Why do I feel this way?

Chapter 25: But This... This is Life

***There has been a lot of angst... so here is just some sweetness... with small pieces of foreshadowing... sorry it's short... I'm swamped, but was almost hitting burnout... had to do some writing to reset

Finally. It's just me and Siobhan. We need to talk about some things...

Its been several days since Siobhan was rescued. Mia was discharged yesterday and the crew has all gone back to work. Vivian got Jamie from her mom this morning and dropped him off at nursery. She isn't comfortable leaving Siobhan alone for long knowing Roger could come by at any time. Since Jamie is back home, Vivian has organized a schedule to keep watch overnight with Siobhan. All the couples from the nursery have offered to take a shift until their new friend is discharged.

As I'm making the journey back to the hospital, all I can think about is my beautiful blonde. She is so perfect. Her striking gray eyes, soft blonde hair, the breathtaking smile that she only shines for me. I'm falling hard... I tried to be careful, but this woman just does something to me. Why do I feel this way?

I'm apprehensive... she just got away from Roger. She has always been straight and has always been taught it's wrong to be anything but straight. What if she changes her mind and I'm just left alone picking up the shattered pieces of my heart. When I'm with her, it's like everything else fades and I hear my heartbeat echo through my body. I can't help it. I can't stop it.

Back at the hospital Siobhan is fighting a battle. Not a physical one, but a mental battle. She is struggling with her feelings for Vivian and her freedom from Roger.

I'm thankful to be away from Roger. I really am... it's just I had financial security with him. I wouldn't have to ever worry about that struggle again. He didn't really treat me that bad, right? He loves me... I just always do the wrong thing... What am I saying?! He almost killed me! If Vivian and the others didn't come for me, I would have been dead.

Vivian... her comforting voice, glistening blue eyes and that warm smile. I can't get enough of her... it's like I'm addicted. When we kiss, the world stops, voices fade, the pain disappears. I'm not supposed to feel this way, but she makes me happy. Am I falling IN love with her?

Vivian pulls into the hospital parking lot, takes a deep breath and walks back to Siobhan's room. She sees Siobhan's face radiantly glowing and is smiling the biggest smile ever. "Hiya Bon, what are you thinking about? You look happy." Siobhan lets out a breathy laugh and turns to Vivian. "Well, Viv. You. I'm thinking about you." The blonde's eyes shoot wide open in unbelief that she just said that out loud. She notices Vivian blushing, feeling bold, Siobhan says flirtatiously, "I didn't know I had that effect on you..." The older woman's eyebrows raise in shock, "Somebody's feeling bold today... I like it!"

At that, Siobhan's face reddened as Vivian confidently walked over to the bed. Both the women felt breathless as they lose themselves in each others eyes. Vivian tucks stray strands of hair behind Siobhan's ear. The blonde falling deeper and deeper into her gaze. She glides her fingertips slowly down the blondes jawline, under her chin and lifts into a slow passionate kiss.

The way she touches me— so gentle. The sensation is explosive though... it's like sparks flying through my skin with every contact. What does all this mean?

Mmm... I can get used to this... I know I wanted to have a serious talk, but this... this is life.

They hear someone clearing their throat obnoxiously behind them. Pulling away from each other they turn to the door to see a giddy Renee. "Hey you two... I just wanted to check on Siobhan. I see she is recovering well!" She says with a light chuckle. Siobhan hides her face in Vivian's back trying to conceal her overwhelming blush. "I'll let you two get back to it. Viv, keep me updated..."

Vivian turns to Siobhan not able to hold in her laughter. The shy blonde whispers, "When will I get to kiss you without someone interrupting us?!" Vivian winks, "probably when I take you home after you get out of here..." Siobhan sighs while rolling her eyes, "Will you hold me for a while?" She smiles softly as she climbs into the bed. Siobhan snuggles in close laying her head on Vivian's chest and tucking her arms into herself. Vivian wraps her arm around her love, resting her hand near her waist. Leaning her head to rest on top of Siobhan's. The weight of all that has happened melts away as calm washes over them— lulling them to sleep.