DESTINY
Chapter 21
With the success of the gala, the committee was now in the financial position to begin the program in earnest, which Dara threw herself into totally. It was now almost the end of May and everyone was hopeful for the program to be fully running by the start of the next school year.
For the most part, Dara was indeed able to avoid Landrum with the exception of the staff meetings and occasional patient inquires. She was again able to enjoy her work, and then the focus of her world altered considerably.
Lucas had come by the hospital to take her for lunch, he knew that she hadn't been feeling well, but since Caleb was also sick, as were most of the students she worked with, their assumption was that she had caught whatever they had.
Knocking on her office door, he entered to find her going over paperwork.
Looking up Dara smiled, "Hi, what brings you out?"
Sitting on the edge of her desk, he replied, "I thought I'd take my wife to lunch. How about it?"
Dara considered his suggestion, she really didn't have an appetite, but she could definitely use a change of scenery. "Sure, lets go." On the way to the cafeteria Dara spotted Matt. Explaining that she needed to discuss something with him for a moment she left her husband's side to venture over to him.
Matt, who was in the process of drawing a blood sample, held up his finger to indicate that he would be with her in a moment.
Dara nodded as she watched Matt insert the needle into the patient's vein, then when she saw the blood start to flow into the vial, she turned deathly pale and felt herself being engulfed into blackness.
Lucas saw her crumple to the floor and rushed over to help her.
Matt, having witnessed the same thing, quickly finished with the procedure and rushed out to assist as well. Motioning to Lucas, who had gathered Dara in his arms, into an empty examination room.
Lucas gently laid Dara on the table, and then attempting to lift her to a reclining position with one arm, while using his other hand to gently pat her cheek, he stated, "Dara, honey? Come on now, wake up."
Dara slowly opened her eyes and looked into her husband's as she stated, "Oh lord, I think I'm going to be sick."
Matt quickly grabbed the empty trash container and held it up, while Lucas supported her as she eased her stomach. Once she was calmed once more Lucas eased her down onto the table. Looking at Matt, Lucas inquired, "Do you think this is what everyone else has got?
Deep inside, Lucas knew what her ailment was, he had known the night that she had conceived that she was once again pregnant, but he knew it was best to let her make the discovery on her own, so he simply let things run their own course.
Matt shook his head at his inquiry, "I don't know, but she's due for her physical so now is as good a time as any to do it." With that he left to order the necessary tests need to complete a thorough physical.
When Matt finally returned after the results of the last tests had come back Dara looked at him inquiringly, "Well, are you going to give me something so that I can get over this virus?"
Matt shook his head, "You don't have a virus, Dara. What you have is a good old fashioned case of pregnancy."
Dara looked at him in shock, "Are you certain?"
Matt nodded, "I ran the test myself. You're definitely pregnant again?" Noticing the look on her face he asked, "It is good news, isn't it?"
Dara looked to her husband, asking the same question with her eyes. Lucas got up and pulled her to him, "I think it is."
Dara pulled back to search his face, "Are you sure? You realize that we'll have three children in diapers, don't you?"
Lucas nodded his acceptance of her observation, "Well, we'll have to keep Mrs. Carlton to help us out, that's all."
Dara sighed in relief that he wasn't upset over the idea of another child, then turning to Matt she pleaded, "Please tell me you'll be my doctor. I cant deal with another episode like Hanson."
Matt nodded, "For you, yes I'll do it. Now, why don't you go home and get some rest."
Lucas stood in the doorway of the nursery, watching Dara as she sat in the rocking chair deep in thought while observing their children, who were napping.
Coming in, he knelt by her chair and asked softy, "Are you upset at being pregnant again so soon?"
Dara sighed heavily then shook her head, "No, but you do realize that there wont be but a little more than a year between them don't you. I just thought there would be a little more of an age difference, but if it's meant to happen that isn't important, is it?"
Just then they both heard the front door open and close as Caleb announced his arrival. Looking at her husband, Dara asked in uncertainty, "Should we go ahead and tell him or not?"
Lucas contemplated for a moment before answering, "We might as well, he'll find out sooner or later." With that he held his hand out for Dara to take so that he could help her up from her chair.
Caleb had just sat down at the kitchen table with a glass of milk and a sandwich to do his homework when his parents entered the room. Glancing at them he inquired, "What are you two doing home so early?"
Dara had decided to speak up for them both as she answered, "I decided to come home early, I wasn't feeling very well."
Caleb gave her a look of sympathy as he offered, "I'm sorry, is it that junk that's going around school?'
Dara glanced over her shoulder to her husband for his reassurance, as the nod of his head she continued, "Actually, Caleb, I don't have a virus. I'm going to have another baby." Dara watched the play of emotions over his face as she continued, "I know that it's a little soon for it, but he fact is I'm pregnant and I know you love Alex and Riesa, so I hope you'll love this baby as much as you do them."
Caleb glanced at both Dara and Lucas as he asked, "Are you happy about the new baby?"
Lucas, who had stood silent, came to stand behind his wife and place his hands on her shoulders for support as he stated, "Yes Caleb, we are happy about it and we're hoping that you are too."
Caleb considered for a second before a wide grin came across his face, "Boy, we sure are going to have a lot of diapers to change around here."
Dara heaved a sigh of relief as she smiled at the boy, "Caleb, you might not be my natural son, but I still love you as if you were my own. I promise, no matter how many children we have that wont change how much I or your father loves you."
Uncomfortable at her show of emotion, Caleb blushed as he hugged her tightly and stated, "Aw, shoot, I knew that."
Later that night as Dara was brushing her hair, getting ready for bed she turned to her husband and inquired, "Any preferences this time?"
Lucas shook his head, "No, the only preference I have is for this to be a healthy baby and for you to not have to endure the suffering that you did the last time."
Climbing into bed, Dara smiled as she admitted, "Actually, that was the same thing I was hoping."
Lucas joined her after extinguishing the bedside light, then pulling her close to him he smiled down at her. "Nothing is going to happen this time, darlin."
Lifting up to kiss him, she replied, "I believe you."
Lucas held her close, lying awake after she had drifted off, considering the enormity of the promise he had just made. Then, deciding that regardless as to what it took to keep it he would keep his wife safe this time, he was finally satisfied and able to rest as well.
Devon Landrum, on the other hand wasn't having as much success obtaining sleep.
He was infuriated by the fact that the subject of his fixation, Dara, had evaded his attempts at getting closer to her, the fact that her husband always seemed to be hovering nearby complicated matters even further for him.
The final straw, however, came today when he happened to spot her chart in the out basket at the nurses' station waiting to be filed. Having 'accidentally' mixed it up with the patient files he had in his hands at that moment, he removed it to the privacy of his office to study it further.
When he discovered the findings of her exam he became infuriated even further at the idea of another man not only taking what he considered his place but also having has such intimate contact with her.
Sitting back and staring at the television screen but not really seeing it he made his mind up to what he had to do.
He had been planning since his arrival in Trinity what action to take, the only think eluding him was a secluded area, but fate had dropped that into his hands just after the charity gala.
He had been exploring the woods just outside of Trinity, when he discovered a small abandoned house. Exploring it further he had discovered that all possible exits were either boarded up or accessible only from the outside. Since his discovery he had been secretly furnishing it to make it as comfortable as possible.
Deciding that his patience were at an end with the situation, especially now that she was pregnant, he made his mind up to what he knew had to be done. Feeling more settled and at peace, knowing that he would soon have things in control again, he found that he would be able to sleep after all.
Dara had her first exam two days after the discovery of her pregnancy, as before Lucas wanted to be included in every aspect of their baby's life.
After giving her a thorough examination, Matt entered his office smiling. "Well, all the blood work came back and it looks fine, other than the iron deficiency, but we can fix that with your vitamins. You're a little underweight, but not much so I don't see that as being a problem, and according to the calendar, this baby should be making an appearance around the first week in February, so that makes you about six weeks pregnant now."
Lucas looked at him and asked the question utmost on his mind, "Do you think she'll have as rough a time with delivering this time?"
Matt shook his head, "I don't so, besides this pregnancy seems to be totally different so far from her last one, plus she had a lot of stress the last time as well as carrying twins, that always makes for a stressful pregnancy. No, I think she'll be fine this time."
Dara smiled tenderly at her husband as she asked, "There, are you satisfied?"
Lucas turned and stated, "I'll be satisfied after you've had the baby and I know you're all right."
Dara leaned over and put her hand on his arm, looking deep into his eyes, she replied, "Honey, I'm just carrying a baby, not a pouch of dynamite. I'll be fine." Looking at her watch she kissed him and stated, "I have to go, I'm, meeting with the school board in an hour. I'll see you tonight."
Matt watched the look on Lucas' face as he watched his wife walk out the door. He and this man would never be friends but one common ground they shared was Dara. Matt had come to care about he like the sister he had never had, he knew this man was capable of a lot, but he had no doubt of his love for his wife.
Trying to soothe his anxiety he stated, "She's going to be fine you know?"
Lucas looked up at the intrusion into his thoughts. "I know she is, regardless as to what I have to do to insure it."
Matt looked at him puzzled, "You think there's a problem besides her health, don't you?"
Lucas got up and closed the door, and then taking his seat he leaned on the edge of the desk to ask, "What do you know about Landrum?"
Matt looked at him in uncertainty, he had definitely had his suspicions about the man, but that was all they were at this point. "I don't know, I really don't see him that much, why?"
Lucas looked him in the eyes as he inquired, "You ever notice how he looks at my wife, Harvard?"
Matt sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair, "Yes, I'd be lying if I said I haven't, he definitely has an attraction to her and I know she's aware of it. She does everything within reason to avoid him, she said one time that he make's her extremely uncomfortable."
Lucas nodded, "Did you notice his performance at the gala last month? She couldn't turn around without finding him there."
Matt deciding that the information his wife had shared with him now needed to be passed along, "Yeah, I noticed, there was one other thing. Dara made Selena and Loris promise not to mention it, but when they went to Charleston for the day, Loris said they were eating lunch and he just showed up. Dara didn't want to upset you, but Loris said that it was obvious that she was shaken by it. She said it was like he followed them."
Matt seeing the direction his thoughts were taking at this new information offered, "Look, its none of business, but I can see what you're thinking, and between us as a husband I couldn't and wouldn't blame you, but you and I both know how Dara would feel about it and you have got to put her first."
Lucas glared at him until his statement hit reality, "You're right, and if it makes you feel better to know it she always comes first." With that he got up and left Matt with his own thoughts.
Shaking his head he muttered out loud to himself, "I hope everything works itself out for both of you."
Chapter 21
With the success of the gala, the committee was now in the financial position to begin the program in earnest, which Dara threw herself into totally. It was now almost the end of May and everyone was hopeful for the program to be fully running by the start of the next school year.
For the most part, Dara was indeed able to avoid Landrum with the exception of the staff meetings and occasional patient inquires. She was again able to enjoy her work, and then the focus of her world altered considerably.
Lucas had come by the hospital to take her for lunch, he knew that she hadn't been feeling well, but since Caleb was also sick, as were most of the students she worked with, their assumption was that she had caught whatever they had.
Knocking on her office door, he entered to find her going over paperwork.
Looking up Dara smiled, "Hi, what brings you out?"
Sitting on the edge of her desk, he replied, "I thought I'd take my wife to lunch. How about it?"
Dara considered his suggestion, she really didn't have an appetite, but she could definitely use a change of scenery. "Sure, lets go." On the way to the cafeteria Dara spotted Matt. Explaining that she needed to discuss something with him for a moment she left her husband's side to venture over to him.
Matt, who was in the process of drawing a blood sample, held up his finger to indicate that he would be with her in a moment.
Dara nodded as she watched Matt insert the needle into the patient's vein, then when she saw the blood start to flow into the vial, she turned deathly pale and felt herself being engulfed into blackness.
Lucas saw her crumple to the floor and rushed over to help her.
Matt, having witnessed the same thing, quickly finished with the procedure and rushed out to assist as well. Motioning to Lucas, who had gathered Dara in his arms, into an empty examination room.
Lucas gently laid Dara on the table, and then attempting to lift her to a reclining position with one arm, while using his other hand to gently pat her cheek, he stated, "Dara, honey? Come on now, wake up."
Dara slowly opened her eyes and looked into her husband's as she stated, "Oh lord, I think I'm going to be sick."
Matt quickly grabbed the empty trash container and held it up, while Lucas supported her as she eased her stomach. Once she was calmed once more Lucas eased her down onto the table. Looking at Matt, Lucas inquired, "Do you think this is what everyone else has got?
Deep inside, Lucas knew what her ailment was, he had known the night that she had conceived that she was once again pregnant, but he knew it was best to let her make the discovery on her own, so he simply let things run their own course.
Matt shook his head at his inquiry, "I don't know, but she's due for her physical so now is as good a time as any to do it." With that he left to order the necessary tests need to complete a thorough physical.
When Matt finally returned after the results of the last tests had come back Dara looked at him inquiringly, "Well, are you going to give me something so that I can get over this virus?"
Matt shook his head, "You don't have a virus, Dara. What you have is a good old fashioned case of pregnancy."
Dara looked at him in shock, "Are you certain?"
Matt nodded, "I ran the test myself. You're definitely pregnant again?" Noticing the look on her face he asked, "It is good news, isn't it?"
Dara looked to her husband, asking the same question with her eyes. Lucas got up and pulled her to him, "I think it is."
Dara pulled back to search his face, "Are you sure? You realize that we'll have three children in diapers, don't you?"
Lucas nodded his acceptance of her observation, "Well, we'll have to keep Mrs. Carlton to help us out, that's all."
Dara sighed in relief that he wasn't upset over the idea of another child, then turning to Matt she pleaded, "Please tell me you'll be my doctor. I cant deal with another episode like Hanson."
Matt nodded, "For you, yes I'll do it. Now, why don't you go home and get some rest."
Lucas stood in the doorway of the nursery, watching Dara as she sat in the rocking chair deep in thought while observing their children, who were napping.
Coming in, he knelt by her chair and asked softy, "Are you upset at being pregnant again so soon?"
Dara sighed heavily then shook her head, "No, but you do realize that there wont be but a little more than a year between them don't you. I just thought there would be a little more of an age difference, but if it's meant to happen that isn't important, is it?"
Just then they both heard the front door open and close as Caleb announced his arrival. Looking at her husband, Dara asked in uncertainty, "Should we go ahead and tell him or not?"
Lucas contemplated for a moment before answering, "We might as well, he'll find out sooner or later." With that he held his hand out for Dara to take so that he could help her up from her chair.
Caleb had just sat down at the kitchen table with a glass of milk and a sandwich to do his homework when his parents entered the room. Glancing at them he inquired, "What are you two doing home so early?"
Dara had decided to speak up for them both as she answered, "I decided to come home early, I wasn't feeling very well."
Caleb gave her a look of sympathy as he offered, "I'm sorry, is it that junk that's going around school?'
Dara glanced over her shoulder to her husband for his reassurance, as the nod of his head she continued, "Actually, Caleb, I don't have a virus. I'm going to have another baby." Dara watched the play of emotions over his face as she continued, "I know that it's a little soon for it, but he fact is I'm pregnant and I know you love Alex and Riesa, so I hope you'll love this baby as much as you do them."
Caleb glanced at both Dara and Lucas as he asked, "Are you happy about the new baby?"
Lucas, who had stood silent, came to stand behind his wife and place his hands on her shoulders for support as he stated, "Yes Caleb, we are happy about it and we're hoping that you are too."
Caleb considered for a second before a wide grin came across his face, "Boy, we sure are going to have a lot of diapers to change around here."
Dara heaved a sigh of relief as she smiled at the boy, "Caleb, you might not be my natural son, but I still love you as if you were my own. I promise, no matter how many children we have that wont change how much I or your father loves you."
Uncomfortable at her show of emotion, Caleb blushed as he hugged her tightly and stated, "Aw, shoot, I knew that."
Later that night as Dara was brushing her hair, getting ready for bed she turned to her husband and inquired, "Any preferences this time?"
Lucas shook his head, "No, the only preference I have is for this to be a healthy baby and for you to not have to endure the suffering that you did the last time."
Climbing into bed, Dara smiled as she admitted, "Actually, that was the same thing I was hoping."
Lucas joined her after extinguishing the bedside light, then pulling her close to him he smiled down at her. "Nothing is going to happen this time, darlin."
Lifting up to kiss him, she replied, "I believe you."
Lucas held her close, lying awake after she had drifted off, considering the enormity of the promise he had just made. Then, deciding that regardless as to what it took to keep it he would keep his wife safe this time, he was finally satisfied and able to rest as well.
Devon Landrum, on the other hand wasn't having as much success obtaining sleep.
He was infuriated by the fact that the subject of his fixation, Dara, had evaded his attempts at getting closer to her, the fact that her husband always seemed to be hovering nearby complicated matters even further for him.
The final straw, however, came today when he happened to spot her chart in the out basket at the nurses' station waiting to be filed. Having 'accidentally' mixed it up with the patient files he had in his hands at that moment, he removed it to the privacy of his office to study it further.
When he discovered the findings of her exam he became infuriated even further at the idea of another man not only taking what he considered his place but also having has such intimate contact with her.
Sitting back and staring at the television screen but not really seeing it he made his mind up to what he had to do.
He had been planning since his arrival in Trinity what action to take, the only think eluding him was a secluded area, but fate had dropped that into his hands just after the charity gala.
He had been exploring the woods just outside of Trinity, when he discovered a small abandoned house. Exploring it further he had discovered that all possible exits were either boarded up or accessible only from the outside. Since his discovery he had been secretly furnishing it to make it as comfortable as possible.
Deciding that his patience were at an end with the situation, especially now that she was pregnant, he made his mind up to what he knew had to be done. Feeling more settled and at peace, knowing that he would soon have things in control again, he found that he would be able to sleep after all.
Dara had her first exam two days after the discovery of her pregnancy, as before Lucas wanted to be included in every aspect of their baby's life.
After giving her a thorough examination, Matt entered his office smiling. "Well, all the blood work came back and it looks fine, other than the iron deficiency, but we can fix that with your vitamins. You're a little underweight, but not much so I don't see that as being a problem, and according to the calendar, this baby should be making an appearance around the first week in February, so that makes you about six weeks pregnant now."
Lucas looked at him and asked the question utmost on his mind, "Do you think she'll have as rough a time with delivering this time?"
Matt shook his head, "I don't so, besides this pregnancy seems to be totally different so far from her last one, plus she had a lot of stress the last time as well as carrying twins, that always makes for a stressful pregnancy. No, I think she'll be fine this time."
Dara smiled tenderly at her husband as she asked, "There, are you satisfied?"
Lucas turned and stated, "I'll be satisfied after you've had the baby and I know you're all right."
Dara leaned over and put her hand on his arm, looking deep into his eyes, she replied, "Honey, I'm just carrying a baby, not a pouch of dynamite. I'll be fine." Looking at her watch she kissed him and stated, "I have to go, I'm, meeting with the school board in an hour. I'll see you tonight."
Matt watched the look on Lucas' face as he watched his wife walk out the door. He and this man would never be friends but one common ground they shared was Dara. Matt had come to care about he like the sister he had never had, he knew this man was capable of a lot, but he had no doubt of his love for his wife.
Trying to soothe his anxiety he stated, "She's going to be fine you know?"
Lucas looked up at the intrusion into his thoughts. "I know she is, regardless as to what I have to do to insure it."
Matt looked at him puzzled, "You think there's a problem besides her health, don't you?"
Lucas got up and closed the door, and then taking his seat he leaned on the edge of the desk to ask, "What do you know about Landrum?"
Matt looked at him in uncertainty, he had definitely had his suspicions about the man, but that was all they were at this point. "I don't know, I really don't see him that much, why?"
Lucas looked him in the eyes as he inquired, "You ever notice how he looks at my wife, Harvard?"
Matt sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair, "Yes, I'd be lying if I said I haven't, he definitely has an attraction to her and I know she's aware of it. She does everything within reason to avoid him, she said one time that he make's her extremely uncomfortable."
Lucas nodded, "Did you notice his performance at the gala last month? She couldn't turn around without finding him there."
Matt deciding that the information his wife had shared with him now needed to be passed along, "Yeah, I noticed, there was one other thing. Dara made Selena and Loris promise not to mention it, but when they went to Charleston for the day, Loris said they were eating lunch and he just showed up. Dara didn't want to upset you, but Loris said that it was obvious that she was shaken by it. She said it was like he followed them."
Matt seeing the direction his thoughts were taking at this new information offered, "Look, its none of business, but I can see what you're thinking, and between us as a husband I couldn't and wouldn't blame you, but you and I both know how Dara would feel about it and you have got to put her first."
Lucas glared at him until his statement hit reality, "You're right, and if it makes you feel better to know it she always comes first." With that he got up and left Matt with his own thoughts.
Shaking his head he muttered out loud to himself, "I hope everything works itself out for both of you."