A Mother's Love
"Whatcha doing?" Sara looked up to her husband's piercing blue eyes.
"Recalling the day Catherine gave me this charm."
"Oh, after Halley was born." Sara nodded her head. "It's beautiful, couldn't blame you for always admiring it."
Sara chuckled, "Seems like it was yesterday…"
It had been a great, but hectic day. Sara was discharged from the hospital which meant it was time to bring Halley home. Gil helped Sara out of the car and handed her Halley while trying to juggle the keys and overnight bag. Sara set Halley's car seat down and eased her way onto the couch. It was a second later Hank trotted into the room and pounced on her legs.
"Oh, easy boy! Mommy's still a little sore." Sara was about to push him off when Gil did it for her. He reprimanded the dog and sent him off to the kitchen. "Gil, he doesn't know better."
"I know, but you need to take it easy." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. She eventually cupped his face in her hands. As he leaned forward, deepening the kiss, she winced. He backed off. "I'm sorry Sara. I should've realized."
"It's ok. I'm achy all over." She peered over at her sleeping baby. "I think I'll get some sleep while she's sleeping. Can you let me know if she wakes? She might need a feeding."
"Of course. You need your rest." He held out his hand and she graciously accepted. With his other hand on the small of her back, he led her to the stairs. "I love you." He added.
"I love you, too." She smiled then continued to the bedroom.
After what felt like five minutes, Sara woke to the phone ringing. She tiptoed to the top of the stairs and did her best to make out the conversation. All she could hear was the hushed voice of Gil telling the person on the other end his wife was sleeping. She was tired of straining so she walked to the kitchen.
"When she gets up I'll tell her you called."
"She's up." Gil's head perked up and had an apologetic look on his face.
"I think the phone woke her Cath. Hold on let me ask her." Gil put his hand over the phone. "She wants to know if she can stop by. If you're too tired she understands."
"I'm fine; of course she can stop by. Just give me 15 minutes for Halley." Gil reiterated the info to Catherine. After a few more words, he hung up the phone.
"She said it'll be quick. She just wants to give you something. But honestly she said she won't feel bad -"
"Gil, you need to relax." With that, she gave him a peck on the lips.
"I know she just gave birth yesterday and she needs her rest, but I had to give this to her."
"Cath, Sara just told me to relax, and so do you. Here," Gil directed Catherine to the living room. "I'll leave you two be." He gave her a pat on the back and headed to his study. As Catherine continued to the couch, Halley was bundled in a purple blanket securely held by Sara. The site was breathtaking.
"She's even more beautiful than yesterday! Hi Sweetie, it's Aunt Catherine." She gave the baby a gentle kiss on the forehead and attempted to give Sara a one armed hug. "Hey Sar, you look great!"
Sara could only roll her eyes. "Ha ha, nice sweet talk Cath, but that's impossible with the already lack of sleep I've gotten."
"Nonsense, I on the other hand, looked like I got run over! But seriously, you two made a gorgeous baby!"
"Thanks. Not to sound like a stereotypical parent, but I've never seen anything like her. I never thought I would have this, and now that I do I couldn't imagine anything else." Catherine formed a weak smile and gave Sara a sympathetic rub on the shoulder.
"You're right, she is something." Catherine slipped her purse over her shoulder and removed a tiny felt bag. "I was browsing through the Pandora store and spotted the perfect charm for your bracelet. I can hold Halley." Sara exchanged Halley for the felt bag.
"Cath, you really didn't have to do this. You planned the baby shower and gave Halley so much she could be set for life -" Sara stopped her sentence midstream. She was gaping at a dangling charm that had her daughter's birth stone on it. "You know, when Gil and I started trying for a baby, besides wishing for a healthy pregnancy, I wished for our baby to be born in May. I don't know why, but I always loved the time of year -" Again, Sara stopped midstream. She couldn't contain her tears anymore; they were falling down her cheeks. She sniffled and put a hand to her face. Catherine instantly stood up and set Halley in her seat. She gripped Sara in a hug and rubbed her back in circular motions.
"Yes, I knew that. I'd lost count of how many times you told everyone once you were told the due date." She heard Sara give a tiny laugh. "I agree it's a beautiful month, with a beautiful birthstone. That's why I got it for you. When I had Lindsey, my mom got me a necklace that had Lindsey's birthstone on it." Catherine could feel Sara's breathing calm so she released her arms. She handed her a tissue and took a breath before continuing. "I know we haven't been best friends, but that doesn't mean I don't care for you. Ever since you started working here, I guess I've considered myself a motherly figure."
Sara gazed into her eyes. "Really?"
"Without a doubt. I wasn't welcoming at first, but when I got to know you I regretted my actions. Whether you realized or not, I've always kept an eye on you. I don't want to get into your personal business, but I've noticed your behavior with abusive cases, dealing with women and children." Sara's body tensed at the words. Her eyes glistened with fresh tears and she fidgeted trying to find a comfortable spot. "This – has worried me. I don't know what happened in your past, but everything's behind you. I know you get affected, so I guess it's been a reaction of mine to spot you."
"Thanks, I appreciate it. It helps - what you do. You being here has filled the missing piece in my life. You've made me realize it was possible to have this life as well as it be deserved."
"Deserved? Sara, please tell me you didn't think you deserved this?" Catherine was facing Sara straight on with a perplexed look on her face.
"My past is complicated, I've only ever told Gil, but yes. After what I went through I thought I didn't deserve what my mother had before it went to hell." The air went silent for a few minutes before anyone spoke.
"Sara." Catherine grasped her hand. "I'm so, so sorry for whatever happened to you and your family, but that proves you deserved this and so much more! By having this life that most people would kill for, it proves it's possible to overcome something like that. Don't you ever think you're unworthy because you are far from it." By this point, Catherine was squeezing Sara's hand. Sara's head had dropped so Catherine used her thumb to lift it. "Understand?" Sara nodded her head and leaned into Catherine. No more words were needed as the women clung to each other.
Well…? This one turned out sadder than the others, but I've always felt a scene like this was needed between Sar & Cath. It's not that apparent on the show, but it felt right when writing this story. I have a plan for the next installment, whenever that happens, and that'll definitely be happier and more uplifting. Reviews are loved ;)
