A/N: GhostWhispererFangirl here! I'm ready to shake things up. Enjoy :) xx Mariah
It had been hours since anyone had heard anything.
Katie, Emma and Mackenzie were all in surgery, Ned was being stitched up in the ER.
Melinda couldn't sit still, she paced the halls as her son and looked on worried about his siblings.
Aaron's wife sat next to him, head on his shoulder resting her eyes. They'd rushed home from their vacation, their son asleep against Aaron's chest.
Tim, Delia's husband, held Delia's hand reassuring her that Ned would be fine, that Katie would be okay so would the baby.
No one had been able to get ahold of Chase. Shouldn't he be worried about his girlfriend? His pregnant girlfriend?
"I'm gonna go see if there's any news," Melinda said to the group and walked past Scott. "I'm gonna call Lana and see how Asher and Willow are doing. Can you keep an eye on everyone?"
"Of course," Scott reassured her and smiled at her before sitting back down.
She walked over to the nurse's station and he looked down at his phone. He knew that after the accident Lana went to take over for the babysitter and watching her niece and nephew, both too young to worry about their parents. That she'd spend the night with them if she had too, which in this case it was necessary.
The double doors opened to reveal Chase Jordan.
He only knew that because luckily his name was written on his work uniform.
The red haired and six foot four man graced all of their presence dressed in a Grandview Electric jumper.
"Chase," Aaron stood, son asleep in his arms and greeted him. "We don't know much."
"What do you know?" Chase cleared his throat. "I was on a job when you all called me. My phone was in the van…"
"Chase, it's alright. Mackenzie is still in surgery, getting here earlier wouldn't have done you any good." Aaron said sitting back down. "Sit down. We'll all be here awhile."
Just as Chase sat down the doors opened again and a doctor strided out.
"Uh Katherine Banks' family?"
Melinda entered the room quickly
"I'm her mother," she said softly. "Is she okay?"
"She lost a lot of blood. I was able to set both of her broken bones and they should heal quickly. She'll need to be temporarily in a wheelchair for her recovery, but once she's discharged she'll need to walk on crutches for the time being." The doctor explained. "Also we didn't realize she was bleeding into her stomach until she almost bottomed out. We lost her for over two minutes before we brought her back with the paddles. We were able to find the bleeder and she was back at a normal and healthy heart rate when we closed her up and sent her off to recovery. You'll be able to go see her in a few moments. She's in room 204." The doctor paused and looked over the chart. "Unfortunately we weren't able to save the baby. I'm very sorry."
He ducked away and left her just standing there.
Ned and Katie lost another baby.
Scott's fists balled up and he stood.
He needed air.
He needed to see Ned. He knew where he was, and that's where he was going.
Soon news was given and everyone learned that Emma would recover and play again because of Jim's extensive surgery, Mackenzie was put in a light coma to let her brain heal, and Ned only needed twenty two stitches to close up his cheek and twelve stitches to close up his forehead.
Everyone went home except Ned, Chase, Melinda and Jim, or so they thought.
Scott watched through the window as Ned held Katie as they grieved the loss of another child. He'd only heard the story of their first born after asking what the significance behind his phone password was, and never dared to ask again.
He could see Mackenzie asleep in the next bed over, Chase holding her hand as he cried. Praying that she'd be okay.
One thing he'd learned while he was here was that Mackenzie and Chase fought, a lot, about little things, stupid things, and it usually ended with one of them storming out of their apartment.
They lived together, another reason Scott didn't like Chase.
That morning they'd fought about who didn't wash the dishes the night before, and that's why he's left his cell phone in his work van. He hadn't wanted to talk to her.
Over dishes.
Who does that?
"Scott," Melinda yawned. "You're still here."
"I just wanted to check in on Mackenzie, but Chase is in there." Scott sighed and sat down. "How's Emma?"
"She's watching Star Wars and eating jello with Jim. Her concussion is proving to give her some good memories." Melinda laughed and sat next to him. "I thought I'd come check on my other babies. See how Katie and Ned are doing, and give Mack a goodnight kiss."
"That's good," he smiled. "How are you doing?"
"Oh I'm… I'm managing." Melinda squeezed his forearm. "How are you doing?"
"Still a little shaken up," he answered. "I don't think I've ever driven somewhere quicker than today."
"Hey thank you for being there for me," Melinda said smiling at him. "Before Delia and Aaron got here. I wouldn't have been as level headed if it weren't for you. The least I can do is keep Chase occupied so you can see Mackenzie for a minute or two."
"You do that for me?" He stood up and she hugged him.
"Of course, and then you can see Katie and Ned." Melinda took a sip of her coffee, or at least that's what he presumed it was because it was little after eleven thirty. "Come on."
She slid the door open and he walked over to Ned and Katie who were now just laying in each other's arms silently as Melinda ushered Chase out to go get some food in his stomach.
"Scott," Katie whispered. "Hi."
"Hi," he smiled and sat down next to her. "How are you feeling Katie?"
"Tired," Katie sighed. "Lucky that Ned wasn't hurt. Devastated that we lost another child."
"Katie, I'm so sorry." He touched her hand, holding it, squeezing it momentarily. "Do you need anything? Water? Food?"
"Water would be nice," Katie coughed. "My throat is a little dry."
He quickly stood and poured her a glass of water, handing it to her as she turned the television on, startling Ned awake as she pressed her bed up a bit.
"Hmm… Scott? Hey man," Ned yawned and pressed a kiss to his wife's cheek. "What are you doing here?"
"Came to check up on you two," he answered.
"And Mackenzie," Ned cleared his throat and she passed the cup to him.
"Maybe," he blushed.
"She's right over there. Chase might still be here," Katie smiled.
"No. I sent him to go get some food in his stomach," Melinda walked to their side as Scott waved goodbye.
"Mom," Katie sighed and he heard her burst into tears as Ned pulled the sheet over for privacy.
Scott's heart broke when he saw her.
He hadn't seen her in over a two years and last time she was so radiant, beautiful, and had just returned from a week long vacation with her family at their summer cabin.
Not that she didn't look beautiful, she did. She'd just lost so much weight, looked so fragile and pale. Bruises scattered over her body and she had stitches across her forehead.
He hair was in a thick braid, most likely done by Melinda when she came to check on her.
"Oh Mackenzie," he whispered and walked over to her bedside, pressing a kiss to her bandage.
He felt helpless. He could help her in anyway.
He hated that he wasn't able to see her long, that he'd only have another few brief moments before Chase came back.
Her boyfriend.
He wondered if he knew about the baby. If was going to stay with her through it, if they would get married.
Be that couple.
"Scott? You should go home, get some rest." Melinda said touching his shoulder. "You can come back in the morning before work and see her. I'll see to it."
"Alright," he looked back at her as he slowly stood. "Just let me say goodbye."
"I'll be in the hall," Melinda's hand lingered on his shoulder momentarily before he bent down and kissed her forehead again.
Her eyes opened and she grabbed his hand, struggling to breathe because of the tube in her throat.
She tried to say something, but he pressed the nurse button as her BP dropped and she clawed at his hand.
"Mackenzie just stay calm," he said softly, kissing her hand as a nurse ran in a quickly helped disconnect the tube so she could breathe on her own.
"There there…" The nurse said as she pulled the tube from her mouth. "You should be able to breath now, just keep this on." She mentioned to the piece in her nose and Mackenzie slowly nodded. "Alright try and get some sleep honey."
Melinda slowly entered and kissed her cheek.
"Get some rest, your dad and I will be in to check on you soon. I love you." Melinda whispered. "I love you so much Mackenzie."
He squeezed her hand she looked at him as she drew in a shaky breath.
"Don't talk," he instructed. "I have to go and you aren't nearly strong enough to be talking yet. I'll be back in the morning."
"Chase," she whispered as he walked away, noticing the redhead was walking in the room with a bottle of water.
"Mackenzie!" Chose called out and ran to her side, practically shoving him out of the way. "You're awake God, I'm so sorry for this morning. I didn't mean to yell at you. I love you so much."
He waved to Kate, and a once again sleeping Ned as he slid the door behind him closed and met Melinda in the hall.
"Come on, I'll walk you to your car." Melinda smiled. "I've got nothing better to do."
He smiled and she walked him to the squad car, which he needed to return to the station before going home.
"Sleep well," Melinda hugged him and he smiled at her.
"Try and get some sleep yourself Mrs. Clancy." He nodded at her as he walked toward the driver's seat.
"Call me Melinda from now on," Melinda laughed and waved before returning inside, rubbing her arms from the cold February night.
He hopped in the police car and drove away slowly, taking his time to get to the station. It was seldom when he got to drive this bad boy, Ned liked to, he says it calms him. Plus he was his superior and he couldn't really tell him no even if he wanted to.
After parking the squad car out back by the others, he withdrew the keys from ignition and laid back with a sigh.
He wasn't looking forward to the paperwork he'd have to fill out about using the damn car. He hated that just because this was only his second year that he has to fill out paperwork for every little thing he does, but one day it will be worth it.
Mackenzie laid there quietly, keeping her eyes closed, matching her breaths to the beeping of the machines that surrounded the bed, the only indications of her heartbeat, her existence.
Her legs were numb and she was trying to avoid a conversation about how she was feeling with her sister. Curiosity slowly pried open her swollen eyes to meet a dismal view of a magnolia colored hospital room, the door a navy blue. She slid her eyes sideways to see her IV and medication wire, she was instructed to press a green button every time she felt pain as long as it wasn't within the same two hour time frame. Short cuts ran along her arms, beyond was her chart.
Mackenzie Clancy
Status: Stable (for now)
Admittance: 9:27 pm
Cause of Admittance: Two car collision, thre from the car approx. 20 feet
Diagnosis: Suffered a subdural hematoma, fracture skull and broken nose and three broken ribs, several contusions and lacerations
Other: Eight weeks pregnant
Duration: Unavailable for now
"Hey Kenz... you awake?" Katie whispered and smiled toward her. "You are... I haven't seen you awake since Chase left last night. How are you feeling?"
"My head hurts, but that's acceptable," she muttered and groaned in pain.
"Yeah. You went through the ringer little sis," Katie laughed and threw a cup at Ned. "Wake up Ned! I'm hungry."
"What the?" Ned groaned and then smiled at Katie. "Hey you... I heard the word hungry?"
"Welcome back to the world." Katie said and motioned for him to come closer. "Can you do me a favor?"
"Anything for you," He whispered as he stood up and kissed her. "What's up?"
That's what she wanted. What Katie and Ned had, what her parents had. A man who loved her unconditionally and looked at her like it was the first time he'd ever seen a beautiful woman.
"Go check get me something to eat? I'm starving." Katie said with a pleading smile. "And some orange juice, I love orange juice from here."
"Oh alright," he said and his hand touched her face one last time before leaving. "I love you."
"I love you too," Katie kissed him and he walked to the door. "Hey Mack, want anything?"
"An apple? Maybe some milk?" She asked softly, clearing her throat and her head vibrated in pain.
She saw black spots around the edges of the room and winced. She pressed the green button and laid back against her pillow.
"Got it," He smiled as Jim walked past him, closing the door.
"Alrighty. I have an ultrasound to give to both of my daughters," Jim said walking in. "Who wants first?"
"At least your being enthusiastic dad," she said as she rubbed her head.
"I have to be or I'll go crazy." He sighed pushing the equipment in. "Emma is in recovery with your mother, she's able to move her fingers. Her hand will be just fine in a few weeks and after some extensive physical therapy she should be able to play again. It's all up to her and the big man upstairs now."
"That's amazing dad," Katie smiled. "Give her my love when you see her next?"
"Of course," he kissed Katie's forehead and smoothed out her hair. "How's your leg and arm?"
"Painless as of now, I'm quite comfortable." Katie explained. "I miss my kids. I need to see them soon, but I don't want to scare them with all the wire and I'm all bruised up. I don't look like their mommy right now, at least not the one who left them home with a babysitter two nights ago."
"Hey, just be thankful they weren't with you in that car." He reassured her as he set up the machine.
"Two nights?" She asked and looked over at them.
"You were out of it all day yesterday," Katie said softly. "Muttering little things in your sleep about Chase and you even said Scott's name. Kind of a creepy."
"We see ghosts Katie," she laughed and winced, touching her head in pain.
"So?" Katie laughed. "I still get creeped out by things."
"Check Katie first. Her pregnancy is more of a priority than mine is." She said looking away from them and then at her stomach.
She couldn't be pregnant. She didn't want to be pregnant.
Not yet at least.
This wasn't her plan. She'd wanted to settle down with the right person, someone who really loved her for her because she needed to be able to tell them about her gift.
Because she couldn't lie to that person for the rest of her life. She wouldn't settle for normal, her mom didn't and Katie definitely didn't.
And eventually she'd be ready to have a baby with him, if he accepted her and didn't run away like that one guy did from her mom.
She'd find love, wouldn't she?
"Alright. You know the drill baby girl," he said squirting the gel over her abdomen. "Where's Ned?"
"I sent him to go get food..." Katie said softly and he smiled.
"Of course you did," he laughed and turned on the machine. "Is he getting you orange juice?"
"Of course!" Katie smiled. "What else am I going to drink?"
"You've been drinking it since you were little so I don't know," he said pressing the wand to her stomach. "Alright let's see if everything is going smoothly."
Katie knew the moment she could only hear her heartbeat that something was wrong.
There was a double heartbeat at the last ultrasound, just like all of her kids, Charlie included.
She couldn't imagine how other women could choose not to have children. Because even with all this pain, there was so much hope. So much love. Her heart ached, but she couldn't imagine not trying again with Ned.
And she couldn't imagine not loving each and every child she'd lost.
"Katie..." He sighed.
"I should be a mother of six you know," Katie said softly, wiping away a fallen tear.
"Bug I'm sorry." He said looking to her.
"Yeah." Katie settled back into bed, turning on her side away from everyone. "Everyone always is."
His hand touched her back softly and he lingered there, whispering something for only her to hear.
"Your turn," he said wiping away his own fallen tear. "How are you feeling?"
"My head hurts," she said softly and lifted her hospital gown up to her stomach, a blanket covering from her hips down. "You're not mad at me?"
"No. I love you and if this is what God planned then it's going to happen no matter what I think." He said squirting the gel onto her stomach and pressing the wand against her. "Wanna see?"
"Sure," she answered softly, putting on a smile for him.
He turned the screen and she looked up to see.
"You're definitely still pregnant. Strong little boy or girl you've got in here." He said pointing to the screen. "There's the head and the little fingers and toes. And that right there is his or hers heart, you can see it beating."
"I don't deserve this baby. She does." She looked at her sister and held back her tears.
"Everything happens for a reason," he whispers as he kisses her head.
"I have to go. I'll be back soon." He said checking his pager. "Ems needs me."
He sat beside Katie and kissed her shoulder.
"I'll get Ned," he whispered and rubbed her back. "I love you."
"I love you too." Katie sighed and rolled onto her back.
"Katie please don't be mad." She said quietly as she turned on the tv and flipped through the channels.
"Why would I be mad at you?" Katie muttered and settled on some crime drama.
"Because I'm pregnant..." She replied.
"And I'm not?" Katie laughed. "Oh Kenz, just because I lost a child doesn't mean it's your fault or that I would hate you. Hannah had Jace when I didn't have Charlie and Emma was born days after him. But did I take it out on them? Of course not. Everything that happened to Charlie was my fault, I shouldn't have put so much stress on myself. Everything else just wasn't meant to be." Katie explained and wiped away her tears. "It hurts like the hell every time, but I have two beautiful children at home who love me and Ned and I will try again. We always do, and it's the time you don't plan when you get pregnant. There is not a reason for me to be mad at you. I'm your sister Mackenzie. You're stuck with me."
"Nothing that has happened to you is your fault. You didn't do anything to deserve what happened to Charlie or the other three," she explained. "I need you to promise me something..."
"Anything," Katie smiled.
"Will you help me through this because I'm not ready to mom alone." She sighed. "Because this teacher doesn't care about me. I know that I should have done something sooner but I don't know what to do anymore... I don't feel like myself Katie. Chase is going to leave me when he finds out and I'll be all alone."
"Hey... I would totally come hug you right now but my leg is all banged up." Katie said softly. "But I'm here for you one hundred and fifty percent. You need to do something for me though. You need to report this bastard. No man should get to do that to you and get away with it."
"I can't... he has kids and a wife." She muttered. "I shouldn't have worn that damn dress around him. I was asking for it... and it didn't happen once. It was over a period of months Katie."
"One question Kenz." Katie said sitting up. "Did you say no?"
"Yes. I said no every time but-" She sighed.
"No is no Mackenzie. No consent means it was rape," Katie interjected and grabbed her crutches. "No doesn't mean convince me. However you dress, wherever you go. Yes means yes and no means no. We are putting this bastard in jail."
"Okay," She said and stood up. "But you need to stay in bed. You shattered your tibia and fractured you femur. Lie down."
"You broke ribs and suffered from a subdural hematoma or whatever." Katie said pointing to the bandage on her head.
"Lie down," she said and Katie complied and tucked her in. "Ned should be here soon and you guys will cuddle and be all disgustingly cute just like mom and dad."
She sat back in bed as the door opened to reveal Ned with food.
"Look who I found," Ned smiled as Scott walked in. "Here you go." He set an apple and milk on Mackenzie's table, sliding it over so it's in front of her. "And for you."
"My hero," Katie laughed and kissed him. "I'm so hungry I might even eat the fork."
"So your dad told me to hurry back. Any news on the baby?" Ned asked as he opened the contained for the chicken salad and sandwich.
"Ned," Katie sighed and looked up at him shaking her head.
He pulled in for a hug and kissed her.
"We'll try again," Ned whispered. "We'll have another child, babe. We will. I promise."
Scott pulled the privacy sheet over and sat by her side.
"You look better," Scott smiled.
"You look terrible," she said biting into her apple.
"Thanks. I've been dieting," he joked. "It's been a rough couple of days."
"I know the feeling," she sighed.
"How are you?" He asked touching her hand.
"Pregnant and suffering from a head injury." She sighed. "I don't know how to tell Chase."
"About the baby?" He never expected to get this sort of information from her, to feel close to her, to have her open up to him.
"About everything," she muttered. "My whole life it a mess right now because of what happened to me."
"What do you mean?" He was so confused, why was she dodging the conversation.
"I screwed up Scott. This baby isn't Chase's and I don't know how to tell him or my family." She sighed. "The only one who knows is Katie and she wants me to do something, but I'm afraid of what's gonna happen."
"Mackenzie just tell me," he held onto her hand and looked at her.
Nothing she said would change how he felt about her, how he craved to be with her every second of every day.
"I was..." She stuttered and looked away from him.
"You were?" He squeezed her hand in reassurance and smiled.
"I was raped and I don't know how to tell anyone," she whispered. "Can you help me?"
He looked at her felt his heart break.
It wasn't even about someone else getting to see Mack like that when he hadn't. It was about the fact that she'd said no. That something had been taken from her and turned into something almost unrecognizable.
Why hadn't she told someone? Anyone right after it happened? He could've been able to collar the bastard, now it would be harder. It could take months, years even to just get a suspect. He was so angry she hadn't told him, or Ned, for God's sake why didn't she just tell Ned?
He saw her mouth move and heard her explain that it had been more than once, that she was afraid of what her attacker would do is she came forward. She'd almost forgotten about the whole ordeal until she missed her period, twice and took a test.
Telling her that she was positively pregnant.
He would catch this prick, for her and for her family.
"You're pregnant?" Chase entered the room with flowers and Scott turned around to see the man in his work uniform again.
"Chase," she muttered.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Chase set the roses on her table as he rose from his chair.
He needed to get the hell out of here before he was brought to question.
"I'll see you, Mackenzie." He smiled and waved.
She glanced his way for a second before looking back at her boyfriend.
"I was gonna tell you, I was just scared what you would think." She sighed and wiped away a falling tear.
"Why wouldn't I be happy? God, Mack, you're going to have my child." Chase smiled, kneeling before her. "We're gonna be a family.
"That's the thing Chase, I don't know if this baby is yours." She replied harshly. "And we are barely out college, let alone ready for a baby."
"What? You fucking cheated on me?" Chase scoffed. "How could you? I know we've only been together ten months, but God, I love you."
"No. Never," she grabbed for his hand and he took a step back. "I'd never cheat on you."
Scott lingered around the doorway, just listening, he needed to make sure he wouldn't hurt her.
"Then how the hell would this baby be mine Mack?" Chase asked, scratching his face. "Condoms break sometimes, we've had enough sex to get you pregnant in the last month."
"Goddamnit Chase just listen to me! I was raped, okay! Is that what you want to hear?" She sobbed. "Do you want to hear how someone shoved me face down into a desk and took me from behind on our six month anniversary? And then proceeded to time and time again come back and do it to me over and over again for eleven more times!" She gasped and let the tears overtake her for no more than a second. "You called me thirteen times that night because I was late for our reservation and I gave you some crap excuse that didn't even make any sense. I would never cheat on you and I can tell you for a fact that I think this baby isn't yours because we don't have sex that much. We maybe have sex twenty times in the past eight weeks, which yes, that is enough to have a baby in most cases, but that's not the point Chase. The point is I don't know if you're the father and it's not because I fucking cheated on you."
"Mackenzie," Katie said softly and looked over at her.
He watched as she looked at her sister, the anger showing in how she was keeping her composure, but tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Chase I think you should go, this isn't good for her," Katie said looking at her monitor. "She just had brain surgery two days ago, she doesn't need to be worked up."
"I don't care. This isn't something I'm just going to let get pushed off," Chase answered.
"That's not what I was saying, but whatever." Kate sighed and took a bite of her salad.
Every word stung only fueling the fire that burned inside of him. Every phrase was like gasoline to it, his fists began to clench and his jaw rooted.
"You don't have to lie, Mackenzie," Chase scoffed. "If you're cheating on me just tell me. We both know you can't ever say no."
That's when the final mento had been added to the coke inside of him, he exploded with anger.
"Alright, you're done in here." He yelled, grabbing the collar of his jumpsuit and shoving him out of the room.
"Who the fuck are you?" Chase yelled. "That's my girlfriend in there."
"None of your Goddamn business," he shoved him to the floor. "Don't ever blame the victim. I get that you're angry because someone else got to be with her, and you're also sad because she's pregnant and that kid might not be yours. The possibility that it could be is killing you inside, but how do you think she feels when you're blaming her for what happened."
"You don't know what's going on inside my head," Chase muttered and picking himself up. Chase tried to push past him but he pushed him against the wall. "Go fuck yourself, man."
"Take a walk, you're not going back in there until you have a clear head." He muttered.
"Whatever," Chase shoved him out of his way and left.
Scott fixed his jacket and smoothed back his hair before turning around to see her staring at him. "I'll see you around." He said to Katie and Ned before walking toward Mackenzie, sitting next to her. "Get better, okay?"
"Just don't be a stranger," Mackenzie touched his hand and squeezed it. "Please?"
Scott pulled Mackenzie to him and covered her mouth with his in a gentle kiss. As their lips moved together, Katie laughed and just continued eating.
"I'm trying to eat," Katie laughed.
It was magic, the way Scott's lips connected with Mackenzie's and when they separated she didn't know what to say, so he said it.
"I just had to do that one more time," he smiled at her and left.
"You two are gonna happen one day and I'm taking credit." Katie munched on her salad as Mackenzie looked over at her.
"And if it doesn't, it's my fault?" Ned laughed.
"Yep," Katie smiled and kissed Ned.
