Okay, here's some more, bit of fun stuff. Lots of mush. Next time I promise DRAMA. And I might even manufacture a cliff-hanger… [enter evil laugh here]
Disclaimer, I only own Jessica Stanley, the anonymous nurses and Dr Scott. The rest is borrowed.
Elizabeth sat down in her chair. Not long until she was finished her shift now - she found herself anticipating seeing Robert, touching Robert, making him smile, watching him make Ella smile… her mind wandered but she pulled it back to the present. To be specific, to the pile of mail on her desk. She flicked through it - just the usual, all with printed envelopes. At the bottom of the pile there was one hand-addressed - and it only had her name, no address. Curiously she ripped it open and pulled out a simple card. It was nothing stunning artistically but the message inside brought Elizabeth to tears:
"Dr Corday,
Thank you for you efforts yesterday. Belle was our precious little girl, there is no question that she deserved to live a full and wonderful life and I guess the popular question now is 'why?' I suppose God has some lesson of eternal significance for us to learn from this but I wish we could learn it some other way. Please be encouraged, you do an amazing job and we know that you couldn't have saved Belle. She must have been one of God's favourites too - 'let the little children come to me for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these'
Yours,
Jessica Stanley"
Elizabeth put the card down on her desk and took a deep breath. She stood up, walked to her office door then turned around and went back to her desk. She read the card again, her mind buzzing with confusion, anger, questions - this woman had lost her daughter, why the hell was she reaching out to comfort the doctor who couldn't save her?
Trying to block it from her mind she worked systematically through the rest of her mail - sorting it without really thinking.
Robert's arm was aching, Ella was getting heavy - and she was squirming.
"Okay, okay." He put her down as he paid for the smoothies they had just consumed.
"Mama…" Ella looked up at him expectantly
"No, that's 'da-da'" the waitress looked down at the little girl and made a fool of herself (as adults are required to do when there's a cute kid around)
"Come on Ella, we're going to see mama now." Robert took Ella's hand, visibly ignoring the waitress. But he couldn't help notice how appealing he found the idea of being Ella's father. No! that's ridiculous - Mark couldn't stand you, and though Elizabeth evidently doesn't feel quite the same way, bringing up the man's child would be too much to ask. Robert and Ella went in the visitor's entrance, past the gift shop and café, to the elevators. Ella tugged on his trouser leg and he bent to pick her up just as the doors opened. He stood up, holding Ella in his arm and stepped into the Elevator - boldly staring into the face of Kerry.
"Are you back or just kidnapping?" she asked, her smile showing how proud she was of her snarkiness [would ya believe that 'snarkiness' ain't a word? My spell check is protesting.]
"It's a good thing we never made a habit of shaking hands." He said, his good mood allowing him to bite back the cruel replies buzzing through his head - and because Ella was there.
"You seem to be quite the natural, I assume this is Elizabeth's daughter."
"Sure is." Robert smiled at Ella.
"We're visiting mama." Ella added.
"Well, she'll be glad to see you." Kerry said to Ella. "Good to see you're keeping busy Robert - can't imagine you'd keep well in front of daytime television. And you're making some pocket money while you're at it."
"No, I'm a non-profit organization." He said, ending the conversation as the elevator dinged. He stepped off and strode down the hallway, soon realizing that Kerry had followed him.
"So, when will you be coming back to work?"
"Don't know." Robert tried to hide his sigh and stopped outside Elizabeth's office. Without going in he turned to face Kerry, "Is there something I can help you here, cause in case it's not obvious, I'm not here on business. I'll make that call when I've regained insanity - or when I start to miss you - whichever comes first."
"I've missed you too Robert." Kerry turned and walked away, yelling back, "Tell Elizabeth I need to see her tomorrow first thing."
"Like hell I will," Robert muttered.
"Grumpy?" Ella poked his cheek.
"Your mom will cheer me up, works every time." He knocked on the door.
"Come in." Elizabeth said from inside. Robert opened the door and put Ella down to run to her mother. "Hey." Elizabeth grinned, picked up Ella in an embrace and crossed the room to Robert, hugging him too. "How's your day been?"
"Not bad, just the usual." He smiled, "and a charming encounter with Kerry."
"She's still your favourite huh?"
"No, you're my favourite." He kissed her lightly.
"We saw ducks!" Ella added to Robert's description of their day, bringing their attention back to her.
"Really?" Elizabeth replied, "what else?"
"Doctors."
"You played doctors again?"
"Yes. She's following in your footsteps." Robert grinned mischievously.
"I don't know if I should encourage that." Elizabeth let her eyes linger on his. "So, we should get going - your appointment is in ten minutes."
"Okay." He nodded, taking Ella so Elizabeth could get her bag. "How was your day?"
"Oh, you know, just the usual." She lied, still trying to forget the card she'd received. He could tell she was holding something back,
"I'll make you tell me the truth later." He whispered as she locked her office. She gave him half a smile, grateful that he left it at that, but not sure if she wanted to bring it up again later.
"You nervous?" she changed the subject back to his appointment.
"Um," he thought for a moment, "I really haven't thought about it, but yeah, just a little."
Elizabeth slipped her hand around his waist in reply, giving him an encouraging squeeze.
The physio Elizabeth had booked had gone home sick two hours earlier so Robert was left with the intern he specifically asked not to have.
"We can rebook if you like." Elizabeth suggested, knowing Robert's reservations.
"No, it'll be fine." he said cooly.
"Excellent, Dr Scott is in 887, do you know where to go?"
"Yeah, no problem." Robert said and the three walked down the hall to the physio's room.
"Hi, I'm Dr Scott," a young Hispanic man stood from his chair and walked to the door to greet Robert. He held out his hand but Robert was still holding Ella and just looked at the poor student quizzically.
"I'll take her." Elizabeth said and slid Ella from Robert's shoulder.
"Sorry," the Doctor said quickly, "why don't you take a seat." He gestured to two empty chairs and then sat on his own. Robert and Elizabeth sat down.
"Now, I've read your case, but as you haven't been into the hospital for treatment since you were released could you catch me up on how you're healing - any pain, tightness, tenderness?"
Robert quickly summarized the last few days.
"And you haven't been fitted for a prosthetic yet?"
"No."
Ella whimpered, craving attention.
"Oh, um, she usually has dinner around this time." Elizabeth explained
"You can go Lizzie, can't keep Ella waiting, trust me, I've tried." He stood up and kissed Ella and Elizabeth on their respective cheeks before they left in search of dinner. [Barbequed Kerry?]
"Your daughter is beautiful." Dr Scott said as Robert sat down again.
"Her mother's not bad either - but Ella's not mine."
"Oh, sorry."
"It's okay, the mistake's been made before."
The Doctor went on to ask about his shoulder. He then got Robert to take off his shirt and try some stretches.
"So how long have you two been married?"
"Oh, we're not. I'm just looking after Ella this week cause the babysitter is away. And Elizabeth works here - Dr Corday?" he said, waiting for recognition."
"Sorry, don't know her - I've only been here a week."
Half an hour later Robert had his shirt on and a pile of literature about prosthetics in his hand. Dr Scott had booked an appointment for a prosthetic fitting and Robert stood to leave.
"Thanks." He said a little awkwardly.
"No problem. The nurse warned me you'd be shooting sarcasm and four-letter words at me so, what can I say? I was pleasantly surprised."
"Well, I'll try not to disappoint you next time."
Dr Scott laughed, "I'll see you next week."
"Okay." Robert walked out and down the hall to reception.
"How much do I owe you?" he asked the nurse, trying not to let his relief show - the appointment was over and despite the intern he'd got for a doctor it had been no more painful than expected. And the fact he'd been mistaken for Ella's father twice in one day… he just hoped no one could see his glow. He handed the nurse some cash as Elizabeth walked up.
"All done eh?"
"Yep." He turned to her. "How was dinner?"
"Yummy." Ella replied, with enthusiasm.
"Smelt good." Elizabeth added.
"You not hungry?" Robert asked her, taking his change from the nurse.
"Starving, but I think I'd prefer leftovers in front of the tv with you." She said cheekily, ignoring the nurse's surprise. "So, how'd it go?"
"Good" he replied mechanically, meanwhile he was wondering if he should tell her he'd been mistaken as Ella's father. Would it bring up all sorts of Mark-stuff? Or was it a given, considering they'd been acting all happy-family-like ever since he'd walked into the hospital an hour ago.
"Penny for your thoughts." Elizabeth said as they stepped into the elevator.
"I was just thinking about something the physio said. It's nothing."
She smiled at him, knowing there was something there, but planning to let him tell her when he wanted to.
"I guess someone has to have a thing for bald men." The nurse said to the woman behind her as the happy couple walked away.
"Well, she's seems to have a good effect on him - I just hope it lasts cause I can't imagine having a limb amputated will improve his attitude otherwise."
"I'm not sure it could be much worse but at least he won't have anything to do with us - even if he does come back he's only chief of the ER."
"Oh, good."
"What's happening ladies?" Dr Scott asked - he'd overheard the end of their conversation but didn't know who they were talking about.
"Nothing." One of them replied
The other asked, "How'd it go - I don't see any physical signs of abuse."
"I have no idea what you're talking about - he was as placid as ever - the only time he showed any strength of feeling, positive or negative, was when the little girl was upset."
"What little girl?" one of the nurses asked.
"Dr Corday's" the other answered.
"Who's the father?" asked Dr Scott.
The nurses looked at one another as if to say 'you tell him… no you…'
"Dr Green, Corday's husband, he died about a year ago of a brain tumor."
Scott looked appropriately shocked. "How long has she been with Romano?"
"Not long. Apparently it all started when she visited him after he'd had his arm amputated and things progressed from there."
"But that was just a week or two ago."
"Yeah."
"No, it must have been going on longer than that." Scott insisted and the nurses scrambled to describe in detail all the gossip surrounding Robert and Lizzie.
Elizabeth tucked Ella into her bed, as the child stubbornly demanded a story. And when Elizabeth refused for the fourth time Ella screamed,
"Wobut!"
Despite the fact that Robert was on the phone, ordering Chinese food, he managed to appear at her bedside in a time Superman would struggle to top (no disrespect to Chris Reeves or Dean Cain - I'm a big fan).
"Hey." He said, catching his breath. Elizabeth smiled at him amused.
"Story." Ella explained simply.
"Oh," Robert nodded, "fair enough. What'll it be?"
"Kermit." Ella said as though it were obvious and while Robert seemed to understand, Lizzie was very confused.
"We don't have any books of Kermit." She said softly to Robert.
"Who needs books, she can't read, I can't be bothered," the door bell rang, "and you have to go answer the door."
Elizabeth shook her head, laughing at him, and went to the door. She put the food on the table and returned to find Robert sitting on the floor cross-legged (=Indian style, but I'm a New Zealander, that's right, a true blue kiwi, and we're American enough… I digress) so his face was level with Ella's.
"I'm sorry miss piggy, I didn't mean to cut off your hair, Kermit said. Haaa Ya! Piggy stood up and hit him across the head with her book."
Elizabeth cracked up. Both Ella and Robert turned to her with animated faces. "Sorry." She said, sitting beside Robert.
"It's okay, to be continued… Time to sleep Ella." He kissed her on the fore head and stood to let Elizabeth say good night. She followed him out of Ella's room, half-closing the door.
"Thank you." Elizabeth said, putting her hand on his back as they entered the living room. He turned to her smiling.
"She's amazing. You both mean so much to me."
"Good, it's mutual." Elizabeth hugged him and they stood there quite content in the silence. Everything fit. Then Robert's stomach growled.
"Sorry." He said, letting her go reluctantly.
She just laughed, "Better not let the food go cold."
She took his box off the dining room table then took hers and sat down on the sofa, inviting him to join her. He did so, opening the box and eating with one hand, making it look very easy. Elizabeth watched him.
"You not hungry?" he asked when he realised.
"Oh, sorry." She opened her dinner. "I'm just tired - not quite up to moving my eyes, though I'd be quite happy to watch you even if my eyes weren't about to fall shut."
They soon finished dinner, both having been hungrier than they'd realised, and sinking into Lizzie's couch with their feet resting on the coffee table, they talked about nothing and everything. When the Ella woke the next morning she plodded down the stairs, expecting to see Mom in the kitchen with a mug of coffee. Instead, Mom was lying on the couch, leaning on Robert - and they were both sound asleep. (Aw…)
Ella giggled, crawling on top of her mom. Elizabeth woke, "Hello." She smiled, then realised where she was and sat up.
Robert stirred when she moved and rubbed his eyes.
"Wobut." Ella giggled, properly waking him. He smiled when he realised where he was. Ella crawled across the couch to him.
"Coffee?" Elizabeth asked, standing up.
"Yes please. How much sleep did we get?"
"Not enough." She laughed coming back into the lounge after turning the electric jug on.
"You working today?"
"Nope, I'm all yours." She plopped down beside him. Ella got bored of them and toddled off to watch TV. They both watched her go.
"You're so good with her." Elizabeth looked at him.
Robert smiled and took her hand, "I'm hopeless - she's almost as beautiful as her mother and I can't say no."
Elizabeth leaned in to kiss him as the jug finished boiling. "Be right back." She got up and disappeared into the kitchen. Robert lay back on the couch and stretched - I slept here? He couldn't believe it… And yet it seamed to be the most natural thing in the world. Where else should he be? Alone at home? Or here, where he was somehow so welcome. Ella giggled/squealed from the next room. Robert got up to follow the noise. When he sat cross-legged beside her she climbed into his lap and kept watching animaniacs (we are crazy to the max… lol). Elizabeth brought through two mugs of coffee and, sitting beside him, handed him his mug.
"Thanks." He took a sip.
She smiled. This was good - not the coffee, I mean the coffee was fine - but what was really good was everything else.
Disclaimer, I only own Jessica Stanley, the anonymous nurses and Dr Scott. The rest is borrowed.
Elizabeth sat down in her chair. Not long until she was finished her shift now - she found herself anticipating seeing Robert, touching Robert, making him smile, watching him make Ella smile… her mind wandered but she pulled it back to the present. To be specific, to the pile of mail on her desk. She flicked through it - just the usual, all with printed envelopes. At the bottom of the pile there was one hand-addressed - and it only had her name, no address. Curiously she ripped it open and pulled out a simple card. It was nothing stunning artistically but the message inside brought Elizabeth to tears:
"Dr Corday,
Thank you for you efforts yesterday. Belle was our precious little girl, there is no question that she deserved to live a full and wonderful life and I guess the popular question now is 'why?' I suppose God has some lesson of eternal significance for us to learn from this but I wish we could learn it some other way. Please be encouraged, you do an amazing job and we know that you couldn't have saved Belle. She must have been one of God's favourites too - 'let the little children come to me for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these'
Yours,
Jessica Stanley"
Elizabeth put the card down on her desk and took a deep breath. She stood up, walked to her office door then turned around and went back to her desk. She read the card again, her mind buzzing with confusion, anger, questions - this woman had lost her daughter, why the hell was she reaching out to comfort the doctor who couldn't save her?
Trying to block it from her mind she worked systematically through the rest of her mail - sorting it without really thinking.
Robert's arm was aching, Ella was getting heavy - and she was squirming.
"Okay, okay." He put her down as he paid for the smoothies they had just consumed.
"Mama…" Ella looked up at him expectantly
"No, that's 'da-da'" the waitress looked down at the little girl and made a fool of herself (as adults are required to do when there's a cute kid around)
"Come on Ella, we're going to see mama now." Robert took Ella's hand, visibly ignoring the waitress. But he couldn't help notice how appealing he found the idea of being Ella's father. No! that's ridiculous - Mark couldn't stand you, and though Elizabeth evidently doesn't feel quite the same way, bringing up the man's child would be too much to ask. Robert and Ella went in the visitor's entrance, past the gift shop and café, to the elevators. Ella tugged on his trouser leg and he bent to pick her up just as the doors opened. He stood up, holding Ella in his arm and stepped into the Elevator - boldly staring into the face of Kerry.
"Are you back or just kidnapping?" she asked, her smile showing how proud she was of her snarkiness [would ya believe that 'snarkiness' ain't a word? My spell check is protesting.]
"It's a good thing we never made a habit of shaking hands." He said, his good mood allowing him to bite back the cruel replies buzzing through his head - and because Ella was there.
"You seem to be quite the natural, I assume this is Elizabeth's daughter."
"Sure is." Robert smiled at Ella.
"We're visiting mama." Ella added.
"Well, she'll be glad to see you." Kerry said to Ella. "Good to see you're keeping busy Robert - can't imagine you'd keep well in front of daytime television. And you're making some pocket money while you're at it."
"No, I'm a non-profit organization." He said, ending the conversation as the elevator dinged. He stepped off and strode down the hallway, soon realizing that Kerry had followed him.
"So, when will you be coming back to work?"
"Don't know." Robert tried to hide his sigh and stopped outside Elizabeth's office. Without going in he turned to face Kerry, "Is there something I can help you here, cause in case it's not obvious, I'm not here on business. I'll make that call when I've regained insanity - or when I start to miss you - whichever comes first."
"I've missed you too Robert." Kerry turned and walked away, yelling back, "Tell Elizabeth I need to see her tomorrow first thing."
"Like hell I will," Robert muttered.
"Grumpy?" Ella poked his cheek.
"Your mom will cheer me up, works every time." He knocked on the door.
"Come in." Elizabeth said from inside. Robert opened the door and put Ella down to run to her mother. "Hey." Elizabeth grinned, picked up Ella in an embrace and crossed the room to Robert, hugging him too. "How's your day been?"
"Not bad, just the usual." He smiled, "and a charming encounter with Kerry."
"She's still your favourite huh?"
"No, you're my favourite." He kissed her lightly.
"We saw ducks!" Ella added to Robert's description of their day, bringing their attention back to her.
"Really?" Elizabeth replied, "what else?"
"Doctors."
"You played doctors again?"
"Yes. She's following in your footsteps." Robert grinned mischievously.
"I don't know if I should encourage that." Elizabeth let her eyes linger on his. "So, we should get going - your appointment is in ten minutes."
"Okay." He nodded, taking Ella so Elizabeth could get her bag. "How was your day?"
"Oh, you know, just the usual." She lied, still trying to forget the card she'd received. He could tell she was holding something back,
"I'll make you tell me the truth later." He whispered as she locked her office. She gave him half a smile, grateful that he left it at that, but not sure if she wanted to bring it up again later.
"You nervous?" she changed the subject back to his appointment.
"Um," he thought for a moment, "I really haven't thought about it, but yeah, just a little."
Elizabeth slipped her hand around his waist in reply, giving him an encouraging squeeze.
The physio Elizabeth had booked had gone home sick two hours earlier so Robert was left with the intern he specifically asked not to have.
"We can rebook if you like." Elizabeth suggested, knowing Robert's reservations.
"No, it'll be fine." he said cooly.
"Excellent, Dr Scott is in 887, do you know where to go?"
"Yeah, no problem." Robert said and the three walked down the hall to the physio's room.
"Hi, I'm Dr Scott," a young Hispanic man stood from his chair and walked to the door to greet Robert. He held out his hand but Robert was still holding Ella and just looked at the poor student quizzically.
"I'll take her." Elizabeth said and slid Ella from Robert's shoulder.
"Sorry," the Doctor said quickly, "why don't you take a seat." He gestured to two empty chairs and then sat on his own. Robert and Elizabeth sat down.
"Now, I've read your case, but as you haven't been into the hospital for treatment since you were released could you catch me up on how you're healing - any pain, tightness, tenderness?"
Robert quickly summarized the last few days.
"And you haven't been fitted for a prosthetic yet?"
"No."
Ella whimpered, craving attention.
"Oh, um, she usually has dinner around this time." Elizabeth explained
"You can go Lizzie, can't keep Ella waiting, trust me, I've tried." He stood up and kissed Ella and Elizabeth on their respective cheeks before they left in search of dinner. [Barbequed Kerry?]
"Your daughter is beautiful." Dr Scott said as Robert sat down again.
"Her mother's not bad either - but Ella's not mine."
"Oh, sorry."
"It's okay, the mistake's been made before."
The Doctor went on to ask about his shoulder. He then got Robert to take off his shirt and try some stretches.
"So how long have you two been married?"
"Oh, we're not. I'm just looking after Ella this week cause the babysitter is away. And Elizabeth works here - Dr Corday?" he said, waiting for recognition."
"Sorry, don't know her - I've only been here a week."
Half an hour later Robert had his shirt on and a pile of literature about prosthetics in his hand. Dr Scott had booked an appointment for a prosthetic fitting and Robert stood to leave.
"Thanks." He said a little awkwardly.
"No problem. The nurse warned me you'd be shooting sarcasm and four-letter words at me so, what can I say? I was pleasantly surprised."
"Well, I'll try not to disappoint you next time."
Dr Scott laughed, "I'll see you next week."
"Okay." Robert walked out and down the hall to reception.
"How much do I owe you?" he asked the nurse, trying not to let his relief show - the appointment was over and despite the intern he'd got for a doctor it had been no more painful than expected. And the fact he'd been mistaken for Ella's father twice in one day… he just hoped no one could see his glow. He handed the nurse some cash as Elizabeth walked up.
"All done eh?"
"Yep." He turned to her. "How was dinner?"
"Yummy." Ella replied, with enthusiasm.
"Smelt good." Elizabeth added.
"You not hungry?" Robert asked her, taking his change from the nurse.
"Starving, but I think I'd prefer leftovers in front of the tv with you." She said cheekily, ignoring the nurse's surprise. "So, how'd it go?"
"Good" he replied mechanically, meanwhile he was wondering if he should tell her he'd been mistaken as Ella's father. Would it bring up all sorts of Mark-stuff? Or was it a given, considering they'd been acting all happy-family-like ever since he'd walked into the hospital an hour ago.
"Penny for your thoughts." Elizabeth said as they stepped into the elevator.
"I was just thinking about something the physio said. It's nothing."
She smiled at him, knowing there was something there, but planning to let him tell her when he wanted to.
"I guess someone has to have a thing for bald men." The nurse said to the woman behind her as the happy couple walked away.
"Well, she's seems to have a good effect on him - I just hope it lasts cause I can't imagine having a limb amputated will improve his attitude otherwise."
"I'm not sure it could be much worse but at least he won't have anything to do with us - even if he does come back he's only chief of the ER."
"Oh, good."
"What's happening ladies?" Dr Scott asked - he'd overheard the end of their conversation but didn't know who they were talking about.
"Nothing." One of them replied
The other asked, "How'd it go - I don't see any physical signs of abuse."
"I have no idea what you're talking about - he was as placid as ever - the only time he showed any strength of feeling, positive or negative, was when the little girl was upset."
"What little girl?" one of the nurses asked.
"Dr Corday's" the other answered.
"Who's the father?" asked Dr Scott.
The nurses looked at one another as if to say 'you tell him… no you…'
"Dr Green, Corday's husband, he died about a year ago of a brain tumor."
Scott looked appropriately shocked. "How long has she been with Romano?"
"Not long. Apparently it all started when she visited him after he'd had his arm amputated and things progressed from there."
"But that was just a week or two ago."
"Yeah."
"No, it must have been going on longer than that." Scott insisted and the nurses scrambled to describe in detail all the gossip surrounding Robert and Lizzie.
Elizabeth tucked Ella into her bed, as the child stubbornly demanded a story. And when Elizabeth refused for the fourth time Ella screamed,
"Wobut!"
Despite the fact that Robert was on the phone, ordering Chinese food, he managed to appear at her bedside in a time Superman would struggle to top (no disrespect to Chris Reeves or Dean Cain - I'm a big fan).
"Hey." He said, catching his breath. Elizabeth smiled at him amused.
"Story." Ella explained simply.
"Oh," Robert nodded, "fair enough. What'll it be?"
"Kermit." Ella said as though it were obvious and while Robert seemed to understand, Lizzie was very confused.
"We don't have any books of Kermit." She said softly to Robert.
"Who needs books, she can't read, I can't be bothered," the door bell rang, "and you have to go answer the door."
Elizabeth shook her head, laughing at him, and went to the door. She put the food on the table and returned to find Robert sitting on the floor cross-legged (=Indian style, but I'm a New Zealander, that's right, a true blue kiwi, and we're American enough… I digress) so his face was level with Ella's.
"I'm sorry miss piggy, I didn't mean to cut off your hair, Kermit said. Haaa Ya! Piggy stood up and hit him across the head with her book."
Elizabeth cracked up. Both Ella and Robert turned to her with animated faces. "Sorry." She said, sitting beside Robert.
"It's okay, to be continued… Time to sleep Ella." He kissed her on the fore head and stood to let Elizabeth say good night. She followed him out of Ella's room, half-closing the door.
"Thank you." Elizabeth said, putting her hand on his back as they entered the living room. He turned to her smiling.
"She's amazing. You both mean so much to me."
"Good, it's mutual." Elizabeth hugged him and they stood there quite content in the silence. Everything fit. Then Robert's stomach growled.
"Sorry." He said, letting her go reluctantly.
She just laughed, "Better not let the food go cold."
She took his box off the dining room table then took hers and sat down on the sofa, inviting him to join her. He did so, opening the box and eating with one hand, making it look very easy. Elizabeth watched him.
"You not hungry?" he asked when he realised.
"Oh, sorry." She opened her dinner. "I'm just tired - not quite up to moving my eyes, though I'd be quite happy to watch you even if my eyes weren't about to fall shut."
They soon finished dinner, both having been hungrier than they'd realised, and sinking into Lizzie's couch with their feet resting on the coffee table, they talked about nothing and everything. When the Ella woke the next morning she plodded down the stairs, expecting to see Mom in the kitchen with a mug of coffee. Instead, Mom was lying on the couch, leaning on Robert - and they were both sound asleep. (Aw…)
Ella giggled, crawling on top of her mom. Elizabeth woke, "Hello." She smiled, then realised where she was and sat up.
Robert stirred when she moved and rubbed his eyes.
"Wobut." Ella giggled, properly waking him. He smiled when he realised where he was. Ella crawled across the couch to him.
"Coffee?" Elizabeth asked, standing up.
"Yes please. How much sleep did we get?"
"Not enough." She laughed coming back into the lounge after turning the electric jug on.
"You working today?"
"Nope, I'm all yours." She plopped down beside him. Ella got bored of them and toddled off to watch TV. They both watched her go.
"You're so good with her." Elizabeth looked at him.
Robert smiled and took her hand, "I'm hopeless - she's almost as beautiful as her mother and I can't say no."
Elizabeth leaned in to kiss him as the jug finished boiling. "Be right back." She got up and disappeared into the kitchen. Robert lay back on the couch and stretched - I slept here? He couldn't believe it… And yet it seamed to be the most natural thing in the world. Where else should he be? Alone at home? Or here, where he was somehow so welcome. Ella giggled/squealed from the next room. Robert got up to follow the noise. When he sat cross-legged beside her she climbed into his lap and kept watching animaniacs (we are crazy to the max… lol). Elizabeth brought through two mugs of coffee and, sitting beside him, handed him his mug.
"Thanks." He took a sip.
She smiled. This was good - not the coffee, I mean the coffee was fine - but what was really good was everything else.