WOW WOW WOW! 98 REVIEWS?! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH, YOU'RE ALL SOO SWEET!
I apologize for taking so long to post this, I've just been crazy busy and sick. I got sick Christmas Eve so that sucked then New Year's Eve and then I had to rush and do all the homework I didn't do over break. BUT THAT'S NO EXCUSE FOR ME NOT UPDATING SINCE NOVEMBER, IM SO SORRY! But since all of you want more and are super awesome and sweet, I have this chapter for you. Last night I watched that like 1990-something movie called My Life with Michael Keaton and Nicole Kidman in it and the ultrasound scene was an inspiration for this ultrasound scene. (:
Once again, I'm so sorry for making all of you wait.
I want too think every single one of you who reviewed! Thank you so much, it means more to me than you would ever know. A special thanks to Claire Williams for her awesome reviews which I loved! Another huge thanks to MJ123, she's been here since the beginning and I so much appreciate your support. And last but not least, all the guests who reviewed and participated in the baby poll thing, thank you so so so so much! Internet hugs to everyone.
Without further ado, here's a late Christmas present for my lovely and wonderful readers! (:
...
The drive to the doctor's office was full of excited quietness. Norma's hand latched to Alex's thigh the entire time, occasionally squeezing due to the anticipated await to see their baby. Alex's eyes focused on the road, making sure he kept the car at a safe, moderate pace to comfort Norma and keep her and the baby comfortable.
"Are you silently freaking out as much as I am?" Norma asked, a hesitant smile creeping up her face.
"Yes and no." Alex answered. "I'm ready to know and so excited to see our little baby. And yes, I still can't believe this is happening."
Norma's smile grew, "I can't believe it either. But now we can plan, we can decorate the room, oh and Alex, we can buy clothes! We could those cute little hats!"
Alex's heart warmed at her excitement. "I have a feeling this baby is going to be spoiled rotten." Alex chuckled.
Norma rubbed her hand up and down Alex's thigh as she turned her head to gaze out the window. "I just want this baby to have everything they want, you know? I just want him or her to be happy and not have to worry about anything." Norma sniffled, clearing her throat, promising herself not to cry at least not yet. Norma had so many ideas and plans for this baby; this baby would definitely not grow up as Norma did. She was going to be the best mother possible. There would be no abusive Sam or financial issues to distract her from raising this baby the way she always wanted.
Alex noticed the shift in Norma's tone and grabbed her hand. "Hey, I want you to listen to me," Alex's breath skated across the top of her hand, "We're going to be the best parents. And you? Oh, Norma you're already a fantastic mother and this baby is going to be so happy. And so healthy and so loved."
The smile that graced Norma's face took Alex's breath away. "I love you," Norma's body erupted in goose bumps when Alex kissed her hand, "I love you so much." She whispered.
...
The waiting room felt stale and bland as the two sat. Norma had finished filling out the paperwork which Alex had just brought up. Norma sat with her purse clutched to her and Alex's arm draped across her shoulders.
"Are you okay? Do you need any water?" Alex asked.
"No, I'm fine. I'm just getting a bit impatient." Norma huffed. He could sense the frustration laced in Norma's voice and feared for the worst. Alex could just imagine Norma lashing out on every nurse and doctor there.
"I know, I am too. There's just a lot of patients I guess."
"Well I can see that, I'm not a blind invalid!" Norma whispered harshly.
"I'm sorry." Alex whispered in a calm voice.
"No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lash out, I'm just really-"
"Norma Bates?" A nurse asked as she stood at the doorway.
Norma's eyes flashed up and a smile grew on both their faces. "Yes, that's us!" Norma sprang up with Alex in tow.
Once everything was situated and Norma was lying on the hospital bed, the doctor had entered. "Hello, I'm Dr. James and from what I read we're going to see the sex of your baby today."
Norma smiled, "Yes, we're very excited." Alex grabbed Norma's hand and squeezed it.
"I can see," Dr. James grabbed the gel bottle, "So you are 20 weeks pregnant, everything in your chart read that you are very healthy which ultimately leads to a healthy pregnancy." She smiled at the glowing couple.
"So, I'm healthy? I won't be a danger to our baby?" Norma asked.
"You're perfectly healthy." Dr. James smiled. "This is going to be a bit cold."
Norma sucked in a breath when the chilled gel hit her stomach. Alex rubbed her hand as Norma giggled. "You weren't lying about the gel." Norma laughed.
Dr. James began moving the scope across Norma's belly. After a few impatient minutes, Norma huffed and her blue eyes filled with unshed tears.
"I thought you said everything was okay, why is it taking so long to find a heartbeat?" Norma asked.
Alex's eyes were trained on the screen until he heard the tone of Norma's irritated voice. Dr. James studied the screen and continued to move the scope. "Hold on, just... a... minute..." Dr. James trailed off.
Suddenly the silent room was filled with the gentle thump thump thump of their baby's heartbeat. Norma felt a flutter in her stomach; she wasn't sure if it was their baby or the excitement in the pit of her stomach. A smiled so wide that made Norma's face ache graced her face as a clear image of their baby showed up on the screen. Every thing else in the room seemed to disappear, even Alex, as Norma watched and listened to their baby. A sudden flash forward of their lives blinded Norma.
She imagined their baby laying in a crib with her and Alex crouching over, watching every movement and hearing every coo. Then it flashed to their baby first rolling over, first time it crawled, first time it walked, first birthday... first everything that Norma and Alex would experience.
"Oh Norma, would you look at that..." Alex mused, breaking Norma from her daydream.
Norma cocked her head to the side and saw Alex's amused face watch the screen. She had never seen such pure happiness and gleefulness on Alex's face before and it warmed her heart. Norma felt so relieved that she wasn't the only one extremely excited for their child. It was such a rush, knowing that a man not only truly cared for her but truly cared for their child.
"Oh Alex..." Norma chuckled as tears leaked from her eyes. "That's the most beautiful sound I've ever heard."
Alex's eyes finally left the screen and looked down at Norma. "I love you. I love you so much." He leaned over and kissed Norma gently, tasting the salt from her tears.
Norma freed her hand from Alex's grasp and held his face in both her hands. "I love you." She chuckled once again, causing Alex to laugh with cheerfulness.
"Well, as I thought, everything is perfect. Heart rate is great, as you can tell." Dr. James chuckled. "Are you two ready for the gender?"
Norma reached for Alex's hand once again. "Yes." They both answer simultaneously.
"Congratulations, you two are expecting a beautiful, healthy baby girl." Dr. James announced.
"A girl?!" Norma exclaimed almost hopping off the bed.
"Yes, a very healthy girl."
Norma began to fully cry this time, but with pure joy. Alex sniffled, holding back his tear, and gave Norma a warm hug. She gratefully returned the hug, inhaling his scent and feeling the warmth of his breath against her ear.
"I knew it, I knew it! I could feel her!" Norma laughed as they separated.
"You did." Alex wiped a few tears from Norma's face.
"Alex..." Norma pulled him down for another quick kiss. "We're having a baby girl."
Norma and Alex both giggled like school girls once again.
...
A few weeks passed, all filled with an overwhelming amount of pink clothes, baby blankets, and baby toys. Their baby girl continued to grow and grow everyday, much to her parents' excitement. Norma constantly needed reassurance that she wasn't too big, but Alex was more than willing to reassure her. Truthfully, Norma grew more beautiful as their daughter grew. Her belly fit her in the perfect way. Alex would come home from work and some nights she would stay awake, but most nights she would be sleeping on the couch.
This evening, Alex had stayed at work a little later. He hated working all day, he despised being so far away from Norma and their baby for so long. Alex almost lost his footing as he jogged up the steps to the house. He quietly walked into the house, careful to not wake Norma if she was sleeping.
Alex's heart fluttered when he saw Norma sleeping on the couch. Tiny newborn onesies were strewn around Norma as she slept. Alex stood there for a minute, admiring Norma's beauty. He loved the way she held her stomach, her delicate hands rested on her belly almost always. He'd catch her some days casually holding her stomach or whispering to their baby.
Once Alex noticed the uncomfortable position Norma was in and immediately snapped himself out of it. "Norma, honey, wake up." Alex murmured, gently brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. Alex watched with amazement how exquisitely Norma slowly awoke. Everyday, Alex fell more and more in love with Norma. He was captivated by everything she did, even simple things such as waking up.
Norma's eyes fluttered open and she smiled. "You're home."
"Yeah, I'm sorry I worked so late." Alex apologized.
"It' okay, you can't control that," Norma caressed his cheek, feeling the tickle of his stubble on her hand. "Help me up?"
"Of course," Alex answered, helping Norma stand. "You know, you don't have to stay up until I get home."
"I know," She sighed as they began walking towards the steps, "I wasn't meaning to tonight, I just lost track of time and then I realized how late it was then fell asleep."
"I saw all those baby clothes around you." Alex chuckled as they walked up the stairs.
"Sorting through her clothes are so time consuming. She has so much clothes already and she's not even born yet." She laughed.
"Speaking of the baby, did you ever think of any names yet?" He asked as he opened their bedroom door, letting Norma in.
"Oh, have I?" Norma asked sarcastically. "I have thought of dozens of names, I don't know how I'm going to pick one." She sighed as she dropped to the bed, enjoying the comfort of the mattress against her aching back.
"Your back hurts, doesn't it?" Alex asked from where he stood, removing his clothes.
"Not that much, but I guess that's what I get for sleeping on the couch."
Alex put his pajamas on and walked to the bed. "Can you do me a favor from now on?"
"Mm?"
"Please be comfortable from now on. Sleeping on the couch doesn't seem good for you, or the baby." Alex wiggled under the sheets and turned on his side, propping himself up by his hand.
"I know," Norma sighed leaning her head back, "I just, it feels weird you not being here, especially at night."
Alex cursed himself. "I'm sorry, babe, I hate being away too. But how about this? I'll see what I can do with my hours and if I work late I'll call you."
Norma smiled. "That sounds great. And I shouldn't be complaining, I have Norman."
"Of course, Norman's always there for you." He agreed, placing his hand on Norma's belly.
"I don't know...Norman's been distant lately." Norma pouted. "He's been out with Emma and her dad. And apparently there's this new girl he's been hanging out with, Emma told me about her."
"Well, Norman's a teenage boy, he's going to be hanging out with a lot of girls." Alex explained, feeling Norma tense up, "I'm just saying it's healthy for him to be hanging out with kids his age."
"But he's just so different now. He doesn't come home and say hi to me in the kitchen, he just goes straight to his room. And I barely even see him anymore, I only see him at dinner." She sighed.
"Do you want me to say something to him? I could just bring it up casually?" Alex suggested.
"No, no I think I'll say something to him tomorrow." Norma shrugged.
"Okay," Alex focused his attention on Norma's belly, "Anyway, tell me about those names you were thinking about?"
Norma immediately smiled, "Well I want her to have a unique name, but classic. So I was thinking about Rose, like Rosie for short. Or Adeline, Evelynn, Cecelia, I love CeCe for short. And Ruby, but then there's the whole Romero last name thing, so I don't really know yet."
Alex's heart warmed at the thought of their baby having his last name. He plans on making Norma a Romero one day, proposing to Norma both excites him and scares him at the same time. They've never really spoke about getting married and he's pretty sure Norma would say yes.
"You have thought a lot about names." Alex chuckled. "I like CeCe a lot."
"You do?" Norma smiled widely.
"Yeah, I like those other names too though. You're right, this name thing is going to be difficult." Alex leaned up and kissed her gently on the lips. "Let's get to bed, huh?"
"Yeah." Norma yawned as she moved to get comfortable. The bed shifted as Alex leaned to switch the light off, but she immediately felt warmth as he spooned her in his arms. They exchanged their usual 'goodnight' and 'I love you'. Norma smiled as she fell asleep, she had never been so happy.
...
Alex awoke first, slowly and gently, he untangled himself from Norma, careful not to wake her. He decided to make Norma breakfast this morning. Every other morning, Norma's up at the crack of dawn cooking Alex his daily breakfast. He slipped his slippers on and with one last glance at Norma, he padded down the stairs.
Alex opened the cabinets and retrieved the pancake mix and other miscellaneous breakfast foods. A few minutes in, Alex had already made quite a mess already. Pancake batter covered his hands as the phone rang and he quickly ran to the phone, not wanting to wake Norma.
"Hello?" He answered.
"Alex? Oh, Alex is that you?" A familiar female voice asked.
Alex stopped every movement as he heard the familiar voice of his sister. "Danielle? Yeah, it's me." He smiled, missing his sister.
"Oh Alex..." Danielle sobbed across the phone. "I've been searching everywhere for you. I've called so many wrong people, but I finally found you now." Alex could almost see his little sister by the sound of her voice.
"Yeah, you must have the old number or something. That doesn't matter now, is everything alright? Are you okay?" He asked desperately.
"It's mom, Alex..." She sobbed, "She died..."
Alex's grip on the phone loosened as his heart stopped. It felt like he had been struck in the stomach and all oxygen had been taken from him. He could hear his sister calling his name over the phone as he remained silent.
"When?" Alex choked out.
"Yesterday, she had a heart attack. It was so sudden." Danielle explained, sniffling.
"Oh my god, Dani..." Alex sighed as he held back tears.
"And we were about to plan her funeral but then decided that you should be here. Everyone misses you." She explained.
"Yes, of course I'll be there. I'll be there as soon as I can." Alex said, wiping his eyes.
"Please hurry, Nicole's taking it really bad and you can usually calm her." Danielle said, referring to their youngest sister.
"Okay, I'll be there soon." Alex sighed. "I love you Dani, I miss you too."
"I love you too Alex, bye."
"Who's Dani? And why do you love her?" Norma asked as she appeared in the kitchen, crossing her arms.
Alex slowly looked up at Norma, tears in his eyes. He tried to from words, but his throat suddenly felt so constricted. Alex could tell Norma was getting irritated and he knew what this must look like.
"Alex, who was on the phone?" She asked again.
"I-it was my sister," Alex muttered, "My mom died..."
Norma immediately dropped her crossed arms and rushed to Alex. "Oh, honey..." She wrapped her arms around Alex. "I'm so sorry."
Alex felt relieved as Norma held him. "They're planning her funeral and I should be there." Alex muttered in a monotone.
"Of course, of course..." Norma whispered in his ear before kissing his cheek.
"I need you there with me," Alex pulled back, "I mean if that's okay with you."
"Yes, I will go with you, whatever you need." Norma smiled sympathetically.
"Thank you..."Alex said, casting his eyes downward. "We should leave soon, I want to get there as soon as I can."
"Now?" Norma asked. She noticed how he tensed up and quickly responded, "Of course, I'll go pack." She released her hold on him.
"Wait, Norma... thank you for understanding. And I'm sorry for having to make you leave like this so suddenly." Alex apologized.
"Hey, hey, it's not your fault. And I want to be there, to support you." Norma replied.
Alex smiled, a small, almost unnoticeable smile. "I love you Norma."
Norma smiled. "I know. I love you too." She wiped a tear that leaked from Alex's eye. "Now, let's go, huh?"