Past Problems Last Longer

"Maybe he doesn't mean complications. Maybe it's another word for 'successful, but not without pain'. Or – or something."

"Jo."

"Or maybe it's just to – uh, maybe – you know, stall us! Maybe Amy needs some time with – oh we don't even know if it's a girl or a boy!"

"Jo."

"I – I don't think she, I mean, I don't remember Meg screaming like that. Or so much."

"Jo, please."

She took her shaking hands out of her loose hair and sat on the ground next to him. It was just like losing Beth again, only this time she had no idea what she was losing. Jo leaned against his shoulder, watching a drop fall just above her head. So he was crying! And she had to be strong.

"I don't want her to die. I don't think I could lose another sister."

"She won't die Jo." It was watery but it was enough.

…

Laurie held up the beautiful but very red and squirmy baby and marveled at her little nose and closed eyes. She was just perfect.

"I'm going to break her."

"No you won't Silly!"

"Jo, help me!?" and the loving aunt brought the joyous creature back to her exhausted mother, smiling as the infant hushed in the presence of the lady who brought her into the world.

…

"I've never faced greater odds in my life."

They were speaking quietly to each other as Amy rested in the next room. She hadn't been well but she was recovering fast and it lifted her family's spirits. The little daughter was even more fragile and it constantly weighed on her father's mind, despite the soothings of her aunt.

"I know." She looked down, "I'm sorry Teddy."

Laurie watched her intently, "Sorry for what?" he wasn't sure if he wanted to know her answer.

Jo matched his look, feeling her insides cave. "You shouldn't have to do this – be in this situation." She was making fists with her hands and shaking her arms but Laurie moved closer and held them.

"But I am. I want you to know that it doesn't change the way I feel about you Jo." she looked away, "No, really." Laurie turned her face back, "I need you to remember. I want – I want to know if you're sorry about the other night." The lack of confidence on his features pulling for her honesty.

"I'm not."

The sigh of relief was audible.

…

Unfortunately, like a lot of things in life it didn't turn out well. Not like they expected. Or hoped.

Amy was fine after the first month; mothering and beaming at her new gift like her life depended on it. Laurie soon found her sanity did, he didn't know how she knew about Jo and him but she did. Little Beth continued to decline in her physical presence but nobody saw less light in her tiny form. She outshone all, was placed above all matters and bridged the gap between mother and father. Only, it wasn't enough.

Little Beth did force Jo to face her own life. Mr. Bhaer was never graceful but he held a quaint dignity that pleased Jo when she left. He would watch her boys, she had another to care for – someone who needed as much love as any lad a quarter his age would require.

It became increasingly apparent after losing the name Bhaer, Jo had gained a new family member although its father was never asked of, and Laurie would smile queerly and pat and tend the soon-to-be-mother more gently than anyone could've guessed.

Little Beth left the world to meet her namesake earlier than her family had prayed for. Amy returned to her mother and never spoke to her old neighbour, choosing to rarely visit her sisters and shut her gloom in a room where she'd burnt his new wife's book.

Life had hurt but it worked alright despite mistakes and unfair loss. The problems that had caused confusion and different decisions in the past remained there. In the past, where spent love lay lingering for a flint, where Beth's of different sizes graced memory, where wrongs were first made and now the rights died with them.

…

"I hope you mean to tell me you love me after that." Jo stood with her hands on her hips, appalled that he suggested such a thing. She was cross and all he'd do was stir!

"Oh, a fair thing!" she scoffed and shoved him again. He laughed in surprise, how his little wife managed to through her scrawny weight around was beyond him. He ducked under her swinging arm and held her waist, pulling her onto the ground.

"Well, dear?" he looked down into her red face. "I think you'll say it now." She rolled her eyes at his victorious grin, breathing slightly heavier when she felt his hand climb up her side. He pressed his lips hers before moving lower to her neck waiting for her to give in.

Jo opened her mouth.

…

End

A/N: and that's that! And that was the longest story I've ever written. Ever! And the most reviews, so now I feel quite accomplished. Thanks for reading it – the whole lot or just select parts, I have a feeling a lot was repeated but I'll say it was for emphasis and for the most part it was…