Thanks for all the support and encouragement! I have concluded that writing is not just about getting reviews, and accolades, it is about enjoying what you do!
This Mother's Day one-shot takes place about two years in the future. Let me know how you like it, and I might expand it further
Alicia was so tired of watching mindless television that she wanted to throw something at the TV. She was supposed to be on bed-rest, but she was so bored she wanted to cry.
She knew this was her own stupid fault. The last place she should have gone the night her divorce from Peter was finalized was Will's apartment. Now she was facing the consequences. Pregnant at fouty-four.
When Will called, she was unable to hide her irritation.
"So how's the baby? Does it feel like a boy?" he asked They had decided not to find out the baby's sex.
"And I would know that how? All I know is that I feel like a beached whale, and I could strangle you for doing this."
"Were you this cranky when you were pregnant before? I never thought I'd have sympathy for Peter," Will said.
"I'm sorry. Can you come over later? I promise I'll act like a reasonable person."
"Sure. I did tell Kalinda we'd have a drink together after work. I should be over about eight."
It irked her that he was able to go about his normal life, while she was stuck in the apartment like a prisoner.
"Bastard. I'll see you then. Bring Kalinda over if you want.'
The kids came over later, and said Will had called, and ordered them to take her to lunch. Zach was home from college, and had been staying at his father's.
It hurt her that her son had been back from school for three days, and hadn't bothered to call her. Grace was also keeping her distance.
"Do you know how embarrassing it is to have a mom who is pregnant at your age?" Grace had spewed at her.
While they were all sharing pizza at their favorite Italian restaurant, her water broke. They got in Zach's car through mid-day Chicago traffic to the hospital.
The last thing she wanted was to deliver a baby in the back seat of her college-age son's car.
They rushed Alicia into delivery right away. She told the kids to call Will as they whisked her away.
"Should we call Dad?" Grace asked.
"God no. Why on earth would you do that?"
"I want to come in there with. To be your coach. At least until Will get here," Grace continued.
"You're not watching the delivery. Stay in the waiting room with Zach. Please."
Two hours later, Alicia was in her room holding her newborn daughter in her arms as Will looked on, overwhelmed with love for both of them.
"She's so gorgeous. I hate to give her back to them to take to the nursery," Alicia said.
"So what about a name?" Will said.
"I already picked one out. If it's okay with you. Hope. First of all because Grace and Hope are kind of simpatico. And it symbolizes hope for the future. For us."
He kissed his daughter, and then kissed Alicia lightly on the cheek. "Hope it is. You know, tomorrow is Mother's Day?"
"Alicia had almost forgotten. This was without a doubt her most memorable Mother's Day ever. She had three reasons to celebrate now.