Max quickly rushed over to her and knelt down next to
her.
"99, you can't mean that. Please, you can punish me however you want, but please ..."
Tears started to form in his eyes. He was a man beaten down with nowhere to turn. His world finally caved in on him. He sat on the floor, buried his face in his arms, and began to weep uncontrolably.
"... you can't do this to our baby," Max sobbed.
Never in all the years of being with him, had 99 seen such a display of emotion coming from Max. She knew he was a good man and that he loved her more than life itself. He'd lay down his life to protect her and their children if he had too. But the fact still remained that he didn't tell her what really happened that night three months ago. She was angry about that. She probably would have reacted the same back then, but the blow wouldn't have been so harsh as it was now. She was also angry with herself for putting him on a pedestal all these years. In her eyes, he could do no wrong. It was never even conceivable to her that he would look at another woman. Maybe she never wanted to admit it, but he was flesh and blood and could succumb to temptation, if presented. But she loved him and could never live without him, no matter what. She could see he was hurting, and she only made matters worse by saying what she did about their own baby. She could never harm her unborn child, and for her to even mention aborting this child was said out of anger and selfishness. It was time to put aside all the grief and anguish. They both needed to support each other during this time. She needed a clear mind to figure out the next step. 99 knelt beside him and held him close to her.
"Max, we're going to get through this. It's going to be the most difficult thing we've ever faced, but we're going to get through it," 99 strongly declared.
Max lifted his head and wiped his eyes, "99, don't take this baby away from me ... I'm begging you."
99 shook her head, "This child is staying where it's at." Max closed his eyes and laid his head on her stomach as 99 stroked his head. She looked down at him curled up like a small child seeking comfort and refuge. They helped each other up from the floor and sat pensively looking at each other, and comforting one another, for several minutes.
In a calm but assertive voice, 99 asked, "Max, you've talked to her. What is she planing to do about this child?"
"When she told me about the baby, I think she hoped I'd give up everything to be with her. But when I told her that you were also pregnant, it seemed to change the whole situation. She said she would go back to Europe, have the baby, and I wouldn't be responsible." Max bowed his head, "It's best this way."
As Max was looking down, he could see that it was just about a quarter to three. It suddenly occurred to him that he was supposed to meet with the Chief and several other high-ranking CONTROL executives at three o'clock, to discuss some critical budget issues. Max didn't want to run out in the middle of his discussion with 99, but he knew that he had to be on his way. "99, I'm supposed to be at CONTROL for an important meeting at three. I know that we have a lot more to talk about, but I really need to get going now, or I'll be late. Do you mind if we continue our talk when I get back?"
"Of course not, Max. I understand. You go, and we'll talk more later."
"I'm so sorry, 99, I know we have a lot more to discuss. But, I'll be back around five, more or less. We'll pick up right where we left off, ok?" Max asked, as he grabbed his briefcase and jacket. He was still trying to wipe the moisture away from his eyes, as he headed for the door.
"Sure, Max."
99 was ok with him rushing off, the more she thought about it. She needed to be alone for a while. She wanted some time to think things over a bit, and try to put the pieces together. She tried to imagine what Christy might have planned for herself, and her baby's future. But, not based on what Max had just told her --- she needed to hear it from the source.
99 felt the need to see Christy, to talk to her. Something inside was telling her that there was more to the story. And she didn't want Max to know that she was going. 99 knew she was somewhere in town and guessed that she was staying at the same hotel she stayed at before. She picked up the phone and dialed the operator, asking for the number to the Harrington Arms Hotel.
"Harrington Arms Hotel. How may I direct your call?" said a voice on the other end.
"Front desk, please."
"One moment, please."
"Front Desk, how may I assist you?"
"Do you have a Christy Mayfield registered there?" 99 inquired.
"Let me check. Yes, we have a Miss Mayfield registered here. Would you like me to ring the room?"
"No, that's ok. Could you just tell me her room number, please?"
"I'm sorry, we are not allowed to give that information out."
"Oh, ok. Thank you anyway," 99 said as she hung up.
99 decided to go down to the hotel. She was confident that she'd think of a way to find her, once she was there.
99 entered the lobby and spied the house phones. She had an idea. She got on the phone and called the front desk.
"Hello, this is Christy Mayfield. I didn't receive my paper this morning. Would someone mind sending one up?"
"Not at all, Miss Mayfield. We'll send one up right away."
99 got off the phone and watched the clerk at the front desk hand a paper to one of the bellboys. She followed him to the elevator and inside it. The bellboy pressed the 4th floor. He looked over at 99.
"What floor?" the bellboy asked.
99 replied, "Same floor."
Both stood in silence as they rode the elevator up to the4th floor. The bellboy stepped out and headed down the hall as 99 lingered behind. He went to room 406 and knocked. Christy answered the door, and the boy handed her the paper. 99 could hear her tell the boy that she already had a paper and there must be some mistake. The bellboy apologized and walked back to the elevator. He passed 99 as he noticed her digging in her purse.
"I know that key is in here somewhere," smiled 99.
The bellboy smiled back and moved into the elevator. 99 took a big breath and walked slowly to Christy's door. She started to have second thoughts and almost left, but her will was strong and she needed to have this talk. 99 knocked firmly on the door. Christy opened the door, "I told you I already have a ..." Christy froze in mid-sentence. 99 stood tall and aloof, waiting by the door. This was the last person Christy wanted to see.
"Remember me?" 99 asked coldly.
"Yes, and I know why you're here."
"Good, that way I don't have to explain it," 99 said as she boldly walked in.
"Well, come right on in," Christy said rather sarcastically, after the fact.
99 sat down. "This is quite an interesting situation, isn't it? We're both pregnant by the same man."
"It was not intentional on my part. I'm sure he told you that."
"Yes, he told me what happened," 99 said in disgust.
"I hope you believe him, because it is the truth."
"Would you, if you were me?" 99 posed.
"If he were my man, ... yes. Yes, I would." Christy was a little uncomfortable with that last remark. "Look, I don't want a fight. I explained to Max ... I mean, your husband, about my condition. I'm not asking for anything. He's free and clear of any responsibility. I just wanted him to know about the baby. That's all."
"That's all?" 99 asked suspiciously.
"Yes, that's all," Christy declared succinctly.
"So telling him you're pregnant, with the hope that he'd leave me to be with you, never crossed your mind?"
Christy felt cornered, and decided to come clean.
"Alright, since you brought it up, that's exactly what I'd hoped would happen, and I gave it my best shot. He said no, so to hell with him and to hell with you."
99 didn't expect such an honest answer from her, as she tried to rebound from its effect.
"So, what are you going to do now?" 99 asked.
"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm going to have the baby, if that's what you want to know. And, I'll be living in Europe, far away from him ... and you. You'll never hear from me again, so you can go back to your storybook life, have your baby, and live happily ever after."
99 was getting visibly upset, and stood up to make her point.
"What is wrong with you? You're having his child. It's his own flesh and blood, for god's sake. He's not going to let you disappear off the face of the earth without seeing his baby. I don't like it one bit ...," 99 paused, and winced at a pain in her stomach. "But, it is what it is, and I'm going to have to live with it." Again a painful cramp grabbed her as she doubled over. "Ohhhhh!" 99 cried.
"What's the matter?" Christy asked with concern.
99 made her way to the couch and sat down. "I'm fine, I'm just upset, that's all."
The pain grew deeper and 99 moaned again, "Something's not right."
Christy walked over to her, "Look, maybe I should get you to a doctor."
99 was still doubled over, "I don't think I can move with this pain ..." Looking down, 99's pants were covered with blood, and she began to panic.
"I'm bleeding. God, something is really wrong! I think I'm going to need to get to a hospital," 99 concluded, as she tried to remain calm.
Christy quickly called down to the front desk, "This is room 406. I need a doctor up here, quickly! Hurry!"
Christy ran into the bathroom and got a wet cloth. She knelt down next to 99 and wiped her forehead.
"Ohhhh, this hurts! I think it's the baby." 99 squeezed Christy's hand, "Oh god, I don't want to lose this baby!" 99 cried out, rocking back and forth.
Christy tried to comfort her. "You'll be ok, and your baby will be ok. Just hang on."
The doctor arrived and called for an ambulance. 99 was rushed to the nearby emergency with Christy holding her hand all the way. Max walked out of his meeting, when Larrabee rushed up to him.
"Max, something's happened to 99. I just got a call. She's at Mercy General in emergency."
Max raced out of the building, without asking what happened. He got to the emergency room and rushed up to the admittance desk, "My wife was just brought in -- Mrs. Maxwell Smart. Where is she?"
The nurse at the desk was on the phone and could see the desperation in his face. "Let me call you back," she said to the other party.
She looked down at the admitting chart, "Mrs. Smart ... yes, she's in surgery now. Soon as ..."
Max cut her off, "Surgery?" Max's voice raised to a panic, "What's happened to her?"
"Please, Mr. Smart. Soon as the doctor is out, he'll speak to you. Try to calm down."
Max ran his hand through his hair and the sweat off his forehead as he paced the floor, waiting for any news. The minutes ticked by slowly as Max nervously smoked his cigarette. He kept looking at his watch, waiting for the doctor to arrive. He walked up to the nurse, "I'd like to know who it was that brought my wife in?"
"She didn't leave her name. Pretty young thing -- I believe she was expecting, too. Anyway, she made sure your wife was in good hands, then she left."
Max knew immediately that it was Christy. He wondered if Christy showed up at the house, or if 99 went to see her at the hotel. He'd find out soon enough. Twenty minutes went by when the doctor came out and the admitting nurse pointed out Max to him. Max quickly put out his cigarette as he saw the doctor approach him.
"My wife, what's going on with my wife? Is she alright?"
The doctor put his hand on Max's shoulder and took him into the waiting room.
"I'm Dr. Phillips, Mr. Smart. Your wife is going to be fine. She's had a miscarriage and ... I'm sorry, she lost the baby."
Max felt his legs go out under him as the doctor helped him sit down. The doctor continued, "I needed to perform what is called a D and C." The doctor explained the procedure in detail, and everything she went through. "Due to her age, she'll be here overnight, to make sure there are no complications."
"Does she know about losing the baby?" Max asked while gritting his teeth.
"Yes, she knows."
"When can I see her?" Max asked eagerly.
"In a while. She's sleeping now."
"Can I get you anything, Mr. Smart?"
Max just stared ahead, oblivious to anything around him.
This was nothing new to the doctor. He had seen this before -- the shock, and the disbelief. The doctor left him alone.
Max knew that seeing 99 after this happened was not going to be easy. It was going to break her heart and spirit, as it broke his.
To be continued ...
"99, you can't mean that. Please, you can punish me however you want, but please ..."
Tears started to form in his eyes. He was a man beaten down with nowhere to turn. His world finally caved in on him. He sat on the floor, buried his face in his arms, and began to weep uncontrolably.
"... you can't do this to our baby," Max sobbed.
Never in all the years of being with him, had 99 seen such a display of emotion coming from Max. She knew he was a good man and that he loved her more than life itself. He'd lay down his life to protect her and their children if he had too. But the fact still remained that he didn't tell her what really happened that night three months ago. She was angry about that. She probably would have reacted the same back then, but the blow wouldn't have been so harsh as it was now. She was also angry with herself for putting him on a pedestal all these years. In her eyes, he could do no wrong. It was never even conceivable to her that he would look at another woman. Maybe she never wanted to admit it, but he was flesh and blood and could succumb to temptation, if presented. But she loved him and could never live without him, no matter what. She could see he was hurting, and she only made matters worse by saying what she did about their own baby. She could never harm her unborn child, and for her to even mention aborting this child was said out of anger and selfishness. It was time to put aside all the grief and anguish. They both needed to support each other during this time. She needed a clear mind to figure out the next step. 99 knelt beside him and held him close to her.
"Max, we're going to get through this. It's going to be the most difficult thing we've ever faced, but we're going to get through it," 99 strongly declared.
Max lifted his head and wiped his eyes, "99, don't take this baby away from me ... I'm begging you."
99 shook her head, "This child is staying where it's at." Max closed his eyes and laid his head on her stomach as 99 stroked his head. She looked down at him curled up like a small child seeking comfort and refuge. They helped each other up from the floor and sat pensively looking at each other, and comforting one another, for several minutes.
In a calm but assertive voice, 99 asked, "Max, you've talked to her. What is she planing to do about this child?"
"When she told me about the baby, I think she hoped I'd give up everything to be with her. But when I told her that you were also pregnant, it seemed to change the whole situation. She said she would go back to Europe, have the baby, and I wouldn't be responsible." Max bowed his head, "It's best this way."
As Max was looking down, he could see that it was just about a quarter to three. It suddenly occurred to him that he was supposed to meet with the Chief and several other high-ranking CONTROL executives at three o'clock, to discuss some critical budget issues. Max didn't want to run out in the middle of his discussion with 99, but he knew that he had to be on his way. "99, I'm supposed to be at CONTROL for an important meeting at three. I know that we have a lot more to talk about, but I really need to get going now, or I'll be late. Do you mind if we continue our talk when I get back?"
"Of course not, Max. I understand. You go, and we'll talk more later."
"I'm so sorry, 99, I know we have a lot more to discuss. But, I'll be back around five, more or less. We'll pick up right where we left off, ok?" Max asked, as he grabbed his briefcase and jacket. He was still trying to wipe the moisture away from his eyes, as he headed for the door.
"Sure, Max."
99 was ok with him rushing off, the more she thought about it. She needed to be alone for a while. She wanted some time to think things over a bit, and try to put the pieces together. She tried to imagine what Christy might have planned for herself, and her baby's future. But, not based on what Max had just told her --- she needed to hear it from the source.
99 felt the need to see Christy, to talk to her. Something inside was telling her that there was more to the story. And she didn't want Max to know that she was going. 99 knew she was somewhere in town and guessed that she was staying at the same hotel she stayed at before. She picked up the phone and dialed the operator, asking for the number to the Harrington Arms Hotel.
"Harrington Arms Hotel. How may I direct your call?" said a voice on the other end.
"Front desk, please."
"One moment, please."
"Front Desk, how may I assist you?"
"Do you have a Christy Mayfield registered there?" 99 inquired.
"Let me check. Yes, we have a Miss Mayfield registered here. Would you like me to ring the room?"
"No, that's ok. Could you just tell me her room number, please?"
"I'm sorry, we are not allowed to give that information out."
"Oh, ok. Thank you anyway," 99 said as she hung up.
99 decided to go down to the hotel. She was confident that she'd think of a way to find her, once she was there.
99 entered the lobby and spied the house phones. She had an idea. She got on the phone and called the front desk.
"Hello, this is Christy Mayfield. I didn't receive my paper this morning. Would someone mind sending one up?"
"Not at all, Miss Mayfield. We'll send one up right away."
99 got off the phone and watched the clerk at the front desk hand a paper to one of the bellboys. She followed him to the elevator and inside it. The bellboy pressed the 4th floor. He looked over at 99.
"What floor?" the bellboy asked.
99 replied, "Same floor."
Both stood in silence as they rode the elevator up to the4th floor. The bellboy stepped out and headed down the hall as 99 lingered behind. He went to room 406 and knocked. Christy answered the door, and the boy handed her the paper. 99 could hear her tell the boy that she already had a paper and there must be some mistake. The bellboy apologized and walked back to the elevator. He passed 99 as he noticed her digging in her purse.
"I know that key is in here somewhere," smiled 99.
The bellboy smiled back and moved into the elevator. 99 took a big breath and walked slowly to Christy's door. She started to have second thoughts and almost left, but her will was strong and she needed to have this talk. 99 knocked firmly on the door. Christy opened the door, "I told you I already have a ..." Christy froze in mid-sentence. 99 stood tall and aloof, waiting by the door. This was the last person Christy wanted to see.
"Remember me?" 99 asked coldly.
"Yes, and I know why you're here."
"Good, that way I don't have to explain it," 99 said as she boldly walked in.
"Well, come right on in," Christy said rather sarcastically, after the fact.
99 sat down. "This is quite an interesting situation, isn't it? We're both pregnant by the same man."
"It was not intentional on my part. I'm sure he told you that."
"Yes, he told me what happened," 99 said in disgust.
"I hope you believe him, because it is the truth."
"Would you, if you were me?" 99 posed.
"If he were my man, ... yes. Yes, I would." Christy was a little uncomfortable with that last remark. "Look, I don't want a fight. I explained to Max ... I mean, your husband, about my condition. I'm not asking for anything. He's free and clear of any responsibility. I just wanted him to know about the baby. That's all."
"That's all?" 99 asked suspiciously.
"Yes, that's all," Christy declared succinctly.
"So telling him you're pregnant, with the hope that he'd leave me to be with you, never crossed your mind?"
Christy felt cornered, and decided to come clean.
"Alright, since you brought it up, that's exactly what I'd hoped would happen, and I gave it my best shot. He said no, so to hell with him and to hell with you."
99 didn't expect such an honest answer from her, as she tried to rebound from its effect.
"So, what are you going to do now?" 99 asked.
"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm going to have the baby, if that's what you want to know. And, I'll be living in Europe, far away from him ... and you. You'll never hear from me again, so you can go back to your storybook life, have your baby, and live happily ever after."
99 was getting visibly upset, and stood up to make her point.
"What is wrong with you? You're having his child. It's his own flesh and blood, for god's sake. He's not going to let you disappear off the face of the earth without seeing his baby. I don't like it one bit ...," 99 paused, and winced at a pain in her stomach. "But, it is what it is, and I'm going to have to live with it." Again a painful cramp grabbed her as she doubled over. "Ohhhhh!" 99 cried.
"What's the matter?" Christy asked with concern.
99 made her way to the couch and sat down. "I'm fine, I'm just upset, that's all."
The pain grew deeper and 99 moaned again, "Something's not right."
Christy walked over to her, "Look, maybe I should get you to a doctor."
99 was still doubled over, "I don't think I can move with this pain ..." Looking down, 99's pants were covered with blood, and she began to panic.
"I'm bleeding. God, something is really wrong! I think I'm going to need to get to a hospital," 99 concluded, as she tried to remain calm.
Christy quickly called down to the front desk, "This is room 406. I need a doctor up here, quickly! Hurry!"
Christy ran into the bathroom and got a wet cloth. She knelt down next to 99 and wiped her forehead.
"Ohhhh, this hurts! I think it's the baby." 99 squeezed Christy's hand, "Oh god, I don't want to lose this baby!" 99 cried out, rocking back and forth.
Christy tried to comfort her. "You'll be ok, and your baby will be ok. Just hang on."
The doctor arrived and called for an ambulance. 99 was rushed to the nearby emergency with Christy holding her hand all the way. Max walked out of his meeting, when Larrabee rushed up to him.
"Max, something's happened to 99. I just got a call. She's at Mercy General in emergency."
Max raced out of the building, without asking what happened. He got to the emergency room and rushed up to the admittance desk, "My wife was just brought in -- Mrs. Maxwell Smart. Where is she?"
The nurse at the desk was on the phone and could see the desperation in his face. "Let me call you back," she said to the other party.
She looked down at the admitting chart, "Mrs. Smart ... yes, she's in surgery now. Soon as ..."
Max cut her off, "Surgery?" Max's voice raised to a panic, "What's happened to her?"
"Please, Mr. Smart. Soon as the doctor is out, he'll speak to you. Try to calm down."
Max ran his hand through his hair and the sweat off his forehead as he paced the floor, waiting for any news. The minutes ticked by slowly as Max nervously smoked his cigarette. He kept looking at his watch, waiting for the doctor to arrive. He walked up to the nurse, "I'd like to know who it was that brought my wife in?"
"She didn't leave her name. Pretty young thing -- I believe she was expecting, too. Anyway, she made sure your wife was in good hands, then she left."
Max knew immediately that it was Christy. He wondered if Christy showed up at the house, or if 99 went to see her at the hotel. He'd find out soon enough. Twenty minutes went by when the doctor came out and the admitting nurse pointed out Max to him. Max quickly put out his cigarette as he saw the doctor approach him.
"My wife, what's going on with my wife? Is she alright?"
The doctor put his hand on Max's shoulder and took him into the waiting room.
"I'm Dr. Phillips, Mr. Smart. Your wife is going to be fine. She's had a miscarriage and ... I'm sorry, she lost the baby."
Max felt his legs go out under him as the doctor helped him sit down. The doctor continued, "I needed to perform what is called a D and C." The doctor explained the procedure in detail, and everything she went through. "Due to her age, she'll be here overnight, to make sure there are no complications."
"Does she know about losing the baby?" Max asked while gritting his teeth.
"Yes, she knows."
"When can I see her?" Max asked eagerly.
"In a while. She's sleeping now."
"Can I get you anything, Mr. Smart?"
Max just stared ahead, oblivious to anything around him.
This was nothing new to the doctor. He had seen this before -- the shock, and the disbelief. The doctor left him alone.
Max knew that seeing 99 after this happened was not going to be easy. It was going to break her heart and spirit, as it broke his.
To be continued ...