uYou can find the NC17 version here http://www.voy.com/39259/
CHAPTER 35 WEEK LATER "She's been staying out a lot lately." Sara remarks as she walks the floor with a sniffling Zeke in her arms.
"You wanted her to have a normal life. Isn't staying out a normal teenage thing?" Ian inquires as he sits on the bed watching Sara walk the floor with Zeke in her arms.
"Yeah. I'm just curious to what she's up too."
"So ask her." Ian suggests. "Maybe she'll tell you."
"I don't want to butt into her life."
"Do you think something is going on?" Ian inquires
"No. I think she'd tell one of us if something big is going on with her."
"So why are you worried?"
Sara shrugs "I'm not really." She looks at Zeke "How you feeling baby?"
Zeke sniffles rubbing his ear "Mama."
"I know it hurts." Sara sighs resting her cheek against his head "How is it he manages to get sick when you never get sick and other than morning sickness I haven't been sick since this thing showed up?"
Ian shrugs "I don't know. Immo said his genetics are only slightly off. It's only a slight ear infection."
"I know. I just don't like seeing him so unhappy." Sara says sadly.
Ian glances at the clock "You better get going."
Sara sighs "All right." She hands Zeke over to Ian
"Mama" Zeke whimpers unhappily holding his arms out to her.
"I have to go sweetie. I'll see you later." She says kisses Zeke's forehead "Daddy will take care of you."
Zeke sniffles sticking his thumb in his mouth he rests his head on his Father's shoulder
"I love you." Ian reaches out cupping Sara's cheek he leans in kissing her sweetly
Sara smiles "Love you too." She rubs her nose against his "I better go." She says reluctantly not wanting to leave her son. "Bye sweetie."
"Mama" Zeke sniffles waving sadly
"Oh I can't stand seeing him like this."
"Then go" Ian says gently guides Sara to the door "you still need to drop Bola off at school."
"I know." Sara grumbles stepping out into the hallway "Bola lets go" she calls
"Coming" Bola's voice comes through the open bedroom door.
Sara heads down the stairs ahead of Ian. Once in the foyer, she grabs her jacket pulling it on as Bola walks down the stairs with her backpack and jacket on. "You're going to school early today aren't you?"
Bola shrugs "Nothing better to do. I'm too wired."
Sara nods "Well then let's go." She kisses Ian's cheek and Zeke's head "Feel better baby."
"Mama no bye." Zeke whimpers
Sara picks up her backpack "Don't forget to give him his medicine in a couple hours."
"Sara I can handle this. Get a move on."
"OK, OK." Sara follows Bola out of the house.
As the front door closes, Ian looks at Zeke who is rubbing at his ear staring at the closed door. "How about a bottle? That always cheers you up."
"Mama bye-bye." Zeke sniffles looking at his Daddy
"She'll be back." Ian assures walking down the hall he heads to the kitchen entering to find Mrs. Ellis, Fredrick, Naomi, and Cook milling about having coffee and going over the days schedule.
"I take it he needs a bottle." Mrs. Ellis remarks
"How's he feeling?" Naomi asks seeing the unhappy little face.
Ian looks at his son "He's not happy. His ear still hurts."
"Did you give him his medicine?" Mrs. Ellis inquires
"Sara gave it to him when he woke up." Ian answers taking the warmed bottle from Naomi he nods his thanks. "I'll be upstairs." He walks out of the kitchen with Zeke in his arms.
15 MINS LATER: SCHOOL Sara pulls the car up to the curb "I'll see you tonight."
"Sure." Bola nods "Later." She gets out of the car closing the door she shoulders her backpack. She walks up the steps heading to the door she enters the school stepping out of sight she watches as Sara drives out of sight. She waits a few minutes then walks out of the building hurrying down the steps she heads in the direction of the warehouse district.
10 MINS LATER Connor looks over at the door as Bola enters carrying a bag of donuts. "Hey."
"Morning. I bring donuts." Bola says dropping her backpack on the floor she settles on the blankets that make up Connor's bed.
Connor sits next to her "You OK?" He asks
"Fine. Zeke was up most of the night. He's got an ear infection or something. The kid has one big set of lungs." She laughs opening the bag she reaches over to her backpack opening it she removes two containers of milk. "Here."
"Thanks." Conner takes one opening it "What would they think about you being here this early in the morning?"
"They won't know." Bola shrugs taking out a donut taking a bite "Ian and Sara let me come and go as long as I'm home by curfew. Don't break any laws and stay out of trouble." She opens her milk taking a drink. "As long as I'm not too late for first period and don't run into anyone they know they'll never find out."
"What is school like?"
Bola shrugs "Boring at times. Sometimes it can be interesting. Depending on the day." She takes a bite of her donut. "Sometimes I don't mind going but I hate going every day."
"Why do you?"
"Sara and Ian said I have too." She answers scrunching up her nose in disgust. "You've never been to school huh?"
"No. He taught me some things that I guess you would learn in school but I still don't know a lot about this dimension." He says thoughtfully
"There's not much to this dimension. Each person is different. The only thing about this dimension you need to understand... the idea of demons and vampires... not generally accepted."
"Why do you accept the knowledge?"
Bola looks down "I've lived more than most people. I've seen more than most would believe."
"You aren't like the other people of this dimension. Why?"
"I'll tell you my story if you tell me yours." Bola challenges
Connor looks at his donut feeling uncomfortable "One day."
"Deal." Bola nods in agreement then takes a bite of her donut. "How's the work coming?"
"Fine. Thanks for helping me find that."
Bola nods "No problem. It's not much money or work so they wouldn't ask for birth certificate or anything."
"It's money. That's one of the things I miss about Quar-toth, I never needed money, I just took what I needed."
"Well here if you get caught stealing you could get sent juvie."
"Juvie?"
"Juvenile hall. Kid prison."
Connor nods
"So are you working today?" Bola asks
"A few hours this afternoon." Connor answers finishing off his donut he takes out another one. "What about you?"
"After school I should probably head to the house and give Ian a break from the kid." She shrugs finishing off her donut she takes a drink of her milk. She sets her milk down lying on the bed she looks up at the ceiling. "Man this is familiar."
"You spent a lot of time on the run didn't you?"
Bola nods looking at him "Since I was 12."
"What about your parents?"
"Make you a deal."
"What kind?"
"You answer one question about yourself and I'll answer one question about me."
Connor tilts his head then nods "Agreed."
"You first." Bola offers
"Where are your parents?"
"Boston. She's in rehab for drugs. He's in jail for assault."
"Oh." Connor takes a drink of his milk then says "Your turn."
"Why don't you like talking about your parents?"
Connor looks at his hands "She's dead... again. He hates me." He looks at Bola "Answer your question?"
"Not all of them but I'll work on you." She grins sitting up "I should get going. I don't want to be late for school. I'll see you later."
Connor nods "Thanks for breakfast."
"Anytime." Bola says grabbing her backpack she walks to the door then stops "Hey Connor"
"Yes?"
Bola looks at him "I'm sure your Dad doesn't hate you."
Connor swallows "After what I did he does."
"One day I'll get the full story out of you." Bola says walking out of the room.
"One day." Connor mutters
AFTERNOON Bola enters Zeke's bedroom to find Ian trying to calm the crying boy. "He's still at it?"
Ian looks at Bola "He just started up again."
"Want me to take him for a while?" Bola offers
"Sure. I need to return some calls. It won't take me long." Ian hands the crying boy to Bola.
Zeke whimpers rubbing his ear "Daddy."
"I'll be back in a while Zeke." Ian assures "I'll be downstairs." He walks out of the room
"Hey kiddo you OK?" Bola asks the boy
"Owie." Zeke sniffles "Mama bye-bye."
"Hey she'll be back. How about we play for a while?"
"Bowa pway." Zeke rubs at his ear "Daddy pway?"
"I'm sure he'll play when he's done working." Bola sits on the floor with Zeke "What should we play?"
Zeke reaches for his blocks
"All right."
EVENING Sara smiles watching Bola play with Zeke on the floor of his room. 'They are so cute together. Zeke adores her.' She turns her head sensing Ian's presence beside her. "There you are." She turns around leaning up she kisses him lightly. "How is he?"
"Crying on and off. He's been quietly playing for a while." Ian says hugging her. "How was your day?"
"Long. I just wanted to come back and stay with him."
"He's fine Sara."
"I know. I know you'd take care of him. I just hate the idea of him being sick." She wraps her arms around his neck. "I guess it's because he's never been sick before."
"He'll be fine in a few days."
Sara nods kissing Ian sweetly "Now I need to go see my baby." She walks into the boy's room "Hey you two."
Zeke looks up suddenly a grin on his face "Mama" He holds his arms up as he bounces
Sara picks Zeke up giving him a kiss "Hug?"
Zeke throws his arms around her neck hugging her tight "Mama" He sighs happily resting his head on her shoulder.
Sara kisses his head "Hey Bola how was school?"
"Pretty good. Nothing very interesting happened."
"Did you get a history paper back?" Ian inquires
"Mmm" Bola nods "Got an A."
Sara smiles "Good job." She hugs Bola with her free arm
"Congratulations." Ian smiles at the teen
"Thanks" She smiles at her parents.
LATE NIGHT Sara sighs as the movie's ending credits begin. She lifts her head from Ian's shoulder stretching and yawning. She looks over at the overstuffed chair and smiles seeing Bola asleep with her head on the arm of the chair.
Ian reaches for the remote turning the television off.
You know what I thought when I first saw her?
Ian looks over at Bola asleep on the chair What did you think?
She looks like us.
Ian presses a kiss to Sara's hair That she does.
Everyday I see more and more of our personalities in her. When she's having deep thoughts, she gets the same look you get.
I know what you mean. When she's frustrated, she reminds me of you.
Sara looks at him reaching up she runs her forefinger down his nose "I love you Ian." She says softly
Ian captures her wrist bringing it to his lips "I love you sweet Sara, more than anything in this world." He says softly
Sara leans in brushing her lips over his. She smiles slightly "It's late. I should wake her so she can head up to bed." She starts to stand then sways on her feet dizziness hitting. "Oh man." She groans closing her eyes.
"Sara?" Ian asks concerned he stands wrapping his arms around her. "Are you OK?"
Sara nods opening her eyes she looks at him "Just dizzy for a moment. I'm fine now." She assures kissing his cheek she steps out of his arms.
Ian watches as Sara goes over to the chair where Bola sleeps.
Sara crouches down reaching out she brushes a strand of hair off Bola's cheek "Bola wake up."
Bola sighs snuggling into the chair yet she doesn't wake.
"Bola, it's time to go up to bed."
"Sleeping" she mutters in response
"I know you can go back to sleep once in your bed."
"Comfy." Bola mumbles sleepily rubbing her eyes
"I know sweetie but your bed is even more comfy."
"OK" Bola sits up rubbing her eyes she yawns then stands.
Sara rests her hands on Bola's shoulders and guides the teen out of the room and up the stairs to her bedroom. "Goodnight Bola."
Bola grunts in response stumbling into her room as Sara closes the door. She falls on her bed fully dressed and falls back to sleep.
Sara enters the bedroom seconds behind Ian. "I think she's out to the world already." She flops on the bed.
"How are you feeling?" Ian asks sitting beside her on the bed.
Sara shrugs "Decent."
"Only decent?" Ian lifts his brow
"Feel more than decent with kisses."
"Oh really?"
"Yep" Sara nods grinning
"Well then" Ian shifts so he's partially atop her he kisses her. "Better?" He asks
"Getting there." She says stroking his cheek with her thumb leaning up she kisses him in return. 'God I love kissing him.' As the kiss deepens Sara shifts so she's on top of him, she sits up her hands going the buttons of his shirt. As she unbuttons his shirt she presses kisses to his chest and stomach then sits up reaching down she grabs the hem of her own shirt pulling it off she tosses it on the floor as Ian removes his own shirt.
Ian sits up pulling Sara close he kisses her passionately his lips moving down her neck. "Sara" He sighs against her skin, as he trails kisses down her neck.
"Oh Ian" Sara sighs in pleasure her fingers tangling in his locks.
LATER Ian curls his body around Sara's his hand resting on her growing middle. "Goodnight my love."
Sara rests her hand over his as it rests on her middle. "Night." She mumbles drifting off to sleep with a smile feeling safe and comfortable in Ian's arms. 'God I love him.'
CHAPTER 36 COUPLE OF MORNINGS LATER Sara groans as the alarm goes off. She pulls the covers over her head "Damn alarm clock." She mutters
Ian reaches over turning off the alarm clock he tightens his arms around Sara. "What time do you have to be at work?"
"8." Sara answers
"Time to get up then." Ian says pulling the covers away
"No" Sara mumbles shifting to her back she looks at Ian sleepily. "I don't wanna go."
"If you don't go then Dante will chew you out." Ian reminds
"Why don't I just quit?" Sara mutters
"I'm for it." Ian grins
Sara reaches up brushing a curl behind his ear "If I did what would I do all day?"
"Stay in bed all day if we want. Play with Zeke."
"We'd drive each other nuts after a while. And I do like my work."
"I know you do." He kisses her forehead
"MAMA up." Zeke calls over the monitor
Sara frowns "He's up early" she sits up her legs going over the edge of the bed. She runs her fingers through her hair she stands going over to the chair in the corner grabbing her robe. As she ties the belt around her waist she groans her hand going to her mouth, she rushes to the bathroom slamming the door behind her.
Ian sighs hearing Sara gag and cough through the closed door. Hearing Zeke's chatter he throws off the covers and stands grabbing his discarded pajama bottoms he pulls them on. He walks out of the room he walks across the hall entering the bedroom where he finds Zeke standing in his crib. "You are up early." He says lifting Zeke out of the crib.
"Mama?" Zeke asks looking at the door.
"Let's get you changed then we'll check and see if Bola's up."
"Bowa?"
Ian sets the boy on the changing table. "What's this?" Ian touches Zeke's nose
"Nose" Zeke grins clapping
"Good." Ian rubs Zeke's stomach getting a giggle from the boy. "Now let's get you changed." He quickly changes Zeke then lifts Zeke off the changing table kissing his cheek. "Better?"
Zeke nods patting at his Daddy's face.
Ian carries Zeke over to the crib setting the boy down.
"No" Zeke whimpers holding his arms out
"I'll be right back." Ian assures. He returns to the changing table grabbing the dirty diaper he carries it into the bathroom dropping it in the garbage can then quickly washes his hands. Entering the bedroom he finds Zeke still standing in his crib. "See didn't take long." He picks Zeke up "Now let's go wake your sister."
Zeke rests his head on his father's shoulder sticking his thumb in his mouth. "Daddy" He sighs happily.
Ian knocks on Bola's door not getting an answer he enters to find Bola still asleep. "Bola it's time to get up." He says going over to the window pulling up the window shade.
Bola groans as morning light fills her bedroom. "Ahh" She pulls the covers up
"Bola it's time to get up. You didn't set your alarm and if you don't get a move on you'll be late for school."
Bola sits up looking at the clock "Damn. I'm up." She throws the covers off heading to her bathroom.
Ian looks at Zeke "This is one of those times your sister definitely has your mother's sense of timing." He says dryly.
"Mama?"
"We'll go check on her." Ian pats Zeke's back 'Hopefully she's done throwing up.'
45 MINS LATER Sara growls in frustration as she struggles to do up her jeans. "Finally." She says relieved as she manages to button her jeans
Ian looks up from his laptop over at Sara "You OK?"
Sara looks at Ian annoyed "I'm going to have to go shopping during lunch break. I've gained so much weight that I can barely button my jeans." She picks up her shirt pulling it on. "I guess I'll have to deal Dante." She sighs absently rubbing her middle.
"I still can't believe you managed to keep it from him this long."
"I made the guys and Vicki, swear not to tell and they haven't."
Ian holds his hand out as Sara slips her hand into his he pulls her onto his lap. "How do you think he'll react?"
"He'll be pissed off but he won't care I'm pregnant. He'll see me as a liability to the Department. I won't be surprised if he tries to fire me."
"Well considering its illegal I don't think he'll get far with it."
"It's Dante, Ian. He'd fire me for anything he can think of." Sara sighs resting her head on his shoulder. She looks at Zeke silently playing on the floor by the desk. She looks back at Ian she strokes his cheek with her thumb. "I'll tell him after work."
"It'll be OK." Ian turns her hand around kissing her knuckles.
"I know." Sara smiles "I love you."
"I love you." He smiles "Now breakfast should be ready."
Sara brushes her lips over his then stands going over to Zeke "Hey sweetie time for breakfast." She picks Zeke up kissing his cheek.
"No. Pway." Zeke whines shifting he reaches for his toys.
"You can play later." Sara says "We got to get food in your tummy." She rubs his tummy getting a giggle.
"Mama" He giggles squirming in her arms "Down."
"Zeke it's breakfast time not play time." Ian says
"Walk" Zeke says
"You want to walk downstairs on your own?" Sara asks
"Uh huh." Zeke nods
"All right." Sara sets him on his feet. "Come on." She rests her hand on his head guiding him towards the door.
Zeke walks out of the bedroom and starts to walk towards his own bedroom. Zeke whines "Me."
"We're going downstairs remember?" Sara reminds gently guiding him in the direction of the stairs. Slowly they walk through the hallway occasionally prodding Zeke in the right direction when he veers off course.
Once they reach the stairs Ian picks Zeke up to carry him down the rest of the way.
"No" Zeke squirms "down."
"You want to try the stairs yourself?" Ian asks
Zeke nods
"Sara, why don't you go ahead and have breakfast? It'll take him a while to get down the stairs." Ian suggests as he puts Zeke back on his feet
"Hey this is a big deal. Not missing out on this." Sara says
"You'll be late for work." Ian says
"Oh well. I'll just have Danny cover for me." Sara shrugs watching the look on Zeke's face as he regards the stairs. 'He's figuring out a strategy.' She chuckles in amusement at the look on his face.
"What?"
"He's got the same look you get when you're figuring something out." Sara remarks watching as Zeke sits down scooting down the first stair he tilts his head up looking at his parents grinning then scoots down the next step. Slowly he makes his way to the landing and stands clapping.
"You still have more to go." Sara smiles her encouragement.
Zeke looks at the remaining stairs then at his parents. "Up" He holds his arms up
"Now you want up huh." Ian says amused picking Zeke up. "Good job."
Zeke grins at his parents
Sara leans in kissing Zeke's cheek "You are getting to be a big boy huh?" She runs her finger down his nose.
"Let's go eat." Ian puts his free arm around Sara's shoulders kissing her cheek. Can't have my girls going hungry.
"Very funny Nottingham," Sara scowls at him "are you trying to fatten me up?"
"No just have to keep you two healthy." Ian says as they walk down the stairs.
"Did Bola leave for school early?"
"I think so."
"She's leaving for school early a lot lately. Why do I have this feeling she's up to something?"
"Because you're a cop and you worry about her." Ian answers
"Yeah I do. I just don't want her to get into any trouble and be taken from us."
"I'm sure she's fine and staying out of trouble. And no one will take her from us so stop thinking that way."
"OK, OK. I'll try to cut back." Sara surrenders
SAME TIME: WAREHOUSE DISTRICT Bola lifts her brow looking at Connor flat on his back from her blow. "I told you. I can take care of myself."
Connor flips to his feet "How'd you learn how to fight?"
Bola shrugs "Genetics. You should see Ian and Sara fight." She sits on the blankets "I'm better with guns but Ian took 'em from me when I showed up at the house. He said I'm too young to have them." She rolls her eyes "I'm older than most understand." She takes a sip of her coffee.
"You're the same age as me." Connor points out sitting across from her.
"It's hard to explain. Basically, Sara and Ian aren't normal."
"She's a warrior." Connor remarks, "I could smell it when I saw her in the alley."
Bola nods "She wears an object called the Witchblade. It's a sort of mystical weapon; it's been around since the beginning of time." She explains, "It's hard to explain what the Witchblade is exactly."
"Yet it is good."
"It can be used for good... yet if in the wrong hands it can be used for evil. Not just anyone can wear the Witchblade. Normally only women... a select few of a certain line can wield it without becoming addicted to the power." She looks at Connor "Sara can wield with its full potential. Ian has worn it before without the side effects. I wore it once."
"What happened when you wore it?"
"I killed someone." At Connor's expression, she shrugs, "He was evil... really evil. He tried to kill me but I got him first." She looks down "It's a long story." She looks at Connor and shrugs, "We both have lots hidden in our closets."
"Maybe one day they'll come out." Connor says
"Guess we'll have to see." Bola smiles slightly "I better get to school. I'll see you later." She stands grabbing her backpack "Bye."
"Bye." Connor watches as she walks out of the room.
NOON: PRECINCT Sara enters the office "Thanks for covering for me Danny."
"Where'd you go?" Danny asks
"I had to go buy some jeans." Sara explains sitting down at her desk "I realized this morning that buttoning my jeans is getting harder."
Danny chuckles "Ah yes I remember the mornings in which I'd get yelled at over pants that didn't fit."
Sara smiles "Yeah I seem to remember Lee blaming you."
Danny rolls his eyes "She always did."
"So anything new?" Sara asks putting her mind on work.
"Jake went to pick up a file on a case that's been signed over to us."
"What's the case?"
5PM "What do you want Pezzini?" Dante demands not looking up as Sara enters his office
"There's something I needed to speak to you about."
"Talk fast I'm busy."
"Fine." Sara takes a deep breath "I'm pregnant. Yes I'm staying on."
Dante looks up "Why tell me?"
"Considering you're my boss" 'unfortunately' "I had no choice."
"Fine, now get out." He looks back at his paperwork
"Gladly." Sara says frowning when she hears a familiar click she looks down to see the half Glove formed. Quickly she crosses her arms over her chest hiding her hand under her arm. She turns walking out of his office. Still feeling the Glove formed she heads to the women's restroom finding it empty she sighs in relief looking at her wrist. 'How the hell are you forming? I'm not activating you and I'm not in danger.' She closes her eyes concentrating she feels the Glove recede with a click and sighs in relief then walks out of the bathroom. She returns to her office to find Danny still at his desk reading a file.
Danny looks up to see his friend enter the office "How'd he take it?"
"Fine, I guess" Sara shrugs sitting down "I'm sure he'll have some remarks once it totally sinks in." She rubs her wrist as she returns to reading the file before her.
"Are you heading home soon?" Danny asks
"Yeah, I just need to finish this work." She gestures to the files at on her desk. "I'd take them home but I'd never finish it." She returns to her paperwork every so often rubbing her middle. 'We'll see Daddy soon.'
8PM Sara enters the house and smiles seeing Zeke running in circles in the foyer. "Zeke what are you doing still up?"
"Mama." Zeke grins running over to his Mama throwing his arms around her legs. "Mama, home."
Sara ruffles his hair as she sets her backpack down and removes her jacket. She picks Zeke up kissing his nose "Hey sweetie. So why are you still up?"
Zeke shrugs
"Where's Daddy?"
Zeke points at the study door.
"Where's Bola?"
Zeke points to the stairs
"Let's go say goodnight to Daddy because its bedtime for you."
"No Mama." Zeke pouts
"Don't give me that look you." Sara say taps his nose. She walks into the study where she finds Ian at the desk engrossed in a file. "Ian why isn't he in bed?"
"Huh?" Ian looks up startled "I must have lost track of time." He closes the file shoving it in the desk drawer.
Sara lifts her brow "Finish whatever you need to finish. I'll put him down."
"I'll be up in a minute."
"All right." Sara looks at Zeke "Let's get you to bed huh?"
"No."
"Yes."
"No"
Ian leans back in his chair watching as Sara walks out of the study with Zeke on her hip. 'She's so beautiful.' He thinks running his hands over his face.
Sara enters Zeke's room "At least you're ready for bed." She sets him in the crib
"No Mama"
"Its time for you to go to bed, you need your sleep." Sara runs her finger down his nose. "I'll see you in the morning."
"No Mama. No seep."
"Goodnight" Sara says walking out of the bedroom wincing as Zeke starts crying. 'He'll be asleep in a while.' She goes to Bola's room knocking on the closed door.
"Come in."
Sara enters to find the teen on her bed her schoolbooks open as the TV is on. "Hey kiddo, how's it going?" She asks sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Good. School's the same."
"Meet any cute guys at school?" Sara asks
"None of interest." Bola replies with a shrug. "So how's work?"
"Had to do paperwork all afternoon, the hazard of being a cop." Sara chuckles "Anything interesting happen today?"
"Not really. Some as everyday" Bola answers "lame-ass conversations in the hall about homework, teachers and weekend plans." She shrugs
"Do you have any plans for this weekend?"
"There are a couple parties being thrown. Jenna wants me to go with her to a couple of them."
"Are you going to go?"
"Haven't decided. I might go to one."
Sara nods "Any other plans for this weekend?"
"Not sure. Hang out." Bola answers "Won't know until it gets closer to the weekend."
"Sounds familiar." Sara chuckles
"Are you working this weekend?"
"Yeah. Dante has me working weekends this month. He's pissed over the last incident."
Bola snickers "You really got to stop pissing that man off."
Sara shrugs "I can't help it. The man annoys me." She frowns hearing the familiar click and looks down to see the Glove formed. "Not again."
"What?"
Sara sighs, "It's been activating itself." She concentrates watching as the Glove recedes "It's been temperamental lately." Sara shrugs "Well I'm going to go dig up some dinner."
Bola nods
"How about this weekend you and I go out for a girl's night?"
Bola smiles "I'd like that."
"So would I." Sara smiles back "Now get your homework done before bed."
"I will."
"Night kiddo." Sara walks out of the bedroom. She makes her way down the stairs and back to the kitchen where she finds Cook cleaning up the days mess.
"Hello Miss Sara. Would you like something to eat?" Cook asks
"I'm in the mood for a sandwich. But I can make it." Sara assures as she opens the refrigerator, removing the sandwich meat, cheese, mayo, lettuce, a tomato, and some mustard. As she turns to set the items on the counter, she finds a plate, a knife, and some bread out. "Thanks." She smiles at Cook.
Cook nods "Where is Master Ian?"
"He's in the study. He was in the middle of something when I got home and Zeke was running circles in the foyer." Sara chuckles removing two pieces of bread setting them on the counter. "What's he been up too today?"
"I'm not sure really. He's been in the study on and off all day."
Sara nods turning her attention to making her sandwich. Once she has finished making her sandwich she starts putting the food away. "I better go drag him away from his work." Sara smiles at Cook as she picks up the plate. "Thanks."
"Go eat." Cook shoos
Sara walks out of the kitchen plate in hand she takes a bite of the sandwich as she walks through the hall heading to the study where Ian is staring into the fireplace. "Hey honey." Sara sits on the couch eating her sandwich. "Stop brooding."
Ian moves over to the couch resting his head on the back "I'm not brooding."
"I know you. You have brooding face." Sara says taking a bite of her sandwich "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Sara lifts her brow "Something is going on. You let Zeke stay up past bedtime."
"I just lost track of time." Ian shrugs "How was your day?"
Sara looks at her wrist "It activated again." She sets the plate on the coffee table "I'm not activating it."
"What caused it this time?" Ian inquires taking her wrist in his hand his fingers brushing over the stone.
"It was after I told Dante." Sara sighs, "I don't get why its activating... nothing was going on."
Ian takes a deep breath, "I was afraid this would happen."
"What?" Sara demands worried "What's going on Ian?"
Ian takes a deep breath "I don't think your activating it."
"You mean it's activating itself?" Sara asks confused
"No, she's activating it." Ian says resting his hand on Sara's middle
Sara looks at Ian surprised her hand covering his. "How is that possible? I mean it never activated while I was pregnant with Zeke." She closes her eyes "It didn't activate because he's male." Sara says in understanding
"Yes."
Sara looks at Ian, "Is this going to keep happening? 'cuz Dante almost saw it."
"I don't know." Ian says honestly. "It could keep happening it all depends on her." Ian looks at his hand. "It all depends on how strong she gets and how much control the Witchblade allows her to have."
"Great. Not only do I have to deal with morning sickness and gaining weight but the baby activating the Witchblade at the worst times."
"Most people don't remember its activation." Ian reminds
"True all they see is the end result." Sara says grimly shifting she snuggles against Ian. "I guess I'll have to deal."
Ian kisses Sara's head "How are you feeling?"
"Fine right now." Sara shrugs
"Finish your sandwich."
Sara sits up picking up her plate she takes a bite of the sandwich
Ian watches Sara eat "How was work?"
"Pretty good." Sara answers after swallowing. "Jake got punched by a suspect."
Ian smirks "I'd have loved to see that."
"Hey" Sara punches his forearm "Jake's my friend."
Ian rubs his forearm and watches Sara eat "I know."
"Why do you hate Jake?"
"I don't hate him," Ian protests "I just don't trust him." He grumbles.
"Well I do."
"I know you do."
Sara continues eating her sandwich
"Did you get your shopping done?" Ian inquires
"Did some at lunch." Sara answers with a shrug "I'll need to do some more in the next few weeks." She takes another bite of her sandwich.
"Don't forget your check-up on Tuesday."
"I know." Sara mumbles eating the last bite of her sandwich then rests her head on Ian's shoulder. "Mmm you smell good." She sighs happily shifting she straddles his legs taking his face between her hands she kisses him deeply. 'God I love this man.' She moans as the kiss deepens. Needing to breath, she breaks the kiss her fingers trailing over his face gently. 'My beautiful Ian.'
"How about we go to bed." Ian suggests
"I'm not tired." Sara pouts
"Never said we were going to sleep." Ian smirks as he stands with Sara's legs around his waist.
LATER "Sorry." Sara touches the scratch on his forearm made by her fingernails.
Ian shrugs "I'll be fine." He brings her hand to his lips. "What about you?" He touches the bruise forming on her thighs from his fingers.
Sara lifts her shoulders "We're fine." She assures with a smile. She brushes her fingers over his cheek. At the look on his face, she presses a kiss to his nose "Really."
"I love you"
"Love you too."
"It's getting late. You should get some sleep." Ian suggests
"Don't go far."
"I won't." Ian promises. He pulls the covers up he watches as his beloved Wielder drifts off to sleep with a smile on her lips.
CHAPTER 37 MONTH LATER Half asleep Bola snuggles back into the warm body curled around hers and arm slung over her waist. 'What...? Who...?' Suddenly she sits up waking Connor at her side. "What time is it?"
Connor sits up startled by the question he looks out the window. "Midnight." Connor answers reaching over he turns on the lamp. "What's wrong?" He asks sensing his friend's panic
"Shit." Bola grabs her shoes pulling them on "I am going to be in so much trouble. I was supposed to be back by 10." She grabs her jacket pulling it on.
Connor sits up pulling his shoes on he grabs his jacket turning off the lamp. He takes Bola's hand leading her through the darkened building knowing her night vision is not as keen as his own is. "How much trouble?"
"I don't know. It all depends on what kind of mood Sara's in." Bola answers as they hurry through the warehouse district. "At least my homework is done." She mutters
"Why do you say that?"
"Because they usually don't mind what I do as long as I stay out of trouble and keep my grades up." Bola shrugs as they walk down the street.
"You aren't in trouble." Connor points out
"Trouble is biological in my family." Bola says dryly.
"Well insanity is in mine." Connor retorts
"Oh come on."
"No really. My Father opened a portal in his home that led to Quar-toth, that's how I got back. Yet by opening the portal he risked demons coming to this dimension and destroying it."
"Shows how much he loves you." Bola says
"At one time he did." Connor says bitterly
"He wanted you back and I think that proves he loves you."
"I don't want to talk about him."
"Connor, have you even called him since you got here?"
"No. I don't plan too."
"Your choice." Bola shrugs as they walk in silence. After about 15 minutes, they find themselves at the front gate. "I'll see you tomorrow." She opens the side gate walking inside the grounds she looks back to find Connor gone yet she still senses him nearby. She takes a deep breath making her way up to the house she enters the still unlocked front door. 'Oh boy someone's still up.' Bola enters the house seeing the study doors open and the light on she sets her backpack down outside the door she walks in to find Ian reading.
"You're late." Ian says without looking up from his book.
"Sorry. I fell asleep." Bola enters the study "Where's Sara?"
"She's in bed." Ian answers closing his book "She was worried."
"Sorry. I meant to be back at 10 but I fell asleep."
Ian lifts his brow "Where were you?"
"With a friend."
"It wasn't Jenna. She called here looking for you, said you didn't show up at the library to study."
'Damn.' Bola thinks. "I forgot."
Ian nods "All right. Head up to bed and we'll talk about it tomorrow at breakfast."
"How much trouble am I in?" Bola asks curiously
"We'll discuss that out tomorrow."
"OK." Bola nods "Night."
"Goodnight." Ian watches as Bola walks out of the room. 'Sara's right... she is hiding something.' He runs his hands over his face "I'll deal with it tomorrow." He mutters standing he walks out of the study going to the front door he locks it then walks up the stairs. He enters the bedroom kicking off his boots he strips down to his boxers he gets into the bed smiling slightly as in her sleep Sara snuggles against him.
"Ian" Sara mumbles
"Go back to sleep." Ian says softly
"Is Bola back?" Sara asks sleepily
"She just got back. She went to bed. Now go back to sleep we'll talk about it in the morning." He presses a kiss to her hair.
"'k" Sara mumbles
"Night, my love."
"Night."
NEXT MORNING Sara looks at Ian as they lay side by side on their bed. "What did she say?"
"Not much. Just that she was with a friend and fell asleep."
"What friend?"
"She didn't say." Ian replies
"It wasn't Jenna." Sara says
Ian nods "She confirmed that."
Sara sits up "I'm going to go talk to her." She stands grabbing her robe she walks out of the bedroom.
"I might as well take a shower." Ian mutters
Sara knocks on Bola's door.
"I'm up."
"Can I come in?"
"Yeah" Bola replies
Sara enters the bedroom to find Bola standing before her closet "So where were you last night?"
"With a friend. Fell asleep with talking." Bola shrugs
"Who is he?"
Bola looks at her mother then back at the closet "Just a friend."
"What's his name?"
"I can't tell you that."
"Why?"
"I promised him I wouldn't tell and I don't break promises to people."
"All right" Sara nods "So where did you meet him?"
"Around."
"And last night? What happened to make you late?"
Bola looks at her mother surprised at the question. "If you're thinking I had sex with him or something I didn't. I was helping him with something and we fell asleep." She explains
"Where's he from?"
"Nowhere you've heard of." Bola answers
"What's he like?"
"Different... to say the least."
"How old is he?"
"He's the same age as me." Bola shrugs grabbing a pair of jeans out of the closet tossing them on the bed. "You got to trust me about him."
"I do. I'm just surprised you didn't tell me about him."
"He asked me not too."
"Did he runaway from home or something?"
"He and I have a deal, I don't ask him and he doesn't ask me." Bola says tossing a shirt on the bed. "Trust me. He's not a bad guy."
"I do trust you Bola. Now get dressed and come down for breakfast then we'll discuss your punishment."
Bola nods "So am I grounded?"
"We haven't discussed it." Sara replies. "Now get ready for school." Sara leaves the bedroom returning to her own where she finds Ian walking out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. She smiles at the sight "Well I got the answer."
"To what question?" Ian asks puzzled
"To why she stayed out last night and where she's been spending her free time."
"So" Ian shrugs
"It's a boy. She won't tell me anything about him though."
"She'll tell when she feels like it." Ian shrugs
"Yeah I know." Sara walks passed him heading to the bathroom.
30 MINS LATER "What's my punishment?" Bola asks as they sit at the dining room table
"You're grounded for two days." Sara answers glancing at Bola as she spoons up Zeke's cereal
"Fine with me." Bola shrugs taking a bite of her eggs "I can last with grounding."
"Good because every time you miss curfew without calling you'll be grounded."
"Yeah, sure."
"Mama mow!" Zeke demands opening his mouth getting a chuckle from his family.
8AM: SCHOOL Bola opens her locker as Jenna joins her "Hey."
"Where were you last night?" Jenna demands
"Sorry. I was out and lost track of time." Bola explains
"Oh well. Look, some of us are heading to the mall this afternoon. Come with."
"I can't. I'm grounded for missing curfew last night." Bola sighs
"Ouch. How long are you grounded for?"
"Two days."
"Damn when my parents ground me for missing curfew it's more like a week."
"Yeah well this is the first time I've missed curfew since I moved in." Bola shrugs grabbing her English book.
"Man wish my parents were like that." Jenna chuckles
Bola smiles at her friend "We better get to class."
3PM "How was school?" Ian asks as Bola gets into the car
"Hell. We were assigned major homework for science."
"What is the assignment?"
"I haven't looked at it yet. The teacher handed out the assignments at the end of class."
"When is it due?"
"End of the week."
"At least you'll be able to get a lot done since you're grounded." Ian remarks
"True." Bola agrees reluctantly. "Maybe I'll get half of it done." She muses
"Or perhaps you will be able to finish all of it."
"Maybe." She rests her head against the car window. 'Wish I could at least tell Connor.'
"I can get ahead in my French homework."
"I thought you were already." Ian states
"I'm only ahead by a couple chapters. We're on chapter 6 in class yet I managed to get up to chapter 10. I could have gone farther but" She looks at Ian "I got bored with the reading. Why did I even have to take French?"
"It was your choice."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Bola grumbles crossing her arms over her chest.
"I need you to watch Zeke for a while. I'm supposed to meet with Dr. Immo."
"For what?" Bola asks curiously
"Time for my check up." Ian answers
"Not like I'm going anywhere." Bola grumbles
"You were the one who missed curfew."
"I know."
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER: HOUSE Ian finds Bola on the floor of Zeke's bedroom playing with blocks. He leans against the doorframe watching the two interact.
"Bowa bock." Zeke holds up the block proudly
Bola smiles "Where are you going to put the block?" She asks watching as Zeke looks at the blocks stacked before him trying to make his decision. Finally, Zeke makes his decision and carefully sets the block down on top of another. "Good job." Bola smiles
Zeke looks up "Me" he points at the blocks grinning
"Yep you did good." Bola ruffles his hair.
Zeke's eyes widen as he sees his Daddy in the doorway "Daddy" He says excitedly
Ian enters the bedroom "Hello Zeke." He picks Zeke up tossing him into the air getting the boy to shriek with laughter. "Having fun?" He asks Zeke
Zeke nods laughing he pats at his Daddy's beard. "Me Bowa bocks." He points at the blocks
Ian looks at the stacked blocks "You and Bola did that?"
"Uh huh" Zeke nods
Bola chuckles "More you then me shortie. Zeke put the blocks exactly where he wanted and told me where to put the blocks. He sure is bossy."
Ian chuckles "He definitely gets that from Sara."
"Don't let her hear you say that. She'll deck you one."
"Probably" Ian agrees dryly. "That's what I love about her." He smiles
"Mama?"
"Sorry Zeke. Mama won't be home until you're in bed."
Zeke's eyes widen "No bed Daddy."
Ian runs his hand over Zeke's hair "Not for a while yet." He assures "You still have hours of play time left."
"Pway now?"
"Bola can you watch him for a while longer?"
"Like I said... not going anywhere."
"Daddy pway" Zeke demands
"Later. OK?"
Zeke sighs heavily "OK"
"Come on kiddo" Bola takes Zeke from Ian "What do you want to do now?"
"Pway"
"Sounds good to me." Bola settles on the floor "What would you like to play now?"
"Caws"
"Cars huh?"
"Yeah." Zeke nods happily
Ian leaves the kids to play and heads off to finish his work.
AN: It might take me a while to add more. I will try to work on it this weekend but as of December 12 I am on Christmas break and will have little to no computer access to update this. Let's hope that before then I am able to finish this fic at least up to after the baby's birth. I am thinking of doing a sequal with a crossover to Angel with Connor going home after a few years taking Bola with him. Yet I haven't really decided.
CHAPTER 35 WEEK LATER "She's been staying out a lot lately." Sara remarks as she walks the floor with a sniffling Zeke in her arms.
"You wanted her to have a normal life. Isn't staying out a normal teenage thing?" Ian inquires as he sits on the bed watching Sara walk the floor with Zeke in her arms.
"Yeah. I'm just curious to what she's up too."
"So ask her." Ian suggests. "Maybe she'll tell you."
"I don't want to butt into her life."
"Do you think something is going on?" Ian inquires
"No. I think she'd tell one of us if something big is going on with her."
"So why are you worried?"
Sara shrugs "I'm not really." She looks at Zeke "How you feeling baby?"
Zeke sniffles rubbing his ear "Mama."
"I know it hurts." Sara sighs resting her cheek against his head "How is it he manages to get sick when you never get sick and other than morning sickness I haven't been sick since this thing showed up?"
Ian shrugs "I don't know. Immo said his genetics are only slightly off. It's only a slight ear infection."
"I know. I just don't like seeing him so unhappy." Sara says sadly.
Ian glances at the clock "You better get going."
Sara sighs "All right." She hands Zeke over to Ian
"Mama" Zeke whimpers unhappily holding his arms out to her.
"I have to go sweetie. I'll see you later." She says kisses Zeke's forehead "Daddy will take care of you."
Zeke sniffles sticking his thumb in his mouth he rests his head on his Father's shoulder
"I love you." Ian reaches out cupping Sara's cheek he leans in kissing her sweetly
Sara smiles "Love you too." She rubs her nose against his "I better go." She says reluctantly not wanting to leave her son. "Bye sweetie."
"Mama" Zeke sniffles waving sadly
"Oh I can't stand seeing him like this."
"Then go" Ian says gently guides Sara to the door "you still need to drop Bola off at school."
"I know." Sara grumbles stepping out into the hallway "Bola lets go" she calls
"Coming" Bola's voice comes through the open bedroom door.
Sara heads down the stairs ahead of Ian. Once in the foyer, she grabs her jacket pulling it on as Bola walks down the stairs with her backpack and jacket on. "You're going to school early today aren't you?"
Bola shrugs "Nothing better to do. I'm too wired."
Sara nods "Well then let's go." She kisses Ian's cheek and Zeke's head "Feel better baby."
"Mama no bye." Zeke whimpers
Sara picks up her backpack "Don't forget to give him his medicine in a couple hours."
"Sara I can handle this. Get a move on."
"OK, OK." Sara follows Bola out of the house.
As the front door closes, Ian looks at Zeke who is rubbing at his ear staring at the closed door. "How about a bottle? That always cheers you up."
"Mama bye-bye." Zeke sniffles looking at his Daddy
"She'll be back." Ian assures walking down the hall he heads to the kitchen entering to find Mrs. Ellis, Fredrick, Naomi, and Cook milling about having coffee and going over the days schedule.
"I take it he needs a bottle." Mrs. Ellis remarks
"How's he feeling?" Naomi asks seeing the unhappy little face.
Ian looks at his son "He's not happy. His ear still hurts."
"Did you give him his medicine?" Mrs. Ellis inquires
"Sara gave it to him when he woke up." Ian answers taking the warmed bottle from Naomi he nods his thanks. "I'll be upstairs." He walks out of the kitchen with Zeke in his arms.
15 MINS LATER: SCHOOL Sara pulls the car up to the curb "I'll see you tonight."
"Sure." Bola nods "Later." She gets out of the car closing the door she shoulders her backpack. She walks up the steps heading to the door she enters the school stepping out of sight she watches as Sara drives out of sight. She waits a few minutes then walks out of the building hurrying down the steps she heads in the direction of the warehouse district.
10 MINS LATER Connor looks over at the door as Bola enters carrying a bag of donuts. "Hey."
"Morning. I bring donuts." Bola says dropping her backpack on the floor she settles on the blankets that make up Connor's bed.
Connor sits next to her "You OK?" He asks
"Fine. Zeke was up most of the night. He's got an ear infection or something. The kid has one big set of lungs." She laughs opening the bag she reaches over to her backpack opening it she removes two containers of milk. "Here."
"Thanks." Conner takes one opening it "What would they think about you being here this early in the morning?"
"They won't know." Bola shrugs taking out a donut taking a bite "Ian and Sara let me come and go as long as I'm home by curfew. Don't break any laws and stay out of trouble." She opens her milk taking a drink. "As long as I'm not too late for first period and don't run into anyone they know they'll never find out."
"What is school like?"
Bola shrugs "Boring at times. Sometimes it can be interesting. Depending on the day." She takes a bite of her donut. "Sometimes I don't mind going but I hate going every day."
"Why do you?"
"Sara and Ian said I have too." She answers scrunching up her nose in disgust. "You've never been to school huh?"
"No. He taught me some things that I guess you would learn in school but I still don't know a lot about this dimension." He says thoughtfully
"There's not much to this dimension. Each person is different. The only thing about this dimension you need to understand... the idea of demons and vampires... not generally accepted."
"Why do you accept the knowledge?"
Bola looks down "I've lived more than most people. I've seen more than most would believe."
"You aren't like the other people of this dimension. Why?"
"I'll tell you my story if you tell me yours." Bola challenges
Connor looks at his donut feeling uncomfortable "One day."
"Deal." Bola nods in agreement then takes a bite of her donut. "How's the work coming?"
"Fine. Thanks for helping me find that."
Bola nods "No problem. It's not much money or work so they wouldn't ask for birth certificate or anything."
"It's money. That's one of the things I miss about Quar-toth, I never needed money, I just took what I needed."
"Well here if you get caught stealing you could get sent juvie."
"Juvie?"
"Juvenile hall. Kid prison."
Connor nods
"So are you working today?" Bola asks
"A few hours this afternoon." Connor answers finishing off his donut he takes out another one. "What about you?"
"After school I should probably head to the house and give Ian a break from the kid." She shrugs finishing off her donut she takes a drink of her milk. She sets her milk down lying on the bed she looks up at the ceiling. "Man this is familiar."
"You spent a lot of time on the run didn't you?"
Bola nods looking at him "Since I was 12."
"What about your parents?"
"Make you a deal."
"What kind?"
"You answer one question about yourself and I'll answer one question about me."
Connor tilts his head then nods "Agreed."
"You first." Bola offers
"Where are your parents?"
"Boston. She's in rehab for drugs. He's in jail for assault."
"Oh." Connor takes a drink of his milk then says "Your turn."
"Why don't you like talking about your parents?"
Connor looks at his hands "She's dead... again. He hates me." He looks at Bola "Answer your question?"
"Not all of them but I'll work on you." She grins sitting up "I should get going. I don't want to be late for school. I'll see you later."
Connor nods "Thanks for breakfast."
"Anytime." Bola says grabbing her backpack she walks to the door then stops "Hey Connor"
"Yes?"
Bola looks at him "I'm sure your Dad doesn't hate you."
Connor swallows "After what I did he does."
"One day I'll get the full story out of you." Bola says walking out of the room.
"One day." Connor mutters
AFTERNOON Bola enters Zeke's bedroom to find Ian trying to calm the crying boy. "He's still at it?"
Ian looks at Bola "He just started up again."
"Want me to take him for a while?" Bola offers
"Sure. I need to return some calls. It won't take me long." Ian hands the crying boy to Bola.
Zeke whimpers rubbing his ear "Daddy."
"I'll be back in a while Zeke." Ian assures "I'll be downstairs." He walks out of the room
"Hey kiddo you OK?" Bola asks the boy
"Owie." Zeke sniffles "Mama bye-bye."
"Hey she'll be back. How about we play for a while?"
"Bowa pway." Zeke rubs at his ear "Daddy pway?"
"I'm sure he'll play when he's done working." Bola sits on the floor with Zeke "What should we play?"
Zeke reaches for his blocks
"All right."
EVENING Sara smiles watching Bola play with Zeke on the floor of his room. 'They are so cute together. Zeke adores her.' She turns her head sensing Ian's presence beside her. "There you are." She turns around leaning up she kisses him lightly. "How is he?"
"Crying on and off. He's been quietly playing for a while." Ian says hugging her. "How was your day?"
"Long. I just wanted to come back and stay with him."
"He's fine Sara."
"I know. I know you'd take care of him. I just hate the idea of him being sick." She wraps her arms around his neck. "I guess it's because he's never been sick before."
"He'll be fine in a few days."
Sara nods kissing Ian sweetly "Now I need to go see my baby." She walks into the boy's room "Hey you two."
Zeke looks up suddenly a grin on his face "Mama" He holds his arms up as he bounces
Sara picks Zeke up giving him a kiss "Hug?"
Zeke throws his arms around her neck hugging her tight "Mama" He sighs happily resting his head on her shoulder.
Sara kisses his head "Hey Bola how was school?"
"Pretty good. Nothing very interesting happened."
"Did you get a history paper back?" Ian inquires
"Mmm" Bola nods "Got an A."
Sara smiles "Good job." She hugs Bola with her free arm
"Congratulations." Ian smiles at the teen
"Thanks" She smiles at her parents.
LATE NIGHT Sara sighs as the movie's ending credits begin. She lifts her head from Ian's shoulder stretching and yawning. She looks over at the overstuffed chair and smiles seeing Bola asleep with her head on the arm of the chair.
Ian reaches for the remote turning the television off.
You know what I thought when I first saw her?
Ian looks over at Bola asleep on the chair What did you think?
She looks like us.
Ian presses a kiss to Sara's hair That she does.
Everyday I see more and more of our personalities in her. When she's having deep thoughts, she gets the same look you get.
I know what you mean. When she's frustrated, she reminds me of you.
Sara looks at him reaching up she runs her forefinger down his nose "I love you Ian." She says softly
Ian captures her wrist bringing it to his lips "I love you sweet Sara, more than anything in this world." He says softly
Sara leans in brushing her lips over his. She smiles slightly "It's late. I should wake her so she can head up to bed." She starts to stand then sways on her feet dizziness hitting. "Oh man." She groans closing her eyes.
"Sara?" Ian asks concerned he stands wrapping his arms around her. "Are you OK?"
Sara nods opening her eyes she looks at him "Just dizzy for a moment. I'm fine now." She assures kissing his cheek she steps out of his arms.
Ian watches as Sara goes over to the chair where Bola sleeps.
Sara crouches down reaching out she brushes a strand of hair off Bola's cheek "Bola wake up."
Bola sighs snuggling into the chair yet she doesn't wake.
"Bola, it's time to go up to bed."
"Sleeping" she mutters in response
"I know you can go back to sleep once in your bed."
"Comfy." Bola mumbles sleepily rubbing her eyes
"I know sweetie but your bed is even more comfy."
"OK" Bola sits up rubbing her eyes she yawns then stands.
Sara rests her hands on Bola's shoulders and guides the teen out of the room and up the stairs to her bedroom. "Goodnight Bola."
Bola grunts in response stumbling into her room as Sara closes the door. She falls on her bed fully dressed and falls back to sleep.
Sara enters the bedroom seconds behind Ian. "I think she's out to the world already." She flops on the bed.
"How are you feeling?" Ian asks sitting beside her on the bed.
Sara shrugs "Decent."
"Only decent?" Ian lifts his brow
"Feel more than decent with kisses."
"Oh really?"
"Yep" Sara nods grinning
"Well then" Ian shifts so he's partially atop her he kisses her. "Better?" He asks
"Getting there." She says stroking his cheek with her thumb leaning up she kisses him in return. 'God I love kissing him.' As the kiss deepens Sara shifts so she's on top of him, she sits up her hands going the buttons of his shirt. As she unbuttons his shirt she presses kisses to his chest and stomach then sits up reaching down she grabs the hem of her own shirt pulling it off she tosses it on the floor as Ian removes his own shirt.
Ian sits up pulling Sara close he kisses her passionately his lips moving down her neck. "Sara" He sighs against her skin, as he trails kisses down her neck.
"Oh Ian" Sara sighs in pleasure her fingers tangling in his locks.
LATER Ian curls his body around Sara's his hand resting on her growing middle. "Goodnight my love."
Sara rests her hand over his as it rests on her middle. "Night." She mumbles drifting off to sleep with a smile feeling safe and comfortable in Ian's arms. 'God I love him.'
CHAPTER 36 COUPLE OF MORNINGS LATER Sara groans as the alarm goes off. She pulls the covers over her head "Damn alarm clock." She mutters
Ian reaches over turning off the alarm clock he tightens his arms around Sara. "What time do you have to be at work?"
"8." Sara answers
"Time to get up then." Ian says pulling the covers away
"No" Sara mumbles shifting to her back she looks at Ian sleepily. "I don't wanna go."
"If you don't go then Dante will chew you out." Ian reminds
"Why don't I just quit?" Sara mutters
"I'm for it." Ian grins
Sara reaches up brushing a curl behind his ear "If I did what would I do all day?"
"Stay in bed all day if we want. Play with Zeke."
"We'd drive each other nuts after a while. And I do like my work."
"I know you do." He kisses her forehead
"MAMA up." Zeke calls over the monitor
Sara frowns "He's up early" she sits up her legs going over the edge of the bed. She runs her fingers through her hair she stands going over to the chair in the corner grabbing her robe. As she ties the belt around her waist she groans her hand going to her mouth, she rushes to the bathroom slamming the door behind her.
Ian sighs hearing Sara gag and cough through the closed door. Hearing Zeke's chatter he throws off the covers and stands grabbing his discarded pajama bottoms he pulls them on. He walks out of the room he walks across the hall entering the bedroom where he finds Zeke standing in his crib. "You are up early." He says lifting Zeke out of the crib.
"Mama?" Zeke asks looking at the door.
"Let's get you changed then we'll check and see if Bola's up."
"Bowa?"
Ian sets the boy on the changing table. "What's this?" Ian touches Zeke's nose
"Nose" Zeke grins clapping
"Good." Ian rubs Zeke's stomach getting a giggle from the boy. "Now let's get you changed." He quickly changes Zeke then lifts Zeke off the changing table kissing his cheek. "Better?"
Zeke nods patting at his Daddy's face.
Ian carries Zeke over to the crib setting the boy down.
"No" Zeke whimpers holding his arms out
"I'll be right back." Ian assures. He returns to the changing table grabbing the dirty diaper he carries it into the bathroom dropping it in the garbage can then quickly washes his hands. Entering the bedroom he finds Zeke still standing in his crib. "See didn't take long." He picks Zeke up "Now let's go wake your sister."
Zeke rests his head on his father's shoulder sticking his thumb in his mouth. "Daddy" He sighs happily.
Ian knocks on Bola's door not getting an answer he enters to find Bola still asleep. "Bola it's time to get up." He says going over to the window pulling up the window shade.
Bola groans as morning light fills her bedroom. "Ahh" She pulls the covers up
"Bola it's time to get up. You didn't set your alarm and if you don't get a move on you'll be late for school."
Bola sits up looking at the clock "Damn. I'm up." She throws the covers off heading to her bathroom.
Ian looks at Zeke "This is one of those times your sister definitely has your mother's sense of timing." He says dryly.
"Mama?"
"We'll go check on her." Ian pats Zeke's back 'Hopefully she's done throwing up.'
45 MINS LATER Sara growls in frustration as she struggles to do up her jeans. "Finally." She says relieved as she manages to button her jeans
Ian looks up from his laptop over at Sara "You OK?"
Sara looks at Ian annoyed "I'm going to have to go shopping during lunch break. I've gained so much weight that I can barely button my jeans." She picks up her shirt pulling it on. "I guess I'll have to deal Dante." She sighs absently rubbing her middle.
"I still can't believe you managed to keep it from him this long."
"I made the guys and Vicki, swear not to tell and they haven't."
Ian holds his hand out as Sara slips her hand into his he pulls her onto his lap. "How do you think he'll react?"
"He'll be pissed off but he won't care I'm pregnant. He'll see me as a liability to the Department. I won't be surprised if he tries to fire me."
"Well considering its illegal I don't think he'll get far with it."
"It's Dante, Ian. He'd fire me for anything he can think of." Sara sighs resting her head on his shoulder. She looks at Zeke silently playing on the floor by the desk. She looks back at Ian she strokes his cheek with her thumb. "I'll tell him after work."
"It'll be OK." Ian turns her hand around kissing her knuckles.
"I know." Sara smiles "I love you."
"I love you." He smiles "Now breakfast should be ready."
Sara brushes her lips over his then stands going over to Zeke "Hey sweetie time for breakfast." She picks Zeke up kissing his cheek.
"No. Pway." Zeke whines shifting he reaches for his toys.
"You can play later." Sara says "We got to get food in your tummy." She rubs his tummy getting a giggle.
"Mama" He giggles squirming in her arms "Down."
"Zeke it's breakfast time not play time." Ian says
"Walk" Zeke says
"You want to walk downstairs on your own?" Sara asks
"Uh huh." Zeke nods
"All right." Sara sets him on his feet. "Come on." She rests her hand on his head guiding him towards the door.
Zeke walks out of the bedroom and starts to walk towards his own bedroom. Zeke whines "Me."
"We're going downstairs remember?" Sara reminds gently guiding him in the direction of the stairs. Slowly they walk through the hallway occasionally prodding Zeke in the right direction when he veers off course.
Once they reach the stairs Ian picks Zeke up to carry him down the rest of the way.
"No" Zeke squirms "down."
"You want to try the stairs yourself?" Ian asks
Zeke nods
"Sara, why don't you go ahead and have breakfast? It'll take him a while to get down the stairs." Ian suggests as he puts Zeke back on his feet
"Hey this is a big deal. Not missing out on this." Sara says
"You'll be late for work." Ian says
"Oh well. I'll just have Danny cover for me." Sara shrugs watching the look on Zeke's face as he regards the stairs. 'He's figuring out a strategy.' She chuckles in amusement at the look on his face.
"What?"
"He's got the same look you get when you're figuring something out." Sara remarks watching as Zeke sits down scooting down the first stair he tilts his head up looking at his parents grinning then scoots down the next step. Slowly he makes his way to the landing and stands clapping.
"You still have more to go." Sara smiles her encouragement.
Zeke looks at the remaining stairs then at his parents. "Up" He holds his arms up
"Now you want up huh." Ian says amused picking Zeke up. "Good job."
Zeke grins at his parents
Sara leans in kissing Zeke's cheek "You are getting to be a big boy huh?" She runs her finger down his nose.
"Let's go eat." Ian puts his free arm around Sara's shoulders kissing her cheek. Can't have my girls going hungry.
"Very funny Nottingham," Sara scowls at him "are you trying to fatten me up?"
"No just have to keep you two healthy." Ian says as they walk down the stairs.
"Did Bola leave for school early?"
"I think so."
"She's leaving for school early a lot lately. Why do I have this feeling she's up to something?"
"Because you're a cop and you worry about her." Ian answers
"Yeah I do. I just don't want her to get into any trouble and be taken from us."
"I'm sure she's fine and staying out of trouble. And no one will take her from us so stop thinking that way."
"OK, OK. I'll try to cut back." Sara surrenders
SAME TIME: WAREHOUSE DISTRICT Bola lifts her brow looking at Connor flat on his back from her blow. "I told you. I can take care of myself."
Connor flips to his feet "How'd you learn how to fight?"
Bola shrugs "Genetics. You should see Ian and Sara fight." She sits on the blankets "I'm better with guns but Ian took 'em from me when I showed up at the house. He said I'm too young to have them." She rolls her eyes "I'm older than most understand." She takes a sip of her coffee.
"You're the same age as me." Connor points out sitting across from her.
"It's hard to explain. Basically, Sara and Ian aren't normal."
"She's a warrior." Connor remarks, "I could smell it when I saw her in the alley."
Bola nods "She wears an object called the Witchblade. It's a sort of mystical weapon; it's been around since the beginning of time." She explains, "It's hard to explain what the Witchblade is exactly."
"Yet it is good."
"It can be used for good... yet if in the wrong hands it can be used for evil. Not just anyone can wear the Witchblade. Normally only women... a select few of a certain line can wield it without becoming addicted to the power." She looks at Connor "Sara can wield with its full potential. Ian has worn it before without the side effects. I wore it once."
"What happened when you wore it?"
"I killed someone." At Connor's expression, she shrugs, "He was evil... really evil. He tried to kill me but I got him first." She looks down "It's a long story." She looks at Connor and shrugs, "We both have lots hidden in our closets."
"Maybe one day they'll come out." Connor says
"Guess we'll have to see." Bola smiles slightly "I better get to school. I'll see you later." She stands grabbing her backpack "Bye."
"Bye." Connor watches as she walks out of the room.
NOON: PRECINCT Sara enters the office "Thanks for covering for me Danny."
"Where'd you go?" Danny asks
"I had to go buy some jeans." Sara explains sitting down at her desk "I realized this morning that buttoning my jeans is getting harder."
Danny chuckles "Ah yes I remember the mornings in which I'd get yelled at over pants that didn't fit."
Sara smiles "Yeah I seem to remember Lee blaming you."
Danny rolls his eyes "She always did."
"So anything new?" Sara asks putting her mind on work.
"Jake went to pick up a file on a case that's been signed over to us."
"What's the case?"
5PM "What do you want Pezzini?" Dante demands not looking up as Sara enters his office
"There's something I needed to speak to you about."
"Talk fast I'm busy."
"Fine." Sara takes a deep breath "I'm pregnant. Yes I'm staying on."
Dante looks up "Why tell me?"
"Considering you're my boss" 'unfortunately' "I had no choice."
"Fine, now get out." He looks back at his paperwork
"Gladly." Sara says frowning when she hears a familiar click she looks down to see the half Glove formed. Quickly she crosses her arms over her chest hiding her hand under her arm. She turns walking out of his office. Still feeling the Glove formed she heads to the women's restroom finding it empty she sighs in relief looking at her wrist. 'How the hell are you forming? I'm not activating you and I'm not in danger.' She closes her eyes concentrating she feels the Glove recede with a click and sighs in relief then walks out of the bathroom. She returns to her office to find Danny still at his desk reading a file.
Danny looks up to see his friend enter the office "How'd he take it?"
"Fine, I guess" Sara shrugs sitting down "I'm sure he'll have some remarks once it totally sinks in." She rubs her wrist as she returns to reading the file before her.
"Are you heading home soon?" Danny asks
"Yeah, I just need to finish this work." She gestures to the files at on her desk. "I'd take them home but I'd never finish it." She returns to her paperwork every so often rubbing her middle. 'We'll see Daddy soon.'
8PM Sara enters the house and smiles seeing Zeke running in circles in the foyer. "Zeke what are you doing still up?"
"Mama." Zeke grins running over to his Mama throwing his arms around her legs. "Mama, home."
Sara ruffles his hair as she sets her backpack down and removes her jacket. She picks Zeke up kissing his nose "Hey sweetie. So why are you still up?"
Zeke shrugs
"Where's Daddy?"
Zeke points at the study door.
"Where's Bola?"
Zeke points to the stairs
"Let's go say goodnight to Daddy because its bedtime for you."
"No Mama." Zeke pouts
"Don't give me that look you." Sara say taps his nose. She walks into the study where she finds Ian at the desk engrossed in a file. "Ian why isn't he in bed?"
"Huh?" Ian looks up startled "I must have lost track of time." He closes the file shoving it in the desk drawer.
Sara lifts her brow "Finish whatever you need to finish. I'll put him down."
"I'll be up in a minute."
"All right." Sara looks at Zeke "Let's get you to bed huh?"
"No."
"Yes."
"No"
Ian leans back in his chair watching as Sara walks out of the study with Zeke on her hip. 'She's so beautiful.' He thinks running his hands over his face.
Sara enters Zeke's room "At least you're ready for bed." She sets him in the crib
"No Mama"
"Its time for you to go to bed, you need your sleep." Sara runs her finger down his nose. "I'll see you in the morning."
"No Mama. No seep."
"Goodnight" Sara says walking out of the bedroom wincing as Zeke starts crying. 'He'll be asleep in a while.' She goes to Bola's room knocking on the closed door.
"Come in."
Sara enters to find the teen on her bed her schoolbooks open as the TV is on. "Hey kiddo, how's it going?" She asks sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Good. School's the same."
"Meet any cute guys at school?" Sara asks
"None of interest." Bola replies with a shrug. "So how's work?"
"Had to do paperwork all afternoon, the hazard of being a cop." Sara chuckles "Anything interesting happen today?"
"Not really. Some as everyday" Bola answers "lame-ass conversations in the hall about homework, teachers and weekend plans." She shrugs
"Do you have any plans for this weekend?"
"There are a couple parties being thrown. Jenna wants me to go with her to a couple of them."
"Are you going to go?"
"Haven't decided. I might go to one."
Sara nods "Any other plans for this weekend?"
"Not sure. Hang out." Bola answers "Won't know until it gets closer to the weekend."
"Sounds familiar." Sara chuckles
"Are you working this weekend?"
"Yeah. Dante has me working weekends this month. He's pissed over the last incident."
Bola snickers "You really got to stop pissing that man off."
Sara shrugs "I can't help it. The man annoys me." She frowns hearing the familiar click and looks down to see the Glove formed. "Not again."
"What?"
Sara sighs, "It's been activating itself." She concentrates watching as the Glove recedes "It's been temperamental lately." Sara shrugs "Well I'm going to go dig up some dinner."
Bola nods
"How about this weekend you and I go out for a girl's night?"
Bola smiles "I'd like that."
"So would I." Sara smiles back "Now get your homework done before bed."
"I will."
"Night kiddo." Sara walks out of the bedroom. She makes her way down the stairs and back to the kitchen where she finds Cook cleaning up the days mess.
"Hello Miss Sara. Would you like something to eat?" Cook asks
"I'm in the mood for a sandwich. But I can make it." Sara assures as she opens the refrigerator, removing the sandwich meat, cheese, mayo, lettuce, a tomato, and some mustard. As she turns to set the items on the counter, she finds a plate, a knife, and some bread out. "Thanks." She smiles at Cook.
Cook nods "Where is Master Ian?"
"He's in the study. He was in the middle of something when I got home and Zeke was running circles in the foyer." Sara chuckles removing two pieces of bread setting them on the counter. "What's he been up too today?"
"I'm not sure really. He's been in the study on and off all day."
Sara nods turning her attention to making her sandwich. Once she has finished making her sandwich she starts putting the food away. "I better go drag him away from his work." Sara smiles at Cook as she picks up the plate. "Thanks."
"Go eat." Cook shoos
Sara walks out of the kitchen plate in hand she takes a bite of the sandwich as she walks through the hall heading to the study where Ian is staring into the fireplace. "Hey honey." Sara sits on the couch eating her sandwich. "Stop brooding."
Ian moves over to the couch resting his head on the back "I'm not brooding."
"I know you. You have brooding face." Sara says taking a bite of her sandwich "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Sara lifts her brow "Something is going on. You let Zeke stay up past bedtime."
"I just lost track of time." Ian shrugs "How was your day?"
Sara looks at her wrist "It activated again." She sets the plate on the coffee table "I'm not activating it."
"What caused it this time?" Ian inquires taking her wrist in his hand his fingers brushing over the stone.
"It was after I told Dante." Sara sighs, "I don't get why its activating... nothing was going on."
Ian takes a deep breath, "I was afraid this would happen."
"What?" Sara demands worried "What's going on Ian?"
Ian takes a deep breath "I don't think your activating it."
"You mean it's activating itself?" Sara asks confused
"No, she's activating it." Ian says resting his hand on Sara's middle
Sara looks at Ian surprised her hand covering his. "How is that possible? I mean it never activated while I was pregnant with Zeke." She closes her eyes "It didn't activate because he's male." Sara says in understanding
"Yes."
Sara looks at Ian, "Is this going to keep happening? 'cuz Dante almost saw it."
"I don't know." Ian says honestly. "It could keep happening it all depends on her." Ian looks at his hand. "It all depends on how strong she gets and how much control the Witchblade allows her to have."
"Great. Not only do I have to deal with morning sickness and gaining weight but the baby activating the Witchblade at the worst times."
"Most people don't remember its activation." Ian reminds
"True all they see is the end result." Sara says grimly shifting she snuggles against Ian. "I guess I'll have to deal."
Ian kisses Sara's head "How are you feeling?"
"Fine right now." Sara shrugs
"Finish your sandwich."
Sara sits up picking up her plate she takes a bite of the sandwich
Ian watches Sara eat "How was work?"
"Pretty good." Sara answers after swallowing. "Jake got punched by a suspect."
Ian smirks "I'd have loved to see that."
"Hey" Sara punches his forearm "Jake's my friend."
Ian rubs his forearm and watches Sara eat "I know."
"Why do you hate Jake?"
"I don't hate him," Ian protests "I just don't trust him." He grumbles.
"Well I do."
"I know you do."
Sara continues eating her sandwich
"Did you get your shopping done?" Ian inquires
"Did some at lunch." Sara answers with a shrug "I'll need to do some more in the next few weeks." She takes another bite of her sandwich.
"Don't forget your check-up on Tuesday."
"I know." Sara mumbles eating the last bite of her sandwich then rests her head on Ian's shoulder. "Mmm you smell good." She sighs happily shifting she straddles his legs taking his face between her hands she kisses him deeply. 'God I love this man.' She moans as the kiss deepens. Needing to breath, she breaks the kiss her fingers trailing over his face gently. 'My beautiful Ian.'
"How about we go to bed." Ian suggests
"I'm not tired." Sara pouts
"Never said we were going to sleep." Ian smirks as he stands with Sara's legs around his waist.
LATER "Sorry." Sara touches the scratch on his forearm made by her fingernails.
Ian shrugs "I'll be fine." He brings her hand to his lips. "What about you?" He touches the bruise forming on her thighs from his fingers.
Sara lifts her shoulders "We're fine." She assures with a smile. She brushes her fingers over his cheek. At the look on his face, she presses a kiss to his nose "Really."
"I love you"
"Love you too."
"It's getting late. You should get some sleep." Ian suggests
"Don't go far."
"I won't." Ian promises. He pulls the covers up he watches as his beloved Wielder drifts off to sleep with a smile on her lips.
CHAPTER 37 MONTH LATER Half asleep Bola snuggles back into the warm body curled around hers and arm slung over her waist. 'What...? Who...?' Suddenly she sits up waking Connor at her side. "What time is it?"
Connor sits up startled by the question he looks out the window. "Midnight." Connor answers reaching over he turns on the lamp. "What's wrong?" He asks sensing his friend's panic
"Shit." Bola grabs her shoes pulling them on "I am going to be in so much trouble. I was supposed to be back by 10." She grabs her jacket pulling it on.
Connor sits up pulling his shoes on he grabs his jacket turning off the lamp. He takes Bola's hand leading her through the darkened building knowing her night vision is not as keen as his own is. "How much trouble?"
"I don't know. It all depends on what kind of mood Sara's in." Bola answers as they hurry through the warehouse district. "At least my homework is done." She mutters
"Why do you say that?"
"Because they usually don't mind what I do as long as I stay out of trouble and keep my grades up." Bola shrugs as they walk down the street.
"You aren't in trouble." Connor points out
"Trouble is biological in my family." Bola says dryly.
"Well insanity is in mine." Connor retorts
"Oh come on."
"No really. My Father opened a portal in his home that led to Quar-toth, that's how I got back. Yet by opening the portal he risked demons coming to this dimension and destroying it."
"Shows how much he loves you." Bola says
"At one time he did." Connor says bitterly
"He wanted you back and I think that proves he loves you."
"I don't want to talk about him."
"Connor, have you even called him since you got here?"
"No. I don't plan too."
"Your choice." Bola shrugs as they walk in silence. After about 15 minutes, they find themselves at the front gate. "I'll see you tomorrow." She opens the side gate walking inside the grounds she looks back to find Connor gone yet she still senses him nearby. She takes a deep breath making her way up to the house she enters the still unlocked front door. 'Oh boy someone's still up.' Bola enters the house seeing the study doors open and the light on she sets her backpack down outside the door she walks in to find Ian reading.
"You're late." Ian says without looking up from his book.
"Sorry. I fell asleep." Bola enters the study "Where's Sara?"
"She's in bed." Ian answers closing his book "She was worried."
"Sorry. I meant to be back at 10 but I fell asleep."
Ian lifts his brow "Where were you?"
"With a friend."
"It wasn't Jenna. She called here looking for you, said you didn't show up at the library to study."
'Damn.' Bola thinks. "I forgot."
Ian nods "All right. Head up to bed and we'll talk about it tomorrow at breakfast."
"How much trouble am I in?" Bola asks curiously
"We'll discuss that out tomorrow."
"OK." Bola nods "Night."
"Goodnight." Ian watches as Bola walks out of the room. 'Sara's right... she is hiding something.' He runs his hands over his face "I'll deal with it tomorrow." He mutters standing he walks out of the study going to the front door he locks it then walks up the stairs. He enters the bedroom kicking off his boots he strips down to his boxers he gets into the bed smiling slightly as in her sleep Sara snuggles against him.
"Ian" Sara mumbles
"Go back to sleep." Ian says softly
"Is Bola back?" Sara asks sleepily
"She just got back. She went to bed. Now go back to sleep we'll talk about it in the morning." He presses a kiss to her hair.
"'k" Sara mumbles
"Night, my love."
"Night."
NEXT MORNING Sara looks at Ian as they lay side by side on their bed. "What did she say?"
"Not much. Just that she was with a friend and fell asleep."
"What friend?"
"She didn't say." Ian replies
"It wasn't Jenna." Sara says
Ian nods "She confirmed that."
Sara sits up "I'm going to go talk to her." She stands grabbing her robe she walks out of the bedroom.
"I might as well take a shower." Ian mutters
Sara knocks on Bola's door.
"I'm up."
"Can I come in?"
"Yeah" Bola replies
Sara enters the bedroom to find Bola standing before her closet "So where were you last night?"
"With a friend. Fell asleep with talking." Bola shrugs
"Who is he?"
Bola looks at her mother then back at the closet "Just a friend."
"What's his name?"
"I can't tell you that."
"Why?"
"I promised him I wouldn't tell and I don't break promises to people."
"All right" Sara nods "So where did you meet him?"
"Around."
"And last night? What happened to make you late?"
Bola looks at her mother surprised at the question. "If you're thinking I had sex with him or something I didn't. I was helping him with something and we fell asleep." She explains
"Where's he from?"
"Nowhere you've heard of." Bola answers
"What's he like?"
"Different... to say the least."
"How old is he?"
"He's the same age as me." Bola shrugs grabbing a pair of jeans out of the closet tossing them on the bed. "You got to trust me about him."
"I do. I'm just surprised you didn't tell me about him."
"He asked me not too."
"Did he runaway from home or something?"
"He and I have a deal, I don't ask him and he doesn't ask me." Bola says tossing a shirt on the bed. "Trust me. He's not a bad guy."
"I do trust you Bola. Now get dressed and come down for breakfast then we'll discuss your punishment."
Bola nods "So am I grounded?"
"We haven't discussed it." Sara replies. "Now get ready for school." Sara leaves the bedroom returning to her own where she finds Ian walking out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. She smiles at the sight "Well I got the answer."
"To what question?" Ian asks puzzled
"To why she stayed out last night and where she's been spending her free time."
"So" Ian shrugs
"It's a boy. She won't tell me anything about him though."
"She'll tell when she feels like it." Ian shrugs
"Yeah I know." Sara walks passed him heading to the bathroom.
30 MINS LATER "What's my punishment?" Bola asks as they sit at the dining room table
"You're grounded for two days." Sara answers glancing at Bola as she spoons up Zeke's cereal
"Fine with me." Bola shrugs taking a bite of her eggs "I can last with grounding."
"Good because every time you miss curfew without calling you'll be grounded."
"Yeah, sure."
"Mama mow!" Zeke demands opening his mouth getting a chuckle from his family.
8AM: SCHOOL Bola opens her locker as Jenna joins her "Hey."
"Where were you last night?" Jenna demands
"Sorry. I was out and lost track of time." Bola explains
"Oh well. Look, some of us are heading to the mall this afternoon. Come with."
"I can't. I'm grounded for missing curfew last night." Bola sighs
"Ouch. How long are you grounded for?"
"Two days."
"Damn when my parents ground me for missing curfew it's more like a week."
"Yeah well this is the first time I've missed curfew since I moved in." Bola shrugs grabbing her English book.
"Man wish my parents were like that." Jenna chuckles
Bola smiles at her friend "We better get to class."
3PM "How was school?" Ian asks as Bola gets into the car
"Hell. We were assigned major homework for science."
"What is the assignment?"
"I haven't looked at it yet. The teacher handed out the assignments at the end of class."
"When is it due?"
"End of the week."
"At least you'll be able to get a lot done since you're grounded." Ian remarks
"True." Bola agrees reluctantly. "Maybe I'll get half of it done." She muses
"Or perhaps you will be able to finish all of it."
"Maybe." She rests her head against the car window. 'Wish I could at least tell Connor.'
"I can get ahead in my French homework."
"I thought you were already." Ian states
"I'm only ahead by a couple chapters. We're on chapter 6 in class yet I managed to get up to chapter 10. I could have gone farther but" She looks at Ian "I got bored with the reading. Why did I even have to take French?"
"It was your choice."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Bola grumbles crossing her arms over her chest.
"I need you to watch Zeke for a while. I'm supposed to meet with Dr. Immo."
"For what?" Bola asks curiously
"Time for my check up." Ian answers
"Not like I'm going anywhere." Bola grumbles
"You were the one who missed curfew."
"I know."
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER: HOUSE Ian finds Bola on the floor of Zeke's bedroom playing with blocks. He leans against the doorframe watching the two interact.
"Bowa bock." Zeke holds up the block proudly
Bola smiles "Where are you going to put the block?" She asks watching as Zeke looks at the blocks stacked before him trying to make his decision. Finally, Zeke makes his decision and carefully sets the block down on top of another. "Good job." Bola smiles
Zeke looks up "Me" he points at the blocks grinning
"Yep you did good." Bola ruffles his hair.
Zeke's eyes widen as he sees his Daddy in the doorway "Daddy" He says excitedly
Ian enters the bedroom "Hello Zeke." He picks Zeke up tossing him into the air getting the boy to shriek with laughter. "Having fun?" He asks Zeke
Zeke nods laughing he pats at his Daddy's beard. "Me Bowa bocks." He points at the blocks
Ian looks at the stacked blocks "You and Bola did that?"
"Uh huh" Zeke nods
Bola chuckles "More you then me shortie. Zeke put the blocks exactly where he wanted and told me where to put the blocks. He sure is bossy."
Ian chuckles "He definitely gets that from Sara."
"Don't let her hear you say that. She'll deck you one."
"Probably" Ian agrees dryly. "That's what I love about her." He smiles
"Mama?"
"Sorry Zeke. Mama won't be home until you're in bed."
Zeke's eyes widen "No bed Daddy."
Ian runs his hand over Zeke's hair "Not for a while yet." He assures "You still have hours of play time left."
"Pway now?"
"Bola can you watch him for a while longer?"
"Like I said... not going anywhere."
"Daddy pway" Zeke demands
"Later. OK?"
Zeke sighs heavily "OK"
"Come on kiddo" Bola takes Zeke from Ian "What do you want to do now?"
"Pway"
"Sounds good to me." Bola settles on the floor "What would you like to play now?"
"Caws"
"Cars huh?"
"Yeah." Zeke nods happily
Ian leaves the kids to play and heads off to finish his work.
AN: It might take me a while to add more. I will try to work on it this weekend but as of December 12 I am on Christmas break and will have little to no computer access to update this. Let's hope that before then I am able to finish this fic at least up to after the baby's birth. I am thinking of doing a sequal with a crossover to Angel with Connor going home after a few years taking Bola with him. Yet I haven't really decided.