Kathy is Your Kate [Dixie/Tad - Flashback]

[Kathy Martin]

“We made the gazillion eyed monster go away forever!” Kathy exclaimed with a smile, happy for the memory. “And we used the blanket that made us invisible. Not even Aunt Julia could see us.” She went silent as Dixie answered her next question about Tad waking up again soon, hoping he would because she wanted to give him a hug.

“But he will wake up... wont he?” she asked with worry. She nodded to what Dixie told her about the love bringing Tad back to them but tilted her head a little. “It brought me back? But I wasn’t lost, I was here. Or do you mean because I didn’t know you were my mommy and daddy?” That made sense to her now. Glancing up and returning Dixie’s smile, she stayed still as she thumbed a tear off her cheek.

“We will,” she agreed with a nod and became curious over what Dixie was doing with her hand. She stared at it for a moment before looking up at her. “Together... forever?” Quietly she listened to Dixie explain what she’d done with their fingers meant and she smiled at the end.

“Together forever,” she repeated once more before giving her fingers a gentle squeeze. “Do you always find your way back together? And do you think we can make daddy a get well card? I still have the picture I made for Aunt Julia... maybe we can send her it like we did to my mommy and daddy on Valentines Day... I...” For a moment she felt confused again, having always known Linda and Jim to be her parents. “I don’t know.” It was still taking time for her to adjust and as she sat on the cold tile of the hospital floor she tried to come to terms with it again.

[Dix C. Martin]

"Wow! An invisible blanket? I bet Jamie and J.R when they were younger would've loved to have had that.", Dixie smiled. Thinking of all the pranks the boys had pulled when they were just a bit older than Kathy.
But her face went solemn as worry filled Kathy's eyes.
"Baby I'm not a doctor. But, I know Tad well enough that, he'll do whatever it takes to wake up and get a hug outta you."

Watching as Kathy repeated the handshake and tried to grasp the concept of it, Dixie blinked back tears and nodded.
"Always, sweetheart.", she assured.
"Of course we can...we'll make a project of it tomorrow, okay?"

Discussing cardmaking, Dixie flashed back to the day she and Kathy first met when they were making a card for Linda, and it hit her all over again how much her daughter had endured in just a few years. Watching her struggle with it all and start to fade, Dixie sighed reaching to lift her chin. Smiling softly but reassuringly at her.
"It's okay. Look I understand, I told you so so much tonight. A lot of complicated things. And we've had a really long, sad, complicated day. So I don't want you feeling the slightest bit bad if you feel confused or nervous and don't totally understand everything yet. It's gonna take time, Kathy. It's gonna take time for us to get things all sorted out. But I promise you that it'll happen. Between you and me and Tad and all the rest of our family and friends...it'll happen. I know it."

Noticing Kathy struggling to get comfy on the chilly tiles, Dixie shook her head. Of all places for them to have had an intense conversation like this.
"You know..I think it's time for a little relocating on our part. C'mere."
Taking Kathy's hand she helped her get to her feet, but saw how droopy her eyes were, and on instinct bent over and scooped her up in her arms. Luckily she was light and once she curled up half on her shoulder, Dixie knew carrying her back down the hall to the suite wouldn't be a struggle.

"I think little girl, that you and I...oughta try and catch some z's. That okay with you?", she asked, but had a feeling she already knew the answer.

[Kathy Martin]

“Okay,” Kathy replied quietly at the suggestion of doing the card making tomorrow. As Dixie’s hand came under her chin she lifted her eyes to lock them with hers. She nodded as she was reassured that things would sort themselves out in time and that it was okay for her to feel confused and nervous about the situation going on. “I can wait.” What she meant was she could wait for the time it took for things to get better.

“Are we going back to the other room?” she asked as Dixie took her hand and she stood up. Once she was on her feet she yawned, eyes droopy at the sudden tiredness that struck her. Allowing Dixie to pick her up, she wrapped her arms around Dixie’s neck and put her head against her shoulder. When asked about sleeping she nodded.

“But can we sleep on the bed this time, the couch is small,” she told Dixie with another yawn. “And I wont go away this time, I promise.” She watched nurses pass down the hallway and a few doctors heading off to do their rounds, listening to all the noises and things in their surroundings before closing her eyes for a moment.

“Mommy? I think I lost my baby chick,” she realized as she opened her eyes. “I don’t know where she went.”

[Dix C. Martin]

"Yeah...I think we'd both be better off there.", Dixie smiled, adjusting Kathy on her shoulder as she asked about the bed, and promised to stay there.
"Good."
Nearing the suite, she heard about the missing chick and stopped short.
"Oooh. Well I guess we gotta try and find her, huh?"
Bending down she set Kathy down near the entrance to the room, then stayed knelt at her level."
"Alright, you stay here and look around the suite. And if Ruth and Opal are still asleep be careful not to wake them. I'll go look around in the chapel and some of the other rooms, okay? I'll be back soon as I can."
After kissing Kathy on the forehead, Dixie stood and walked over by the room they were just in. Not seeing the chick around, she went over to the chapel and luckily spotted it in a pew towards the front.
Grabbing it, on her way back to the suite, she walked past the hallway where Tad's room was. Not seeing any doctors or nurses around, she bit her lip, turned the corner and looked in through the window solemnly before carefully opening the door.

**********

He wasn't hooked up to that many machines, and if she didn't know any better she'd swear he was just taking a powernap on the couch.
"Hey sweetheart. Here, I brought you a toymama. A short term one anyway."
Placing the chick by Tad's pillow, Dixie took a seat in the chair by his bedside, squeezing his hand tight before bringing it to her face.
"God I miss you. I miss you so much and it's just been...what, a day? I forget. So much has happened. Some of it's been good, some of it's been absolutely wonderful. I'm a mommy again. It felt, so good to hear Kathy say it."
Smiling, her face slowly went solemn thinking about who hadn't been there to hear it.
"You have to know though, I'd have waited forever to tell her with you right there with us, Tad. I just couldn't. I hope, I hope you can forgive me. I feel just awful about it. I feel awful about so many things. The fact that you're here hurt and..that Kathy? God. She's been through so much and, it doesn't matter that I'm her mommy. I'm not gonna be the one that can get her through it all. She needs you, Tad. Our little girl needs her daddy and funnyman and, best friend all rolled into one. I..I don't know what we'd do without you. I don't think we'd survive it, Tad. We need you back, Tad. I need you. Please..please don't let me lose you again."
Teary and heavy eyed, Dixie shifted a bit so she could rest her head by her husband's, her hand still holding his. Closing her eyes briefly she only planned on staying there for a minute. Only a minute turned into a few more...

[Kathy Martin]

“I’ll be careful mommy, I promise,” Kathy told Dixie as she was told to stay at the suite while she went elsewhere to look for the chick. She watched Dixie until she couldn’t see her anymore and headed into the room to look for the stuffed animal. Keeping quiet so not to wake Ruth or Opal she looked everywhere but didn’t see the baby chick anywhere.

“I hope you aren’t lost,” she whispered with a yawn as she climbed onto the bed and waited for Dixie to come back....

**********

Kathy had fallen asleep on the bed waiting for Dixie’s return and when she woke very early that morning to discover that she wasn’t there she felt worry and panic overtake her. Everyone went away around her and what if that had happened to Dixie too? She’d have no one and Tad couldn’t get better without them both together... forever. Getting off the bed quickly she ran out into the hallway just in time see Aidan walking down the hall.

“I cant find her, I cant find my mommy,” she began to sob and Aidan came over to her quickly. “She was gone to look for the baby chick but she never came back.” He quickly bent down to her side and shook his head slightly at her words.

“That’s okay Kathy, because I just came from seeing your mom, yeah, I found her, she’s in the room with your dad,” he told her, brushing a few of her tears away. “Come on, let’s go see them together.” Kathy nodded and took his hand as they headed down the hall. He hadn’t actually woken Dixie up but had seen her inside the room in passing and as they approached the room he released Kathy’s hand and watched the little girl going racing to her mothers side.

“Mommy! I thought you’d left!” she exclaimed as she came around to face her in her chair. “I woke up and you weren’t there, like when I woke up and Aunt Julia wasn’t. I got scared.” Glancing up she noticed her mom was sleeping and she took a small step back before gently taking Dixie’s free hand. “Mommy?” She gave it a squeeze hoping for her to wake up, now afraid she was like Tad...

[Dix C. Martin]

"Hmmm, wha...?", Dixie stirred, feeling a slight squeeze on her hand that prompted her eyes to flutter open.
"K...Kathy?", she muttered. Sitting up a bit she saw the chick out of the corner of her eye, and suddenly yesterday came flooding back.
Realizing where she'd wound up, and where she was supposed to have gone to instead, guilt sank in that amplified when she saw Kathy looking nervous and the verge of tears.
"Oh, honey.."
Sitting up, ignoring her stiff neck and shoulders from sleeping at an odd angle all night, Dixie reached over and pulled her worried daughter into a hug.
"Shhh, it's okay, it's okay I'm here. I'm right here.", she assured, pulling back a bit to grab and hand Kathy the chick. After which she gently smoothed her hair.
"Baby I'm so sorry. I found this for you and was all set to come back to the room but, I wanted to check on your dad and, just felt so tired I wound up asleep in here. I..I'm so sorry though, I can't believe I left you alone."
Sighing guiltily, Dixie pulled her into another hug, on the verge of tears now herself.
"It won't ever happen again, Kathy. I promise you.", she said, hoping in spite of things her daughter would believe her.

[Kathy Martin]

Kathy immediately wrapped her arms around her mother tightly, relieved she was awake and not asleep the way Tad was. When her mom pulled back and the chick was handed to her she hugged it just as tight, glad it had been found and was no longer lost. Soothed by her mom gently stroking her hair, she shook her head a little.

“You were asleep and I thought you were like daddy,” she whispered, squeezing her moms hand in hers. “It’s okay mommy, it’s okay. Aidan said you were in here when I saw him in the hall. And I wasn’t all alone there were people in the room I slept in too.” Pulled into another hug she wrapped her arms around her neck and rested her head on her moms shoulder.

“It’s okay,” she said again, her voice cracking a little as she spoke. “Did daddy wake up? Is that why there aren’t so many machines?” Glancing towards Tad she hoped he would open his eyes and smile, maybe do a magic trick or two...

[Dix C. Martin]

"No...baby I'm okay and I'm gonna stay that way, alright?"
Dixie assured. Nodding, remembering that Ruth and Opal were in the room as well, Dixie was relieved but still didn't feel any less guilty. After everything Kathy had endured she didn't feel right leaving her side. It did her good though hearing her say that she was okay.
"No, sunshine. He's not awake yet.", she sighed sadly. Giving Tad's sleeping form a sidelong glance she felt her heart break all over again. But tried to keep a brave face for Kathy's sake.
"They moved the machines though 'cause..he's a little stronger now. And they're hoping that soon he'll wake up on his own."
Seeing the nervous way Kathy was looking at Tad, Dixie smoothed her pigtail and turned her face towards her's.
"There's nothing to be afraid of though, babe. Your dad's just asleep. Like he gets on the couch at home when he's full after too many chicken fingers.", she smiled softly.
"And he has so much reason to wake up. I think it's even helping that we're in here right now just talking. He knows who he's gotta wake up for."
Shifting a bit in the chair, with Kathy still on her lap she turned so they were both facing Tad. And reaching over, took her husband's hand to let Kathy know it was okay to do so.
"Isn't that right, Tad?", she chuckled softly.
"I know if you can hear anyone right now, it's the two of us."
Dixie smiled, trying to calm Kathy's nerves and lighten the mood, even a little bit.

[Kathy Martin]

“Why wont he wake up mommy?” Kathy asked as she was told he was still asleep. “Does he need a kiss from his princess? Maybe that’s what he needs.” When she was turned to face her mom she smiled sadly before listening to what she said. For a moment she was confused as Dixie mentioned the state he was sometimes at home and then she frowned.

“Daddy does that?” she asked, having never seen him in that state before, always seeing Tad awake. “That’s funny.” She giggled a little and paused for a second, glancing back at Tad before giggling again and once more listening to her mom. “He can hear us?” Shifting better in Dixie’s lap she was now facing Tad better and watched as her mom took her dads hand in hers and Kathy rested her own on top of theirs. The second it was confirmed that Dixie was sure Tad could hear them Kathy got an idea.

“Daddy?” she called out to him, squeezing one of his fingers. “Come home daddy, come home and play.” There was a sudden beep that indicated his heart had sped up and Kathy quickly looked to her mom to know what it meant. “Did that work?”

[Dix C. Martin]

Hearing Kathy ask why Tad wouldn't wake up, Dixie sighed not sure of how to answer. She smiled softly though at the princess remark.
"Yeah, maybe so."

Watching her daughter laugh, then make her plea to Tad, Dixie teared up but jumped a bit hearing the beep from the monitor.
"I...I don't.."
"Dixie..", interrupted Joe. Watching closely as Tad's doctor walked in and checked the machines/his patient.
"He's showing signs of improvement. He's responding to the both of you. But, I'd like to run an exam."
"It's alright Dr. Fields. Dixie, Kathy..if you'll come with me."
Joe instructed, but caught the worry in their eyes and gave them a reassuring smile.
"As soon as the exam's through we'll let you know."
"Well..alright.", Dixie relented.
"Okay Tad..no funny stuff now, you hear?"
Squeezing his hand gently, after Kathy did the same, they stepped out of the room with Joe.
"In the meantime may I suggest you both get a little something to eat? Ruth's demanded that you two keep your strength up and, I agree with her completely."
"Well what choice do we have if it's doctor's orders.", chuckled Dixie.
"How about it kiddo, you hungry at all?", she asked Kathy curiously.

[Kathy Martin]

Kathy waited a few minutes, hoping Tad would wake up, wanting to see him open his eyes, hear him laugh, but it didn’t happen. Instead Joe’s voice cut her thoughts off and made her smile fade as she glanced over to see if things were okay. The doctor began to check out Tad’s vital signs, but Kathy ignored him until Joe spoke up again and said that she wanted Dixie and her to go with him. Worriedly she glanced at Joe and back to Dixie before giving Tad’s hand a gentle squeeze and getting up and going to the door with her mother, staying quiet until she was addressed about food.

“I’m hungry,” she agreed with a small nod. “What do you think we should eat?” She reached up and took her moms hand in hers, glancing in the direction of the caff as they made their way towards it. “Do you think we can bring daddy lunch in case he wakes up and is hungry too?”

OOC: I’m not sure when I’m gonna be around next, but I’ll try and be on tomorrow night!

[Dix C. Martin]

"Yeah I thought so.", chuckled Dixie. Melting when Kathy reached up to hold her hand as they headed to the hospital cafeteria.
"Well I dunno, we'll have to see when we get down there. I'm sure we'll find something though.", she said with a broad smile. Til Kathy asked about lunch for Tad and it went softer and sadder.
"I don't think so, babe. Let's just focus on our noisy stomachs for now, okay?"

Once they reached the cafeteria, Dixie grabbed a tray for them to use, and waited semi patiently for the line to move along.
"Alright here we go...I think maybe a little orange juice, milk, some fruit, cereal.."
Grabbing a box or two of the frosted flakes, all she could think of was Tad and his insistence on eating it with candy bar. Even though she always scolded him, it was his favorite and she couldn't help but wonder if his little girl would enjoy it too.
When she finished paying for the items she turned back to Kathy who was putting some napkins on the tray.
"Hey sunshine, take the tray to that corner table and take a seat, alright? I'm just gonna get a cup of coffee down the hall. I'll be right back."

Heading to the nearby vending machines, Dixie got her coffee, along with some munchies for later and something else for now, then walked back to where Kathy was seated.
"Alright dig in, I could hear your stomach growling from down the hall.", she teased.
"Here though, call it a hunch but I think you might like this."
Grabbing the chocolate bar from her bag, she unwrapped it and broke it into smaller pieces.
"This..is the only way that your daddy will eat a bowl of cereal. It always drove me crazy him eating all that sugar first thing in the morning, but, sure enough he got J.R and Jamie doing it and I was powerless to stop any of them."
Breaking the candy into Kathy's cereal, Dixie smirked and put a piece or two in her's.
"Just between us girls though, once in awhile if I had the house to myself in the morning, I'd do it too for a treat. It's a secret though okay? If your dad or brothers ever got wind of it I'd never live it down!"

[Kathy Martin]

“Okay,” Kathy responded quietly as her mom told her they should focus on their noisy stomachs before getting food for Tad. “Maybe after we can get him something? I still have that Mars Bar that was for Aunt Julia.” She fell beside her mom as they waited in line and watching as she filled up the tray with food. Once it was paid for, Kathy went over and scooped up some napkins for the two of them and came back over.

“I can do that,” she said as she carefully took the tray and went in the direction her mother had told her to go in. She found the corner table and carefully took a seat down waiting for her mom to return with the coffee she wanted. When she did Kathy smiled a little and glanced down at the tray again trying to decide what she wanted first before giggling at what had been said about her stomach.

“Are you sure? I think it was yours!” she teased back and brought the bowl of cereal to her. For a moment she sat confused as her mom grabbed a chocolate bar and unwrapped it, crunching it into smaller pieces. Listening to her explain about her dads favourite way to eat cereal she glanced back down to the bowl. “Aunt Julia never let me have sugar in the morning, she said it wasn’t healthy.” A small smile slipped out when her mom put two pieces into her own bowl and it broke out into a full blown grin when she shared her little secret and nodded.

“I wont tell daddy,” she promised and dipped her sthingy in, trying it for the first time. “Mmmmm! It’s good!” She ate it until the bowl was empty and she was full, and when she was done she sat back in the chair and watched her mom for a moment quietly. “Do you think we can make daddy get well cards and pick him flowers in the park today?” She wasn’t sure if that would be okay, if they could go far with him in this condition.

OOC: This took forever! And I'm sorry!!! My Kathy muse kinda died and has taken a long time to return =/ Hopefully it's back for good now!

[Dix C. Martin]

"Well I never.", Dixie scoffed, as Kathy told her about Julia's healthy ways.
"Well, candy bar's no health food. That's for sure. But once in awhile for a treat, it's okay."
Just about through with her breakfast, Dixie looked up hearing Kathy's suggestion for what they should do today. The idea was perfect and got her fighting a tear or two.
"I think that's a fantastic idea, Kathy. There's this one garden there with some of the prettiest daisies and daffodils. We can walk over and pick a whole bunch to bring back to your dad. That plus one of your cards, oh..it'll be the best present in the world.", she smiled, before spotting Jake across the way and waving him over.

"Hello ladies. Having a nice breakfast?"
"Hey Jake. Yeah, we're just about done. Kathy was thinking though she and I could go over to the park soon, pick some flowers for her daddy."
Communicating her question with her eyes, Dixie was relieved when Jake nodded approvingly.
"I think that's a great idea, what with Tad catching up on his beauty sleep and all. He needs it to be seen with the two of you."
"Honestly Jake."
Rolling her eyes she swatted her brother in law on the arm.
"Hey, easy. Your mom's not careful I'm gonna need a get well card from you too!", Jake smirked.
"But yeah, a little decor for my brother's bedside table from you will be the best cure out there. For now though he's gotta rest and you should get a little fresh air."
"You'll be sure and call though if there's any change?"
"First thing. I promise.", Jake assured.
"Look I gotta go start my shift but here, I'll get these outta your way."
"Oh you don't have to-"
"It's my pleasure. Now, I command ya to get flower picking."
Smirking as he took the trays, Dixie chuckled and thanked him before turning back to Kathy.
"Well, now that we've gotten official doctor's orders..what you say, baby. You want to go?"


OOC: It's cool, glad your muse is back in full swing! If this post doesn't work for ya let me know.