Sorry I didn't get it out as quickly as I said I would; I underestimated how long my homework would take. Stupid school! Oh well, at least spring break will be here in a week. This chapter is longer, and all following will continue to get longer as they go, I promise! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Sadly, still nothing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"May I help you?" Frank asked the two men who had just walked up to the admit desk.

"Yes we are looking for a Mrs. Gallant."

"Mrs. Gallant? Oh, you mean Neela – she just went outside. And by the way, she still goes by her maiden name, Rasgotra or something like that."

"Thank you." They both turned and walked back outside.

Ray came over right as they were leaving. "Hey Frank who was that?" He asked, glancing after them.

"Some men looking for Neela."

"Were they soldiers? Was Gallant with them?" Ray felt his heart sink; if Gallant came back now, the small glimmer of hope he had would vanish in a second.

"No, just two guys dressed in uniform. They wanted to talk to her about something, and it didn't look like they were bring good news." Frank said bluntly.

Ray stood, shocked. There was only one reason for an officer in uniform to show up looking for a soldier's wife.

"Oh man!" he whispered to himself. He dropped his charts onto the admit desk and ran towards the entrance. "I'll be right back Frank." He called over his shoulder.

Morris walked over. "Where's he running off to?"

Outside the two soldiers walked over to Neela, who was still leaning against the wall with her eyes closed.

"Dr. Rasgotra?" the one man asked.

Startled, Neela opened her eyes and stood up straight. "Um, yes. How may I help . . ." That's when she really looked at the two men in front of her; it hit her like a ton of bricks. Her hand went to her mouth the moment she heard the words – "I'm sorry . . ."

Neela heard them explain how there was an explosion where Michael was working. She heard them say that the doctors had done everything they could. She heard, but she wasn't really listening. She knew what they were saying; she herself had given the speech many times. It was said to a person about to be told that their loved one had died.

Neela shook her head, not wanting to really believe it. She covered her face with her hands, feeling herself start to slide down the wall, not quite able to absorb the news.

Ray ran outside in time to see her bury her face into her hands, her body shaking from her cries. He rushed over just as she started to go down, catching her as she fell to the ground. He sank down next to her, holding her tight as she sobbed into his shoulder.

"It can't be true Ray; he can't be dead!"

"Shh, it's OK." He hugged her close as she rocked back and forth. "It's gonna be OK." He looked up at the two officers, bowing their heads solemnly. "Thanks, I'll take it from here."

"Would she like to tell the rest of his family, or should we do it?" one asked.

Ray looked at Neela, weeping in his embrace. "No, I think it would be easier if you told them. I don't know if she's up for it right now, and they should know as soon as possible."

"Alright then. Again, we are very sorry for you loss." They both touched their hats before walking out to the street.

Neela sat with Ray holding her for a while before Morris finally came out looking for them.

"Oh, Neela. What happened?"

"She just got news about Gallant. There was an explosion or something, and there was nothing they could do." Ray replied for her, as she was still too shaken up to try and explain it.

"Oh man. I'm so sorry!"

"Hey, do me a favor and tell Luka what happened. I'm going to take her home. He'll understand."

"Do you know the way to Abby's place?" Morris questioned.

"We're not going to Abby's place." Ray replied, slowly starting to pick Neela up. "We're going home."

"Ok, I'll tell him. And I'll grab Neela's coat for you real quick."

"Great, thanks."

Ray had Neela on her feet now, with one of his arms around her waist for support. Morris brought the coat out, and Ray draped it over her shoulders.

"See you later."

"Yeah, thanks."

"Ray?" Neela, who hadn't said anything for a while, looked up at Ray. Her mascara was smeared with of her tears, and her eyes held a deep sorrow. Ray's heart ached to make her hurt go away. But still, behind that sadness was a look of trust and gratitude.

Neela looked into Ray's eyes and knew that, however horrible this was, he could help her through it. With him she was safe. She attempted a smile for him. "Thank you." She whispered.

He gave her a small smile back, full of understanding and comfort. "Lets get you home."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for reading! I promise they will get longer. This one was still kind of setting it up. We will be getting into the major 'Reela' in the next few chapters! I can't believe we have to wait two or three weeks for the next new one! Oh well. Please review, and thanks to all the great comments for the last chapter!