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Chapter Two
Dr. Gellar's happy expression morphed to one of concern as he took in their blank stares. The couple hadn't said a word for a solid two minutes and he was beginning to worry. To be honest, he was dumbfounded. This was something the women had waited months for! One would assume they'd be jumping out of their skins with excitement.
"Pardon me, ladies?" he asked. "Did you hear what I said?"
His voice shook Spencer from her stupor. "I'm pregnant," she said, with a dropped brow. The words, she had often longed to say, seemed foreign to her. "I—I'm pregnant?" A smile worked its way across her face. "I'm preg—Ashley! I'm pregnant!"
The rocker stared at her with wide eyes. "Oh my God," she said as her gaze drifted over to the doctor. She pointed at Spencer's flat stomach. "She's pregnant, doc?"
Dr. Gellar chuckled with a nod. "That's correct. 3 weeks."
"Wait a second." She tried to gather her wits. "So…there's a baby growing inside of her? Is it that kind of pregnant? Are you sure?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
Spencer laughed as she shot her wife a baffled look. "Ashley?"
"Let the man answer, Angel."
He smiled. This might not have been the reaction he expected, but he'd take anything over the awkward silence. "Yes, Ashley. She is pregnant and there is a baby currently growing inside of her as we speak," he said as he held back a chuckle.
Ashley nodded and released a small sigh. "That's what I thought." She ran a hand over her face, as if to wake herself up. Her head snapped towards the doctor. "I'm not dreaming, am I?"
Dr. Gellar shook his head and turned to Spencer. "I think I've broken your wife, Mrs. Davies, I apologize. I think I'll leave you two alone so you can absorb the good news." He flashed a smile and exited the room.
The rocker let out a short laugh as she gazed at her wife. The blonde met her stare with a bemused grin. Ashley's eyes lit up. "Spencer, we're having a baby," she said, as if it were the first time they'd received the news.
Spencer nodded with a smile. "I know, Ash." She cupped the rocker's face and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. She pulled back and gazed into her wife's eyes. "We're having a baby."
A sharp breath escaped from Ashley's mouth. "This is crazy," she said as she ran a hand through her hair. "I mean, it's not crazy because we've been waiting for this to happen but—for it to finally happen—it's like—we're having a baby!"
Spencer took hold of her wife's shoulders. "Calm down, Ashley." She giggled, but if she were being honest, she too was bustling with excitement. She just had a better way of containing her giddiness than her wife. "I don't want you having a heart attack."
"Spencer, we're having a baby." Ashley planted her hands on her hips. "There will be no calming down anytime soon. My mind is literally reeling right now! How do you expect me to be calm?"
The blonde smiled. "You're adorable."
The rocker frowned as she placed a hand over her wife's mouth. "Not in front of the baby, Spencer." She said with a hiss. "If he or she hears you say that, they're going to think I'm nothing but a big softie and totally take advantage of me." With hesitance, she pulled her hand away.
Spencer bit back a laugh. "So, you don't want me to say you're adorable, cute, and or mushy at all?"
The rocker nodded. "That's right."
"I will not condone lying to my child, Ashley."
"That's so not funny, Spencer." Ashley pouted as her arms flopped to her sides. Who was she kidding? The rocker knew the truth. "This kid is totally going to get spoiled by me. I can feel it."A smile tugged at her lips. "I can't wait."
Spencer bit her lip. "Me either."
"I still can't believe this," the rocker said with a smile. She closed the distance between the two of them and kissed her wife. "I love you, Angel."
A knock sounded at the door. Dr. Gellar peeked inside. He smiled and stepped into the room. "I see the news has finally rendered. Congratulations, to the both of you," he said.
"Thank you, Doc," Ashley said before she took on a serious look. "I don't want to seem rude or anything doctor, but seeing as how our lives aren't exactly private per se, would you mind if this news was kept between the three of us for the time being?"
He gave pause at those words. They were all too familiar. His stomach churned with guilt as Carol's request, very much like the couple's, played throughout his head, taunting him. He cleared his throat and nodded. "It'll be our secret."
Spencer smiled. "Thank you, Dr. Gellar."
"Of course, is there anything else?"
Ashley looked towards Spencer who shrugged. "No, I think that's it for now, thank you," she said as she helped her wife off of the examination table.
"Alright then, ladies, you're ready to be discharged." He opened the door. "If there's any questions, comments or concerns you have, just give me a call or make an appointment. I have another patient I have to attend to." He bid them a farewell, and exited.
The room fell silent for a moment.
Ashley shook her head. "I still believe this is a dream."
Spencer smiled. "It's the best dream I've ever had."
^/^/^
Dr. Gellar stood outside of his office, hesitant to enter. He took in a deep breath and entered. He could feel his patient's eyes on him as he took a seat behind his desk. He released a sigh as he finally met their gaze. "Hello, Carol." He said.
"Dr. Gellar." The older Davies gave a short nod.
"How are you?" he asked as a means to by time.
She grinned. "Well, you of all people should know how I'm doing, George."
"I suppose you're right."
"So?" She folded her hands in her lap. "Why did you call for this appointment?"
He squared his shoulders and said, "Carol, you have Guillain-Barre Syndrome—"
"You called me, to tell me something I already know?"
"—you're nerve system is deteriorating as we speak. You're immune system, within the next few months—weeks even, will be nonexistent. There is a high chance you can die."
"What is your point—"
"Are you kidding me?" He threw his hands up. "My point is, in times like these, you are going to need family support to get you through this! There is no way you can continue alone."
Carol's throat went dry. "I've been taking the medicine. I think I'm getting better—"
"No." He shook his head. "No, you're not and you know it. The medicine, at this stage of your treatment, can only reduce your symptoms. They can't prevent them. Pretty soon, you won't be able to take care of yourself and you'll need help."
"I can take of myself."
His shoulders slumped in defeat. He'd been a family doctor for the Davies' for well over twenty years and during that time they'd become like his own family. "You're dosage would have to be upped which means—"
"I'd have to watch myself more closely."
"No, it would mean you'd have to have assistance."
"I'm sure I'd be able to handle that."
He knew how stubborn the Davies could be, but this was all too much. "I can't do this anymore. I can't keep this secret," he said with a shrug.
"You have to—"
"No!" He slammed his hand on the table. "I cannot continue on with this lie. I refuse to go about pretending you're okay when you're not. I can't do it! The guilt is killing me. Do you understand that?" Perhaps an aggressive approach would work.
Carol faltered. "You made a promise."
"I don't care!"
"This is a breach of doctor and patient confidentiality—"
"There aren't any more excuses, Carol."
The petite woman burst into tears. "I know," she said as she wiped at her eyes. "I just don't want to burden my babies with my problems—this is my struggle not theirs! They've been through so much—I just want them to be happy for once. Why can't we all just be happy? Is that wrong?"
"Of course that's not wrong?"
"Then why." She leaned forward, her voice eyes desperate. "Why can't we be happy?"
Dr. Gellar's heart broke at her words. He didn't have an answer to that. "Carol." He took hold of her hand. "Stop this. You know what you're doing is wrong. You can put a stop to this; you don't have to suffer like this—"
"So, my family should suffer instead?"
"I'm not saying that, Carol," he said in a calm tone.
"Then what are you saying?"
"I'm saying—I'm saying that you'll need the support, that's what family is for."
She held her face in her hands. "I've never been so scared in my life before. I haven't felt this helpless since the day my son died," she said as her eyes met his.
"You don't have to go through this alone. You're never alone."
She nodded as she tried to composed herself. "I realize that and I know I'm wrong. I also know it's not right to place these troubles on your shoulders and I'm sorry."
"You need to tell the family."
Carol released a long breath. "I will—I will tell the family tonight."
He held his breath. "Do you promise?"
She placed a hand over his. "I promise, I will tell them tonight."
He grinned. "Thank you, Carol. This is for the best."
"No," she said. "Thank you, George."
^/^/^
Ashley couldn't keep her eyes away from Spencer's stomach as they lay on their bed, nose to nose. She was in awe by the notion that a tiny human was growing inside of her wife. Not many words had been exchanged since their trip to the doctors, and that was okay. The couple chose instead to bask in the comfortable silence that enveloped them.
"Wow," the brunette said.
Spencer giggled and grasped her wife's hand. "That's the only thing you've said since we've been home," she said as she intertwined their fingers. "And that was twenty minutes ago."
The rocker's eyes found the blonde's. "Really?" she asked.
The blonde nodded. "I believe you've said it six times now."
Ashley's brow dropped. "I can't even remember saying anything…"
"I think you're still in shock," Spencer said.
The rocker grinned. "Well, I did just receive some of the best news of my life." She placed a hand on the blonde's stomach. "This is just—wow."
Spencer smiled. "You know," she said. "I hadn't thought about it, but I guess the pregnancy explains the little mood swings I've been having lately."
"And the horniness."
Spencer blushed. "Yes that too."
"I mean, seriously, you've wanted it a lot."
"I get it, Ashley."
"Not that I'm complaining, I'm definitely willing to deliver. Anytime and anyplace—"
The blonde swatted the rocker's arm. "I've got it, Ashley. Thank you."
Ashley chuckled and placed a hand on the blonde's hip. "But, in all seriousness, I can't tell you how happy I am, Angel," she said with a grin.
Spencer's brow dropped. "About the sex?"
"No, horn dog." Ashley laughed. "About the baby."
The blonde's face flushed. "Oh," she mouthed embarrassed.
"I am happy about that too though."
"Ashley!"
"Don't pretend you're not!" Ashley chuckled as she pointed at the blonde.
Spencer chose not to reply. The blush creeping up her neck spoke volumes. "Ashley?" she said as she bit her lip. "We're going to be parents."
Something about hearing her wife say those words set something off in the rocker. Ashley kissed the blonde with as much passion and love she could convey. Her heart pounded in her chest as she felt the kiss returned with just as much vigor. She moaned when she felt a tongue swipe across her bottom lip before it entered her mouth.
Spencer cupped the back of the rocker's neck and deepened the kiss. Her legs intertwined with the brunette's, their bodies meshed together. She turned onto her back as she pulled the rocker on top of her, their lips still attached. "I love you so much, Ash," she said between kisses.
Ashley replied out of instinct. "Love you too." She trailed her hand from the blonde's hip over her stomach and upward. When her hand came into contact with her wife's breast Spencer jumped and let out a low hiss of pain.
The rocker immediately pulled back and slid off of the blonde and onto her side. "What—W-What's wrong? Did I hurt you? Are you Okay? What happened?"
The blonde's face scrunched up. "They're a little bit sore."
Ashley's brow dropped. "You're breasts?"
"Yeah." Spencer released a small breath as the sharp pain subsided. "The doctor said that would happen remember?"
The rocker's eyes widened with recognition. "Oh yeah, that's right." She said as guilt suddenly clenched onto her. She kissed the blonde's cheek. "I'm sorry, Angel. I totally forgot about that. I'm so sorry—"
"It's alright, Ashley," Spencer said as she gripped her wife's hand. "We'll just have to be more careful." Ashley nodded, though she still felt guilty, and the blonde could sense it. "So, when do you think we should tell everyone?" She asked.
Ashley toyed with the blonde's fingers. "I was thinking tonight. We could invite the whole family over for a dinner party and announce it then?" She asked.
Spencer nodded. "That sounds good. I kind of want it to be a surprise. You don't think they'll be suspicious because the party is late notice?"
The rocker snorted. "Half of the family is usually hanging around here anyways. Besides, this is like perfect timing cause your parents are here visiting anyways."
"Except Glen, he's on his honeymoon with Madison."
"Will tell him when we get back." Ashley placed her hand over the blonde's stomach. "We're having a baby. Wow. I seriously still can't believe this is happening right now."
Spencer smiled. Neither could she.
^/^/^
"Ashley?" Kyla called out as she entered Davies' Records. She heard crashing symbols and rapid hits of a snare drum sound from a rehearsal room. "Ashley?" She entered the room. The short brunette smirked when she spotted the source of the noise.
Mack sat behind a drum set playing away like a wild man. His eyes were shut close and a set of headphones, from which she assumed music was playing music, were placed over his ears. She laughed a little and cupped her mouth, "Mack!" He didn't hear. "Hello!"
"Now for my ultimate trick!" He tossed his sticks into the air. Unfortunately one of the sticks decided to fly off course and straight towards Kyla's head. She yelped and hit the floor as the item flew passed her. Mack's eyes sprang open at the sound. "Holy shit!" He hopped out of his seat and ran over to the short brunette. He helped her up. "I'm so sorry, Kyla. Are you okay?"
Kyla shrugged off his grip with a light laugh. "I'm fine," she said. "I was just almost knocked out by a random flying drumstick, that's all."
Mack flinched, his green eyes apologetic. "I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to—I didn't know there was anyone in here with me—I'm really sorry—"
"It's fine, really." The short brunette patted his shoulder.
"I was trying to perfect this new stage trick I've been working on with the drumsticks."
"You might need to practice on that one. Don't want to kill an audience member."
"Right." He gave her a short nod as his cheeks flushed. "So, what brings you here? Other than seeing me make a complete ass out of myself?" he asked with a playful smile.
She laughed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "As fascinating as that was, I'm actually here to find my sister. I figured she came back here after she found out Spencer was okay."
"Wait, something was wrong with Mrs. Davies?"
"She fainted, but the doctor says it was just tiredness," she said. "Nothing major, luckily." Mack nodded. "So, do you know where my sister's off to?"
"Oh yeah, no, Ashley isn't here. I think she's at home? Did you call her?"
"Yeah, I tried calling her cell, but the bitch wouldn't answer."
"Wow." Mack chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck.
Kyla frowned confused. "What?"
"Nothing it's just—I've just never heard anyone refer to the Rock Princess as bitch."
"Oh." Kyla rolled her eyes. "She's my sister; I can call her whatever I want."
Mack pointed a finger at her. "Hey, you're sister is a musical genius."
"She snores in her sleep."
"She's won multiple Grammys."
"When I was six she took the brakes off my bike because she thought it'd be funny to watch me riding downhill without them."
"Your sister has been critically acclaimed one of the best female songwriters of our time."
Kyla narrowed her eyes. "She forgets to use a napkin sometimes and wipes her hands on her clothing. She tends to borrow my clothes and one time she wiped her greasy paws on my fifteen hundred dollar jeans while simultaneously spilling ketchup on my nine hundred dollar jacket."
Mack's jaw dropped as he held his hands up. "You win," he said.
"I always do." She laughed then looked around with a shrug. "Well, it looks like I came here for nothing after all."
The drummer gasped mock offended. "You mean talking with me wasn't worth the drive out here. Are my conversations not stimulating?"
She pretended to contemplate his words. "No." She stuck her tongue out.
He rolled his eyes. "Charming…"
"Thank you. I am charming."
"In an annoying immature two year old kind of way."
Kyla was about to reply when her phone rang. It was Ryan. "Hi, babe," she greeted as she watched Mack take a seat on a stool on the other side of the room. "Yeah, I'm at the recording studio looking for Ashley but she's not—oh okay? What time? Alright fine, love you too. Ok, I'll see you there. Bye." She hung up the phone.
Mack looked at her with a raised brow. "Have you got somewhere to go?"
"Yeah, Spencer and Ashley are holding a dinner party."
"Bummer you have to leave," he said with a sarcastic undertone.
"Hey!" She stomped over to the drummer and smacked his arm.
"Ow! Now I really want you to leave!"
"You're an ass and I'm leaving." She let out a scoff and headed for the exit.
"Oh and Kyla?" She turned to look at him and he gave her a sheepish smile. "Sorry about the whole—near death experience when you walked in."
She laughed. "Just make sure it doesn't happen again, killer." She gave him a coy wink and exited.
^/^/^
The dinner party kicked into full swing an hour or so in when everyone had finally arrived at the house. Ashley and Spencer could hardly wait to release the big news. The rocker followed Spencer into the kitchen as the blonde helped the servants fill glasses. "So, when should we tell everybody," she asked as she bounced on the balls of her feet.
Spencer giggled at her wife's eagerness. "Soon."
"Soon as is in like right now?"
The blonde pecked her lips. "After I get people their drinks," she said as she picked up the tray.
Ashley immediately took the tray out of her hands. "I am not putting my pregnant wife through any type of hard labor," she said so only the blonde could hear.
Spencer rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. "Ashley, it's a tray of drinks. That's hardly hard labor."
The rocker shook her head. "I don't care," she said as she handed the tray to a nearby servant. "It's not your job anyways."
"I was being a good host, but fine." Spencer shrugged.
"You're pregnant with our baby, Spencer." Ashley stepped closer to the blonde. "I'm not taking any chances no matter how small the problem."
"Carrying a tray of drinks is an issue?"
"Spencer, humor me here," Ashley whined as she stomped her foot.
"I think your over protectiveness is adorable." The blonde pecked her lips.
"Not in front of the baby," the rocker said with a frown.
Spencer chuckled and turned to pick of a packet of napkins. The napkins were taken out of her hands by her wife. "Ashley?" She frowned at the brunette.
"No chances," Ashley said as she held back a smile.
Spencer rolled her eyes. "Now, you're just being ridiculous," she said as she headed out of the kitchen and into the living room where people were gathered talking amongst one another.
"Not ridiculous." Ashley took hold of her hand. "Cautious."
"If that's what you want to call it." The blonde laughed.
Ashley tugged on her hand. "You ready to tell everybody?"
"Let's do it." Spencer said with a smile.
The rocker led her to the front of the room and swiped a champagne glass on the way. She picked up a discarded fork, tapped it against the glass, and gained the attention of the room. She set down the items and took hold of Spencer's hand once more. "Hey everybody," she said with a smile.
Spencer's eyes scanned the crowd. "We have an announcement to make," she said as she looked at Ashley to continue.
The rocker grinned with a nod. She took in a deep breath and a addressed the crowd, "Everyone, Spencer and I are adopting a cat!"
The house went quiet save for Ashley's laughter, which was cut short as her wife elbowed her in the stomach. "Ashley!" Spencer's face flushed with heat.
"Ow, okay." The rocker tried to compose herself.
Paula smiled at the brunette's antics, all too familiar with them herself. "Okay, you two, what's the big announcement you have to make?" she asked as she eyed the couple.
Kyla crossed her arms. "Yeah, stop messing around, Ashley."
Ashley held her hands up in surrender before turning to her wife. "Angel, why don't you tell the family?" she asked with a smile.
Spencer bit her lip. "Everybody, I'm pregnant. We're having a baby."
The crowd went quiet and, as a whole, their gaze shifted over to Ashley. It was as if they were waiting for a punch line or some type of joke. The rocker smiled and nodded. "That's actually not a joke, we're really having a baby," she said as she gripped her wife's hand.
Cheers from the men erupted and the ladies 'awwed' across the room. The couple became engulfed with hugs and kisses from every direction. Eric, of course, yelled, "Alright, Spence-a-nator!"
Paula tossed her arms around her daughter, "Oh my God! My baby's having a baby! I can't believe this!" She pulled back and gasped. "We have to start planning out the baby room and the shower, oh and clothing." She took hold of her daughter's arm and tugged her in a different direction.
Spencer looked over her shoulder to her wife. "Help me," she mouthed.
Arthur and Ashley chuckled as they watched Paula all but drag Spencer out of the room. The Captain turned to his daughter-in-law and gave her a hug. "Congratulations, mom," he said as he pulled away.
The rocker beamed at the term. "Thanks, Captain C."
Carol watched the happy couple from a distance. Her heart swelled with happiness and her stomach churned with sadness. She couldn't hold back the tears that sprang to her eyes and cascaded down her cheeks. The emotions that racked through her body, sadness, pride, joy, confusion … they were all too much to handle. She stepped out the room and covered her mouth as she attempted to mute her sobs. Curious brown eyes followed her.
The older Davies stepped into the foyer and took a seat on one of the decorative benches. She took in deep breaths as she tried to take the reins on her tears. Footsteps sounded in front of her and she looked up to find Ashley, staring at her with concerned eyes.
The rocker took a seat beside Carol and wrapped her arms around her. "Grandma, are you okay? What's going on?" she asked as she rubbed her back.
Carol pulled back and wiped at the last of her tears. "It's nothing," she said.
Ashley frowned. "Oh it's obviously something. Spill it."
"I—I just wish." Carol sighed as she met her granddaughter's eyes. "I just wish you father was here to see this." She was lying and she felt horrible, but she couldn't tell her the truth. Not now. Not after this life changing, happy news.
Ashley gave her a small smile. "I do too." She took hold of the Older Davies' hand and squeezed. "But he's here." She pointed at her heart. "And I know, in true Davies' fashion, he's rocking out in celebration." They shared a brief laugh.
Carol patted the rocker's hand before she stood up. "I'm just going to head for bed. It's getting late and I'm a little bit tired," she said. The rocker hopped onto her feet and gave her a hug. Carol smiled as they pulled away. "Congratulations, sweetheart."
"Thank you, Grandma."
The older Davies smiled once more before she retired to her room. Ashley's eyes followed her as she went. The rocker had a weird feeling nag at her she couldn't shake. It felt as if something was being hidden or something was off balance. She just couldn't place her finger on it. She was shaken out of her stupor when the front doors open.
Gerri, Eric's girlfriend and Ashley's enemy, shut the door and gave the rocker a smirk. Ashley raised an unimpressed eyebrow at the short blonde. "Ew," she said before making her way back into the party and over to her wife.
Gerri rolled her eyes. "Right back at ya, sore loser!" She shook her head and looked for Eric. She spotted him near Ashley talking with other Trouble Makers. The sassy blonde jogged over to the group and sneaked behind the driver.
Spencer watched amused as Gerri signaled for her and Ashley to be quiet as she prepared to tickle the driver's sides. Ashley grinned and turned to Eric. "Gerri's behind you, Eric."
The short blonde's hands dropped to her sides as she glared at the rocker. Ashley sent her a wink. Eric turned to his girlfriend and smiled. They shared a kiss and naturally, Ashley pretended to barf. Gerri pulled back and gave the rocker a sneer. "Very mature, mom."
Ashley narrowed her eyes. "How did you know about the pregnancy?" She looked towards Eric. "How did the heathen know about it without us telling her?"
Eric shrugged. "I called her."
"Congratulations by the way," Gerri said as she smiled towards Spencer and glared at Ashley.
Ryan placed an arm around Ashley's shoulder. "Okay," he said. "There's way too much animosity between you two and we don't need all these negative vibes around the baby."
"I agree," Spencer said.
"I'm not the one who cheated." Ashley gave a pointed look at Gerri.
The short blonde scoffed. "I did not cheat!"
"Yes you did!"
"Oh, shut up!"
"You shut up!"
"Both of you shut up," Kyla said with a shake of her head.
Ryan decided to press on, "There's only one way to settle this—and not with any form of violence Ashley—I say, you two settle this with a little round of—"
"Naked mud wrestling!" Eric shouted. He let out a grunt of pain as Kyla and Spencer smacked him in the stomach. "Or not." He whined.
Ryan shook his head. "No, I meant you two should play a round on the air hockey table." His eyes shifted between the two women. "What do you say?"
"I say let's do it," Ashley said.
Gerri nodded. "I'm down."
The group headed down into the game room. Once everyone was settled into a comfortable watching distance Ashley and Gerri took their spots on either side of the table. The rocker shot the short blonde a mischievous smirk. "Ready to loose, short stack?" she asked as she clutched her pusher.
"Bring it, Mama Bear." Gerri smirked.
Eric tilted his head towards Kyla's and whispered, "Is it just me, or did that come out sounding very sexual?" He flinched when Kyla raised her hand. "Okay, I'll shut up."
"Alright ladies," Ryan said as self appointed referee. "One round, whoever scores first is the winner. Are you ready?" He received nods from both girls. "Alright, go!"
Ashley hit the puck with lightening speed. It soared over to Gerri who quickly deflected it, pushing over onto the rocker's side. Ashley returned the push with an extra kick. Gerri used the momentum to bank the puck onto the side of table. The puck bounced from side to side at unmentionable speed. Ashley tried to keep her eye on it, but it was moving too fast. As it neared she attempted to time the puck's arrival, but it was too late. Slipping past the rocker's defenses the puck skidded into her goal.
Gerri tossed her pusher onto the table and threw her arms up. "What you gotta say now?" She challenged the rocker.
Ashley sighed and dropped her head. God, this was killing her. Meeting the shorter blonde's gaze she held out her hand. "You won, fair and square," she said.
Gerri smiled and shook her hand. "Thank you."
"I still don't like you," the rocker said with a forced smile.
"Right back at ya, big head."
Kyla rested her head against Ryan's shoulder and grinned. "I like this girl."
^/^/^
Christie entered the Davies' mansion and looked around. The red head frowned when she didn't see any of the Trouble Makers around. She spotted Paula and walked towards the Carlin. "Hey, Mrs. Carlin, how are you?" She greeted.
Paula smiled and brought the red headed Texan into a hug. "It's Paula and I'm doing good Christie, how are you, where's your lovely fiancée?" she asked as she pulled back.
"I'm fine. Jenny's a little under the weather so she stayed home." Christie looked around. "Where is everybody?" she asked.
Paula rolled her eyes and chuckled. "They're all back in the game room having some sort of competition or something. You'd think they were all children still, honestly."
The red head laughed. "We're all kids at heart," she said. "I'm gonna go ahead and join them, but it was nice seeing you Mrs. Carlin—"
"It's Paula, Christie. You know that."
Christed blushed. "I'll see you later, Paula," she said before she headed down the hallway.
On the way, towards the basement door, she passed by Carol's room and noticed the door was ajar. She stopped in front of the room and grinned. It'd been a while since she'd seen the older Davies. Pushing the door all the open she noticed the room was dark save for a small lamp light on the end table. As she stepped further into the room she could make out Carol sitting on the bed. She wasn't sure but it looked like the older Davies was—taking medication?
"Grandma?" she asked announcing her presence.
Carol jumped at the noise and turned to look at the redhead in the door way. "Christie? When did you get here?" she asked as she shuffled to hide her various arrangements of medicine into her night stand.
"I just got in," the red head said absently as she trudged over to the older Davies. Moving fast she snatched up one of the pill bottles. She read the prescription and looked up at Carol. "Grandma, this is really strong stuff you're taking, what is this for?" she asked.
Carol took the bottle out of her hands. "It's nothing, sweetie. It's just a medication I take for—my back pains I get sometimes—"
"Carol, don't lie to me." Christie crossed her arms. "I was an addict for ten years I know a strong drug when I see it, now tell me, what is that medicine for?" Then in a softer tone, "Is there something wrong?"
Carol held back tears as her shoulder slumped. She motioned for Christie to shut the door and sit next to her. The redhead obeyed and patiently waited for an answer. Carol took in a deep breath and looked at the Texan. "Christie," she said. "This medicine is for my disease."
Christie's eyes widened. "Disease? What disease? What are you talking about—"
"I have Guillain-Barre Syndrome." Carol continued with a sniffle.
"W-What's that?"
"It's a disorder where my immune system attacks my nervous system." She wiped at her eyes. "It means my muscles weaken, I'm more prone to catching a sickness then others and—my body is basically eating itself alive." A sob escaped her throat.
Christie wrapped her arms around the fragile woman as a few tears trickled down her own face. "Oh, God Carol." She tightened her hold. "Does the family know about this?"
"No." The older Davies dropped her head.
Christie pulled back and gasped. "How long have you known—h-how long have you kept this a secret from everybody?" Her voice raised an octave.
Shame took cloaked Carol. "For nearly three years."
Christie's jaw dropped. Her mouth worked to form words, but she couldn't say anything. Her mind reeled as her heart began to thud painfully in her chest. She let out a huff and as her eyes shifted from shock to anger. "How could you?" She hopped from the bed and began to pace.
Carol stood and attempted to calm the redhead. "I couldn't tell—"
"The hell you couldn't," the Texan shot back. "Carol, you are dying and you've been keeping this secret for three damn years! Are you insane?"
"Please, keep your voice down." Carol hastened.
Christie gave her an incredulous stare. "Keep my voice down—Carol, this is crazy!"
The older Davies nodded adamantly. "I know, I know, but the family can't know—"
"Well, allow me to tell them." Christie turned to the door. She felt a hand grasp her arm and turn her around. "What?" she hissed as she shrugged off the grasp.
"You can't tell them!"
"Why?"
"Because it's not the right timing," Carol said as she shook her head. "I was going to tell them tonight, but then—"
"Why couldn't you tell them?"
"Spencer's pregnant," the older Davies said. "I can't take away their happiness."
Christie's eyes softened. "Spencer's pregnant?"
Carol nodded and cleared her throat. "That's what the dinner party was for. I was going to tell everyone tonight and then she announced the news. I can't tell tonight, not when everyone's happy."
"You should have told them before," the red head shot back. She fell onto the bed and placed her hands over her face. "God, this is all messed up."
"I'll tell them, soon." Carol said as she placed a hand on the Texan's back. "Just not tonight, please? Don't let me take this moment from them—they've been through so much."
Christie picked her head up and sighed. "This is bad, Carol."
"I know but—please Christie you have to understand—"
"No, I don't understand." Christie stood and walked to the door.
Panic gripped Carol. "Wait!" The Texan turned to her. "Are you going to tell them—"
Christie shook her head. "No, but if you don't soon, I will," she warned before she left the room.
Carol nodded as her insides went numb. "Soon," she said to herself.
