"Let us know when he gets here," Vanessa, the other kindergarten teacher says.
"I will," Rey says with a smile. It's the last day of school before Christmas break and she's happy and sad. She's not coming back. The brewery is ready to support her full time as she gets ready for her son.
The same one she can't think of a name for because everything in her screams to wait for Ben.
But that's stupid. She knows he's not coming back. Han and Leia can't get a hold of him either. But then they've pretty much moved to Asheville. They rented a house a couple of weeks ago and plan on spending two weeks here and two weeks back in New York City.
It's their turn to drive the box truck down the East Coast.
Rey turns off the lights to her classroom and smiles a melancholy smile before she shuts the door. It was harder than she expected it to be when she explained to her kids that she was going to stay home with her baby after Christmas. They all agreed that the baby would need her all the time, but some of them weren't ready to share her yet.
She has one more appointment with Hux before Christmas. Oh Hux. She's still not sure what is going on with him and her roommates. He's almost moved in while she's thinking of taking Han and Leia up on their offer sooner rather than later of her own little house.
It's just weird, this will be the first appointment that Rose can't make. Christmas is here and so is everyone's need for pies and cakes and cookies for relatives coming to town. Everyone else is busy as well, running last minute errands.
Even Betsy notices, "Where's Rose?"
"It's just me today."
"Ohh, I was hoping she'd bring us some cookies."
Rey shakes her head but smiles. "I see how it is, you only want me because my best friend brings you cookies."
"But they are the best cookies."
"That they are," Rey agrees.
"Oh, they're ready for you, come on back."
Rey walks back to the exam rooms. It's weird, since Hux has been spending so much time at her house, the entire office has adopted Rey in a way. She's just not sure how they see her. Is she his girlfriend's best friend? She supposed it doesn't matter. She likes how comfortable they are with her.
Katie, one of the new nurses meets her at the door. "Dr. Hux wants to do a stress test-"
Her hands cradle her stomach. "He didn't mention this last night-" Katie's eyes grow wide at Rey's admission. "That's fine."
"It's probably nothing. This is the beginning of your third trimester. Besides, you'll get to see the little man."
"An ultrasound? He's doing an ultrasound too? Alright. Hook me up then." Soon the familiar swoosh of his heartbeat fills the room.
"Relax, you've got to do this part for about twenty minutes. Then we'll do the ultrasound part." Katie pats the exam table. "Hop up."
"I'm thirty-three weeks. I stopped hopping about a month ago." Rey laughs. She climbs up on the table.
"Don't lay back yet." Katie puts a strap down on the table. "Alright, lay back." She then takes the doppler and starts moving it around until the familiar swoosh fills the room. That's when Rey notices the monitor beside the table. Before she can ask, Katie says, "We're just seeing how he responds when no stress is placed on him to see how he does during labor." While she speaks, she's strapping down the monitor on her bump.
"How long do I have to wait?" Rey asks.
"Not long. Hux will be by in a minute to check on you and to do the ultrasound." She doesn't give Rey a chance to ask her other question because she's leaving and closing the door behind her.
"Yep, she's new," Rey whispers. The other nurses and assistants know that she's a tiny bit claustrophobic and leave the door open for her. "Oh well, distract me social media."
She starts swiping and tries to ignore the little voice in her head that tells her to check his old media accounts to see if there's anything new. Facebook, nope. Insta, nope. Twitter, nope.
Then she starts to just search his name like she- when the door opens with a bang. "What in the world are you doing?" Hux hisses as he plucks the phone out of her hands. He picks up the paper that's coming out of the monitor and shakes it at her. "Do you see this? Where the lines are closer together and bigger?" He doesn't give her a chance to say anything because he's still talking. "That's his little heartbeat. Every time you start thinking of that dumb ass, this is what happens to your son. Have you been getting headaches?"
"I have," she says as she nods.
"Have you been noticing changes in your vision?"
"I just thought that was normal for pregnant women," Rey whispers, her heart sinking.
Hux shakes his head and a loud rip where he loosens the Velcro strap is loud in the room. He's been coming over so much lately she can tell that he's very irritated. "I'm going to do the ultrasound then I need you to pee in a cup."
"Hux- what's wrong?"
"I'm checking you for preeclampsia."
"What?" she squeaks. "Why are you checking me-"
"Because you've cried yourself to sleep every night for- well since before Thanksgiving. Rey you can't keep on doing this," he pauses and meets her eyes. "You're hurting your son."
"But I miss him-" more tears as he catches her in a hug.
"I know, Poppet. But he's an ass and doesn't deserve your tears." She nods against his chest. "You've got to talk to us. Everyone in that house loves you and Little Bit so much."
"Even you?"
"Even me."
Brbrbrbrbr
"Rey," Rose says as she wraps her in a hug.
"Did Hux-"
"He called." Rose leads her over to the couch and they sit. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I'm not sure. Everything else is so perfect but for my broken heart." She takes a deep breath, willing herself not to cry. Tears leak out anyway. "I guess I figured that you didn't want to hear about Ben anymore.
"Rey-Rey," Rose coos. "I will never tire of listening to you. I know that he was a big part of your life and that's hard to forget. But you have Little Bit now. You have to keep him healthy. I know that if you were to have him right now, he'd make it and all. But do you really want to have to see him in the baby ICU?"
"No, of course not."
"How about this? I'll go to therapy with you."
"No," Rey shakes her head. "I'm getting better, I really am." She rubs her son who rolls and kicks her hand. "I can do this to get him here." Rose starts to get up, but Rey stops her with a touch. "Can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"What is my baby doctor to you guys? Does he-"
"I still can't put into words what we're doing, but it's amazing."
"I can tell that he loves you- us? Because I think I fall into his default category."
"Yeah I've noticed that about Hux. He possessive over those he considers his. I like it."
"Ben did that," she whispers. As she does, it starts to feel like maybe she can heal from the pain in her heart. "We would talk about the future and how we wanted the same things."
"I bet that was nice. Did he want kids?"
"I think so? I mean we talked about it, but it was always sometime in the future, not now." Her laugh is bitter. "He bought me a ring. Did I ever tell you?"
"He did?" Rose grabs her arm. "Why did he tell you?"
"He got me the pink sapphire last year," she pauses as she remembers this time last year. She was making sure the apartment looked like Buddy the Elf puked in it. "He said that that ring was for him to remember his promises," she clears her throat. "I packed up the entire apartment."
"Even his stuff?"
"Even his stuff. All his suits. Ties. Underwear. Even his socks. I found the ring," she whispers.
"The engagement ring he bought for you?" Rey nods. "Oh honey, no wonder you're so heartbroken. Do you want me to go kill him? I know lots of places to hide a body now."
"I wonder sometimes if it would be easier to grieve him if had died and not this disappearing thing he did."
"Probably. Mama has a dead fiancé in the past. She was heartbroken."
"Didn't it take years for her to grieve?"
"I'm not sure about that, but she met Dad at the funeral. He decided then that he was going to be her friend no matter what. Then one day she kissed him. They were married a week later."
"That's so sweet." A huge yawn and it's like she's reminded that she's actually tired. "Sorry, I'm sleepy."
"Why don't you go take a nice hot bath? I think the guys are bringing home dinner. Can I bring you a cup of tea?"
"Would you? That would be really nice."
Before Rose helps her up off the couch, Rose kisses her temple. "I love you Rey-Rey. You're not alone."
Rose hops up and offers Rey a hand, helping her on her feet. Rey gives rose a hug. "Thanks friend. I love you too."
Brbrbrbrbr
"Damn it," Rey mutters as she looks through the papers. She officially starts at the brewery in January but wants to get a head start on the paperwork. But the frustration builds, and she wonders if she should go read fanfiction instead.
"Is it that bad?" Poe asks as she scoots out a chair.
"Yes- no- we'll have to sit down and figure out what needs to be done. But you know what? We will worry about that when I finally make it in." their eyes meet and it's a tired smile they exchange.
"How are you holding up? I feel like I haven't gotten to talk to you since we bought the brewery."
"I'm-" her stomach tightens up sending a ripple of pain through her. "Ow-" she squeaks.
"Are you alright?" Poe asks as he grabs her hand. "Come on, this can wait."
"Come watch the movie with us," Finn calls from the new couch. As a present to everyone, Poe and Finn bought them the biggest sectional Penlands had in stock.
The Braxton hick's contraction takes her breath away. Poe watches the clock like Hux explained to them a couple of weeks ago. She continues to breathe through it like the child birthing classes have taught her.
"Are you alright?" Poe murmurs.
"Now I am. Let me put this away and I'll join you." she stands and Poe does too. Once the papers have been tamed, Rey goes to the living room. Her new spot is on the very end where she has plenty of room to lay down and doze if she wants.
Which lately has been as soon as she gets comfortable.
But tonight, she stays upright, and waits for Poe to come and sit which ends up being between her and Finn. "Hey, guys." Both Poe and Finn turn to her, Finn even mutes the TV. "Can I- never mind."
"Ask," Poe says.
"I'd better not." she says.
"Too late, Peanut. Ask," Finn says.
"Ugh, fine. I'm only asking because we all live together and it's not any of my business what all of you are doing. But are you alright with Rose and Hux going out tonight?"
Last week, Hux took Rose to the hospital Christmas party. She's still gushing about how next year, they are going to get her to cater the dessert bar. Rey also hasn't missed how her friend talks about Hux either. Eyes glowing, skin flushed pink. She knows what a woman who's falling in love looks like.
She just wonders about Finn and Poe.
"It's ok that they are out and together." Poe picks at something on his shirt. This is the first time Rey thinks she's seen him unsure of something. "What the four of us have-"
"We belong to one another," Finn finishes. "Whatever that looks like, we are just following our hearts. That doesn't always mean sex."
"TMI, Finn!" Rey giggles.
"You know what I mean," Finn chastises as he throws a piece of popcorn at her. "Hux is a welcome addition to our family. I'll be the first one to admit that there was some jealousy at first. Sometimes there still is. But we learned early on to confess our feelings so we can forgive and move on."
"That's awesome. I wish i could do that with ben."
"Sweetie," Poe coos. "You will. And who knows I might be able to too, one day. I still want to kill him on sight for what he did to you and little bit."
"One day I might be able to forgive, but not today."
Finn raises up his bottle of IPG from Long Creek brewery, the one they just bought. "Here's to not today!"
Rey chuckles, and Poe holds up his bottle. "Not today!" they cheer.
"Oh, one more thing. Hux told us that he had to test you for preeclampsia today. Do you know how bad that is? Little bit will be here a lot sooner than you realize. I know losing ben is hard and having the baby without a father is difficult also. But you are stronger than this. Don't let that ass take your baby. Don't cry, Rey," he pulls her to his side. Her tears get his shirt wet but doesn't seem to notice. They sit there for who knows how long, but when she picks up her head, Poe asks, "When will Han and Leia be here?"
"They're flying in tomorrow."
"Are they staying until New Year's?"
"Yeah, as far as I know. Do we have plans for New Year's?" She asks. She's always so tired here lately but she'd love to go out.
"We thought about having a little thing at the brewery-" Poe begins.
"Yes please! I'd love to go out one more time before Little Bit gets here." She rubs her stomach. "You know, give me a chance to look cute one last time. Han and Leia can come-"
"Fine, we'll start planning a party, you have to help though, as long as you don't start feeling bad."
"Yay!" Rey cheers. "Now, let's start with food-"
Brbrbrbrbr
Surprisingly, no babies are demanding to be born on Christmas Eve. So, all four of them are at home eating a mis-mash of Rey's latest cravings: orange chicken, egg drop soup and crab raagons. They each ordered their own main course, but when the delivery guy showed up, Rey growls, "This is mine. I'm not sharing anything." But then she looks at Rose's Beef and Broccoli and Poe's Moo Goo Gai Pan. The Finn's Lo Mien smells amazing. While Hux-
He grins at her as he takes his place between her and Rose. He stares for a moment longer than normal when he gives her a plate. "Thank you Hux." Then she hands it to Poe who's sitting on the other side of her. Poe smirks as he looks between her and the plate. "Just a spoon-full, please?" She takes a deep breath to steady her nerves. "Jonathan-maybe-Benjamin-Kenobi-and-its-not-after-the-asshat-but-after-my-grandpa wants a bite."
"Jonathan?" Poe squeaks. "That was my dad's name."
"I like Benjamin," Finn adds. "Your grandpa would love it."
"Jonathan Benjamin Kenobi," Rose whispers. "Jonathan Benjamin Kenobi. I like it. It will sound good when you have to shout at the kid across the playground because he's about to hit a girl or something like that. I like it."
"I know I'm the new one to the group, but Jonathan means God has given. Then Benjamin means son of the right hand. So, it sounds like your son will be blessing to all who know him, especially you, his mother."
"Damn you Hux for making me cry," Rey sobs. Her heart goes to her memoires of the asshat, but she pinches her leg to bring her back to the present.
As much as she hates to, it's time to kill the past and let it die.
Brbrbrbrbr
December 23.
He was going to give her the ring this Christmas, the same one he can't find anywhere. Sometimes he wonders if she has it. Which is fine. It was meant for her.
But instead of his original plans, now he watches the so-called Knights of Ren beat up a poor schmuck who pissed off Snoke. He gives them five more minutes then he calls to them, "Alright, that's enough. Give the guy a break, it's Christmas after all."
"But Snoke-"
"Snoke ain't here, is he?" Vicrul growls. He has a new girlfriend and Kylo knows that he will be pushing for them to call it an early night.
Kylo waits for the seven to give the poor sap one final kick then go their merry way. He waits about five more minutes before he walks over to the bloody mess of a man. With the edge of his new Tom Ford loafers that match the new black suit Snoke gifted him from his own personal tailor he nudges him over onto his back.
He'd know this man from anywhere, it's the same one who recruited him after all. "You're getting too close, Dude. I told you about this. The only reason why they didn't kill you was Vicrul has a new girlfriend and he's actually trying to do right by her."
"They just wanted an update," Tobias Beckett's harsh whisper from too make old fashioned and getting throat punched fills the silence. Of course, they are in an old warehouse down by the river. Of course, no one knows this place exists.
It's part of Snoke's vast holdings that no one truly knows what's what. He has an idea since he got his promotion. Every day he wishes he would have ran home, got their essentials and ran with Rey by his side.
But he didn't.
"There's nothing new," he hisses and turns to leave.
But before he goes too far, he hears, "Are you sure you're not talking to anyone from your old life?"
"Why do you say that?"
"Your parents are flying to Asheville as we speak. Why is Snoke trying to buy a run-down ski resort in Madison County?"
"Madison who? What in the hell are you talking about?"
"Just find out what you can." Tobias finally gets to his feet. Kylo knows he should have helped him, but he hates all of this.
He waits util he gets into his car before he checks his phone. It took some convincing, but he managed to bribe one of the doormen of his parent's Fifth Ave penthouse. He doesn't trust the feds, if they could do their job, then why did they have to come along and ruin his life?
But he needs to make sure his parents are safe. He's pretty sure Rey is since he doesn't know where she is, and he's checked.
It's for the best, really. If he knew where she was, he'd probably go to her and beg for her forgiveness.
A text from the doorman waits on his burner phone.
Doorman: Your parents left today. Lots of luggage. Overheard that they wouldn't be back until after the New Year.
Kylo: Thanks man. No idea on where they're going
Doorman: Maybe NC?
He turns off the phone after transferring another thousand into the guy's . Then he uses the phone Snoke gave him to call American. "This is Kylo Ren, customer number 5634907. I need the next flight from New York City to Asheville, North Carolina."