This is a continuation of Family of Four Part 3, which you should read first in order to fully understand this story. I do not own any of the characters and make no money from their use. I would like to thank Lori and Jo for their editing and beta reading. Please e-mail me with any questions or comments that you may have.
Summary: This is 2018 and Mark and Elizabeth have been together for about twenty years and are raising Rebecca and Josh, who are 13 and 17, respectively. So far in the series, Mark and Elizabeth have had some trouble with Rebecca, Josh found out that he is on his way toward acceptance to the US Military Academy at West Point, and Elizabeth received word that Isabelle passed away.
This piece starts on the morning of Saturday April 2, 2018, about
five days after the last piece started but parts go back to the
whole week.
Notes: David is not a ghost, he never died in this series. Kevin
Reynolds is the medical examiner.
Warning for this piece: get some tissues.
Saturday April 2, 10:30 AM
David was sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee around 10:30 Saturday morning when he heard the doorbell ring. Josh had left for work, and Rebecca was still asleep so he made his way to the front door.
"Rachel" he said happily upon opening the door.
"Hi, Grandpa," she said, shifting four-month old Grace from one hip to the other as she gave David a kiss. "How are you?"
"I can't complain, how are you?" David asked, helping Rachel by taking the diaper bag from her.
"Pretty good, enjoying the Spring thaw and hoping that it will last," Rachel said with a laugh.
"It's not June yet, it's too early for an Illinois thaw, you should know that by now," David said with a laugh. "And how is my favorite great-granddaughter?" David asked, smiling as Grace took hold of his finger and proceeded to gum it to death.
"She's doing well," Rachel said, passing Grace to David as they walked back to the kitchen.
"Did you have breakfast?"
"We stopped for bagels," Rachel said, indicating the other bag that she was carrying. "I didn't know if you'd eaten yet so I bought extras."
"Sounds delicious. Do you want some decaf coffee or juice?"
"Juice would be fine," Rachel said. "I can get it. Are Josh and Rebecca home?"
"Josh is at work and Rebecca is still asleep. Did they know you were coming?"
"They knew I was coming sometime soon but didn't know exactly when. I decided to surprise them. Have you heard from Dad and Elizabeth?" Rachel asked as she put the bagels on the table and David poured the juice.
"Not today. Mark called yesterday after the funeral and said he'd probably speak with us today or tomorrow. They will be home late tomorrow night."
"Yeah, that's what he thought when I spoke with him on Thursday but he wasn't sure at that point."
"Elizabeth didn't decide until last night and he wanted her to make the decision. He didn't want to leave before she was ready."
"Did Dad mention how she was holding up?"
"Fairly well. I spoke with her for a few minutes as well and she seemed to be doing all right."
"That's good."
March 29, 10 AM, London Time
Feeling the weight shift on his right shoulder, Mark looked over and noticed that Elizabeth had woken up. "Good morning, sleepyhead," he quipped. He didn't really expect a laugh, but was concerned when she didn't respond at all. It was at that moment he realized that her lower lip was trembling. "What can I do?" he asked, gently.
Instead of answering, she looked away, focusing her gaze on what she could see of the scenery out the window, but not letting go of Mark's hand. Mark recognized her need for space, and the fact that it wasn't that feasible in an airplane, so he didn't push her.
A few moments later she spoke so softly that he almost didn't hear her say "Can I have some of your water?"
"Of course. Let me see if it's not too late to get a fresh glass, this is nearly room temperature."
Mark signaled to the flight attendant and within a few moments she brought a glass of fresh water and a bag of pretzels. "I'm sorry that it's too late to serve a meal," the flight attendant explained.
"That's OK," Mark said, turning his attention back to Elizabeth who, although resting her head on Mark's shoulder again, was still gazing out the window. "Do you want the pretzels?" he asked softly.
"You can have them," she murmured, not looking away from the window, knowing that if she did, she would lose any control she had over her emotions.
"Okay," Mark said, putting his arm back around Elizabeth's shoulder, letting her know with just that simple gesture that she didn't have to talk if she wasn't ready for that.
"Thank you, I justNot now" Elizabeth said, audibly struggling to keep her composure.
They stayed quiet until the plane began its final descent to Heathrow when Elizabeth handed Mark the journal that she'd tucked in the seat pocket in front of her. "Can you put this in your bag?"
"Sure."
'I'm not even sure why I brought it; I haven't looked at it once.'
"Sleep is more important," Mark said, putting the bag back under the seat just as the flight attendant came around for one last check.
After the plane landed, they made their way to passport control, where Elizabeth had to think twice about which line to stand on. "That's right," Mark said with a grin. "Your first time back with the new passport."
"I had forgotten about that," Elizabeth said, feeling more than a bit strange to be standing in the foreign passports line to reenter England.
It took them about a half hour to clear passport control, get their luggage, and then clear customs. As Mark pushed the trolley with their suitcases and carry-on luggage, Elizabeth scanned the International Arrivals Hall for her father. Mark spotted Charles at the same time as Elizabeth did and said, "Go ahead"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I can manage. I'll give you two a few minutes, I want to get a soda and change some money anyway. Do you want a drink?"
"Water, please"
As Mark walked toward a beverage kiosk, Elizabeth walked the twenty feet to where Charles was standing and they quickly embraced.
"How are you doing?" Elizabeth asked, still trying to hold in the tears.
"I've been better," Charles admitted, holding Elizabeth. "How about you?"
"I'm numb," Elizabeth said, giving the most honest answer that she could. "Did you hear anything more from the hospital?"
"They were expecting to finish the autopsy around noon. I asked them to call me as soon as they finished."
"What did they anticipate finding?"
"They weren't sure," Charles admitted. "I justI called in a favor, I wanted to one of my colleagues to do it to ensure they found everything."
"I know you did." Elizabeth said, understanding fully. Standing back, Elizabeth took a good look at her father and realized just how much he had aged in the nine months since they'd seen one another. At this point, that scared her.
Just then, Mark walked over pushing the luggage trolley. Handing Elizabeth her water, he greeted Charles with a handshake. "I am sorry to hear about Isabelle."
"Thank you. How was the flight?" Charles added, remembering that he'd forgotten to ask Elizabeth.
"Good, very smooth," Mark said.
"And quick" Elizabeth added.
"Yeah, because you slept for most of it," Mark teased.
"You never could stay awake on plane trips," Charles said. "Remember the trip we took to Spain when you were about six"
"Oh hush, Daddy" Elizabeth said, showing the first sign of a smile since Charles had called her in her office the previous day.
"Now this sounds like a story I need to hear," Mark said as they walked out to where Charles had parked.
"Did you get a new car?" Elizabeth asked, surprised at the car that Charles approached.
"It's a hire car from the dealer. Mine is in for a service. I'm seriously considering a change."
"I like it," Elizabeth said, sliding into the front seat after helping Mark with their bags.
As they pulled into the traffic on the highway Mark asked, "Did you want to call the house to check in before the kids go to school?"
"Oh yes," Elizabeth said, taking her mobile from her handbag.
"Do you want to use mine?" Charles offered. "It would probably be cheaper."
"That's OK. I know you're waiting for the hospital to call," Elizabeth said as she dialed.
"Hello" she said as David answered.
"Oh, hello, Elizabeth. How was the flight?"
"Very smooth. We even landed a few moments early. We're on the way to my father's flat now. How is everything there?"
"We're all fine. Josh and Rebecca are actually still asleep."
"Why am I not surprised? I just wanted to make sure to call before they went to school so they'd know that we had arrived. I have my mobile on if they want to call me when they wake up."
"OK. Thanks for calling."
"No problem. Did you want to talk to Mark?"
"I'm OK unless he needs to speak with me about something." Elizabeth relayed that message to Mark who shook his head.
"Well then I guess we'll say goodbye," Elizabeth said. "I left you the number for my dad's flat and you have my mobile number."
"Yes," David said. "We'll be in touch."
"Thanks. I'll speak to you later."
As they got closer to Charles' flat they went past many familiar sites, one being the church that the three of them had attended when Elizabeth was a little girl. "Have you made the funeral arrangements yet?"
"No. I have to wait for her..for Isabelle to be released to the care of a funeral parlor before I could do that."
"I'll help you with it this afternoon."
They reached Charles' flat about forty five minutes after they left Heathrow. After bringing their bags into the guestroom where they slept during each visit, they went back to the kitchen where Charles had started a pot of coffee. "Do you have any cereal?" Elizabeth asked, getting a juice glass from the cabinet.
"Yes, it is in the cabinet next to the sink. Mark, what would you like?"
"Cereal is good for me, too. The airline served something, but I'm not quite sure I'd call it food."
"Is it ever?" Charles remarked.
As they sat down to eat, Charles' mobile rang. Checking the Caller Information display, he quickly answered it and walked toward the other room saying, "Hello, Kevin."
Reaching for Mark's hand, Elizabeth explained, "I think that may be the Medical Examiner calling."
Mark nodded understandingly, and asked, "They wanted to make sure they didn't miss anything?"
"Daddy actually wanted it, I think he wanted to know."
"Hopefully they will have some answers and then will be able to release her quickly."
"I hope so too. II've never made funeral arrangements before," Elizabeth admitted.
"The director will be able to do most of it," Mark explained. "They know that it is hard on the family so they try to make it easier."
"Will they ask us many questions?"
"A few," Mark admitted, remembering back to his mother's funeral. "Mainly about the clothes, type of service. Nothing too difficult."
"I think I can handle that," Elizabeth said, as Charles returned to the room. Turning to Charles, she asked, "Had they finished?"
"For the most part. There are still some loose ends to tie up."
"Did they find anything?"
"Nothing out of the ordinary."
Elizabeth just nodded, not sure exactly how she felt about that. "Did they say what time they would be ready?"
"Around 2 PM."
Elizabeth glanced at her watch and was quickly reminded that it was still on Chicago time. "It's 12:45" Mark offered.
"Thanks."
Elizabeth quickly finished her cereal and put her bowl in the dishwasher before asking Charles, "Do I have time to shower before we need to leave?"
"Of course. I put fresh towels in the bathroom this morning. There is enough shampoo and soap for now, but I need to get some more later."
"That's OK. I have some in my travel bag."
As Charles and Mark tidied the kitchen, Charles asked, "How is Elizabeth holding up? I'm having a hard time telling."
"She's doing OK, so far," Mark said. "How about you? I can't imagine the shock when Isabelle called you."
"I was at dinner with a friend when my mobile rang. As soon as she told me, I was on my way to the hospital because I had a bad feeling."
"Elizabeth mentioned to me that you arrived just a few minutes after Isabelle passed away?" Mark asked, struggling to finish the sentence, still not feeling as if Isabelle's death was real.
"Yes," Charles said softly. "Traffic in The City at rush hour is terrible. I walked into the A&E and checked at the admit desk because I wasn't sure if she had been taken for the CT yet. When I asked about Isabelle Corday, I just knew the answer from the nurse's silence."
"I'm sorry," Mark said, not really knowing what else to say.
"Thank you."
When Mark went back to the guestroom, Elizabeth was nearly ready to go out. "Are you going to stay here?" she asked when she noticed Mark had come into the room.
"I had planned to so that you and your father could make the arrangements. I can come if you want," Mark added.
"No, that's OK. Can you do me a favor while we're gone?"
"Of course. What do you need?"
"There is a supermarket just around the corner. Can you pick up some bread, milk, and maybe some juice as well? I noticed Daddy was running low."
"Sure, and what about the soap and shampoo for the bathroom?"
"Yes, thanks for reminding me. HSBC is next to the supermarket, and you should have no trouble using your cash card there."
"I got some money at the airport," Mark said, taking out his wallet to give some cash to Elizabeth. "Did you also want me to pick up something for dinner?"
"That would be a good idea. I want to take Daddy out for dinner one night this week, but I don't think that I will be up for it tonight."
"OK. Maybe I will look for a roast or something and some vegetables?"
"That sounds great." After pausing for a few moments to gather her purse and coat Elizabeth said, "If I haven't said it already, thank you very much for being here with me. There is no way I could do this alone."
"I wouldn't let you," Mark reassured her, putting his arm around her waist.
"I know, but thank you anyway. I love you."
"Love you too."
It was shortly before 5 PM, when Charles and Elizabeth returned to the flat. The strain of the day was evident on Elizabeth's face no matter how much she tried to hide it. As Charles opened the door, Elizabeth found herself looking for signs that Mark had returned from his errands. Sensing the look on Elizabeth's face, Charles suggested, "Why don't you go rest for a bit before dinner?"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I can take care of dinner. I'll call you when it's ready."
"Mark was going to the store so if he has returned, dinner may be in the refrigerator," Elizabeth offered.
"I'll check, you go rest," Charles said, kissing Elizabeth on the cheek. "Daddy's orders."
"OK," Elizabeth agreed, padding down the hallway to the guestroom. Opening the door, she smiled when she saw Mark. He had fallen asleep while reading one of the journals he'd brought with him. Elizabeth slipped out of her slacks and sweater and pulled a pair leggings and one of Mark's sweatshirts from the dresser drawer. Trying her best not to wake Mark, Elizabeth laid down beside him, and pulled the duvet over both of them.
It was almost as if lying down, or being with Mark, allowed her body to relax and lay down her guard because almost immediately, she felt tears spring to her eyes. She didn't make an effort to stop them and soon, they were tracing a path down her cheeks.
A moment or so later, Mark reached for her hand, and when she didn't pull away, he put his arms around her. "I tried not to wake you," Elizabeth apologized. "I'm sorry."
"It doesn't matter," Mark said. "Do you want to talk or..?"
Elizabeth nodded, but at the same time she was hit by a wave of tears, making talking difficult. Mark wrapped his arms around her tightly, rubbed her back and said, "When you're ready."
A few minutes later, Elizabeth took a deep shuddering breath and said, "I really thought I'd be able to hold it together. I tried but"
"No one expected you to," Mark said, reassuringly.
"I was OK until the funeral home. Or, I thought I was anyway," Elizabeth started, pausing to collect her thoughts. "We were in the Director's office, talking about visiting hours, when it justIt got to be too much. I had to leave."
"That's OK," Mark said. "You are not the first person that has happened to."
"I just felt like I let Daddy down. He had to finish the arrangements by himself," Elizabeth said guiltily. "I'm supposed to be helping him and I'm not doing a very good job of it so far."
"You're doing fine," Mark reassured her. "Your dad knows this isn't any easier for you than it is for him. You help each other by being there."
"I suppose so. I was angry when we left the hospital," Elizabeth admitted. "I think that held off the tears for a bit."
"Angry?" Mark asked, puzzled.
"If she had gone to the hospital when she first felt the pain, they probably would have been able to operate. I know it's meaningless anger, but I couldn't brush it off right away."
"Anger is a natural reaction when someone dies."
"Really?" Elizabeth asked, unsure if he was being sincere or just trying to reassure her.
"I was in high school when a good friend of mine died, he was hit by a car. I got so angry with him, thinking he should have been more careful and if he had been, he wouldn't have died."
"So I'm not crazy?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not at all," Mark said, brushing a stray lock of Elizabeth's hair from her eyes.
"I couldn't help but thinking it was like it always is. She was so wrapped up in her work, the hell with everything else. But at the same time I feel SO guilty for thinking that."
"It's OK," Mark said. "Don't judge yourself on your emotions, you'll just make it harder on yourself."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said, wiping her eyes on her sleeve.
Passing Elizabeth a tissue, Mark teased, "A new invention"
Elizabeth punched him playfully in response before dabbing her eyes with the tissue.
They laid there for a few more moments, in silence, with Elizabeth laying her head on Mark's chest before they heard a soft knock at the door.
Mark looked over at Elizabeth, who nodded, before saying, "Come in."
Charles stuck his head around the partially opened door. Unsure if Elizabeth was asleep, he whispered, "Dinner is ready."
"Thanks," Mark said. "We'll be right there."
"Take your time."
As Charles shut the door, Mark asked, "Are you ready to go eat?"
"Can I make you a deal?"
"Sure"
"I know I need to eat, and I know that's what you're going to tell me I have to do, and you're right. But I'm not sure I can eat much without being ill. I know its just nerves and stress but"
"It's OK," Mark interrupted.
"Really?" Elizabeth asked, having expected more resistance.
"Yes, I understand that feeling. Just promise me you will try to eat at least a little salad. I won't ask for anything more."
"OK. Thanks for understanding."
About five minutes later, Mark and Elizabeth walked into the kitchen. Charles was seated at the table, looking at the day's newspaper. However, he put it aside as soon as Mark and Elizabeth entered the kitchen. "Did you have a good rest?" he queried.
"So so," Elizabeth said. Looking at the table, she added, "Everything is ready?"
"Everything except drinks. I didn't know what either of you would want."
"I'll take care of that," Elizabeth said. Glancing at Charles's half full glass she added, "More wine, Daddy?"
"Yes, please. The bottle is on the counter."
"What would you like?" Elizabeth asked Mark, after filling Charles' glass.
"Ill have wine too."
Elizabeth sat down after getting their drinks. As Charles and Mark made general talk throughout dinner she kept quiet, just pushing her food around on the plate.
Although it was only 8:00 when they finished eating, Elizabeth was struggling to stay awake. "Would either of you mind if I headed to bed?" she asked. "The jet lag is kicking in"
"Go ahead," Charles said. "You need your rest. It's been a long day."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said, giving Charles a hug. "You get some rest, too. I'll see you in the morning."
"I will," Charles promised, returning the hug.
"I'll be right back to help you clean," Mark said to Charles as he put his arm around Elizabeth's waist.
As they walked into their bedroom,
Elizabeth just headed straight for the bed. Mark could see the
tears building up in her eyes and asked, "Do you want to
be alone?"
"Just for a few minutes. I'm going to take a shower, I just"
Elizabeth trailed off into tears, leaving the rest unsaid.
She didn't need to finish for Mark to understand. "Relax and take the time you need," he said, brushing her hair back from her forehead. "I'm going to help your father clean up the kitchen and then I'll be back."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said through the tears.
"You don't have to thank me," Mark said, giving her a kiss. "I'm always here for you."
-July 30, 2002
Part 5:
"What are the photos from?"
"You need to give your mum a break right now. This is a hard time for her."
"Can you talk to me?"
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