Chapter 23

Fighting My Own Fears

He picked her up around 7 ("Pregnant ladies must be in bed early" he had told her) and an hour later they were sitting at a table at the Edelweiss Monotel drinking ... orange juice ("I'm being supportive" had been Rudy's explanation and Lynn almost told him that it wasn't his job to do that, but she refrained eventually).
"So, um ... when do I get to see little Danny again? And meet Max?" Pff, very clever, Lynn, now he'll think you're hitting on him, she thought to herself.
"Well, right now, Max has final exams, but exactly two weeks from now it will be his birthday and we'll probably celebrate it the next week-end. You should come" he said smiling "As for Danny" he continued smiling "You can see him on Thursday, in the park. But I was thinking maybe this time we could take a walk together the three of us. I mean five"
She smiled back.
"That would be nice. But I wouldn't want to intrude. Max's birthday, I mean. It'll probably be family and ..."
"Nope" Rudy interrupted "No family. Just a few of his friends, Danny and I"
"Rudy, why don't you ever talk about your family?" she asked cautiously "After all I did tell you everything about mine ..." she added.
"We're not really close. My brother didn't approve of my wife so we're not on best terms with each other since then, although he lives across the Lake" he explained.
"Lausanne?" she asked and he nodded.
"We send the occasional holiday or birthday cards but that's about it. I do see my grandmother sometimes but not too often because she lives with my brother's family."
"And your parents?" Lynn asked.
"They're dead. Car crash ... Georg and I were in high-school." he answered quietly.
"I'm sorry" she whispered regretting asking the question.
"It's okay" he said smiling. But seeing her still sad he opted for a happier subject. "I told you that my brother has a set of twins, too, didn't I?".
She nodded.
"Ten year old daughters" he continued smiling.
"One year older than Max" she observed.
"Yes" he confirmed surprised that she remembered Max's age. "He doesn't know them, though, and that's what I hate most about this sort of family feud between my brother and I. They could be friends if it weren't for us. There's also another cousin, one year younger than him, you know ..."
"Whoa, wait" she stopped him "How many nephews and nieces do you have?" she asked.
"Well, there are zero nephews and four nieces. My brother has four daughters. I guess he kept trying for a son" he smiled and shrugged.
"So did my dad, and he eventually stopped at four. I think he's hoping for grandsons now" she chuckled. But her smile suddenly faded as she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen.
"What is it?" he asked concerned. "Are you okay?"
"I ... I don't know ... it hurts ..." she said in a weak voice placing her hand where her babies were "It shouldn't be hurting, should it?" she asked and he saw her eyes fill with tears.
"Maybe we should go to the hospital" he suggested trying to stay calm.
"NO!" she cried "I might be in labor and mom's supposed to be here when that happens. She's coming next week. I want to be in labor then" she explained and Rudy would have laughed if he hadn't been so worried.
He sighed, called a waiter and told him something quickly. Then he turned to Lynn.
"Tell you what, we go to the hospital and wait for your mom there, okay? It will be full of doctors, just in case something ..." but he stopped when painful memories surfaced and he realized what he was about to say.
"In case something goes wrong you mean?" she picked up quickly. "Oh, my God! I don't want to do this" she cried.
Fighting he's own fears he managed to comfort her a little.
"It's okay, I'll stay with you" he reassured her.
"I want mom" she said quietly but allowed him to help her stand and walk back to his car.
......................................................................................................................................
He stayed with her and only left for a little while to call Corine and Lynn's mother. He couldn't tell how long it had been until Corine sent him out to get himself a coffee. When he returned, Corine was just coming out of Lynn's room.
"How is she?" he asked.
"She's in labor and refuses to cooperate. She says she'll only have the babies when her mother is here. I called her, but there's no way she can make it here so soon ..." Corine said.
"Isn't there anything we can do? Talk to her? Convince her somehow ..." Rudy said.
Corine shook her head.
"I don't know. She has gone through a lot lately. Deciding to raise those babies on her own was so brave that I think she is entitled to a little freaking out right now ... If only I could tell her Ellen was on her way ..."
"Her mother?" he asked.
"Yes. She a doctor, an Obstetrician, but I think what Lynn needs right now is the mother, not the doctor ... I have to get back to her" Corine said.
"Okay"
Rudy felt torn in two. He knew he could bring Lynn's mom to Geneva, he had the power and the means to do it. But ... he would have to do something he had sworn he'd never do ... There were wounds that still needed healing but Lynn was totally worth it. He prepared himself for a long conversation, then dialed a very familiar number on the closest public phone.
"Chateau Raven"
"Hello, Ivain, it's Rudolf. I need to speak with Georg, it's an emergency"
"Yes, Master Rudolf. Right away"
He closed his eyes and swallowed the lump in his throat fighting the urge to hang up, when he heard that voice so similar to his father's.
"Rudy, hello"
"Hello Georg" he answered.
"Ivain said it was an emergency. What happened?"
"I ... I need your private plane to bring a doctor from California, U.S. to Geneva ..." Rudy explained calmly.
"A doctor? Are you sick? The boys? Are Maximilian and Darius, okay?"
"The boys are fine, Georg. It's for ... a friend. She's pregnant and this doctor is one of the best in the field."
"Are you the father?"
"What?! No, I'm not the father. Listen, Georg, if you don't want to help me I'll find someone else. Goodbye" he said and was about to hang up when Georg stopped him.
"No, wait. Of course I'll help you, Rudy. I owe you, after ... Sabine"
"Yeah, you do owe me"
"Tell me all the details and I'll take care of it right away."
......................................................................................................................................
He pushed the door open and walked to Lynn's bed, not paying attention to anyone else.
"Lynn, would you please look at me?" he asked gently.
She lifted her gaze and met him with sad eyes.
"Sweetie, I promise you your mom we'll be here in the morning. Trust me, okay?" he said taking her hand to his lips and kissing the back of her palm. "Now, please be a brave mommy and let the doctors bring the little guys into this world, would you?". He smiled at her and she nodded.
The 'audience' left out a sigh of relief.

Chapter 22

Milk For You

Lynn was walking out of another exhausting class, next Monday (of course being pregnant with twins made life itself quite exhausting), when she saw Rudy smiling at her from across the hallway.
"Hey" she greeted him "What are you doing here?"
"Coffee, remember? Actually coffee for me" he said gesturing with the plastic cup in his hand "And milk for you" he continued handing her another plastic cup.
"But ... how did you know where to find me?"
"I had to ask around. Apparently there's only one, beautiful, blonde, pregnant med student at the University. Oh, and the fact that I knew your name helped."
She burst out laughing and Rudy realized he liked seeing her happy.
"So, are you and the little guys up for a walk?" he asked.
"More like up for a nap, but a walk would be nice, too" she answered.
"Don't you think it's a little early for a nap together?" he asked playfully.
"It's never early for a nap. Besides it's only 11:30" she played along. "Let's go for a walk" she said laughing again at his dumbfounded expression. They walked and talked about babies, and studies, and Geneva and another hundred silly things.
Lynn was humming when she closed the door behind her and Corine showed up out of nowhere to help her with her ever present schoolbag and her coat. She was such a nice lady and she enjoyed having someone to fuss over. And very pregnant Lynn was the perfect candidate for the job.
"So" she smiled "Who's the nice guy with the fancy car?" she asked.
"Been peeking haven't you, Tante Corine?" Lynn asked back.
"A little" she confessed helping Lynn to the couch and adjusting the pillows to support her back.
"His name is Rudy and we met in the park. Remember the guy that comes with his kid every Thursday? That's him. Looks like we've been eying each other for some time. And he is nice." Lynn spoke.
Corine smiled.
"You do deserve a nice guy, mon ange" she said stroking her hair.
"Soon I'll have two major 'defects'. Even nice guys tend to run in the opposite direction when faced to that ... Don't get me wrong, I love my babies and I'll never regret deciding against abortion but I knew the moment I decided to keep them that it might be just me and them for the rest of my life ..." she smiled sadly. "But I'm happy I have them".
"Oh, mon ange, life has it's own way of settling things, you'll see. I'll go fix you something to eat" Corine said kissing the top of her head. "I won't be long".
......................................................................................................................................
Lynn sighed as she sat back on her bed. May 21. Another two weeks till her due date. She had kind of gotten tired of this being pregnant thing. She hated not being able to tie her shoes or do her own pedicure. She didn't remember her mother being so helpless while pregnant with Abby. Then again Abby was her mother's fourth pregnancy and one baby only. She was carrying two ...
The phone ringing interrupted her thoughts.
"Hello?"
"Hey pretty lady, it's me" she heard Rudy's voice at the other end.
"Oh, hi" she answered.
"How are you feeling this morning?" he asked her.
"Um, huge?" she heard him laugh.
"Would you like to go out to dinner with me tonight?"
"Dinner?" she asked bewildered. "But it's ... I'm ... pregnant" she mumbled.
"Which is why I'm not taking you skiing" he answered.
"Ha! You couldn't do that even if I weren't pregnant. It's May, no snow" she observed jokingly.
"Wait until you have those babies and I'll prove to you that I can. But, until then, dinner?"
"I'd love to".

Chapter 21

Bright Thursdays In Geneva

Yeah, it had been a great idea. Although she didn't forget one single thing. Denny's smile, Denny's eyes, Denny's kisses were still on her mind most of the time she was awake. And when she fell asleep, she dreamt about him ... She missed him and she had a feeling that soon she would miss him even more ...
She let out a sigh. She knew she had done the right thing ... Then why did she feel guilty sometimes?
A man's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Danny! Come back here or you'll be grounded!"
She smiled realizing who it was. Danny and daddy as she had secretly dubbed them, walked in the park every Thursday around the same time she did.
When she had first heard 'daddy' calling the little boy 'Danny', which sounded so much like 'Denny' she thought fate had found yet another cruel way to mock her. But she eventually got used to the two of them walking by her bench every week.
Danny was a cute little angel with blonde curls and sky-blue eyes, while daddy was a tall young man, probably in his early thirties, who seemed a little unsettled around his kid. The boy, on the other hand, clung to him for dear life.
That was the reason why she was so surprised to see Danny running away from his father. Before he could get any further the little boy tripped and fell.
Lynn picked him up and was met with teary eyes.
"Aww, ne pleures pas, petit ... Voila"1 she said and took out a perfumed tissue from her handbag to wipe his face.
He stopped crying for a moment but then saw his father approaching and started again.
"No go home, papa!" he wailed through tears and buried his head in Lynn's sweater.
"Oh, so you speak English" Lynn observed trying to distract the child.
But his father answered for him.
"Yes, he speaks English and he's also not behaving right now. I'm sorry Madame, I'll take him" he said, but as he reached for him, Danny wailed even louder and kicked his feet like mad.
"I don't think he likes that" Lynn observed getting a hold of the boy's little feet which had barely missed her belly. "Let's sit down for a while and maybe he'll calm down" she suggested and they both sat on the bench.
"I don't know what's gotten into him. He's not usually like this" he said pointing to Danny who sat in Lynn's lap head buried in her chest still not looking at his father.
"I know he's a quiet child. I've seen you here before" Lynn said smiling.
"We've seen you, too" he said returning the smile.
He remembered the first time he had seen her so well. It had been January, right after the school term started. An older lady whom she resembled a lot accompanied her the first few times, probably her mother or older sister... His heart used to skip a beat every time he saw her and that was something that hadn't happened in a long time ...
But weeks passed by and he soon realized she was off limits.
"Really?" she asked jokingly. "I've practically witnessed your son learn to walk" she continued smiling at the memory of the wobbly Danny from a few months before.
"And I practically witnessed your baby grow" he said pointing to her belly. "Speaking of which, I hope Danny didn't hurt you ..."
"How ... um ... oh, no, I ... I'm fine" she managed to say realizing he obviously said 'Danny' not 'Denny'. Definitely forgotten, huh, Lynnie? she thought. "I've heard you calling him that" she said.
"Well, his name is actually Darius, but he's been called Danny since before he was born" he explained.
Lynn noticed something in his voice when the word 'born' came out, but couldn't really put her finger on it.
"Darius is quite an unusual name ... but a very nice one, too" she observed smiling.
"Since I already introduced my son to you, maybe it would be nice to introduce myself, too. Rudy Fuchs" he said extending his hand.
"Lynn Winston" she answered and shook his hand.
They sat in silence for a while until Rudy spoke again.
"How about the little guy over there" he said pointing to her belly, "Does he have a name yet?"
"How do you know it's a little guy?" she asked smiling once more.
"Believe me, I know. I have two. I can tell this is a little guy" he answered half serious making her laugh. It was safe to talk about kids, he wasn't flirting anyway. For Heaven's sake she was pregnant, you don't flirt with pregnant women because they're usually married, too. He glanced at her hands and noticed she didn't wear a ring or wedding band. But that didn't prove anything. Her fingers are probably swollen from being pregnant and she took the ring off ...
"You have one more son?" she asked finding it harder and harder to look away from his eyes. He had nice eyes, dark blue, slightly different from his son's. And he also had nice lips ... "Okaaay, Lynn, back off, married man" she told herself. Married being the operative word. Way more dangerous than med students. She took a quick glance at his hand. Yup, there was a wedding band.
"Yes, Max. He's 9 years old"
"I've never seen him with you two"
"He's at school. Boarding school, actually. I see him on week-ends ... Those are the only times I get to spend time with them both, plus walks in the park every Thursday with Danny ..."
"That explains why he clings to you like he's afraid you might leave him. I couldn't help noticing." she shrugged.
"Probably ..." he admitted a hint of sadness in his voice.
"I understand him completely. My parents are both doctors. Not too much time for family. But we turned out fine, my sisters and I, we had each other".
"Yeah, my boys are pretty close, too" he said.
"What about their mother? Do they get to spend time with her?" Lynn couldn't stop her curiosity.
"No. She died" he answered curtly.
"I'm sorry" Lynn said suddenly feeling bad for asking.
"Thanks" he answered.
"You know, there are two of them in store for me, too" she told him trying to lighten the mood.
"How come?" he asked not quite understanding.
"I'm having twins" she explained smiling.
"Oh ... so there are two little guys in there" he said pointing to her belly once more. "Any names?"
"I don't even know if they're little guys. They might as well be girls or one of each" she laughed.
"Either way you must have names picked up. Come on, I'm curious. Let's hear them out." he pleaded.
"Well ... I like Noah for a boy and Deanna for a girl. So if they're one of each ... And then James or Matthew for a second boy. I don't have anything for a second girl, though" she said.
"Maybe your husband does?" he offered.
"Maybe he would have" she agreed. Then added "That's if I were married. Which I'm not".
Suddenly the day seemed brighter to Rudy. She wasn't married and by the way she said it ... maybe the father wasn't part of the picture at all? Could he take his chance and ask? But he didn't get the chance.
"I think he's fallen asleep" Lynn said gently handing Danny to him.
He took the sleeping child from her and as he stood to leave he asked
"Would you like to have coffee with me sometime?"
"Not before the babies come" she answered but seeing his disappointment she continued "I'm only allowed to drink milk by then".
He smiled and waved before turning to leave. The day was bright after all.

Chapter 20

A New Life

It was a sunny day in Geneva and the blue of Lake Leman had a nice, calming effect on Lynn, who sat on a bench watching fellow second year students passing by, chatting animatedly about the first summer exam.
She liked to watch them from a distance and try to guess who did good and who didn't by the looks on their faces. After all, she was preparing to become a psychologist. She came here almost every day and sat on her favorite bench by the water. Maybe moving to Geneva had been the best idea her father ever had. The memory of that night was still fresh …

“Mom, I need to tell you something”.
“Can't it wait till morning, baby? I'm a little tired with the wedding and everything” Ellen said.
“No, mommy, it's important. You too, daddy” Lynn called for James. But she suddenly felt very dizzy and had to sit. She placed her hand on her abdomen and closed her eyes waiting for the dizziness to pass.
Both Ellen and James noticed.
“Honey, what's wrong with you?” James asked concerned. “This is not anemia, is it? Are you sick? Come on baby angel tell daddy what's wrong and we'll fix it” he told her taking a seat beside her and wrapping his hand around her shoulders while his wife's gaze fell on Lynn's hand and her eyes widened in disbelief.
“It's not anemia, daddy. It's … it's … Oh, God!” she whispered and broke into sobs.
Ellen sat on her other side and placed her hand on hers.
“Baby, whatever it is we'll deal with it. Daddy and I are here now”.
Lynn looked at her with teary eyes and saw her mother fighting back her own tears. She realized that she knew. Ellen had figured it out.
“James, she's pregnant” she said calmly.
“I'm sorry daddy! I'm so sorry!” Lynn cried.
“Shhh ...it's okay baby, don't cry” Lynn clung to her mother, while James watched them both stunned. One meaningful look from his wife was enough to bring him back.
“Big girls don't cry” he told Lynn like he used to do when she was little.
“Daddy is right, baby” Ellen said “No crying...”
“I'll try ...” Lynn promised whipping her tears.
“Okay, then” James smiled “Tell us about it. Does Denny know?”
Lynn nodded.
“And that's the problem” she said ant waited for them to say something but they were only looking at her with encouraging smiles.
“He wants to do the right thing for … the … baby” she settled for the singular form “Even give up school if it's necessary ... And I don't want him to do that, give up his dreams ...”
“Baby angel, you love each other, maybe things will work out ...” James offered.
“No, daddy, he told me he'll take care of us, do what's right, what he's supposed to do, but not once did he tell me he loved me ...” she said starting to cry again.
"Oh, baby" Ellen tried to soothe her "You'll be okay, shhh ..."
Lynn sighed then said in a much stronger voice
"I have to take care of this myself, without him knowing where I am. The worse part is that I won't be able to face him again after this, which means I can't go back to Stanford ..." Then she turned to her father.
"Daddy, I'm sorry, I know how proud you were of me for going to Stanford but ... maybe ... I can transfer?"
"I'm sure we'll figure something out" Ellen said, "Now tell me what did the doctor say?"
"Um, she prescribed anti-nausea medication and ... rest?" Lynn answered shrugging.
"And the fainting?"
"Well, she said I'll have to be monitored closely to prevent risks and later possibly preeclampsia. What's that, mom?" she asked, somehow relieved that she could finally talk about her pregnancy with someone she really trusted, someone who had gone through it four times and wouldn't hide things from her.
Ellen's face turned serious.
"Baby, preeclampsia is a quite rare condition and it's first sign is high blood pressure ..." Ellen explained.
"My blood pressure's not elevated. In fact it had always been too low." Lynn assured her mother.
"I know, baby. Anyway this conditions usually appears much later into the pregnancy, but I'll run some tests when we get home. Just to make sure you're alright. Okay?"
"Thanks, mommy" Lynn whispered hugging her mother.
"Geneva" James said suddenly.
"Huh?" Lynn turned to him.
"Excuse me?" Ellen asked too.
"You could go to Geneva" he continued. "Remember that old friend of your mom and I, that was supposed to be Abby - Sue's godmother but couldn't because she was stuck in India due to some epidemics?" he asked.
"You mean Tante Corine?" Lynn seemed to remember.
"Yeah. She's living in Geneva and had been bugging your for mom and I for years to allow one of you to go to college there ..." he explained.
"James, you can't send her away" Ellen protested.
"No, mom, actually I think it's a good idea. It'll help me forget ... I'll have a new life. Really, if the university there accepts me and Tante Corine won't mind I'll love to live there at least till I finish college ..."

Chapter 19

An Empty Bed

Denny awoke the next day with a sinking feeling that something was terribly wrong. Why was Lynn's side of the bed empty? Why wasn't she there? Where was she? He soon realized that she hadn't slept there at all. Maybe she didn't feel well and slept in her parents' room. He got dressed and went looking for her. When he knocked at the door and got no answer he started to worry. The reception desk seemed to be his last chance …
“Excuse me Miss?”
“Hello, Sir. What can I do for you?”
“My name is Daniel Hampton and I'm staying in room 2113. Could you tell me where I could find Dr. James Winston? He and his wife are in room 2121.”
The young hotel employee took what Denny felt like forever to check.
“Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Winston checked out” she finally said.
“What?” Denny felt like he was missing something “When? Why?”
“Um, last night after their daughter's wedding. They said it was an emergency ...”
“Um ...” he couldn't make out the words, he couldn't think straight. “That … that's impossible, you see. Their daughter, not the one who got married, the other one, she's my … my girlfriend ...”. He sounded pathetic, he knew it. But he had to find out where Lynn was so he went on “She would have told me she was leaving, she … she wouldn't have left without me ...” he said.
“Oh, um, you said your name was Hampton?” the woman asked.
“Yeah ...” he answered annoyed.
“There's an envelope for you, a letter … from Miss. Winston ...” she said handing it to him.
He took it from her and clutched it in his hand. It took him a few minutes until he finally worked up the courage to read it.

Dear Denny,
I am sorry I left without a word. But I knew that if I saw you my determination would dissolve.
I thought about what you said wanting to do the right thing for me and the babies and I reached a decision. I hope you will understand how hard it is for me to do this but it is for the best. The right thing for you right now is to finish school and focus on your career, become a hot shot doctor like Mark says. So, I don't want you to think about our little 'problem' anymore because I'll take care of it for both of us.
Our little 'arrangement' wasn't working anymore anyway because I kind of broke the rules when I fell in love with you.
So, my dear friend, study hard, be a great doctor and … watch out for stalker girls, will you?
And Denny ... please, forgive me!
Love,
Lynn

He stood there clutching the piece of paper that used to be Lynn's letter for a long while. He had no idea how much time had passed since he came down there. He went back to his room and packed his bags in a blur and soon enough he was on a plane back to California. It wasn't just her decision to make, they were his babies, too. And he hated her for doing this to him ... If she wanted to be alone, then that was exactly what she was going to get. He'll leave her alone. Forever.

Chapter 18

Chapter 18
Ours

Billie collapsed in an empty chair besides Carolyn.
“I'm exhausted” she breathed “I haven't dance so much in my entire life. Hey, where's everybody?” she asked her best friend noticing that the reception hall was almost empty.
“Well, your parents took Lynnie – Doe back to her room about three hours ago, because she needed some rest and Kathy – Lee and Abby – Sue left with the Russian hottie right after your third waltz” Carolyn answered. “But don't worry, they still love you” she added.
“Very funny” Billie mocked her.
“So, where's Prince Charming?” Carolyn asked.
“He's calling his mom to check on Andy. And his name's Richard, by the way”.
“Speaking of Andy, you put up quite a show saying 'I do' while holding the child” Carolyn observed.
“He was crying” Billie shrugged.
“Yes, he was. And that was the perfect opportunity to let everyone know how you've managed to bound Richard the way no other woman could”.
Billie was stunned. She never expected her best friend to talk like that, or to assume that she had tricked Richard into marrying her. She took a deep breath trying to calm down when she felt a hand on her shoulder and Richard sat down next to her.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“Yeah ...”
“You look quite pale if you ask me” Damien said crashing in a chair across the table a glass of champagne in his hand. “Weather it is the dancing or you've got morning sickness seeing as it is morning already” he continued checking his watch, then laughing madly at his own joke.
Richard gave him a warningly look while Billie blushed.
“Oooh! I got it right didn't I? You knocked her up” Damien went on oblivious to Richards glares and Billie's shocked look. “Is that why you had to marry her? Oh, wait, I forgot, there's already a little rugrat in the picture ...”
Billie couldn't listen anymore. She stood and stormed out of the hall.
“What did I say?” Damien asked, alcohol obviously keeping him from thinking straight.
“Rae!” Richard called but she was already gone.
“I'll go talk to her” Carolyn said standing up ready to follow her.
“No” Richard refused her offer “You've said enough yourself” he said bitterly. “I'll go. She's my wife.”
…..................................................................................................................................
He looked for her everywhere but she was nowhere to be found. He panicked for a second, then he remembered. There was one place he was sure he would find her. He entered the honeymoon suite, where they were supposed to spend their first night as a married couple before leaving for Greece for five days. He found her watching Andy sleep peacefully in his baby cot.
“I sent your mother home” she said acknowledging his presence.
“Rae ...” he called placing his hand on top of hers “I'm sorry”.
“It's okay, he's drunk” she said avoiding his gaze.
“But Carolyn isn't” he observed.
“You heard her?” she asked this time looking at him.
“Yeah”. He wrapped his arms around her. “You didn't tell her about Andy ...” he said.
“No” Billie admitted “She was in Scotland for a year and we haven't talked much. I only told her that we were getting married and we wanted her to be our son's godmother. She assumed Andy was ours and I let her believe that ...”
“Andy is ours” he said shrugging. “And I haven't told Damien either” he confessed.
“But he's your best friend ...” she said.
“You are my best friend” he said and kissed her. “And the mother of my child” he kissed her again. “And my beautiful wife. Now do you think Andy would mind me borrowing his mommy for, um … the wedding night?” he whispered kissing her neck and jaw line.
“I … I think he would be okay with that ...” she said swallowing hard.
“Is his mommy okay with that, too?” he asked between kisses.
“Mmmm …” was all he got from her.
“I'll take that as a 'yes'” he chuckled and scooped her in his arms and carried her to the king sized bed in the other bedroom.

Chapter 17

Mommy, I Need Your Help

Lynn and Denny sat at the table that they shared with Lynn’s family, Richard’s parents and brother and, of course, the bride and groom.
Lynn sighed as she saw the newlyweds starting another dance. She wanted to talk to Billie and tell her about her pregnancy, she needed advice and she needed that from someone who adored children. She needed someone to tell her that wanting to have those babies wasn’t wrong, that terminating the pregnancy wasn’t an option. She was a future psychiatrist, she could tell that this “need” to hear the words “keep the baby (well, babies actually)” meant that deep inside she wanted to keep them but was afraid to make the decision herself. Having someone suggest that she should have the babies was much easier than stating loud and clear that she would keep them. And that’s what she needed her sister for. But Billie – Rae Winston – Zeller seemed determined to dance the night away in her prince’s arms, she observed with another sigh.
“I want to dance!” she said turning to Denny “Let’s dance!”
“You can’t dance.” Denny said rubbing her arm.
“Yes, she can” Kathy interrupted. “She’s a great dancer. She’s better than me. Actually she’s better than all of us. Except for Abby, maybe, but Abs wants to be a ballerina, so she doesn’t really count. She can dance” her younger sister concluded patting him on the shoulder.
“Did you hear that” Lynn said, “I can dance” she smiled pretending not to know what Denny meant.
“That's not what I meant” he whispered so that no one else would hear him “You shouldn't be dancing” he continued. But he was unable to stop her and had to follow as the band switched to a blues.
He put his arms around her waist and tried again. “Lynn, you know you're supposed to be resting not dancing ...”
“Stop it, okay? Just stop it” she snapped “I have been resting for the past two weeks and you … you ...” she stopped, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Hey” he said kissing her forehead “What is it? What's wrong? Did I do something?” he asked against her forehead.
“No ...” she finally answered and Denny let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. “It's not you. You are great. You were great ever since you … we … ever since my fainting” she said smiling. “But this is not what you want. You … you didn't want a baby, let alone two ...”
“No, I didn't” he admitted.
“See?” she said a tear escaping her.
“I didn't want a baby” he said again “But it happened, I got you pregnant, and I'm willing to do … the right thing … I'll get a job, give … give up school if I have to … and we'll raise them, okay? If this is what you want ...” he finished. But she didn't answer.
“Lynn?” he called “Still with me?” he asked with a smile. “Are you okay?”
“Yes” she answered biting her lip to prevent the tears from falling. Because she knew that very moment that she couldn't do it. She couldn't let him give up his dream. She couldn't agree to that knowing that one day he might blame it on her. Or worse, their children. She realized there was only one way to do this and she was going to do it no matter how much it hurt.
She gave him a bright smile.
“You're right” she said “I should be resting. In fact I'll go rest right now. But you can stay and enjoy the party for a while longer. You know, get tips from Richard about surgical internship” she winked “I'll ask mom to take me to my hotel room.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yeah … I'll see you later” she said and kissed his lips lightly “Bye”.
“Bye” he said back.
Lynn took off and walked slowly but determined towards her mother.
“Mom” she called.
“Yes, baby angel”
When she was sure she had her mother's attention, Lynn bent down and whispered into her ear “Mommy, I need your help.”

Chapter 16

Chapter 16
Little Family

Billie – Rae stood in front of the mirror admiring her wedding dress. She was actually getting married. And she was getting married to the man of her dreams. She never thought that would ever happen. She hoped for it, dreamed of it, but this, this was real …
“Ready, big sis?” Kathy asked popping her head through the opened door.
“Yeah…” Billie replied smiling “I’m ready”.
Kathy smiled and nodded “We’ll be waiting, then” and closed the door behind her.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Richard was nervous. He had never been so nervous in his life. Not even when he took his boards. Not even while he waited for the paternity test results. Was he really doing the big “M” word? Was he getting married? It seemed so. He looked around. They had settled for a small wedding, but there were about forty people in the church still. All of them waiting for him to take this big, scary step: get married. He suddenly felt a urge to run as fast as he could, as far as he could. He felt his best friend nudging him and looked up. Billie was walking slowly towards him, as if counting her steps and Richard could see that she, too, was nervous. He wanted to take her in his arms and hold her, tell her that everything was going to be fine. That particular moment he realized that he didn’t want to be anywhere else but there, getting married, to the woman walking down the aisle.
When she finally reached her destination, he took her hand and smiled. She smiled back and her deep green eyes lit up with happiness. They turned to the priest and he started. But he barely got through the “dearly beloved” part when little Andy let out a loud wail. Billie and Richard both turned only to see him stretching out his tiny hands towards them. Ellen was trying to calm him down, but he wouldn’t stop crying. Billie squeezed Richard’s hand gently and walked to her mother.
“Here, give him to me” she said reaching out for the baby.
“But, honey, you’re getting married …” her mother said.
“You bet I am” Billie answered and a wide smile spread across her face “to his daddy”. She took Andy from Ellen and walked back to Richard. He smiled and they both turned to the priest, Andy obviously contented to be in mommy’s arms.
As the ceremony continued, Richard couldn’t keep his eyes off of Billie and Andy. They were his family, his beautiful, little family. And when he finally heard the words “you may now kiss the bride” he placed a hand on the back of her neck, gently pulled her closer and before meeting her lips with his, he whispered “I love you”.
He saw her eyes grow wide with surprise but before she could say anything he pressed his lips against hers and she responded to his kiss. They only parted when Andy began to fuss not very happy to be crushed between his parents. The audience was applauding.
“I guess we gave them quite a show” Richard told her and winked “let’s take this little tyke to bed before the reception, shall we?”

Chapter 15

No Change

Lynn had been trying to fall asleep for about an hour when Denny finally decided to get her some Tylenol. She swallowed the medicine and let her head fall back against the pillow.
“Feeling better?” he asked. She shook her head.
“Why are you here?” she asked quietly eyes closed.
“Where else would I be? Apparently this is the bedroom we were assigned” he shrugged.
“No. Why are you here with me? At my sister’s wedding. We don’t do the family thing. We’re friends with benefits, which doesn’t include family gatherings. So, why are you here?”
Denny sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t know what to answer. He had no idea why he was there. He sat on the bed and placed his hand on her abdomen causing her to flinch at his touch “They’ve changed everything …” he said.
“No …” she said calmly “they haven’t.” She took a deep breath and continued “They haven’t changed the fact that you don’t love me” she said and gently removed his hand.
He sat on the bed next to her “”You want to talk about this now?” he asked.
“My head feels like it’s about to explode” she answered.
“Then try to sleep. We have time” he said smiling.

Chapter 14

Changes

“Nervous again?” Richard asked Billie as they lay next to each other half an hour later.
“Huh?” Billie snapped out of her thoughts.
“Are you nervous?” he asked again “about the wedding?”
“The wedding … yeah, a little. I’ll be fine” she answered. Then she sighed. “Would you … um …”
“Would I what?” he asked slightly amused.
“H-hold me?” she answered biting her lip.
“Of course, come here” he said pulling her in his arms, her head resting on his chest.
“It’s strange …” she spoke. “Mom and dad are here. I always imagined they’d be at my wedding but I had gotten used to the idea that they weren’t able to come. And now they are here. And I want to be happy about it. Actually I am, but Lynn … she seems really sick …” she sighed.
“She’s pregnant” Richard stated causing her to look at him surprised.
“What??? How do you know that?”
“I don’t. But it fits. She fainted, she’s overly emotional, her boyfriend treats her like she’s some kind of porcelain doll that can break any minute, plus when you were talking about birth and babies she placed her hand on her stomach …”
“Wow, you should definitely consider a career in OB” she told him amused.
“Really, I …” a knock at the door interrupted him.
“Come in” he said.
“Sorry to bother you, I hope I’m not interrupting … anything” Denny said apologetically “I need some Tylenol. Lynn’s got a little fever.”
“Is she okay?” Billie asked concerned.
“Yeah. It’s just … um … it’s probably the flight … Thanks” he said taking the medicine from Richard and then walking out.
“He thought … he was interrupting … something” Billie said.
“Yes. He probably did” Richard answered.
“But he didn’t. Interrupt, I mean.”
“No” he agreed.
Neither of them said anything for a few minutes.
“Rae …”
“Mmm …”
“You’re not sleeping”
“No”
“You want to talk?”
“About what?”
“You tell me. The thing that’s keeping you awake.”
She sighed.
“When I moved in with you and Andy, I told you that you can … um … you know … date … if you wanted. I was okay with that at the time.”
“Yeah, you might have mentioned that” he said smiling.
“You’ve never tried to … um … get in bed with me … You did kiss me and stuff but …”
“Okay, Rae, I have to disagree. I did get in bed with you, in fact, I’m in bed with you right now” he said with a grin.
“I’m talking about sex!” she hissed. “You haven’t tried to have sex with me. And I want to know if that’s going to change once we’re married. There, I’ve said it.” Now all she had to do was to wait for his answer. He slowly turned her on her side so they could face each other.
“Do you want it to change?” he asked in a serious voice.
“Do you?” she asked back barely a whisper.
“Well…” he started cupping her face with his hands “I would like to be able to make love to my beautiful wife, but” he continued closing the gap between them and placing a soft kiss on her lips “if you’re not ready…” he kissed her forehead “I can wait” he finished and pulled her closer.
She seemed to be thinking about it for a while, then she spoke “I think I am … ready, I mean, I think I’m ready, but … what if … I’m not … good … enough … for you?” she asked biting her lip.
“Rae, listen to me, I could show you right now that you are good enough for me …” he said in a serious tone.
“But?” she interrupted him.
“I want to wait till tomorrow night” he explained.
“Our wedding night” she whispered.
“Our wedding night” he agreed. “I want it to be special and I want you to feel special because that is exactly how you are. So…” he kissed her forehead “very…” he kissed her nose “special.” he concluded kissing her lips passionately.
When they pulled away she was smiling.
“Okay, try to get some sleep, you sure aren’t going to get any tomorrow night” he chuckled. “Sweet dreams”
“Thanks, you too” she said placing her head on his chest and closing her eyes. She was about to fall asleep when Richard let out another chuckle and whispered “And you don’t cure anemia with Tylenol.”
“Mmm …” was all he got back and he, too closed his eyes.

Chapter 13

Catching Up

Half an hour later they were all comfortably seated in Billie and Richard’s living room. The house was a wedding present from Richard’s parents. It had four bedrooms, a large living room, a study, a not so frequently used kitchen, two bathrooms and to Billie’s delight a porch with a view to the park nearby.
“Okay” Billie said “Lynn and Denny will have the larger bedroom, Kathy and Abby the smaller one. Alex gets the couch in the study. Sorry about that” she apologized to him “And … um …”
“Your mom and dad should have the master bedroom and we’ll sleep in Andy’s room” Richard suggested.
“You think you can fit in the baby’s crib?” Kathy grinned.
“Very funny” Richard said “We’ll sleep on a mattress on the floor. Quite romantic, huh?”
“Especially if the baby wakes up in the middle of the night and starts to cry” Ellen said. “I tell you what, why don’t you keep your bedroom and James and I will sleep in the baby’s room. By the way, you two” she pointed to Billie and Richard “Should sleep in separate rooms. It’s the night before your wedding”.
Billie and Richard looked at her in disbelief while the others tried to suppress laughter.
“Isn’t it good to have mom home” Kathy chuckled. The others smiled.
They talked and joked and exchanged information on each other for a while.
“So, where’s my grandson?” Ellen asked smiling warmly at Billie and Richard “Tell me about him”.
“Well” Billie started “his name is Andrew – Damien and he’s four months old, no teeth yet, likes the car seat, hates the pacifier, loves spending time with daddy when he’s back from the hospital… And right now he’s with Richard’s parents, they’ll bring him home tonight.”
“So, Richard” James cut in “surgical intern, huh?
“Yes, Dr. Winston. I’m a first year surgical intern and doing my best to convince your daughter to join me next year”.
“That’s a good thing. You shouldn’t postpone your residency anymore, Billie-bear” James told her.
“And you … Denny right?” he turned to the other couple in the room.
“Actually Denny’s just a nickname. It’s Daniel Hampton” he said.
“Oh …” Ellen gasped.
“Related to Dr. Remington Hampton?” James asked raising an eyebrow.
“He’s my father. You know him?” Denny asked surprised. Lynn was as surprised as him.
“Let’s say he used to make my wife’s life a living hell” James said smiling and squeezing his Ellen’s hand at the same time.
“He was my attending …” Ellen began to tell them but was cut off by her eldest daughter.
“Mom, about this separate rooms thing …” she said blushing as seven pairs of eyes turned to her “I mean, it would be easier for everyone if we share the room … We won’t … um …”
“Honey, it was a joke” Ellen saved her “You’ve been living together for quite a while now, believe it or not I know how things work” she said giving the young couple a wink. “Been there, done that.”
“Whoa, what?” both Billie and Kathy asked.
“Your daddy and I have been living together before we got married. Never asked yourself when you were conceived?” she explained smiling.
“I … I thought I was a … preemie …” Billie said.
“Sweetheart you were born at exactly nine months and two days after you were conceived, which makes seven months and two weeks after our wedding.” Ellen’s answer came.
“I heard you once telling aunt Corine that one of us was a preemie … I assumed it was me …” Billie said.
“That would be Lynnie – Doe” James cleared for her. “Your mother went into premature labor during a valve replacement surgery performed by Dr. Hampton. After she had you” he said looking at Lynn “she gave up cardio and went to OB.”
“So you were a preemie, huh?” Denny said rubbing Lynn’s arm gently. “No wonder you’re so small” he continued smiling.
“Excuse me?! I’m not small.” Lynn said.
“Actually you kind of are, sis” Kathy interfered “You’re smaller than me and I’m a skater. And you’re anemic, too.” Denny nodded only to be noticed by his girlfriend.
“My … anemia” she said emphasizing on the word “Has nothing to do with me being born preterm. Don’t you agree?” she asked turning to Denny.
Denny opened his mouth to answer but closed it back. Ellen saved him. “About the anemia … how did that happen?”
“She fainted in the cafeteria” Denny blurted.
“Denny!” Lynn scolded.
“What?!” both Lynn’s parents asked with concern.
“See what you did?” Lynn said tears already gathering in her eyes “Now they’re worried …”
“Baby angel, it’s okay. We’re your parents. It’s our job to worry.” Ellen said seeing how upset she was.
“Except you do it from another continent” Kathy said “Sorry, couldn’t help it.”
Ellen was speechless, but James seemed to be able to respond to that. “Believe it or not, Kathy – Lee, worrying from a distance is far worse.”
“Um, I think we all need a little break” Richard interrupted. “Some of you had a long flight so why don’t we all try to rest for a while”.
“Good idea” Denny agreed looking at Lynn who’d manage to hold back the tears but was still upset.
“I’m not tired” Kathy muttered.
“But your ankle is” Alexander spoke and was greeted with an angry glare “And little Abby is tired” he said hoping to redeem himself. Abby had indeed fallen asleep on the couch between her parents earlier.
“Okay” Ellen said “You two” she pointed to Billie and Richard “Can have your bedroom. We’ll take the mattress” she said smiling “And Abby too, in case you can’t sleep and want to watch TV or something” she told Kathy. “Sweet dreams everyone.”

Chapter 12

Airport Surprise

“You’re nervous” Richard said taking Billie’s hand.
“No, I’m not” she said not looking at him.
“Yes you are. Stop being nervous. Your sisters like me. They’ve seen me before, remember? At our graduation party. They love me” Richard said with a grin.
“So sure of yourself” she said “I hate you”, but she was smiling.
“You love me” he said back and pulled her in a tight embrace oblivious at the sudden change in her features. She allowed herself to enjoy being in his arms. Of course she loved him. But he didn’t love her. He was marrying her the next day. Although she knew he was doing it for his son, their son, she thought proudly, she also believed he cared about her, too. At least she wanted to believe that … So she leaned closer in his embrace for a little longer.
“As much as I enjoy holding you” Richard’s voice pulled her out of her reverie “we’re in the freaking airport and the flight from L.A. just landed”.
Billie flinched as nervousness seemed to be coming back as she whispered “Kath and Abby”.
And soon she heard Abby squealing with delight as she saw her sister and ran to her.
“Billie! I’ve missed you! And I have a great dress. The nice Russian lady said so, too, but Alex thinks Kathy’s prettier because is red. And I told mommy about it an she said she can’t wait to see it. And me. And you. And they’re …” but she was interrupted by Kathy who pushed her aside gently to hug her sister.
“You pulled out quite a stun, didn’t you?” she whispered in Billie’s ear.
“You twisted your ankle and you have that hottie tagging along as a result, we’re way above me” Billie whispered back.
“Twisting an ankle is way easier than getting anemia” Kathy said out loud this time letting go and pointing to the two people walking towards them and both she and Billie started laughing.
“Hi, there, shrinkie” she said to Lynn and pulled her in a quick hug, no whispers this time.
“Hey, Kath” Lynn said. “Abby!” she shrieked and wanted to lift her in her arms, but stopped when she felt Denny’s hand on her shoulder, resuming to only hug her tight. “And … you” she said turning to Billie with a wide smile “Congratulations!”.
“Thanks Lynn” Billie said hugging her. “You remember Richard” she said taking his hand.
“Oooh, yeah” Kathy smiled knowingly.
“Hello girls” Richard greeted them. “Hello little lady” he said to Abby.
“This is Denny, my boyfriend” Lynn said.
“And this is Alex, my partner” Kathy continued.
They kept making small talk for a few minutes until Abby squealed again “Mommy!” and she let go of Billie’s hand running towards someone.
“What the …” Kathy started but when she turned to see where Abby ran she gasped “Mom?!”
“And … dad?!” Lynn continued.
Both Richard and Denny felt their respective girlfriends tense.
“Mom and dad as in Mr. and Mrs. Winston mom and dad?” Richard asked Billie. She nodded leaning into him.
Ellen and James Winston made their way through the crowd Abby tucked safely in James arms.
“Hello everyone” James said putting Abby down and hugging each of his daughters “good thing we managed to switch flights other wise we would have missed the big wedding”. Then he turned to Richard “James Winston. And you must be the guy that will marry my eldest princess.” He said.
“Yes sir. Richard Zeller, Dr. Winston. Very nice to meet you, sir” Richard said shaking his hand.
“Maybe we should be going home …” Billie said still finding it hard to believe that her parents were there. There, for her wedding.
“Yes. That is a good idea. Lynn is kind of tired” Denny said looking worriedly at Lynn who was indeed a little pale. He was afraid that the flight and seeing her sisters and her parents might have been too much for one day.
“Kathy should rest her ankle” Alexander added. Although his partner shot him an angry look, he knew he was right because it wasn’t like her to lean against his chest like that shifting her weight from the injured foot.
“Ok” Ellen said “but I want to hear more about the ankle, the anemia and, of course, the wedding”, she smiled looking at each of her girls while she spoke.
“And my new pink dress” Abby said.
“And your pink dress, baby angel”.

Chapter 11

Parents
1990


The plane had landed with a small delay which caused doctors James Winston and Ellen Reid – Winston, his wife, to miss their connection for L.A.
“I’ll try calling home one more time” Ellen said “I know they’re not expecting us, but still …”
“Ok, sweetheart” James said squeezing her hand.
She went to the closest phone boot and dialed their home number. Her face lit up when she heard her youngest daughter’s voice.
“Abby – Sue! Hi! It’s mommy. How are you?”
James watched as his wife’s expression changed from calm to surprise and then complete shock. “Ok, honey, we’ll be there. Tell your sisters we called. Bye, sweetie. We love you.” She hang up and turned to her husband.
“Change of planes. We have to go see if we can change the tickets …”
“What? Why?” James asked surprised.
“Because” she spoke calmly “Abby – Sue got a new dress, Kathy – Lee twisted her ankle, Lynnie – Doe is anemic and Billie – Rae is getting married. In New York”
“Ok” her husband said “is it that long since we haven’t called?”
“Two weeks” he got his answer.
“Yeah, I thought so. So, we’re going to New York …”
“Yes, we are” she confirmed.

Winston Genetics

This is how I imagine the Winston girls as children.
I will not post links to photos of how I imagine them to look like as grown-ups, because every reader can picture them as he/she wishes.
So, to clear some things;):
- 2 of them have dark brown hair (Billie&Kathy);
- 2 of them have blonde hair (Lynnie&Abby);
- 2 of them have blue eyes (Billie&Abby);
- 2 of them have green eyes (Lynnie&Kathy);
- James has dark brown hair ans blue eyes;
- Ellen has blonde hair and green eyes,
which results in:
- Billie being the carbon copy of James, while Lynnie is a younger version of Ellen;
- Kathy and Abby being a beautiful mix of both their parents' genetics (that sounds so much like Sims=)))).
Got it? No? Check the links and hopefully you will.;)


Billie - Rae
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-4140790-portrait-of-a-young-girl-on-the-monkey-bars.php

Lynnie - Doe
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-9196887-close-up.php

Kathy - Lee
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-6492959-portrait-of-the-girl.php

Abby - Sue
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-984525-happy-little-girl-beside-fountain.php

Chapter 10

Twist

He didn’t have to wait till the next morning. He felt like he had just fallen asleep when his cell-phone rang.
“Hello” he answered groggily. His facial expression changed as the caller spoke and soon he was wide awake.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can” he said and jumped out of bed.
“Where?” his roommate asked. Darren was an American skater who trained along with them and shared a room with him at the skate house.
“It’s Katherine” he said. Apparently she fell on the stairs and she’s in hospital. “will you please wake Igor? We need to go get her.”
When Igor and his wife, Tatiana followed by Alexander entered her hospital room along with the doctor, Kathy let out a groan and collapsed against the pillows.
“Hello again, Katherine” the doctor said approaching her. “Apparently you have twisted your ankle. I’ll put on an air cast and then you can go home. I’ll have someone draw your discharge papers” he told her smiling.
“Thanks” she said and then she turned to a little girl vaguely resembling her except she was blonde, who sat on chair in a corner her arms tiny arms crossed over her chest. “You called 911 for a twisted ankle?! No, sorry” she continued her voice slightly raised “you called 911 AND my coaches for a twisted ankle?! Seriously, sis, you’re being paranoid”.
“You fell” the girl said quietly “and I was scared … I’m sorry …” she looked at her sister with sad eyes.
“Paranoid, Abigail, paranoid!” Kathy said angrily.
“Katherine, that’s enough!” Igor said and his voice made both girls flinch. He switched to Russian and said something to his wife. Tatiana nodded and turned to the little girl.
“Hi, I’m Tanya. What is your name?”
“Abby” she answered tentatively.
“Abigail” Kathy answered, too. “She’s my sister.”
“The one with anemia or the one getting married?” Alexander asked and winked at her. “Sorry, couldn’t help it” he added quickly when his coach stared at him. But he did notice Kathy’s features softening just a little bit.
“Abs, would you step outside for a while with the nice Russian lady, please? I think coach Igor plans on telling me something you’re not supposed to hear” Kathy said sighing.
“Ok” Abby said as she took Tanya’s hand “let’s go, nice Russian lady” and they both walked out of the room.
“Katherine” Igor started as soon as the door closed “what really happened?”
“I tripped and fell on the stairs” she answered without making eye contact.
“No, Katherine” Igor said raising his voice “you dressed like a … a … never mind, went to a night club or who knows where, got drunk and after that, yes, you probably did trip and fell on the stairs!”
“I …”
“I’m not finished, young lady! You obviously scared the hell out of your sister. Why did she have to call 911? Or us? Where are your parents?”
“Africa” she answered calmly.
“What?” Igor and Alexander asked at the same time.
“Médecins sans frontières” she said “Doctors Without Borders. Ever since Abby turned five. We had a nanny until my sister Billie finished med school and moved back home. Now she lives in New York but it’s ok because I’ll turn eighteen in two weeks. I can look after myself and Abby and we have, um … staff that takes care of everything else, maids, gardener and Mrs. Neil, the cook. She had been on my parents service since their wedding and she cares about us. She watches Abby when I’m at the skating rink and we also have a chauffeur who drives her to chool and back … We’re ok. We don’t need a nanny.”
“But I think you do” Igor said after recovering from his initial surprise “because what you did tonight was stupid. And irresponsible. You’re not ok. Neither of you is.”
“Sorry” she mumbled.
“You’ll need someone to help you until you get rid of that” he said pointing to her swollen ankle “is there anyone you can ask to come stay with you for awhile?”
“I don’t think so. My sister Billie is in New York and my other sister, Lynn, is at Stanford…”
“That only leaves us one option. Or two. Whether you and Abby come live with us or … Tanya comes live with you. And Sasha?”
“Yes?”
“You’re her partner. The sooner she gets better, you can go back on ice. So you should go, too. You know, bring a glass of water, watch the little kid, make sure the big kid doesn’t get all depressed… Stuff”
“What?” both Kathy and Alexander asked shocked.
“But …” Kathy started.
“I can’t …” Alexander gave it a try too.
“You’re a team You work together. Period.”

Author's Note

I just felt I had to say this...



Firstly, I do own all the characters in the story.:P

Wilhelmina - Rachel Winston is dedicated to my best friend. He would never read this (I don't think any guy would, for that matter:P) and can't really explain why but I just thought about him a lot while writing Billie - Rae.


Evelynne - Doreen Winston is dedicated to the bossiest friend ever, although she's kind of a tomboy, while Lynnie - Doe is sweet and frail. But they're both Virgos and good looking (all the Winston girls are good looking, but I only insisted on Lynn's looks for now) and they both love kids.


Katherine - Leandra Winston (Katyousha) is dedicated to my one and only Katyusha and I will say no more.:)


Finally, the rebellious yet cute and caring Abigail - Susan Winston is dedicated to my cousin, Cristina. They are not alike, not at all, just that the story was intented to be about three sisters and I decided to add the fourth after a conversation with my cousin. So, she's the reason Abby - Sue exists.:)


Ellen Reid - Winston is named after actresses Ellen Parker (Maureen Reardon from Guiding Light) and Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey from Grey's Anatomy). Her maiden name is inspired from Scrubs. I like the name "Reid" and I think it goes well with a first name that starts with "e".

Yeah, yeah I admit it, the name "Denny" is from Grey's Anatomy, because I like the sound of it. The characters however have nothing in common (I wasn't very fond of the Grey's character), not even the first name (my character's name is actually Daniel). Oh, and there will be another Denny later but with a different first name. By the way, Daniel - Matthew Hampton was initially created after on of my ex-boyfriends.:P He's nothing like him, thou.

Remington Hampton, Denny's father, was named after Remington the maid, from The Sims 2 computer game. I thought it was funny.:P

I tried to only use real locations and events (I looked them up on Wikipedia) and I think I've succeeded.:)

Sorry for the clichees.:(

Maybe I'll look for photos of how I imagine the kids look like and post the links here. People do that on http://www.fanfiction.com/ and I like the idea.

That's all for now.

Clau

Chapter 9

Over

Kathy – Lee

1990

“Kath, it’s for you” little Amelia yelled glancing at the receiver in her hand.
“Coming!” Kathy yelled back, then skated towards the gate and extended her hand grabbing the receiver form the girl. “Hello?”
“Katherine – Leandra Winston! You are in so much trouble!” she heard Lynn’s voice.
“I missed you, too, sis” Kathy said.
“Did you really? ‘Cause it doesn’t seem like you did. Both Billie and I have been trying to reach you for three days. Where have you been?”
“Busy… skating … why? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing … um … Billie’s fine. She and Richard are getting married in a week. We’re expected to be in New York the day before. I’ll come with my boyfriend I’ve been diagnosed with anemia and I have to be resting. Oh, and if you manage to reach mom and dad before Billie or I do, let them know, please. See you next week. Bye!”
Kathy was so stunned that she didn’t even felt her skating partner approaching until he wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Good news or bad news?” he asked breathing into her hair.
“I’m not sure” she said pulling away.
Alexander Solovyiev was Katherine’s new partner, her previous one, Charles Crawford had ended their partnership two weeks before. They were still in try-out, but coach Igor thought they had potential. The reason she switched coaches was that she hated to train along with Charlie but not actually with him.
“My sister’s getting married. And my other sister has anemia… Oh, and neither of them can reach my parents and we all have to be in New York on Friday before the wedding…” she trailed off.
“Well, the fact that …” but whatever he was about to say was interrupted by their coach.
“Enough with the chatting, you too! Back to work!”
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Four hours later, Kathy and Alexander were exhausted. She stretched her hand to reach for her shoes and left out a moan when a sharp pain crossed her arm muscles.
“I guess that’s part of getting used to a new partner”, he smiled.
“Yeah … thanks for not dropping me though” she smiled back.
“Well, well, well” a voice coming form behind them said “if it isn’t America’s new dream team, Winston and Solovyiev”.
“Charlie …” Kathy felt a lump forming in her throat.
“Crawford” Alexander said standing “you need anything?”
“Nah, just wanted to warn you about that one” he pointed to Kathy “soon enough she’ll be falling for you had over heals and she can be quite annoying when she does that. So run while you still can. Friendly advice” he finished grinning.
“Crawford” Alexander said faking calm “get out”.
“Hey, I was trying to help …” Charlie said smirking.
“I said get out!” Alexander repeated taking one step towards him. He must have looked quite threatening because Charlie stopped grinning and walked hastily through the door slamming it behind him.
Alexander paced the room for a few minutes trying to calm down.
“Maybe”, he heard Kathy’s shaky voice “maybe this isn’t such a good idea … the two of us, I mean … skating together”. He looked at her and realized she had tears in her eyes.
“Kathy …”
“No. Don’t say anything. It’s a bad idea, I know it. That’s it. It’s over.” She said, gathered her things and walked to the door. But she stopped and turned around to face him without actually looking at him. “You’re a great skater. One day you’ll be a champion. And that’s why you deserve better than me” she looked up and into his brown eyes and smiled.
“Katyousha” … he said taking her hand “don’t do this to yourself …”
“Bye … Sasha” she said and walked away from him.
He didn’t move, didn’t try to stop her as she walked through the door. She looked so frail. She needed someone to protect her, she needed to feel safe … But would she let anyone do that for her? Would she let him? Not tonight, no. But … maybe tomorrow, he thought as he sat down to put his skates in his bag. He was determined to talk to her in the morning.

Chapter 8

Personal Nurse

Two days later Lynn was anxious to go home. Hospitals were so boring. Denny came in and her face lit up when she saw him.
“Hey” he greeted her, “ready to get out of here?”
“Oh, yeah”, she answered smiling widely.
“I’m glad to hear that. By the way, someone is here to see you” he said and motioned for the people behind him to come in.
“Serena, hi!” Lynn greeted her friend and extended her arms to hug her. “Hi, Mark!”
“Hey, you”, Serena said hugging her.
“I’ll be outside with Mark in case you need me, ok?” Denny called from the door.
“’k”, she answered “thanks”.
“Pleasure’s all mine” he said back smiling.
“So … how are you?” Serena asked.
“I’m ok, eager to go home”
“Speaking of which, I heard Denny’s taking you to his place?” Serena asked again.
“Yeah. My doctor put me on bed rest and he promised he’ll see that I do that. I think he feels guilty, you know.”
“He should, he’s got you pregnant”, Serena stated simply.
“Serena” Lynn smiled, “it takes two for that. And let me tell you something, I’ve been in this as much as he has”. Even more, she thought to herself.
“Lynn, you’re fooling yourself, he doesn’t want this baby … I’m sorry, honey, but it’s the truth. You know it too …” Serena stopped when she saw the tears in her friend’s eyes.
“I … I don’t want … a baby either. But just for a while I’m going to pretend. Pretend that we’re both happy to start a family, that we want these babies. Oh, it’s ‘babies’ by the way. Twins” she said while a new wave of emotion struck her and she started sobbing again.
Outside, Denny and Mark were having a similar conversation.
“Mark, just say it. I know you want to, so say it!”
“What are you doing, man?” Mark spoke “you’re taking her to your place, you promise everything is going to be fine? You’re going to a family reunion? What’s next teddy bears, roses and a ring? Because if that’s what you want, I’ll be there, stand by your side as your best man. But this isn’t what you want. So, what are you doing?”
Denny sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
“All I know is that I want her to be ok… And if that means being her personal nurse for the next two weeks, I’m ready to do it.”

Chapter 7

Ultrasound

Denny was pacing the hospital waiting area. Mark stood up from his chair and approached him. “Pregnant?” he asked.
“Yeah …” Denny answered. She told me this morning. “
“What is she going to do about it? I mean it would be crazy to keep it. For both of you. You’re no father material. You’re dreaming to be a surgeon, cut people open, kick ass in the O.R. Hello?! ‘Surgeon of The Year’ not ‘Father of The Year”. And …”
“Mark!” Denny almost shouted “shut up!”
Before any of them could say anything else a young woman doctor approached them.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Sarah Crane. Mr. Hampton, right?”
“That’s me” Denny said “How is she?”
“Miss Winston is fine which means she isn’t sick. However, as you are already aware since you were the one who told the paramedics, she’s pregnant. Her body undergoes a lot of changes and she is exhausted. She seems to not have been eating properly and she is also dehydrated.”
“May I see her?” Denny asked.
“Yes. Come with me. I wanted to talk to both of you anyway.”
They entered Lynn’s room and Denny was shocked at how pale she was.
“Hey” he greeted her and sat in a chair next to her bed.
“Hi” she answered forcing a smile.
“How are you feeling, Evelynne?” Dr. Crane asked.
“Better, I guess and please, call me Lynn” she said.
“Ok, Lynn, listen, what happened to you today is your body telling you to slow down. You are pregnant and your body suffers some changes. I need you to eat, rest and avoid stress, if you want a healthy baby. Now, I would like to do an ultrasound. You’ll be able to see your baby on this monitor” she told them pointing to the monitor next to the bed.
“We know” Lynn said with a smile “we’re both med students.”
“Yeah, I forgot” Dr. Crane smiled back.
She was looking at the monitor when she let out a gasp and moved her gaze to Lynn.
“What?” Lynn asked panicked “what is it?”
“Is everything ok?” Denny asked trying to hide his own concern so that he won’t scare Lynn.
She turned the monitor so that they both could see and spoke
“This is your baby” she said pointing at a small moving spot on the screen “and this” she continued “is its twin”, she smiled “you’re having twins. Congratulations!”
When she finished the test she told Lynn
“Ok, I’m keeping you here for observation for a couple of days and then you can go home. But I want you on bed rest for the next two weeks.”
“But” Lynn started “I can’t. I live in a dorm and I have classes and my sister’s getting married in two weeks…” she paused and then added “I can’t do this.”
Denny gave her another squeeze and tried to comfort her
“Shhh, of course you can. We’ll do it together.” Then he turned to the doctor “About the wedding, if I make sure she rests and eats and stays calm can we go? It is really important to her …”
“Ok” she agreed “but no dancing, no shopping not even standing if she can avoid it. Are we clear?”
“But” Lynn started again,
“We are clear” Denny assured.
“Ok then” Dr. Crane said with a smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow” and then she turned to Denny “Make her get some rest.”
As soon as she closed the door behind her, Lynn took a deep breath and let the tears she had struggled to control till then fall freely down her cheeks.
“Hey … no crying. You have to stay calm, remember? For the …” he took a deep breath and continued “babies”.
“I’m sorry” she whispered through sobs “I’m so sorry. I … I have to make a decision. Maybe set a date for … oh my God!”
“Shhh … Lynn, come on …” Denny tried again. When his second attempt to calm her seemed to fail, he climbed in bed next to her, wrapped his arms around her and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.
“We don’t have to make a decision right now. There’s still time. You’re only six weeks along.”
“But …”
“No buts. I tell you what: why don’t we talk about this after Billie’s wedding?”
“I …” she wanted to protest some more but she changed her mind “Well, ok …” but she still had tears in her eyes.
“Everything is going to be alright. You’re going to be just fine. We both are. I promise you that” he said and his words seemed to be able to calm her a bit. He kept whispering soothing words while he caressed her arm with one hand and held her close with the other.

Chapter 6

Cafeteria Commotion

Denny Hampton sat with his friends in the campus main cafeteria not hearing anything they were saying. His eyes were fixed on the chatty group by the window table where the “psych chicks” sat. He couldn’t help not noticing how pale Lynn looked and he wondered weather the morning sickness let ate anything that day.
“Hey, man, snap out of it!” his best friend Mark Devine said. “You can be all lovey-dovey later. I don’t think the girl is in the mood for flirting right now. She doesn’t look to well by the way.”
“She’s … fine” Denny sighed. He’ll talk to her later, tell her she should really see that doctor, although now she knew what the problem was, she still needed a consult … He heard a few gasps and saw people moving and he raised his head from his glass of soda only to see Lynn fainting. He rushed to her side knocking down a few chairs and he yelled kneeling beside her “Someone call 911! Lynn can you hear me? Please open your eyes … Lynn, please, don’t do this, baby …”
Her eyelids trembled slightly and she opened her eyes. She tried to say something but her eyes filled with tears instead.
“Shhhh, don’t try to talk, I’m here, we’re taking you to the hospital” he said trying to stay calm for her sake. She swallowed hard and then managed to whisper
“Tell them … the doctors … tell them about …”
“I know” he shushed her “I’ll tell them.”
He held her close until the paramedics arrived, while the others took a few steps back to make room for the doctors except for Mark and Serena, Lynn and Denny’s friends.
“She’s pregnant” Denny told the paramedics“ and she experienced nausea and dizziness, probably hasn’t eaten anything all day. Can I go with her?”
“Are you her …”
“Boyfriend. I’m her boyfriend” Denny answered not taking his gaze away from Lynn’s pale face.

Chapter 5

How?

Denny held her in his arms and hoped that would make her feel better. This is not just sleeping together it suddenly occurred to him, but before he had the chance to look closer into the matter, he felt her shaking and sobbing uncontrollably.
“Hey” he said “no crying. It’s ok” and he tightened his grip around her.
“No, it’s not.” she whispered “I’m pregnant” she said and held her breath waiting for him to say something. He swallowed hard and then decided to talk.
“How?”
She pulled away and turned to face him.
“You didn’t just ask me that!” she spat.
“No… I don’t mean that. I know how. I’m going to be a doctor for God’s sake, I do know that. I mean how … do you know?”
“Oh”, she said not looking at him anymore, “you know I didn’t feel so well lately, the exhaustion, the upset stomach … You suggested I’d see a doctor and I was going to, but Serena said I should do a pregnancy test …” her voice trailed off. He didn’t say anything and she continued “this is the part where you tell me this things can be wrong and that I might not be pregnant after all, but with al the symptoms … I wish the test was wrong but I don’t think it is …” she finished still not looking at him. She wished the test was wrong, he thought. She wished. She didn’t want to be pregnant …
“Why did you tell me?” he asked surprised by the coldness in his own voice. “It’s your decision.”
Lynn felt as being slapped. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and said calmly:
“You’re right. Why the hell did I even tell you?” and with that she stood up searching for her clothes, but she stopped as dizziness hit her.
“Oh, God!” she whispered leaning against the wall.
Denny stood up and reached her.
“Are you ok?”
Was that concern in his voice? Lynn asked herself. It couldn’t be. “I’m fine” she said. “I have to go. Classes”, she continued.
“Lynn, we need to talk…” he tried.
“Classes” she said again putting on her blouse and heading to the door.

Chapter 4

The phone woke her up. She reached out for it and answered in a sleepy voice:
“Hello? … Neah, you didn’t wake me. I was just … um … reading. Uh-uh … Yeah, I’m fine … No, I haven’t spoken to them this week … Nope, her either … So, how are you? … Really? You’re not kidding, are you? ‘Couse April Fools Day is in six months, you know … So you’re not kidding … Then congratulations, I guess. I’m happy for you … Of course, I’m coming. Yeah, ok … I’ll see you … Bye!” She hung up and put her head back on the pillow.
“Where are you going?” the guy laying next to her asked.
“What? When?”
“You told someone you were coming”, he continued just for the sake of it as he wasn’t really interested. He was sleeping with her because she was a beautiful young woman and because neither of them had a boyfriend or girlfriend. He liked her, even cared about her, but not to the point of having a relationship with her. He was a rich, smart and handsome guy, he could have dated any girl. And he did. Till he met her. It hadn’t been love at first sight. It hadn’t been love at all. They met at a campus party, talked for a while, drank a lot and ended up in bed, waking up next to each other the next morning. He was busy studying to become a doctor, he didn’t have time for dating. She became his “cover”. As long as girls thought he had a girlfriend he was somewhat safe and could study without being distracted. It was the same with her. She was studying medicine too, as she wanted to be a psychiatrist, and hated dating (or at least she used to say so). Officially they were the most beautiful, well – matched couple in campus. Practically they were only sleeping together.
“I was?”
“Uh-uh”
“Oh, yeah … my sister … she’s getting married … her wedding … that’s were I’m going …“ she finally answered.
“Kind of incoherent for someone who plans to psychoanalyze”, he mocked her.
His words seemed to have drawn her attention. She looked at him in a manner that made him wonder what he had said to upset her. Though they were only together for one thing (or two, if he counted the keeping other girls/boys at a distance), he knew Evelynne – Doreen Winston was not someone to mess with.
“Did I say something wrong? I was only joking …“ he tried.
“Denny, this is not the right time to joke, ok? In fact I should be going home” she said and tried to get out of bed.
“Would you like to (he paused) … talk?”
“We don’t talk. We sleep together” she stated simply trying to find her slippers.
“Of course we talk”, he said “Why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you and you’ll see that we do talk. Under the bed” he continued.
“Excuse me?”
“Your left slipper is under the bed”
“Oh … thanks” she gave him the hint of a smile. “Nothing’s wrong”.
Before she could do anything, he grabbed her by the hand and pulled her back.
“Denny, please”, she tried, but her will was already weakening, “I have to go … “.
He placed her arms around her and whispered: “Five more minutes”.
“What kind of parents would name their child ‘Lynnie – Doe’?”
“What?” he asked trying hard not to laugh.
“I mean they could have named me Annie, Minnie, Beannie … but Lynnie? Is that even a name? And Doe? Are you kidding me? Do I look like a doe?”
Denny had giving up trying and was already laughing like mad.
“Beannie? Beannie? I could call you Beannie … If you say it’s better than Lynnie …”
“I’m serious!” she almost yelled.
“Ok, Lynn”, he said, emphasizing on her name “first of all, they didn’t name you Lynnie – Doe, they named you Evelynne – Doreen, very nice names if you ask me. And second, I think calling you Lynnie – Doe, calling not naming, was very original”.
“Pffff …“ was her answer. And after a pause she continued: “Look at her, she has a nice, classy name and a cute nickname, she attended med school, she had the chance of being a mother offered to her on a silver platter and now she’s getting married to the guy she dreamed of for years, the love of her life!”
“That’s it?”
“That’s what?” she retorted.
“Jealous of your sister?” he asked calmly.
She didn’t answer. Envy? Was it envy? She had never envied her sister, she loved her sister. All her sisters. What was wrong with her?

Chapter 3

Helping A Friend

Later that day, after Billie – Rae fed the baby and put him to sleep surrounded by large pillows, in Richard’s large double bed, the young man looked at her with a raised eyebrow and asked:
“Andy?”
“We’ve got carried away?”, she retorted.
He didn’t answer and there was silence for a few minutes.
“When Dr. Pyne told us that I’m the father, I asked you if you would help me …”, Richard said in a low voice, “Now I’m asking you again: will you?”.
“I’m trained to be a doctor, not a nanny”, she answered.
“If I had needed a nanny, I would have called a nanny agency, not my best friend”, he stated calmly. She didn’t answer and so he went on:
“I don’t want you to be his nanny. He doesn’t need one. He needs a mother, I need a mother for him. And I need you for that!”
“Richie …”
“No, let me finish! If I had any doubts, which I don’t think I had, earlier at the hospital when you let Louise believe that he is ours, I knew it for sure. What I felt when you handed Andy to me convinced me that he couldn’t get a better mom than the one he would have if you agree to help me!”
“You called him Andy … “, she said in a small voice.
“That’s how his mommy calls him”, Richie answered smiling.
“Very funny”
“Rae … seriously, I know I’m asking a great deal of you, but I don’t want his birth certificate to spell “mother unknown”. I’m saying please here… Please…”
“Ok. Let’s say I go with you and declare him my son. What are we going to be? A modern man and a modern woman that got carried away and had a baby and now share custody of him? Oh, and I assume that implies living together, too? And I’ll be one of those ‘nature’s curiosities’ who had a baby without having sex.”
“That can be arranged. The sex part, I mean,” Richie said playfully.
“I’m being serious here. You’re not.”
“Rae, will you … “
A baby’s cry interrupted him. Billie – Rae rushed to the other room. She picked the baby and talked to him.
“Hey, cutie! What is it? You’ve had a bad dream, haven’t you? And there was no one when you woke up. Shhhh… I’m here. It’s ok. Mo … “, she stopped as she felt Richie’s hand on her shoulder.
“Why don’t you say it?” he asked watching both of them tenderly.
“S-say what?” she whispered.
He came closer, his lips touching her ear, and whispered back “Mommy’s here”.
“You’re emotionally blackmailing me. You do realize that, don’t you?”
“If that’s what it takes to keep you here, yeah, I am. And I’m proud of it, too.”
“Richie?”
“Yes, sweetie pie?”
“What will people say?”
“About what?”
“Us, raising a baby together”.
He slowly turned her around so that she could face him. “Since when do you care about what people say?”.
She gave him a smile. “Do I get to name him?”
He smiled back. “Haven’t you already?”
“Andy’s just a nickname. It could be Andy for Andrew or for Alexander”.
“I like Andrew. And I was thinking of asking Damien to be his godfather. He’s my best friend after all”.
“Might help him grow-up and think more mature if he has the responsibility of a godson”, she joked.
“Yeah. And if we ask your best friend, Carolyn, to be the godmother we might actually get them to admit that they like each other”.
Billie – Rae laughed.
Damien (who had been Richard’s best friend since kinder garden) and Carolyn (who was actually one of their ex-classmates from med school) went out together a few times but Carolyn “declared” Damien highly immature and refused to see him again, although both her friends (Richard and Billie – Rae) noticed she kind of liked him and point it out to her.

Two days later, baby Zeller finally got an identity. He became Andrew – Damien Zeller, born July 27, 1990, son of Wilhelmina – Rachel Winston and Richard – Vincent Zeller.

It was autumn. Billie – Rae and Andy were taking their afternoon walk in the park. It was part of their daily routine. Billie – Rae pushed the stroller all around the lake and then she sat on a bench near a rose bush and picked Andy up. Sometimes she talked to him for almost an hour, about nature, the trees, the leaves, the lake, about how much she loved him and how grateful she was to have such a beautiful baby boy. She often told him about how much she loved his daddy, how she fell in love with him the moment she first saw him, how he became her best friend and she secretly kept loving him, for five years, although he always saw her like a little sister … Sometimes she wondered if she still loved him … But she preferred not to answer that (or was it admit?).
She only saw Richard when he was just in front of her.
“Hi!” she greeted him smiling.
“Hey! How are my favorite two people doing today?”, he asked.
“Fine. Enjoying the autumn sun. How about you?”
“Well … I remembered that this is the second week of October and that soon it would be November 1st…”
Billie – Rae smiled. “You haven’t forgotten …”
“I’ve never forgotten your birthday. Except for maybe our first med school year”.
She smiled again.
“Rae … I’ve been thinking about this for a while now, but waited for the right moment …”. He reached his pocket and handed her a little black velvet box. Then he looked into her eyes and spoke: “Will you marry me, Rae?”
Her eyes widened in disbelief while she struggled to open the box with one hand (she was still holding Andy). The ring was … perfect. She looked at him with teary eyes and spoke:
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
“You are a wonderful woman, the mother of my child, my best friend, of course it is what I want!”
“Ok, then”, she smiled, choosing not to think about the fact that he didn’t even mention love, “You think I can call my family and Carolyn to let them know they’re invited?”
“Defiantly!”, he answered her and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

Chapter 2

Carried Away

Half an hour later, they arrived at the hospital where Richard worked as an intern.
“When you called and asked me to schedule a paternity test for you and a child who is supposedly yours I thought you were joking”, Dr. Thomas Pyne, Richard’s resident said. “But I see you weren’t. He’s a beautiful baby, Mrs. …”
“Miss., actually. Billie – Rae Winston.”
“Dr. Thomas Pyne.”
“It’s nice to meet to.”
“Pleasure’s all mine, Miss. Winston.”
“Billie – Rae, please”, she told him with a smile.
“Ok, Billie – Rae. Let me take this young man and get him ready for the procedure.” She let him take the baby from her, then asked:
“May I stay with him?”. Dr. Pyne looked at the young woman. On the phone, Richard mentioned that he had no idea who the mother was. And Billie – Rae didn’t seem the kind of woman who would have her child go through this just to prove his paternity. No, she would rather take her baby and be gone for good … after slapping Richard hard for doubting her, of course.
“You can stay with him.”
………………………………………………………………………………………..
“You didn’t get much of a sleep lately, did you?”, Billie asked a yawning Richie. They were in an unoccupied room, waiting for the test results.
“Not really. I did try, though”, he said with a faint smile.
“Hi, there”, Dr. Pyne said closing the door behind him. “I’ve got news”, he added, gesturing with the file in his right hand. “According to the tests, sample 17823, Richard – Vincent Zeller, matches sample 17824, baby John Doe, age three weeks, and is, by consequence compatible with paternity. He’s yours, Richard. He’s not baby John Doe, he’s baby Zeller.”
“My God! He’s mine … my son …”, Richie whispered. Then he turned to Billie – Rae, “Will you help me?”. Billie – Rae’s voice was shaking with emotion “Help you?”. “Help me raise him. That’s why I called you … I need your help,” he said. “I … we’ll talk about it when we get home … I mean … your place … I …, I should take him to the car.” She held the baby closer and walked out of the room.
“Dr. Zeller!”, Dr. Pyne said in a commanding voice, “Don’t stand there like a … Just, go after them, hold the door for her, place a hand around her shoulders, just do something, act like a father!”.
“But she’s not …”, Richie tried.
“The child’s mother, yeah, I got that one. Lucky you she isn’t, because I have a feeling if she were, with this attitude, you wouldn’t get to see that child anymore. Now, go.”
“Rae, wait!” Richie caught up with her. “Sorry, the chief wanted a word”, he gave her one of his most charming smiles. “Want me to carry him?” he offered. Billie – Rae didn’t get the chance to answer, as a tall, slender brunette approached them.
“Richie! Hi! Oh, I was so thrilled when they told me you’re doing your internship here, too!”.
“Hi … um …”, Richie was clearly struggling to remember her name, one of his many admirers from med school.
“Hello, Louise”, Billie – Rae saved him.
“Willy, hello. Nice to see you”, Louise said sounding less thrilled. “Cute baby. Is he ok? Are you here to see a doctor?”, she asked and then turned back to Richard without waiting for Billie – Rae’s answer.
“Andy, why don’t you go to daddy for a minute while I’ll go buy some formula and diapers from the hospital store?”, Billie – Rae spoke to the baby handing him to Richard. He took the baby and smiled at her.
“Oh!”, Louise said in surprise, “So he’s yours … I had no idea you’ve got married.”
“We haven’t”, Billie – Rae answered.
Richard looked at her and added:
“Yeah, we haven’t. We’ve got carried away and had … Andy first. Sweetie pie you were saying?”, he continued with a large smile.
“I have to buy some stuff”, she answered him smiling too, but through gritted teeth.

Chapter 1

Billie – Rae

(1990)

They Usually Come With A Note

She rang the door bell desperately waiting for an answer. She never thought anything could scare her best friend. But he had seemed pretty scared on the phone. That was good enough reason for Wilhelmina – Rachel Winston to hop into the first plane to New York at five o’clock in the morning. Finally the door opened…
“Richie!” she shouted. “You’re fine! My God, you’ve scared me!”
He looked at her so intently that she felt a huge need to go back where she came from. But she resisted and, even more, she did something she never had the courage to do before: she took one more step towards him and hugged him. For a second, he didn’t react in any way and she tensed expecting him to push her away, like he always did, every time she ever tried to get close to him. But she was more mature now. The shy teenager who had been in love with him ever since they started med school seven years ago, was now a confident young woman. After a split hugged her back.
“I need you”, he whispered. She could enjoy the moment, as she had been waiting and wishing for this for a long time, but instead she pulled back and said: “Wow, you’re not fine, are you?”. He didn’t answer.
“Richie, what’s wrong? I mean, you never needed me. I was the one needing you. You’re not … dying are you?” she continued half serious, half joking. “I’m not dying, but my career might”, he smiled, but then turned serious and told her looking deeply into her big green eyes “I always needed you, Rae. I just … never showed. I kept pushing you away, but never away enough for you not to come back … I’m sorry. And now … now, I need you more than ever …”
“All right, then.” she said, trying hard not to give in to emotions, “Tell me what happened, before I …”
“Before you what?”
“Nothing, just tell me.”
He took her hand and guided her to the living-room. “This happened”, he said pointing to the couch. And on the couch …
“That’s a baby”, she said looking at the baby and then back to Richie, and back to the baby … “Your … nephew?”, she tried.
“Apparently, my son”, he answered. “Two nights ago, when I came back from work I found him in a basket on my doorstep.”
Billie laughed. “You’re kidding right?” He looked more serious then ever. “You’re not kidding”, she added trying not to freak out. “Was there a … note with the baby? That’s how they usually come, with a note.”
He smiled, “This one came with a note, too. How unoriginal, huh? Oh, and he also came with diapers which I already used, and a bottle which I had to refill a few times. Here’s the note.”
Billie took the piece of paper and read:

Richie,

This beautiful baby boy is our son. I’m sorry you had to find out this way. Actually, I’m sorry you had to find out at all, I wasn’t planning on telling you. But plans change. I can’t provide him with anything a child needs. I can’t be a mother to him. So I’m giving him to you, begging you to love him and care for him the way I wish I could. Be a good daddy and find him a mommy, someone better than I could ever be. I love you both.
P.S.: He is three weeks old (born July 27) and doesn’t have a name yet. I thought you might want to name him.

“Not signed”, Billie noticed. “Typical. She obviously doesn’t want to be found.”
“Yeah.”
“So, my dear best friend, who did you sleep with … um … let’s see … oh, yeah, about eight and a half to nine and a half months ago?” she asked looking into his eyes.
“I … I don’t remember. I mean, that’s an entire month. You expect me to remember all the women I slept with in a month?” he asked turning away.
“Actually I expected you to only sleep with one, since you do have a girlfriend”, Billie’s voice seemed colder as she spoke again.
“I broke up with Olivia last October and got back together for Christmas. So when he is supposed to have been conceived I’ve slept with a lot of women: ex-girlfriends, co-workers, childhood friends, girls I picked up in bars and clubs … Like I wanted to prove something to myself. Or Olivia.”
Billie felt pity for him. She’d never seen him so sad …
“Well” she smiled, “it can’t be someone you see every day because you would have noticed her being pregnant, right? Then again, it must be someone you knew for sometime, because in the note she says she loves you both. I doubt any of your one night stands would come to love you in such a short time. She probably wouldn’t even have the baby. So … “ but she suddenly stopped talking and looked at him as if she remembered something. Then she said: “But you use protection, you always did. At least that’s what you’ve told me ever since we first talked about sex. So …”
“He might not be mine?”
“He might be yours … or not. You cannot know unless you run some tests. You’re a doctor for heaven’s sake, how come you didn’t think of it?”
“I … it must have slipped my mind … We should do that. We should go to the hospital and do that. Today.”

Prologue

She was dreaming. She knew she was dreaming. It was a strange feeling being able to tell that it was a dream and still keep … dreaming it …
She sat on a chair in the doctor’s office and cried.
“But … but, I have to be … Please tell me I am … please …”
“I am sorry, Miss Winston, your labs show that you are not pregnant. I am so sorry …”
“No …”
“Rae …” she heard someone call her, a voice she hadn’t heard in a long time. “Sweetheart, it’s ok … I’m here”, and she felt his arms wrapping tight aroud her.
“Richard …” she whispered, choosing to forget that it was just a dream. “I’m sorry … our baby … I thought …”
“Shhh … “
She woke up alone and in tears. Realizing it was indeed a dream she yelled in frustration:
“Get the hell out of my dreams and come hold me in real life, you idiot!”
Two minutes later, the door to her room burst open and she saw her sisters’ sleepy faces.
Lynn ran to her and hugged her, while Kathy kept asking what happened.
“I … I … had a dream” she sobbed into her sisters arms “Again …”
“Oh …” Lynn whispered.
“Crap!” Kathy added.
Both Billie and Lynn looked at her.
“Katherine!” Lynn scolded, “Stop that. It’s … rude. Billie’s really hurting. And she had a dream and she is probably frustrated and needs us …”
“It was about Richard”, Billie said and then smiled “Again …” Lynn gave her a smile and she continued “We were with a doctor and I thought I was pregnant but the doctor told us I wasn’t and … I felt so empty … and he was there to hug me and comfort me … And then I woke up and that feeling of emptiness is back. Oh, Lynn, I feel so empty and lonely … “
“I know …” her sister said hugging her again. Kathy came closer and hugged her, too.
“You have us …”, she said.
After a few minutes she disentangled herself from the other two and, starring at the window, she asked:
“Why am I still dreaming of him? I really thought I was over him …”
Lynn kind of knew the question was addressed to her.
“You’ve had a crush on him since day one. You’ve come to love him and you’ve loved him for five years … You’ve gone through med school with him and although he never knew that, you’ve become who you are now, partly because of him. The fact that he never shared your feelings made it somewhat worse. He knew how you felt and he also knew he was your best friend. Heck, you were his best friend, too. So he did what he thought would be best for both of you: pretend he didn’t see how in love you were and at the same time keep you close giving you the kind of love he could, that of a friend.”
“Let me tell you, sis, you’ll be a great shrink one day.” Kathy said mockingly.
“Shut it, Kath!” Lynn replied. They all smiled.
“It’s so nice to …” Billie started but she stopped as they heard a little voice down the hallway.
“Lynnie? Kathy? Where are you?”
“Abby” Kathy said.
“I’ll go.” and Lynn headed for the door.
“I swear I don’t get mom and dad. Why in the world did they need another kid ten years after their third?” Kathy commented.
“Dad was hoping for a son …” Billie smiled.
“Well, serves him right then, a fourth daughter, if he considered three girls weren’t enough and had to go for a boy.” Kathy said bitterly.
Her sister smiled knowing what a “blow” Abby’s birth had been to Kathy, when she realized she wasn’t going to be the baby of the family anymore.
Lynn came back carrying Abby.
“Welcome to the land of … GIGGLES!” she yelled and placed the eight years old on top of Billie and Kathy.
After a “match” of tickles and giggles and laughter, the four of them snuggled closer to each other under the covers.
“It was good to have you here tonight … After the dream I mean … “, Billie said.
“Haven’t we been here all the way? Since the first ‘I think I’ve fallen in love with the wrong guy’ all through ‘I love him with all my heart and he doesn’t even care!’ and ‘I know he’s hurting me, but he’s my best friend and I need him so much’ till ‘he’s taking Olivia to Graduation Party’ major breakdown?” Kathy asked jokingly.
“It was not a major breakdown!” Billie defended.
“Planning on showing us a greater one?”
“No …”
“Thanks!”
“Rude, Katherine, so rude …” Lynn started but not so convincing.
“Oh, shut it, shrinkie!” Kathy scolded.
“Good night!” Lynn said.
“’Night!”
“’Night!”
“’Night!”, three voices answered.
They sat in silence for a few minutes. Then Billie spoke again.
“I actually thought I’ve moved on, you know …”
“We know …” Lynn told her.
“I miss him, you know …”
“We know …” it was Kathy this time.
“Good night!”, Billie said with a sigh and the other three said it back.
“What’s a breakdown?” Abby’s voice broke the silence.
“It’s when you feel very, very sad and cry a lot …” Billie answered stroking her baby sister’s long brown hair.
“I think I might have one if mom refuses to let me go to Annie’s sleepover party.” she stated while her sisters tried so hard not to laugh.
“Nighty night, Abby!”, Lynn said.
Another couple of minutes passed, till Kathy talked:
“Chuck’s being a jerk. We have had some trouble with the skating lately and he says it’s my fault ‘cause I’ve put on some weight … And he’s dating Sienna Carrow who is so cute and well – shaped and totally feminine.”
“Jerk!”, Lynn said.
“Totally!”, Billie agreed.
“Did you just say Sienna was … “well – shaped?” Billie asked laughing.
“Not helping, sis”, Kathy warned.
“Kay, sorry, but he’s your partner and I know he’s a jerk for blaming the bad skating on you, but when it comes to dating I really don’t think you have a say … I mean he can date whom ever he wants, you have to … um … accept … “, Billie continued.
“Billie!” Kathy said “Remember Graduation party and Olivia?”
“Yeah …, sorry …”
“Thanks”
Before anyone could wish the others goodnight for the third time that night, Kathy spoke again:
“Lynn?”
“Mmmm …” her sister answered.
“Do you have anything to share with us?”
“Not really. … Why?”
“Oh, I just thought for the sake of the conversation …” Kathy replied.
“Ok, fine!” Lynn burst. “There’s this guy, Denny, we met at a party, got drunk, had … um … “ she placed her hands on Abby’s years and whispered “sex”.
“Hey! What was that for?” Abby asked angry.
“And???” Kathy asked.
“Whoa, stop right there! Right after you met?” Billie shouted.
“Billie, let her tell the story, please” Kathy told her sister.
“And we talked, and realized we were both sick and tired of people flirting with us and we were both too busy with our studies to waste time dating so we decided to tell people we were dating each other.”
“So you’re dating this guy?” Kathy asked.
“That’s what we tell people but we’re actually just …”
“Friends with benefits?” Billie offered, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
“Yeah …” she answered. And after a moment of silence she added “I’m a mess …” Her elder sister extended her arm and hugged her. Lynn rested her head on her shoulder and neither Kathy, nor Abby knew she was crying quietly.
They slept snuggled together in Billie’s bed for a few hours until the noise made by someone’s cell phone waked them.
“Billie, it’s yours, make it stop” Kathy mumbled. Billie reached for her cell phone and answered:
“Hello …”
“Rae …” she heard and for a brief moment she wondered if she could still be dreaming.
“Richard?” she whispered.
Both Lynn and Kathy’s eyes shot open and they both looked at her. Her own eyes widened as she heard him say:
“Rae … Can you please come to New York? I … need you so much!” and then the voice broke.
“I … you … are you ok?” she asked already knowing what she was going to do.
“Rae …”
“I … I’ll be right over. First flight in the morning. “ she told him.
“Thank you. It means a lot. I’ll be waiting for you …”
“You’re welcome” she said with a smile, then she hang up and turned to her sisters stating simply “I’m going to New York”.