What Now? - a Rhekker, Chicago Med Story

Chapter 32

A couple days had passed on Connor and Ava's time off. They had stayed home the first few days and relaxed, catching up on some lost sleep. It was about 6 am on Saturday morning and Connor woke up to Sophia wailing. He rolled over in bed and Ava was not there. He got up and headed into the nursery to see if she was changing the baby. Sophia was laying alone in her crib crying her eyes out. He picked her up and gently patted her back. He walked into the kitchen to see if she was there. Sophia was hungry and Ava was not in the apartment. "Strange" he muttered to himself before heading to the fridge and grabbing a bottle. He placed it in the warmer and while he waited tried desperately to calm her down. "Soph its okay, its nearly ready, shhh shhh shhh I know, I know being hungry makes me grumpy too. I wonder where your mama is."

The bottle was done after about a minute and Connor sat down on the couch and fed baby Sophia. She was about half way through when Ava burst in through the front door and slammed it quickly behind her. She was red and sweaty and breathing heavily, wearing her active wear. Connor silently looked her up and down. 

C: You went... Running?!?! You hate running.

A: I just had to get out of here for a bit. Was going crazy, too much energy, too many thoughts.

C: Are you okay? You seem... different...

A: I am fine Connor. Now, give me the baby, I much prefer she had bottles as little as possible while shes this young.

C: Me too but you weren't here and she was very unhappy.

A: Look I know. Sorry alright? Now gimme my baby.

Connor went silent and stood up. Taking Sophia to Ava. After handing her over he went into the kitchen and Ava sat down in an armchair. He started making a pot of coffee. 

C: So if you really wanna get out of here why don't we head up to the cabin, for the rest of our time off?

A: Yes. Please. This city is suffocating me. 

C: Okay great, I'll call up and they can get us a crib and a stroller and some other baby things for up there. 

A: I am still not used to that.

C: Used to what?

A: They 'Oh i'll just call and everything is sorted just like that thing'

C: Does it make you uncomfortable? I can stop and we can go get it ourselves. 

A: Wouldn't that mean you would be firing him, uhhh P...

C: Petey? Yeah I guess it would.

A: Then no. Its his job he needs it. I hope you overpay him for all this.

C: Oh tremendously.

A: Then we are good. Just treat him well and pay him loads and I have no issues. 

C: I always do.

A: I know you do. 

C: I am gonna go pack our clothes. Just enough for 3 days each?

A: Why are you asking me?

Connor gave her a cheeky glare and she cracked a small smile. She had been pretty down recently and Connor was starting to worry a bit. Maybe she had a touch of post-natal depression. He decided to just keep an eye on her for the next few days to see if she really was just feeling cooped up. Maybe the fresh air would do her good. He grabbed a suitcase from the cupboard and then headed for the bedroom. Before turning the corner he looked back at them sitting in the chair. Ava was gazing lovingly down at Sophia and gently stroking her hair. Sophia had her hand wrapped around Ava's thumb and was looking straight back up at her while she was feeding. Connor loved to watch them. He could seeing them growing closer and closer with every minute the spent together. After watching for a minute he snapped back to reality and headed into the bedroom to begin packing.

An hour later they were in the car on the way to the cabin. Ava was driving and Connor was obnoxiously singing along to all the songs that came on.

"Mama, just killed a man
Put a gun against his head,
Pulled my trigger, now he's dead.
Mama, life had just begun
But now I've gone and thrown it all away
Mama, ooh, didn't mean to make you cry
If I'm not back again this time tomorrow
Carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters

Too late, my time has come
Sends shivers down my spine, body's aching all the time
Goodbye, everybody, I've got to go
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth
Mama, ooh, I don't want to die" 

Ava was gave him a funny look and then turned back to the road. 

A: How do you know so many words to so many different songs? The other day it was country, now its rock... whats next? Opera?

C: I could bust out a bit of Opera for you.

A: PLEASE DON'T!

They shared a laugh and then both went quiet. Connor thought now was maybe a good time to voice his concerns while she couldn't escape the conversation. But maybe not because she was driving. But he wanted the time at the cabin to be relaxing for her. After a moment of thinking he began to speak.

C: So hunny...

A: Oh no no no you don't. We are not doing this.

C: Doing what? I haven't even said anything yet. 

A: Yeah but you were about to. 

C: We need to talk. You keep saying you're okay and you are clearly not. You must know I don't believe you. 

A: Even if that's true it doesn't mean I have to talk to you Connor.

C: Then who else are you talking to? You can't keep whatever it is you are trying to hide bottled up inside. It doesn't have to be me but you need to tell someone whats bothering you. It's already messing with you. I can tell. 

A: It's fine Connor, Don't worry about it.

C: That may be the stupidest thing you have ever said to me. 'Don't worry about it' WELL OF COURSE I AM GOING TO WORRY ABOUT YOU, ESPECIALLY AFTER ALL THIS. 

A: WELL YOU CAN STOP

C: DO YOU HEAR YOURSELF RIGHT NOW?

A: DO YOU?

Sophia started to cry. 

A: Great. thank you for that. Now I have to pull over.

C: It takes two to argue Ava. Now if you would excuse me DR. BEKKER I will be taking over the driving because quite frankly I don't want you driving my daughter around when you are acting like this.

Ava scoffed and got out the drivers seat. Slamming the door hard behind her and then jumping in the back next to Sophia's car seat. Connor mumbled under his breath. "well that went just fucking swimmingly" 

A: WHAT WAS THAT?

C: NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, BECAUSE APPARENTLY THAT'S WHAT WE ARE LIKE NOW. WE DON'T TALK TO EACH OTHER. 

A: Hallelujah maybe I'll finally have some fucking peace. 

C: This weekend was supposed to be about us. SO THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME THAT THERE IS NO US. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME.