I don't own the characters or the show. Never have never will.
Chapter 8
Molly awoke slowly, out of a beautiful dream that is no longer clear in her memory. No sounds were coming from anywhere; even the morning birds weren't singing any songs to greet the world. The quiet was nice though and Molly realized it wouldn't last for long so she should enjoy it. Pulling the covers back and removing a clean out fit from her small dresser drawer heads to the bathroom. Unable to stop herself she peeks into the main room, Carey's is curled up like a little boy his back to her so she's unable to see his adorable face. Ned is in the same position as the night before, but with a sleeping area like that he had so few choices on how he could sleep.
The bottle of her favorite shampoo was empty. Molly would have to use the stuff the boy's use, does a good job cleaning but doesn't leave a fresh scent. Removing her clothes that were now starting to smell a bit and had a dozen of wrinkles, she looks into the mirror. Focusing on her stomach area. It had been 15 years since she held a baby, could she handle it? Picturing herself that size wasn't possible, no matter how hard she tried just couldn't do it.
"Do me a favor little one, be one those extremely hidden pregnancies. I'll buy a car when you turn 16 if you do." Molly says while turning the water on the perfect temperature and steps in.
Irene and Ned were gone, went for coffee according to the note on the table. Carey was still asleep but had been up earlier because he had a different shirt on. Must likely got up to go with his parents but changed his mind and fell back to sleep. Jack's room was silent a pretty guess they were still catching some winks of sleep. Music could be heard coming from Annie's room; Molly passes right on by, still enjoying the quiet to say good morning.
Pouring a cup of orange juice, which surprised Molly that they actually had some pulls a seat out at the table. Sips slowly as if it's a rare treat and needs to be savored. It was 8:30 they had no plans or appointments until 2:00. Earlier Molly had promised Irene that they'd do some shopping, a girl's afternoon out. Annie was more then welcome to join them, but it seemed pretty apparent that she wouldn't. Molly didn't want to anymore hopefully she'd have new plans. Spotting the cell phone laying on the counter by the microwave pulls turns it on while removing a business card that Doctor Jaylor gave her from her purse.
"Union City Women's Health Center how may I help you?" A nice friendly voice that picked up on the first rang, Molly was impressed.
"Yes I was interested in making an appointment. The sooner the better." Her voice was being kept low in fear that Carey would wake up, but she hoped the recipient on the other end could hear her.
"Well we just had a cancellation for on at 9:00, or is that too early?"
"Oh no that's perfect. I would really like to take it."
"All right your name?" Molly gives her personal information and asks for directions on how to get the clinic. She would be cutting it short on getting there in time but she was sure being a minute or two late won't really mess up the balance of the universe. Clicking the off button on the phone and returning it to where she found it, Molly goes back to her room. Slides on her newly bought navy blue flat pumps from a JC Penny catalog that she discovered at paid 20 dollars more than verses going right to the store. Writes a quick note to leave on the table next to Ned and Irene's that simply said…..
"Went for a walk I'll be back in a hour or so."
-Molly/Mom (8:35)
According to the directions that Molly had received the clinic was four blocks away, in the other direction then the McDonald's had been. This town was dead, only a few people were out and around, and must of them were elderly couples that had must likely been up before 4 and would hit the sack by the time rush hour traffic forms. Molly used to hate walking or anything that involved exercise, but now was quite into it. And learned it really did help keep you in shape. Molly wondered if she should of awoken Carey and bring him along. After all he was equally involved with this. It was too late to turn back now and get him because the health center was in view.
Only one person was sitting in the lobby, it looked like she would pop out the child inside of her at any moment. Molly couldn't believe how young she was, barley a day above 20. It made Molly feel very old and once again silly for being in this position. She gave her name to person behind the desk and was told to have a seat. Like at all clinics the latest magazine was from 3 months ago on something that no one really remembers or gives a damn about now.
"Ms. Phillips?" Molly couldn't believe it being called for an appointment at pracilly the time it was made for. Quite impressive. The doctor was an elderly gentleman that had the kind of face that you instantly felt at ease. He took Molly's temperatures and other vitals while asking questions about her likes and dislikes to put her at ease. Then the uncomprfontable poking and pushing around started.
"Yep you're without a doubt pregnant, about 10 weeks." Molly couldn't believe that! There had to be a mistake, 10 weeks was like two months, how could someone be pregnant for that long and not know it?
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Want to see if we can find a heartbeat? I would do a sonogram but unfortunately we are unable to provide that." Molly just nods still in a daze over the number. The doctor picks up a some odd looking piece of equipment and starts moving it all over Molly's belly trying to find the perfect position. Then they hear it, the sound of horses galloping at a nice alert pace. The tears start to form yet again; Molly couldn't believe she was actually hearing her child's heartbeat! It sounded so beautiful, so healthy, and strong. And Carey wasn't here to enjoy this wonderful moment.
"Is there any chance I could get this on tape?" Maybe there could be away after all.
"Certainly." Fiddling around with more equipment and pushing a few buttons, a few minutes later the doctor hand her a tape with nothing written on the label. Since the appointment had been quickly squeezed in there wasn't time for a full check to see if everything in place, but Molly promised to schedule another one in a week. She decided that the fact she would be long gone by then wasn't important.
The walk back to the bus seemed to take longer then the walk to the clinic. Carey wasn't asleep anymore and all the blankets and pillows were back there hiding places. Ned and Irene didn't seem to be back either, and both bedroom doors were closed. But sounds from stereos and TVs could be heard so they weren't still sleeping.
"I'm glad to see you didn't get lost." Molly jumps a mile at the sound of Carey's voice; she hadn't seen him standing there.
"Nope not this time. Here I would really appreciate it if you listened to this." With a pounding heart she reaches into her purse pulls out the tape and hands it to him. Quickly leaves the bus and goes into the diner a few feet away, takes a seat with her hear still pounding. The minutes seem to pass on slowly and annoying like a dripping facet. Then from the window she sees the door on the bus open and a very pale looking Carey standing at the steps. He spots her looking at him, more like staring and walks over.
"Molly? Is that tape what I think it is?" All she can do is nod. As she watches Carey's knees give out and crash onto the floor.
