Disclaimer: We all agree that I do not own any of these characters or any
aspect of Dark Angel, right? If not, just nod your head yes and humor me,
because I promise that I don't.
Timeframe: Some parts of Meow have already occurred, but not all of it. Let's just say Max and Logan didn't share that kiss.
A/N: Inspiration struck, and I wrote. Hope you enjoy. And please let me know if you'd like me to continue. I have a few thoughts on where I'd like to take the story, but I want to know what you think too.
Nothing Can Compare
~~~~~~~~~~
"Okay honey, it's time for you to start pushing," stated Beth, the midwife.
The patient let out a whimper. "No, not now. It hurts too much."
Syl brushed the hair off of Max's glistening face and gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "Come on soldier," she said. "Suck it up. You can take the pain."
Max glared at her sister. "Yeah Syl, just wait till you're giving birth."
"Me, pregnant? You've got to be kidding," she replied with a laugh. "I'd rather go back to Hell than have children."
"Gee, you're making me feel so much better."
Syl smiled. "That's my job baby sister."
"Would you just shut up before I have to kick your ass?" Max uttered with a growl.
"In your condition, I'd like to see you try."
Nine months ago Max's hormones had taken control of her body, and she'd given in. It's a decision she's regretted every moment since that night. Max knew it wasn't all her fault, but she damn well could've done more to prevent it from happening. Now she was lying on the poorest excuse for a bed ever made, going through the most painful thing she's ever experienced.
Beth gave out her next commands with ease. "When you have another contraction, Max, I want you to bear down and push with all of your strength. Syl, count down from 10 and make sure she's breathing like she's supposed to."
A wave of pain hit Max and she lost her focus on the outside world. Though her body was following every order, her mind was elsewhere. Memories of her siblings, the JamPony crew and Seattle flashed in her head. She would give anything to be able to return to her life as a carefree nineteen-year- old. Though unfortunately that just wasn't a possibility anymore.
Syl's calm voice brought her back to reality. "Okay rest, Max. You're doing great."
"Is it over yet?" she begged.
"Almost. Just a little more to go," came Beth's reply.
"Ugh. You would think with all of the enhancements they gave us, they would at least make childbirth a little easier."
Part of Max had known she was pregnant. Mother's intuition, you could call it. She'd picked up a pregnancy test two weeks after that fateful night and hidden it in her room. It took another three days just to get the courage to take it. When the stick had turned pink instead of blue, Max had immediately hit the road. Her one-hour lunch break had turned into a lifetime free of JamPony. She didn't even leave a note to say goodbye.
Max didn't know why she ran. Instinct, probably. What else could she have done? She sure wasn't about to force the father into eighteen years of child support when she was the one who jumped him. Staying in Seattle and working at JamPony wasn't an option, either. Manticore knew she was there, and it would be easier for them to get their hands on her child. In her mind, taking off on her motorcycle was the only choice.
"Next contraction's coming up soon," Syl stated. "Get ready to push."
Instead of focusing on the pain, Max tried to remember what city she was in. It was seven months ago that she'd found Syl in Vegas. Her sister had promised to stick with her and help her get through at least the rest of the pregnancy. Together they had crossed the country, stopping in Santa Fe, Austin and Washington DC. Then there was Charleston and Atlanta. But somehow they managed to make it all the way to Miami before Max went into labor. Why she ever let Syl talk her into coming here when it was the middle of July, she had no idea. Giving birth in a one-room apartment without air conditioning when it was a hundred degrees outside was not her idea of fun. Even worse, her Ninja had to be sold in Phoenix because Syl wouldn't let her ride it anymore.
Finally the contraction was over. "I can't take this anymore. Remind me to never let another man touch me ever again."
"I wish I could, baby sister. But we both know our genetics just don't work that way. A few months from now you'll be breaking down the door to get your hands on a guy." As was the curse of Manticore. It was the only reason she was in this mess. If not for that night, she could still be living her happy little life back in Seattle.
It killed her to not be able to pick up the phone and call, but it was for the best. Everyone was a whole lot safer without her around. Plus, she feared what her friends would think about her. She didn't have a boyfriend, she wasn't like that with Logan, and she would never have slept with Sketchy. So, it would be kind of difficult to explain why she was suddenly carrying a child. Max regretted not letting her friends know she was leaving, but she feared that if she didn't leave right away, she wouldn't be able to leave at all. She only hoped they had all decided to move on with their lives and wouldn't try to come after her.
"Get the water and towels ready. Here comes this baby."
Following a final push, an ear-piercing scream and several "encouraging" words from Syl, the cries of a newborn child echoed throughout the room. Immediately Max's eyes filled with tears of joy and she longed to hold her creation.
Beth made it official. "Congratulations, Max. It's a healthy baby girl." Ten fingers, ten toes, and better yet, no barcode.
Even Syl found herself a little emotional. "You did great Maxie. She's beautiful."
"She is, isn't she?"
To Max, it was all worth it. Her childhood, her seizures, even her heat were all worth this one moment. Nothing would ever compare to being a mother for the first time.
Unfortunately, Beth had to step in. "Sorry to interject, Mom, but I need to take this little one and get her all cleaned up. I'll be back in just a few minutes."
Syl stood up as well. "You sleep for a while, baby sister. I'll go on sentry duty."
"Hey, thanks, Syl. You know, for being here with me and everything." Her sister had done so much to help Max through these past months, both physically and emotionally.
"Don't worry about it. There's nothing I would have rather done."
~~~~~~~~~~
A few hours later, Syl walked over to visit the clean, quieted baby and the well-rested mother. Beth had left a while ago after making sure mom and baby were both safe and sound. Max now lay in bed holding her sleeping daughter.
"So this is why everyone raves about motherhood," she commented. "Who knew I could love someone as easily and unconditionally as I love my angel?"
"Certainly none of the class of '09." Syl paused, reflecting on the scene before her. "I'm proud of you, Max. Out of all of us, I think you're the one most likely to actually have a normal life."
"You think so, huh?"
She nodded. "Definitely."
"I certainly hope so." After all, a normal life had been her goal ever since she'd broken out of Manticore. So far Tinga had gotten the closest out of all of them. She'd had a family, even if only for a while. Zane had a dog, which was a start. He and Jondy both had jobs, too. Or at least they had before Eyes Only made that broadcast. As for the rest, Syl and Krit chose to move from place to place, never making any emotional attachments. Brin was back at Manticore and Ben was, well, gone.
Then there was Zack. Big brother had no life whatsoever. He was too busy keeping tabs on all of them. Max hadn't seen him since she left Seattle, but that didn't mean he wasn't following them. He probably knew exactly where they were and how long they'd been there. Which meant he probably already knew about the baby, too. Oh well, if Zack didn't like it, he'd just have to deal with it. She didn't let him control her life in Seattle, and she wasn't going to let him do it now.
Syl opened her mouth to speak but then shut it again, deciding to wait to ask the question she truly wanted answered. Instead, she'd go with her second choice. "So, Max, have you picked out a name yet?"
She shook her head. "Not really. I need some time to find just the right one."
"Well, if you want my opinion, Syl is a good choice."
Max raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"
"Yeah. But that's just my opinion."
"Well, like I said, I have to think about it. For now I'm just going to enjoy being here with her."
Though as happy as she felt, Max couldn't ignore the horrible feeling of fear in the pit of her stomach that grew bigger each minute. A new baby meant new responsibilities. Max wouldn't be on her own anymore. There was another person to worry about. Another life was completely depending on her. She was on her own.
"Are you sure you don't want to call the father?" Syl quickly asked, almost reading her mind.
Max sighed. Leave it to her sister to remind her of the other thing bothering her. "I've told you before, I'm not calling him. He isn't going to know about this."
"But I still don't understand why not." She smiled. "I'd milk him for every dime he's worth if I were you."
"Of course you would, Syl," Max replied with a laugh. "But I don't want to do that. It's not his fault this happened. And I don't want to obligate him into proposing or something stupid like that." She knew most guys would do just that if they found themselves in this situation. It was supposed to be some sort of chivalrous act or something. But a baby just isn't a good enough reason for a couple to get married.
"Look, all I'm saying is he deserves to know he has a daughter, don't you think? Especially one this cute."
She was right. He should know. But Max had already made up her mind. "Maybe one day. For right now, though, I think I better stick to the original plan and leave him alone."
"If you say so." Defeated, Syl turned to leave. "Listen, you want anything? I'm going to run to the store and pick up a few items Beth suggested we get for the baby."
Max looked up at her sister. "I think I'm good for right now, thanks."
"No problem." She stepped outside and shut the door behind her, leaving Max with her thoughts.
For the thousandth time that week, Max reflected on the decisions she's made. She had to leave. She had to. If only things had been different. If only this hadn't happened while she was in heat. Max had realized she loved her child the minute she was born. Nothing could ever change that. But she also realized she didn't want to raise a child all alone.
"Father or not, I'm going to take care of you, little one. I promise."
Though, she really needed to come up with a better name than "little one". Max liked the idea of using one of her sisters' or friends' names, but none seemed to fit well with Guevara. Yes, despite her mental ranting about how dangerous it was to use the same name as she had in Seattle, Max liked the normalcy it brought. Also, she subconsciously hoped that Cindy or Logan truly would come looking for her one day and would try to find her under her old name.
After laying her daughter down on the bed, Max picked up the book of baby names from the end table. Syl had bought the book for her a couple of months ago, but Max kept avoiding looking through it. Maybe now that the baby was here it would be easier to name her. Flipping through the pages, one name caught her eye. Jordan. She'd known someone with that name before.
Max tried it out. "Jordan Guevara. Jordan Cale Guevara." She smiled. It definitely fit well with the middle name she had chosen when she left Seattle. "Welcome to the world, Jordan. I love you."
With that problem solved, Max closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Outside, Syl let out a small laugh. She'd been listening to her sister the entire time. After seven months of prodding, her conclusions about the mysterious father had finally been proven. Maxie could say she left because of her heat, or because of Manticore. Syl knew the truth. She was scared of facing Logan. However, she also knew it was only a matter of time before Max gave in and went back to Seattle.
~~~~~~~~~~
So, what did you think? Should I continue? Please review!
Timeframe: Some parts of Meow have already occurred, but not all of it. Let's just say Max and Logan didn't share that kiss.
A/N: Inspiration struck, and I wrote. Hope you enjoy. And please let me know if you'd like me to continue. I have a few thoughts on where I'd like to take the story, but I want to know what you think too.
Nothing Can Compare
~~~~~~~~~~
"Okay honey, it's time for you to start pushing," stated Beth, the midwife.
The patient let out a whimper. "No, not now. It hurts too much."
Syl brushed the hair off of Max's glistening face and gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "Come on soldier," she said. "Suck it up. You can take the pain."
Max glared at her sister. "Yeah Syl, just wait till you're giving birth."
"Me, pregnant? You've got to be kidding," she replied with a laugh. "I'd rather go back to Hell than have children."
"Gee, you're making me feel so much better."
Syl smiled. "That's my job baby sister."
"Would you just shut up before I have to kick your ass?" Max uttered with a growl.
"In your condition, I'd like to see you try."
Nine months ago Max's hormones had taken control of her body, and she'd given in. It's a decision she's regretted every moment since that night. Max knew it wasn't all her fault, but she damn well could've done more to prevent it from happening. Now she was lying on the poorest excuse for a bed ever made, going through the most painful thing she's ever experienced.
Beth gave out her next commands with ease. "When you have another contraction, Max, I want you to bear down and push with all of your strength. Syl, count down from 10 and make sure she's breathing like she's supposed to."
A wave of pain hit Max and she lost her focus on the outside world. Though her body was following every order, her mind was elsewhere. Memories of her siblings, the JamPony crew and Seattle flashed in her head. She would give anything to be able to return to her life as a carefree nineteen-year- old. Though unfortunately that just wasn't a possibility anymore.
Syl's calm voice brought her back to reality. "Okay rest, Max. You're doing great."
"Is it over yet?" she begged.
"Almost. Just a little more to go," came Beth's reply.
"Ugh. You would think with all of the enhancements they gave us, they would at least make childbirth a little easier."
Part of Max had known she was pregnant. Mother's intuition, you could call it. She'd picked up a pregnancy test two weeks after that fateful night and hidden it in her room. It took another three days just to get the courage to take it. When the stick had turned pink instead of blue, Max had immediately hit the road. Her one-hour lunch break had turned into a lifetime free of JamPony. She didn't even leave a note to say goodbye.
Max didn't know why she ran. Instinct, probably. What else could she have done? She sure wasn't about to force the father into eighteen years of child support when she was the one who jumped him. Staying in Seattle and working at JamPony wasn't an option, either. Manticore knew she was there, and it would be easier for them to get their hands on her child. In her mind, taking off on her motorcycle was the only choice.
"Next contraction's coming up soon," Syl stated. "Get ready to push."
Instead of focusing on the pain, Max tried to remember what city she was in. It was seven months ago that she'd found Syl in Vegas. Her sister had promised to stick with her and help her get through at least the rest of the pregnancy. Together they had crossed the country, stopping in Santa Fe, Austin and Washington DC. Then there was Charleston and Atlanta. But somehow they managed to make it all the way to Miami before Max went into labor. Why she ever let Syl talk her into coming here when it was the middle of July, she had no idea. Giving birth in a one-room apartment without air conditioning when it was a hundred degrees outside was not her idea of fun. Even worse, her Ninja had to be sold in Phoenix because Syl wouldn't let her ride it anymore.
Finally the contraction was over. "I can't take this anymore. Remind me to never let another man touch me ever again."
"I wish I could, baby sister. But we both know our genetics just don't work that way. A few months from now you'll be breaking down the door to get your hands on a guy." As was the curse of Manticore. It was the only reason she was in this mess. If not for that night, she could still be living her happy little life back in Seattle.
It killed her to not be able to pick up the phone and call, but it was for the best. Everyone was a whole lot safer without her around. Plus, she feared what her friends would think about her. She didn't have a boyfriend, she wasn't like that with Logan, and she would never have slept with Sketchy. So, it would be kind of difficult to explain why she was suddenly carrying a child. Max regretted not letting her friends know she was leaving, but she feared that if she didn't leave right away, she wouldn't be able to leave at all. She only hoped they had all decided to move on with their lives and wouldn't try to come after her.
"Get the water and towels ready. Here comes this baby."
Following a final push, an ear-piercing scream and several "encouraging" words from Syl, the cries of a newborn child echoed throughout the room. Immediately Max's eyes filled with tears of joy and she longed to hold her creation.
Beth made it official. "Congratulations, Max. It's a healthy baby girl." Ten fingers, ten toes, and better yet, no barcode.
Even Syl found herself a little emotional. "You did great Maxie. She's beautiful."
"She is, isn't she?"
To Max, it was all worth it. Her childhood, her seizures, even her heat were all worth this one moment. Nothing would ever compare to being a mother for the first time.
Unfortunately, Beth had to step in. "Sorry to interject, Mom, but I need to take this little one and get her all cleaned up. I'll be back in just a few minutes."
Syl stood up as well. "You sleep for a while, baby sister. I'll go on sentry duty."
"Hey, thanks, Syl. You know, for being here with me and everything." Her sister had done so much to help Max through these past months, both physically and emotionally.
"Don't worry about it. There's nothing I would have rather done."
~~~~~~~~~~
A few hours later, Syl walked over to visit the clean, quieted baby and the well-rested mother. Beth had left a while ago after making sure mom and baby were both safe and sound. Max now lay in bed holding her sleeping daughter.
"So this is why everyone raves about motherhood," she commented. "Who knew I could love someone as easily and unconditionally as I love my angel?"
"Certainly none of the class of '09." Syl paused, reflecting on the scene before her. "I'm proud of you, Max. Out of all of us, I think you're the one most likely to actually have a normal life."
"You think so, huh?"
She nodded. "Definitely."
"I certainly hope so." After all, a normal life had been her goal ever since she'd broken out of Manticore. So far Tinga had gotten the closest out of all of them. She'd had a family, even if only for a while. Zane had a dog, which was a start. He and Jondy both had jobs, too. Or at least they had before Eyes Only made that broadcast. As for the rest, Syl and Krit chose to move from place to place, never making any emotional attachments. Brin was back at Manticore and Ben was, well, gone.
Then there was Zack. Big brother had no life whatsoever. He was too busy keeping tabs on all of them. Max hadn't seen him since she left Seattle, but that didn't mean he wasn't following them. He probably knew exactly where they were and how long they'd been there. Which meant he probably already knew about the baby, too. Oh well, if Zack didn't like it, he'd just have to deal with it. She didn't let him control her life in Seattle, and she wasn't going to let him do it now.
Syl opened her mouth to speak but then shut it again, deciding to wait to ask the question she truly wanted answered. Instead, she'd go with her second choice. "So, Max, have you picked out a name yet?"
She shook her head. "Not really. I need some time to find just the right one."
"Well, if you want my opinion, Syl is a good choice."
Max raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"
"Yeah. But that's just my opinion."
"Well, like I said, I have to think about it. For now I'm just going to enjoy being here with her."
Though as happy as she felt, Max couldn't ignore the horrible feeling of fear in the pit of her stomach that grew bigger each minute. A new baby meant new responsibilities. Max wouldn't be on her own anymore. There was another person to worry about. Another life was completely depending on her. She was on her own.
"Are you sure you don't want to call the father?" Syl quickly asked, almost reading her mind.
Max sighed. Leave it to her sister to remind her of the other thing bothering her. "I've told you before, I'm not calling him. He isn't going to know about this."
"But I still don't understand why not." She smiled. "I'd milk him for every dime he's worth if I were you."
"Of course you would, Syl," Max replied with a laugh. "But I don't want to do that. It's not his fault this happened. And I don't want to obligate him into proposing or something stupid like that." She knew most guys would do just that if they found themselves in this situation. It was supposed to be some sort of chivalrous act or something. But a baby just isn't a good enough reason for a couple to get married.
"Look, all I'm saying is he deserves to know he has a daughter, don't you think? Especially one this cute."
She was right. He should know. But Max had already made up her mind. "Maybe one day. For right now, though, I think I better stick to the original plan and leave him alone."
"If you say so." Defeated, Syl turned to leave. "Listen, you want anything? I'm going to run to the store and pick up a few items Beth suggested we get for the baby."
Max looked up at her sister. "I think I'm good for right now, thanks."
"No problem." She stepped outside and shut the door behind her, leaving Max with her thoughts.
For the thousandth time that week, Max reflected on the decisions she's made. She had to leave. She had to. If only things had been different. If only this hadn't happened while she was in heat. Max had realized she loved her child the minute she was born. Nothing could ever change that. But she also realized she didn't want to raise a child all alone.
"Father or not, I'm going to take care of you, little one. I promise."
Though, she really needed to come up with a better name than "little one". Max liked the idea of using one of her sisters' or friends' names, but none seemed to fit well with Guevara. Yes, despite her mental ranting about how dangerous it was to use the same name as she had in Seattle, Max liked the normalcy it brought. Also, she subconsciously hoped that Cindy or Logan truly would come looking for her one day and would try to find her under her old name.
After laying her daughter down on the bed, Max picked up the book of baby names from the end table. Syl had bought the book for her a couple of months ago, but Max kept avoiding looking through it. Maybe now that the baby was here it would be easier to name her. Flipping through the pages, one name caught her eye. Jordan. She'd known someone with that name before.
Max tried it out. "Jordan Guevara. Jordan Cale Guevara." She smiled. It definitely fit well with the middle name she had chosen when she left Seattle. "Welcome to the world, Jordan. I love you."
With that problem solved, Max closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Outside, Syl let out a small laugh. She'd been listening to her sister the entire time. After seven months of prodding, her conclusions about the mysterious father had finally been proven. Maxie could say she left because of her heat, or because of Manticore. Syl knew the truth. She was scared of facing Logan. However, she also knew it was only a matter of time before Max gave in and went back to Seattle.
~~~~~~~~~~
So, what did you think? Should I continue? Please review!