I want to thank everyone who has been following the story and I want to assure you that I'm not going to drop it, is just that it has been more difficult for me to update lately (and this chapters keep getting longer!), but I have quite a clear idea of where I want to take this and I intend to get there eventually. I really appreciate all of you who have taken your time to read and leave reviews. I hope you enjoy this and that you're not discouraged because of the delay. I'm not abandoning it, promise!
Will and Alicia were suddenly brought back to consciousness by the annoying melody coming from Will's cellphone. It took him a good five seconds to realize it was his 6:30 alarm and that Alicia had stirred by his side. Not wanting to fully wake her up he scrambled with the things in his nightstand until his fingers got a grip from the vibrating trinket and managed to press the snooze button. Silence once more reigned in the room, broken every once and then by a passing car in the distance. He sunk again in his bed, reluctant to leave the warmness and the comfort her sole presence brought to him. He felt her arm surrounding him and her, snuggling against him, earned a kiss on the top of her head. They were dozing off again when the poor imitation of a forest's sounds made Will roll in annoyance towards his end of the bed to shut it off again. Stay, Alicia mumbled sleepily. Will smiled fondly at her and moved back to whisper in her ear: I can't, unfortunately we have to get to work, all the while moving her hair from her eyes, one lock at a time. She buried her face in the pillow, allowing herself to be rebellious for once. He chuckled, I'll go take a bath, you sleep a little longer. He couldn't believe how domestic this all was. They had been working together on a class action against a car parts manufacturer and knowing they would finish quite late and being her week without the kids, she'd brought her things to stay over at his apartment.
Alicia was awakened for the third time in less than half an hour, but his time there was no alarm ringing. She shifted uncomfortably, slowly realizing the reason for her awareness, but before she could fully react to it, the dull pain in her lower abdomen was gone. She grudgingly opened her eyes, adjusting them to the dim light in the room. She could hear the muffled sound of the shower as she pushed herself into a seated position. Being only half awake she wasn't even sure that she had actually felt pain, so she decided to wait and see if it happened again. The clock on the nightstand marked 6:58, so she just rested her head back on the headboard, waiting for Will to get out of the bathroom. She was checking her cellphone for any important messages that might have arrived overnight when she heard the water stop running and not long afterwards Will appeared in her sight again, lower half covered with a towel, the smell of his soap flooding the room. He approached her for a good morning kiss and she smiled at him, finally getting out of bed.
What do you want for breakfast?
Hold on. She said, while hurriedly heading towards the bathroom, her bladder asking for relief. He almost expected to hear her throwing up, like most mornings now, but instead he heard the toilet flush and the door open again while he was sitting on the edge of the bed putting socks on.
So? He asked again, looking up at her. But what he saw made him forget completely about breakfast. What's wrong?
He stood up and immediately went to her, his face suddenly very serious. Alicia?
She was standing very still just outside the bathroom, her face suddenly pale in the morning sun, her expression one of fear.
I'm bleeding. Her voice was almost a whisper. I'm bleeding, Will.
His eyes opened wide, checking her out, like expecting to see the blood, but she looked like her regular self, if only wearing Will's oversized T-shirt. She was looking at him, panick setting in, tears in the edge of her eyes. He pulled her towards him, hands in her shoulders, feeling suddenly paralyzed in shock, just like she was. "This can't be happening" was the sole thought in his mind. Her nails dug on his arm, pain making him finally react. He let go of her and sprung into action. I'm taking you to the hospital, come on. Alicia nodded and suddenly realized that her tight pencil skirt and stilettos were probably not the best for a hospital trip. Fortunately Will seemed to have thought about that too and without saying a thing he handed her the smallest pants, T-shirt and slippers he owned, that still looked giant on her though. Deciding practicality trumped looks, she took her clean underwear and went to the bathroom to change, but left the door semi-open, not really wanting to be alone. In the meanwhile he quickly buttoned his shirt and gathered their things from across the room: the car keys, wallet, Alicia's bag where she'd brought her things (which he wasn't sure if it was a big purse or a small suitcase) and where he threw all of her things he could find, and both their cellphones. When she exited the bathroom he was ready to go. Come on, I've got your things.
He impatiently pushed the elevator's button, hating that it took it so long to arrive to his floor. Alicia's grip on his hand was firm and refused to let go as they finally got into the elevator, a mother and her two small children for company. The woman looked with a hint of strangeness at them, a formally dressed Will carrying a woman's elegant bag and the rather disheveled Alicia at an hour most people were heading to work or school, but fortunately she didn't comment. They finally got to the basement and climbed in his car, Will turning off the radio, not being in the mood for it. They were silent most of the ride, Alicia looking every once and then at him, his face inscrutable.
I'm sure it's probably nothing.
His eyes remained fixated in the road ahead.
Yeah, let's just have you checked.
However, they both knew this was probably something. They finally arrived at the hospital twenty something minutes later, time that felt like an eternity to both of them, even with Will driving well above the speed limit in the roads he knew it was less likely to get a ticket. He was about to pull into the ER bay when Alicia spoke again: no, let's enter through the basement. There are sometimes photographers around. He turned to look at her while he headed towards the parking lot entrance.
How do you know?
There was a time I learned every possible spot for a reporter, she answered dryly. There were quite a few slots available due to the hour, so it didn't took them long to be approaching the front desk.
After typing her name in the computer she was instructed by the receptionist to wait outside the triage area, while Will was given a bunch of forms to fill out. They were barely sitting down in the metal chairs when Alicia was called in by a nurse. He went behind her but was stopped by said nurse, saying that only patients were allowed in and that he should help her by filling the paperwork. He ground his teeth in frustration but sat again in the chair, looking anxiously at the door she'd disappeared through. He was soon sucked into the task of writing her personal info, insurance data and past medical history; only to realize he knew very little about them. He was frustratedly thinking the questions in the last page when she reappeared by his side.
We have to wait over there. She said, pointing at some couches further through the hall. He followed her towards them, pen and papers still in his hand. Am I supposed to know your last menstrual period? Alicia stopped and furrowed her brow at him. He squirmed uncomfortably and waved the papers at her, apologetically. She smiled for the first time in a while, entertained by his discomfort. It's ok, gimme that, I'll fill them. And so she was finishing them when she got called a second time, this time from one of the wooden doors, simply marked with a 5. Will and her jumped from their seat but he then looked awkwardly at the nurse and then at Alicia, not knowing if he should go inside. This time, however, he was invited in as well. They were received by a young doctor in scrubs, who was typing energetically something in the computer. He alternated between looking at them and at the screen, speaking and typing all the while. He introduced himself and quickly started questioning Alicia about the reason for her visit, nodding and humming every once and then. Then there was a moment of silence while he clicked impatiently and finally he half turned in the chair to face them directly.
There is always... concern, he was choosing his words carefully, when there is bleeding during a pregnancy, but I'll need to check you out before knowing for certain what's wrong. I need you to put this gown and then go into the exam room. He pointed at one door. There is the bathroom and there, he pointed this time at an entrance from which it was only visible a metal stool and a metal cabinet, the exam room. I'll see you there. On the meanwhile, Mr... he looked questioningly at Will, who he was quick to answer the Gardner, uncomfortable with the fact that she still went by Ms. Florrick and people could soon start to speculate... Mr. Gardner, you can go leave those papers at the front desk. We will be back in a moment and then we can discuss everything, okay? Will and Alicia nodded and stood up to follow their respective instructions, one last hand squeeze before parting.
Will had returned and was seated once more in the chair, uncomfortably looking around the room, when the doctor reappeared and resumed with the typing, acknowledging Will with a courteous smile. Alicia emerged from the bathroom soon after, back in Will's clothes.
Well, after checking you out it seems you're having a threatened abortion, Mrs. Florrick. Will turned around to look at her and, had he known her less, he would have missed the flicker of panic in her eyes, as she stared intently at the doctor, not moving a muscle. He could feel his stomach drop and impotence mixed with guilt filled him. He had gotten her into this and now there was nothing he could do to make it better. Why had he allowed himself to get so carried away in his feelings that he hadn't cared about the potential consequences of an affair? He swallowed and tried to breathe deeply in an attempt to stay calm, knowing she would need him fully functional now more than ever before.
Your regular doctor has already been notified and she will come down in a minute to see you. We need to perform an ultrasound to check on the baby and you'll have to stay for a while here.
Alicia was still mute so Will stepped in, receiving all the instructions on the admission process and accompanying her around the hospital, her impassiveness being the only refuge she knew.
As one of the nurses was giving him Alicia's belongings they heard his phone ringing in his pocket. She looked at him, expectantly. He fished the phone out and silenced it, allowing the nurse to finish the inventory and signing it in exchange for the plastic bag. The nurse then spoke: I need you to come with me, Ms. Florrick. We'll take you to your bed and make you some questions, okay?
She nodded, but turned at Will, who was supposed to wait outside once more.
Just a second, she said to the nurse, who backed slightly to give them some room.
You should get back to work, I'm sorry, I've got it from here.
Will huffed. No way. I'm staying. But... Diane will ask. And he looked questioningly at her, not needing further explanation as to whom the call had been from.
I guess we'll have to talk to her once I get out. She answered his unspoken question.
He nodded and once outside, took his phone out again, a bunch of icons lighting above the 8:30 sign. He plopped himself in one of the chairs outside the ER and dialed Diane's number.
Will, where are you? You were supposed to go through the Tenneco's strategy today, the associates are waiting for you!
Diane, I'm sorry, there was... a situation. I might not make it in today, but...
What? You're not coming? Will, what's going on?
Diane, listen. I won't make it to the office today and neither will Alicia, but...
What?! Are you with Alicia? If there had ever been a moment in which she had wanted to kill him, it was probably this. No matter what the details were, both of them not showing for work was the definition of trouble to come. Will, what the hell is happening? He was suddenly very happy they were nowhere near each other.
Diane, hey, listen to me. Listen to me first! He raised his voice slightly to keep her from interrupting once more. There was a situation and neither of us can make it in today, it's something really important and I... we will explain it to you, in person, soon enough, but please, I need you to help me out here first. I need you to delegate our work today. We can have lunch or something tomorrow and then we'll talk. Trust me, please, I wouldn't ask if this wasn't of the utmost importance. He was basically pleading.
There was a long silence on the other side of the line, before she finally answered.
Fine. But we need to talk, this is getting out of control.
And with that, she hung up.
Diane hesitated for a second but then picked the phone up again. Get Kalinda for me, please.
When Will was allowed to see Alicia again, she was laying in a bed, ultrasound machine ready by her side. A blonde doctor who introduced herself to him as Dr. Daniels, Alicia's regular GYN/OB, was sitting in front of said machine and Will was sent to seat by Alicia's head, where they could both see the screen. She winced in discomfort when they begun, but her eyes were glued to the machine, waiting anxiously for the beating heart to appear. There was so much tension emanating from both of them that the air felt thick and suffocating. And then, about half a minute after the gray picture appeared in sight, there was once more that precious sound and rhythmical waves in the screen. They both exhaled loudly the air they had inadvertently been holding and Alicia couldn't help but to thank silently for the baby to be alive. The doctor turned around and smiled at them, her heart warming at their obvious relief. She kept changing the picture and measuring things, but for the couple in front of her the most important thing was already settled. The baby was alive.
—-—
Sometimes Eli Gold wished he'd turn into an economist instead of a crisis/campaign manager. His clients did all sort of crazy things, devoided of any common sense and against his better advice, making his job twice as hard and making him want to pull his hair in frustration.
Why?! Why are you doing this? You can't... I mean, you can, but... this is not how... you should've come to me before!
Peter was sitting imperturbable behind his desk, just waiting for Eli's recriminations to stop.
You done? He said in a low growl. Listen to me Eli... he hated having to discuss this matter with him even if it had been his idea to call him for help... Alicia asked me for the divorce. We are not going to stay together and I would appreciate if you stopped blaming me for everything that goes wrong in this marriage. Alicia isn't as saint as you all seem to believe. He emphasized the last sentence, starting to lose his temper at Eli's antics after what was probably a good half and hour of hearing him complain, first on the phone and now in person. He already had enough to deal with like to add him to the list; he was supposed to be here to make things easier, not more difficult.
Peter, when I brought you back in office I didn't give a damn about the State's Attorney position, this was just the entrance to something bigger, the governorship, and you know it! But you can't, listen to me, you can't do it if you divorce Alicia. You need her. I really believe in you as a politician and I think you can do great things for this state, otherwise I wouldn't be here, but you have to let me help you! I know you have your issues with her, but you have to find a way to make this work out... if not for love at least for political convenience. There, he had said it out loud. We can arrange something...
We can't arrange anything! Peter's voice raised until he caught sight of a passing figure outside and remember he was still in his office. Listen to me, I don't want to have anything to do with her or her with me. We're done for good this time. I didn't even know if I wanted to run for governor and I guess it has been decided for me now. Alicia and I talked about this and we will split your fee so you deal with the press but that's it. I don't want to listen to more recriminations on my personal life or on my political decisions. I have an office to run and I would appreciate you letting me do the work you got me elected for.
Eli huffed in frustration, and started walking around Peter's office like a caged and angry lion. When he had met Peter he had been dubious about taking him in, but he'd managed to show him his great political skills during this time and that's why he was still betting on him for the governorship. He knew Peter wanted the spot and had what it took to get there but, just like it had been from the start, his personal life was his biggest obstacle. Alicia had proven a lifesaver for his political career but now the tides were turning. If what Peter had said was true and she was the one asking for the divorce, she could end his career. Without her endorsement he would just be seen like the politician who had abused office to go sleep with hookers. However, if he could manage to keep Alicia on board with Peter's governorship, this disaster could be managed with the press; nonetheless, he did need the full picture in order to have a strategy that wouldn't end up backfiring on him. He knew though, that the last place were he would get that picture was with either one of them, so it was time to get someone else's help. He quickly left Peter, assuring him he would deal with it and went back to Lockhart/Gardner, a plot already forming in his head. He navigated around the office until he spotted his objective.
Kalinda!
—- —
What was with everyone trying to figure out Alicia Florrick's life this morning?
No Eli, I'm not doing it.
Kalinda, come on. I need it, they need it.
They were walking around the senior partner's floor, Eli trying to get Kalinda's full attention and her, trying to lose him in the glass labyrinth.
No, I told you from the start that I wouldn't work for Peter and I'm still not going to.
This isn't for Peter, it's for Alicia too. They've asked me... Eli lowered his voice to avoid any curious bypassers... to handle their divorce with the press but I can't do it if I don't know what I'm dealing with.
And what does that have to do with me?
I need to know the reasons for the divorce.
Then go ask them.
They are not talking. Eli rolled his eyes for added dramatics. Look, I just need to know if there's anything the press could use against them, especially if they try to ambush the children.
Kalinda stopped and turned around, having reached the conference room door. What do you mean by ambush the children?
It's always easier to get them to spill the beans. Some "reporters"... he air quoted the word... will hire someone to ask them things while conveniently filming it. It's not that unusual in campaigns, but they could try it here if they think there's a story worth the effort. That's why I need your help. Peter and Alicia are easy to keep in line, but kids...
Kalinda looked at Eli, considering his explanation.
I'll think about it, but I wouldn't count on my help if I were you. And with that, she left to tell the assembled bunch of lawyers her latest discovery for the car parts' suit.
Eli knew he couldn't do much more than hope that his explanation had convinced Kalinda, and that he needed more information before doing anything else about the Florricks' divorce, so he went back to his office and dialed Alicia's number. He repeated the task several times, getting her voice mail over and over again. When he was about to give up, there was a crackle of static before a male's voice answered.
Eli, it's Will. Alicia is busy right now, she can't answer you, but I'll tell her to phone you when she is done.
Eli was thrown off by the unexpected respondent, but quickly found his words and indignation to speak. I need to talk to her, it's really important! Have her call me, soon.
She'll call you when she can, Eli. Goodbye. And with that, Will hung up and turned off her phone. It stayed like that for a good while, until he went in again to see her and she forced him to turn it back on, incapable to stay completely away from work. He just shook his head in disapproval and handed her the phone, knowing the minute Eli called again she would be the one turning it off. Not long afterwards he was laughing at his supposition coming true; it was knowing those little details about her that made him enjoy their relationship the most, and what made it different from all the other relationships he'd had. He really hoped they could preserve this no matter what happened with the pregnancy.
—-
Will patted the pillow, trying to make it more comfortable for her. Alicia rolled her eyes mockingly at his excessive attentions and plopped herself in the bed, happy to be back in her house. The day had just been one of the most exhausting in her life. After having every inch of her insides looked at and measured with the ultrasound she had finally been confirmed the threatened abortion and left on observation for twelve hours; all the while Eli trying to get a hold of her, and what felt like half Lockhart/Gardner looking for them both. It was almost midnight when Will had finally pulled over outside her building and accompanied her inside, suddenly transformed into her guardian and personal assistant. The mood was lighter now that they knew the baby was fine, but she could still feel Will's vigilant stare upon her and she herself was still apprehensive about what could've happened. They hadn't really discussed the day's events, except for the part where they would tell Diane about the pregnancy over lunch tomorrow. They'd reached the conclusion it was better to just be direct with the news and assure her it would have no implications with the firm as much as they could help it, and Will had been adamant about Alicia taking the rest of the week off, so hey would have to tell her that too. She hated taking days off but he was having none of it and she finally relented, especially since she'd been told to rest. So now here they were, sitting side by side, Will offering her her pajamas to change into. She did so and he then pulled the blankets up to her chin, tucking her in, caressing her cheek and placing his face just inches away from hers, noses almost touching, feeling the warm air from their breaths on each other's skin.
You had me worried today.
I was worried too. I thought... she looked away for a moment... I thought we might lose it.
I... I like the idea of our child, you know? I... I know we didn't plan it but I really hope this works out. Will was almost whispering, like trying not to spook her with his confession, like he had so many times before. She advanced the final distance to lock their lips together and then pulled back just enough to talk, her arms surrounding him, letting herself melt into the safety his embrace provided.
Thank you Will. No matter what happens, thank you for being here.
—-—-
What was so urgent that granted a meeting at 2 am?
Will had left after making sure Alicia was settled and asleep, with the promise to see her the next day.
He now looked at Kalinda, furrowing his brow, while he took the glass with the amber liquid to his lips and sipped. She had never been one to beat around the bush, so she cut straight to the point.
Alicia is pregnant, Will.
She was sitting in one of the stools, one leg crossed, black leather boot barely visible in the bar's dim light. She examined him, watching closely every move, gesture and reaction Will had. She followed his look towards the bartender and the careful manner in which he placed his glass back on the table.
... but you already knew. She said, more like a statement, her suspicions just confirmed by his behavior.
I... might have been aware from that. And in that moment he looked at Kalinda and grinned. She might have guessed he was the father, but having it confirmed by his gesture made her inhale sharply in half-surprise.
Yours?
Yeah.
And she could see he was happy, for real.
I can't believe it. You finally get your chance with her and you didn't lose a moment, huh? She chuckled, keeping her reserves about the whole situation to herself.
Will laughed and raised his glass to drink again. Oh, shut up. He said playfully. Kalinda raised her glass too and clinked it with his, cheering silently for her friend and his happiness; even, why not, cheering for Alicia too. However, the celebration couldn't be very long lasting since there were some pressing matters to address.
Diane and Eli wanted me to investigate Alicia. I don't think it'll take them long to figure out what's up.
We'll talk tomorrow with Diane. And so Will gave her a brief summary of the events of the day and their determination to finally talk to the other name partner, as Alicia's pregnancy couldn't stay hidden forever, especially with the latest events.
You know she'll go to David Lee, right? To discuss your recklessness?
Yes, she'll want his input on this, that's why Alicia will tell him tomorrow too. He'll be bound by attorney-client privilege that way. He smiled, satisfied with their plan.
Clever. And what about Eli?
How much does he know?
Not much, only that they are getting divorced. He wants details so he can manage the press, but I think Peter's campaign is still his priority. Will frowned at the mere mention of him.
We'll have to delay him, I don't want him pestering Alicia right now. We should give him something to do, for the firm, in the meanwhile, at least until we figure things out with Diane. Then we can tell him and let him do his magic with the press.
I don't think the press knows about Alicia's divorce or the pregnancy yet, but it didn't take me long to figure it out and anyone looking for it will find it too.
Can you help me with that?
Kalinda smiled. I'll see what I can do. She paused and held Will's arm. You'll do great, you know?
I hope you're right. I've never been so afraid in my life about screwing something up.
You love her. And I guess now you love the kid too. You love them too much to screw it up too badly. She chuckled. You'll be fine.
And so they clinked their glasses once more, relieved to find a friend and ally in each other in times of need.
