Thank you so much to everybody who has read/reviewed/PM'd! Ok, this brilliant idea that I'm going to write about in this chapter (Mr. Hugh Jackman will make an appearance again...plus come back in the next chapter :P) came from Poppinswannabe, so thanks girl! :) As always, feel free to leave a review ;)
The first thing Andrea realized as she slowly opened her eyes was that she actually slept through a whole night without waking up from night sweats or nightmares. The cause of her restful slumber was the beautiful woman still peacefully sleeping not five inches away from her. Letting out a small gasp at remembering the night before, Andrea closed her eyes and rested her forehead against Miranda's as she sighed and thanked whatever deity there was for giving her another chance. Miranda's arms were wrapped around Andrea's thin frame, and the brunette's arms were pressed tightly against her own chest, slightly brushing the swell of the older woman's breasts. Pressing her full lips on the smooth skin between Miranda's breasts, Andrea traced her fingertips against her lover's collarbone, fascinated by the elegance of it. Her hand reached higher until it caressed Miranda's neck, and then made its way to the Editor's pink lips. Andrea's fingertip gently traced the thin upper lip and then leaned in to press her lips against Miranda's. The silver-haired woman mumbled something in her sleep, and Andrea grinned against her lips. The brunette kept stroking Miranda's lips languidly with her own, gently coaxing the older woman awake. Finally, crystal blue eyes peered open to look into dark pools swimming with love.
"Good morning beautiful," Andrea whispered, her eyes crinkling in a loving smile.
"You stayed," Miranda said hoarsely, revealing her vulnerability. She wrapped her arms more firmly around Andrea, making the younger woman's heart break at how she hurt Miranda the first time.
"Of course I did," Andrea wriggled her arm out from in between their chests, and brushed a silvery lock of hair out of Miranda's face. "I'm never going to make that mistake again. I love you so much."
"Oh god Andrea," Miranda whimpered and rested her forehead against Andrea's. "I do too...so much it almost hurts. I never want to wake up alone again."
"Me neither," Andrea agreed, nuzzling her nose against Miranda's.
"I loved the wake-up call," Miranda smiled.
"I did too," Andrea grinned back and then leaned in to kiss Miranda properly. When she pulled back, both of them were a bit dazed from the intensity of the kiss. "You know," Andrea panted slightly, out of breath, "I was right about what I said last night."
"And what was that?"
"It was the first time in months where I've actually been able to sleep through all throughout the night. You help calm my mind, as well as my body."
"You'll never have to sleep alone again," Miranda said vehemently. "And you help calm me too Andrea."
And after her declaration, both women were locked in a heated kiss once more, letting their passion and love for each other take over.
Miranda had her cheek resting on the top of Andrea's head as she traced the bruises on Andrea's arms. After making love, they laid together peacefully, propped up against the headboard of the bed. Their hands were intertwined, and they talked for a while about Runway, the girls, and life in general. Avoiding the subject of cancer at all costs, they chose to talk about light topics, like the latest movie, or the hottest new up and coming designer.
"Hey, I have to go to the bathroom," Andrea kissed the bridge of Miranda's nose. "I'll be right back."
She slid out of bed and padded to the bathroom naked. She picked up her discarded tank-top and shorts off the floor from where she had thrown them as they made love, and sauntered to the bathroom. Miranda watched her go with a smile on her face. After the brunette had returned from the bathroom fully dressed, Miranda followed her loves example and went to the restroom too. When she was done, she found her love leaning up against the backboard of the bed in the same position she was in earlier. Miranda climbed into her bed, rejoining the brunette, and rested her head on Andrea's shoulder. As she laid with the love of her life, she felt the most content she had in all of her 54 years of life.
"What time is it?" she asked out of the blue.
"It's 8:30," Andrea said after glancing at the clock by her bedside. "Where are the twins?"
"Oh, it's Saturday," Miranda waved her hand carelessly. "They'll be up soon. They would be up at a later time, but I refuse to let them sleep for so long on the weekends."
Andrea chuckled and then gasped as a familiar piercing pain shot through her abdomen.
"Andrea what is it?" Miranda gasped and sat up as she ran her hand over the brunette's back.
"Ugh," Andrea groaned. "It's what happened at the Oscars. I get this piercing pain in my stomach sometimes...It's getting worse every day."
"What can I do?" Miranda looked at her, feeling hopeless. She wanted to take her love's pain away, and it killed her a little to see that she could do virtually nothing to ease the pain.
"Nothing," Andrea doubled over, clutching her stomach. "It'll pass."
Miranda soothingly ran her hand over Andrea's back, trying to do anything to make the pain-struck woman feel more comfortable. Andrea's forehead broke out in a sweat, and she panted as her stomach contorted. "I think it's because I haven't eaten anything in so long," Andrea closed her eyes and rested her head back against the headboard. "Lymphoma shouldn't cause my stomach to act like this."
"I'm calling the doctor right away and we're going in for an appointment today," Miranda said immediately.
"My doctor is Dr. Ethen Garrison," Andrea murmured. "Thank you Mira."
Miranda's response was to nod and pull the brunette in for a comforting hug. Resting her chin on Miranda's shoulder, she inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of the older woman. The pain in her stomach subsided, and Andrea tucked her face in the crook of Miranda's neck. The two women sat in contemplative silence until the twins' footsteps alerted them to the arrival of the twins. A knock sounded at the door, and Miranda called out, "Come in!"
"Mom!" Caroline cried and then faltered when she saw Andrea in her mother's arms.
"Andy?" Cassidy gasped.
"Um, hi girls," Andrea smiled weakly.
"Where did you come from?" Caroline crossed her arms.
"Um..."
"Girls, Andrea is here because last night she needed to be with someone," Miranda jumped in to save the brunette.
"Oh," Cassidy said, not knowing what to say. She knew that her mother had been hurt beyond belief, and although she didn't know the details, she knew Andy had been involved. Eyeing the brunette warily, she was grateful to hear her sister pipe up.
"Are you here to hurt Mom again?" Caroline raised an eyebrow and glared at the brunette.
"Caroline!" Miranda scolded and gently squeezed Andrea's tense arms.
"What?" Caroline shrugged and looked defiantly at her mother. "I want to know if she's here to ruin you again. Because if she is, I'll-"
"Caroline Anne Priestly, I don't want to hear such words come out of your mouth again. Andrea has a serious form of cancer, and all is forgiven. There was a miscommunication and that is the end of it," Miranda snapped. Hearing a quiet sniffling, her broke when she realized Andrea was crying softly. Turning to Andrea, she wiped the tears that fell from her brown eyes and looked deeply into the chocolate pools, trying to convey her love and forgiveness.
"I'm sorry," Caroline looked down shamefully. "It wasn't right of me to-"
"No," Andrea broke in, her voice cracking a little. "I understand your protective nature of your Mom. I made a terrible mistake, and it almost cost me the love of my life-" Hearing the twins' surprised gasp, Andrea pushed on, "yes, I love your Mother to the ends of the earth and back. She is everything to me, and I am so sorry that I hurt her so much."
"All is forgiven," Miranda repeated, squeezing Andrea's hand gently.
Cassidy timidly walked over and climbed up on the bed, sitting across from Andrea and her mom. "What kind of cancer do you have Andy?"
"Lymphoma," Andrea sighed and looked down. "My survival rate isn't good right now."
"I told you not to say that," Miranda whispered fiercely, making both her daughters open their mouths in shock. Their mother had never been so adamant about something that wasn't related to Runway, grades, or their personal lives. Apparently Andrea had become part of the family, and therefore, into their personal lives. They looked at each other, and then communicating silently as twins can do, they agreed that they would accept Andrea in their family. The brunette was kind, smart, and took the time to get to know them.
"I'm sorry Mira," Andrea kept her eyes trained on the bedspread.
Caroline walked over and joined her family on the bed. "Andy, you've got to fight. Please? For us?"
"Of course I will sweetie," Andrea reached over and clutched Caroline's hand firmly.
"But you have to promise something," Cassidy said seriously.
"Anything," Andrea leaned over and held Cassidy's hand too.
"Don't ever hurt my mom again," Cassidy said, her piercing green eyes locked on Andrea's.
Swallowing, Andrea nodded her agreement and choked out, "I swear."
"Good."
Andrea looked at the bowl of oatmeal in front of her, thinking inanely that it was odd for her stomach not to growl. She picked up the spoon and poked at the lumpy food, resting her other hand on the back of her neck. Sitting with one leg under her, Miranda was seated to her right, and the twins sat across from her. Snorting to herself, Andrea found it crazy to believe that she was actually eating breakfast with the Priestly family. She put some of the oats on her spoon, and lifted it before setting it back down in the bowl.
"Andrea, you must eat something," Miranda looked concernedly at her young lover.
"I know, I'm just not hungry," Andrea sighed and rubbed the back of her neck.
"You promised you'd try," Cassidy reminded her.
"I know," Andrea closed her eyes and re-opened them.
She picked the spoon up again and lifted it to her mouth. Grimacing, she popped the spoon in her mouth and chewed the oatmeal quickly before swallowing. Her empty stomach twisted when the food hit it, and Andrea hid a wince. Cassidy seemed satisfied, and went back to eating her own breakfast. Miranda reached across the table and grabbed Andrea's hand. Squeezing it, she mouthed, 'thank you.' Andrea gave her a weak smile and returned the loving grip. She forced herself to choke down the rest of the oatmeal and then rested her head in her hands when she was done. Concentrating on evening her breathing, she didn't hear the girls leave.
"Andrea? Are you ok?" Miranda stroked her hand on the brunette's face.
"Yes, I just need a moment," Andrea looked up. "Where are the twins?"
"They went to go get changed. Cassidy is going to a movie, and Caroline has tennis practice and then sleeping over at a friend's house," Miranda explained. Seeing the ashen look on Andrea's face, she offered, "You can take a bath or shower if you want if it would help you."
"I might, thank you," Andrea smiled at Miranda. "A cold shower sounds perfect."
"I'll call the doctor while you're in the shower," Miranda stood up and cleared both of their dishes. Walking over to the counter, she was in the process of rinsing them off when a pair of arms circled around her waist.
"Are you sure you don't want to join me?" a husky voice purred in her ear.
Shivering, Miranda shook her head. "As much as the offer tempts me, I really must call the doctor."
"He can wait," Andrea kissed the tender spot behind Miranda's ear.
"But your health can't," Miranda turned around in the embrace and gave her a gentle kiss.
Andrea pouted, knowing that she had lost. Miranda kissed the bridge of the brunette's nose before proceeding to kiss the pout off of Andrea's face. When they parted, Andrea sighed blissfully and pulled Miranda even closer for a hug.
"Okay, I'll go take a cold shower," Andrea paused dramatically. "All by myself."
"You will be fine," Miranda shook her head affectionately.
"Fine," Andrea pouted again, but turned away to head upstairs. But before she could leave, Miranda caught her by the arm and spun her around in for one more kiss.
"I love you," Miranda reminded her.
Andrea's smile was blinding. "And I love you."
After the brunette had exited the kitchen, Miranda pulled out her iPhone and made a quick call to the doctors. After using her best 'Editor' voice, she had quickly set up an appointment with Dr. Garrison for 4:00. Smirking, she headed upstairs and paused at Caroline's door. She knocked and poked her head in after she heard the affirmation, relieved to find both of her daughters in the same room. Cassidy, wearing jeans and boots, looked more dressed up than Caroline, who was in her tennis gear. Both of them were looking in the mirror and assessing their bodies and their outfits.
"Hey Mom," Caroline greeted as she turned sideways to look at her profile.
"Hi Bobbseys," Miranda said. She walked to their bed and perched herself regally on it. "Girls, I'm not going to beat around the bush. Are you alright with me dating Andrea?"
Cassidy swiped some mascara through her lashes and answered, "As long as she doesn't hurt you again. She's actually pretty cool."
"Caroline?" Miranda asked.
"I think she's ok," the more protective twin turned serious. "But I agree with Cass. If she ever hurts you again..." she trailed off, fiddling with a leather bracelet that adorned her wrist. Miranda had tired multiple times, unsuccessfully, to get her to take it off, but Caroline was resolved to wear it, saying that it was her 'lucky' bracelet. It always helped her win tennis matches, and Caroline was convinced that if she ever lost or decided not to wear it, she would lose.
"I understand your concern girls, but I am very confident that Andrea will not disappoint me again," Miranda crossed her legs. "She is everything to me."
Cassidy screwed the top back on the mascara bottle and sat down next to her mom, wrapping her in a tight hug. Caroline followed suit, and Miranda kissed both of them on the top of their heads.
"We're really glad that you've found her then," Cassidy said. "You deserve some happiness."
"Thank you both," Miranda held them tighter.
"No problem Mom," Caroline grinned and stood up from the bed.
"I'm going to take her to the doctor's today," Miranda said and bit her lip. "We'll have to stay overnight after the chemo is administered."
"Everything will work out," Caroline leaned in and kissed her mother on the cheek, "I hope Andy is okay, and I hope that you won't stay up all night worrying about her. I'm really sorry, but I have to run; my tennis lesson is in 20 minutes."
"Do you need a ride from Roy?" Miranda asked, fiddling with the sash of her robe.
"Nah, Katie's mom is going to take us," Caroline pecked her mom on the cheek and grabbed her tennis bag. "Thanks though! See you tomorrow."
She left and it was Cassidy's turn to stand up. She stretched and picked her Coach bag up from the floor.
"I also wish you guys luck," Cassidy sighed. "It really sucks-"
"Language!"
"-stinks that you guys have to go through that. I wish I could go, but I have to meet Zoe in a little while," Cassidy said.
"It's alright sweetie. Have a good time," Miranda rested her hands on her slim thighs and watched as her beautiful daughter blow her a kiss and skip out the door.
Chuckling to herself, she got up off the bed and made her way into her bedroom. She heard the shower run and was just about to slip her nightgown off to join her love when a phone rang. Obviously, it was Andrea's because her ringtone sounded different, but it wasn't on the nightstand where she thought it would be. After scanning the room quickly with her eyes, Miranda spotted the iPhone resting on the floor and bent over to pick it up, intent on turning it to silent, but the caller id made her freeze. Hugh Jackman. Growling, Miranda swiped her finger over the 'answer' icon on the screen and lifted it to her ear, cooly saying, "Hello."
"Andy?" the charming Australian accent sounded over the phone.
Rolling her eyes at the actor's stupid assumption when clearly her voice was so different than the sweet brunette's, Miranda huffed, "No. Miranda Priestly."
"Miranda?" Hugh Jackman sounded surprised.
"Clearly your cognitive thought process is what attracted Mr. Tom Hooper to give you the role in the first place," Miranda rolled her eyes.
"Sorry," he said meekly, "is Andy there?"
"No, she's not available right now," Miranda sat down on her bed and ran her hand over the smooth fabric.
"Oh," Hugh faltered, not knowing how to speak to one of the most powerful women in the world. "Um, could you please-"
"Mr. Jackman, I am a very busy woman and don't have time for your idiotic stuttering," Miranda put an extra bit of iciness in her voice, the green monster taking over her body. "I suggest that you tell me whatever it is you want to tell Andrea, and I will make sure that the message will be given to her."
"Right," Hugh loosened his tie. This woman really knew how to knock a man down a few pegs. "Ok. I was calling to ask her if she was all right."
"What do you mean?" Miranda was instantly on high alert.
"She fainted after her performance at the Oscars," Hugh sounded confused. "I didn't see it, but a stage member leaked the story to the press, and it's everywhere. People are speculating if she-"
"That's all," Miranda growled and hung up.
"Hello?" Hugh pulled his phone away from his ear, looked at it, and then shook his head before hanging up.
Miranda stalked to the bathroom and flung the door open. Andrea jumped in the shower, and turned around. The steam from the hot water hid her naked body from view, but her head was still visible.
"Mira? Are you alright?" Andrea looked at her through the foggy glass with concern written in her eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me you fainted at the Oscars?" Miranda got straight to the point.
"Wait, how did you know about that?" Andrea placed her hand on the opaque shower window.
"Your charming friend Hugh Jackman told me that just five minutes ago," Miranda seethed. "Apparently some stage hand leaked the story to the press, and now they are making it as juicy as they can."
Andrea closed her eyes and rested her head against the glass. "Great."
"You still didn't answer my question," Miranda tapped her fingers on her upper arm skittishly.
Andrea lifted her head and looked Miranda in the eyes. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry."
Not knowing what to say to that, Miranda stared off in the distance and felt tears build up. She hugged herself tighter and concentrated on not crying. She really didn't know why she was acting this way. Miranda had no right to be mad at the brunette, and now she was crying on top of everything. Sniffing, she half-heartededly nodded her head and wiped away a couple of errant tears that streaked down her face.
"Miranda," Andrea's voice was laced with pain. "Please, come here."
Miranda's hands seemed to have a mind of their own as they reached down to pull her robe and elegant pajamas off. She padded over to the shower door, and Andrea opened it to let the older woman in. Naked flesh pressed together as Andrea wrapped Miranda in a firm hug. She closed her eyes and let her tears mix with the shower water as she felt the brunette's lanky arms enveloped tightly around her body.
"Will you tell me what's got you so upset?" Andrea asked softly, stroking the iconic silver hair.
"I don't really know," Miranda shook her head. She inhaled deeply, and smelled her soap on the younger woman's body. It gave her a strange sense of comfort, so she opened her mouth again and continued, "I don't like the feeling of not knowing what is happening to you. I hate not being able to protect you from everything. It's like the feeling I get with my children...I need to protect the ones I love, and so far, I'm doing a pretty shitty job of it with you."
Andrea was shocked at the profanity coming out of the usually civilized mouth, but her reaction to the woman's words made her melt. "Oh Mira," Andrea murmured in her ear and held her closer, rocking them gently under the hot spray of water. "Don't you see? You've been protecting me ever since we met again. Unfortunately, you can't protect me from everything, but you help me through all my problems and you love me. That's all I need."
"But-"
"But nothing," Andrea pulled back and her shiny brown eyes bore into Miranda's slightly red ones. "Be there for me. It's all that I can ever ask for."
"I promise I will," Miranda whispered and leaned in to press her lips against Andrea's. Surely, there was nothing more perfect than standing under the warm shower kissing her love. Idly, she thought about when she was a teenager and thought that kissing in the rain was gross whenever she watched movies where the main characters smooched in a pouring downfall. Laughing at her younger self, she parted her lips and let Andrea's tongue slip in. There was nothing more perfect than kissing in the water with Andrea. After they drew apart, Andrea ran her fingers through Miranda's short hair and kissed her on the forehead.
"I love you," Andrea smiled.
"And I love you," Miranda hummed in contentment. Her tears had dried, and her heart was sated. Except- "What about Mr. Jackman?"
"Hugh?" Andrea grinned and held tight when she felt the Editor try and squirm away from her. "He's just a very good friend."
"Hmm," was all Miranda said, feigning indifference.
Andrea chuckled. "What did you say to him?"
"I might have scared him a little," Miranda admitted. "I wasn't very nice."
Andrea sighed with a grin on her lips. "I'll call him later."
"Fine," Miranda scowled.
"I'm all yours beautiful!" Andrea winked and kissed her again.
"Good," Miranda looked down and blew out a breath of air. "What are you going to do about the gossip rags?"
"Well as for the press, I'm past the point of caring about what they write about me," Andrea shrugged. "I'll just take it in stride. I might make a public statement...I might not. I don't know yet."
"I think you should," Miranda thought carefully. "It could be beneficial to everyone. You could set the record straight, and make those deplorable people feel bad about whatever they wrote about you."
"I don't care," Andrea laughed. "But I'll make a statement if you would like me to." And she leaned in once more to ravish her girlfriend under the steamy water.
"This might hurt a bit, but it will soon be over," Dr. Garrison said and inserted a needle with a plastic tube on it through Andrea's vein on the back of her hand.
Andrea sucked in a breath at the sharp sting of it, and whimpered as the needle was pulled out, leaving just the tube within the vein. Miranda watched the procedure, her sympathy and pain for her love reflected in her clear eyes as she squeezed Andrea's other hand tightly. Andrea gave her a tense smile and turned her gaze back to her hand.
"There," the doctor said as he applied an adhesive dressing to keep it clean and in position. "You'll be ready tomorrow morning to leave."
"Thanks doctor," Andrea smiled weakly at him and laid her head back on the headrest of the hospital bed she was laying in.
"If you need anything, just push that button for assistance," he said and jotted a few things down on his notebook. "I'll be back periodically to check on you."
He stood up, nodded twice to the both women before exiting the room. The two women sat together in silence for a while, not knowing what to say. Finally, Miranda broke the silence.
"Thank you Andrea," she said lowly and rested her head on Andrea's hand that didn't have the iv in it.
"I should be thanking you. I need to fight for my life," the brunette said, running her fingers through the beautiful silver hair. "For you, for the girls, for my friends, and for me."
Miranda kissed Andrea's palm and released a few hot tears.
"Darling, come up here with me," Andrea patted the spot next to her.
Miranda nodded silently and squeezed herself in a rather undignified fashion onto the small hospital bed next to the skinny brunette. Curling her body next to Andrea's, she rested on her side so she could look in the actresses big chocolate eyes. Andrea shifted her body so she was facing Miranda, and intertwined their legs to provide warmth, comfort, and a physical connection. Miranda let her tears fall, and her shoulders shook with silent sobs, driving her head to curl into Andrea's neck. Andrea's heart broke, and she wrapped her arm around Miranda's shaking frame.
Opening her mouth, she sang softly,
"Mira, it's turned so cold
Mira, it's past your bedtime
You've played the day away
And soon it will be night.
Miranda felt herself tear up even more, and shut her eyes, letting the brunette's melodic voice wash over her. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks and dripped onto Andrea's pale neck. Miranda's heart broke as she cried for the woman that she loved more than life itself.
Come to me, Mira, the light is fading
Don't you see the evening star appearing?
Andrea could feel herself tearing up too, and she rested her face in Miranda's soft hair. It wasn't fair. It seemed so cruel that she got so little time with this miraculous woman. Lips trembling, her voice wavered slightly as she continued singing the slow-paced, soft tune.
Come to me, and rest against my shoulder
How fast the minutes fly away and every minute colder.
Andrea placed a kiss on Miranda's head, her lips trembling.
Hurry near, another day is dying
Don't you hear, the winter wind is crying?
There's a darkness which comes without a warning
But I will sing you lullabies and wake you in the morning."
Miranda looked up and pressed her lips on Andrea's lips, her tears still streaming down her face. Andrea's eyes cried too, and their salty tears mingled. Pulling away, Miranda kept her blue orbs locked on Andrea's chocolate pools, and no words were spoken-they conveyed everything they were feeling through their eyes. It might have been awkward, staring into each other's eyes for so long, but both women were so emotionally drained, it seemed right. There was no embarrassment, or self-consciousness. It was simply two souls trying to find some comfort admist the turmoil they were both going through.