Settling in Seattle

Chapter 48- Release

Rachel pressed her face into the pillow, slowly becoming aware of her surroundings, flying back into reality. She forced her eyes back to close, although it didn't last too long. No sooner were her eyes shut, did her husband's open, and for good. Once Mike was awake, he wasn't going back to sleep. Shuffling around, Mike began to fumble for his phone, not realising that Rachel was also awake.

"Morning." Rachel quickly shifted around so she was now facing his side of the bed and smiled through the sunlight that had made its way into the room.

"Oh, you're awake, morning." Mike leant gently to her head that was rested gently on the headboard and kissed her lips gently. He let himself linger for a moment, and for a quick second the two of them could've been in their New York apartment. She enjoyed the tender moment, hanging onto it for as long as they could muster. It was just a kiss, nothing more, nothing less. A sweet, appreciated moment.

"Thank you." She smiled up into his captivating eyes.

"I do that to you every day, why are you thanking me?" He stuck out his arm, trapping her as his hand landed on the mattress to the left of her.

"Because I never do, I'm so lucky to have you as my husband, children's father and best friend." They both shared a look of complete awe, before uniting again, this time for a lot longer. However, they didn't let it go any further, they had to get up and get ready.

"Speaking of children. How is the one growing inside of you?" Mike peeled the duvet off Rachel, she was wearing her blue shorts and shirt, the ones with her name on them. He pulled up the shirt, exposing her petite stomach. Dotting kisses around, she laughed.

"The baby is good. But making me feel ill. Dammit. Now let's get dressed and see our other child."

"Okay," Mike stood up, pulling Rachel with him as she walked slowly to the bathroom, "The nurses said she could be able to come home today. Do we need to bring anything extra for that?" He half-shouted as Rachel switched on the shower.

"Huh?" He approached the room and spoke so she could hear him over the splashing water.

"If Rosalie can come home today do we need anything extra?" Mike asked as Rachel began to pull off her shirt.

"Nope I don't think so." Rachel smiled at her baby not being in a hospital bed anymore, but then shooed Mike as he began to linger.

"Please?" His eyebrows shifted around, rising and falling in suggestion.

"No. I don't want to get my hair wet, and I might have to get out and puke. Go away!" She picked up her body wash and Mike left, complying eventually.

"Your loss." He murmured before making his way downstairs, passing a collection of photos, displaying newborn Rosalie, and one-year old Rosalie. He smiled uncontrollably to the fact that she was okay, and she could be coming home today. The hospital had become easier, but they were ready to stop visiting. To see Rosalie at home would put the security back into Mike's brain that hadn't been there since the call from Dr Fringe.

"Hey Rosy." They said in unison, noticing the drip had fully disappeared now, and the colour was returning to her face. Small dimples emerged on the little one's face, and her small hands brushed the hair that was in her face. She must've slept in the plait that Rachel fashioned last night, because some curls had come out, but it was still pulled back.

"Hiya!" She stretched her arms out and her father pulled her into a hug. She was warm and cosy in her purple bunny pyjamas, underneath the extra blanket. Rachel then swooped in, kissing Rosalie on the forehead, and moving one of her cuddly toys into view. They began to play with the numerous animals, integrating many questions about how she was feeling.

"How's your head?...

"Fine momma."...

"Are you sleepy?"...

"No. I went sleepy night silly!" She was Rosalie again, ridiculing her parents.

"Oh, of course you did!" How could they have been so silly. After around half an hour of playing, the doctor arrived in the ward, heading straight to them.

"Morning guys, are we all alright?" He smiled down to Rosalie, flying her rabbit in the air.

"We are."

"Good, I come bearing some brilliant news."

"After Rosalie's assessment yesterday, I've ruled her absolutely clear of any tumor, and infection. She's showing great signs of recovery."

"Can I go home?" She looked up at him, wriggling with excitement.

"Yes, Rosalie, you can most definitely go home. I just need your mommy and daddy to sign a couple of things, and then you can go home!" Both Rachel and Mike were beaming, Rosalie was almost up and jumping. Her arms were writhing in the air in absolute elation.

"Yay!!" She spoke with loud intentions. The parents were taken aside and signed some of the documents, and then they began to gather her things up in the little suitcase packed for Rosalie. Soon enough, Mike had Rosalie on his hip, and Rachel was pulling her suitcase away from the hospital doors.

"You're free baby! Let's get you home." Rachel patted her back, rubbing gently, as well as fumbling for the car keys.

"I can't wait!" She kicked her legs around uncontrollably. 

"Right, what do you want to do baby?" Mike sat down on the sofa alongside the toddler.

"Watch tv!" She pointed to the television mounted to the wall.

"Whatever you want Rosalie. What do you want to watch?"

"Belle."

"Again?"

"Yep." She grinned and leant into her father's torso, he wrapped his arm around her when she snuggled in, finding the film also.

"Belle again?" Rachel flopped down onto the sofa opposite and questioned what she was watching, laughing.

"It what I want!" She persisted, and then put her index finger to her lips, ushering for quiet.

"Well you sure are back here aren't you baby." She smiled, and got a goofy, beam in response.

"And we're so happy!" Mike elaborated.

"Yes we are." Rachel sunk deeper into the cushions and put her legs onto the coffee table. Finally, she could relax. All the birds were back in the nest.