Transition Plan Chapter 134 - School Days Part 10
...
The worst of the winter was behind them, and signs of spring were noticeable. The University was on spring break and they went home to Greystoke. Jack and Jeanne went for slow, romantic walks together on the Castle grounds. The tulips and daffodils and other early signs of spring were in full bloom, and so was Jeanne.
Jeanne reflected a little sadly, "You know, sweetheart these are the last walks we'll take alone for a long time."
Jack answered, "I know, dear. Regrets?"
"None whatsoever. We get to take our children for walks in the stroller here and show them all the pretty flowers. It will be lovely. You?" she speculated on the future and squeezed his hand.
Jack commented a bit less seriously, "Same here. I want that as much as you do. So I can teach them to eat the flowers and the bugs."
"You can take Jack out of the jungle but never take the jungle out of Jack…" she grinned and patted him over-enthusiastically on the shoulder.
He rubbed his shoulder, pretending it hurt, proud of his outburst, and yanked her chain further, "All that extra baby weight really packs a wallop, Jeannie."
She growled, pursed her lips, narrowed her eyes, and threw herself at him using her hips and side body, protecting her baby bump, and aimed them both toward the soft grass.
"Oof!" He yelled, not expecting her speed and power at such an advanced stage of pregnancy.
They toppled in laughter, but not too violently, as he broke both their falls. She sat confidently atop his chest with her arms crossed. It was a very familiar position, and not as ladylike as she should have been in a mid-calf length maternity dress and boots. Her spring hat had fallen off and was rolling around in the grass beside them.
With his head reeling, he stammered, "I… I g-g-guess pregnancy hasn't caused you to lose a step, Jeannie!"
"You'd better believe it, dear husband," she grinned smugly, then strained over her bump to kiss him.
…
The family and their servants saw all this transpire and chuckled. It was so typical of this pair. They thought that enormously pregnant Jeanne and Jack were charming together and that she wore such beautiful clothes. Jack and his mother loved to spoil her with purchases of the latest maternity fashions, and normally unpretentious Jeanne actually liked her fancy 'baby clothes'.
Jack and Jeanne took advantage of this special time alone at the Castle. One of their favorite activities, horse riding, was out of the question. They didn't even think about bringing Redemption and Samson to the University this year, but they did go over to the Castle stables to visit their horses. After 11 long months gestating, Redemption was ready to foal and she really couldn't be ridden anyway. The lone person at the University who was disappointed about Jeanne's, Edith's, and Redemption's pregnancies was their polo coach, who knew that most of his UK/Scotland university polo league championship team could not possibly compete in their third year. Fortunately the new JV team under them from last year, which they had helped train, was just as good and ready to go for the spring season. Jeanne and Edith and their husbands would be merely spectators this season, cheering their teammates to victory.
Jeanne walked into the Greystoke stable with a broad smile seeing Redemption so heavy-laden with her own late pregnancy. It had been since Christmas break since they'd seen each other, and she greeted and praised her mare, "You look lovely Redemption. How do you feel?"
Redemption sounded a little exhausted, "I feel that nearly 11 months of your 'people time' is a very long time to carry my foal. You humans are lucky with only 9 months. I was quite ready to deliver at nine."
Jeanne laughed and Redemption nickered happily at their joint predicament.
Jeanne answered, "Well my dear friend, you have a lot more work to do than I do. Foals are much bigger than human babies."
"I guess…" Redemption sighed. She was really uncomfortable and shifted in her stall as her foal moved around within her.
Jeanne quipped, "It could be worse. Pity the elephant mothers carrying for two years!"
That cheered up Redemption and she whinnied in amusement at that, "You always make me feel better, Lady Jeanne."
Redemption was pregnant by Samson when their two human masters had barely started the treehouse at the lake after school last summer, though they mated all summer long.
Jeanne suggested, "Let's go for a walk, all of us, shall we?"
Her horse offered, "I could try to carry you, Lady Jeanne. I miss us riding."
"No Redemption," Jeanne scolded, "I can't climb you and you don't need the extra weight. I am very heavy."
Jack contemplated making a wisecrack, but Samson shot his master a glance that meant: 'say absolutely nothing'.
Oblivious to the exchange between the two males, "As you wish, Lady Jeanne. I would enjoy the walk. The garden grass is always delicious."
Jeanne put a very simple bridle on Redemption and Jack did the same to Samson. The couple led their horses like walking dogs on a leash while they all chatted strolling on one of the shorter, milder, and more lush floral trails of the estate. Samson and Jack were mostly silent while their females conversed.
Redemption asked, "Lady Jeanne, what about you. Are you ready?"
"Not yet, dear Redemption. Another month or so. It's only April."
"Are you scared? I am. This is my first foaling," her horse continued.
Jeanne answered, "Well… a little. And of course, my first too. Things can go wrong in the delivery, but I have my mom and Jack's mom to help me along. But then Master Jack and I will have two foals to cuddle and love."
Redemption observed, "I am still amazed that humans can have litters."
"There are times when I wish women couldn't. But that's what God wanted me to have."
"I'm happy for you and Master Jack. I'm happy for all of us," Redemption glanced happily at Samson and he snorted in satisfaction at his mare.
Jeanne soothed her horse's snout and hugged Redemption's neck, "I am too. Imagine me, a simple French girl, excited to share my pregnancy with my best equine friend. My childhood friends would think I'm crazy to talk to horses."
Her horse responded, "And yet you do. What do all those ignorant humans know? It's their loss. You Clayton's are special humans to all of us animals. From the tiny mice to the great elk, to the lynx and wolves, to the sparrows and hawks, and everything in between. And all the animals of the jungle. They're lucky. You live with them much longer every year."
"I know Redemption, but that is the way life is for us. Master Tarzan's life started the jungle. His first real family is there. And so we live with the gorillas much of the time. The 'herd' of the Mangani are our family."
"I know, Lady Jeanne. It's just hard without you."
They exchanged a tender touch.
Redemption felt her foal kick, and Jeanne noticed, as Redemption winced. It was a big kick, observing, "Wow. Am I glad my babies can't kick like that."
"I wish mine couldn't. I am so ready. I hope I have my time of foaling happens before you go back to the University. I want you to see my filly."
"A filly? How cute! But how do you know, Redemption?"
"My foal feels like a girl. I don't know why. You and Jack can sense each other's feelings. I can sense this."
"I would like to be here for you too. I know Thomas will take good care of you. He's helped so many fine strong horses come into this world."
"That's what my mother said. He brought me here. And Samson."
They had walked long enough and it was time for Jeanne to rest too. They had completed the circle of the trail and the stable was just ahead.
Jeanne stated, "I'm tired, dear friend. I need to go rest now. This was a good walk."
Both Jack and Jeanne handed the reins of their horses to Thomas and he offered, "Let me take care of them. You must rest."
Redemption said her goodbye, "Take care Lady Jeanne."
…
The Clayton's did see Redemption's filly. The next morning at dawn, servant Elisabeth roused the pair, and they rushed to see it happen. Jack carried Jeanne the entire way, still in a long nightgown and robe.
When at last the strong mare had finished her labor and started to tend to her newborn, Jeanne clasped her hands together in happiness, "She's beautiful, Redemption."
"Thank you, Lady Jeanne," replied the exhausted new mother.
"Congratulations to both of you,' Jack said to Samson, who had been racked with worry over his mate her entire time.
"I really didn't do anything to help her," fretted the huge stallion.
Jack reassured his steed, "There's not much you could do my friend. There's not much any of us males can do except be there for them as sires. It's their time."
"I suppose…"
Thomas noted, "That's all the excitement for now, Lady Jeanne and Viscount. Dam and filly both need rest."
As Jack and Jeanne departed from the brand new horse family with their beautiful black and white newborn, who was very wobbly after being helped to stand by Redemption after the delivery, the mare interjected, "Lady Jeanne, wait, before you go. Name her."
Jeanne was surprised, "Uh… well, shouldn't you? You're the mother."
"We are your horses. We take the names you give us."
Still unsure of convention in this matter, Jeanne looked at Jack for clarification, and he turned to his horse.
"Samson?" Jack questioned.
Samson never hesitated, "Like my mate says. We'd be honored."
Jeanne fretted, "Oh dear… such a responsibility."
Jack urged her, "You didn't have any trouble with our children's names."
"Their sweet little filly is such a great and noble animal. Her name needs to be special."
"Take your time."
"No, Jack, Redemption's filly needs a name now. It can't wait. Every creature that has come into this world deserves a name when they arrive."
"OK."
Jeanne thought and everyone waited patiently. Her frown turned to a smile and she stated, "Grace. Her name shall be Grace."
Jack was pleased to hear this, "A biblical as well as human name."
Jeanne asserted, "Redemption and I have a very human friendship."
"It fits," Jack observed.
"We love it!" Samson and Redemption said together. They nuzzled their humans, then returned to nurturing their new foal. Redemption nursed little Grace for the first time.
With all that excitement, Jeanne admitted, "I really am tired. Take me home, dear."
It took a little extra time for Jeanne to get back to the Castle from the stable, and she rested against Jack a couple of times along the path.
"Jack dear, we're getting close, too. Everything is getting loose, and moving around in me. And I'm achy and stiff in places I didn't know I had places."
"I'm sorry dear."
Jeanne reflected, "Don't be. I'm not. I'm glad I'm pregnant with our children. Our children, Jack. I still can't believe I have the honor of twins like so many women on Mother Jane's side of the family. I can't wait. Seeing Redemption's beautiful little filly makes me want to see ours even more."
"It's going to be incredible," Jack added.
"Incredibly hard or incredibly fun?" she joked.
"Yes."
She poked him, "You drive me crazy when you answer that way. You are just like your father."
"Which is why I do it," he smirked.
She rolled her eyes.
He reflected, "There were times when I wasn't sure we could be students, married, and pregnant all at the same time."
"But we did, didn't we?"
"It's more you than me. You're doing all the work here, Jeannie, dear."
"I think not, husband. Without you… I can't imagine how Margrite got through it alone.
"Yeah… I know."
Over time, Jack's one regret in the rescue was that he had widowed Margrite, whom they heard little from, other than to know she was doing well with the money Jeanne gave her to live.
Jeanne smiled up into Jack's eyes, "I know it's a little trite, but it is true. We can get through anything, dear, as long as it's together."
"We proved it once again."
Both mothers smiled seeing their children embrace on the path from the stable. The two women were having a morning breakfast together on the veranda underneath the sunlight of a bright crisp spring morning. Etienne and Andrew were mostly playing with their meal at a smaller table nearby. Josephine had come up from Nigeria for the duration of her daughter's pregnancy, barely a month away. She had planned to stay through Jeanne's time. Armand and the twins and her younger daughter would join them closer to graduation and her time. Lily and Okpara would wait until Jack and Jeanne got back to Africa. Tarzan was in his study on company business already, trying to help solve a problem with a shipment in Spain.
The servants were waiting to serve cocoa and some healthy fruit to Jeanne at the outdoor table. The children hugged their mothers and their little brothers. Jack seated his bride at the table, and then sat down himself.
Josephine greeted them cheerfully, "Good morning dear children. How are both of you?"
"Good morning Mama and Mom," Jack replied. Josephine was happy to have Jack call her the French way.
Jeanne chirped happily, sipping her warm drink, "We're fine. We just had a little early morning excitement."
Jane was excited, "We heard about Redemption. Did she…?"
Jeanne answered, "Yes Mom. She's the mother of a beautiful little filly. I got to name her: Grace."
Josephine was happy for her daughter, "That's wonderful, dear. Did you two have a nice walk yesterday with the horses? We noticed but didn't want to interrupt. It seemed you were having a nice time with them."
"Yes Mama. Though these days it's more of having a nice waddle."
They all laughed. Both mothers knew that feeling all too well. More than once.
Jack teased, "You have some big babies in there, sweetheart."
"Well, sure. Look who I'm married to."
She stared up into his face in an exaggerated way even sitting down and winked. He just grinned, and the mothers took another sip of tea. They loved their children's latest round of banter. Jeanne was no shrinking violet. Josephine had long gotten over her desire for a dainty, demure daughter. She was very proud of Jeanne's strong will and wit.
Josephine asked, "Have you thought of names, dears?"
Jeanne looked at Jack for a moment for assent and answered, "If it's a boy and girl, sure."
"Well, can you tell us. or is that a surprise for us?" Jane asked.
Jeanne answered, "No surprises. The boy's name is easy. Jonathan Robert Clayton V. So we can call him Jackie."
Jane was very pleased and knew Tarzan would be too.
Jack quipped, "It'll make it easier for her to yell at him. She's so used to doing that with me."
Jeanne pointed at him and gave him a fake nasty look, but then they all laughed. Everyone knew whenever she was mad or teased Jack, she used his full name, and purposely scolded him with her trademark line, "I hate you, Jonathan Robert Clayton IV!"
"Case in point," he teased.
Jeanne smacked his shoulder playfully, and just shook her head, "Behold my husband, the oldest child in our family."
"Tell me about it," Jane agreed, and the women all laughed.
Josephine got them back on topic by asking, "The girl's name?"
Jeanne got a pensive look, and took Jack's hands. She announced, "Meriem Eleanor. That way we can call her 'Ellie' when she's little."
"Really?" Josephine was very surprised, and the tone of her voice showed her concern. This was between her mother and her. Jane just listened.
"You heard me, Mama," Jeanne answered somewhat defensively.
Josephine treaded lightly to not offend Jeanne, "But honey. Both names caused you sadness. One name for half your lifetime.
She explained confidently, "It's time that those names have honor again, and bring us daily happiness – not bitterness - in the family we create."
That was hard to argue. Both older women gave each other a satisfied look
"So wise for someone so young," Jane reflected.
Jack added, "Not to mention the fact that one of those babies is a pistol in there. Another tomboy. She can only be a 'Meriem'."
As if on cue, that baby gave Jeanne a hard kick.
"Oh! Gracious!" Jeanne exclaimed and clutched her belly in the way only pregnant women did, scolding her child through her belly skin, "Be nice to your mother, baby!"
Both older mothers smiled, and helped soothe her stomach. She liked their touch and their compassion, and it was always welcome, never an intrusion.
Jane asked, "And if they're both boys or both girls?"
Jeanne asserted, "I'm pretty sure we'll follow the family tradition. I can feel it. I just know so."
Jack shrugged, "And if not, we'll deal with it when it happens."
Jane asked, "So, you have a few days left in spring break. It's beautiful, and rather warm. What are you two going to do?"
Jack noted, "We thought we'd head up to the treehouse in the truck."
Jeanne sidled closer to her husband, "A little alone time. Hike a little. Swim a little. Swimming will really make me feel better. Even though it'll be nippy."
Josephine encouraged them, "That would be sweet. You kids deserve that time. Life will be instantly very busy soon."
Jane further encouraged their short getaway, "Twins will change everything. Even after already having you and Lily, Elisabeth and Paul made our family very different, but different in a good way."
"It will be nice to get away in the woods, even for a few days," Jeanne fondly observed.
The one regret Jeanne had about her pregnancy was to have carried her children over the winter in the midst of civilization, and be confined by clothes, even though they were comfortable and pretty on her. She still had a dream of being a pregnant Mangani female and they'd promised each other that their next child would be carried and born in the wild with their gorilla brethren. As soon as they could after being baptized in the Greystoke church, they planned take their babies to their Mangani troop and be accepted into their jungle family heritage. Both sets of parents were looking forward to that. Josephine planned to stay and help her daughter through that difficult two to three months time with the newborns and then go back with them to the jungle.
A servant pulled the truck pulled up, and left it running and left the doors open for them to get in.
"You forgot your things?" Jane asked.
Jack smiled candidly, "Mom, remember we don't want anything but our weapons to hunt, and a couple of blankets for the night."
Jeanne added with a sweet smile, "A little Mangani time…"
She beamed at her husband and snuggled up to him further, clutching his arm. He winked. He loved her natural pregnant shape and now he was going to see her unfettered several days straight, something she really wanted to do with him.
Josephine only advised, "Oh, right. Promise me you'll stay warm."
"Jack always keeps me warm," she assured the mothers.
They all hugged and Jane bade them farewell, "See you in a few days."
Jack put the truck in gear and they headed off to 'their lake'.
"An amazing couple, those two," Josephine reflected rhetorically.
…
It was only days before graduation and baby time back at the University and they were very busy finishing their academic assignments. It was time to get up for class. Jeanne was sleeping in a position from which she literally could not move or get up. It was not the first time.
Jeanne struggled a bit then begged, jostling her mate awake, "Oh dear, help me please, Jack."
"Coming," Jack answered.
He quickly got out of bed, came around to her side, he helped her sit up, and aided her to swing her feet over the edge of their bed.
"Are my feet on the ground? I can't see them anymore."
"Yes dear there are there. Besides, beached whales don't have any feet."
She reached out for him and swatted him soundly, "Jungle jerk!"
But then with a smile, she reached out to him with both arms.
He took them and carefully but effortlessly pulled her up. As he gently pulled her to a standing position, she overemphasized her predicament with a groan and a giggle and hug.
They were about as face-to-face as it was possible to get, and they had learned to lean over her bump and milk-engorged breasts to kiss each other.
"Good morning, dear," Jack greeted her, and noted her breasts had left a little seepage of milk once again on his chest.
She grinned at him, "Well. I like this kind of service. Even if it was a work out for you."
"My pleasure to assist you, Lady Clayton," he joked, bowing formally.
She giggled, "You can be my designated 'stander-upper' anytime, Jack dear."
"As long as I can be your designated shower helper too."
She smirked, "Well, sweetheart, you've been doing that for years. What's different?"
He kidded her, "It takes two towels to dry you now and we go through powder faster since there's more of you to powder."
She giggled, "I certainly can't deny that, dear."
Their time behaving and lovemaking as natural Mangani apes in their woods at the end of spring break and the praise he gave her made her feel very pleased and feminine with her late term pregnant look.
But her smile disappeared as she yelped and held her stomach, "Ahhh! Oh... my… Jack, I have to sit."
He let her sit on her makeup seat. Sitting very straight helped her back.
She closed her eyes tightly as the pain got temporarily worse, "Ohhh… Jack. Hold my hand."
"What's wrong?"
"Feel my stomach."
Her belly skin was tight as a snare head drum, but as soon as the tightness seized her it subsided.
"Oh goodness," she breathed in relief as her muscles relaxed.
"Another one?" he asked.
"Yes dear. More false labor. It's getting me ready for the real thing. You know it's been happening awhile, but that one… That one really got me."
"When do you think it'll happen, dear?"
Jeanne looked at him with hope and trepidation at the same time, "Any time Jack. Any time."
"Are you going to be OK?"
"Yes dear. Let's please shower. Holding me and massaging me in the warm water will be good on those muscles."
They turned on the hot water, lingered a long time to soothe her, and got ready for the day,
…
After another late night doing homework, Jeanne was asleep at her round desk again, worn out from her final project, and the metabolism needed to grow her babies. Jack was aware of her absence in bed, went over to the desk, gently lifted her, placed her in bed, and covered her. He just stared at his beautiful sleeping wife and mother-to-be. Her olive facial skin had that additional pregnant glow he admired so much, and nodded off himself spooned together as always. The head-to-toe extra warmth of her pregnant body was very soothing to him.
Before he was completely asleep, there was a light knock at their bedroom door.
He got up and opened it. It was his mother, and she asked with worry, "Jack, I heard you awake. Is she all right?"
"Yes Mom. She's fine. Just another late night project."
"She's been at that for days. Not just at home but all those late nights at the library with her group. Are you sure she's not exhausting herself? The days ahead she's going to need every ounce of energy for those babies."
"It's pretty much one of those 'must do' projects to graduate. But it's done, and so the next few days before graduation she can relax and rest. You know her. She insists on getting it right. She wants to be done with her degree and concentrate on the children before she goes to work for Dad."
"I know. She's so dedicated. I worry she'll be rested and ready."
"She'll be fine. This is simple compared to the life she lived."
She soothed her son's arm, "Yes dear I know. But she wasn't pregnant with twins, and she was a teen. And I am worried about you too dear. You're waiting on her hand and foot day and night taking care of her. You're your father's son."
Jack replied lovingly, "Mom. You know why. This is all such a miracle. Every moment with her is a blessing. She was almost lost to me. Several times."
The whispering actually woke Jeanne, but she feigned sleep just to hear mother and son talk. Their words of concern about her well-being and praise were wonderful to her.
"God saw it otherwise for the two of you. Like when He put me in the jungle to find your father."
"Amazing isn't it? In just a few days we'll be parents."
Jane smiled gently, "You're already parents. Pregnancy is just God's way of getting you emotionally ready for it before it all happens."
Jack nodded, "You're right Mom. As always. Thanks for being here for her with Mom J. Jeanne trusts and loves you so much, like you were her real mother. She couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law. With both of you here she feels really confident she'll make it through."
"She's so easy to be mother-in-law for. Don't forget dear, I got another daughter in this marriage. Yes, I can't wait to deliver your babies. I swore I'd be there for all my grandchildren as long as I am able."
"The doctor said it could be any time."
"Well, keeping you up isn't helping you rest before her time. Good night dear."
They kissed and hugged and went back to their beds. What Jeanne had overheard could not have made her more content.
…
Jeanne fortunately did get her rest only a few days from graduation as they reaffirmed their plans for the home delivery. The clinic University OBGYN doctor would be on call if there was a problem. Both mothers were in the guest rooms of their flat, which gave her great reassurance and confidence. All Jack needed to do was get her back to the flat as fast as possible whenever she went into labor. Hospital deliveries were still rare, doing so only when there were complications. And unlike Jane, Jeanne didn't have any problems.
…
The four co-ed friends were in a melancholy mood at the café at Table 17.
Greenly reflected, "I can't believe graduation is in three days."
Hazel agreed, "I know. Three years has gone too fast. I'm gonna miss being here for our daily chats and tea."
Jeanne joked, "The owner is going to miss us being here at Table 17. We paid a good part of his rent with all the drinks and food we ordered."
They all laughed.
Edith suggested, "Maybe they'll retire our table. Surely we've worn it out with all the years we've been coming here."
All four smart women were on the fast track academic program and graduating together.
Greenly announced, "Here are the boys now. Is everyone ready for a celebration dinner before all the relatives get here?"
"Yep. My treat," offered the French girl.
"You don't have to do that, Jeannie," Edith objected.
"Just once let the rich girl treat you to dinner, all right?" Jeanne insisted.
All the boys arrived and sat by their women.
"Free dinner? Sure! You Clayton's are great people," Warren quipped. He was a great match to Hazel and a good fit with their little group.
Hazel scolded her boyfriend, "Mind your manners, sweetcakes."
"It's all right, Hazel. Warren's as much fun as you are," Jeanne noted.
Warren stuck his tongue out at Hazel.
She returned the favor, but he instantly grabbed Hazel's tongue with a shriek coming from her in total surprise. Her eyes grew as big as anyone had ever seen as she gasped and sputtered. Warren let her go with a wink.
It actually excited her but she tried to look really indignant and offended. She waved her hand to cool herself down and yelled, "Warren! Yuck. I don't know where those fingers have been."
They fussed at each other animatedly but all in fun and bluster. It got loud when they went at each other, and was very amusing to watch. Bruce and Jack looked at each other and tried to stay as far out of this little episode as best they could with a couple of eye rolls at each other.
"Case in point," whispered Jeanne to the others.
"I give her a month after her wedding in August and she's pregnant," added Greenly quietly.
Edith and Jeanne agreed with a snicker.
Finishing her 'fight' with Warren with a nice kiss and a hug, she noticed two of them snickering, and challenged them, "What are you keeping secrets about now?"
Greenly covered for them both, "Just one of those pregnant women things. Nothing to see here…"
"Let's move along to dinner," Jack suggested as a further distraction. He could see they were teasing Hazel.
Warren heartily agreed, "I'm famished ladies and gents. I could finish a whole pot roast all by myself."
Jeanne replied, "If that's what you want, then order it. Like I said, we're all celebrating."
Greenly added, "I'm buying the single malt scotch for the after dinner celebration."
Edith complained, "No fair! We're preggers."
Hazel bragged, "That's just more for me and the boys. You shoulda thought about that before you ladies got all 'knocked up' in school."
Edith and Jeanne snuggled up to their men, and Jeanne asserted, rubbing her baby bump for emphasis, "Well, that's an easy choice dear friend. There isn't a scotch in the world worth trading for this."
"Well actually…" Edith pondered whimsically.
Bruce stammered, "Edith!"
"Kidding…" she laughed, "you engineers always take things too literally."
They all laughed, as Edith had Bruce really flustered a moment. It was so easy to do. They paid their bills, perhaps their last meeting at the café as the close knit group of friends they were, said goodbye to the owner/manager for all the great times, and departed for dinner at the best restaurant in downtown Edinburgh.
Hazel and Warren lingered a little behind the others, and invited her boyfriend, "I dare you to try that again tonight when you take me home to the dorm, Warren baby."
He gave her a big smooch, "As you wish sweet lady. How about a little practice now?"
He leaned in again and took a long taste of her lips and more. Warren's kiss was unabashedly very deep.
Hazel felt instantly flushed and she playfully matched and mingled with his deep kiss. The same thrill coursed through her again about Warren as they hurried to rejoin the fun and chatter of their friends. She held her arm around his waist tighter. Both of them knew where his fingers would be later.
…
The night before graduation, Jeanne and Jack quietly made love to celebrate that they'd made it all the way to graduation day without her going into labor. Their parents were staying with them in the guest rooms at the flat to celebrate with them, but all their younger siblings were back at Castle Greystoke. It was very relaxing and unifying to them.
"That was nice Jack," she cooed and snuggled closer afterwards.
"It's always nice."
"Yeah… she sighed and closed her eyes savoring their unity, "Those babies better give us enough time to do this."
…
In the middle of that same night, Jeanne was seized with a sense of urgency like never before, and she shook Jack awake and demanded, "Jack, quick! Help me get to the bathroom."
He could see near panic in her eyes. With their well-practiced routine to get her out of bed and on her feet he swiftly got her to the bathroom. He could hear her relief.
He turned to go back to bed and she demanded, "No. Stay near me. Wait by the door. Help me back to bed."
That request had never happened before. Both whispered to make sure they didn't disturb mothers. The women were both used to Jeanne getting up in the middle of the night over the time they'd been there. But after he helped her to the bathroom, he waited nearby. It seemed different. She took a long time.
"Jeannie?"
She hesitated in her answer. In fact she started to cry a little.
Jack repeated, "Sweetheart? Talk to me."
"I… I'm OK. Jack, dear. My water broke. This ruins everything. I thought I was going to make it through today."
Jack was a little shocked, and hadn't quite caught up with the situation, "But that means you're ready to deliver."
"Exactly. On our graduation day. I can go into labor at any moment."
"Graduation is at 9."
"It's 6."
Jack was a little frantic, "Maybe things down there will wait. My mother usually took all day to deliver."
She was seized by her first contraction. It was a doozie. She clutched her belly. The children writhed inside. They didn't like the pressure either when their dark world suddenly got smaller and tighter, and it shocked them badly.
"Ughhhhhh. Maybe they won't."
When the contraction relaxed, she was in a cold sweat, "Ohmigosh! Jack, dear… I don't know if I can handle another one like that. And that was just the first one…"
Jack ordered, "That's it, I'm making you stay in bed. I'll wake our mothers. You aren't going anywhere today. We'll just have to miss the ceremony. We can always get our diplomas later after they are born."
Jeanne seized his arm and demanded, still whispering, "I can handle this, Jack. I will handle it. I don't care how much pain I'm in. We aren't going to miss our graduation. It's only 3 hours. There's no history of fast deliveries in my family. Mama told me."
Jack was very skeptical but kidded, "So you walk across the stage to the Dean, and exchange your diploma for our two babies."
She snickered, "Jack, please don't make me laugh. I will pop those babies out right now."
Jack worried, "Maybe I shouldn't have made love with you last night. That must have started it."
Jeanne chuckled, "You didn't stab me with that thing - although goodness knows you've tried in the past. It's just my time, dear. That's all. And it was so sweet being with you. If what we did last night helped me get started, then it's even more romantic. Especially since now we know today's the day we've waited for so long. Not a word to our parents dear. We'll make it through with plenty of time."
They started to get ready and could hear their parents also getting up to be ready for the day. Tarzan and Armand had come up from Greystoke only the day before. They left the other children back at the Castle with the servants. Invitations were limited to parents and students because of the small auditorium.
It was a good ten minutes before the next contraction happened during their shower, and it was equally painful, but she was more ready for it.
She gritted her teeth hard and just about crushed Jack's hand, "I'm so sorry, dear."
"Not to worry. How are you?"
"I did better with that one. If they go less than 5 minutes between each contractions, we come home. Ten minutes or more will be OK. The doctor said walking and standing is good for me during early labor. It might as well be in a graduation robe."
They made their way to the auditorium across campus, but not before straining through a couple more contractions, that she managed to hide from their mothers.
Jane asked, "So you two. Are you excited?"
Jeanne answered excitedly, "Very much. This is going to be a great day."
Josephine joked, "The babies waited for you to have your special day before they have theirs!"
"If Mama only knew," Jeanne thought. Coincidentally, another labor pain gripped her, and she fought the urge to double over. She confided in Jack, "I think I'm getting used to them. I can do this."
She said aloud to her parents, "Can we rest a moment? I'm a little winded."
Seated on the park bench she held her stomach a bit.
Jane was suspicious, "Jeanne dear, are you all right?"
Jeanne stretched the truth, "They're just so low. They're pushing on just about everything. It's all kind of painful."
"We'll walk slower."
Inside the lobby of the auditorium, Jack and Jeanne parted company with their parents, who headed to the auditorium, while they went to the line of graduates. They hugged.
"So far, so good," she smiled a bit tentatively.
In their seats, Josephine asked Jane, "How do you think they are doing?"
"Nervous I'd say. Reminiscing their years here. They'll never be 'just kids' again after today. A little worried they are trying to do the right thing for them, for us, and for the babies - all at the same time. They have lots of things on their minds."
"So true. At least they are worried about normal young adult things. It's so nice they could be a married student couple together, Jane dear. Thank you and Jonathan for giving them that gift of college education. You are such generous friends. We can never repay that. They've been so happy the past three years. They met other nice young people who will be their friends for life. It's a special kind of freedom being in college."
"My dear friend, what good is all our wealth if we can't use it for things that matter and people we love?"
The lights went low, and the orchestra started to play the processional march.
Standing in line and proceeding into the auditorium with all their classmates, Jeanne got hammered by several more contractions. The last one caused her to hang on to Jack and purse her lips hard to bite back the pain and tears.
He warned his wife, "That one came faster, Jeannie. Eight minutes. I've been timing them."
She stated nervously more to herself than Jack, "I'll be OK, Jack. I must be OK. They will mind their mother!"
They laughed, and Jack added in a whisper, "You're so brave."
She sighed, "Or stupid. We'll see dear. We'll see. Don't leave me for a second."
"I wouldn't think of it. We are right next to each other in line and seated. Take my hand to relieve your pain. I can take it."
There were a lot of dry speeches, including the Valedictory and Salutatory speeches. There were a number of special awards given to students. When Jack and Jeanne's names were called, they startled in surprise.
It was a special recognition by the Chancellor himself, recognizing Jack and Jeanne, for being the first married students and leaders of the Married Student Association. The speech about them was mercifully short, and when they were called forward, she whispered, "I hope I can make it up those steps a second time."
There was wild applause and standing ovation for the young couple from many, including their friends and all the other married students;
Jane leaned over to Josephine and gushed, "I'm so proud of them. They changed lives here."
Josephine agreed and added, "Everywhere they go they change lives, my friend. Every University will have to take married students now."
They waved to the crowd in appreciation, smiled, took their special citation and returned to their seats.
Getting up and down the stairs and across the stage encouraged Jeanne through her managed pain, "I lived through it. I can do it again."
"Good girl!"
Josephine watched her daughter, and whispered, "Jane, don't panic, but our dear daughter Jeanne is clearly in labor. I can see the pain. I've been a nurse most of my life and I know my daughter. I know that expression and the way she's holding herself."
Jane was a little perturbed, "Why would she not tell us that? She needs to be in bed."
Josephine explained, "Because we're in the middle of graduation, and that is equally important to them to have us celebrate."
The mothers were very concerned, but Jane tried to rationalize the young couple's choice, "If it's early labor, she can walk most of it off. I know I had to."
"Labor pretty much put me on my back immediately, my friend, though labor was long for me. I told her that, and I guess she's taking a chance she'll go like I did."
Jane noted, "We both know how strong willed she is. If she thinks she can handle it, she will. We all know there's no stopping her – not even Jack - when she's got her head up about something."
Josephine mused, "True that, and she comes by it naturally. I sure hope she hasn't outguessed her ability this time. This is supposed to be an exciting day. It might be doubly exciting."
The two friends snickered.
The names of the graduates couldn't be called fast enough, and Jeanne and Jack were tremendously relieved when the master of ceremonies approached calling Jack and Jeanne's names. Standing in the line going up the stairs, another contraction hit. She stumbled. Josephine and Jane flinched and nearly rose out of their seats as Jack caught and steadied her.
"What's wrong ladies?" Tarzan saw Jane and Josephine's reaction and sensed something amiss.
Josephine said softly and dead serious, "Jeanne's in labor."
"At the graduation? God bless her," Armand whispered.
"What can we do?" Tarzan asked.
Jane replied, "Nothing yet. We take our cue from what they do."
As the young couple ascended the last couple of steps, Jeanne whispered, "That was six minutes Jack."
"We're almost there. Hang tight. I am right behind you."
"I trust you."
"If you really trust me, let me share your pain. You know how."
"It's so awful Jack. I don't want you to have to feel labor pain."
"If it will get you up there and across the stage and then we can go, I will take any pain for you."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
They connected the moment another one racked her. He gasped and it nearly staggered him.
"Ohmigosh… how on Earth are you taking that…?"
"Because I'm a woman and God prepares us for this."
"But it does feel better sharing the pain. It's better Jack. Thank you. I feel your strength. And your calm."
This was it.
The Dean said: "Jeanne Meriem-Marie Clayton. Magna Cum Laude."
The Dean announced: "Jonathan Clayton. Summa Cum Laude."
As they walked off the stage, she stuck her tongue out and teased, "So there, husband. I did better than you."
They laughed until she was seized by the next labor pain and she nearly collapsed on the way back to their seats. He could hear a suppressed groan and her eyes went tightly shut to fight it off.
Jack had enough, "You aren't walking anymore and it's time to go. There's only the closing and the closing prayer left. We're done here. Everyone will understand."
"I'm already praying. Everyone will think we're nuts that we stayed this long, Jack, sweetheart."
Jack kidded, "Another story for the grand kids."
"Can we just get our kids born first, dear?" she said in barely contained pain.
But their humor distracted her pain, as did the shared relief of the connection. They peeled off the line discreetly.
Jane saw them start for the door, "The kids! Look. They're leaving. We have to go with them now."
Armand reminded them, "Meet them outside where they wanted us to go in an emergency."
They all gathered together excitedly, and Jack nearly shouted, "Mom! Dad! We have to go home now… um... because…"
Jane said calmly, "...because she's in labor."
Jeanne blushed with embarrassment, "Oh dear. I tried to hide it so I wouldn't ruin graduation for all of you. How did you know?"
"I'm a mother five times over, dear Jeanne. Your mother's a nurse. We both know when a woman is in her labor pains. How long?"
Jeanne admitted sheepishly, "Almost 5 minutes, Mom."
"That's too close. I don't know how you are still standing, sweetheart. How fast can you get her home, Jack?"
"At a full run, nearly ten minutes. I promise I won't drop her."
Jane ordered, "Jack, dear son. Listen to me. Do everything I say. Get her in your bed, get her comfortable in just her robe, be there for her, talk her through any more contractions – just like I told you both - and we'll be there as fast as we can. Boil some water and get some clean sheets and towels. I need your knife. Sterilize it."
"Yes Mother."
Josephine asked, "Jeanne, honey?"
"Yes Mama," she answered softly. She could barely speak and took her mother's hand tightly as Jack cradled her in his arms for the long run home. She was more than a little frightened.
Josephine was very happy but firm, "You were very brave to do this. But I'm sorry, dear, but you nearly pushed the limit too far just to please us. But it's OK. It's not an emergency. You'll be all right. Just mind us this time and take care of yourself and your needs for once."
"Yes Mama," she replied tentatively looking at her mother, "I'm sorry, Mama."
"It's all right. Someday this day will make a good story. Now go. Hurry."
Jack took off like a gazelle, and he was soon huffing with the load, so Jeanne asked with concern, "Can you do this, Jack dear? We can rest. I'm OK right now."
"No. We're getting you home with no delay. I took you through worse and ran longer and faster at the slave market crowds in Dar es Salaam. Those chains were far heavier than you are now with two little babies."
Jeanne admitted, "One thing is the same: I wasn't any less frightened then."
"You know what to do, dearest Jeanne. We've studied, and practiced," he stated as he continued to run.
"But final exams are always harder than the quizzes," she fretted.
Jack upped the intensity of his emotions through their connection they'd made in the auditorium. She felt the surge of his strength even though she was so worried about passing on the terrible, growing pain of the waves of contractions that hit her twice as they ran. Jack never stumbled and never winced. It made her feel ready for anything. She mused for just a moment that no man in history had ever experienced a woman's labor pains until now, and thanked God it was Jack who faced it all with her.
Underclassmen still on the campus not involved with the graduation and staff who knew the Clayton's wondered why the rush, but quickly realized the University was about to have its first set of 'honorary' babies.
...
Author's Notes: We're getting close to seeing the start of the next generation of Clayton's. You got a brief glimpse of this in Chapter 120 but it seemed a scene worth expanding. Enjoy!