Chapter 3 of my fanfic 'Another Chance'. Please read and review. I would
love to hear what you think!
It was December 23, and the Greene house was bustling with preparations for the new baby as well as Christmas. Kerry had reluctantly called Mark into work earlier that morning, and even though he had already started his paternity leave. A huge snowstorm had hit Chicago the previous night, and with the ER slammed, he unwillingly went in after Elizabeth assured him that everything would be all right. After he left, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Ella spent most of the morning putting the finishing touches on the nursery, but now, as Ella napped on the couch in the living room, Elizabeth and Rachel sat at the dining room table wrapping gifts.
"Thanks so much for all of your help with the Christmas shopping," Elizabeth said as she tied a ribbon on the package in front of her.
"I had fun," Rachel said. "Christmas in St. Louis always seems to be rushed and stressful. It isn't like that here at all."
"Well, I'm glad you are having a good time here," Elizabeth said, pushing the first gift to the side and tackling another.
"I'm just glad I get to spend Christmas with you and dad and Ella," Rachel replied, smiling.
Elizabeth paused for a moment, rubbing her belly. "Me too. It will be. . ." But before she could finish her thought, a throbbing pain shot from her back into her stomach. "OOOH!" She moaned, grasping her abdomen more tightly.
"What? What's wrong?" Rachel asked, jumping from her seat.
"Nothing. Nothing's wrong," Elizabeth replied, taking a deep breath. "But I think our little guy has decided that today would be a good day to make his entrance into this world."
Rachel smiled widely, and then asked, "What do you want me to do?"
"Call the ER, ask for your father," Elizabeth instructed with a painful expression on her face.
After dialing the number, Rachel said, "Hello, Randi, this is Rachel Greene. May I speak with my father?"
"I'm sorry, Rachel. He is with a trauma right now," Randi replied.
"Elizabeth, dad is with a trauma right now," Rachel relayed the message to her stepmother.
"Just tell Randi that I started having contractions and to please have him call us as soon as he can," Elizabeth said, still grasping her abdomen and breathing deeply.
Rachel once again relayed the message, but then said, "She put me on hold." They sat for a moment longer before Rachel asked, "Is there anything else I can do?"
"No, I'm fine. Just wait for Randi," Elizabeth said as her contraction started to subside.
At County General, Randi rushed into Trauma I and yelled, "Dr. Greene! Your daughter is on line two."
"What's the rhythm?" Mark called to Abby.
"V-tach," she answered
"Charge to 300!" Mark shouted. Then, regarding Randi, he said, "Kinda busy here, Randi. Clear!"
"Still V-tach," Abby said after a moment.
"100 of lidocaine!" Mark called out into the trauma room.
"I need to intubate," Chen exclaimed.
"360!" Mark said. "Clear!"
"I'm in!" Chen stated. "50 more of lidocaine."
"Dr. Greene!" Randi called again.
"What?" he shouted.
"Dr. Corday is in labor," she answered.
"Ok, got a rhythm," Abby said.
"Randi, did Rachel say how Elizabeth is?" Mark asked, trying to multi-task between Randi and his family as well as the patient lying in from of him. "No response to painful stimuli."
"He wasn't down for long. He should come back to us." Chen said.
"As far as I know she is ok," Randi stated.
"Ok, I'll be right there," Mark declared as Randi rushed out the door and back to the telephone at the admit desk.
"Go ahead, Dr. Greene," Chen said smiling. "I can take it from here."
"Thanks," Mark replied as he took off the rubber gloves he was wearing. Beaming, he rushed out the door toward the admit desk where Randi handed him the telephone.
"Rachel?" He asked into the telephone.
"Yeah, I'm here," she answered.
"Is everything ok?" He asked. When Rachel told him she thought it was, he said, "Ask Elizabeth if she can talk to me?"
"Elizabeth, can you talk to dad?" Rachel asked, offering the phone to her.
"Yes," she commented. Then placing the phone to her ear, Elizabeth said, "Mark."
"You ok?" He asked.
"Yes. I think I've been having some small contractions all morning, but I never really thought anything of it. These are definitely the real thing now, though," Elizabeth assured him.
"Why didn't you call sooner?" He asked, slightly annoyed.
"I didn't think it was anything, Mark. And do you remember how long this took the last time?" Elizabeth said, returning his annoyance.
"Yes, but you still should have called," Mark said, momentarily forgetting the larger issue.
"OOOHH!" He heard through the phone, returning his thoughts from Elizabeth's stubbornness back to the fact that his wife was about to give birth to their son.
Pausing a moment to gather his thoughts, Mark eagerly said, "It doesn't matter. We just need to get you here, Elizabeth! I drove to work this morning. I'm going to come home and then drive you back to the hospital."
"That's not necessary, Mark. I'll just take the El," Elizabeth said.
"Tell me you aren't serious," Mark chided. "You are definitely not taking the El. I'll be there in ten minutes." For a short time, there was silence on the other end of the phone, prompting Mark to anxiously ask, "Elizabeth, you still there?"
"Yes, I'm here," Elizabeth answered, obviously frustrated.
"Calm down, ok. Everything is going to work out," Mark said, trying to calm and reassure his wife.
"I know. I just have to keep myself focused," Elizabeth said, trying to convince not only him but herself as well.
"You'll make it," Mark said gently. "I promise."
"I love you, Mark," Elizabeth replied.
"I love you, too. I'll see you in ten minutes, ok?"
"Ok."
A half hour later, Mark helped Elizabeth into the ER, as Rachel and Ella followed behind. "I don't know why you allowed Ella to sway you into letting her come with us, Mark," Elizabeth criticized.
"She just wanted to be here when her brother is born, Elizabeth," Mark stated as he placed a wheelchair behind the backs of her legs.
"Well, she is just going to drive Rachel crazy while they wait. They should have just stayed at home," Elizabeth scolded, as she sat down.
At this point, Mark was already trying to take Elizabeth with a grain of salt. He knew that the events of the day were making her very temperamental, and rightly so. "We're here now, Elizabeth. That's all that matters," Mark said.
As he pushed Elizabeth toward the Elevator, Rachel and Ella once again followed close behind.
"Is it time?" Kerry asked, passing them in the hallway.
"I hope so," Elizabeth replied.
"Well, good luck, and let me know if you need anything," Kerry said, smiling as she walked away.
Mark wheeled Elizabeth into the elevator and as he placed his hands on her shoulders, he felt her muscles tense beneath them. "Oohh!" she called, reaching up and squeezing one of his hands.
"Are you ok, mommy?" Ella asked, concerned.
"She's ok, honey," Mark answered.
When the contraction started to subside, Elizabeth looked down at Ella who stood holding Rachel's hand. "I'm fine, Elle," Elizabeth said, trying not to scare her daughter.
When they reached obstetrics, a nurse took the wheelchair from Mark. Kneeling down beside Elizabeth, he said, "I'm going to go talk to Rachel and Ella a minute to get them settled in. I'll be right back."
"Ok," Elizabeth said, smiling at him. He looked so incredibly happy; a smile covering his entire face. She knew that he loved his daughters, but just the anticipation of having a son made him almost giddy.
"Love you," Mark said as he kissed her cheek and then stood to watch the nurse wheel her down the hallway.
Hurriedly approaching Rachel and Ella in the waiting room, he once again knelt down, addressing Ella. "Sweetie, mommy and daddy are going to be busy for a while. I need you to stay here and be good for Rachel," Mark said, holding Ella's miniature hands in his.
"But I want to go with you, daddy!" Ella said fervently. "I want to see my brother."
"Ella, he isn't going to be here for a little while. I promise you can see him as soon as he gets here, though" Mark replied.
"Are you sure he's coming today?" Ella asked, innocently.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure, sweetie," Mark said, grinning at Ella's simplicity. "Are you excited?" Mark asked.
"Yes, daddy!" Ella said, as she started to laugh. "I can't wait!" Mark hugged his laughing daughter and then moved toward Rachel.
"I'll take care of everything, dad. Don't worry," Rachel replied.
"Thanks, Rach," Mark said, and then exiting the waiting room, he paced down the hall, searching for his wife.
When Mark made his way into Elizabeth's room, he saw her lying on the bed, her eyes closed, breathing deeply. Smiling slightly, he pulled a stool over and sat beside her. Taking her hand in his, he squeezed it gently, trying to comfort and support her. She squeezed onto his hand even tighter as a contraction wracked her body.
Opening her eyes as the contraction finally subsided; she tried to relax back onto the bed. "That one was the worst one yet," she replied, obviously uncomfortable.
Mark smiled at her sympathetically and squeezed her hand once again. "Can I get you anything?" He asked.
"No, I think I'm fine for now. I'm just glad you're here," she said, looking into his eyes. "Where are Rachel and Ella?"
"Rachel has Ella set up in the waiting room with a bunch of toys and coloring books and movies. They have enough stuff in there to entertain themselves for hours," Mark replied, smiling as he wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead with a damp washcloth.
"You should take them home, Mark. This could take a while," Elizabeth said hesitantly, not really wanting him to leave, but knowing how impatient Ella could get when she was bored.
"Elizabeth, like I just said, they have enough stuff in that waiting room to last a good day and a half. They'll be just fine," Mark assured her.
"I just know how Ella can get," Elizabeth said, lifting her head from the pillow and rubbing her swollen belly.
"Rachel can handle it," Mark said, confidently.
"She shouldn't have to handle it, Mark. I'm sure there is something else she would rather to be doing right now," Elizabeth argued.
"They're both fine, ok," Mark countered. "I'm not leaving you, Elizabeth, and Ella will be absolutely heartbroken if I take her home. She's so excited."
Elizabeth smiled, thinking of Ella. "I just hope she can keep that excitement in check for a while," she said, warily.
"It'll be all right," he guaranteed her. "Besides, you, my dear, have other things to worry about right now," Mark stated, trying to change the subject.
"Ok, ok," Elizabeth said, as she closed her eyes once again and rested her head on the pillows behind her, exhaling deeply.
Reaching up to her, Mark pushed a few tendrils of hair that had escaped her ponytail back from her face. "Do you want some ice chips?" He asked.
"No," she said, shaking her head as it rested against the pillows. Her body then suddenly tensed, and she squeezed his hand as another contraction built up inside her. "Ohhhhh," she yelled.
"Ok. . .deep breaths, Elizabeth. Deep breaths," Mark replied.
Eight hours later, Rachel saw Mark walking down the hall with a huge smile on his face. "Dad," she called. "How is everything?"
Mark approached Rachel and noticed that Ella was fast asleep on the couch in the waiting room. "Wonderful. Your brother has ten fingers, ten toes, and just the right amounts of all the necessary parts," Mark said, smiling.
Rachel hugged Mark. "I am so excited, dad! Will you tell me his name, now?" Mark and Elizabeth had both decided that if they couldn't keep the sex of the baby a secret, then they would try their best to keep his name a secret instead. "Yeah. It's Matthew David. After your grandfather and great grandfather," Mark said.
"How is Elizabeth?" Rachel asked.
"She's doing well, but she was on the phone with her mom when I left, so that might totally change things," Mark said, looking from Rachel to Ella. "How long has she been out?" He asked.
"She actually just fell asleep. We played and read and colored; watched both 'Cinderella' movies and both 'Little Mermaid' movies. Then, I took her to the cafeteria for dinner." Rachel said, as she picked up some of Ella's random toys from the table in the waiting room.
"Thanks for taking such good care of your sister," Mark said as he helped her tidy the room.
"Not a problem, dad," Rachel said as she loaded a duffle bag full of movies and toys. "Can we go see Elizabeth and Matthew, now?"
"Yeah, I think so. Just for a while, though. Elizabeth is extremely tired, and I need to get you and Ella home. It's getting late," Mark replied as he picked up the sleeping Ella and carried her down the hall.
Elizabeth looked up when she heard the door to her room opening. "Yes, mother. I know, mother. Of course, mother. Yes, well. . .uh huh. Daddy, too?" Elizabeth smiled when she saw Mark carrying Ella through the door. "Well, if you have had this planned for months now. . . Yes, that's fine," Elizabeth continued talking to her mother. "Ok, mother, Mark is back; I need to go. Yes, we will see you then. I love you, too." Elizabeth hung up the phone, obviously flustered by her conversation with Isabelle. "Why do I let that woman do this to me?" She questioned.
"Let me guess," Mark replied. "She is coming to Chicago, and she will be here by Christmas," Mark said, lying Ella down on the couch in Elizabeth's room.
"She'll be here by tomorrow, Mark," Elizabeth said, trying to relax back onto the pillows of her bed. "Her and daddy's plane will be at O'Hare by 10:00am, Chicago time."
"Of course it will," Mark said warily, as he crossed the room toward her. "They're coming together?"
"Apparently so," Elizabeth said with a sigh.
"How are you feeling, Elizabeth?" Rachel asked after setting the bag of Ella's toys in the corner of the room.
"I'm ok," Elizabeth replied, smiling at Rachel. "Tired, though and wondering what they have done with my baby," she said. After a moment, she said, "Thank you so much for watching Ella today."
"I enjoyed it," Rachel said as she sat on the edge of Elizabeth's bed.
After a moment of silence, Elizabeth quickly sat upright in her bed. "Mark, you don't think there could be something wrong with Matthew, do you?" Elizabeth asked, slight alarm apparent in her voice and facial expression.
"No, why?" He asked, gently stroking one of her hands.
"They are just taking an awfully long time with him, that's all," Elizabeth replied.
"I'm sure everything is fine, but I'll go check. Be right back," Mark said as he kissed the side of her head and then exited the room.
Minutes later, Elizabeth looked up as Mark entered her room carrying a tiny bundle in his arms.
"Was everything all right?" She asked, nervously.
"Yep! He's as healthy as a horse," Mark replied. "Eight pounds, three ounces. Nineteen inches long."
"Oh, let me see," Rachel pleaded softly. Looking down at the baby her father held in his arms, she said, "Oh my, he's gorgeous."
"And you're sure there's nothing wrong," Elizabeth asked again.
"I'm sure, Elizabeth. Stop worrying," Mark said, handing their son to her.
"Hi, Matthew," Elizabeth cooed, but turned her head when she heard Ella squirming on the couch.
Sitting up and yawning, she sleepily asked, " Is the baby here yet?"
Mark turned to her and said, "He sure is, sweetie." Now fully awake, she rushed toward her parents and tried unsuccessfully to climb up on Elizabeth's bed. "Here, let me help," Mark said as he lifted her into a better position to see Matthew.
Looking down at the baby, Ella smiled. "He's so little," she replied.
"Well, you were smaller than this when you were born," Elizabeth stated, smiling at Ella.
Ella just continued to stare down at the infant in her mother's arms. After a moment, she said, "I love you, baby."
On Christmas morning, they all sat around the Christmas tree, taking turns opening their gifts. Isabelle and Charles had arrived on Christmas Eve and were there to help Elizabeth get settled back into the house upon her return from the hospital. "Ok, it's my turn," Ella called as she sat among the wrapping paper and bows that covered the floor of the living room.
"You already opened all of your presents," Mark replied from his seat on the floor next to her.
"No, daddy! It's my turn to hold Matthew," Ella said as she stood up and walked toward Elizabeth who sat comfortably against the arm of the couch cradling the new baby in her arms. "I want to play with him."
"Babies are very delicate, Ella," Isabelle stated as she pulled Ella onto her lap. "Matthew is not a toy, sweetheart."
"I know, grandma," Ella said, pointedly. "Everyone else has held him, though," she pouted, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
Elizabeth looked from Ella to Mark, and then smiling, she asked, "Mark, will you take Matthew a moment?" Mark stood and crossed the room toward her, momentarily taking Matthew off her hands as he sat back down on the floor at her feet. "Come here, sweetie. Sit on mommy's lap," she said, motioning toward Ella who was still seated on Isabelle's lap at the other end of the couch. Ella excitedly moved across the couch and settled onto her mother's lap as Elizabeth too relaxed into the corner of the couch. "Ok, now I need you to hold your arms just like this," Elizabeth said, showing Ella how to hold her arms. Ella mimicked the cradled position her mother illustrated, as Elizabeth supported Ella's arms with her own. "Now, when daddy hands Matthew to you, you need to hold very very still."
"You are making me very nervous, mommy," Ella said seriously. Elizabeth just smiled at Mark as he handed the baby to Ella and then knelt down beside her on the floor. Ella giggled as the newborn yawned. "Look, Rachel. I'm holding the baby," Ella said, enthusiastically.
"I see that," Rachel replied, as she took a seat beside Elizabeth on the couch.
Just then, the flash of a camera caught everyone off guard. Elizabeth looked up at her father, accusingly. "What?" Charles questioned, innocently. "You have a beautiful family, darling. Why no capture that forever?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes, and then said, "It's just that you and Mark both seem to have a knack for capturing me at my least beautiful moments."
"Oh, come on, Elizabeth. For just giving birth to an eight pound baby, you look wonderful," Isabelle reassured.
Elizabeth just smiled and looked down at both Ella and Matthew. By this time, Matthew's eyes had fallen shut as he rested in Ella's arms. "I think he likes you, Elle," Mark said, smiling up at his youngest daughter.
"Of course her likes me, daddy. I'm his big sister," Ella said, matter-of-factly. Everyone in the room just chuckled at Ella's wry comment.
"Ok, sweetie pie. I think it's time to put Matthew down for his nap," Elizabeth said.
"But I'm not finished yet, mommy," Ella began to argue.
Mark looked at her sternly and said, "I promise that you can hold him when he wakes up again, ok?"
Ella thought for a moment, but then after regarding the stern look on her father's face, she said, "Ok, daddy."
"Here," Isabelle offered. "I'll take him up." She then stood and took the sleeping infant from Ella's arms.
After Isabelle started up the stairs, Mark asked, "Rach, you want to help me put Ella's doll house together?"
"Sure, dad," she replied.
"Me too, daddy!" Ella exclaimed, excitedly.
"Ok, but you have to be quiet when we get upstairs. Matthew needs to take a nap," Mark stipulated. Ella just nodded her head as she climbed down from her position on Elizabeth's lap. Mark stood from the floor and after kissing his wife's temple, he said, "Stay here and relax a bit."
Once Rachel, Mark, and Ella made their way up the stairs, Elizabeth sat alone in the living room with her father, but then stood slowly to start picking up the mess of Christmas wrapping paper and bows. "Hey, sit! I'll get all of this," Charles commanded.
"I can get it, daddy. It isn't a big deal," Elizabeth countered as she stuffed a wad of paper into a garbage bag.
"Just sit, Elizabeth," Charles demanded, and after taking the big black garbage bag from her, he watched as Elizabeth sank back into the couch. They were silent for a while as Elizabeth watched her father move around the room, tidying up the mess that had ensued earlier that morning. After finishing his task, Charles moved toward Elizabeth and sat beside her on the couch. Putting his arm around her shoulders, he asked, "Are you feeling all right, sweetheart?"
"Just tired, I guess," Elizabeth responded, placing her head on his shoulder.
They sat in silence a moment before Charles said, "You know, I'm proud of you, Elizabeth."
Lifting her head from his shoulder, she regarded him for a moment before asking, "For what exactly?"
Turning to face her, Charles replied, "I know it isn't really any of my business, but I have been watching how you behave toward Rachel, darling. It took a lot for you to forgive her for what happened with Ella."
Elizabeth sat silently for some time before she could formulate what to say to her father. "It was hard in the beginning, but that was almost three years ago," Elizabeth began. "I foolishly let Rachel come between Mark and I once before, and I almost lost him because of my own pride and stubbornness. She is his daughter, and I decided a long time ago that if I want him, and I truly do, then I have to accept him for what he is. Rachel and all," Elizabeth said, sincerely, but then smiling, she added, "She has changed a lot, though, and has made it a lot easier for me to accept her this time around."
"You have made an excellent life for yourself, Elizabeth. I am certain of that," Charles said after taking in Elizabeth's response.
"Yes well, you won't hear me complaining," she teased and then added, "Thanks for coming for Christmas, daddy."
"It wasn't for Christmas, exactly. It was to see my grandson. . .and you, Ella, and Mark, of course. I didn't get to meet Ella until she was almost two years old," Charles replied. "I didn't want to miss out on that again."
Just then, from upstairs, they heard the fitful cries of a newborn. Elizabeth sighed and said, "He is probably hungry. I better go up and check."
"Ok, I think I'll help Mark with that state-of-the-art doll house your mother insisted on buying for Ella," Charles replied as they both stood and walked toward the stairs.
When they reached the second floor of the house, Mark emerged from Ella's bedroom, on his was toward the nursery. "I'll get him, Mark. Daddy is going to help you with Ella's doll house," Elizabeth replied.
Mark regarded her tired eyes momentarily. "You look tired, Elizabeth. Are you sure you don't want me to get him?" He asked.
"I am tired, Mark, but Matthew needs fed, and since I haven't started using the breast pump, yet, I don't think you can feed him," Elizabeth said, sarcastically. "I mean, you could try very hard, but I'm not sure he would be very happy with you."
Mark smiled at her, and said, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Just let me know if you need anything."
"I will. Now go help Ella before she glues the roof to the bottom of the house or something," Elizabeth said and then kissed his lips gently.
As Mark retreated back into Ella's bedroom, Elizabeth entered the nursery. "I think he's hungry," Isabelle stated as she handed Matthew to her daughter.
"Yes, I figured as much," Elizabeth said, sitting in the large rocking chair in the middle of the room to feed the hungry baby.
Isabelle watched quietly from the other side of the room before saying, "It really has happened for you hasn't it, Elizabeth."
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asked, as she looked from Matthew toward her mother who was now quietly sitting on a small hassock near the rocking chair.
Isabelle smiled momentarily and then replied, "Husband, children, work. . .all balanced together wonderfully."
"Well, it isn't always easy, mother. But you already know that," Elizabeth stated.
"Yes, well, you have definitely done a better job than I ever could have imagined doing," Isabelle said, knowingly shaking her head.
"It's a totally different situation, mother," Elizabeth replied, trying to reassure her mother.
"I suppose so, dear," Isabelle conceded. "I just remember a time not too long ago when you weren't even sure if all this would happen for you," Isabelle said, keenly.
Elizabeth chuckled and rested her head against the back of the rocker before saying, "Yes, I do recall being insufferable."
Isabelle chuckled softly as well, and then admitted, "You may not have known, Elizabeth, but I knew from the first time I saw you with Mark Greene that there was something special there. I may have been dreadful at my own relationships, but I always knew that this would happen for you, and once I met Mark, I knew it was going to happen with him."
"Yeah, I think I always knew, as well. I just had a hard time admitting it to myself. A hard time acknowledging that I needed someone else," Elizabeth stated. "I'm glad I finally allowed myself to recognize it, though."
Isabelle smiled and shook her head. "I'm sorry I wasn't the mother you wish you'd had," she said.
Elizabeth looked from Isabelle toward Matthew as he began to fuss. Lifting him to rest against her chest, she rubbed his back as she spoke, "You are my mother, and I love you. No matter what, ok?" Elizabeth smiled as Matthew burped.
They sat in silence a moment before Isabelle spoke. "Do you think we're ok, Elizabeth?" she asked, uncertainly.
"Yes, mother. I think we're fine."
"Ella, sweetheart. Please hold still," Mark heard Elizabeth say as he walked from the nursery past the bathroom. "Mommy can't wash your hair if you keep squirming like that."
"You don't wash my hair like grandma does," Ella pointed out.
"Well, grandma isn't here anymore, is she." Elizabeth retorted. Mark heard the sound of water splashing onto the floor of the bathroom followed by a groan from his wife "Ella, you are soaking me," Elizabeth exclaimed a little louder. Ella giggled loudly and Mark chuckled to himself, but he was sure Elizabeth was not amused. "Please, Ella!"
When Mark heard Elizabeth's plea, he could tell she had reached her breaking point. He threw open the door and jokingly yelled, "Hey!"
Elizabeth and Ella both jumped as Mark approached the tub. "Daddy, you scared me!"
Kneeling down beside Elizabeth, Mark asked, "Ella, are you giving your mother a hard time, tonight?"
"No, daddy," Ella replied, immediately.
"Ella!" Mark said sternly.
Looking from her mother to her father and then back to her mother, and realizing that neither of them were very happy with her, she said, "I'm sorry, mommy. I'll hold still."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said as she attempted to wash Ella's hair once again.
Mark watched momentarily, and then said, "Ella, if you behave for the rest of your bath, I promise to read you two bedtime stories tonight, ok?"
"OK!" She exclaimed as she bounced up and down in the tub. "I promise to be good, daddy."
"That's my girl," Mark said as he stood to leave the bathroom. "Matthew is asleep for now, Elizabeth, but I think Rachel needs to talk to you when you're finished."
"Ok, thank you," she replied.
Thirty minutes later, Elizabeth had changed from her wet clothing into a pair of flannel pajama pants and one of Mark's t-shirts. Pulling her thick gray robe over her pajamas and walking toward the stairs, she heard Mark reading to Ella in her bedroom, and she could hear Matthew's even breaths through the baby monitor she had clipped to the waist band of her pants. She descended the stairs and knocked lightly on Rachel's bedroom door. "Rachel?" she called.
"Come in," Rachel answered.
Elizabeth was amazed when she peered into the bedroom. Rachel sat in the middle of her bed surrounded by a laptop, books, papers, pamphlets, notebooks, and newspapers. The mess on the bed had started to overflow onto the floor where it was obvious that she had missed the basket while trying to shoot unwanted papers into the trashcan. "Rach, what is all this?" Elizabeth asked as she stepped further into the room.
Rachel looked up at her stepmother and smiled slightly. "Term paper for Race, Class, and Gender," came her response. "It's due Friday, but I'm having such a hard time. Pretty much everything I have right now. . .well. . .it just sucks."
Elizabeth smiled at Rachel's terminology. "You need some help?" Elizabeth asked, as she pulled the desk chair toward Rachel's bed and sat down.
Rachel sighed. "No, that's ok. I'm sure you have a lot to do with Matthew or Ella. I'll be ok."
Elizabeth observed Rachel and then said, "Listen, Rachel. It isn't like you are a perfect stranger who pays rent to live here or something. You are one of our children, too, and if you need help, all you have to do is ask."
"I know," Rachel admitted, almost timidly. "You and dad have just been really busy lately, and I didn't want to bother you," she said.
"Hey, you are not a bother, Rach. Just tell me that the paper has nothing to do with the Revolutionary War or the British persecuting the Indians, and I am all yours," Elizabeth joked.
Rachel smiled, remembering all the Hell she had put Elizabeth through in the past. "It has nothing to do with any of that," she said as she picked up a piece of paper. She handed the assignment sheet to Elizabeth and watched as she read the paper.
"Rachel!" Elizabeth exclaimed, upon reading the topic of the paper. "'Discrimination Against Women in the Field of Medicine'? Why didn't you ask sooner? Are you crazy?"
"That's exactly what dad said," Rachel said, smiling. "But, like I said, I just didn't want to be in the way," Rachel replied, quickly. "I know I should have asked sooner. Now I only have three days left."
Elizabeth glanced at the paper again, and then said, "Listen, it's only Monday night, and it's getting late. You obviously aren't getting anywhere with what you have here, so tomorrow evening, we'll get started. Three days will be plenty of time to finish this."
"Are you sure? Some people have been working on their papers for the past two weeks," Rachel said, worry evident in her voice.
"Well, those other people don't have a stepmother who actually has been 'discriminated against in the field of medicine'," Elizabeth said, cynically.
Rachel considered Elizabeth's statement, and then said, "Well, I guess not. Are you sure you have time to help?"
"Yes, tomorrow after dinner," Elizabeth started, and the smiling conspiratorially, she said, "We'll make your dad take care of both Ella and Matthew, so we can get started." Rachel smiled and then thanked Elizabeth. "I do have a favor to ask of you, though," Elizabeth admitted.
"Sure, what is it?" Rachel asked as she started to gather the mess on her bed into an even messier pile.
"Do you think you could watch Ella for a while after school tomorrow? I have to take Matthew for a check-up, and it will just be easier if she stays here," Elizabeth replied as she stood from her chair.
"Sure that's not a problem," Rachel said, standing to pick up some of the mess surrounding her bed. "Is Matthew ok?"
"Oh, yes. He's fine. It's just a check-up," Elizabeth said as she stood to leave the room.
"That's good," Rachel replied happily. "And it's no problem to watch Ella tomorrow. She and I will get dinner started for everyone," she said.
"Thanks," Elizabeth remarked, and then pointing to the floor and the bed, she said, "Now, clean up this mess, and go to bed. We'll get started tomorrow."
"Ok," Rachel smiled. Hesitantly, she stepped closer to Elizabeth and hugged her. "Thanks so much for your help."
Elizabeth was slightly taken aback by Rachel's actions, and she stood hesitantly for a moment before embracing Rachel in return. This was the first time since Rachel had moved back into the house that she had initiated any type of physical emotion toward her. Their relationship definitely had progressed over the past couple months, and they were definitely getting along famously, but this was unquestionably something new. "Not a problem," Elizabeth replied, kissing the top of Rachel's head. "Now, go to bed." Rachel pulled out of the embrace and watched as Elizabeth exited the room, pulling the door closed behind her.
Walking slowly back from the bathroom, Mark sighed. 3:07am. Climbing back into bed, he gently wrapped his arms around Elizabeth, who was lying with her back toward him. "Mmm, Mark. You ok?" She mumbled sleepily.
"Yeah, just a headache. Go back to sleep," he replied, but he knew his answer hadn't sounded very convincing, and she could tell by the tone of his voice and the tension in his body wrapped tightly around hers that there was something more.
"You sure?" She prompted, now fully awake and opening her eyes to stare out into the darkness of their bedroom. They laid in silence for a long while, until she turned to face him, propping herself up on one elbow to look down at him. "Mark?"
Sitting up and leaning his back against the headboard, he sighed and then hesitantly asked, "Do you even think about our future, Elizabeth?"
"What are you talking about, Mark?" Elizabeth asked as she sat up on the bed, facing him.
He sighed once more and then finally admitted, "It's just that every time I get a headache, I get afraid that. . ."
Knowing exactly what he was about to say, she interrupted his admission and said, "Mark, millions of people get headaches every day, but that certainly does not mean that each and every one of those people have a. . ." Elizabeth lowered her voice before saying, ". . .brain tumor." She then took his hands in hers, trying somehow to reassure him.
He smiled down at his hands in hers and then looking back up into her bright green eyes, he said, "I know. It just makes me wonder, and then I start to worry, and then I get. . .well, I get. . .scared." He shook his head and then rested it against the headboard, closing his eyes.
Elizabeth placed her hands on the sides of his head and considered the tired features of his face. When he opened his eyes, she worriedly asked, "Where is all of this coming from, huh?" Mark just shook his head again, prompting her to ask, "Have you had any other symptoms?"
"No. Other than the headaches, everything seems normal to me," he answered.
"Well, that's good, right?" She asked as she removed her hands from his face.
He grabbed onto her hands, rested them with his in his lap and then said, "Yeah, it just gets to me sometimes, Elizabeth."
She thought for a moment. Trying to carefully place her words, she said, "I understand that this is a real fear, Mark. It is in no way unreasonable or irrational, but we really cannot spend the rest of our lives worrying about it. You can't walk around on eggshells forever. What kind of life is that?" She asked, sincerely.
"I realize all of that, Elizabeth, I really do. I let it get to me sometimes, though. I try to push it to the back of my mind, but sometimes I just can't. It makes it hard for me to let my guard down.
"I know, Mark. I think about it sometimes, too, and it's scary. It really is, but I refuse to live the rest of my life with you, constantly letting that haunt me," she looked down at his hands holding hers. "It isn't all about me, though, and I'm just being selfish. I'm sorry."
"No, you aren't being selfish, Elizabeth. It is entirely about you," he replied, looking sadly into her eyes.
"Well, not entirely," she said. "It affects. . ."
"You," he finished for her. "If something happens to me, then the burden of our entire life together will fall on your shoulders."
Astonished by his remark, she stared at him momentarily, disbelieving what he had just said. "I have never considered any part of our life together to be a BURDEN, Mark," she spat sharply, pulling her hands from his and leaning away from him.
He shook his head, and looking at her gently he said, "Elizabeth, that's not what I'm saying. I just meant. . ."
"Come on, Mark," she interrupted, impetuously. "You have three beautiful children, a job you adore, a wealth of friends, and a wife who is desperately in love with you. Can't you just. . ."
"I don't want to argue with you, ok. I just worry about what will happen to you and our family if something happens to me," he admitted. Then his voice lowering, he asked, "What will you do, Elizabeth?"
"I really don't like talking about this, Mark," she said as she stood from the bed, turning her back to him.
"Do you think I do? Do you think this is just a walk in the park for me?" He asked, the volume of his voice rising a bit.
Turning back toward the bed and looking at him, she asked, her voice cracking, "Do you even realize what you are insisting I think about by asking a question like that? 'What will you do, Elizabeth?" She repeated his words, and half-expected him to say something, but when he did not, she decided to continue. "Mark, you are asking me to imagine my life without you, and I refuse to do it."
"I just need to know that you will be ok if something happens," he said matter-of-factly.
She remained standing at the foot of their bed a moment, but then diffidently moved back onto the bed. Kneeling on the bed and moving closer to him, she looked down and sighed, trying to calm herself. She knew that they had never really talked about this the first time his brain tumor was diagnosed. At the time, she had assured him that she would still have their child, but other than that, their conversations were tightly restricted to his surgery and then recovery. Considering this, she raised her head, and looking into his eyes she said, "Mark, I love you so so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about how utterly amazing my life is just because you are in it. Do you realize that? I mean, I know you love me, Mark, but are you truly aware of the impact you have had on my life?"
"Elizabeth, I. . ."
"No, you started this, so let me finish," she said, shaking her head defying him to say another word. She paused for a moment, and then looking him directly in the eye, continued. "I think I would die inside, Mark. A part of me would just be missing. But, you know, then I would need to take Ella and Matthew into my arms and somehow try to explain to them that their daddy was gone. Not because he wanted to be, though. It just wasn't his choice. He couldn't do anything about it," she stated, pausing again to gather her words. "Then I would tell them that even though they couldn't see you anymore, you would always be with them because you loved them so very much and wanted to be with them forever," she looked at Mark, who sat quietly on the bed. She could feel the sting of tears in her eyes, and she thought about stopping, but knew she should just get it all out now. "And I know she isn't really my daughter, Mark, but I would continue to support Rachel through whatever. . .because I love her as if she were my own child." It finally was just too much for her and she turned her head quickly to hide her tears from him.
Tentatively crossing the bed toward her, he took her into his arms and held her tightly. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I am so sorry. I never should have asked or needed you to tell me all of that," he said, shaking his head apologetically. "You definitely didn't sign up for a gloomy husband who feels sorry for himself all the time," he continued. "You didn't sign up for any of this."
Pulling away from him and wiping her eyes, she said, "That's where you're wrong, Mark. This is all part of being married to you, and if I have to sit here at 3:30 in the morning listening to you talk about your fears, then that is exactly what I am going to do. Besides, how can I condemn you for simply wanting the best for family? You're just being a good father and husband, Mark." She then smiled up at him, and said, "You wouldn't think that you being a good father would make me cry, though, would you."
He chuckled softly and kissed her forehead and then the tip of her nose. "You are an amazing woman, Elizabeth Corday, and I'm sorry I mad you cry."
"Yeah, well, I don't. . ." she started.
"Just go with me on this one, ok," he said, smiling at her.
Looking deep into his eyes, she said, "Listen. . .Matthew's six week check up is tomorrow. Rachel agreed to watch Ella while I take him into County, so when we are finished with the pediatrician, we'll meet you in the ER and then go for a CT, ok?"
"No, it's ok. I'm sure you will be tired after your day will Ella and Matthew tomorrow, and you'll just want to get home after the appointment. I'll get a CT sometime tomorrow when I get a chance," he said, moving away from her and lying back down on the bed.
She followed him, but did not lie back down. Instead, she straddled his legs and sitting up on his thighs, she said, "Now, you listen to me, Mark Greene. When I 'signed up for you', I was assured that I would get ALL of you. The whole thing. Not just the fair weather friend parts. I'll go with you tomorrow. I really don't mind."
He thought about it for a moment, and then asked, "What time is Matthew's appointment?"
"3:30pm."
Wrapping his arms around her waist, he said, "Well then, why don't you come to the ER first, and if I'm not busy, I'll go with you for Matthew's check-up, and then we can go for the CT, ok?"
"Sounds good," she replied, and then leaning over and holding herself above his body with he forearms, she kissed his lips gently. Pulling her head back, she quickly pecked his lips again, and then said, "I love you."
Before he could respond, they both heard Matthew whimper through the baby monitor, and soon, his cries were echoing down the hallway. Elizabeth sighed and then climbed off Mark and out of bed. He followed behind her toward the nursery. "Well, I just fed him about an hour ago, so he shouldn't be hungry, and I do believe it is definitely your turn for a diaper change," Elizabeth said, grinning.
"Whatever you say, dear," Mark said as he walked through the nursery door.
Elizabeth gently lifted Matthew from the crib and said, "What's the matter, my baby, huh?" Holding him to her chest, she continued, "You want to go see daddy?" Mark took the crying baby from his wife and walked to the changing table. He gently settled Matthew onto the table and began to remove his pajamas as Elizabeth handed him a clean diaper. Leaning against the wall as she watched Mark change the diaper, she stifled a yawn and said, "I feel like I could sleep for an entire week."
"Well, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but I don't think that is going to happen any time soon," Mark said gently as he put some powder on Matthew's bottom.
Once the diaper change was complete, Mark picked up the restless baby and sat down in the rocker, cradling him in his arms. "I'm going to the kitchen to get something to drink, Mark. Would you like something?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, thanks," he replied.
When Elizabeth returned from the kitchen just ten minutes later, she did not imagine that Mark would already be placing Matthew back into his crib. "Well, that was quick," she quietly commented.
"Yeah, I think he is finally just as tired as we are," Mark whispered.
Looking down into the crib, Elizabeth gently stroked their son's cheek. "He is a beautiful baby, Mark."
"Of course he is. Just look at his mother," Mark said, pulling a blanket up over Matthew.
Stepping back from the crib, Elizabeth said, "Oh, yeah. Just look at her. Almost four o'clock in the morning, hair a wreck, no make-up, AND an extra 15 pounds. Sounds like beauty to me."
Mark smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "You know that you will always be beautiful to me. No matter what you think," he said, smoothly.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," she commented, smiling. Then looking back down at their sleeping son, she said, "Anyway, you know I think he looks like you."
"You really think so?" Mark asked, first studying the baby's face and then taking her hand to lead her toward the door.
"Yep," she said. "Bald, just like his daddy," Elizabeth teased as she escaped the nursery with Mark right behind her.
"Now that's just not nice," he said, chuckling. "You'll give him a complex." Mark then approached Elizabeth, who was standing across the hall from him, laughing. Pressing her against the wall near Ella's bedroom door, he took her face in his hands and kissed her hard on the lips. After the shock of his actions wore off, she wrapped her harms around his waist, relaxing into him as deepened the kiss.
Slowly pulling away, Elizabeth smiled up at him and trying to catch her breath, she said, "Well, what was that for?"
"Just couldn't help myself," he admitted. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," she said, grinning as she tore herself away from him and gently opened the door to Ella's bedroom. There they saw their little girl tangled among blankets, sheets, and stuffed animals with her thumb stuffed in her mouth. Mark chuckled softly when he saw her bed in such disarray. Bending down beside the bed, he placed several of the stuffed animals on the floor while Elizabeth straightened her covers. Ella rolled over in her sleep, but was not awakened. Elizabeth stood there watching her peaceful form, recalling the disaster this sleeping angel had caused in the bathroom earlier the previous night. She smiled as Mark came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"We do make beautiful babies together, Elizabeth," he said.
"Yes we do, Mark," she replied, admiring Ella's sleeping form.
"Come on. Why don't we go try to get a little more sleep," Mark said, taking her hand and pulling her out the door.
Elizabeth smiled and teased, "I don't know, Mark. You might have to twist my arm on that one."
To be continued in Chapter 4. . .
It was December 23, and the Greene house was bustling with preparations for the new baby as well as Christmas. Kerry had reluctantly called Mark into work earlier that morning, and even though he had already started his paternity leave. A huge snowstorm had hit Chicago the previous night, and with the ER slammed, he unwillingly went in after Elizabeth assured him that everything would be all right. After he left, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Ella spent most of the morning putting the finishing touches on the nursery, but now, as Ella napped on the couch in the living room, Elizabeth and Rachel sat at the dining room table wrapping gifts.
"Thanks so much for all of your help with the Christmas shopping," Elizabeth said as she tied a ribbon on the package in front of her.
"I had fun," Rachel said. "Christmas in St. Louis always seems to be rushed and stressful. It isn't like that here at all."
"Well, I'm glad you are having a good time here," Elizabeth said, pushing the first gift to the side and tackling another.
"I'm just glad I get to spend Christmas with you and dad and Ella," Rachel replied, smiling.
Elizabeth paused for a moment, rubbing her belly. "Me too. It will be. . ." But before she could finish her thought, a throbbing pain shot from her back into her stomach. "OOOH!" She moaned, grasping her abdomen more tightly.
"What? What's wrong?" Rachel asked, jumping from her seat.
"Nothing. Nothing's wrong," Elizabeth replied, taking a deep breath. "But I think our little guy has decided that today would be a good day to make his entrance into this world."
Rachel smiled widely, and then asked, "What do you want me to do?"
"Call the ER, ask for your father," Elizabeth instructed with a painful expression on her face.
After dialing the number, Rachel said, "Hello, Randi, this is Rachel Greene. May I speak with my father?"
"I'm sorry, Rachel. He is with a trauma right now," Randi replied.
"Elizabeth, dad is with a trauma right now," Rachel relayed the message to her stepmother.
"Just tell Randi that I started having contractions and to please have him call us as soon as he can," Elizabeth said, still grasping her abdomen and breathing deeply.
Rachel once again relayed the message, but then said, "She put me on hold." They sat for a moment longer before Rachel asked, "Is there anything else I can do?"
"No, I'm fine. Just wait for Randi," Elizabeth said as her contraction started to subside.
At County General, Randi rushed into Trauma I and yelled, "Dr. Greene! Your daughter is on line two."
"What's the rhythm?" Mark called to Abby.
"V-tach," she answered
"Charge to 300!" Mark shouted. Then, regarding Randi, he said, "Kinda busy here, Randi. Clear!"
"Still V-tach," Abby said after a moment.
"100 of lidocaine!" Mark called out into the trauma room.
"I need to intubate," Chen exclaimed.
"360!" Mark said. "Clear!"
"I'm in!" Chen stated. "50 more of lidocaine."
"Dr. Greene!" Randi called again.
"What?" he shouted.
"Dr. Corday is in labor," she answered.
"Ok, got a rhythm," Abby said.
"Randi, did Rachel say how Elizabeth is?" Mark asked, trying to multi-task between Randi and his family as well as the patient lying in from of him. "No response to painful stimuli."
"He wasn't down for long. He should come back to us." Chen said.
"As far as I know she is ok," Randi stated.
"Ok, I'll be right there," Mark declared as Randi rushed out the door and back to the telephone at the admit desk.
"Go ahead, Dr. Greene," Chen said smiling. "I can take it from here."
"Thanks," Mark replied as he took off the rubber gloves he was wearing. Beaming, he rushed out the door toward the admit desk where Randi handed him the telephone.
"Rachel?" He asked into the telephone.
"Yeah, I'm here," she answered.
"Is everything ok?" He asked. When Rachel told him she thought it was, he said, "Ask Elizabeth if she can talk to me?"
"Elizabeth, can you talk to dad?" Rachel asked, offering the phone to her.
"Yes," she commented. Then placing the phone to her ear, Elizabeth said, "Mark."
"You ok?" He asked.
"Yes. I think I've been having some small contractions all morning, but I never really thought anything of it. These are definitely the real thing now, though," Elizabeth assured him.
"Why didn't you call sooner?" He asked, slightly annoyed.
"I didn't think it was anything, Mark. And do you remember how long this took the last time?" Elizabeth said, returning his annoyance.
"Yes, but you still should have called," Mark said, momentarily forgetting the larger issue.
"OOOHH!" He heard through the phone, returning his thoughts from Elizabeth's stubbornness back to the fact that his wife was about to give birth to their son.
Pausing a moment to gather his thoughts, Mark eagerly said, "It doesn't matter. We just need to get you here, Elizabeth! I drove to work this morning. I'm going to come home and then drive you back to the hospital."
"That's not necessary, Mark. I'll just take the El," Elizabeth said.
"Tell me you aren't serious," Mark chided. "You are definitely not taking the El. I'll be there in ten minutes." For a short time, there was silence on the other end of the phone, prompting Mark to anxiously ask, "Elizabeth, you still there?"
"Yes, I'm here," Elizabeth answered, obviously frustrated.
"Calm down, ok. Everything is going to work out," Mark said, trying to calm and reassure his wife.
"I know. I just have to keep myself focused," Elizabeth said, trying to convince not only him but herself as well.
"You'll make it," Mark said gently. "I promise."
"I love you, Mark," Elizabeth replied.
"I love you, too. I'll see you in ten minutes, ok?"
"Ok."
A half hour later, Mark helped Elizabeth into the ER, as Rachel and Ella followed behind. "I don't know why you allowed Ella to sway you into letting her come with us, Mark," Elizabeth criticized.
"She just wanted to be here when her brother is born, Elizabeth," Mark stated as he placed a wheelchair behind the backs of her legs.
"Well, she is just going to drive Rachel crazy while they wait. They should have just stayed at home," Elizabeth scolded, as she sat down.
At this point, Mark was already trying to take Elizabeth with a grain of salt. He knew that the events of the day were making her very temperamental, and rightly so. "We're here now, Elizabeth. That's all that matters," Mark said.
As he pushed Elizabeth toward the Elevator, Rachel and Ella once again followed close behind.
"Is it time?" Kerry asked, passing them in the hallway.
"I hope so," Elizabeth replied.
"Well, good luck, and let me know if you need anything," Kerry said, smiling as she walked away.
Mark wheeled Elizabeth into the elevator and as he placed his hands on her shoulders, he felt her muscles tense beneath them. "Oohh!" she called, reaching up and squeezing one of his hands.
"Are you ok, mommy?" Ella asked, concerned.
"She's ok, honey," Mark answered.
When the contraction started to subside, Elizabeth looked down at Ella who stood holding Rachel's hand. "I'm fine, Elle," Elizabeth said, trying not to scare her daughter.
When they reached obstetrics, a nurse took the wheelchair from Mark. Kneeling down beside Elizabeth, he said, "I'm going to go talk to Rachel and Ella a minute to get them settled in. I'll be right back."
"Ok," Elizabeth said, smiling at him. He looked so incredibly happy; a smile covering his entire face. She knew that he loved his daughters, but just the anticipation of having a son made him almost giddy.
"Love you," Mark said as he kissed her cheek and then stood to watch the nurse wheel her down the hallway.
Hurriedly approaching Rachel and Ella in the waiting room, he once again knelt down, addressing Ella. "Sweetie, mommy and daddy are going to be busy for a while. I need you to stay here and be good for Rachel," Mark said, holding Ella's miniature hands in his.
"But I want to go with you, daddy!" Ella said fervently. "I want to see my brother."
"Ella, he isn't going to be here for a little while. I promise you can see him as soon as he gets here, though" Mark replied.
"Are you sure he's coming today?" Ella asked, innocently.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure, sweetie," Mark said, grinning at Ella's simplicity. "Are you excited?" Mark asked.
"Yes, daddy!" Ella said, as she started to laugh. "I can't wait!" Mark hugged his laughing daughter and then moved toward Rachel.
"I'll take care of everything, dad. Don't worry," Rachel replied.
"Thanks, Rach," Mark said, and then exiting the waiting room, he paced down the hall, searching for his wife.
When Mark made his way into Elizabeth's room, he saw her lying on the bed, her eyes closed, breathing deeply. Smiling slightly, he pulled a stool over and sat beside her. Taking her hand in his, he squeezed it gently, trying to comfort and support her. She squeezed onto his hand even tighter as a contraction wracked her body.
Opening her eyes as the contraction finally subsided; she tried to relax back onto the bed. "That one was the worst one yet," she replied, obviously uncomfortable.
Mark smiled at her sympathetically and squeezed her hand once again. "Can I get you anything?" He asked.
"No, I think I'm fine for now. I'm just glad you're here," she said, looking into his eyes. "Where are Rachel and Ella?"
"Rachel has Ella set up in the waiting room with a bunch of toys and coloring books and movies. They have enough stuff in there to entertain themselves for hours," Mark replied, smiling as he wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead with a damp washcloth.
"You should take them home, Mark. This could take a while," Elizabeth said hesitantly, not really wanting him to leave, but knowing how impatient Ella could get when she was bored.
"Elizabeth, like I just said, they have enough stuff in that waiting room to last a good day and a half. They'll be just fine," Mark assured her.
"I just know how Ella can get," Elizabeth said, lifting her head from the pillow and rubbing her swollen belly.
"Rachel can handle it," Mark said, confidently.
"She shouldn't have to handle it, Mark. I'm sure there is something else she would rather to be doing right now," Elizabeth argued.
"They're both fine, ok," Mark countered. "I'm not leaving you, Elizabeth, and Ella will be absolutely heartbroken if I take her home. She's so excited."
Elizabeth smiled, thinking of Ella. "I just hope she can keep that excitement in check for a while," she said, warily.
"It'll be all right," he guaranteed her. "Besides, you, my dear, have other things to worry about right now," Mark stated, trying to change the subject.
"Ok, ok," Elizabeth said, as she closed her eyes once again and rested her head on the pillows behind her, exhaling deeply.
Reaching up to her, Mark pushed a few tendrils of hair that had escaped her ponytail back from her face. "Do you want some ice chips?" He asked.
"No," she said, shaking her head as it rested against the pillows. Her body then suddenly tensed, and she squeezed his hand as another contraction built up inside her. "Ohhhhh," she yelled.
"Ok. . .deep breaths, Elizabeth. Deep breaths," Mark replied.
Eight hours later, Rachel saw Mark walking down the hall with a huge smile on his face. "Dad," she called. "How is everything?"
Mark approached Rachel and noticed that Ella was fast asleep on the couch in the waiting room. "Wonderful. Your brother has ten fingers, ten toes, and just the right amounts of all the necessary parts," Mark said, smiling.
Rachel hugged Mark. "I am so excited, dad! Will you tell me his name, now?" Mark and Elizabeth had both decided that if they couldn't keep the sex of the baby a secret, then they would try their best to keep his name a secret instead. "Yeah. It's Matthew David. After your grandfather and great grandfather," Mark said.
"How is Elizabeth?" Rachel asked.
"She's doing well, but she was on the phone with her mom when I left, so that might totally change things," Mark said, looking from Rachel to Ella. "How long has she been out?" He asked.
"She actually just fell asleep. We played and read and colored; watched both 'Cinderella' movies and both 'Little Mermaid' movies. Then, I took her to the cafeteria for dinner." Rachel said, as she picked up some of Ella's random toys from the table in the waiting room.
"Thanks for taking such good care of your sister," Mark said as he helped her tidy the room.
"Not a problem, dad," Rachel said as she loaded a duffle bag full of movies and toys. "Can we go see Elizabeth and Matthew, now?"
"Yeah, I think so. Just for a while, though. Elizabeth is extremely tired, and I need to get you and Ella home. It's getting late," Mark replied as he picked up the sleeping Ella and carried her down the hall.
Elizabeth looked up when she heard the door to her room opening. "Yes, mother. I know, mother. Of course, mother. Yes, well. . .uh huh. Daddy, too?" Elizabeth smiled when she saw Mark carrying Ella through the door. "Well, if you have had this planned for months now. . . Yes, that's fine," Elizabeth continued talking to her mother. "Ok, mother, Mark is back; I need to go. Yes, we will see you then. I love you, too." Elizabeth hung up the phone, obviously flustered by her conversation with Isabelle. "Why do I let that woman do this to me?" She questioned.
"Let me guess," Mark replied. "She is coming to Chicago, and she will be here by Christmas," Mark said, lying Ella down on the couch in Elizabeth's room.
"She'll be here by tomorrow, Mark," Elizabeth said, trying to relax back onto the pillows of her bed. "Her and daddy's plane will be at O'Hare by 10:00am, Chicago time."
"Of course it will," Mark said warily, as he crossed the room toward her. "They're coming together?"
"Apparently so," Elizabeth said with a sigh.
"How are you feeling, Elizabeth?" Rachel asked after setting the bag of Ella's toys in the corner of the room.
"I'm ok," Elizabeth replied, smiling at Rachel. "Tired, though and wondering what they have done with my baby," she said. After a moment, she said, "Thank you so much for watching Ella today."
"I enjoyed it," Rachel said as she sat on the edge of Elizabeth's bed.
After a moment of silence, Elizabeth quickly sat upright in her bed. "Mark, you don't think there could be something wrong with Matthew, do you?" Elizabeth asked, slight alarm apparent in her voice and facial expression.
"No, why?" He asked, gently stroking one of her hands.
"They are just taking an awfully long time with him, that's all," Elizabeth replied.
"I'm sure everything is fine, but I'll go check. Be right back," Mark said as he kissed the side of her head and then exited the room.
Minutes later, Elizabeth looked up as Mark entered her room carrying a tiny bundle in his arms.
"Was everything all right?" She asked, nervously.
"Yep! He's as healthy as a horse," Mark replied. "Eight pounds, three ounces. Nineteen inches long."
"Oh, let me see," Rachel pleaded softly. Looking down at the baby her father held in his arms, she said, "Oh my, he's gorgeous."
"And you're sure there's nothing wrong," Elizabeth asked again.
"I'm sure, Elizabeth. Stop worrying," Mark said, handing their son to her.
"Hi, Matthew," Elizabeth cooed, but turned her head when she heard Ella squirming on the couch.
Sitting up and yawning, she sleepily asked, " Is the baby here yet?"
Mark turned to her and said, "He sure is, sweetie." Now fully awake, she rushed toward her parents and tried unsuccessfully to climb up on Elizabeth's bed. "Here, let me help," Mark said as he lifted her into a better position to see Matthew.
Looking down at the baby, Ella smiled. "He's so little," she replied.
"Well, you were smaller than this when you were born," Elizabeth stated, smiling at Ella.
Ella just continued to stare down at the infant in her mother's arms. After a moment, she said, "I love you, baby."
On Christmas morning, they all sat around the Christmas tree, taking turns opening their gifts. Isabelle and Charles had arrived on Christmas Eve and were there to help Elizabeth get settled back into the house upon her return from the hospital. "Ok, it's my turn," Ella called as she sat among the wrapping paper and bows that covered the floor of the living room.
"You already opened all of your presents," Mark replied from his seat on the floor next to her.
"No, daddy! It's my turn to hold Matthew," Ella said as she stood up and walked toward Elizabeth who sat comfortably against the arm of the couch cradling the new baby in her arms. "I want to play with him."
"Babies are very delicate, Ella," Isabelle stated as she pulled Ella onto her lap. "Matthew is not a toy, sweetheart."
"I know, grandma," Ella said, pointedly. "Everyone else has held him, though," she pouted, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
Elizabeth looked from Ella to Mark, and then smiling, she asked, "Mark, will you take Matthew a moment?" Mark stood and crossed the room toward her, momentarily taking Matthew off her hands as he sat back down on the floor at her feet. "Come here, sweetie. Sit on mommy's lap," she said, motioning toward Ella who was still seated on Isabelle's lap at the other end of the couch. Ella excitedly moved across the couch and settled onto her mother's lap as Elizabeth too relaxed into the corner of the couch. "Ok, now I need you to hold your arms just like this," Elizabeth said, showing Ella how to hold her arms. Ella mimicked the cradled position her mother illustrated, as Elizabeth supported Ella's arms with her own. "Now, when daddy hands Matthew to you, you need to hold very very still."
"You are making me very nervous, mommy," Ella said seriously. Elizabeth just smiled at Mark as he handed the baby to Ella and then knelt down beside her on the floor. Ella giggled as the newborn yawned. "Look, Rachel. I'm holding the baby," Ella said, enthusiastically.
"I see that," Rachel replied, as she took a seat beside Elizabeth on the couch.
Just then, the flash of a camera caught everyone off guard. Elizabeth looked up at her father, accusingly. "What?" Charles questioned, innocently. "You have a beautiful family, darling. Why no capture that forever?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes, and then said, "It's just that you and Mark both seem to have a knack for capturing me at my least beautiful moments."
"Oh, come on, Elizabeth. For just giving birth to an eight pound baby, you look wonderful," Isabelle reassured.
Elizabeth just smiled and looked down at both Ella and Matthew. By this time, Matthew's eyes had fallen shut as he rested in Ella's arms. "I think he likes you, Elle," Mark said, smiling up at his youngest daughter.
"Of course her likes me, daddy. I'm his big sister," Ella said, matter-of-factly. Everyone in the room just chuckled at Ella's wry comment.
"Ok, sweetie pie. I think it's time to put Matthew down for his nap," Elizabeth said.
"But I'm not finished yet, mommy," Ella began to argue.
Mark looked at her sternly and said, "I promise that you can hold him when he wakes up again, ok?"
Ella thought for a moment, but then after regarding the stern look on her father's face, she said, "Ok, daddy."
"Here," Isabelle offered. "I'll take him up." She then stood and took the sleeping infant from Ella's arms.
After Isabelle started up the stairs, Mark asked, "Rach, you want to help me put Ella's doll house together?"
"Sure, dad," she replied.
"Me too, daddy!" Ella exclaimed, excitedly.
"Ok, but you have to be quiet when we get upstairs. Matthew needs to take a nap," Mark stipulated. Ella just nodded her head as she climbed down from her position on Elizabeth's lap. Mark stood from the floor and after kissing his wife's temple, he said, "Stay here and relax a bit."
Once Rachel, Mark, and Ella made their way up the stairs, Elizabeth sat alone in the living room with her father, but then stood slowly to start picking up the mess of Christmas wrapping paper and bows. "Hey, sit! I'll get all of this," Charles commanded.
"I can get it, daddy. It isn't a big deal," Elizabeth countered as she stuffed a wad of paper into a garbage bag.
"Just sit, Elizabeth," Charles demanded, and after taking the big black garbage bag from her, he watched as Elizabeth sank back into the couch. They were silent for a while as Elizabeth watched her father move around the room, tidying up the mess that had ensued earlier that morning. After finishing his task, Charles moved toward Elizabeth and sat beside her on the couch. Putting his arm around her shoulders, he asked, "Are you feeling all right, sweetheart?"
"Just tired, I guess," Elizabeth responded, placing her head on his shoulder.
They sat in silence a moment before Charles said, "You know, I'm proud of you, Elizabeth."
Lifting her head from his shoulder, she regarded him for a moment before asking, "For what exactly?"
Turning to face her, Charles replied, "I know it isn't really any of my business, but I have been watching how you behave toward Rachel, darling. It took a lot for you to forgive her for what happened with Ella."
Elizabeth sat silently for some time before she could formulate what to say to her father. "It was hard in the beginning, but that was almost three years ago," Elizabeth began. "I foolishly let Rachel come between Mark and I once before, and I almost lost him because of my own pride and stubbornness. She is his daughter, and I decided a long time ago that if I want him, and I truly do, then I have to accept him for what he is. Rachel and all," Elizabeth said, sincerely, but then smiling, she added, "She has changed a lot, though, and has made it a lot easier for me to accept her this time around."
"You have made an excellent life for yourself, Elizabeth. I am certain of that," Charles said after taking in Elizabeth's response.
"Yes well, you won't hear me complaining," she teased and then added, "Thanks for coming for Christmas, daddy."
"It wasn't for Christmas, exactly. It was to see my grandson. . .and you, Ella, and Mark, of course. I didn't get to meet Ella until she was almost two years old," Charles replied. "I didn't want to miss out on that again."
Just then, from upstairs, they heard the fitful cries of a newborn. Elizabeth sighed and said, "He is probably hungry. I better go up and check."
"Ok, I think I'll help Mark with that state-of-the-art doll house your mother insisted on buying for Ella," Charles replied as they both stood and walked toward the stairs.
When they reached the second floor of the house, Mark emerged from Ella's bedroom, on his was toward the nursery. "I'll get him, Mark. Daddy is going to help you with Ella's doll house," Elizabeth replied.
Mark regarded her tired eyes momentarily. "You look tired, Elizabeth. Are you sure you don't want me to get him?" He asked.
"I am tired, Mark, but Matthew needs fed, and since I haven't started using the breast pump, yet, I don't think you can feed him," Elizabeth said, sarcastically. "I mean, you could try very hard, but I'm not sure he would be very happy with you."
Mark smiled at her, and said, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Just let me know if you need anything."
"I will. Now go help Ella before she glues the roof to the bottom of the house or something," Elizabeth said and then kissed his lips gently.
As Mark retreated back into Ella's bedroom, Elizabeth entered the nursery. "I think he's hungry," Isabelle stated as she handed Matthew to her daughter.
"Yes, I figured as much," Elizabeth said, sitting in the large rocking chair in the middle of the room to feed the hungry baby.
Isabelle watched quietly from the other side of the room before saying, "It really has happened for you hasn't it, Elizabeth."
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asked, as she looked from Matthew toward her mother who was now quietly sitting on a small hassock near the rocking chair.
Isabelle smiled momentarily and then replied, "Husband, children, work. . .all balanced together wonderfully."
"Well, it isn't always easy, mother. But you already know that," Elizabeth stated.
"Yes, well, you have definitely done a better job than I ever could have imagined doing," Isabelle said, knowingly shaking her head.
"It's a totally different situation, mother," Elizabeth replied, trying to reassure her mother.
"I suppose so, dear," Isabelle conceded. "I just remember a time not too long ago when you weren't even sure if all this would happen for you," Isabelle said, keenly.
Elizabeth chuckled and rested her head against the back of the rocker before saying, "Yes, I do recall being insufferable."
Isabelle chuckled softly as well, and then admitted, "You may not have known, Elizabeth, but I knew from the first time I saw you with Mark Greene that there was something special there. I may have been dreadful at my own relationships, but I always knew that this would happen for you, and once I met Mark, I knew it was going to happen with him."
"Yeah, I think I always knew, as well. I just had a hard time admitting it to myself. A hard time acknowledging that I needed someone else," Elizabeth stated. "I'm glad I finally allowed myself to recognize it, though."
Isabelle smiled and shook her head. "I'm sorry I wasn't the mother you wish you'd had," she said.
Elizabeth looked from Isabelle toward Matthew as he began to fuss. Lifting him to rest against her chest, she rubbed his back as she spoke, "You are my mother, and I love you. No matter what, ok?" Elizabeth smiled as Matthew burped.
They sat in silence a moment before Isabelle spoke. "Do you think we're ok, Elizabeth?" she asked, uncertainly.
"Yes, mother. I think we're fine."
"Ella, sweetheart. Please hold still," Mark heard Elizabeth say as he walked from the nursery past the bathroom. "Mommy can't wash your hair if you keep squirming like that."
"You don't wash my hair like grandma does," Ella pointed out.
"Well, grandma isn't here anymore, is she." Elizabeth retorted. Mark heard the sound of water splashing onto the floor of the bathroom followed by a groan from his wife "Ella, you are soaking me," Elizabeth exclaimed a little louder. Ella giggled loudly and Mark chuckled to himself, but he was sure Elizabeth was not amused. "Please, Ella!"
When Mark heard Elizabeth's plea, he could tell she had reached her breaking point. He threw open the door and jokingly yelled, "Hey!"
Elizabeth and Ella both jumped as Mark approached the tub. "Daddy, you scared me!"
Kneeling down beside Elizabeth, Mark asked, "Ella, are you giving your mother a hard time, tonight?"
"No, daddy," Ella replied, immediately.
"Ella!" Mark said sternly.
Looking from her mother to her father and then back to her mother, and realizing that neither of them were very happy with her, she said, "I'm sorry, mommy. I'll hold still."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said as she attempted to wash Ella's hair once again.
Mark watched momentarily, and then said, "Ella, if you behave for the rest of your bath, I promise to read you two bedtime stories tonight, ok?"
"OK!" She exclaimed as she bounced up and down in the tub. "I promise to be good, daddy."
"That's my girl," Mark said as he stood to leave the bathroom. "Matthew is asleep for now, Elizabeth, but I think Rachel needs to talk to you when you're finished."
"Ok, thank you," she replied.
Thirty minutes later, Elizabeth had changed from her wet clothing into a pair of flannel pajama pants and one of Mark's t-shirts. Pulling her thick gray robe over her pajamas and walking toward the stairs, she heard Mark reading to Ella in her bedroom, and she could hear Matthew's even breaths through the baby monitor she had clipped to the waist band of her pants. She descended the stairs and knocked lightly on Rachel's bedroom door. "Rachel?" she called.
"Come in," Rachel answered.
Elizabeth was amazed when she peered into the bedroom. Rachel sat in the middle of her bed surrounded by a laptop, books, papers, pamphlets, notebooks, and newspapers. The mess on the bed had started to overflow onto the floor where it was obvious that she had missed the basket while trying to shoot unwanted papers into the trashcan. "Rach, what is all this?" Elizabeth asked as she stepped further into the room.
Rachel looked up at her stepmother and smiled slightly. "Term paper for Race, Class, and Gender," came her response. "It's due Friday, but I'm having such a hard time. Pretty much everything I have right now. . .well. . .it just sucks."
Elizabeth smiled at Rachel's terminology. "You need some help?" Elizabeth asked, as she pulled the desk chair toward Rachel's bed and sat down.
Rachel sighed. "No, that's ok. I'm sure you have a lot to do with Matthew or Ella. I'll be ok."
Elizabeth observed Rachel and then said, "Listen, Rachel. It isn't like you are a perfect stranger who pays rent to live here or something. You are one of our children, too, and if you need help, all you have to do is ask."
"I know," Rachel admitted, almost timidly. "You and dad have just been really busy lately, and I didn't want to bother you," she said.
"Hey, you are not a bother, Rach. Just tell me that the paper has nothing to do with the Revolutionary War or the British persecuting the Indians, and I am all yours," Elizabeth joked.
Rachel smiled, remembering all the Hell she had put Elizabeth through in the past. "It has nothing to do with any of that," she said as she picked up a piece of paper. She handed the assignment sheet to Elizabeth and watched as she read the paper.
"Rachel!" Elizabeth exclaimed, upon reading the topic of the paper. "'Discrimination Against Women in the Field of Medicine'? Why didn't you ask sooner? Are you crazy?"
"That's exactly what dad said," Rachel said, smiling. "But, like I said, I just didn't want to be in the way," Rachel replied, quickly. "I know I should have asked sooner. Now I only have three days left."
Elizabeth glanced at the paper again, and then said, "Listen, it's only Monday night, and it's getting late. You obviously aren't getting anywhere with what you have here, so tomorrow evening, we'll get started. Three days will be plenty of time to finish this."
"Are you sure? Some people have been working on their papers for the past two weeks," Rachel said, worry evident in her voice.
"Well, those other people don't have a stepmother who actually has been 'discriminated against in the field of medicine'," Elizabeth said, cynically.
Rachel considered Elizabeth's statement, and then said, "Well, I guess not. Are you sure you have time to help?"
"Yes, tomorrow after dinner," Elizabeth started, and the smiling conspiratorially, she said, "We'll make your dad take care of both Ella and Matthew, so we can get started." Rachel smiled and then thanked Elizabeth. "I do have a favor to ask of you, though," Elizabeth admitted.
"Sure, what is it?" Rachel asked as she started to gather the mess on her bed into an even messier pile.
"Do you think you could watch Ella for a while after school tomorrow? I have to take Matthew for a check-up, and it will just be easier if she stays here," Elizabeth replied as she stood from her chair.
"Sure that's not a problem," Rachel said, standing to pick up some of the mess surrounding her bed. "Is Matthew ok?"
"Oh, yes. He's fine. It's just a check-up," Elizabeth said as she stood to leave the room.
"That's good," Rachel replied happily. "And it's no problem to watch Ella tomorrow. She and I will get dinner started for everyone," she said.
"Thanks," Elizabeth remarked, and then pointing to the floor and the bed, she said, "Now, clean up this mess, and go to bed. We'll get started tomorrow."
"Ok," Rachel smiled. Hesitantly, she stepped closer to Elizabeth and hugged her. "Thanks so much for your help."
Elizabeth was slightly taken aback by Rachel's actions, and she stood hesitantly for a moment before embracing Rachel in return. This was the first time since Rachel had moved back into the house that she had initiated any type of physical emotion toward her. Their relationship definitely had progressed over the past couple months, and they were definitely getting along famously, but this was unquestionably something new. "Not a problem," Elizabeth replied, kissing the top of Rachel's head. "Now, go to bed." Rachel pulled out of the embrace and watched as Elizabeth exited the room, pulling the door closed behind her.
Walking slowly back from the bathroom, Mark sighed. 3:07am. Climbing back into bed, he gently wrapped his arms around Elizabeth, who was lying with her back toward him. "Mmm, Mark. You ok?" She mumbled sleepily.
"Yeah, just a headache. Go back to sleep," he replied, but he knew his answer hadn't sounded very convincing, and she could tell by the tone of his voice and the tension in his body wrapped tightly around hers that there was something more.
"You sure?" She prompted, now fully awake and opening her eyes to stare out into the darkness of their bedroom. They laid in silence for a long while, until she turned to face him, propping herself up on one elbow to look down at him. "Mark?"
Sitting up and leaning his back against the headboard, he sighed and then hesitantly asked, "Do you even think about our future, Elizabeth?"
"What are you talking about, Mark?" Elizabeth asked as she sat up on the bed, facing him.
He sighed once more and then finally admitted, "It's just that every time I get a headache, I get afraid that. . ."
Knowing exactly what he was about to say, she interrupted his admission and said, "Mark, millions of people get headaches every day, but that certainly does not mean that each and every one of those people have a. . ." Elizabeth lowered her voice before saying, ". . .brain tumor." She then took his hands in hers, trying somehow to reassure him.
He smiled down at his hands in hers and then looking back up into her bright green eyes, he said, "I know. It just makes me wonder, and then I start to worry, and then I get. . .well, I get. . .scared." He shook his head and then rested it against the headboard, closing his eyes.
Elizabeth placed her hands on the sides of his head and considered the tired features of his face. When he opened his eyes, she worriedly asked, "Where is all of this coming from, huh?" Mark just shook his head again, prompting her to ask, "Have you had any other symptoms?"
"No. Other than the headaches, everything seems normal to me," he answered.
"Well, that's good, right?" She asked as she removed her hands from his face.
He grabbed onto her hands, rested them with his in his lap and then said, "Yeah, it just gets to me sometimes, Elizabeth."
She thought for a moment. Trying to carefully place her words, she said, "I understand that this is a real fear, Mark. It is in no way unreasonable or irrational, but we really cannot spend the rest of our lives worrying about it. You can't walk around on eggshells forever. What kind of life is that?" She asked, sincerely.
"I realize all of that, Elizabeth, I really do. I let it get to me sometimes, though. I try to push it to the back of my mind, but sometimes I just can't. It makes it hard for me to let my guard down.
"I know, Mark. I think about it sometimes, too, and it's scary. It really is, but I refuse to live the rest of my life with you, constantly letting that haunt me," she looked down at his hands holding hers. "It isn't all about me, though, and I'm just being selfish. I'm sorry."
"No, you aren't being selfish, Elizabeth. It is entirely about you," he replied, looking sadly into her eyes.
"Well, not entirely," she said. "It affects. . ."
"You," he finished for her. "If something happens to me, then the burden of our entire life together will fall on your shoulders."
Astonished by his remark, she stared at him momentarily, disbelieving what he had just said. "I have never considered any part of our life together to be a BURDEN, Mark," she spat sharply, pulling her hands from his and leaning away from him.
He shook his head, and looking at her gently he said, "Elizabeth, that's not what I'm saying. I just meant. . ."
"Come on, Mark," she interrupted, impetuously. "You have three beautiful children, a job you adore, a wealth of friends, and a wife who is desperately in love with you. Can't you just. . ."
"I don't want to argue with you, ok. I just worry about what will happen to you and our family if something happens to me," he admitted. Then his voice lowering, he asked, "What will you do, Elizabeth?"
"I really don't like talking about this, Mark," she said as she stood from the bed, turning her back to him.
"Do you think I do? Do you think this is just a walk in the park for me?" He asked, the volume of his voice rising a bit.
Turning back toward the bed and looking at him, she asked, her voice cracking, "Do you even realize what you are insisting I think about by asking a question like that? 'What will you do, Elizabeth?" She repeated his words, and half-expected him to say something, but when he did not, she decided to continue. "Mark, you are asking me to imagine my life without you, and I refuse to do it."
"I just need to know that you will be ok if something happens," he said matter-of-factly.
She remained standing at the foot of their bed a moment, but then diffidently moved back onto the bed. Kneeling on the bed and moving closer to him, she looked down and sighed, trying to calm herself. She knew that they had never really talked about this the first time his brain tumor was diagnosed. At the time, she had assured him that she would still have their child, but other than that, their conversations were tightly restricted to his surgery and then recovery. Considering this, she raised her head, and looking into his eyes she said, "Mark, I love you so so much. Not a day goes by that I don't think about how utterly amazing my life is just because you are in it. Do you realize that? I mean, I know you love me, Mark, but are you truly aware of the impact you have had on my life?"
"Elizabeth, I. . ."
"No, you started this, so let me finish," she said, shaking her head defying him to say another word. She paused for a moment, and then looking him directly in the eye, continued. "I think I would die inside, Mark. A part of me would just be missing. But, you know, then I would need to take Ella and Matthew into my arms and somehow try to explain to them that their daddy was gone. Not because he wanted to be, though. It just wasn't his choice. He couldn't do anything about it," she stated, pausing again to gather her words. "Then I would tell them that even though they couldn't see you anymore, you would always be with them because you loved them so very much and wanted to be with them forever," she looked at Mark, who sat quietly on the bed. She could feel the sting of tears in her eyes, and she thought about stopping, but knew she should just get it all out now. "And I know she isn't really my daughter, Mark, but I would continue to support Rachel through whatever. . .because I love her as if she were my own child." It finally was just too much for her and she turned her head quickly to hide her tears from him.
Tentatively crossing the bed toward her, he took her into his arms and held her tightly. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I am so sorry. I never should have asked or needed you to tell me all of that," he said, shaking his head apologetically. "You definitely didn't sign up for a gloomy husband who feels sorry for himself all the time," he continued. "You didn't sign up for any of this."
Pulling away from him and wiping her eyes, she said, "That's where you're wrong, Mark. This is all part of being married to you, and if I have to sit here at 3:30 in the morning listening to you talk about your fears, then that is exactly what I am going to do. Besides, how can I condemn you for simply wanting the best for family? You're just being a good father and husband, Mark." She then smiled up at him, and said, "You wouldn't think that you being a good father would make me cry, though, would you."
He chuckled softly and kissed her forehead and then the tip of her nose. "You are an amazing woman, Elizabeth Corday, and I'm sorry I mad you cry."
"Yeah, well, I don't. . ." she started.
"Just go with me on this one, ok," he said, smiling at her.
Looking deep into his eyes, she said, "Listen. . .Matthew's six week check up is tomorrow. Rachel agreed to watch Ella while I take him into County, so when we are finished with the pediatrician, we'll meet you in the ER and then go for a CT, ok?"
"No, it's ok. I'm sure you will be tired after your day will Ella and Matthew tomorrow, and you'll just want to get home after the appointment. I'll get a CT sometime tomorrow when I get a chance," he said, moving away from her and lying back down on the bed.
She followed him, but did not lie back down. Instead, she straddled his legs and sitting up on his thighs, she said, "Now, you listen to me, Mark Greene. When I 'signed up for you', I was assured that I would get ALL of you. The whole thing. Not just the fair weather friend parts. I'll go with you tomorrow. I really don't mind."
He thought about it for a moment, and then asked, "What time is Matthew's appointment?"
"3:30pm."
Wrapping his arms around her waist, he said, "Well then, why don't you come to the ER first, and if I'm not busy, I'll go with you for Matthew's check-up, and then we can go for the CT, ok?"
"Sounds good," she replied, and then leaning over and holding herself above his body with he forearms, she kissed his lips gently. Pulling her head back, she quickly pecked his lips again, and then said, "I love you."
Before he could respond, they both heard Matthew whimper through the baby monitor, and soon, his cries were echoing down the hallway. Elizabeth sighed and then climbed off Mark and out of bed. He followed behind her toward the nursery. "Well, I just fed him about an hour ago, so he shouldn't be hungry, and I do believe it is definitely your turn for a diaper change," Elizabeth said, grinning.
"Whatever you say, dear," Mark said as he walked through the nursery door.
Elizabeth gently lifted Matthew from the crib and said, "What's the matter, my baby, huh?" Holding him to her chest, she continued, "You want to go see daddy?" Mark took the crying baby from his wife and walked to the changing table. He gently settled Matthew onto the table and began to remove his pajamas as Elizabeth handed him a clean diaper. Leaning against the wall as she watched Mark change the diaper, she stifled a yawn and said, "I feel like I could sleep for an entire week."
"Well, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but I don't think that is going to happen any time soon," Mark said gently as he put some powder on Matthew's bottom.
Once the diaper change was complete, Mark picked up the restless baby and sat down in the rocker, cradling him in his arms. "I'm going to the kitchen to get something to drink, Mark. Would you like something?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, thanks," he replied.
When Elizabeth returned from the kitchen just ten minutes later, she did not imagine that Mark would already be placing Matthew back into his crib. "Well, that was quick," she quietly commented.
"Yeah, I think he is finally just as tired as we are," Mark whispered.
Looking down into the crib, Elizabeth gently stroked their son's cheek. "He is a beautiful baby, Mark."
"Of course he is. Just look at his mother," Mark said, pulling a blanket up over Matthew.
Stepping back from the crib, Elizabeth said, "Oh, yeah. Just look at her. Almost four o'clock in the morning, hair a wreck, no make-up, AND an extra 15 pounds. Sounds like beauty to me."
Mark smiled at her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "You know that you will always be beautiful to me. No matter what you think," he said, smoothly.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," she commented, smiling. Then looking back down at their sleeping son, she said, "Anyway, you know I think he looks like you."
"You really think so?" Mark asked, first studying the baby's face and then taking her hand to lead her toward the door.
"Yep," she said. "Bald, just like his daddy," Elizabeth teased as she escaped the nursery with Mark right behind her.
"Now that's just not nice," he said, chuckling. "You'll give him a complex." Mark then approached Elizabeth, who was standing across the hall from him, laughing. Pressing her against the wall near Ella's bedroom door, he took her face in his hands and kissed her hard on the lips. After the shock of his actions wore off, she wrapped her harms around his waist, relaxing into him as deepened the kiss.
Slowly pulling away, Elizabeth smiled up at him and trying to catch her breath, she said, "Well, what was that for?"
"Just couldn't help myself," he admitted. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," she said, grinning as she tore herself away from him and gently opened the door to Ella's bedroom. There they saw their little girl tangled among blankets, sheets, and stuffed animals with her thumb stuffed in her mouth. Mark chuckled softly when he saw her bed in such disarray. Bending down beside the bed, he placed several of the stuffed animals on the floor while Elizabeth straightened her covers. Ella rolled over in her sleep, but was not awakened. Elizabeth stood there watching her peaceful form, recalling the disaster this sleeping angel had caused in the bathroom earlier the previous night. She smiled as Mark came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"We do make beautiful babies together, Elizabeth," he said.
"Yes we do, Mark," she replied, admiring Ella's sleeping form.
"Come on. Why don't we go try to get a little more sleep," Mark said, taking her hand and pulling her out the door.
Elizabeth smiled and teased, "I don't know, Mark. You might have to twist my arm on that one."
To be continued in Chapter 4. . .
