The next couple of weeks, following me and Danny's magical night in the parachute hangar, have been complete bliss. Whenever I haven't been workin' at the hospital I have been spendin' it with Danny. We have been pretty inseparable. Despite the fact that these few weeks have been some of the best in my life, I couldn't help but feel guilty. While Danny and I had been wrapped up in each other, Evelyn was still grieving over Rafe. Of course, she wasn't still in denial, but I could still hear her crying herself to sleep almost every night. So, to make up for my negligence, I've decided to do something I absolutely despise, which was workin' the night shift at the hospital. Evelyn was also scheduled for the night shift, so this way I will still be able to keep her company. I mean, the night shift wasn't too bad since all we had to do was fill out paperwork, so we got to leave around 11:30 pm. As we starting packing up to leave, Evelyn looked up towards the window.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing. I just thought I saw someone looking in. I just must be tired." Evelyn sighed in response. We walked out together in silence. Evelyn must have been deep in thought because she wasn't lookin' where she was goin' and ran straight into someone.
"Sorry, pardon me." She squeaked.
"That's quite alright ma'am." I instantly knew who that voice belonged to. But that would be impossible. Evelyn and I both froze. I then hear a gasp escape Evelyn's throat. I glance up at the man's face. I can feel all the color drain from my face as if I had seen a ghost. Oh my god. It was Rafe. I was frozen in place with my mouth partially opened. Evelyn carefully ran her hand across his chest as I just continued to stand there in shock.
"You're real. You're here." Evelyn whispered as tears began to roll down her face. Rafe leads her over to a nearby bench. It seemed that Rafe was mainly focused on making sure Evelyn didn't faint. I was unable to move or speak due to the amount of shock I was in. I somehow managed to slowly approach the couple who were both soakin' in the new development that changed everything. Rafe turned his head in my direction due to my sudden movement. When we made eye contact I immediately launched myself towards him and wrapped my arms around his neck in a bear hug.
"Hey, Carrie." Rafe laughed in my ear.
"We all thought you were dead, you idiot," I mumbled into his neck. I was trying to contain my tears of joy, but failing terribly. We broke apart from our embrace and Rafe turned back to Evelyn. He then went on to explain what happened and why he was stuck over in Europe for so damn long. As Rafe began to tell Evelyn how he survived the crash due to his memory of her, we all heard heavy footsteps slappin' the pavement. We all turn towards the direction of the noise to see Danny breathin' heavily and clearly out of breath. He manages to get out a single word between his labored breaths.
"Rafe." He gasps. Rafe stands up and Danny almost tackles him with a brotherly hug. When they pull apart they both glance towards Evelyn and me.
"We'll let y'all get caught up," I say. Evelyn nods her head in agreement with a small smile, which was complemented by her tear stained cheeks. Danny kisses me with a smile as Rafe does the same to Evelyn. The boys take off towards the beach bar to share welcome home drinks with the rest of the squadron while Evelyn and I began our trek back towards the house. Once we arrive back home, Evelyn immediately heads to bed. She said something about needing time to process what just happened as well as get a good night's rest due to her exhaustion. I, however, head to the kitchen to get a glass of water. Suddenly, I hear the phone ring. I quickly run to answer it.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Is this Lt. Jackson?" I hear a masculine voice question from the other end of the line.
"Yes sir, it is," I respond.
"This is Dr. Evans. I'll need you to come in tomorrow morning. One of the nurses that were supposed to deliver vaccines to the USS Arizona called in sick. I know you just finished the night shift, but I really need one of the more experienced nurses." He explained.
"Alright, Doctor. What time?" I sighed.
"5:30. Thank you, Lt." He mumbled before hanging up the phone. I let out a puff of air in annoyance. Well, I guess I should get to bed. I grab a glass and pour myself a nightcap and head off to bed.
