for all three of them to spend time together without too much pressure. He had no problem pretending to be camping and growing vegetables in Tree House Trail. Ella and Robert pretended to catch fish in the river and they all played in the log cabin. The play maze allowed the three of them to explore an urban environment complete with a pretend store where Ella could play shopkeeper and a bus she could pretend to drive. The museum also had an exhibit on Charles Schultz and the Peanuts. Ella was fascinated with the larger than life models of Snoopy and all the gang around the dog house. She laughed and clapped as Robert protected her from a very large Snoopy, which to a two year old resembled a monster rather than a friendly iconic beagle. They had enjoyed lunch at Bubba Gump, which meant getting some wonderful shrimp for the grownups and the safety of a good grilled cheese sandwich for the munchkin. While the meal was enjoyable it didn't take long to realize that the charm of a Forrest Gump themed restaurant would wear thin rather quickly! Elizabeth stretched her arms over her head and smiled as she remembered Robert's look of relief when they left the restaurant and Elizabeth commented that it might be best if they not return anytime too soon.
Settling into a more comfortable position on the bench Elizabeth scanned the slowing carousel for Robert and Ella. She spotted them as they waved to get her attention. Robert easily scooped his miniature companion up and carried her off the ride and while Ella clearly negotiated for another turn Robert seemed to be ready to find something else to do. Elizabeth watched as the man and child made their way through the lingering crowds and felt an odd pressure in her chest. It felt like something rising up inside her, filling her up. All of a sudden it dawned on Elizabeth that what she was feeling was happiness, a bubble of joy building inside of her at the sight of her daughter laughing and happy in the arms of a man Elizabeth had grown to care about deeply.
"Had about enough then?" Elizabeth called out in greeting. Robert placed Ella carefully on the ground and the little girl ran to her Mother as fast as her little legs would carry her.
"Rode the frog Mummy." Ella announced merrily as Elizabeth bent down and bundled Ella into her lap for a big hug and kiss.
"Was it fun sweetie?" Elizabeth smoothed the hair from Ella's face and watched as her daughter beamed with pleasure.
"Went wound and wound with Wobert." She said as she smiled up at her new friend. "Wobert went wound and wound with Ella." Ella completed her story with a dramatic gesture toward the carousel indicating that this was the center of the exciting event for her.
" Would you like some juice in your stroller?" Elizabeth deftly moved Ella from her lap, settled her into the stroller and grabbed a juice box all before the little girl could protest. Elizabeth straightened and caught Robert watching her interact with her daughter.
"Did you enjoy your ride on the carousel?" Elizabeth enquired with a smile
"I think that you had the right idea opting out for the third trip, but yes all in all it was very nice." Robert glanced down at Ella who was watching a sea gull peck at a crust of bread "Kids really put things into perspective. It doesn't take much to make them happy, does it."
"No, it is fairly elemental with a small child." Elizabeth was enjoying the play of the late afternoon sun on Robert's face, the softening of his expression as he watched Ella "As adults we don't have the luxury of innocence and so pleasure isn't as pure."
"We don't have innocence but we do have choices and I think that we choose what we do because we fear that pure pleasure. We tell ourselves that things are more complicated then they are so we can have an excuse to protect ourselves." Robert was looking out over the lake, as he leaned against the rail, and Elizabeth couldn't read his eyes. Gently she reached out her hand and turned his face toward her.
"Are you saying that as children we throw ourselves into life without the fear of being hurt and that as adults we no longer feel safe taking those risks?" Elizabeth watched as Robert thought for a moment and she could almost see him begin to form an evasive witty remark that would stop the conversation from being too personal. "Answer me truthfully-not sarcastically."
Robert turned his back to the lake and faced Elizabeth fully. "Yes, but I don't always think it is intentional. It is frightening to make choices that could ultimately hurt us. I think that many people go for the safe route because the risk is far less. As we lose the innocence of childhood we understand the cost of our actions." Robert leaned down and ruffled Ella's hair "This one is probably getting a bit bored listing to the adults rattle on. Do you think she would tolerate a swift look around the Smith Museum of Stained Glass? It's right here on the Pier."
Elizabeth pushed herself away from the rail and took hold of the stroller handles. She was well aware that Robert was using Ella to end the conversation, but that was OK. "I'd love to see the Stained Glass and Ella should be fine-she's pretty worn out." Elizabeth glanced over at Robert trying to read his mood. He still seemed relaxed and comfortable and she was glad she had not pressed him to reveal more of himself.
............................................................................ .................................................
As the sleek Jag wound its way through the streets of Chicago Elizabeth enjoyed the comfort of the passenger seat. Robert had not had the car modified in any way to accommodate for the loss of his arm, but he seemed to have no problems. She watched as he expertly downshifted to reduce speed and blend with traffic as they entered the residential neighborhood close to her home.
"What are you staring at Lizzie?" Robert glanced her way but quickly returned his attention to the road ahead. "Do I have something on my face?"
"Just enjoying the ride, and the company." She placed her hand on top of his on the gearshift and gave it a brief squeeze before letting go. "Ella and I have had a wonderful day." Elizabeth turned in her seat to check on her daughter and found that Ella was quietly staring out the window from the comfort of her car seat. "I think someone will need a quick dinner and to be put to bed."
"Won't I get a shower first?" Robert teased
"Only if you are a very good boy and eat all you vegetables!" Elizabeth quipped.
Robert slowed the car and maneuvered into Elizabeth's drive. Cutting off the engine he slipped from the car and began to remove Ella's stroller from the trunk. Gathering her daughter in her arms Elizabeth headed into the house and immediately started getting Ella something to eat. Hearing the front door shut softly she securely strapped the tired toddler into her high chair and handed her a sippy cup of milk.
"I'm just giving her something to eat before she passes out from exhaustion, can I get you anything?" Elizabeth looked up from the fridge to find Robert leaning casually against the kitchen counter. "Some water, iced tea or a glass of white wine?"
"Since I am driving I'll take some iced tea. Let me get it while you see to Miss Ella here. Can I make one for you too?" Robert moved into the kitchen and went about finding ice and glasses.
"Yes, Thank you" Elizabeth put a plate of Chicken noodle casserole into the microwave and reached out to accept the glass of tea that Robert was offering.
"To a lovely day and two lovely ladies" Robert raised his glass in a toast and Elizabeth clinked her glass with his.
"To the man who suggested it" Elizabeth responded.
From the high chair Ella raised her sippy cup and said "Frog goes wound and wound." And banged the cup down on her tray.
"Yes it does sweetie!" Elizabeth retrieved Ella's dinner from the microwave and after checking it is the right temperature places it in front of her hungry daughter. Holding her spoon in one hand she begins to feed herself with the other.
Robert laughs as he watches the little girl completely ignore the spoon in her hand and use her fingers instead. "Good technique kiddo! It's much easier that way!"
Elizabeth sips her iced tea and watches him obviously enjoying Ella's antics. She hadn't expected them to get along so well and realizes that there is a lot about Robert she still doesn't know. Elizabeth feels his eyes on her and also realizes that she has been silent for rather too long to be polite.
"A penny for your thoughts." Robert offers
Elizabeth's first instinct is to make a joke but instead she decides to be a little more direct. "I'm not ready for today to end." She states quietly
Not sure how to respond Robert also decides that honesty is the best way forward "I'm glad." Looking at the sleepy girl in the high chair he smiles "I believe some else here is about finished for the day."
Elizabeth unfastened the straps holding Ella in the chair and lifts her out. "I'm going to change her and get her into bed, I won't be long." Heading up the stairs she calls out behind her "Just make yourself at home."
After giving Ella a quick clean up and getting her tucked into her cot Elizabeth heads to her bathroom to quickly wash her hands and freshen up a bit. Leaning on the vanity Elizabeth is surprised to see her cheeks are rosy from the sun and the wind, her hair is tousled and her eyes are bright and clear. Smiling at herself briefly Elizabeth turns and heads downstairs to join Robert. She pauses at the top of the stairs and takes a deep breath. Today was a turning point. Turning to where she isn't sure, but as she quietly heads down the stairs Elizabeth decides that taking the risk and allowing herself to be open with Robert could lead to either some serious hurt, or some amazing pleasure, and she is ready to take a chance.