Story starts off right after Claudia lost her and Sonny's baby. Claudia was NOT involved in Michael's shooting, and never fell down the stairs with Carly. Sam and Carly got close after Sam lost Lila, and Claudia and Sam became friends because of Sonny and Jason, though they haven't ever been extremely close. Carly and Claudia could become great friends if their personalities didn't always clash. Maybe that's gonna happen? Here we go...Enjoy!
Claudia Zacchara sat on the stairs of her husband's house, because that is what this place will always be. Sonny's house. She'll always be a stranger, just another one of his many wives. She had hoped that, with the baby, they could start developing some kind of real relationship. Sure, the feelings were there, but it was no secret that they had come together for business only. Then, they were going to be parents together. But now...now she's not sure where they stand.
Sonny came in and gave her a small, sad smile. "How are you feeling?"
"Sonny, I really can't do this right now." she got up to leave.
"Hey, what's going on?" he grabbed her arm to stop her from leaving. Claudia turned to face him.
"I just feel like I can't go on anymore. It was m-my job to protect him but I-I failed." Claudia cried, again. It felt like she had cried more tears since she lost her son than she had in her whole life.
"Claudia, I know it's hard, but we're gonna get through this. You tried your best for our son. That's all I ever wanted you to do." Sonny replied, trying to comfort her.
Claudia wiped her tears. "Why are you so nice to me after what happened? I killed our baby, our little boy."
"No you didn't." she tried to walk away, but Sonny forced her to gace him. "Claudia, this isn't your fault. You did everything you could do. He just wasn't ready."
They didn't even hear the front door open, but soon enough, the sound of high heels filled their ears. "Sonny, I'm here to drop the boys off." a six month pregnant Carly Jacks announced as she walked in.
Claudia could feel the tears starting again. "Oh God, why!" Claudia cried as she ran upstairs.
Carly didn't know what do say. She turned to her ex-husband. "Sonny, I'm so sorry. I forgot. I wouldn't have come if I remembered..."
"It's fine." Sonny interrupted. "Tell the boys I'll be right down. I have to go talk to her."
"Can I try?" Carly asked timidly. Sonny looked at her wearily. "Hey, it's a woman thing. I know what she's going through."
Sonny cracked a small, dimpled smile. "Oh my God, you have a heart!" Carly rolled her eyes. "Go ahead."
Carly took a deep breath before starting up the stairs. "You know, stairs suck for a pregnant woman." Sonny laughed at her, but she ignored him and kept on going. She pushed the door of Sonny and Claudia's room open. It was empty, but then she heard sniffling across the hall. She went in that direction and entered a dark room. She found the light switch and flipped it on.
The walls were painted dark blue with a baseball border all around. Stuffed animals, books, and clothes were all over the room, waiting for the little boy who would never get to wear them. In the corner of the room, there was a beautiful wooden crib and next to it was Claudia, hunched down. Claudia could hear her crying and whispering.
"Claudia?" she said quietly, trying not to scare her.
Claudia looked up at her. "What do you want, Carly?" she scoffed.
Carly went over and groaned, but slowly lowered herself to the floor. "I just wanna talk...and apologize."
"Fine."
"I understand what you're going through."
"How could you possibly know? You've got two perfect boys downstairs and a perfect little girl growing inside of you. I'm empty, Carly. My baby is gone."
"I lost a baby too, you know. He would have been our first."
"How is this helping?" Claudia demanded.
"Just let me finish. Michael's biological father, and Jason, Emily, and Rebecca's brother AJ pushed me down a flight of stairs and I lost our son. I was a mess. Mad, upset, suicidal, anything you could imagine. But Sonny helped me cope. I was nervous, but I trusted him and it really helped. You have to let him in, Claudia."
Claudia nodded, knowing she was right. "Thanks, Carly."
"Anytime." Claudia stood and reached her hand down, helping the blonde stand. "Thank you. Call me if you need to talk or anything. Or Sam. We've both been in your position and understand what it's like.
"Okay. One other question though." Carly looked at Claudia expectantly. "I thought you were chained to a wall when you lost the baby."
Carly smiled. "Honey, that baby is downstairs arguing with his older brother. Ric kidnapped me and chained me into this dungeon thing at his and Elizabeth's house. I was in labor when Sonny found me. Morgan was the outcome."
"Oh wow."
"Yeah." Carly started walking towards the door, but turned around to face the dark haired woman. "Listen, Sam and I are going shopping tomorrow. You wanna come?"
Claudia weighed her options. She could go out and try to learn to live with everything that happened, or she could cry in the room that would have belonged to her son. It was pretty obvious which one she would pick.
"Sure." she answered, trying to speak with some of her old confidence.
"Cool. I'll meet you here at ten."
"Okay. See you then." Carly walked out. "Carly?" she turned. "Thanks for being so nice."
Carly smiled. "You'll soon learn that I'm not rude to everyone; just the people on my bad side."
After Carly left, Claudia felt a little better. She decided she would eat dinner with Sonny and the boys and was happy when she saw he made her favorite- lasagna.
The next morning, Claudia woke up with Sonny's arms around her waist. She smiled and looked at him for a second, tracing his dimples with her pinky finger. She got up slowly, trying not to wake him. She got out of the bed and froze when she saw him moving around. She let out her breath when he fell back asleep. Claudia quickly got dressed and met Carly outside.
"Hey!" Carly greeted with a smile.
Claudia climbed into the passenger's seat. "Aren't you uncomfortable driving this pregnant?"
Carly waved her hand dismissively. "We have to pick up Sam and then we're going to Kelly's. Sound good?"
"Yeah, I'm starving. What shops are we hitting today?"
"We are stopping at the mall and while we're there, we need to go to Victoria Secret and the bridal shop..."
"Whoa, wait. Why the bridal shop?"
They pulled up in front of the penthouse and saw that Sam was already waiting. She got into the backseat. "Hiya, ladies!"
"Hey, how are you?"
"Hungry!"
"Me too." Carly said dreamily. Sam and Claudia shared a look, knowing she was probably thinking about some gross snack that she was craving.
Sam rolled her eyes. "You're always hungry, Car."
Claudia looked at the blonde again. "Carly, why are we going to the bridal shop?"
"I'm getting married!" Sam squealed.
Claudia raised an eyebrow with a smirk. "Jason finally popped the question?"
"Yeah, a few days ago. We have to get planning! Well, actually, all that I really have to do is pick out bridesmaids and dresses and Maxie will cover the rest." Sam looked at Claudia. "I know that we've been getting closer lately and I'm really happy about that. Will you be a bridesmaid in my wedding?"
Claudia smiled. "Of course I will. I'm glad we're friends too."
"We're here!" Carly yelled, parking the car. "Now let's quit talking and start eating!"
The three girls had a nice breakfast and Kelly's and talked for a while about everything from Claudia's crazy father, to cute things Sam's daughter Emmy said, to the kinds of trouble Michael had been gettng into lately. They ran into Dante and Lulu, so they talked even more. Finally, they finished and headed to the mall.
"Alright, this is where we part ways til lunch. We'll meet at the food court at one." Carly informed.
"Yep, see ya!" Sam said, walking in the opposite direction of Claudia and Carly. With that, the three split up.
"Where should I go first?" Claudia thought, walking passed the baby store. She almost entered, but then remembered everything. "Oh God!" she said and ran. Claudia finally found a good clothes store, where she figured she could get a dress. She did, and then spotted the shoe store. She walked in.
After a bit of browsing, and then deciding between a few of her favorite pairs, she finished. "That was a good deal!" she thought to herself, then glanced at her phone. "Oh, it's one. I better meet the girls." she made her way to the food court.
"There you are!" Carly screeched, waving her hands around like a maniac.
"Yeah, sorry I'm late."
"No problem." Sam said, her voice muffled from her mouthful of fro-yo. "Here, we got you chocolate."
"Thanks." she glanced at Carly, who was practically inhaling it. "Carly, this isn't really healthy..."
"I know, but who cares? Joss likes it, don't you baby?" Carly asked her belly, rubbing it gently.
"That would be me right now if he wasn't gone." Claudia mumbled.
"Huh?" Sam asked.
"Nothing."
"Claws, I know it's tough, but you'll get through it. When I was pregnant with Lila, I had to deliver her. She was ripped out of my body and out of my life and I had to bury her. I never even saw her pretty face." Sam explained.
"Yeah, but at least you and Jason were in love and could comfort each other."
"No, I was furious at Jason. We broke up because I couldn't take it and Carly stepped up instead. Jason still had his head up his ass, so I had to get through it with Carly's help. We got back together after a ton of groveling and apologizing from his part, might I add, all thanks to Carly. A year and a half later, I found out I was pregnant with Emily. And, by the looks of it, Sonny is falling for you and I know you don't want to admit it, but you're falling for him too. I see it, Carly sees it," Carly nodded, her fro-yo dripping down her chin, "everyone sees it. You just have to shut off your brain for a little while and let your heart do the talking. Eventually, you will move on, probably with sonny, and a family will be in your future. I guarantee it."
"Thanks Sam. You know, you two are suprisingly good with advice."
Sam smiled. "It's no problem. Now let's hit the bridal shop, then I have to get Emmy from Rebecca and Ethan."
"Sam, you left her with my cousin, the con-artist, and his fiancee?"
"Yeah, I didn't really have a choice. Monica had to work and Nikolas and Emily took Spencer to Greece, so I figured Jason's other sister would be the best. I was not going to let her stay over at the Quartermaines by herself with Tracy and Edward."
"Oh yeah, I don't blame you."
The girls drove to the bridal shop to find dresses. Sam found the most beautiful dress. It was strapless and short, down to her calves, with it protruding at her hips and gracefully hugging her torso.
Claudia found a pretty black and red dress that would match with her signature red stilletoes. It was all red and knee length, with a black waist wrap and a bow attached on the hip.
Carly, since she was maid of honor, had a different (but similar) dress. It was the same as Claudia's but the colors flipped- black dress, red bow and wrap.
Sam called Maxie to meet them there and try on a dress that matches with Claudia's. Then, she had to find another that looked like Carly's, but in size 2T for her daughter, Emmy, who was the flower girl and when Emily got home from Greece, Sam would go shopping with her to get the final bridesmaid her dress.
"Alright, we all looked good in those dresses, so let's go pick up Emmy from my sister-in-law" Sam said, eager to see her daughter.
The four girls headed to the car. First, Carly dropped them off at the penthouse so they could drop off the dresses and Carly could leave (shopping had worn her out). Sam and Claudia were going out later, so Claudia just stayed with the younger woman. Maxie went with Carly to help plan the bachelorette party.
Sam and Claudia drove to meet Rebecca, Ethan and Emmy at the park, along with Elizabeth, Cameron and Jake. Jason told Liz that Sam would be picking up Jake for him, seeing that she would be out.
"Mommy!" Emmy screamed when she spotted Sam. She ran towards her at fullspeed, leaving Rebecca and Ethan behind.
"Emily Mariah Morgan! Don't run off on Uncle Ethan and Auntie Becca!" Sam scolded as she lifted her up.
"Sowy Mama. I 'cited to see you!"
"I'm excited to see you too." she kissed her cheek. "We have to get Jakey, okay?"
"Yay! Bubba!"
Sam noticed Claudia sitting by herself on a bench, watching all the kids on the playground. She knew she was trying to figure out where her little boy had been, much like Sam had done after Lila died. "Emmy, go see Auntie Claudee. She's been really sad. Maybe you can make her feel better."
"I'll try my bestest!" Emmy wiggled out from Sam's arms and walked over to the bench Claudia was sitting on. "Hi Auntie Claudee!"
"Hi sweeheart, did you have a sleepover at Uncle Ethan and Aunt Rebecca's?"
"Yeah! We had ice cream!" Emmy climbed onto the bench next to her. "Mommy said you was sad, was wong?" the two year old asked.
"Yeah baby, I've been sad" Claudia answered the toddler.
"Why?"
"Because I lost my baby."
"Oh no, where is he we hasta find hims!" She said, looking around.
"Em, he's not here, God took him to heaven."
"I bet he's playin' wif Lila then. You know my mommy says dat it's otay to be sad but we hafta 'member dat people who dies is wif God in heben, where day bewong." Emmy explained.
"Who knew a two year old would make me feel better?" Claudia thought. "Thanks Emmy." she hugged her " lets go get your mama and Jakey."
Sam approached Elizabeth near the playset. "Hi Elizabeth, Jason called and told me to pick up Jake today."
"Yep, he's on the slides." she answered with a slight attitude, but Sam ignored it for the sake of the kids.
"Hey Jakey!"
"Sammy!" the four year old ran to her, giving her a hug. "Are we going to Daddy's tonight?"
"Yeah, we just have to find Emmy and Claudia and then we can go."
"There they are!" Jake pointed to where Claudia was carrying Emmy over to them. "Let's go!"
Sam laughed. "Alright, alright! Bye, Cam!"
"Bye Sammy!" Cameron waved to her. "Bye Jake!"
"Bye!" Jake reached his arms up and Sam lifted him. They met Claudia and Emmy halfway, and then went over to Rebecca and Ethan.
"Thank you both for watching Emmy. I hope she behaved." Sam said.
"She was a doll, as always, and we had fun. We loved watching her, and if you would let us, we would like to more often." Rebecca offered.
"Of course you can! Rebecca, you're Jason's little sister. Even if the two of you aren't that close, Emmy needs all the family she can get and I trust you," she looked at Ethan, "both of you with my daughter. If you want to, you can watch her this weekend; I have more wedding planning and Jason is working."
"We would love to, text me when you need her to be picked up or whatever." Rebecca answered happily. "Bye Emmy!"
"Bye Auntie Becca!" Emmy hugged her.
Ethan came over and kissed her forehead. "Be a good girl, Rascal. We'll see you soon."
"Bye Jakey." Rebecca hugged her nephew. "See you guys later!"
"Thanks again." Sam hugged Rebecca, leaning forward to whisper in her ear. "Claudia's had a rough time lately and we're going to Jake's later. It would be really nice for her to have friends around, if you wanna come."
"Yeah, I'll be there." Rebecca whispered back. Sam nodded at Claudia to signal she was ready and the two of them left, each carrying a child.
They went to the penthouse again, this time so Sam could drop off the kids and get a pair of clothes. After that, they were going to go to Sonny's so her and Claudia could change for their Girls Night Out.
"Daddy!" Both kids screamed, running off the elevator and interrupting the women's thoughts. They entered the penthouse.
"Hi Emmy, hi Jake!" Jason replied. "Hey babe, hi Claudia." he said with a small smile.
"Hey." Sam let him kiss her forehead. "We're going to Jake's tonight, so I have to get a change of clothes. I ordered Chinese for you three later."
"Okay, be careful and don't stay out too late. I'll be waiting." he said the last part seductively.
"Ew, you guys are disgusting! Young ears in the room." Carly said as she walked in the door, her hands pressed to her stomach as if she was covering her baby's ears.
Jason rolled his eyes. "Hello to you too, Carly. Sure, come on in."
Carly glared at him. "I came by to drop off some of Emmy's clothes. You must have left them at my house last time she was there and I washed them for you." Carly said, holding out a bag of clothes.
"Car, we did that on purpose." Sam stated.
"Seriously?"
"Yes, so next time she has clothes there."
"You mean I drove all the way here for nothing?" Sam and Jason both nodded. "Well, while I'm here, where's my girl?"
"Upstairs, probably playing with Jake." Sam looked at Claudia. "Come on, let's go find me something to wear." the two of them went upstairs to Sam and Jason's room.
"Well, I'm going to see the kids." Carly climbed the stairs slowly, going to see her goddaughter and nephew/cousin.
"Auntie Car Car!" Emmy shouted as soon as she saw her.
"M&M!" Carly said. Emmy could never say Carly, so she called her Car Car and then Carly started calling her M&M. They were their own special nicknames for each other and it just brought them closer.
Carly stared at the spitting image of her best friend. "Hi Jake!"
"Hi Aunt Carly." he hugged her, but she noticed the change in his voice.
"What's wrong, Jakey?"
He pouted. "I want Sammy to be my mommy."
Carly was shocked. "Why? Don't you love your mommy?"
"No! She's mean and only want my daddy." he explained.
"Why do you say that, Jake?" Carly asked, trying to be casual, but on the inside, she was fuming.
"Because last night I heard her on the phone saying she wished Sammy never came to town and then she would've been with Daddy and Emmy would've been hers instead of Sammy's. Then she said she would get Daddy one way or another, even if she had to elisatate someone."
"Elisatate? Do you mean eliminate?"
"Yeah! What's eliminate mean?"
"To get rid of something, or in her case someone." Carly mumbled the last part so the kids wouldn't hear. She talked to them a little bit longer and then said goodbye. Carly promised herself she would talke to Maxie and Claudia later about what Jake had said. There was no way she was going to let Elizabeth try and get rid of Sam.
"Sam, you ready?" Claudia called up the stairs. It was just her and Jason and while things were okay between them, it still was a little awkward.
Sam came down with a bag containing her new outfit. "Yeah, I couldn't find the other shoe. Bye Jase!" she quickly kissed him. "Bye Em! Bye Jake!" They left.
The girls got ready at Greystone and headed out to Jake's. Sam figured that would be the best place to get everything off of Claudia's mind. They could have dinner, drinks, and maybe even sing some karaoke. The two girls quickly spotted their spunky blonde friend sitting at the bar with a brunette.
Claudia's POV
"Maxie, Rebecca!" I heard Sam yell. They came over to join us. I like them, but it's weird hanging out with them. It's just a little awkward cause I don't know them that well.
Anyway, I ordered a tequila on the rocks. Gotta have something to wash away the emptiness in my heart. Sam was right though, I am falling in love with Sonny. I realized that we could help each other cope, like Carly had said, because it was his son too and even if he doesn't act like it, he is feeling this pain as much as I am.
All of a sudden I'm being pulled from the table by Sam. Crap! She's pulling me on stage. I don't want to sing in front of them, let alone the other customers! Shit! I just took the mic. What is wrong with me? I quickly slip away and slam three shots of tequila and go back up on stage. Rather be drunk and happy than miserable and embarrassed!
Rebecca picked a song. She looks sober and, now that I think about it, she didn't order alcohol! No! She's pregnant! Great! All pregnant woman. Why is she at a bar? The song started, interrupting my thought rambling, so I started listening.
She picked a perfect song, no lemme re-phrase that, fucking perfect! By P!nk.
Rebecca starts singing "Made a wrong turn, once or twice dug my way out blood and fire,"
I started, "bad decisions that's alright, welcome to my silly life."
Sam picked up, "mistreated, misplaced misunderstood miss no way it's all good it didn't slow me down,"
Maxie sang, "mistaken always second guessing underestimated look I'm still around,"
We all sang: "pretty pretty please don't you ever ever feel like your less than fucking perfect pretty pretty please if you ever ever feel like your nothing you are perfect to me."
Sam sang again, "your so mean when you talk about yourself you were wrong,"
Maxie started, "change the voices in your head, make them like you instead,"
Me: "so complicated look how we all made it filled with so much hatred such a tired game,"
Becca: "that's enough I've done all I could think of chases away all my demons I've seen you do the same,"
All of us again: "ohh oooooohhhhh pretty pretty please don't you ever ever feel like your less than fucking perfect pretty pretty please if you ever ever feel like your nothing you are perfect to me"
Rebecca rap sings the last part: "The whole world's scared, so I swallow the fear
The only thing I should be drinking is an ice cold beer
So cool in line and we try try try but we try too hard
And it's a waste of my time.
Done looking for the critics, cause they're everywhere
They don't like my jeans, they don't get my hair
Exchange ourselves and we do it all the time
Why do we do that, why do I do that (why do I do that)?
All: "Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me
(You're perfect, you're perfect)
Pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel
Like you're less than fucking perfect.
Pretty, pretty please, if you ever, ever feel
Like you're nothing, you are perfect to me.
Sam's POV
After we finished singing, Claudia looked at me sincerely. She told me how this was one of the best nights ever and she's glad we ran into Maxie and Rebecca. I smiled, knowing we didn't just "run into" them. I'm glad they came because Claudia really needed a distraction and Carly can't drink, plus I think shopping actually wore her out. Anyway, Claws and I drank until we were drunk and then left the bar. I dropped her off at home, hoping this helped.
Jason was waiting up for me when I got home. He immediately stood when I walked in the front door. "Finally. I was worried about you."
"I'm fine Jase, but I'd be better if you would quit talking and start kissing me."
Needless to say, he quickly kissed me. He lifted me up and carried me to our bedroom.
Claudia's POV
When Sam dropped me at home, I was drunk. I smiled to myself. Tonight had been good and I felt better than I had in days. Maybe this hole left in my heart by my son would start to get smaller; I just needed the right people around to help me with that, starting with my husband.
I headed upstairs and found Sonny. He was waiting for me. Yay! I stumbled into his room.
"Hi Sonny" I slurred.
"Claws, you're drunk."
"Yeah, so?"
"No reason" he picked me up and laid me on the bed and made love to me until we were worn out and drifted off to sleep.
No POV
Carly woke up early the next morning, mostly because she was too uncomfortable to sleep, but also because she wanted to talk to Maxie about Elizabeth. She grabbed her phone and dialed the younger blonde's number.
"Hullo?" Maxie croaked out.
"Maxie, it's Carly!" she said loudly.
"What the fuck are you doing up so early and why so loud? I have a headache!" She said.
"Sorry, I wanted to talk to you about something. Can you come over?"
"Yeah, I'll be there in thirty minutes"
Maxie's POV
WTF. Why is Carly up at 9. It's sooo early! Ugh! She had to talk about something and I'm kind of nervous. It's Carly, so you never know what it could be.
I got to Carly's house and Claudia was there. I'm a little scared. Even though I went out with Claudia last night, it's still a little weird hanging out with her. And Carly's never really paid much attention to me, that is, until we both got closer to Sam. I decided to go in, since it could be about the wedding.
Carly and Claudia are on the couch eating cold pizza...well Carly was. Claudia was drinking water and popping Advil. I guess she feels about the same as me. Before I even said anything, I went to the kitchen and got water and took an Advil. Hangover is much better.
Anyway, Carly sits us down. She says she has something important to tell us and I really have no idea what it could be that she would need Claudia and I.
Carly's POV
"Okay," I start, "so yesterday when I was at Sam and Jason's, I went to see the kids. Jake was pretty distraight and deep in thought, you know how Jason gets." they both stared at me like I'm stupid. "Anyway, I asked him what was wrong and he said he wished Sam was his mom. I asked him why and he said because Nurse Sluts-a-lot only wants Jason and she wished Sam never came to town. He heard her on the phone saying if Sam wasn't here, she would be with Jason and Emmy would be hers, and that she would do whatever it takes to get Jase, even if it means she has to eliminate Sam."
Claudia rolled her eyes. "I'm not really scared of Betty Crocker. What is she gonna do?"
Maxie spoke up. "Elizabeth plays the innocent act to the fullest, but she's got ways to get things done. She'll cry to Jason, or Lucky, or Nikolas, and it could end badly. We have to do something. Sam's our best friend."
"I know, that's why I told you!" I shouted. "We have to tell Jason. He needs to know."
Maxie rolled her eyes. "He won't believe us. It's precious Elizabeth, remember?"
"You're right." Claudia bit her lip in thought. "I know! What if we record Jake saying all of this? Then, we could play it back to Jason!"
"That might work." I complimented. Claudia is a Zacchara, afterall, so I'm not really surprised at her plan making skills.
"I'll ask Sam if I can watch the kids today. We can take them out for ice cream or something." she said. "Yesterday, Sam said something to me and I took it to heart, so I'll convince her." she pulled out her phone and called Sam, putting it on speaker.
She answered on the third ring. "Hi Claws. I'm tired. Bye."
"Wait!" she called out. "I know Jason has to work and you're obviously hungover. Can I take the kids so you can relax today? I need practice, especially with the age they're at." I nodded in approval; she's good.
"Sure. You can pick them up. Max is outside, he'll let you in. Keys to my car are on the desk to grab their car seats."
"Okay, I"ll be there soon." Claudia hung up. She grabbed my keys. "Ladies, let's go!"
No POV
The three women drove to Jason and Sam's, planning on the way that they would go shopping, question Jake, and take the kids to get ice cream.
"Auntie Car Car!" Emmy screamed as soon as Carly walked in.
"Hi baby, is Jakey up?"
"Yeah, he's getting dressed. Mama says we're going wif Auntie Claudee today."
"Yeah, and me and Auntie Maxie too! They're getting you and Jakey's car seats."
Emmy went over to the stairs. "Jakey, hurry up! Auntie Car Car is here!" she yelled.
The little boy walked down the steps, still looking tired. "Hi Aunt Carly." he said groggily.
"Hi sweetie, are you still tired?"
"Uh-huh."
"Well we're going shopping and then getting ice cream! How does that sound?"
"Good." he looked at her nervously. "Are you bringing me back home to my mom after?"
"No, not that I planned. Carly said, thinking, "Hah! If Nurse Perfect saw me with him, she would flip!"
Jake let out a breath. "Good."
Carly smiled at him sympathetically. "Let's go downstairs, guys." she grabbed both of the kids' hands and walked to the elevator. The kids quickly came to an agreement on who would press the buttons- Emmy pressed the one to go down, and Jake pressed level one. They met Maxie and Claudia at Carly's car. They strapped in the toddlers and headed to the toy store. Both kids were promised a toy, whatever they wanted.
As soon as they parked, both kids were pratically vibrating with excitement. Emmy reached up for Claudia to hold her. They had started bonding a lot more and Claudia loved that feeling.
"Aunt Carly, can I get a motorcycle like Daddy?" Jake asked, referring to the electric motorcycle for kids.
"Of course. What color?"
"Lello, like mine at home."
"Okay. M&M, what are you getting?"
Emmy stared at the shelves of toys and sighed. "I don't know."
While Carly occupied the kids, Maxie and Claudia started talking. "Hey Maxie, Emmy's birthday is this Thursday, right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I have to get her a gift, duh! Help Carly distract her!"
"Okay!" Maxie walked over and lifted up the little girl. "Come on, Emmy. Let's go look at the Princess clothes!"
Claudia's POV
What do I get Sam and Jason's two year old? No, what do I get Sam and Jason's two year old who already has everything? That's more like it.
I walked back to the clothing and shoe section. Then, I saw the cutest thing ever. They were a tiny pair of little black boots. I grabbed them in her size, along with little skinny jeans and a mini leather jacket. I almost got to the register before I realized I forgot a shirt! I walked back and saw a cute little black tee. They had one left and it was...size 2T, perfect! I paid and then walked out to the car, putting it in the truck so Emmy wouldn't see it. I walked back in.
"Auntie Claudee, there you are!" I heard Emmy yell. I turned and saw her running straight at me, but then she fell completely onto her face.
I went running over. She landed on her hands face and stomach. She looked up at me. Busted lip, she must have bit threw it. A few tears slid down her face. I can't believe how strong she is.
"Emmy, are you okay?" I ask worried
"Auntie Claudee, my mouf hurts" she said with a tiny sniffle.
"CARLY! MAXIE!" I yelled across the store. They came running (well, Maxie ran. Carly kind of waddled and pulled Jake behind her). Then they saw Emmy with a bloody face. "We have to go to the hospital, one of you call Sam and the other call Jason. Hurry!"
Oddly, Carly called Sam and Maxie called Jason. The five of us all hurried to the car and drove to GH.
Maxie led us into the hospital. "ROBIN!" she shouted at the top of her lungs, seeing her cousin at the Nurse's Station.
"Maxie, what's wrong?" She asked, then looked at Emmy. "Set her on the bed in exam room 3, I'll be right there."
Robin walked off getting a patient chart and I carried Emmy to the room. The doctor came back in. "Emmy, what happened sweetheart?"
"Omg," I think, "she has a busted lip, Robin. She can barely talk."
"She was running towards me in the store and tripped and fell. She busted her lip."
"Where's Sam?"
"On her way, the three of us we babysitting them today."
"Oh, we'll for right now, I'm just going to clean off the blood, ok Emmy?"
"Yeah, will it hurt?"
"Only a little."
"Okay." she wiped her tiny hands across her cheeks. "Auntie Car Car promised us ice cream, so I won't cry"
She is so strong. It's hard to believe that someone so little can be as strong as her, but I guess she gets it from her mother.
I heard Sam yelling at Epiphany and by the looks of their faces, so did everyone else. I walked out and motioned her to come in.
"Hi baby." she said sweetly."Are your okay?"
"Yeah. I didn't cry a lot"
Sam turned to me and hugged me. I was shocked. "Claudia, thanks for bringing her here. Looks like your motherly instincts are kicking in."
I was happy. Emmy wasn't hurt badly, only needing one stitch. Then, she mentioned that mommy had to leave because we promised her ice cream.
She hugged Sam goodbye and Sam left. We headed down to the pier for ice cream.
I ordered a vanilla sundae, Maxie got a low fat strawberry frozen yogurt in a bowl, Jake got a hot fudge sundae, Emmy got a vanilla sundae like me, and Carly, oh Carly, she got a banana-chocolate-brownie-mudslide with hot fudge, whipped cream, cherries, nuts, sprinkles, cookie dough, and what ever else toppings they had. I don't know how she ate it all, but she did.
We sat down to talk to Jake. I pulled out my phone to record everything.
After we finished, we went to drop the kids off and go see Jason at the office. We played back the recorder:
Maxie: Jake, I heard you asked Aunt Carly earlier if you had to go back to Mommy's house. Why didn't you want to go back there?
Jake: Because mommy doesn't like me.
Maxie: Of course she does.
Jake: No, she never shows it. I wish Sammy was my mommy. She always buys me stuff and reads me stories and hugs and kisses me and plays with me and stays with me. My mommy leaves me at Gram's or Daddy's and never buys me cool things, even Aunt Carly gets me stuff, like the cool motorcycle she got me today.
Emmy: Auntie Claudee the bird ate my cherry!
Claudia: Here, you can have mine.
Maxie: Do you like living with your mom?
Jake: No. She ignores me and Cam and she's always on the phone. She said that she wished Sammy never came to town and has to, uh, Aunt Carly, what was the word you told me?
Carly: Eliminate?
Jake: Yeah! Mommy wants to eliminate Sammy, but I like her. She's nice to everyone. Even to mommy when you can see that she doesn't really like her.
Maxie: Well I guess Mommy is a really good actor, right Emmy?
Emmy: Yeah! Wait, what?
Maxie: Nothing. You guys wanna go home?
Jake: To daddy's house!
"See Jason she's evil!" Carly fumed, pacing around the office. I don't know how she does that with her stomach as big as it is.
Jason ran a hand over his face. "She's not evil, Carly."
"Maybe that was a little dramatic, but she's not a good parent. Jake shouldn't wish someone else is his mom and she shouldn't be talking about Sam like that!"
"You're right." Jason said.
"Wow! That's music to my ears. Say it again!"
I gently smacked the back of her head. "Ow" she pretended to look injured.
I rolled my eyes with a smile. "You're a big ole baby."
After we showed Jason we all went home.
A few weeks passed and Carly invited me to one of her ultrasounds. I went because I could tell she missed Jax. He's been on a business trip most of the pregnancy, so she's alone.
As we were sitting in the waiting room, she said we had lamaze class in an hour. I spit out my water. WHAT! No, no way in hell was I going to lamaze class. She looked at me with puppy dog eyes. I gave in, only because Jax isn't here. Dr. Lee called her name.
Kelly took her to the room and grabbed the wand. She told Carly that baby Josslyn was healthy. I'm glad. If my little boy can't make it, I at least want her to have her little girl.
We walked out and headed to another room where a bunch of pregnant couples were. It was awkward to say the least. She was here with a woman. Not a dude. But I was nervous. Then, Carly freaking starts laughing. Not giggling. Full blow laughter. She had 2 kids before, so she said almost everything the lamaze teacher guy was saying was a lie. She would say bullshit, laugh, then duck. He caught her and asked her questions.
"Miss-"
"It's Carly!"
"Carly, if you don't like the way I teach, you may teach if you would like" he said sarcastically.
She friggin' stood up and taught."I'm Carly. I would like to start off with saying, who has had a baby before?" Some women raised their hands. "Was it painful? Damn right it was. I've been shot before and I can honestly say being shot doesn't even compare to the pain of childbirth. Don't get me wrong, the outcome is the most beautiful thing in the world and 5000% worth it, but it fucking hurts like hell!" With that she extended her hand to me to get up and we left.
I guess Carly's getting an epidural.
I went home and puked. Afterwards, I ate pickles and ice cream, not even realizing what I was doing. I felt sick, again, and I ran to the bathroom and threw up for the fifth time that day. Then, I remembered, I craved pickles and ice cream with my...son. I looked under the sink in the cabinet. One left, thank God! I glanced at the calendar, yep! Didn't even have to use it, I knew! I texted Sam, Carly, and Maxie.
"MEET ME AT THE MC IN 10 EMERGENCY!"
I left the house.
I sat at a table waiting for the girls to show up. Carly arrived first.
"Hi, what's wrong? Are you okay?"
Sam and Maxie ran in together.
"Claws, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Sam asked, all out of breath.
"I'm fine, never better!" I smiled from ear to ear.
"Spill it!" Carly said excitedly.
"Wait, I need some ice cream with pickles" I said, hoping they would catch on. They did.
"OH MY GOD!" They all screamed "YOU'RE PREGNANT!?"
"Uh-huh" I smiled bigger, if that was possible. Then, I remembered a huge detail that immediately put a damper on my mood. "What if my dad comes after me again?
"Claudia, don't be worried. He will have to go through us first." Maxie said, trying cheering me up.
"Good luck with that. He'll probably kill you." I joked.
"But he won't kill you because you are a BITCH!" Carly said.
"Excuse me?"
"I didn't mean it that way, I meant that if anyone messes with us, we'll combine forces, protect our young, and kill the mother fuckers!"
"Oh, thank you, I think." I smiled. "Wow, Anthony's gonna have a lot to argue with. An extremely pregnant woman, I girl I've never seen wear less than three inch heels, and...well Sam, you could actually defend yourself."
Sam laughed, then moved onto the next topic. "Did you tell sonny yet?"
"No, I wanted to tell you guys first."
"Awww!" they all gushed.
"Well, I have to get going, Morgan is home alone." Carly said. "Congratulations!" she hugged me, then the others, and left.
"Spinelli and I have a date, see ya!" Maxie said. "I'm really happy for you, Claws." she walked out.
"See I told you! You will move on, and you will always miss him but you have to think about this little one." Sam said. "Just like Emmy will never take Lila's place, but she fills in that missing piece of my heart from where I lost my first little girl." she smiled. "I'm so happy for you!"
"Thanks. For everything, Sam. I mean it."
She nodded and I could tell she was a little uncomfortable with compliments. "Any guesses on the gender?"
"No, why?"
"Sometimes you can tell. With Emmy I wasn't sure, but then tucking Jake in one night, he told me it was a girl. It was. Then I decided Carly would be godmother and Maxie real name is Emmy's middle name."
"I was wondering where you came up with Mariah."
"Yeah Maxie's name is Mariah Maximiliana Jones. So Jason and I picked Mariah so we could honor Carly and Maxie...and so we could avoid an all-out godmother war."
"Your know, now that you mention it, I have a feeling on what it is." Sam and I talked awhile longer and then she had to go pick up Emmy from Rebecca and Ethan. I went back home to tell Sonny the good news.
"Sonny!" I yelled
"Yeah, I'm in the kitchen."
"I have wonderful news!" I smiled.
"I have terrible news!" He tried sounding cheerful.
"You go first" I say, nothing can ruin my day.
"Your father was released from prison today" he said dully. Well, that may have done it. "What is your wonderful news?"
"My, my, my f-father oh god! Fuck! Damnit! This isn't happening! Tell me this isn't happening! Sonny, why! Once he finds out he's going to take the baby! I can't let him take her! Why! He's he's going to kill her! No, no, no!" I ranted, pacing around the house, not even really realizing what I was saying.
"Claudia, did you just say what I think you said?" He asked.
I was too busy lost in thought.
"Claudia!"
"What!" I yelled angrily.
"Answer my question, are you pregnant?" his dimples were poking out and it calmed me down a little bit.
"Yeah, but we won't be having a baby anytime soon because daddy will kill her!"
"Her?"
"Mothers intuition."
Sonny pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead. "I'm glad this is happening. Don't you worry, I'm not going to let anything happen to our little girl." he put a hand on my stomach gently. "Why don't you get some rest? Try to relax. Getting stressed out isn't good for the baby." he said, kissing me. I reluctantly walk up the stairs to rest. It's going to be a very long, stressful nine months.
Today was my first appointment. I asked Carly and Sam to go with me because Sonny had to work, I needed girl time, and we had some hospital hacking to do.
"Hi." Sam greeted me and Carly as she walked off the hospital elevator.
"Hey." I say less enthusiastic. I still haven't told them daddy was released.
"What's wrong Claws?" Carly asks
"Um, well..."
"Auntie Claudee."
Where did Emmy just come from? I realized I was so lost in thought I didn't even realize Emmy standing next to Sam and holding her hand.
"Hi baby girl, how are you?" I smiled at her.
"Good, Mommy said that you is havin a nudder baby, wite?"
"Yep. I'm so excited" this child was so mature, she reminds me of Molly, only less romantic.
"Good. So what's bothering you Claws?" Carly asks again. I could tell she wasn't going to drop it, so I decided to tell them.
"My dad was released from prison on Tuesday." I say. It's now Thursday.
It's been five weeks since Emmy's third birthday, exactly five. That little girl is the light of my life. Something with her, being so easy to talk to. I was lost in thought when the nurse called my name.
I followed with the girls behind me and Emmy on my hip. I swear, if she didn't have Jason's eyes you would think she's mine and Sonny's kid. Apparently Sam or Jason have dimples in their family, actually now that I'm thinking about it, I think Alexis does and Emmy definitely inherited them. She's all Sam except for Jason's eyes. She's beautiful. Long, wavy, raven hair. Short like Sam, you would think she's one but when she talks you would thinks she's five. And her smile just brightens your day. Then, you look at her eyes and realize why Sam fell in love with Jason. The piercing blue ocean sky blue eyes. She's just so god damn adorable!
Anyway, back to the appointment. Dr. Lee said I was nine weeks along and I was gaining the right amount of weight. All I had to do was take the vitamins and go to the appointments. I was truly excited for the baby to come, but I don't think I'm ready to tear down the old nursery. We left to go to Kelly's and get food.
Carly, Rebecca, and I are all pregnant now. There's gotta be something in the water in Port Charles! Now we just have to get Maxie and Sam pregnant. Right? Just kidding! Maybe...
I told Sonny about my appointment as soon as he came home. He asked for pictures, luckily I got a ton of copies! He surprised me with a white baby book and photo album. He said that, when we decided a name, we could get it printed on the front.
I put in the ultra sound pic and labeled it "Sept. 29th, 9wks". After I lost my baby, I didn't think I would ever be able to be this happy again. It's a good thing I got closer to Sam, Carly, and Maxie, or I'd probably still be moping in my little boy's nursery, thinking of what could have been.
A/N: I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ANA SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH FOR HELPING ME WITH THIS STORY. I LOVE YOU! NOT IN A CREEPY WAY!
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