HEART OF MINE
A/N: I know there have been many takes on what takes place after the finale of the movie, but I suppose this is my little twist on it. This opens somewhat after Rafe returns from China—about a month later. At this point, Evelyn is pushing seven months pregnant. Enjoy, and please review when you finish reading.
This does follow the storyline of the movie. Danny does die in China, and as of right now, things are strained between Evelyn and Rafe.
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PROLOGUE"Evelyn, are you honestly sure about this?"
Sandra slipped off her plain white nursing shoes and stacked them neatly in the corner of the bedroom she shared with her closest friend. "I'm you friend, Ev, talk to me. Tell me if there's anything I can do."
Evelyn sighed and pressed the remainder of her blouses into the tan suitcase. "Tell me I'm making a terrible mistake by going away."
"Fine then. You're making a terrible mistake by going away!" Sandra repeated coolly. "I wish you'd stay."
"I've been discharged from the Navy. I'm technically not even supposed to be in nurses' housing anymore. I've overstayed my welcome and I'm surprised someone hasn't ratted me out by now," she replied bitterly, resting her hand against her forehead. "You know how people talk, Sandra."
"I know." She walked over and squeezed Evelyn's hand. "But they're all just a bunch of busybodies looking for a good way to spend their free afternoons."
"At other people's expenses. I know what they've been saying about me." She smoothed the top of a black skirt and added it to the suitcase. "If it's not 'Poor, Evelyn', it's 'Oh my! She's not even married!'. I'm just a burden."
"How can you say that?" Sandra practically wanted to shake some sense into her. "I know I'm usually not this outspoken, but the last thing I want you to do is leave. I'm sure Rafe doesn't want to see you to go either."
Evelyn hesitated and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I haven't seen Rafe in days. I'm sure it won't make much of a difference. He's logged so many flight hours over the past month that when I do want an opportunity to talk to him, I never can get one. I just think it's better this way. Just until the baby's born. Maybe then I'll be able to come back and resume my nursing duties."
"I just want to see you happy. But I hope you know how much I'll miss you. It won't be the same without you."
"I know." Evelyn leaned over and wrapped her arms around Sandra. "I'll call you as soon as I get to Philadelphia."
"I promise I'll be out there as soon as you have the baby."
"Thank you." Evelyn stood up once again and resumed her packing. "Aren't you going over your lunch hour?"
Sandra smiled and glanced out the window. "I can be a little bit late today. Besides, if anyone asks, I'll just say that Mr. Russell caused such a scene in ward four that I had to talk him out of disturbing the recruited nurses," she replied. "Barbara, Martha, and I want to take you out tonight, considering it's your last night on the island."
"You don't have to."
Sandra slipped her shoes back on again and adjusted her hat. "We insist, Ev. Just one more lady's night before you leave in the morning."
"All right."
Evelyn heard the door close and walked over to the window, watching Sandra's retreating back stroll towards the direction of the military hospital.
Sighing once again, she resumed her seat on the bed and hoped that she was doing the right thing. A knock on the doorframe interrupted her thoughts.
"Ev'lyn?"
Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up. Rafe.
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There will be more to this, but please review. I'll appreciate it.