Page 59 of Charmed, I'm Sure
Ifyou’re still following along, that homemade ice cream I made? Yeah, it’s frozen solid because I forgot to put the sugar in it. *crying emoji*
Fuck, Taylor, I’m sorry. Here I am blowing up your phone, and you’re working. I don’t know why I’m doing this. I just... I’m sorry.
I didn’t respond. Instead, I clicked on her picture at the top and called her as I walked down the hall, the din of the emergency room fading into the background. When she didn’t answer, I hung up and tried again... and again. When she finally picked up on the third ring, I didn’t even get a "hi" out before her tear-laced words came through the speaker.
“Taylor? Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I—I know you’re working, I shouldn’t have called you—”
“Mags, baby, what’s wrong?”
“Everything that could go wrong has. I’ve never had so many dishes fail in one go, and I just—I don’t know what got into me. I just needed to hear your voice. I’m sorry.”
I had to admit, hearing her say she needed me made me preen a little. This woman who seemed so self-assured, who always wanted to do things on her own, wanted to hearmyvoice when she was in distress. “Baby, don’t ever apologize for calling or texting me, especiallyif you’re upset. I’m sorry I wasn’t available when you needed me. Are you okay?”
She sniffed a few times before answering with an unconvincing, “Yes.”
“Oh, then those are happy tears coming through the line?” I jested, hoping a small joke would bring some light back to her otherwise dark night.
“Mmhmm,” she hummed, followed by a quick sniff.
“Magnolia.”
“I’m okay, Taylor.” She took a ragged breath and blew out a raspberry before continuing, “Jae pulled me up by my bootstraps, and we figured everything out. I redid my roux, and it was perfect. Then she ran to the store to grab a gallon of Blue Bell while I threw together the bananas foster bread pudding. We just finished cleaning up.”
“You sure you’re alright?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” She paused for a second, then said so softly that I almost missed it, “At least I am now.”
“Oh?” I couldn’t keep the smile from my face if I tried. “Why might that be, sunshine?”
“Oh, shush you.”
“I think I’m growing on you, Bellevue.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t let it go to your head, Hallows.” The levity returned to her tone, and I couldn’t help but wonder if she wore the same smile I had on my face.
“Dr. Hallows, you’re needed in trauma three. Dr. Hallows to trauma three.”
“Shit.” The PA system cut off, and I glanced down the hall to where my nurse, Sam, was waiting with wide eyes that clearly asked,what the hell are you doing? Let’s go!
“Taylor? Is everything okay? What was that?”
“Hey, baby, I’m so sorry, but I’ve got to go. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve got to head back in anyway to help Jae haul stuff to the car.”
“Okay. Be careful driving back tonight, and let me know when you’re home safe.”
“Oh, um, we’re going to stay at Mer’s apartment tonight, actually. After the night we had, neither of us wants to drive the two hours back, and it’d be nice to see my sister.”
“Oh, okay. Let me know when you make it there?”
“Checking up on me, cowboy?”
“Just making sure you don’t get kidnapped by someone other than me, sunshine. I’ll talk to you soon.” I started heading back down the hall at a slow jog when Sam threw her hands up in the air, mouthing “sorry” as she rolled her eyes and headed toward the trauma bay.
“I’ll let you know when I’m safely behind Mer’s door with a daiquiri in my hand. Have a good night.”
“You too.” I disconnected the call and tucked my phone into my scrub pants pocket as I followed in Sam’s wake.
