I do not own EUReKA
Friends & Lovers
Chapter 1: And Baby Makes Three
"Oh my God. What am I going to do?"
Allison whispered the rhetorical question to herself as she sat in the early morning darkness at her kitchen table, a steaming mug of herbal tea settled between her trembling fingers. Though she could feel the heat as it scorched her palms, she dared not take them away; an appropriate punishment for what she had done.
How could she explain this to her coworkers, her family, her friends, and the one person who would be affected most? Would Nathan be disappointed in her, or would he understand that she had been broken, and for the first time in months, been presented with a brief glimpse of happiness during a time when she needed it most. Nathan had been gone four months now, and though his absence wasn't as raw as it had been the day she'd learned of his death, she still mourned the loss of his presence. Without Carter, she would surely have been lost. He had been there for her during this difficult time; an ear to listen, a friend to turn to, and a shoulder to lean and more often than not, to cry on. He spent time with Kevin, helping to ease the transition, and took him on adventures when she needed time alone.
That's how it all began, and thats how she'd found herself in the dire situation she was in now.
Four weeks ago, she and Carter had passed a point of no return. She was having a particularly bad day; berated by Mansfield, a failed experiment that would set them back months, and a migraine to end all migraines. Carter had come over that night; as he had on several occasions in the preceding months, takeout from Café Diem, a DVD of the 1980s movie Airplane, and a six pack of micro-brewed Alpine Spring Ale. A compromise of her desire for a full bodied red wine and his nondescript beer.
This had become a ritual for them; gathering a few nights every week, either at her home or his. Sometimes, Zoë would tag along, but tonight, it was just the three of them. True to form, whenever they got together, no matter the disposition she was in before he stepped over that threshold, upon seeing his face her mood would immediately brighten; her worries and fears all disappearing.
There had been nothing particularly special about that night; lighthearted talk, good food, and plenty of laughter. So content, she sidled up next to him; Kevin put to bed only moments before, and now they sat enjoying the remainder of the beer. Her head laid on his shoulder, she listened intently as he told stories from his youth. As she snuggled up closer to him, amused by the tales of his childhood antics, an overwhelming sensation engulfed her; an intense awareness of his entire being. His arm a solid weight across her shoulder, she did what she knew she should have never done.
She closed her eyes and exhaled.
Sitting so close to him, she couldn't help but take notice of certain things; the firmness of the muscles of his chest as her torso rested against his, his intoxicating scent which brought to mind notes of lemon, lavender, coriander, and cedar. She giggled silently to herself; it was so like him. A combination of the things he loved; food and the outdoors.
Taking a chance, she moved in closer, her own arm now slid between the couch cushion and his waist. She didn't know what reaction she'd expected, but he continued talking as if he barely noticed her subtle movement. She didn't know if she should take it as an insult, or what it probably was...nothing. Her heart beating faster, she began to perspire, and before she knew what happened, she kissed him quickly and lightly on the mouth.
An awkward silence filled the room as he viewed her with a look of utter confusion. Taken aback, he pulled away from her. "Allison..."
"Carter," Head titled to one side, she pleaded, "don't look at me like that."
He tried to hide the range of emotions that flashed over his faced, and as much as she knew he wanted her, in her heart, she hoped he wouldn't think it a mistake.
She could feel his hand cover hers; strong yet soft at the same time. "Allison, you don't want to do this. You're vulnerable right now."
Incensed that he dared patronize her, she turned on him instantly. "Don't tell me how I feel! I know exactly what I'm doing!"
Eyebrows raised, he challenged her. "Do you?"
"Yes, I do!"
Standing abruptly, she closed her eyes and let out a long deep sigh. She had to gain control of her emotions. She didn't want to alienate the one man who was her main supporter.
"Please, Jack," At the sound of his name, he paused; his own features softening, "I need you."
"Allison, as much as I want to, I...I can't." The look in his eyes was a combination of sympathy and love.
Allison had know how he felt about her, but to his credit, in all the time she'd know him, he never tried to take advantage, even when the opportunity presented itself. Especially throughout this difficult period, he had been nothing but the perfect gentleman. That's why she couldn't imagine what was going through his head right now. Did he think her pitiful to ask this of him? Did he think her cruel for turning to him now that Nathan was gone, or that she'd completely lost her mind?
Whatever his reasoning, suddenly, she felt ashamed. At once, her tears began to flow as the realization of her request settled upon her. She couldn't face him; she couldn't look into his eyes, or bare the idea of how he now viewed her. Brushing past him she ran upstairs. His voice trailing off, she slammed the bedroom door behind her and fell onto the bed, distraught. Her body lurching, she wailed not only for what had just occurred, but for all that had transpired over the last few years.
She felt guilt for having agreed to marry Nathan. Had she not, he may have been alive today. Guilty for disrespecting his memory and making a pass at the man he considered a rival for her affections. Embarrassed for the position she'd put Carter in. Had it not been for his constant support these last few months, she didn't what state she would have been in. Thinking back, she realized he had always been in her corner. Concerned not only for her, but for Kevin as well. His loyalty to her was unyielding, undying, unimaginable.
A soft knock at her bedroom door startled her. Barely opening a crack, he peered in. Naturally, she'd assumed he'd left out; turned off by her overt act of passion and furtive suggestion. She really didn't know what to say to him, so wiping the tears with the back of her arm, she began her apology.
"Carter, I'm so sorry for my behavior. I..."
Without word, he walked further into the room, allowing the door to swing shut behind him.
What transpired next, was a night of tender, passionate, and beautiful love making. And that's how she found herself in the predicament she was in now.
Gingerly, she began her morning regimen as she could hear Kevin stirring in his room. He'd be ready for breakfast soon and she didn't want to upset his usual routine. Besides, she couldn't just sit there wallowing in misery all day. Luckily it was Saturday, so she didn't have to face the world, but she wouldn't be able to hide from it for too much longer.
She was going to have to speak with Carter. She was going to have to tell him that she was having his baby.
Next - Chapter 2: Where Do We Go From Here
A/N: This is a reader request from Newtons3rdlaw. A story where Allison becomes pregnant by Jack after a one night stand. I know it's taken me forever to get it written, but here it is. I hope you all enjoy my vision.