Nomatophobia and Invader Kiwi thanks for the fave! Drkseeker233 and OtakuHarunaHimawari thank you for the story alert. Ah, dragonrobotgirl thank you for putting my story on your profile to let people know about it! I'm touched to the core. :') Note is on the bottom, so read it when you're done please. Warning, birth scene here! This is fourteen pages!

(The Lorax and The Once-ler do not belong to me. They're Dr. Seuss' and Illumination's. Same goes for his family shown in the film. You know who they are! Marie and her family are only mine.) Don't forget that dragonrobotgirl! ;)

Chapter 21

Worth it All

"I have to tell you all something," said Marie bravely as she sat down on the sofa the following morning. She knew this was a secret she couldn't hide. It'd show at some point in her body. If it was August and she conceived in June, her belly would be showing a baby bump soon. After her thinking from last night, she felt some confidence. Clarisse and Dashiell would be furious, but Betsy and Rufus would certainly stand by her. All five sat in the living room. She had called them all in. They all looked settled in their places.

"Is it about your tests?" asked Clarisse. She took out a cigarette. Marie hated how the house which once smelled liked sparkling pink champagne reeked of tobacco.

"Yes," she said. She gulped and thrummed her fingers on her knee. She was starting pick up her husband's habits. "Dr. Flannery said everything was fine, but he found something on one of my tests." She paused to find words, but nothing came. Then all she heard was Once-ler's voice urging her.

"Well?" asked Dashiell impatiently. "I don't have all day! I have two meetings this afternoon!"

"I'm expecting a baby," she finally said. After the words tumbled from her lips she looked at the four adults. The reactions were different. Betsy gasped and put a hand to her mouth. Rufus leaned farther back in his chair, eyes big. Dashiell turned bright red and seethed. Marie thought smoke would come out of his ears! Clarisse coughed on her cigarette and bit her lips hard.

"What?" a growl tore her throat. An animatistic look grew on her expression like a lion that had been teased too much.

"I'm pregnant," repeated Marie. "Once-ler and I secretly married and now we're parents. He doesn't know, but I'm going to raise our baby."

"You idiot!" Dashiell roared. He jumped out of his chair and stormed up to her. Marie got up and bended behind the arm rest, but she wouldn't run away. She had to face him. "You stupid, stupid girl! You think you can raise a kid?! You have no idea how much responsibility it is! You think you can hold down a job and raise it?"

"I'm willing to," she answered. "I'd do anything for my baby already. I love-"

"Get rid of it!" ordered Clarisse. "Don't make the same mistake we made! Get rid of that thing from him!" She pointed a finger with long nails at Marie's stomach. Marie clasped her hands over her front as if to protect her child from the horrible words.

"If you keep that runt then you will leave this house!" Dashiell reached out and slapped Marie's face. Clarisse grabbed hold of her wrist and smacked her child's other side yelling names that didn't need repeating. There were screeches of anger and fear ringing in the room. After a minute Marie's face turned red from their hands. She breathed ragged bouts. As long as they didn't hit her any lower the baby was safe.

"I've made up mind that he or she lives. Don't try changing my mind. I won't be you!"

"We didn't raise a doxy Marie," said Dashiell coldly.

"Betsy, Rufus, pack her things," shrieked Clarisse. "Marie doesn't live here anymore. If she wants to be a seducer then she will live like one!"

"No." said Rufus with fists clenched after a pause. "If Marie leaves, then I leave with her. Somebody has to look after her and it will be me." He took her hand. "Come on, Violet Eyes. Your little babe doesn't deserve them for grandparents." He led Marie out. Betsy followed out.

"You didn't raise her," said Betsy with one last glance at her masters. "We did. She's our daughter more than she ever was to you. We both quit for her!"

Clarisse and Dashiell stood solid. They didn't care. Marie was led to her room and comforted. Edwin climbed on her lap. It was as if he knew something went wrong.

"I'm sorry," she said meekly.

"Easy Baby Doll," said Betsy gently taking a damp handkerchief to cool the slap marks. "I'm not proud of you for your secret, but I can't stay mad forever."

Betsy and Rufus had been hurt and upset by the news. They couldn't believe she had done something like so. However, seeing how Clarisse and Dashiell had acted they knew someone had to take care of her. Marie wasn't a child to spank, she was an adult. Discipline for an adult was a little pointless. If there was punishment it would be from the result of Marie's actions. For now, she needed help and they loved her unconditionally.

"You can stay in one of our apartments if you leave," offered Rufus. "I think mine's a little bigger, but you can choose."

"Only for now," said Marie. "I want to do it. I mean, I want to have a house and job."

"Where?" asked Betsy. "Is Palmer a safe place now? You know your parents gossip about such and they will try destroying you."

Marie knew she was right, but she did get out of the house that night. She packed everything and left her home. She stayed in Rufus's condo, all three of them did, or perhaps all four when the baby counted. She would find a job somewhere and have a real home, but first she had her appointment in the morning.

Awake at night with Edwin at her side Marie calculated how far along she was. From the baby book she got after leaving home she read information about pregnancy and how far along she was. There was some math and science involved. She calculated the last day of her certain time of the month. She felt foolish she hadn't paid attention to her body all summer. It didn't happen late June or late July. She had been too upset to notice anything. Further on, sometime during the honeymoon, there had been five days when her body had been fertile to conceive. She had a feeling she knew what night it was. The evening after making chocolate dipped marshmallows for the day. Things had gotten…extra heated if she may say so. She blushed remembering. If only she could contact Once-ler about the baby, but the radio phone he made wasn't responding. If she was able to, she could find out where he was and meet up. She'd tell, he'd cry with happiness, they'd kiss, have their bundle of joy, prove their families wrong, and have a happy ending.

The next day she went in for her first prenatal appointment. Dr. Foxworthy would look after her. He was good friends with Dr. Flannery. Marie filled out all the papers before going in. She had to put down relationship with the father. She needed to explain her husband couldn't be with her, but she left out the personal details. Dr. Foxworthy seemed gracious about it. Cold gel was rubbed on her belly and a fuzzy picture of the new life awaited.

"We should be able to hear the heartbeat," he said as the ultrasound started. "I'd say your ten weeks along from what I saw in your papers."

"I counted eight," said Marie. "Last night I read a baby book and I counted from conception."

"Actually we doctors start counting from the first day of your last…womanly month time." said Dr. Foxworthy clearing his throat. Marie liked him already. He had a humorous side. "Let's roll."

He moved a probe on her belly. A soft, rhythmic pounding was heard. Marie's eyes lit up and she smiled broadly. It was the most precious sound she ever heard! It and Once-ler's voice were the best sounds to ever hit her senses. It sounded louder than she expected. The heartbeat of her baby rang in her ears.

"There we go," smiled Dr. Foxworthy. "The little one sounds good and healthy." A fuzzy picture of a little creature showed up on the screen. It looked alien like, but it was beautiful. Marie didn't know if her face could hold her big smile. She felt proud and content. That funny looking, living being was developing and it was hers. It was Once-ler's. All in all it was theirs.

Marie wiped away joyful tears. She nearly squealed. She loved the little life already, but she felt more flow in her soul. It made the previous pain and heartaches worth having. She felt hope that without a doubt she and her kid would be okay. She was ready to be a mother. She wanted to be one before, but now hearing the sweet pulsing cemented the reality that she was. She was twenty years old, a wife and a mother. She could imagine Once-ler beaming at the sound. She could see him standing at her side holding her hand and kissing her cheek. A new Once-ler was on the way.

"Hold on…" Dr. Foxworthy said in a tone that made Marie nervous. "Something…"

"What's wrong?" she asked. Maternal instincts kicked in. "Is it weak?"

"No," paused Dr. Foxworthy looking at the screen. "Nothing's wrong. Let me see. Hmmm…"

Marie waited as he moved the little device across her skin. She braced herself for the worst. Was it possible to already see sickness? Marie bit her lip waiting for the news.

"Well look at that!" exclaimed Dr. Foxworthy. "Nothing's wrong. Congratulations Miss Marie. You have twins!"

Twins?! Marie nearly sat up right. She gripped the table's sides. She looked at the screen in disbelief. No! It couldn't be!

"Twins?" she gasped. "Are you serious?"

"Look right here," Dr. Foxworthy pointed on the screen. "Here's the other one, sometimes twins hide behind the other. Twin B's a bit camera shy." Doctors used letters instead of numbers for multiples.

Marie looked at the second alien creature. It looked like the other, but in a different position. Two babies? Two boys, two girls, one of each; she had twins. Marie didn't know what to think for a second. She had just prepared herself for one, now she had to prepare for two! She was responsible for two lives. She didn't know how to handle twins. Now doubt took hold.

"Do you know if twins run in your family?" asked Dr. Foxworthy as he continued to examine.

"Uh…on my husband's side," Marie's mouth felt dry. "He has twin brothers and he's been told he had twin uncles and aunts. He doesn't remember them. I didn't think I would have any."

"It can happen," her doctor agreed. "I can't tell if their identical or not yet, but we should know the genders at sixteen weeks. So that's in September. So far it looks good twice as much."

"Oh," said Marie remembering something about twins. "I just-I have a set of twins on my side. My grandfather Flynn, my mother's father had a twin sister." She wished she had met him now, but all the elders in her family were long gone.

"Looks like it increased your chances then." Dr. Foxworthy focused some more on the screen. Everything was good for them. She had things to do for her pregnancy. She had to eat more, get twice the things and get an income soon. Not to mention, she had to brace herself for going in labor.

When Marie left she went to Misty Hideaway to think it out. It felt too quiet without Once-ler there. She half expected to hear his guitar strums or see him under their tree knitting with a bag of marshmallows at his side. She sat under the tree feeling lonesome and aged. She felt stunned by having twins. Two babies meant twice as much things; feedings, diapers, crying, colic, and school tuitions. There were two Once-lers. The family of three was now a family of four. Then the good thoughts came in as she looked around the clearing. The good things about having multiples.

"Hey you two," she said touching her lower stomach. "This is where Daddy and I played at. This was our place." It changed. Now twins meant twice as much good things; hugs, kisses, playing, joy and saying "I love you." Two little children with their features warmed her heart.

Betsy and Rufus were ecstatic. They pitched in to help Marie with what she needed. Betsy, having a motherly side and feeling rejuvenated from quitting her job bought baby toys, clothes and bedding. Rufus bought a large bassinette, a carriage and bottles. They were helpful and patient, even when Marie was cranky. The biggest thing they pestered her with was what names she chose. Marie didn't want to pick until she knew how many sons or daughters she was carrying.

By October and nineteen weeks in her pregnancy Marie found a job and a house. She had taken all the money of her inheritance before her parents could do anything to swipe it out. The only downside of the change was the town was far away. It was up North of Palmer and a three and a half hour drive. A little town called Geisel. Population: 189. Job: receptionist for the newspaper The Geisel Gazette. House: a five-room cottage with a fenced yard half a mile outside of town. Price for the house: three hundred measly dollars. Hospital: town doctor's house or midwife's cabin. School: one room house with tiny desks.

Betsy was the most reluctant about it. Betsy was there when Marie was born and ever since. She helped her walk, taught her how to write and read. Taught her how to cook. Marie was growing up. Betsy didn't want to let go of her yet. Also she wanted to be close when Marie had the babies. It would be a big adjustment.

Rufus felt concern too, but Marie could do it. He knew she could. Marie was a woman, not a little girl. Though he still saw a little curly haired girl playing tea party with him and the pre-teen trying out eye shadow and getting mad over smudges. She was ready for her new life. Marie was twenty, not seventeen. She could handle what happened to her. She already proved it.

If Marie had a prenatal appointment she would come down on Friday mornings and have them in the afternoons. One of them babies always tried hiding from the ultrasound. She would stay the night at either's their homes and go back the next day. She was glad to still have her car. Her parents couldn't take that. When twins were born, she would come days before their due date and stay at the hospital. All could work out. Edwin would stay for the time being. It wasn't good for expecting mothers to take care of litter boxes because of bacteria. Marie would miss her kitty, but he would come back with her when all was clear.

So Marie moved out of Palmer and she didn't plan to live there again. Her parents ruined her reputation by calling her a floozy. They didn't say who the father was. Everyone she knew before, mean or nice looked down on her. Annie, Renée and Julie were upset and felt betrayed. She did worry about what others would think, but it didn't need to matter. Who cared what they thought? She knew the truth and felt confident. Her babies were all that mattered. They were her number one priority.

She would dream about them. Dreaming of things like if they would they be like her; average in school, not popular, but not bullied or a big target like their father? What would they look like? What would they do for their lives? Would they have developmental issues? The biggest worry was losing them. What if she died giving birth? What if they were stillborn like her older brother? Premature like Once-ler? She couldn't let it rule her.

Sometimes Marie wondered how Nathan would've been if he had lived. She thought he'd be like Once-ler, only more teasingly with her. He would've looked out for her, but pushed her buttons. She wished she had known him. She didn't want to pick names, but having a son named after his uncle wasn't a bad idea. Marie would be happy with anything, but it was a good consideration.

On her last day in Palmer Marie went to the cemetery to say good-bye to him. In a marble headstone was his name and the engraving "Our Favorite Son." She placed flowers down and stood in the cool breeze.

"You're an uncle Nathan," said Marie. "You would love them." It was all she could find herself to say.

Marie moved in Geisel without any trouble. She liked her new cottage. It sat on a grassy knoll with flowers growing and there was a grove several paces of. The design was nice; wood floors, beamed ceilings, a quant bathroom and a small kitchen. A fireplace and glass windows were the newest features since the cottage was old. The bedroom was open to the house. The yard wasn't too big with a wooden fence. It began to feel like home after one event the babies caused.

Marie fell asleep in her new bed having nightmares. Once-ler was in them, but bad things were happening. He stood among black gunk with an evil smirk on his face. He was walking slowly to her. He grabbed her arm with a clawed hand and then she became engulfed in the black muck. She woke with a fright! She panted with sweat and sat up. She felt something in her. It felt like a flutter.

"What?" whispered Marie. A hand went to her bulging front. She felt the flutter again and grinned. Her babies were kicking for the first time. She gasped and laughed at the feeling on her fingertips.

"Come on you two," she chuckled. "Mommy needs to sleep. I have a big day tomorrow." She started her receptionist job the next day. She was twenty weeks along and the babies could hear her talk. Talking to them filled the silence when she felt lonesome for their daddy. It was comforting for her. She would read aloud instead of silently.

Marie was fine with her job. The town seemed sleeply compared to Palmer, but she found things to do. Her boss was understandable and a family man. He liked babies and said she could bring them into work if necessary.

Aside from work and taking care of her own house Marie didn't like the pain that came with pregnancy. The upside to it was that she was a mother and looked forward to their arrival. She had many symptoms; swollen ankles, fatigue, mood swings, leg cramps, morning sickness, back pains and food cravings. She craved for pickles, peanut butter, ice cream, cheese, and of course chocolate! Not surprisingly Marie missed eating the sugar cookies with pink frosting that she loved, but one night she found another sweet craving and it wasn't a favorite food. She wanted marshmallows! She knew that it might also have been because she missed Once-ler.

When Christmas came around she would stay with Rufus. She planned to find out and reveal the genders. She only let Dr. Foxworthy tell her around Christmas. It was a Christmas present for her and Once-ler. Dr. Foxworthy put the sonograms in a folder with a note telling her the results. Marie played it safe that she was having a boy and girl, only if she had to guess. If she had two of the same then she had guessed right either way. Besides, the set of twins in her family was the same. History could repeat. On Christmas morning she woke up, held Once-ler's picture near and prepared herself.

"Okay Honey," she said giving the frame a quick kiss. It was the closest to a first Christmas as a married couple they would get. "Let's see what we have. We'll be happy no matter what right?" She took the folder off the nightstand. Gingerly she opened it while balancing the picture frame on her thigh. The sonograms showed two pictures of tiny humans curled up. She couldn't tell what they were. She could only make out heads and arms. Tiny heads and arms that were part of their babies!

"They're they are," she said cheerfully. "Our babies Once! That's them! Okay, now for the juicy stuff." Marie took a deep breath and took out a folded paper that held the their fate.

Dear Marie, I wish you a Merry Christmas and congratulations! You have only three more months to go in your pregnancy! You've waited six months to know this and you're having-

Marie nearly screamed! She was beyond thrilled! She started crying and held the note and frame close to her. She kissed his picture again. She crawled out of her warm bed and got the baby name book. She could decide names. She flipped through while she ate breakfast. It was gorgeous outside; snowflakes fell, a foot of snow crunched under her boots and she felt warm in her winter coat. She was on top of the world. The day got better when she got to cuddle with Edwin, her birthday kitty. The tuxedo cat had missed her and attached himself to her heels.

"So what do you know?" asked Betsy excitedly. "What are the babies?"

"I'll tell you maybe hours later," teased Marie. "I have some names now."

"First the gender, then the names," said Rufus.

"Okay Dr. Foxworthy wrote a note with the sonograms," she said as they sat at the table for lunch and dessert. She talked slowly to add the agony. "I'm having two…baby…girls!"

The shouts and squeals from all three echoed the condo. Marie was smothered with hugs and rubs on her biggering belly.

"I'm happy for you Violet Eyes," cried Rufus. He kissed her cheek with fatherly affection.

"Oh! Two little Marie's!" Betsy squeezed Marie tight while the threesome embrace kept going.

"I love them so much already," said Marie grinning. "I thought long and hard on names and I know what I want."

"So what are the names," chortled Betsy. "I've waited forever to know. Tell us now!"

"Alright whoever is born first will be named Natalie," said Marie pressing a hand down. Smiles came from her loved ones at the name. "I found out I was having daughters on Christmas and Natalie means 'born on Christmas day.' That and it reminds me of Nathan. So Natalie in honor for the uncle she never knew."

"It's lovely," agreed Rufus. "I couldn't have chosen better myself."

"The second one?" Betsy was too eager now.

"The next one is Chloe," said Marie amused by Betsy's giddiness.

"A lovely name as well," agreed Rufus. "What about middle names? What do you like? Are they going to start with a V like yours?"

"Viola, I like Viola," said Marie. "Natalie's will be Viola. The other will be-it starts with E like Once-ler's middle name."

"Don't tell me," said Betsy who was getting more enthusiastic. "Is it Edna? Emily? Elinor?"

"It's-you'll think it's strange," said Marie. She lifted up Edwin to rub her face on his head. "It's-how you say? Exotic."

"Come on, it can't be too exotic," said Rufus. "What is it?"

Marie sighed and proceeded. "I picked it because of the spelling. It sounds silly, but it's E-L-E-R-I. It has the last four letters of Once-ler's name and I just-it seems cute. It's Eh-leh-ree."

"Eleri? Umhmm…" The two said in question.

"It means 'river,' so nothing significant to me," Marie thought that Edwin was the only one who didn't find Eleri questionable. If purring was a way of saying "I like it," Edwin said it with a few meows.

"It's different, but it's special to you," said Rufus though it wouldn't be his choice.

"Thank you and I'm sure my Once would like them," Marie smiled confidently. She wanted to pick up on his habits in case the girls…never met him. She didn't want to think about it on Christmas.

"I thought it'd be fraternal boys," said Rufus. "Betsy was certain it'd be identical boys. Do you know if they will be identical or not?"

"It's still too early," said Marie. "I'll know when they come."

"Has Dr. Foxworthy guessed the birth date?" asked Betsy when they calmed down and started eating.

"March," said Marie. "He estimated March 5th."

"March 5th? Isn't that a few days after Once-ler's birthday?" asked Rufus digging into the apple pie.

"Yeah, but they should stay inside." Marie didn't think they would be premature.

"Oh Baby Doll," said Betsy after she sipped some cocoa. "My friends at my apartment complex want to do a baby shower for you in January."

"I don't need-I guess," Marie couldn't win that argument. Betsy wanted her to have one and it was something to look forward to as the third trimester winded down. If she got presents then the less she had to get. She didn't mean to sound greedy, but it was true. She wanted to be careful with money.

Marie said, not knowing what the actions would be, that she didn't care when the baby shower happened. She should've been more specific. On January 24th, a Tuesday evening, Marie came home to a surprise baby shower. Betsy and eleven of her friends were in her house with cake, pink balloons and boxes of gifts. It was flattering and she appreciated the work that went into it, but after she came home she wanted to rest. Along with the fact she was tired of people awing, cooing, and touching her bursting tummy. She felt more like a dog getting too much petting than an expecting mother. Only an hour into the party and she felt near the edge of snapping.

The boxes had double of objects. High chairs, car seats, children books and clothes. She also got a baby bath tub, a baby monitor, several bibs, countless diapers and supplies. One woman brought a changing table. She had everything! She was all set for March. March 5th was coming around and she had to be ready. She was ready. She wanted to see her girls soon.

Marie would go back to Palmer for the delivery. She would go a few days early before the due date and stay with Betsy until the birth. She wanted to give birth in the hospital. She felt safer in the hospital with medication. She'd want pain killers. The birthing in Geisel was mainly home births. The main midwife's name was Peg and Marie couldn't stand her. She tried a birthing class in November with her and she nearly tugged her hair out. The mothers there were nice, Peg was nice, but Marie felt irritated by their acts. They seemed so clueless about the real pain of labor and fake in personality. They did silly techniques to help cope. Marie didn't want to be near them again! She didn't care how many children she had, she would not attend another birthing class.

Valentine's Day came and Marie felt moody. Seeing the pink, red, and white hearts decorate the office bothered her. She was full term, feeling huge and heavy. She felt mixed about giving birth; she wanted to hold her girls for real, but keep them in because she liked the good side of pregnancy. She was more upset that her love wasn't with her on the most romantic day of the year. With the past holidays she thought of it as their first to share as a husband and wife.

Marie wished she would've gone with Once-ler had they had done better planning. They may had been in a wagon or tent, but together none the less. Once-ler would've known. The girls would've known their daddy. She could only hope all four could be reunited. Poor Once-ler; in a house full of girls! The image was endearing. Thinking of Once-ler holding two baby girls, playing and singing to them was irresistible.

March 2nd came and Marie woke up kissing Once-ler's picture. She glanced at her alarm clock which read seven-forty. He would be twenty-one within an hour. He would have twins in three days and was old enough to drink alcohol. She smiled and got up to get ready for work. Marie went through her morning routine; breakfast, picked her outfit and a quick shower. She did it all fast. Everything was typical save for the fact it was a birthday for her significant other. She was a full forty weeks along.

Marie stood in front of the mirror wrapped in a towel brushing her teeth. She was still soaked from the warm water. It was a Friday and tomorrow she would go to Palmer ready for anything. She swished her mouth and flossed. Back pains were still there and they felt a little stronger. All was still typical. Then suddenly Marie's eyes went wide at something. She felt a gush of liquid run down on her already wet legs. She smelled something sweet and then she remembered one of the baby books.

Her water had broken!

"Now?!" she yelled knowing the babies could hear her. "Can't you both wait?"

She couldn't stop them. When babies are ready, they're ready. Marie walked the best she could to her room and put on her favorite dress, something she felt comfortable in. It was Once-ler's favorite on her too.

"Okay," she breathed. "It's going to take some time. We can still get to Palmer." Marie dialed for Rufus. She needed them to come. It was no good for a pregnant woman in labor to drive so far.

"We'll come as soon as we can Violet Eyes," said Rufus. He sounded petrified. "Just do something breathing exercises or read a book."

Marie sat on her bed and read the newspaper. She wasn't too worried. The only thing that stunned her was the babies, if it didn't take longer than a day, would be born on their daddy's birthday. Labor would take time. She wished she could have her back massaged. It was still sore. She looked around her room at the large bassinette, the changing table already stocked and dresser full of clothes. They would be used very soon. A little later she heard the phone ring.

"Yes?" she sighed. It was Betsy calling.

"Marie we're having problems," said Betsy anxiously. "Neither of our cars is starting up. I don't know how long it will take."

"Call a mechanic," said Marie and cringed.

"We did, but I don't know when he'll be here. Baby Doll when you're near the bigger stage please call that midwife. She can help you."

"No!" Marie growled. "I can't stand her! She'll bring bongo drums and tell me to focus all my energy! I want to be in a hospital!" Marie yelled into the phone at the last sentence.

"Marie it will make us feel better if someone is with you," pleaded Betsy. "Ease our mind."

"Oh, you never had kids! Don't tell me what to do!" Marie slammed the phone down and went back to her bed. She felt bad about yelling and her comment must've hurt Betsy who always wanted children of her own. Even if in labor…she didn't have to say that. She'd apologize when they came.

Marie counted the seconds. The pain only increased. Contractions came shaking her; ten minutes apart and thirty seconds long. It felt like menstrual cramps, but worse. Minutes ticked by slowly. Marie was still stubborn to deliver in a hospital. She grimaced at the contractions and gripped her bed covers. The gripping only made her wish Once-ler could hold her hand. Where was he? What was he doing, especially with his birthday going on? He was probably eating marshmallows and enjoying the moment all innocently like his usual self.

Twelve o'clock. It seemed longer. Marie started whimpering and groaning in pain. She shifted on her pillow to get more comfy. Only minutes before she got up to put on white socks for her cold feet.

"How long are you two going to stay in?" she moaned. "Get out already! Please! Please get out girls! I don't think I can-augh!" A full force contraction hit. She panted until it stopped. This was so far the worst pain she ever felt and she hadn't even pushed them out yet. Sweat trickled down her face and neck.

She tried walking, but it was far from easy. She waddled more than stepped. Marie drank some water and brushed her hair. She tried calling Rufus or Betsy again, only to leave a message. Maybe they were on the way. Marie wouldn't have Peg help her. She would rather give birth in the car than have the crazy woman help in her house. When walking became too much, she crawled back in bed and dozed off in between contractions. She only woke when they started again, but they seemed to get more intense.

"Don't look at me like that," she moaned at Once-ler's picture as she held it close. "I don't feel glamorous. I don't look it either do I?" No voice answered. Marie twisted from her back to her side and felt lonely.

"Marie!"

Marie's eyes opened from a dozing. She heard a key and lock. From what she could see from her bedroom entrance was Betsy and Rufus coming in. She glanced at her clock. The numbers three thirty greeted her.

"Ugh! You didn't call her," groaned Betsy. "Marie we've been worried! I'll call her then! I'll find her number. Honestly Marie, please let her help you."

"Can't you take me now?" Marie managed to say.

"I don't think we'll get to a hospital in time," said Rufus sitting next to her.

Much to Marie's annoyance Peg, a slender old woman with buck teeth showed up twenty minutes later.

"Your journey begins today doesn't it Marie?" she said in her squeaky voice. She spread out her tools. "Isn't labor a lovely experience?"

If Marie didn't feel so glued to the bed from contractions she would've shoved her out. Her cry interrupted them. The contractions were lasting longer and coming closer to each other. Peg timed each one. She smiled.

"Oh! Looks like you're ready," she said so casually as if she was about to take cookies out from the oven.

"Marie, hold this," said Rufus. He placed something soft in her hands with Once-ler's picture. Marie recognized the touch. The dark purple sash Once-ler knitted and gave her when they were only eight. She held it to her face. The pain was awful, but this was all for her and Once-ler's best surprise; their baby girls.

Betsy stood at the foot of the bed with Peg to watch. Rufus stood at Marie's head and stroked her hair. Marie pushed and screamed in pain for what seemed like a century! In reality it had been an hour. All aside, definitely the worst pain she ever had. She was soaked in sweat; skin and dress moist.

All she heard from the three elders was "Good girl Marie, keeping pushing. You're doing splendidly! She's almost there. Just breathe Baby Doll. It's alright Violet Eyes. It's almost over." Where in the world was Once-ler's voice?! She wanted to hear him! She wanted his voice and a kiss on her head from his warm mouth. She didn't care if she looked spineless longing for him.

"Oh! There you go!" cried Peg. "Miss Betsy, grab a blanket."

Marie panted and moaned from the last push. If only it was the last! She looked down to see a life wrapped in warmth by Betsy. The little life cried taking her first breath.

"Here's Natalie," chuckled Betsy with a lump in her throat. Exactly five in the evening, one daughter was born.

Marie felt tears and a smile. Suddenly she felt the real reason she was there. That baby, reddish-purple skin, blonde hair and crying was real. It was theirs. Though she still felt pain, she reached out. She had to hold her. When Natalie was in her arms an instant connection hit with the one touch. Marie felt like bursting with joy! She traced a finger over the tiny face. A tiny hand gripped her smallest finger. The hurt had been worth it.

"Hi Sweetheart," whispered Marie. She didn't see the adults smiling around her, but she felt something else. Another twinge of pain; she still had another coming. Rufus reached down to take Natalie. Marie pushed again to get the next one out. Chloe was arriving.

What she thought would be fast went slow to get Natalie's sister out. Pain came back, but it was worth it again. Chloe was in her arms safe and warm. The feeling with Natalie hit again. Marie couldn't have asked for more precious children. Seeing two sets of blue eyes glistening into hers made any concerns for the future vanish for the moment.

They were both real. They were nine minutes apart, fraternal and healthy. Natalie was exactly seven pounds. Chloe was six pounds and eight ounces. Natalie was a little bigger than Chloë in length. She was twenty-one inches long and Chloe was only twenty. Marie loved them more than she imagined or expected.

The best moment was when Marie held both. All three of them stayed on her bed; a mother and her twin daughters. Now if only their daddy was there…

Author's Note: *wicked chuckle* Surprised you all huh? Twins! OS, you guessed the right gender, but I couldn't tell you it was two girls! I looked up many baby websites about development, pregnancy and stuff to make it accurate so maybe you learned something new today. I didn't know a baby's hair changes color from birth! I hope it's not cliché that the twins are born on his birthday. I wasn't originally going to do that. I had a friend who was born on her mom's birthday and I couldn't shake the idea of. Poor Once-ler! He doesn't know this is going on and he's slowly slipping away! Will he know? Keep in mind this story tries to fit in with the original movie's plot.