A/N: It's been far too sad so here's a Valentine's treat. Until 66! xox-G
Chapter Sixty-five
Colin's eyes began to get heavy. He'd barely slept. He hadn't left Kate's side since she came out of surgery. The hours, the days were taking their toll.
He kept hold of her hand, gently running his fingers over her palm, whispering to her that he was still there and wanted her back with him and their son.
It would be OK if he just shut his eyes for a minute wouldn't it? He'd hear her if she woke up for sure. Colin gently laid his head down on the bed, still holding Kate's hand in his. As he fell under he was taken back to a time when their lives were full of promise instead of the dread he felt now.
Kate fought to come back. All she wanted was one more moment to say goodbye. She needed him to know how much she loved him and how she trusted him to do what was right. But hard as she tried, she couldn't break through. Something was holding her back, something was keeping her from him.
She retreated in her mind to a much happier time. Lately she only lived in her memories. Compared to the present, it was a far better place to be.
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Alison stopped outside of Kate's room. Livvie was standing at the door, peering inside nervously.
"He's still in there huh?" Alison said softly.
Livvie sighed and turned around. "Yes. I can't get him to leave."
"He's wonderful Livvie. Who would have guessed?" Alison replied.
Anger lit Livvie's eyes as she glared at her. "Sorry if he didn't grow up behind a white picket fence Alison."
"That's not what I meant." Alison attempted to explain.
"Sure it isn't. You blame me – you blame us for all this." Livvie spat at her.
"I never said…" Alison tried again.
"You don't have to say a word Alison. You've got it down. I shouldn't be surprised. You just bat those blue eyes of yours and Rafe still comes running. And apparently so does the rest of the world." Livvie's voice was mocking as she continued. "Poor suffering Alison. Isn't it tragic? Her life is so difficult what with the being around her family and all her friends and having it all." Livvie crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared Alison down.
Alison's temper began to flare. "You think my life has been easy Livvie?"
Livvie nodded. "YES! I do. I mean - look at you. All sugar spun and fluffy and as cute as an itty bitty kitty cat. But I've seen your claws Ali and the world could use a lesson. I know that you're not so innocent. What you just said proves it."
"Oh my God. I swear if I shut my eyes I'm back in 2002 or even 2003." Alison threw up her hands. "Are you really honestly telling me you're still clinging to all that?"
"My life's eternal. Thirty years to me is like only yesterday." Livvie shrugged.
"Well. I like the past to be just that – the past. And if you'd stop jumping to conclusions for like – I don't know – ONE SECOND you'd realize what I was saying. When I said 'Who would have guessed' I meant 'Who would have guessed that our kids would actually end up together?' Not me." Alison said with a shake of her head. "I would have bet you hell would freeze over first."
Livvie wasn't swayed. "Nice save, Ali. Too bad I don't buy it."
Alison didn't want to fight but there wasn't any way around it at the moment. "Frankly Livvie – I don't care if you buy it or not. I like Colin. Scratch that. I love him. He and Kate together? They're magical. Really. When they first met I saw them being together as closure. You know? Because all the things that happened in the past – everything between Rafe and Caleb and you and I – I was hoping it would all be put to rest when our children fell in love."
Livvie fumed silently as Alison continued. "But there's just too much history and it can't be resolved so easily can it?" Alison took a deep breath and moved towards the window to Kate's room – hugging her arms around herself. "I should have realized there'd be more to it. I'm just sorry that she's suffering for all the things we did – you know?"
"And there it is – the plug for sympathy." Livvie rolled her eyes and pretended to shiver. "How heartwarming."
Alison turned on her instantly. Her eyes were on fire as she started to speak. "You can hate me until the end of time Livvie. You can be bitter and resentful over the life you've chosen. You can blame me and Rafe for being miserable but DO NOT belittle what my daughter is going through and don't you dare cheapen what it is she has with your son. Open your eyes and just lookat them. They are so incredibly in love. And I know this is what really bothers you. They live in my world – not yours. So pardon me for being closer to them than you are and pardon me for being sympathetic to what they're going through. If you had one ounce of kindness left in your excuse for a heart maybe you'd remember what it was like."
"Remember what?" Livvie whispered, struggling to keep her rage intact.
Alison turned her back on Livvie and stared through the window again. "How it feels to actually be human. What it's like to know that the time you have with the ones you love is fleeting. How precious life is. I mean – look at their child – Livvie. All the promise he holds. How incredible he will be. I mean can you imagine? Our grandchild - he's part of all of us – you, me, Rafe, and Caleb. And deep in my heart I have a feeling he's the very best of each of us." She turned around and stared into Livvie's eyes as she added. "I somehow think he just has to be."
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Kate wandered to the window, tracing a finger on the condensation that clung there, smiling as she drew the shape of a heart. She was toasty and warm inside the home she shared with Colin, watching the snow fall slowly outside.
His voice was rumbling in her ear and she smiled wider as he told her about his day. "There were so many people there Katrina. And they all wanted to hear me play." He said, full of awe.
"Of course they did." She said with a laugh. "Why wouldn't they?"
"I don't know. It always surprises me." Colin admitted.
"Well it doesn't surprise me." Kate promised him as she moved to sit on the couch, wishing with all her heart he was there with her. "Thank you for the flowers, by the way. That was a lovely surprise."
"Well c'mon. It is Valentine's Day." He replied.
"I know. But it was still lovely." She sighed loudly.
"What?" He asked, recognizing the sound. It meant she was upset about something.
"I miss you." She said with a pout as she ran a finger over one of the blooms in the bouquet Colin had sent.
"Me too." His voice was tinged with guilt. "I'm sorry I'm not there with you."
"It's alright. You'll be here this weekend." Kate smiled again just thinking about it. "I have to tell you - I can't wait to give you your present."
Colin raised his eyebrows. "Oh yeah? What is it?"
"Nuh uh. This is the kind of gift I need to give you in person." She said in a sultry tone.
The image her words brought to mind made his head spin. "Give me another hint, Katrina." He whispered. "Do I get to unwrap it myself?"
He had it all wrong – but she let him think he was onto something. "We'll see. Maybe. If you're good." She giggled.
"Well if we're still talking about exchanging gifts I have to tell you mine is on it's way." He said softly.
"Really?"
"Uh huh. It'll be there in a few seconds. Go to the door." He prompted.
"The door?" She asked just as she heard the bell ring.
Her heart beat frantically as she peered through the peephole. She squealed and dropped the phone before she ripped the door open and fell into Colin's arms.
"You're home." Kate sighed as she smothered Colin in kisses. "Oh my God! I can't believe it."
He laughed loudly as he pulled her close. "Where's my present?" He asked as he kissed her passionately.
"It's not ready yet." She laughed back at him.
"Oh really?" He kissed her again. "When will it be ready then?"
"September." She whispered against his lips.
"September." He repeated wondering if he'd heard her correctly.
Her eyes danced as she stared into his. "I know it's a long way off - and actually I can't promise the exact date – though they tell me that the twelfth might be it."
Colin's face softened and he fought to find his breath. He couldn't believe what she was saying. "Katrina…" He said softly as he stole her breath. "When you said you wanted to give me a present I thought you meant…"
"I know." She silenced him with another kiss as she linked her hand in his and led him towards the bedroom. "Don't worry. You can still get that too."
Waking from his dream slowly, Colin felt her hand move slightly in his. "Katrina?" He whispered.
"Oh Colin, remember? Remember how happy we were?" She said softly, her eyes still closed. In their minds they had been caught in exactly the same moment.
"I remember." He replied with a nod bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it. He took a breath and stopped himself from demanding she stay. Right now this was enough. Right now - he wanted to cherish every second she was here with him.
He held on tighter and whispered softly. "I promise you Katrina – if it's the last thing I do – we'll be that happy again."
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Livvie stood there in silence trying for a smart comeback. But something made her stop before she spoke.
Alison faced her, now concentrating solely on bringing her daughter back. There'd been enough standing around and feeling sorry. She wasn't going to wait any more.
"Have you seen Chris or Ian?" She asked Livvie.
"What?" Livvie replied her head still spinning fromthe scolding she'd just gotten.
Alison's patience had worn thin. "Simple question Livvie. Have you seen either Chris or…" Alison trailed off as the men in question walked towards them.
"What's going on?" She asked, her voice tinged with desperation. She was so caught up in learning more she barely realized Danny and Grant had joined them in the hallway.
"We're close." Chris replied. "Very, very close – but there's some testing we need to do."
"Then do it." Alison replied not understanding their hesitation.
"It's not so simple, Alison." Ian interjected. "We've tested the serum using a sample of Becky's blood and a sample of mine. It provided excellent results. But we need to make sure it's potent enough to make a significant difference. We need a sample from an experienced slayer and a full vampire before we can be sure."
"We want this to be a cure." Chris explained. "Not a band aid."
That was exactly what she wanted too. "OK." Alison replied with a nod. "Rafe's resting but I'll wake him." She turned and stared at Livvie again. "Livvie? Where's Caleb?"
"I'm not sure." Livvie replied, seeming like she was in a daze. "He was with Rachel earlier…"
Alison knew there was little time to waste. "Well. Find him." She demanded.
"Alison." Ian cautioned her. "It's not so simple. Vampires are very resistant to giving blood."
"Then tie him up or knock him out. I don't care how you get him to cooperate." Alison wasn't going to let anything stand in their way. "Just do it."
Grant moved to stand beside her and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "Mom…" He whispered.
"You have no respect…" Livvie whispered under her breath. "You have no idea how difficult this will be for him."
Alison whirled on her. "And you - Livvie - have not even a hint of compassion." She said bitterly. "Listen to me closely. My daughter's life is at stake and I'm going to do anything I have to to save her. If you won't find him and ask him I'll do it myself." She stormed off not really sure where to start to look but knowing she wouldn't rest until she found him. "And God help him if he tries to stand in my way." She added as she shoved the swinging doors open.
Giving Livvie a parting glare Grant followed behind his mother, determined that she wouldn't have to do this alone.
