**Thanks to Trishrocks, Crystal, Psychobunny410 (Happy belated birthday! I
hope that you had a lot of fun!!) , Mysticalfem for all of your reviews!! I
appreciate it! Sorry this chapter didn't make it up yesterday, but I had a
killer migrane! I'm glad that everyone is still enjoying this story!**
Trish and Dave pulled away from each other and both took a step back from each other. Trish was bright red, and Dave was hesitant to look her in the eyes. "So, um. are you finished here?" Trish finally asked.
"Yeah I'm all done."
"Do you just want to ride with me to mom's for Melissa's party? Or aren't you coming?" Trish asked.
"No, I told her that I would be there, and that sounds good. But I would like to run home and change." Dave said walking to her car.
"Not a problem." Trish said climbing in.
They started to drive. "So how did the appointment go?" Dave asked.
"It went pretty good. Melissa is such a trooper. And you should have seen the look on her face when she opened the door and Randy was leaning on the desk with a bow." Trish said with a laugh.
Dave watched Trish as she told him about the story. She had a glow about her. It was really nice to see her happy, since the radiation therapy had started, she had been tired and worn-down and just not her usual self.
"My sister set me up on a date tomorrow with some guy named Scott." Trish said to Dave.
"Is she trying to play matchmaker?" Dave asked.
"No, it's actually really odd and I was hoping that you weren't busy because I don't know if I trust this whole thing." Trish started to explain.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, he called and asked for Ms. Stratigias, and he told my sister that I was hard to get ahold of. Awhile back, Brock was over and he answered my phone and a guy with a deep voice asked if Patricia was there. Brock told him that I couldn't come to the phone and the guy refused to leave a name or a message. He talked to my sister as if she was me, and he told her that his name is Scott and set up this date tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. he's picking me up. But, the only Scott that I know is a guy that I used to go to college with, and we e-mail each other a lot, but he never calls me Patricia or Ms. Stratigias. The last time he called me, he never uses my name. He doesn't know that Melissa lives with me, so he knows that unless a guy answers, it's me, so he'll usually come up with something involving "Stratusfaction." So I'm not sure what to think of this person but I didn't want to tell Melissa because she felt really bad and her hormones are raging. She cries at almost anything."
Dave patted Trish on the knee and smiled, "Of course I'll stalk you, I have no problem with that."
She smiled and squeezed his hand, "Thanks Dave, I knew you'd understand." They both laughed, "But seriously, thank you. I'll let you know if it's ok, but if I don't signal you, don't leave me."
"I'll protect you." Dave said holding her hand.
They got to his place and Dave went into his room to change. Trish walked around and looked at the pictures he had up on his walls. He had lots of the girls, but one picture stood out amongst them all. On the coffee table, there was a picture in a beautiful wooden frame, it was Trish, Dave and the three girls underneath a weeping willow tree and surrounded by beautiful flowers. Trish smiled. The picture was taken when Dave first brought the girls up to Toronto. That was before everything went bad. They were all so happy there. They looked like a happy family. Everyone was smiling and Dave and Trish were holding each other and Natalie while Aly and Jenni were on both sides of them. Trish started to tear up a little, remembering the good times.
"I'm all set," Dave said walking out to the living room. Trish stood up quickly, "Alright, let's go." She turned and walked towards the door wiping her eyes quickly.
They got out to the car and started to drive to her mom's house. "So, what did you get her?" Trish asked glancing at the gift bag.
Dave shook his head, "Not telling."
"Come on Dave, tell me." Trish pleaded.
"You're as bad as a little kid at Christmas time." Dave commented laughing, "No, you can be surprised just like her."
"You're no fair." Trish grumbled.
They arrived at Trish's mom's house and Melissa and Randy were snuggling on the front porch swing. Trish smiled and waved. "It's about time girl!" Melissa called.
Dave and Trish walked up and sat down in the other lawn chairs. Trish looked at Melissa, "Let's see how long it takes mom to see that we're here and that I have the ultrasound pics."
"You're so evil." Melissa said with a laugh. "So Dave, how bad is my car?"
Dave looked at her, "If you only knew how many things I had to replace and tweak and tune up on that thing. But I'll get the tires back on it tomorrow, I promise."
Randy held out his hand to Dave, "Congrats on the baby boy. I bet you were beginning to wonder if you could only have girls."
Just to be a smart ass, Dave looked at Melissa, "It's a boy? Really?" He turned to Trish, "How come you didn't tell me?"
The look on Randy and Melissa's faces were priceless. They were both shocked that Trish didn't tell him.
Trish started laughing, "Dave, stop that. Yes he already knew, don't let him play with you."
Dave went and gave Melissa a hug, "Congratulations on a perfect ultrasound on your big day!"
Melissa smiled, "Thanks, congratulations on your son."
They all sat around talking about what's been going on with them when they heard Trish's mom yell, "Patricia, when did you get here?" And her mom came out on the porch and gave her a hug.
"I've been here for about 20 minutes, I was just talking." Trish said with a smile. "I bet you want to see pictures of your grandbaby huh?"
"Yes I do. Melissa won't tell me anything, tell me, did they find out the sex? Is he healthy?"
Trish pulled out the ultrasound pictures, "He's perfectly healthy, they think that he'll weigh about 7 to 8 pounds when he's born." She said with a smile.
"Did you say he?" Alison exclaimed. She smiled and hugged Melissa and Trish. She ran in the house with the pictures talking about her grandson.
Everyone laughed and walked in the house to begin the party.
People were visiting and eating cake when it was time for Melissa to open her presents. Christie, (Trish and Melissa's older sister) brought hers over.
Melissa opened it and it was a nice plush bathrobe with slippers and some lotion. "It's to make yourself feel pretty after the delivery." Christie said to her.
Melissa got up and hugged her. "Thanks Christie, I appreciate it."
Melissa opened up everyone else's gifts. Then it got to Trish. Trish smiled, "Hon, your gift is at my house, so you'll have to wait until after you and Randy come back."
"Ok." Melissa said with a big smile.
The family said their good byes and it was down to Randy and Melissa and Trish and Dave. Melissa looked at Randy, "I have to get changed, I'll be ready in about 10 minutes."
Trish went upstairs to help Melissa get ready. Randy looked at Dave, "So what's going on between the two of you? Have you asked her out yet?"
Dave shook his head, "No I haven't yet. I guess that I'm trying to prove to her that I've changed and that I'm not the asshole I used to be. We've been getting really close, and I was going to ask her out tomorrow night at dinner, but she has a date that Melissa accidentally set her up on, so I cancelled my plans so I could be around if she needs me. But we're just taking it slow, don't want to ruin something that is finally heading in the right direction again."
Randy nodded his head, "I know what you mean. I told Melissa that I wouldn't ask her out until she was 18, and I think that it really helped us to get to know each other on a personal level which will help our relationship out in the long run. She's met my family and I've obviously met hers, and there's just something strong there and I would do anything to keep it there."
"Take it from me, don't screw up. If you're truly happy in your relationship, or if you're truly happy with yourself, you won't. But, keep yourself in check, and you won't have a problem." Dave said patting him on the shoulder.
"Thanks man, I appreciate that." Randy said.
"Announcing Ms. Melissa Stratigias." Trish called from the top of the stairs.
Melissa came out wearing a black sparkly spaghetti-strapped dress. She had her hair up in a ponytail and it was curled. She had light make-up on. The dress had an empire waist so her beginning tummy was not showing too much. Randy smiled and stood up, "Looks like my date awaits me. I'm going to go and change."
Randy kissed Melissa on her cheek, "You look beautiful."
Melissa blushed, "Thanks."
Randy came back out in a black tux, he was wearing a white shirt with a gray and blue vest. He had his hair perfectly styled. Melissa looked at him and her heart melted. He was so handsome. His eyes twinkled, his smile couldn't help but make her smile. She had to admit, he was down right dreamy looking! He came down the stairs and held his arm out to her, "Shall we?"
Melissa smiled with tears in her eyes, "We shall."
And the two were off. Trish looked at Dave, "Isn't that the cutest thing you've ever seen?"
"Yeah, they do make a pretty cute couple." He admitted.
"What are you doing tonight?" Trish asked.
"Nothing much. I was going to go home and watch some tv. Why, what's up?" Dave asked.
"Wanna come over and watch tv with me? If you want we could break out the cards and play a few games." Trish offered.
"Sounds great to me." Dave said standing up.
They went and said goodbye to Trish's parents and headed back to Trish's house. Upon arrival Trish looked at Dave, "Do you want something comfortable to put on? You left some of your track pants and flannel lounge pants here. I'm going to put on my warm ups."
"Yeah, the track pants sound good." Dave said to her.
Trish got up and headed upstairs. When she came back, she had on a short tank-top and boot cut track pants. She tossed Dave his track pants. He noticed that she had some bruising around her abdomen. "What happened?" He asked.
"That's where the radiation beam is shot. I have a scar from where the hysterectomy was done, so needless to say, I won't be posing for playboy." Trish said with a laugh.
"Is it a big scar?" Dave asked curiously.
"No," Trish said shaking her head. She pulled the front of her pants and her thong down so he could see the scar. "Nothing too bad, I'm sure it could have been a lot worse."
"Yeah, good point." Dave said. He went into the other room and came out in the track pants and no shirt.
They sat down and started playing cards. Trish popped some popcorn and they climbed up on the couch and began to search for a movie. Trish climbed underneath Dave's arm and they snuggled under a blanket.
**Well, What did Trish get Melissa for her birthday?? What will happen at her Mystery date?? Will Trish and Dave get together or will someone pop up and make a surprise visit?? Please continue to read and review, and if you have ideas, please share!!**
Trish and Dave pulled away from each other and both took a step back from each other. Trish was bright red, and Dave was hesitant to look her in the eyes. "So, um. are you finished here?" Trish finally asked.
"Yeah I'm all done."
"Do you just want to ride with me to mom's for Melissa's party? Or aren't you coming?" Trish asked.
"No, I told her that I would be there, and that sounds good. But I would like to run home and change." Dave said walking to her car.
"Not a problem." Trish said climbing in.
They started to drive. "So how did the appointment go?" Dave asked.
"It went pretty good. Melissa is such a trooper. And you should have seen the look on her face when she opened the door and Randy was leaning on the desk with a bow." Trish said with a laugh.
Dave watched Trish as she told him about the story. She had a glow about her. It was really nice to see her happy, since the radiation therapy had started, she had been tired and worn-down and just not her usual self.
"My sister set me up on a date tomorrow with some guy named Scott." Trish said to Dave.
"Is she trying to play matchmaker?" Dave asked.
"No, it's actually really odd and I was hoping that you weren't busy because I don't know if I trust this whole thing." Trish started to explain.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, he called and asked for Ms. Stratigias, and he told my sister that I was hard to get ahold of. Awhile back, Brock was over and he answered my phone and a guy with a deep voice asked if Patricia was there. Brock told him that I couldn't come to the phone and the guy refused to leave a name or a message. He talked to my sister as if she was me, and he told her that his name is Scott and set up this date tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. he's picking me up. But, the only Scott that I know is a guy that I used to go to college with, and we e-mail each other a lot, but he never calls me Patricia or Ms. Stratigias. The last time he called me, he never uses my name. He doesn't know that Melissa lives with me, so he knows that unless a guy answers, it's me, so he'll usually come up with something involving "Stratusfaction." So I'm not sure what to think of this person but I didn't want to tell Melissa because she felt really bad and her hormones are raging. She cries at almost anything."
Dave patted Trish on the knee and smiled, "Of course I'll stalk you, I have no problem with that."
She smiled and squeezed his hand, "Thanks Dave, I knew you'd understand." They both laughed, "But seriously, thank you. I'll let you know if it's ok, but if I don't signal you, don't leave me."
"I'll protect you." Dave said holding her hand.
They got to his place and Dave went into his room to change. Trish walked around and looked at the pictures he had up on his walls. He had lots of the girls, but one picture stood out amongst them all. On the coffee table, there was a picture in a beautiful wooden frame, it was Trish, Dave and the three girls underneath a weeping willow tree and surrounded by beautiful flowers. Trish smiled. The picture was taken when Dave first brought the girls up to Toronto. That was before everything went bad. They were all so happy there. They looked like a happy family. Everyone was smiling and Dave and Trish were holding each other and Natalie while Aly and Jenni were on both sides of them. Trish started to tear up a little, remembering the good times.
"I'm all set," Dave said walking out to the living room. Trish stood up quickly, "Alright, let's go." She turned and walked towards the door wiping her eyes quickly.
They got out to the car and started to drive to her mom's house. "So, what did you get her?" Trish asked glancing at the gift bag.
Dave shook his head, "Not telling."
"Come on Dave, tell me." Trish pleaded.
"You're as bad as a little kid at Christmas time." Dave commented laughing, "No, you can be surprised just like her."
"You're no fair." Trish grumbled.
They arrived at Trish's mom's house and Melissa and Randy were snuggling on the front porch swing. Trish smiled and waved. "It's about time girl!" Melissa called.
Dave and Trish walked up and sat down in the other lawn chairs. Trish looked at Melissa, "Let's see how long it takes mom to see that we're here and that I have the ultrasound pics."
"You're so evil." Melissa said with a laugh. "So Dave, how bad is my car?"
Dave looked at her, "If you only knew how many things I had to replace and tweak and tune up on that thing. But I'll get the tires back on it tomorrow, I promise."
Randy held out his hand to Dave, "Congrats on the baby boy. I bet you were beginning to wonder if you could only have girls."
Just to be a smart ass, Dave looked at Melissa, "It's a boy? Really?" He turned to Trish, "How come you didn't tell me?"
The look on Randy and Melissa's faces were priceless. They were both shocked that Trish didn't tell him.
Trish started laughing, "Dave, stop that. Yes he already knew, don't let him play with you."
Dave went and gave Melissa a hug, "Congratulations on a perfect ultrasound on your big day!"
Melissa smiled, "Thanks, congratulations on your son."
They all sat around talking about what's been going on with them when they heard Trish's mom yell, "Patricia, when did you get here?" And her mom came out on the porch and gave her a hug.
"I've been here for about 20 minutes, I was just talking." Trish said with a smile. "I bet you want to see pictures of your grandbaby huh?"
"Yes I do. Melissa won't tell me anything, tell me, did they find out the sex? Is he healthy?"
Trish pulled out the ultrasound pictures, "He's perfectly healthy, they think that he'll weigh about 7 to 8 pounds when he's born." She said with a smile.
"Did you say he?" Alison exclaimed. She smiled and hugged Melissa and Trish. She ran in the house with the pictures talking about her grandson.
Everyone laughed and walked in the house to begin the party.
People were visiting and eating cake when it was time for Melissa to open her presents. Christie, (Trish and Melissa's older sister) brought hers over.
Melissa opened it and it was a nice plush bathrobe with slippers and some lotion. "It's to make yourself feel pretty after the delivery." Christie said to her.
Melissa got up and hugged her. "Thanks Christie, I appreciate it."
Melissa opened up everyone else's gifts. Then it got to Trish. Trish smiled, "Hon, your gift is at my house, so you'll have to wait until after you and Randy come back."
"Ok." Melissa said with a big smile.
The family said their good byes and it was down to Randy and Melissa and Trish and Dave. Melissa looked at Randy, "I have to get changed, I'll be ready in about 10 minutes."
Trish went upstairs to help Melissa get ready. Randy looked at Dave, "So what's going on between the two of you? Have you asked her out yet?"
Dave shook his head, "No I haven't yet. I guess that I'm trying to prove to her that I've changed and that I'm not the asshole I used to be. We've been getting really close, and I was going to ask her out tomorrow night at dinner, but she has a date that Melissa accidentally set her up on, so I cancelled my plans so I could be around if she needs me. But we're just taking it slow, don't want to ruin something that is finally heading in the right direction again."
Randy nodded his head, "I know what you mean. I told Melissa that I wouldn't ask her out until she was 18, and I think that it really helped us to get to know each other on a personal level which will help our relationship out in the long run. She's met my family and I've obviously met hers, and there's just something strong there and I would do anything to keep it there."
"Take it from me, don't screw up. If you're truly happy in your relationship, or if you're truly happy with yourself, you won't. But, keep yourself in check, and you won't have a problem." Dave said patting him on the shoulder.
"Thanks man, I appreciate that." Randy said.
"Announcing Ms. Melissa Stratigias." Trish called from the top of the stairs.
Melissa came out wearing a black sparkly spaghetti-strapped dress. She had her hair up in a ponytail and it was curled. She had light make-up on. The dress had an empire waist so her beginning tummy was not showing too much. Randy smiled and stood up, "Looks like my date awaits me. I'm going to go and change."
Randy kissed Melissa on her cheek, "You look beautiful."
Melissa blushed, "Thanks."
Randy came back out in a black tux, he was wearing a white shirt with a gray and blue vest. He had his hair perfectly styled. Melissa looked at him and her heart melted. He was so handsome. His eyes twinkled, his smile couldn't help but make her smile. She had to admit, he was down right dreamy looking! He came down the stairs and held his arm out to her, "Shall we?"
Melissa smiled with tears in her eyes, "We shall."
And the two were off. Trish looked at Dave, "Isn't that the cutest thing you've ever seen?"
"Yeah, they do make a pretty cute couple." He admitted.
"What are you doing tonight?" Trish asked.
"Nothing much. I was going to go home and watch some tv. Why, what's up?" Dave asked.
"Wanna come over and watch tv with me? If you want we could break out the cards and play a few games." Trish offered.
"Sounds great to me." Dave said standing up.
They went and said goodbye to Trish's parents and headed back to Trish's house. Upon arrival Trish looked at Dave, "Do you want something comfortable to put on? You left some of your track pants and flannel lounge pants here. I'm going to put on my warm ups."
"Yeah, the track pants sound good." Dave said to her.
Trish got up and headed upstairs. When she came back, she had on a short tank-top and boot cut track pants. She tossed Dave his track pants. He noticed that she had some bruising around her abdomen. "What happened?" He asked.
"That's where the radiation beam is shot. I have a scar from where the hysterectomy was done, so needless to say, I won't be posing for playboy." Trish said with a laugh.
"Is it a big scar?" Dave asked curiously.
"No," Trish said shaking her head. She pulled the front of her pants and her thong down so he could see the scar. "Nothing too bad, I'm sure it could have been a lot worse."
"Yeah, good point." Dave said. He went into the other room and came out in the track pants and no shirt.
They sat down and started playing cards. Trish popped some popcorn and they climbed up on the couch and began to search for a movie. Trish climbed underneath Dave's arm and they snuggled under a blanket.
**Well, What did Trish get Melissa for her birthday?? What will happen at her Mystery date?? Will Trish and Dave get together or will someone pop up and make a surprise visit?? Please continue to read and review, and if you have ideas, please share!!**