The flesh pink sky had turned to darkness, now. It was late at night. Specifically, it was 2:34am now. Emily walked through the dark hallway, with her blanket around her. "Bad Cody". She said, batting her blanket down. "No more". She went into the master bedroom, everyone was asleep, all except for Bev. Bev laid on the master bed, wearing a skimpy bra. "Hello beautiful". Bev said, in a low, suggestive register. "Mmm, you are so smart, and beautiful, so radiant, and honest". "Pus pus". Bev whispered. She wrapped her pudgy legs around Emily. "Ohhhh, you are so perfect, and wonderful". "Lovely". Bev whispered. "Mm, birth mom will be there, and daddy". "We'll make cookies". "Ohh, daddy is so funny". Bev brushed Emily's face.
"Oh, shh, shh shh". Bev whispered, kindly. "I love you so much". "Birth mom, and dad will always be there to hold you, and kiss you goodnight". "Mommy, are you drunk?". Emily asked. "I just love you so much". Bev whispered. "Mmm, bedtime, with your angel book, and your nightlight". "Mm, ohhh, I'll always be home". "I'm so proud of you". Bev tussled Emily's stomach. "Whatever you want from me". "You've given us everything". "You're my baby tonight". Bev cracked a suggestive smile. Emily sat, not knowing what to do. Bev slurred her words. "What's that song your adoptive mother sang to you before she died?". Bev slurred. "I love you, now and forever". Bev sang in a whisper. "Ohhhh, my love". Bev smoothed Emily's stomach, and pajama shirt with her pudgy hand. "Mommy, you are drunk". Emily said, turning her head. Bev brushed Emily's face, gently, although with a drunkenness to her manner. "I am so lucky to have you". "My gift". Bev whispered. "Ohhhh". Bev felt her face turn red. "Mmm, god loves you". "He is always protecting you, my hero". "Don't worry". "It'll be just us". "Ohhhhh, what a surprise!". Bev whispered, excitedly. Emily looked around, unsure of what was happening. She knew Bev had too much to drink. Bev smelled like wine.
"I love you more than anything". Bev felt a sick feeling in her stomach. "You are the best, pardon me for one second". She got off of the bed, making a dash to the bathroom. There she threw up in the toilet. She kept throwing up, as she drank a lot. Emily stood, watching her mom, not knowing what to think. She just stood as a bystander without any opinion. "...mommy". Emily said. "Oh, don't mind me, sweetie". Bev said, tiredly. "I'm fine". When she was done throwing up, Bev went over to the bed, lying down.
"Ok". Emily thought, as she went back to her room. She got into her bed, going under her covers. She folded her hands, and prayed, hoping that somehow, some way, things would get better. She was being strong, now she had to have faith. She had to have faith that things would work out. She had to have faith that she could put the past behind her, and look to the future. That's what she needed to do, for now, and forever.
The next morning, the sky looked a little better. It was silver out now. Emily tossed, and turned in her bed. She felt a bit better, although she still had a nightmare the night before. Emily sat up, looking out the window. She bowed her head in prayer, searching for her birth mom, searching for any trace of family. "Keep my mommy, and daddy safe". Emily prayed. She sat, completely still, completely silent, as she prayed to god. She then got up, putting on her clothes, dressing independently, brushing her teeth, then going into the master bedroom to see her mother, Bev. Bev laid on the bed, groaning a bit. She groaned tiredly. Emily came in. "mmm, good morning, honey". Bev said, gently. She lay sprawled out on the bed. She still had her skimpy black bra on. "Mommy". Emily said. "Sweetie, you look so beautiful". Bev said, gently, yet tiredly. Bev was having a hangover. "Mommy's just feeling a little bit worn today". Bev said, gently. "Mmm, I love that shirt". "You look so bodacious". "I always love how wonderful you look". "Thank you". Emily said. "So…". Bev's backhand flopped against the pillow.
"I have the ultrasound today". Bev said, gently. "Mmm, we'll pick you up early, we'll get some lunch at Carabba"s, then you'll spend the night at Paula's". "Why?". Emily asked. "Well, daddy and I have some business to take care of that might require us staying overnight". Bev said, gently, tiredly. "Mmm, sweetie, Paula's will be fun". "You'll like it". Bev spread out, trying to find the cool spots under the hot sheets. "Mm, I love you, my best friend". Bev winked at Emily feeling tired. Emily got on the bed, as Bev tussled Emily's stomach. "Mmm, let's smile, love". Bev tickled Emily's chin. She blew in Emily's face, as Emily smiled, and laughed. "You used to love when I did that". Bev said, gently. "You still do".
"Mommy, do it 'gain". "Do it 'gain". Emily laughed. Bev blew in Emily's face. Emily laughed, and played. Ed came in the room, putting on his suit shirt, and tie. "Daddy's home". Bev said, gently. "Mmm, he's so handsome isn't he?". "He loves you". Bev brushed Emily's face. "Still feel toasted huh?". Ed asked, in a flat, yet supportive manner. "A bit". Bev said, tiredly, groaning a bit. "Their Chardonnay was good". "I made it a point to drink at the funeral". "What else was there to do". Ed said, tying his tie. "Sweetie, let's let mom recuperate". Ed said, gently. "Ok". Emily said. "Are you ready for breakfast?". Ed asked, kindly. "Yes". Emily said. Ed and Emily went to the kitchen.
"Your mother's a bit under the weather". Ed said, gently. "We'll see her later at the Ultrasound". "Is the baby in mommy's belly getting bigger?". Emily asked. "It is". Ed said, gently. "Soon, the baby will be out to see us". "You'll have a younger sibling". Ed put some almond milk in Emily's container. "That'll be exciting, huh?". Ed filled his briefcase with some things. "Daddy, I will be a big sis-ter". Emily pronounced the word. "You will". Ed said, gently. "The baby will be lucky to have you".
Emily ate her yogurt, then went outside to see her dad smoking a cigarette. "Hmm". Ed said, blowing out smoke. "Mm, your mother and I were going to tell you later on, but, we've decided to make you our child's godmother, if you wish". "What's that?". Emily asked. "A godparent, in this case a godmother, is someone that teaches a relative, or a child the ways of Christianity if something should happen to their parents". Ed said, gently. "You are a very religious person who is so heroic, and responsible in your efforts, so we decided to give you the responsibility of teaching your sibling if something happens to mommy and I".
"We'll talk with mom about it later". Ed said, kindly. "Ok". Emily said. "I love you so much, sweet pea". Ed said, putting his cigarette away in ash. The school bus was approaching, as Ed got up, putting Emily's bookbag on her, waiting outside for the van with her.
The van eventually pulled up to their house, parking on the side. "Hey". Buck, the van driver said. Keep in mind, this is Buck from Time Squad. Ivanov sat in the back, as well as some other kids. "Hello, there". Ed said. "Did you have a nice weekend?". Buck asked, taking a sip of his coca cola. "We had a funeral yesterday, but, we're doing much better, today". Ed said, quickly. The harshness that was usually in his voice returned. "Hi, Ivanov". Emily said, getting in her seat. Ivanov held a squishy, green, skyball, putting it in his mouth. "No, Ivanov". Emily said, lowering it from Ivanov's mouth. Another sad looking child with a severe emotional disturbance, made sucking noises. "Hi, Alex". Emily said. Ed, not wanting to socialize with Buck any more, buckled Emily into her car seat. "I'll see you later, honey". Ed said, gently. "Love you". He kissed Emily's cheek. "I love you too, daddy". Emily said. "Watch your fingers, hon". Ed said, closing the van door.
Buck went in on his side, getting in, driving the van down the street. There was some music on the radio, the kids sat in silence, as Buck told them about his weekend. Buck was kind, sympathetic, and well mannered. He cared deeply for the kids, and worked in a classroom in the school.
The bus eventually pulled into the parking lot at school, as Emily, Ivanov and some other kids waited. They got out, as a few friendly teachers helped them off, and walked them into Ms. Dee Dee's classroom. "Good morning, Ivanov". One of the teachers said, softly, with a gentleness to her voice. Ivanov remained quiet. "Hi". "how are you, sweetie?". The teachers helping outside were gentle, soft, and quiet, kind. Keep in mind this was a school for severely emotionally disturbed children. They had severe intellectual disability due to the loss of birth parents, abuse and neglect in the foster care system, war, and trauma. Some children couldn't even lift their heads, swallow, or talk. The curriculum they followed was at a simple, preschool level, as these children were disabled. These children were quiet, never misbehaved, or were loud. They could talk, although they never talked a lot.
Ivanov made sucking noises, staring at his hands. He then babbled to himself. Emily walked in beside Ivanov. "Hello, Emily, sweetie". A gentle teacher said, kindly. "Are you ready for school today?". Emily didn't respond. "Emily". The teacher said in a soft, singsong voice. Emily looked up at the teacher. "Good morning". The teacher said, gently. "How are you?". "You look so beautiful". "Thank you". Emily said. Emily and Ivanov held hands walking into the school. A teacher smiled, fawning over their friendship. She took a picture of them walking in together. Ivanov and Emily, as well as some other kids went into Ms. Dee Dee's classroom.
Ms. Dee Dee's room was a bright, sunny room with 3 small tables for snack time, and lunch time, toys put on small shelves for kids to reach, and play with, a quiet area with a blanket, and bean bags, and a refrigerator, as well as cups, and plates in the cupboards. Some kids sat playing, as some sat at the tables, drinking some orange juice, eating some yogurt, working with developmental therapists on swallowing, and talking. Ms. Dee Dee stood by the sink, organizing some things. "Hello, hello". Ms. Dee Dee said, gently. "How are you, sweetie?". She gave Emily a hug. "I am good". Emily said. "Sweetie, I'm so glad to see you". Ms. Dee Dee said, kindly. "How was your weekend?". Emily was silent for a moment, then spoke. "I go'ed to the funeral home". Emily said. "You went to the funeral home?". Ms. Dee Dee said, gently. "Oh, sweetie, who passed on?". "My grandpa". Emily said. "Oh, honey". Ms. Dee Dee said, softly. "It was your adoptive grandpa, huh?". "That's too bad". Ms. Dee Dee tucked a strand of hair behind Emily's ear.
"He is in heaven now". Emily said. "Yes, he's an angel". Ms. Dee Dee said, gently. There was another wet spot by the corner of her eye. "It's ok, sweetie". Ms. Dee Dee said, kindly. She gave Emily a hug. "Why don't we get some orange juice, and we'll talk about it". Ms. Dee Dee tickled Emily's hands. "Okie dokie, sweetie pie?". Ms. Dee Dee said, cheerily. "Okie dokie". Emily said. Ms. Dee Dee nuzzled Emily, gently.
Ivanov, and a few other children sat at the little table with cups of orange juice. "Ivy, baby, it's time to take medicine". Ms. Dee Dee said in a singsong, gentle voice. She went into the medical cabinet, taking out some Alanser medicine for Ivanov. Alanser helped with his PTSD episodes. She also took out his heart medicine. "Are you ready, puki?". Ms. Dee Dee giggled. Ivanov sat, staring vacantly. "Shh, it's ok". "This will only take one minute". Ms. Dee Dee said, gently. She poured the liquid version into a cup, as she helped Ivanov swallow it.
Ivanov swallowed without gagging. "Yay!". "You did so good!". Ms. Dee Dee smiled. She was still soft, and kind in her voice tone. "I am so proud you swallowed for me". Ms. Dee Dee said, kindly. "You are so amazing". She tickled Ivanov's hands. "Da da da". Ivanov smiled. "I know, I'm so happy". Ms. Dee Dee said, gently. "I love my baby boy". Ivanov was proud of himself for swallowing, too. "Would you like some orange juice?". Ms. Dee Dee asked, kindly. Ivanov stared vacantly. "Ivanov". Ms. Dee Dee said, gently. "Buddy, I have orange juice". Ivanov lifted his head at the sound of his name. "A ba". Ivanov pointed. "Of course, just for you, my baby boo". Ms. Dee Dee said, kindly.
Emily played with her Barbies, keeping to herself, not really talking to anyone. She still felt the pain from losing her adoptive grandfather. She sniffled a bit, only thinking about seeing him lay lifeless in the coffin. She sat, feeling dejected. She began to cry. This was unusual for Emily, as she had never cried in school before. She sat, sniffling. She stopped though, continuing to play with her Barbies. For a long while, she sang her songs, pretending the Barbie doll was Carrie Underwood, or Taylor Swift. Singing seemed to help her feel better.
A bit later, Emily had lunchtime, Emily had grief counseling, and just before naptime, Ms. Dee Dee came over to her, rubbing her back. "Sweetie, mommy, and daddy are here to pick you up". "Let's go with Ms. Judy, and we'll see them". "Ok". Emily said. "I'll see you tomorrow". "I love you". Ms. Dee Dee said, gently. "Goodbye". Emily said, taking her blanket. Before she left, Emily went over, hugging Ivanov. "Aww". Ms. Dee Dee fawned, happily. Emily went outside with Ms. Judy to the lobby where Bev sat, waiting. "Hello, love". Bev said, gently. She was wearing comfortable clothes today. A skimpy bra, and sweatpants. "Did you have fun at school?". Bev asked, kindly. "Yes". Emily said. "Mmm, I'm so happy to hear that". Bev said, tiredly, smiling. Emily noticed Bev's baby bump was getting bigger. "Mommy, baby is getting bigger". Emily said. "The baby is". Bev said, gently. "Today, we'll see if it's a boy or a girl". "We'll be able to judge".
"Are you ready?". Bev asked, gently. "Yes". Emily said. They checked out at the front desk, then went out the front doors to their car. Bev buckled Emily in, as she got in on her side. "Daddy". Emily said, putting her hands up. "Hi, honey". Ed said, gently. He pulled out of the school parking lot, driving down the street. Luckily in Florida, everything was so close by, it took them only a bit of time to find the doctor's office. "Oh, there's the old boardwalk we had our anniversary on when Ralph was young". Bev said, as they drove by the beach boardwalk. "Yes, I remember that". Ed said. "How did that turn out". Bev giggled.
"There's Ralph's old grade school". Bev said, seeing another landmark. "Remember when we did it in the parking lot?". Ed said, raising his eyebrows suggestively. "We had the cadillac then". Bev said, putting a hand on her stomach. Ed put a hand on her stomach as well. "I don't know what I'd do without you". Ed said, driving a bit. "Mmm, you'd go haywire". Bev said. "There have been many times you've bailed me out". Ed said. "I understand I can be a bit psychotic, but, for as many times as it's gotten to a threatening point, you've always been there". "I'm delighted I was". Bev said. They shared a kiss, as they held hands. Emily looked up at them, seeing the love that was between them. She felt thankful, truly, that they were together. She loved her parents, and knew she could always be comforted by how much her parents loved one another. When she felt scared, she thought of her parents kissing.
They eventually pulled up to the women's hospital parking lot. They got out, walking inside. It wasn't that busy, although it was nice. The receptionist at the front desk was friendly. "Hello". She said. "Yes, hello, I have an appointment with Dr. Minton". Bev said. "Yes, Dr. Minton is ready to see you". The receptionist said. "Of course". Bev said. A PA took them back to the examining room. There was a bed there, a comfortable place. It was nice. "Dr. Minton will be with you, shortly". The PA said. "Thank you". Bev said, getting comfortable with the gown. "Well, this is exciting". Ed said. "It certainly is". Bev said. "It is nice to be doing it all again". "Truly". Ed said. They shared another long kiss, as Dr. Minton eventually came in.
"Hello, Beverly Bighead, is it?". Dr. Minton asked, cheerily. "Yes, I'm she". Bev said, laying down. "Hello, my name is Dr. Minton, and I'm an Ultrasound specialist here at Magee". Dr. Minton said. "Today, we're just going to do an ultrasound, and the gender of your child will be determined". "Sounds good". Bev said. Dr. Minton asked her some questions, did some things for her file, then got the ultrasound ready. There was a screen above, projecting the baby. Bev opened her gown, as Dr. Minton squirted ultrasound jelly on her stomach. She then rubbed the jelly all over Bev's stomach, until a thumping noise was heard. Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump. It was a heartbeat. The baby's heartbeat.
"Where's the baby?". Emily asked, looking up. "The baby's up there on that screen". Ed said, pointing. "Do you see that little curve right there that's round and white?". "Kind of". Emily said. "Just right up there, that's moving". Ed said, gently. "That's the baby that's in mommy's belly". "Oh". Emily said. "So, what's the verdict?". Bev asked, as the heartbeat was visible. "The baby is a boy". Dr. Minton said, cheerily.
"That's wonderful". Bev said, smiling. "Great!". Ed said, happily. He held Bev's hand, kissing it. They shared an embrace. It truly was a happy moment. Bev felt better knowing her husband was right beside her, embracing the love that was within her. It truly was a moment to be celebrated, and they would celebrate it later that night at the hotel.
The car drove through the rain after the Italian restaurant over to Paula's house later on. "Sweetie, are you excited to have a baby brother?". Bev asked, gently. "Yes". Emily said. "My baby brother is in mommy's belly". "He is". Bev said, kindly. "He's doing very well". As the car made its way down the street, Bev laid her head on the seat rest, looking back at Emily in admiration. "Sweetie". Bev said, gently. "I know there's someone new coming, but, our friendship will always prevail". "You and I have a special bond that will always carry with us, whatever change happens". "Nothing will get in the way of our friendship". Bev puckered her lips. Emily sat, looking up at her mom. She felt glad she was getting a family. It was the family she deserved. It was the family she needed.
Paula and Filburt laid in their bedroom, kissing, on their way to vaginal, testel paradise. They felt content, although Paula heard a knock on their front door. Paula went over in her robe, and bra, seeing who it was. "Hi, sweetie". Paula said, gently. Paula's baby bump was looking a bit bigger. Emily noticed it was as big as Bev's. "Sleepover". Emily said. "That's right, girlfriend". Paula said, smiling a gentle smile. "We'll have a lot of fun". "Mmm, you look nice". Paula played with Emily's hair. "Very beautiful as always". "She's been doing well". Bev said, bringing Emily's bags in. "mmm, we just got back from the Ultrasound". "He's a boy". Bev said. "Mmm, mine was pretty handsy". Paula said. "She was fine, but, she was young". "Mmm, it was interesting". "Minton wasn't bad". Bev said.
"Mmm, Ed and I have been fresh". "We did it last night at one point". "Mm, Filburt and I do it every day now". Paula said. Bev whispered something to Paula which made Paula laugh. Bev then told an explicit story about penises, and viagra, as Emily looked around, going into the other room. Paula chuckled, as Bev put a fresh coat of lipstick on. "Thanks for taking her". Bev whispered. "She's doing a bit better". "That's good". Paula said. "Mmm, we'll do our thing". "We might get some Hibachi". "That'll be nice". Bev said. "She may be a bit fragile as of now, she just lost her adoptive grandfather". "Mmm, does she have any nightly routines we should be consistent with?". Paula asked, softly. "She does like to drink her milk, she'll settle down, although she no longer has nocturnal awakenings". Bev whispered. "If she feels disturbed, she'll look for comfort, but she's usually very calm". "If she has an awakening, she'll fall right back asleep". "Mmm". Paula nodded.
They looked at Emily, Emily over there, watching T.V. holding her stuffed bunny rabbit her adoptive parents gave her. Bev's heels clicked, as she walked over. "Sweetie, I'll see you tomorrow". Bev said, gently. "Have a fabulous time with Paula". She kissed Emily's cheek. "Ok, mommy". Emily said. "I love you very much". Bev said, kindly. "Goodnight, love". "Bye". Emily said. Emily held her bunny rabbit. She felt calmed knowing her parents loved one another. She felt good knowing her parents' love was strong, that they accepted her as one of their own, and welcomed her into their family. Emily pressed the bunny's paw, as it played calming music. Emily laughed, and played.
"Mm, Emily, honey, we are so glad you're here". Paula said, gently. "There's a big bear on the T.V.". Emily said, pointing. "Is that a black bear?". Paula said, a bit tiredly, a bit distracted by the sex she had with Filburt. "That's a big black bear". Emily said. "He roars". "Mm, that's good, sweetheart". Paula said, gently. "Anyhow, I'm so glad you came to see us". "Tonight, we might go to a Japanese steakhouse". "Hibachi". "What is that?". Emily asked. "A Japanese steakhouse is a fancy place, where they cook right in front of you". Paula said, kindly. "It'll be exciting". "We'll sit at a big table, we'll get to see how the food is made". "It'll be nice to watch". "Ok". Emily said.
"Can I bring bunny?". Emily asked. "Yes, you can". Paula said, gently. "We'll have to keep track of her so we don't lose her". "The bunny's name is snowflake". Emily said. "That's a good name". Paula said, gently. Emily looked at Paula's stomach. Her baby bump was getting pretty big. "There's a baby in there". Emily said, looking at Paula's stomach. "She is". Paula said, gently. "Mmm, she's doing well". "My mommy has a baby in her belly". Emily said. "Yes, she does". Paula said, kindly. "Are you excited to have a baby brother?". "Yes". Emily said. "That'll be good". Paula said, gently. "I'm sure you'll be a great big sister". Paula kept it simple for Emily to understand. Paula stretched out on the couch.
"Are you a big sister?". Emily asked. "I had a few sisters growing up". Paula said, gently. "I was the oldest". "I had a lot more responsibility looking out for everyone". "You're probably more responsible than I was". "Mm". Paula's robe remained open. She wanted to go back in the master, and do things with Filburt. "Mmm, sweetie, Filly and I have some business to do, why don't we put on Princess Belle for a little bit". Paula said, gently. She put in a video of "Beauty and the Beast" for Emily. "Would you like a snack to eat?". Paula asked, kindly. "I have some green apple, or popcorn you could try". "I'm ok". Emily said. "If you need anything, it's in the refrigerator". Paula said, kindly. "Just knock twice on the glass, and you can see what's inside". "How great is that?". Paula smiled. "Good". Emily said. "We'll get ready in a little bit, sweetie". Paula said, kissing Emily's cheek. Paula then stood up, going back to the master bedroom. "Hey, beautiful". Filburt said, looking completely naked, wiggling his junk over the silk sheets. "That was sweet". Paula said, suggestively, "do you like candy, however?". She took off her robe, revealing her red, lace bra. She and Filburt began kissing, and kissing with ecstasy. Filburt felt around her lace bra, unhooking it, as they drew in closer, and closer. Soon, they were joining reproductive organs, exchanging vaginal fluids, and of course, kissing.
Paula felt the tingly feeling more than once when she kissed Filburt. She felt it yet again. She knew it wouldn't affect the baby, but it was nice to feel. Paula kissed Filburt, feeling the tingly feeling all over. She felt it down below, she felt it up top, she felt it in their kiss. She felt the feeling spread, the feeling of love, the feeling of joy in starting a new family. It was the love she knew to be true. They kissed, feeling this love.
"She won't find us in here, right?". "You kept the door locked?". Filburt asked. "Yes, I did". Paula said. "She's watching movies, she'll never find us". They continued kissing, as the sheets rustled. Paula kissed Filburt with ecstasy. It was nice feeling the love, knowing they had their own way of making marriage a wondrous experience.