What Now? - a Rhekker, Chicago Med Story

Chapter 21

***The Next Day***

Clare woke up on the floor of Connors apartment under the coffee table. She could barely remember the night before but was covered in pink frosting. She slowly got up and banged her head on the pointed corner of the table and let out a loud string of curse words that echoed through the building. As she hobbled over to the counter and stuck her head under the tap, Connor and Ava appeared from the bedroom.

A: What the fuck happened to you? She said while giggling.

C: You look like you just got hit by a truck.

Clare: It bloody feels like it too.

Connor walked into the kitchen and started banging some pots loudly and slamming cabinet doors. Clare shot him a serious glare and then immediately clutched at her head. Connor handed her a glass of water and two pills. "Been there sister" he said as he looked at her hunched over the bench. Now Ava was glaring at him. He walked over to her and put one arm around her and kissed her on the cheek. She tried to keep a serious expression but couldn't help but smirk a little as he kissed her. Clare slowly walked over to the large armchair near the window and curled into a tight ball as she sat down.  After a moment she suddenly looked up at Connor and Ava who were still cuddled together near the kitchen bench.

Clare: Why am I sticky? What on earth am I covered in?

A: Wow, you really don't remember anything do you?

Clare: Not a single thing.

C: Well, it  all started with you and Lauren and a few of the other med students having 'one beer' which quickly progressed into 5 beers and two rounds of tequila. After that we played a few cute games but you two thought it would be funny to start throwing the frosted cupcakes across the bar.

A: Yeah and it really all went downhill from there. Connor had to carry you in last night and you absolutely refused to let us put you to bed. So that's why you woke up on the floor. Honestly sissy it was a baby shower. People usually try and refrain from becoming inebriated at such events. It's not a good look, especially for the aunty. You didn't look particularly responsible.

Clare: Oh come on A. Once the baby gets here I will be the perfect little aunt. But until then I get to be stupid and reckless and have fun. I am a med student you know... its stressful.

A: OH REALLLLLY? I guess I wouldn't know since I have never been one. She sarcastically teased.

Clare: Oh shush you, at least you understand how I am feeling right?

A: Yes I do. Seems like a lifetime ago now.

Clare: Anyway are you two ever going to tell me what my niece is going to be called? Huh?

A: Well we haven't really decided for sure yet. We wanna meet her first.

Clare: Excuses. Excuses. Do I get to offer suggestions?

C: Sure, we are open to ideas.

Clare: Great I will get back to you.

Connor and Ava exchanged a look and Ava shook her head disapprovingly. Connor headed off to go shower and Ava turned back to face Clare who still sitting in the chair. "What am I gonna do with you C? I have already got one baby on the way. I don't need a second."

Clare: Well I'll tell you what you could do with me...Drive me to Starbucks for a large coffee and a muffin... PLEASE  I AM BEGGING YOU.

Clare creeped over to where Ava was standing and grabbed hold of her hand. "PLEASSSSSE!"

A: Oh for gods sake alright. Go get changed first though. I am not going anywhere with you looking like that.

"Thank you, your the best!" Clare jumped up enthusiastically and skipped off to get some fresh clothes.

Connor walked back into the kitchen wearing only a towel. "Hey have you seen my phone I wanna blast some tunes in the shower. " Ava looked briefly round the lounge and found his phone wedged down the couch cushion.

C: Thanks.

A: We are off to Starbucks... you want anything?

C: Just get me anything. I don't even know what they have. You know what I like.

He walked over to her and kissed her just as Clare walked back in.

Clare: oh guys please. Keep it PG.

She walked over to Ava who was frozen on the spot.

Clare: Ava?

Ava suddenly snapped out of it and grabbed the keys.

A: Let's go.

As they walked out of the apartment and down to the street, Ava was very quiet.

Clare: Ok what happened? In the 2 minutes I was out of the room you have suddenly become a mute.

A: Nothing its just been a while since... and he was only wearing a towel and... we barely even had the chance to be together when I got knocked up and...

Clare: Ok nuff said. I get the picture. Loud and clear. Now moving swiftly on please and thank you. 

A: You asked.

C: Yes and I INSTANTLY regret it.