by Doc
Kerry looked at her watch and couldn't believe it was so late. She got up and tidied the papers on her desk. She realized she spent close to 3 hours reading the same page over and over again. Honestly it was more like 3 hours thinking.
Packing all the papers and folders into her bag she put her coat on. Putting the small desk lamp off she opened her office door and headed out. She locked the door and left a few letters on the desk of her assistant. It was his day off and would deal with them in the morning.
Standing at the door leading to hallway Kerry watched Abby pacing. It was clear there was something on her mind. Kerry would have waited until Abby had noticed her presence but she had to get to the nursery for her son. Her nanny, her assistance girlfriend, was off for the day. Her assistant had recommended his girlfriend as a temporary nanny until Kerry found someone on a permanent basses. As it turned out her assistants girlfriend did become preeminent. Kerry as often as she could gave both of them the same day off but on those days she had to leave her son in the hospital nursery. She hated doing it but there wasn't to many options.
Coughing to alert Abby to her presence Kerry watched the reaction of the other woman. Abby stopped, startled a little and looked at Kerry. 'Did you want to speak to me again Abby?' Kerry asked. She spoke softly not wanting to scare of the undecided younger woman.
'Kerry, hi ... I mean Dr. Weaver ... hello ... hi ... I uh ... I was just here ... um ... I was wanting to have a word but if you're leaving it can wait.' Abby didn't move.
Kerry was stuck, she really needed to get her son but Abby looked as though she really needed Kerry to stay. 'Abby do you want to come into my office to talk? It'd be better than standing in the hallway.'
Abby was tempted but didn't move. After a long pause she looked at Kerry and said, 'You know what it really can wait. You're on your way out and I can speak with you another time.' Abby turned and headed for the elevators. Kerry knowing something was troubling Abby walked towards the elevators too. The doors opened and Abby stepped in followed by Kerry. Abby used her left arm to lean against the back wall and bowed her head rubbing her forehead with her right hand and exclaimed, 'Shit!'
Kerry watched and waited. She didn't want to scare Abby, she decided to wait until Abby turned around to hit the button for her floor. Drawning in a deep breath she lifted her head and let out the breath. She turned and was startled by the presence of Kerry.
'I need to go to daycare to pick up Henry. You want to tag along?' Kerry asked. Abby's eyes never left Kerry's. Her face was showing the inner struggle Abby had. She obviously wanted to flee but wanted to stay too. 'It would help me no end if you would. I have this bag, I don't have the stroller and carrying both the bag and Henry's going to be difficult, if you're busy that's fine. I'll manage, I've done it a few times. I really should have brought the stroller this morning. Hindsight, it's a great thing.'
Abby, a little relieved that Kerry had made the decision for her she replied, 'Yeah, I can help. I haven't seen the little guy in a while. How's he doing?'
'He's good,' Kerry said hitting the button to take them to the hospital nursery. 'He misses Sandy.' She paused a heartbeat, 'I do too.'
Abby reached out and gently rubbed Kerry's arm in support. Kerry turned her head and smiled at her. The rest of the ride and the walk to the nursery was taken up with talk of Henry. Abby loved how full of life Kerry was when she spoke of her son. It was obvious how much Kerry loved her son and Abby was a little jealous, just a tiny wee bit jealous of Kerry at that moment. She wondered if she would ever have a child. Knowing the risk of passing on ................... (what her mom and brother has) to her child she was sure it would never happen for her.
They went into the nursery. As soon as Henry saw his mommy his little face lit up. He was so happy to see her and put his little arms out for her to pick him up and hug her. Watching Kerry and Henry together Abby smiled. The little bit of jealousy that was inside her was replaced with sorrow for what she knew she would never have.
Kerry turned to Abby and asked, 'Will you be able to help me out to my car? Please. If you can't then you know we'll get by.'
'I'd love too help both of you.' Abby said quietly. Kerry noted the sadness in Abby's voice and remembered the young woman still hadn't told her what she had come to see her about twice.
The three of them headed down to the ER so Abby could get her things. Reaching Kerry's car Abby waited until Kerry had Henry in his car seat. Kerry kissed her son then closed the door. Abby handed Kerry her bag. Kerry smiled and thank Abby for the help. Putting the bag in the back of the car Kerry saw that Abby was struggling with something. Just when she thought Abby was going to tell her what was going on Abby decided she should go.
'I'm glad I could help Dr. Weaver. I really should head home. It's getting late and I'm a little hungry.' She waved into little Henry. He smiled at her.
'Hey, Abby, do you want a life? I just realized I haven't asked you. Sorry. But I can drop you home if you want.'
Abby was again showing mixed feelings on her face. Kerry was sure she was going to say no but was surprised when Abby spoke, 'That would be nice Dr. Weaver. Thanks. You sure you don't mind?'
Kerry smiled. 'I'm sure. It's my way to say thanks. And call me Kerry, we're not in the ER now.'
Both women climbed in the car. 'What's your address Abby?'
Abby gave directions and they were off.