A Night At The Gala

Part 9: Mine and Ours

So the day didn't start out as planned, but it surely made up for what could've been a horrible day. Cleaning up the conference room, Helen and Lauren put the rest of the small cake in the box and start clearing the table of the other food items while the men sweep and put chairs back under the table or chat. Helen hasn't stopped smiling since everything has happened. Her heart is still fluttering and stuttering in her chest.

"You seem very happy." Lauren says with her own smile blooming on her face.

"I am. Truly. I was not expecting this today."

"Frankly neither were any of us. Max called in the troops late last night and told us to bring somethings and to show up early. When we got here this morning, he told us about marrying you and we were all kind of shocked to be honest. We didn't even know you two were a couple."

"It just kind of started after the Gala."

"That was like last Friday, and a week later you're married. Man, you two move fast."

"It wasn't planned honestly...but I'm happy. I'm beyond ecstatic right now." She looks over at Max and Reynolds trying to see who can stack the chairs the fastest and Helen just shakes her head.

"The ring is...very...personal." Lauren doesn't want to hurt Helen's feelings, but if a man gave her a thrown together junk ring like that- she would say 'see ya later' and be done with them.

"I think it's cute and thoughtful. Being last minute, it's not like engagement rings are cheap. Besides, I think it's more romantic than some carbon copy of a ring that millions of other women have. It's special." Lauren gets it now. It isn't about having the most dazzling, expensive ring for Helen. It's about the sentimental value of it all....she still wouldn't wear it though.

"You're right. So...are you two going to...ya know?"

"Lauren!"

"What? Weddings are just a big party to tell everyone you and a man are going to do the deed afterwards. I can block off an on call room if you want." Helen tosses some frosting at her and it lands on her cheek. "Thanks for the snack."

"You are perverse if you think he and I are having sex in an on call room." She would rather have it in her office again, but that is besides the point. "Besides, I have to make plans with Vijay on doing surgery on Kaia's tumors. We need to get the ball rolling on that."

"Well, regardless- you're married now so you have to start thinking of your husband's needs as well." She thrusts her pelvis inti Helens hip and nearly knocks her over.

"Oh my gosh, stop." She pushes Lauren away and starts laughing. Max comes walking over and wraps his arms around Helen's waist from behind and lays his chin on her shoulder. Kissing her neck, he makes them sway back and forth for a bit. "Hi."

"Hi. How's everything over here?" He asks and she smiles and turns her head just enough to see him. She plants a kiss on his lips and closes up the cake box.

"Perfect."

"You two are so cute." Lauren comments and then walks away with the rest of the paper plates and plastic forks. "Now, I have an E.D to run. So have fun. Come on Casey!"

They leave and Iggy and Reynolds say their farewells also and take their leave. Ella waves before exiting and Vijay is about to go, when Helen calls for him.

"Vijay, hold up. I have a young patient who requires two Schwannomas to be removed from both Vestibular nerves. I was wondering if you could do it." Taking his glasses off his head and sliding them down his face, he has an apprehensive look on his face.