Alison decided to stay in that day. She remained in her pajamas, which were the comfiest things she had at this point in her pregnancy, and whipped herself up some hot chocolate. She was sad that Rafe had to go back again, but still grateful for the time she had been given, so she wasn't staying in to sulk...just to relax, maybe take a hot bath, and remember how wonderful yesterday had been.
"Ahhh...I quiet day alone to relax," Alison sighed aloud, placing her hands on her round abdomen, "This is just what we need."
She sat down on the couch with her mug of hot chocolate and reached for the TV remote, but just as she leaned back into the couch....
"Knock, Knock!...Alison? Are you home?"
It was Jack and Livvie. Alison reluctantly pushed herself up off the couch, which was becoming harder and harder these days, and shuffled to the door.
"Hey Ali!" Jack stepped through the door first, "How are ya?"
Livvie followed Jack, leaning forward to give Alison a hug and a concerned glance.
"Umm, hey guys...what are you doing here?"
"Oh, we just came to check up on ya. Livvie said you might be kinda down today, but she wouldn't tell me why that might be." Jack looked at Alison and Livvie. "So what do you two know that I don't?"
"I told you, Jack, I just thought Alison might want a little cheering up today...and who better than us to do the cheering up?!" Livvie tried to smile and laugh her way out of the question, but Jack did not appear to be buying it.
Alison jumped in, "Aww, well that was so sweet of you guys, but, I mean, I'm hardly dressed for company...so, ummm...Can I get you some hot chocolate?"
"Oh Alison, what are you talking about? You've looked great this whole pregnancy. But yeah, since you mention it...Let's go get some hot chocolate in the kitchen, me and you." Livvie led Alison by the arm toward the kitchen.
Jack knew something was up, but he figured it was "girl stuff," "Ok...I'll just wait here then."
Livvie hurried Alison off to the kitchen. When they got there, Livvie quickly pulled her arm away from Alison's and whipped around to face her.
"So, is he gone? Are you ok? Do you need me to do anything? Are you going to be all right?"
Alison smiled at her friend's concern. "Livvie, I'm fine. Really. Yeah, it was hard saying goodbye...AGAIN...but...seeing Rafe yesterday and having him here for just that one day...watching his eyes as he heard our baby's heartbeat...it was more than I could have ever asked for."
"So...you're ok then?"
"I will be."
Alison and Livvie made two more mugs of hot chocolate and brought one into the living room for Jack.
"So...you two wanna share?"
"Oh, honey! You wouldn't be interested. Girl stuff and all." Livvie tried to get Jack off the interrogation path.
"Oh come on! Just think of me as one of the girls!" Jack smiled.
Alison glanced haughtily at Livvie and jumped right in, "Well, Livvie, why shouldn't we tell him what we were talking about?"
Livvie looked nervous, but then saw Alison's sly smile and knew where she was going.
"You see Jack, I went to see Dr. Newman yesterday and I was just telling Livvie that Dr. Newman was explaining to me that during labor, they might have to cut-..."
Jack's eyes widened with fear. "Stop! Ok, I get it! You were doing REAL girl talk, so just go ahead and DON'T consider me one of the girls!"
Alison and Livvie laughed. Livvie was glad to see that Alison was doing well after having to deal with Rafe leaving again, and, looking into her friend's eyes, she could see that Alison really was happy.
Livvie and Jack didn't stay long. They could tell that Alison was looking forward to a day of R and R, and didn't want to be a bother to her. Alison walked them to the door, waved goodbye, and closed the door behind her.
She looked across the room at the couch, and made her way toward the soft, plump furniture. Plopping herself down on it, and leaning back into the cushions with her eyes closed, Alison took a deep breath and felt as if she was finally going to get some relaxation time. She thought too soon. A constant rapping at the door interrupted her small moment of peace.
"Alison! Darling! Are you home? It's Nana, dear."
"Ugh," Alison grunted and looked up toward the ceiling, seeming quite annoyed, "Is this someone up there's idea of a joke?"
She pushed herself up again and dragged herself over to the door. As she opened it, she adjusted her facial expression from her rolled eyes to a fake smile and chipper voice as she greeted her company, "Hi Nana! So nice of you to visit!"
Amanda Barrington leaned in for a very proper kiss on each cheek. "Hello, darling! My driver was passing by this way and I thought I'd stop and see how you're doing. So, let's have a look at you, shall we?"
Amanda stepped back and held Alison's arms up with her hands as she looked her up and down.
"Oh dear, Alison. What in heaven's name are you wearing? It's almost noon, and you're still in your night clothes? Really!"
"So nice to see you too, Nana." Alison turned and walked from the foyer into the living room with Amanda following her lead.
"Well, dear, I'm not criticizing. I'm just worried about you, is all. I mean, you CAN'T be doing well...pregnant, unmarried...no outlooks for a husband or father for your baby..."
"Nana, we've been through this. Can we PLEASE just not go there today? I'm doing fine, ok? I just decided to have a day of relaxation."
"Well it's just not healthy, Alison. You shouldn't keep yourself secluded out here in this house all of the time...with no one to take care of you."
"Ha!" Alison laughed out sarcastically, "I'm sorry...Nana...Weren't YOU the one who didn't want me, and I quote, 'parading around town and disgracing the family'? We wouldn't want to ruin the Barrington name, would we?" Alison finally just threw herself down on the couch. She wanted none of this.
"Don't get smart with me, darling. I've never wanted anything but the best for you, and your baby. That is my great-grandchild, after all. And since we're on the subject, that is why I'm here."
Alison rolled her eyes. "Why? Ya gonna make me and offer for my first born child?"
"Really, Alison! As I said, I'm worried about you, and your baby. I don't like you living out here by yourself, with no one to take care of you."
"You mean with no one to guard me."
"Alison, would you just listen?"
"Fine, I'm sorry...go ahead."
"I think it would be best for you to move back into the mansion with me."
Alison burst out in laughter, "Oh you've GOT to be kidding!"
"I certainly am not. I am serious, Alison."
Alison continued laughing, "Oh that's good, Nana. Who knew you were such a jokester?"
Amanda rolled her eyes, much like the way Alison does. "Well, I assume that's a no."
Alison calmed her laughter and looked at her grandmother lovingly.
"Nana, listen. I know you love me. And I love you too, really, I do. But I think we'd drive each other CRAZY if I moved back into that mansion. Don't you remember how it used to be? I appreciate the offer, I really do, but I'm doing fine, and I have friends who come to visit and check up on me all the time."
"Friends! Ha! You mean hooligans!"
"Oh, Nana!" Alison walked over toward her bewildered grandmother and kissed her on the cheek, "Thanks for coming to check up on me. I'm sorry I gave you an attitude. It's just been one of those days. Let's say I clean myself up, and we'll go shopping for some baby things."
"Well, darling, if that's what you'd like to do. We could go over to Wyndham's and browse the baby department. I don't think anyone I know will be in that area."
Alison smiled. She knew her grandmother was trying very hard to be supportive, despite the fact that Alison had almost caused her to have a heart attack when she told her of her pregnancy. But if there was one pastime that Amanda and Alison enjoyed doing together most, it was shopping.