It must be a day for finishing things, as this is the second story I've finished today sorry it took so long, I had honestly forgot about it, and got caught up in the Grey's Anatomy fandom. Thanks all for reading.
Chapter 15
Annabelle and Collins had just met up in the student union, on their way to the library when Annabelle felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, pulling it out she answer "hey sexy"
"Belle" Catherine said through the phone
"Cat" she smiled
"you need to come home"
"I will soon, Collins and I are" Annabelle was cut off by Catherine in a tone she'd never heard before "Annabelle, there's been an accident"
"what"
"come home now"
"are you ok?"
"yes, come home" Catherine said
"ok, ok, I'm on my way" Annabelle said hanging up the phone, looking at Collins, who was looking at her concerned "is, is everything ok?" Collins asked
"I, I don't know, she said there was an accident"
"let's go" Collins said grabbing Annabelle's hand leading the way to the house. When they walked through the door Catherine was nowhere to be found. Calling through the house, she heard Catherine calling from the bedroom where she was packing their suitcases "what's going on?" Annabelle asked, Collins standing right behind her.
"we have to go to LA"
"I have school"
"Annabelle" Catherine sighed sitting on the bed
"Cat what's going on?" Annabelle asked walking to her taking her head in her hand, Catherine looked up "your mom was in an accident, our flight leaves at 4" Catherine said looking up into Annabelle's eyes. She wasn't able to get any more out, as she watched Annabelle stand before her with unshed tears in her eyes. Catherine took a deep breath, "I'm almost finished packing"
"come" Collins said reaching for a bag Catherine had just zipped "I'll drive you to the airport"
"the keys are in my purse" Catherine said "I'll be down in a minute" Annabelle still hadn't said anything, just stood there like a deer in the headlights. Catherine stopped for a moment "Belle" Annabelle heard her but didn't reciprocate "call your dad" turning on her heel she nodded and left the room, pulling out her phone from her pocket.
"ok, alright dad, we are getting in the car now"
"ok honey, be safe, I'll have Brody meet you"
"thanks dad"
"drive safe"
"Collins is driving" she said softly
"ok Annie, I love you"
"I love you too daddy" Annabelle whispered into the phone then pulled it away from her ear. Shoving it in her pocket so she could climb in the back seat. She heard Jamie's voice from outside the car "hey guys, what's going on?"
"there's been an accident, they're going to LA, get in" Collins said Annabelle couldn't really register what else was going on all she felt was Jamie slide in next to her in the back seat, then the doors slam shut and they drove away.
"so what's going on?" Jamie asked again
"I'm not sure, I just heard bits and pieces of the conversation" Collins whispered, Annabelle cleared her throat "my mom was on her way back from the airport, when some drunk idiot ran a red light, and hit her"
"oh my god" Jamie said reaching over touching Annabelle's leg "is she ok?"
"I'm not sure, Dad said she's in surgery, probably take a few hours" Annabelle said meeting Collins eyes in the rearview mirror.
"it'll be ok" Jamie whispered she cleared her throat so she could speak louder "I'll take care of the house"
"thanks" Catherine whispered from the front seat. Nothing more was said on the 2-hour drive to the airport.
"let me know what's going on" Collins said as she handed Annabelle a bag
"I will, thanks for driving" she pulled Collins in for a hug
"anytime, if you need me to come home"
"I'm sure it'll be ok, but I'll let you know"
"the same from me" Jamie said pulling Catherine in. Catherine just nodded, she couldn't do or say anymore, the pain was just too raw.
On the plane, Catherine was a nervous wreck, she had ordered a drink, but even that didn't calm her nerves. Annabelle sat next to her not saying much, just holding her hand looking out the window, in a blank stare. It seemed like an eternity before the pilot said they'd be landing soon. Annabelle finally looked over at Catherine, both women's eyes full of unshed tears, Annabelle gave Catherine a sad smile. Reaching for her phone once they were told they could, there was a text from Jamie saying they made it back to Bloomington, she didn't bother responding seeing there was one from her dad. "dad says she's still in surgery and to come straight there, Brody will take our bags to the house"
"ok" Catherine nodded, standing to get the bags out of the top shelf, designated for such things.
Outside the airport, Brody was leaning against the car, like he always was, waiting, when they walked up to him, handing him their bags "hello Brody"
"Annabelle" Brody nodded, opening the door for them to get in, shutting it softly.
"did he just call me Annabelle?" she asked looking at Catherine confused
"maybe he didn't want to start the banter"
"hmm, maybe" Annabelle said leaning back in her seat, reaching for Catherine's hand, as Brody climbed in behind the wheel "the hospital?" he asked meeting Annabelle's eyes in the mirror
"yes please" Annabelle whispered, seeing him nod as they pulled away.
"there you be" Brody said pulling up outside the hospital "I'll be sure to get your bags back to the house"
"thank you" Catherine said, as she followed Annabelle into the hospital
"dad said he's on the" she started to say when they heard her name being called
"he's right there" Catherine stopped
"dad" Annabelle said
"Annie, I'm so glad you're here" he said pulling her into a hug. Annabelle finally let the tears she'd been holding in since Catherine told her, fall. Nate reached out his arm "come on" he motioned for Catherine to join them in their hug. The three of them stood there for what seemed like forever, but was only a few minutes, hugging, when Nate finally whispered "come, the waiting room is this way"
"hey I'm going to call Collins and let her know we made it" Annabelle said softly, after they had been sitting in the waiting room for a while
"ok" Catherine nodded, watching her wife stand and leave the small room.
"thank you" Nate said once Annabelle was gone
"for what" Catherine asked, her eyes were burning, as she blinked
"for everything" she looked up in the eyes of her father in law giving him a sad smile "Patty really values your friendship, and Annie is a completely different person now that she found you"
"they both mean the world to me" Catherine smiled
"Mr. Tillman" they heard a males voice say
"yes" Nate said standing up
"I'm Dr. Penn" he reached out his hand
"hi" he whispered "this is my daughter in law, Catherine, my daughter is around here somewhere"
"oh" he looked around, as if pondering if he should wait to tell them the news, he cleared his throat before going on "the senator is out of surgery, everything went good, she'll be in the ICU overnight, pending any complications overnight, she'll be able to be let out of there tomorrow"
"ok"
"her left leg was broken in 3 different spots, so we had to go in a repair the damage. Her right arm was also broke, and as far as we can tell right now she has a minor concussion"
"will she make a full recovery?" Catherine asked
"yes mam, she'll make a full recovery, she may walk with a limp, but we will do everything we can to prevent that" Catherine let out the breath she was holding, she saw Nate do the same. "alright, if you don't have any other questions, I'll let you know when you can see her" he smiled with a nod and walked away, almost running into Annabelle on his way through the door.
"was that the doctor?" Annabelle asked
"yes" Catherine said, for the first time since Nate called her, she felt relief run through her body
"she's out of surgery" Nate looked at his daughter
"good, when can we see her?"
"he's going to let us know" Catherine said "she's going to be ok, Belle"
"thank god" Annabelle said plopping down in a chair
"she's going to need help" Annabelle said, once they got to see Patty, there wasn't any more they could do so she and Catherine went to the house. Making Nate promise if anything changed, he'd call.
"yeah, I'm sure they'll hire someone" Catherine said, as she changed into a pair of Annabelle's shorts that she stole
"why don't you stay here with her"
"what?" Catherine asked confused, stopping her motions of climbing into bed
"stay here with her" she said again
"but what" Catherine started to say, she actually liked that idea, but didn't want to let on, Annabelle cut her off "the girls and I will be ok, besides it's only for a month then I'll be back"
"are you sure?" Catherine asked
"yes baby" Annabelle reached over pulling Catherine into her "I can't miss any school, I got papers due next week and finals coming up"
"I know but"
"Catherine" Annabelle said
"I'll talk to them about it in the morning. Now we are both exhausted, let's get some sleep" she said reaching over, turning off the light, Annabelle crawled over laying her head upon Catherine's chest just before sleep took over she heard a soft "I love you, Cat"
"I love you too, Belle"
"hey" Annabelle said into the phone
"how's your mom?" Collins voice rang through the phone
"she's fine, she's coming home today"
"when are you coming home?"
"tomorrow, do you think you two could come get me from the airport"
"in Catherine's car?" Collins asked
"I don't care what you bring just come pick me up, my flight gets in at 5"
"you? Is Catherine not" Annabelle cut her off "she's going to stay here and help mom out"
"oh"
"there's nothing for her to do in Bloomington and we'll be back in a little over a month, I think the three of us can hold down the fort until then"
"yeah, I'm sure we can" Collins laughed "alright I'll let Jamie know and we'll be there"
"thanks bestie"
"anytime, see you tomorrow, send my love to Catherine and the rest"
"I will" Annabelle smiled Collins really was the best friend she thought she'd never find. She hung up the phone and went in search of Catherine. She wanted to spend some time with her since they'd be apart for a month.
Sitting at the gate, waiting for her flight to be called, Annabelle found herself staring out the windows, reflecting on everything that had happened in the past 2 years, from everything with Simone, to where she was at now, she had her headphones on, only on one ear so she could hear the announcements, not that it mattered with the thoughts in her head she couldn't hear anything if she wanted to. Pulling out her phone she scrolled through the pictures. Stopping at one, it was the one she had on her dresser back home. One that Catherine would be staring at every morning. She couldn't help but smile 'maybe this time apart will do us some good, not that I could love Catherine any more than I already do, but' her thoughts were cut off by her flight being called. Finding her seat quickly, she shoved her bag under the seat in front of her and made herself comfortable.
Annabelle threw herself into school, figuring it'd make the time go faster that her and Catherine were apart. They talked everyday Catherine would make sure to call right before Annabelle went to bed, her voice lolling Annabelle to sleep every night. Catherine on the other hand, wasn't having any trouble, sure she missed Annabelle, but she was in heaven spending time with Patty. The month flew by for her, before she knew it, it was the day before Annabelle was to come. Patty was doing better, the casts on both her arm and leg had come off, leaving her with a brace on her leg, and physical therapy, which Catherine helped her with. With the cast off of her arm, she was able to use crutches to get around versus using a wheelchair, which she hated. Catherine made her way into the kitchen, in search of a drink, when she saw Patty sitting outside looking out over the pool, a glass and bottle of wine sitting in front of her. She smiled to herself, reaching for a glass for herself she went and joined her mother in law turned best friend. "penny for your thoughts" Catherine said
"oh, you wouldn't want to know them" Patty laughed
"try me" Catherine smiled sitting down, causing Patty to laugh harder, letting out a sigh "I was just sitting here thinking about how crazy my life is"
"it isn't that crazy" Catherine said, Patty looked at her "no I guess not, maybe the craziest part is" she paused "how you have become my best friend"
"is there something wrong with that?"
"well" Patty let out a small laugh "no, guess it's just weird you're my daughter's wife"
"I do love your daughter"
"I know you do" they shared a smile in the smile Patty could see the love she had for Annabelle "are you excited to see her?"
"of course I am, I just" she paused looking out at the pool "the month went by so quick"
"for you maybe" Patty said looking at her leg, Catherine nodded "have I thanked you for staying and helping"
"you know it was Belle's idea"
"really?" Patty asked surprised, she'd never had thought that Annabelle would have suggested that
"yup" Catherine sat back in her chair "she said there was nothing for me to do in Bloomington so I should stay here and help you"
"my girl" Patty smiled reaching for her glass "well remind me to thank my daughter" Catherine nodded
Catherine was still laying in bed, thinking she still had at least a few hours before Annabelle would be there, she stretched out on the bed, enjoying having it to herself, although she missed Annabelle dearly, and how they slept, she also enjoyed waking up not hurting from being forced to stay in one spot all night. She was about to drift back to sleep, thinking about Annabelle when she heard the bedroom door open. "what the"
"hey baby" Annabelle whispered softly
"Belle, what are you doing here it's" Catherine turned to look at the clock "8 in the morning"
"we caught an early flight"
"are the girls here too?" Catherine asked sitting up
"no, they went to Collins" Annabelle smiled, setting her bags down, walking to the bed. Catherine didn't say anything just smiled, reaching up moving some hair out of Annabelle's face, realizing at that moment how much she really did miss her wife, she whispered "I missed you"
"I missed you too" Annabelle said softly before she leaned in kissing her, Catherine pulled her in as close as she could, when their tongues met it was like the very first time they kissed, the heat went directly to Catherine's core. "oh Belle" it came out in a moan. Annabelle pulled back long enough to discard her clothes then climbed back on top of Catherine. Catherine couldn't remember when a kiss felt so good. She had to take control of the situation as she flipped them over so she was on top, pulling away long enough to discard her clothes, once their bodies touched, Catherine thought she was going to explode, she had to make love to her wife. Pinning Annabelle to the bed, she kissed every inch of her, taking Annabelle to a place that only Catherine could take her. Annabelle quickly adjusted them, so she could take Catherine to that special place reserved for just them. Catherine fell back on the bed, both breathing heavy "I love you Belle"
"I love you too Cat" Annabelle said kissing her once more, before climbing off laying her had on Catherine's chest. Catherine ran her finger along Annabelle's bare shoulder. "I missed you"
"me too" Annabelle said softly, Catherine could tell she was about to fall asleep. Figuring she probably hadn't slept if they caught a flight that early. She kissed the top of her head, settling in, trying and failing at going back to sleep. She sighed hearing a soft snore coming out of Annabelle, she kissed the top of her head then untangled herself.
"hey" Patty said from the kitchen table, a cup of coffee and an empty bowl sitting in front of her
"morning" Catherine gave a small smile
"Anna wake you?"
"yes and no" that smile gave it away
"I'm guessing you didn't mind" Patty let out in a chuckle
"no not really" Catherine sat down at the table with her coffee "I didn't realize how much I missed her"
"I know the feeling" Patty smiled
"she'll probably be sleeping all day"
"maybe" Patty smiled taking a sip of her coffee "so I've been thinking"
"uh oh" Catherine laughed
"I'm not that bad" Patty laughed "I was thinking, you and Anna never had a honeymoon, and since you just spent the last month apart because of me"
"Patty it's ok"
"hear me out" she paused looking at Catherine "I want to do this, I was thinking either a cruise or New Zealand"
"wow Patty honestly its"
"let us do it" Catherine heard from behind her turning to see Nate standing there "you and Annie have been apart for the last month, I believe you need some quality time together without any interruptions" Catherine smiled "besides, how else am I supposed to get any grandkids" he added. The two women just start laughing uncontrollably
"honey, really?"
"well" he smiled, Patty just shook her head, not knowing what else to say
"you just tell me what you'd like to do" Patty said with a wink
"like to do for what?" Annabelle asked walking into the kitchen
"hi honey" Patty smiled
"we didn't think you'd be up yet" Catherine commented
"yeah I wasn't planning on it, but you know" she let out in a yawn, reaching for the coffee "so what is she letting you know about?"
"oh um" Patty said looking at Nate, who chimed in "your mom and I want to send you two on a honeymoon"
"oh" Annabelle said looking at Catherine "when?"
"whenever you want to go" Patty smiled
"honestly" Annabelle said still looking at Catherine "I'd like to go now"
"now?" Catherine asked surprised
"sure, why not? We've seen each other for what? Fifteen minutes in the last month?"
"it was a half hour thank you very much" Catherine said defensively
"fine a half hour" Annabelle laughed kissing Catherine's cheek. "all I really want to do is spend time with my wife"
"ok then" Patty said with a smile she knew Catherine was feeling the same way. "I'll make the arrangements" reaching for her crutch. She stood up and made her way to her home office. Nate stood there smiling at his wife, as he soon followed.
"glad she's getting around better"
"yeah it's been a long road, but she made it" Catherine smiled
"have I thanked you yet for staying to take care of her" Annabelle said moving her chair closer
"you don't have to thank me, they've done that enough" Catherine sighed "besides, she's my" she paused, Annabelle was now leaning into her, and her heart was beating rapidly. Almost in a moan she finished her statement "mother-in-law"
"turned best friend" Annabelle softly whispered in Catherine's ear. Catherine cleared her throat, that feeling only Annabelle could make her feel deep inside she said in a husked tone "I think we need to go back to bed" she didn't give Annabelle a chance to say anything, just stood up, grabbed Annabelle's hand and led her upstairs to their room.
Annabelle couldn't say anything even if she wanted to, she knew Catherine was going to react that way, that is why she did it. Once the door to the room was shut Catherine had her pinned up against it. Annabelle didn't fight her, she knew this is what they both needed, and the trip her mom had planned, couldn't have come at a more perfect time. She forced all the thoughts out of her head, with a moan, as Catherine's mouth went to her neck. "god Cat I love you so much"
"I love you too"
"so you're going on the cruise, it leaves on Monday" Patty said as they all sat around the table finishing up lunch.
"ok" Annabelle said not really paying attention, as she put the last forkful of food into her mouth
"thank you, Patty" Catherine rolled her eyes
"no need to thank me, it's our present to the two of you"
"yeah thanks mom" Annabelle said wiping her face with a napkin, removing the napkin she smiled a big toothy smile, Patty couldn't help but laugh "that's the same face you'd make when you were little and we finally gave in and let you have the ice cream, or toy you wanted"
"I know" Annabelle winked, standing up she took Catherine's plate along with her own to the sink.
Standing at the small window in their state room Catherine looked out seeing nothing but the ink black of night as the cruise ship they were on made its way across the ocean. Feeling Annabelle come up behind her putting her arms around her. Catherine let out the breath she wasn't aware she was holding. "something on your mind?" Annabelle asked softly. Catherine turned to face her looking into Annabelle's blue orbs she whispered "let's take a walk" Annabelle nodded, giving Catherine a soft kiss, then pulled back.
Walking hand in hand on the deck of the ship, Catherine stopped leaning on the railing looking out over the water, the lights from the ship casted a glow over the otherwise dark water. She stared up at the moon, letting out a deep sigh "Cat" Annabelle whispered wrapping her arms around her
"I'm sorry Belle, yes there is something on my mind" she said not bothering to meet Annabelle's eyes
"what is it?" Annabelle asked softly
"I" she sighed again "I don't want to go back to Bloomington" she said closing her eyes, afraid of what Annabelle was going to say.
"oh" Annabelle said moving her head to lay her chin on Catherine's shoulder "well then we'll have to figure something out"
"like what" Catherine asked softly "you have school, and"
"baby" Annabelle pulled back, Catherine turned around, reaching up Annabelle moved some hair out of Catherine's face "if you don't want to go back, then we will figure it out, I could always transfer to a school in Cali, it's not that big of a deal"
"are you sure you want to do that?"
"well no" Annabelle smiled "but the reason I went to Bloomington is to get away from the memories LA held, but now everything is different" Catherine smiled "I do miss my mommy when I'm away" she said hearing Catherine laugh, knowing that comment would lift the mood that had settled over Catherine "I love you, and your happiness is all that matters, besides, we were planning on moving once I was done with school, why not do it sooner"
"God Belle, I love you" Catherine whispered cupping Annabelle's face in her hands
"I love you too" Annabelle said as their lips crashed together. Catherine pulled back from the kiss, grabbing Annabelle's hand, almost running to their room. "whoa, what's the hurry" Annabelle asked in a laugh. They had gotten to the door to their room, Catherine quickly slid her card, opening the door, pulling Annabelle through, once the door was shut Catherine had Annabelle pushed up against it, kissing her hard, pulling back when the need to breathe took over "I need you" she whispered
"then take me" Catherine pressed their lips together again, letting her hand slide down Annabelle's stomach, she quickly undid the button on the jeans, sliding them down. Annabelle quickly kicked them off, Catherine got down on her knees, as if she was worshiping Annabelle. She looked up meeting a set a blue eyes that were darker with want. Catherine then reached up pulling Annabelle's panties down, noticing how soaked she was, she let out a hum, at the sight in front of her, and the overpowering smell of Annabelle's want. "god Belle, you're so wet"
"I know" Annabelle said breathlessly "will you please fuck me with your tongue now" Catherine nodded with a smile as she started kissing her way up Annabelle's leg. Stopping when she got to her wet folds. "my god Belle" she moaned, before she set to work on making her wife call out her name. It didn't take long, once Catherine's tongue had hit Annabelle's sensitive bundle of nerves before Annabelle was calling out Catherine's name.
Later that night they lay in bed, Catherine's head on Annabelle's bare chest, drawing circles on Annabelle's stomach. "so when we get back, let's get Collins and Jamie and head to Bloomington to pack"
"are you sure you want to do this?"
"I'm sure" Annabelle smiled, reaching up running her hand through Catherine's hair. "I just hope Collins isn't too pissed" she laughed
"I'm sure as long as she has Jamie, she'll be ok"
"I'm going to miss her though"
"yeah me too" Catherine said "but we are married and need to live our own lives"
"hmm" Annabelle hummed, she didn't think about it until then, but she prayed Collins wouldn't be mad. She did decide to go to school in Bloomington because of her, and now she was leaving.
The rest of the trip went by, in a blur, but had the couple feeling relaxed. They were now back at Annabelle's parents house, "hey, they're on the way" Annabelle said sitting down next to Catherine, looking out over the pool.
"ok" Catherine said not taking her eyes off the water, the sun was reflecting off the ripples, making it even brighter. "what if you just finish school there?"
"what" Annabelle said looking at Catherine, who sighed "you've only got 2 years left"
"I know but I" Catherine cut her off "I'll fly out on the weekends, and you'll be here for the major holidays, and school will be out for the year before we know it"
"Catherine" Annabelle said let out a deep breath, "I don't want to be away from you, the month we were apart was hell"
"I know, it was for me too, but I just feel that it would be pointless for you to transfer to a school here when you've already established yourself there" Annabelle rolled her eyes, she knew there was no talking Catherine out of this. She had a point, it would be more of a hassle to change schools in the middle of her degree. Before anymore could be said they heard Collins voice come from the doorway. "this is what we're doing" Catherine said sitting up straighter in her chair. Turning towards Collins "hey guys"
"so what's so important that you needed to talk to us right away" Collins asked sitting down in one of the empty chairs, Jamie right behind her.
"well um" Annabelle wasn't sure how to start, the decision they had made had changed, so she just sat there. "well?" Collins said
"I'm not going back to Bloomington" Catherine blurted out
"oh" Collins said looking at Annabelle "what about you?"
"well" Annabelle shrugged "she will be going" Catherine finished for her
"what she said I guess" Annabelle said turning her gaze to look at the pool, it was to either do that or get up and leave.
"what's going on?" Collins asked concerned that her friends were in some sort of fight.
"I have decided I don't want to go back to Bloomington"
"yeah and I said we could just move here" Annabelle said not taking her eyes off the water.
"ok" Collins said confused, looking at Jamie "so are we moving back home or going back there?"
"what" Annabelle's turned her head so fast that her neck hurt
"just what I said" Collins said
"we've actually talked about this" Jamie said "I love it here"
"you guys would really move if we did?" Catherine asked, cursing herself, this wasn't how she talked, she was more sophisticated than that.
"why not" Jamie smiled "Anna go get your laptop, so we can search for schools" Annabelle nodded, jumping up out of her chair, Collins not far behind, wanting to talk to her best friend "so this is what you want?"
"I want my wife happy" Annabelle smiled "and not being in Bloomington any more is what would make her happy then that's what will happen" she said heading into the living room where she had left her laptop. "besides, I left to get away from Simone, and all the memories, Simone is gone, and I have new memories" she picked up her laptop and walked past Collins "come bestie, let's find us a new school"
Closing the door to the house she grew up in, Catherine made sure it was locked, Leonard already had a set of keys, he would be keeping up with the yard work and making sure it was kept safe until she decided if she was going to sell it or not. She walks down the walk to the waiting car. Turning around she stares at the house one last time. Memories of her childhood pass through her head, as tears sting her eyes "you ok?" Annabelle asks coming up beside her.
"I will be" she wipes the tears away and turns toward her wife "come on, we have a plane to catch" Annabelle nods and opens the door nodding for Catherine to climb in first. Her heart heavy, she didn't realize it would hurt to leave this place, but she knew it was for the best. Stopped at a red light, she looked around "this place hasn't been home in a very long time"
"it'll always be special to me" Annabelle says "it brought you to me" Catherine couldn't help but smile as Annabelle kissed her cheek. "let's go home" Catherine smiled.
Well there it is. Thanks again... Until next time...
