Starsky & Hutch were at the station when Starsky received a phone
call from Dr. Quo.
“Any news?” Hutch asked noticing his friend’s expression after the call.
“It was Dr. Quo. She said she’s got an answer from New York…She wants me
to take Terry to the hospital so we can talk.”
“Didn’t she tell you anything in advance?” asked Hutch, resting one hand
on his arm comforting him.
“No, she didn’t…And I didn’t like the tone of her voice…Maybe everything
will end before what we’d expected?” said Starsky with his eyes showing the
sadness and anguish he was feeling inside.
“Don’t jump to any conclusions, Starsk. Maybe things’ll be better than
what you think,” said Hutch with a kind smile, trying to cheer him up.
“Tell the Captain where I’m going, right? I’ll call you as soon as I
have some news.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Starsky turned and headed to Terry’s apartment.
****
When he arrived, he found her hugging Ollie and watching through the
window. When she heard him, she turned his way and smiled trying to hide her
nervousness.
“I see Dr. Quo called you,” she ventured.
“She asked me to take you to the hospital to talk to us…Well, maybe this
time you want to be alone again,” said Starsky getting closer.
“I think this time I need you by my side,” she replied, cuddling against
his chest. He surrounded her with his arms and kissed her head.
“Can we go, then?”
“Yeah, no reason to postpone the news…”
****
They ride to the hospital was made in silence, each one immersed in
their own thoughts. When they arrived to Memorial, they went directly to Dr.
Quo’s office.
“Come in…have a seat, please,” she invited them amiably.
“Thanks,” said Terry sitting in front of the desk. Starsky, on the other
hand was so nervous that he remained standing behind her, both of his hands on
her shoulders.
“Well, there’s no reason to torture you with delays…The report from New
York doesn’t match exactly with the one here,” she began, and before they could
say anything she went on with her speech, “But the news aren’t that great
either.”
“Come on, doctor…Say whatever it is straight,” said Starsky almost at
his limit.
“All right…Dr. McArthur, Chief of the Center of Neurology of New York
thinks your case could fit in the project he’s working at the moment. He treats
all kind of diseases and interbrain malformations, not exactly what you have.
Nevertheless, when he studied your tomography he considered that he could be
able to get the bullet off.”
“But, how…? What’s his method…?” Terry asked, feeling a soft light
inside her. Starsky squeezed her shoulders encouraging her.
“It’s something like a laparoscopy…I mean an incision not too big and
with the help of a catheter they get a kind of claw that will remove the
bullet. I know that with this explanation it sounds too easy, but it isn’t.”
“What is it then, doctor?” asked Starsky.
“First of all, the procedure has to take place in New York as the Center
is equipped with a very ultra-modern equipment and trained personnel. So you’ll
necessarily have to fly there with the risks of the trip for starters. The
procedure is in an experimental level and it’s never been used to remove a
foreign body from the brain, so there could be some complications because of
that too…I would say you could finally end with this nightmare, but if and
there’s a big IF you can get through all the complications that go with the
procedure.”
“I think you should contact them,” said Terry flatly.
“Wait a minute…don’t rush things. Think about what you’re gonna do,”
interrupted the doctor.
“You really think there’s much to consider, doctor?”
“Terry…” said Starsky kneeling in front of her.
“I’ll leave you alone so you can talk…Call me when you’re done,” Dr. Quo
said and standing up she left the office.
They both remained in silence for a while, looking into each other’s
eyes. Starsky lifted one hand and caressed her cheek, and then she turned her
face and kissed his palm.
“I don’t want you to say a word, Dave…This time I have no doubts at all
about what I have to do.”
“There are many risks, yet,” he said sweetly.
“I know, but at least this time there’s some hope at the end of the
road.”
Starsky sighs. “You still owe me an answer, Terry…You’ve been avoiding
the subject all this time, but…”
She interrupted him, putting her fingers on his lips. “Shhh, if things
go well, you’ll have my answer.”
“But Terry, I love you…”
“And I don’t need a piece of paper to tell me that…Besides, I don’t want
to leave a widow…”
“Don’t talk like that…” he interrupted. “I only want to spend as much
time as possible with you.”
“I know and I want us to be together too. Are you coming with me?” she asked with pleading eyes.
Starsky hugged her, feeling his own eyes wetting. “Of course I’ll go
with you, I was really afraid you wouldn’t want me to…” he said backing a
little. He took her face between his hands and kissed her very lovingly and she
responded to the kiss pressing herself against his body.
“Let’s call Dr. Quo to ask her to make the necessary arrangements,
alright?” asked Terry.
Starsky nodded and stood up to go look for the doctor. He told a nurse
to go tell Dr. Quo they were ready for her and then went back to join Terry.
She had her arms resting on her knees and her face hiding in her hands
trembling lightly. He thought she was crying, so he knelt in front of her again,
lifting her face to look into her eyes.
“What can I do to make you feel better?”
“Can we go to my apartment? I want us to be together…I want you to hold
me…I want to feel your body beside me…”
“Terry, I don’t think we should…”
“I know…as much as I’m dying for you to make love to me, I know we
can’t, but we still can be together, can’t we?”
“How could I refuse to a proposal like that,” he teased trying to ease
the tension between them and trying to be strong for her too.
When the doctor entered, Terry explained her decision and asked her to
make all the arrangements as soon as possible so they could get their plane
tickets for New York. Dr. Quo then told them she would and let them know the
details after contacting the Center.
****
They left the hospital and went back to Terry’s apartment. They didn’t
talk too much on the ride back, scared to let the other see their own fears.
When they arrived and after taking off their coats, they sat on the couch and
she cuddled against his chest and he surrounded her with his arms holding her
tight and kissing her on the head.
“I have to call Hutch,” Starsky said after some minutes of silence. “He
was preoccupied about Dr. Quo’s phone call and I promised him I’d call him as
soon as I had some news.”
“Sure…Besides, you’ll have to talk to Cap. Dobey if you’re coming with
me…Won’t you have any troubles?” asked Terry as she straightened a bit and
looked at him.
“You think there’d be anything or any one that could stop me of
accompanying my girl in something as important as this is?” he asked winking
and smiling at her with that smile that always could melt her.
“Wow, poor the one that stands in your way, then…” she smiled back at
him.
Starsky called the station and told Hutch everything that was happening,
including what he’d be asking Dobey. Hutch told him not to worry for he was
sure their captain would help him. Then he told him he’d come over to Terry’s
place as soon as his shift was over.
“Well, what do you want to eat? I think I could cook something you
like.”
“I’m not that hungry, maybe just a cup of tea.”
“Hmmm, I’m that bad a cook that you won’t take the risk?”
“No, babe, it’s just that I don’t wanna eat right now…maybe later.”
“OK. Hutch is coming by after his shift, so we could eat something when
he gets here. What that sounds to you?”
“Didn’t he have a date with Christine?”
“He didn’t say anything about it. Do you want me to tell Hutch to bring
her too?”
“Well, it could be a while for the four of us to be together again and
maybe I….” She was going to say maybe she wouldn’t come back from New York, but
she didn’t want to ruin the moment.
Starsky sensed her discomfort, but didn’t say anything about it. “Then
I’ll call him again to ask him to invite Christine too. After all, the Blintz
owes me a game of Monopoly.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about anything that came to
their minds till Hutch and Christine arrived. They talked about the children in
the Center and the improvements they’ve made, work, and anything else they
could think of avoiding as much as possible the topic of the trip and the
surgery.
When their friends arrived, the four of them tried to keep going in the
same mood, trying to enjoy the moment the most and leaving the problems aside
at least for a while.
After Hutch and Christine left, Starsky cleaned everything while Terry
got ready to go to bed. When he finished in the kitchen, he locked the door and
windows, turned off the lights, and went to the bedroom.
Terry was already in bed in the satin nightgown that he liked. “Are you
gonna be long?” she asked him with a mischievous smile.
Starsky smiled sweetly at her feeling his heart like exploding because
of his love for this woman that meant everything to him. “Hmmm, just some
minutes and I’m all yours” he winked his eye mischievously and hurried to the
bathroom to get ready to go to bed too.
He came out only in his underwear and went to his side of the bed. He
got in slowly and laid against the pillows opening his arms inviting her. Terry
immediately cuddled against him and she rounded him with her own arms hiding
her face on his chest. They remained this way in silence until they fell
asleep, absorbing their essence and enjoying their closeness.
****
Days passed by quickly, though they seemed an eternity for them, and
finally the feared moment of the trip arrived. Dr. Quo had made the
arrangements with the airline explaining the reasons of this trip and thus they
were placed in first class to make their flight more comfortable at least.
Dobey authorized an open-ended leave for Starsky so that he could stay
with Terry as long as she needed him. Hutch was at the airport with Christine,
to say good-bye to their friends. The tension was growing, as the departure
time was getting closer. Finally, their flight was called and the farewell
began. The girls hugged tightly and Christine assured Terry that she would take
care of her apartment.
When it was Hutch’s turn, he held Terry tight, and tried to joke with
her. “Take care of my partner, babe. And come back soon, deskwork is too boring
and you know Dobey won’t let me on the streets alone.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to bring him home safe and sound,” Terry
teased back with her eyes full of tears.
Looking at her seriously Hutch continued, “Terry, take care and come
back soon,” he told her and kissed her cheek.
“I’ll try to not let any one of you down, Hutch, but you know I can’t
promise you anything…Take care of Ollie while I’m gone, right?”
“We’ll be waiting for you.” He winked at her.
And then it was the guys’ turn to say goodbye and they hang to each
other tight, Starsky couldn’t avoid his eyes watering, “Wish you could come
with us, Blintz….”
“Anything you need you only have to call and I’ll make any excuse to
Dobey to take the first flight to New York.”
“Thanks, I know you’re unconditional,” said Starsky.
“What’s a partner for?” Hutch said. “Come on go on or you’ll miss your
flight and there’s no way you should miss this opportunity in life.”
A last hug and they separated. Starsky and Terry went to the boarding
room hand in hand and turned to wave their friends as they passed through the
gate.
“You think everything’s gonna be ok, Ken?” Christine asked worriedly.
“We just have to trust in God hoping he’s gonna give them another chance
to be happy.” He hugged her lovingly and they left the airport, heading toward
the parking lot.
****
Fortunately the flight was uneventful and they soon arrived in New York.
Starsky has phoned his mother to tell her about their trip and Rachel had
insisted that they stay at the house with her.
They took a taxi at the airport and went directly to Rachel’s. She was
waiting for them behind the window and as soon as she saw the car parking, she
rushed to the porch to greet them.
“Honey!!,” she hugged him hard and kissed him on the cheek.
He embraced her letting the bags fall on the floor and kissing her back.
“Ma!!!,” he said enjoying his mother’s closeness. After a few moments, he tried
to compose himself and, backing a little, forced a smile in order to introduce
her to Terry. “Ma, this is Terry…Terry, this is the other important woman in my
life…”
“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Starsky,” said Terry shyly, leaning forward to
kiss her.
“Please, honey, just call me Rachel,” she said as she hugged Terry.
“Now, I see you’re prettier than what I expected. Davy, you didn’t describe her
as well when you did it on the phone,” she smiled kindly.
“Thanks, Rachel,” said Terry blushing.
“Well, please come in. You have to be tired from the flight and I have
dinner waiting. We have a lot to talk about.”
They entered the house and left the luggage in Starsky’s old room that
Rachel had prepared for them to share. They talked about everything, trying to
avoid the true reason for their trip. Nevertheless, the environment was a
little tense because the conversation turned to their future together and then
they changed the subject.
At last, Starsky mentioned the topic. “Ehhh, Ma…Early in the morning
tomorrow we have to go to the Center so Terry can be tested and maybe they’ll
make her stay already.”
“I’ll fix you breakfast early,” said Rachel.
“No it’s not necessary. I’m too nervous already, Rachel, and I think
tomorrow I won’t be able to eat a thing. Just having Dave there with me will be
enough. During the time we’ve been together, he’s made me so happy that I can’t
believe it.”
“I’m glad for that…And you’ll see God’ll give you both another
opportunity to go on,” Rachel said with emotion in her voice.
“This is what I hope, and thus I accepted the surgery…But…I can’t fool
me nor David and act as it’s a hundred percent safe, cause I know it
isn’t…there’s still a possibility that things could go wrong.”
Starsky held her tight. “Shhh, don’t
talk like that, we can’t lose our hopes now...”
Terry responded the embrace and tried to smile lifting her gaze to his
violet-blue eyes so full of love toward her. “I’m a little tired, Dave, I wanna
lay down, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not, babe. You have to keep all your energy to get well,”
smiled Rachel.
Terry stood up and Starsky took her to the bedroom. He offered to help
her, but she told him it wasn’t necessary and instead he could help his mother
with the dishes. Starsky kissed her on the tip of her nose and went back to the
kitchen.
“Thanks, Ma...”
“What for, son?” asked Rachel surprised turning toward him.
“For being so kind…For the way you welcomed Terry.”
“Davy, she’s the girl you love and who makes you happy, I could only
welcome her with my arms open. Besides, it’s obvious she’s a very special
person,” she grinned at him caressing his cheek.
“She is, Ma. I’ve never known anybody that could make me this happy; who
could understand me that right. There’s never a reproach because of what I do,
because of my schedule…because of the times I let her waiting for me on a
date…She’s always there when I finally can get to her. And above all this, she
accepted Hutch and our friendship as something normal and natural and that
can’t be replaced. She knows Hutch is part of my life, and that there’s no way
I can leave him aside.”
“That’s good. It’s difficult to find a woman so understandable. Then,
David, as she didn’t let you down in any way, you never have to let her down
either. Love her and respect her and her world as well as she does with yours.”
Those words made Starsky let all his feelings come to surface, and
holding his mother tight, he cried over
her shoulder. “I have to be strong for her, but I’m so afraid of losing her.
All this is a terrible nightmare and it shouldn’t be happening. She should be
healthy and safe and not like this because of a crazy man.”
“Don’t lose your faith, son. Everything’s gonna be alright,” insisted
Rachel.
They finished tidying things and both went to their bedrooms. Starsky
got ready to sleep and entered slowly in bed, trying not to wake Terry who
seemed peacefully sleeping. He spooned behind her and held her kindly kissing
her sweetly on the cheek.
She moaned contentedly and cuddled against him holding his arm around
her. “Hmmm, I love you, Dave.”
“Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you.”
“I wasn’t asleep yet. I was thinking.”
“What about?”
“About how nice is to be here in your old room. It makes me feel closer
to you. About how nice your mom is. About us and all the good things we’ve
shared up to now…And about something I want to ask you.” She got silent for
seconds then went on. “I want you to promise me that if something goes wrong
during the surgery, you’ll go on with
your life as always.”
“Terry, don’t...,” he interrupted her hiding his face in her hair.
“I’m not giving up, Dave…You won’t get rid of me that easy…But yet I
want you to promise me that…,” she added turning her face to look into his
eyes. “Please, promise me, David…,” she insisted.
“I-I can’t…,” he says his eyes filled with tears. She then lifted her
hand to wipe them, looking straight at him. He sighed and finally he nodded
adding, “I will, sweetheart,” he leaned forward and kissed her with passion.
At last, fatigue won and they both fell asleep in each other’s arms.
****
The next morning, they got up early to go to the hospital. Rachel
insisted on fixing some breakfast but both of them refused, because of their
anxiety.
Rachel asked Starsky to call her when the surgery had been scheduled
because she wanted to be there with him. He agreed and then he and Terry headed
to the Medical Center where Dr. McArthur was waiting for them.
As soon as they arrived, the doctor himself received them guiding them
to the room ready for Terry.
“Well, I’m glad you could get here so soon, thus we can start working
right away. I want to make some more tests to have a complete overview of your
state, and of course a new tomography to see the exact place where the bullet
is located,” explained Dr. McArthur.
“May I go with her, doctor?” asked an anxious Starsky.
“Of course. We know for sure that the support of the loving ones is very
important in this kind of procedures and treatments, especially if we’re
expecting a complete recovery.”
“Thanks, doctor,” said Terry squeezing Starsky’s hand.
“Well, Terry, just change your clothes and get in bed. And you, David,
let me know when she’s ready and I’ll send somebody to take her to the
examining room…Ahhh, hope you don’t mind I’m using your first names to refer to
you. As I told you, I like something more personal.”
“No problem,” said Terry.
The doctor indicated where she could find the clothes to wear and then
he exited the room to give instructions to his team.
Starsky helped her to change and get in bed, and when she was
comfortable, he called the doctor. In seconds, two auxiliaries came to take her
to the tomography room. Starsky stayed by her side till the doctor stopped him
at the door of the examination room and asked him to wait outside.
The tomography took its time and before taking her back to her room,
they controlled her vitals and took blood tests too. When they were finally
over, Terry was taken back to the room with Starsky on tow, where they waited
for the results.
After almost half an hour, the doctor came in and sat on the chair by
the bed, while Starsky remained sitting on the edge of the bed holding Terry’s
hands.
“Well doctor, what do you have?” asked Starsky before Terry could say a
word.
“Comparing both tomographies, the movement of the bullet is almost
insignificant. It’s still situated in a dangerous place, and the procedure
won’t be easy. Nevertheless, I still think this is the only way that gives you
the opportunity of getting rid of the bullet.”
“Fortunately you didn’t change your mind,” said Terry.
“No, but I want to explain everything to you, so it’s all clear and
you’ll know what to expect, alright?”, said McArthur and both nod. “I suppose
Dr. Quo told you this procedure isn’t as invasive as common surgery, but it
still has its risks because of the incision to enter the skull, and as little
as the hole can be, yet it can cause a movement in the bullet and complicate
things. There could be internal bleeding, more serious wounds and yet…death’s a
possibility…I’m sorry to be that rude, but I don’t want you to have false
expectations. As I told you, I want to put everything in front of you both to
consider.”
“We surely appreciate your sincerity, doctor. And as for me, I’m as
ready as I can be to get over with this,” said Terry resolved.
“We’ve already considered this doctor, and knowing there’s at least an
opportunity, she decided to take the risk and I’m with her. If there’s just a chance
that we can be together, we’re not going to miss it,” added Starsky.
“Good, as in any procedure and treatment, the patient’s mood is a very
important part to have good results, thus this is a very good start,” said the
doctor grinning. “I’m going to get everything ready to perform the surgery this
afternoon. There’s no reason for a delay,” he stood up and left the room
patting Terry’s shoulder kindly.
“Ufff, well, seems soon we’ll be out of this torture…” sighed Terry
squeezing Starsky’s hands that still were holding hers.
“I know I won’t be able to be with you during surgery, but I’ll be at
the waiting room praying for you,” he kissed her hands and looked at her
lovingly.
Terry freed one of her hands and taking him by the neck pulled him closer
and kissed him on his lips. “I love you, David, don’t forget it…and no matter
what happens, I’ll always be near you…,” she told him.
“We still have very much to do together, Terry…besides, you still owe me
an answer,” he grinned sweetly.
She remained silent and just closed her eyes trying to get some rest.
After a while, Starsky told her he
was going to call his mother and Hutch to get them updated about the last news.
****
Hours seemed endless while they waited for the surgery to take place. Rachel
arrived a few minutes before Terry was taken to the OR, so she could kiss her
good-bye and give her blessings before she got into surgery. Starsky kissed her
deeply and with lots of love, and their eyes remained fixed on each other’s
till she disappeared behind the door.
Rachel took Starsky by the arm and led him to the waiting room. The
doctor had already told them he didn’t know exactly how long it was going to
take cause they had to be very careful. No less than an hour and from that on.
Knowing that, they got ready for a long wait and they sat on the couch and
holding hands Rachel prayed for Terry and her son.
****
Inside the OR the tension among the physicians working on Terry was
evident. There were some complications with her blood pressure that got too
low, but they could stabilize it again. Dr. McArthur preciseness in his
movements in order to get the bullet out should be absolute, and when he
finally had reached his goal, the bullet slid a little, which caused a slight
bleeding but fortunately they could stop it almost immediately.
Luckily in the second attempt the bullet didn’t slip out of the claw and
the doctor could finally get it out. They finished suturing the blood vessels
in order to prevent any further bleeding, and after leaving a catheter to drain
the area, they also sutured the external incision and considered the procedure
complete and a success in itself, although they had to wait if there were no
bad consequences.
****
The waiting was really long as the doctor had told them. Starsky was
going to leave a path on the carpet in the waiting room as he couldn’t stop
pacing one end to the other. When he heard the door open and saw the doctor, he
almost fell over the coffee table near the chair Rachel was sitting and both
approached McArthur anxious to hear the news.
“Well, doctor?” asked Starsky at the verge of his resistance.
“We were able to take the bullet out...Nevertheless, (he sighed) we
experienced some inconveniences during the procedure…”
“Is she alive?” interrupted Starsky.
“Yes and her vitals are stable now. But we have to wait till she wakes
up to see if there’s no unexpected sequel due to the manipulation of the brain.
The bullet slid some millimeters after the first attempt, and there was a
slight bleeding. Everything could be controlled and at the second attempt I
could get it out. But we still have to wait and see what happens next.”
“What can we expect, doctor?” asked an anxious Starsky.
“Other bleeding, some speaking trouble, paralysis. They’re side effects
in any kind of brain surgery.”
“But at least there’s no more life threatening, right?”
“I would say that, but let’s wait and see the development. We’ll have
her monitored all the time. She’ll be back in her room soon, and you’ll be able
to see her.”
“Come on, David, just a little more time and you’ll be with you girl
soon,” said Rachel taking his arm and leading him to the seats again.
He allowed her to guide him, and let himself fall on the couch.
Fortunately this time they didn’t have to wait too long and in few minutes they
saw the stretcher passing by taking Terry back to her room. Immediately Starsky
followed after her trying not to interfere with the nurses while laying Terry
on the bed with the IV and the monitors to control her.
****
Terry was still under the effects of the anesthesia and the doctor had
indicated to keep her in this induced comma for the first hours.
Starsky sat by the bed and held her hand in his and kissed it tenderly.
The bandage covering her head was more impressing than the one right after the
shooting, but if not for all the machinery around her one could simply think
she was just sleeping. <<Please God, don’t take her away from me…Let her
get well and give us the opportunity to go on together>>, he pleaded
silently.
“David, I don’t want to take you away from Terry,” Rachel told him
soothingly, “but don’t you think you should call Hutch? Or you rather have me
to call him?”
“¿Ehh? Oh, no, you’re right...He must be very preoccupied. I’ll call
him…Don’t leave her alone, Ma, please. Stay with her till I come back.”
“Sure thing, son. Don’t worry.”
****
Starsky hurried to the corridor looking for a telephone to call Hutch.
When his friend answered a wave of calmness filled him. He told Hutch
everything that had happened and what they should expect as the doctor had
said.
“Everything’s gonna be alright, partner. Terry’s gonna be fine and
you’ll be back soon,” said Hutch comforting him. “Wish I could be there with
you…If you want me to, I can pick the first flight to New York.”
“Thanks, Blintz,” Starsky grinned sadly. “I know you would, but it’s ok.
I already feel better now that I could talk to you. And Ma is sticking with us
all the time. She just saw Terry and they both got along so well…,” said
Starsky still melancholically.
“Knowing Terry I wouldn’t expect anything different…She’s the kind of
girl your mother would love for you,” he said melancholically too on the other
side of the line. “Call me anytime you need, no matter what time of day it is,
ok?”
“I will, Hutch...Thanks.”
“Nothing to thank, buddy…Besides, what are friends for?”
A little more relaxed now, Starsky hung up and went back to Terry’s
room.
****
The rest of the day as well as the next one, Terry was kept unconscious
and by the monitors and the controls made by the doctor, everything was
developing good. Finally after 48 hours of the surgery, Dr. McArthur
considered it was ok to take out the sedatives gradually and thus see how Terry
reacted. The reducing procedure took some hours and late that afternoon Terry
showed some signs of consciousness.
Starsky had stayed at her side though Rachel had insisted on his need of
a good sleep while she would stay with Terry. But realizing it was a waste of
time, knowing he wouldn’t leave, Rachel decided to go home and bring something
for her son to eat, and some clean clothes so he could take a shower and
change. He accepted this and after following his mother’s instructions, he was
feeling better in his clean clothes and with something solid in his stomach. He
then sat by the bed again taking Terry’s hand in his.
Some time after the medication was completely taken out, Terry began to
moan and to move his fingers just a little.
“Honey?...It’s me, David...wake up, please...,” he said lovingly yet
anxiously.
“Hmmm...D-Dave...Where am I?” asked Terry a little confused frowning and
with her eyes closed yet.
“We’re at the hospital where you had an operation…Do you remember?”
“Hmmm...Y-yes…wha-what happened?” she asked again this time opening her
eyes and focusing his gaze on Starsky.
He lifted her hand and took it to his lips and kissed her tenderly and
grinned. “It’s beautiful to see those eyes again,” he caressed her cheek. “The
nightmare’s over, sweetheart…they took the bullet out…”
“Is it true?”
“I’d never lied to you nor about something like this…You got free of
that bullet and all you have to do is concentrate on getting your strength back
so we can go back home,” he said smiling broadly at her.
Terry tried to move on the bed.
“Hmmm...I d-don’t…hmmm...I don’t feel my legs, David!!!”
Starsky instantly rang the bell calling for help. “Shhh, calm down…I’ve
already called the doctor…,” he told her resting his other hand over her
agitated chest. His own face showed
alarm for what Terry had just said.
Almost immediately Dr. McArthur and a nurse entered the room. “Well,
well, I see you’re awake, Terry,” said the doctor cheerfully.
“Doctor, she doesn’t feel her legs…We were just talking and she seemed
to feel fine, but…,” explained Starsky.
McArthur frowned and got near the bed opposite to Starsky. He uncovered
her legs and touched her in different places testing her sensibility. Terry
responded each question he asked her confirming she felt his touch, but when he
asked her to move her legs, she tried without any result.
“What is it? Is that I’ll never walk again?” asked Terry scared.
“Don’t rush to any conclusion…Ehhh, I told David that there was the
possibility of some side effects after the surgery. But as you didn’t lose your
sensibility completely, makes me think that this is something temporary. I’d
like to make another tomography to see clearly how the area of the surgery is,
and if there’s any kind of bleeding or swelling and with the results in hand,
I’ll have something more precise to tell you…Right now I’m asking you to be as
calm as you can and that you have a little more patience. The worst is over as
we could take out the bullet, so your life is not under any risk.” He patted
her hand and left the room with the nurse giving her the instructions.
“Well, you heard the doctor, Terry,” said Rachel getting closer to the
bed where the doctor had been. “The worst is over and you and David will be
together at last,” she smiled at her holding carefully her hand with the IV.
“No...I won’t be a burden for David all life long…” she sobbed.
“What are you talking about?” said Starsky frowning. He didn’t like what
was behind those words. “You’ll never be a burden for me, honey. I love you,
and from now on we have a chance to have a life together.”
“I don’t wanna talk about that right now…Just leave me alone, please,”
pleaded Terry closing her eyes and turning her face opposite to Starsky.
He’d like to say something else, but Rachel indicated with her head to
stop it and to leave the room.
****
In the hall, Starsky exploded, “Why is she throwing me away? All I wanna
do is to be with her. After what happened, we finally can think of going on
with our relationship, and now she just kicks me out…,” he said angst in his
voice.
“Son, just hold on a little more, please. You have to understand her. I
think she didn’t expect anything wrong to happen after the surgery, and the
possibility of being paralyzed must’ve hit her hard…But don’t give up your
hope, it’s not the last word. Dr. McArthur himself told you so,” Rachel tried
to comfort him.
****
This time the wait wasn’t that long and as soon as Terry was out of the
tomography, she was carried back to the room with the doctor by her side. When
Starsky saw them, he stood up and wanted to go in with them, but Terry again
said she wanted to be alone with the doctor.
Already in the room and in her bed again, McArthur sat on the chair by
the bed and smiled kindly. “Are you sure you don’t want David with you?”
“Absolutely, doctor. All this situation has been a whole torture on him.
I don’t wanna see him hurt anymore feeling guilty for what happened to me.”
“But this time I have good news for you. The tomography confirmed what I
was thinking. The problem in your legs is due to the swelling in the region we
worked on. But soon enough, with the catheter we left in your skull, the fluid
natural in these cases, will be drained, so the swelling will be withdrawn, and
everything’ll be normal again.”
“Are you completely sure of that? There’s no possibility of other kind
of complication?” asked a very anxious Terry.
He grinned. “Completely sure, Terry. I’m only asking you more patience
and that you follow all the instructions of your therapist as I’m indicating
some physical therapy to keep your muscles working.”
“Thanks…,” she said smiling. “Ehhh, could you…tell David to come in? I’d
like to give him the news myself.”
“Sure thing. And now that you know what’s ahead, I want you to relax and
rest, ok?”
She nodded and got more comfortable in bed waiting for Starsky.
McArthur exited the room and as he told Starsky Terry wanted to see him,
he ran to her side. “Hi…,” he greeted her getting closer.
She held out her hand to reach him. “Forgive me for throwing you out
earlier…It’s just I…”
“Shhh, it’s ok. Now the only thing that’s important is that you let me
come back,” he told her sitting on the edge of the bed holding her hand in his.
“McArthur said I’ll be fine soon,” she told him with her eyes bright
with emotion. “It’s just the swelling due to the surgery, but I’ll be able to
walk again…He told me there won’t be any more complications.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time…,” said Starsky
laughing, leaning forward to kiss her on her lips. She despite the IV in her
other hand held his neck to pull him closer, kissing him with passion and they
deepened the kiss.
“We have to tell Hutch the news…He was worried about you and being away
made things worse…He asked me to keep him updated,” said a cheerful Starsky.
She nodded and smiled satisfied too, seeing her beloved cheerful again. <<Thanks
God for giving me the chance to see happiness on his face again. He’s so cute
when he laughs>> she said to herself.
After a while Starsky went to call Hutch to tell him the news and both
laughed on the phone happy again, seeing the end of the nightmare.
****
Terry’s improvement during the next days was satisfactory and Dr.
McArthur was amazed with her quick healing. A physiatrist was taking care of
her exercises and the sensibility in Terry’s legs was increasing very fast.
In two weeks she was ready to get out of the Medical Center, and from
now on she would be able to resume her normal life and all her usual activities.
Starsky and Terry were very excited that they could at last get out of that
place. Not that they had been uncomfortable with the staff treatment, everyone
had been great trying to get all they needed and they let them know their
thankfulness before leaving.
As Rachel had requested, they accepted to stay two more days with her
before going back to Los Angeles. They missed everything at home and Starsky
was willing to be with his friend, but he also understood his mother’s feelings
and he was very pleased with the fact that both women had gotten along so well
and with the help his mother had given them all the time.
“Hmmm, this time your bed feels more comfortable,” said Terry the first
night when they finally got in bed after a nice dinner celebrating with Rachel,
and after talking a lot with no clouds around them.
“You think we should take it to Los Angeles with us?” joked Starsky
kissing her on the tip of her nose.
“Don’t think so, we have comfortable beds at home too, don’t we?” she
replied pressing herself against his body.
“I really don’t mind where I am, as long as we’re together…I love you,
Terry…,” he leaned over her to kiss her lips. “And I won’t get tired of telling
you so and of thanking God this new opportunity we have to be together and
share our love.”
She caressed his cheek, resting her hand there, “Is your proposal still
valid?” she asked more seriously now.
Starsky felt his heart wanted to explode in anticipation, and he could
only nod and look at her directly into her eyes.
“Then…Do you think we could get married soon? I don’t wanna be away from
you at night any more, I don’t wanna have two houses, nor…”
He interrupted her kissing her passionately and holding her tight. They
continued kissing and slowly the passion increased and they made love after so
long celebrating life and the love they felt for each other.
The news caused happiness for Rachel too when they told her so the next
morning.
****
And the moment to go back to Los Angeles arrived. The farewell was full
of emotion, but there was also happiness due to the plans of the couple and
Rachel’s promise that she’d attend the wedding. Starsky made her happier yet
when he told her that it couldn’t be other way since she’d be the bridesmaid.
The flight back home was completely different than when they came to New
York. They were more relaxed and they spent all the time talking about this new
project of life and that they wanted to do it as soon as possible.
Hutch and Christine were waiting at the airport, feeling happy knowing
their friends were coming back together and healthy and the happiness increased
as soon as they got to know about the next wedding and that of course Hutch
would be the best man, and would give
the bride at the altar.
****
Everything got on the run as planned and they fixed the date for a month
forward. Time went by quickly between work and arrangements for the wedding.
They decided to start living in Starsky’s apartment as it was bigger that
Terry’s, and during their time off they spent hours arranging furniture and
moving things from Terry’s place to Starsky’s.
The kids of the Center where Terry worked were very happy with the
wedding of their teacher now that she’d come back after being so sick – as they
would say, not knowing the true seriousness of the incident – and also because
she was marrying Starsky, who they’d learned to love dearly.
Hutch and Christine helped the children to organize a bachelor’s party
at the campus where they used to play all weekends, and all the group had a lot
of fun during the celebration.
Starsky had another bachelor party too at the station with his fellow
workers, and finally, both couples had another one just the four of them and
Huggy two days before the wedding.
****
And the great day arrived at last. Rachel had flown from New York the
day before and stayed in Starsky’s apartment. Everybody was nervous and
anxious. The ceremony would be nothing great under the Jewish ritual and held
in a rented club for the occasion. The place was full with friends that
appreciated them, and that felt happy seeing them together at last.
Starsky was wearing a dark suit that made him look very handsome and he
was waiting at the front where a little altar had been made with Rachel by his
side wearing a light-grey dress and her black hair folded in a tight bun that
made her look very elegant too.
Before the doors opened to let the bride enter the room, there was
silence among the guests, and the wedding music began to play as the couple had
asked. Hutch was wearing a dark suit too as the groom. He offered Terry his arm
to hold, and as she entwined hers he placed his hand over her hand watching her
grinning and winking his eye. He whispered in her ear that she looked great and
that Starsky would be out of breath when he saw her. She smiled nervously and
then she took a deep breath trying to compose herself before entering.
At last the doors opened wide to let them in and Hutch and Terry both
began walking down the aisle slowly heading to where Starsky was waiting. His
face illuminated as Hutch had expected
as soon as he watched Terry looking so beautiful with her long dress in
a soft champagne color, her delicate adorning on her hair and her light make-up
that only made her look incredible and so natural.
They went on slowly till they reached Starsky who took her hand and
whispered, “For God sake, I’ve never thought you could look prettier that what
you’ve always been,” he said almost out of breath.
Hutch listened to him and smiled. Before loosing her hand, he leaned
toward her and said, “I told you, you took his breath away….” The three of them
laughed and then both bride and groom took their place in front of the altar
and Hutch took his.
After listening to some of the traditional words, the kids of the Center
wanted to surprise them with a gift and a special message. They had taken a
photograph of the whole group and they had it framed to give them as a wedding
gift. Sally, despite her difficulties, wanted to be the one to represent all
the children and with some help she’d written some words to tell them.
“My name is Sally and on behalf of the kids of Marshall Center for
Exceptional Children…I want to give you this present and thank you both…for all
the great moments we spend together…playing and learning things. Terry…we love
you very much and we like all the things you teach us…And David…we love you
too, and we are glad that you and Ken can come to play with us and to share
good moments…We wish you a lot of happiness.” When she had finished with the
message, she got closer and gave the photo to Terry, who hugged her tight with
her eyes wet with tears that threatened to fall then kissed her on her cheek. Then
Starsky embraced Sally too and kissed her thanking her and the rest of the
children, and he promised them they’d go on playing and having fun together all
weekends when work allowed it.
After the emotion of this moment and
some more traditional messages for the couple, it was time for both of them to
make their vows and put on the rings. And the special words they said to each
other were very touching and full of emotion.
Starsky took Terry’s hand and slid the ring in her finger, then looking
into her eyes made his vows. “Terry…I want you to know that I love you with all
my heart and soul. I’m the happiest man in this world being able to share my
life with you, and I want to thank you for that…I promise you I’ll always love
you and I’ll be always by your side as long as you let me…I want to make you
happy for ever and never let you down.”
Terry did the same and after the ring was in Starsky’s finger, she told
him his feelings too. “David…since the moment I met you I learned what
happiness means, and I don’t regret at all the fact I chose to be with you
despite all that happened to us, and I don’t want you to feel guilty about it
either…I want to support you and help you in anyway I can, and to encourage you
in order you can reach your dream and make the change that you chose to make
together with Ken…I promise I won’t let you give up when things don’t seem to
be what you expected them to be…You’re a very special person, David Starsky and
thus I love you now and I will for ever.”
After these words that caused all the guests to remain silent, the Rabbi
declared them husband and wife and they kissed deeply with all the love they
felt for each other and full of hope in this new stage in their lives while all
the room burst into applauses from all the people around them.
THE END