Ten days later.
The incessant vibrating of Kate's beeper on the night stand cruelly pulled her from her slumber. She leaned over and knocked down a glass of water in the process.
"Fuck" she mumbled and sat up. She stilled the beeper, rubbed her eyes and looked at the readout and then at the messages on her cellphone.
"Babe, what is it?" Sara mumbled next to her.
"I need to go in to the hospital, go back to sleep sweetie" Kate whispered.
"It's 3 in the morning… what the hell. You're not on call" Sara complained.
"I have a critical patient, told the resident to let me know if there was anything he couldn't handle"
"I'm sure there are other doctors in that hospital Kate"
"Sorry baby, he needs me. Was going to have to get up in two hours anyway. Hopefully I'll be able to get in another hour or two in the on-call room"
"Ugh… go, whatever! Just be careful getting there please"
"I will, love you" Kate said and kissed Sara.
-0-
"Morning mom" said Tegan and gave her mom a hug from behind. Sonia was visiting for a few days and Tegan was loving it but she was also getting slightly annoyed with her mom's fussing.
"Morning honey. How are you?" asked Sonia.
"I'm good thanks. How did you sleep?" said Tegan changing the subject.
"I slept like a log. This place is magic. The sound of the waves, all this fresh air"
"Told you you'd like it"
"Kids are awake, they're in the living room watching Toy Story. Hope that's okay?" asked Sonia.
"Sure, a movie every now and then isn't going to make them dumb" Tegan laughed.
"It was so nice to see Cameron again last night" said Sonia. She had met Cameron at the hospital and talked to her quite a few times. Sonia loved her and not just because she rescued her kids. Sonia excused herself to go to bed the previous night while Cameron and Tegan were having a night cap on the deck.
"She said it was great seeing you too. Said that if you want she can get someone to take us on a boat trip to one of the islands before you go home"
"Oh, that sounds lovely" Sonia smiled.
"I'll call her. Maybe today? It's a beautiful day. Coffee?" Tegan asked holding the pot with freshly brewed coffee up.
Tegan and Sonia took their coffee mugs to the deck.
"So, we really haven't had much alone time to talk. How are you… really?"
"I'm…" Tegan sighed.
"I'm fine mom, I'm getting there. One day at a time"
Sonia just smiled.
"I think it helps being here. I'm really bonding with the kids. Oh and I can relax without feeling guilty"
"Ah the Virgo in you always want to schedule and organise and work"
Tegan sniggered.
"I'm really enjoying the jujitsu classes I'm taking. Kind of feels like… well like I'm taking control of my body again if you know what I mean?"
"Yeah, I think that makes sense"
"I just miss you guys a lot, you and Sara… and Kate and Erin and Alex"
"I know, we miss you too"
"I still want to see this through though"
"I get that Tegan. I support you all the way.
"I haven't picked up my guitar since I've been here… I just don't want… well I guess I'm scared of what's going to come out… after I've taken such great care to hide it away" Tegan sighed and ran her hand through her hair.
"You will, when you're ready"
"Do you think Sara's getting… ansty?"
"No, I don't. I think she's enjoying the break actually"
"Hmmmm"
"Do you miss it?"
"I don't know…. Feels like a lifetime ago"
"Do you think you would want to continue with the band"
"I don't know Mom… I hope so, but right now I just don't know. I promised myself I wouldn't make any life changing decisions this vacation. I'm thinking things through but that's it"
Sounds like a plan to me.
"You're spending a lot of time with Cameron"
"Moooom" Tegan complained.
"I just wanted to say that I'm glad you have someone to talk to"
"There's nothing between us"
"I know. And if there was? So what"
"There isn't. I mean jeez… I just lost my wife"
"I know. These last few months without Lindsey has been very trying for you"
"No shit" Tegan mumbled and rolled her eyes.
"I'm just saying Tee, that I like Cameron and I'm glad she's around for support"
"Thanks Mom. Can we drop it now"
"Sure, let's go grab those two couch potatoes and make breakfast"
-0-
"Hey babe" Kate sounded cheerful on the other side of the line.
"Hey you, how's your day going?" Sara asked.
"Good, already did two surgeries and 2 hours of consults this morning"
"Over achiever!"
"Ha, that's kind of par for the course. Just glad I'm back in the swing of things. So, this afternoon I get to do something pretty cool. It's the procedure I've been documenting for my research. Practiced it about a thousand times in the skills lab. It's a pretty ground-breaking surgery. I had the perfect patient present in consultation yesterday and I took it to the board. They agreed, it's a go. We're going ahead today. I'm excited, this is huge. I mean life changing, award winning huge if we can pull it off"
"Wow, that sounds impressive. How long will the surgery take?"
"I'm guessing about 6 to 8 hours" said Kate sounding casual.
"Holy shit Kate, that's long!"
"Meh, it's kind of average for an intricate surgery. I'm fine really. I feel good, psyched!"
"Okaaaay, please make sure you have something substantial for lunch though babe"
"I don't want to fall asleep when all the blood flows to my belly you know" Kate laughed.
"Yes alright, but eat please"
"Roger that captain"
"I'm so fucking proud of you"
"Thank you Sara"
"I love you, can't wait to have you home again"
"Love you too sweetie. I'll talk to you as soon as we're done with surgery. Hopefully I'll be home before you go to bed"
"I know you… with the importance of this surgery you're probably going to stay there"
"I'm not expecting anything major to worry about after surgery. Probably won't even keep him in ICU overnight"
"Okay, good luck honey. Keep me updated alright?"
"Sure thing. See ya later Sar. Give Ami a kiss from me"
A/N: I'm really sorry I've been so slow with the updates in tne last few months. Don't even know if you guys are still out there. Please send me a note/review if you can. How do you see the story unfolding from here? To make up you're getting 3 chapters today, stay tuned