Author: Regency
Title: The Long Night
Category: Romance, angst, possible character death
Pairing(s): Eve/Julian, Eve/TC, Sheridan/Luis, Sheridan/Antonio, etc.
Rating: PG-13
Season/Sequel: I don't know; I just started watching last year. There is one.
The one where Teresa gets pushed down something by Gwen? I'm guessing 'cause I didn't get to watch it.
Summary: Eve is lost between two world’s that have everything she’s
ever wanted and eventually she will have to choose. Will Eve be able to tell reality from a dream?
Author's Notes: Anything that a dedicated watcher doesn't recognize, I made up.
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone except those unrecognizable to an avid watcher,
but I actually don't know who does. It's James E. Reilly , isn't it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Twenty-Five Years In Another Life
I grasp Julian’s hand and pray that this becomes clear soon, because this
is nothing like the world I remember living in. It’s a dream, yes, but not my world. He tenderly kisses my forehead.
Even in this confusion, he’s right where I need him to be, whatever version he is.
“I love you so much, Eve and we will settle this. Don’t worry.”
I nod. I trust him. That’s all I know for certain at this moment. I must trust in Julian.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Julian’s POV
I slip quietly past a slumbering group of Eve’s family and sneak into her
room, taking care not to let the hinges of the door squeak. I settle down beside her for a moment and take her hand in mine.
She looks so pale and I can’t help the fear that surges through me. She has two punctured lungs, a broken clavicle,
a broken ankle and leg, and severe head trauma. I’m not nearly as concerned about the rest as I am about the head injury.
She should have shown some sign of life by now. She’s so incredibly pale. She shouldn’t look this. Where is my
love?
I start for a moment when she shifts in her sleep and the machines begin to shriek.
I’m between running and staying and holding my place. I will stay here with her.
The doctors rush in and I am pushed aside in the shuffle. I hear the telltale
sound of paddles and the sizzle of Eve’s body jerking. That sound will haunt my dreams. Finally, they step away. She’s
being readjusted and lain back in position on the bed. She looks exactly the same, but the machines are quiet. I make eye
contact with one of the doctors and his affirmative nod tells me what I need to know. She’s all right. I thank God and
vow to make a generous contribution to the church. If Eve survives, I will go to mass again. I will. Maybe, I shall even have
Eve accompany me. Yes, that will do just fine. But only if she survives. Only then.
I press a hand to her cheek and the warmth of her skin relieves me. “Please
hold on, my love. Everything will be all right. Just hold on for a moment more and then another moment, and then another.
Simply take it a single breath at a time, a heartbeat. I will wait for you, if you will fight for me. If you won’t fight
for me, fight for your children. Your daughters, our son. There’s so much to live for. Do you remember me saying that
before? We still have to retrieve our son from the shadows of my father’s reign. I can’t do that without you.
Please.”
I barely register it when someone has entered the room until a familiarly harsh
voice invades my consciousness. “Julian Crane, my arch nemesis. What the hell are you doing here?” Why it’s
Tacky Critter. Way to ruin a beautiful moment.
“I just came to check on Eve and it’s a good thing I did. She coded
not to five minutes ago.” I absently push a curl of her bangs away from her eyes. “She’s fine now though.”
I withdraw from her bedside, realizing that I’m signing my own death warrant by remaining. “Well, I’ll leave
you two alone…Just wanted to check on her.” I give Eve a silent farewell and let myself out, knowing that despite
our differences, she’s in good hand with TC. He’ll protect her as best as he can.
Now, if she’ll just wake up.
~~~~~~~~
I keep a firm hold on Julian’s hand despite the doctor’s best efforts
to remove him. He’s the only anchor I have now. I’ll be damned if I drown just because a doctor wants some privacy.
As they say, Doctors make the worst patients. Normally, I’m pretty good. Today, however, is not normal. I am
not normal.
“Mrs. Crane--” I jump a little at the name. Apparently, I am Mrs.
Crane. Mrs. Julian Crane for that matter. Alistair has to be turning over and over in his grave. There’s no way he’d
let this be if he were alive. “Mrs. Crane?” I realize that my mind’s been drifting and try to pay closer
attention to the doctor.
“Yes, I’m sorry. What were you saying?”
“I was just saying that your test shows some minor but sketchily placed
injuries of the brain.” At my concerned expression, he tries to assuage my concerns. “Don’t worry though.
This is should pass in no time. I know it feels disorienting.” He has no idea. I still don’t know where the hell
I am. “But with a little consideration and some patience, everything should be all right.” Julian squeezes my
hand and tries a tense smile on for size.
“See, darling, it will be all right. Just lean on us until you’re
sure of yourself again.” I nod and smile back, but I can’t stop the sliver of fear deep within me. This still
doesn’t feel right. They all seem so sure of this life. But my question is...
If this is home, then where have I been for the last twenty-five years?
Next Part
Last Part
