Chapter 6: The New Normal

"So how are things going?" Maggie asked.

April's smile told it all. "We're great!"

It had been 3 months since she and Ethan got back together and they were better than ever. They still shared some shifts together, which worked great, but she would cover a couple of paramedic shifts each month to keep up her skills and help out 51. Ethan had asked her to move back in, but she thought it would be best to allow them to 'court' a little more this time. Each had keys to the other's place, but it allowed them some time to miss each other. The 'semi-distance' as she called it (because they slept in the same bed every night- even if not the entire night), also gave them more places to make love and try new positions. It even helped them with handling issues with their families. They made a pact to concentrate on keeping 'their family' first, before entertaining the problems of others. So when Emily and Bernie began to fight over Tess, April and Ethan talked about what and how much they would do. They agreed to keep watch over the toddler, until her parents could legally reach an acceptable custody agreement. "We're doing really good. Tess's things have taken over our apartments, but she is a bundle of joy to have around."

Maggie's heart was warmed, as this was the happiest she had ever seen her friend. April seemed content, not only with her personal life, but her professional life as well.

"Well, I don't think I have ever seen Dr. Choi as happy. He actually laughs and jokes. And when he's holding the baby, he looks like a new man." April nodded in agreement. "So, what's next?"

April's head shot up quickly. "Look. We are just getting back into the swing of things."

"Yeah, but it's not like you are strangers or something."

"True, but last time I think we got swept up in the romanticism, but did not make any effort to put our lives together in a practical way. We were still learning each other on a personal level, and at times that strained us more than it should have." April fondly remembered their former attempt, placing her hand over her heart. "But now, when we disagree, we look for the compromise that we can both live with and keeping our relationship as our focus."

"That's wonderful. You guys are so mature! Can I be like you?" Maggie chuckled sarcastically.

April had curved her lips to respond, but she could hear Tess's giggles from far away, so she decided to keep quiet for now. But her rolled eyes told Maggie what she thought about her comment. And as she reviewed the orders for her patients, she felt a hand around her waist and a sweet kiss on the back of her neck. She turned to see a bright eyed baby girl and her uncle with the smiling dimples.

"Well hello you two! How has your day been?"

Tess just yammered incessantly, telling April all about her morning in the nursery. "Oh really little one? Well you'll just have to tell me more about that." April answered pinching her cheeks, while Ethan chuckled.

"I've had a decent morning, but her mom is on her way to pick her up." Ethan did not look pleased by this, so April waited for him to expound. "Apparently they have reached an agreement, but she hasn't said what that is." He was worried, she could hear it in his voice.

"Can you take a break now? We can talk about it before she gets here." Ethan nodded. "Hey Mags, can I get a 20-minute now?"

"Yeah, we're good. Go ahead."

"Thanks. And if you don't mind, just let us know when Emily gets here." Maggie agreed. "Thanks sweets."

Tess started to fuss until April took her. As they sat in the cafeteria, April could see Ethan's concern on his face. "Ok," she stated quietly as she cradled Tess against her neck, "What's the problem? Why do are you worried?"

Ethan took a deep breath and then just spewed. "Honestly, I am afraid of what this arrangement is going to do to us?" April's eyes squinted in confusion. "I mean, Emily has never been known for being responsible, but with Tess she has done better. However, even with her, we are the most consistent people in this baby's life," he declared while rubbing Tess's foot. "I'm worried that Emily and Bernie's 'arrangement' will look good on paper, but neither will be able to commit completely and Tess will suffer." He paused, because trying to help his family had already broken them up before, and he wasn't sure he could deal with it again. "I'm not sure I would be able to stand by and let Tess suffer, because her parents are not responsible enough to do what's best for her; which then could cause us problems- I mean before my family caused us to break up. I don't think I can handle that again." April knew he worried history was repeating itself, but things were different this time and she hadn't planned on leaving.

"Ethan, things are different now. First, this is a child we are talking about, and she can't fight for herself, so we have to. Secondly, you talked to me about it first, so WE could make a decision, not one person unilaterally- keeping our family the priority. In the past we focused on making everyone else's lives better, while we sacrificed our own. This time, we will do what we can, but sacrificing our life together is not an option."

"Agreed." He smiled. "So, how far are you willing to go with this? How much are we going to fight? Are we going to push legally? Are we going to help financially? Help Emily? Try to mediate between Bernie and Emily? What?"

"Ethan, slow down! Right now, all we know is that Emily is coming to get Tess. We don't know what the agreement is, so let's not speculate. Maybe we can meet at your place for dinner and discuss the agreement with Emily and see how she feels about it. Then if we need to get involved, we can discuss it after she leaves." She grabbed and rubbed the back of his hand. "I'm not going anywhere Ethan. We're a team and we'll figure out what WE should do for Tess." A wave of relief flowed over Ethan and the tension in his shoulders finally released.

He leaned in and gently kissed her, "Thank you." She smiled with a wink as they walked to meet Emily in the department.