Dear readers I write according to schedule as best as I can and will give warning whenever possible when an update will not happen. But when not possible the following day's story, or the first day I am able to get back to it will give a slight explanation/apology if necessary. If people are worried and are checking in I appreciate it and will reply if/when possible but I'd appreciate people realizing I have a life beyond writing and don't appreciate the demands that some readers expect a chapter every day or an explanation because I have a job and a family and even I get sick. As much as I love writing and love all of you for reading and anxiously awaiting each chapter my family and job must and always will take precedence over writing, I simply can't neglect those things or forgo sleep to get up a chapter nor should I. Trust me the only times I don't make an update is because either I'm sick or something else is wrong.
I got another anonymous guest demand today! I was not on vacation last week I was dealing with sick family and a work deadline that kept me working until 9:30 that night. I did not go 3 weeks without posting either. If I do go on vacation I would have given notice in all my currently running stories and if I'm on vacation it won't matter if I have wifi because I'm not going to post if I'm on vacation. The last part of your review made no sense so I don't even know how to respond to that.
I realize it's only a few readers leaving these and for the most part you have all been concerned and/or understanding as to why last weeks chapter didn't go up. But you few guest reviewers that are demanding updates and bitching me out for not posting are very close to having this story suspended indefinitely because I don't feel like writing it when I get reviews like it. I'd hate to suspend it too since I came up with a sequel today. I realize you're all eager to read the next chapter and I love that but realize I have a life and cannot spend all day everyday writing as much as I wish could.
Ch. 36 When We Kiss, When We Breathe
(OWEN)
I pulled up to DeGrassi and waited for my wife to get out of student council, her other husband would be meeting us at the hospital for our first birthing class in about twenty minutes. The mid-November Monday evening was crisp and there was a light snow. These classes would be one hour two evenings a week for the next three weeks. I had no idea what to expect from these classes but everyone had recommended we take them. We didn't really have to take them until the third trimester but with Clare's age and the fact she was carrying twins the doctor was sure she wouldn't carry to term and so it had been recommended that we take the class late in her second trimester. The doctor also thought it was likely Clare would have to be on bed rest when we might normally be taking these classes. We were lucky to find ones at the hospital after student council and Dallas' hockey practice.
I see Clare coming down the steps now, bundled in her coat and her arms linked with the brothers Torres for stability on the slippery ice. She smiles when she sees me, they walk her to me and Drew hands me her backpack. I put my arms around her and kiss her hello before opening the car door for her. Drew and Adam say goodbye and they'll see us tomorrow. I get in the car and start driving to the hospital, she tells me school was fine and says she'll be hungry after the class. I promise to get her food after the class and when we pull into the parking lot I see Dallas in his car. He gets out and comes over kissing Clare gently before greeting me.
"Man I'm starved I'm going to be dying after this," Dallas says as the three of us walk in together.
"I think we'll all be ready to eat after this," I comment.
We find where we're supposed to go and walk into the class, I feel Clare tense up slightly when she sees the other people in the class. Most of the couples are in their 30's or 40's, there is a couple in their early 20's but we are the youngest people in here. And everyone else is a couple as in two parents not three, there is one lesbian couple the others are male and female but we are the only trio. Not that any of us were expecting there to be more parenting trios, our situation is extremely unique but none the less it gets sort of uncomfortable when it's put in your face like this. Both Dallas and I grip Clare a little tighter and kiss her, whispering that we love her as we walk all the way in to the classroom.
"There's some snacks on the table over there why don't you two sit down and I'll grab us something," Dallas says.
Clare nods and I lead her to a table in the back with four chairs and no one sitting at it. She looks around at the others in the room and bites her lip, looking down at her hands and nervously tapping one of her nails on the wooden table. I take her hand and tilt her chin up so that her eyes lock with mine.
"It doesn't matter what they think, we are both in love with you and our daughters and the three of us are happy," I remind her.
"I know," she nods smiling a little.
Dallas comes back with a plate of crackers, cheese and fruit and three cups of juice. He sets them out and we start eating when a short woman with long brown hair closes the doors and walks to the front of class.
"Welcome everyone please find a seat if you haven't already. I'm Eva and I'll be leading you through this course. I've been teaching this course for ten years and a registered doula for fifteen, first let's go around the room and just introduce ourselves and our partners."
People introduce themselves, all couples and most are married, so are we but most are legally married. When it gets to us Clare takes both our hands before speaking.
"I'm Clare, this is Owen and Mike, well Dallas to everyone but me, we are married and having twins," Clare says.
"Multiples that will make things a little different in terms of what you go through but the basics will be the same," Eva tells us.
Everyone else introduces themselves and we stand out even more because we're the only ones having twins. Next the instructor goes over pain in childbirth, which we learn is significant and then she talks about relaxation techniques. Not only to use during the birth but any time between now and the birth when Clare is in pain. Then we take a short break before talking about preparation for the hospital and labor. Before the class ends we have to make a checklist of everything we need for the hospital, and for those crazy enough to give birth at home everything they need for that. We're given a whole bunch of stuff to read before the next class and when it's over we're the first to leave.
"Are you still hungry Babycakes?" I ask her as we walk out.
"Yeah a little but I think I just want to get something to eat at home," she responds.
"I'll see you guys there," Dallas says kissing Clare quickly before getting in his car.
"You okay Babycakes?" I question as I start driving home.
"Yeah just tired it's been a long day and there's a lot to think about, I could go into labor early we'll need to get my go bag ready for the hospital soon. You two might need bags too, I could be in labor for more than 24 hours," she points out.
"We have a checklist already we can go over it and make another one, you're only 26 weeks you won't give birth tomorrow we have some time. Is that what's really bothering you or is it everyone else that was in the class?" I inquire.
"I don't know just everything I guess, new mother worry you could call it because I think I'm worried about everything I could possibly be worried about," she sighs.
"That sounds pretty normal to me, relax Clare everything will go fine," I assure her taking her hand.
"I hope so," she says lying on the seat and leaning against me.
I hold her and we're silent until we get home, Dallas pulls in behind us and the three of us go into the kitchen for some food. There's leftovers from dinner so I heat those up serving Clare first. I can tell her mind is still wrapped in concern and no matter what Dallas and I say it doesn't seem to ease her fears. I don't remember my mom being very worried when she was pregnant with Tris, of course I was only three and it was her second child.
"Hi kids how was the class?" Angela asks coming into the kitchen.
"Informative, we talked about pain management and stuff to bring to the hospital," I reply.
"Yeah and Clare is very worried now," Dallas adds.
"I'm sorry it just seems like there's so much to be worried about," Clare replies.
"I remember that feeling, it never quite goes away, you'll always hold some worry in the back of your mind over just about everything concerning your child, it's a part of parenthood," Angela tells us.
We finish eating while Angela tells us about the last few months of her pregnancy and how she worried about everything. After taking care of our dishes we go back to Clare's room to get started on our homework. Clare sits between us on her bed, her chemistry book open on her belly, her laptop is between her legs and she occasionally reaches for it so Dallas or I grab it for her. My eyes are starting to blur reading this psychology book so I get up to use the washroom and when I come back Dallas isn't in the room.
"Where's Dallas?" I question.
"I had a craving so he ran out to get it," Clare answers.
I sit down next to her again but instead of picking up my book I take her book from her, cup her face in my hand and couple our lips. Licking across her bottom lip she parts her lips for me and my tongue glides in. Wrapping around hers and stroking it softly, I feel her other hand reaching up and gripping my shirt. I pull away after a minute taking her in my arms and she leans against me.
"Is it just that you're worried about the girls and being a mom or are you down because of class?" I question her.
"It was just hard, everyone was whispering and talking and conjecturing on our relationship. Not only were we the youngest ones in the class but we are the only…trio. What about the girls? When they get older and start going to school they're going to have to explain why they have two dads and one mom. Kids are going to make fun of them, they're going to stand out for being twins, more so if each of you really is the father of one and more so because of our relationship," Clare says and I put my hand on her belly rubbing softly.
"Babycakes they'll be made fun of no matter what, all kids are at some point for something it's impossible to escape it. Yes they're going to stand out and yes they're going to be different and school might be hard for them. They'll probably be tired of explaining why they have two dads, and possibly why one of them has much darker skin and yet they're twins, by the time they're ten or younger maybe, but none of that matters. Because every time they come home in tears because some small minded kid made fun of them or their family they'll have three parents to hug them and love them. Not to mention a whole army of aunts and uncles. We're going to teach our girls to be strong and brave and know that they are beautiful and loved no matter what the rest of the world thinks. People can talk, we can't stop them from talking, all that matters is how much Dallas and I love you and the girls and how much you love us. As long as the girls are loved, cared about, nurtured and reminded that they're beautiful and special, and they will be several times a day every day, then nothing else matters," I assure Clare stroking her belly and kissing her temple.
Clare smiles and cranes her neck up to attach her lips to mine, her hand resting at the back of my neck she deepens the kiss. We're still making out when Dallas gets home.
"I want wife kisses," he says coming in and sitting on the bed. Clare smiles breaking the kiss and I release her a little so she can kiss Dallas, they only kiss for a moment before he breaks it. "Your foods in the kitchen, I still don't know why you wanted those two things specifically," Dallas remarks taking Clare's hands and helping her up.
I get up and follow the two of them out; we reach the great room at the same time as Maya and Miles.
"I'm hungry," Maya tells us.
"Me too I had a very specific craving and Mike ran out for me," Clare smiles kissing Dallas' hand.
We all go into the kitchen and there's a box of ice cream drumsticks, the kind with the vanilla ice cream covered by chocolate and peanuts in a cone. There's also a little to-go container, the kind used for soup, both are on the little breakfast table and Clare sits down. She opens the box and unwraps a drumstick then takes the lid off the container and I see that it's actually spaghetti sauce.
"Are you eating ice cream and pasta sauce?" Miles inquires.
"No I'm eating an ice cream drumstick with marinara sauce from La Bella Café," Clare says then takes the drumstick dipping it in the marinara sauce.
"Ooh that looks good," Maya exclaims sitting down with Clare. Maya takes a drumstick and Clare pushes the marinara sauce container toward her.
"Oh that's gross," I exclaim.
"You girls get the oddest cravings," Dallas says making a face.
"The ice cream is sweet and the marinara sauce is made with sweet tomatoes, basil and garlic really it goes together quite well," Clare argues and Maya nods as we sit with the girls.
"No I think the pregnancy hormones have just messed up your taste buds," Miles says.
As gross as we think it is we still sit with the girls until they're done and then we say goodnight to Maya and Miles. I kiss Clare goodnight when we're back in her room, then kneel down and kiss her belly twice and tell the girls I love them. I tell Clare the same and say goodnight to Dallas before leaving them in the room since it's his night with her.
(MAYA)
"Maya Matlin," the nurse calls into the waiting room and I stand up as does Miles and Angela. "I just need to get your weight Maya," the nurse says once we're through the door. I stand on the scale and she notes down my weight, then she takes us into an exam room. After getting my vitals she tells us Dr. Hassenfeld will be in in a moment.
"We'll need to eat after this I feel hungry again," I comment while we wait for the doctor.
"I can drop you kids at the Dot when we're done, Clare should be just about done with student council and Dallas will be done with practice he can bring you all home," Angela suggests.
"Sounds like a plan to me, I'll text Clare and Dallas to let them know," Miles says getting out his phone.
"Hi everyone," Dr. Hassenfeld smiles coming in the room and over to the exam table, "How have you been feeling Maya?"
"Good for the most part, some indigestion and stuff but nothing too bad. I keep expecting to feel things like Clare but I haven't yet," I reply.
"Well Clare had a difficult first trimester and she's carrying twins so things probably won't be too hard on your body until your third trimester," the doctor replies looking at my chart. "Lie back I'm going to do a physical exam," she says and I lie back on the table. She looks at my face, hands, belly, feet and ankles then turns on the sonogram machine. I squeeze Miles' hand when the cold gel hits my belly and then she moves the wand over my stomach. "Well you're having a boy," she tells us showing us on screen where it's very obvious that it's a boy.
Miles squeezes my hand now and beams with so much pride he's practically glowing, "That's my son! Mom isn't he beautiful?"
"Yes absolutely gorgeous Miles," Angels grins.
"Everything looks good, he's developing well and he looks healthy," she says taking some other instrument and putting it on my stomach, "his heartbeat is nice and healthy."
"That's our son's heartbeat," I say to Miles with a big smile.
"Before you go we'll need a urine and blood sample for some routine testing and you should start thinking about optional prenatal testing. Also you should start feeling fetal movements any day now; it will feel like kicking or fluttering at first. Do you have any questions for me?" Dr. Hassenfeld asks and we shake our heads. "Alright make another appointment for four weeks from now and we'll see you in four weeks," Dr. Hassenfeld tells us wiping the gel from my belly and turning off the machine.
She gives us a picture of the ultrasound she printed and says goodbye before leaving the room. A nurse come in a few minutes later giving me a cup for the urine test and I go into the washroom, when I get back she draws some blood before leaving the room again. I get my shoes back on and we go out to the reception desk, I make an appointment for four weeks from now. It's on a Wednesday again and just a couple days before our last day of school before Christmas break. We leave the appointment and Angela drops us at the Dot, Clare isn't here yet but it's only a little after 4:30 so she and Dallas should be here soon.
"Why don't you call Katie and Jake to tell them they're getting a nephew and I'll order you a snack?" Miles suggests when we get into the café.
"Good idea," I smile kissing my boyfriend's lips. I find a table and sit down getting out my phone and calling Katie.
"Hey Chicken Little what's up?" Katie answers.
"Are you with Jake?" I ask her.
"No it's only 1:30 here I'm eating lunch between classes," Katie replies.
"Oh right I forgot about the time difference, well you can tell him later. Miles and I just found out we're having a boy! You're having a nephew!" I tell my sister and she squeals over the phone.
"Oh Maya that's great news I'll Jake right away he'll be really excited, two nieces and a nephew! Congratulations sis I'm really happy for you, give my love to Miles and everyone. I should go my next class is in a few minutes and all the way across campus. I love you sis we'll see you at Christmas," Katie says.
"I love you too and send our love to Jake," I tell her.
"I will bye sis," she responds and hangs up.
"Katie is super excited and she's sure Jake will be too," I comment to Miles when he returns with a snack for me and coffee for him.
He sits down and I start eating while we wait for Clare and Dallas, they show up a few minutes later along with the Bakers, Jenna, Connor and the Torres brothers.
"So?" Clare asks as Dallas sits down and she sits on his lap.
"It's a boy," Miles grins wide, full of pride over his son.
"Awesome!" Dallas grins.
"Oh two little girls and boy! They're going to grow up like brother and sisters!" Becky squeals.
"Yeah for a few years anyway but we can't live off Angela forever and eventually we'll outgrow those three rooms, they will however always be close because we'll always be family," Clare says and I smile at her.
"Oh we should do some baby shopping, get Clare some little pink and purple things and Maya some little blue things," Becky suggests excitedly.
"Good idea Becky, we can take Clare and Maya in Luke's car, the guys can hang out for a while and then Dallas and Miles can meet us at the baby store in an hour," Jenna says.
"You up for that?" Dallas asks Clare.
"Yeah I can handle an hour of shopping," she smiles and they share a kiss.
Luke gives Becky the keys to his car, I kiss Miles, Jenna kisses Connor and Becky kisses Adam then we leave the boys.
"Oh I forgot to call Tris! I hope Winston is still at his house," I remark as Becky starts driving and I get out my phone.
"Hey Maya," Tris and Winston say at the same time so I know they're still together.
"Hey guys you're having a nephew," I tell them.
"Yay a nephew!" Tris says clapping his hands.
"I'll bet Miles is happy," Winston remarks.
"Extremely, we got a picture from the sonogram I'll bring it to school tomorrow," I inform them.
"Can't wait to see him," Tris replies.
We keep talking until Becky parks at the baby store and I say goodbye. We head write for the clothing section, Clare and I looking at all the little tiny outfits, blankets and shoes. Becky and Jenna each pick out one outfit for my son and one outfit for each of Clare's girls. They buy them for us and we keep looking around the store until I get a text from Miles that he and Dallas are in the parking lot. We hug Becky and Jenna goodbye and thank them for the clothes when we reach the car. Miles gets out of the front seat so Clare can have it and I get in back with him.
"Becky and Jenna bought us both clothes for the babies look at how adorable this little shirt is," I say to Miles pulling out the button up pin stripe shirt that Becky got for us.
"Very cute and we'll be getting a lot more soon," Miles grins and kisses me.
When we get home we see Owen's car, I hope no one else has told him because I want to tell him. We go inside and we can smell dinner cooking, I can see Angela through the archway but don't see Owen anywhere. I figure he's probably in their portion of the house, either in Clare's room or the guy's room.
"Do you mind if I go back to your room? I want to tell Owen, assuming no one else has told him," I tell Clare and Dallas.
"Not at all, I think I'll go sit at the table, my feet are starting to hurt," Clare comments.
"We'll rub them after dinner," Dallas says to her kissing the top of her head and then looks at me. "None of us called Owen so unless Angela told him he doesn't know," Dallas tells me.
"Hi kids, I didn't say anything to Owen, he was home when I got home but I haven't seen him all afternoon," Angela speaks up from the doorway to the kitchen.
"I'd like to tell him alone if you don't mind," I say to Miles as Clare and Dallas go into the kitchen. Miles gives me a soft smile and a softer kiss before going into the kitchen. I know tonight is Owen's night to sleep with Clare so I assume he's in Clare's room and find I'm right. I guess he was doing homework and fell asleep, he's lying on the bed with his knees up and a book leaned against them but he's fast asleep. He's even snoring a little and it makes me giggle. I walk into the room touching his arm but he doesn't wake up so I shake him lightly, "Owen wake up."
He jolts a little and snorts which makes me laugh again then his eyes open, he blinks a few times to get them to focus. When he can see me he gives me a sleepy smile.
"What is it? Everything okay? Where's Clare?" He questions sort of all together in a sleep cracked voice.
"Clare's in the kitchen with everyone else because dinner's almost ready and she's fine, everyone's fine. I just wanted to tell you that Miles and I are having a son," I inform the boy that's been like an older brother to me for almost a year now.
He grins wide and hugs me tight, "That's great Maya, congratulations and my girls have one more person to protect them."
"Yeah I'm glad I'm having a son, he's going to be loved, very loved," I smile rubbing my belly as Owen stands up.
"Yes he will and cared for by all of us, c'mon let's go eat I'm starved been asleep for over two hours. I hope Clare's feeling horny tonight I got some energy to work off now," Owen comments and I laugh again hitting his stomach for his dirty mind.
We walk into the kitchen; Owen greets Clare with a kiss sitting on the other side of her. Angela puts dinner on the table and Owen makes a plate for Clare. I smile looking at our blended and happy family taking Miles hand and knowing that our son will be so wonderfully loved.
I'm actually not sure that I should say this is going to be updated, I really don't want to have the story ruined for everyone that isn't rude but honestly I don't feel much like continuing when I get demands and reviews like that. Nor do other readers appreciate them, they don't like to read them and I'm sure they don't like to see that the story might be suspended because I lost inspiration for it because a few readers couldn't be polite and understanding. I know the other DeGrassi Saviors don't like it and don't appreciate it. Opinions, ideas and requests are fine and even welcomed but people don't be rude because it puts the recipient on the defensive and my defense will be to suspend the story.
I'm not getting paid to write these and give you guys updates. I could go back to not having a schedule and updating as I get around to it so that you guys don't know to expect one. I really don't want to put this story into suspension but I can and will if I get another flurry of reviews and demands like that.
So the update (presumably next Monday) will begin with some Miles pov.