[RP for Abby] Phonecalls Regarding Sophie

[dr_hair]

Sunday, January 6, 2008 found Lee in a situation he'd never have imagined. He was sitting in County's nursery, holding a perfectly healthy seven pound some ounces baby boy. His grandson. Only he wasn't his because the child's parents were flying in from Kansas to take him away where he'd have two sets of grandparents and a loving home. Sophie

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[lockhart_md]

Abby is summoned from the rehab center's common room, where she's waiting for the daily yoga session to begin. Accompanied by one of the staff members, she makes her way to the office, where she's given a private space to take her phone call. She's a bundle of nerves, thinking that either something is wrong with Lily or Sophie's had her baby. Either scenario is not something she's looking forward to hearing. She picks up the phone, sounding slightly out of breath as she answers. Lee?

[dr_hair]

Hey, honey...He starts, trying to sound cheerful despite the fact that he'd rather cry. I ah...I wanted you to know that Sophie had the baby. He plays with the phone cord as he stares at his desk. Little boy...healthy.

[lockhart_md]

She swallows hard, knowing how hard it's going to be for him when the baby has to be given up to his adoptive parents. That's...good. How'd Soph do?

[dr_hair]

He swallows hard before answering her. She did fine...she was...I mean, it...He sighs and tries again. She's a tough girl. And it was fast, easy. He hesitates as he wonders how much he should tell his wife, just how much he should lean on her right now.

[lockhart_md]

She's silent for a few moments, then, How are *you*?

[dr_hair]

I don't want to do this. There. He's said it, he's let his voice crack as the words came out. He slaps his hand hard against the top of his desk, his arm shaking as he tries to hold himself together. How can she do this, Abigail? She wouldn't even look at him.

[lockhart_md]

She grips the phone tighter, hating that she can't be there with him, to hold him. She hears his voice crack and it breaks her heart. I don't know, Lee...I'm sorry.

[dr_hair]

He bites his lip and nods even though she can't see him. He knew this would be hard but he'd been counting on her to be here, to help him through this and now he has to cope on his own. I couldn't do that, I couldn't not see him. All I kept thinking about was when Lily was born. He finally pulls his chair over and sits down heavily. How she was with one of us constantly. Being loved by us from the moment she was born. Someone holding her. And this baby...he was down in the nursery alone.

[lockhart_md]

She closes her eyes, wanting nothing more than to be with him, as she hears the grief in his voice. He's lucky you were there.

[dr_hair]

They didn't want to let me hold him. He closes his eyes as he recalls the argument he had with the social worker. Kept telling me it was easier if I didn't get attached...how the hell is that even possible? I watched my daughter through her entire pregnancy, I can't be any more attached.

[lockhart_md]

She shakes her head. I know, Lee. I know.

[dr_hair]

I just wanted to know my grandson...even for a little while. Even though he won't remember me. He admits this quietly, his sadness nearly palpable. I hope they love him as much as we would.

[lockhart_md]

They will. She assures him. They want him, they're going to love him.

[dr_hair]

Doesn't really make me feel better. He rubs his hand over his face, taking his glasses off in the process. I'm sorry to dump this on you, it's been one hell of a day...

[lockhart_md]

I know, I'm sorry. She shakes her head. No, it's okay. I'm glad you called.

[dr_hair]

I really needed to talk to you. He admits, though what he wants is for her to be there with him.