by Doc
The meal had been a quiet affair. Some small talk, nothing important. They decided to go to Taylor's apartment after the meal. Kerry didn't want to go back to her hotel room just yet. She was grateful to Taylor for not asking why.
"Okay, so here we are. It's been a while since you were last here Kerry. You know you could have stayed here instead of that hotel. The offers still open if you ever change your mind while your in San Francisco." Taylor helped Kerry of with her jacket as she spoke.
"I didn't want to intrude." Kerry looked distracted.
"You wouldn't be. You know that. I love having you stay it's such a laugh." Taylor was being honest, she really did love it when Kerry stayed. She had so many stories that Taylor could listen to all night and most often did.
"I doubt it would be much of a laugh this time." Kerry had made her way over to the window and stood staring out as she spoke. Her mind wondered and Taylor sensed she had lost Kerry. Taylor quietly made her way over to stand behind Kerry.
"Kerry." Taylor's voice was quiet and soft but still managed to startle Kerry. She turned to look at Taylor, knowing what was coming next. "Are you ready to tell me what's going on with you, Kerry? If not, that's alright, I can wait for all the juicy details." Both woman smiled. "You know you can tell me anything. You've been there enough times for me."
Almost before Taylor finished speaking Kerry added "You've been there for me too, just as many times." Kerry, looked embarrassed and turned to look out the window again. Taylor put her arms around Kerry protectively and held her close. They stood like that for some time. Rain started to lightly fall hitting the window. Taylor felt Kerry shake a little and thought maybe she was cold but quickly realized that she was actually crying. Kerry was trying to fight it but failed miserably. When their eyes met in the reflection of the window Kerry turned around in Taylor's arms and began to sob uncontrollably. Taylor felt Kerry's legs go from under her and held on to her, they both ended up on the floor, Taylor cradling Kerry, tears in her own eyes seeing her friend in such distress and not knowing what to do to help.
Kerry's tears finally gave up. They sat on the floor with only a small table lamp for light and the rain hitting the window the only sound in the room. Taylor realized Kerry had fallen asleep. The only thought Taylor had was 'What do I do now?'
Taylor got herself up, trying hard not to wake Kerry. She lifted the small woman into her arms, she was sure Kerry had lost weight since the last time they had spent time together. Placing Kerry on the couch and putting a blanket over her Taylor couldn't help, again, being confused with everything and no amount of thinking and trying to figure out helped. She put on some coffee, she didn't drink it herself but knew Kerry would want some when she woke up. Grabbing a book, her diary and some juice Taylor went back into the sitting room and sat on the floor leaning against the couch. When Kerry was ready she would talk, at least that's what Taylor hoped. Kerry could be very stubborn when she wanted to be and seeing how much pain her friend was in she knew it wouldn't do Kerry any good keeping it bottled up inside.
Kerry's young friend could understand Kerry wanting to sleep, even though she had only been awake a short time. She herself had done that so many times when trying to escape painful, hurtful thoughts and feelings. Sleep is the only true form of escapism but eventually, whatever you're running from will catch up with you, even in the deepest sleep. Kerry made some whimpering noises, Taylor guessed Kerry's demons were finding her hiding places in her dreams, one by one they sought her out.
Trying hard not to think about it anymore Sandy came into her mind. She hadn't yet told Kerry she spoke to her. Again she tried to push everything out of her mind and read her book but still couldn't help but feel for her friend. Kerry moved, her hand reaching out and laying on Taylor's shoulder. Taylor instinctively took hold of Kerry's hand in her own. She moved so she was more comfortable sitting on the floor. Kerry didn't look like she was having a very peacefully sleep. Taylor was sure it wouldn't be long before she woke up and this time, no matter what, she was getting Kerry to tell her everything. Although she wasn't sure how and if she could make that happen. Taylor decided to wait until later to write everything into her diary and went back to reading her book, waiting for Kerry to wake up the only thing Taylor could think about was Sandy Lopez, Kim Legaspi and what they had to do with Kerry's current state? She wanted to ease her friends pain, she wanted to help her, just like Kerry had helped her so many times before. But how? And would Kerry let her?
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