Before - Several years ago
Milly laid on the doctor's examining table in one of the best moods she had been in weeks. She was four almost five months along with her pregnancy, and they had learned recently that they were expecting a girl. Both Eric and Milly were thrilled, and decided on the name Lucky, since after several miscarriages, they finally were able to conviece. Milly was in the middle of writing another book, and Eric was working on a job helping to build a new addition to the high school. Milly felt wonderful being pregnant. She craved ice chips and oreos, and was really starting to show. Constantly Eric fussed over her, leaning down and kissing her stomach, and nuzzling his head against her. Both had wanted to be parents so badly, both absolutely couldn't wait to meet their little girl. They were planning on a few weeks to clear out Milly's office and turn it into the nursery. Already Geneva and her were looking through catalogs, and Milly was thinking of doing a unicorn theme. All of her doctor visits were going smoothly, and Milly honestly couldn't get enough of Eric. He had recently grown a goatee, which Milly found extremely sexy. Nearly every night they made love, and Milly had confessed to Geneva she had never felt so horny before in her life. She couldn't get enough of him. Geneva had laughed, saying it was just pregnancy hormones.
Milly meanwhile kept staring down at her growing stomach in complete wonder. She was so excited to have this baby girl. Today she had a usual checkup with her most recent doctor, Dr. Green. She had been following Milly's case, and had just recently started seeing her for her monthly appointments. Last month Eric and her were able to listen to the baby's heartbeat, and see her on the ultrasound machine, where the print out of it was stuck to their fridge. Today Eric unfortunately couldn't make it to the appointment as much as he tried. Sadly a few of the guys were out sick on this most recent job, and Eric as hard as he tried couldn't find anyone to cover for him. Milly reassured him that it was just a usual checkup, and that she would get a print out of the latest ultrasound for him. Eric of course felt guilty, but Milly insisted she would be totally fine. She planned on starting to shop for the baby today, little pink outfits and onesies flashed before her eyes. She couldn't wait to see this baby and see if she ended up getting her father's beautiful; brown eyes. So she drove to the doctor's which were in the city. She was taken in right away, and got up on the examining table. She made small talk with the nurse who got her all set up. Milly lifted her blouse, revealing her growing baby bump, as the nurse squirted the cold gel on her stomach.
Just then Dr. Green came in, smiling as she patted Milly's shoulder and asked how she was doing. The nurse stepped aside and wheeled over the ultrasound machine, as asked how Eric was doing? Before she took the paddle and placed it on her stomach. She flicked on the machine and was smiling. The nurse stood back looking over Milly's chart, as stared at the screen still smiling, before she said they were going to listen to her heartbeat, and then see how she's growing. Milly laid back smiling, looking at the screen, waiting for the comforting steady thumping that usually echoed around the room. She laid there smiling, giddy with excitement, when she saw the outside of the baby on the screen.
She smiled, staring at it. "Hi baby..." She said softly. Dr. Green squinted at the screen, smiling herself.
"There she is...now let's listen to her heartbeat, she looks nice and strong..."
She flipped the switch and a hollow buzzing sound echoed through the room instead of the thumbing. Milly laid there waiting, before Dr. Green squinted and looked at the screen. The buzzing sounded like static as Dr. Green circled the paddle around her stomach, something she usually didn't do. She even applied pressure against her stomach and Milly caught her brow wrinkle as she continued circling the paddle and staring at the screen. She then looked up and gave a small smile to Milly.
"You know what, give me a second to switch paddles, this one must be broken..." Milly raised an eyebrow, feeling a small flutter of anxiety flutter inside of her, before she nodded.
"Oh..."
She didn't say anything else as Dr. Green leaned over and whispered something to the nurse. She nodded, before crossing the room, and taking a new paddle from the cabinet. Milly watched silently as they hooked it up to the machine. Within minutes, Dr. Green smiled.
"Sorry about that. Let's try again. I can't wait to talk to you about that name. Lucky.! That's so cool."
Milly tried to smile, but she started to feel nervous and wished more than anything Eric was here. Dr. Green moved the paddle across Milly's belly, and the same exact static sound filled the room. Instantly she caught the look on the nurse's face. Dr. Green continued staring at the screen where the outside of the baby was. Milly could make it out perfectly. The dead static sound kept coming out instead of the steady thumping. Milly looked over.
"What's going on?"
Dr. Green sighed, staring at the screen with serious eyes, as the nurse meanwhile was looking down at the ground almost ashamed and embarrassed. Milly scooted up slightly on the table as Dr. Green sighed, before she turned, looking as if she was forcing a small calm smile.
"Lay back Milly."
Milly felt her heart start to pound.
"What's going on?"
Dr. Green smiled.
"Just need to take a better look. Sorry if you feel pressure."
Milly laid back as Dr. Green gently pressed the paddle against her stomach firmer. Milly felt uncomfortable, but continued looking at the screen where her baby girl was. Dr. Green nodded pointing to the screen.
"Okay great there's the head."
Milly felt slight relief as she looked at the baby, but still couldn't help how nervous she was. She wished more than ever that Eric was there holding her hand.
"What's going on?"
"Just keep breathing..."
Milly tried to relax and take steady breaths, but she couldn't help but start to feel the fluttering feeling of panic.
"How is she?"
Dr. Green sighed, before standing up straight. She stepped closer, looking at the ultrasound machine, before she turned, placing the paddle down. She looked at Milly with sad, and serious eyes.
"Milly, I'm sorry...we can't find the heartbeat."
Milly felt as if those words had been spoken inside some terrible dream instead of reality. No, this couldn't be true. She had felt the baby last night. She had been moving. She shook her head.
"No...she's fine. She's probably just hiding. Check it again."
Dr. Green sighed, and took one of her hands.
"I did. The baby doesn't have a heartbeat. I'm so sorry Milly."
Milly felt the baby slightly move inside of her, shifting as she usually did. She sat up, her eyes wide.
"I just felt her move! No you're wrong! She's alive. Feel!"
Dr. Green's expression didn't change. Milly noticed the nurse had left. Laying there, slightly sitting up, her pregnant stomach still covered in that gel, she pointed at the ultrasound machine.
"Just let me see her. Let me see her on the screen. I know she's alive doctor. I know..." Dr. Green gently squeezed her hand. "Milly. I'm sorry...your baby is dead." Milly couldn't control herself. Her eyes filled with helpless tears as she cried out...
"No!"
"I'm so sorry..."
"Wait! Just wait! She's alive! I know she is. Please, let's try again. I know she's fine. Please! This is crazy!"
Dr. Green continued to gently squeeze her hand.
"I'm so sorry honey. Can we call your husband?"
Milly thought of Eric working with the rest of the construction team working on the highschool, totally blissfully unaware of what was happening. Thinking even a few minutes ahead seemed impossible. She couldn't see herself able to call him, and tell him this impossible crazy news that their little girl they had worked on so hard to have was dead. Their baby who was kicking her up a storm just last night. No...this wasn't right. Life couldn't be this cruel. Not after Jet...not after the other miscarriages.
"I'm going to call your husband, I'll bring the phone in here. I just want you to breathe and relax Milly."
Milly began to sob, tears running down her face as she shook her head, never feeling so scared before in her life. She pointed at the ultrasound machine.
"Let's try again! Please! I know she's fine. She isn't dead!."
She looked down and placed her hands on her slimy stomach from the gel and got frustrated, tears still running down her face as she shook her head.
"Come on baby! Please!"
The doctor sighed, before she crossed the room to get the phone. Milly sat there frozen, tears running down her face. There was no way she could make this devastating phone call. It was just supposed to be a regular checkup. How could this have happened? Looking down at her stomach, she bowed her head and began to sob.
December 1988
Milly pulled back completely, taken off guard and shocked. She stood there as it continued to snow on her, eyes wide, mouth open, and completely stunned. Alex stood back and gulped. He shook his head.
"I'm sorry Milly, it's just...I like Geneva a lot, but for the last few months I've been watching you and I needed to tell you how I felt."
On impulse Milly roughly wiped her mouth, disgusted as she glared at Alex furious.
"I have a boyfriend! I'm with Eric! You're with Geneva! What's the matter with you?!"
Alex sighed and stared at her.
"I think I'm in love with you Milly. I'm sorry I can't keep pretending..."
He stepped forward, dropping his shovel before he leaned forward trying to kiss Milly again. She cried out, pulling away when suddenly something pulled Alex again with enough force to nearly topple her over. She stood back and saw Eric, standing in his PJ pants, and just a plain white short sleeve T-shirt. He was also barefoot in the snow. He grabbed Alex by the collar, and Milly saw the same crumpling expression in his face that he gave at the Halloween party. He brought his fist back, and punched Alex straight across the face, splitting Alex's lip. Blood sprayed out onto the snow as Milly cried out, jumping back before Eric threw Alex down into the snow. Alex fell hard, and stared up stunned at Milly and Eric. Eric, despite how he was dressed, stepped forward, and pointed his finger at Alex. He struggled, working the words out, but he spoke.
"You're...n...n...not...a g...g...g...good...f..friend!"
Alex laid in the driveway too stunned to speak, his lip split open and still bleeding. Eric's face was flushed with rage as he stared down at him, before Milly hurried over. She stood beside Eric, before she looked down at Alex disgusted.
"You better tell Geneva the truth or we will. Now dare you Alex. I thought we could trust you!" Alex slowly got himself off the snow, he touched his split lip, and blood dribbled down on his fingers. He looked up and shook his head at Milly and Eric.
"Milly...my dad's getting a promotion and we're moving to Seattle after the New Year. I just wanted to tell you how I felt before I left. I'm sorry..."
Milly and Eric continued glaring at him, before Alex dropped his eyes.
"I'll tell Geneva everything tomorrow. I know it's over. I guess I won't be seeing you guys around in the next few weeks. Milly...I know it wasn't right. But...I needed to tell you the truth. I love you."
Eric began to breathe heavily, his chest rising and falling fast. Milly gently squeezed his arm, and glared at Alex. Without so much as another word, Alex reached down and took his shovel. For a second Milly thought he was going to use it as a weapon against them. Instead, he simply took it, and touched his lip again with his free hand. He looked at Eric ashamed.
"Sorry Eric. No hard feelings. You're lucky to have her. Treat her right."
He paused for a second, before nodding knowing this was it, before he turned and ventured down the driveway, his head bowed down low. Milly held onto his arm completely disgusted, before finally Alex vanished as he headed down the sidewalk. Right away she thought of all those times Geneva and him doubled with them. How all those times he was looking at her, especially when they were all making out in the car. She felt dirty, knowing how he was looking at her that entire time, and was feeling those feelings. She thought of Geneva and her heartbroke. She had actually loved him, and for one panic filled moment she thought that this might end their friendship. Snapping out of it, she turned towards Eric, amazed.
"Eric?"
Eric stopped looking down the driveway, before he turned and stared down at her. Milly saw he was barefoot, and just in his PJ's, squeezing her arm, she pulled him back inside his house.
Later...
Milly had gotten Eric warm, she pulled out socks and warmer PJs for him. She handed them over in his bedroom, and demanded he changed. He pulled his clothes off in front of her, before stepping into the long sleeve short, and warmer pants. She made him sit down on the bed, as she pulled on the warmer thicker socks onto his ice cold pink feet. She used a towel to rub them, and get them warm before she put the socks on him. She took his comforter and wrapped it around him tight, and rubbed his sides. Eric finally looked over at her, locking eyes before Milly sighed.
"I'm sorry."
Eric raised an eyebrow and looked confused. He shook his head and took his arms out from the blanked that had bundled him up and began to sign slowly.
"You...didn't...do...anything."
Milly felt proud seeing him signing more and more. He fumbled, but had become determined to commuincate with her better this way. Milly sighed again and nodded.
"He told me that he was in love with me. I can't believe it."
Eric smirked before he signed...
"Can't say I blame him."
Milly sadly chuckled, before she took a deep breath.
"I guess he's moving away after the new year and wanted to tell me. I just feel so bad for Geneva. She really likes him...even said she loved him. She must not know. I'm sure she would be running over and calling me the second she knew. God...she's going to be a complete mess. I really thought Alex was a good guy..."
Eric shook his head and signed again...
"He is a good guy. He knew he was leaving and needed to tell you. I sorta feel bad for punching him, but I guess I flipped seeing him kiss you like that. You know I don't like fighting, and I like Alex. I know what it's like to be in love with you. I feel bad for him, but like he said...he's leaving soon and that's it."
Milly watched as Eric slowly signed all of that with only a few minor mistakes, but overall she got exactly what he was saying. She understood and smiled again sadly before nodding.
"Maybe we should cancle tomorrow night? Might be a good idea..."
Eric shook his head and signed again...
"Let's talk to Alex tomorrow at school if there's not a snow day. If there is we'll go over early and tell him he can't tell Geneva how he feels about you. She can never know. It will break her heart. We'll make him promise, and have him tell Geneva. After that we'll keep our distance. Okay? As long as your comfortable?"
Milly smiled and leaned in kissing his cheek.
"Sounds like a plan. Just so weird. We always did everything together, always double dated...God never once did I think he..."
She stopped, before shaking her head disgusted.
"I guess I'm just bummed out."
Eric smirked, before he opened the blanket, allowing Milly to snuggle in beside him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his shoulder, and sighed as he kissed the top of her head. Milly wanted nothing more than to stay here, but she knew curfew was coming up, and she needed to go home. Sighing, she looked up at him before smirking, and kissing him softly on the lips. When they pulled apart she smiled.
"God I love you Eric Gibb."
Eric smiled and signed...
"I love you too."
Later...
Milly returned home shortly afterwards. By then the snow had really started to pick up. She hurried across quickly, even though Eric had offered to fly her over to her window. She had softly laughed at this, thanking him, but said she needed to go through the front door since her mother usually listened for it, or could he watching TV downstairs with Garry. Eric had kissed her goodnight, before she left, hurring through the snow, before going inside. The house was warm and cozy, and just as perdicted, her mother and Garry were both in the living room watching the weather report. As soon as she came in, Garry looked over and smiled.
"Snow day tomorrow kiddo."
Milly's eyes widened as she smiled and hurried into the livingroom. Her mother was having a cup of tea and was laying on the couch, her legs draped over Garry's lap. They were botg watching the weather on the news, and Milly saw the school closings all ready flashing on the bottom of the screen. Milly smiled from ear to ear, happy about the long weekend, but knew Eric and her would have to sneak over to Alex's to talk to him. Still, originally the plan was for the four of them to go to the ice ring on the outside of town. Eric didn't know how to skate, but the owner allowed him to shuffle across in his sneakers. They had gone a few times last winter and had a complete blast. The plan was to do that and get a pizza, but Milly knew with the snow being so bad it would be closed Milly figured it was just as well. The more spare between Alex and them the better. Milly knew they would probably all end up doing something before Alex left. She was certian Geneva would insist on it. She figured she could make enough excused, such as her wanting to be alone for Eric's birthday weekend since Geneva would understand. Until then maybe after she learned the news of Alex leaving, she could spin it and tell Geneva that she should spend as much alone time with Alex, to soak it up, and find a way to say goodbye. She figured they wouldn't do long distance, and her heart broke for Geneva. She honestly thought Alex and her were meant for each other.
She thought back on all the times he was such a good friend, and part of her wondered if it was all an act? How many times was he looking at her instead of Geneva? She felt uncomfortable. Snapping out of it, she heard her mother say something. She turned, and smiled.
"What mom? Sorry?"
Her mother smiled.
"Did Eric like his gift?"
"Oh he loved it."
Her mother's eyes lingered on her, and Milly got the strangest feeling that maybe her mother knew that she had sex tonight. Milly forced a smile, before faking a yawn.
"I'm going to take a shower and go to bed."
Garry smiled and gave her a high five.
"Good job today kiddo."
Milly smiled, gave him a high five, before heading upstairs. She grabbed her PJs, and went into the bathroom. Luis was already in bed, and she figured Garry and her mom were going to tell him tomorrow when he got up for school, that there was a snow day. Smiling, she went into the bathroom, shut, and locked the door, and stood against the door looking at the tub. Here was where she gave Eric a bath before Thanksgiving. She remembered the night of the Halloween costume contest she had seen Eric naked for the first time. Smiling, her thoughts were interupted when the image and feeling of Alex kissing her. It wasn't like kissing Eric. It felt awkward and weird, and not right. Sighing, she grabbed a towel from the closet, and started the shower. Undressing, and stood understand the pouring shower head, instantly feeling warmed up and relaxed, She smiled tilting her head back, and then absentmindedly began to use her fingers to scrub her lips, as if she wanted to wash the feeling of Alex kissing her. She reliazed what she was doing, and knew she was being silly. Sighing, she knew it was the end of an era. She just hoped Alex would listen to them tomorrow and not tell Geneva how he felt. Part of her felt guilty, but she pushed those thoughts out of her mind, and wished that Eric was in the shower with her. Closing her eyes, she continued washing herself, all the while pretending her boyfriend was standing here in the shower right beside her.
Later...
Milly had crawled into bed. Her mother had just recently allowed Milly to save up and buy herself a small mini TV. She had been totally pumped when she got this fron the Radio Shack from the mall. It only got ten or so channels, but one of them was MTV. Luis of course went on and on about how it wasn't fair that he couldn't have a TV in his room, in which her mother replied that Milly always did her homework and chores...he didn't. Milly usually only had it on softly whenever she was drfiting off to sleep, where MTV would play their nightly lineup of music videos. Sometimes when Geneva slept over they had the TV going, or whenever Eric and her didn't have anything good to read, they would snuggle together on her bed and watch some stuff. Yawning, Milly put on her nightly face cream, rubbing it into her skin before it dissapered, before walking by her window. She smirked, seeing that the lights were off and that Eric was probably alseep. She hoped so, and hoped he was laying in bed listening to the Walkman she had gotten him. Blowing a kiss in the direction of the bedroom, she walked over, clicking on the TV, and turning down the volume soft enough that only she could hear. She climbed into bed, pulling her comforter up, before laying down, softly watching the Ah-Ha music video, before laying back against her soft pillows. Smiling, she tried to push away any thoughts of what Alex said and did, or Eric punching him. Instead she glanced over at her window, watching it snow, before turning back in the direction of the small TV. She smiled, before closing her eyes and softly saying...
"Happy birthday Eric." With that she fell asleep.
Early 2000's...
Milly sat almost in a trance in Dr. Green's office. She sat there, her hands limply laying on her pregrant stomach. She stared out into space, dark circled under her eyes. She halfway listened to her words. Eric sat beside her, squeezing her hand. It was just a day after they learned that their little girl Lucky didn't have a heartbeat. That the baby had simply died somehow, and now she was too far enough for and D and C. That they were going to have to have her deliver her. Eric seemed anxious, and had written down, showing Dr. Green, asking why they had to put her though this? Couldn't they put her out and have surgery? Dr. Green sighed and said that what they are about to go through is one of the most painful events ever in a couple's life. That doing a C-section would be extremtly dangerous in her conditon, plus the recovery time is nearly six weeks. After suffering this kind of loss, it was the last thing she needed.
She had already provided a therapist to see Milly next week. For Milly she couldn't think five minutes ahead of the future. Instead, she simply zooned out and Dr. green explained they would give her drugs to hurry up the process, and within hours she would be ready for delivery. Her hands laid on her stomach, no longer feeling any kicks. Dr. Green had explained she might experience phantom kicks, which were just nerve reactions of the baby moving. Milly had felt plently of these, and for hours yesterday became hyesterical, sobbing in Eric's arms, claiming that the doctor's were wrong, that their baby was alive. Now she felt nothing. She blinked, before nodding.
"Fine, let's do this."
Eric looked at her surprised. He was about to sign something, but Milly slowly lifted herself up from her chair and looked at Dr. Green.
"Alright, tell me what I need to do?"
Dr. Green sighed, eyeing Eric, before she told her that the nurses would bring her to a private delivery room. She would change into a gown, and they would give her the shot to start the labor. Milly nodded, before she stood there, hands resting her on pregrant stomach, standing in a complete trace, as if she was living in a nightmare that she couldn't make up from.
Later...
Milly sat up on the hospital bed, dressed in a paper gown, her hair sweatly and laying against her flushed face as she sobbed. She had been given the drug eariler, and four hours later after experienceing labor pains that came in waves, Dr. Green came in, checked her, and said she was dilated enough. The nurses had all been kind, and sensitve about this. Eric sat beside her, rubbing her back, kissing her softly on the temple, giving her ice chips, and holding her hand. The labor cramps started off faint, then got worse. Now she was sitting up, sobbing crying as one nurse held back her leg, and Eric held back the other. Dr. Green dressed in scrubs worked between her legs, coaxing her that she was doing fine, and that she was almost there. Eric looked a nervous wreck. Tears were in his eyes, glimmering, but he was trying to stay strong for her. She knew he was crushed inside, but was trying to be her rock as usual. he held her leg back, looking down at Dr. Weaver, and sighed, before the nurse told her she was doing great. Dr. Green looked up.
"One more big push Milly. Remember to breathe"
Milly took a deep breath, before she snapped her eyes shut, gritted her teeth as tears ran down her face, leaned forward and screamed before pushing with all of her might. That's when Milly felt her baby get pulled out of her, and instead of the joyful sound of a baby screaming...there was silence. Dr. Green sighed.
"Just what I thought, the cord was wrapped around her neck. I'm sorry Milly."
Milly collapsed back, exhausted. She watched Dr. Green lift the baby up, which was extremly small, and cut the cord that she saw had wrapped around the baby's tiny little neck, She watched as Dr. Green handed the tiny baby over to the nurse, who brought her across the room for a moment. Eric looked pale and unsure, as he slowly lowered her leg. He stood back helpless, before moving up, and taking Milly's hand. Milly took deep breaths, as Dr. Weaver worked on her, pressing gently on her stomach as she felt more pressure. Humilated, as well as devestated, she laid there never feeling such pain before. Laying there, she continued to sob. Eric gently kissed her hand, before Milly spoke, her eyes still shut.
"I want to see her."
Dr. Green looked up, before saying of course. A few minutes later, the nurse came over and handed Milly the tiny baby, wrapped up in the blanket, cleaned up. Milly laid there for a second, before she took the baby in her arms, and stared down at her. She was tiny, gray, and lifeless. Looking down, she felt defeated. Just a few days ago this little thing had been inside her moving and kicking very much alive inside of her. Hating herself, she closed her eyes for a second, feeling her heart break and more tears rolled down her face. Eric had pulled a chair over, and leaned down, still holding her hand, before he reached over, gently touching the tiny baby's face with her finger. Milly opened her eyes, hating how devestated Eric looked as he stared down at the baby. Milly sighed, her chest aching, before more tears rolled down her face.
Taking a deep breath, she looked down at the baby, knowing that much like Jet and the other miscarriages...she had failed.
"Lucky...I just...want you to know...how...much...we wanted you...I'm so sorry..."
Her face then crumpled, as she began to sob loudly. Eric held onto her, pressing his head against the side of hers, as both cried, looking down at their dead daughter.
Two weeks later...
Milly had recovered from the hospital, and they had Lucky cremated, and had scattered her ashes in the park where they had first flown, and spent so much time as teenagers. They had scattered them silently, and on the ride back home Milly broke down completely, causing Eric to pull over, and put the car in park, before wrapping his arms around her, and crying himself. They had both gone to the therpist, but Milly felt it was a waste of time. They were both taking some time off work, and spent their days wallking around in almost a haze. Milly took the pills the doctor gave her to sleep. She had offered some for Eric, who simply refused. She knew he wasn't sleeping well, and had spent his time making sure Milly was okay. He cooked for her, took care of everything around in the house, and had thrown out any edveince that they were expecting. Her heart ached knowing he had thrown away the little tutu oufit he had bought for her once they found out they were having a girl. Milly knew she was grieving in her own way, but she knew this had destoryed Eric.
He had worked so hard on getting her pregrant this time around, knowing it was all she ever wanted. Now Lucky was dead. Milly had imaged a spunky little girl with Eric's eyes and hair, but Milly's attitude. She day dreamed that Lucky would have filled their house with laughture, noise, and joy. That she would have loved being a tomboy, going outside, getting dirty, climbing trees, and catching frogs. She imaged her turning into a beauitful young woman, and for just a mere instant she saw her in a pretty sparking blue prom gown, standing with some cute teenager boy, rolling her eyes, and sticking her tounge out at her parents, making faces, as they tried to take photos of her. It was the same way she day dreamed about Jet. In fact, in her down little fantasy day dream they would have both Lucky and Jet, and they would all be a happy family. Wiping a tear that had rolled down her face, she found herself standing in the kitchen. Both hadn't really eaten much, dispite how many people brought over food. All really not knowing what to say. Milly hated that so many people had known she was pregrant, since now they all knew Lucky was stillborn. She hated the sympathy, the cards, the flowers, the hugs, and tears from everyone. Geneva had sobbed, but Milly knew she honestly did feel bad. Still, she knew Eric and her needed time alone. So today, she stood by the counter, staring off into space, when she heard Eric bouncing a basketball outside. She glanced out the side window of the kitchen, and watched Eric standing in front of the basketball hoop, and dribbled it a little, before shooting it into the net. Sighing, she watched him, knowing how hard he had taken this, remembering the look of heartbreak every single time she miscarried, the look of heartbreak and dissapointment in his eyes. He would never really admit it, since he always had be so strong for Milly. Still, she remembered the confused look on his face when they got to hold Jet for a little while as college students after her accident.
Holding Lucky had been just like that. Taking a deep breath, she crossed her arms, cupping the elbows of her brown sweater, before she walked out the side door and into the driveway. It was a beauitful clear Fall day, and she knew her mother had known about what happened since Garry sent flowers over and a card. Still, no sign of her anywhere...not even a call. Lookinh at the pretty yellow and red Maple trees, she walked down the driveway, her boots crunching against dried leafs as she walked towards him.
"Hey."
Eric turned, holding the basketball, before Milly softly smiled and opened her hands. Eric smirked, looking still so handsome with his gotee. He smirked sadly, before tossing the ball towards her. Milly rolled the ball back and forth in her hands, before she bounced it a few times, and tried shooting it in the basket. She missed, but Eric gabbed it and backed up, before tossing it back to her. She dribbled, before trying to shoot it again. This time it almost went on. Lightly, she chuckled, before Eric grabbed the ball again, and tossed it towards her. She took it, before aiming, and this time actually got it in. She smiled, for the first time naturally since it happened. The ball rolled towards her, before she picked it up and held it in her hands. Turning towards Eric, she looked at him, before sadly smirking. "Say...why don't we take a walk?"
Later...
Eric and Milly walked down to the park just like they did as they were kids. They held hands in silence, walking down the sidewalks, admireing the pretty shades of orange, gold, red, and yellow that seemed to cover every single tree. They made their way towards the park, before finding a bench close to where they had scattered the ashes, and close to where they had flown their first kite. Both sat down, still holding hands and looking around. Smiling, feeling the dull ache in her chest of grief, she looked down at herself feeling so empty, before she looked over at her handsome husband. "You miss her don't you?" Eric sighed, looking on the verge of tears as she watched kids play in the distance on the playground.
Finally, he slowly turned towards her and nodded. Milly squeezed his hand.
"I think this was the perfect place for her. We'll always feel her when we come here."
Eric nodded, before Milly leaned forward, kissed his cheek, and laid her head on his shoulder as the couple continued watching children play, wishing so badly they could have one of their own.
Present.
Eric was ready to slam the door in Milly's mother's face, but Milly stepped forward. She looked past Eric and stared at her. She looked much older now.
"Hello Milly. I'm sorry to bother you, but...Garry told me your due date was coming up and I wanted to wish you luck."
Milly knew the real reason she was here was because Garry earlier had dropped off a gift for her, giving her the biggest hug, and making her promise they would all have lunch soon after the little one came. Milly took a deep breath, before glancing at Eric, who stood in the doorway, his eyes narrowed, and glareing at her mother. She knew he was being protective of her, and having her here to upset her was the last thing they needed. Milly sighed, before looking out at her.
"You know mom...I don't buy it."
Her mother blinked and looked at them.
"Excuse me?"
"Last time we spoke on the phone, after hearing yet again how you feel about not only my husband, my life, and now my baby...I got so upset I started bleeding and was rushed to the hospital. If you're trying to make peace it's too late. I'm sorry you ever agreed with my choices, but I'm actually very happy and I'm not ever having you upset me that much again. I have my baby too much to hurt him...so goodnight."
With that, she gently pushed Eric back, and slammed the door right in her mother's face. Eric looked beyond susprised, before Milly took a deep breath, controling that mixture of rage, and anxiety over what she just did. She was slightly breathing hard, but she controled herself, thinking about the baby. She heard the sounds of her mother walking away, and felt relieved. Walking over to the bed Eric had just set up in the living room, Milly sat back, her hands on her large pregrant belly, before she got her feet up and laid back against the pillows. Eric turned and looked at her stunned, before he signed...
"Are you okay?"
Milly sadly smiled, before she felt the baby kick, and saw her stomach slightly move as the baby pushed itself against her, making little bumps in her shirt. Smiling, she gently rubbed her belly, before she looked up at him and smiled.
"For the first time in awhile...I feel really good."
Eric then suddnely grinned, before she motioned to him.
"Come on, let's cuddle. Perfect way to end a perfect day."
Eric smiled, and walked over, climbing in beside her, before she looked over at him, and smiled, knowing that she was okay. Eric leaned over kissing her, before he gently placed his ear against her stomach and smiled. The three of them all perfectly safe. Gently rubbing her stomach, Eric cotninued listening to her stomach, and Milly laid back, honestly never feeling better in her whole life.