by Ali Vali
"Come out with me some time, doc, and I'll let you know. How's my big sister?" asked Rachel as she turned her attention to the bed.
"I'm okay. Come here and give me a kiss. My leg's broken not my lips," said Desi.
"Not this time anyway, sis. I hope now you'll listen to me and get away from that asshole once and for all. What's it going to take, Desiree? Him killing you?" Rachel lectured with her hands on her hips and no teasing in her voice.
"Be quiet, Rach, Harry doesn't need to hear all this," said Desi.
"I'll give you two some privacy. Eat your burger, Desi, and drink the entire shake I brought. You need all the calcium you can get at the moment. Rachel, it was nice seeing you again, take care."
It's none of your business, Harry, leave it alone. She doesn't even want you in the room when she talks it over with her sister, thought Harry as she walked down the hall to the atrium. Sinking into one of the comfortable chairs in the empty room, Harry closed her eyes for a moment, thinking about the rest of her day. She had another ten hours of work minimum, and she had to figure a way not to think about Desi in all that time. Her patients needed her head to be clear and her hands to be steady. It was only fair, so Harry tried her best to focus.
"Please don't talk like that in front of her again," begged Desi when the door closed behind Harry. "This is embarrassing enough without having you fill in the blanks for her as to how pathetic my life is."
"It's time to change all the things you think are pathetic, sweetie. Think of this as fate's way of giving you a second chance." The firm mattress squeaked a little when Rachel sat next to her on the bed. "You had your reasons before, Des, but now daddy's not here to hold you back, and that asshole you married deserves to have the jail dropped on him."
"How many times do I have to tell you what I did was my choice?"
Rachel put her hand on Desi's cheek so her sister would look her in the eye. "Tell me those choices didn't cost you the one person who mattered the most?"
"That's not important. I still have you and you're whole."
The red tinted hair fell in Rachel's face when she shook her head. "This time around you don't have to worry about me, Des. Nothing and no one is hiding in the shadows to hurt either one of us, so this time you can have it all, sweetie. You just have to want it bad enough to claim it as yours."
"Life isn't always so simplistic, love, trust me." Her words died away as the emotion started to build. "Could you give me a few minutes?"
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The hands that came around Harry's neck were familiar so she didn't need to look up to see who it was. The fingers massaged the tense muscles they found there and in her shoulders, before the redhead came around to the front of the chair and slipped into her lap. "Rachel, darlin', how have you been really?" asked Harry as she cradled Desi's sister in her lap.
"You still smell the same, Harry, how is that possible?" Rachel put her head on Harry's shoulder and pressed her nose to the tall woman's neck.
"I'm a creature of habit, you know old boring Harry."
"You're no such thing. Do you think I would've wasted all the time I have over the years thinking about you if I thought you were boring? And I have, thought about you I mean."
Harry smiled when she felt Rachel pull her hair gently after the reprimand. "I missed you, squirt…both of you."
"Oh, Harry, don't do this to yourself. Nothing that happened was your fault, and you may not believe me, but none of this is Desi's fault either."
"I don't remember saying it was. She had a right to whatever kind of life she wanted, with whomever she wanted." Harry pulled Rachel's hand down and held it in her lap. "I don't blame her…well not anymore, but I can't go back, Rachel. I don't know if you realize how much I cared about your sister."
She squeezed Harry's fingers and took a few seconds to center her thoughts. "I know, sweetheart, and I know how she feels about you." She pulled on Harry's hand when she went to pull away from her. "She loves you, Harry."
"She did for one brief moment maybe, but then she moved on didn't she?" Harry stopped and took a deep breath wondering where all her control had gone.
"Harry, I want you to listen to me, okay? I've spent years missing you, so much so that I didn't think I'd ever forgive my sister for what she did to you. You were so good to us growing up and you never asked for anything in return. I was angry with her for so long, but then she finally confessed her reasons to me, so I'm here to ask you for a favor." She framed Harry's face with her hands so she could see those big blue eyes. "Give her the time she needs to explain what happened. It'll be worth it, trust me. She married that ass, but she never stopped loving you, I know it. She won't admit it yet, but it's in there. Will you promise me to at least try?"
"She doesn't want me in her life, darlin', that much she's made perfectly clear so I don't think my trying is going to make a difference."
"Then promise you'll try because you're crazy about me." Rachel scratched the back of Harry's neck and smiled to try and make her feel better. She laughed and nodded in agreement. "Good, now kiss me goodbye, doc, I've got to get back in there and take my lumps for saying something in front of you earlier." Pressing her lips softly to Harry's, Rachel got up and walked back to her sister's room leaving a confused Harry behind.
Sitting with Desi for the afternoon, Rachel tried to make her comfortable and pull her out of her funk. She washed Desi's hair and put on a light coat of make-up for when Harry came back. At five, Detective Landry returned to interview Desi about what had happened in her house the previous day. Between his and Rachel's urgings, Desi decided for the first time to press charges against Byron.
This wasn't the first time he had sent her to the emergency room, but it was the first time she needed surgery and a long hospital stay to get recover from the beating. Rachel only asked that the officer give her enough time to go by the house and get her and Desi's things before they issued a warrant for Byron.
Desi's husband would have to be rearrested since his father had posted his bail the night before. It had been her salvation when her younger sister had moved in after their father died. It was the only thing Desi could attribute to Byron not having killed her by now.
Walking in as the interview was concluding, Harry wanted to check the settings on the traction Desi was in before heading home. Desi looked tired but better since that morning, and Harry figured Rachel had been playing hairdresser. She was about to walk out to let them finish their conversation when Desi asked her to stay.
"Ms. Simoneaux, where will you and your sister be staying once you are released? For your own safety, I recommend you don't return to the house you share with your husband. Just call my office with an address and number where I can reach you and I promise to keep you informed. Take care of yourself, ma'am, and just remember, no one deserves this kind of treatment." He turned his attention to Harry. "Doc, it was nice seeing you again. Maybe next time I'll schedule more time so you can look at this bad knee I got. We can trade, I'll take care of any outstanding parking tickets and you can fix my leg," he said with a chuckle. He held his hand out and shook Harry's before bidding them all good-bye.
"You got it, Detective Landry, thanks for stopping by today and talking with Desi."
When it was just the three of them, Harry turned her attention from the door to the bed. "So you ladies need a place to stay?" She prayed she wasn't about to make another huge mistake.
"Yes," said Rachel.
"No," said Desi at the same time. Desi glared at her sister for answering for her.
"Rachel, feel free to come and stay with me. You can help your sister find some place to go after she gets discharged," said Harry addressing Rachel and ignored Desi fuming on the bed.
"Harry, you mean it? Do you still live around here?" asked Rachel.
"I bought a house over on St. Charles last year. I hired Tony to decorate for me, he just didn't know at the time he had to pick out
the house as well. Kenneth was so thrilled with the contract and that it kept Tony so occupied, he sent me to Barbados last Christmas. It's almost finished, just a few dozen more fights and I'm sure we'll agree on something. Tony doesn't understand the concept of white walls, and I don't understand the difference between mauve and pink so it makes for interesting dramatic outbursts. If you can live with that, you can stay," said Harry as she rocked on her heels.
"You live on the Avenue?" asked an impressed Rachel.
"Two blocks up from Napoleon, trailer trash, so I should expect you?"
"Harry, we've never lived in a trailer so take that back," whined Rachel stomping the floor with her foot and putting her fists on her hips.
"I take it back, and you can stay with me, if you talk hardhead over there in to coming with you." Harry cocked her head in the direction of the bed and wiggled her brows.
Desi couldn't help but laugh at their antics. Being around Harry again was like balm on her soul.
They spent the next week developing a routine. Harry rearranged her schedule so she could have lunch with Desi everyday, then came back to see the girls together at night. The day they decided they would be coming to stay with her, Harry had driven Rachel to the small house she shared with Desi and Byron to collect their things.
Tony was thrilled with the developments since it gave him a reason to go shopping for new bedspreads more suitable for ladies having announced that Harry didn't count, and a way of gathering information about Desi. Accompanied by Rachel, Tony made sure all the clerks in the more exclusive shops in town would never forget them.
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"Ready to head out tomorrow?" asked Harry.
"You sure we won't be in your way?" Desi had asked the question a thousand times before but felt the need for that last bit of reassurance. Having asked again, she put the last spoonful of ice cream Harry had brought her in her mouth.
"Desi, I've lived with Tony and your sister for the past week, believe me, you won't be in the way," answered Harry from her position next to the bed. They were slowly returning to the comfortable relationship they once shared. The realization hit Desi as she looked at Harry's socked feet propped up on the bed. When did I put my hand on her foot and I wonder if Harry noticed? Desi asked herself, but she didn't remove her hand.
"Desi, can I ask you something?"
"You know you can."
"I apologize if I'm way out of line here but, I have a friend who works down in the D.A.'s office who handles most of the domestic abuse cases for him. Would you be offended if I called her and asked her to come and talk with you?
"It would make me feel better if you knew what you were in for, and what to expect. Serena's been doing this for awhile and can walk you through the process." The empty container of ice cream hit the side of the garbage can before going in as Harry finished up. "I know Rachel and everyone else who cares about you wants you to take a stand here, but I think it's important for you to know all the facts before you make your final decision on what you should do with your life."
"Don't you think I should pursue this?"
"Right now it's not really important what anyone wants but you."
"So you don't think I should charge Bryon with anything?" persisted Desi.
Harry laughed remembering their conversations from the past. When she set her mind to it, Desi could ask questions until you cried uncle. "I believe what I said is that you should be the one who makes that call. Not me, not your sister nor anyone else who has your best interests at heart. I care about you, and I care about what happens to you, but I think you have to be comfortable with what's coming. If you were with a man like Byron…" The fact Harry just stopped talking made Desi curious as to what the end of the sentence was.
"If I was with a man like Byron, what?" She put her finger up to stop the denial she knew Harry had ready. "If you care about me, then don't say it's nothing, and I'm sure that was going to be the next thing you said. If I was with Byron then what?"
"If he was capable of this, if he's the one who in fact did this, then I'm thinking he isn't just going to sit back and wait for the police to drag him off." This time it was Harry who put her finger up to stop whatever Desi was going to say. "If you want me to be honest, then I will. I think you should meet with Serena then try and find a little of that girl I used to know and nail this cowardly bastard to the wall. Only don't do it because that's what everyone else wants. Do it because that's what you want, as payment for everything that's happened to you."
"And if I decide not to do this? What will you think of me then?" Harry noticed where Desi's hand was when she squeezed her foot. "Will I also be a coward in your eyes?"
"As long as you are comfortable with your decision then I'll support you. It's the fact that it's your decision that'll make me happy." Harry smiled and nudged Desi's uninjured side with her foot. "Just talk to her and I think you'll be better prepared for what's coming."
"Sure, I'd like that. So, what color is my room?" asked Desi trying to steer the conversation away from her miserable marriage.
"Magenta was the last I saw." They both laughed having formed a picture in their head of Tony and Rachel together.
"Am I ready for this?" joked Desi.
"I'm thinking you're going to drown in fabric swatches and paint samples in the coming weeks. There's nothing Tony likes more than a captive audience."
"I am that," said Desi pointing to her leg.
"I have it on good authority from your doctor that you'll be as right as rain sooner than you think."
Desi squeezed her foot again and smiled. "She's the best, so I guess we don't have any other choice but to believe her."
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How Do You Mend A Broken Heart
Ali Vali
Chapter 2
Not wanting to take any chances with Desi, Harry arranged for an ambulance to take them home. She had assigned her morning rounds to her resident team, wanting to be there when her friend came home.
Pulling through the gates of one of the larger homes on the block, Harry heard the driver let out a long slow whistle as they made the turn into the drive. I have to give that boy credit; Tony knows how to pick a house, thought Harry. As soon as they made it through the side doors into the house, Harry's pager went off with the number from the OR at Charity.
"What you got for me, Sam?" Harry listened as her surgical nurse went through the list of accident victims expected in emergency any minute as she watched the two men wheel Desi further in.
It would take three operating rooms and most of the day to get through the list of patients in need of surgery she realized, as she listened to the list of injured Sam was ticking off. "So much for my day off. Call in Smith and Butler then page and separate my babies in between all three rooms, I'm on my way. Tell Tyler to cue up something hopping to keep me awake."
"You got it, doc."
"Sorry, Desi, I have to go. Sounds like some drunk caused a forty-car pileup on the interstate coming into town, and he's the only one who walked away unscathed. Kenneth and Tony are here if you need anything, and Rachel called to say she'd be a few hours. She had some regulars she couldn't cancel, but I think you'll be all right until then. If not, Mona will be back tonight to pitch in." Harry sounded apologetic as she knelt next to the gurney Desi was laying on, taking a hold of her hand.
"Who's Mona?"
"She's my housekeeper slash right hand. She has Sunday through Tuesday off so she can visit her kids. After two days she's ready to come home, and then I don't seem that bad."
"Be careful and I'll be here waiting for you." She gave Harry a warm smile and squeezed her fingers.
"You take it easy and try and get some rest. If you need me for anything though, pick up the phone and call. Just remember you're not ever bothering me so don't be shy."
"I'm sure I'll be fine."
Harry's blue eyes held Desi in warm affection
, and she didn't hide any of her feelings. "I'm sure sometimes you may not really believe that, but I promise you will be."
Desi watched Harry walk away for as long as she could from her reclining position, then she turned her attention to her friend's house. Tony had indeed done a great job in decorating, including both his and Harry's taste into one livable space. She thought the idea of a decorator was to blend in the owner's taste but she remembered Tony from school, compromise wasn't a word high on his priority list.
"Desi, darling, you look positively horrible," called Tony from the sunroom doorway as he clutched his chest.
"Thank you, Tony, it's nice to know some things in life never change. You always did have a way of making everyone feel good about themselves." Her tone was highly facetious but Desi warmed it some by smiling.
"Blame it on my mother. She always insisted honesty was the best policy," Tony shot back. "Not to worry though, we'll nurse you back to health in no time. It'll just take good care, good food and a beautiful setting."
"I see Harry didn't exaggerate about the job you've done here. From what little I've seen, the house is beautiful. Doesn't scream Harry though does it?" asked Desi rolling her eyes at him.
"Girl, that woman would live with a box to sit on in the middle of every room given the opportunity. Harry should fall on her knees and thank God for me everyday for giving her a little class. Let's get you up to your room and then we'll get caught up on old times. This way James," Tony told the two ambulance workers.
"My name's Henry, sir," said the man in front.
"Of course it is, how good of you to remember," Tony snapped back.
"Tony, cool it would you, these guys have to carry me up those stairs. I don't want them dropping me."
"No one has a sense of humor anymore I swear." He dramatically threw his hands in the air as he trotted up the stairs.
Tony led them into a large room in the corner of the second floor of the house. The hardwood floors were covered with muted Persian silk rugs and there was a balcony that overlooked the back gardens of the house. The most beautiful antique four-poster bed Desi had ever seen gracefully filled up the middle of the room. The dark wood in the room was accentuated with dark blue paint on the walls, giving it a comfortable but rich look. The two men moved her onto the bed then took their leave. Tony put a little metal tent looking piece down by her feet so he could pull up the goose down comforter without putting pressure on her injured leg.
