I'm on vacation so I'm not keeping caught up on these so well. In the show, Mike didn't find his family, but this is AU, so he does!
Shadows of the Past
Chapter 7
Christine's pregnancy advanced and she was beginning to wonder if she was only carrying one baby. She still missed Lucas, but she was finding a way to cope. One day, Paul came home and gave them an uncharacteristic hug, and made them all drink from his water bottle. He reported there was a cure and it was already transmitted. He said it was safe for Christine and the baby, but it worried her, due to the lack of prenatal care, and the fact that she wasn't so young anymore.
Mary Alice had been reading books and speaking with a neighbor who had been a nurse, to prepare for the birth. Paul had been adamant that Christine should not go to a hospital and Christine agreed. She just wished Mike would be by her side. She had given birth without him before, but it wasn't the same.
There were rumors about the James. Paul had heard that it was Mike's crew that had found and fought to bring the cure back. There was no word from Mike. It scared Christine but she had to stay positive for the girls and strong for the baby she was carrying. One day, in late February, the contractions started and Christine's water broke. Mary Alice's neighbor came and Paul occupied the three girls. On hour twelve, the neighbor; Gwen and Mary Alice were getting nervous.
"She should be further along by now." Gwen remarked.
"Christine always had long labors. I remember when Katie was born, Mike called us as soon as her water broke. Paul did chores, changed the oil and took a shower. It's a two hour drive to Chicago and she was still in labor for four more hours." Mary Alice answered while wiping Christine's forehead.
"I want Mike." Christine moaned.
"Young lady, if you are waiting on him, you are putting yourself and this baby in danger. I'm sure he wouldn't want you to wait." Gwen told her sharply. She'd been an old Army nurse who wasn't known for her tact. Just then Katie walked in. Of her kids, Katie was most like her father and Christine drew a lot of strength and comfort from her. She also had no patience for Gwen. "You're too young to be in here." Gwen told her.
"If it's okay with my mom, I'll stay. In a normal delivery it would be a doctor, two or three nurses and someone coaching the mom." Katie argued.
"It's okay. I want Katie if I can't have Mike." Christine answered. Katie sat down next to her and took the wash rag from her grandma.
"Alright, but one off remark…" Gwen answered.
"Yes, ma'am." Katie agreed.
The next hour, Katie breathed with Christine, held her hand, massaged her back and cheered her on. It was the most pain Christine had ever been in because Gwen had to pop her hip bone out of place, but finally two perfect babies were placed on Christine's chest. A baby boy and a baby girl. Gwen cleaned her up, and Paul paid her out of what little money they had left and she complained about it not being enough.
"I guess people have forgotten what it's like to be neighborly." Paul lamented as he held his newest grandson.
"If what you hear about Daddy and his ship is true, she'll be back to collect more or she'll be bragging all over town about it." Katie spoke up. For only being fourteen she was very grown up.
"I realize we really needed the money, but we'll be okay. God will take care of us." Mary Alice said.
"Mom, what are you going to name them?" Katie asked.
"I don't know. Can I sleep first? Maybe, Mike will be here when I wake up." Christine said. Paul gave her a sympathetic look, and Katie smoothed her hair back.
"I think a nap would help a bunch. Paul and I will look after the babies. You just rest. Katie will stay in here." Mary Alice told her as she picked up the baby girl.
"Yep, I want to stay here." Katie said.
"Alright, you don't worry about a thing. I'll bring them in when it's time to nurse." Mary Alice said. She bent down and kissed Christine's cheek and let her kiss both babies.
"He looks like Mike." Christine commented after they left. Katie had changed into her pajamas and was curled up next to Christine.
"Yes, he does. Can we name her after Dad's sister? I heard Papa and Nana talking about her today. I thought it would be nice." Katie asked.
"I think so too, but I think we should ask first. You were wonderful today. Thank you, sweetheart. I'm proud of you and your dad would be too." Christine said. She kissed the tip of her nose, just like Mike always did. It brought a smile to Katie's face.
"He'll find us, Mom. It's Daddy. I know it's hard but don't worry." Katie said. She was getting sleepy.
"Thank you, sweetheart. You go to sleep. You worked hard today too." Christine said.
"Not as hard as you. Watching that today makes me wonder why anyone would go through it more than once." Katie remarked. It made Christine smile.
"Because there is nothing better than being a mom. The pain isn't too bad. Go on to sleep. I'm about wiped out." Christine answered. Katie smiled and began nodding off with her head on Christine's shoulder. It didn't take long for Christine to also fall asleep, dreaming of Mike.