CSI: What If

Chapter 1 of my CSI story, an AU version of the last story, where Margaret lives, showing how things could be different if Ed had his sister at his side.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own CSI or its characters.

Chapter 1

Anne Kennedy screamed as she lay on the hospital bed in the delivery room. She had gone into labour several hours ago; truthfully she had lost track of time. Her husband Liam sat at her side, holding her hand and doing whatever he could to ease her. But he was worried, as was she. For most parents, despite the pain involved for the woman, the arrival of children was supposed to be a happy occasion. But for Anne and Liam it was cause for concern. Especially due to the timing.

Anne fretted endlessly about that one issue. 'It's too soon; it wasn't supposed to be for another two or three months…'

Her thoughts were cut off by another sharp pain and she screamed again. Liam gently winced as she nearly crushed his hand, but that was the last thing on his mind.

"Anne, it's going to be okay, just breathe, you're doing fine." He said; his voice was strained and worried.

Growling Anne slipped into her native tongue. "Я выгляжу, как я чертовски хорошо делает!?"

Liam grimaced but said nothing else; instead waiting nervously as the doctors worked to try and help Anne. Calming down slightly, Anne then spoke, her voice softer this time.

"It's too early Liam, it's too early…They shouldn't…" She gasped in pain, tears in her eyes. "They shouldn't be coming yet."

Liam nodded; he understood that himself and, like Anne, was fearful, he just wished there was something he could do to ease her mind.

Anne cried out again; her pain intensifying. The doctors said something, but she couldn't hear him. Liam however then spoke and she heard him.

"Nearly there Anne, push, push!"

She did so, trying hard to ignore the fear clawing at her heart as she did so. She was still fearful, her babies, for the ultrasound had shown her she would be expected twins, were being born prematurely. Finally, the pain receded and she knew she had done it, the babies were born. But it was then she made a horrifying discovery, one which worried her immensely.

"Liam, the boy, he isn't crying." She whispered; fear making her voice shake.

Liam's face was grim, he too had notice that. "No…What's happened?"

But the doctors had no answer, instead they immediately began to talk quickly and quietly amongst themselves and soon, once the babies were free from their umbilical cords; the doctors left with them. One remained behind and spoke to Liam and Anne.

"I am sorry, but we must act quickly and see what has happened, we must carry out some tests, I must ask you to wait."

Anne let out a soft gasp and began to cry, Liam hugged her as the doctor left and they remained, waiting. They remained waiting in an agony of suspense.

"God, Liam, what if, what if our babies…" She choked out.

Liam tightened his hug and shook his head. "Please Anne, don't think like that. We, we can only wait."

Anne nodded sadly; the trouble was, in a situation like this, waiting was the hardest part.

Their agony only ended when the doctor returned, but his news was not good. The moment they saw his grim expression, Anne tensed and Liam prepared for the worst.

"We've finished our tests, first off, your twins, a boy and a girl." He explained before then revealing the news. "It would seem, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy, that your daughter is…half-blind, she has no sight in her right eye."

They both gasped at that, shocked; finally, Anne worked up the courage to ask.

"What, what about our son?" She asked; her voice still shaking.

The doctor replied at once. "Fear not, he lives…But, but I'm afraid; he is blind; completely blind."

They both gasped and Anne let out a shaky breath. "Blind…?"

The doctor nodded. Anne was shocked, but she knew it could easily have been much worse. Given their premature birth, her children might not have lived at all. It was lucky that they had survived; blindness and half blindness were a small price to pay for that.

Finally she spoke. "May I, may I see them?"

The doctor nodded and Anne smiled gently at Liam, who smiled at her too, kissing her. It had been a scary time for them, but their children lived, that was the main thing.

Anne smiled softly as she cradled her new-born son; Liam cradled their daughter. They had already given them their names, Ed for the boy, Margaret for the girl.

"God, to think they had such a rough start to life. I just hope they'll be alright in the future." Anne explained.

Liam smiled however. "Oh, I think they'll be alright Anne, look."

Anne smiled as she could see Margaret looking over at Ed, reaching a hand out towards him. She smiled widely; pleased to see that at least her children would be close. No matter what happened, they would have each other.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.