Chapter 215
Sara and Kate walked hand in hand down the street to the hotel overlooking Central Park. Sara stopped at the front desk to get the key cards Tegan left for them. Sara turned around and saw Kate leaning against a pillar looking pale, almost ashen. The rings under her eyes seemed to be getting darker.
"Baby… You okay? Just sit down for a minute" said Sara softly and pushed Kate down onto a stool.
"Just so fucking tired… so… tired" Kate mumbled softly.
"We shouldn't have walked home. You need to get to bed. You okay to get up?" asked Sara.
"Yeah… think so" said Kate softly. Sara helped her up slowly. Kate felt her legs buckle a bit and locked her knees to steady herself holding onto Sara's shoulder. She wasn't used to feeling unwell, ever. She was usually the picture of health.
"God hon, you're so pale" said Sara putting her arm around Kate's waist and leading her to the elevator. The security guards followed.
Kate leaned her head against the elevator wall, eyes closed. She must have slipped away for a second because she felt her knees buckle. Before she knew it she was in the arms of the burley security guard.
"I'm fine let me go" she mumbled.
"Shhh sweetie… it's okay. Just relax" whispered Sara and softly touched Kate's cheek.
Kate relaxed and was out cold a few seconds later. Sara opened the door to and saw their new nanny and Tegan's assistant asleep on the couches in the dimly lit large living room of the suite. It was more like a large apartment than hotel rooms. Tegan and Lindsey's room with a smaller room for the twins were on the right with Sara and Kate's on the left. Kirsten the nanny and the two assistant's rooms weren't inside the suite. They were on the other side of the hall, opposite the door where they just came in.
Sara walked up to the door of the first room. It must have been a lucky guess because it was open and her and Kate's luggage were neatly stacked against the wall. The guard followed and put Kate gently down on the bed.
"Thanks" whispered Sara and led them out of the room.
"Kirsten, Anna… we're back, go to bed… thank you" said Sara softly. A second later the door to Tegan's room opened. Tegan walked out yawning and scratching her belly. She had been awake, unable to sleep, waiting subconsciously to hear Sara and Kate return.
The girls got up and groggily headed to the door.
"Amelia's asleep in the room next to yours. Goodnight" said Anna.
"Hey… she okay?" asked Tegan.
"She's… exhausted more than anything else. I don't think I've ever seen her this tired" said Sara.
"She really hasn't had much sleep during the last few days has she" said Tegan looking worried and guilty.
"She'll be okay. There's a broken bone in her hand and her wrist is badly sprained" said Sara.
"Is she in pain?" asked Tegan.
"Yeah… more than she'll admit I think. The doctor gave her a cortisone shot in her hand, put a cast on. I'm worried about her. She seems to be… ill as well as hurt" said Sara.
"Poor thing… the Doctor she knows from med school?" asked Tegan innocently.
"Yeah… listen, I have to go take care of her and we all need to get some sleep" said Sara.
"Okay… call if you need me" said Tegan.
"You okay?" asked Sara touching Tegan's shoulder.
"I'm fine Sar…. Really" smiled Tegan.
"Goodnight Tee" smiled Sara.
"Night Sar… nice digs huh" laughed Tegan waving her arms around the suite before disappearing into her room.
Sara sat down next to Kate who lay asleep on her back, still fully dressed. Sara softly took off Kate's shoes and socks and unbuckled her belt and jeans. She slowly pulled down her jeans. Kate mumbled something and opened her eyes.
"Hey you… shhhh, sleep" said Sara softly and leaned over to kiss Kate's forehead.
Kate felt disorientated. It took her a few seconds to figure out where she was. Her hand was throbbing again. She whimpered softly.
"Okay… let's get your shirt off and get you under the covers babe" whispered Sara.
Kate fumbled around trying to pull her shirt off, her arm in a cast making it difficult.
"I've got you" whispered Sara and gently pulled Kate's v-neck t-shirt off.
Kate put her face in Sara's neck. Sara's familiar smell calmed her down and she sighed as Sara rubbed her back up and down softly before gently but skilfully unclasping her bra.
"I love you" she whispered.
"I love you more… get some sleep" said Sara and guided Kate down to the pillows.
Mere seconds later Kate was out. Sara kissed her softly and pulled the sheet and duvet over her body. She checked on Amelia sleeping in the inter-leading room before washing her face and undressing in the large en-suite bathroom. She set the alarm on her phone and turned off the bathroom light. Sara studied Kate's strong features, softened by exhaustion and the soft glow of the bedside light. Even with the rings under her eyes Kate was still the most gorgeous being she had ever seen. Kate groaned and moved onto her side, her injured arm looked uncomfortable. Sara gently put a pillow under Kate's arm and softly pushed a strand of dark hair out of her face. A few minutes later Sara curled up behind Kate in bed and softly kissed her naked shoulder. She put her arm around Kate's body and softly cradled her breast with her hand. She felt Kate's heart beat under her hand, it was a bit faster than usual but strong and steady. Sara slowly slipped away into a worried sleep.
Kate woke up from a sudden, sharp pain up her arm that disappeared as fast as it appeared.
She looked around, confused. She couldn't remember going to bed the night before. Her heart rate sped up when she couldn't see Sara but she fell back against the pillows when she heard the shower run and saw a bit of light peep through a crack in the door. Kate's arm had a dull ache and her head was throbbing. The shower stopped running and a minute later Sara appeared wearing a fluffy hotel robe, her hair still wet.
"Hey… you're awake. Good morning my love" smiled Sara and leaned over to kiss Kate.
"Morning" mumbled Kate, still kind of groggy.
Sara playfully shook the water out of her hair with her fingers over Kate's face.
Kate grinned and wiped her face with her healthy hand. Sara gave her another quick kiss.
"How are you feeling? Did you sleep okay?" asked Sara pulling open the block out curtains.
"I slept like a log… what time is it?" asked Kate squinting against the bright light suddenly flooding the room.
"It's around 9" said Sara.
"Jeez… haven't slept this much in a long time" said Kate rubbing her eyes.
"Baby… Six hours, not even, isn't exactly a lot… anyway you really needed it. But, you were you tossing and turning… you may have been asleep but it sure was a restless sleep" said Sara.
"Yeah, and my eyes still feel grainy. Sorry for keeping you awake" said Kate.
"You didn't sweetie… I've put out something comfortable for you to wear. I'm going to get you some coffee. Relax" said Sara and kissed Kate again.
"Thank you, you're amazing. Please bring my baby girl with" smiled Kate. Sara never seized to be amazed and impressed by Kate's wonderful manners and exquisite kindness.
Kate got up to put on some clothes and go to the bathroom. Her back was stiff from her fall and she felt a surge of light-headedness. "Whoops" she mumbled and stumbled back and sat down on the bed. The dizziness past pretty fast but it did worry Kate a little bit. She put her fingers in her neck and felt her pulse, frowning when she found that it was definitely faster than normal.
She shook her head and pulled on the tank top and gym shorts Sara put out for her with difficulty. She did so just in time. She heard a knock on the door and before she could answer Tegan walked in.
"Come in" Kate said dryly when Tegan was already standing next to her.
"Hey… Sar said you're awake, she's getting you some coffee. How are you feeling?" said Tegan.
"Meh… I'm okay" shrugged Kate.
"When I told her to bring my baby girl in here I didn't mean this baby girl" Kate chuckled.
"Funny… ha ha" said Tegan sarcastically before sincerely laughing.
"Oh, cool cast" said Tegan looking at the metallic grey fiberglass cast on Kate's arm.
"Thanks, I guess it's as cool as a cast can get" mumbled Kate.
"So…. Sam huh" said Tegan.
Kate's head snapped up. "Where did you hear that?" asked Kate.
"Sara… nothing serious she just mentioned that someone you went to med school with is your doctor, somebody called Samantha" said Tegan sitting down next to her friend. Tegan wasn't close friends with Kate back when she was in med school in Boston, but Kate's on and off relationship with Sam continued into Kate's internship and residency and Tegan and Erin often had to pick up the pieces.
"Yeah… how fucked up is that" said Kate pulling up her eyebrows.
"Everything okay?" asked Tegan with her hand on her friend's back.
"Yeah… funny enough… it is" smiled Kate.
"Okay… not gonna push. I'm very glad your hand's gonna be okay" said Tegan.
"I'll tell you all about it later. But she's doing well it seems… I'm happy that she is" smiled Kate.
Sara walked in with some coffee and a warm croissant with cheese and some fruit.
"Sit back, relax" said Sara.
"Wow thanks babe, this isn't necessary" said Kate.
"Of course it is" said Sara and kissed Kate's forehead.
"I'll go get Amelia in a minute, finish your breakfast first" said Sara.
Kate had her coffee but only one bite of the croissant.
"Katy, eat please. You haven't eaten anything since lunch time yesterday and yeah well… all of that came out" said Sara.
"Okay… I was still busy with it" lied Kate.
"I better go get ready. See ya later bud, feel better soon" said Tegan and left the room.
"You in pain sweetie?" asked Sara softly touching Kate's hand.
"A little… nothing I can't handle" said Kate.
"Oh really tough guy" joked Sara.
"I just still feel a bit… wobbly. No idea why since my bloods came back more or less normal yesterday" said Kate.
"Well the doctor did say she thinks you're coming down with something?" said Sara touching Kate's forehead to check for a fever.
"Mmmm… anyway, what time are we leaving?" asked Kate.
"WE'RE not going anywhere. You feel a bit warm. You are spending the day in bed… no negotiations" said Sara.
"I'm okay Sar… I want to come with" said Kate.
"Honey, this is going to be super boring radio interviews. Plenty more to come, you can come with tomorrow. I really think you just need to stay in bed today… get some rest, get over whatever is making you this pale!" said Sara touching Kate's cheek.
Kate sighed dramatically. "Okay then… I guess I could use it"
"Should I go borrow Tegan's Oxygen concentrator?" asked Sara.
"Sara, I don't need oxygen" laughed Kate.
"It will assist in the recovery of your hand won't it?" said Sara.
"I guess a bit of oxygen therapy never hurt anybody" said Kate, eager to please Sara.
"Good, I'll go get it" smiled Sara.
Kate sighed and stared at the ceiling. She really wanted to go with Sara but in truth she still felt pretty shitty. She was tired and her arm had a dull ache.
"Tee's bringing it in a minute…. Can you say morning Mommy?" said Sara and put Amelia down on the bed next to Kate before she started blow drying her hair.
"Hey pretty girl" said Kate and kissed her daughter on the cheek. Amelia laughed and kissed Kate back with an open mouth.
"Gosh Sar… how on earth did you make something this adorable" gushed Kate.
Sara just laughed as she watched the two most important things in her life play. It was so completely heart-warming that Sara couldn't wipe the grin off her face.
"Kirsten will be here to take care of the kiddos. You get some rest… proper rest, sleep please. You still look pale and tired. Maybe you should hook yourself up to one of your famous immune booster and energising drips" said Sara, hating seeing Kate not feel herself.
"Can't hurt I guess" said Kate and laughed as Amelia tried to pull the cast off her arm.
"Come in" said Sara after she heard a knock on the door.
"Here you go… said Tegan putting the oxygen concentrator on the bed.
"You okay K-dawg? Why do you need this?" said Tegan frowning.
"Maaaaybe it can help with the healing process" said Kate holding up her hand.
"Oh… you get some rest today alright… you look like crap" said Tegan.
"Geee thanks" said Kate rolling her eyes.
"Maybe you should give yourself one of those boosters" said Tegan.
"Yup, that's the plan" said Kate kissing Amelia's feet.
"Let me help you" said Tegan.
"Oh, I'm okay" said Kate.
"Where's the stuff… I'll tie the tourniquet since you only have one working hand" said Tegan.
"Tee… really? Anyway I only need one" said Kate.
"Yeah I want to make sure you do it before we leave" said Tegan.
Kate shook her head annoyed and pointed at a bag on the floor.
"Let us take care of you for a change" smiled Tegan.
"Aren't you late for your interviews?" said Kate.
"No… not at all. Plenty of time" said Tegan after checking her watch.
Tegan helped Kate by tying the tourniquet around the bicep of her injured arm. Kate held the needle in her healthy had and aimed for a vein on the inside of her elbow. Her hand shook.
"Jeez just give me a minute" she said blinking hard and aiming again.
"You okay?" asked Tegan softly.
"Uh… yeah… Sara can you please just put Amelia on the floor for a sec" said Kate putting her hand holding the needle in her lap before taking a deep, shuddering breath. Tegan knew it was just a diversion for Kate to get her bearings.
"It's okay… can I help you? I've seen them do this a million times" said Tegan.
"No, I'm good thanks" said Kate and blinked hard again before plunging the needle into her arm.
"Fuck" whispered Kate.
"What?" exclaimed Tegan.
"Went right through it… agh crap this is going to bruise like a ripe peach" said Kate.
"Sorry baby" said Sara.
"I don't want the drip" said Kate swiftly untying the tourniquet. She looked emotional.
"Hey don't be silly. I'm going to warm a washcloth. That always worked for me" said Tegan kindly and patted Kate's back.
"Katy… baby… should we get you back to a doctor? We can call somebody here?" said Sara.
"No don't be ridiculous… last time I checked I was one" said Kate annoyed.
Sara didn't answer but simply tied the tourniquet back. Her silence spoke louder than words.
Tegan handed her a warm cloth which Kate held to her arm.
"Well you're obviously not a drug addict… can't even find your own vein" said Tegan.
"Hmfff… not that kind of drug addict at least" said Kate.
"Hey… it's okay. Just take a deep breath" said Tegan with her hand on Kate's forearm.
Kate closed her eyes and took a deep breath to try and clear the cobwebs. She removed the warm cloth inside her elbow and patted her arm quite a few times.
"My pressure must be a bit low… I'm struggling to see the vein" mumbled Kate but somehow managed to get the needle in the right place, a flash of blood escaped the end of the cannula. She closed her eyes and sighed.
"Haven't lost your touch just yet" winked Tegan.
"You're both getting one of these tonight. Seems like I need the practice. Hold this please Tee" joked Kate as she slid the cannula into the vein before removing the needle and disposing it in a small container.
"Um…" mumbled Kate looking pale again.
"I'm worried about her" Sara whispered to Tegan.
"Kate, I'm going to put the plaster over it now okay… then you should lie back and get some rest" said Tegan and put the plaster on the way she'd seen it done dozens of time to herself.
"Okay… bye Tee" said Kate and lay back. "Thanks for the help" she smiled.
"You got it. Get – some – rest" said Tegan.
"Tegan, please take Amelia and give her to Kirsten" said Sara.
"Nooo… I didn't even have time to read a story to her" complained Kate.
"Come on Amelia, your cousins are waiting to play" said Tegan and Amelia before leaving the room.
"You can see her later. They'll be around the whole day. You get some sleep first" said Sara and kissed Kate's forehead before taping the IV bag to the wall.
"Sar… hand me the BP cuff please" said Kate.
"Sure, are you okay?" asked Sara, worried that Kate would want to check her own blood pressure.
"I'm fine… just want to make sure babe, you should be happy about that" said Kate.
Sara helped Kate put the cuff around her arm and waited as the automatic cuff inflated.
Kate was quiet, staring into space looking tired. The machine stopped and deflated.
"90 over 60… that's low" said Sara.
"My pressure's always a bit low if I'm feeling under the weather" said Kate and tried to rip off the cuff with the fingers of her injured hand. Her thumb was cast into what almost looked like a permanent thumbs up sign.
"Hey… it's okay. Just relax" said Sara softly and cupped Kate's jaw. She pulled her face up and looked into her lover's exhausted eyes.
"Lie back, close your eyes. When I come back later I'm going to give you the best fucking massage in history to get rid of all this tension" said Sara sounding sexy. She watched Kate's pupils dilate slowly.
"Deal" said Kate hoarsely.
"Get some rest. I don't want to wake you so please, call me or text me when you're awake to tell me how you're feeling. Kirsten will be here with the kids, please let her know if you need anything". Kate nodded dutifully.
Kate fell back against the pillows and a minute later she was out.
Sara stood outside the radio studio staring into space.
"Hey… call her, you look worried" said Tegan.
"She should be sleeping, don't want to wake her" said Sara.
"Call Kirsten then" said Tegan. Sara nodded.
"How are you feeling now?" asked Sara.
"Better... fine, I'm calm and relaxed. I think the meds work" said Tegan.
"Kirsten hi… it's Sara…. Is Kate around or is she still sleeping?... Oh… okay… um just… tell her to give me a ring when she wakes up please. Everything else okay?... Oh that's great to hear. See you later" said Sara.
"She's still sleeping. That makes it what… 5 hours" said Sara.
"Well maybe she's awake and just… reading in her room or something" said Tegan.
"Yeah… maybe" mumbled Sara.
"They're ready for you in studio" said Tom.
A/N: I'm spoiling you with two chapters again today so check back in a few minutes. Hope Kate's okay.