Chapter 2
The next several weeks had been uneventful for Nathan and Maxie. Nina had given Maxie until the Thanksgiving holiday off from work after Maxie's passing out and given both Doctor Lee and Monica's advising Maxie to take it easy for the next couple of weeks. Kelly called Maxie the next day having her bloodwork back and was slightly concerned with her blood pressure being elevated. It wasn't anything to be too worried about, but to insure Maxie had a smooth pregnancy, Kelly ordered Maxie to rest as much as possible. With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, Maxie found she had been getting restless. Nathan had been busy working extra shifts so that he could spend the holiday with Maxie where the holidays would now be extra special because of Maxie's pregnancy.
Maxie had decided that she was going to wait and share her happy news with her family on the holiday. Nathan and Maxie were going to spend Thanksgiving over at Mac and Felicia's, and Robin and Emma were coming to spend the holidays right up until Christmas with Anna. Georgie couldn't get that much time off school, so she wasn't gonna be able to see her for the holiday; she'd have to wait until Christmas.
Maxie did tell her of her pregnancy over a facetime call with Spinelli, and Georgie was a little confused at first, but she took it like the little champ that she is. She was excited, and she kept asking Maxie if the baby would be there when she came to visit for Christmas.
Thanksgiving morning Nathan and Maxie were up early getting ready to go to Mac and Felicia's. Nathan had put a pot of coffee on while Maxie had gotten in the shower.
Maxie had taken longer than usual getting ready. After showering, she was trying to decide what she wanted to wear. Her clothes were just starting to get tight for her, and in addition to that, she felt terrible. This was more than the pregnancy, but how could she tell Nathan and her parents that she was too sick to come celebrate Thanksgiving with them? She started to notice at times when she was doing a lot of running around she'd become short of breath, and her heart would start racing. She could usually hide it if she could pace herself. So, she figured that today, would be no different. She finally decided on a Burgundy sweater with matching pants. She figured the sweater would be perfect for those cool crisp fall days, and it would hide the slight baby bump that she had noticed.
Looking at the clock which read 11:30, Maxie finally made her way downstairs where Nathan was eating.
"max, you hungry? I made breakfast, and coffee." Nathan said smiling up at her.
The doctor told Maxie that she could have coffee if she switched to decaf for the remainder of her pregnancy.
"yeh, I'm starving."
"yeah, me too"
Nathan then put a plate of pancakes in front of Maxie and poured her some coffee.
After breakfast, they decided to make their way to Mac and Felicia's.
Once they had arrived, the house already was full of guests. Everyone had been talking, and catching up, and munching on snacks before dinner.
Maxie decided to go into the kitchen to help Mac and Felicia get the table ready for dinner.
"Maxie, I have been meaning to ask you, are you alright? Felicia asked a little concerned.
"yeah, Mom, why?"
"Well, I heard about your fainting spell at work, and I know that there's been lots of colds and the flu season is starting soon. Plus, you've also been very distant with me lately. You and Nathan aren't having problems, are you? I hope not."
God, Maxie hated that Felicia could almost sense something was up with her.
"No, Mom. Nathan and I are fine. I've just been tired lately. You know, with the holidays, and my always working so much."
"Well, alright, but are you sure Honey? You look pail"
Maxie had thought that she put enough makeup on her face to cover up how pail she really did look.
"yeah, I'm fine. Want me to help set the table?"
"Sure, Honey. Felicia said handing Maxie some plates.
Maxie silently cursed Mac and Felicia feeling that while Mac and Nathan had gone into the living room to watch TV, Nathan was getting grilled by Mac. She'd have to talk to him about that.
Just a few minutes later, Felicia had put the turkey on the table, and yelled for everyone to come out for dinner. After Robin carved the turkey, everyone sat down for dinner. Nathan looked over at Maxie and Smiled.
"Want to tell them now? Nathan whispered.
Before Maxie could answer, Mac came in the kitchen carrying a bottle of champagne. Mac then went to the kitchen and grabbed some glasses from the cabinet, as Felicia opened the bottle. Felicia took the glasses from Mac and began pouring them for everyone. She placed two glasses in front of Nathan and Maxie. Maxie thought she should now take this opportunity to share her news.
"I'd like to make a toast." Mac said cheerfully.
"Wait, Uncle Mac. Nathan and I have something to tell everyone."
Felicia smiled at Maxie and Nathan and motioned for Mac to sit down beside her. Felicia instantly suspected what Maxie was going to say. She hoped anyway as soon as she heard about Maxie's fainting spell.
Nathan took Maxie's hand and smiled over at her before Maxie began to speak.
"Okay, so, Mom was asking me about my fainting spell that I had a couple of weeks ago at work, and I know Uncle Mac is probably going crazy wondering too. I figured that I'd wait until the holidays to tell you all our news. Everyone, Nathan and I are gonna have a baby."
All at once everyone started cheering on the happy news and yelling congratulations.
"Oh Maxie, how are you feeling, Honey? Felicia asked.
"I'm fine, Mom. It's just typical symptoms but that's it. Kelly and Monica are gonna monitor me because of my history, so we'll be fine."
"Well then, I think this definitely calls for a toast!" Mac said raising his glass.
They all raised their own glasses as Mac began.
"I would like to make a toast to family. I am thankful that we are all able to be here to celebrate another holiday as a family together. I'd also like to take a moment to remember those in our family who are no longer with us here but are with us in our hearts."
Mac then looked up at the mantle and pointed to a picture of Georgie.
"To family."
"To family." They all cheered and clinked their glasses.
"To Maxie and Nathan, and Baby West!" Felicia cheered, and they all clinked glasses again.
After dinner, Robin, Maxie and Felicia went to clean up, and get ready to bring out the desserts. As Maxie was doing the dishes, she felt a light tap on her shoulder.
"Hey Maxie, are you really alright?" Robin asked.
Robin had noticed that Maxie looked quite pail, and she also noticed Maxie seemed a little short of breath and looked flushed.
"I'm fine, Robin. Don't you start worrying too."
"Maxie, I'm a doctor. If I notice something, you know I'm gonna ask you about it. You know you have to be extra careful because —
"I know, and that's why I'm being monitored carefully by Kelly and Monica." Maxie interrupted.
"Okay, but will you at least let me take your temperature?"
"No, I'll be fine. I'm just gonna finish cleaning up and-
"No, Maxie, I'll do it. Why don't you lay down and take a nap? Don't worry; I won't tell Mac and Felicia for now. I'll come get you when it's time for dessert."
Maxie gave Robin a smile and went upstairs to her old room to take a nap.
As Maxie laid down, she realized just how exhausted she really was. The day had begun to wear on her. Still though, she didn't think she'd feel this awful. She placed her phone on the nightstand beside the bed and turned the covers down. She crawled into bed, and just as soon as she hit the pillow, she had fallen asleep.
Meanwhile, Mac and Nathan had gone into the living room as the girls were cleaning up in the kitchen. Nathan had been rather quiet, and it hadn't gone unnoticed by Mac.
Mac had been concerned about Maxie after hearing that she had fainted at work and seemed exhausted. Because he had raised Maxie and Georgie since they were little, he picked up on a few things, and could always tell when something was wrong with his girls.
He also knew that Maxie wouldn't really do anything about it unless, it was so urgent she was nearly dying. Even then, she was always so stubborn, so Mac needed to make sure that Nathan was truly gonna be there to take care of her.
"Nathan, is Maxie really okay? I just think that Maxie's not telling us everything about what's been going on with her." Mac wondered looking over at Nathan who was flipping through channels looking for a game on TV.
Hearing Mac's question, and noting his concern on his face, Nathan turned off the TV, and turned towards Mac who had sat down on the couch beside him.
Nathan had also sensed something was wrong, but Maxie did as she always does, and hid it well.
"I don't know, Mac. I am worried that this pregnancy could be difficult for her, but you know Max; she won't say anything about it. She just tells me she's fine, and it's just the typical signs and symptoms of pregnancy. I did notice today though, that she seems like the slightest bit of exertion is difficult for her. This morning, after getting ready, her face was red, and she just didn't look well."
"Well, did you ask her about it?"
"No because I didn't want to fight about it before coming here. I'm gonna ask her though when we're home. I had this hunch that the doctors are worried too, but Maxie's probably downplaying everything to them too."
"Well, Nathan, listen. We all know how Maxie is, and sometimes, it's easy to forget that she is more susceptible than most people are to become gravely ill. So, if you notice anything at all, please let me and Felicia know, and take care of my girl."
Nathan assured Mac that he'd take care of Maxie, and he had been happy to do so. Never having much of a father figure in his life, he was glad to see that Maxie had such a positive father figure in her life. He only hoped that he would be half the father Mac had been to Maxie to their own children.
"Anyone ready for dessert? Felica called from the kitchen.
"Mac and Nathan walked out to the kitchen and sat down.
"Want coffee?" Felicia ask putting the large pot on the table.
Everyone sat down for dessert, as Felicia went around pouring coffee.
"Where's Maxie has anyone seen her?"
"I think she went to take a nap because she was exhausted." Robin said
"I'll go tell her to come down."
Robin went upstairs to Maxie's room.
She gave a gentle knock on the door, and when she got no answer, she opened it and quietly walked in the room.
"Maxie, you ready to come down for dessert? There's pumpkin pie." Robin whispered gently shaking Maxie's shoulder. When Maxie didn't open her eyes, Robin started to worry.
"Maxie, it's robin. Can you hear me?" Robin spoke louder this time and shook her again.
Maxie's eyes slowly opened, and she saw Robin standing over her.
"Geeze Robin, you don't need to yell at me." Maxie groaned sleepily.
"I'll be down in a minute; I'm just so tired."
"Maxie, I want to make sure you're okay; you don't look well at all." Robin said growing concerned. "Don't move. I want to take your temperature. Don't worry; Uncle Mac, Mom, and Felicia won't even know, but Maxie, if something's wrong, you're going to the hospital okay?"
Maxie sometimes hated that there was a doctor in the family if nothing else, for this reason. Maxie if she was being honest with herself, felt awful. She was beginning to feel sweaty, and she noticed she was starting to feel twinges of chest pain.
Robin returned with her medical bag, and grabbed the thermometer, blood pressure cuff, and a stethoscope.
"Robin, really? Is this really necessary?" Maxie complained growing annoyed.
"Yes, Maxie it is. If you're not gonna take care of yourself during this pregnancy, obviously, someone else has to do it for you. This won't take long, and if your vitals come back normal, then I won't press the issue, but Maxie, this is serious, and don't think I'm the only one who notices your symptoms either." Robin said.
She didn't mean to be so harsh with Maxie, but if anyone knew what it meant to take care of their own health, it was Robin. Given her HIV diagnosis as a teenager, Robin had to insure she was diligent about taking every precaution she had to in order for her to live a healthy life. She had been able to do that, and it worried her that Maxie was being so careless with her health.
Robin went to the other side of the bed and began to roll up Maxie's sleeve.
"Lie back, Maxie, I'm gonna take your blood pressure." Robin began taking Maxie's vitals making mental notes in her head. When she was done, she sighed.
"Maxie, you really have to be careful. Your blood pressure is quite high, and your heart's racing. I think you've done too much today, and you should go—
"No Robin," Maxie yelled. "I'm fine. I'm just tired that's all. I promise I won't stay too much longer. I'll come down and get something to eat and go home."
"No, Maxie. I think you should relax, and in a little while, you can go. I'm gonna tell Nathan."
Just then, they heard a knock at the door.
"Maxie, Robin, are you in there? Are you coming down for dessert?" Felicia called from outside the door.
"Robin, whatever you do, don't tell my mom!" Maxie begged.
"Maxie, I have to. If not your Mom, Nathan has to know. You should have told him that this pregnancy could be difficult for you."
"It wasn't supposed to be though; I was fine when I had George—
"Maxie, you almost died as you gave birth to her. Don't you remember that?" Robin yelled.
"Girls, what's going on in there?" Felicia asked as she opened the door entering the room.
"Maxie, honey, are you alright?"
Felicia walked to the head of the bed standing beside Robin.
"I'm fine, Mom. Please don't worry. Go back downstairs, and I'll be down in a mi—
"Maxie, you are not fine." Robin insisted looking over at Felicia.
"Maxie, I'm sorry, but I'm gonna have to tell her."
"Um… Robin, no you don't. Doesn't this fall under some doctor patient confidentiality privilege or something?"
Maxie was starting to panic now. If Robin told her, the whole family's holiday would be ruined, and Nathan would never leave her alone after that. Mac and Felicia would also hover over her for the remainder of her pregnancy driving Maxie crazy.
Robin was growing frustrated with Maxie, and she knew that Maxie had a point that she couldn't argue with her about. Or could she?
Being that Maxie was family, and not one of Robin's patients, she gained the upper hand.
"Maxie, ordinarily, you'd be right, but you're not my patient, you are my cousin. So, I'm sorry, but –
"for God's sake Robin! Tell me, what is wrong with my daughter?" Felicia panicked.
"Felicia, I will tell you, but I think you should get Nathan. He deserves to know what's going on here."
Felicia looked from Robin to Maxie before leaving the room and running downstairs.
"thanks a lot Robin." Maxie whined.
She knew she shouldn't have been so furious with Robin, because she knew it was coming from a place of love, but sometimes, she wished that her family would just leave her alone. Maxie was well aware of the risks that could be involved, and she saw no reason to tell Nathan if there was nothing to worry about. It wasn't like Maxie wouldn't know when things were getting too much for her right?
"Look, Maxie, I'm not gonna apologize for being concerned about you. God knows you can be so irresponsible, and if you're not gonna take care of yourself, then at least do this for the sake of your child."
Just then, Felicia and Nathan walked into the room. Nathan walked over to Maxie and gently kissed her forehead.
"you alright Max?"
"No, Nathan, she's not." Robin answered before Maxie had the chance to protest.
Maxie sat up slowly and glared at Robin before Robin continued.
"Nathan, I'm glad you are here now because you need to know what you are dealing with here."
Nathan sat on the bed beside Maxie and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"Nathan, she's a doctor, who is overreacting as all doctors do. I'm fine. I'm just tired because of all of the excitement from the day. Right Robin?"
"Wrong, Maxie." Robin countered.
"Look guys, given Maxie's complex medical history, she is someone that had to be more careful than most under the best of circumstances.
"We know that Robin, but what's the problem now? She had a normal pregnancy with Georgie right up until she went into labor at my wedding. What's different now?" Felicia asked.
"Well, I don't know. Sometimes, these things happen for no reason at all. She did have a relatively smooth pregnancy with Georgie, but now, for whatever reason, her blood pressure is very high, and I'm concerned that this pregnancy is affecting her heart."
Maxie was becoming infuriated with Robin now. She could feel that her blood pressure was rising, but she was also starting to get scared. She started noticing that her heart was beating faster, and not only that, she had begun having pain in her lower back and light cramping in her stomach.
"Maxie may be suffering from a condition called preeclampsia which means she's got high blood pressure. I could be wrong, but I think her increased blood pressure is causing her to have some difficulties. Nathan, have you noticed any symptoms like shortness of breath?" Robin asked for her own reassurance.
"Yes, now that you mention it." Nathan answered looking at Maxie.
"Max, how could you not tell me that there were risks involved with this pregnancy? Wouldn't this have been something we would have had to discuss before thinking of having children in the first place?"
"Nathan, I have been feeling fine, and I didn't think there would be anything to worry about. Lots of people who have had heart transplants go on to lead healthy and normal lives."
"That's all true, Maxie, but you need to consider your own history. You've had a couple of close calls because of infections putting a strain on your heart." Robin interjected." We are all worried that this pregnancy the more the pregnancy progresses, the bigger the strain will be on her heart."
"Maxie, how could you not tell me this? Did the doctor say any of this to you as she was giving you her exam when I left the room?" Nathan yelled More out of fear than anger.
Nathan rarely ever yelled at Maxie and thinking that Nathan had yelled out of anger stung Maxie. Maxie looked at Nathan and opened her mouth to speak but couldn't. How could she tell him that was exactly what both Monica and Kelly had warned her about and destroy Nathan's dreams of having children of their own? Nathan just stared at Maxie waiting for her to respond. Instead, Maxie looked from Robin to Felicia for some reassurance as to what she should do. When she got nothing from either of them, she began to cry.
"Nathan, I'm sure Maxie didn't keep this from you on purpose. She probably thought that as long as she rested enough before the holidays, she'd be fine, and she wouldn't have to worry you so much." Felicia said going to comfort Maxie whose sobs were coming faster and harder now.
"Felicia, I get that, but I'm her husband. It's my job to take care of her and my family. If she's gonna keep things from me, how—
"Nathan, I'm sorry. I didn't think it would be this bad." Maxie sniffed.
"You didn't think it would be this bad? Max, how could you be so careless? Maybe, this shouldn't have happened. Maybe, we should have been more careful when—
"Nathan, Stop!" Felicia yelled. She noticed that Maxie looked like she was in pain, and she didn't want Nathan upsetting her more than he already seemed to.
"robin get me some water for Maxie; she needs to calm down. She doesn't look good."
"I will, but Felicia, Nathan's right."
"Shut up Robin!" Maxie screamed.
She couldn't believe that Robin and Nathan, her husband were going against her this way. Nathan, who had always wanted children, was now wishing that she wasn't pregnant, and Robin agreed?
"Maxie, we're not say—
"Yes, you are, Robin! You don't think I thought of those risks beforehand? You don't think I live with the reminder every day about my heart? I realize that I have to be extra careful, but unlike all of you seem to, I don't choose to dwell on it. I want to live a normal life as pos—Ow! It hurts!" Maxie yelled falling back onto the bed in pain.
Noticing Maxie clutching her stomach, Robin ran to get some water.
Just then, there was another knock at the door and this time, Mac's voice was heard yelling.
"hey guys, what's going on up there? Hey West, did you do something to my daughter? If you did I swear to God—
"Mac, it's fine. Maxie's just not feeling very well that's all. "Felicia said.
"Okay, but I heard a lot of yelling going on in here, and Robin looks worried."
"We're fine, Mac" Felicia reassured.
Nathan stood in shocked silence as he stared up at Maxie.
"Max, I'm so sorry." I didn't—
"Nathan don't worry about that now. Robin's gonna come back with some water for Maxie, and we'll give her something light to eat, and she can relax." Felicia said smiling up at Nathan.
She hoped her words were reassuring to him, but the truth was, she was beginning to worry about Maxie and the baby too. What if Maxie was really in trouble, and if her complications would have an effect on their unborn child, what would that do to Maxie?
Just then, Robin returned with a large glass of water for Maxie.
"Maxie, can you sit up? How's your pain?" Robin asked holding the glass of water to Maxie.
Maxie sat up ready to take the water from Robin. When she pulled back the covers, she looked down and noticed the bloodstained sheets.
"Oh my God Robin! My baby!"
"Maxie, what's wrong?"
"I'm bleeding." Maxie cried.
"Nathan, you stay with Maxie. I'm gonna page Kelly and tell her we're going to General Hospital. I need you Nathan, to tell Uncle Mac to call for an ambulance."
"No, Robin, no ambulance." Maxie said starting to panic.
"Maxie, we need to get you to the hospital as quickly as possible, so we can get you examined."
"Robin, what's wrong with the baby? Nathan worried.
Robin just gave Nathan a sympathetic glance and went to talk to Maxie.
"Maxie, how's the pain? Can you stand up? I want to see how badly your bleeding. Are you feeling weak?"
Maxie went to stand up, but she was shaky. Blood was gushing between her legs, and now, not only were the bed sheets stained, but her pants were stained as well.
"She doesn't look Good Nathan. I hope the ambulance gets here soon." Robin whispered.
"Nathan, I feel fun—
Just then, Maxie collapsed to the floor.
Nathan ran to Maxie and gently shook her shoulder.
"Max, it's Nathan. Wake up. Can you hear me? Maxie?"
Nathan began to panic now. He had hardly ever seen Maxie sick except once, but even then, she just needed to stay in bed for a day or so. This was different.
"Nathan, step back, and let me look at her." Robin said going into full-blown doctor mode now.
"Maxie, it's Robin. Wake up." Robin said feeling for a pulse.
"Robin, what's wrong with Maxie and the baby?"
"We can't worry about the baby right now, Nathan. We have to worry about Maxie. I can't find a pulse. Dammet Maxie! Come on! "Robin said as she began to administer CPR.
Just then, the door burst open, as Mac, Felicia, and the paramedics walked in. along side Dante.
Nathan was glad to see a familiar face entering the room.
"What do we have here" one of the paramedics asked pointing towards Robin.
"We have a young woman who is in cardiac arrest, she is pregnant, but maybe having a miscarriage."
