surfer-kel: I' so glad you like the story, thanks for the review! You'll get your wish this chapter about Jack. And as you'll find out more later, the guys really do need Maddie to control them, lol.

Flowers781:Thanks for the review! I figured since Jack was being an ass, most of the other guys could be supportive. After all, Maddie needs some people on her side. I'm glad you lie it.

Lien-Wan: Sorry about making you wait. I hope you like this chapter, lot's of Jack not being stupid, lol! Thanks for the review.

Nelliebly413672: Glad you liked it and thanks for the review! I think you'll be happier with Jack this chapter.

Meadow567: I do love the coneheads! They're all so cute. :) Thanks for the review.

Emador: I love them all too. Thanks for the reivew, I'm glad you liked the chapter. Drama and angst are great, but like you said, fun stuff is too. This chapter will have lots more of that!

A/N: Okay, the chapter you've all been waiting for. Sorry I couldn't update earlier today. It's a very long story. Anyway, when I saw the team is going to Europe, I'm talking about Norway and stuff, but I'm making it more like what actually happened. The team went to Norway and a few other places in Europe, traveling about two weeks or so, and that's what I'm going with. (Just wanted to let you know so you don't wonder why I keep saying Europe instead of Norway.) Okay, so on with the chapter!

Chapter 10

September 2, 1979

At ten the next morning, Rizzo took a walk to Maddie's room, just to say good-bye. He was surprised when Bah answered the door.

"Hey. What are you doing here?" Rizzo asked.

"I kept Maddie company last night. She fell asleep so I stayed on the couch. I'm making her breakfast now. Do you want some?"

"No I just thought I'd come by to say good-bye."

"What?"

"Well, she's leaving so-"

"She's not leaving. She is still sleeping though."

"She told me if Jack didn't talk to her by this morning, she was headed back to Boston."

"I changed my mind Rizzo. I can't leave you guys just because Jack is being a jerk," Maddie said, walking over to the open door. Rizzo beamed, happy to hear that she was staying. "You guys are like family. And after my parents find out about the baby, you guys will be the closest thing to family I have left."

Maddie faked a smile at her last comment, to show the boys she was kidding. Somehow though, she wasn't sure herself if she was joking. Her parents hated Jack before she was pregnant, and now there was no telling what they would do. As the three went inside to have pancakes, she pushed these thoughts to the back of her mind.

Three hours later, everyone was ready to leave for Europe. They wouldn't be back until September 18th. Jack knew he had to talk to Maddie. He still didn't know what to say, other than he doesn't deserve to be forgiven. Over the last two weeks, he was a total jerk. He knew he treated Maddie like dirt. Jack hoped even more that Rizzo was only threatening with Maddie leaving. If Maddie left mad, Jack would never forgive himself.

Looking around, Jack didn't see Maddie anywhere. Everyone was loading the bus to head to the airport, but Maddie was no where to be found. He finally saw Rizzo, carrying bags out to the bus.

"Hey Rizzo. Have you seen Maddie?"

"Yeah," he said, not saying much. Rizzo wanted to make Jack sorry for not talking to her.

"Where is she?" Jack asked urgently.

"I don't know. Why do you care anyway?"

"Because I need to talk to her."

"Her flight was supposed to leave about an hour ago. You should have thought about talking to her before that," Rizzo said annoyed.

"She left?" Jack asked, tons of thoughts racing through his head, and him now wishing he talked to her earlier.

"No. She was going to, but she decided to stay for the team. Her family," Rizzo emphasized.

"Thank God," Jack said. "If she would have left, I don't know what I would have done."

"She didn't stay for you, I hope you know. If we weren't here, she would have been gone," Rizzo said, the 'we' referring to the team.

"I know. I'm sorry. I just don't know what's gotten into me lately. I've been such a jerk and " Rizzo cut him off.

"Why don't you tell that to Maddie. I know you've been a jerk. She needs to hear you admit it."

"I will. As soon as I have the chance, I'm apologizing for everything."

"Let me give you a suggestion. Don't wait," Rizzo said smiling, and hitting him on the back, looking to the doors where Maddie just came out.

"Hey Rizzo," Jack said, stopping him before he got on the bus. "Do you think she'll forgive me?"

"Yeah, I think she will," Rizzo said. He turned to get on the bus before Jack stopped him again.

"Rizzo."

"Yeah?" he said turning around.

"Thanks."

Maddie was with Bah and Mac walking out and Jack didn't want to talk to her with them there. He decided to wait until they got to the airport and on the plane. He would talk to her on the bus, but he knew the talk was going to need more than the few minute ride to the airport.

Hell, even the ten hour flight might not be enough, Jack thought.

By the time they were ready to board the plane, Jack was ready to back out of his plan to talk to Maddie. He was going over what he was going to say in his head, but nothing seemed right. Every apology he thought of didn't seem like enough. Jack decided that he would wait until the way home from Norway to talk to her.

Jack ended up being the last to get on the plane because they had started boarding when he was in line at McDonald's. Almost every seat was taken, except for a few in the far back. Knowing he would get sick in the bumpy tail section, he had to take the only other option available. Sitting next to Maddie.

When Maddie saw Jack getting on the plane, she knew there weren't many seats left. She just hoped there were enough for him to not sit with her. For some reason, none of the other guys wanted to sit with her. Now she thought she might know why. It was a set up to get her and Jack sitting together. If they didn't talk, they would be facing ten long hours of silence.

Staring out the window, she pretended not to notice Jack walking through the aisle. When he sat down next to her, she didn't even look over. For the first few minutes, Maddie and Jack avoided each other. Jack looked up and down the aisle, and Maddie's eyes burned through the window. Every minute or so, they would glance in the others direction, turning back before the other noticed. Or so they thought.

Finally Maddie looked over at Jack, who turned to face her. As soon as he did, she turned to face the window again.

"Okay, this is stupid," Jack said. "We can't do this for the next ten hours."

Maddie turned to look at him, not saying anything. She wasn't going to be the first to talk. Jack sighed, getting ready to begin.

"Okay. I'm a jerk. I'm the biggest, most insensitive jerk ever to walk the Earth. I'm also a complete moronic, self-centered idiot who doesn't deserve to live. In fact, I deserve to be kicked hard in the balls, if I had them, then shot in the head, and live just long enough to undergo pain and suffering. The last thing I deserve is forgiveness but I'm going to try anyway. And just to let you know, I completely understand if you never want to talk to me again, and want me to leave you alone. If that's the case, I'll respect your wishes and stay out of your life. However, I really don't want it to come to that. I know I've been the worst boyfriend and soon-to-be father ever in history, but I really want another chance. I can't guarantee I'll ever be a terrific father or boyfriend or whatever, but I'll try."

Maddie started to get teary eyed at Jack's apology. She could tell he meant every word of it. Maddie threw her arms around Jack's neck and buried her face in his shoulder, under his chin.

"I love you," she said, still hugging him, not wanting to let go.

"I love you too, Maddie," Jack said holding her tight. He kissed the top of her head, then pulled her away, feeling the need to say more. "And I really am sorry. You really deserve someone so much better than me," he said smiling a little. "Your parents are right about you being too good for a guy like me."

"No, you're perfect and the only guy I would ever want," Maddie said, smiling back. "You know, I had this whole plan that if you ever came to beg for forgiveness, I would have to 'think about it' and make you suffer a little first and beg some more, but after you said all of that, I completely changed my mind. I love you so much."

"What did I ever to deserve you?"

Maddie just leaned in and kissed Jack passionately, unaware of the crowd looking at them.

When Jack and Maddie heard cheering and clapping erupt, they pulled away and looked at the guys around them.

"Finally," said Rammer.

"Yeah, it's about time that happened," commented Mac.

"I thought we'd have to deal with Jack being a jerk for another five months. I wouldn't have been able to handle it," said Verchota.

"We also got a nice little show," said Buzz, smiling.

"Shut up Buzz," said Jack hitting him.

"Well, you two better keep it G-rated. I don't want to have to separate you guys," said Rizzo, joking.

"We will," said Maddie reassuringly. "I'm not a fan of PDA." Jack turned to kiss Maddie again, and as she kissed him back, Jack continued to deepen the kiss.

"Hey. I thought you weren't a big fan of PDA, Maddie?" said Verchota.

"I wish my girlfriend kissed me like that," Mac said.

"My God, get a room already," Bah spoke up.

Hearing these comments, Jack and Maddie pulled away from each other with Maddie blushing and Jack yelling at the guys to shut up and leave them alone. The guys did as they were told, and turned around and sat back down in their seats.

"So, now that I'm officially forgiven, we need to talk," Jack said.

"Yeah, I know. Where should we start?"

"Well, we could start with another apology from me," Jack suggested.

"What now?"

"I'm sorry that I haven't been there for you. I should have been," said Jack seriously.

"I know. But you're here now, and that's what matters," she said smiling. There was a short pause before Jack continued.

"So, um, like when... I mean, how...um," Jack was trying to ask about the baby, but really didn't know how. Maddie just laughed.

"The baby?"

"Yeah," said Jack, looking kind of embarrassed for not knowing what to say.

"Well, I am about sixteen weeks now, so I'm in my second trimester."

"How did you find out?" Jack asked the question that had been on his mind for weeks.

"Before I left, I realized I missed my period."

"Wait, you've known that long?" Jack asked, shocked.

"Yeah. I was scared to tell you."

"Well, I can see why. I didn't react well."

"Yeah. Anyway, I didn't know until I was in my second month, because I didn't have any symptoms before that. I only had morning sickness twice, and that was after I found out."

"So that morning you were sick, you really weren't?" Jack asked wondering, still confused as to how the whole pregnancy thing worked.

"It was morning sickness, which is why I knew I would feel better later."

Jack still had so many questions. "You've seen a doctor right?" he asked concerned.

"Yeah," said Maddie, wondering what made him think of that.

"Good. So you have all of your vitamins and you know the baby's healthy?"

"Yeah, everything's normal so far," said Maddie, still clearly confused. Jack noticed and explained.

"Even though I haven't been there for you, I've been watching out for you. I told Rizzo to make sure you went to the doctor's." Maddie's smile didn't go unnoticed by Jack. She was really impressed.

"How did you find out I needed to go to the doctors?"

"I have my ways," he said, a smile playing on his lips. "So is it a boy or girl?" he said seriously.

"I don't know yet. I kind of want to be surprised, but it's too soon to tell right now anyway."

"I can't believe I'm going to be a dad," Jack said, somewhat excitedly.

"Yeah, it's starting to sink in, but I still can't believe it."

"I know." Both were silent for a few minutes, until Maddie got the courage to ask Jack the question that had been bugging her.

"Are you mad about it?" asked Maddie.

"About what? The baby?"

"Yeah," Maddie said in a barely audible voice.

"Well, to be completely honest, I was at one point, sort of. When you first told me, I was so shocked and angry. But then, I started thinking more about it, it wasn't like I was completely thrilled, but I wasn't upset either."

"Okay," said Maddie, glad to hear he wasn't upset.

"And, although it may have seemed like it, I was never mad at you. I was angry with myself. And after I was such a jerk to you, I didn't know how to talk about it. I didn't want to admit that I'm scared out of my mind."

"Hey, don't worry. I'm scared too. But we'll get through it. I was just so scared I would lose you because of the baby."

"I know, I'm sorry. I wish I would have been there," Jack said sadly.

"You didn't miss much. Nothing exciting has happened yet."

"When are you due?"

"Well, that's a bit of a problem. I'm due on Valentine's Day. Which is during the Olympics."

"But you might have the baby earlier or later, right?" Jack asked, hopeful.

"Well, I was actually talking to the doctor about being induced, or scheduling a C-section for right before the Olympics. I'll find out more as it gets closer."

"Okay. And who have you told?"

"No one really. Everyone on the team found out. And Herb, Doc, and Craig know. That's about it."

"Coach knows?"

"Yeah, I had to tell him. He respected the fact that I told him and he wants me to stay and work as long as I want to. We've talked a few times the past couple weeks."

"Really?"

"Yeah. About you, the team, you know, things like that."

"Wait, you've talked about me?" Jack asked, sounding somewhat worried.

"Nothing bad. It was just about how you reacted and how coach thinks your game has improved because of it."

"He does?"

Maddie nodded in response.

"You haven't told your parents?"

"No way. They'd flip out. They already hate you. If I had to tell them we weren't talking, let's just say it wouldn't have gone over well."

"Yeah. We should probably tell them soon though."

"Yeah. Let's tell your family first."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. They won't be as upset as my parents. At least they like me."

"Are you kidding? They love you. Half the time, my mom treats you better than me and Erin." Jack said with a smile.

"When should we tell them?"

"How about soon? We can call them when we get back. I would say let's wait until we see them, but considering that might not be for a while, it's probably better to tell them soon and over the phone."

"Okay. Whatever you think."

After Jack and Maddie talked for a while longer about the baby, Verchota asked if they wanted to play a game of cards. They played some poker and Maddie won a few games. She knew that Jack had let her win one of the games, but she didn't say anything. Everyone stayed pretty entertained for the remainder of the flight between talking, eating, playing cards, and Maddie and Jack napping, but they were all anxious to land.

Ten hours later, the plane finally landed in Holland. It was only seven in the morning there, because of the long flight and time difference. No one slept on the way there, with the exception of Jack and Maddie, so everyone was tired. The jet lag made it worse. Since they weren't playing for another twelve hours, there was enough time to rest at the hotel.

Even though Maddie had her own room, she hoped to stay with Jack. Jack was paired with Mac and Mark Johnson. The three guys were looking for their room with Maddie following close behind.

"I'm so tired. I can't wait to get in that bed and sleep," Mac said.

"Well, it's only seven in the morning, you have at least nine hours until you have to be up," Maddie pointed out.

"That's good because I'm exhausted and I plan on not moving a muscle once I get in bed," Mark said.

"Speaking of beds, whose sleeping on the pull out?" Mark asked. Each room had two beds with either one or two pull out mattresses. Their room happened to have one pull out.

"We could either do it fair by a game like rock, paper, scissors, or we could fight for it."

"I'm all for just falling on the floor and sleeping. As long as I can sleep, I don't care if it's outside on the hard ground," Mark said.

"Well, then if you don't care, I guess you get the pull out mattress," Mac said.

"You don't need to worry about that," Jack started. "I plan on being somewhere else. If you remember, I slept on the way here." The guys knew he was referring to Maddie's room.

"If I let you in my room," Maddie said joking.

"It's really not fair that you get your own room, Maddie," Mac said.

"Yeah, but she's the only girl. Herb wouldn't make her share with one of us," Mark said.

"Right. Besides, now I do have a roommate," Maddie said, looking at Jack.

"Wouldn't Herb have figured that you two would be sharing a room? Why would he give OC a room with the guys at all?" Mac wondered out loud.

"Because of the whole 'we're a team' thing, Mac. Herb wants us to bond and unite and stuff. I mean, why else would he put me and you together?" Jack said.

"But we get along okay now," Mac pointed out.

"Yeah, but we're still all supposed to be hanging out as a team."

"Will Herb care that you ditched us when he finds out?" Mark wondered.

"I don't plan on telling him. Do you?" Jack said.

"No."

"Then I guess he'll never know. And what he doesn't know, won't hurt."

Mac and Mark wet into their room, while Jack and Maddie continued walking down the hall to Maddie's room.

Ten minutes later, Jack and Maddie were in Maddie's bed, glad to be in each others arms.

"This won't hurt the baby, right?" Jack asked, referring to their future activities.

"No. In a few more months this might be slightly uncomfortable for me, but we won't hurt the baby."

"Good."

"What's good? That we can still have sex, or the baby won't get hurt?" Maddie asked, laughing.

An hour later, Jack knew he was definitely forgiven, and now Maddie was fast asleep. Jack watched Maddie's chest rise and fall as she slept, slowly drifting off himself. He was so happy to have Maddie in his arms again.

A/N: I hope you all liked it! Hopefully you're happy that Jack and Maddie are finally okay again. Next update will be later this week.