January 6th, 2004

Michael thought that after what happened at dinner that Neela would run, but she didn't. Michael showed her a traditional Christmas and she loved it. They spent New Years at work, but they managed to sneak out onto the roof to see the fireworks. It was very romantic.

"Back up!!!" Luka yelled. Neela didn't back up in time and the patient threw up blood all over her. She stood there with wide eyes. "Go! Get change!"

"But-"

"Get out of here!!" Luka snapped. Neela gasped and almost ran out of the trauma room.

"Shit!" She whispered looking at all of the blood. Neela stepped into the locker room. She flung the bloody jacket into the trashcan. She pulled the shirt off and into the sink.

"Need help?" Pratt stood in the doorway. Neela shot him a look.

"You could get me some scrubs instead of looking at my chest, Gregory." Neela said scrubbing at her shirt.

"Mmmm...Black lace...It looks nice on you." Pratt said.

"Michael thinks so." She said with a touch of coldness in her voice. Pratt chuckled, as he looked in the metal close for scrubs that would fit her. "Is it always going to be like this?"

"Like what?" Pratt pulled some scrubs out and put them on the counter.

"The attending coming down so hard on the residents. Neela said. Pratt chuckled.

"Nope. It won't." he said to her. Neela whimpered as tear slid down her cheek. "Hey hey. No time for tears now."

"I can't help it. I killed that woman in there." She said.

"The LOL?" He asked.

"Yes." She whispered as she threw her shirt into the trash. She pulled on the scrub top.

"She was old." Pratt said.

"I punctured a hole in her, Gregory." Neela said with a whine in her voice, "It's not going to be like this the entire time right?"

"It's going to get worse." Pratt said.

"Oh great." Neela whimpered. Pratt wrapped his arms around her.

"Don't cry, Neela. I promise you'll be able to sort everything out. Hey, you got a great guy out there." Pratt said, "Mike will help you. Don't be shy to ask for help when you need it."

"Is everything okay?" Michael stood in the doorway. Neela pulled away and nodded.

"Yeah, just a mini breakdown, Sweetheart." She said.

"County is know for those." Pratt smiled at Michael but he gave him a nasty look, "I need to go check on a patient." He smiled as he left the room. Michael looked at Neela.

"Did he do anything to you?" He asked. Neela shook her head as she wiped her eyes.

"He was a gentleman...for the most part." She chuckled. Michael nodded.

"If you need someone to talk to you can just holler to me." Michael said.

"I know that." She smiled an she hugged him. Michael hugged her back. He didn't like Pratt being there when he should have been. He should have consoled his own girlfriend.

January 20th, 2004

Neela stood at the sink sipping her morning coffee. Michael had left a few hours ago and she had an hour before her shift. She was going to get into the shower when the doorbell rang.

"I'm coming." Neela went to the door and opened it. Her heart stopped when she saw Michael's twin sister.

"Good morning, Neela." Susan said. Neela's blood stopped pumping in her veins. Okay, she could do this. She wouldnt freak out.

"M-Morning." She stuttered, "Michael isn't here."

"I know." Susan said, "I've come to speak with you."

"All right. Come in. Ummm...Let me move the chair." Neela's hands shook as she pulled a chair out of Susan's way. Susan wheeled herself in.
"Thank you." Susan said wheeling in. Neela sat on the couch.
"So what do you need to talk to me about?" Neela asked.

"Your relationship with my brother." Susan said.

"He's my favourite subject." Neela laughed, but Susan didn't, "Okay."

"Michael has worked very hard to be where he is and I can only assume you have too." She said.

"I have." Neela replied.

"What James and my father said to you were appalling." Susan said, "I hope you don't think that the rest of the family thinks that way about you. We were very taken by you." Neela smiled.

"It's so nice to hear that." Neela said.

"Michael...how do you feel about him?" Susan asked. Neela smiled softly.

"He's the man that I want to spend the rest of my life with and have his children. Susan, I love him so much." She sighed. Susan smiled softly.

"Welcome to the family, Neela." She said to Neela, "Now what has Michael told you about me?" Neela chuckled.

"Um...Well...Your name is Susan. You're younger by five minutes. He is very proud of that fact. You have cerebral Palsy from TTT and that you teach head start." Neela said. Susan chuckled.

"I'm married and have a daughter as well." She said, "Dad and James will except you. Just give them time. They have seen a lot. Sometimes it's hard for them to separate over there from over here."

"I understand." Neela said. "I appreciate you coming by. I know will as well."

"Sure he will." Susan chuckled, "I like you. I'm glad Michael has you."

"Me too." Neela chuckled.

"You have work soon?" Susana asked. Neela looked at her watch.

"Lord. I do in twenty minutes and Im going to be late." Neela stood up.

"I can drive you if you wish, Neela." Susan said.

"You drive?" She asked very surprised. Susan laughed.

"I may have cerebral palsy, but it's not severe. it doesn't hold me back." She said, "So, a ride?"

"I would love one." Neela smiled at her. It cheered her up knowing at least one of the gallant children was making an effort to get to know her.

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