This is the highly requested continuation of Family and Part 5 in the Into the Night series.
Disclaimer: See Part 1: Into the Night. U2 are obviously not mine, nor is their song which I made a brief reference to
*Note-Lily Rose, Adrian, Petty Officer Ross Parker, Rachel Parker and John Parker, as well as the new character "introduced" near the end are solely my creation and belong to me and my twisted imagination
EntwineD
(To Janet84 and all others who threatened bodily harm if I didn't come out with the next part soon:)
Harm and Mac's Residence
North of Union Station
Washington, D.C.
17:32 Romeo, January 1
Two-thousand had gone as fast as it come, making way for the new year. The real Millennium Two-thousand and one promised to transcend it's predecessor. December had confirmed that Harm had a daughter. Otherwise, it was highly unyielding. There was still no baby securely nestled in Mac's womb. Every time Mac saw a baby, she felt a pang of jealousy, even towards her god son and god daughter. How did that U2 song go? "Everything changes on New Year's Day."Mac could only hope.
Mac and Trisha cleared the dishes away. Lily Rose and her great-grandmother chatted in the living room. Frank had accompanied Harm to walk Jingo. Everything seemed so normal, the picture of the perfect family. They hadn't come thing way, they had been thrown into, and woven in each other's lives. There was Harm's mother, grandmother of Harm's newly discovered daughter, wife of Frank, Harm's stepfather who was now step-grandfather to Lily. There was Sarah, Harm's father's mother and Harm's grandmother, and Lily Rose's great grandmother. If she and Harm married, she'd acquire a mother in law, step father in law, great grandmother in law and step daughter. Harm would acquire a mother in law and sister in law. They were like ivy climbing and winding around fence links, their beginnings and ends indistinguishable. Entwined. Family. It made her head spin thinking about it. All she knew was that she loved it, it was the closest thing to a normal family she'd ever had. Everyone loved and cared about one another.
There was a knock at the door. Mac grabbed a dishtowel and dried her hands. She saw Adrian through the peephole. She opened the door.
"Happy New Year, sis." she said. "Who are they?"
"Harm's mother, his grandmother, and daughter." Mac stared at her, wide mouthed.
"Harm has a kid?!" she said incredulously.
"You're having a kid?!" Mac said mocking her.
Adrian patted her very pregnant belly. "As my stomach already establishes. Although, sometimes I feel like I have some alien growing inside of me." Mac let her inside and they went into the kitchen.
"What's Mom have to say about this?" Mac asked.
"She's not what you would called thrilled. She threw me out."
"Why does that not surprise me?" She wiped a plate. "I'm sure Harm won't mind if you stay here for a little while. Harm's grand mother is staying with Trisha and Frank at their hotel; and Lily Rose already moved into her apartment so the couch is free. What are you going to do, Adrian?" Adrian was just a kid herself. It seemed it was the MacKenzie curse to get knocked up at seventeen.
"I'm not sure, yet."
"Why didn't you come to me sooner?"
"Because, it was bad timing. I couldn't...." I couldn't tell you that I was having a baby when you just lost yours, Adrian thought. Mac bit her lip and nodded.
"Now lets go introduce you." Mac said, taking Adrian's hand into her own and dragged her to the living room.
********
"This is my sister Adrian." said Mac awkwardly to the trio on the couch. "This is Harm's mother Trisha, his grandmother Sarah and Harm's daughter Lily Rose." They shook hands with the girl. What would they think? Mac smiled through clenched teeth and let out a big sigh.
********
17:40 Romeo
Mac hesitantly went back to the dishes. Trisha joined her once more. "She's scared." said Trisha, coming up behind Mac. Mac almost jumped.
"She's a tough girl. How's it going over there?" she asked quietly.
"Your sister seems comfortable with them." she said. They heard chatter and laughing. "And how are you?"
"I'm fine."
"Doesn't it bother you? I know it has to."
"There's nothing I can do about it. I can't kick her out on the street. As long as she's around, she'll be a reminder of my inadequacies as a woman. Sometimes I really don't think I deserve Harm. He deserves better, someone who can give him a child." Harm had been tested and his sperm count was high. The problem seemed to be with her.
"You shouldn't measure your self based on whether you have a child or not, Mac." She put her hand on Mac's shoulder. "You're a wonderful smart, funny woman, a tough Marine, and talented lawyer. You do more in a day than most women ever do in a lifetime. Harm did something right. You're the only one I've ever approved of, the only one I could ever see my son with. He loves you. You make him happier than I've ever seen him. Whether you have a child or not, his feelings won't change for you." The older woman wrapped her arms around Mac, who was now in tears. "Shhh....It's alright." She stroked Mac's forehead. So this was what it was like to have a mother. Mac let go. "Thank you, Trisha." she said.
Mac wiped her eyes and disappeared into the bedroom. She flushed her face with cold water, pausing to stare at her reflection in the mirror. She was forced to reapply her makeup. She didn't want anyone know that something was wrong. Mac heard male voices, Harm and Frank were back. She heard Adrian oohing and awwing over Jingo. Harm asked where she was. It was time she made an appearance. Her family was waiting.
Mac came out the bedroom and joined the crowd in the living room. Harm firmly planted a kiss on her lips. "Can I see you in the kitchen for a minute, stick boy?" she said, as she unhooked Jingo's leash. "Jingo, time to eat." The dog followed.
"I didn't know Adrian was...coming."He said, not saying the more obvious, I didn't know Adrian was pregnant.
"I didn't either. Mom kicked her out."
"She can stay here, if it won't bother you."
"Bother me, why would it bother me, Harm? She's my sister." she said forcing a smile, as she scraped the dog food out of the can onto a ceramic dish which bore 'Jingo' in green paint. "Here boy."
"Mac, I know she's your sister but..."
"It won't bother me."she said. He came up behind her, wrapping his hands around her waist. He planted a kiss on her neck.
She turned to face him, capturing his mouth with hers. Their mouths broke away."If it's fine with you, it's fine with me, sweetheart."
********
An hour later, Frank, Trisha, Sarah and Lily Rose were ready to leave. Everyone embraced and said their good byes. Then it became quiet, too quiet. Adrian was exhausted from her trip, and took a nap on the couch. Mac and Harm told her that they were going to go for a short walk so they wouldn't disturb her.
It was cold outside, but not a bitter cold that froze your flesh and went deep into your bones. They walked closely together, Harm's arm around her. The air felt refreshing. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "Thank you." she said.
"For what?"
"For suggesting a walk. It was just what I needed." she said. He kissed her forehead. "I love you, Harm."
"I love you, too."he replied.
"We should go back." she said.
"Getting cold?" She nodded. He took off his scarf and wrapped it around her neck and held her closer. They weren't too far from the apartment. They turned around.
********
19:34 Romeo, January 3
Harm and Bud had gone out shopping for Harriet's surprise birthday party after work. Mac had told them that it was ok if they went ahead and got dinner. She and Adrian would make something or order in. They hadn't mentioned the baby since the conversation they had when Adrian first arrived.
"Do you mind if I ask who the father is?" said Mac. She pushed her grilled chicken caesar salad away. This was one meal Harm could not admonish her for eating.
"My boyfriend, Petty Officer Ross Parker."
"Petty Officer?!" Mac said incredulously. "How old is he? If anyone found out, he could be court martialed and charged with statutory rape."
"He's twenty-one."
Mac signed. "When did you meet him?"
"About a year ago when I came to visit you. Things just happened."
"And you apparently saw him six months ago. Why didn't you tell me you were here?"
"I wasn't. He came to see me in California as soon as they reached port. He loves me, I love him."
"Does he know you're pregnant?"
"Yeah."
"And?"
"He said he's support me in whatever decision I made."
"And what decision is that?"
"Well, I thought about abortion. But I could never knowingly, willingly kill my kid."
"I couldn't either."Mac said, almost inaudibly, but Adrian's hearing was sharp.
"You weren't sure if you wanted to have Harm's baby, Mac?"
"No."
"Then what are you talking about?"
"When I was your age, I was pregnant. I got into a car accident, the baby and the baby's father didn't make it." A memory of that night flashed before her eyes, followed by another. Not long after, she had gotten involved with Chris, and well it had been a disaster to say the least. She remembered pulling the trigger...She blinked and came out of her reverie.
"Oh my God!" she said. "I had no idea! I'm sorry."
"I don't want to talk about me anymore." Mac said.
"Okay. Last night, I made a decision, Mac. I want you and Harm to have my baby."she said confidently. Mac looked at her sister in disbelief.
"Do you even know what your saying?"
"Yes. I want you and Harm to adopt my baby. I can't take care of a baby. I haven't even finished highschool yet. I don't have a job. Ross is at sea. The kid deserves better. She desperately needs two parents who will love her and take care of her. You and Harm are desperate for a baby. I rather have her with you than with strangers. You'll be Mommy and Daddy to her of course. I'll just be kooky, adoring Aunty Adrian. What do you say?"
Mac just continued to sit there, frozen in shock.. She didn't know what to say. "How.... how much thought have you given this?"
"I've thought about it the past few months. Now it makes more and more sense. Just please think about it."
"Alright. I'll have to talk to Harm."
********
22:46 Romeo
Adrian was tired and went to bed not long after they had eaten. Mac had changed into red silk pajamas and curled up in bed in front of the TV. It was one of the few things she had brought with her when she moved out of her apartment. She had let a friend rent it, and sold her most of her furniture.
They talked of getting a place of their own soon, a place with actual walls surrounding rooms. Harm also talked about modifying the apartment they were living in now. He had restored practically everything since he moved in over five years ago. It wouldn't be too difficult to erect walls to create a new room, a room for the baby they planned.
She heard Harm come in, though he came in quietly, she was attuned to notice the slightest noise. She saw his silhouette in the door way, well technically what would be a doorway had the place had walls. He grinned at her. "Hey sweetheart."
"How did shopping for the party go?"
"We got everything we could possibly think of. I took some of the stuff to keep here until Bud needed it. Harriet insisted I stay for a late dinner and come get you and Adrian. But I told her that you two already had plans." He slipped on a pair of blue silk boxers.
He slipped into bed next to her. "You know, now that you did that, those aren't going to be on for very long." she said in a seductive whisper. She straddled his lap and planted kisses up and down his neck and jaw line before he took her mouth into his possession.
"You think you can be quiet?" he asked with a smile. "You're not exactly a mouse."
"It's all your fault." She pushed him down on the bed so he was no longer in a half sitting position.
********
After their love making, Mac rested her head on Harm's chest and he held her. "Harm?" she said.
"Mhmmm?"
"Adrian wants us to adopt her baby."
He lifted his head to meet her eyes. He smiled but then became serious. "I want us to raise a child together more than anything. She's positive that's what she wants?"
"Yes, Harm. She told me she couldn't possibly raise a baby now. She hasn't even graduated yet."
"She may want to give up her baby and play a minimal part in its life now, but that could change. You've only known her for two years. How well do you really know her? She may not be able to give up the baby. Then what? I can't stand to see in so much pain again."
Those are all great points Harm, but she really wants us to adopt the baby. I have a good feeling about this. And if she changes her mind, I can live with that."
********
20:17 Romeo, February 26
Things were going extremely well. Adrian was set on giving to baby to Harm and Mac and referred to her as 'their baby.' Adrian had wanted Harm and Mac to come for the sonograms and checkups. Adrian and Mac had gone and picked out baby clothes. Trisha gave Harm and Mac an antique cherry wood crib, rocking chair and changing table. The office had thrown a baby shower where they acquired a stroller, car seat and clothes. The Admiral had gotten a beautiful cradle for them. It would be perfect to put in the bedroom to keep the baby close.
"Harm!" said Mac laughing. "Stop tickling me." He complied and pulled her on top of him. She moved off him and cuddled his side. She laced her small fingers through his larger ones. Harm ran his fingers through her hair.
"What about Patricia, Harm?" she said.
"My mother hates her name. She'd hate to have her grandchild named the same thing. What about Sarah?"
"Aren't two Sarahs in your life enough to contend with?" she said with a smile.
"Three if you count Bud and Harriet's daughter. How about Sera, S-E-R-A?"
"That's pretty."
"Sera.....what? Elizabeth?"
"Sera Elizabeth MacKenzie Rabb?"
"I like that." he said with a grin.
"What about.....Sera Harmony Rabb? Harmony Sera Rabb?"
"I like the latter."Harm flipped around in the name book. "What about Kathryn?"
"As a first name?"
"Yeah."
"What about Jessica?" Mac suggested.
"Jessica....Kathryn Rabb or Kathryn MacKenzie Rabb?"
"Or there's Jessica MacKenzie Kathryn Rabb and Jessica Kathryn MacKenzie Rabb."
"Or....." he traced imaginary circles on her neck, "Kathryn MacKenzie Jessica Rabb or Kathryn Jessica MacKenzie Rabb. There are so many variations." She scribbled out the latest names they'd come up with. He moved the pad away from her and took the pen from her hand. "I think we need a break." he whispered against her neck. Before she could protest, he trailed kisses down her throat.
********
03:37 Romeo, April 5
Adrian awoke with a sharp pain shooting through her abdomen. Her thighs and blanket beneath her were wet. Her water had broken. Don't panic, you were expecting this sooner or later, she told herself. She was already two weeks overdue. The doctor had said it would be any day now. She slowly got up. She managed to reach Harm and Mac's bedroom. "Mac, Harm!" she called. They both stirred awake. "It's time." she said. They quickly got out of bed. Mac helped Adrian into the livingroom.
"How long ago was your first contraction?"
"No more than two minutes. My water broke when I was asleep. I'm sorry about the couch."
"Don't worry, sweetie."
"I'm so scared, Mac."
Mac wrapped her hands around her sister. "You'll be fine. You're strong. You've made it this far."
********
Arlington Hospital
Maternity Ward- Room 227
09:45 Romeo
When the time between Adrian's contractions substantially decreased, it was time to bring her to the hospital. Mac and Harm had gotten the day off from the Admiral and Commanders Imes and Mattoni were taking over their caseloads. Adrian was given an epidural and shortly after, she was brought into the labor room with Mac and Harm at her side.
********
Labor Room 3
10:52 Romeo
"I can't do this anymore!" screamed Adrian, squeezing the life out of Mac's hand.
"Yes you can, little sister."
"You've got the head out. Two more good pushes should do it." said the Doctor.
She screamed and pushed and then the baby was out. The nurse cleaned out her mouth and the baby began to wail. The Doctor cut the umbilical cord and clamped it, then he handed the baby to a nurse who wiped her clean. She tried to hand the pink bundle to Adrian but she held up her hands. "Let them hold her first, she's their's."
An elated Mac held the tiny baby before having to surrender her to a nurse again for fingerprinting, measuring and weighing.
Adoption papers were signed and the birth certificate was filled in with the exception of a name. The Admiral, his girlfriend Dr. Sydney Walden, and Lily Rose along with Bud, Harriet and their two children had come to see the baby.
*********
Outside the Maternity Ward Nursery
09:55 Romeo, April 6
Adrian and six pound, four ounce baby girl were ready to be discharged the next morning. Adrian stared through the glass at the tiny baby in her clear bassinet. She was so beautiful. Adrian knew she would bring great joy to Mac and Harm's life.
A man and women who appeared to be in their late forties to early fifties approached. She recognized them immediately. She opened her mouth but said nothing. They stood next to Adrian and stared at the baby.
"We came to see our grandchild." said the woman. It was Rachel Parker, Ross' mother and John Parker, Ross' father. "She's beautiful. She looks just like our daughter when she was a baby. What's her name?"
"Ask her parents." replied Adrian.
"We hoped you would change your mind."
"I haven't. She's my sister and her fiancé's baby." she said, shoving past them. Mac and Harm would be there soon. Hopefully they had decided on a name.
********
11:10 Romeo
Mac and Harm arrived a few minutes late. Both had been running around the apartment like chickens without heads making sure everything was perfect and that they didn't forget anything.
Discharge papers were signed, the birth certificate was filled out and Adrian and the baby were wheeled out. Adrian insisted that she could walk and Mac or Harm could carry the baby but it was the hospital's SOP to wheel patients out with their babies.
********
Adrian told Mac and Harm to drop her off at the bus station. "Don't you want to stay for a little while?"
"I can't. I already have a ticket. Mom's waiting for me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yup. I have to get back to school. I have three months to make up before I can graduate. Congratulations." She hugged Mac and Harm and then headed for the bus terminal.
Harm and Mac got back in the SUV and headed home with their beloved new daughter Kathryn Jessica MacKenzie Rabb.
********
(Continuation tentatively entitled Torn-Part 6 will be posted soon. Feedback please! I love hearing what people think. It also give me encouragement and an extra nudge to get the next story finished faster ;0) )