No characters belong to me, just a few little ideas from my imagination. Characters property of Disney & Meg Cabot.

Chapter 7 (Part 1)

After a little rest and some food - which Joseph explained had been delivered by his doctor friend in time for their arrival - they were back in the car and headed to the clinic. 'Is it safe?' Clarisse asked anxiously.
'The clinic is very prestigious. It will not be too busy and we will be perfectly safe.' he said.

It was little more than a twenty minute drive and they were pulling up at a security gate. Joseph gave his name and appointment time and they were allowed to pass through into the car park. They entered the clinic, which was perfectly clean and comfortable; and practically empty. They had been seated only five minutes before a woman approached them. Joseph stood and welcomed his friend with a hug. Clarisse looked at her; she was lovely, with dark hair, and eyes that looked as turquoise as the sea to which she had awoken earlier. She could not help but feel a stab of jealousy as Joseph kissed the woman's cheek and they exchanged pleasantries before turning to her. Joseph offered his hand, which Clarisse took as she stood up. 'This is Clarisse...' he said to the woman. 'Clarisse, this is Sofia. She will be taking care of you.' he explained. The women shook hands and then Sofia led them to a room.

Clarisse was settled on the bed, Joseph beside her as Sofia massaged sanitizer into her hands and approached them. 'Joe said you had a scan the other day, but I would like to do another just to be safe if that is okay with you.' she said to Clarisse. Clarisse nodded; and Sofia readied the machine before exposing Clarisse's abdomen. The gel cold against her skin was a stark contrast to the memory of warm kisses that she had received from her love a few hours previously. Sofia ran the scanner across Clarisse's stomach and Joseph held Clarisse's hand within both of his as they waited. Then there it was, the soft thumping of their child's heart; a sound that caused Clarisse's eyes to water and Joseph to grip her hand as the reality of this miracle crashed upon him. 'Everything looks good; the baby is a little small, but nothing to worry about...' Sofia explained. '...I understand you've suffered quite badly with morning sickness?' she enquired.
'It is not so much morning as all day.' Clarisse said with an attempt at a smile, but Sofia glanced at Joseph and saw his anxiety. 'And how is it now?' Sofia asked, looking back at Clarisse.
'Not as bad. I still feel a little sick in the mornings and when I travel, but it's better.'
'Now that it is easing you need to try and build your strength up; get some rest and good food into you. I will give you some vitamins and minerals as well.'
'Thank you.'
'And Joe is under strict instructions to keep your stress levels at a minimum from now on.' Sofia said with a smile. She cleaned the gel off of Clarisse's stomach and placed the scanner aside before adopting a more serious look. 'What is it?' Joseph asked.
'Just a warning. Clarisse, you are healthy and strong and for the moment so is the child, but your advanced maternal age means this pregnancy is high risk for you and your child. You need to listen to my instructions and I will want to check on you both every fortnight. Any pain, bleeding, anything that feels abnormal and you are to contact me immediately; whatever time it may be.' she said. Clarisse nodded. She knew the dangers of her condition at such a late age, but when she saw Joseph's anxiety she felt her heart breaking for him; he had not focused on anything more than getting them to safety. 'Now, would you like a photograph?' Sofia asked more brightly. Clarisse thanked her and Sofia left the room, leaving them alone. Clarisse sat up, straightening her clothes and Joseph stood up, looking down at her anxiously. 'Clarisse...' he started, but she took his hand and he silenced. 'I know my dear, but we do not exactly have any other options.' she said.
'Clarisse, I cannot bear the thought of losing you.' he said.
'You won't. Trust me, trust Sofia to take care of us.' she said and leant forwards to place a soft kiss on his lips. 'And I promise to do all I can to protect your child.' she said. Joseph was prevented from answering as Sofia re-entered the room, carrying a paper bag and closing the door behind her before approaching them. 'Your vitamins, minerals, some care information, ante-natal exercises and Joe has my phone number just in case.' Sofia said. Joseph took the bag from her and Sofia handed Clarisse a photograph. 'Your baby's first picture.' she said. Clarisse examined the photo. 'As I said, it's a little small for eighteen weeks, but healthy nonetheless; and forming perfectly. It's smaller size will explain your low weight, so I will be keeping an eye on both over the next few weeks.' Sofia said. Clarisse handed the photograph to Joseph and he examined the image of their child for the first time; the slightest of smiles playing his lips. 'You should be feeling movement any time now and if you feel faint, you need to rest immediately.' Sofia said.
'Faint?' Joseph asked.
'Well Clarisse's heart has to work at double the speed, but she should acclimatise and the episodes should subside.' Sofia explained before looking back at Clarisse. 'Now I want to see you in two weeks - Christmas Eve - to do another scan.' she said.
'Thank you.' Clarisse said as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and Joseph helped her off the bed.

Sofia saw them out of the clinic and once Clarisse was safe within the car, Joseph turned to his old friend. 'Thank you for everything.' he said.
'I'm glad I could help...' Sofia said; and glanced at Clarisse through the windscreen of the car before looking back at Joseph. 'She's beautiful Joe.' she said.
'And more besides.' he said. 'Listen, there is something I have to ask you...' Joseph started. '...today was the first time we've been alone since...well...' he was struggling, but she saved him.
'There is no need to be concerned. Believe me, I've heard that question more times than you can imagine. Your baby is perfectly safe. Clarisse's hormones are in overdrive and her blood flow has increased rapidly; it's natural, so enjoy it.' she said brightly. Joseph was a little flustered, causing Sofia to chuckle as she said goodbye and retreated back into the clinic.

He climbed into the car beside Clarisse. 'She's very beautiful.' Clarisse said as he closed the door.
'She just said the same about you.' he said with a smile as he pulled his seatbelt on. He reached for her hand and kissed it before pulling away from the clinic.

Days later as Joseph scouted the perimeter of their safe house and Clarisse was soaking in a bath she felt it; that flutter inside her like the lightest of butterfly wings, followed by the overwhelming love and need to protect rising to the surface as surely as her bath oils.

Joseph entered the bedroom and started unbuttoning his shirt. 'The house is secure.' he called out as he pulled his shirt from his waist band and removed his watch. Then he turned to see Clarisse wrapped in her dressing gown, her hand on her stomach; and his eyes shadowed with fear, but she quickly approached, placed her hand on his neck and reached up to kiss him deeply. 'Don't worry so much...' Clarisse said as she pulled back. '...I am perfectly alright. I promise.' she said. He kissed her head, her eyes fluttering to a close and then they pulled back to look into each other's eyes. 'Joseph, I felt it, our baby, it moved.' she said, her eyes sparkling, her smile bright; and he allowed himself to smile with relief and happiness as he pulled her into his arms, holding her against him and protecting both of them with his love.

In bed they lay facing each other, Joseph's fingers brushing Clarisse's stomach. 'How does it feel?' he asked.
'Like butterflies you get when you're nervous.' she explained.
'Or when you see the person you love.' he said. Clarisse blushed at his words. 'When will I be able to feel?' he asked her.
'A few weeks.' she said; and he smiled softly. 'Hearing and feeling the baby today...it's all so real now. I must confess...I'm scared.' she said; and he pulled her close to him, kissing her head.