Chapter Fifty-Three ~ The Cemetery

Across the street from the mansion was The Trinity Cemetery, the burial place of Marty's parents. Todd and Marty had entered to pay their respects to Marty's parents and Mrs. Mendalhall. "Todd, I can't find Mrs. Mendalhall's grave anywhere. Do you suppose they had her buried in an unmarked grave? She should have a gravestone, just like all the others!" Marty cried out.

After her outburst, she winced in pain. She clutched her swollen stomach as a terrible ache shot through her abdomen.

"Marty, you're in pain," Todd said in concern as he wrapped his arm around her in a comforting gesture. "You need to rest. You need to..."

Angrily, Marty pushed Todd away. "Stop fussing over me!"

"You need to see a doctor," Todd insisted.

"I am not going to the doctor, so don't try to make me!"

"Goddammit, Marty, why do you have to be so stubborn?" he growled, losing his temper. "I suppose you want to give birth right here... in the cemetery!"

"I am not gonna give birth... not anytime soon. I am going to keep IT in as long as possible because I don't want to see IT."

"Marty, stop. This baby is a part of you...a part of me... AND a part of your parents. This baby is not an IT."

"It's also a part of Aunt Kiki and your disgusting uncle!"

She burst into tears, falling on the grave of her dear mother. The earth was damp against her cheek. Unfortunately, Marty had fallen upon her expanding belly.

Tenderly, Todd picked her up into his arms. He carried her through the cemetery toward the nearby waiting carriage. "Take us to the closest hotel," Todd said to the driver as he settled Marty inside the carriage. She lay her cheek against his chest as he was seated next to her. Marty was softly crying, her tears flowing onto warmth of his coat.

~x~

At the hotel, Todd carried Marty up the staircase to their rented room. Gently he lay her down upon the bed, helping her out of her coat and her shoes. "You should rest," he said as he kissed away her tears. "I'll go get the doctor."

"No!" Marty cried out as she held onto his hand. "I don't need a doctor. I need YOU..."

"But Marty, you're in pain."

"I'm fine now. There is no pain."

He soothed her and caressed her cheek. "It hurts me to see you in so much agony."

"I can't go see a doctor. I cannot bear for anyone to touch me. No one but you."

"Just stay calm. I love you."

"I'll be alright, Todd. I just got really upset. The pain is gone. I promise."

Todd placed a loving kiss on the soft skin of Marty's hand. He felt relieved as he cuddled her close in his embrace. "I love you so much," he heard her whisper.

Todd let out a sigh, the tension leaving his body as he fell asleep.