"Actually, there is."
While at the Corcoran residence and speaking with Shelby's parents, Amanda received a phone call from Olivia stating they had Hiram in custody. She asked the blonde to stay there to inform Shelby of everything they knew and then come back to the station. It seemed as if right when she got off the phone, Shelby had come down the stairs from her nap.
Shelby and her parents were waiting to see what Amanda was going to say, Shelby being the most impatient of them all couldn't help but say, "Please tell me it's good news?"
Amanda was relieved to be able to pass along good news to the mother, "Shelby, we have Hiram in custody. Right now, we are working with our ADA, I believe Olivia mentioned her to you, Alexandra Cabot; once she reviews the additional charges, we will question him. We want to have everything ready before we even speak with him seeing as he's a lawyer, we know he's going to try and weasel out of most, if not all of the charges…"
"He can't do that!" Katherine interrupted.
"Mom, let Amanda speak—obviously he can't do that," Shelby said, not meaning to come off as rude to her mother but she wanted to know everything and wanted to know it now.
"You're right Shelby, we have an air tight case against him as not only did the security cameras show him dropping Rachel on the streets of New York on the 24th," Amanda felt badly for saying that however, it was the truth. "…we also have numerous other charges. Right now we're doing something we call letting him 'sweat it out', in other words, Hiram knows he's done for. No matter what he says, there's no way around the truth of it all. The most important thing is, you and Rachel are safe. Your parents informed me the little one is sick," she frowned.
"…So I realize you won't be leaving the house anyways due to her ear infection, however, we've lifted your 'ban' on going out. More so," Amanda directed her attention to Shelby's parents, "You two are free to come and go now without cause for concern. Of course you and Rachel are too, Shelby but with the baby being sick, I'm sure you won't be leaving until she's well."
Shelby nodded along with everything the detective was saying while breathing a big sigh of relief. They got the bastard. He's locked up…we're safe. My baby is safe.
"We won't be going anywhere until Rachel is healthy—not to mention I need to figure out a way to get the paparazzi out of here and now that you have him locked up, I'm going to assume they will try to follow everything that's happening around the case."
"They can't," Amanda assured. "It's true, they are everywhere and will follow you however, they aren't allowed in the courthouse and all of our squad know to say 'no comment' on absolutely everything. I wish I could make them go away, however, as you know best it's unfortunately a part of your job."
"I know," Shelby frowned. "And as much as I love my job, I hate the paparazzi. I'd like to be able to take my baby out without them following us not to mention anyone else taking pictures just because they 'know me'. But you're right, it is a part of my job. After everything settles with him I'm hoping a sit down with a magazine, per my publicists recommendation, will get rid of most of them."
"That would be a good idea—if the media has something to read, more than your statement we can assume they won't be all over you like they are right now," Amanda agreed. "In the meantime, once Rachel gets better please don't hesitate to call us and we can do the same thing as last time."
"I appreciate that, Amanda—however, I can't take you away from the others who need you. I am not the only one dealing with a horrible person in this city. Plus, I'm going to need to learn how to deal with the paparazzi at least while we're in New York and I finish my work contract."
"I understand, just remember we're always here. Even when the case if over, we're still here Shelby."
"Thank you," Shelby smiled. The parents were listening to the conversation and were happy to hear not only was Hiram locked up, but Amanda was practically offering to go with Shelby anywhere to make sure she was 'safe' from the paparazzi so Rachel wouldn't freak out.
"So, what's next? I know you're letting him 'sweat it out' while the ADA prepares everything but what do we do while waiting? Do you know all of his final charges?"
"I know we have a lot to talk with him about—due to the physical evidence we have combined with Rachel's age, we won't need her which is the good news about all of this. We have your statement of what happened however, because you weren't the one who technically found Rachel, we won't need you in court either. We have Al Demarco, the security guard who found Rachel testifying along with Dr. Arizona Robbins to discuss Rachel's health when she was found. We also have plenty of evidence from what we found in Maine, and the statements given by the Marshals."
"Can we be there?" Thomas asked, knowing he himself wanted to be in that courtroom watching that piece of scum get destroyed by all the evidence and see his sentencing through. Not to mention, Shelby would never leave Rachel and she'd never bring her to court where the baby would have to see Hiram.
"Yes, because you are the family of the victim," Amanda herself winced when she said the word. "I'm sorry Shelby," and the brunette waved her off, she knew in the case both she and Rachel were considered victims. "…because you are family, you're allowed to be there. I want to let you know it won't be easy to hear—even though you have been informed of everything that's happened, it's completely different when you get into the courtroom and the evidence is shown on the big screen."
Amanda knew Shelby had seen the pictures they found in Maine, however, her parents weren't there when she was shown. Shelby had also seen the video of Hiram physically putting Rachel on the sidewalk watching as she started to cry clearly not understanding what was going on.
It broke Shelby—it's something she told herself she needed to see to physically and mentally help her little angel. Once Rachel feels better, Shelby wanted to talk to Arizona to see if some type of therapy could help her baby—anything to make her not so anxious about meeting/seeing new people. Shelby would literally do anything and everything to help Rachel.
"I'm not sure," Katherine stated, more towards her husband than Amanda.
"You don't have to come Katherine, but there's no way I'm not going to be there everyday so he knows Rachel has a family who will always take care of her and love her more than anything."
Shelby wasn't going to get in the way of their 'argument'; her parents didn't fight, never raised their voices, however they did disagree many times over the years. Shelby knew her mother was more fragile about all of this and was wondering if her brothers would be like her father and show up at court as well. It wouldn't surprise her; honestly, it wouldn't surprise her if Addie came as well.
While Thomas and Katherine were discussing everything, Shelby looked at Amanda and said, "I want to see him."
The kitchen became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. "I don't just want to, I need too," Shelby reiterated. Her mama bear side was coming out and she had a few choice words she'd like to say to the man who harmed her baby.
Amanda knew once Shelby made up her mind there was no changing it. Instead of trying to talk her out of it, Amanda said, "Once we have finished interrogating him, we can give you ten minutes."
"I only need five," Shelby said, and everyone knew she was getting worked up.
"Okay. I'm going to go back to the station now and see where we are with everything. I can also talk with Olivia to let her know you want your five minutes with him—I'll give you a call when you can come down but I wouldn't expect it to be for the next few days."
"That's fine, as long as I can have those five minutes before he goes to trial, I don't care when it is. I appreciate everything you've done for my family. I honestly don't know how to thank you and everyone else who has helped my little angel."
"We were just doing our job Shelby. I—" Amanda was going to continue speaking when they heard crying through the monitor.
"SHIT!" Shelby cursed, not noticing that Rachel had been stirring on the monitor. She took off running up the stairs leaving Amanda once again, with her parents.
Shelby entered her bedroom and saw Rachel sitting on her knees, her hair all over the place, pacifier nowhere to be found, giraffe in one hand as she pulled her ear with the other—tears streaming down her face.
"Mommy's here baby girl, mommy's here," Shelby scooped Rachel up and swayed back and forth holding her close. She smoothed out her bedhead and kissed her temple. "Shh, shh, shh, you're okay love bug mommy's got you."
Rachel simmered feeling herself wrapped in her mommy's arms and inhaling her unique scent: expensive French perfume mixed with vanilla lotion and a smell that could only be described Shelby. Rachel didn't like waking up in the big bed and finding herself alone but mommy came running into the room the minute she started to cry. If she was with her daddy, he never would have come and definitely wouldn't have held her.
The baby pulled at her mothers shirt and Shelby didn't deny her—Rachel was sick, most likely wouldn't be eating much so she'd at least be getting some of the nutrients she needed by nursing. Shelby wrapped one of Rachel's plush blankets around her and carried her downstairs feeling badly that she ran off from Amanda who was there trying to help.
Rachel didn't even notice they were going downstairs, her little diapered body was covered with a blanket with a hand on top of her mothers breast as she nursed hiding Shelby's body enough—not that she actually cared anyways.
Amanda saw Shelby come back down the stairs, Rachel now in her arms, clearly nursing and kept her eyes trained on the brunettes face. It's one thing for Shelby's parents to see her, another for her stylists and everyone who helps her get ready for shows but Amanda didn't want to be disrespectful in any way.
"I'm sorry for running off. I know you need to get back to the station, I just wanted to thank you again. You've done so much for my family—please keep me updated on what happens during the interrogation. I know we," Shelby signaled herself and Rachel, "won't be able to be there for the trial, but I'd like to continue to know everything that's going on."
"Absolutely. If it isn't too late tonight when we finish I will let you know everything and answer those questions you had for me about the charges. If it's late, I'll call you tomorrow. Please let me know if I can do anything else." Amanda then looked at the parents, "Thank you for the coffee and all your kind words."
Thomas was the one to get up and walk Amanda out knowing Shelby had her hands full, literally.
Shelby finished nursing Rachel, grabbed the antibiotic that was on the kitchen counter and then went upstairs. She knew it wasn't going to be easy to try and convince her little peanut to take two different medicines but it was necessary. Before going upstairs, Shelby filled a bottle with some juice to help wash down the medicine.
Upstairs, Shelby turned on Bubble Guppies and measured out the medications, "Rach baby, mommy has some yummies that will make you feel better."
Rachel looked up and saw the medicine in her mothers hands along with a bottle, she instinctively reached for the bottle only to be stopped by Shelby. "Drink one of these yummies before your bubba baby, it will make you feel less icky."
Rachel took the Tylenol then her mommy gave her the bubba, after 'rinsing' down the medicine, Shelby said, "One more baby, just a little more bubble gum." Shelby was thankful these medications actually had good flavors as opposed to when she was little—all medicine was absolutely awful tasting. Yes, Shelby absolutely tasted the Children's Tylenol before giving it to her baby knowing it wouldn't harm her and wanted to make sure it didn't taste disgusting.
Rachel whimpered but listened to her mommy who continued to hold her as she took her first dose of the antibiotic. She drank more of her bubba and looked up into green sparkling eyes, "Mommy is so proud of you baby girl. I know you feel icky and I'm so sorry—you'll feel better soon love bug and mommy will give you all the snuggles you want."
Rachel liked that; she loved her snuggles with mommy. Turning around so she was now chest to chest with Shelby, Rachel cuddled into her mother rubbing her face in the crook of Shelby's neck. Shelby rubbed little circles on her back, the blanket now gathered around the baby's waist so her bare back was being rubbed.
My poor little baby, she's still overheating with this fever—I don't mind the extra snuggles though. My little cutie gosh I love her so much.
Katherine and Thomas figured Shelby would be staying upstairs with Rachel for a while and decided to call the kids to let them know everything that's going on. Like Shelby assumed, her brothers wanted to come to court with Thomas and possibly Katherine—Addie wanted to come as well, more so to support her mother while the boys went to court (and hopefully meet her niece while there).
Lexie had school so she wouldn't be able to take off that much time—technically she could, but her parents said not to and what they say goes considering they're the ones paying for her education: kind-of. She has a scholarship so her parents were helping her pay for room and board; well, a nicer room, practically a little studio on campus instead of having to share with everyone else.
They didn't pay for any of their children's schooling because they were all amazing students who had full rides to school—and Shelby, well, she did her own thing but didn't ask for her parents help. She not only had her English and teaching degrees, she was so musically inclined and was able to start working on Broadway at such a young age they never truly worried about her. Of course they worried as her parents, just not financially.
The parents New York apartment would be ready to move into whenever they were ready—the paperwork had been signed and paid for by Shelby of course; she refused to allow her parents to pay to sublet an apartment knowing they were in New York to help her.
Shelby asked Jeremy how much it was monthly along with the name of his friend who had shown them a few different apartments and before Katherine and Thomas could sign the paperwork, it was paid for. They knew it was Shelby and wanted to 'fight' her on it, however, it wasn't worth it knowing she wouldn't accept any money from them.
Regarding the kids coming to New York, they really only had room for one of their children because it was a two bedroom apartment. The boys said they'd get hotel rooms and Addie could stay with their parents knowing she'd be the one to stay home with their mother, it would just be easier. That being said, nobody knew when all of this was happening so it was all up in the air right now.
The kids thankfully had extremely supportive spouses and jobs that they could take time off of immediately, or work from anywhere from which also made it easier. Addie was contemplating telling Shelby that when she was there she wanted to meet Rachel but figured it would be easier when she was physically in New York to convince Shelby to let her in.
Shelby wasn't trying to keep Rachel away from her family, she just wanted to keep Rachel's anxiety level down. She had already introduced her to nana, papa, Cass, April, Holly and Amanda was becoming a regular at the Corcoran residence; the baby also knew Mike and Joe however, she didn't like them very much because they were men and according to her little baby mind, boys yell.
Of course Shelby wanted Rachel to be comfortable with her aunts and uncles—she also knew they had their own families to take care of, not to mention they were all in Ohio and she was in New York. She wanted things to settle down a bit before adding more to her plate.
It didn't just take a lot out of Rachel, it took a lot out of Shelby too—seeing her little baby shaking in fear, crying, trying to make herself invisible rather than meet new people was breaking her down mentally and emotionally. Time, she just needed a little bit of time. Not to mention getting Rachel on a routine would be nice as well especially because she was going back to work soon.
She was hoping to have Cass over multiple times before returning to the stage knowing she'd most likely be the one to be with the baby backstage. Her parents would be there to help as well however, even though they were physically staying with Shelby, Rachel opened up the most around Cass besides her mommy.
Her parents were heading back to Ohio in 4 days to pack up what they wanted in New York, and when Rachel felt a bit better, Shelby was going to have Cass over again. The more comfortable Rachel got around her the better—she could see while they were at home if Rachel would be okay waking up from her nap to see Cass 'instead' of her, even though she'd be right in the room just in case.
It would be good to see how her baby handled waking up to someone other than her mommy in case it happened during a show. Even though Shelby had a bit of time, and could also take off more time 'all the time you need' according to David, she was hoping to be back sooner rather than later because her contract was almost over. Then again, Rachel came first so if she had to stop the show all together, so be it.
Shelby and Rachel briefly came downstairs for dinner that night and when the mother realized the baby wasn't going to eat much of anything and started to cry, went upstairs for the night. Shelby herself wasn't hungry either so she couldn't blame Rachel who wasn't feeling well. Rachel had a bottle filled with pedialyte to keep fluids in her little body and Shelby nursed her instead of the dinner nana made.
When Rachel was finished she sat herself up in her mothers lap and the poor little one looked absolutely miserable. "Do you want to take a tubby with mommy baby girl?"
Rachel nodded, colliding back down into Shelby's chest. She carried the baby into the bathroom and started running the bath adding plenty of bubbles to make her angel happy. When Shelby was stripped of her clothes she took off Rachel's diaper and they got into the tub. Shelby could tell how miserable she felt by the fact she didn't want to play with her bath toys, she just wanted to lay on Shelby's chest as the mother washed her little body.
20 minutes later, mother and daughter were out of the tub seeing as Rachel didn't want to play with her toys tonight. Diaper on, lotion gently rubbed onto her little body, Shelby threw on a t-shirt and panties and then they snuggled in bed together. Rachel pointed to the TV and Shelby turned Bubble Guppies back on so they could settle in for the night.
It was still early but Rachel had taken her antibiotics, wouldn't be due for another dose of Tylenol for a while and sleep would only help her get better. Focusing on her daughter and not what was going on in her head with everything else, Shelby rubbed little circles on Rachel's belly like she had multiple times as they watched the baby's favorite show.
It was almost 7pm when Rachel broke out into a fit of tears. Shelby turned her around and Rachel pulled at her mothers shirt—it felt like nothing was truly making her feel better besides being close to her mommy. She felt extra close when she got 'mommy milp' so that's what she was going to get. Her mommy never said no to her when she wanted it and wasn't about to start when the baby was sick.
Shelby nursed Rachel until the baby fell asleep for the night, smiling at the fact they had developed this bond like no other; she loved being able to nurse her daughter, it was so beautiful and she knew Rachel loved it just as much as Shelby did.
Rachel's body temperature was a bit lower, the last time the mother took her temperature it was 99.2, still a fever however, it was slowly dropping. She knew it could go right back up and most likely would but was happy the Tylenol was doing something.
In the time they'd watched Bubble Guppies and read a few different stories together, Rachel had finished a bottle of pedialyte which made Shelby happy knowing it was keeping her hydrated. Besides her breastmilk, Rachel had two bottles of pedialyte, a little bit of juice, and a few bites of the mac n cheese nana made her for dinner. Luckily, Shelby was able to nurse her five, or was it six times today? That has to make up for something right?
After Rachel fell asleep, Shelby grabbed her phone and text her best friends. She let them know everything that had happened, apologized to April and Holly for her behavior earlier (practically forcing them to leave after barely seeing Rachel) then had a separate conversation with Cass.
Shelby: Once my little angel feels better I want you to come over again. Rachel loves you, I love you, and I miss you.
Cass: I love both of you too babe, and I miss you as well. I'm sorry the little peanut is sick, that makes me sad. When she's feeling better, I'll be there. I will even cancel my classes to spend the day with my favorite people.
Hasn't she been through enough? It isn't fair, Cass thought to herself.
Shelby found herself blushing reading the last part of Cass's text. She's only met Rachel once and it's already so evident how much Cass cares.
Shelby: You don't need to cancel your classes love. We will figure something out…there's always the weekends too right?
Cass: I was actually thinking about taking a bit of time off. I want Rachel to be comfortable with me so when you go back to work, you'll know she's going to be okay.
Shelby: Cass, I can't ask you to do that.
Cass: You didn't. I care about both of you much more than my job. The amount of time off I have saved up is ridiculous, I could quit now and still be paid for the rest of your contract and then some. You know I never take time off so it's not like I'm asking a lot from them. Plus, they owe me for everything I do for that school.
Shelby smiled—it's true, Cass was a brilliant instructor who never ever took time off. She didn't want her to take off almost two months though, that would be crazy especially with her parents here as well. Shelby wasn't positive, but she assumed her siblings would also be in the city at some point too. Especially for her last show, she knew they'd all be there.
That was strange to think about…my last show; my daughter is way more important than Broadway. I've enjoyed my time, but Rachel needs me and I need to provide her with the best life possible. She will have the best life—if anyone deserves it, it's my little baby girl.
Shelby: I love you, Cassandra.
Cass: I love you too, beautiful. I know it's early but you should try and get some sleep, you need the rest.
Shelby: You're right, I do. I'm guessing Rachel will be up multiple times tonight so getting to sleep now will be beneficial for both of you. I'm glad we had some time to talk though ; )
Cass: Me too babe. I love you both, sweet dreams.
Shelby: I love you too.
Shelby put her phone on silent and then pressed a kiss to Rachel's temple. "I love you so much baby girl, sweet dreams."
The next few days were difficult to put it lightly—it took Rachel over 48 hours to feel better but after checking in with Arizona, she said not to worry. 'Her body is so weak and fragile it's harder for her to fight off an infection. The antibiotics will work and she isn't getting worse. I understand how hard it is to watch as your child is so miserable however, she will get better Shelby'.
Shelby and Rachel took many, many naps during those few days considering they spent a lot of the night awake; Shelby spent so much time in the rocking chair her father assembled for her in her room, in bed with a clammy and overheating baby on top of her, or in the bath, she felt like things were never going to get better. Shelby felt awful for her baby wishing she could take away her pain and did everything and anything to help soothe her.
Neither ate much over those three days—thankfully Rachel nursed, to what felt like all the time to Shelby, but she wasn't complaining. This was the only way her baby was really getting any nutrients besides the little bit of real food she actually ate. Shelby had to force herself to eat knowing the nutrients passed directly to her baby that way—she just wasn't hungry being so exhausted and so worried about her daughters health.
Day three is when smiley, giggly Rachel made her comeback. Shelby woke up to a tiny finger poking her cheek hearing, 'mommy, my mommy, mommy, my mommy' and felt like she could breathe again. Shelby had her little 'healthy' baby back—although she was still severely and scarily underweight, she no longer had a fever and her ear infection had cleared up.
Shelby's parents were leaving tomorrow and to fill the void Rachel may feel of them being gone (even though she's been sick and not the most personable with them) Cass is coming over after they leave which will be great.
Shelby was excited to see her girlfriend, Rachel clapped her little hands together and squealed when her mommy said Cass was coming back, and Cass was happy that not only Rachel was feeling better but that she was able to see both of them.
Things were looking up for the Corcoran's. Hiram was locked up, her parents were 'moving' to New York, Shelby had her perfect little baby back along with a gorgeous girlfriend who her daughter seemed to love. Everything is going to be okay, Shelby thought to herself before going to sleep that night.
"I love you so much baby, sweet dreams," she kissed the top of Rachel's head and wrapped her arms protectively around her little angel falling into the first peaceful sleep she and Rachel have had in days.