Chapter 4
As Mac neared the bed he removed his slippers before climbing in. Slipping under the sheets he wrapped his arm around his wife, while his hand began caressing her tummy. Stiffing up, she turned on her side.
Feeling her tense Mac stopped. Wondering to himself if he had hurt her.
"Did I hurt you love?"
"Hmm..no. I'm just really tired tonight Mac."
Mac knew something was wrong. Ever since he brought her home she'd been acting funny when he went to touch her. Not wanting to upset her, he wrapped her in close and held her.
"I love you Stel."
"I know Mac. I love you too, night."
While she slept Mac continued to think back to the last few days. Leaving his confused as to why she was always shying away from him. He knew she had been hell. But if she was in pain, why wasn't she being honest with him. They didn't have secrets between them, ever. That was the thing they promised each other. No more secrets.
Letting his thoughts clear away, he closed his eyes and fell into sleep. The following morning he woke. Stepping into his slipper he felt something squish between his toes.
Realizing it was puppy poop, he sighed deep.
"Damn it. For Christ sakes."
Leaning over the bed Stella realized Mac had a sipper full. Trying not to laugh she covered her mouth with the blanket.
"Funny Stel. Keep laughing."
Getting up from the bed he hopped into the washroom leaving Stella unable to contain her laughter this time.
"Oh God Mac. You look like a giant Easter bunny."
Slamming the bathroom door she heard the shower running.
"What did you do in daddy's slipper Bonkers?"
Hearing his name, he tilted his head to side, and plopped his tongue out just staring at Stella.
"Let's go Bonkers. Come on, before daddy comes out."
Heading downstairs with Mitch, Stella started breakfast.
A short time later Mac walked down and found Bonkers running in circles barking at him.
"Arrf, arrf."
Seeing the ball in front of him, he picked it up and tossed it across the floor. Watching as the pup chased it.
"I should be mad at you. You know that right?"
"Arrf, arrf."
"Mac, breakfast is ready."
While he walked over to the table he picked up his son and sat down.
"I'm going to grab a shower Mac. I'll be back."
"Okay love."
Snuggling his son he caressed his little crown before kissing him. Unwrapping his little fist, he placed his finger between them. Watching as they curled back into his.
"So handsom my son. Look at you. So much like your mommy. Are you ready to find out if we can make you a little brother or sister in a few years? Would you like that Mitch?"
Yawning at his daddy. He opened his one eye and smiled. Then closing it again, he fell back into sleep.
"Okay Mac. I'm ready."
Passing her their baby. Mac placed Bonkers into his cage before they left.
When they arrived at the doctors Stella informed the nurse of their arrival. Sitting down Mac took off Mitch's jacket, lifting him into his arms. As Stella watched she could see Mac shaking. Reaching out her hand she took his into hers, and gave it a squeeze.
"It's going to be okay Mac."
Looking her in the eyes, he tried his best to smile but couldn't.
"Stella Taylor the doctor will see you now."
Once they were seated in the office. Silence filled the room.
"Hi Stella, hi Mac. didn't we just see you yesterday?" Brenda laughed.
"Yeah, you did."
"Okay Stella. I need you to lower your pants to your waist. I'd like a good look at that scar."
She could see Mac watching. Waiting to see it for himself. Brenda could tell Stella was hesitant.
"Mac, would you mind waiting outside with Mitch. I'll come get you when we're done the exam."
Mac looked at her strangly. He and Stella shared everything together. From the moment of her pregnancy and on. Getting up he took him and his son from the room.
"Alright Stella. He's gone. Can I see that scar now."
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to hurt him. He must be so confused. I haven't been able to let him touch me at all since the birth. Even when he tried to join me in the shower I jumped out. When he touches me at night, I back away from him. I've never been a vein person, ever. But even I can't stand the scar."
"I understand Stella. Let's have a look at it, okay?"
Removing her pants she laid on the little bed. Watching the doctors expression she could see nothing.
"It's still very tender there isn't it?"
"It is. Some nights the pain can be bad. But most times it's tolerable."
"Okay. I'd like to have look internally. If at any time you feel pain, or discomfort let me know and I'll stop."
Nodding that she understood. Stella focused all her thoughts on Mitch.
"I'm seeing alot of scar tissue Stella. More then I was hoping to see. Let's get you over for your scan. I'll know more once I get the results."
"What do you think though Brenda? Your opinion."
"My honest opinion is not to give you what I think? But to support you and your Mac once we find out together where we stand. You can come back in now Mac."
Sitting down he waited for Stella to give him the news.
"How'd it go love?"
"We don't know yet Mac. There's quite a bit of scar tissue. Brenda said that we will know more after the scan."
"Hmm..Brenda if I may ask. Our we able to make love now? Is there any reason we shouldn't?"
"Of course you can Mac. I see no reason why you couldn't. Though it's best to make sure you are both comfortable with it. From talking with Stella she is still experiencing some pain. Only you two know when you are ready."
"Sure. Thanks Brenda."
"You are both welcome. So Stella if you'd like to head down the hall to x-ray they'll take you in right away. When you're finished you can come back here."
Walking out from the Office Brenda felt sad for Mac. She could see how badly he wanted to love his wife again. But she also knew it would take time and understanding for Stella to accept her scar caused by the assault from Allison Scott.
As Stella laid still she thought of never being able to conceive again. Thinking back she could remember the nights her and Mac would laugh about starting their own baseball team.
"Okay . Let me help you up. We are finished."
As she raised her she noticed her tears.
"Are you okay ? Did you have some pain?"
"No. I'm fine thank you. Bye."
Leaving the room she changed back into her clothes and headed back to the Office. While they waited she fed Mitch while Mac grabbed coffee for them both. When he returned he took Mitch from her and placed him over his shoulder. Rubbing his back he put him to sleep.
"He's so tired Mac. Why don't you head home. I don't know how much longer I'll have to wait."
"Forget it Stella. We are in this together. I love you. I also want you to know no matter the outcome it won't change what we have. I love you for you, not for what you give me. I just thought you should know that."
"Okay Stella, you and Mac can come in now."
Sitting down Mac's knees began to tremble, bumping against the desk.
"What's that sound?"
Looking down Stella tried not to laugh. Leave it to Mac to change the tension in the room.
"It's Mac's knee smacking against your desk."
Placing her hand on his knee he stopped.
"Sorry Brenda. I'm really nervous here."
"I can see that Mac. Just relax okay. Stella you are very lucky woman. If all husbands were as caring and loving as yours. I'd never have complaints from my patients about theirs. Anyways. Here we go, are you ready?"
Nodding yes, she reached over and wrapped her hand in his.
"Excuse me doctor. just called. They've taken his wife to the Emergency. They think she may be miscarrying."
"Oh my. I know I need to give you your results Stella. Could you possibly wait. If not I can pass them over to , she'll read them to you."
"No that's okay. You go ahead. Can you call me at home with the results."
"I'll do better then that. How about I stop by when I'm done with the Hendersons?"
"Sure. That would be great. Thanks."
"No. Thank you for understanding. I'll see you once I finish up with this Emergency."
After she left Mac and Stella headed home. Knowing that they would have to wait a little longer for their results.
When Brenda got to the Hospital she was to late. Rianna had miscarried her child.
"I'm sorry Rianna. Are you doing okay?"
"Yeah. I'll be fine. It's getting frusterating though. This is the second time we've lost our child."
"I know it's frusterating Rianna. I truely do. But you have three beautiful children already. so I wouldn't be so upset about it."
"I know. I know. I've heard it from George too. You should be thankful with what we have. There are some women out there who can't even conceive one."
"He's right you know. Anyways Rianna. I'd like to see you in my office next week for a follow up, okay?"
"Sure Brenda. Thanks for everything."
"You're welcome. Take care."
Walking from the room Brenda sat in the Hospital lounge and looked at the Ultrasound results. As she read along she kept her thoughts neutral. Placing them back in the envelope, she headed over to the Taylor's to give them the news.
Leaving the Hospital Brenda ran into Sheldon.
"Hey Sheldon. What brings you here?"
"You. I thought we could do dinner and a movie."
"Mm..sounds great. But how bout you pick me up in two hours. I have to head over to the Taylor's and give them their results."
"Oh...are they good?" he winked.
"Now you know I can't discuss my cases with you Hawkes. so behave yourself or no one on one wrestling tonight."
"Well then. When you say it like that I'll shut up."
Leaning in he kissed her sweet lips.
"I'll see you in a couple hours."
"That you will. Bye."
At the Taylor's Mac was making lunch while Stella paced nervously across the floors.
"Try and relax Stella. I know the waiting is hard."
"I can't relax Mac. I'm to nervous."
"Well I have a cure for that love. Come here."
"Mac..stop. That's not going to help."
"Sure it will love."
Seductively moving towards her she felt the heated stare all the way to her very core. Nearing her side, he wrapped his hand around her curls and pulled them back assaulting her neck with his soft kisses.
"Pleeeeeeeease Mac."
Not listening to her pleas. To lost in her scent that had been forgotten, he roamed his hands down under her shirt. That's when he felt her tense again. Removing his hands he looked into her eyes and seen the tears.
"Stel???"
"I'm sorry Mac. I'm just not ready to be touched. I'm so sorry."
"Aww..don't be sorry love. I just wish you'd tell me why? You never cringe at my touch. I feel so lost. Did I hurt you somehow?"
"No Mac. No..never. It's just I..."
"Just what Stella? Please."
Turning away from him she walked over to the window.
"I don't want you to see my scar. I don't want you to see what I now look like underneath my clothes."
"What?? Look at me Stella."
Turning to face him he could see so much pain and hurt in her eyes.
"Listen to me Stella. A few scars, or a million scars makes no difference to me. I thought you knew me better then that Stella. I love you, not what you look like. It's your soul, the beauty of your spirit that had me fall in love with you. Do you understand Stella? It's you I love, not your body, not your beauty. How could you even think that would make a difference on how'd I feel about us?"
"I do know you better then that Mac. I'm sorry. It's me. I've never been vein before, ever. But even I can't stand to look at it."
"It's just a scar Stella. A battle wound. One you survived. One you healed from after someone tried to take your life."
Moving in towards her he slid his hands up her blouse. Undoing the buttons one by one he seen her close her eyes as he opened it, exposing her scar. Waiting for him to sigh, or cringe it never came. All that could be felt were soft sweet kisses that he placed on each and every inch of it.
"Maaaaaaaac....."
*Knock, knock*
"To be continued love. That will be Brenda."
Trying to catch her breath Mac helped her with her buttons.
"You're shivering love."
Smiling because he knew his touch passionately drowned her, he helped her button up then answer the door.
"Hi Brenda come on in."
"Thanks Mac. You okay Stella? You look flushed."
"No. I'm fine. Have a seat. I made coffee."
"Thanks, but I'll pass. I'm having dinner with Sheldon tonight."
"Ahhh..lucky Sheldon. We love seeing him happy."
"He is that Stella. Okay onto your results. Once again I'm really sorry for the delay."
"It's okay. We understand Brenda."
Taking his wife's hand they listened.
"From what the test showed you have quite a bit of scar tissue on your uterus Stella. Later on when you and Mac decide to have another child it could create problems. The biggest being conception. It may take alot longer to become pregnant, if at all. Though when you two are ready we can surgically remove your scar tissue Stella. But then again you are looking at problems."
"What kind of problems?"
"Well..with removal of scar tissue it can make fetal birth premature or can cause irregular bleeding throughout your pregnancy. But most times woman can conceive again without any complications. It all depends on the health, and genitics of the mother. This is a decision you both have alot of time to make. As I'm sure you both want a few years with your Mitch before you even decide on another child."
"Yeah we do. Now by waiting to have the surgery to remove the scar tissue will it increase or become thicker making it harder to remove?"
"It can. But at this time I wouldn't recommend you being opened again Stella. If you like you can wait a year and we will book an appointment to have it removed. Right now your body needs time to fully heal."
"Okay. We understand Brenda. Thank you so much for letting us know where we stand. It helps us feel better knowing that when the time comes we have choices."
"You do Stella. Lots of them. For now I urge you both to enjoy your time with Mitch. For before you know it he will be all grown up."
Nodding their agreement Bonkers ran in.
"Arf, arf, arf."
"Well hello Bonkers. How are you?"
"Arf...arf."
"Really. Well that's wonderful."
Watching the pup turn his head to the side as he listened Stella laughed.
"I really need to get me one of these. This is one smart, cute little pup. Anyways I should get going. Poor Sheldon is most likely wondering where I am."
"Sure. Thanks again for everything Brenda. I'm so lucky to have you."
"Aww..I'm the one that's lucky Stella. I hope Sheldon knows how lucky he is to have such wonderful family in his life."
"We all are Brenda. And tht includes you."
"Thanks Stella. You call me if you have any concerns or problems okay?"
"I will. Take care."
"You two too. I'll see you in six weeks for another follow-up."
"You will. If not sooner."
Leaving out the door Stella ran to the phone.
"What are you up to their love?"
"I'm calling Sheldon to tell him Brenda wants a puppy."
Later that evening Brenda was showered and changed when the doorbell rang.
"Come on in Sheldon. The door is open."
Walking in he placed down the box of toys, bed, and puppy carrier. Lifting out the pup he put it behind his back.
"Hey Sheldon. It's about time. You're late."
"with good reason Brenda. I have something for you."
"You do? What?"
"Close your eyes. No peaking and hold out your hands."
Placing her hands out in front of her she felt the softness, then she heard the soft whine of the pup.
"Ooooooh...awwww...Sheldon. It's a puppy like Mac and Stella's. Oh look at him, he's so cute. Thank you."
Pulling Sheldon in close with the puppy between them she passionate kissed him.
"I take it you approve of him?"
"I do. How could I not Sheldon. He's so perfect."
Not wanting to put the pup down, she walked over and sat on the couch with it. Patting the cushion with her other hand, she called Sheldon over.
"You know what Brenda? He might be hungry. He's had quite a trip."
"I can see that by all the packages you've brought. This is all to much Sheldon. You have to let me pay for some of it."
"No. I bought him for you. That includes everything he came with. As long as you are happy, I'm happy."
"I am. Let's feed him, then we can head out."
"Are you sure you want to go out. If you prefer we can stay in Brenda."
"Hmm..whatever would we do ?"
"I could think of a few things. One of them being wrestling I believe. If you're still up for it ."
"Mmm...you order the pizza, I'll get out the mats."
Scrambling up from the couch, Sheldon pulled her back down.
"Not so fast. I need to get a feel for my opponent."
Touching his lips with hers. They both felt their world as they knew it tilt into one. Leaving them both knowing that their lives were about to change forever.
tbc...
