A Kind Girl In A Cruel World (Grey's Anatomy AU)

Chapter Twenty-Five

-George-
After I woke up, I decided to shoot Lara a quick good morning text.

After a few minutes, there was no reply, and usually she texts me back right away.
I decided to call instead, but it went straight to voicemail.
"God, I hope she's alright." I sighed.
I got up and made some coffee with a bit of scotch mixed in, because that's really the only way I'm getting through life right now. I haven't had a day off in over two weeks since Lara and I got back from vacation, and I'm absolutely exhausted. I know she must feel the same way, because she hasn't gotten a break either.
I decided to send Lara a text that would really get her attention.

She finally replied.

I decided to call Lara so she could tell me about it, and she started crying as soon as she answered.
"Lara, it's alright. Slow down and take your time to speak." I told her.
"George, i-it was awful. I thought I'd never get away, but... I-I think he came inside-"
"You mean, he-
Oh god, Lara... what are we going to do?"
"It's okay. I took a contraceptive, just to be safe."
"Who helped you?"
"Dr. Shepherd. He basically saved my life. I feel like I owe him or something."
"He basically treats you like a daughter, Lara. I think you're pretty damned special to him."
"Yeah. He told me he loved me last night, after what happened. I didn't say anything back... I just sat there and cried."
"You have a lot of people who love you to pieces, Lara."
"I know, and this is the safest I've felt in a long time."
"You are so brave, sweetheart. You've been through so much in your life, and yet you still come out on top somehow."
"It's not easy, but I'm trying to take life one step at a time now."
"That's probably best for you. Have you talked with your therapist yet?"
"Yeah, I talked to her last Saturday."
"How'd that go?"
"Well, that was my first time meeting with her. It was mainly introductions and stuff."
"Was there anything else you guys talked about?"
"Eric, mostly." she sighed.
"Yeah. Do you have to work today?"
"No, do you?"
"No. This is my first day off in over two weeks, and I literally put scotch in my coffee this morning."
"Are you serious?" she laughed.
"Yeah. It's actually not too bad."
"Do you want to do something together? Maybe we could take a walk in the park, get some ice cream?"
"It's supposed to rain this afternoon." I pointed out.
"I don't care. I just want to get out of the apartment for the day."
"Why don't I meet you at the coffee shop in a little bit?"
"Sure, that'll be fine too. I was going to just sleep the day away if nothing else happened, but I'm glad you called."
"Me too. So, I'll meet you there soon?"
"Not that soon. I'm not even out of bed yet."
"Okay, so... an hour?"
"Yeah, that sounds about right." Lara agreed.
"Okay, I'll see you soon then."
"Yep. I love you, Georgie Bear..."
Her voice lingered when she said that last part.
"I love you too, sweetheart."
I smiled and chuckled warmly.
She hung up, and I started getting ready for the day we're going to spend together.
I took a shower and got dressed

(This is George's outfit. It's probably mid-October in the story now.)
And I still had about a half-hour to get there.