Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
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Post by Kathy Martin on Mar 11, 2012 1:36:05 GMT -5
Kathy was standing in front of the vending machine with a dollar bill in her hand, and trying to decide which kind of candy she wanted eat. She’d already eaten half a sandwich from the cafeteria during her wait for results on how her Aunt Julia was doing, now it was time for a bit of dessert. Only Kathy wasn’t going to get her favourite kind of dessert, she was going to get something her Aunt liked so she could give it to her in hopes she’d feel better.
“I think...” she pondered out loud. “A Mars Bar!” Inserting the bill and punching in the correct combination, she retrieved the treat and headed back into the waiting room where a few others were waiting for news as well. She knew her friend Tad was in the hospital, but was unsure of why. Going back to her seat she pulled the colouring book she’d been working on over towards her, and placed the candy bar on the small table beside her chair.
Starting to colour in the lines of a chicken with its baby chick, she looked up as a tired face passed by with a coffee in hand, and she smiled sadly before going back to her work. The yellow crayon was near the end of its existence and she glanced up across the room where the rest of the crayons sat in a small cup. Putting the book on the chair, she got up and walked the short distance to the table with the cup, picking up a few colours while she was at it, until she heard a soft sniffle and glanced up.
“Are you crying?” she asked softly, deciding to take a seat on the chair beside Dixie and watching her sadly. OOC: So basically we’re sorta redoing how Kathy got discovered as Kate, with Dixie being alive instead of having eaten the pancakes. This takes place just after Jesse and Angie’s wedding on the show, where Tad’s been shot and Julia is passing away. Sorry hun! I couldn’t wait!
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Post by Dix C. Martin on Mar 11, 2012 14:29:40 GMT -5
The whole day had begun so beautifully. Jesse and Angie exchanged vows in a ceremony including all their friends and loved ones, and at the reception everyone was enjoying themselves. When Dixie wasn't dancing and teasing her husband with the idea of going upstairs and getting a room, she was watching J.R and Babe spend time together as well as Kathy and Julia. She even found herself dancing with the adorable little girl, at least when Tad wasn't. The two of them were adjoined at the hip and their bond did Dixie's heart good, but left her sad at the same time. She'd tried and failed to give Tad a daughter not only twice but a third time, when Krystal's baby was revealed as Adam's after all. She was guilt stricken that she'd gotten Tad's hopes up about the little girl, and terrified that because of it he'd go back to that dark, depressed place within himself. But luckily their marriage, Kathy, and Jesse's return, had been enough to keep him afloat. Learning that Kathy and Julia were planning to move to Australia, she was happy for her friend but heartbroken about Kathy leaving. She knew that Tad would take it harder than her but hoped that together they'd be okay, that together they'd finally find Kate. All through the wedding and reception Tad was holding his own and looking happy. Until everything turned horrifying in the blink of an eye, and now it was Dixie holding on by a thread. The second she learned about Robert Gardner being in Pine Valley she felt sick to her stomach. She'd never known Ray but after the hell Tad had been through at that monster's hands, she had no interest at all in knowing his brother. She'd been there for her husband as best she could but knew there was only so much she could do. Today though she was furious at herself for not being able to do more. When the son of a bitch held Angie at gunpoint and forced her to cross the reception hall, Dixie couldn't remember the last time she felt so scared, for her family, for everyone in the room. It all happened so quickly and she hardly had any time to react. But before she knew it Julia, who she'd been talking with just moments before, was bleeding out on the floor from a gunshot wound. And in trying to tend to her, she couldn't keep Tad from taking off with others to the roof. Now Tad was in surgery after being shot by Robert. It had been over an hour since they took him into the OR, but all Dixie could think of was when he was being wheeled into PVH on the gurney. Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach and broke in half. Seeing all the blood, seeing him so pale. He looked small and afraid, and she just felt the same dread and heartache as she did all those years ago when he was injured after the tornado. Then she kept expecting the doctors to come out and tell her that her husband was dead. And now she was expecting the same thing. Not just with Tad but with Julia as well. The odds weren't good that the nurse would survive. She'd seen Joe's face when he was tending to Julia at the reception, and knew even then there was trouble and heartache ahead. Julia had seemed on edge and emotional all day, especially when Kathy had asked Dixie to dance. Just chalking it up to nerves over the move to Australia, she didn't think much of it then. But after the shooting when Dixie was trying her best to assist, she saw Julia looking up at her frantically, looking like she had something to say. And it had been confirmed when Joe called for her to see Julia before she went into surgery. Julia had asked her to care for Kathy. To be there for her for . Not sure why because Julia had Maria and other family in California to care for Kathy, Dixie asked why and got news that still left her stunned. Too stunned to know what to do next. Luckily Joe was in the room, heard everything and got a hold of Aidan and Jesse. Between the three of them they were using all their resources to see if Julia's words were true, if Kathy was indeed Tad and Dixie's little girl. In the meantime, Dixie was told to wait. Wait for news on her husband, her friend. Wait to find out if the little girl sitting a few feet away was actually her daughter. Her sweet Kate. Opal and Ruth had both tried to get her to get some rest but Dixie wouldn't hear of it. She wasn't going to sleep til she had answers. However her nerves and fear and anxiety and exhaustion were starting to catch up with her, and slowly a tear slid down her face, then another, until she was softly crying. Realizing that Kathy was sitting close, she tried to keep quiet but her sniffling got the better of her. And out of the corner of her eye she saw the angelic little girl and heard her speak. Swallowing hard she dried her eyes. She wanted to lie, say that everything was fine and she just had dust in her eye but couldn't do it. She couldn't lie to begin with, let alone to her little girl... Maybe she's your little girl. Maybe., she scolded mentally. Don't get your hopes up. You can't get your hopes up. You need proof. Wait for proof.Sighing she turned to Kathy with as much of a smile as she could manage. "Yeah, sunshine. I just was feeling a little upset but..I'll be okay. I promise." Rubbing Kathy's shoulder gently, Dixie spotting the crayons and coloring book a few chairs over. "So, what are you coloring, huh?", she asked. Trying to keep her's and Kathy's mind's off everything, at least until she had more answers. (OOC: LOL it's fine! Let me know if this works or not, and sorry for the length! )
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Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
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Post by Kathy Martin on Mar 12, 2012 0:09:37 GMT -5
“Aunt Julia says it’s okay to be upset sometimes, when you’re sad or scared, and that crying helps too,” Kathy explained with a reassuring nod when Dixie told her she’d been crying. She gave her a small smile as Dixie rubbed her shoulders and glanced over as the colouring books were mentioned and she smiled. Hopping off the chair she went over and collected the book she’d been drawing in and brought it back, taking her seat once more.
“It’s a mommy chicken with her baby chick,” she explained, holding up the book for Dixie to see properly. “It’s for Aunt Julia when she wakes up. Do you think she’ll like it? I’ll put it in her room and hope it helps her get better. She’s here in the hospital, only I cant see her yet until the Doctors are done helping her.” Her eyes travelled to the floor as she thought about the last time she’d seen her Aunt at Jesse and Angie’s reception. Kathy had been taken out of the room when all the commotion had gone off and told she had to go to the hospital soon after.
“Are you waiting for Aunt Julia like me?” she asked curiously, looking up, unaware of what had happened to her friend Tad. “Do you... do you want to colour with me too?” She brought the cup with crayons over and held it up for Dixie to pick but a subtle throat clearing had her glancing in the direction of where Aiden stood in the doorway, a folder in hand.
“Dixie, can I have a word?” he began, glancing from Kathy to her anxiously. His fingers drummed on the file he held as he walked into the hallway, out of earshot of any of the people in the waiting room. Once Dixie was standing in front of him he bit his lower lip and held out the file for her to take. “This is a copy of Kathy’s birth certificate, signed with both Greg Madden and your signature. Dixie, Julia was right, that little girl in there is your daughter. Kathy Mershon is really Kate Martin, you and Tad’s little girl.” He glanced towards where Kathy was back into her colouring book before hearing the sound of a heart monitor going off.
“That’s Julia,” Joe said as he rushed by past Aiden and Dixie heading for the room. “Get the crash cart!” A few nurses rushed in with medical equipment to help aid in reviving Julia before it was too late. Apparently the surgery hadn’t been quite a good success... The commotion outside of the room had Kathy looking up to see what was going on, and she came to the door as Joe rushed by. Seeing Dixie standing with Aiden she rushed over worriedly and took Dixie’s hand, tugging it gently.
“Is it my Aunt Julia?” she demanded worriedly. “Is she okay?” Aiden gave Dixie a look, wondering if she wanted to stay with Kathy or go check on Julia. OOC: No worries hun! Hope my reply is okay! I also hope moving Dixie around a bit was alright, if not I shall change it immediately.
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Post by Dix C. Martin on Mar 12, 2012 15:34:37 GMT -5
"Yeah well. Your Aunt Julia's pretty smart, so..guess I'll take her word for it.", Dixie softly smiled. Trying not to think of how Kathy's words just now sounded like something she or Tad or even J.R would say. Inwardly she reminded herself to stop the hoping and the wishful thinking. After everything that happened with Emma, Dixie refused to be fazed by Kathy's light blond hair and big blue eyes. Or the bond she shared with her and with Tad. Now she was older and wiser and tougher and knew better than to hope for miracles like that, especially given all the horrible things that'd happened today and were still happening.
Looking at the coloring book, new tears filled her eyes seeing the bright yellow chicken on the page, but she kept it together. "Oh I know she will, sweetheart. She'll love it." she assured. "Yeah I know she is. But I bet the doctor's are doing everything they can to help you see her really soon." Gently she smoothed Kathy's pigtail between her fingers, thinking back to the Chandler nursery and the last time this waiting game was being played. When she asked if Julia was the only reason she was here, Dixie bit her lip and nodded. Deciding not to tell her Tad was hurt until Tad woke up, something Dixie had to believe would happen with everything in her right now. "Yeah I am, Kathy." A real smile formed on her face though at her offer. "Oh, yeah, I'd love to! Thank you so much." About to make a selection from the crayons, Dixie heard a slight cough and turned to face Aidan at the door, armed with a file folder. "Of course. Just give me a second, sunshine. I'll be right back."
Her heart in her mouth, Dixie crossed the room and looked up at Aidan, her eyes flickering anxiously. "May I.." Opening the folder her eyes quickly scanned the document inside, and she didn't even hear Aidan speak once she recognized her signature on the certificate. Clasping her free hand over her mouth she blinked back tears, and immediately looked over her shoulder back at Kathy. After the years of failed leads and sleepless nights, her looking at the face of every girl she passed on the street, finally her daughter was back. Here, home, with her. But just as she went to cross the room and throw her arms around her, she heard Joe call out and froze. "Oh my God.", Dixie whispered. Watching as staff ran into Julia's room to tend to her, suddenly she felt a small squeeze on her hand.
"Oh, Kath..Kathy." Not ready or willling to move an inch, she looked at Aidan and luckily he got the hint. "I'll go and check, Kathy. You stay here with..with Dixie, alright?", Aidan said softly, nearly moved to tears himself as he stepped out.
"C..c'mere, sunshine." Leading Kathy back over to the chairs, once they sat back down the worry in the girl's, her girl's, eyes was clear. And on instinct Dixie slipped her arm around her, relieved she didn't pull away. "You are being such a brave girl, Kathy. You're making your Aunt Julia so proud. I know it.", she said soothingly. Looked up she saw Joe standing solemnly at the doorway with pure pain in his eyes, and didn't even have to ask what happened. It was clear to everyone present. Aside from Kathy who was still cuddled beside her. Shaking her head in disbelief, tearfully Dixie kissed the top of Kathy's head and held her close, afraid to let her go and even more, to have to tell her the truth.
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Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
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Post by Kathy Martin on Mar 12, 2012 19:14:10 GMT -5
“Aunt Julia is really lucky,” Kathy told Dixie quietly. “Everyone is here to make sure she gets better. And she’s going to be okay, and then we’re moving to Australia, and you and Tad will come visit, right?” She returned a smile to Dixie when she said yes to the offer of colouring with her and looked back at the book for a second, flipping the page to find a new picture they could colour in.
“Do you want to colour the bunny with me? Or we can finish the chicken one - “ It was then that Aiden came and called Dixie away, and Kathy nodded as she was reassured that Dixie would return to help her colour in a minute. “Okay.” She pulled out a new yellow crayon while waiting and started to colour in the lines until the commotion broke out in the hallway. Running to Dixie’s side and pleading to know if it was her Aunt, she looked up desperately, hoping that she’d be told everything was okay.
“Tell Aunt Julia I love her,” she called after Aiden as he started off in the direction of Julia’s hospital room. Allowing herself to be pulled along back into the waiting room, she took a seat back down and looked up at Dixie with worry and concern. When Dixie’s arms came down around her, Kathy instinctively wrapped her own back around tight. She heard the soothing words and buried her head a little into Dixie’s side, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.
“She’s going to be okay, she has to be okay,” she sniffled and clung tighter, afraid to let go. Unaware of Joe’s presence and her Aunts demise, she pulled back from Dixie a little and looked up at her, before glancing around the room at the other faces and reading through their masks. Something bad had happened, she could not only see it, but feel it and she slowly began to shake her head.
“No,” she choked out, a lump forming in her throat, eyes beginning to well up with tears. “No, no, no, no, no, no! No! Aunt Julia!” Hopping off the chair, the crayons spilling out of the cup and clattering to the floor, she raced to the door of the waiting room and turned in the direction she knew her Aunt had been.
“Kathy! Kathy wait!” Aiden shouted as Kathy tore past him in the hallway towards Julia’s room. “Kathy you cant go in there! Kath - !” He tried to catch her but she narrowly escaped his grab and she burst into the empty room where the bed had been.
“Aunt Julia! Where’s Aunt Julia! I want Aunt Julia!” she cried out frantically as tears began to fall down her cheeks. “No!” Falling to the floor and wrapping her arms around her legs she pulled them into a tight hug and began to sob.
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Post by Dix C. Martin on Mar 12, 2012 20:43:14 GMT -5
When Kathy pulled back Dixie looked deep in the eyes mirroring her own, and her heart sank. Of course her and Tad's child would pick up on things, sense that something was wrong. But before she could blink Kathy was shaking her head and crying and running out. The crayons didn't even have time to hit the floor before Dixie took off behind her. Unfortunately keeping up with a six year old while wearing high heels and a dress was difficult.
"No..Kathy..KATHY!!" Finally she caught up and got over to the room, and saw Kathy dodge Aidan and run inside the door. "Oh God..omigod.." "Dixie I'm so..I tried to stop her but she was so.." "No I know...I know." Stepping around Aidan, Dixie entered the room and immediately was on the floor next to Kathy. "Kathy..sweetheart?" Rubbing her shoulder gently, Dixie's mind told her to proceed carefully, let her come to her if she had to. But her heart and every instinct she had screamed at her to do otherwise as Kathy continued to cry.
"Shhhh, shhhh. I know you want Julia, sweetheart. And you know she wanted nothing more than to stay right here with you..but, the angels wanted her with them, baby. And she's up there with them in heaven right now looking after you. Same as she's in your heart."
Teary eyed Dixie bit her lip and tried to ease and arm around her, but Kathy shied away.
"I know Kathy..I know. I'm not your Aunt Julia. Nobody is and, nobody can ever take her place." Choking back tears she kept talking, trying to think of the right words to say. Trying to remember that this was her little girl. Her daughter. If she couldn't be a comfort to her now who could?
"I know you're sad she's gone, so am I. And you have every right to be sad, Kathy. You can cry and feel angry and feel hurt, and nobody can stop you. But one thing you don't have to feel is afraid..alright? Sunshine, you're not alone. There are so many people here, people just down the hall from us, who love you and love Julia so much. And we're all gonna be here for you and feel sad with you and..look after you. If you let us try?"
Gently she let her fingers graze Kathy's pigtail but wasn't pushing for anything more. Even though all she wanted to do was give her daughter a huge hug and make this whole nightmare go away, for both of them.
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Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
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Post by Kathy Martin on Mar 12, 2012 21:45:07 GMT -5
“No,” Kathy whimpered through her tears at the soft voice that spoke from behind her. “No, no, no.” She couldn’t be gone, Aunt Julia wasn’t supposed to go away, not like her mommy and daddy had! She didn’t want anybody else, she just wanted Aunt Julia back with her where she belonged. Through her tears and sobs she could hear what Dixie was saying to her in a reassuring tone, but the moment she felt the arm come around her she instinctively moved away so she couldn’t be touched.
“But she wasn’t supposed to go away!” she sobbed loudly, shaking her head again she fell quiet despite her sobs and listened to Dixie talk. Burying her head into her knees she hugged her legs tighter, a part of her knew what Dixie was saying was true, but another part was so confused and so very alone, everyone had left her to go to Heaven and be with the angels and it didn’t make sense, nothing made sense anymore.
“Mommy and daddy went away, and now... now Aunt Julia is gone too,” she choked out, pulling her head back and glancing sideways at Dixie. “Everyone goes away and – and I don’t want anybody but Aunt Julia, I want to see her. Can I see her? ... please?” Looking from Dixie to where Aiden now stood in the door way, she knew from both their faces it wouldn’t be a good thing to do, and with that Kathy dived straight into Dixie’s arms and broke right down.
Aiden sucked in a breath and had to glance away, the scene making him emotional knowing now that Kathy was his two bestfriends daughter. This whole day had gone from bad to worse to good to bad in a matter of hours and it was impossible to guess if things were going to get better with Tad still in jeopardy. Taking a few steps away from the room to give mother and daughter some space he took a seat down in the hallway and ran a hand along his forehead. “Come on mate, pull out of this,” he muttered under his breath. “So many people are rooting for you now.”
She’d been crying for a long time, unable to let go of her hold on Dixie even as she eventually began to quiet down. Drained and emotionally exhausted, Kathy became still for a few moments staring at the empty room where her Aunt had once been. “I want to see Tad. Is he here?” She looked up at Dixie with lost eyes, hoping they could go see her friend so maybe the three of them could make things better.
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Post by Dix C. Martin on Mar 12, 2012 22:49:39 GMT -5
Dixie wasn't sure how much more she could handle as she sat and listened to Kathy cry. How could her daughter have suffered so much in her short life? It was unthinkable and cruel that so many people that loved her were taken away from her, that people that good had so little time with her. And as grateful as Dixie was that she knew the truth now, she didn't know how she was gonna make up for Kathy already losing two mothers, one father, and God help them maybe one more if Tad took a turn for a worse. Pushing that thought from her mind she focused instead on her daughter's words, and trying to be a comfort to her.
"I know, honey. I know.", Dixie choked out before Kathy asked to see Julia. Looking to Aidan she didn't realize right then Kathy was looking at the both of them, and picking up on everything between them. Right as Dixie picked up on Kathy needing to be held. Letting her onto her lap she wrapped her arms around tightly, trying to make up for too many years of lost hugs. Burying her face in Kathy's hair, she rubbed slow circles on her back and softly cried, both tears of sorrow and tears of joy. As horrible as everything was around them, right now holding her little girl in her arms felt so right. So right she never wanted to let her go. Dixie didn't let go for a long time. Hours could've passed and she wouldn't have known it. But finally Kathy shifted to see her and broke the silence. Her question though nearly sent her on another crying jag. But taking a deep breath she held it together. "Baby we can't see Tad, right now. He, um...he got hurt and right now the doctors are in with him." Immediately she saw the fear flash in Kathy's eyes and knew she had to switch gears here, quickly. "But listen, I know a perfect place not far from here, to wait til the doctors finish up with Tad. Would you like to come with me, keep me company?", she asked. Hoping the chapel was unoccupied and that they'd find a little peace there.
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Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
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Post by Kathy Martin on Mar 12, 2012 23:37:17 GMT -5
“He got hurt?!” Kathy exclaimed with fresh worry at the news. “What happened to him? Is he going to be okay? I don’t want him to go with the angels like Aunt Julia and my mommy and daddy did! He cant go! He cant!” Tears began to brim at the corner of her eyes and threatened to fall as she thought of losing someone else she cared about. “Can we see him when the doctors are all done?” She needed to know he was going to make it out okay, she had to know.
“I can go,” she told Dixie when she was asked if she would accompany her somewhere while they waited for Tad. “Will it be far? I want too...” She glanced around the room as if expecting Julia to be there to reassure her that she’d be there, but then remembered she wasn’t there anymore to do that and fell sad. “Let’s go.” She got up off of Dixie’s lap and sniffled slightly, reaching her tiny hand down for to take to help her up. This was when she remembered her colouring book and the Mars Bar she’d bought for her Aunt and felt her heart sink even further.
“I don’t need my colouring book or the Mars Bar anymore,” she informed Dixie sadly. “We can leave them where they are.” She kicked her shoe against the tile of the hospital room and glanced back up, ready to go whenever Dixie was. OOC: Sorry it's short!!
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Post by Dix C. Martin on Mar 13, 2012 16:04:31 GMT -5
Seeing Kathy panic at her words, Dixie immediately regretted telling her but knew she didn't have a choice. With something like this she couldn't lie or pretend, and just had to keep the faith that Tad would find his way back. "Trust me sweetheart, we'll be the first people in to see him. I promise you that." Watching Kathy glance around the room, Dixie's heart broke and she hoped her plan would work at least a bit. Kathy was a mess and she was running on fumes, and she hoped the chapel would be peaceful enough for them to settle down in. Squeezing Kathy's hand tight she got to her feet, and once standing put her hand at the small of her daughter's back and guided her out of the hospital room to the hallway. Hearing her say she didn't need the book or the candy bar, Dixie sighed but knew with Opal and Ruth around, if Kathy wanted the objects back or wanted anything at all, they'd be able to help. After making sure nobody was standing around who could potentially upset Kathy or make her sadder than she was, Dixie walked them towards the chapel. Luckily it was unoccupied and just as serene as she remembered it to be. Shutting the door behind them, she watched as Kathy sat down in one of the cushioned pews. Looking around a bit unsure of things. In the meantime Dixie went over to the altar and started lighting a few of the candles, creating a friendly kind of glow in the room. "You know Kathy, I used to spend a lot of time at this hospital. I wasn't a doctor or a nurse but, it was my job to go around and spend time with different patients. I'd try and help them sort through complicated stuff that they couldn't figure out, or talk with them and listen if they felt lonely. And a lot of the time, if I was with someone who was sad or confused or afraid..if they were allowed to get out of bed I'd ask if they wanted to talk in here. A lot of them liked to because, they liked the calm. They said it felt friendlier than out there." Sitting on the pew beside Kathy she brushed some hair from the girl's eyes. "See with the candles lit like that, it looks a little like the chapel at Wildwind..right?", she asked. Thinking Kathy had been in there with Julia or someone at one point or another. "What I like about places like these are, even if you're in here all by yourself you don't feel that alone. I mean you can pray and talk to God when you're in here and, I've always felt like that helps me if I'm feeling upset or afraid. And it took me awhile but I figured out, that if you really concentrate and think about someone special who you love, or miss, even if you can't see or be with them anymore, in here it can feel like they're close, like they're sitting right beside you even though they're not." Seeing Kathy somewhat understanding but with a slight frown on her face, Dixie smiled softly. "I know it might sound a little strange but, it's true. And I wouldn't say it if it weren't. See, there's been people that I've loved who went to heaven before I was ready to say goodbye to them. I had to say goodbye to my mom and my big brother Will, way before I was ready to. For a long time it really hurt. Sometimes it still hurts. But..if I really start to miss them I come in here and I just think about them, and what they'd want me to do or what they'd say to me. And it helps. It lets me know they aren't as far away as I thought. And, call it a hunch but I bet right now..Julia and, your mom and dad..they're not far away from you at all. I think they're close and, sending you so much love, Kathy. So, if you want to think about them or talk to them in here while we wait for the doctors to help Tad, you can. That's why I brought you here. I can stay or even go out in the hallway if you want. Whatever you think will make you feel the tiniest bit better, even though you're sad." Waiting for Kathy's reply, sitting forward on the pew Dixie reached and took her hand. Hoping that she was doing the right thing here and somehow this would help. (OOC: no problem, sorry mine's long! )
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Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
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Post by Kathy Martin on Mar 13, 2012 20:18:12 GMT -5
Kathy followed Dixie down the hallway towards the chapel, her hand holding tightly to her friends as they went. She wasn’t exactly sure where they were headed until the chapels doors came into view and they both entered the room quietly. Walking further into the room, Kathy found a pew close to the front of the room and took a seat down, glancing up when she saw Dixie lighting the candles. The glow was beautiful and it bathed the whole room in warm dancing light. Glancing up when Dixie started talking, Kathy was quiet as she listened intently.
“I... I think my Aunt Julia would come here too,” she told Dixie, glancing around the room once more. “She did when I visited mommy when she was in the hospital. Jamie said he found her in a special place and... and I think this was it. Do you come here when your sad or confused?” As Dixie took a seat down, Kathy’s eyes swept over the candles and she nodded. “It does look like the chapel in Wildwind.” Nodding, she fell silent again and listened to what Dixie had to say about the place they were in.
“Does God talk back to you?” she asked with a slight tilt of her head. “Is that why you don’t feel so alone?” As she went on to explain about thinking and concentrating on someone who is special or you love and miss, Kathy glanced beside her to see if Julia was there and shut her eyes for a moment, wishing and concentrating really hard. When she opened them she couldn’t see Julia and looked back to Dixie with a slight frown on her face.
“Will I come here every time I miss Aunt Julia and mommy and daddy?” she wondered aloud, and then once again glanced about for any signs of the people she missed. “How close do you think they are? Up in Heaven? Do they know I miss them and love them too? I really can talk to them? Like they’re right here?” She shook her head when Dixie mentioned leaving to give her some time and allowed her hand to be taken, giving it a small squeeze.
“No please stay, I want to talk to them but I don’t want you to leave, is that okay?” she asked, standing up and looking towards the candles. “I want them to know how much I miss them.” She gave Dixie’s hand another squeeze and pulled it back as she started walking towards the candles, getting down on two knees and lacing her fingers together in prayer.
“Mommy, daddy, Aunt Julia,” she spoke quietly, holding back some tears. “I love you. I promise to be good... can you make rainbows now?” The sun outside shone through a piece of the stain glass window, making the colours shine on the floor near where Kathy kneeled. Opening her eyes she glanced over at it and gasped. “You can make rainbows!” Getting up she ran into the spot of light and did a little spin as she looked up at the window, and then looked over at Dixie, running to her side and taking her hand.
“Aunt Julia is here! She’s here, like you said!” she exclaimed, tears twinkling in her eyes.
OOC: No problem hun!!! <3 It was perfect!
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Post by Dix C. Martin on Mar 14, 2012 21:57:34 GMT -5
When Kathy started asking how close Julia and her parents and heaven was, and if she'd be able to talk with them, Dixie nodded giving her a soft smile. And was surprised but relieved that she wanted her to stay put in the chapel with her. "Yes baby, it's just fine.", she assured. Tearing up she watched her daughter at the altar, tearing up more at everything she said. It did her good seeing Kathy so accepting of what she'd told her, at least for now. But she knew this was gonna be a long rough road for the both of them.
Spotting the rainbow forming on the floor, when Kathy ran towards it and spun around, Dixie couldn't take her eyes off of her for a second. Laughing softly through her tears, she all but melted when Kathy skipped back toward her and held her hand. Between the gesture, her smile, her laugh it finally hit Dixie that this was her daughter. Her daughter with Tad, the twinkle in her eye made that clear. How she didn't realize that truth sooner though, she had no idea.
"See, I told you! And she always will be, Kathy." Smiling through her tears she pulled Kathy into a fierce hug. "So will I.", she whispered. Finally she pulled back, but saw Kathy was looking understandably worn out. Not sure if she was hungry, tired or both, she thought it would be good to ask when all of a sudden, she heard someone at the door.
"Knock knock..can I come in?" Giving her mother in law a smile, Dixie nodded. "Hey Opal." "Hey yourself girlie. And hey there, sugarplum." Sitting beside Kathy on the pew, Opal stroked her hair gingerly, smiling softly out of respect for Julia but practically glowing as she sat with her first granddaughter. Something Dixie picked up on as she blushed and proudly smiled.
"I just wanted to tell ya the docs are still tending to our Taddykins so, nothin to report there. But Ruthie took a drive and got a little somethin special to tide us over for dinner. And we got a little suite here to ourselves if any of ya wanna get some shut-eye instead." Having a feeling what that something special was, Dixie's mouth practically watered but she wasn't gonna go tempting Kathy with her favorite food if she was too worn down to enjoy it.
[OOC: Thank you! And so was yours! Made me tear up when I read it. :*)]
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Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
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Post by Kathy Martin on Mar 14, 2012 23:21:10 GMT -5
“Always and forever?” Kathy asked as Dixie told her that Julia would be there for her always. As she was pulled into the hug she clutched at Dixie tightly not wanting to let go of her or to forget this moment with the rainbow. For a second she thought she heard Dixie say she’d be there as well but she couldn’t have been sure. As they pulled apart, Kathy felt a wave of tiredness sweep over her and she suddenly felt drained from the whole tragic day. About to say something, she heard a knock at the door and glanced towards a familiar face that entered and greeted them.
“Hi!” she exclaimed with a tiny wave at Opal and tired smile and fighting off a yawn. “We were just watching Aunt Julia make rainbows.” Taking a seat back down on the pew, she looked up at Opal as she sat beside her and gently ran a hand through her hair. “She’s in Heaven now with my mommy and daddy, and Dixie says I can come here when I’m sad or lonely or afraid and talk to them.” The yawn was an inevitable battle and Kathy lost out as Opal started talking, covering her mouth as she did.
“Tad will be okay,” she told Opal with confidence, her eyes glancing between her and Dixie. “He will!” At the mention of food and sleep she glanced down at the chapel floor for a moment before back up at the two sitting beside her. “Do you... you think I could come with you to the suite? I’m kind of tired.” She wasn’t sure if the invitation extended to her or not, after all she didn’t have Julia with her anymore or any family left. OOC: D’awww! -snuggles-!! I’ll take that as a compliment! =D oh! Also! I know how you had Kathy call Dixie, “Miss Dixie” in the earlier posts and I would do that if it didn’t feel too much like a Trill thing to do. Kathy always called Krystal just Krystal, or Tad just Tad. Trill on the other hand puts a Miss or Mister in front of everyone’s name. So I figured calling Dixie just by her first name was a Kathy thing to do. I hope that’s okay!!
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Post by Dix C. Martin on Mar 15, 2012 16:40:19 GMT -5
Listening as Kathy spoke with Opal, Dixie smiled and lightly laughed when she yawned like a little cat. Hearing her call her by her first name though, her smile faded a bit. It killed her that Kathy didn't know to call her Mommy yet, and more than anything she wanted to correct her. But she knew she had to be patient. And she had to wait for Tad. "Oh don't we know it sweet pea.", the older woman grinned while Dixie nodded in agreement, knowing Tad had more reason than ever before to live now that Kate had been found. "Sure thing, sunshine. C'mon." Getting up from the pew she took Kathy's hand and they left the chapel with Opal who pointed out which way their room was. Luckily with Joe and Ruth's connections, they had a two room setup near the doctor's lounge. Walking in Dixie smiled at Ruth who was putting food on the table. "If you're hungry we have enough food for an army and a half.", Ruth smiled, moreso when she spotted a sleepy looking Kathy half hidden behind Dixie. "Along with a comfy spot to catch a few z's.", she told Kathy, pointing towards the entryway to the adjoining room. "Don't look now but there's a friend in there for you too." Giving Ruth a grateful smile, Dixie left her and Opal to put out the food and led Kathy towards the smaller room with a couch, TV, and a wooden rocking chair by the window. "Well will you look at that.", Chuckling she handing the plush baby chick on the chair to Kathy, before slipcovering the couch with a blanket and fluffing the pillow. "Alright, looks good. Now scoot on up there..go on.", she instructed. Kneeling beside the couch when Kathy curled up on it, she smiled and draped the blanket on her. "Good girl. Are you comfortable? You warm enough?", she asked. "If there's anything you want Kathy, anything at all just let me know. Okay? I'll do everything I can to make it happen." [OOC: IA it's totally a Kathy thing to do. No trouble at all. ]
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Kathy Martin
Junior Member
"Do you know any magic tricks?"
Posts: 174
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Post by Kathy Martin on Mar 15, 2012 18:25:08 GMT -5
Kathy allowed another yawn to escape as Dixie took her hand and lead her out of the chapel with Opal in toe. For a moment before they left she turned back to the rainbow on the floor and smiled, knowing that Julia would be there again when she returned later. Following Dixie in the direction of the room, she peeked out from behind her leg as Ruth started talking about food and although she was hungry, she was tired more.
“A friend?” she repeated in slight confusion. Was Emma or Little Adam here? Did they know about her Aunt yet and came to visit? Going along with Dixie into the other room she immediately spotted the baby stuffed chick and smiled in surprise. “It’s just like from the drawing!” She took it from Dixie and hugged it tightly to her as couch was done up for her to lie on. Doing as she was told, Kathy scooted onto the couch and curled up onto her side, still hugging the stuffy to her.
“Yes, thank you Dixie,” she answered softly when asked if she was comfortable and warm. She was quite content and cozy under the blanket and her eyes were beginning to show the approval as they drooped shut and opened again. The moment Dixie offered that if there was anything she needed she’d make happen, Kathy reached out a hand and gently took hers.
“Can you stay with me?” she asked pleadingly, looking up at Dixie with sad eyes. “Aunt Julia would stay sometimes to help me sleep. I don’t want to fall asleep alone.” She paused for a moment hearing the others chatting in the next room and wondering if Dixie wanted to go with them. “Please?”
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It was later that night when Kathy woke up, cuddled next to Dixie and still holding tight to the baby chick stuffy that Ruth and Opal had gotten her. Getting out of bed she carefully tucked her friend in against the covers and headed through the other room, where both Opal and Ruth were sound asleep. Making sure to not make a noise, Kathy headed out into the hallway and towards where the chapel was. She opened the door and stepped in, the rainbow no longer there as the sun had set, but the candles were still aglow.
“Aunt Julia,” she whispered, walking over to one of the pews and carefully putting the stuffy down before heading into the glow of the candlelight. “I wanted to see you again because I woke up and you weren’t there.” She paused as a thought came to her and she kneeled down at the altar once more. “Does you being gone mean I have to go away to Australia? I don’t want to go alone, not without you.” She swallowed back a forming lump at all these new thoughts that raced into her head, but quickly pushed it aside.
“I have something important,” she began, lacing her fingers together in prayer. “Tad is hurt and... and I don’t want him to go away, I didn’t want you to go away either. But do you think you can help with the other angels and make him all better? Please? Aunt Julia I’ll be extra good I promise. Please just don’t let Tad go away.” She paused again and fought back tears as she spoke. “I miss you Aunt Julia.” Sniffing, Kathy rubbed her eyes and stood up hearing footsteps from behind... OOC: I skipped a bit of time because I really wanted to write this. If you have a problem with replying to this, please let me know!
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