The group was in a kids boutique clothing store when Tegan's phone rang yet again. She sighed and looked at the name on the screen for the first time. "Shit" she mumbled.
"Hey Sar" she said cheerfully after connecting.
"You said you'd call me. Where the hell are you? We're worried about you!"
"Sorry… I completely forgot…"
"You forgot? Jeez Tegan"
"Sara I'm fine, I promise. We're staying in Boston tonight. I think the kids are a bit cranky from the trip. So we just had pie and now we're going swimming at the hotel. We're fine"
Sara gave a relieved sigh. "Don't do that again… Make me worry for nothing"
"I'm sorry Sara. I promised I'd call you from the car and I didn't. I apologise"
"Alright, go… go swim or whatever" said Sara with a sigh.
"Thanks Sar, love you. Give my love to your girls"
"Will do, take good care of the kids… and yourself"
"Always. Talk to you later? No promises but maybe I'll call tonight after the kids' bed time"
"Okay, fair enough, no promises"
-0-
Cameron was lying on a lounger watching Tegan and the kids play in the pool. The kids were adorable in their new swimsuits and water wings.
"Not swimming today?" asked Beth walking up to Cam.
"Nah, didn't pack my swimsuit. Need to go do some shopping myself"
"Did I understand Tegan correctly when she said you'll be in Provincetown too?"
"Yeah, how weird is that"
Beth snorted, and looked away. "Yeah, very weird"
Cameron hated how Beth made her feel like a criminal suddenly.
"I have family there. Been planning this for a long time"
Beth nodded. "Sorry, it's my job, it's..."
"It's fine, you don't need to explain" said Cam staring at the pool.
"Cameron, I really am sorry about the twenty questions. I'm glad Tegan found somebody to talk to"
"We're just hanging out"
"Yeah, just... look I worry about her. She really is hurting a lot. She tries to hide it but she's so fragile. Please just... don't hurt her. By that I mean, don't make her like you and open up to you and then disappear. If you want to disappear do it now"
"We're just friends Beth. That much is obvious. Tegan's in mourning and I respect that. I just want to be her friend that's all"
"So we understand each other" Beth nodded.
"Perfectly"
"We should get together for a drink when you're in Provincetown. I do get some time off" said Beth.
"Um... I"
"I'd like to get to know you better"
"For work?"
"No, just because I think you're interesting and... very attractive"
"Beth, I appreciate the offer but I really don't want a relationship right now"
"Woah, jumping the gun a bit?" Beth smiled. "Nobody said anything about relationships. We're both consenting adults and there's nothing wrong with letting down some steam every now and then. No strings. I think you're gorgeous and I think we could have a great night or two together"
Cam was blushing beet red and started stammering. "I uh... the thing is..."
Tegan and the kids got out of the pool and raced towards Cam and Beth.
"That was fun huh guys?" said Tegan wrapping towels around her todlers.
"Let me help" said Cam, glad for the diversion. She couldn't help but glance down at Tegan's naked thighs where she was crouched, drying Casey off. Cam's eyes travelled up to Tegan's arms. You could clearly see the scars from Tegan's operations to her forearm and her shoulder. Her breath hitched and she looked away quickly. Tegan didn't seem to notice the attention. Soon she was settled on the recliner next to Cam, both kids shivering in her arms. Beth had moved out of earshot again as per her instructions.
"Did you enjoy the swim guys?" asked Cam.
"Swim nice" said Ryan, teeth clattering.
"I thought the pool was heated?" Said Cam.
"Apparently only in winter. It wasn't very cold, we were just in there a long time!" laughed Tegan.
They sat next to the pool for a while longer having some drinks.
"We need to go I'm afraid or these two are going to fall asleep before dinner and bath" said Tegan.
"Alright, thanks for the fun afternoon. I guess I'll see you in Provincetown"
"Won't we see you at breakfast?"
"I don't know, I have a pretty early appoint... meeting" said Cam sounding flustred.
"That's okay, these two get up really early... I mean super early"
"Okay then, maybe I'll see you. Take care guys" said Cam and got up. She walked past Beth.
"Give my suggestion some thought? I didn't even swim and I'm wet"
Cam's mouth fell open. "Beth... No... I don't do one night stands" Cam almost added the word "anymore" but stopped herself just in time.
"We'll see, sweet dreams hero" Beth winked.
"Holy crap... that was awkward" Cam muttered to herself. Beth is a gorgeous woman but Cameron wasn't interested. For a variety of reasons.
-0-
Tegan fed and bathed the kids and put them to bed without much fuss. She followed shortly after quick calls to Sara and her mom. For the first time in what felt like months she had a decent night's sleep. They were all up early, ready for the day ahead. As they walked into the hotel dining room Tegan spotted Cameron sitting at a table near one of the windows looking contempative. Cameron looked over a few seconds later and waved with a soft smile.
"Morning, did you sleep well?" she asked.
"Morning. Slept better than any night I can remember in the last few months that's for sure, you?"
"That's good to hear" said Cam. Casey was already trying to get on her lap.
"Hang on sweetie, Cam's trying to enjoy her breakfast"
"Its fine, I've already eaten" Cam blushed. Truth was she wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything for twelve hours before the procedure she was about to have. She was starving and she was suddenly wondering why she tortured herself to come to the dining room in the first place if she couldn't eat or drink anything. She finally made peace with the fact that she was hoping to see Tegan and the kids.
"Would you like to join us at our table? It's clear that the kids would love you to"
"Um, sure" said Cam, still flushed. A minute later she was seated at Tegan's table. Tegan came over carrying a large plate of toast and eggs for the kids. She looked over to Beth and the other two guards sitting a few tables away.
"So are you heading to P-town soon?" asked Cam as Tegan tried to feed Ryan some toast.
"Yeah, we're not in a big rush but we'll probably get going right after breakfast. Can't wait to get there"
"Cool, you're gonna love it" Cam smiled.
Tegan smiled back. She didn't know what it was about Cameron but she just felt at ease with her even though Cam seemed nervous and fidgety most of the time.
"Thanks again for putting me up in the hotel. It's amazing, those beds are heaven" said Cam although she didn't sleep much the previous night.
"My pleasure, glad you're enjoying it. Stay as long as you want"
"Hell, I might just move in" Cam joked.
"You promised to show me Provincetown remember"
"Yeah okay. Anyway, just… thanks. We're not really used to people thanking us like this. The guys told me about the amazing, and huge gift basket you sent to the station"
"Oh, you weren't there to share?"
"No I… I was in LA already" said Cam, she hoped the heat she felt travelling up her neck didn't show.
"That's a pity, I would have sent you one in LA if I knew"
"That's really not necessary, we were just doing our jobs"
"Alright. I'll drop it as long as you promise to ravish this breakfast buffet every morning you're here"
"Deal" Cam laughed, her mouth almost watering at the sight of the pastries on the table.
-0-
The weather was gorgeous and the ferry ride to Provincetown was actually quite enjoyable. Long before lunch time Tegan looked up at the beautiful house she had rented in Provincetown. It was quite large, light grey with dark grey roof tiles. It looked out over the ocean. The beach was just a few steps away but the path there was protected by a low wall. Tegan specifically chose this house because it was kid friendly. The pool had a net, the stairs had a gate and the path to the beach had a lockable gate.
"It's beautiful" Tegan said softly.
"Sure is. Let's get you guys settled" said Beth and turned to unbuckle the twins from their car seats.
The house itself had four large, well-appointed bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Outside was a pool house with three bedrooms that would be used by her security detail.
Tegan took a deep breath of sea air. "It's going to be okay, everything will be okay" she whispered to herself.
-0-
A few hours after saying goodbye to Tegan and the kids Cameron was seated on a hospital bed waiting for the leading cardiologist in New England. She already had a discussion with him in his office a few minutes earlier. She took a deep breath that made her paper gown rustle.
"Okay Miss Hart, let's have a look" the tall, attractive man with salt and pepper temples and dark brown hair said.
"Call me Cameron remember, or Cam" she said nervously and swallowed hard.
"Alright Cam" he smiled and took her wrist in his hand.
"Your pulse is sky high. Don't be nervous" he smiled.
"Easier said than done" said Cam.
"Lie back down. I'm going to listen to your heart. Then we'll get an EKG and an echo and proceed with the heart muscle biopsy"
"Okay" said Cam. She was happy to lie back because she was feeling feint from nerves. She had been feeling good since her last biopsy a week ago in LA but this was always scary.
Cam's palms were sweating as she felt a nurse start an IV line and the doctor listen to her heart. She fucking hated hospitals but she knew she didn't have a choice in the matter.
"Sounds good, let's have a look. Monica, can you get the echo for us. I'll do the EKG leads" said the doctor.
"Take some deep breaths. You know the drill don't you"
"Yes, I do… It doesn't get less nerve wrecking though"
"I understand. But really, try and calm yourself down"
Cam just closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths as the cardiologist attached a 12 lead EKG to her torso, arms and legs. He flipped a switch and suddenly fast, loud beeps filled the room.
"I think I'm going to give you a mild sedative before the biopsy. We need to get your pulse and BP down"
"I'm okay, just… give me a minute" said Cam feeling nauseous. She kept focusing on her breathing. Her heart rate slowed down slightly.
"Here we go" said the cardiologist and put the echocardiogram probe covered with cold jelly on her chest.
"Jeez that's cold" she muttered, the EKG beeped faster.
"Sorry" the doctor laughed.
"Your incision is looking fantastic. You have great skin, heals well" he said.
"Thanks, that's something I guess" said Cam lifting an eyebrow.
The doctor stared at the screen and Cam finally had the courage to do so a few seconds later. She turned her head and watched her new heart beat on the screen.
"Okay, so over here is the…."
"I know, thanks" said Cam. She didn't explain further. "Skip to the important parts please" she said.
The doctor explained a few things on the screen and finally flipped the machine off.
"So, the echo is looking excellent. I'm very happy with that. Of course we'll know more after the biopsy but so far so good. Your EKG looks normal. Beautiful, perfect sinus rhythm… if not a bit fast" he smiled.
Cam exhaled a breath she didn't realise she was holding and felt herself relax at the news.
"Try and relax, they'll be here to take you to the cath lab in about five minutes. Can I offer you that sedative?"
"No thanks, I want to be awake this time. I slept through the others"
"Just something mild? You'll still be awake, just a bit more relaxed and your heart won't threaten to run away on us"
Cam nodded looking pale.
A few minutes later she was indeed feeling more relaxed after the mild sedative had kicked in. She watched the ceiling lights flash by as the stretcher was pushed through the halls. She tried to stay in her relaxed zone as a nurse put a surgical cap over her hair and some people lifted her onto a table.
"Stay calm, it's okay. It's routine. It's going to be okay, everything will be okay" she mumbled.
-0-
The kids had no problem making themselves at home and already had all their toys thrown out on the living room carpet as Tegan tried to unpack. Beth came into the kitchen carrying a bunch of grocery bags followed by Mike with more.
"I found some fresh muffins, fruit, cold cuts, cheese and bread in the fridge after you left. Had a note from the agent to enjoy our stay" said Tegan.
"That's nice. Hang on before you eat anything please" said Beth pulling her phone out.
"Huh? You think it's poisoned or something?" Tegan started laughing.
"Protocol" said Beth not looking amused.
A few minutes later she came back into the kitchen. I spoke to the agent. It's safe, she sent the food over.
"Well duh" Tegan mumbled.
"We're here for your safety and protection Tegan. Yours and that of your children. Please let me do my job"
"I didn't stop you from doing your job" said Tegan dismissively. Beth didn't answer.
"Look, we're good here, why don't you guys go have lunch. I'd like some alone time with my kids" said Tegan looking out of the kitchen window.
"Alright, call if you need us or press the emergency button"
Tegan shook her head and looked down.
-0-
It was an awkward feeling having somebody thread a wire through a vein in her neck to inside her heart but Cam found it interesting. She watched the monitor showing the path of the wire and miraculously actually felt quite calm.
"There we go Cam. All done. We'll get this to pathology and you should have the results for you about this time tomorrow. I want you to stay in town for that please. I'm keeping you for observation a few hours so why don't you just relax and take a nap or something. I'll come check on you later" said the cardiologist.
"Alright, thank you" Cam nodded. She could feel the low following her adrenaline rush. She suddenly felt absolutely exhausted.
"You did well in there" he smiled.
"Thanks" she whispered and then finally allowed herself to rest. She was fast asleep before they even pushed her out of the procedure room.
A few hours later Cameron felt somebody take her blood pressure. The tightening around her bicep woke her up. Her mouth was bone dry.
"Good nap?" asked the nurse smiling when Cam rubbed her eyes.
"Oh yeah" said Cam sounding groggy.
"Vitals look absolutely fine. I'm sure the Doc will let you go as soon. He's on his way up" said a nurse offering Cam some water.
"Good, you're awake" said the doctor striding into the room.
"Vitals look good Doc" said the nurse and pushed Cam's chart into his hands.
"Okay, all good. One last listen and you can get out of here and go enjoy the sunshine" said the doctor and proceeded to listen to Cam's chest as the nurse removed the IV line.
"All good. I'll call you with the results. If there's anything we need to discuss I'll get my PA to call you for an appointment. Otherwise I'll see you in two weeks"
"Thank you. I have those appointments made already" Cam nodded.
"Don't look so glum. Everything looks good right now" he smiled.
"Thanks, it just… rattles me… every damn time" said Cam.
"I know, it sucks. But these visits will become less and less as time goes on"
"I know. I'm very grateful for this heart. I don't want to sound like a spoilt brat complaining about a few biopsies and tests every now and then"
"I have to run. You have my number if you have any questions. Remember your meds and… well I guess you've heard it all a thousand times. You know what to do. Take care Cameron. Talk to you soon" said the doctor heading for the door.
"Goodbye doc. Thanks" Cam smiled.
Half an hour later Cam was enjoying a sandwich and decaf coffee in a park. She watched kids play on a jungle gym and her thoughts drifted to Tegan and the twins. She smiled and wondered if they were in Provincetown yet. She really enjoyed Tegan's company and she looked forward to showing her Provincetown. Suddenly she saw Tegan in her bathing suit the day before, a breathtaking sight. "No, don't go there. It's not on... so, so not on. She just lost her wife. And even if she was available, she could never like someone like me... I'm so fucked up" she thought and put her head in her hands.
A/N: Again, sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. Thanks for the reviews, please keep 'em coming!