Standard disclaimers applied. See Prologue for further details.
Author's Note: First of all, I would like to thank you all for your lovely reviews. It is so nice to open my email and see all your comments. I'm sorry to have kept you so long for this chapter. Last few weeks had been very trying and though, I do know which direction I want to take with this story, I didn't have inspiration to sit down and write. However, I would like to thank you for your continual support.
Also, I want to clarify something. It may not be clear from the previous two chapters whether or not Ray has HIV. It is implied that he has, but not confirmed. The results take a few months. However, it is consumed that Ray does have HIV because of his relationship with Zoe who is HIV positive. In the course of waiting for results, Ray and Neela went to Beaufort to tell his parents the news. Hope that clears its up and so anyways, the title of this next chapter is appropriately, 'Confirmation.' Enjoy!
Chapter 17: Confirmation
Some People Wait A Lifetime
For a Moment Like This.
Kelly Clarkson
A single moment and that's all it took. He realized that from that moment, his life would be forever changed. The wait had been agonizing and emotionally trying. There were times when he thought to just give up in resignation before sighing in defeat. Then, he would think of all the things that he had accomplished and told himself to get his butt back at it and stop being an idiot. His girlfriend was constantly in his thoughts, and he knew without her saying so that the last months had taken its toll on her. For someone who was keen on finding the facts, and listing out solutions, she didn't want to rely on fate to determine her future.
A phone call came unexpectedly, just like the ten inches of snow that was dumped on Chicago in the middle of October. He had procrastinated and forgot to fill up his truck and he knew that he was going to get an 'I-told-you-so' from his roommate because she had been chiding him for the last couple of days. The power went out last night and so, he missed his alarm. He grumbled as he rolled out of bed and into the showers. His morning didn't get any better when the coffee ran out. Neela worked the midnight shift and he didn't have a chance to go to the Jumbomart for some late night shopping. His clothes were in a pile at the corner of his room and he rummaged for a pair of scrubs to put on because he was already late.
Then, just as he was going out the door, after searching ten minutes for his keys, the phone call came. The results were in ...
-o-o-
There was a general feeling of shock and disbelief at the scene. Snow covered the entire emergency bay. Just yesterday, she had kidded about the fact that she was sporting a tanktop with her scrubs. Trauma victims from various degrees of motor vehicle accidents flooded the ER. In many ways, that was to be expected, the snow really caught everyone off guard. When there was a finally down-time, she realized that her shift was nearly over. Ray who was starting the morning shift should be coming in soon.
Just as the thought of her roommate and boyfriend came into mind, the door to the lounge area banged open. She had been alone at the time, jumped at the sound. Ray stood there breathless. Neela would have laugh at the sight of him, with hair and clothes covered with snow, some of which were already melting as puddled around his shoes. His scrubs were wrinkled and had a ketchup stained on the top. She knew that he had forgotten to do his laundry. She didn't get pass the customary good morning, when she was crushed by Ray's lips on hers.
All thoughts left her as she was only conscious of him alone. His lips were desperate and his body language left nothing for the imagination. He pushed her forward until she was completely wedged between the lockers and Ray's body. His hands were busily massaging her back as she let out a soft moan.
He released her when they both needed air. Their breaths ragged, as Ray leaned his head on her forehead. "Neela," he murmured.
"Ray," she could hardly find her voice.
At that moment, she knew as if somebody had dumped a cold bucket of her in the middle of the sidewalk.
"Ray, is it?"
"Yes."
"And..."
"I couldn't tell from the way that I just kissed you, Neela?"
"Don't. It's not something to joke about."
"I know. I love you too much."
He whispered into her ear as he traced her jaw line with his kisses. Understanding dawned on her and, she returned his attention with equal fervour and passion. Ray's results came back negative. He didn't have HIV.
-o-o-
From that moment on, it seemed that a veil had been lifted. Ray's parents were ecstatic at the news, although, it took quite a bit of explanation until Cynthia Carter was convinced. There were few directly at the hospital that knew about Ray's condition, so there wasn't really a point to make an announcement about it.
However, County General had another reason to celebrate. It came out of the blue, but not entirely unbelievable, when Carter announced that he and Dr. Chen were getting married. They went to medical school together and became the best of friends. Nobody really knew the true extent of that friendship. Carter had a strain of relationships with those who worked at the hospital, though none of them last, the bond between him and Jing-Mei only strengthened.
Rumour had it that Carter proposed on the roof of the very hospital that they worked at. Not exactly the most romantic location, but the respected couples didn't say. Then again, some would say that it was pretty romantic about getting a marriage proposal at the place where you became friends and fell in love. Others who were slightly pessimistic had no complaints at the beautiful engagement ring - a platinum band encircling three heart shaped diamonds.
The wedding was up to speculation but it came just as sudden as their engagement. None of the guests knew that they were attending a wedding until the bride was announced. Everyone at County were invited along with a few family friends to the Carter mansion. There were explicit instructions to dress in formal attire and the guests were treated to an entire night of full night of exquisite catering, champagne and dancing. At the stroke of midnight, the guests were ushered into a main dining hall, decorated with all the roses from Chicago. The main decor were in the colours of red and gold. The bride herself was adorned in a sleeveless gown by Vera Wang, simple but elegant, with intricate beading that ran down the front of her dress.
It was with heartfelt congratulations that the crowd welcomed the new Mr. and Mrs. John Truman Carter III. There were plenty of teasing that Carter finally settled down and it was Jing-Mei who would give him that stability. All teasing were met with knowing glances from the couple involved.
Neela and Ray were also in attendance that night. They were both very happy for Carter and Jing-Mei. However, their thoughts took different directions as seeing the married couples' intertwined fingers and tentative smiles. Ray reminisced about his own wedding.
It had been Jamie's wish to get married in the same church as her parents. Reverend Sullivan had presided over the ceremonies. Landon had been more than happy to have his father, Worth Carter to be his best man. All of Beaufort turned up to witness the union of Landon Rollins Carter to Jamie Elizabeth Sullivan. It had been an incredible prelude to an unforgettable summer.
While on the other hand, Neela thought about the prospects of marriage. What would her parents say? Her mother had more often than not hinted that she wanted her eldest daughter to marry and have kids. Her younger sister, Parama had married many years ago with two children already.
As she caught the Carters sharing a kiss to the cheers of all onlookers, she felt Ray taking her hand. She looked up to see him staring down at her intently and she felt a rush of emotion. She loved him and without a doubt, he loved her. Without another thought, she pulled his head down to seal his lips with a kiss.
End of Chapter 17
AN: I'm such a romantic! The beginning lines of this chapter are from Kelly Clarkson's song which doesn't belong to me.
I like to think that I'm creating my own little alternative reality for these characters, so for those of you who are interested in following Carter & Deb's post-marital days, check out my story, "By Correspondence." That story starts off about three years after their wedding Hint of Jinter, Luby, Carby. Once in a while, the stories may allude back to each other.
As always, r/r and let me know what you think.
