Big thanks to titania522 and Jgllove11159 for beta-ing this chapter for me.
CHAPTER 4/5
Katniss POV
"Am I interrupting something Kitty Kat?"
Damn, I bet seeing me all frustrated and red-faced, its something Finnick enjoys. I give him a dirty look but I cannot hold it too long because this is great news to share and he is going to be so happy too.
"Finn, Peeta is a match," I say and I can hear my voice full of emotion.
"I know Kat. That's why I came looking for you, I knew after you sign the authorization form and his doctor called me. And all the inside gossip you know. But look what I found. I hope you have not forgotten our lunch date, " he winks. I risk a sideways look at Peeta, who is visibly uncomfortable with his hands inside his pockets.
"Peeta, Dr. Aurelius' mentioned that maybe you will want to talk about some specific questions in Prim's case, I understand that you're not as familiar as Katniss is with all this, but that would be near impossible. I think she knows more than I do on the subject" Finn jokes.
Peeta smiles but it doesn't reach his eyes. I start to feel downright uncomfortable with these side glances and knowing looks that I frankly don't understand between the three of us. "Guys, I have to go back. Mark is waiting. I'll call you later Peeta"
Mark is the little one I'm working with today; he had multiple fractures after falling from a horse a year ago. He's needed two surgeries and barely managed to take his first steps again. Exercises are painful and tiresome, but we have a good bond. That's the reason his mom has refused to find another therapist despite my many absences. Some time ago, I was the star therapist here now very few are still with me and I cannot really blame them. Prim has been my priority and that will not change anytime soon, but today she is fine and I need get to work. I have to take advantage of this.
As Prim's treatment progresses she is getting weaker every day. Peeta is worried. In the short time he can see she laugh a lot less, and sleeps a lot more. I explained to him that is to be expected. They're giving higher doses in order to kill the highest possible number of cancer cells before receiving the new cells from Peeta. These are just side effects of chemo treatment, I tell him, trying to project confidence and being brave but I, myself, am worried sick.
This time it's being really aggressive. Previous treatments have been more benevolent, it broke my heart every time, but now I'm scared to death. All my hopes rest on the transplant, I don't know if I can go through this again, what if it fails?
Peeta came to see us almost every day, when not staying for dinner, he bought cookies or he waited with us at the hospital. I found myself looking forward for his visits. He and Prim are somewhat building their relationship and they seems to be enjoying it.
He is everything I have dreamed for her, he has the patience that I lack, and he plays with her like if he's another child. He calls several times a day, I'm sure they fell in love with each other all ready, and Prim is all about Peeta.
Mommy today Peeta did this "or" what time is Peeta coming mom? Can I call him? At first I was worried that he would get tired of her but he seems to enjoy it as much as she does.
Prim is usually angry with me after her dosis, she blames me for what's happening to her, in her own childish language, she rejects me or frowns at me, especially because I'm the one taking her to the hospital no matter how much she begs. Now all she wants is to talk with Peeta right after her chemo. She melts with him and I melt just watching them.
He even charmed the pants of my mother the day he met her. Her words when he left were, and I quote "You could do a lot worse, honey". It hurt but I expect it by now. Most of the time she acts like I'm not even there, like I'm a ghost or something, until now she had only reacted to her work and Prim. Peeta a stranger for her comes here with his way with words and she is all smiles and kindness. I can't help but resent it.
He didn't come today. He said his family wanted meet Prim and I panicked. And is not about Prim, she loves meeting new people. I am the one who is not ready yet. Peeta's daily presence in my house is refreshing, but I'm still getting used to it. My daughter is happy with him and I'm positive he genuinely cares, plus it doesn't hurt that he is the one cooking now and he always brings dessert. He really seems like a good man but I have… issues.
It's too much, too soon... I just agree to tell her he is her daddy. He insisted from the beginning but I had so many doubts.I was terrified of what questions Prim could make me but Peeta was right, is just a little girl and she didn't made many questions, or difficult ones at least.
I have to admit that my biggest fear was that Peeta soon realized how complicated it would be his life and decided to leave. But so far, he hasn't given me any reason to think that way.
I'm still recovering from how stressful it was for me. Even when I remember I have to admit that it was much simpler than I thought.
Prim was ecstatic, she jumped into Peeta's arms who happily hugged her, he actually cried when she asked him if it was for real, and then we ate the cake he brought and toasted with milk to celebrate. I'm so relieved that she has only 3 years and doesn't need further explanation. It was a good night for Prim, but later that night when Peeta had already gone, she threw up everything she had for dinner.
Haymitch slurred voice interrupts my thoughts "Sweetheart you seem quite distracted today." He is right, I'm doing a shitty job today. I'm worried sick for her today but I had bills to pay. Couldn't miss a good tip night again
"Sorry, I have a lot on my mind"
" How is little sweetheart doing?"
" You know, chemo makes her exhausted, she's sick to her stomach"
"How much longer for the transplant?"
"Her last cycle will end this week, then they will analyze her hoping It goes into remission and if so they will go ahead with the transplant as soon as possible"
"And you? Are you sleeping?" Haymitch looks at me skeptically
I answer with a bitter laugh. "I don't even remember what a good night sleep is anymore"
" You're no good if you are too exhausted and on the edge of a nervous breakdown. For what I can see, maybe you should give those pills Effie gave you another shot, you look like you need it"
"I'm not that bad and I'm not coming back to take those damned pills again. The last time I took them I was so sleepy that I didn't hear Prim vomiting. She was coughing so loud and I was useless. Do you remember? She couldn't wake me up and she fell asleep all dirty and wet in her pajamas. Then two day's later she caught a flu followed by pneumonia. No Haymitch, it won't happen again"
"I'm jus sayin that you need to sleep sweetheart. And that sunny disposition will not make you earn more tips ."
I'm so happy to see Finnick at the bar a few moments later. I like to see him out of the hospital. He is Prim's doctor but we have built a solid friendship. He was so sad with her first relapse diagnosis, I was the one comforting him.
"Hey Everdeen" he seductively greets me
"Hey handsome" It's an old game between the two of us, we flirted all the time but is harmless, although he is undoubtedly the most handsome man I know but I'm not attracted to him. And I think when he realized that I was immune to his charms he decided we could be good friends.
"How's everything? I hardly see you now that you always have company. Is he ever going to leave you alone?" he says with a wink.
"I guess you're talking about me". A man voice startled me.
"Peeta" I feel like I'd just seen a ghost. Finn turns his head towards me and then to see Peeta and then back again with this unreadable expression on his face
"You're Prim's doctor, right? " He asks warily.
"Yeah, but you can call me Finnick. I'm not much for formalities right Kitten?" He asks as makes eye contact with me.
"What can offer you guys?" I say with every intention of interrupting what seems to me like the beginning of a pissing contest.
"What about three beers, Kitty Kat? So you can join us with one?"
"No way, Doctor Hotshot, she has work to do" yells Haymitch from his table. It never ceases to amaze me how aware he is of his surrounding us, regardless of the amount of white liquor he has taken. Finn and Peeta engage small talk.
It's late and people start to leave the bar. I have a few free minutes and Haymitch and I approached the boys. "So… Blondie there is the father right?" Asks Haymitch
"Right".
"I heard you're going to donate" says Finn.
" I hope so, they need to do some tests yet to decide if I'm a good match"
"Well, I'm glad she finally find a match. Prim is a great girl, and the mother is a hell of a fighter"
"I bet she is" Peeta replies watching me intently. I feel heat creeping over my cheeks. I've never been able to accept compliments but I know it is more than that. "Those eyes always looking straight into mine make me nervous".
"A tireless pain in the ass, is what that one is" exclaims Haymitch to which I reply with a scowl.
I walk away from the table to go for another round of beers. When Finn reaches me at the bar he throws an arm around my shoulders, he leans near my ear and says "I think that Blondie over there feels a bit jealous of me. Can't say I blame him though"
I move my head in slow motion to see a concentrated Peeta removing the label from his bottle of beer.
"Why would he be jealous?"
"Oh KittyKat you're too smart to be so obtuse" smugly says, he kisses my cheek and walks away from me.
I approached Peeta while Finn and Haymitch have one of their legendary discussions about the politics in Panem. I'm pretty sure they won't pay attention to us.
"Why are you here Peeta?"
"I wanted to see you" he answers, still removing the label of his bear.
" Why?"
"I felt terrible about the argument we had before. You're right this is very complicated and I shouldn't pressure you to meet my family if you're not ready yet."
Against my better judgment I find myself saying "No, you were right Peeta, you are entitled to involve your family, especially in such an uncertain situation like this…we can't wait until I'm ready, maybe I never will be."
He sees me with sad eyes and tells me "I just wanted to see you, I missed you today" I'm about to answer me too when my phone rings and I see its Hazel calling. I just know…something must be wrong with Prim "Hello"
"Hi baby" Yeah that baby sounds bad.
I hoarsely answer "Hi Hazel What happened? "
"Honey Prim is still throwing up, she is beginning to dehydrate. Vick and I are on our way to the hospital."
"Thanks Hazel I be right there" The expression on my face must say all because my three companions are on their feet watching me expectantly, Finnick is already holding his car keys. I tell them what has happened and Haymitch literally pushes me out of the bar with Finn and Peeta following my steps.
I climb in Peeta's car, Finn following behind us in his Audi. "Poor Finn he just finished his shift and now is going back, he must really loves us "
Peeta's mouth is now a tight line and nods his head.
Once at the hospital, I take Peeta's hand and we follow Finn. When we got to Prim she's with Vick and Hazel. Finns tells us that we wait outside.
Shortly Finn comes out "You can come in now" he says. He also explains she is stable and it was a chemotherapy side effect. It's best for her to spend the night here.
"Thanks Finn" I tell him as I throw my arms to his neck in a hug.
"Anytime Kitten, you know that"
"Thanks man" says Peeta and shakes their hands.
"See you guys tomorrow" he says and kisses my head. Then he is out.
"Peeta go home, I'll stay here "
"No way, I'm staying too" he begins to touch Prim bald head rhythmically with feather touches, then he kisses her forehead. I try to look into his eyes but I can't because my eyes are clouded by tears, the lump rises in my throat.
He takes me with his strong hands and lifts me from the chair, he sits on it and then sits me on his legs. "Shh baby it's ok now" he says hugging me. I throw my arms around his neck, he puts his arms around my waist we stay like this for a while, him rocking while I cry my stress away. It feels so impossibly good that I'm positive there is no other place I rather be.
My tears eventually run out and I start to relax in his embrace; in his smell, his arms, the beating of his heart.
I inadvertently start talking "I wish you had met her before, she had blond hair, just like yours, I loved to brush it, I think it was relaxing for both of us."
"She's beautiful as it is now with colored ribbons on her head and without them too, and her hair will grow back again. We must have faith Katniss"
"It's not the hair that I'm worried about"
"I know honey, but everything will be all right, and no matter what happens you will never be lonely again. I'm not going anywhere."
Peeta sometimes says things like this and I don't know how to take them, but a part of my mind wishes that he says this things also for me. Not just because we are in the middle of this sad situation. He is one of those people who are good by nature, like Prim, with blessed hearts, and I know he is doing the right thing being present for his daughter and supporting me.
We've became sort of friends in the process in this short time but I sometimes wish he mean something else.
We spend the night chatting about Prim before falling to sleep.
Finn is back in the morning to check on Prim, she is still weak. Peeta called his father to say he will skip work. Peeta has beautiful, expressive eyes and that's why I notice something came up with his call that made him nervous. Looking confused by this and whispering so I can't listen " What's up? Don't worry if you have to go…" I tell him trying to save him the awkwardness.
"It's not that"
"Then what is it?"
"My dad says it's ok with him if I miss work every time you or Prim need me, he'll call Tresh to cover my shift but he insists on meeting his granddaughter, and he will not take no for an answer… he is on his way…Rye too."
I open my eyes so big that it actually hurts. "Oh no no no I'm not ready, not ready…!"
"What is going on mommy?"Great! Now I woke Prim! Fuck, I guess I'm not going to fight this. I glare at Peeta, as if he had been the one who woke the girl. Serves him right.
"Little duck, Peeta's dad, wants to meet you"
" And my brother" Peeta replies enthusiastically, another reason why he gains another glare. At least he has the grace to look down.
Prim looks at me confused, "Mommy you don't want them to come?"
"No little duck. Just took me by surprise" poor excuse but what the hell was I supposed to answer?
"I love surprises!" she tries to sound excited but she is so weak that Peeta looks a little frightened, he is new at this and I remember how it was so scary for me at the beginning so I decide I won't give him more shit about this.
Hazel comes to check Prim's vitals, but actually I think it is an excuse for her to meet Peeta. She is a strong woman and I love her for that. She doesn't melt with Peeta like my mother but gives me a nod of approval when she leaves the room.
A little after that Peeta leaves the room to go to the vending machine for something to eat when someone knocks at the door "Come in" I say.
Two blond heads peer through the door. I know well who they are, and nerves begin to creep on me... Prim looks intrigued, she is used to strangers come in and out of her room so I'm guessing it is mainly because the young man carries a huge teddy bear that he cannot completely hide behind his back.
" Hi Katniss" Mr. Mellark walks towards me. I'm awestruck. He kisses my temple. What the hell I'm not used to people touching me and I'm not particularly comfortable with "The very famous Primrose. Is that correct? "
"Mmhmmm" she replies proudly.
"Then I think this is for you" he says and the younger blonde comes closer and hands her the teddy bear. Prim looks ecstatic. The blond man turns around to look at me.
"I'm Rye and given Peeta description you must be Katniss" He hugs me so hard, my feet off the floor.
"You're scaring her Rye" says Peeta. Thank God he's back. He squeezes my shoulder in a gesture of reassurance and introduces us properly to his family.
Rye and Mr. Mellark will definitely spoil Prim, they have brought cookies, that she can't have right now, and toys. Apparently they couldn't agree on what to get so they decided to buy it all for her.
"We we're dying to meet you little one" says Mr. Mellark and I think I see tears in his blue eyes and in Peeta's too. They chat and play until they should return to work.
When Prim is discharged and we finally arrived at the apartment Peeta helps me take Prim to bed and stays with her until she falls asleep. He truly is amazing with her.
I wonder how our lives would be if he were always here with us.
Thanks for reading , please review.
Next chapter is already written so it shouldn't take long. :)