Chapter Forty-five

Rafe was frantic. Watching them working on Alison, bundling her up - putting her in the ambulance, he was nearly coming out of his skin. Upon arriving at GH, Rafe found both Lucy and Ian were waiting - both ecstatic that Ian was back to his old self again. Seems Ed's little bet included not only those vamps turned by Joshua but Ian as well. He sat next to Cameron in the waiting room, fear, concern and love hovering around them both.

Lucy knew better than to ask questions at a time like this but she figured out soon enough who the handsome conservatively dressed young man was. Abby's Cameron. Cute as a button, she noticed. She couldn't believe what had happened. There'd be a celebration soon to be sure. As soon as Alison and Abby were home safe and sound she'd start planning.

Ian and Chris walked through the exam room doors.

"How is she?" Both Rafe and Cam said at once.

"Did you two rehearse that?" Chris commented.

Not in the mood for kidding around, Rafe glared at him.

Ian spoke first. "Alison's doing well, Rafe. She's distraught and exhausted, but she and the baby are doing just fine. She needs to take it easy for a few days."

"Can I see her?" Rafe pleaded.

Ian laughed, so happy to be back to normal he could barely contain himself. "Like I could stop you, boy-o. Go ahead in."

Rafe was behind the doors in a flash.

Cam turned to Chris. "Abby?"

"Severely dehydrated, She's been without food or water for nearly four days. That's why she was so lethargic and her pulse was so rapid."

Petrified, he made himself continue to ask the question. "Is she going to be OK?"

"We're giving her fluids now. I'm not going to lie to you. A few minutes ago? I was sure we'd lost her. She seems to be coming around now. We'll keep her here for a bit - but I expect a full recovery."

Before Cam could ask Chris continued. "Yes. You can see her. Go ahead. Room 6B."

**************

Rafe watched Alison as she slept, relieved but still crazed. He was beside himself thinking of what could have happened. He took a deep breath. He gazed at her, distracted by the sound of the fetal monitor, hearing his child's heartbeat. He heaved a sigh of relief. There was nothing more to worry about. There were no vampires to fight. He could truly just relax and enjoy all the good things to come.

Trying to do just that, he shrugged off his coat, noticing for the first time in hours the envelope he'd shoved in his pocket. He was so full of concern for his wife and child he'd completely forgotten about it. Beyond curious and figuring Alison would be out for a while, he opened it up and began to read.

**************

Cameron sat next to Abby, stroking her hand, silently pleading for her to wake up. Dr. Ramsey had told him she'd be fine but until he heard her voice, he wouldn't be convinced.

Finally, she began to awaken. Her eyes opened slowly. "Cameron?" She whispered.

"Right here. I'm right here." He said as he smoothed her hair from her face.

"I was trying to find you."

"You were looking in the wrong place."

"Cam. Are you leaving me?"

"You want me to?" He laughed.

She held his hand tighter. She choked on tears. "Don't. Don't joke with me. Not now. Cameron."

Even he knew when to be serious. This was definitely one of those times. He brought his hand to her face and gently stroked her cheek. "You brought me back, Abs. You saved us all."

***************

Finishing reading, Rafe's eyes filled with tears. How could she even think such a thing?

He was trying to sort it all out as she finally woke.

"Rafe!" she nearly yelled, then she saw him sitting right next to her. "Rafe." She repeated, her voice quieter and full of relief.

"Yeah?" He replied, still stunned by what she had written all those months ago.

"What happened? What's going on? You look upset. What's wrong?" Panic was clearly heard in her voice.

"Shh." He replied, trying to calm her. "Everything's fine."

"No. Don't do that. It's not fine - look at you. Something's wrong. Is it Abby? Is she gone?"

Rafe swallowed before he replied. "No. No. She's fine. Cam is with her. She may be here a few days but she'll be fine."

Alison took a deep breath and reached for his hand, clutching it desperately. "It's not…not the baby." she whispered.

"NO!" He cried out, beside himself. "No. You're fine. The baby's fine."

"Something's not fine, Rafe, I can see it."

Trying to make his voice light he continued to attempt to convince her. "It's OK. Shh. Everything's fine."

"Promise?" she asked then, her eyes pleading.

Kissing her hand he tried to sound convincing. "Promise."