The Unexpected Journey-A Prince Harry Fan Fic

Chapter 57

The day following the earthquake was draining, to say the least. Harry had meetings lined up one after another and Maddie was at the hospital all day; and they were exhausted. Having had very little sleep, having put their emotions through the metaphorical wringer, they were both exhausted.

So, at the end of the day, when Maddie arrived at Harry's looking like one big gust of wind could topple her over, Harry wasn't the least bit surprised.

"Have you eaten?" He shut the door behind her, taking her coat.

"I honestly don't remember," a tired smile pulled at her lips.

"Bernard made pizza."

"I love Bernard," Maddie sighed, kicking off her heels. "I want to take him home with me."

"Yes well, he's incredibly loyal to the family and you can't have him," he pulled at her fingers, leading her to the kitchen. "But I will share my pizza with you."

"You do love me."

"I really do." While Maddie loaded her plate, Harry retrieved two bottles of beer from his fridge and they sat down at the table in the kitchen.

"How were your meetings?" Maddie lifted her eyebrows, an attempt at conversation.

"I don't know," he shook his head with a faded smile. "I think they were fine. Not my finest day."

"No," Maddie chuckled; relating completely. "It could have been worse, though."

"Yes. It absolutely could have." The call could have gone in the absolute other direction; they were both keenly aware of that. Maddie watched him for a moment, judging his mood, taking in his disposition.

"Harry," her voice was soft as she put her pizza down. His eyes rose to hers; his attention on her. "There's something I need to tell you."

"Oh-kay," he scanned her tired eyes for a clue but found none. He took a drink from his bottle and wiped his hands on a napkin. "Go ahead."

"Well, last night, when we were making phone calls, I got through to Marquita. You remember the lady from Doctors Without Borders who gave me my job options once my furlough was over?"

"Yeah."

"And..." Maddie took a breath. "She said that they are pulling together a Crisis Intervention team; a team of doctors, nurses, mental health professionals. They are going to Bendal the day after tomorrow for two weeks and..." She could see the moment it washed over him; realization. His jaw tensed. His hand moved to rub at the back of his neck as he slumped back in his chair; his eyes trained on her.

"God, please tell me you're not going to Bendal." Maddie's lips closed tightly as she held his gaze. "Maddie..."

"I can't tell you that," she was soft with him; anticipating exactly what was about to unfold. He shook his head slowly, wanting to dismiss what she had just said, wanting to just pull it from the conversation. "Harry..."

"It's incredibly dangerous there right now, Maddie."

"I know."

"There is high level destruction to buildings and highways, there has been an upheaval of..."

"I know," she cut in. "I know all of these things. I've seen the news. I've read the report from the main office. But the airport is standing and functional. DWB has connected with people there and can secure..."

"Maddie..." He groaned; his hands moving over his face.

"I cannot sit here and do nothing. I just...I can't."

"You could be hurt or..." He ran his hands into his hair, his eyes finding hers.

"Yes," she nodded. "I could. Or I can help with the intervention. I can help with reconstruction efforts. I can be there with Khenda and Collins."