Molly awoke to the sound of voices. It sounded like Miss Munroe and someone else, someone male, though with her head muddled by sedatives, she couldn't be sure.
"-been here since she was brought down here," she heard Miss Munroe say.
"She needs Caleb here when she wakes up and we can't leave the baby by himself," argued the man.
"Caleb?" Molly muttered groggily. She heard a strange rustling as the man, who she now recognized as Warren, drew closer.
"He's right here, Miss Malone," Warren reassured her.
"Please, call me Molly," Molly said in return, struggling to sit up. Miss Munroe helped her get settled before walking out of the room to get Hank.
Once Hank had examined her and she had received a clean bill of health, Molly stood up and went to take Caleb from Warren's arms.
"Thank you so much for caring for him. Where are the bassinet and bag? For that matter, how long have I been out?"
"It's been a little over one day; it's 7:30 pm. Now, I moved Caleb's things up to a guest room. We'd like for you to stay here at the institute, at least until we can be sure that no one will be looking to hurt you or the baby."
"But I'm not a mutant. And Caleb hasn't manifested any abilities, though he's still a bit young for all that," she said somewhat dryly.
"Still, it'll be safer for both of you. Now, Logan and Collette took the helicopter to Boston to examine your home. They brought back some of the nursery furniture. I'm afraid we don't have much in the way of baby equipment." Warren flashed her a charming grin.
Molly smiled up at him briefly before looking down at Caleb and pressing a kiss to his face. She frowned and placed her cheek against his forehead.
"Could you show me to the guest room? I think Caleb's running a temperature, which, you know, would be just marvelous with everything else going on."
Warren took in her expression: sadness mixed with guilt and frustration. At that moment, she looked very young and very overwhelmed by everything going on in her life, far removed from the composed, capable woman of the previous day. Still it was to be expected; she'd just gone through what would probably be the most traumatic experience of her life.
"Right this way," Warren said gently, guiding her to an elevator. "If you'd like, I know a physician who would be happy to make a mansion-call. Hank is wonderful, but he's never had to deal with pediatrics. Doctor Henderson is the best; he's been taking care of me since I was Caleb's age."
"Oh could you?" Molly breathed, some of the tension easing from her face. "That is, if it's not too much trouble."
"No trouble at all," Warren reassured her as they stopped outside a wooden door. "Why don't you leave Caleb with me and we'll wait for Dr. Henderson while you get some more rest."
"Bless your heart."
Warren was pleased that he had put that expression of relief on her face.
"It's no problem. We'll do man-things while we wait, eat and grunt and watch sports," he joked.
Molly laughed a little before she handed Caleb over to Warren along with the bag containing diapers, wipes, and food, among other things; somehow, she knew Caleb would be perfectly safe with Warren. Warren expertly maneuvered both, watching Molly enter her room before walking away to sit in the common room. He placed a call to Dr. Henderson, who promised to be there in ten minutes, and then sprawled out on the sofa, Caleb nestled against his chest. Warren turned on a hockey game and blinked. The next thing he knew, there was a brief flash and he was waking up to see the doctor and Ororo standing in front of the tv.
"Hey, doc, Ro," Warren greeted the two.
"Let me see the child," Dr. Henderson demanded without preamble. Warren obediently handed him over, but couldn't help but hover to make sure Caleb was okay. "Boy, I'll let you know if I need a hand; now move back and let me be!"
Warren reluctantly stepped back, surprised at how concerned he was for the defenseless, now-motherless child. He nervously watched the doctor work, jumping when Ororo put her hand on his shoulder to reassure him.
"Well, the little one will be just fine. The fever is already going down, his lungs sound clear; everything should be fine. Keep him cool: you can wet some cloths with cool water to help. Let him sleep and he should be fine. Call me if he gets worse."
"Thanks, doc," Warren sighed in relief. "Molly will be so glad to hear it."
The doctor and Ororo looked at him strangely when he said that, but Warren was already heading back to the guest room to set Caleb in his crib for the night.
"Are you going to print that photo out?" asked Dr. Henderson.
"And have it framed," Ororo responded. "After all, I want to be able to prove that I saw the whole thing coming right from the beginning."
So, here's chapter three! Hopefully, I'll have chapter four up within the week. It should have more about Meg and what really happened in Boston!