Picture Perfect

Chapter 36- Part 1

Andrew takes a deep breath, attempting to even partially defuse the unending conflict within him. Every effort he's made to support his wife thus far has failed miserably, this newer version of Cora continuously pushing him away at every given moment. With the distance between the two of them growing indefinitely, Andrew takes it upon himself to reach out for help. With Cora's well-being slated as his main priority, he seeks advice from the only person he can trust with a situation as fragile as this.

He waits patiently as the number dials, and the call connects, his calming measures somewhat easing his frazzled nerves. After two rings, however, the call is redirected to Ed's voicemail, and disappointment waves through Andrew's heart. "Meyer," he breathes into the phone, his eyes falling closed at the sudden heaviness in his chest. "Please give me a call at your earliest convenience; I need your help," he says, keeping the message direct and short. Upon disconnecting the call, Andrew paces worriedly through his living room, mentally debating with himself how to best relieve Cora of the copious amounts of stress she's been combating.

Gideon cries as he wakes, his high-pitched screams floating throughout the otherwise quiet house. Andrew swiftly attends to his child, caring for Gideon while giving Cora the chance to relax undisturbed. It's the least he could do for her, especially since he's kept the truth from her regarding their baby and forced her into unknowingly raising Maria's child instead.

As much as he hates what Maria did to her, he can't help but feel like what he's done is infinitely worse. Andrew had given Gideon to Cora to essentially replace the baby that was so viciously taken from her; amidst the torrential emotions at the time, he hadn't realized that his actions would further hurt his already suffering wife. His thoughts were so clouded by a lust for revenge and twisted justification that Andrew couldn't see the whole picture. Cora had so fervently wanted a baby that he had assumed any baby would suffice; it was just a bonus that one biologically his was available to take the place.

Oh, how wrong he was.

The baby meant to fill the void in Cora's heart only added to her pain, and Andrew can now see the error of his ways. He should have done something sooner instead of helplessly watching the woman he loves spiral uncontrollably before ultimately crashing and igniting into flames.

Sighing, Andrew carefully holds Gideon in his arms, his body gently swaying to an imaginary yet soothing rhythm. Staring at the chubby cheeks of his infant son, he vows to do whatever is necessary to right his wrongs. When Gideon falls asleep again, Andrew lays him in his crib before quietly exiting the room.

Retrieving his phone from the living room where he'd left it, he dials Dr. Meyer's number once more. This time, the call is immediately sent to voicemail, raising anxiety within Andrew. While Ed's recent lack of communication is undoubtedly unusual, his complete avoidance of Andrew is quite suspicious. As he grows increasingly distressed over the unknown whereabouts of his old friend, his heart becomes crowded, and his mind clutters as he struggles to make room for the additional worries. Andrew's chest feels heavy under the pressure of the evolving concerns, his thoughts jumping to conclusions before he is able to process them.

The sudden ringing of his phone startles Andrew in surprise. Briefly, he anticipates Ed Meyer finally returning his calls and relieving him of a small portion of the worry pooling in his stomach. However, he's disheartened to find Richard Nelson's name flashing across the electronic screen instead. "Nelson," he sighs into the phone, rubbing a hand over his face in his mounting distress.

"Have you heard from Meyer?" Richard asks, the concern in his voice further alarming his friend. "I've been trying to contact him for two days."

Andrew feels the pit in his stomach growing at the realization that something might seriously be wrong with the missing doctor. Determined, he convinces himself that he'll find Ed; he just needs to figure out the best place to begin his search. Relaying his panic about their mutual friend, Andrew informs Richard of his own failed attempts to contact the doctor. "Is it possible that someone knows about Maria?" Andrew asks quietly, his breath catching in his throat as the words escape him. "She had attacked Meyer with a shovel before..." he pauses, his voice trailing off before he can finish his sentence.

There's no need to finish, however; Richard knows precisely what he's thinking. "Not unless she had someone working on her side with ulterior motives," he assures his anxious friend. "Meyer wasn't directly involved with the latter events; I don't think he would have been the intended target of retribution if that were the case."

Andrew hums in response, unable to verbalize a reply and knowing that Richard's words are likely valid; if someone were trying to avenge Maria Ortiz, he would likely be the first target after the unimaginably brutal things he did to her. "Will you attempt to locate him?" Andrew inquires, understanding that Richard could easily track the doctor's phone and obtain his location.

There's a slight pause before Richard answers, "Perhaps. I'll give him a few days and then check into it. We're old men now, Dalton; he could just need some time to himself after everything."

"Yes," Andrew agrees, guilt filling him at his friend's words; it's entirely his fault that Ed had been brought into this mess in the first place. "I suppose you're right."