Hey Guys! So thank you for all the reviews! Almost at 100 now! I can't believe it!
So this chapter was a special chapter for me, and I really enjoyed writing it, so I hope everyone enjoys!
This story is coming to a close soon, and there are only two more chapters left, although I am writing a "sequel" to it.
The next chapter will wrap up the stories of pretty much all the characters, and then the final chapter will be about two months fast forwarded, and that chapter will make way for the sequel story I have planned.
Well, please keep reviewing till the end! And I hope you all enjoy! :)
INT: LOS ANGELES HOSPITAL - NIGHT
Jack stood in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit staring down at his two pound, almost translucent, little girl. She laid there inside her incubator, hooked up to all kinds of monitors, and a breathing tube inside her tiny mouth.
He stuck his hands inside the covered glove openings of the incubator, and caressed his daughter's small cheek with the tip of his finger.
As he stood there watching her, he couldn't believe this innocent little girl was his. Tears formed in his eyes, as he thought back on all the memories of him and Madison. He replayed the first time he saw her in his mind. The many times they broke up, the many times they found love and comfort in each other again.
As he stood there, tears started forming in his eyes. He felt so guilty for the doubt and uncertainty he had been feeling lately. He began doubting his choices in life with Madison, ever since he seen Grace the night of Adrian's' Rehearsal dinner. And now, as he stood there watching his precious little girl struggle to survive, he felt horrible.
Madison meant everything to him.
When he entered the door this afternoon and seen Madison lying in the rocking chair unconscious, all he could think about was how much he loved her, and how it would devastate him if something happened to her.
He loved Madison with all his heart, how could he have doubted what they had together?
As Jack stood their crucifying himself in his head, he felt the nurse touch his shoulder.
He turned towards her.
NICU NURSE
Keep it together Hun, she is going to pull through, I have a feeling about this one.
The nurse smiled at Jack in reassurance.
Jack's face was damp and tear stained, and you could see the hurt on his face.
JACK
She is so small...
He turned to look back at his fragile daughter.
NICU NURSE
Big things come in small packages.
The nurse smiled at Jack, and he cracked a small smile in return.
NICU NURSE
The mommy is awake now, and you can go in and see her, she is a little out of it though, so don't expect too much conversation tonight.
Jack looked at the nurse, and then back at his daughter. He was nervous to leave this little girls side.
NICU NURSE
Don't worry, she is in good hands, trust me. I will take great care of her. Go see your fiancé, she needs you too.
Jack nodded in agreement, and slowly pulled his hand out of the glove on the incubator. As he began to walk out of the nursery, the nurse called out to him.
NICU NURSE
I'm telling you Mr. Pappas, I have a feeling about this little one. She came early, but you know what, sometimes that is just destiny.
Jack smiled a little as he turned out of the doorway and headed towards Madison's hospital room.
TRANSITION TO:
INT: RICKY AND AMY'S HOME - EVENING
Amy was cleaning up the dishes from the table, and tiding up the table. She just finished the heart wrenching conversation with Ricky, about his mother's secret.
It wasn't the best of conversations; however, Ricky seemed to handle it a little bit better then she expected.
He was very upset, and he was really angry with his mother, but Amy knew he was not upset with her telling him, and began to realize that maybe it was best for her to break the news to him, instead of Nora.
Ricky was outside on the backyard patio. He needed to be alone, to take all this new information in, and process it on his own.
Amy was proud of him. Ricky never handled pressure well when they were younger, he would always take off and disappear, leaving Amy to wander what he was doing and if he was okay. But not anymore. Yeah, he needed space; but, now he didn't leave, he would just get some air. He knew running away wasn't the answer anymore.
As Amy dried her hands off after washing the last of the dishes, she heard her phone buzz on the counter next to her. She picked it up and read a text message from Lauren.
To: Amy
From: Lauren
Madison is okay. However, we aren't so sure about the baby. She is extremely small, and the doctors are unsure whether or not she will make it. Madison is recovering from the C-section right now, and Jack is a mess. Are you able to make it here? I'm sure they need the support.
Amy couldn't believe what she read. She wanted to bolt out of the house and head to Los Angeles to comfort her best friend; but, how would she do that with everything else going on here? She couldn't leave Ricky right now, he was a mess also.
She placed her phone back on to the counter, and swept her hand through her hair. She was unsure of what to do.
Suddenly she heard the back door slide open and realized Ricky was coming back inside the house. She wanted to ask him if he was okay, but she already knew the answer so she decided not to.
Ricky looked through the kitchen in search of Amy, until he seen her leaning on the counter.
RICKY
We have to take a ride to LA.
Amy shot her head up in confusion.
AMY
What?
RICKY
Jack just texted me. Madison had to have an emergency C-section and the baby isn't in good sh-
Amy cut him off.
AMY
I know. Lauren told me. I wasn't sure if I should go, with everything else goi-
Ricky now cut Amy off.
RICKY
Amy I'll deal with that later. Jack needs us right now, and your best friend needs you. We should be there. John is staying over your dad's right?
Amy shook her head yes. She couldn't believe how quickly Ricky set everything aside; however, she was happy he did. She knew Madison needed her right now.
RICKY
Alright then let's go then.
Ricky grabbed his jacket off the back of the chair and pulled his keys off the table. He turned towards Amy and extended his hand towards her, to grab it.
Amy smiled and placed her hand in his. Ricky returned the smile, and they quickly made their way out of the house and towards the car.
TRANSITION TO:
INT: LOS ANGELES HOSPITAL - NIGHT
Jack entered Madison's hospital room slowly, unsure of what to say when he saw her.
She laid there, eyes closed, and her face slightly swollen.
As Jack walked to her bedside, he began to tear up again. He hated seeing her this way.
As he got close, Madison slowly opened her eyes, and tried to talk, but her voice was very low, and worn out.
MADISON
Is she okay?
Jack swept his hand across her hair.
JACK
She is right now.
He couldn't bring himself to tell her how scared he was.
Madison smiled.
MADISON
I heard her cry, I was put to sleep, but I know I heard her.
Jack smiled back at her; even though he knew what she was saying was probably impossible.
JACK
You scared me, you know that?
Madison nodded, as she was slowly falling back asleep, due to a mix of the anesthesia, and the medications.
As she closed her eyes, Jack leaned it towards her ear and whispered...
JACK
I love you Madison.
TRANSITION TO:
EXT: RICKYS CAR - NIGHT
Ricky and Amy were on their way towards Los Angeles. The traffic was horrible, and the regular two and a half hour drive was slowly turning into four or more hours.
Ricky hadn't spoken much since they left; however, he held Amy's hand the whole way since, and hadn't let go.
Amy looked towards him and decided to try and break the silence.
AMY
Hey, don't be too mad at her okay?
Ricky didn't respond at first, but eventually decided to.
RICKY
I'm not.
Amy looked confused. She didn't expect that answer to come out of his mouth.
Ricky noticed her confusion.
RICKY
I am mad at her decisions, but I'm not angry with her. I know she did what she did to protect me from even more confusion in my life. And I know it was probably hard to keep that secret for so long, but I just wish I was told sooner. I mean I have a sister? A sister who probably needed me all these years, I can just imagine how hard things must of been for her.
Amy smiled as she watched Ricky talk. She knew he was a good man, and he truly cared about others before himself. The fact that he wasn't angry about being lied to, but instead, he was angry at the fact that he was unable to help his sister, due to him not knowing she existed.
AMY
Are you going to talk to Nora when we get back?
RICKY
Yeah, I'm going to talk to her. Just haven't figured out what I'm going to say yet.
AMY
She will be here this weekend... Your... Sister, are you ready for that?
Ricky nodded.
RICKY
Yeah, I think so.
Amy caressed Ricky's hand with her thumb.
RICKY
I'm excited to meet her.
Ricky looked over at Amy, out of the corner of his eye, and smiled.
AMY
Me too.
Suddenly Amy received another text from Lauren, it read...
To: Amy
From: Lauren
They made me leave. Visiting hours are closed until tomorrow morning. They open at 8am again, so maybe you should just wait to drive up.
Amy looked up towards Ricky and read him the message. Ricky pondered on what they should do.
RICKY
Okay, so what should we do? We are already almost half way.
AMY
I don't know.
Ricky looked over towards the time on the center console.
RICKY
Let's just get off at the next exit, and find a hotel.
AMY
A hotel?
RICKY
Yeah, why not? John is with your dad tonight, and I need some time away. We can be alone for a night, and head there in the morning.
AMY
You sure?
RICKY
I'm positive.
Ricky squeezed Amy's hand tighter, and smiled at her.
TRANSITION TO:
INT: HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Amy and Ricky just arrived in some hotel off of an exit on the way to Los Angeles. After Amy texted her father to let him know what was going on, she plopped down on the bed where Ricky had already got comfortable on.
Ricky extended his arm under Amy's head and pulled her closer to him.
RICKY
I'm glad you were the one to tell me the truth about everything.
AMY
I was so scared to tell you, I thought you would be angry with me.
RICKY
Why would I be angry with you?
AMY
I don't know, because I was the one to break the news.
Ricky chuckled, and kissed Amy on the forehead.
RICKY
I couldn't be angry with you, plus it wasn't your fault.
Amy smiled, as she entwined her fingers in his.
They laid there in silence for a few minutes, and Ricky looked down towards the engagement ring on Amy's finger, and twirled it with his fingers.
RICKY
Have you thought at all about this?
Amy looked down towards her beautiful ring, and then back up at Ricky.
AMY
Uh huh.
RICKY
And?
Amy stood silent.
RICKY
I'm not pressuring, I promise. I just want to know if you have thought about it.
AMY
I have thought about it... and I have also thought about how I don't want a gigantic wedding either.
RICKY
Really? What about family?
Amy shrugged.
AMY
I don't know. All I want is for John to be there when we get married. That is all I need.
Ricky kissed Amy on the forehead again.
RICKY
Have you thought about when you would like to get married?
Amy smiled and looked up towards Ricky.
AMY
I'm not sure yet, but I know it will happen eventually. I'm not giving you up again Mr. Underwood.
Ricky laughed in response, and then leaned over Amy with his arms holding him up above her.
RICKY
I love you Amy.
Amy smiled as Ricky slowly lowered himself towards her and began kissing her.
TRANSITION TO:
INT: GEORGE AND KATHLEENS HOME- NIGHT
Grace was lying in her old bedroom, when John came running in.
JOHN
Hi Grace!
GRACE
Hey John, what cha doing?
JOHN
Nothing. Grandpa says I have to get ready for bed now, but I don't want to.
Grace laughs.
GRACE
So you figured you would hide in here with me huh?
John smiles.
JOHN
Yep. What are you doing?
GRACE
Nothing really, just thinking.
JOHN
Thinking about what?
GRACE
About school, and where I'm going to move next.
JOHN
Oh. So what do you think you're going to do?
GRACE
I don't know. Maybe New York.
JOHN
Hey my mommy used to live there!
Grace smiled.
GRACE
I know, she did.
JOHN
Yeah, but she's home now. I like having my mommy home.
Grace smiled and then looked up as George and Kathleen both walked into her room.
KATHLEEN
There you are! Got cha!
John laughed.
GEORGE
Come on you, go brush your teeth!
John looked at Grace and laughed as he ran out the room to do what he was told.
George followed John, but Kathleen stayed and looked over towards Grace.
KATHLEEN
So you're deciding on New York huh?
GRACE
You were eavesdropping I take it?
KATHLEEN
Maybe a little.
Grace laughs.
GRACE
I don't know. I think so.
KATHLEEN
Well just make sure you are going for you, and not someone else.
GRACE
You're implying Ben aren't you?
KATHLEEN
I am just saying in general.
GRACE
I know. And yes Ben is a plus side, but I think I am going to go to New York, because the program at NYU is amazing.
Kathleen nodded in agreement, although she was still unsure of Grace's decision.
KATHLEEN
Well, I know you'll make the right decision.
Grace smiled as Kathleen began to walk out her bedroom.
GRACE
Good night Mom.
KATHLEEN
Good night Grace.
She closed the door, and Grace continued thinking to herself while lying on her bed.
TIMECUT TO:
INT: LOS ANGELES HOSPITAL - THE NEXT MORNING
Madison was fully awake now, and was able to see her daughter in the NICU. As Jack wheeled her into the nursery in her wheelchair, towards their daughter, Madison became very teary eyed.
The doctor was wrong about the baby. They didn't think she would make it through the night, but she did.
As Madison and Jack arrived next to her incubator, Jack noticed the breathing tube was removed from her mouth. He quickly searched for the nurse from last night, and when he spotted her he ran towards her.
JACK
The breathing tube? It was removed?
The nurse smiled at him.
NICU NURSE
I told you Mr. Pappas, you have a strong little girl on your hands. She is a fighter.
Tears started falling from his eyes, and the nurse smiled as she walked over towards the baby and Madison.
Madison was also in shock, because Jack told her this morning about their daughter's current condition.
The nurse looked over towards Madison and said...
NICU NURSE
As I told your fiancé, this little girl has a Destiny, and she's going to make it, I can feel it.
Madison began to cry as the nurse walked out of the unit.
Jack kneeled next to Madison as they watched their daughter breathing on her own, inside her incubator.
MADISON
She is beautiful.
Jack kissed his fiancé's fore head.
Suddenly Amy and Ricky walked in behind them, dressed in the provided scubs they were required to wear in the unit.
Amy ran towards Madison and hugged her, as well as Ricky towards Jack.
Amy looked at the tiny baby girl, and said...
AMY
I am so proud of you Madison, she is amazing.
Madison smiled.
MADISON
Isn't she?
RICKY
Do you two have a name for this little princess?
Jack looked at Madison in uncertainty, she smiled back at him, and they both knew instantly what each other was thinking.
JACK
Her name is Destiny... Destiny Pappas.
AMY
That is beautiful.
Jack grabbed Madison's hand and smiled as they both looked at their daughter.
FADE OUT