Adam walked into his parent's home, still reeling from the events of the last little while. It was near midday, so both his parents were at work. His younger brother Adrian was home however. He was sitting on the couch watching a movie and eating popcorn without much enthusiasm. Adam sat down beside him for a few minutes, watching the movie (April Fools Day-a no brainer movie Adam had enjoyed since he was a teenager) much as they had in their youth. He would have loved to be able to eat some of the popcorn, to turn to his brother and laugh over the sillier parts of the movie, to devise ways to make it even more gross. He looked over at Adrian and saw tears in his brother's eyes. Suddenly he felt like a voyeur, like an intruder in his brother's grief. Adam couldn't just sit there, he reached out to Adrian without thinking. His hand passed through his brother without Adrian ever being aware anything had happened. Adam felt pain rip through him as he realized he could not do anything to help his brother. And he had wanted to do this?
He stood up and bolted out of the house.
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After parting from Adam, Billy quickly walked over to his father's house. He needed desperately to see how his father was doing. He felt dread tighten his stomach as he entered the house and sought out his father.
Wallace was sitting in the overstuffed recliner in the living room. The drapes were pulled, leaving the room gloomy and dark. The television was turned to CNN, but the volume was so low it sounded like a hum in the background. Dirty glasses and dishes were piled on the coffee table and the room smelled musty and unpleasant.
Wallace himself looked unkempt and exhausted. He stared in the general direction of the television without seeming to see it. Billy approached him warily, wanting, but not wanting, to see him. He felt his spirit clench in pain at the sight of his father. Billy and Wallace had seldom spoke of their feelings for each other. They were not demonstrative toward each other, they never had been. Consequently, one of the reasons Billy had often suffered from low self-esteem was because he was sometimes unsure of his father's' love. Whatever doubts he may have had before were erased at the sight of his father's unalloyed grief. Billy felt tears in his own eyes as he looked at his father. Never in a million years would he have wanted to hurt him like this. Then he noticed what Wallace was holding loosely in his lap. It was a picture of Billy, Wallace, and Marie, taken just a couple of weeks before Marie died in a car accident.
"I don't know how I can go on now. You two are together again, leaving me alone. I want to be with you both, not here in this lonely life. I know I am supposed to go on until it is 'my time', but how long will that be? What will I do? Why did God take both of you? I could be strong as long as Billy needed me, but without him what will I live for?" Wallace's voice devolved into tears as his hand gently caressed the picture.
Billy couldn't choke back a sob. Not that it mattered, there was no one there who could hear it. He had thought about the potential pain for him seeing loved ones going on without him, but not the pain of witnessing their grief. He hurt for his father. His father had often seemed distant, uncaring even, but Billy realized, perhaps for the first time, how much he loved his father, and how much his father had loved him. And now he was terrified for his father. He was desperately afraid his father would choose to end his life rather than go on alone.
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After Adam left his parent's house he headed toward Trini's apartment. Trini lived with three other young women in a large apartment in a good neighborhood. He sometimes couldn't understand why she always insisted they spend the bulk of their time in his small house. Unless it was because he only had one roommate, and he was a good friend of hers. Most of the times he had been in her apartment he hadn't seen the roommates anyway. They always seemed to be gone, which was fine with him. He hadn't liked them that much.
True to form, Trini was alone. She was sitting on her bed looking at her answering machine with an unfathomable expression. Suddenly, she reached out and pushed the button that would play back the messages.
"Miss Kwan, this is Dr. White's office. The results of your test came back positive. Congratulations! You are two and a half months pregnant."
Adam was completely shocked. Pregnant! He was going to leave a child behind as a legacy? Impossible! They were always careful. They had too many plans they wanted to complete before they would be ready to even consider parenthood. But they must have messed up somehow. Wow!
Then he noticed Trini's expression.
Tears sparkled in her eyes, but not tears of happiness judging from the expression Adam saw on her face. She looked miserable, and suddenly put her hands to her face and bent over as if in pain. He could hear her sobs and in that moment would have given anything to be able to touch her, to offer some sort of comfort.
"What am I going to do?" she suddenly cried out softly, startling Adam badly with the despair he heard in her voice. "What am I going to do?"
Adam was confused. She would have the child, wouldn't she? It wasn't like he was going to have another chance to father a child. Those first thoughts shot through his mind almost before he had a chance to recognize them. Then the voice of reason, always so strong in him, made itself heard. He realized it WAS a difficult decision she was facing. After all, she was the one who would have to raise the child alone. She was the one whose future would be impacted by the choice she made. He was still mulling it over when Trini's phone rang again.
"Hello." Adam watched the expressions play across her face as she listened to the caller. "Thanks for calling, I'll be there soon."
When she grabbed her keys and purse, Adam followed her out.
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Billy left his father's house after Wallace finally fell asleep still sitting in his chair. Billy was deeply disturbed by his father's condition, and was desperately trying to think of a way to help him. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts he did not pay any attention to where he was going, so he was somewhat surprised to look up and find himself outside the Hillard residence. With some trepidation, he decided to see if Kat was at home.
He found the house deserted. Feeling disappointed and somewhat relieved at the same time, he looked around a last time to see if there was any indication of where they may be. He found a note on the kitchen counter from Kat to her parents.
"Mum and Dad, Jason called and Emily is in labor. I'm at the hospital. Be home soon as the baby is born, Love Katherine."
Billy headed out to the hospital.
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Without even thinking of it, Adam followed Trini out to her car and scrambled in before her. He didn't stop to think about the fact that that should not have worked, considering they could pass through solid objects as if they did not exist. So why was he able to ride in the car? He couldn't figure it out, and simply set the question aside to ask Billy later. He already had an idea it was something beyond explanation and should be simply accepted on faith.
Adam was surprised to find they had arrived at Angel Grove Hospital. Curious, he followed Trini closely, growing concerned when he saw a large group of his friends, including most of the former Rangers, as well as Jason Scott's parents, and several others he didn't recognize at first. Katherine Hillard saw Trini approach and rose to meet her with a warm hug.
"Glad you could come. There isn't any news yet, but the doctor felt it should be pretty soon."
"I couldn't stay away. After all, it's 'our' first baby!" Trini said with a wistful smile.
Katherine noticed her expression and steered her away from the group. "How are you doing, Trini? Are you okay?"
"I don't really know, Kat. I seem to be going on a lot of ups and downs recently, and today is a definite 'down'."
"Anything in particular, or the usual?"
"Both, I think. Look, I really don't want to talk about it quite yet. Please, give me a day or two and ask again," Trini requested in her quiet way.
"I can do that," Katherine gave her friend a hug with the reply. Though the two had never served as Power Rangers together, but they had become close friends through their relationships with Billy and Adam.
Adam had overheard their conversation and hoped Trini would open up to Katherine. He knew she tended to keep her problems to herself, but he hoped she wouldn't in this situation. He was about to wander over closer to the others when he heard a soft voice behind him.
"Looks like the gang is all here," Billy said with a slight smile.
"Hey Billy, how has your day gone?"
"Don't ask. Not good. How about yours?"
"Same as you, I guess. How about this for a cruel twist-Trini's pregnant."
"Whoa, that had to be a shock. How is she taking it?"
"She is considering an abortion."
Billy looked upset at that idea. "Oh, God, I'm sorry Adam. That has to be hard for you."
"It's hard on her too. I know what I want her to do, based on my feelings. But she is the one who will have to live with it, not me. She will have to endure the pregnancy, birth, and raising of the child. Her hopes and dreams may have to be put aside for years. She has a right to want her future. But, dammit, Billy, it is my child too. The only chance at fathering a child I will ever have. This is so hard," Adam's voice had risen to a shout before almost fading away with the last comment.
Billy laid a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "It will work out Adam, you know it will. She will make the right decision."
Adam looked at him with eyes that clearly wanted to believe. "I hope so Billy. This isn't exactly a decision she can change later."
Their conversation was interrupted by a disturbance among the group waiting together across the room. Adam and Billy looked over to see Jason had emerged and was calling for everyone's attention. The two hurried over to hear what he had to say.
"Guys, I'm a father! We have a baby girl, Heather Nicole Scott. 7lbs, 3 oz., and absolutely gorgeous. Emily is doing great. I'm doing great! Mom, Dad, you're grandparents! I gotta get back." With that Jason darted back toward the delivery room followed by the sound of the laughter and applause his announcement had generated.
Adam and Billy shared a smile, the first for either of them since their deaths. Despite the problems they had encountered already, they were extremely happy for Jason and Emily. They stood at the edge of the group of their friends and listened to their excited conversations. Adam especially watched Trini's reaction to the news. She looked thoughtful, but no more or less at peace than she had before.
Adam and Billy exchanged smiles, happy for their friend. It was nice to see Jason and Emily so happy, they both deserved all the joy they could get. Then Adam sighed deeply.
"What is it Adam?" Billy asked, placing his hand on his friend's shoulder again.
"Just jealous, I guess. I keep thinking of all the things I won't get to do, I won't get to experience. Like being there, REALLY there, when Trini has a child. OUR child. Feeling like Jason must feel now. Damn, this sucks," he wiped moisture from his eyes self-consciously.
"I agree whole heartedly. This is turning out much harder than I expected. And we have just started," Billy sighed.
Adam sniffed a little, then looked at Billy. "What's up with your people?"
Billy's expression immediately changed to one of deep sorrow. "I think my dad may be considering suicide," he said softly.
"Are you sure?" Adam was horrified at the idea.
"It's what it sounds like. I have to find some way to help him. Didn't Riley say we may be able to influence our friends and family? I need to find a way to do that, convince him there is a reason to go on," Billy said.
"You have any ideas?"
"Maybe. I read somewhere a long time ago that, outside of a coma, sleep was the closest we came to death. That during sleep was when the dead could communicate with the living through dreams. That dreams were actually messages from the dead. I didn't pay any attention to it at the time. I didn't believe in such things, and still have some doubts that dreams all come from the dead. I mean, if that is the case, then I have had some very strange people trying to communicate with me. But there is a kind of logic to it, I think I am going to try it at least. The worst that will happen is that it will fail. I just wish I knew what I was doing. Remember that movie, 'Beetlejuice'? Where they had that 'Handbook for the Recently Deceased'? Wouldn't that be handy?"
Adam cracked a quick smile. "Yeah, as long as we didn't also end up with Michael Keaton to 'help' us."
Billy returned the smile, and for just a moment they forgot the circumstances that brought them here, forgot what had happened.
For just a moment they felt normal again.
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Billy entered his father's bedroom nervously. He wasn't sure if his idea would work or not, but he knew he had to try. His father needed to go on. Billy couldn't say how he knew this, but he knew deep inside his father still had things he needed to accomplish in life. And he didn't want to be the catalyst for Wallace giving up that future.
He approached his slumbering father, unconsciously moving stealthily, even though under the circumstances stealth was hardly required. He realized what he was doing and chuckled slightly to himself. "I guess old habits die hard," he muttered. The absurdity of that comment hit him and he broke into an actual laugh, even as he realized that nervousness was the actual source of his chuckles.
"Oh, great. Not only am I dead, but I'm going nuts. Eternity is going to be a blast at this rate," he mumbled.
He thought back to when he read that article on dreams and communication with the deceased. It said that dreams were the dead trying to communicate with the living. He recalled that dreams happened during REM sleep, so he settled down to watch his slumbering father, waiting for the tell tale signs of REM sleep.
After a seeming eternity, Billy noticed his father's eyes moving rapidly behind his closed eyelids. Billy leaned in close and began to speak in a gentle voice.
"Dad, it's me, Billy. I know you are upset, I understand your pain. I am so sorry to be the cause of this. But you have to go on. I know now, more than ever, that life is a gift, and I get the feeling you are contemplating throwing that gift away. You can't, you mustn't. You still have a future, there is hope for happiness in the coming years, I am sure of it. If you need someone, please, reach out to Jason, or his parents. You know they care about you. We were, ARE, like an extension of their family. Remember all the times they took care of me when you were out of town on business, all the times Jason stayed over at our house? They would do anything to help you, I know they would. And don't forget Anne. I know you two haven't been going out very long, but she sure seems to like you. I know if you reached out to her she would respond. Whatever you need to do to go on, you have to do. You can't give up. If you give up you are betraying both Mom and me. We love you, we want what is best for you. We will see you soon enough without you hurrying the issue. Please, Dad, I love you too much to want you to give up on life. I need for you to go on, please, for me?" Tears and suppressed sobs stilled his voice. He wanted nothing more in the world than to touch his father, to hug him close, both for his father's comfort and for his own. Instead, he had to get up and leave, unable to look at the peaceful face of his sleeping father any longer.
He had no idea if Wallace had heard, or sensed, anything he had tried to say.
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Adam sat by Trini's bed, struggling with a moral dilemma. Should he only offer Trini his unconditional support, whatever decision she should make, or should he attempt to encourage her to have the child. He told himself it was Trini's decision, her life, and he had no rights anymore to attempt to influence her. He argued she would ultimately regret an abortion, so if he convinced her to have the child he would save her anguish in the future. He debated saying nothing and getting the hell out of there. Finally he took a deep breath and made his decision.
"Trini, I don't know if you can hear me, or if you can sense me, or whatever. But I need to tell you again that I love you. That no matter what you do, what you decide, I will always love you. I never realized how incomplete I was until I was with you. You gave meaning to my life, and added dimensions to it I had never imagined existed. I am sorry I left you alone to face this decision. I know it was not my fault, my death I mean, not the pregnancy. That I think I did have a lot to do with, right? Anyway, I really hope you choose to keep the child, but if you don't I will understand. Okay, I will do my best to understand, since I really would like to leave a child behind as a legacy. God, that is so selfish of me! I'm sorry, forget that! I didn't mean to say that. I love you, that is all that is important. I love you, and I miss you. Oh, how I miss you already," Adam broke down in tears and fled the room, miserable he had slipped and started to insist she have the child.
Damn, but it was hard being a ghost.
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Tuesday, June 19, 2001 – Angel Grove, California
Jason Scott all but ran out of his front door. He was pumped, ready to face the day. His first full day as a parent. He knew he was being a bit ridiculous, but he frankly didn't care. He'd already been to the hospital once this morning to greet his wife and child. Now he was going to walk over to his parent's house, then they would go together to the hospital to pick up Emily and Heather and bring them home. Emily and Heather. His family. Darn, but that sounded good!
He was so caught up in his thoughts he didn't notice the little boy skating shakily down the sidewalk in his direction until they literally ran into each other. Jason recovered quickly, quite unhurt, and reached out to help the boy back onto his feet. The kid was maybe eleven years, slender with a shock of unruly light brown hair.
'Looks like Billy did at that age,' Jason thought as the boy quickly apologized and skated off down the street, presumably looking for something else to run into.
Thinking of Billy had the effect of dousing Jason's high spirits like a cold shower. He felt the now familiar pain when he thought of his old friend, wondering again when he would be able to remember Billy without that pang. It occurred to Jason that he had not seen Wallace since he delivered Billy's diploma. Wallace had not answered his phone yesterday, so Jason had only been able to leave a message about his daughter's birth. Wallace had not returned the call.
As Jason entered his parents' house, he made a quick decision. "Mom, Dad, you mind if we swing by Mr. Cranston's house? I want to ask him something, and I need to do it in person."
"Of course we don't mind, I have been thinking I need to go over and check on him anyway. You know, just to see how he is doing," Marjorie replied, her own expression sorrowful. If Jason felt like he had lost a brother, his parents felt as if they had lost a son. From the moment they set eyes on Billy when he was ten years old, they had 'adopted' him. Marjorie and Jack Scott had wanted a large family, but Jason was the only child they were able to have, so Billy had helped fill a void in their lives. And it had been pretty obvious that the Scotts, especially Marjorie, filled a void in Billy's life.
Jack just nodded and reached for the car keys as they all headed out the door.
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Trini awoke with a headache, a heartache, and faint nausea. She had dreamed of Adam, that the accident had just been a cruel joke and he was alive. She had been so happy in the dream that reality was a bitter blow. She lounged back in her bed, contemplating simply staying there for the day, maybe the week, possibly the month. Getting up, getting dressed, then meeting Kimberly to go shopping suddenly sounded like much too much work. It would be better to stay in bed.
She was about to nod off again when there came a pounding on her door. Naturally her roommates were not around, so Trini finally had to get up and answer the knock. She was surprised to find Kimberly at the door.
"Geez Kim, you knock like a 6 foot, 300 pound Sumo wrestler," Trini complained.
"Nice to see you, too," Kim retorted as she entered the apartment. "And, not to criticize or anything, but most malls require you wear clothing, not your nightgown. You might want to consider getting dressed, maybe brushing your hair." Kim had been increasingly worried about her friend, and she was determined to spend the day with her no matter what.
"I think I'll skip it today, Kimberly, I'm not feeling too good," Trini started.
"Oh, no you don't! You are NOT blowing me off again. I let you off the hook two days ago, it is time to shop. You promised. Now, go get dressed, freshen up, and I'll treat us to breakfast," Kim ordered.
"Yes ma'am," Trini sighed.
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Wallace Cranston answered his door with a frown, wondering who could be bothering him at this ungodly hour, not realizing it was almost eleven in the morning. His irritation changed to bemusement as Marjorie hastened in and immediately started cleaning the living room and kitchen areas, scolding and fussing over Wallace as she went. Wallace finally turned to the other two men in some confusion.
"You came over here to clean my house?"
"Uh, no, not really. But Mom tends to just plunge in when she sees something that she thinks should be cleaned. Sorry. Actually, I wanted to talk to you for a minute. I have a favor to ask," Jason replied.
"Sure, son. I guess we may be safe enough out on the patio," Wallace indicated the sliding glass door leading outside, as Jack went to check on Marjorie's progress.
"What is on you mind?" Wallace asked once they were outside. He was as fond of Jason as the Scotts had been of Billy.
"Did you get my message yesterday, about our daughter?"
"Sure did, and congratulations Jason. Being a father is one of the greatest things in life. I know you will do a wonderful job."
"Thanks, I sure hope so. I had a couple of very good examples to follow. Which is kind of why I'm here. I wanted to ask you to be Heather's godfather. Emily and I both like that tradition, and we agree no one would be better suited than you. We would be honored if you accepted."
"Me? Your child's godfather? I don't know Jason, I'm sure you could find someone better than me for the job."
"I don't think so. Look, maybe you didn't know this, but I always thought of Billy as the brother I never had. And I started to think of you as my second father. There is no one more suited, more appropriate, and most importantly, more wanted to serve as Heather's godfather. We want you. Please." Jason looked at the older man pleadingly.
Wallace was deeply touched. "Okay, Jason. I will do it. Thank you for the honor. And, for the record, I always thought of you as the second child we never got to have." He awkwardly reached out and embraced Jason, who returned the embrace willingly.
Unseen and unheard in a corner of the patio, Billy watched, laughing and crying at the same time.
Jason had ended up being the answer to his prayers. Again.
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Kimberly stared worriedly at Trini as she picked at her breakfast. Her friend was pale and tired looking. She seemed to be completely withdrawn into some inner misery, which Kimberly was powerless to bring her back from. Kim was starting to think it was depression when Trini suddenly bolted from her seat and raced to the ladies room. Kimberly followed, more worried than ever when she heard Trini vomiting in one of the stalls.
"Oh, God, Trini, let me in, please?" Kimberly stood outside the stall, listening to her friend sob.
Trini made no move to let Kimberly in, so Kim took matters into her own hands and simply crawled under the partition. Trini had collapsed on the floor, holding on to the toilet and crying miserably.
Kimberly didn't waste time with words, but simply wrapped Trini in an embrace and held her, rocking her gently and making a soothing cooing sound. Eventually Trini began to calm back down, so Kimberly took the chance to help her get to her feet and out of the stall. Trini allowed herself to be led to the sinks and passively let Kimberly clean her face and hands with moist towels.
Finally Kimberly got Trini as cleaned up as possible under the circumstances and regarded her friend with considerable worry.
"Can you tell me what is going on, Trini? This looks like more than grief to me. You look ill, do you need to go see the doctor? If you are worried, I'll go with you. Whatever you need me to do to help, you know I will do it."
Trini tried to smile for Kimberly. The result was anything but comforting to her friend. "I'll be okay Kimberly," she said, even as tears formed in her eyes again.
"What is it! Trini, you have to tell me. You are scaring me something awful. If you don't talk to me I will call your parents and have them come and talk to you. I know something is very wrong and I am not going to let you put me off about this," Kimberly declared.
Trini considered her friend's determined expression. She sighed and lowered her head, speaking so softly Kimberly could barely hear her. "I'm pregnant. And I don't know what to do."
Kim sucked in a quick breath. No wonder Trini was upset! "Do you know what you WANT to do?"
"Not really, I keep getting caught in the middle between wanting the child, and wanting my career dreams. I don't know what I want right now."
"How far along are you?"
"Two months."
"Well, you have a little time, you don't have to decide this minute. Do you think you can allow yourself to 'step back away' from it for a few days, give yourself time to discover what you truly want to do?"
"I can try. That's a good idea, actually. I guess I was thinking I have to decide today, putting extra pressure on myself. Leave it to you to find the right solution." Trini's attempt at a smile was much more convincing this time.
"Glad to help. We better get back to the table, they probably think I ran out on the bill." Taking Trini's arm, Kimberly steered her back to their table, still determined to make Trini have some fun.
But she couldn't help but think, what if it had been Tommy who died, and she ended up pregnant? What would she do? Kimberly knew of Trini's dreams, her desire for a career. A child hardly fit into that picture. But Kimberly also knew how nurturing and loving Trini was, she would make an awesome mother.
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Jason and his parents were greeted at the hospital by a group of their friends anxious to see the newest member of the Scott family. Jason promised them he would bring his daughter out to meet them all as soon as the doctor said it was okay. Then he hurried in to see Emily and Heather.
He emerged an hour later carefully holding a small bundle wrapped in pink. Immediately Jason and Heather were surrounded by a small mob, all vying for the chance to hold her. Heather immediately showed she had inherited her father's good nature as she was passed from person to person without a murmur of protest.
Kimberly and Trini arrived as Jason was about to return his daughter to Emily's waiting arms.
"Wait Jase, can I hold her, please," Kim asked breathlessly, reaching for the infant even as she asked.
Jason couldn't resist the pleading look on his friend's face as he handed over his daughter.
"Oh, she is so perfect! You guys are so lucky," she exclaimed as she cuddled the drowsy baby.
"Turns out, I agree with you completely. Trini, do you want to hold her before I take her back to Mama?" Jason asked, turning his smiling gaze to her.
"Okay, sure, I guess I won't drop her," Trini said quietly as Kimberly handed her the infant. Kim kept a close watch on Trini's expression, suddenly regretting dragging her along on this visit. Given how Trini was feeling about things, dealing with a new infant and an ecstatic father might not be the best thing for her. However, her worry faded as she noticed an expression of peace come over Trini's face. Kim suddenly knew Trini had made her decision.
Kimberly was not the only one who noticed the play of emotions over Trini's face. Standing just behind Kimberly and watching with his heart in his throat was another spectator. Who also could see Trini's mind had been decided as she held Jason's daughter in her arms.
Adam was going to be a father.
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August 31. 2001 – The Other Side
"Whoa! How did I get here and where did you come from?" Adam asked as he looked around in confusion. The last he remembered he was in the hospital, standing alone, watching Trini hold Jason and Emily's daughter. Then suddenly, he was here, wherever "here" was, with Billy standing by his side looking as confused as Adam felt.
"I have no idea. It looks like we are in a church. And, don't ask me how I know, but I think the date is August 31, 2001," Billy replied.
"I know. It is August 31. This is too weird. Do you think we are being provided with the information we need when we get to a new time and location? Is this God's doing?"
"I guess. Riley did say we would be transferred to the next 'big' event, that God would make sure of that. Makes sense He wouldn't want us to waste a bunch of time trying to figure out when and where we are, but to get right to the most important thing. I'm not sure, but I think we may be about to witness Kimberly and Tommy's wedding. At least I hope this is what is going on today," Billy surmised. "By the way, what happened with Trini?"
"She decided to keep the baby, I think. Oh, Billy, I almost blew it. I tried talking to her while she slept, and I found myself starting to tell her to keep it because I wanted her to. I stopped before I got too far, but, man, it was so tempting to try to bend her to my will."
"Remember, Adam, you didn't. And we don't know for sure if that idea of mine even works," Billy said.
"What happened with your dad?"
"Jason happened." Billy chuckled at Adam's confused expression. "Jason came by my dad's house with his parents and asked Dad to be Heather's godfather. Dad agreed to it, so he has to keep going. He would never let Heather, or Jason, down."
"Wonderful! I'm happy for you, I know you have been worried."
"Well, I'm happy for you too, 'Dad'. Something tells me we will be stopping by for that event."
"I sure hope so!"
While the two of them had been talking, people had started arriving at the church. Floral arrangements were being given a last minute adjustment, the organ being put through its paces, the priest was setting out the candles and bible he would need. Billy and Adam moved to a location slightly behind where the priest would stand. It gave them the best view of the bride and groom as well as the entire audience.
"Look! There's Tanya, looks like she has a new boyfriend. Lucky guy. And Bulk is bringing a date. She's a looker too. Skull is still by himself, though. There's my mom and dad. And Adrian! They look great, guess they are starting to get over it," Adam's voice took on a sadder tone as he contemplated his parents. He felt Billy's reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"That is a good thing, you know, Adam. They need to get over it. It doesn't mean they love you any less, but they have to get on."
"I know, but it still hurts."
"I know. I'm kind of anxious about seeing my dad, too."
"Well, there he is. He brought a date, too. Is that Anne?" Adam indicated the petite, somewhat plain woman on Wallace's arm.
"Yeah."
"She looks nice."
"She is. Very intelligent too. I never had anything against Anne. I actually like her, I accepted her relationship with Dad." Billy was sounding a little sad himself. Then he noticed something. "Adam, is that an engagement ring on her left hand?"
"Boy, it sure looks like one. Guess you're getting a step mom."
Billy was looking intently at his father. He finally sighed deeply. "He looks happy, right, Adam? Like I said, this is a good thing. But as you pointed out, it still hurts." It was Adam's turn to lend reassurance to his friend.
"I wonder if we will ever get used to this."
"We better, it's not like things are going to change for us in the near future," Billy noted.
"Yeah. Oh, it's starting!" Adam looked almost as excited as Tommy, who was now standing with Jason in front of the priest.
Aisha and Rocky led the procession, followed by Katherine and David, then Trini and Zack. Adam took in a deep breath at the sight of Trini. Though the dress had a loose fit to it, her pregnancy was just barely noticeable. Kimberly followed Trini and Zack, holding onto her father's arm.
The ceremony was beautiful. When the priest introduced Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Oliver, there was hardly a dry eye in the room, including Adam and Billy.
Then suddenly they found they had moved on.
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December 10, 2001 – The Other Side
At least this time they had known what to expect. They found themselves in another church, another wedding. Within an hour, Mr. and Mrs. Zackary Taylor and been introduced.
And Billy and Adam moved on.
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January 15, 2002 – Angel Grove, California
Trini shifted uncomfortably on her chair. She had been feeling unusually restless and uncomfortable all day, unable to settle down physically or mentally. She knew part of the problem, at least. She was pretty sure she was entering the first stages of labor. She hadn't had any pains as yet, but everything else indicated the long wait was almost over and she would soon meet her son.
"Well, Adam, you will be making your big arrival soon. Take it easy on Mom, okay?" she said as she gently stroked her abdomen. An ultrasound had revealed the child to be a boy two months before, so since then Trini had addressed him by the name she planned to christen him with. She had told the Parks of her condition as soon as she had decided to keep the baby. They readily accepted the child as their grandson, knowing as they did how Adam had felt about Trini, and happy to know a part of their child had survived.
Trini had settled down in her own small apartment. She had found work as a researcher in a law firm in Angel Grove. They were happy to have an employee with her skills, and asked no questions regarding her pregnancy. They granted her two months leave, however it was without pay, as she did not have enough time in to qualify for maternity leave. It didn't really matter, she had been able to set enough aside to be able to survive a couple of months without working, so she and the baby would do just fine.
While finances had not proven to be a problem, emotionally it had been a tough time. Fortunately, she had good, caring friends to help her through. Katherine was a constant source of support. Katherine seemed to devote all her free time to helping Trini prepare for the new arrival. Artistically talented, with inborn good taste, Katherine had completely decorated the nursery, setting it up so it could be "upgraded" as Adam grew, without having to "gut" the room and start from scratch as his tastes matured.
Katherine was interning as a counselor, she expected to have her license soon. She threw herself into her fledgling career with all the energy she had. She worked long hours, then spent hours helping Trini, she volunteered at a youth club downtown, and taught dance one evening a week free at the Juice Bar. To all outward appearances, she was an exceptionally focused, dedicated, vital young woman. Only her friends realized a part of her had not yet bounced back from the loss she had suffered in June. There were some that wondered if she ever would.
Kimberly also offered Trini as much support and encouragement as she could. However, Kim was a little harder for Trini to be around than Katherine was. Kimberly still had that newlywed glow, the enthusiasm and optimism that Trini found hard to handle. Trini didn't begrudge her friend her happiness, but at times it seemed to only highlight the elements missing in her own life. Trini would not have admitted to that even under threat of death.
Tanya, Emily, Angela and several of her coworkers also did their best to keep Trini's spirits up during her pregnancy. For the most part they succeeded admirably.
An unexpected source of comfort had been Rocky. Rocky had been devastated by Adam's death, and like Katherine he had coped by plunging into his work with unparalleled enthusiasm. In Rocky's case, his work was medical school. He still faced a long uphill road to his goal of being an orthopedic surgeon. But he was never too busy to take the time to visit Trini, assisting her in any way he could. He took care of small repairs Trini's landlord couldn't, or wouldn't, tackle, and did routine maintenance on her car. In her presence his happy personality reasserted itself, he found himself striving to bring a smile to her face. He told her off color jokes he heard from other med students, gifted her with nonsense books, and took her to see romantic comedies.
It was several months before Rocky realized he was falling in love with Trini.
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Wallace Cranston considered his situation with some satisfaction. He was going to be married the next day to Anne. They were planning a small, private ceremony. Her family would be coming from Utah, as well as Wallace's brother. Otherwise, just a few friends had been invited, including the Scotts, all three generations.
Wallace truly loved Anne. She wasn't like Marie, but he had learned to accept that, even to appreciate it. He had finally realized he would not find another Marie, indeed he did not actually want to. Anne was just right the way she was, he didn't want to change a thing. She was a dentist, running her own thriving practice. She was ten years his junior, and had spoken with great longing of having a child, or two. Wallace was completely agreeable with that idea. He was not an old man, being only forty-four, and while he harbored some fears about starting another family, he was quite willing to try. Frankly, the sooner the better. He had loved being a father.
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January 15, 2002 – The Other Side
This was getting to be routine now. Billy and Adam looked around, quickly summing up the situation. They were in a hospital waiting room, the usual gang of their friends was around, but no one looked particularly upset. Adam was the first to realize what was happening.
"Trini is in labor! Billy, my baby is being born. I've got to go see what is happening. Do you want to come along?"
"Not really, you check things out and let me know what you find. I'll wait here." Billy replied with a wry look.
Adam hurried off in the direction of the labor rooms. It still astounded Billy to watch his friend walk through doors and walls. Given some time to think about it, Billy began to consider if there was any way they that could physically touch the living. He remembered some since forgotten movie he had seen, featuring a ghost who learned to touch the living, he used this ability to save his lover's life. It had something to do with concentrating all his energy into his hands and fingers. Adam had already noticed he was able to ride in the cab with Trini before, he had just hopped in without thinking about it. He had simply done it on faith. Maybe that was part of it too. To pass the time while waiting for Adam to report back, Billy began to experiment with the idea.
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Adam had made his way directly into the labor room, where Trini was already well advanced in her labor. Emily Scott held her hand, encouraging her to use the breathing exercises she had learned in her Lamaze classes. Adam waited in a corner of the room, watching, wishing he could be a more active part of the experience.
"Trini, you are fully dilated now, it should be over very soon. When I give the word I need you to give a big push. Okay, now!" the doctor ordered.
Trini pushed with all her might, letting out a small scream as she felt her son's head move toward the outside world. With Emily, the doctor, and the nurses all encouraging her she kept up the pressure as her son moved smoothly into her life. She dropped back weakly as she heard her child's first cry.
"You did it! You have a son. Oh, Trini, he's perfect!" Emily put her arm around Trini and gave her a careful hug.
Trini answered with a radiant smile as she reached for her son. When the nurse asked for his name she answered with no hesitation at all-Adam Russell Park.
Standing beside her bed, gazing in wonder at his son, Adam let the tears flow freely. He had never been as happy as he was at that moment, looking at his son nestled in the arms of the woman he had loved. Nor had he felt the pain of loss so sharply.
To be continued...