Challenged, but still Unbroken
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: These characters belong to NBC, Michael Crichton, and etc.- except the ones I made up!
Author's note: Let the angst/drama begin!
****
"Hey Susan, do you have plans tonight?"
"John, you're a married man."
The two doctors stood outside waiting for the incoming ambulance. It had been almost five months since John and Randi had found out about the next addition to their family.
"Very funny. I was just wondering if you could watch Georgia for the night?"
"Big plans?"
"I think that Randi is feeling a bit overwhelmed, you know with the new baby and all. Georgia is completely tiring her out, and I honestly don't remember the last time the two of us were completely alone. I gave Alger, Roberta, and Marie the night off, now I'm just looking for someone to watch Georgia."
"I really wish I could. Robert is taking me to the symphony tonight. Any other night I would, but-"
"That's fine. I figured the two of you would have plans."
"What about Luka and Abby?"
John gave his friend look that screamed "Yeah right!"
"Bad idea. Sorry for even suggesting two newlyweds, Carter. What about Elizabeth?"
"What about Elizabeth for what?" a British accent spoke up from behind them.
"Hey, Elizabeth. Um, we were just talking about plans for tonight. You wouldn't happen to be free would you?"
"Carter, I have a four year old at home. I plan to go home and play a nice calm game of go fish, then call it a night. Why do you ask?"
The sound of the paramedic rig was finally heard off in the distance.
"I'm actually looking for someone to keep Georgia for the night. Randi and I need some alone time. She's seemed more exhausted with this pregnancy than the last one."
"She wasn't chasing a two year old around last time either. Of course she can stay with us. Ella will love it. It's just been the two of us for so long, so I think she will enjoy somebody's company other than Mommy's."
The rig pulled up into the ambulance bay as she said this, and the doctors headed toward the gun shot victim.
"Thanks, Elizabeth."
"Any time, Carter. What have you got?" She turned her attention to paramedics and the young man on the gurney.
****
"John, what is going on?" Randi asked, trying to pull the scarf away from her eyes. She was obviously irritated at her husband's secrecy.
"Just a little farther. Just trust me."
"Fine. You know, it's not good for me too walk this far. Don't want to go into early labor or anything; although, as slow as the last one was, I might want to get started now, and I'll have the kid by it's due date."
John chuckled at Randi's aggravated sarcasm.
"We're here, baby."
John removed the silk scarf from her face. The scene that was revealed to her was nothing less than perfect. The May sun was setting over the lake, casting a romantic gold tone over everything it hit. The dock was covered with white rose petals and white candles. There were several sterling covered dishes and two crystal wine glasses.
Randi could do nothing to hold back the tears. She turned around and looked at John. Neither one of them said a word, but let their eyes do the talking. John silently surrounded her swollen belly with his arms.
The waterworks were then turned on full force, and John saw a steady stream of tears appear on his wife's cheeks. Just as he did right before their first kiss, he leaned in and kissed the tears off her cheeks.
The couple walked over to the dock and sat down. Then a realization hit Randi.
"John, where's Georgia?"
"Elizabeth came and picked her up while you were taking a nap. She's going to stay over there tonight. I also gave Roberta, Alger and Marie the night off. It's just the two of us here."
John winked at Randi, and they began to eat the meticulously prepared meal that was contained in the sterling dishes.
****
"All right girls, it's time for bed."
"No, mama. I don't want Georgia to go home!"
"She's not going home tonight. She is staying with us all night."
"I am? Yay!"
"But it is time for little girls to get ready for bed. Pick up the dolls, and then I'll help you get you PJ's on."
"OK," both girls said simultaneously.
After these tasks had been performed, Elizabeth tucked the two girls into bed, read them a quick bedtime story, and kissed her daughter goodnight. She turned out the lights and exited quickly.
Elizabeth stepped outside her daughter's bedroom headed toward her own. As she got into bed, she thought back. The past several years had been difficult, without Mark. Being a single mother had never been her plan, but she was getting by. Ella was the only thing she could count on. And until recently, she felt satisfied with her life. She had begun to get lonely in the past couple of months. Watching John and Randi, Luka and Abby, and now Robert and Susan had been trying to her. She missed the comfort of having a lover next to her in the morning light.
With this thought, her eyes shut, and she fell into a deep slumber.
****
"Did you blow all of the candles out, John?"
"Mmm-Hmm. Everything is fine. Relax."
As they lay in the soft king sized bed much later that night, Randi had her head resting on her husband's stomach, and John was gently caressing her hair. The past four hours had been effortlessly equivalent to the passion of the first time they had made love.
John could not help but look at his wife's round stomach softly silhouetted by the white satin sheets. As he stared at her, the baby decided to kick the inside of his mothers belly.
"I don't care how many times I have see that happen, I ever get tired of watching it."
"It feels pretty amazing too."
John leaned in and kissed his wife softly on her lips.
"You know what we have not talked about, John?"
"What's that, baby?"
"What we are going to name this one."
"Well, the boy's name is obvious. But I cannot think of anything I like for a girls name."
"That's funny. Neither can I. Why don't we wait until he or she gets here."
"Sounds like a plan."
"John, I love you, so much."
"And I love you."
****
The digital alarm clock on her nightstand read 4:59am.
"Mommy!!!! Help!!!!"
Elizabeth jumped out of bed at her daughter's calls. Upon entering the child room, she found the Ella and Georgia huddled in the far corner of the room, both crying.
"What on earth! What happened?"
She tried to clam the girls so that they could tell her what had happened. Finally Ella spoke up through her tears.
"There was a lady in the window. She was tapping on the glass. She went away when she saw Georgia and me. I think she is still out there."
"Okay, girls come with me. I'm going to call the police."
"I want my Daddy and Mommy," the youngest girl cried.
"I'll call them, too, Georgia. Everything will be alright."
Elizabeth took the girls into the living room, where she sat them on the oversized couch, and began to search for the cordless phone. When she found it in the kitchen, she caught a glimpse of a well-dressed woman standing outside her back door.
Elizabeth quickly stepped back in the living room, so the woman would not see her. She quickly called the police.
****
"John. John-wake up! The phone is ringing."
"Huh? What? Oh. What time is it?"
John and Randi had finally gotten some sleep, but it had been short lived. The phone rang, and both of their minds drifted to their daughter. They both trusted Elizabeth completely, but the early morning phone call had both parents concerned for their daughter.
"5:11."
John reached to the nightstand on his side of the bed, and grabbed the phone quickly.
"Hello?"
"John, it's Elizabeth. I'm sorry to call you this time of the morning, but I need you to come down here now."
"What's wrong, Elizabeth? Is Georgia okay?"
At John's words, Randi was out of the bed, quickly dressing herself.
"Yes. She's fine. But-"
"Oh thank God."
John and Randi's eyes met with reassurance that their child was safe.
"-but I woke up to she and Ella crying and they said there was a woman outside their window. I saw her as well, and called the police. They came and caught her fairly quickly. John, she claims that she is your mother, and said she was coming to pick Georgia up for you. The police said that they need you to come down here."
"We'll be right there. Thanks Elizabeth."
Randi was already completely dressed by the time John hung up the phone. He quickly exited the bed, and threw on the jeans and T-shirt he had on the night before.
"John, what's going on?" Randi asked her husband anxiously.
"Eleanor Carter is what is going on. Georgia is fine, but apparently my mother was snooping around Elizabeth's. She called the police, and when they came they caught someone claiming to be my mother, and said that she was coming to pick Georgia up for us. The police need us to get over there, and make sure that she really is my mother."
"Why would she do this?
"I don't know; anger, revenge, depression, hate. Why does that woman do anything? "
Trying to contain his anger, he grabbed his keys off the dresser, and they quickly headed down the grand staircase.
They drove the fifteen miles to Elizabeth's house in silence. The only form of communication between the two was the tireless grip Randi had on her husband's hand.
As they approached the house, they saw three police cars, and several police officers talking to John's co-worker on her front porch.
They parked the SUV at the end of the driveway, and jumped out, hurrying towards the group on the porch.
"Where's my baby?" Randi yelled in a mildly frantic manner.
"Oh thank goodness you are here. I put Georgia and Ella in my room, so they could try to get a little more sleep."
"You Dr. John Carter?" one of the cops asked John.
"Yes. I am."
"Lieutenant Gable, Chicago Police Department. A woman claiming to be your mother was caught trespassing on Dr. Corday's property. I need you to identify her. She is sitting in Officer Dawson's squad car. Dawson, take Dr. Carter to see her."
"Yes Sir," the young officer replied. "Follow me, Dr. Carter."
John did as he was told, leaving Randi standing there with Lt. Gable, Elizabeth, and two other officers.
"I want to see my daughter. I need to know for myself that she is okay."
"Randi, you should really sit down, and relax. We don't need you to go into premature labor. Georgia is fine. I promise. Can we go inside?"
The Lieutenant nodded, and the five people entered Elizabeth's living room. Randi and Elizabeth sat on the soft tan couch, while the officers continued to stand.
"Mrs. Carter, has your mother-in-law ever given you trouble before?"
"We've been estranged from her for years. She did not even know about Georgia until about six or seven months ago. John knew something was wrong. He said that he thought she was sinking back into her depression, and that he was concerned about what she might try to do if she became clinically depressed again. I guess we know now."
With that, Randi put her head in her hands and finally let all of the emotion she had held in for the past forty five minutes come flowing out of her in a flood of tears. Elizabeth tried to consol her friend, assuring her that everything would be okay, now that the police had Eleanor in custody.
It was at that moment that John and Officer Dawson entered the room. Randi looked at her husband with questioning eyes.
"Was it her?"
John nodded, sat down beside her, and took her hand.
Lt. Gable continued to ask questions concerning John's mother.
"Mrs. Carter, you said that you husband suspected that she was sinking 'back' into her depression. Has she been clinically depressed before?"
"Yes. After my brother died-well over twenty years ago," John said.
"Was there anyway she would know that your daughter would be at Dr. Corday's tonight?"
"No. Absolutely not."
The discussion continued for another half hour, until they were interrupted by a small sleepy voice coming from the bottom of the stairs.
"Daddy, Mommy!"
John and Randi both put their arms around Georgia who had run immediately to them after she made her presence known.
The officers saw that as their cue to leave the family alone, excused themselves, and headed out the door.
"I want to go home."
"Let's go get your things together, sweetie. Then we'll go home." Randi, Georgia and Elizabeth headed up the stairs to gather the child's belongings.
John followed the officers out the front door onto the porch.
"Lt. Gable, What charges are going to be brought against my mother?"
"Without question, she will be charged with trespassing. Unfortunately that is the only thing certain right now, since no real threat was made. I will suggest a psychiatric evaluation, and therefore the child endangerment charges will be pending that evaluation. I think the best thing for you and your wife to do is to file a restraining order against your mother. That way, if this happens again, you will have certain cause for pressing charges. And other than that, don't let your little girl out of your sight. We will get back in touch with you, and let you know more details when they become available."
"Thanks for your help, Lieutenant."
The sun had risen, and all of the squad cars pulled out of the area, one containing John's mother. He let out a big sigh, and turned to reenter Elizabeth's house. Instead he found his wife and daughter stepping out the front door.
"Ready to go, Randi?"
"Yes. Let's just get home."
Elizabeth stood in the doorway, as the family walked down her steps. John paused, and turned to face her.
"Thank you, Elizabeth. I hate that my mother caused you so much trouble."
"John, don't worry about it. I'm just glad Georgia is safe. I'll see you at work."
The three adults exchanged quick smiles, and went their separate ways.
John and Randi skillfully secured their daughter in her seat in the car, and got in themselves. They both let out huge sighs, and John gently put his hand over his wife's.
"Tell me she is not going to bother us again."
John pulled her hand up to his lips, and kissed it gently. He turned the key, and they headed home.
****
Y'all know the drill: READ & REVIEW PLEASE! I really LOVE to hear from you, and know what you are thinking about this story so far.
Thanks for reading! Next part up SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (No, really! I'm telling the truth this time!)
*Hugs*
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: These characters belong to NBC, Michael Crichton, and etc.- except the ones I made up!
Author's note: Let the angst/drama begin!
****
"Hey Susan, do you have plans tonight?"
"John, you're a married man."
The two doctors stood outside waiting for the incoming ambulance. It had been almost five months since John and Randi had found out about the next addition to their family.
"Very funny. I was just wondering if you could watch Georgia for the night?"
"Big plans?"
"I think that Randi is feeling a bit overwhelmed, you know with the new baby and all. Georgia is completely tiring her out, and I honestly don't remember the last time the two of us were completely alone. I gave Alger, Roberta, and Marie the night off, now I'm just looking for someone to watch Georgia."
"I really wish I could. Robert is taking me to the symphony tonight. Any other night I would, but-"
"That's fine. I figured the two of you would have plans."
"What about Luka and Abby?"
John gave his friend look that screamed "Yeah right!"
"Bad idea. Sorry for even suggesting two newlyweds, Carter. What about Elizabeth?"
"What about Elizabeth for what?" a British accent spoke up from behind them.
"Hey, Elizabeth. Um, we were just talking about plans for tonight. You wouldn't happen to be free would you?"
"Carter, I have a four year old at home. I plan to go home and play a nice calm game of go fish, then call it a night. Why do you ask?"
The sound of the paramedic rig was finally heard off in the distance.
"I'm actually looking for someone to keep Georgia for the night. Randi and I need some alone time. She's seemed more exhausted with this pregnancy than the last one."
"She wasn't chasing a two year old around last time either. Of course she can stay with us. Ella will love it. It's just been the two of us for so long, so I think she will enjoy somebody's company other than Mommy's."
The rig pulled up into the ambulance bay as she said this, and the doctors headed toward the gun shot victim.
"Thanks, Elizabeth."
"Any time, Carter. What have you got?" She turned her attention to paramedics and the young man on the gurney.
****
"John, what is going on?" Randi asked, trying to pull the scarf away from her eyes. She was obviously irritated at her husband's secrecy.
"Just a little farther. Just trust me."
"Fine. You know, it's not good for me too walk this far. Don't want to go into early labor or anything; although, as slow as the last one was, I might want to get started now, and I'll have the kid by it's due date."
John chuckled at Randi's aggravated sarcasm.
"We're here, baby."
John removed the silk scarf from her face. The scene that was revealed to her was nothing less than perfect. The May sun was setting over the lake, casting a romantic gold tone over everything it hit. The dock was covered with white rose petals and white candles. There were several sterling covered dishes and two crystal wine glasses.
Randi could do nothing to hold back the tears. She turned around and looked at John. Neither one of them said a word, but let their eyes do the talking. John silently surrounded her swollen belly with his arms.
The waterworks were then turned on full force, and John saw a steady stream of tears appear on his wife's cheeks. Just as he did right before their first kiss, he leaned in and kissed the tears off her cheeks.
The couple walked over to the dock and sat down. Then a realization hit Randi.
"John, where's Georgia?"
"Elizabeth came and picked her up while you were taking a nap. She's going to stay over there tonight. I also gave Roberta, Alger and Marie the night off. It's just the two of us here."
John winked at Randi, and they began to eat the meticulously prepared meal that was contained in the sterling dishes.
****
"All right girls, it's time for bed."
"No, mama. I don't want Georgia to go home!"
"She's not going home tonight. She is staying with us all night."
"I am? Yay!"
"But it is time for little girls to get ready for bed. Pick up the dolls, and then I'll help you get you PJ's on."
"OK," both girls said simultaneously.
After these tasks had been performed, Elizabeth tucked the two girls into bed, read them a quick bedtime story, and kissed her daughter goodnight. She turned out the lights and exited quickly.
Elizabeth stepped outside her daughter's bedroom headed toward her own. As she got into bed, she thought back. The past several years had been difficult, without Mark. Being a single mother had never been her plan, but she was getting by. Ella was the only thing she could count on. And until recently, she felt satisfied with her life. She had begun to get lonely in the past couple of months. Watching John and Randi, Luka and Abby, and now Robert and Susan had been trying to her. She missed the comfort of having a lover next to her in the morning light.
With this thought, her eyes shut, and she fell into a deep slumber.
****
"Did you blow all of the candles out, John?"
"Mmm-Hmm. Everything is fine. Relax."
As they lay in the soft king sized bed much later that night, Randi had her head resting on her husband's stomach, and John was gently caressing her hair. The past four hours had been effortlessly equivalent to the passion of the first time they had made love.
John could not help but look at his wife's round stomach softly silhouetted by the white satin sheets. As he stared at her, the baby decided to kick the inside of his mothers belly.
"I don't care how many times I have see that happen, I ever get tired of watching it."
"It feels pretty amazing too."
John leaned in and kissed his wife softly on her lips.
"You know what we have not talked about, John?"
"What's that, baby?"
"What we are going to name this one."
"Well, the boy's name is obvious. But I cannot think of anything I like for a girls name."
"That's funny. Neither can I. Why don't we wait until he or she gets here."
"Sounds like a plan."
"John, I love you, so much."
"And I love you."
****
The digital alarm clock on her nightstand read 4:59am.
"Mommy!!!! Help!!!!"
Elizabeth jumped out of bed at her daughter's calls. Upon entering the child room, she found the Ella and Georgia huddled in the far corner of the room, both crying.
"What on earth! What happened?"
She tried to clam the girls so that they could tell her what had happened. Finally Ella spoke up through her tears.
"There was a lady in the window. She was tapping on the glass. She went away when she saw Georgia and me. I think she is still out there."
"Okay, girls come with me. I'm going to call the police."
"I want my Daddy and Mommy," the youngest girl cried.
"I'll call them, too, Georgia. Everything will be alright."
Elizabeth took the girls into the living room, where she sat them on the oversized couch, and began to search for the cordless phone. When she found it in the kitchen, she caught a glimpse of a well-dressed woman standing outside her back door.
Elizabeth quickly stepped back in the living room, so the woman would not see her. She quickly called the police.
****
"John. John-wake up! The phone is ringing."
"Huh? What? Oh. What time is it?"
John and Randi had finally gotten some sleep, but it had been short lived. The phone rang, and both of their minds drifted to their daughter. They both trusted Elizabeth completely, but the early morning phone call had both parents concerned for their daughter.
"5:11."
John reached to the nightstand on his side of the bed, and grabbed the phone quickly.
"Hello?"
"John, it's Elizabeth. I'm sorry to call you this time of the morning, but I need you to come down here now."
"What's wrong, Elizabeth? Is Georgia okay?"
At John's words, Randi was out of the bed, quickly dressing herself.
"Yes. She's fine. But-"
"Oh thank God."
John and Randi's eyes met with reassurance that their child was safe.
"-but I woke up to she and Ella crying and they said there was a woman outside their window. I saw her as well, and called the police. They came and caught her fairly quickly. John, she claims that she is your mother, and said she was coming to pick Georgia up for you. The police said that they need you to come down here."
"We'll be right there. Thanks Elizabeth."
Randi was already completely dressed by the time John hung up the phone. He quickly exited the bed, and threw on the jeans and T-shirt he had on the night before.
"John, what's going on?" Randi asked her husband anxiously.
"Eleanor Carter is what is going on. Georgia is fine, but apparently my mother was snooping around Elizabeth's. She called the police, and when they came they caught someone claiming to be my mother, and said that she was coming to pick Georgia up for us. The police need us to get over there, and make sure that she really is my mother."
"Why would she do this?
"I don't know; anger, revenge, depression, hate. Why does that woman do anything? "
Trying to contain his anger, he grabbed his keys off the dresser, and they quickly headed down the grand staircase.
They drove the fifteen miles to Elizabeth's house in silence. The only form of communication between the two was the tireless grip Randi had on her husband's hand.
As they approached the house, they saw three police cars, and several police officers talking to John's co-worker on her front porch.
They parked the SUV at the end of the driveway, and jumped out, hurrying towards the group on the porch.
"Where's my baby?" Randi yelled in a mildly frantic manner.
"Oh thank goodness you are here. I put Georgia and Ella in my room, so they could try to get a little more sleep."
"You Dr. John Carter?" one of the cops asked John.
"Yes. I am."
"Lieutenant Gable, Chicago Police Department. A woman claiming to be your mother was caught trespassing on Dr. Corday's property. I need you to identify her. She is sitting in Officer Dawson's squad car. Dawson, take Dr. Carter to see her."
"Yes Sir," the young officer replied. "Follow me, Dr. Carter."
John did as he was told, leaving Randi standing there with Lt. Gable, Elizabeth, and two other officers.
"I want to see my daughter. I need to know for myself that she is okay."
"Randi, you should really sit down, and relax. We don't need you to go into premature labor. Georgia is fine. I promise. Can we go inside?"
The Lieutenant nodded, and the five people entered Elizabeth's living room. Randi and Elizabeth sat on the soft tan couch, while the officers continued to stand.
"Mrs. Carter, has your mother-in-law ever given you trouble before?"
"We've been estranged from her for years. She did not even know about Georgia until about six or seven months ago. John knew something was wrong. He said that he thought she was sinking back into her depression, and that he was concerned about what she might try to do if she became clinically depressed again. I guess we know now."
With that, Randi put her head in her hands and finally let all of the emotion she had held in for the past forty five minutes come flowing out of her in a flood of tears. Elizabeth tried to consol her friend, assuring her that everything would be okay, now that the police had Eleanor in custody.
It was at that moment that John and Officer Dawson entered the room. Randi looked at her husband with questioning eyes.
"Was it her?"
John nodded, sat down beside her, and took her hand.
Lt. Gable continued to ask questions concerning John's mother.
"Mrs. Carter, you said that you husband suspected that she was sinking 'back' into her depression. Has she been clinically depressed before?"
"Yes. After my brother died-well over twenty years ago," John said.
"Was there anyway she would know that your daughter would be at Dr. Corday's tonight?"
"No. Absolutely not."
The discussion continued for another half hour, until they were interrupted by a small sleepy voice coming from the bottom of the stairs.
"Daddy, Mommy!"
John and Randi both put their arms around Georgia who had run immediately to them after she made her presence known.
The officers saw that as their cue to leave the family alone, excused themselves, and headed out the door.
"I want to go home."
"Let's go get your things together, sweetie. Then we'll go home." Randi, Georgia and Elizabeth headed up the stairs to gather the child's belongings.
John followed the officers out the front door onto the porch.
"Lt. Gable, What charges are going to be brought against my mother?"
"Without question, she will be charged with trespassing. Unfortunately that is the only thing certain right now, since no real threat was made. I will suggest a psychiatric evaluation, and therefore the child endangerment charges will be pending that evaluation. I think the best thing for you and your wife to do is to file a restraining order against your mother. That way, if this happens again, you will have certain cause for pressing charges. And other than that, don't let your little girl out of your sight. We will get back in touch with you, and let you know more details when they become available."
"Thanks for your help, Lieutenant."
The sun had risen, and all of the squad cars pulled out of the area, one containing John's mother. He let out a big sigh, and turned to reenter Elizabeth's house. Instead he found his wife and daughter stepping out the front door.
"Ready to go, Randi?"
"Yes. Let's just get home."
Elizabeth stood in the doorway, as the family walked down her steps. John paused, and turned to face her.
"Thank you, Elizabeth. I hate that my mother caused you so much trouble."
"John, don't worry about it. I'm just glad Georgia is safe. I'll see you at work."
The three adults exchanged quick smiles, and went their separate ways.
John and Randi skillfully secured their daughter in her seat in the car, and got in themselves. They both let out huge sighs, and John gently put his hand over his wife's.
"Tell me she is not going to bother us again."
John pulled her hand up to his lips, and kissed it gently. He turned the key, and they headed home.
****
Y'all know the drill: READ & REVIEW PLEASE! I really LOVE to hear from you, and know what you are thinking about this story so far.
Thanks for reading! Next part up SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (No, really! I'm telling the truth this time!)
*Hugs*