| Part 2 Kerry was feeling pretty good. Her room had been given away by the time she had arrived at the hotel but because of the fuss she made the hotel manager gave her the only room that was unoccupied, a suit. It was larger, much, much larger than the room she should be in but there was no complaint coming from Kerry, especially since the price hadn't gone up with the size of the room. For the first few days it wouldn't have mattered, the hospital was covering the costs but when that was over it would be up to Kerry to pay and the price she was going to pay for this room was, now, well worth it. She definitely had good reason to be as happy as she is right now. Big room, low price. Met someone new, sure she could become a good, close friend, would have the chance to meet up with an old friend and she didn't have to be at work for two whole weeks, a conference here and there, only the ones she wanted to attend. Truthfully she didn't know what to do with herself, she would just play it by ear and see what happens. Kerry explored her suit. It was huge. The hotel sent a basket to apologize, hoping to keep Kerry sweet. They didn't want to upset her again and definitely didn't want another scene at the reception desk that had happened upon Kerry being told, "Sorry, we thought you had decided not to come. Your over an hour late and we have many people asking for rooms. Sorry, we can give you the numbers for other hotels if you like? Oh, we have a free room," she hesitated already sensing she was in trouble, "but it's another $155 a night. Would you like it, Ms. Weaver?" The receptionist looked up from the computer screen took one look at Kerry and called for the manager before Kerry said anything. It was the poor manager that had to take what Kerry had to offer. Kerry Weaver had arrived and San Francisco didn't know what had hit it. Kerry had a look through the basket of goodies, fruit, chocolate, champagne. She resisted for now but was looking forward to indulging later. 'I should call Sandy. Let her know I arrived safely', Kerry thought to herself. But something was holding her back and she wasn't sure what it was. Kerry looked out of one of the large windows. The sun was still shinning but it was beginning to darken ever so slightly. Kerry noticed the park across the street and decided to take a look, she'd call Sandy when she got back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was chilly in the park. Kerry took her time just looking around. After a while she sat on one of the park benches. Something was stopping her from going back to her hotel, she was cold, hungry and tired but couldn't face going back. Her mind drifted from topic to topic, Kim, Terri, Sandy, Terri, James, Kim, Terri, Elizabeth, Terri. She kept coming back to Terri, time and again. She knew why she didn't reveal to her new friend that she's gay but it played on her mind. 'I'm a lesbian. I don't understand why I couldn't just say it to another gay woman. I know why I didn't but it still doesn't explain the fear. She wouldn't judge me and the chances of her not wanting the friendship to continue because of it is almost minimal. Maybe I don't understand it, I only think I do. James and Elizabeth. No, I can't even blame the reason on them being there and what the hell is stopping me from phoning Sandy? She wanted me to phone when I arrived, let her know that I'm here, safe and sound'. Kerry let her thoughts wonder for a while longer before finally heading back to the hotel. It was later than she had realized, the sun was gone and she was really cold now. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kerry had been back in her room long enough to order room service and to run a hot bath. She was needing to relax and have something to eat and there's no better place to do both than in a warm tub and she was looking forward to it. She still hadn't called Sandy and it was still playing on her mind but now wasn't the time. Kerry undressed feeling some pain in both legs and hips, over compensating for her bad hip just made everything ache. Carefully, very carefully, Kerry climbed into the bathtub. Lowering herself down into the warm water was torture, at first but as soon as she was all the way in, it was just what she wanted and more importantly needed. She just lay back and relaxed, cleared her mind of everything and everyone. Suddenly Kerry's stomach rumbled begging to be fed. Kerry was glad she had decided on sandwiches, anything else would be cold the time it had taken her to start eating, she reasoned she would have something warm later, the hot water was all the warmth she was seeking for now. Feeling relaxed, finally, and safe and warm Kerry's mind began to drift. She began to think again of everything she didn't want to think about. 'My book, I'll read the book Sandy gave me for the plane. Didn't have a chance to read it because of Terri. It looks like it could be a good read and I'll settle for any distraction just now'. Kerry was determined not to think about her life and the people, old and new, that played a role in it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Drying her hair with a towel Kerry sat on the end of the double bed, wrapped up in a bathrobe that was a size or two too big, her mind again began to wonder. 'No matter how hard I try to run from my thoughts they always catch me up and over take me. Not tonight, I'll think about everything in the morning, I'm just to tired for now'. She climbed into bed. As Kerry feared trying to sleep with thoughts that were demanding to be heard was near impossible. She tossed and turned for what seemed like hours before finally falling asleep, one question praying on her mind, 'What or who am I running from?........Or is it running too?' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Early the next morning the phone ringing woke up a very annoyed Kerry Weaver. "Hello." "Kerry. Is that you?" Kerry was immediately awoken by the voice on the other end. "Sandy?" "Why the hell didn't you call last night?" Kerry could tell the woman on the other end of the line was not in a very good mood. "Sandy calm down. Please. Sorry, I just forgot." This just enraged the fire fighter more. "Forgot. You forgot about me. You only left me at the airport but by the time you arrived in San Francisco you'd forgotten about me. Well that's great. So have you met up with her already?" Kerry was stunned into silence and Sandy was on a roll. "So tell me Kerry have you met up with her?" Kerry noted the sneer in Sandy's voice when she said 'her'. "Her, who? I don't know what or who you're talking about." "Don't lie, Kerry. What, do you think that I don't know who lives in San Francisco?" Sandy was almost hysterical. "Sandy, what exactly are you accusing me off?" Kerry was now angry, now that she knew what Sandy was talking about. "Legaspi. The blonde bombshell. Do you think I'm stupid Kerry? Do You? You go missing your first night there, you don't call, what the hell am I supposed to think Kerry? Tell me, what?" Sandy was speaking through clenched teeth by the end of her speech. As much as Kerry knew what Sandy had been getting at, actually hearing her say it took her breath from her. There was still anger, Kerry Weaver's anger doesn't go that easily but there was something else in her voice now. Pain. "Is that what you think of me Sandy? Do you think you're dating a woman who given the first opportunity will betray you? Sandy," Kerry took a deep breath afraid to ask her question, "do you think so little off me?" Straight away Kerry cursed that her voice had betrayed the pain Sandy's words had caused. Sandy cursed herself hearing the pain in her lovers voice and was about to apologize when Kerry spoke again. "Don't answer, please, I don't think I could handle the answer." Sandy could hear Kerry's heart braking which in turn was braking her own heart. Again Sandy was about to speak when Kerry started. "Is this your way?" Kerry stopped, tears had come to her eyes and she was doing everything in her power to stop them from falling. Her mind had jumped to a conclusion that ended the conversation in a way Sandy hadn't envisioned, "Is that your way, Sandy to tell me you don't want me? You wait until I leave, phone me and accuse me of," the tears began to fall, "I'd never," Kerry was lost now, she didn't know what to do, what to say, "I'm sorry. Do you really believe that I'd," she couldn't finish that sentence, "Ok, if that's what you want, if this is how you want to leave me, so be it. I won't bother you again." As she hung up, Kerry was crying hard, she couldn't hear Sandy trying to speak. Sandy knew the call was a mistake. She hadn't meant to accuse Kerry and she never entertained it for more than a second. She cursed herself that she had mentioned Kim Legaspi but what could she do now? She had never heard Kerry sound so hurt as she just had. Sandy didn't know what to do. She redialed Kerry's number over and over but it was engaged everytime. Kerry was curled up on the bed crying. She was now sure Sandy didn't think much off her and until that phone call Kerry hadn't realized just how much Sandy meant to her. Kerry cried herself back to sleep lost in her despair and hurt. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Banging at her door startled Kerry awake. Slowly she got up and answered it. Her head hurt and so did her heart and right now the last thing she wanted was for anyone to be banging on her door. She pulled the door open. In a voice that was almost a yell asked, "What?" A man was on the other side. Kerry recognized him but couldn't place from where. Again, in pretty much the same tone she asked what he wanted. Her face was stern and the man took a step back. "I'm Markus Callaway, the manager of the hotel." Kerry knew she had seen him before. "What do you want Mr. Callaway? I was asleep and I don't appreciate you waking me like this." Kerry voice was still filled with anger and annoyance. She also noted it betrayed her pain, thankfully the manager didn't notice. A woman's voice now spoke up. "Kerry what the hell happened?" It was now the turn of Kerry's face to betray her. And this woman didn't miss it. "Thank you Mr. Callaway but as you can see my friend is fine. Thank you for your help but I'll take it from here." The manager didn't know what to do. He looked from woman to woman and decided he didn't want to be in the middle of them. "Okay. Ms. Weaver are you alright?" The look Kerry gave him spoke volumes. He mumble something and made a quick exit. "Are you going to invite me in or are we going to stand in your doorway all afternoon?" The woman asked. 'Afternoon' Kerry wondered. 'How long have I been asleep? What the hell happened between Sandy and me?' The other woman interrupted Kerry's thoughts with a small cough and Kerry's thoughts were on hold, for now. She invited her young friend in. "Why don't you sit down, order a drink from room service or something while I put some clothes on." Kerry spoke the words so softly her friend strained to hear. "Kerry." There was no response. "Kerry, what's going on? Please talk to me. Kerry." She got up and walked towards Kerry. "Kerry?" It was more a question rather than just saying her name. There was no reply. She had know Kerry long enough to know something was wrong here, very wrong. Kerry didn't look at her friend. She just walked away into the bedroom and closed the door. The younger woman just look at the closed door, she wasn't sure what was going on. She had known Kerry forever and had never seen her look so lost. Never had she ever feared for her friend like she was doing now. After what felt like a lifetime for the young woman room service finally arrived with coffee and hot chocolate. She had no idea as to what to do, how to help the woman she considered her best friend. Knocking on the bedroom door, coffee mug in hand, she set out on her mission to find out what had happened to Kerry. "Hi, in there. I've got a hot cup of coffee for you Kerry. Are you dressed yet?" There was no reply. "Kerry, can you hear me?" She friend was now anxious and she wasn't sure why. Kerry Weaver was the strongest woman she knew, but there again the woman who answered the door earlier didn't look like that Kerry Weaver, fearfully the young woman entered Kerry's room. "I'm coming in Kerry, alright?" Again there was no reply. She put the cup down on a near by table and went back to the door. "Kerry, I'm coming in." She slowly turned the handle and opened the door. She heard water running and headed to the open door to what she assumed was an adjoining bathroom. She was right. Kerry was inside having a shower. She gently knocked on the door and called out to Kerry. Hearing her friends voice pulled Kerry back to reality. "Taylor. I'll, um, be out in a couple of minutes. Okay?" Kerry was trying hard to control her voice but her friend knew her too well to fall for it. "I'll be waiting. I'm not going anywhere. I got you some coffee. Do you want me to order you anything to eat? I got hot chocolate for me, you can have that if you prefer?" There was a long pause and Taylor spoke again. "Kerry, do you want me to order you something to eat or something else to drink?" She went into the steam filled bathroom and saw the silhouette of her friend standing under the shower. It took her breath away, she had always found Kerry to be attractive and didn't mind embarrassing Kerry by telling her, it also saddened her that she would never *be* with Kerry. What she would give for her older friend to be a lesbian. Gently she spoke, "Kerry, you alright, girl?" She saw Kerry was startled a little at her presence. "Kerry. Are you alright? I've never seen you like this before." "I'm fine." Came the shaky response. Just give me a minute. Kerry turned the water off and pulled the towel she had hanging over the curtain rail down to dry herself. "Taylor," she hesitated and her friend picked up on it knowing there was more to come. "Can you give me a hand please? I don't think I can climb out of the tub on my own. It was hard enough last night after I had a bath but now, I'm not sure." She trailed off her voice wavering again and she cursed herself for it. "Of course I'll help." Taylor was taken aback to be asked. The Kerry Weaver she knew had never asked for any sort off help when it came to mobility, even when it involved climbing over something... She pushed it to the back of her mind for now and went towards the bath tub. Do you want a robe in?" "Yes." Taylor made some small talk. "Having a bathtub fitted with a shower saves so much room." 'How boring' Taylor thought. 'Of all the small talk I could be making I choose to stick with bathtubs and showers'? She tried to think of another topic she wanted to keep Kerry's attention here with them but all she could think about was what was up with her friend.. "Dance of the Vampires." Taylor loudly stated. Glad she had thought of something. One leg out of the tub, Kerry paused and looked at her friend. "What?" Taylor loved the confused look on Kerry's face, it was better than what was on it earlier. She explained about the new Jim Steinman musical opening on Broadway, she rambled about it breaking box office records in Europe and Michael Crawford will star. Kerry didn't hear most of it. She knew it wouldn't matter, Taylor would happily talk about Steinman and what he was up to again. Together they got Kerry out of the tub. Taylor did most off the work and no amount of talk could keep her friend's thoughts in the here and now. When they got to the sofa Taylor decided to snap Kerry out of it and the only thing she could think of that could do it was, "Who's Sandy Lopez?" She knew right away she was right, Kerry's head whipped round so fast Taylor was afraid she'd have whiplash. "How do you know about her?" Kerry's eyes finally met Taylor's. "I asked first. Come on Kerry, who is she?" Taylor was trying to keep it light but Kerry's face never changed and her eyes never left Taylor's for a second. "How do you know about her?" Kerry was more demanding this time. Taylor decided it would be best to explain, her friend was in no mood to play games. "I tried to call you this morning, to arrange a time for us to meet. It's been to long since we last met up." Taylor placed an affectionate hand on Kerry's arm. Kerry's gaze never wavered and it was now making Taylor slightly nervous. She took a deep breath and began speaking again. "When the hotel receptionist kept telling me your number was engaged I got worried. They were sure you were still in your room and mentioned someone else had been trying to get hold of you." Kerry's eyes left Taylor for the first time. She now knew whatever was up had something to do with this Sandy Lopez woman. Kerry made no effort to speak and so Taylor started again. "I got the hotel to send someone up, they mentioned they'd already sent someone up twice before at the insistence of another worried caller. When there was no reply I got worried. I came straight over." Taylor gently squeezed Kerry's arm. "I asked the manager to open your door. He tried phoning again to be on the safe side. He said that he didn't want to feel the wrath of Kerry Weaver again." She let out a small laugh, Kerry didn't move. "You'll have to tell me what happened there." Again Kerry didn't move but this time spoke, "How do you know about Sandy?" Her voice was soft and again had betrayed the pain she was feeling. Taylor picked up on this and her mind was racing as to who this Sandy woman was to Kerry and how she figured into Kerry's pain. "During one of the phone call the receptionist mentioned that a Sandy Lopez had been calling from early this morning and she had been almost frantic on the phone. She too had asked the hotel to open your door but they said there wasn't sufficient reason too. After I explained my concerns for you and after I made several random threats the manager agreed to come up. He insisted on knocking on the door," sheepishly she added, "it was me that banged and kicked at your door. Sorry about that." She glanced at Kerry who still looked down at her lap. Another deep breath and she pushed on. "That's when you came to the door. Now it's your turn. Who is Sandy Lopez?" Kerry sighed and said nothing. Taylor lifted her hand from Kerry's arm and placed it under Kerry's chin, lifting her face so she could look into her eyes. "Kerry." Her voice was so soft and soothing. Kerry's eyes lifted to look into Taylor's eyes and before she could stop them tears where flowing from her eyes. For a moment Taylor didn't know what to do. This was another side of Kerry Weaver she had rarely seen. Quickly she got the sense to rap her arms around the sobbing woman, which only made Kerry cry harder. She'd seen Kerry cry but not like this, this was new and what fear Taylor had was now doubled. It seemed like forever had passed by the time Kerry's tears began to let up. She sat for a while in Taylor's arms just thinking about how she got here. When Taylor had been talking she hadn't thought about anything except wanting to know how Taylor knew about Sandy. She realized her tears where a combination of so many things. Relief that Taylor didn't know about who exactly Sandy is, the guilt that she had thought that. The pain that she and Sandy are no longer together, if Sandy had dumped her , why was she calling? There was so many other things but those where the main ones right at that moment. When Kerry's tears had completely dried up she pulled away from the woman that had sat quietly waiting for her to let it all out. She looked at Taylor without looking her in the eye. "I'm sorry, Taylor. I don't know what came over me. Thank you for your concern, coming over here and everything." One more time her voice didn't cooperate and betrayed her. "Kerry, what's happened?" Taylor's voice was filled with so much love and concern Kerry was afraid she might start to cry again. Taylor took one of Kerry's hands into her own. "Kerry you can trust me, you know that. Whatever has happened you need to speak to someone and well, I am here." She had a smile on her face that Kerry mirrored when seeing it. Kerry didn't know what to say. She wasn't ready to out herself to her friend. Looked down again. She knew Taylor wasn't homophobic, she was a lesbian but Kerry wasn't taking any chances, not just yet, she really needed her friend right now and didn't think she could handle losing someone else from her life. Kerry knew Taylor wouldn't leave but her mind was all over the place and was settling on the worst scenario of what could happen. A sigh from Kerry and then a deep breath, she lifted her head and met Taylors gaze, "Can we not do this now? I feel so drained, Taylor. I don't think I can and I know I don't want to do this now." She gave a small apologetic smile to Taylor, hopping, praying that she wouldn't push her for answers just now. With a small squeeze to Kerry's hand she was still holding and a big smile Taylor had replied without saying anything. Kerry, very obviously, let out the breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Both woman laughed and Kerry relaxed a little. "Taylor, do you need to be anywhere just now?" Taylor shook her head no. Kerry smiled. "Do you want to grab something to eat? I'm starving." Taylor nodded eagerly. "Thought you'd never ask." "I'll get dressed and then we can head out. 'kay?" "You don't want to eat here?" "No. I want to get out of here for a while, unless you want to stay, I don't mind." "No, it's fine. I know a great place. It's not to far from here. Go get ready but this time don't jump in the shower, I really am starved." Both woman laughed. "Actually I think I might hop back into the shower if you don't mind. I didn't do anything earlier. I just stood under the water." "Okay. You shower, do you need a hand?" She saw Kerry flinch. "You wouldn't mind?" Taylor was genuinely surprised. "Mind, no I wouldn't mind. C'mon girl." She was almost giddy. Kerry, she was merely amused. After helping Kerry into the shower and taking the robe from her Taylor left the room. She lifted Kerry's unpacked case onto the bed and noticed the the phone. She picked it up the receiver and placed it back on it's holder. Almost immediately it rang. Taylor wavered but decided to answer it. "Hello." There was silence. She tried again, "hello, who is this please?" "Who are you? What are you doing in Kerry's room? Where the hell is Kerry? Is she alright?" The voice was harsh and concerned all at the same time. So many questions, Taylor was trying to keep up. "I'd prefer you to tell me who you are first. Why should I tell you anything about Kerry? Who are you?" Taylor suspected the woman was Sandy Lopez but she wasn't sure and she wasn't willing to talk about her friend with just anybody. "Is this Kim, Kim Legaspi?" The woman's voice was filled with loathing and Taylor didn't miss it. "Damn you, tell me who you are. Are you Legaspi?" "No." Taylor said forcefully. "No, I don't know any Kim Legaspi. Who is she and what does she have to do with Kerry? And who exactly are you to Kerry? Who am I speaking with?" "Who am I to Kerry? Who am I?" She was about to tell all but bit her tongue, she made a promise to Kerry and for all the hurt and anger that was raging through her she wasn't about to betray her now. "Who is this?" Taylor was more than sure of who she was speaking to but wanted it confirmed. "Sandy Lopez. Now who am I speaking to?" "Taylor. Your speaking to Taylor. Now tell me why you've been calling Kerry?" "That's between her and me. Is she there?" "She's in the shower. I'll tell her you called. Can I take a message?" Sandy was trying to figure out what was going on. Kerry had mentioned Taylor as one of the people she was hoping to catch up with but hadn't said all that much about her. "Just tell her I called and that I'm worried. After the phone call last night and not being able to talk to her, I've been worried. Please ask her to call, we need to talk." Sandy's voice changed from hard to soft as she spoke. "I'll tell her. You argued with Kerry. What about?" Taylor was fishing, any hint of what was up with Kerry could only help. "That's between her and me. Please just tell her I called and that I'll be waiting, all night if I have to, for her. Ok?" She paused before adding "Is Kerry alright?" Taylor was confused now. This woman's voice had been almost threatening only moments ago and was now soft and gentle and full of concern for Kerry. 'What the heck is going on?' was all Taylor could think. "I'll tell her and I think you should ask her how she's doing when she calls you." "You'll tell her, thank you." And with that Sandy hung up almost in tears. Taylor was beyond confused now. What did Sandy have to do with Kerry? Why was Kerry so upset? And now, who is Kim Legaspi and how does she fit into everything? Kerry called to Taylor from the bathroom. Taylor went in and like before helped Kerry out, this time at least Kerry was more helpful. The shower had been just what she needed. Taylor left Kerry in the bedroom to get dressed and decided to keep all her thoughts and the fact that Sandy had called to herself for now. She'd let Kerry get out of here and make sure she had something to eat. Whatever was going on in her friends life she was sure they both would need their strength. She was glad she had kept the phone off the hook just incase Sandy called before they left. Things had changed in her friends life but one thing she was sure of was that if Kerry felt pressured into anything all Kerry's walls would shoot up and she would barricade herself in her own little world and shut everyone out, she had to let Kerry tell her in her own time. She'd push when she knew it was safe to and would tell Kerry what little she knew when they both were ready. Taylor knew she was in for a rough ride with her friend but was glad she was here to help her, even if she didn't know with what. Kerry appeared and stopped Taylors thoughts. They headed out. Both lost in their thoughts of what was happening and what was going to happen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
| Stay Another Day by Doc |
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