Disclaimer: I do not own DEBS or any of the characters used from the movie. They belong to Angela Robinson. This disclaimer applies to all chapters in this story.

A/N: This is sequel to I Remember. 08/15/2020

Chapter 1

Sounds of rapid footsteps and crackling leaves can be heard. With the sun shining from above, there's a need for sunglasses but not now. Dark shades would only hinder the eyesight. Sweat is forming. Body heat is increasing. There's wind but it isn't strong enough to penetrate the thick clothing and only provided comfort to the exposed skin which isn't much but the air though, the air smells different, undeniably more refreshing and pure and ...

"Come out!"

Nothing can be seen in the distance but now it's obvious who's hiding behind the tree.

"Give up!"

Damn it. There's not much left so let's hope this works. "Let's end this!" Taking one peek first before running out is necessary. First shot missed but it worked. She missed too.

"You can't hide there forever!"

She's right. Hiding behind a dead log is not a good idea. So here goes.

...pssh..pssh…pshh…psshh…

"Damn it!" It's more difficult than it looks. The dirt on the goggles got in the way.

"Well well, I finally got…AH!"

(chuckle) "Oh my god, I can't believe you fell for the oldest trick in the book. Next time, shoot first, then…OW!" Lucy yelped after getting shot in the thigh. The plan was to pretend to be out of ammo, then shoot Kat. That worked but she had no idea Alexis is nearby.

"You were sayin" Alexis laughed until she got hit from behind. "OW!" It hurts even with the protective gear. "You? How did you… Oh, that's low" Whatever she did to get away from Ethan must be a dirty trick. He probably didn't have the heart to shoot her.

"Would you rather I shoot you in the front? It would hurt more." Amy shrugged, smiling behind the face gear.

"A piece of advice, next time, make sure…OW!... BAABE?"

"Don't babe me. I asked you to talk about this first, but no, you ran off."

"It's just a game. What's there to talk…ow…OW! That hurts!"

"Just a game, right?" …pssh..pssh…pshhpsshhpsshh…

It is just a game so why is she pissed? It's hilarious though watching the once tough criminal leader getting hit with yellow paint then running away, looking like a chicken. Even Alexis is running off confused but laughing. "sso…what happened?" Kat asked, not expecting this to happen prior to coming to take a break from work.

"nothing"

Nothing is good but is that the truth? "If you want to complain about her, I'll listen. I'll always, always be on your side. Okay?"

People change over time. Kat certainly has. If she had spoken this way years ago, she would've learned the truth sooner. No thanks to Lucy who changed her mind about having a wedding vow, saying more than she should which confused Kat since Kat knows how we met. It took a long explanation, more lying that didn't work, and numerous apologies to make her understand that keeping the truth from her was for her own good. It's hard to keep a secret. It doesn't matter now; All is forgiven. What matters is that Kat deserves to know what's happening now. "It's…the drugs."

"Drugs? What…...oh, you're pregnant?"

"Would I be running around if I am! Would I risk the chance of getting bitten by snakes, disease carrying mosquitos, wearing this suffocating helmet, can't hardly breath thru this thing, would I be here if I am?" Amy exhaled loudly before apologizing. A simple no would've been enough. There is no need to say it like that. "It's the drugs." Dr. Z calls it vitamins, vitamins that are necessary to get ready for pregnancy. She didn't think she needed them but didn't see any harm in taking them either. That is until she noticed something wrong.

"What do you mean? What's wrong?"

"nothing's wrong, I mean, not, I...forget it, forget what I said."

"Please don't do that." Kat said, holding onto her hand.

…my fault… That look of worry is plastered all over Kat's face. Saying nothing is wrong isn't going to convince her. It really is nothing but since Kat wants to know….

There's no one else around. Trees can't hear. Bugs wouldn't understand. Is there a need to talk in a whisper? There's nothing wrong with having cravings. Weight gain is part of the process. That's normal, that's… "oh…umm…tmi…but it's good to know, when it happens to me, then I'll know why."

Wow. Kat has changed. That's not what the old Kat would've said. The old Kat would have said the same thing as Helene once did. You're oversharing. That is too much personal info. Never one to kiss and tell, this time is different. Nadia would have been the appropriate person to talk to but since Nadia lives in the same house, talking to her about this just wouldn't be appropriate. Besides, it's nothing, nothing serious but it's also difficult to stop thinking about it. "Do you remember that night…" Kat couldn't attend the concert that night since she was on assignment. That night, a lot happened. Max showing up did surprise her. Lucy didn't come back down that night but the call from Aunt Erin did happen which sent her mind to nights of happy thoughts. Everything she wanted came true…well, it did in the dream. Maybe it was because of Max's reminder of the fortune teller from years ago, somehow her subconscious included pregnancy along with that night's events in her dreams. Maybe it was the conversation she had with Aunt Erin, the topic of having children came up. Maybe it was the appointment with Dr. Z that previous day, her anxious mind included Dr. Z in the dream. Maybe it's the effects of the drugs. Who knows. What she does know is that each dream she had, Lucy's reaction is the same.

"She…fainted?" Kat said, wondering how the conversation of prenatal vitamins, hormone changes, and inexplicable lust desires led to this. "It's only a dream. Unless she's knocked out, I can't imagine her…"

"Triplets, Kat. It's possible."

"mmm..I guess." Twins is possible but triplets, less likely. What's also not possible is for someone like Lucy who has had more experiences than most people of her age to faint over that. What's the question again?

"Forget it." No need to continue. Question marks are hovering above Kat's head. It is silly to stress over that. What happens happen and if it happens, then…

"Ssso…I'm guessing she didn't get all her memory back yet."

"huh?" Amy turned to see where Kat is looking at.

"Does she know she's attracting attention?"

Amy sighed loudly. For Kat to ask could only mean she found Lucy's behavior towards Grace out of the norm. They might have only met two times in the past 2 weeks, but their friendly conversations didn't go unnoticed just like now. It looks like Lucy is showing Grace how to handle the paintball gun. "They're just friends."

"I'm sure they are. What does Ethan think?"

Ethan? What can he possibly say or do other than continue trying. But he's probably thinking this opportunity isn't turning out the way he expected and with Alexis here, his time to get alone with Grace is next to impossible. A game of paintball wasn't his suggestion but he was thrilled to be invited and more excited to learn that Grace is staying in London for a few months to take courses. He's not the only one. Did he know that Alexis would be here? Did Alexis know that he would be here? She must have because why else would she want to be here? Paintball is fun but not to everyone especially to those who prefer a clean environment like indoor laser tag. Maybe she wants to show Grace the other side of her, not just a typical fashion designer who enjoys shopping.

"Want to go?" Amy asked.

"one more round" Lucy said before returning to Grace. "Next week, let's go to a shooting range."

"you're on"

No need to look at Ethan to know what he's thinking. If he knew about Grace's confession, he'd definitely get the wrong idea. No need to explain since situations like this can easily be taken care off. "I'm not feeling well." That's all it takes to change Lucy's mind, hopefully convincing Ethan that being married to the former criminal leader is as good as she said. Not using the word great doesn't mean it's not. Having more disagreements than the married couple next door doesn't mean there are issues. It means our marriage life is different from Janet's who showed nothing but happiness. Zander does make a big difference. …(sigh)…

There's really no need to worry. Sleeping in different rooms is not a sign of marital problems. It doesn't happen often; sometimes it's necessary, nobody needs to know the reason and that includes Nadia who asked about it. She wouldn't understand since she's not married; she might someday or she might not. It's different for every couple. If she knew what our life was like years ago in Barcelona, maybe she wouldn't have asked. Disagreements happen. Sometimes disagreements can't be prevented but most of the time it's peaceful except on days when there are guests over like tonight.

It's not a party but having home cooked dishes is a must. That's because Grace is here too with Kat. Ethan somehow knew to come over. Nadia probably told him. Hopefully, his cooking skills would be enough to win Grace's heart.

"What…is going on?" Her vision is still not as clear as it used to be but she can see what's on the big screen tv from 15 feet away. If Alexis finds out about this, she's going to ask why she wasn't invited. It wasn't pre-planned, that's why. Regardless, she's going to be pissed.

"dessert's ready" Ethan said.

Oh Janet. What happened to the diet? Dessert looks good but Ethan, what are you doing? What he should be doing is sitting next to Grace not serving dessert. Is that what he's been doing in the last 20 minutes? After having just finished talking with Aunt Erin on the phone upstairs, this isn't what she's expecting to see when she entered the family room. Doesn't make any difference now but definitely need to tell him to change his method of pursuit, not now though. "Who…where did that come from?" It's not from a phone camera. It looks like it's professionally recorded. The tour ended only months ago, so it shouldn't be out yet. "Where…"

"ssshh"

Well, that's rude. Obviously Kat doesn't want to miss anything since she didn't get to go to the concert last time. She could always rewind it. What's the big deal? Not just her, everyone except Zander is focusing on the big screen tv, everyone except Ethan who is taking glances at Grace, probably regretting the decision he made earlier since he's sitting alone in the leather recliner instead of next to Grace. Those seats are taken by Lucy and Kat. Unlike the situation from yesterday, she can wait until the show's over to get her questions answered but it looks like Ethan can't since he left the room, taking the empty dessert cups with him half hour later. Lucy! That's what she would have said if no one else is around but this isn't the right time.

One and a half hours is a long wait. Show's over. Everyone who doesn't live here left. The concert is okay. It's difficult to enjoy it as much as others did especially Lucy who didn't take her eyes off the tv. Nadia, of course, enjoyed it and didn't let the opportunity go by without pointing out exactly when Holly proposed since no one noticed. It was good to see that Ethan knew how to take the opportunity given by his sis to show Grace his ability to induce laughter by admitting stupidity. That moment was hilarious so she kept her thoughts to herself since it would ruin Ethan's moment. Besides, it's not important; it's obvious where the video came from. What's important is to tell Lucy to

"stay away from Grace"

"We were just talking"

Sometimes, words come out wrong even if the tone is gentle. This is one of those times so it's necessary to clarify. "How do you expect her to see what Ethan is like if you keep talking to her?"

"It's not my fault."

"I'm not saying it's your fault but can you give him a chance…to get to know her?" That should do it. Lucy should understand now but what's that long sigh for.

"She's not right for him."

"Did she say she's not interested?" If Grace did, then she should let Ethan know. No response from Lucy could only mean she noticed something. Either that or she doesn't want Ethan to be with Grace but she didn't say he's not right for her. Just because she didn't say that, it doesn't mean that's not what she's thinking. "All I am asking is give him a chance." She should know she's in the way. Not everyone is as aggressive as she was. Not everyone knows how to create an opportunity. Kidnapping isn't going to work. Besides, Ethan would never…

"fiiinne" Lucy pulled the comforter above her shoulders before closing her eyes.

"and say a few nice things about Ethan"

"what?"

Now it's obvious she doesn't want Ethan to be with Grace. It's a simple request. Ethan has a lot of good qualities. Why is that so hard? That look clearly shows that she doesn't want to. "pleeease" Amy snuggled closer. It would take more than one word to persuade her. A kiss isn't going to be enough.

"mmm" Lucy moaned to the touch on her body. "I can't believe…you're doing this…for Ethan."

"I'm doing this…for our future babies." Amy said between kisses as her hand glided underneath Lucy's top. Did she get that? Babies. Should I tell her about …

"All this time I thought you love me, you just want my eggs."

"You just realized that?" It's difficult to keep a straight face. There's no need to try. It's difficult not to laugh. There's no reason to hold it in. "Ah!" That can't be controlled since it was sudden. Her body is extremely sensitive to being tickled. Giggling can't be controlled. If Nadia heard, she would know there is no need to worry. Every marriage has its ups and downs. The outcome of disagreements is usually making love which hasn't happened for a long time. That's what happens when your partner is a female too. Mood swings can't be controlled. The right moment doesn't happen often. "mmm" It's the drugs. It has to be. Never is her body in this aching need. Kisses on the neck is enough to…

"good night" Lucy turned the lights off.

What? What happened? Signal is given. Permission is given. There's no way she would miss that so unless she's not feeling well… "You okay?"

"mhm"

Then what's wrong? There has to be something wrong. 45 days without sex for Lucy is as difficult as being on a vege diet especially when sex happened almost everyday the last…time…ohh…too much isn't a good thing? She got bored? Is it because she knows this isn't me? Is it because she knows there's another reason for making love other than to make love? Does it really matter? "honey" Is there a need to explain? I didn't know this was going to happen. Dr. Z didn't…ohh. No need to ask why, it just became obvious. It's the damn drugs. It doesn't have the same effects on everyone.

That made sense until the next morning. That's what happens when she gets enough sleep, her mind is more clear. What the heck is in those vitamins!

"you okay?" Lucy asked since Amy is looking and poking into the bowl of oatmeal for the last few minutes.

"I think there's something wrong with the vitamins."

"What…"

"I think we should have them tested."

"tes.."

"I know there's something wrong with them, I mean, how could I be hornier than you? That makes no sense. I think we need to get another doctor. Let's use another clinic, okay?" Amy takes the half-eaten bowl of oatmeal and glass of milk towards the sink. It has to be the drugs. It has to be. She didn't ask the question but did get more information from Dr. Z than she had planned on prior to calling. The explanation shocked her and confused her, then brought her to tears. No explanation is needed to know why Lucy kept it to herself. No one else needs to know since it's bad news. Take all the pain herself since she can. That's how Lucy is and has always been. Just how long does she think she can hide it?

"babe, you…talked to…Dr. Z?"

Tears again can't be controlled. This time, she is able to hold it back in. Having heard what Lucy did by herself from Dr. Z half an hour ago, she came to understand why Lucy chose to sleep in another room for a month. Pretending to be unwell is easy. Every woman goes thru that once a month. Pretending to have a cold is as easy, a few coughs here and there but hiding the bruises is difficult. No wonder she was crying out in pain when she got hit with paintball that day. "Let me see." Injections are painful especially when it has to be done once a day for 20 days. The bruises are almost all gone. "I thought we agreed to do it naturally." It was agreed upon that natural IVF would be used. That was Dr. Z's recommendation since Lucy is still young and healthy.

"She…didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?" Dr. Z did say to bring all the vitamins to her to have them tested. When she asked if the egg retrieval date need to be rescheduled, that's when she learned that Lucy already did it. That's when the tears uncontrollably poured out. Even though the process is described as minimal invasive, no human, man or woman would be able to withstand having a tube go thru their private area. There's only one reason why Lucy would change her mind; She must be sick of doing it every month. Can't blame her.

"It didn't work, they failed to fertilize so I…"

The conversation with Dr. Z wasn't in detail but she understood that it failed the first two times. That's the cons of the natural IVF process since only one egg is retrieved every month unlike the traditional IVF process which has a higher success rate because more eggs would be produced but there are also side effects because of the drugs needed for stimulation. The pros and cons of each type of IVF and possibilities were previously discussed. The outcome of every appointment with Dr. Z was positive because there were no signs of abnormality in all the tests. So how did all 17 eggs failed? That doesn't make sense. Lucy is fit, she's healthy, she's strong, she's…talking…in lightspeed…pacing back and forth, sounds like she's angry at herself, at her own eggs. Is this normal?

"umm…honey, I think it's the vitamins."

"I didn't take the vitamins."

"youu..."

"Not the first time, Doc said I didn't need to."

"then…maybe there's something wrong with the sperm, she did say..."

"It's not just one donor"

"what..."

"I know I should've talked to you first I know I should I'm sorry I didn't I'm sorry I know I should but it doesn't matter bcuz it didn't work."

There is no pause in between. Why is she talking like Imo? This is not normal.

"My eggs are poisonous."

…poi…sonous?

"That's not funny."

It's not. It's the word used. "sorry" Amy apologized for the inappropriate reaction. A hug is necessary for all the pain she went thru. The possibility of failure has been talked about so she didn't expect Lucy to act this way. "Maybe they did something wrong, let's go to another clinic and"

"I already did."

"youu…did?"

"It didn't work, so I wasn't going to let them do it again."

That…makes…sense. Now it's obvious she never considered failure as a possibility. Why should she? She's fit not as fit as Nadia is but still fit; she's young, not as young as she used to be but still young; she's healthy not as healthy as she used to be but a few scars, bullet wounds, memory loss shouldn't have any effect on the quality of her eggs. Ohhh baby. Don't be like that. Lucy isn't crying but she looks stressed and frustrated. Seventeen eggs, all failed? There has to be a logical reason. Saying don't give up crossed her mind but she knows Lucy doesn't give up easily. At a time like this, what else is there to do other than give her a kiss and a firm hug. What else is there to say other than "Don't do this again."

"I…"

Amy immediately covered Lucy's mouth before she could get the second word out. "not without me and not next month, not until you get better, not until you're ready. I'll wait. Okay? I'm not doing this without your eggs." There's no smile but that's probably what was on Lucy's mind since she didn't continue with her previous thought. She had once said she didn't care whose eggs will be used but now knowing that she might not be able to have her own biological child must have made a difference. It's too early to talk about giving up now. It'd be redundant to repeat what Dr. Z said. Patience is a quality that Lucy lacks. What's more important now is to help her maintain a peaceful mind, clear of frustration, anger and any thoughts that would cause stress. Maybe this is why it didn't work. She was stressed over the first 2 failures. Money isn't an issue so what else would she be stressing about? "Okay?" This time, she got a nod but still no smile. "It could be the caffeine."