She almost couldn't believe she was home. Her dreams had seemed so real. Home was not somewhere she ever expected to see again, not after she'd died in her dreams, yet here she was. They had finally returned to the condo, and she was home. Home. It seemed like such a descriptive word, one that she couldn't even describe fully right now. As she got situated on the couch, she looked around at her home, her condo, now their home. She liked the sound of that even though she barely remembered living here with Andy. He'd only moved in two weeks before she'd been shot, and now, that seemed like so long ago.
She and Andy had been dating just over a year when he'd moved in, well, technically just over a year, yet, the two had spent much longer together. They'd grown closer and closer over the last few years, finally deciding to take that step, to go from friends to more, and now, here, almost a year and a half later, Sharon knew it was the best decision she'd ever made. They'd taken things slowly, sometimes, she had to roll her eyes, too slowly, but it had been right for them. They had a lot on the line. Both had failed marriages and were a little uneasy about a serious relationship, even if it had nothing to do with the specific person. There were five kids to consider, and while the kids were adults, they'd watched their parents struggle to get to this point. Rusty was a factor, still living at home, and while he didn't dictate their relationship, both Sharon and Andy had wanted to make sure they were sensitive to his living at home. Work had been another factor, and even though they had always been professional at work, it was just one more thing to balance. Andy's health had put things on hold when he'd had his "dust up with the car." That had carried them through last fall, and here, again, they were dealing with health issues this fall. Sharon was determined to have a normal Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. She'd already had the thoughts about last year, and all she wanted was to enjoy her family this year, without any health issues. Andy's recovery had been slow, and while it had been good to have him recover at the condo, it had been a strain too. He felt like he was a burden, not like the strong boyfriend he wanted to be. Sharon had not seen him like that, and all of it just put another strain of sorts on their developing relationship. Finally, earlier this year, they'd found their footing. Andy had started staying at the condo on a somewhat regular basis. They hadn't hidden it from Rusty; they weren't ashamed of their relationship, and they wanted Rusty to know they were serious about things. Moving in together had seemed a little rushed at first to Sharon, but she also knew that Andy wasn't pushing her. He wanted to be closer to her; she understood that. Practically, it seemed silly for him to buy or rent something closer to her condo when all she wanted was for him to be with her at the condo, day and night. Her mind and heart just were going at different speeds, and while on one hand, it felt rushed, on the other, she wanted nothing else. Andy had let her come to her own realization, and since then, she hadn't looked back. This was their home. It felt like their home, or it had. Now, it just felt odd to be back here after being a coma so long and then stuck in the hospital the last few weeks. She wanted it to feel like their home.
"Mom, what kind of tea would you like?" Sharon heard Emily call from the kitchen. Sharon was relaxing on the couch, her favorite blanket from Andy's house on her lap. That helped it to feel like home. She really didn't know what still felt off, but she figured it was just her feeling out of sorts.
"Anything sounds good. I don't even know what tea is there," she told her. "Surprise me. You know I'll drink about anything out there."
She rested her head on the couch, looking around again. Things looked different, but they didn't. She still felt almost surreal being here because that dream had seemed so real. She thought she'd never be back home again, back with her family.
"Okay," she looked up and over toward the hallway where Andy was walking in with a pile of things in his hand. "I've got your slippers here, but the doc said to just be careful of walking without that cane, Sharon. You and I both know you hate that cane, but we don't need you eating the floor tile in the bathroom like I did last year. I think one family head injury is enough, agree?"
"Agree," Sharon chuckled and nodded. When Andy moved closer to her, she pulled at his arm and leaned up to kiss his cheek. He sat down across from her on the coffee table and pulled the blanket up on her.
"I almost can't believe you are back home on the couch here. It's like a dream. I can't tell you how many nights I dragged in here from the hospital and passed out there on the couch because I just couldn't deal with going into your bedroom."
"Our bedroom," Sharon said, pulling his hands into hers and looking into his eyes. "It's our home, Andy, not just mine. I understand what you are saying, though, and I'm finally home," she said and gave him a small smile.
Andy leaned in and put his hand on her arm lightly as he kissed her. Sharon returned the kiss, it deepening as they continued. Andy finally paused, "Emily?"
"Kitchen," she said almost breathlessly, "making tea."
"Right," Andy said backing up now, as he wiped his face. He winked at Sharon and tucked her blanket back around her again. "As I was saying before I was interrupted and almost seduced," he grinned and continued, "slippers are here. I've got your phone and charger, iPad, and let me get you the remote. Oh, I'll grab your pillow."
"Andy," she touched his arm, "I'm fine. This is all great. If I want my pillow, I'll go back and lie down for awhile. Emily is here. She can get anything else I need. I don't have to go to physical therapy until tomorrow, so I'm good here today. Please, just go back to work, and she and I will be fine. I'm stronger than you think."
"I know," he sighed and dropped his head. "I know you are strong-strongest woman, really person, I know. I still want to be here for you, and it's not that I don't trust Emily."
"I know," Sharon said back to him, squeezing his hands. "She'll be here for a few days, and next week, you and I can hang out together. I'm still a little tired, and I know I'll nap at some point. Just think of it this way that I'll rest up, so I can sit up with you a little tonight when you get home, back to OUR home," she smiled sweetly and grinned at him.
"Okay, okay," he said, leaning in quickly to kiss her again. "I get the hint-no boys allowed right now. It's girl time. Fine," he waved slightly.
"Girl time?" Emily said, walking into the room with the tea on a tray. "Oh, it's totally pampering time. I got one of those foot bath spa things for your feet. I know you aren't in any shape to go get a pedicure, so I'm bringing it to you. They work wonders, well, the good ones," she admitted. "We have a few at work, and I liked the one so much, I bought the same kind. I didn't bring a lot with me to L.A. on my flight, but I stuffed that thing in my bag," she laughed as she put the tea on the table. "My plan, Mom, is to pamper you a little today. We'll soak your feet, and I'll give you a pedicure. We know you are long overdue for that, and it's something fun I can do for you. We'll start with getting your nails back in shape."
"That sounds like a great idea," Andy smiled at Emily and back at Sharon who was nodding as she listened. "Your mom mentioned wanting to get her hair cut and colored again too."
"Yes, it's so overdue it's not even funny," she groaned. "I was due for a cut and color when I was shot. Oh," her eyes widened, "I think I had an appointment a few days later."
"Sharon," Andy put his hand on hers, which had started to gesture in the air. "Rusty took care of that. The salon had called your cell to confirm. Rusty had your phone, and he explained what had happened. I know he hates he's in class now and not here to greet you, but the kid did a nice thing. After the doc started talking about your discharge date, Rusty remembered that about your hair, and he called the salon back, explained what was going on, and well, tomorrow, Emily is going to take you for your cut and color after your physical therapy, that is, if you don't think it's too much?"
"We figured you could handle it, Mom," Emily looked to her.
"Perfect," Sharon gave them a small smile. "Thank you for taking such good care of me, and don't take this the wrong way, but I really am looking forward to when I can take care of myself."
"You and me both," Andy nodded, throwing a smirk and wink at Emily. He muttered, "All this extra work when I'm supposed to be on light duty," he said with a smirk, having to look away from Sharon. "My boss had better stop taking all these leave days and get back to work."
Sharon burst out laughing, as did Emily, who was fixing the tea for Sharon. She had two cups on the table, and she looked up at Andy. She shook her head, "It's a good thing she loves you."
"Don't I know it," he flashed a silly grin at Sharon, leaning down to kiss her again. "On that note, I'm out of here. I'm going to go slave away at work for a few hours. You two ladies enjoy your time together. Call me if you need anything, oh," he paused as he was almost at the door, "I'll pick up those meds from the pharmacy on the way home for you, Sharon. I know your doc said you'd be ready for your meds tonight. Need anything else?"
"No," she called to him, "just be safe and tell the team I miss them."
"Miss anyone in particular?" he winked, flirting with her.
"No, it's all about the same," she gave a casual shrug and turned back to Emily, trying not to laugh. "Thank you for the ride home, Lieutenant."
"At your service, Captain," he saluted and then closed and locked the door, leaving the two women there to relax and rest.
"You two are so corny, Mom," Emily started to laugh as she tried to sip her tea. She sat down in the orange chair next to the couch. "It's good to see you so happy."
"Let's be honest," Sharon returned the chuckle. "It's good to see me out of a hospital room."
"True," she nodded. "Home almost an hour now. What do you want to do?"
"Sitting here just soaking in everything is perfectly fine with me for the moment. I would enjoy that pedicure in a little while. That sounds heavenly," she said sighing as she leaned her head back against the pillows. Emily was quiet as Sharon just relaxed. She finally broke the silence.
"I know a lot has been going on, but it seems a bit weird to me that there are boxes still all over the condo," Emily pointed out, looking at a small stack of them by Sharon's desk. She lifted her head and followed Emily's gaze. "I mean, Andy moved in before you were shot. Is there a reason, now over two months later, the boxes are still there untouched?"
Sharon paused a moment before answering, taking a look around the condo, at least what she could see. There was still that pile by her desk. She looked behind her, by the dining room table, and there was another pile of boxes there. There was also a pile by one of the sliding doors, and before she'd sat down, she'd used the bathroom and remembered seeing more piles in the bedroom. She looked at Emily and gave her a soft smile, "Work was very busy when he moved in, and we basically emptied his house, so it was ready for the sale, and then, we said we'd deal with the unpacking when we had a day off work. Knowing him, I suspect he hasn't wanted to even deal with the boxes, almost a bad memory. Unpacking is what he wants to do; I have no doubt. When I was in my coma, I know he's said he was at the hospital around the clock, at least when he wasn't dealing with his own health issues. Since then, I am guessing it was almost a bad omen to him. How do you unpack when your future is so uncertain? Let's be honest, Emily," Sharon gave her another smile, "everyone wanted me to wake up, expected I would wake up, but there was that small possibility, almost a small voice in the back of your head that had to say the 'what if' type of scenario. Knowing Andy, he didn't want to unpack until he knew the future. Now," she gave her a single nod, "I bet he will be ready to unpack. In fact, it's something we can do together. Andy," she grinned, "probably has waited now because he doesn't want to cram things in places and wants to combine things with me here."
Emily listened and nodded, "That makes sense. It's been really hard for Ricky and me to deal with all of this when you were sick, Rusty too, but he closes up and doesn't talk when he's upset. Ricky and I have talked a lot. We've tried to get Rusty to talk too, but he doesn't feel as comfortable with us. I think he's talked with Andy some, Lieutenant Provenza too, but anyway, as hard as it's been for us, it has to be a different level to watch someone you love that much. I am just trying to imagine it."
"When you love someone, you don't have to imagine," Sharon smiled at her daughter. "It is just there, all the feelings, all the emotions. I remember last year when Andy had his blood clot. That was horrible, and while we had only been dating, officially," she rolled her eyes, "a short time, there was no question about my feelings for him. I didn't have to think twice. I just had to act. My only regret was not telling him I loved him before his surgery, but it was the first thing I said to him after," she smiled fondly at the memory. "I wasn't afraid to say it; I was afraid not to say it. I didn't want to imagine a life without him in it, without him knowing I loved him. Thankfully, he recovered from that and from this heart attack, or so he is. We'll both be healthy again soon. That is my hope. Thanksgiving will be very special this year, so much for which we are thankful."
Emily frowned, "I wish I could be here, for the holidays," she added. "My show just makes that too hard."
"I know," Sharon nodded at her. "We will miss you too, but you need to keep living your life. You are always welcome here at home, but I want you to be happy in your life too. Tell me more about Aaron."
She blushed at the mention of him, and Sharon chuckled. Emily pulled the pillow nearby up to her face, "Ahh, even the mention of him, and I start smiling. I don't know, Mom. He is really special. He wasn't even wanting to be a dancer."
Sharon raised an eyebrow, "Emily, you don't end up where you are not wanting to be a dancer. How in the world?"
"I know; I know," she raised a hand. "His dad is a lawyer. He wanted to be just like his dad, but as he got older, it was undeniable how good of a dancer he was. I told you his mom owned a ballet studio. He grew up with her there, and eventually, she had connections, and he ended up dancing in bigger and bigger productions. He had a dance scholarship in college and attended Northwestern."
"His dad was a lawyer," Sharon nodded.
"Right, but unlike my situation, his dad was around, still is," she rolled her eyes slightly. "Speaking of, Dad did text me earlier. He's flying back to L.A. now from his work conference. I think he was in Dallas."
"Progress," Sharon nodded. "Has he been talking to you more often?"
"I mean," she gestured with her hands, "it's hard to talk with me less, but yeah," she nodded. "He has been worried about you. I know he was horrible. That's not an issue, but in his twisted way, I think he cares about you."
"He does," Sharon nodded. "Jack just doesn't really know how to be a husband, a father. Anyway," she gave her a small smile, "I'm not going to sit here and bash your dad. Let's talk about that pedicure. I don't want to admit how long it's been since my feet have had any care."
"I'm guessing a few weeks," Emily pursed her lips and grinned. "Let's get you feeling like yourself, Mom."
Andy returned home later that evening with food in tow. Sharon had been eating a lot of soups in the hospital and told Andy that was the last thing she wanted. He decided on a simple spaghetti dinner from their favorite little Italian place. He picked that up along with a salad and brought food home for all of them. Rusty had called three times during the day, but he was stuck at Andrea's office with his internship. He was also working long hours between school and that, now that Sharon was on the mend. Even so, Andy knew Rusty would be hungry when he did get home and got plenty of food for everyone.
"I come with a non-soup option," Andy called out as he entered the condo. Sharon had showered and was back on the couch again. She and Emily had talked. Emily had worked on a pedicure for Sharon. Sharon had then showered, something that took her a long time to do, but she was thrilled to do that in her own bathroom, and then, she'd taken a nap. Now, she was feeling refreshed and slightly more human after spending the majority of the day in her own home. Sharon started to stand when she heard Andy come inside the condo.
"Sharon, just sit there," he called to her as he put his gun and wallet on the table. She shook her head at him.
"No, I am moving around okay," she said, slightly out of breath after she stood. "I've been sitting awhile and want to eat dinner at the table with you and Emily. Rusty said he's going to be late." She took her time walking across the room, and he met her with the food right before they reached the kitchen. Emily stood from her chair to join them.
"Hi," he grinned at her and kissed her quickly. "It's really good to see you up and moving around here at home."
"It's wonderful to be home. Emily has pampered me today. I've showered, and I even napped. See, I'm following the doctor's orders."
"Andy don't let her fool you," Emily called out to him. "She doesn't always follow the rules."
"Oh, I know," Andy smiled cheekily at Sharon and gestured for her to walk ahead of him. "You have to be pretty close to Sharon to know that, but I definitely know she can break some rules when she wants."
Sharon sat down slowly, and she let out her breath when she did. She shook her head, "I shouldn't be tired again," she said as she yawned. "I haven't done anything to be tired."
"Mom, you were discharged from the hospital, made it home, and you are readjusting to life here. You have plenty of reason to be tired."
"Well, I'm all about going to bed early after dinner. I'm exhausted too, and my doc has also told me to take it easy," he admitted.
"That will be my cue to cut out of here after dinner," Emily told them. "I think I'll see if I can stop by and see Nicole. She's not far from here, isn't she?"
Andy looked at Sharon, a look of surprise on his face, but he smiled when Sharon nodded at him, "No, she's just a couple miles away. She'd love to see you, probably would love the girl talk. She is busy with the boys, Dean included, "he winked.
"Great. I'll text her after dinner to see if I can stop by. Mom, okay if I use your car? Andy and I talked about it when I decided to fly out here. I know you can't use it right now. He was shuttling me around earlier today."
Sharon looked between them, almost teary-eyed that her daughter and boyfriend had been talking so easily, "Of course, it's more than okay. I'm glad you are here. I'm glad you planned this with Andy. I'm glad you want to see Nicole, and you are more than welcome to use my car. I am a bit jealous because I do miss driving and can't wait to be cleared to do so."
"In time, my dear," Andy patted her hand. "I'm anxious for so many things, too, but in time. It will all come together in time."
"Speaking of in time, Andy," Emily grinned and nodded toward the living room. "Now that Mom is home and on the mend, both of you on the mend actually, I'd say it's time you unpack. I think you are here to stay."