I don't own That's So Raven or any affiliated characters, yadda yadda yadda. Thanks for the reviews – they are all read and appreciated. So here's chapter two, to the best of my ability.
Chelsea gazed at herself in the full-length mirror, face mostly void of emotion. She knew Raven wanted her to be happy but she couldn't smile. The feeling she had at the moment was fear, which she knew was absurd. Raven wouldn't hurt her, ever.
"So? Do you like it?" Raven was seated beside the mirror holding a few plastic bags in her hands. She'd hoped that getting Chelsea out and into new clothes would help improve Chelsea's mood.
"Yeah, Rae, it's great." Chelsea turned slightly so she could see how far out her stomach had stretched. It wasn't far, and for that, Chelsea was grateful. Twins wouldn't fit into that space, not unless they were really small kids. Sure, she wanted her little girl, but only one for now.
The sight of Raven's smiling face reminded her of the worry easing through her body. Before getting married, her husband Walter had treated her to outings similar to this. Usually it was followed by a light dinner and a romantic evening back at his apartment. She closed her eyes, fighting tears.
Raven was at her side in a heart beat, "Here, Chels, let's get you out of this and I'll pay. We can get some lunch, okay?"
Chelsea nodded and hated herself for allowing a backwash of bad emotion. Over the past few days she'd suffered through quite a few. Little things nearly set her off – like the shopping. Try as she might, she couldn't keep Raven from finding out.
Peeling the maternity dress off, Chelsea handed it over the door of her dressing room. She wasn't sure why they were shopping; she was nearly due to deliver, so whatever maternity wear she purchased would be used for a few weeks, a month at the most. Raven insisted, however, that Chelsea allow herself to be pampered.
Back in her everyday clothing, Chelsea wandered through racks of clothing, taking her time before meeting up with Raven at the registers. Her fingertips trailed over the folded shirts but she didn't bother looking at them.
It was ridiculous, she decided, to assume Raven would be courting her in the same way that Walter had. Raven's current devotion to her was probably pity. That and perhaps some deeply rooted guilt that she hadn't helped Chelsea earlier. Chelsea blushed slightly – it wasn't that she was against affection from Raven, just that she found it highly doubtable that Raven would cast attention on her.
After all, Raven was a well-to-do, high powered woman who probably had a list of men she could call upon at any given time for a date. And as far as Chelsea knew, Raven wasn't into women. If past experiences were anything to judge by, Raven was the straightest girl she'd ever met. Chelsea wasn't against a relationship dealing with the same gender; she liked to consider herself rather pansexual. Love was love, regardless of age, gender, race, or whatever.
Raven finished making her purchases and wove through the aisles of new clothing. Upon spotting Chelsea, she subconsciously smiled goofily. Chelsea met her gaze and smiled back, though her smile wasn't as happy. It seemed almost forced – Raven was slightly disappointed. She was trying so hard to get Chelsea back on her feet and help Chels through this whole mess, but she didn't know how to help. She wasn't a walking psychological dictionary.
"Ready for some lunch?"
Chelsea shrugged her shoulders but nodded. It would take a few minutes, but the ill-feeling would pass. The best thing for now was to get out of the store and get some fresh air. Raven laced their arms together and led them out the large doors and into the warm afternoon sunshine.
Feeling bold, Raven eased herself closer, so they were walking shoulder to shoulder. When Chelsea didn't complain, Rae took it to be a good sign; she made no move to step away. Chelsea was relaxing slowly, glad for companionship that wasn't demanding.
"Where are we eating?" Chelsea whispered. There was no need to talk any louder at this proximity.
Raven ignored the excited shivers that whisper evoked, "A little Italian place. They just opened a few months ago, but they are delish."
"Can I treat?"
"No! This is your day to relax, kick back, be pampered."
"Rae, you treat me to every meal, every day," Chelsea retorted, though her heart wasn't in it, "Please, let me do something for you."
Raven shook her head, "You'll get your chance after your baby is born. Until then, you are to have no worries. Doctor's orders."
"We haven't gone to the doctor, yet." Chelsea glanced at Raven's wrist, "What time is it anyway? I don't want to be late."
"Don't worry!" Raven guided them along and into the restaurant, "I'm very aware of when your appointment is."
"So what time is it?" Chelsea persisted.
"It's twelve-thirty. Your appointment is at four-fifteen. We've got plenty of time." Raven smiled at the host, a skinny whip of a fellow dressed formally in black slacks and a white button down shirt. "Table for two?"
"Right this way," he bowed his head slightly and picked up two menus. He weaved through the many tables to a booth near the back of the restaurant, where he waited patiently for his customers to take their seats. "Juan will be your waiter – he should be by shortly."
"Thanks…" Raven glanced to the host's name tag, "Tim."
Tim nodded curtly and returned to his podium. Chelsea had to contain a giggle; she found it fairly funny that Raven took the time to call all people by their names, even in situations where no offense would be taken.
"Why do you do that? Use his name, I mean?"
Raven shrugged. "I don't know. Just seems nice. Besides, it doesn't hurt anyone."
Chelsea smiled and turned her attention to the menu, "What are you having?"
"I was leaning towards the Zuppa Toscana."
Chelsea blinked blankly, "I was just going to have spaghetti."
Raven chuckled, "If you want."
A few minutes later Juan approached and took their orders and left them in peace. Raven watched him go, eyes lingering on him. Chelsea noticed, narrowing her eyes slightly. She felt a tinge of – she jerked upright in her chair. What exactly was she feeling, she questioned silently. The last time she'd felt like that was when Walter had been eyeing another woman.
"Earth to Chelsea," Raven waved a fork in front of Chelsea's face.
"Huh?" Chels shook her head quickly and smiled.
"I asked if you had thought of any names for the baby."
"Oh… Walter was going to name her Sonia." Chelsea murmured, playing with her napkin and dropping her eyes.
"What were you going to name her?" Raven emphasized the 'you', sensing that Chelsea hadn't been fond of that.
"I wanted to name her Raven." Chelsea blushed fiercely.
Raven's face broke into a wide smile, "After me?"
"Yes… but I can't anymore. Since you're here. Two Raven's is one too many divas." Chelsea joked.
"What other ideas did you have?"
"Maybe Hannah. I hadn't thought too hard about it, since Walter was set on Sonia."
"We—um, well, you still have a few weeks." Raven mentally kicked herself for slipping; she couldn't automatically proclaim them a "we" like that. After all, it was Chelsea's baby and it was Chelsea's job to pick a name.
"You'll help right?"
"Sure." Raven leaned back in her chair, sniffing the air, "I think our food is coming."
The rest of lunch passed quickly. Chelsea was slightly self-conscious of her manners, hoping they were up to par for the restaurant. She was too distracted to notice Raven sneaking in little glances at her as she ate. Raven paid the bill with one of her many credit cards and helped Chelsea to her feet.
"Shall I flag a taxi?"
Chelsea nodded, resting her hands by her side. The food, as Raven said it would be, was delicious. She was content to sit back and let the food settle. Raven stepped near the street, throwing an arm up. The first few cabbies ignored her but she persisted until one pulled to the curb. Acting as the gentleman, she pulled the door open and helped Chelsea in before sitting down inside as well.
It was a short ride – eight blocks west. If Chelsea weren't pregnant, Raven would have preferred a brisk walk. She'd come to enjoy the thick crowds, the honking, the small dogs, and tall buildings. San Francisco was bustling but it couldn't hold a candle to New York. When they arrived at the doctor's building, Raven once again held the door for Chelsea and attended to her friend as they got in the elevator and hurried up to the fifth floor – Prenatal care and nursery.
"Name?" The woman behind the main desk appeared flustered; it had been a busy day and showed no signs of letting up.
"Scott, Chelsea Scott. I have a four-fifteen appointment with Dr. Mossel." Chelsea retrieved a pen and scribbled her name onto the sheaf of attendance paper. Most of the names above hers were highlighted in bright yellow, marking that they had, in fact, seen the doctor already.
Chelsea ran a finger over her name, wishing it were different. Legally, her name was Scott still – at least until she had the time to revert back to Daniels. A silly part of her mind threw in that she wouldn't mind being Chelsea Baxter, either.
She slid the attendance sheet away from her and crossed to room to wait in one of the many comfortable chairs. Raven was already seated, flipping through one of the various ragged magazines. The way Raven was flipping through the pages made it clear that she wasn't actually reading. It was merely something to do with her hands.
Chelsea chuckled quietly. "Why are you nervous, Rae? I'm the one with the kid in my uterus."
Raven put the magazine back onto a pile, "Who knows. I guess I'm the father for now."
"So what are you? Man, woman, or magical beast?" Chels joked, easily falling back into old routine. Though eight years had passed, acting silly with Raven was natural. They had, after all, had these parts for fifteen years.
"I prefer to think of myself as goddess." Raven smirked.
"Mrs. Scott?" An orderly called from the doorway, "The doctor will see you now."
Chelsea got to her feet hesitantly, "Come with me?"
"Of course." Raven was at her side in a heart beat.
The doctor's room had starkly white walls, though a colorful pink and blue border danced along near the ceiling. Medical tools were placed neatly in easy to reach places, a few plastic chairs lined the wall, and a comfortable looking chair rested in the center. Chelsea eased back into the main chair while Raven took a seat along the wall.
"Well, Mrs. Scott," a tall woman with thin black glasses and sharp eyes entered the room. She had a pencil tucked behind her ear, "It's almost odd that you're switching doctors at such a late stage in your pregnancy."
"Please, call me Chelsea. And… I have my reasons." The last half of her speech dropped to near a whisper.
"And you are?" Dr. Mossel turned to Raven expectantly, "Surely you aren't the father."
"No, best friend and supporter. Raven Baxter." Raven held out her hand which the doctor shook firmly.
"Alright, let's get started."
Half an hour later the doctor was satisfied. She was able to show Chelsea an ultrasound of the baby, complete with miniature beating heart. She was able to confirm Chelsea's belief that the child would be female. Most importantly, at least to Chelsea, she was able to say that the baby was completely healthy and on schedule.
"I'll see you next week," Dr. Mossel handed a small white business card to Chelsea, "And every week until the baby is actually born."
"Thanks, Doc." Chelsea slid off the table, rubbing her stomach. Raven joined her and they turned to leave.
"Ms. Baxter, may I speak with you a moment?"
Raven pushed Chelsea gently, "I'll find you in the waiting room."
Chelsea nodded, glancing only momentarily at Dr. Mossel. Mossel waved good-bye before turning her attention to Raven.
"Can you tell me what happened?" Mossel enquired, "I know it's probably very personal, but I'd like to know what I'm dealing with. Should I expect a father to show up?"
Raven considered her options a moment before speaking. She could answer truthfully – after all, Chelsea had never told her not to say anything – but that seemed like a breach of trust.
"All I can say is that things with Mr. Scott were not too good. If he shows up, I'd ask you not to let him near Chelsea."
"I can't promise anything. If he is the child's father, and Chelsea's husband, I'm afraid he has more rights than 'best friend and supporter'." Mossel responded rather apologetically.
"I intend to fix that." Raven murmured, "I'm hoping to get Chelsea to start the divorcing process, soon."
Dr. Mossel nodded, "So I'll see you next week as well?"
"Of course." Raven smiled, "Good day, Dr. Mossel."
With that she exited the office and found Chelsea peering at the same magazine Raven had discarded earlier. Chelsea was smiling faintly and didn't notice Raven's approach. She jumped slightly as Raven startled her into attention.
"So what do you say we go celebrate the baby's health?"
Chelsea beamed, "I say sure."
It was times like this when Chelsea was glad to have a friend like Raven.
