The Day He Found Out
Part 7
A part of Chakotay was heartbroken. Even thou he had no part in the making of the child, he knew who deeply for years Kathryn had wanted one. He also knew that the news must have devastated her. He knew that she was gaining in years, like himself. And he knew that she was nearing the time when she could never have children again.
The doctor studied Chakotay closely. Even thou he was only a hologram he knew how Chakotay felt about Kathryn Janeway. It had been apparent for years. Not only to him but also to others.
"There was nothing that any of us could do Chakotay."
"I just feel like somehow it was my fault. We were arguing when she left…"
"Chakotay, trust me that had nothing to do with it. I am actually positive about it."
Chakotay sighed deeply. "How could you be so sure doctor? I have seen a lot of women give birth in our village growing up. Sometimes complications would set in and…"
The doctor took his hand and placed it on Chakotay's shoulder.
"I shouldn't do this. But I feel that this is very important for you to know Chakotay. Please have a seat."
"The reason that Kathryn lost the baby, was because she wasn't compatible. The virus that you have she also has. I didn't realize it at the time but she can only have a baby if you're the one who father's it. The virus that you contacted on the planet makes it impossible for her to give birth without it. And for you it's impossible for you to live without the copy of the blood from the virus."
Chakotay sat stunned.
"Does she know Doctor?"
"I had to tell her Chakotay when the baby didn't make it."
"Can I see her?"
"Unfortunately she went against my orders and checked herself out of the hospital."
"What!"
"She left hours ago."
"How could she do that?"
The doctor smiled. "Because she's Kathryn Janeway."
Chakotay smiled back. "That she is. Do you happen to know where she went?"
"My guess is that she probably went home with her sister."
Back in Indiana, Phoebe was putting the last finishing touches on dinner. She made a lovely roasted chicken and some side vegetables. She was planning on backing some bread, but she had grown tired and replicated it instead.
"Kathryn, dinner should be ready in about a half hour!"
Kathryn emerged from her bedroom upstairs. "I'm going for a walk Phoebe; I will be back in a little while."
Phoebe nodded. She knew her sister was having a difficult time with her new-found circumstances. Her sister was strong, but also unable to bounce back when life gave out difficult situations. Phoebe knew that she was going to have to keep an eye on her sister, now more than ever.
Chakotay arrived in Bloomington Indiana, hoping to find Kathryn and speak to her. He got directions to the Janeway house, and began to walk down the road. Chakotay had never been to Indiana. On either side of the road there were many tall Maples, Oaks, and Plum trees. Chakotay's home had never been so lush and he admired the fullness, and tallness of the trees around him. He was rounding the corner when he saw a large farm, completely surrounded by corn. He spotted the name on the mailbox and sighed.
THE JANEWAYS
Slowly he made his way up the path toward the farmhouse. The house was completely covered in flowers. There were daisies, pansies, tulips, roses, daylilies everywhere. And the house itself was covered in a large vine of heavy scented Jasmine.
He sighed heavily once more before knocking on the door.
"Come in," Came the voice from inside.
Chakotay opened the door and peered inside. The house was completely modern in the inside. And everything was clean and organized. He was so entranced in thought that he didn't even notice a women coming up toward him.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, I was looking for Kathryn Janeway. My name is Chakotay I served with her on Voyager."
Phoebe's mouth nearly hit the floor. "I know who you are. But you're even more handsome in person than you are on TV." Phoebe smacked her hand over her mouth as soon as she uttered the words. Chakotay merely smiled, visibly amused that he could still turn heads, even thou he was old. He winked at her and she nearly fell backward, which Chakotay chuckled at.
"Please come in Chakotay. My sister went out for a walk, but she should be back later. Would you like to stay for dinner?"
"I couldn't impose."
Phoebe gave him a sideway's glance. "Handsome, your not imposing at all. I will whip up some Vegetarian casserole for you, while we wait. You are a vegetarian right?"
"Yes, but you don't need to go to all that trouble."
"It's no trouble. By the way, I'm Phoebe, Kathryn's younger sister."
Chakotay sat at the bar and watched Phoebe cook. The two of them swapped stories about Kathryn and about their lives. CHakotay was visibly amused by her. Phoebe was a lot like her sister, as much as she was different.
Suddenly the door swished open and in entered Kathryn. She didn't see Chakotay. "Phoebe you'll never guess I ran into the neighbor's dog again, you know the one that's always humping my leg.
Phoebe laughed as she emerged from the kitchen. "We have company Kathryn."
"Really who is it?"
"It's a surprise."
Kathryn hurried into the kitchen and saw Chakotay setting on the stool.
"Hello Kathryn."
She pointed at him. "Why on earth are you here?"
"I wanted to speak to you."
"Well, I don't want to speak to you!"
"Frankly Kathryn, we need to talk. It's important."
"She turned around and headed back toward the door. But he followed her.
"Kathryn stop. I know about the baby, and why you lost him. The doctor told me."
TBC