"The Crossing " Gap-Filler
By: Lori (SixteenOzs)
DISCLAIMER: "ER," the characters and situations depicted within are the property of Warner Brothers Television, Amblin Entertainment, Constant c Productions, NBC, etc. They are borrowed without permission, but without the intent of infringement. The story presented here is written solely for entertainment purposes, and the author is not making a profit.
SUMMARY: Continuation of "The Crossing."
Feedback is welcome. Please send all questions, comments or criticisms to SixteenOzs02@yahoo.com
RATING: PG
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I would like to thank Ros and Cari for all of their help in looking over the drafts of this story and giving me such great feedback. Thank you all so much!
"You okay? Is there anything I can get you?" Mark wondered for what seemed like the hundredth time since Elizabeth was moved from the emergency room to the obstetrics wing of the hospital, about twenty minutes earlier.
She sighed softly, then assured him, "Mark, I'm fine."
"You want something to drink? Something to eat? The cafeteria's closed, but I could go out and get you something to eat. Or I could find something for you to read," he offered as he paced around the room.
She chuckled, then deliberately said, "Mark, there's only one thing I need right now."
"What is it?" he questioned anxiously.
Quietly, she replied, "For you to relax."
He smiled sheepishly as he sat down on the edge of her bed. "Trying to tell me I'm overreacting?"
"Maybe just a bit," she grinned. "I've actually been amusing myself by watching you pace around, trying to figure out just how much worse you'll be in three months, when our little one decides to make its appearance."
"I just want to make sure you're okay, that you're both okay," he said quietly as he took her hand in his.
"We are... now," she answered, her voice breaking slightly.
He tenderly caressed her cheek, then whispered, "That's all that matters."
She bit her lip as she tried to hold back the tears and nodded slightly.
A few moments later, Dr. McLucas entered the room holding Elizabeth's chart in one hand and using the other to hang a stethoscope around her neck. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry it took me so long to get here. We went to dinner and a late movie. I thought I switched my pager to vibrate, but I actually switched it off. I didn't get the message until I got home and called my service."
"It's okay," Elizabeth said with a small smile.
"How are you feeling?"
Elizabeth laughed slightly. "Better than I was earlier this evening."
"Contractions were pretty bad?" McLucas questioned sympathetically as she sat the chart down and studied the printout from the fetal monitor. "At their closest, how far apart were they?"
Elizabeth considered this for a few moments, then said, "Maybe about four or five minutes. I wasn't actually timing them, so I can't say for certain."
"That's fine," McLucas nodded. "And it took three rounds of Terbutaline before they stopped?"
"That's right."
Picking up the chart, McLucas wondered, "Any contractions since that last dose of Terbutaline?"
"No."
"Have you noticed any side effects?" McLucas inquired. "Headache? Nausea? Increased heartbeat?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "Not so far."
"That's good. The monitor's not showing any contractions, and the baby's heart rate looks great," McLucas said with a smile as she made a few notations on the chart. Replacing the cap on her pen, she slipped it in her pocket, then slid a stool closer to Elizabeth's bed. Sitting down, she said, "So, I guess we need to talk about how we're going to get you through the next three months."
"Yeah," Elizabeth agreed quietly.
Their fingers already interlaced, Mark took his free hand and gently caressed the back of her hand with her thumb, just wanting to remind her that she wasn't going through this alone.
McLucas thought for a few moments, then said, "Well, the first thing I'd like to do is keep you here, and on the monitor, for the next day or two. That way, we can make sure the contractions have stopped. And if they haven't, then we can do something about it immediately." Off Elizabeth's nod, McLucas continued, "After that, I want you home, on complete bed-rest, for at least two weeks, possibly longer. By complete bed-rest, I mean sitting down, on the bed or the sofa, with your feet elevated. You can get up to go to the bathroom, one shower a day and no more than two trips up and down the stairs."
"Why do I get the feeling this is going to be easier said than done?" Elizabeth wondered warily.
"It is," McLucas said seriously, "but it's something you're going to have to do if you're going to carry this baby to term."
"I know," Elizabeth replied soberly.
After giving Elizabeth a few moments to absorb this, McLucas continued. "But I've saved the hardest part for last, and that's reducing stress and work. I know you've both been through hell and back in the last few months, but now you need to make a very conscious effort to reduce the stress in your life, and take time to relax."
Mark and Elizabeth exchanged knowing looks, both doubting that would be very easy. While the best thing to happen to them in quite some time was the completion of Mark's radiation therapy, the competency testing meant that things were far from over.
He smiled slightly, then reminded her, "We're going to get through this."
Elizabeth drew in a deep breath, then nodded as she forced a small smile. Looking back to Dr. McLucas, she said, "You mentioned something about work?"
"Yes," McLucas nodded. "I think it's fairly safe to say you'd go crazy if you couldn't leave the house for the next three months. After you take some time off, I'm willing to consider letting you come back to work, under certain conditions. First, I'll probably put you on an oral dose of Terbutaline for the rest of the pregnancy. And most importantly, that you don't overdo it. Recognize when you're getting tired because that's the baby's way of telling you to take a break. I'd also prefer that you limit the number of procedures you're doing each day, and no covering the ER." Turning to Mark, McLucas grinned, "No offense."
"None taken," Mark chuckled. "Besides, if it were up to me, she'd be at home for the rest of the pregnancy."
"But then I'd be driving you crazy," Elizabeth pointed out with a grin.
Checking her watch, McLucas saw that it was nearly twelve-thirty. "Well, I'm going to go so you can get some rest. We'll talk more about all of this tomorrow. Just try to relax. We're going to make sure you deliver a very happy, healthy baby."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said with a sincere smile as McLucas stood and left the room.
Elizabeth sat there in silence for several minutes, trying to take in everything McLucas had just told her, as well as the events of the evening. Mark watched her, but remained quiet, knowing she needed time to come to terms with this on her own.
Finally looking away from him, she whispered, her voice barely audible, "What have I done?"
Mark looked at her curiously; not even immediately sure whether she'd said anything. After a moment or two, her words registered. He reached out gently and turned her face towards him, but her eyes were still cast downward.
"Elizabeth," he called softly, "look at me."
She stared intently at an indeterminable spot on the blanket. She didn't want to look at him, knowing she'd only see his disappointment in her. In all of the chaos that had surrounded them for the last few months, this baby had been the one bright spot. And tonight, she'd jeopardized the life of THEIR child. She didn't want to look, but something inexplicable in his voice compelled her gaze upward. The profound concern she found in his eyes took her by surprise as she waited for him to speak.
"Elizabeth, what happened tonight was not your fault," he assured her firmly. "You cannot blame yourself for this."
"Can't I?" she questioned sadly. "I'm almost six months pregnant, and I didn't think twice about getting in that helicopter and going to the scene of a train wreck. I was even willing to stay there and continue the amputation if they could put me on a monitor and give me some Terbutaline. I wasn't thinking."
"We don't know what caused these contractions," he pointed out, "and it's not going to do any good to worry about that now. The only thing we need to focus on is making sure you take it easy for the rest of this pregnancy. After the last few months, I think you've more than earned a little downtime."
Several moments later, she quietly admitted, "I don't think I've ever been as terrified as I was when I got on that helicopter to come back to the hospital." Her voice broke and the tears began to fall down her face as she continued. "All I could think about was what would happen if I lost this baby, how you'd never be able to look at me the same way again. Mark, I'm so sorry."
"Oh, Elizabeth," he murmured softly as he wrapped her in his arms and drew her closer. Several long minutes passed where he just held her, gently rubbing her back. Finally, he pulled back so he could look at her. Wiping the tears from her face, he seriously said, "Elizabeth, I will always love you, no matter what happens. You are the most important thing in my life, and that will never change. Please tell me you know that."
She swallowed hard to push back the lump in her throat. "I do," she assured him. "Deep down, I've never doubted that. It's just..."
"I know. It's okay," he nodded understandingly as he caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. "I love you, Elizabeth."
She smiled faintly. "I love you, too."
"We're going to get through this," he reiterated. "You and this baby are going to be just fine. That is the only thing you need to think about."
"Thank you."
"For what?" he shrugged. "You've got the hard part."
"For being here, for just being you," she answered softly. "I'm sorry I had to pull you away from the testing."
"Elizabeth, stop apologizing!" he ordered with a smile.
"Sorry," she replied reflexively as she looked down at the blanket covering the bed. Then realizing what she'd said, she looked to him, and they both started laughing.
"But, seriously, you don't need to apologize for that, or for anything else that happened tonight. I was actually putting on my coat, getting ready to leave, when I got the page. So you didn't pull me away from anything," he explained.
"How'd it go?" she asked in a concerned tone.
"Same as the rest," he said indifferently. "They said they'll have the results in a couple weeks."
"And then you'll be able to get back to work without Weaver breathing down your neck," she pointed out with a smile.
"Yeah," he agreed quietly, but without much conviction.
"We're going to get through this, remember?" she reminded him.
Looking at her, he had to smile. "Yeah, I remember."
They sat there in a comfortable silence for several moments before she wondered, "Are you going home?"
He studied her curiously, surprised at the question. Shaking his head, he answered, "Not without you."
"You should really go home. You need your rest and you're not going to be getting that here."
"Remember New York?" he asked with a knowing look.
She smiled reluctantly. "Yes, I remember New York."
"I'm not going anywhere without you," he said firmly.
Elizabeth just laughed and shook her head. "Okay, I won't argue with you on that one. But what about your shift tomorrow?"
"While we were down in the ER, I told Randi I wouldn't be working tomorrow."
"Mark, you should really work. There's no point in sitting up here with me all day. You'd be bored to tears," she pointed out.
"No, I wouldn't," he tried to argue. "I was thinking we could lay here all day, talk about baby names, watch some of those sappy old movies you love."
"That's sounds lovely," she admitted, "but I'd really rather you work."
"Why?" he asked in confusion.
She hesitated, but then explained, "I'd rather you save your time off and use it after the baby is born, so you can stay at home with us then."
He smiled. "You're sure you don't want me to stay with you tomorrow?"
"I'm positive," she said firmly. "Besides, I've been getting rather tired lately. I'll probably spend most of the day sleeping, or maybe even catching up on a little reading. If I need anything, I know you're just downstairs."
"Okay, but I want you to let me know if you change your mind."
"I will," she promised.
After watching her for a few moments, he commented, "You look tired. You should try to get some sleep."
"Will you lay down with me?" she requested softly.
"Of course," Mark smiled. Standing up, he then suggested, "You might want to try sleeping on your side. It would take some of the pressure off your uterus."
"Thank you, Doctor," she teased as she began to adjust the bed.
After turning off the ceiling light and removing his shoes he laid down behind her. She sighed softly as she settled against his chest. Smiling as she felt the baby kick, she reached for his hand and guided it to her swollen belly.
"How long has he been at it tonight?" Mark wondered, the amazement he was feeling coming through in his voice.
"A few kicks here and there since the contractions stopped," she answered quietly, "but it seems to have picked up in the last few minutes."
"He really seems to have a thing against letting you sleep, doesn't he?" Mark chuckled.
She murmured her agreement, but hesitated a moment before she asked, "Do you remember last week, when I was complaining about the baby's kicking keeping me awake?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I don't care if it keeps me up all night, because right now, it's the most wonderful thing I've ever felt," she admitted, her voice breaking. Turning slightly to look at him over her shoulder, she simply said, "I love you."
"I love you, too," he whispered before finding her lips for a slow, gentle kiss.
Elizabeth awoke slowly the next morning, but didn't immediately open her eyes. Sensing movement around her, she murmured, "Mark?"
"He's down in the ER," a female voice answered. "Would you like me to page him for you?"
Opening her eyes, Elizabeth looked around the room and suddenly remembered where she was. She turned to her right and recognized the nurse who was studying the printout from the fetal monitor. "That's okay, Angela. I'll call Mark later. How does everything look with the baby?"
"It looks great," Angela assured her. "No contractions and the baby's heart rate is one-forty-five."
"What time is it?" Elizabeth wondered. "Is Dr. McLucas in yet?"
"It's almost nine. Dr. McLucas is here. She looked over your chart and the monitor printout from last night. She said she'd be in to see you after you woke up," Angela explained.
Elizabeth laughed softly. "I'm actually surprised I slept this late. I didn't think that was possible in a hospital!"
"OB's a little different than surgery," Angela grinned. "The goal here is to make sure you're taking care of yourself so you can carry this baby to term. And part of that is making sure you get the rest you need."
"Thank you," Elizabeth smiled.
"I'll let Dr. McLucas know you're awake," Angela said as she prepared to leave the room. Gesturing to the table next to the bed, she added, "Dr. Greene also dropped some things off for you."
Elizabeth turned to look at the table, then gasped in surprise. The first thing she noticed was the vase holding a dozen white roses. Looking further, she saw a small stuffed bear, a white paper bag and an envelope bearing her name.
Curiously, she reached for the envelope. Opening it, she found a note in Mark's familiar scrawl.
Dear Elizabeth,
Sorry I missed you this morning, but you were sleeping so peacefully. I just didn't have the heart to wake you. I hope you're feeling better. Before I left, I made sure the OB nurses knew to page me if there was any change.
I went home and picked up a few things I thought you might like. Your clothes, a few books and your copies of "Casablanca" and "The Maltese Falcon." Everything's in the bag by your bed. Since I know how you feel about hospital food, I also picked up breakfast. Hope you're in the mood for fresh fruit and bagels. Don't worry, I also picked up a chocolate éclair, since I know you've been craving them.
The roses are for you, and the bear is for the baby. Give me a call when you wake up.
Love always,
Mark
Elizabeth couldn't help but smile even as a single tear traced its way down her cheek. She'd never known anything that was even close when compared to the love that she shared with Mark. Even though she'd never consciously realized it, that love was what had been missing in her life for a very long time. And she was very well aware of how lucky she was to have found him.
Reaching for the phone, she dialed the familiar extension.
"ER," Amira answered.
"This is Elizabeth Corday. Is Mark around?"
"He's right here, Dr. Corday. Just a second," Amira answered.
"'Morning," Mark said gently as he came to the phone a few minutes later. Her best guess was that he decided to take the call at the desk in the lounge, instead of in the middle of the ER admit desk.
"Good morning."
She could hear the concern in his voice as he asked, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," she assured him. "We both are."
Chuckling softly, he said, "Good. That's what I want to hear."
"Thank you," she said simply.
"For what?"
Now it was her turn to laugh. "For the roses, the bear, my things, breakfast. Everything."
"You're welcome," he replied. "I'm glad you liked it. How was breakfast?"
"I actually haven't had breakfast yet," she admitted. "I just woke up a few minutes ago. I read your note and decided to give you a call."
In a mischievous tone, he said, "I'm impressed. You chose me over the éclair."
She laughed ruefully. "Keep that up, and I might not choose you first next time!"
"Just remember who brought you that éclair," he pointed out with a laugh. "So, what's your plan for the day?"
"I don't know," she said lazily. "Sleep, read, movie, whatever comes up."
"Sounds like fun. Wish I could join you."
"There's always lunch," she suggested.
"Good point. Do you have any requests?" he wondered.
"You'd better be careful," she warned. "They're not going to let you up here if you keep bringing me non-hospital food. Not that I wouldn't love it."
"Actually, I checked with Angela this morning. She said it's not a problem. There's no way the cafeteria could keep up with all of the cravings they get up there, so if patients want outside food, it's not a problem," he explained.
Laughing, she said, "Well, in that case..."
"You enjoy your breakfast, start thinking about what you want for lunch, give me a call and I'll see what I can do," he offered.
"Have I mentioned lately how much I love you?" she questioned softly.
"You don't have to say it," he answered sincerely. "I've always known that."
"Well, I do love you," she whispered.
"I love you, too," he smiled. "Get some rest, and I'll see you for lunch."
"Bye, Mark."
"Bye."
I'd love to know what you think. Please seed all comments and feedback to: SixteenOzs02@yahoo.com
March 09, 2001
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