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I hope you enjoy this one!
Love, WhereIsTheBlack
"Reese, they need you at trauma three," Maggie said in a haste.
"On it."
They had landed about two hours ago and made their way straight to the hospital. As expected, the place was packed with patients and family members waiting to be treated or attended somehow. The sight was overwhelming, but there wasn't even time to process whatever that meant.
The morning had consisted on running across hallways, calming people down and exhilaratingly fast thinking… All that while trying to keep their minds off from their two friends who were probably boarding a plane at that very moment to get to where they were.
"Three-degree burns and collapsing lungs," Will told her as she got inside the room. "We need to intubate now, otherwise we'll lose him."
Sarah nodded and got hold of the plastic tube to diligently hurry it down the man's throat. As if on cue, the monitor started beeping loudly, aggravating her newly acquired headache and everyone else's distress.
"We're losing him," Sarah warned, turning around to reach the paddles. "Clear!" she yelled as she pressed them against the man's chest. The noise died as the man arched on the bed once.
"He's back," said Will as he injected him with morphine.
"I got it from here. Go," he said turning his head once towards her as two more residents scurried inside the room, gloved and ready to assist him with the surgery.
Sarah didn't even bother replying. As she exited the room, she was bombarded by nurses and doctors asking for her help. She pushed aside the overwhelming feeling again. Taking a break was not an option. Nor feeling tired or stressed whatsoever.
The hours went by like that until her shift was over, continuing to feel of ache panging on her stomach. The second her time was up, she drew out her phone, desperate to hear news about Connor and Ethan:
Two missed calls from Connor and a text message:
Flight got cancelled. I'll see you tomorrow. Love, Connor.
Sarah thanked Heavens in relief and dialed quickly. A hand went to her engagement ring, still hanging carefully from her neck under her clothes. She pressed the object against her skin, feeling her uneasy heartbeat in the process.
"Hi baby,"
Hearing Connor's voice eased something Sarah didn't know had been trapped in her gut all morning.
"Hi," she sighed in relief. "How are things?"
"Everything's fine. They decided to cancel our flight because of the storm, but we'll be heading over there tomorrow morning. Goodwin has been informed. The bad news is that Ethan and I will receive a remarkable discount from our pay, but other than that, everything is perfect," he sighed, clearly upset about that last part.
"I love you," Sarah said impulsively.
Connor didn't answer for a few seconds, to which she gathered he was probably taken aback by her unexpected outburst.
"I love you too, sweetheart. How's everything over there?" he asked with kindness.
"Busy," she said through a thick puff of breath, sitting down on one of the hallway benches.
Connor hummed understandingly, hearing the stress in her voice.
"You should probably get going then. Get some rest, that is."
Sarah stared into space like a deer caught in headlights. She had completely forgotten she was supposed to stay at Connor's sister's place. Heck, she hadn't even called to ask her about it.
She bit her lip and checked the time: 10:30 p.m. It was late… at least for her. Had Connor briefed her sister in on what was going on with her? Should she- No. She was not going to burden him with that. She knew the relationship with his sister was complicated.
"Rest. Yeah. Rest is good. I should go."
Connor chuckled. "Take care. I'll see you tomorrow okay? Love you."
"Okay. Love you too. Bye."
Sarah hung up still lost in her thoughts.
She stared down at her phone in a pensive state, nerves starting to creep in, the numbers suddenly becoming a challenge to even look at.
"Okay Reese, time to put on the big girl pants," she said to herself as she reached for the small presentation card that had been resting on her back pocket.
"Hello?" said a voice after a few rings.
Sarah swallowed hard. "Um, hello. Is this Claire Rhodes?"
"This is her, who's asking?" said the soft voice. She sounded more mature than Sarah would've expected. Sultry, confident…
"This is Sarah Reese. Your brother gave me your number." She started fidgeting with the hem of her white coat, trying to break in some confidence into her own voice. "He said I could stay at your place for a couple of days?"
There was no answer on the other end. Sarah felt sweat starting to form on her forehead from the anticipation. Three seconds of silence were more than enough for a lifetime.
"Did he now?" replied Claire with a small laugh. Sarah was taken aback by it. The woman sounded almost… happy? "Well, you can tell my dearest brother you're more than welcome to stay here, Sarah. Tell me where you are, I'll send someone to pick you up."
"Oh, there's really no need-"
"It's no bother. If this who I think you are, then I truly must insist."
Sarah furrowed her brow. Had Connor spoken to Claire about her?
"I'm at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center."
"Alright, sit tight," the woman said with an amused tone. "Someone will be waiting at the entrance in ten."
The line went dead before Sarah could reply. She mustered a baffled chuckle. Seriously, what was her life right now? She stood in a trance, her mind still wrapped around the phone call. She certainly had yet a lot t to know about Connor's family. And she was about to.
A hand on her shoulder made her jump defensively. With hitched breath, she turned to the source of her fright and saw an amused Dr. Charles, hands up in a surrender manner.
"It's just me."
Sarah closed her eyes in relief and brought a hand to her chest to try and calm her heartbeat. If only he knew she was being stalked by a crazy person that sparked her paranoia times 10, his approach might have been slightly different.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," asked Dr. Charles, still entertained by her reaction.
Sarah strained a smile, which didn't come unnoticed.
"Everything okay?"
Sarah nodded calmly. "Everything's perfect, Dr. Charles. You wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes. I was just wondering if you were going to the seminary next week."
Ah, yet another issue she had to worry about, she thought. Next week's seminary was a way of helping residents decide which path to take regarding their careers. Meaning Sarah's graduation was just around the corner, and she had still no idea if she was sticking with pathology or not.
It was a subject that had been recently drawn aside with all of Joey's situation happening. But still, it was something that had to be addressed, and very soon. There was no avoiding it.
"I'll be there, Dr. Charles," she said with a small smile.
"That's good to hear. Graduation is just a couple of weeks away. I'm sure there will be something you can get out of it."
Sarah nodded with pursed lips.
"Besides, you're smart, kid. I'm sure you'll figure out what's best for you."
"I wish I'd have the confidence you have in me, Dr. Charles," she said with a shrug of shoulders. Dr. Charles frowned and drew closer.
"You do have that confidence," he said, a hand placed on her right shoulder. "If there's anything I can do to help out, let me know."
Sarah nodded, staring at the now faraway doctor. She sighed. First things first. She had to get to Claire's place.
She walked to the hospital entrance with her bags in hand, eyeing the very familiar parking lot. She smiled to herself when she looked at a certain spot. The same one she had come across Connor almost a year ago and had a full on conversation with him for the first time.
The memory echoed in her mind
"Your car is at the other end of the lot. You'll freeze," he finalized.
He took her stuff from her and placed it at the top of the trunk. He handed her the jacket with a small smile and crossed his arms, waiting for her to put it on.
Sarah just stood there, dumbfounded.
"I'm not leaving until I see you put it on."
Sarah chuckled at the thought of the jacket. Who knows how things would've turned out if it weren't for that piece of fabric. As a matter of fact, it had been a while since she had last seen Connor wearing it.
A thought crossed her mind, which she immediately put into motion.
Tomorrow I want to see you wearing THAT jacket.
She knew Connor would probably see her text until tomorrow, but still, she knew it would bring a smile to his face once he read it.
She got distracted by the flashing of lights. She shielded her eyes from an upcoming vehicle that parked right in front of where she was.
Only this was no regular vehicle. This was a black limousine.
The side door was immediately opened by the chauffer. Sarah stared at the car in awe. She had never been in a limousine before. She searched around for the owner only to be disappointed. Surely the staff must be attending a wealthy family or something of the sort.
"Well, aren't you going to hop in?" asked the old chauffer's voice after a few seconds of waiting.
Sarah turned to him out of reflex, and felt dread set on her stomach when she found the man staring straight at her.
"You must be mistaken. I'm waiting for my ride," Sarah said, pulling her stuff towards her even more.
The short, old man chuckled lightly. "Well, if you happen to be a Miss..." he paused, taking a good look at the piece of paper he was holding, "Sarah Reese, from the Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, then I'm not mistaken."
Sarah's mouth hanged open. This wasn't real. She stuttered as she tried to find a good excuse or explanation, but the old man anticipated this and shook his head and stretched out an arm to her.
"Come on, we don't want to keep her waiting," he winked.
Sarah nodded in a trance, unable to move. The chauffer carried her bags to the trunk and waited for Sarah to climb on. Her phone vibrated once:
A text from Claire.
Your ride should be there by now. I'll be waiting.
She did was she was motioned to do in automatic manner. Once the door closed, realization set in: she was inside a limousine. Her. In a limo.
What had she gotten herself into?
The limousine ride was not long, or at least it didn't feel like it. There were a lot of things to be distracted about: a plasma TV, a mini fridge, video game consoles, served snacks, and a wide variety of alcohol selection…
Still, Sarah couldn't dare touch anything. Heck, she still had to pinch herself to check if she was actually where she was siting. She looked outside to try and figure out if they were nearing the house, but all she saw was black and specks of light from the lampposts.
She sat back down and took in her surroundings. Why a limo? Why not send a normal car? Not that she was ungrateful about it, but she gathered the choice of transportation was probably for one of two reasons: either Claire Rhodes wanted to intimidate her in some way, or the woman was simply…
Her thoughts drowned as they pulled at a closed, black gate. She heard the chauffer say something and then they opened. She couldn't help but stick her head out of the armored window and swallow hard when she was met with the sight of an enormous mansion, adorned by a vast garden, plants and bushes, warmly lit by yellow lighting.
Ok, so Claire Rhodes was not trying to be impressive. She was in fact a wealthy woman, and Sarah didn't know what to think of that. Where all the Rhodes wealthy?
The vehicle pulled over in front of the house, and before she was ready, her door was open again.
"We have arrived at Cliffhide Estate, Miss," the chauffer said, extending his hand for her to take. Sarah did, and hoisted herself out.
She was presented with her bags by the old man, who then climbed the three steps to ring the doorbell. Sarah smiled at the man's actions. It seemed as if he had been working here a long time ago. She turned to the huge wooden door and felt nervous again.
"Don't worry, Miss. Miss Claire is a nice woman. I'm sure you'll feel right at home," he reassured.
Sarah smiled.
"Well, I wouldn't know about that. I've never lived in a mansion before," she joked.
"Ah, but don't let appearances deceive you," he inched towards her. "Though it seems intimidating- the house, that is- it's a very warm place. Miss Claire has always made sure of it," he said with pride.
"You seem to know her very well."
"I do. Well, I have known her for fifteen years, since she came to live here. Let's just say I came with the package," he laughed.
Sarah grinned and nodded. "Well, I'm glad she kept you," she joked. "You're a kind man."
The chauffer looked down, bashful.
"It's no problem, Miss," he smiled warmly. He reminded Sarah of her grandfather somehow.
"If it's okay that I do, can I know your name?"
The man seemed surprised. "And why would you want to know it, Miss?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I'd really want to know who I'm thanking. I had never been on a limousine ride before. Neither had a stranger treated me so carefully."
"Well, if you must know, my-"
His voice got cut short by the sound of the opening door. Sarah was met with warm, golden light and the sight of a woman who resembled his fiancé in every possible way.
Claire Rhodes was actually shorter than Sarah had expected. She had short, black hair, thick eyebrows, piercing blue eyes accentuated by black mascara and Connor's same smile and soft expression. She wore a confident stance and smile, and a gleam that accentuated her personality.
"I see you've met Antonio, Sarah," she said with a warm smile, showing her perfect teeth. She too took her time to look at Sarah carefully.
Sarah didn't say anything, but kept staring at the short woman atop of the stairs. She was truly the splitting image of her brother.
"We were just about to introduce ourselves properly," smiled Antonio.
"Sorry I stole your thunder then," chuckled Claire. "Sarah, would you like to come inside? Antonio, please tell Kate to take her bags to her room," she said politely, amused at Sarah's unmoving stance.
Sarah blinked hard and nodded, following the other woman.
"It was nice to meet you," she said to Antonio before she walked inside.
"You too Miss. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other around."
Sarah struggled to not let herself be impressed by the house and act casual. Enormous was a small word suitable for it, yet it looked… humble, in a way. It had a homelike aspect, which Sarah liked at once. There was a lit fireplace, surrounded by several couches and a TV, there was also a painting of fruit Sarah had never seen before hanging from the center wall. A clock, a huge plasma TV, a small marble statue of a horse and a wide array of flowers.
There was a tall bookshelf filled to the top with multiple reads, an audio station with a record player, guitars and a drum set. There were also pictures of her with a graduation gown, and a few others shaking peoples' hands.
"Can I offer you anything to drink or eat?" asked Claire once they had reached the kitchen, which was filled with different electronic gadgets, two marble countertops and a wide window that looked at a back garden.
"It's no problem," she brushed off, careful not to knock anything over as she set her stuff on the floor, near her.
Sarah couldn't help but look at her properly: The woman wore a gray business suit, two pens on her front pocket. A black button-up blouse matched her attire with perfection. High heels clicked on the wooden floor with every step as she set her elbows on the counter, resting her face on the palms of her hands. Sarah noticed she wore a silver watch and a ring on her left thumb and index finger.
"Is this how things are going to go then?"
Sarah blinked a few times, unable to understand.
"I don't bite, you know?" Claire said softly. Her tone of voice reminded Sarah of her brother. Her genuine ways made her feel at ease, like she felt when she was with Connor.
"Besides, if we're going to be living together for a while we must know a little bit about the other, don't you think?"
Sarah's mouth went dry. Of course, she wanted to know who she was, why she was with her brother and why was she here in the first place.
"I understand. What would you like to know?" Sarah asked, ready to be bombarded.
"Do you like blueberries or raspberries with your pancakes?" she asked seriously.
Sarah blinked twice.
"Come again?"
"For breakfast. Also, I need to know your shampoo brand. I'm seeing we have really different kinds of hair," she said actually worried, running a hand though her own short locks.
Sarah couldn't help but laugh, feeling at ease.
Claire looked at her confounded, yet smiled, unsure of what Sarah was laughing about, but joining in a few seconds later.
"I see you're not as fidgety as I thought, thank God," Claire, said relieved, propping her heels on the counter, feeling more relaxed herself.
Sarah sobered up slightly. "I'm sorry, I tend to be shy towards new people. And I'm sorry for laughing, it's just that I was expecting other kinds of questions."
"Like what?"
"I don't know. Burdening ones. The stressful kind."
"Oh, don't worry about those, they will come throughout the night," Claire winked.
Sarah gulped audibly, making Claire grin.
"Would you like something to drink or eat?"
"Actually, I'm starting to feel kind of tired-"
"Oh, don't even," Claire interrupted. "There's no way I'm letting you off to sleep with an empty stomach."
Sarah furrowed her brow, slightly nervous. "Um… well, I don't eat much."
"I can see that," Claire said eyeing up her body. Sarah blushed slightly at the action, feeling self-conscious.
"Well, I don't want to make you go through the trouble of cooking at this hour."
It was Claire's turn to laugh now, and hard.
"Me? Cook?! I can't cook. I'm pretty sure I've even burned water."
"How can you burn water? That's impossible," Sarah said with a laugh.
"Well, if it were possible, I'd be the one to do it," she said, fixing her eyeliner with her thumb. "I mean ordering take out or something. Do you like pizza?"
Sarah smiled. "Yeah, I like pizza."
"Perfect! Pepperoni?"
"You read my mind."
Claire got of the counter and dialed the pizza place.
"So, how long have you known my brother?" she asked in a more serious tone.
"Umm…"
"You know, when Connor called me I wasn't surprised it was about you," she said, taking a drink from her wine glass and then hanging up the phone after placing their order.
"Really? How so?" asked Sarah, intrigued.
"I mean, we never really talk much about anything. But he does mention you quite a lot. I can tell he really does like you."
Sarah blushed. "I like your brother a lot too."
Claire grinned. "How long have you been dating?" she asked again, interested.
"Almost a year,"
Claire's eyes opened wide. "Really!" she said unbelievingly. "You guys must be serious, then."
"We are." Sarah didn't know how much Connor wanted his sister to know about them, but she gathered that if she was staying at her house as a guest, the least she could do was to be honest. "We're engaged," she said out of breath, expecting a negative reaction.
Claire's mouth turned into an unexpressive line. Sarah waited patiently yet with heavy breathing for either her curse or her blessing. But neither came. Instead, Claire's eyes began to fill with tears.
"Claire… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"I'm happy for you two," Claire nodded vigorously, swallowing back the tears. "I am, truly. From the little Connor has told me, and from what I see now, I gather you're a nice girl, Sarah. And I know my brother. I'm sure he made a good decision. It's just… I never hear from him, you know," she said with a shrug of shoulders.
Sarah looked sympathetically at her. She couldn't fathom the reason why Connor had chosen to keep his distance from her, regardless of how difficult his family situation was.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is that it would've been nice to hear it from him sooner," she said solemnly.
"I'm sure he is planning to tell you," Sarah reassured. "And I'm sorry I got ahead of things and said it myself."
"No, don't," Claire said, composing herself. "I'm glad you did. Like I said, I'm happy for you. And it gives me a good reason to pry into your life a little more," she said with a chuckle, easing the tension between them.
Sarah nodded, still in thought. She debated whether to ask more about Connor's life now that they were on the subject.
"Can I ask you something?" she settled on saying.
"Sure," Claire said, a little on edge as well.
"I hope this doesn't come off as rude, but why don't you and Connor… like… get along?" she managed out.
"It's not that we don't get along," Claire sighed. "It's just…" Claire looked at her carefully before she got up and left the room. Sarah tensed up as she watched her walk away, a dreading feeling setting on the pit of her stomach. She had messed up. Whatever this was, it was not her business, and she had pushed Claire too far. Or so she had thought until Claire came back with a picture frame in hand.
She handed it over to her and Sarah took it and her eyebrows shot upwards slightly.
It was the picture of Claire, smiling straight at the camera, holding a twelve or thirteen year old looking boy's hand in her own, and the hand of a younger girl, perhaps five years old or so with her other hand. They looked happy, dressed in summer, farm clothing, and green grasslands behind them.
"That's my mom."
Sarah now understood. "She looks…"
"Just like me, I know. We could practically be the same person. Connor doesn't admit it, but I know that's why he avoids me. I remind him of her."
"I'm-"
"He doesn't even know about my job. Or where I live, for that matter. Ever since mom died… we've seen each other once a year perhaps. Fifteen minutes at the most."
Sarah nodded in silence. This was a heavy subject, without a doubt. She didn't want to pressure Claire into telling her this right now. She hoped that it all would come out, but over time, when Claire's decision of letting her know wasn't influenced by sentimentalism.
"Do you want to talk about something else?" Sarah proposed, letting the frame rest on the counter.
"Why don't we change the subject to the elephant in the room?" Claire asked.
"Wha-"
"I mean, I do have to ask," Claire said, sitting in front of her again. "It's not that I dislike you being here, but why did Connor propose that you stay with me? I mean, you seem like a nice person, so that means you must have friends… why didn't you stay over with them?"
Sarah fidgeted on her seat. "Well… about that… You're probably going to kick me out," she said as a matter of fact.
Claire frowned. "Why on earth would I?"
"Because of my ex-boyfriend."
Claire frowned. "So there's ex-boyfriend drama now?" she asked, interested in the piece of gossip.
"It's not like that," Sarah explained. "He's… deranged. Delusional."
"How so?"
"Crazy cuts it short. He's been stalking me for months, sending letters, texts, invading my personal space, taunting me… He…" she stopped. She didn't know if she should-
"You can tell me," Claire reassured, as if reading her thoughts.
"He blew up a cat. And he blamed it on me. He said I make him do these things. He just won't let it go. He's volatile… unpredictable. I can't stay over with friends because he knows they are linked to me. He could try and hurt them, and I couldn't forgive myself if that happened. I needed to stay someplace safe, with someone he can't link to me. That's when Connor thought of you. But I understand if this is too much to ask. I can find myself a hotel or someplace to stay if you're not comfortable. The last I want to do is involve other people. Put them in danger."
The sound of the doorbell echoed in the room and both girls jumped from their seats.
"Relax, it's just the pizza," Claire said, still shaken by what she had just heard. She cleared her throat and crossed the kitchen decidedly. She grabbed a wall phone and dialed a few numbers.
"Antonio? I know it's late, I apologize. I'm going to need extra security. Double it. Better yet, triple it. I want officers in every door, I want the gate closed at all times. No one comes in without my knowing, is that clear?" she paused to hear the other end of the line. "I'll explain tomorrow. Thank you. Also, the pizza has arrived, would it be much trouble if- Thank you."
She hung up and got back to where the medical student was with a decided and firm expression.
"You can stay here as long as you want, Sarah."
"Are you sure?"
"Completely. If my brother wanted you to stay with me is because he found no other solution," she sighed. "Have you contacted the police?"
"I have. I have direct contact with Detective Lindsay."
Claire smiled. "Detective Lindsay? It's been years since I've heard about her."
Sarah looked at her quizzically. "Wait. Do you know her?"
"Of course I know her. She and Connor were inseparable. That was until Connor was arrested."
Sarah eyes almost bulged out of her sockets. "Connor was arrested?!"
Claire frowned. "He's never told you about that?"
Sarah sat back, confused, and somewhat disappointed. "No, he hasn't."
"Well, it was a very difficult time for him. He made a few wrong decisions in high school."
"What kind of decisions?" Sarah pressed on.
Claire looked regretful, and tried to avert the subject. "Look, I shouldn't-"
"Please, Claire. I have to know. I need to know how important this is."
Claire sighed, conflicted.
"I think it's best if Connor told you himself. It's really not my place. I'm sorry I even brought it up."
Sarah sighed, stressed. So Claire was not telling her anything. She crossed her arms over herself, motion that didn't go unnoticed by Claire.
"Look, it's not as bad as it sounds. It was a misdemeanor. You could ask him about it tomorrow. I'm sure he'll tell you all about it."
Sarah nodded, yet felt conflicted. What had Connor hadn't been telling her. Had he been lying about something this whole time?
The conversation carried on casually after that, and each got to know the other a little bit better. Sarah told Claire about her work at the hospital and how she had met Connor. She told her about the incident at the nurses' station where she was attacked, and how Connor had always been there for her. How their attraction towards one another had grown into love.
Claire, on the other hand, focused more on her work. She explained that she was an attorney and that she had helped with a very controversial case when she was in college, which had opened multiple doors for her career. She was currently helping Italy and Alaska, not to mention America, with multiple cases that were presented to her, and with that came a lot of benefits, including the house and service.
They both decided to call it a night by 2 a.m. Claire gave her a quick tour of the house and where she would be sleeping, which happened to be almost the size of Sarah's whole apartment.
"I told Antonio to help you get your stuff here, so you don't have to go alone."
"Thanks, Claire. I told Connor I'd wait for him to get here to go and do that…" she said, reserved.
Claire nodded, the sound of his brother's name upsetting her a little.
"Tell him I say hi when you see him," she sighed.
"I will," Sarah nodded.
After Claire let her be and she installed herself properly in the bedroom, continuous racing thoughts flooded her mind. Had she done the right thing coming here? Had she put Claire in danger? The idea of increased security soothed her, but couldn't drive her tenseness away completely. She knew she would never find peace until Joey was behind bars… and she knew neither would Connor.
She reached a hand inside her shirt and grabbed her ring, pressing it tightly against her palm. Her heart ached at the thought of him. Meeting Claire had given her a new insight of why he had distanced himself from his family, and it pained her to think of how much he must have suffered from it. Yet another issue pressed on her mind. What could Connor not have told her? They were going to be married soon, for heaven's sake. There was no room for lying or hiding information anymore. Especially not now.
She tried to get some sleep, unsuccessfully, because everything looked different, smelled different, felt different and was different than what she had come to know. Her body begged for rest, but her mind wouldn't give it to it.
Her phone vibrated from the bedside table and she stretched to take it. Her eyes, narrowing at the newly coming source of light.
She jumped into a sitting position and felt her heart beat out of her chest when she read the message she had been sent from an unknown number.
"No… please, no. Please…" she begged the darkness. She felt she was going to pass out from anguish.
Dearest little Sarah Reese, where could baby Owen be?
Please let me know your thoughts on the chapter and announcement!