No characters belong to me, just a few little ideas from my imagination. Characters property of Disney & Meg Cabot.
Chapter 5
Plans had been made; Joseph had organised everything, pulled every string, called in every favour to ensure the upmost secrecy and Clarisse's safety. Clarisse did not know his plans; and when he offered to tell her she said she preferred not to know, that she trusted him.
Joseph spent every moment he could with Clarisse; she was suffering so many bouts of sickness that he felt at a loss how to help her. She returned to her office from another trip to the bathroom and Joseph pulled the chair back for her. 'There's some lemon and hot water here.' he said kindly as she approached. She sat down and Joseph started massaging her shoulders causing her to relax back against him. 'I don't recall it ever being this bad with the boys.' she said. He kissed her head.
'Darling, we should speak with Charlotte about preparing the statement.' he said and turned; sitting down on the edge of the desk to face her. She looked up at him, her hand on her slowly growing stomach. 'Yes, the press are practically camped outside hoping to discover what is wrong, hounding the doctor every time he visits. It is time.' she agreed.
'We should also get the doctor to check you once more before we travel.'
'Joseph there's no need.'
'Puerto Rico is a fair journey and it would put my mind at ease.'
'Very well.' she agreed.
'Now drink up.' he said, passing her cup.
The doctor had been making regular visits to the palace, causing rumours to spread through the country and parliament like wild fire. He was insistent on doing an ultrasound; and although Clarisse worried about someone discovering the secret if he was to bring a machine in, he surprised her by pulling a small compact portable machine out of his bag. 'Technology has moved along Your Majesty.' he said simply. Joseph had again ensured there was privacy for Her Majesty; keeping all staff away from her suite and ordering cameras switched off for the duration of the visit. The doctor entered Clarisse's bedroom where she was wrapped in her dressing gown. He was not blind to the look between Joseph and Clarisse as Joseph closed the door on them, staying outside. 'Your Majesty...' the doctor started.
'Clarisse.' she corrected.
'Clarisse...can we be honest with each other for a moment?' he asked; and she nodded.
'I've been your physician for many years and you have my loyalty. I hope you know that.' he said; and she nodded again. 'Would you like Joseph with you?' he asked; and in that moment Clarisse saw the understanding in her doctor's eyes. She nodded again and he opened the door to see Joseph pacing. 'Mr Ramirez, would you care to come in?' the doctor said.
'I don't know that-' Joseph started.
'She could use your support.' the doctor said; and Joseph saw in his eyes that the man knew the truth. He entered and approached the bed where Clarisse was reclined against her pillows. 'Are you ready Clarisse?' the doctor asked as Joseph sat beside Clarisse on the bed. Clarisse looked up at Joseph and then back at the doctor and nodded. As the doctor readied the machine, Joseph saw that Clarisse was shaking. The doctor untied her dressing gown and pulled up her silk pyjama top, edging the bottoms to her hips. 'Clarisse, you should relax.' the doctor said as he squeezed the gel on to her stomach. Clarisse closed her eyes, her mind working over-time as the reality of her situation truly sank in. 'Everything looks good.' the doctor said. Clarisse's eyes were filling with tears as she looked up at Joseph. 'Would you like to see it?' the doctor asked. Rather than waiting for her answer, he turned the small screen around so that Clarisse could see. She could see the image of the beating heart and looked up to see Joseph glance quickly at the screen and then back at her. 'I just want to do some measurements and take some blood.' the doctor said; turning the screen back around and breaking the spell. Joseph discreetly squeezed Clarisse's hand. The doctor started packing up the ultrasound machine and cleaned the gel off Clarisse's stomach before allowing her to cover herself up and pull herself upright against the pillows. 'The baby is a bit on the small side...' the doctor started. At each utterance of the word "baby" Clarisse's stomach would turn over. '...it's to be expected though with your lack of appetite.' he said.
'Can you give her something to help?' Joseph asked.
'There's no need. It's not as bad as it was.' Clarisse said.
'If it is troublesome then you can take something-' the doctor said.
'No really, it's getting better.' Clarisse insisted.
'Very well. Now I understand you intend to leave Genovia to deal with this alone.' the doctor said; looking between Joseph and Clarisse. 'I have arranged to take her away to protect her.' Joseph said.
'I won't ask details-'
'I won't offer them.' Joseph said.
'Can I just ask that you keep me updated when possible?' he asked.
'Of course. And thank you.' Clarisse said.
'My pleasure Your Majesty. I am forever your loyal servant.' he said kindly before turning to Joseph. 'Look after her...them...look after both of them.' he said.
'Always.' Joseph said.
After showing the doctor out, Joseph ran through the night security checks and briefed his team before retiring to his room. He locked the door before entering his bedroom and approaching the built in wardrobe. Pushing his clothes aside, he pulled a lever causing a part of the wall to turn; and made his way through the tunnel back to Clarisse's suite. When he entered the bedroom she wasn't there and he approached the bathroom to find her studying her reflection in the mirror, her fingers running over her stomach. He approached her and her reflected eyes met his. 'Are you okay?' he asked. Clarisse nodded and turned to him. 'I think seeing...' she said, but could not continue and he nodded his understanding; seeing the baby had made it very real for them. 'Charlotte has organised the press conference for Thursday at the Town Hall. There will be a decoy in case of any remaining press, but we'll leave then if that is acceptable.' he said.
'You're the boss.' she said; and he smiled, offering his hand before leading her to bed.
On Thursday, Clarisse watched from her office window as Charlotte left the palace for the press conference; and then she heard the door open and close. Joseph approached her, resting his hands on her hips. 'Are you ready?' he asked, but he could feel her shaking and turned her to face him. 'This is the only way.' he reasoned; trying to calm her.
'I know...' she said. '...I'm scared.' she confessed.
'I will protect you, I promise.'
'I know.'
'Come my love.' he said, offering his hand. She laced her fingers with his and allowed him to lead her from the palace. 'The staff?' she asked quietly.
'Everyone but a few members of my security team has been given the night off.' he said. She jumped at the sound of a helicopter rising up behind them and he held her close, speaking into her ear. 'Our decoy.' he said; and led her around to the garage where there was a dark car waiting, which Clarisse recognised as one of the security vehicles; black, bullet proof dark windows and high off the ground. 'It is less conspicuous.' Joseph said as he helped her up into the vehicle and closed the door, visually sweeping the area as he rounded and climbed into the car beside her. 'Are you ready?' he asked as he buckled up. Clarisse nodded and he took her shaking hand, pressing his lips to the back of it as they gazed at each other. 'I know it's difficult leaving for so long, but-' he started.
'We have no choice.' she said; and leant forwards to kiss his cheek. 'Come my knight, we must go.' she said; and wrapped her scarf around her head before resting against the back of the seat as Joseph started the car and began the drive to the airport.
When they arrived on the field he told her to wait whilst he spoke to Shades who was already posted there. He returned to the vehicle and opened her door. 'The luggage is already on board. The security team have seen a few members of the press around the airport, but not enough to suggest anyone knows we are here.' he said. She nodded, but remained still. 'We really need to get going my love.' he said; and he offered his hand, helping her down from the vehicle and escorting her to the waiting plane, continuing to scan the area as she climbed the steps into the aircraft. He turned to Shades. 'I will be in touch. Remember the decoy tactics and keep an eye on everything.' he said.
'Take care of her.' Shades said with a quick glance at the plane.
'Help Charlotte.' Joseph said; and Shades nodded as Joseph made his way up the steps into the aircraft. The stairs rose and Shades stepped back towards the vehicle.
On the flight, Joseph buckled up his Queen and took her still shaking hand. The stewardess walked towards them as Joseph settled beside Clarisse and buckled up. 'Are we ready?' the stewardess asked.
'Yes.' Clarisse said; and the stewardess retreated from the cabin. Within minutes the plane was taxiing out and Joseph took Clarisse's hand; reassuring her with a gentle squeeze of his fingers.
They were soon over the ocean, the sky outside the windows of the airplane now dark and Clarisse now dozing against his shoulder. He held her as he lay her chair back and covered her with a blanket. He knew he would not sleep yet, not until they were safe on the other side of the Atlantic.
They landed in San Juan where a car waited on the field for them. Joseph had the airport staff load the luggage into the vehicle before escorting Clarisse to the car, again scanning the area. Once safe within the vehicle, he gave an address to the driver and they were on their way. 'Where are we going?' Clarisse asked.
'A hotel. I will fill you in on everything once we are safe.' he said. Clarisse said no more; she trusted Joseph with her life. They arrived at a fancy hotel; Joseph pleased to see there was no obvious presence of press members as a couple of bell boys loaded their luggage on to trolleys.
Within half an hour Joseph closed the door on their penthouse suite, tipping the bellboys and turning to Clarisse. 'We should get some rest.' he said.
'Joseph, I slept on the plane...' she said, approaching him. '...you however have not.' she said; wrapping her arms around him. 'So what next?' she asked. He pulled back and led her by the hand to the sofa. 'We are going to get some rest for now. We will stay here until tomorrow night.' he said.
'And then?'
'I have a distraction planned to get you out of here.'
'Do you think we're being followed?'
'No, but it is always best to be cautious. Especially where you are concerned.' he said. 'My nephew will drive us to my brother's place and then we will be going on to an army airfield and my brother will fly us by helicopter to Guanica. From there I shall drive us to our new home in Cabo Rojo. There is a doctor friend of mine who has a clinic close by and she is going to be taking care of you.' he explained his plan.
'She?' Clarisse enquired.
'We were childhood friends.'
'Did you...' Clarisse left the question hanging and Joseph took her hand, kissing it as he smiled.
'We dated briefly.'
'And now?'
'You are the love of my life Clarisse. No one else has your place in my heart.' he said.
'It seems like such an extreme plan just for-'
'I would move mountains to ensure your protection Clarisse.' he said; and kissed her cheek. 'Now, you get some rest.' he said.
'What about you?'
'I will just do a quick scan and then I'll be back and-'
'And join me.' she said. He nodded and headed towards the door.
When he arrived back in the room, he double locked the door and approached the bedroom to see her sleeping atop the covers, still dressed. He approached her and could not help but place his hand on her small bump. She woke at his touch. 'Oh I'm sorry.' he said.
'Do not apologise.' she said as she pulled herself up.
'Would you care for a bath my darling?' he asked.
'Will you stay with me?' she asked.
'If that is your wish.' he said; and helped her from the bed.
The bath was filling with bubbles and steaming water; and Joseph poured some oils into the hot water as Clarisse entered the bathroom, a towel dressing gown wrapped around her. He turned the taps off and took her in his arms. 'Call me when-' he started.
'No. Please take a bath with us.' Clarisse said; her hand against her stomach. It was the first time she had really allowed herself to openly talk about the baby as part of her; and Joseph nodded, placing his hands at her waist. 'May I?' he asked; and she nodded, dropping her hand and allowing him to pull the dressing gown tie loose. He did not expose her completely, but placed his hand on her stomach; and she placed her hand over his as she reached up to kiss him. Her heart was fluttering at his gentle touch against her skin, their hands clasped over the growing life within that they had created. She deepened the kiss and began to unbutton his shirt, pulling it from his belt as she reached the lower buttons. 'I love you my darling.' she said softly against his lips. He helped her into the bath before stripping off his clothes and getting in with her, pulling her close to him.
As they lay in bed later that night, Joseph could not resist touching her swollen abdomen. He knew that they were all at risk, but he loved that she was carrying his child. 'Joseph.' Clarisse said, causing him to look up at her. 'Thank you for all of this.' she said.
'If I were stronger then-'
'No more blame, no more apologies.' Clarisse said; and kissed him again. 'You need to sleep.' she said; and Joseph pulled her close to him as he finally settled to sleep.
The next day they were awoken by the shrill ring of a phone and Joseph quickly found his phone, leaving the room to answer it.
When he returned to the room, Clarisse was wrapped in her dressing gown and she saw the look of worry in his eyes. 'What is it?' she asked.
'The press know we've left Genovia and they are searching for you everywhere that has any connection to you or me.' he said.
'Mia?'
'Is safe. Her team have stepped up security measures just in case, but it means we have to be extra vigilant.'
'Joseph...'
'Please don't worry. I need you to be ready to leave at nightfall though.' he said. Clarisse nodded and he approached to kiss her gently and ease her concern. 'Everything will be alright.' he said.
The tension was palpable for the entire day; and Joseph grew concerned for Clarisse who was barely able to eat as the frequency of her vomiting increased. He had been organising the next part of their journey throughout the day; and was ready to make the move as darkness fell. 'Come my dear.' he said; offering his hand. She took it, but she was frowning. 'The luggage?' she asked.
'Will all be taken care of.' he said; and just as he finished speaking the fire alarms were going off.
'What-' she said loudly.
'Our cover.' he explained quickly, leading her out of the room into the crowd.
All too soon he had whisked her out of the back door to a waiting car, which sped off as soon as the door had closed. 'You alright Uncle Joe?' the driver asked.
'Alejandro. How are you?' Joseph asked, his hand clasped within Clarisse's.
'Good. Dad's got the guest room ready. He said you'll stay there tonight and then he'll take you to the air field tomorrow.' he explained. Joseph was looking out of the windows; scanning all around them. 'Anyone following?' Alejandro asked.
'Not that I can see. Arrangements have been made to collect the luggage I assume?'
'Of course. We have a few things in the boot, the rest is being collected as we speak.' he said. Joseph looked at Clarisse; he could feel her hand trembling in his. 'Are you okay?' he asked her quietly. She just nodded, her heart racing as she fought a wave of nausea. 'Is she okay?' Alejandro asked.
'I think the sooner we get her to the house the better.' Joseph explained.
When they arrived at his brother's, Joseph quickly scanned the area before helping Clarisse out of the car whilst Alejandro collected the small amount of luggage from the boot. The door of the house in front of them opened and Joseph whisked Clarisse towards the front door. Once they had all entered and the door was closed, Clarisse took in the sight of the man waiting for them; he was just like Joseph, though a little older. 'Julian...' Joseph said; stepping forwards and embracing his brother. He stepped back and placed his hand on Clarisse's lower back. 'Julian, this is Clarisse.' he said. Julian stepped forward as Clarisse offered her hand, which he took and kissed gently before standing back again. 'It's very good to finally meet you.' he said kindly.
'Thank you. I am very pleased to meet you too.' Clarisse said.
'She could use-' Joseph started, but at that moment a woman stepped into the hall.
'Come now, don't keep her here on her feet. She's clearly exhausted and in need of a hot drink.' the woman said. 'Clarisse, this is Mariana, my sister-in-law.' Joseph said. Mariana stepped forwards and offered her hand. 'Come my dear, you need a nice hot drink.' she said; and Clarisse allowed Mariana to lead her into the kitchen. 'Your luggage will be loaded on to the helicopter tonight. We're using a decoy just in case.' Julian said to Joseph.
'Thank you so much for everything.' Joseph said as they slowly followed the women.
'Not a problem.'
'And this is all-'
'We're your family and we'll help to protect you both.' Julian said.
In the kitchen, Clarisse was sitting at a table and Mariana handed her a tea cup. 'Hot water and lemon.' Mariana said.
'Thank you.' Clarisse answered gratefully as she sipped from the cup and Mariana sat beside her.
'I've carried Ramirez offspring. I know how they can mess with you.'
'I must admit I did not feel this bad with my boys.'
'I thought as much.'
'Thank you for your kindness.' Clarisse said sincerely.
'Not a problem. You are family.' Mariana said; placing her hand over Clarisse's. Joseph smiled from the doorway; his family were accepting and loving towards his love. 'Come Joseph, I'll make you some tea.' Mariana said; and Joseph sat down with Clarisse, holding her hand whilst his sister-in-law and brother busied themselves with some tea. Clarisse watched them; the tender touches as they passed each other, the smiles and silent words between them. Their companionable relationship reminded Clarisse of her relationship with Joseph and it warmed her heart just as the lemon water eased her stomach. 'How's your stomach?' Mariana asked Clarisse kindly as she placed the tea tray on the table. 'Better. Thank you.' Clarisse said.
Alejandro ran into the kitchen. 'Ma, Pa, I'm taking Victoria out for dinner, don't wait up.' he said before disappearing. 'Sorry about that.' Mariana said to Clarisse.
'Don't be. I had two boys myself.' Clarisse answered as Joseph poured her some tea.
'Would you like something to eat?' Mariana asked.
'No really, I'm okay.' Clarisse said.
'You should eat something.' Joseph said, taking her hand.
Clarisse shook her head and gently squeezed his fingers. 'Really, I'll be okay. I shall eat in the morning.' she promised.
'Is there anything else you need?' Julian asked.
'Charm must run in the family...' Clarisse said with a bright smile. '...I am perfectly well. Thank you.' she said.
'We've made up the guest room. There's an en-suite so you'll have plenty of privacy. I've put some fresh towels and sheets in there.' Mariana said.
'You should get some rest. We'll be leaving before the sun comes up.' Julian said.
'That soon?' Clarisse asked.
'We need to keep moving, my love.' Joseph explained; and Mariana kicked her husband under the table as he smirked as his brother's words of endearment.
Mariana bid Clarisse good night and Clarisse thanked her again for her kindness before Joseph led her up the stairs to their room.
Mariana and Julian were tidying in the kitchen. 'I just hope he knows what he's doing.' Julian said.
'I know you're worried, but Joseph can take care of himself...and her.' Mariana reasoned and then turned, putting her arms around him and pulling him close. 'He is devoted to her.' she said.
'I'm worried for him.'
'Your brother is very resourceful-'
'And if all this comes out, what will happen to him then?'
'I think they're just concentrating on taking each day as it comes for now, but whatever happens we will be there for them. Agreed?'
'Agreed.' Julian said; and kissed her lightly.
'And she clearly loves your brother too. I have a feeling she wishes to protect him as much as herself.' Mariana reasoned.
