"The canopy was shattered."
"They're still trying to recover all the pieces."
"More coverage from Picon and the training accident that killed three. What went wrong?"
"Errmmmm," Laura mumbles as she begins to come to. Her head feels like someone locked it in a vice and her stomach is doing somersaults. She tries to open her eyes, but they don't want to cooperate, her fluttering lids making her feel even more nauseous. The little flashes she sees around her don't make sense. A television above her head. A blurry figure in a chair. A flower in a vase. The pungent smell of antiseptic stings her nose and she moves her hand to cover it, finding an oxygen cannula resting below her nostrils.
The tv clicks off and the figure approaches.
"Laura?" a voice asks softly. "Laura? It's Joe," he says taking her hand.
"Where?" she mumbles finally opening her eyes completely. They take a few seconds to focus on his face, his eyes staring intently down at her. She's in a hospital bed, and upon realizing that, the last few hours come rushing back to her.
"Noooo," she whimpers softly. "Nooo, Bill," she sobs, completely falling apart under Joe's gaze. "He can't be gone! We're supposed to have more time together," she gasps. The anguish she feels is unbearable, and her body starts convulsing as she gasps for air from the grief crushing her heart.
"Laura, honey, breathe," Joe says soothingly, running his fingers along the side of her face. "Look at me. Bill's not dead. He's going to be fine."
"What?" she asks, her eyes filled with hope. "But the doctor said his viper was completely destroyed. And people were killed."
"He ejected before it was destroyed. He's a little banged up, but he'll make a full recovery. C'mon, take some deep breaths with me. It'll help you calm down."
She mimics his breathing until her face relaxes, blinking a few times while her heart rate slows down. Bill has his father's eyes and staring into them soothes her.
"That's better," he says. "How do you feel?"
"My head hurts, and I kind of feel like throwing up. What happened?"
"You fainted and hit your head. Bill gave permission for them to start an IV because they said you were slightly dehydrated. You have a mild concussion."
"Where is he?"
"They won't let him leave his bed yet. His shoulder took a hit when he ejected and he's on some heavy-duty pain relievers right now. But I have a feeling he'll find a way to see you."
"Sir! You need to get back in your bed!" a nurse yells from outside Laura's room.
"Get out of my way!" Bill shouts back. "That's my wife in there!"
"You need to lie down because the medicine we gave you makes you dizzy, and you could fall!"
"I didn't take the last dose, now get out of my way!"
"I think he found a way to see you," Joe says giving her an amused smile. "I'll leave you two alone."
"Laura!" Bill exclaims stumbling through the doorway into her room. His left arm is in a sling, and he's using a cane to hobble toward her. "Gods, Laura, how are you feeling?"
"I'm better now," she breathes holding her arms toward him. While they embrace, she pats her hands along the sides of his face, then his uninjured shoulder, and down his side. "This isn't a dream, right? You're actually here?"
"I'm here," he assures her placing a kiss to her forehead. "I'm here. I'm real."
"I thought you were dead, Bill." She's barely able to choke those words out even though he's standing beside her bed.
"I know. Damn frakking military protocols! They won't tell anyone anything until they get everyone together. Scares the crap out of people! How are you?" he asks lightly touching her hair near where she hit her head. "The doctor said you were dehydrated. Have you been sick? Do you need to get in for a physical?"
"I'm okay. You don't need to worry," she replies covering his hand with hers.
"Laura! I'm worried sick! We need to have you checked out. Why were you dehydrated? When we get home, I'm taking you in for a full physical. We can't ignore this. I can't stand the thought that something might be wrong. Laura, are you listening to me?"
"Bill, shhhh," she says cupping his cheek trying to steady his nerves. "I'm alright. I'm more worried about you right now."
"Laura!" he groans. "I'll heal. This is nothing," he says pointing at his arm. "This is temporary. But you…I need to know everything is okay. And you need to get more fluids in you," he says eyeing the almost empty IV bag. "I'm calling a nurse," he says reaching for the call button next to her on the bed.
"No, Bill, stop!" she exclaims pushing the call button away from him. Her lips find his to distract him, refusing to let go.
He's reluctant at first, but then his lips finally part, and they enjoy a languid, gentle, loving kiss.
"Better?" she asks with a sparkle in her eye.
"I'm still calling the nurse," he says reaching for the call button again.
"In a minute. I need to tell you something."
"What is it? Laura, what's wrong?" he asks with a worried look.
"Nothing's wrong." A smile appears across her face as she calmly takes his hand and moves it to her abdomen. "Bill, I'm pregnant."
His look of worry quickly transitions to one of bliss, his eyes filled with love as he stares into hers.
"I know we decided to wait, but sometimes life just happens," she says cupping his cheek.
His hand slowly caresses her abdomen as he continues to stare at her. They've created life together - the purest proof of their love for each other growing inside of her beneath his warm, protective hand.
"You're going to be a father in about seven months. And you're going to be a great one."
"You'll be an amazing mother," he says finally able to speak. "Can you scoot over?"
"Why?"
"Because this is our bed until we can both go home. I'm not leaving you."
It's a tight fit but they make it work, Laura snuggled next to him with his chin on her head. "Our baby," he whispers in awe. "You're carrying our baby. She'll be beautiful just like her mother."
"Cheryl, when we get to Bill and Laurie's this evening, you can't bombard them with questions. Laurie hit her head and needs her rest. Bill's shoulder is hurt. We can't overwhelm them. We're just going to bring them some dinner, talk for a little bit, then leave. No running around or shouting," Dave explains.
"Sounds boring. Can't I just stay home?"
"No, they want all three of us there. I'm asking you to drop your energy level for a few minutes. I think you can do that for your sister and brother-in-law."
"We can watch a movie when we get home, Cher-bear," Sandra says.
"Viper Squadron II?" she replies enthusiastically.
"Sure!"
"Again? How many times has she seen that?" Dave asks while Cheryl zooms away in her imaginary viper pretending to shoot down cylons.
"It's okay. I'm having a mental romance with the actor that plays Rebound. I don't mind," Sandra shrugs.
"You know, Sandra, if you want, I could always set you up with someone," Dave offers.
"Oh, Gods, has it really come to that?" she asks with a horrified look on her face. "I'm such a freak that my father has to set me up on dates? I should just run away and join the circus now. I'm pathetic."
"Your probation is over, you're sixteen now, and you should be dating every once in a while. I know a really nice guy, he's a few years older, but I trust him."
"Like how old?" she asks, her interest suddenly piqued.
"Twenty."
"You'd set me up with a twenty-year-old? What's wrong with him?" she asks eyeing him suspiciously.
"There's nothing wrong with him. He's one heck of a nice guy. And you've already met him."
"Ohhhh, no. No, no, no, daddy. Don't say-"
"It's Jeff."
"Arrgghh! No! I can't stand him! 'Dr. Roslin, can I get you some tea? Dr. Roslin, can I get you some water? Dr. Roslin, can I get you something to eat? Dr. Roslin, can I wipe your ass for you?'" she mimics in a deep tone.
"Sandra!" Dave grumbles. "He's not that bad. He's a very nice young man and he thinks highly of you."
"Oh, tell me you didn't. Did you already talk to him about me? Daaaddddd!"
"I didn't set up a date, but I did tell him about some of your artwork."
"Did you tell him I'm a juvenile delinquent, too? Because I'm sure that's a deal breaker for most guys, especially ones as innocent and nerdy as Jeff. Probably never even kissed anyone."
"You're not a juvenile delinquent. You made some bad choices, accepted your punishment, and have moved on. Any guy that can't see that isn't worth having in your life."
"Hmpf. You're probably right about that. But I am NOT going out with Jeff Buttkisser. EVER. Besides, it's probably a violation of university policy for you to pressure him to ask me out."
"How so?"
"He works for you, dad! And he's applying to grad school – you're in a position of authority over him. You need to be careful."
"I hadn't thought of that. You're right. Maybe after he gets into grad school, though-"
"Daddy, NO!"
"You're here early," JJ says when Dave sits down at the bar to wait for his carryout order. "Or are you here to get some phone numbers?"
"No, I think I have plenty of those," he chuckles. "This takeout's for Laurie and Bill. I thought I'd get here early to beat the crowd."
"It'll be ready in about ten minutes. Joe told me about Bill's accident. And then Laura fainting and hitting her head – poor girl. Is that why you're all going over there tonight? Joe said he's taking them some groceries."
"I didn't realize he was going to be there, too."
"And Evelyn. Joe's wondering if Bill's going to resign after his accident. Those damn pirates are getting bolder. If it wasn't for Bill and Saul, they would have wiped out half the squadron."
"Yeh, that's what I heard on the news. I was hoping since Bill took out one of their ships, it might send a message that the military isn't going to put up with that. But we'll see. Do you really think he'd resign?"
"I don't know. He's a married man now. His priorities may have changed. So, been on any dates recently?"
"Nah. All of us had that stomach bug for over a week, then I had to get caught up from missing so much work. Hasn't been a priority recently. What about you? Any potential suitors on the horizon?"
"I told you I don't do serious. Just hit it and quit it."
"Ouch!"
"Believe me, honey, the type of men I go out with don't mind. No one's pining away for me. Annnddd…here's your order," she says when she hears the call from the kitchen.
She helps him carry it to his car, carefully placing it in the backseat so the containers don't tip over. "Dave, let me know what happens, okay? I'm worried about Bill and Laura."
"I will. Thanks, JJ. Is there any chance I could still get a reservation tonight? I was thinking about bringing Sandra and Cheryl here after we're done talking with Laurie and Bill. Or are you booked?"
"This is your lucky night. We're only about half-full, probably because of that virus. I'll put you down for a table of three, in about two hours?"
"See you then."
"I still don't know why I have to go with," Cheryl grumbles from the backseat as Sandra carefully drives the few blocks to the loft with her father in the passenger seat. "And you suck at driving, Sandra. We're never going to get there!"
"Dad, make her stop! I'm nervous enough!" Sandra complains, both hands gripping the steering wheel as she stares at the road in front of her.
"Cheryl, your sister is learning to drive. She's being careful," Dave calmly explains.
"She's being too careful. Step on it, Sandra!"
"Not another word," her father warns, turning in his seat to glare at his youngest daughter.
Five minutes later, Sandra pulls into the parking lot of the loft. She spends another two minutes trying to park, determined to get the car perfectly straight between the lines.
"For frak's sake, Sandra! Can I please get out?!" Cheryl grouses.
"Language, young lady!" Dave warns again. "What is with you tonight?"
"I'm hungry! And we don't get to eat here, and it'll take Sandra another six hours to drive us home, and then another hour to park! I'll be dead of starvation by then!"
"For your information, I made reservations for us at JJ's when we leave here. So if you want to eat your favorite Tauron noodles tonight, you better start behaving yourself!"
"Oh, but I want Tauron noodles! It's not fair if I don't get any because Cheryl's being a bitch!" Sandra whines.
"Then I'll get takeout for me and you, and Cheryl can have leftover green bean and ham casserole for dinner, then go to bed early. And don't call your sister a bitch."
"Oh, alright. That seems fair," Sandra says finally turning off the car. "You can get out now," she says, but the car door slams mid-sentence, Cheryl already running to the door and buzzing the com.
Joe and Evelyn are there putting groceries away in the refrigerator and cupboards, ordering Bill and Laura to stay on the sectional. Dave and Sandra bring the carryout containers in, Cheryl sprinting far ahead of them to put some distance between her and her father. As far as she's concerned, her dad has a new favorite daughter and it's not her. Why else would he side with Sandra in the car ride to Laurie's place?
"Cheryl, remember what I told you – tone your energy level down," Dave reminds her. But as soon as the loft door slides open, she runs inside with her arms out pretending to shoot down cylons and pirates. She rounds the sectional, then comes to a stop in front of Bill, throwing him a proper salute, and asking for new orders.
"Have a seat, Lieutenant Cheryl. I will debrief you in a minute."
"Whoa, how's your arm?" she asks, her eyes wide at the large sling that Bill must wear for at least two weeks.
"It'll be fine. It hurts, but that's just part of the job."
"Yes, sir! We viper pilots don't let pain stop us!"
"Well, this is going to stop me for a while. I'm on disability leave until this heals. Can't fly a viper with one arm."
"Daddy, can you put the noodles in the warmer and join all of us over here?" Laura asks. "Bill and I need to talk to everyone."
"Yeh, hurry up! I'm hungry!" Cheryl exclaims.
Sandra glances at her father who's frowning while he puts takeout containers in the oven.
"Daddy, can we still go, please? I think she'll calm down once she gets some food in her. If she doesn't, you can ground her or something. I really want to get out of the house tonight," she whispers. "Please?"
He places a kiss to the top of her head. "We'll see. Thank you for helping me."
He and Sandra then join everyone else around the sectional. Bill sits in the corner with his arm around Laura, both of them beaming about the news they are about to reveal.
"First off, thank you for the groceries, mom, dad," Bill says. "And thank you for the noodles, Dave. I'm glad everyone could make it." He turns to Laura and asks, "Do you want to?" and she replies "I think we both should."
They clasp each other's hands, take a deep breath, then say together, "We're pregnant!"
"Oh, my Gods!" Sandra shrieks, running to Laura and hugging her, then turning to Bill and carefully hugging him so she doesn't hurt his shoulder. "I'm going to be an aunt! I'm so happy for you!" she exclaims wiping tears from her eyes.
"That makes the three of us grandparents," Joe says looking from Evelyn to Dave, who is somewhat shocked at the announcement.
"This is wonderful news!" Evelyn exclaims hugging both of them. Joe offers his congratulations and hugs them as well.
"Daddy, are you okay?" Laura asks.
"Yeh. I'm going to be a grandfather. Your mother would be so proud right now," he says giving her a hug. "Congratulations, Bill."
"Cher, aren't you happy for Laurie and Bill?" Sandra asks, trying to encourage her little sister to congratulate them.
"I need to think about this for a while," she replies with a sour look on her face.
"Well, do you have any questions?" Laura asks, surprised that her littlest sister isn't jumping up and down with excitement.
"Will you still fly me around like a viper, Bill?"
"Yes."
"Will we still be able to go to pyramid games?"
"Sure. But we might bring the baby, too."
"I won't have to change any poopy diapers, will I?"
"No, no poopy diapers. We'll make Sandra do that," Laura winks at her middle sister.
"Alright. It doesn't sound like this is going to cut into my time with either one of you. Congratulations, Laurie. You're going to be a good dad, Bill. Can we go eat now? I'm starving."
"There're my girls!" JJ exclaims when she sees Dave, Sandra, and Cheryl walk through the door of the restaurant.
"JJ!" Cheryl squeals running toward her. "I'm hungry!"
"I bet you are, and I already have some noodles ready for all of you. Is it okay if I leave a pitcher of water at your table?"
"Yes, thank you," Dave says, then takes a seat at the table marked 'Roslin Party'.
A waiter brings the pitcher along with three already full glasses of water, and JJ follows with three large bowls of noodles.
"So," JJ says resting her hand on Dave's shoulder. "Everything okay?"
"Actually, can I talk to you in private?" he asks.
"Sounds serious. Why don't you come on back to my office?"
"What's wrong?" she asks shutting the door behind them.
"Nothing's wrong. Laurie's pregnant."
"Oh, Dave," she says, bringing both hands to her mouth. "Oh my gosh, I'm so happy! Bill's the closest I've ever had to a child and to think he's going to be a father, and Laura's going to be a mother…my heart is bursting right now!" She throws her arms around him, giving him a big hug and a kiss on his cheek. "What's wrong, honey? You don't seem very excited."
"I am. I'm thrilled. It's just that I realized Betty's not here to enjoy this. She would be so happy right now. She's missing out on so much, not just with Laurie, but Sandra, and Cheryl, too. I always thought we would enjoy these things together, grow old together."
As her eyes search his, she discovers a profound sadness that he's kept hidden from her before. She wonders what it must be like to have loved someone that deeply, and how terrible it must feel to lose them. No words can ever take away that level of grief, but she feels the need to try and make things better. Her arms wrap around him again, this time in comfort, letting him know he has a friend. "You have three beautiful, intelligent children, and a beautiful grandbaby on the way. Betty may not be here to enjoy their lives, but you can teach your grandchild all about her so that they will grow up knowing who she was. Nothing will change the fact that she is that child's grandmother. Nothing at all," she whispers to him.
"You're right. I know that," he murmurs tightening their embrace. "It didn't fully hit me until Laurie said she was pregnant, then it all became very real again." He continues to hold her for several seconds before suddenly taking a deep breath and loosening his grip on her. "I suppose I should tell you congratulations, since Bill is like a son to you."
"I'm so proud of him and Laura," she replies wiping a tear from her eye. "I'll probably cry about this later. But you need to go back out to your girls before your food get cold. I'm betting Cheryl is ready for a second bowl."
"She probably ate mine already."
By the time they return to the table, a waiter has already brought two refills for the girls. Dave's bowl is empty, just like he expected it to be.
"I'll bring you another one, hun," she informs him.
"JJ, will you eat with us?" Cheryl asks. "Your food is so good, I love it."
"Thank you, sweetheart. But I don't think it would be very nice to impose on your family dinner."
"Have a seat," Dave says pulling the chair out next to him. "Unless you need to work."
"It's a date! Let me go to the kitchen first, then I'll be right back."
She returns with two large bowls of steaming noodles. Hers are obviously spicier as they contain many more peppers than Dave's, and she brings an extra pitcher of water to help put out the fire.
Sandra listens to her father and JJ talk about Tauron food, discussing the historical significance of the spices and how JJ has thoroughly researched the colony in an attempt to bring the most authentic Tauron dishes to Caprica City. It's almost like they've known each other for years with the easy way they talk and laugh with each other. When her father samples the spicier noodles from JJ's bowl, he starts coughing from the heat, his face turning red as he reaches for a glass of water.
Sandra's eyes zero in on a lipstick smudge on the side of his face as JJ laughs while watching him down the full glass of water. She clears her throat and brushes her finger against the side of her face, trying to communicate to her father that he has lipstick on him.
"What? What is it, Sandra?" he chokes out after setting the empty glass down.
"I think she's pointing out the lipstick I left on your cheek when I congratulated you about your grandchild," JJ says winking at Sandra. "There's one way to fix that." She walks around the table and gives Sandra a kiss on the cheek, congratulating her on becoming an aunt soon, then does the same to Cheryl, who replies "Yuk!" and wipes her face with her napkin. "Now everybody has some lipstick!"
Sandra drags her finger through the plum lipstick on her face and examines it. Not even close to the same color she saw on her father's cheek several weeks ago. That's too bad. She likes JJ.