This chapter was so hard to write! I had no idea what I was going to have happen, so I literally sat at the computer until I got an idea. I think what I ended up writing is pretty good, and I really hope you like it! Please tell me what you think, I love getting reviews!

CHAPTER 12: Two Months Later

Time seemed to fly by, leaving Rose struggling to keep up with everything going on. Before she knew it, she was caught up in August, wondering where the last four months had gone. It seemed like only a week since the Calverts had taken her in, but ever since she found out about the baby, things were getting more and more complicated and confusing at times.

They were as gracious as ever, and though Peter and Aiden weren't home most of the time (their jobs working with the New York Times were very demanding), Rose still felt close to everyone. She and Gem became closer with each passing day; she was the only one who had any idea what Rose was going through.

"How are you feeling, Rose? Are you alright?" Gem asked one morning as they wiped down tables before opening the restaurant.

"I'm fine, thank you." Rose replied. "I definitely get tired a lot quicker than I used to, but I'm doing fine."

"You haven't been sick lately?"

"Only a few times. It's been difficult, no doubt, but I'm coping." She replied, giving what she hoped was a reassuring smile. In reality, the effects of her pregnancy had been very prominent. On more than one occasion, she found herself unable to sleep, or waking up in the middle of the night feeling sick to her stomach. There were also some times when she felt incredibly weak and shaky.

"I think we should go and see Dr. Phillips again. He'll be able to give you more information about what to expect and what you can do to ease any symptoms." Gem shrugged her shoulders and said, "I'm always available as well, Rose. I've had two children; if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Yes, I think it would be a good idea to visit the doctor and make sure everything is as it should be. And don't worry, Gem, if I need any advice I will be sure to ask you."

Gem smiled warmly, making Rose smile in return. Gem was so kind, and she was more of a mother to Rose than Ruth had ever been. "I can take you today, if you'd like. Dr. Phillips is rarely busy on Saturdays." Gem said.

"That would be wonderful, Gem! We can go whenever is best for you." Rose replied.

At one o'clock, they departed for Dr. Phillips's office. They arrived at the small building about fifteen minutes later and entered. The only other person in the room was a middle-aged woman with dark circles under her eyes that Rose did not recognize. Dr. Phillips emerged from behind his curtain with a young boy about eight, and the woman quickly stood up.

"You have nothing to worry about, Mrs. Davis." He said, smiling reassuringly at the woman, who breathed a sigh of relief and put a hand to her heart. "It's just a bit of a cold. Have him stay at home for a day or two until the coughing subsides, to be on the safe side."

"Thank you, Doctor. I feel so silly, fussing over such a tiny little thing. Do I owe you anything for your troubles?" she asked, fumbling in her coat pocket for some spare change.

Dr. Phillips held up a hand. "There is no need, Mrs. Davis."

"Thank you, thank you so much." She said before ushering her young son out the door. Then, Dr. Phillips turned to face Gem and Rose.

"Mrs. Calvert, Miss Dawson. What brings you here today?" he asked, clearly in a different mood than he had been in during their last visit.

"We were wondering if you would be able to give Rose a quick check-up." Said Gem promptly.

"Yes," Rose added. "It's been two months since our last visit, and I would like to know if everything is going smoothly with my baby."

"Ah, yes, I remember. Let's have a look then. If you could please come with me, we'll see if anything has gone amiss." He said, pulling back the curtain that separated the waiting room from where Dr. Phillips checked his patients. Rose walked into the small space and Gem followed.

Rose took a seat on the medical table as Dr. Phillips got out a stethoscope. He listened to Rose's heartbeat, looked in her mouth, eyes and ears, and did a few other usual tests.

"Well, your heartbeat is normal and everything is fine with your eyes, ears, and mouth. Your reflexes are good as well; I don't see anything wrong." He said. "However, I do want to just feel you stomach to see that everything is normal, is that alright?"

"Yes, it's fine." Rose replied. The doctor put a hand gently on Rose's stomach, putting pressure on various places and nodding.

"Hmm…." He said, talking more to himself than to anyone else. "Yes, I see…"

Gem rolled her eyes jokingly at Rose, silently poking fun at the doctor's distant behavior. "Anything notable, Doctor?" she asked after a minute.

"No…"Dr. Phillips said quietly. "Everything is fine." He abruptly straightened up and adjusted his glasses. "I apologize for sounding so vague. A doctor will often slip into a sort of trance."

"That's alright, Doctor." Gem said.

"What should I do, Dr. Phillips?" asked Rose. "Is there anything I should look out for, or certain foods to avoid?"

"Yes. Try to avoid any strenuous activity from here on out, as the pregnancy progresses, and try not to eat food high in sodium and other ingredients like that." He said. Rose was still a little confused; he had not given her much information.

Then he smiled. "Gem will be able to give you any further details, I'm sure. Have no worries, Rose. From what I've observed today, I believe you are going to have a very healthy child."

Rose smiled, elated at the news. "Thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear that everything is alright."

She and Gem exited the office and stepped outside into the hot August sun. They strolled a ways down the street to where Gem had parked their cart. Gem hoisted herself up into the front seat, sliding over to take the reins. Rose was about to step into the cart when she felt something nudge the inside of her stomach and stopped in her tracks.

"What is it, Rose?" asked Gem.

Rose didn't answer. Had she imagined it? Then she felt another nudge, stronger this time. "Gem!" she shouted.

Gem scrambled down from the driver's seat, alarmed. "Rose, what's wrong?" she asked, shaken. Rose was so happy she could barely find words to describe what had just happened.

"My baby kicked! He—or she—just kicked me!" she said, laughing. Gem breathed a sigh of relief and a smile lit up her face.

"Good gracious Rose, I thought something was wrong!"

"I'm sorry Gem, I was just so surprised, and I didn't know what happened at first, and I felt another little nudge just now!"

Gem smiled. "Isn't it wonderful, knowing your little baby is in there?" she asked. Rose smiled again and shook her head in disbelief and wonder.

"It's amazing."

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