dream a little dream of me

Ch3: katerina

*Andrea Herrera's POV*

Robert and I just stood aside, unsure what to do. Lucas Ripley was holding hands with Victoria, his fiancée. Grey Sloan Memorial was crowded, as usual. We were in the waiting room. Four of us. Waiting for Katerina's surgery to be done. Who is Katerina and why are we waiting for her? I think I owe you an explanation. Our latest call- "Mason Lane 32" Building was on fire. We mainly focused on search and rescue. It was dangerous fire with presence of gas leak. After hours of battle with fire most of us were out, working on Aid Car and saving civilians. Victoria Hughes was the last person who ran out of a burning building, carrying a baby. Just after she ran out building exploded. Lucas immediately ran towards her to see if they are okay. Vic had no serious injuries except smoke inhalation. Baby on the other side, suffered pelvic fracture and haemothorax. Vic and Lucas immediately went to Grey-Sloan. Soon, Robert and I followed. That is how we ended up here, in the waiting room. Hours later.

"I can't believe parents left baby alone in the burning building. What kind of parents are that? Who leaves their own baby?"
Asked Victoria, fidgeting. Shaking Lucas as well. They were still holding hands. Worried. About baby. And way how Victoria almost died saving a baby.
I wanted to hug my best friend and give her comfort she deserves right now, but she had her fiancé for that. He was the right person. Although they should never be close in public.
"Eggy, things happen. People screw up. I hope this baby will find a family and new parents who will give her good life."
Replied Lucas, sighing.
"Social worker should be here in an hour. To sign her in. I assume she will have to stay couple of days in hospital."
Added Robert. Vic just stared at him then she looked at me.
"Vic, Katerina has a life because of you."
"Andy, I should have been more careful. That bookshelf never supposed to fall over us. She ended up with broken pelvis. I should've protected her better."
"Shh, Eggy."
Lucas whispered pulling her on his chest.
"We will leave you alone for a bit."
I said and left the room. Robert followed.

*Lucas Ripley's POV*
I was holding her against my chest. She was broken. Still shaken up. I mean, who wouldn't be? She had to work fast and stay smart enough to make out of the building alive, with a baby. Alone, without anyone's help. But that was Victoria Hughes. She was a hero when anyone else couldn't be one. She is a fighter. She always puts lives of others before her own. She ran back inside the building when everyone else left, disobeying Maya's orders. She ran in to save a baby. An orphan. Left in an empty apartment with a note in her blanket- "My name is Katerina. If you find me- please give me a good life."
Vic couldn't understand how parents can abandon their own child. Newborn baby who did nothing wrong. I couldn't understand it either. Universe works in special way. There are people in this world doing everything they can to have children of their own- like me. I was married twice. My first wife didn't want kids. She was constantly under hormonal contraception (pills). My second wife died. She wanted kids but couldn't have any. I am 44 and I am dreaming of becoming a father. Vic and I never really had that talk. She is 30. Young but I really hope she wants to be a mom one day because she would have made an excellent mother. Kids love her.
"Eggy, it's going to be okay, I promise. I love you."
I whispered in her ear while rubbing her back. She nodded and silently said she loves me back. I am so grateful for this woman. For everything she gave me. For adrenaline she brought into my life. For joy, laughs, smiles, love. Everything. She made me a better man. Happier person. Better friend. My thinking interrupted dr.Alex Karev, Head of Pediatric Surgery in Grey-Sloan Memorial.
He approached us and Vic immediately stood up. I followed.
"Excuse me, I am dr.Alex Karev, are you Katerina's parents?"
Vic and I exchanged looks.
"Uh, no. We are firefighters. The one who found her in a burning building." I replied.
"Okay. She is out of surgery. Stable. We repaired her pelvis and solved problem with blood in her pleura. Or lungs if it's easier for you. I will wait for social worker to sign the papers."
I nodded.
"Can we? Can we see her, please?"
Vic asked, looking at surgeon.
"Um, sure. But you have to be fast. I have taken her to PICU. Follow me."
Vic immediately went with him. I was close to her. Few steps behind. Alex left us alone with baby Katerina.
Vic took her hand and smiled.
"She is alive, Luke."
She mumbled. I smiled kissing the top of her head as I pulled her on my chest, gently. We were watching over little one. Overwhelmed.
"She has a life because of you."
"I..I just hope they find her a good family. Look at her. She is so tiny and so beautiful."
"Eggy. Is it possible for us to be her family?"
I asked quietly, loud enough for her to hear me. She looked up in my eyes from Katerina.
"Luke, I..."
"It's okay. I understand. It's too much too soon."
"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry."
She said burrying her face in my chest and now sobbing, quiet as possible. Alex motioned for us that is time to leave. I escorted her outside to my car and we went to my home.
She was right. Too much too soon. But on the other side, this life is too short. And it's not guaranteed we will open our eyes tomorrow. Even if she doesn't want to have kids with me- I will still love her. To infinity and beyond. With every fibre of my being. With my entire heart til my last breath. I, Lucas Ripley my Eggy, Victoria Hughes.

to be continued...
Will baby Katerina get a good family?  How will Vic cope with near death experience? Will Lucas openly tell her he wants kids and he is really ready to spend the rest of his life with her? Robert and Andy- where is that going to go?
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Tell me your thoughts- personally I think this chapter could be better.
But it's Vicley's centric. 💖