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By the time the fund-raiser neared both worried what the other would think. Margaret decided not to worry and have fun. Charles would be there so she knew nothing would happen. Friday after work, Margaret picked her dress up from the shop and picked Haylie up from daycare. Since Betsy couldn't take care of her on Friday Margaret dropped the little girl off at daycare for the day. Haylie didn't mind at all, she was a very friendly person and enjoyed having other children around. When Margaret put Haylie down in the elevator the little girl walked around merrily talking in broken English and baby gibberish to her mother. Margaret enjoyed listening to her little girl talk it was amusing. When the door opened Haylie skipped out and down the hall to her apartment. When she got there she looked at her mother.
"Mommy o-en." She smiled.
"I'll get it open just wait a minute," Margaret smiled pulling her keys out of her purse.
"Dwink?"
"We'll get you your drink. Just let Mommy put her dress away."
"Kay," Haylie grinned pushing the door open after her mother had unlocked and opened it bit. Margaret smiled and walked in behind her daughter. After closing the door Margaret walked into her bedroom and set the dress on her bed while Haylie sat in the middle of the floor taking her shoes off.
"Okay baby lets get you a drink and some lunch made."
"Yay!" Haylie smiled standing up and running to her mother. Margaret grinned and picked up Haylie giving her a kiss.
"What do you want for lunch?"
"Oood." Haylie smiled.
"What kind of food?"
"Um..anwich?"
"Okay I'll make a grilled cheese sandwhich,"
"No,"
"What do you mean 'No'?"
"No eese,"
"No cheese, then what do you want?"
"Dunno," Haylie said shrugging her shoulders.
"You don't know?" Margaret asked. "Well how about some soup?"
"Yeah! Iken oodle?" She asked hopefully.
"Yes chicken noodle. And after lunch nap."
"No, no nap."
"Yes nap."
"No Mommy." Haylie said firmly.
"Haylie Madylin Houlihan," Margaret said in a stern warning voice.
"Orry Mommy," Haylie said close to tears. Margaret smiled and kissed her daughter on the cheek.
"Don't cry baby, now come on lets make some soup." Haylie smiled and helped her mother the best she could. It didn't last before Margaret set the little girl in the highchair and handed her some crackers After lunch Margaret put Haylie down for a nap and took a shower. With Haylie being so little and her being an only parent she didn't have time to shower with Haylie awake. After a quick shower, Margaret quickly did her make-up and hair, just in time when Haylie woke up.
"Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!" Haylie sang walking around her mother's bedroom as Margaret put her slip on.
"Haylie, Haylie, Haylie, Haylie, Haylie," Margaret sang right back causing Haylie to burst into laughter. She loved when her mom did that.
"Mommy funny."
"I am. Really? I thought Haylie was funny," Margaret teased.
"Me funny Mommy," Haylie smiled as she climbed onto the bed.
"You are?"
"Yup. Mommy me snack?"
"Sure, do you want some grapes?"
"No, etzles, pease."
"Okay baby. Come on," Margaret smiled picking Haylie up.
"Mommy ere dwess?" Haylie asked noticing her mother wasn't wearing a dress.
"I'll put it one while you eat your pretzels."
"Kay. Mommy wen go?"
"After you finish your pretzels."
"Me pay wif Lily?"
"You sure do. Do you like Lily?"
"Yeah. Mommy wike Lily?"
"Yes I do."
"Ood. Mommy wike Eye?"
"I do like Hawkeye. Why are you asking so many questions?" Margaret asked handing the bowl of pretzels to Haylie. Haylie just smiled since she had no clue what her mother was talking about. Margaret laughed and walked with Haylie back into her room. Haylie sat in the centre of Margaret's bed and ate her pretzels as she watched her mother get ready. The two talked for a little while until they had to go. Margaret was dropping Haylie off at Hawkeye's with Stacey and she was meeting him there. By the time Margaret got Haylie in the car and everything together she drove to Hawkeye's. Haylie was telling her mother a story as they drove. Margaret always found it amusing how much Haylie was a little storyteller.
When they got there, Margaret threw Haylie's diaper bag over her shoulder and held Haylie's hand as they walked up to Hawkeye's apartment. Haylie knocked on the door and smiled when Hawkeye opened the door.
Margaret smiled too. He was in a full suit and was looking really good. He was in a black tailored suit, with a red tie that matched her dress. He had a smile on his face and his blue eyes were sparkling. Hawkeye smiled brightly when he saw Margaret. She looked amazing to him. Her hair was done in curls and make-up absolutely perfect. Her dress matched his tie and she had a shawl on as well. To Hawkeye, no one could look more perfect.
"You look amazing," Hawkeye smiled kissing Margaret on the cheek.
"Thank you, you're not so bad yourself."
"Its just my dashing good looks," Hawkeye smiled taking the diaper bag from Margaret.
"Right," Margaret smiled taking Haylie's sweater off. Haylie ran off into the living room where Stacey and his sister Nadia were playing with Lily.
"Stacey's sister Nadia is going to take Haylie home tonight if you don't mind."
"Um, no, I suppose that's alright."
"Nadia is a doll. She actually lives in your apartment building."
"Oh?"
"Stacey and Nadia's father owns your building, Nadia lives there. Anyway, we arranged for Nadia to bring Haylie back to your place no later than nine thirty and stay there until you get home. John will let her in, so you don't have to worry about the key."
"Okay," Margaret smiled. She trusted Hawkeye's judgment. She would never leave her daughter with someone she didn't know, but knowing that Hawkeye knew and trusted them, made it alright.
"Come on I'll introduce you to the Peterson kids." Margaret nodded and followed Hawkeye into the living room. There she saw a young woman, no older than twenty sitting and playing with Lily and Haylie.
After introductions were made Margaret and Hawkeye headed off to the fund- raiser, but before they went in, Hawkeye handed Margaret a single red rose.
"I thought it would match your dress," Hawkeye smiled.
"Thank you." Margaret said sincerely.
"Madam," Hawkeye smiled offering his arm to Margaret, "Shall we?"
"We shall," Margaret smiled looping her arm through his. Together the two walked into the ballroom.
Everyone noticed the couple immediately. Hawkeye Pierce always came to these functions alone, or didn't come at all. And here he was with an extremely attractive blonde on his arm. Margaret looked around at the Doctors looking at her and Hawkeye.
Hawkeye turned to Margaret and whispered to her, "Don't worry about anything, they're all just jealous," Margaret smiled and walked with Hawkeye to their table. There Hawkeye acted like a perfect gentlemen and pulled out her chair for her.
"Thank you,"
"My pleasure, would you like something to drink?"
"Please."
"White, red, champagne?"
"Champagne would be nice, thank you" Hawkeye smiled and walked over to the bar, a few minutes later her returned with two glasses of champagne.
"Here you go, one for you and one for me,"
"Champagne, I thought you only drank martinis?"
"Well my dear Margaret, this is a fund-raiser. This is all they serve,"
"Oh I see, so you're only drinking it because you have to."
"You know me too well Margaret," Margaret laughed at his comment and took a sip of her champagne. The two stayed like that for a little while until Hawkeye took Margaret's champagne flute and set it down grabbing her hand. "Come dance with me," Margaret smiled and nodded standing up. Hawkeye guided her to the dance floor by the small of her back. Once there he wrapped an arm around her waist and held her hand as he gently led her around the dance floor.
He watched her so carefully it amazed him. She was beautiful, and somehow, just like in Korea when they danced, it felt so right. Margaret looked up at Hawkeye and just had to smile, some how he had the power to make her smile no matter what. After the song, the two walked back to the table to find Charles and his wife Bess sitting at the table with smiles on their faces.
During dinner the four talked and got to know each other a bit more, well for Margaret and Bess' case. They talked and listened to the prominent doctors speak. Margaret was utterly surprised when the Master of Ceremonies called Hawkeye to the podium. Hawkeye walked up and looked at the crowd before speaking.
"Finally, some time for comic relief," He joked, everyone laughed softly. "Okay, down to the reason why we're all here tonight. The children's ward here in the hospital, well its something that needs work. It's a very cold space, that needs colour and entertainment. Now being on the Pediatric team here I know that it needs help. "We are here tonight to raise money for the children's ward at Mass. General. Now I would like to thank someone who has donated close to ten thousand dollars to a hospital that he doesn't even work at. Ladies, gentlemen, doctors, nurses, orderlies, and everyone else, please allow me to introduce none other than Head of Thoracic Surgery at Boston Mercy, Doctor Charles Emerson Winchester the third." Hawkeye started clapping as everyone followed him. Charles stood up and walked towards the podium. As everyone started to stand up as they applauded him. When Charles arrived, he held his hand out to Hawkeye who ended up just hugging him. Margaret and Bess burst out laughing as they watched the two friends.
"Thank you Pierce," Charles smiled as Hawkeye walked back to the table. "Just over two years ago I returned here to Boston after the Korean War, or as you here know it as the Korean Conflict. Upon returning I took a look at the children in Mass. General and noticed that not only were they suffering, but it reminded me of all the wounded children that came through the hospital in Korea. After knowing that the children in your hospital were receiving the best care possible, but not having a happy environment to recover in. I decided to help the best way I know how. I called upon a very illustrious doctor. He then in turn showed me that the children need more than an excellent bedside manner, they also need some place to smile. These past two years I have collected nine thousand, ninety-two dollars to help have the dark gloomy place look bright and happy. It was all for the children and always will be." With that Hawkeye, Margaret and Bess all stood up and started to clap, everyone followed, Charles smiled and step.
"Charles, I never knew you felt that way," Margaret smiled hugging her friend.
"Well I do, and even more that I have two honorary nieces,"
"And a nephew from you sister," Bess pointed out with a smile.
"And young Jacob," Charles added. The three laughed.
"Wow, its already midnight, I better be getting home," Hawkeye announced. "Margaret are you ready?"
"I am. Charles it was a pleasure seeing you tonight, Bess I will for sure call and set a date. Goodbye,"
"Bye Margaret," Charles and Bess smiled watching the two walk out of the room. "Elizabeth, those two belong together,"
"They do, don't they?" Bess smiled sitting back down and leaning into her husband.
"You look tired,"
"I am,"
"Lets go home. I have a meeting tomorrow morning," Charles mentioned as they two left the room. Somehow being together made the two believe even more that they belonged together, even people who didn't know either of them thought that they belonged together. It was something that the entire world knew and loved to see.
By the time the fund-raiser neared both worried what the other would think. Margaret decided not to worry and have fun. Charles would be there so she knew nothing would happen. Friday after work, Margaret picked her dress up from the shop and picked Haylie up from daycare. Since Betsy couldn't take care of her on Friday Margaret dropped the little girl off at daycare for the day. Haylie didn't mind at all, she was a very friendly person and enjoyed having other children around. When Margaret put Haylie down in the elevator the little girl walked around merrily talking in broken English and baby gibberish to her mother. Margaret enjoyed listening to her little girl talk it was amusing. When the door opened Haylie skipped out and down the hall to her apartment. When she got there she looked at her mother.
"Mommy o-en." She smiled.
"I'll get it open just wait a minute," Margaret smiled pulling her keys out of her purse.
"Dwink?"
"We'll get you your drink. Just let Mommy put her dress away."
"Kay," Haylie grinned pushing the door open after her mother had unlocked and opened it bit. Margaret smiled and walked in behind her daughter. After closing the door Margaret walked into her bedroom and set the dress on her bed while Haylie sat in the middle of the floor taking her shoes off.
"Okay baby lets get you a drink and some lunch made."
"Yay!" Haylie smiled standing up and running to her mother. Margaret grinned and picked up Haylie giving her a kiss.
"What do you want for lunch?"
"Oood." Haylie smiled.
"What kind of food?"
"Um..anwich?"
"Okay I'll make a grilled cheese sandwhich,"
"No,"
"What do you mean 'No'?"
"No eese,"
"No cheese, then what do you want?"
"Dunno," Haylie said shrugging her shoulders.
"You don't know?" Margaret asked. "Well how about some soup?"
"Yeah! Iken oodle?" She asked hopefully.
"Yes chicken noodle. And after lunch nap."
"No, no nap."
"Yes nap."
"No Mommy." Haylie said firmly.
"Haylie Madylin Houlihan," Margaret said in a stern warning voice.
"Orry Mommy," Haylie said close to tears. Margaret smiled and kissed her daughter on the cheek.
"Don't cry baby, now come on lets make some soup." Haylie smiled and helped her mother the best she could. It didn't last before Margaret set the little girl in the highchair and handed her some crackers After lunch Margaret put Haylie down for a nap and took a shower. With Haylie being so little and her being an only parent she didn't have time to shower with Haylie awake. After a quick shower, Margaret quickly did her make-up and hair, just in time when Haylie woke up.
"Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!" Haylie sang walking around her mother's bedroom as Margaret put her slip on.
"Haylie, Haylie, Haylie, Haylie, Haylie," Margaret sang right back causing Haylie to burst into laughter. She loved when her mom did that.
"Mommy funny."
"I am. Really? I thought Haylie was funny," Margaret teased.
"Me funny Mommy," Haylie smiled as she climbed onto the bed.
"You are?"
"Yup. Mommy me snack?"
"Sure, do you want some grapes?"
"No, etzles, pease."
"Okay baby. Come on," Margaret smiled picking Haylie up.
"Mommy ere dwess?" Haylie asked noticing her mother wasn't wearing a dress.
"I'll put it one while you eat your pretzels."
"Kay. Mommy wen go?"
"After you finish your pretzels."
"Me pay wif Lily?"
"You sure do. Do you like Lily?"
"Yeah. Mommy wike Lily?"
"Yes I do."
"Ood. Mommy wike Eye?"
"I do like Hawkeye. Why are you asking so many questions?" Margaret asked handing the bowl of pretzels to Haylie. Haylie just smiled since she had no clue what her mother was talking about. Margaret laughed and walked with Haylie back into her room. Haylie sat in the centre of Margaret's bed and ate her pretzels as she watched her mother get ready. The two talked for a little while until they had to go. Margaret was dropping Haylie off at Hawkeye's with Stacey and she was meeting him there. By the time Margaret got Haylie in the car and everything together she drove to Hawkeye's. Haylie was telling her mother a story as they drove. Margaret always found it amusing how much Haylie was a little storyteller.
When they got there, Margaret threw Haylie's diaper bag over her shoulder and held Haylie's hand as they walked up to Hawkeye's apartment. Haylie knocked on the door and smiled when Hawkeye opened the door.
Margaret smiled too. He was in a full suit and was looking really good. He was in a black tailored suit, with a red tie that matched her dress. He had a smile on his face and his blue eyes were sparkling. Hawkeye smiled brightly when he saw Margaret. She looked amazing to him. Her hair was done in curls and make-up absolutely perfect. Her dress matched his tie and she had a shawl on as well. To Hawkeye, no one could look more perfect.
"You look amazing," Hawkeye smiled kissing Margaret on the cheek.
"Thank you, you're not so bad yourself."
"Its just my dashing good looks," Hawkeye smiled taking the diaper bag from Margaret.
"Right," Margaret smiled taking Haylie's sweater off. Haylie ran off into the living room where Stacey and his sister Nadia were playing with Lily.
"Stacey's sister Nadia is going to take Haylie home tonight if you don't mind."
"Um, no, I suppose that's alright."
"Nadia is a doll. She actually lives in your apartment building."
"Oh?"
"Stacey and Nadia's father owns your building, Nadia lives there. Anyway, we arranged for Nadia to bring Haylie back to your place no later than nine thirty and stay there until you get home. John will let her in, so you don't have to worry about the key."
"Okay," Margaret smiled. She trusted Hawkeye's judgment. She would never leave her daughter with someone she didn't know, but knowing that Hawkeye knew and trusted them, made it alright.
"Come on I'll introduce you to the Peterson kids." Margaret nodded and followed Hawkeye into the living room. There she saw a young woman, no older than twenty sitting and playing with Lily and Haylie.
After introductions were made Margaret and Hawkeye headed off to the fund- raiser, but before they went in, Hawkeye handed Margaret a single red rose.
"I thought it would match your dress," Hawkeye smiled.
"Thank you." Margaret said sincerely.
"Madam," Hawkeye smiled offering his arm to Margaret, "Shall we?"
"We shall," Margaret smiled looping her arm through his. Together the two walked into the ballroom.
Everyone noticed the couple immediately. Hawkeye Pierce always came to these functions alone, or didn't come at all. And here he was with an extremely attractive blonde on his arm. Margaret looked around at the Doctors looking at her and Hawkeye.
Hawkeye turned to Margaret and whispered to her, "Don't worry about anything, they're all just jealous," Margaret smiled and walked with Hawkeye to their table. There Hawkeye acted like a perfect gentlemen and pulled out her chair for her.
"Thank you,"
"My pleasure, would you like something to drink?"
"Please."
"White, red, champagne?"
"Champagne would be nice, thank you" Hawkeye smiled and walked over to the bar, a few minutes later her returned with two glasses of champagne.
"Here you go, one for you and one for me,"
"Champagne, I thought you only drank martinis?"
"Well my dear Margaret, this is a fund-raiser. This is all they serve,"
"Oh I see, so you're only drinking it because you have to."
"You know me too well Margaret," Margaret laughed at his comment and took a sip of her champagne. The two stayed like that for a little while until Hawkeye took Margaret's champagne flute and set it down grabbing her hand. "Come dance with me," Margaret smiled and nodded standing up. Hawkeye guided her to the dance floor by the small of her back. Once there he wrapped an arm around her waist and held her hand as he gently led her around the dance floor.
He watched her so carefully it amazed him. She was beautiful, and somehow, just like in Korea when they danced, it felt so right. Margaret looked up at Hawkeye and just had to smile, some how he had the power to make her smile no matter what. After the song, the two walked back to the table to find Charles and his wife Bess sitting at the table with smiles on their faces.
During dinner the four talked and got to know each other a bit more, well for Margaret and Bess' case. They talked and listened to the prominent doctors speak. Margaret was utterly surprised when the Master of Ceremonies called Hawkeye to the podium. Hawkeye walked up and looked at the crowd before speaking.
"Finally, some time for comic relief," He joked, everyone laughed softly. "Okay, down to the reason why we're all here tonight. The children's ward here in the hospital, well its something that needs work. It's a very cold space, that needs colour and entertainment. Now being on the Pediatric team here I know that it needs help. "We are here tonight to raise money for the children's ward at Mass. General. Now I would like to thank someone who has donated close to ten thousand dollars to a hospital that he doesn't even work at. Ladies, gentlemen, doctors, nurses, orderlies, and everyone else, please allow me to introduce none other than Head of Thoracic Surgery at Boston Mercy, Doctor Charles Emerson Winchester the third." Hawkeye started clapping as everyone followed him. Charles stood up and walked towards the podium. As everyone started to stand up as they applauded him. When Charles arrived, he held his hand out to Hawkeye who ended up just hugging him. Margaret and Bess burst out laughing as they watched the two friends.
"Thank you Pierce," Charles smiled as Hawkeye walked back to the table. "Just over two years ago I returned here to Boston after the Korean War, or as you here know it as the Korean Conflict. Upon returning I took a look at the children in Mass. General and noticed that not only were they suffering, but it reminded me of all the wounded children that came through the hospital in Korea. After knowing that the children in your hospital were receiving the best care possible, but not having a happy environment to recover in. I decided to help the best way I know how. I called upon a very illustrious doctor. He then in turn showed me that the children need more than an excellent bedside manner, they also need some place to smile. These past two years I have collected nine thousand, ninety-two dollars to help have the dark gloomy place look bright and happy. It was all for the children and always will be." With that Hawkeye, Margaret and Bess all stood up and started to clap, everyone followed, Charles smiled and step.
"Charles, I never knew you felt that way," Margaret smiled hugging her friend.
"Well I do, and even more that I have two honorary nieces,"
"And a nephew from you sister," Bess pointed out with a smile.
"And young Jacob," Charles added. The three laughed.
"Wow, its already midnight, I better be getting home," Hawkeye announced. "Margaret are you ready?"
"I am. Charles it was a pleasure seeing you tonight, Bess I will for sure call and set a date. Goodbye,"
"Bye Margaret," Charles and Bess smiled watching the two walk out of the room. "Elizabeth, those two belong together,"
"They do, don't they?" Bess smiled sitting back down and leaning into her husband.
"You look tired,"
"I am,"
"Lets go home. I have a meeting tomorrow morning," Charles mentioned as they two left the room. Somehow being together made the two believe even more that they belonged together, even people who didn't know either of them thought that they belonged together. It was something that the entire world knew and loved to see.