NYPD Blue Fanfiction

Vicki's Fanfic

Here Comes Those Tears Again 

This fanfic is an extended version of “Mom’s Away”. We all need someone to talk to in our life. Someone to take our fears. Someone to wipe away our tears and lift us up when we fall. 

 

As Jennifer gets into the taxi, Connie stands in the coffee shop feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for Jennifer’s reaction. Connie’s head is spinning. Her legs feel like they weigh 1000 lbs. each. 

Connie: (Thinking to herself) Oh, my God. What did I just do? I have to make sure she’s ok.  

Connie leaves the coffee shop and gets into her car. Jennifer has too big of a lead on her, so Connie decides to go right to Jennifer’s house. When she gets there, Connie parks her car around the corner for fear of Jennifer recognizing her car. Connie goes to her trunk and gets a spare jacket she keeps for undercover work. She tucks her hair into the back of her jacket and flips up her collar. She moves slowly towards the house. She is careful to stay in the shadows. After a bit, a taxi stops and Jennifer gets out. Connie’s first instinct is to go to her and say something. Jennifer pulls a cell phone from her pocket and places a call. 

Jennifer: Megan? Are you home or at Chloe’s? You are never gonna believe the day I just had. Shit! Never mind here comes my mom and dad. I’ll call you later. Yes, I promise.  

Mom: Where have you been? 

Jennifer: Out. 

Dad: You had us worried sick. You know your not to be out on a school night. 

Jennifer: (With attitude) I went out for a walk, ok? What’s the big deal? I wasn’t out getting high if that’s what you want to know. 

Mom: Jennifer, please. 

Jennifer: (With more attitude) Get off my back for Christ sake!! (Slamming the door behind her) 

Mom and dad are left standing outside the house. 

Mom: Do you think she heard us? 

Dad: I don’t know. 

Mom: You don’t think she went to see her, do you? 

Dad: God, I hope not. 

Connie is frozen. Her head is whirling. She is nauseous. She leans back on the wall to try and regroup. 

Connie: (To herself) Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. What have I done? I walk into this girl’s life and send her ass over teacups. I’ve shattered her family. I never ment to do this. 

She slides down the wall in an attempt to fight off the nauseousness. She takes a few deep breaths and tries to focus. Felling lost and alone wondering when this spin will end.  

Connie: (To herself) Son of a bitch, he was right. He said this would happen. Son of a bitch. 

She picks herself up and starts to walk to the car. She stops at the bodega and gets a Coke to settle her stomach. Sitting in the car she replays the scene between Jennifer and her parents over again in her mind.  

Connie: How arrogant of me to think I was in control. That I could handle this. People have been crushed, innocents hurt all from me being so selfish.  

She starts the car and drives away. She has no idea where she is going, but a better idea of where she will end up. She sat outside his apartment finishing her Coke and waiting for the bedroom light to go out. She knows this is where she should be. He had known something like this would happen. She knows he would never throw it back in her face. He would simply be there for her. No questions asked. No judgements made. In him she recognized a sincere and honest man. Sometimes things can’t be explained in simple words about certain relationships. The light goes out as she gets out of the car. When it rains, it pours on that heart of hers. So she takes this storm to him.  

 

 

She has been heavy on his mind since he has seen her last. The pain of being right seldom erases the torment of seeing the anticipated result. He had hoped she learned from her mistake, or at the very least, been prepared to live with the result of her actions. He had told her not to pursue finding her daughter. He didn’t think anything good would come of it. It was just a gut feeling he had from the start. As he gets dinner ready he runs a list of questions through his head. 

Andy: (To himself) Was she stalking the kid? How long had she been doing that? How did she know where the kid would be at that time? What did the father have to say to her tonight?  

All things he wanted to know but would never ask. 

And: Come on Theo, dinner is ready. 

They sat and ate their dinner and talked about their day. He loves this time together with his son.  

Andy: So, what’s for homework tonight?  

Theo: Not much, I just have to color some pages for math. 

Andy: Good. 

Theo: Not for me. 

Andy: I ment good, only one thing to do. 

Theo: I guess. 

Andy: Finish up and we’ll get started. 

Theo: Then TV? 

Andy: We’ll see.  

After dinner Theo did his work while Andy did the dishes. It was a typical night for the Sipowicz boys. Theo got his time to watch some TV. Andy thought about calling Connie, just to see how she was doing. He had the phone in his hand a half dozen times. Only one problem, he didn’t know what to say to her. He didn’t want to seem like he was saying I told you so. He would have to tread lightly. 

Andy: (Thinking to himself) I’ll wait till Theo is down for the night. That way we won’t be interrupted. I don’t think I can solve her problem, but I can listen. 

Tonight they would read and make plans for the weekend. Maybe the zoo if the weather stayed nice. If not there was always the movies. It didn’t matter, so long as they were together. Andy turns off the bedroom light and closes the door. He picks up some toys that are lying around when there is a knock at the door. Not expecting anyone he checks the peephole and sees her crying and broken. He opens the door. 

Connie: (Crying) I screwed up so bad. 

Andy: It’s alright. 

Connie: (Coming into the apartment) How could I do that…..

Do that to that little girl, Andy? 

Andy: (Hugging her) It’s gonna be ok. 

Connie: (Sobbing) What’d I do? 

Andy: (Hugging the back of her head) It’s alright. 

Crying, letting out all the pain she’s been saving for years. Two separate lives brought together. He feels her pain. He has been here before. Alone in the world and no one seems to understand your pain. For her, he pushes his pain aside so she can find comfort in calling on him. His tender embrace engulfs her. The whirling spin slows. Her worries and feeling of chaos are safe to be expressed within his arms.  

Andy(Thinking to himself) Hold on to me and let me comfort you. Hold on to me and let me help. 

Right now, words with them aren’t needed. 

 

 

 

She is trembling and sobbing in his arms. He holds onto her in hopes that she will feel his strength.  

Connie: (Through her sobs) Andy, ….. You were right…I …I 

Andy: Shhh…it’s alright.

Connie: I…I…didn’t know…where to go.  

Andy: Your right were you need to be right now. 

He silently picks up her tears and holds them for her.  

Andy: (Taking a half step back from her and thinking to himself) This is worse than I thought. What a mess this is. 

He helps her take off her jacket and hangs it up. He takes her by the hand and leads her to the kitchen. At the sink he runs the cold water and gets a towel. He runs the towel under the water and pats her face with it. She takes the towel and holds it to her face for a few seconds. She leans down to the sink to splash some cold water on her face. He holds her hair back for her. The ice cold water brings her back into focus. He helps her to dry her face. Although they have been working together for a few months now, this is the first time he has really looked into her eyes and sees just how soft and blue they are. 

Andy: (Thinking to himself) A guy could get lost in those baby blues.  

Her natural beauty strikes him. He takes her hand and they go to the livingroom. She sits down on the couch. He returns to the kitchen. She lies down on her side and holds a small pillow to her stomach. The nausea has returned. Alone in the kitchen, he tries to think of what to do next. He puts on a pot of coffee and stairs out the window.  

Andy(To himself) What do I say? What do I do? (Rubbing his head) Come on think. You can’t hide in here all night.  

Then it dawns on him; sometimes there’s no appropriate words to say when someone is hurting. 

 

 

Connie: (To herself) I wish this nausea would pass. I just need to rest for a bit. How could I have been so careless? A safe dangling over my head, more like a ten tun of bricks. How could he have known? I should have listened to him. But I decided to do things my own way. I can handle this…..Famous last words. Yeah, oh by the way, those words didn’t come back to slap me in the face much, huh? Every decision brings a price and sometimes that price is heartache. Now here I am, a trainwreck, lying on his couch. What I need right now is his strength and his help. 

Andy returns to the livingroom with two mugs of coffee. He looks at Connie lying on the couch. He puts the mugs on the endtable. He squats down to brush her hair back to see her face. He holds her face in his hand. She slowly opens her eyes. He can see the pain is deep. He motions to remove his hand when she puts her hand on top of his. She closes her eyes and kisses his palm. He doesn’t pull away, but is a little taken aback. Slowly she gets herself up so he can sit with her. She rests her head on his shoulder and he hands her a mug of coffee. She doesn’t really want it, but takes it from him. He rubs his head, self-consciously, looking to see if she is watching. He sits with her, trying to think of something to say. She looks over at him soaking in his presence and looks back at her mug.  

Connie: Thanks. 

Andy: Sure. 

Those were the first words spoken in an hour. 

Connie: (Looking around the apartment) How’s Theo? 

Andy (Taking that as an opening) Good. And you? How are you? 

Connie: ( Looking at Andy) Better, now. 

Andy: (Hoping he’s not moving too fast) What happened tonight? 

Connie: It wasn’t just tonight Andy. It’s 15 years leading up to tonight. Only I always thought the outcome would be different. 

Andy: How so? 

Connie: I don’t know. A little fairy tailish with a little reality mixed in. Certainly not what happened today, that’s for sure. 

Andy: What happened? 

Connie: That guy who came in at the end of the day was her father.  

Andy: The one you took to the coffee room? 

Connie: Right. He told me he knows who I am. 

Andy: How’d he know that? 

Connie: Back when I contacted the adoption agency about Jennifer, the agency contacted her father to see if it was ok to give me information. He tells me tonight, he took the opportunity to find out about me. That’s how he knew who I was. Then he tells me he won’t tell Jennifer who I am if I stay away. If I don’t, he’ll get a restraining order on me. 

He waits for the rest of the story. 

Connie: As I am leaving tonight, Jennifer shows up at the house.  

Andy: You didn’t tell her who you are? 

Connie: She already knew. She overheard her parents fighting. So we go to the coffee shop. She tells me she wants to get to know me and come see me sometime. 

Andy: Oh, boy. 

Connie: I told her no. I apologized for getting involved and I made a huge mistake by doing it the way that I did. I just told her the truth. I was afraid she was heading down the wrong path. She asked if that’s why I busted her today, for smoking pot. I told her I got scared by the way she was acting out and at 15 you’re not bullet proof. That’s how I ended up pregnant.. When she left, she was so angry. I followed her home. 

Andy: Connie…. 

Connie: She took a cab. I drove over to her house just to make sure she got home. I waited for her…..I didn’t say anything to her. She had a blowout with her parents out front of the house.  

Andy: How bad? 

Connie: A pretty good one. But it made me see what s jackass I’ve been. Where did I get the idea that I could waltz into this girl’s life and everything and everyone would be fine?  

Andy: Probably floating down that river in Africa we’ve all been on….denial.  

She smiles for the first time tonight. She gets off the couch and moves to the window. 

Connie: My meltdown tonight wasn’t because I can’t see her again, it’s because I know how bad I screwed up. I may have had a chance to be with her, and I screwed up. She’ll never know how much I love her. 

Connie is still standing at the window with her back to Andy. Her arms are wrapped tightly around herself. 

Connie: My life, such as it is to this point, has never been an easy one. Growing up in Saratoga Springs, with my dad being chief of police and everyone knowing who you are made being a teenager just that much harder. It didn’t help he brought his work home with him most nights. All I ever wanted was to be his daughter, his little girl, and not a suspect. I know now he was just being a parent who happened to be a cop. But being 15 and knowing everything there is to know, I didn’t see it that way. I thought my purpose in life was to piss him off every chance I got.  

Andy: You were just being a kid.  

Connie turns from the window and sits opposite Andy on the couch Indian style. She stares down at the pillow avoiding Andy’s eyes. She wants to finish telling him this story. What has shamed her so badly, that she never told anyone, not even her mother, she is about to share with him.  

Connie: When I turned 15, the shit hit the fan. 

Andy: As with most 15 year olds. 

Connie: ( She smiles softly) I shot up in height. I developed fast, if you can understand. (She gestured to her breast) I looked older than 15.  

Andy: I get the gist. 

Connie: I started getting the attention of older guys. It was fun at first. I got to go to all the cool parties and stuff like that. And naturally at these parties there was alcohol and sometimes drugs. (She pauses and takes a deep breath) The night I got pregnant was the first time I ever had sex. 

Andy: Connie, are you sure… 

Connie: (Finishing his sentence) I want to be telling you this story. Yes Andy, I do. (Another deep breathe) I was drunk and high as was the guy I was with. We found an empty room and had sex. I won’t say we made love, because it was the complete opposite of that. It was sex. I was aware enough to make sure he was using a condom. It was over before I knew what happened. I must have passed out soon after, because the next thing I knew, I feel him on me again. This time, he wasn’t using a condom.  

Andy: Jerk. 

Connie: Yeah, that’s one word for him. Anyway, when I didn’t get my period the next month I told myself it was nerves. Then when the next month came and no period, I was in complete denial. By the third month, it was too late to do anything. I tried to hide it, but I couldn’t, so I told my mom. She was shocked and disappointed. I asked her not to tell my dad, but she did. He sent me to a halfway house here in the city. They told everyone back home I went to live with and elderly aunt who needed help. Soon after I arrived at the halfway house, a representative from an adoption agency showed up with my parents and some paper for me to sign. I did what I was told and signed the papers. She was born in June.  

Connie gets up and goes back to the window. This time Andy joins her. He knows how vonerable she is right now. He wants to do something. All he can think of is to hold her hand. There is a connection that words fail to explain.  

Connie: After she was born, I did get to see and hold her. Shortly thereafter, they came in and told me it was time. I just wanted one last look at her. They told me it was too late to change my mind. Andy, she was so beautiful. Then she was gone. She was gone out of my life. For day’s I walked around just holding my stomach. But she was gone. 

Andy: I’m sorry.  

Connie: (With tears falling down her face) Things were a bit hazy for the next few weeks or so. I came home in the fall and went back to school. Life went on as normal in the McDowell household. I alienated myself from my parents for the longest time. Eventually, I came to understand it was for the best, for the sake of the child. I was way too young and immature. Time passed. I finished high school and went on to college to study law enforcement. I moved down here to the city and got myself settled. (She pauses to take a deep breath) I would see her every now and then. 

Andy shoots a look at her. 

Connie: I would see her in my dreams. We’d smile. That smile couldn’t be brighter. We laugh and play and run and dance together. I’d kiss her and tell her things. Then I’d wake up. When I was awake, I’d wonder about her. Did she play with Barbie’s? Did she play dress-up? Was she a tomboy like I was? Was she happy and well taken care of? What type of homelife was she having? 

Andy: All natural thoughts. 

Connie turns to face Andy. He gently wipes her tears away. She returns to the couch. She feels weak and tired but wants to go on. He sits in the overstuffed chair so he can see her face.  

Connie: I finally got the nerve to look her up. I found her. When I first laid eyes on her I thought it funny, when she smiled I saw a little glimmer of mischievousness in her eyes. On her chin, there was a tiny hint of a dimple, like my dad had. She interrupts my thoughts everyday. Every year gets harder. All I wanted was to be someone she could learn from, someone she could run to when she gets to feeling alone.  

Andy: Connie, you gave her life. All these hopes and dreams, they’re only put on hold.  

Connie: Don’t we deserve to at least know each other? My heart is raw….it’s a reminder of what I don’t have and maybe never will.  

Andy: Each of us has a portion,Connie. All of us fall from time to time…its mistakes that make us.  

Connie: The fear of falling is crippling to me.  

Andy: We all make mistakes, especially when we are young. When I look back on the turbulent times in my life, I realize I’ve hurt people who are very special to me.  

Andy gets up and goes to the bedroom. He gets a picture off his bureau. He comes back and hands it to her. 

Connie: Who is this? 

Andy: It’s my oldest son. Andy Jr. 

Connie: Andy, I never knew you had another son. 

Andy: He’s passed. 

Connie: Oh my God Andy, I had no idea.  

Andy: I was married to Katie. He’s our son. I was never a good father or husband at the time. I was drinkin’ rather regularly then. Katie and I divorced when he was 15. I went about being a drunk. A few years later I got shot up pretty good. I was in a coma for a few days. When I came out of it, I decided to stop drinking.

(He sits back down in the chair) One day he shows up at the squad and tells me he’s getting married. I hadn’t seen him in three years. He’s 18 at this point. I go right into cop mode. Started askin’ all kinds of questions about this girl he wants to marry. He tells me she is pregnant and wants $700 dollars to have a wedding. I tell him to take his time about getting’ married. He tells me never mind and I got no right bein’ a dad to him. (He closes his eyes and rubs his head) I did a little diggin’ around and found she was runnin’ a scam on him. I gave her the money and told her to leave him alone and to get out of town. He found out about it. He called me selfish and said he hated me. (He swallows hard, his bottom lip is quivering) I’d rather he hate me than mess up his life. I was only lookin’ out for him. 

Andy gets up and takes the picture from her. It’s almost as if he has to look at Andy Jr. to finish the story. He sits down next to her holding his picture. 

Andy: How is it I never realized I hurt him so bad. How do I tell him I’m sorry? I was too afraid to face him and his anger.  

Andy’s eyes begin to fill up as he rubs the picture with his thumb. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.  

Andy: Time passed. I got a second chance to know him. I was married to Sylvia then. She helped with the transition. He was with us when Theo was born. At the time he was just on the job in Hoboken. He came to me for advice about the job. I took him under my wing and gave him some pointers. He had come to me. She will come to you, when she’s ready. 

There was deep silence that filled the room. 

Connie: Andy, if you don’t mind me askin’…… 

Andy: (With tears running down his face) He tried to stop a robbery with no back up or a gun. They killed him. They murdered my son. I blamed myself for a long time. If I hadn’t been such a big shot, I could have done better by him. 

He pauses to regain his composure. 

Andy: The years have aged me, they haven’t made me wiser. I started drinkin’ again. I almost lost everythin’, my job, my family. With help from friends and through the grace of God, I made it through. All I have been trying to say is, you’ll get another chance.  

They sit in a comfortable silence for a while. Each lost in their own thoughts. Each of them thankful for the other being there tonight. Andy finally breaks the silence. 

Andy: How are you?

Connie: Better. Thanks for being here for me. 

Andy: Where else would I be? You had anythin’ to eat tonight? 

Connie: (Thinking over her day) No, actually not since this morning. I was feeling a bit sick in the stomach earlier, but now I do feel a bit hungry. 

Andy: (Getting up and extending his hand to her) Let’s go see what we can find.  

They settle on peanutbutter and jelly with a large glass of milk. They talked and shared many things. Regrets, heartache, happy times and hopes and fears. She helped him to clean up and make Theo’s lunch. Andy makes a fresh pot of coffee. 

Andy: One for the road? 

Connie: Yeah, sounds good. 

They return to the livingroom. Sitting on the couch together letting out a huge sigh of relief. They smile and laugh at each other.  

Connie: Andy, I just wanted you to know, I’ve never been this honest or open with anyone as I have been with you tonight. You let me take my time, just weep, you didn’t say I was wrong. You may not understand why I did what I did, yet you never criticized; you just helped me through. I appreciate all you did for me tonight. 

Andy: I’m glad I could be here for you. Sometimes it’s hard for me to put into words, feelings and stuff like that. (He looks down at his mug, trying to avoid her stair) The wind isn’t always at our back. That’s when we need an ear and a mug of coffee. Just know, tomorrow is gonna hurt. 

Connie: I hardly handled today; how do I cope with tomorrow? 

Andy: I may not be able to heal what’s hurtin’ you heart, but I’m here if need be. 

He may not have all the answers, but he does have a deep awareness of suffering. They are different and in many ways the same. They see each other everyday in the daily grind we call life, so confident and strong. Then there are times like tonight. When you know you can’t hold up the walls alone. Just knowing that you are not alone, even though it looks dark, there is someone there for you. For as low as we feel there is always something or someone to help us back up.  

Connie: Oh, man… look at the time. I better get going. 

Andy: You ok to drive? I could call a taxi for you? 

Connie: No, really, I’m good.  

Andy: (Helping her with her jacket) You could crash here tonight if you want? 

Connie: No, Andy, really I’m good. 

Andy: Call me when you get in. 

Connie: Won’t the phone wake Theo? 

Andy: I’ll turn the phone in the bedroom off till I hear from you. I’ll sleep better knowin’ your home ok. 

Connie: Ok. Goodnight and thanks again. 

Andy: No problem. 

He watches her as she goes down the hall. He closes the door and goes to the window to make sure she gets to her car safely. Looking from the window above, he sees she’s made it ok. She blinks her headlights as a sign she is alright. He smiles. He goes to the bedroom and turns the phone off and gets ready for bed. He returns to the livingroom room and cleans up. He gets the cordless phone and sits and waits for her to call. His thinks about tonight.  

Andy(To himself) What a night this was. Just goes to show you, shit doesn’t discriminate. I’m glad she reached out. Wasn’t that long ago, she was pullin’ my ass out of the fire. For a young girl, she has such an old soul. Lookin’ into her eyes tonight, I could see how bruised and battered her spirits are. I’ve had painful things happen to me and I know what sorrow feels like, but there are always those who have been hurt deeper that me. I hope she can get up after a night like this. The right attitude isn’t always easy. Poor kid, she’s gone through so much. She’s a fighter that’s obvious; she’s here to tell her story. A burden shared does get lighter. (Taking a deep breath) Tonight was the first time in a long time I cried for Andy Jr. Tears of memories, bringing me to those places only known to me. I got my second chance. He’s right there in that bedroom. She’ll get hers. She’s a good person. A good friend. Is it that hard to be good friends with a girl when you’re a guy?  

Past hurts guard his heart. Tonight, he allowed his soul to be touched, without putting up a fight. 

 

 

As she walked down the hall she could feel him watching. That felt good. When she opened the door to go out of the building, the cool night air filled her head. She hesitated for a second or two to gather herself. She shook her head and felt clearer. As she walks to her car, she can see him from the corner of her eye, watching to see if she makes it there safely. When she in the car, she flashes her lights to let him know she is ok. On her way home she thinks about their evening together. 

Connie: (To herself) I’m ok. Suddenly, it’s not so big after all. Yes, I made a mistake. The world didn’t end because I made a mistake. I can only imagine what it’s like to live his pain. How it feels to wake up each day, trying to keep his demons at bay. He has suffered unique pain. People have worse problems than you do, but can you ever imagine if you were them instead of you? His insight has helped me see that, it opened my eyes. When I looked at him tonight, I saw years of anguish written on his face. I reached out because I sensed a friendship there. We shared a lot of skeletons in our hearts tonight. I found myself telling him the deepest details of my life. Things my own family and friends don’t know. And that is a good thing. Sharing gives breathing space. Is it hard to be best friends with a guy when you’re a girl?  

As she pulls up to her apartment building, she takes a look around to make sure everything is safe. Once in her apartment, she gets herself ready for bed. Remembering a promise to call him, she gets in bed and calls. 

Andy: Yeah? 

Connie: Hey, its me. 

Andy: I was getting’ worried. 

Connie: I’m sorry. When I got in I just wanted to get changed and get ready for bed.  

Andy: Long day, huh? 

Connie: (Smiling) Yeah, you could say that. Andy, I just wanted to say thanks. For everything. (Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly) Today, when you told me to let her go before something bad happened, I could see in your eyes you wanted to help and that you really cared. I’m glad I reached out to you. You’re a good man, and a better friend.  

Andy: (A knot of silence stuck in his throat) Yeah, umm… 

Connie: I shed a tear today, you caught it, held it, and helped me to realize it wasn’t so big after all.  

Andy: Glad to be there. Get some rest, and I’ll see ya in the morning.  

Connie: You too. Good night. 

Andy: Night.  

 

He was surprised with himself. He felt no awkwardness with their conversation. Well, perhaps a small bit of it. The last person to tell him he was a good man was Sylvia. He doesn’t want to open that door tonight. It’s late and he’s cried enough for one day. Tonight, he’s done reaching for the past. He stands beside the bed looking at his son, his blessing, and his second chance at making a difference in someone’s life. Little does he realize what a difference he has made in Connie’s life. So many things run through his head when it comes to her and the things she’s said. He gets into bed, kisses Theo goodnight and tries not to think. 

 

The next morning at work, Andy arrives and finds Connie alone in the coffee room. She is sitting and eating a bagel and drinking her coffee. Its solitude he endures. But when she flashes her delicate, charming smile, it warms his heart every now and then. That’s the sort of thing that would catch him off guard. They were on the same wavelength. Connie felt there was something different about Andy. His smile, whenever he showed it, did something to her. Like magnets, they feel a pull. Have you ever felt as if you knew someone? Maybe from another time or place? You share with them a friendship of the psyche. These two people share a connection for reasons neither knows. Two souls, attached, they are worlds apart. The difference in age didn’t make it any easier for him to understand. Age never factors in for her. For Connie, he has been so influential, keeping all of her secrets to himself. He always seems to touch her soul. 

 

Andy: Hey. 

Connie: Hey. 

Andy: Where is everyone? (Filling his mug and sitting across from her) 

Connie: Lets see, Greg and Baldwin are recanvasing the crime scene from yesterday. Jr. called, he is having car trouble, and he’ll be in by 9. The Lt. is meeting with the chief of D’s. And John should be in any minute now.  

Andy: What time did you get here? 

Connie: Early. 

Andy: Couldn’t sleep? 

Connie: Not really. Does it show? 

Andy: Not at all. Just a question. 

Connie: Sorry. 

Andy: No need to be. (Getting up to put more cream into his coffee) Truth be known, I didn’t sleep much myself. 

Connie: Seems to be going around.(She gets up for a refill) Although, it is a comfort to know I got a friend right around the corner.  

Andy: That it is. 

They both reach for the cream at the same time. Her hand falls on top of his. He is in no rush to pull away. Their eyes are locked onto each other.  

Connie: You said last night, its gonna be ok. And it is. Today is ok. Thanks again for being there for me. 

Andy: Never a problem.

She reaches up to give him a hug. He’s a tad bit hesitant, but knows this is what she needs to get her through this day. It helps him also. She feels his strength. He feels her comfort.  

Connie: (Whispering into his ear) One day at a time. 

Andy: (Whispering back) That’s right, cause that’s all we get. 

 

Did these two stumble upon each other by predicament? Or did fate have a role in this? When it comes to matters of the soul, it really knows no different. Somehow they are together. Right where they need to be.