Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters. The chapter
title is a song by Norah Jones that I don't own, so is the song.
Chapter Fifty-Five
In The Morning
During the first days of August, Jack was going up the stairs to Grace's office when a voice called out behind him.
"Hey Jack, wait a sec," Zach said, hurrying up to him. "I was hoping that I would catch you before you went to lunch."
"Hi, come on up with me, Kare is waiting for me," Jack said, pausing only for a few seconds.
"I wanted to talk to you about the play I'm going to do soon," Zach said as they went up.
"Yeah? What about it?" Jack said, knowing what was going to come next.
"Well, I'll be directing 'Taming of the Shrew' and I wanted to offer you a part," Zach said, grinning at him.
"That would be great, when do auditions start?" Jack said as they stepped into Grace's office.
"Hey poodle, what are you two talking about?" Karen asked, getting up from her chair and going to Jack, hugging him.
"He wants me to be in his next play," Jack said, kissing her cheek.
"So you're finally going to get your Shakespeare plays started?" Grace said, grinning at Zach.
"Yes, and Jack, this is the script for the play," Zach said, taking a script out of the bag he was carrying. "Auditions are probably going to start about two days after your daughter's birthday."
"You mean Ebie's birthday right?" Karen asked.
Zach laughed and said, "Yeah Karen, they should start September fourth. Alright, I'm going to lunch, see you guys later."
After he had gone, Jack put his arm around Karen's waist and said, "Let's go out for lunch Karebear, and then you can read this with me."
"Sure Jackie," Karen said. "Bye Grace, Kath."
"Kat, are you okay?" Grace asked when they had left.
"I'm perfectly fine," Katherine said, looking up briefly from the fabric book in front of her. "I just want to finish this stupid couch for the Petersons before I go insane looking at these yellow fabric samples."
Grace laughed and then asked, "How are things going between you and Edward?"
"We're doing really well," Katherine said, smiling as she thought of her husband. "Actually, he and I are considering adopt-"
"Hey you two," Will said as he and Zach walked into the office. "Oh, sorry I interrupted you Kat."
"It's okay, going to take Grace out for lunch?" Katherine asked.
"You're welcome to join us you know," Zach said.
"Come with us Kat, it'll give you a break from those fabrics," Grace said, getting her purse.
Katherine paused for a moment, and then she got up from her chair. "Alright, let's go before I change my mind." She grabbed her own purse and then walked out of the office with the others.
~~~
A few days later, Karen woke up before Jack did, and quietly got out of their bed. She had to go to work in a couple hours, but she and Jack were going to go to breakfast with Elizabeth and Sophia. She pulled on her red robe and then left the bedroom to check on their daughters. As soon as she peered down into Elizabeth's crib, she knew something was wrong. "Jackie!" Karen screamed urgently.
Sitting up in bed, hearing the scream, Jack rubbed his eyes and then got out of the bed. He ran to Elizabeth's room and saw Karen was holding her, her eyes worried. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"We need to take her to the hospital Jackie," Karen said. "She's got a high fever."
Jack walked over to Karen and the touched Elizabeth's cheek with his hand. "You're right," he said. "Okay, we'll put her back in the crib so we can get dressed and take her to the hospital."
Karen did what Jack said and then walked with him to their bedroom. Once she was changed into clothes, Karen called down to Rosario to tell her to watch Sophia and then she and Jack left with Elizabeth for the hospital.
When they got there, they were ushered into a waiting room pretty quickly, since there weren't that many people in the hospital.
"Oh Jackie I'm so scared," Karen said as he set Elizabeth on the exam table.
"Don't worry Kare, I'm sure it's just a little cold or something," Jack said, even though he sounded worried himself.
A few minutes later, a doctor walked in and introduced himself as Dr. Haupt. "Now your daughter seems to have a high fever?" he asked, placing the stethoscope on Elizabeth's chest.
"Yeah, when I went to check on her I noticed that she was warm," Karen said anxiously.
"Hmm, well I think I can see part of the problem with Elizabeth here," Dr. Haupt said. He lifted up the shirt the girl was wearing and pointed out a few red dots on her back. "It seems she's got chicken pox."
"Chicken pox?" Jack asked, sounding relieved.
"Yes and the fever I think is just a twenty-four hour thing," Dr. Haupt said, putting his stethoscope away. "I'll give you some medicine for the fever and then some cream for the sores that are going to show up soon."
"Um, we have another daughter, is it alright for her to be in the house with Ebie?" Karen asked as the doctor was writing the prescriptions.
"How old is she?" Dr. Haupt asked.
"Eight months," Jack answered.
"Oh, then you may want to have her stay somewhere else," Dr. Haupt said. "It's not a good idea to have her catch the chicken pox when she's so young." He handed the prescription to Jack and then said, "I just want to make sure, do you both know what to do while your daughter's ill?"
Karen and Jack looked at each other before Karen answered, "No, Elizabeth is our first born, so we don't know what we're supposed to do."
"Alright, well, you'll need to stay with her all the time," Dr. Haupt said. "That's just so she doesn't scratch the sores she'll be getting. And if possible, try and give her baths with baking soda, which usually helps young children with the itching. Oh, and keep an eye on that fever for the next day, if it doesn't go away, you'll have to bring her back here."
"Thank you doctor," Jack said as Karen picked up Elizabeth.
"You're welcome," Dr. Haupt called as the two left his office.
"Come on Jackie, let's go and get that medicine for Ebie right now," Karen said as they stepped into an elevator.
"You better call Grace soon, tell her you need to stay at home," Jack said, putting his arms around Karen's shoulders.
"I like not having to go, but I just wish that Ebie didn't have to get sick," Karen said, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Kare, what about Sophie?" Jack said after a few moments. The elevator stopped and they got out, walking towards the pharmacy.
"Maybe Kath can take her," Karen said. "I'm sure she won't mind."
"I hope she won't," Jack said before going up to the counter to get the medicine.
~~~
A half hour later when Jack and Karen returned to their penthouse, Rosario met them in the foyer and told them that Katherine had already come by and took Sophia to her penthouse.
"Poodle, can you take Ebie, I want to go see Sophie," Karen said.
"I want to see her too Kare," Jack said. "Rosie, can you take Ebie and then give her her medicine?"
"Sure, what's wrong with her," Rosario asked as Karen gave her Elizabeth.
"She's got the chicken pox and a fever," Karen said.
Rosario paused for a moment and then turned to the stairs, the bag with the medicine in her hand.
"Make sure she doesn't scratch her sores," Jack called as Rosario walked up the stairs.
"Let's go Jackie," Karen said, taking his hand.
They left their penthouse and went down to Katherine and Edward's where Katherine opened the front door for them.
"I was wondering when you'd be by," Katherine said as they stepped in.
"Kath, what are you going to do with Sophie when you go to work?" Karen asked.
"I've asked Theo to stay on during the week to watch her and she agreed," Katherine said as they walked up to the guest room.
"Thanks a lot for taking her Kat," Jack said.
"Hi honey," Karen said as she picked up Sophia from the crib. She kissed the baby on the cheek and hugged her tightly.
Sophia laughed and cooed before she grabbed onto a strand of Karen's hair which was loose that day.
"She seems to do that a lot," Katherine commented as Jack took the strand of hair from Sophia's fist.
"Did she do that to you?" Karen asked as she handed the baby to Jack.
"No, I just see her doing that a lot when she's with you," Katherine answered, smiling. She looked at her watch and then said, "I need to go, and I'm late enough as it is."
"Wait, where's Theo?" Jack said.
"I'm right here Mr. McFarland," Theo said walking into the room.
"I'll talk to you guys later," Katherine then said, kissing Karen on the cheek quickly and then leaving.
"Can you give us ten minutes to be alone with the baby?" Karen asked Theo. When the woman was gone, she took Sophia from Jack and then walked over to the armchair next to the window and sat down in it. She held Sophia close to her and motioned for Jack to come over.
"Are we going to come and see her at all while Ebie's sick?" Jack asked as he stood next to the armchair.
"Of course poodle, I want to try and come every night if we can," Karen said. She sighed and then said, "We should go back to Ebie." She stood up and kissed Sophia on the forehead before she handed her to Jack.
"We'll be back soon Sophie," Jack said as he kissed her. He took Karen's arm and they walked out of the room. "Here you go," he said as he handed the baby to Theo.
"Goodbye Mr. McFarland, Mrs. McFarland," Theo said as the two left. "I hope your other one feels better soon.
Jack waved at the woman as he and Karen walked out to the hallway to go towards their own penthouse.
~~~
The first day of Elizabeth's illness passed by quickly for Karen and Jack. The medicine that was for her fever made the little girl drowsy and she had slept most of the day. For the rest of the week though, Elizabeth became irritable since more sores started to show up. Jack and Karen had to watch her constantly so she wouldn't scratch her skin, which she tried to do a lot.
A week after getting sick, Elizabeth wouldn't fall asleep as Karen tried to put her to sleep.
Karen was getting frustrated, nothing was working. She had tried sitting in the rocking bench, singing, and even walking around the room. Much to Karen's dismay, Elizabeth was still awake, struggling in her arms and trying to scratch.
"Hey, Kare, no luck?" Jack said, coming into the room.
"No, I've tried everything and she just won't go to sleep," Karen said in exasperation.
"Well, why don't we let her sleep with us?" Jack said as he walked to Karen. He took Elizabeth in his arms and asked, "Want to sleep with me and your momma?"
"Yes!" Elizabeth cried, holding on tight to her father's neck.
Karen laughed and then said, "Alright, but just for tonight Jackie."
They walked out of the room and then into their own bedroom. Karen got under the covers first before she took Elizabeth so Jack could get in next.
When they were all settled, Elizabeth in Karen's arms and Karen herself in Jack's arms, Karen turned her head and said, "Goodnight Jackie."
"Night Karebear," Jack responded, kissing her deeply. When they pulled apart, he went over to Elizabeth and kissed her cheek softly.
Sighing, Karen closed her eyes and lightly stroked Elizabeth's hair.
It didn't take long for them; even Elizabeth; to fall into a deep, deep sleep.
~~~
The next morning, Jack woke up to the sound of two different kinds of laughter. He opened his eyes and saw that Karen and Elizabeth weren't next to him anymore. He looked down the bed and saw that his wife and their daughter were sitting on the middle of the mattress.
"See Ebie," Karen was saying, holding one of the little girl's hands. "If we count these spots then they won't itch anymore."
"Itch?" Elizabeth asked, almost pleadingly.
"That's right honey," Karen said, smiling. "Okay, let me start. This is one."
"Un," Elizabeth said solemnly looking down at the sore her mother was pointing to.
"Two," Karen then said.
"Too," Elizabeth replied.
Jack watched them count to ten together; Elizabeth saying, "'En!", before he shifted slightly.
"Hi poodle, are you awake?" Karen said, looking over at him. When Jack pretended he was asleep again, she picked up Elizabeth and set her towards Jack. "Go and wake up your daddy Ebie," she then said.
Giggling, Elizabeth crawled up to Jack and patted his cheeks saying, "Wake up Daddy, up!"
Opening his eyes, Jack gave a fake growl and sat up, taking Elizabeth into his arms. He started to tickle the little girl on her sides and then the bottom of her feet.
"Jackie, take it easy, you'll make her sick," Karen said, a wide smile on her face. She went over to Jack and kissed his cheek. "Good morning poodle," she said.
Putting his arm around her waist, Jack pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply for a few moments. "Morning Karebear," he murmured when they pulled apart.
Karen was going to kiss Jack again, when she glanced at Elizabeth and saw that she was going to scratch her skin. "Ebie, no!" she cried, taking the little girl from Jack.
Jack sighed and got out of bed, he was getting a little tired of stopping Elizabeth from scratching the sores, but it had be done. He walked over to the bathroom with a quick, "Gonna take a shower," to Karen.
~~~
After almost three weeks, Elizabeth looked like she was over the chicken pox. On that day, Jack and Karen took her back to the hospital to make sure it would be alright for them to bring Sophia back to the penthouse.
"Good afternoon," Dr. Haupt said as he entered the exam room that Jack and Karen were in with Elizabeth. "I wondered if I would see you again. How is Elizabeth doing?"
"Very good," Karen answered. "Her sores are pretty much gone now."
"Okay, let me have a look at her then," Dr. Haupt said. He then lifted up the little girl's shirt and looked at her back and then chest. "It looks like she's over it," he said as he let Karen pick the little girl up off the exam table. "Just make sure you keep putting the cream on or else those sores will take a long time to go away."
"Is it alright for us to bring the baby back home?" Jack asked.
"Sure, but I would wait for a day or two to have them in the same room and interact," Dr. Haupt said. He picked up his files and then left the room after saying goodbye to Karen and Jack.
"Come on Jackie, let's go home and get Sophie," Karen said, taking his hand.
When they got home twenty minutes later, Karen headed up to the penthouse while Jack went over to Katherine and Edward's to pick up Sophia.
"Hello Mr. McFarland," Theo said when she had opened the door. "Are you here to visit the baby?"
"No, I came to pick her up," Jack said, smiling. "Ebie is better and we can take Sophie home now."
"Oh, well then come with me, I'll help you get her stuff," Theo said. She turned and walked to the stairs to go up to the room Sophia was in.
At that moment, Karen was putting Elizabeth in her crib with a lot of whimpers from the little girl. "I know honey, but I don't want you to make your little sister sick," Karen said, handing Elizabeth her stuffed dog. "Remember, you're supposed to watch out for her."
Elizabeth nodded solemnly, hugging her dog to her tightly.
Karen smiled and stayed there, looking down at Elizabeth until she heard the front door open downstairs. "Okay honey," she said, smiling down at the little girl. "Take a nap and I'll come back with your daddy later to see you." When Elizabeth was lying down, blanket covering her, Karen turned and quickly left the room.
"Hey Kare, I think this one is really anxious to see you," Jack said as Karen almost ran down the stairs to him.
"Sophie, oh honey, I'm so glad you're back home," Karen said as she took the baby. She felt an enormous sense of relief and kissed Sophia's cheek.
"So what do you want to do now Kare?" Jack asked, putting his arm around her waist.
"Well, I think you should put Sophie's things away," Karen said as they walked up the stairs. "And then we can spend sometime with her on our bed."
"Perfect," Jack said, kissing her cheek. "I'll meet you in our bedroom."
While he went over to Sophia's room, Karen went into their room and set the baby down on the bed as she sat next to her.
"Here Kare, I figure we should give her something to play with so she doesn't get completely bored with us," Jack said, handing her a couple of toys.
Karen handed a small set of plastic cubes and immediately Sophia threw them off the bed.
"Okay, it looks like she'll be a softball player," Jack said laughingly as he knelt down to pick up the cubes.
Laughing, Karen took the toys back from Jack and then handed them to their daughter, who promptly threw them onto the floor again.
~~~
That night, Jack and Karen put Sophia to sleep together, Jack rocking the baby to sleep gently.
"Night Sophie honey," Karen said as he set Sophia into her crib.
"Good dreams sweetie," Jack then said, giving Karen the blanket to cover the baby up. When she was done, he took Karen's hand and then led her out of the room. Since they had already put Elizabeth to sleep, he pulled her to their bedroom.
"Poodle, when was the last time we made love?" Karen asked as Jack closed the door and locked it behind him.
"Uh, I think it was the day before Ebie got sick," Jack said, smiling at her.
"Really?" Karen asked, surprised. "Well, I guess we need to make up for lost time then." With that she grabbed Jack's shirt and pulled him over to the bed, pushing him down on the mattress.
"Who's turn on top first?" Jack asked as Karen straddled him and started to unbutton his shirt.
"We'll take turns Jackie," Karen said, concentrating on taking his shirt off. Once it was off, she leaned down and kissed his chest a few times.
"Wait, wait a sec," Jack said, sitting up. He undid the first two buttons of Karen's blouse and then kissed the tops of her breasts. "I love you," he said, looking up at her.
With a smile, Karen quickly said, "I love you too Jackie, so much."
Immediately, Jack unbuttoned the rest of Karen's blouse and took it off hurriedly, her bra following it to the floor soon after. Her breasts exposed to him now, he wasted no time in claiming her left nipple with his mouth.
Karen cried out in surprise when Jack bit down on her lightly with his mouth. "What are you doing?" she asked him surprised.
"Never mind Kare," Jack said saucily.
"Oh honey, are you going to get it tonight," Karen said, getting off of him. She stood up and got on the bed, up near the pillows. Once she settled there, she took off the rest of her clothes and sat against the headboard. "Come here Jackie," she said seductively.
Jack, breathing harshly, crawled on his hands and knees over to Karen and was going to reach out to grab her breasts.
"No," Karen said forcefully. She pushed him back on to the mattress. "You're going to have to pay for what you did." With that, she arched her back so that her breasts stood out.
"Wh-What do I have to do Kare?" Jack asked, a little distracted by her breasts, which he was staring at intently.
"Hmm, let me think," Karen said. She looked at Jack for a few minutes and then smiled. "You have to pleasure me tonight... twice."
"Okay," Jack said, looking relieved. He spread Karen's legs and then descended on her, stroking her sensitive spots with his tongue.
"Oooh Jackie," Karen moaned as she neared her edge. A few minutes later, she climaxed and arched her body up, screaming Jack's name.
Almost sweating, Jack continued to stroke her and then started to use his fingers as well.
It took a long time for Karen to achieve her second climax, and when she did so, she buried her fingers in Jack's hair. She laid her head back on the edge of the headboard as she recovered, breathing deeply.
At that point, Jack sat up and brought Karen towards him. "Am I forgiven now?" he asked, knowing that she would say yes.
"Not yet, but you will be," Karen said, a mischievous look shining in her eyes. She pushed him down yet again and then unzipped his trousers, pulling them off. She smiled at the bulge in his boxers and then ran her fingertips over it.
Jack closed his eyes tightly and then groaned as Karen continued to stroke him very lightly. As she started to rub him with her hand, he started to take off his boxers.
"Hold on Jackie," Karen purred, looking up at him. "I'll take care of you."
With a shudder of pleasure, Jack lay back on the bed and then let himself relax for whatever Karen had planned for him.
Karen took off his boxers then and ran her fingers up his member. Then she turned her head and let her hair tickle him, making Jack groan. For a long time, she either ran her fingers around him or brushed his shaft with her hair lightly.
"Please Kare," Jack cried out; tortured by the fact that she was teasing him for so long.
"Oh my sweet Jackie," Karen cooed. "What can I do to take care of this?" she asked, rubbing him gently.
"D-do whatever you want Kare," Jack groaned out.
"That's the right answer Jackie," Karen said. She got on top of him, straddling him, and then let herself down on his member.
"Oh god Kare, yess," Jack hissed as she started to move up and down on him. He put his hands on her hips and then thrust with her.
Karen gasped as her body tightened and then she climaxed around Jack, crying his name out over and over.
A second later, Jack finally achieved his release and yelled Karen's name in complete ecstasy and euphoria.
Twenty minutes later, they were cuddled on the bed, wrapped together in the comforter even though it was hot.
"You are very evil Kare, but I still am crazy about you," Jack said, kissing her temple.
"So am I poodle," Karen said, kissing his jaw.
With that they settled down on the mattress and then fell asleep at the same time.
~~~
A few days later, Jack and Karen were inside Elizabeth's room with their daughters. They decided that the sisters shouldn't spend anymore time apart and were now watching the two girls play.
"Careful when you knock down those blocks Ebie," Karen said from where she was sitting with Sophia.
"'Sor Mama," Elizabeth said, not even looking up from her wooden blocks.
Jack, who was sitting behind their eldest daughter, smiled and then went back to helping her build.
Sophia, who was watching her sister intently, used Karen's knee to stand up. After waiting a few minutes, she started to walk over to Elizabeth, a serious expression on her face.
"Watch out sweetie," Jack said, taking her into his arms before she could fall on the floor. He set her on his lap and then looked over at Karen, smiling.
"Good job honey," Karen said. "Now come back here so I can give you a kiss."
Jack set Sophia on the ground, helping her stand up. The girl then walked over to Karen and hugged her before she could lose her balance.
Karen smiled happily at Jack before kissing the top of Sophia's head. "Not bad for your first time Sophie."
~~~
That night, Jack was putting Sophia in her crib when Karen walked in.
"Da-da," Sophia said calmly as he covered her.
"I was thinking," Jack said, not even noticing at first that Sophia had spoken. "That I would-" He looked down at the baby in surprise.
"Da-da!" Sophia now cried happily, waving her hand in the air.
"She spoke her first word Jackie!" Karen said excitedly, hurrying over to stand next to Jack.
"And she said Dada," Jack said, grinning widely. "Thank you sweetie." He leaned down and kissed Sophia's cheek.
Sophia yawned in response and then closed her eyes, holding on tightly to her teddy bear.
"I think that's all she's going to say for tonight," Karen said, pulling Jack out of the room.
"Are you okay with her not saying mama as her first word?" Jack asked, looking at Karen.
"Jackie, Ebie said that as her first word, I'm fine with it," Karen said kissing his cheek softly.
"I feel like playing something on the piano downstairs," Jack said. "I'll be up in a couple minutes." He kissed her forehead and left her at their bedroom before going down the stairs.
While Jack thought Karen was getting ready for bed, she actually followed him down the stairs. She stood in the doorway and watched as he sat down at the piano and then started to play and sing.
I can't stop myself from callin'
Callin' out your name
I can't stop myself from fallin'
Fallin' back again
In the mornin'
Baby in the afternoon
Dark like the shady corners
Inside a violin
Hot like to burn my lips
I know I can't win
In the morning
Baby in the afternoon
I tried to quit you but I'm too weak
Wakin' up without you I can hardly speak at all
My girlfriend tried to help me
To get you off my mind
She tried a little tea and sympathy
To get me to unwind
In the mornin'
Baby in the afternoon
Funny how my favorite shirt
Smells more like you than me
Bitter traces left behind
Stains no one can see
In the mornin'
Baby in the afternoon
You're gonna put me in an early grave
I know I'm your slave whenever you call
I can't stop myself from callin'
Callin' out your name
I can't stop myself from fallin'
Fallin' back again
Fallin' back again
Fallin' back again
Fallin' back again
Fallin' back again
Jack sat back once the last note faded and then smiled. "How'd you like that Karebear?" he asked, turning his head toward the door.
"How did you know I was here?" Karen asked as she walked into the room.
"I could feel you," Jack said, smirking. "Plus, I heard your shoes on the floor."
Rolling her eyes, Karen grabbed Jack's arm and then pulled him off the piano bench. "Let's go to bed honey."
"Whatever you want Kare," Jack said, following her up the stairs and to her room. When they got inside, the door closed behind him, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. He then lifted Karen into his arms and walked over to their bed.
As Jack lay her down on the mattress, Karen unbuttoned his shirt and then hurriedly pulled it off of him.
They then undressed each other. Going very slowly, and making sure to place loving kisses on each others bare skin as it was exposed.
Jack hovered above Karen's body for a few seconds when they were naked, and then he entered her slowly with his member. "I love you Kare," he said as he started to thrust in and out slowly.
"Mmm, oooh Jackie, I love you too!" Karen cried, wrapping her arms around his back.
Speeding up a little more a long time later, Jack could feel Karen reaching her edge, and he felt himself do so also. "Kare... oh god Kare," he whispered fiercely in a husky tone of voice.
Listening to Jack, Karen arched her body towards his and screamed as she climaxed around him. "Jackie, oh yesss... JACKIE!"
With a deep breath and one final thrust into his wife, Jack cried out in pleasure. "Oh fuck Kare, I love... you... oh KARE!" When he was sated, he collapsed on top of her chest, running his fingers over her right breast.
"Hmm, that was wonderful Jackie," Karen sighed as she started to stroke his hair, running her fingers through it too.
"I know, but I feel a little tired," Jack said, looking up at her.
"Me too honey, let's sleep for a little bit before we go again," Karen said. She then brought his lips up to hers and they kissed passionately.
When they separated a long time later, the both of them breathing harshly, Jack settled back down on Karen's chest and closed his eyes, saying, "Night Kare, love you."
"I love you too poodle, sweet dreams," Karen said, starting to stroke his hair again as she fell asleep, a tiny smile on her face.
Chapter Fifty-Five
In The Morning
During the first days of August, Jack was going up the stairs to Grace's office when a voice called out behind him.
"Hey Jack, wait a sec," Zach said, hurrying up to him. "I was hoping that I would catch you before you went to lunch."
"Hi, come on up with me, Kare is waiting for me," Jack said, pausing only for a few seconds.
"I wanted to talk to you about the play I'm going to do soon," Zach said as they went up.
"Yeah? What about it?" Jack said, knowing what was going to come next.
"Well, I'll be directing 'Taming of the Shrew' and I wanted to offer you a part," Zach said, grinning at him.
"That would be great, when do auditions start?" Jack said as they stepped into Grace's office.
"Hey poodle, what are you two talking about?" Karen asked, getting up from her chair and going to Jack, hugging him.
"He wants me to be in his next play," Jack said, kissing her cheek.
"So you're finally going to get your Shakespeare plays started?" Grace said, grinning at Zach.
"Yes, and Jack, this is the script for the play," Zach said, taking a script out of the bag he was carrying. "Auditions are probably going to start about two days after your daughter's birthday."
"You mean Ebie's birthday right?" Karen asked.
Zach laughed and said, "Yeah Karen, they should start September fourth. Alright, I'm going to lunch, see you guys later."
After he had gone, Jack put his arm around Karen's waist and said, "Let's go out for lunch Karebear, and then you can read this with me."
"Sure Jackie," Karen said. "Bye Grace, Kath."
"Kat, are you okay?" Grace asked when they had left.
"I'm perfectly fine," Katherine said, looking up briefly from the fabric book in front of her. "I just want to finish this stupid couch for the Petersons before I go insane looking at these yellow fabric samples."
Grace laughed and then asked, "How are things going between you and Edward?"
"We're doing really well," Katherine said, smiling as she thought of her husband. "Actually, he and I are considering adopt-"
"Hey you two," Will said as he and Zach walked into the office. "Oh, sorry I interrupted you Kat."
"It's okay, going to take Grace out for lunch?" Katherine asked.
"You're welcome to join us you know," Zach said.
"Come with us Kat, it'll give you a break from those fabrics," Grace said, getting her purse.
Katherine paused for a moment, and then she got up from her chair. "Alright, let's go before I change my mind." She grabbed her own purse and then walked out of the office with the others.
~~~
A few days later, Karen woke up before Jack did, and quietly got out of their bed. She had to go to work in a couple hours, but she and Jack were going to go to breakfast with Elizabeth and Sophia. She pulled on her red robe and then left the bedroom to check on their daughters. As soon as she peered down into Elizabeth's crib, she knew something was wrong. "Jackie!" Karen screamed urgently.
Sitting up in bed, hearing the scream, Jack rubbed his eyes and then got out of the bed. He ran to Elizabeth's room and saw Karen was holding her, her eyes worried. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"We need to take her to the hospital Jackie," Karen said. "She's got a high fever."
Jack walked over to Karen and the touched Elizabeth's cheek with his hand. "You're right," he said. "Okay, we'll put her back in the crib so we can get dressed and take her to the hospital."
Karen did what Jack said and then walked with him to their bedroom. Once she was changed into clothes, Karen called down to Rosario to tell her to watch Sophia and then she and Jack left with Elizabeth for the hospital.
When they got there, they were ushered into a waiting room pretty quickly, since there weren't that many people in the hospital.
"Oh Jackie I'm so scared," Karen said as he set Elizabeth on the exam table.
"Don't worry Kare, I'm sure it's just a little cold or something," Jack said, even though he sounded worried himself.
A few minutes later, a doctor walked in and introduced himself as Dr. Haupt. "Now your daughter seems to have a high fever?" he asked, placing the stethoscope on Elizabeth's chest.
"Yeah, when I went to check on her I noticed that she was warm," Karen said anxiously.
"Hmm, well I think I can see part of the problem with Elizabeth here," Dr. Haupt said. He lifted up the shirt the girl was wearing and pointed out a few red dots on her back. "It seems she's got chicken pox."
"Chicken pox?" Jack asked, sounding relieved.
"Yes and the fever I think is just a twenty-four hour thing," Dr. Haupt said, putting his stethoscope away. "I'll give you some medicine for the fever and then some cream for the sores that are going to show up soon."
"Um, we have another daughter, is it alright for her to be in the house with Ebie?" Karen asked as the doctor was writing the prescriptions.
"How old is she?" Dr. Haupt asked.
"Eight months," Jack answered.
"Oh, then you may want to have her stay somewhere else," Dr. Haupt said. "It's not a good idea to have her catch the chicken pox when she's so young." He handed the prescription to Jack and then said, "I just want to make sure, do you both know what to do while your daughter's ill?"
Karen and Jack looked at each other before Karen answered, "No, Elizabeth is our first born, so we don't know what we're supposed to do."
"Alright, well, you'll need to stay with her all the time," Dr. Haupt said. "That's just so she doesn't scratch the sores she'll be getting. And if possible, try and give her baths with baking soda, which usually helps young children with the itching. Oh, and keep an eye on that fever for the next day, if it doesn't go away, you'll have to bring her back here."
"Thank you doctor," Jack said as Karen picked up Elizabeth.
"You're welcome," Dr. Haupt called as the two left his office.
"Come on Jackie, let's go and get that medicine for Ebie right now," Karen said as they stepped into an elevator.
"You better call Grace soon, tell her you need to stay at home," Jack said, putting his arms around Karen's shoulders.
"I like not having to go, but I just wish that Ebie didn't have to get sick," Karen said, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Kare, what about Sophie?" Jack said after a few moments. The elevator stopped and they got out, walking towards the pharmacy.
"Maybe Kath can take her," Karen said. "I'm sure she won't mind."
"I hope she won't," Jack said before going up to the counter to get the medicine.
~~~
A half hour later when Jack and Karen returned to their penthouse, Rosario met them in the foyer and told them that Katherine had already come by and took Sophia to her penthouse.
"Poodle, can you take Ebie, I want to go see Sophie," Karen said.
"I want to see her too Kare," Jack said. "Rosie, can you take Ebie and then give her her medicine?"
"Sure, what's wrong with her," Rosario asked as Karen gave her Elizabeth.
"She's got the chicken pox and a fever," Karen said.
Rosario paused for a moment and then turned to the stairs, the bag with the medicine in her hand.
"Make sure she doesn't scratch her sores," Jack called as Rosario walked up the stairs.
"Let's go Jackie," Karen said, taking his hand.
They left their penthouse and went down to Katherine and Edward's where Katherine opened the front door for them.
"I was wondering when you'd be by," Katherine said as they stepped in.
"Kath, what are you going to do with Sophie when you go to work?" Karen asked.
"I've asked Theo to stay on during the week to watch her and she agreed," Katherine said as they walked up to the guest room.
"Thanks a lot for taking her Kat," Jack said.
"Hi honey," Karen said as she picked up Sophia from the crib. She kissed the baby on the cheek and hugged her tightly.
Sophia laughed and cooed before she grabbed onto a strand of Karen's hair which was loose that day.
"She seems to do that a lot," Katherine commented as Jack took the strand of hair from Sophia's fist.
"Did she do that to you?" Karen asked as she handed the baby to Jack.
"No, I just see her doing that a lot when she's with you," Katherine answered, smiling. She looked at her watch and then said, "I need to go, and I'm late enough as it is."
"Wait, where's Theo?" Jack said.
"I'm right here Mr. McFarland," Theo said walking into the room.
"I'll talk to you guys later," Katherine then said, kissing Karen on the cheek quickly and then leaving.
"Can you give us ten minutes to be alone with the baby?" Karen asked Theo. When the woman was gone, she took Sophia from Jack and then walked over to the armchair next to the window and sat down in it. She held Sophia close to her and motioned for Jack to come over.
"Are we going to come and see her at all while Ebie's sick?" Jack asked as he stood next to the armchair.
"Of course poodle, I want to try and come every night if we can," Karen said. She sighed and then said, "We should go back to Ebie." She stood up and kissed Sophia on the forehead before she handed her to Jack.
"We'll be back soon Sophie," Jack said as he kissed her. He took Karen's arm and they walked out of the room. "Here you go," he said as he handed the baby to Theo.
"Goodbye Mr. McFarland, Mrs. McFarland," Theo said as the two left. "I hope your other one feels better soon.
Jack waved at the woman as he and Karen walked out to the hallway to go towards their own penthouse.
~~~
The first day of Elizabeth's illness passed by quickly for Karen and Jack. The medicine that was for her fever made the little girl drowsy and she had slept most of the day. For the rest of the week though, Elizabeth became irritable since more sores started to show up. Jack and Karen had to watch her constantly so she wouldn't scratch her skin, which she tried to do a lot.
A week after getting sick, Elizabeth wouldn't fall asleep as Karen tried to put her to sleep.
Karen was getting frustrated, nothing was working. She had tried sitting in the rocking bench, singing, and even walking around the room. Much to Karen's dismay, Elizabeth was still awake, struggling in her arms and trying to scratch.
"Hey, Kare, no luck?" Jack said, coming into the room.
"No, I've tried everything and she just won't go to sleep," Karen said in exasperation.
"Well, why don't we let her sleep with us?" Jack said as he walked to Karen. He took Elizabeth in his arms and asked, "Want to sleep with me and your momma?"
"Yes!" Elizabeth cried, holding on tight to her father's neck.
Karen laughed and then said, "Alright, but just for tonight Jackie."
They walked out of the room and then into their own bedroom. Karen got under the covers first before she took Elizabeth so Jack could get in next.
When they were all settled, Elizabeth in Karen's arms and Karen herself in Jack's arms, Karen turned her head and said, "Goodnight Jackie."
"Night Karebear," Jack responded, kissing her deeply. When they pulled apart, he went over to Elizabeth and kissed her cheek softly.
Sighing, Karen closed her eyes and lightly stroked Elizabeth's hair.
It didn't take long for them; even Elizabeth; to fall into a deep, deep sleep.
~~~
The next morning, Jack woke up to the sound of two different kinds of laughter. He opened his eyes and saw that Karen and Elizabeth weren't next to him anymore. He looked down the bed and saw that his wife and their daughter were sitting on the middle of the mattress.
"See Ebie," Karen was saying, holding one of the little girl's hands. "If we count these spots then they won't itch anymore."
"Itch?" Elizabeth asked, almost pleadingly.
"That's right honey," Karen said, smiling. "Okay, let me start. This is one."
"Un," Elizabeth said solemnly looking down at the sore her mother was pointing to.
"Two," Karen then said.
"Too," Elizabeth replied.
Jack watched them count to ten together; Elizabeth saying, "'En!", before he shifted slightly.
"Hi poodle, are you awake?" Karen said, looking over at him. When Jack pretended he was asleep again, she picked up Elizabeth and set her towards Jack. "Go and wake up your daddy Ebie," she then said.
Giggling, Elizabeth crawled up to Jack and patted his cheeks saying, "Wake up Daddy, up!"
Opening his eyes, Jack gave a fake growl and sat up, taking Elizabeth into his arms. He started to tickle the little girl on her sides and then the bottom of her feet.
"Jackie, take it easy, you'll make her sick," Karen said, a wide smile on her face. She went over to Jack and kissed his cheek. "Good morning poodle," she said.
Putting his arm around her waist, Jack pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply for a few moments. "Morning Karebear," he murmured when they pulled apart.
Karen was going to kiss Jack again, when she glanced at Elizabeth and saw that she was going to scratch her skin. "Ebie, no!" she cried, taking the little girl from Jack.
Jack sighed and got out of bed, he was getting a little tired of stopping Elizabeth from scratching the sores, but it had be done. He walked over to the bathroom with a quick, "Gonna take a shower," to Karen.
~~~
After almost three weeks, Elizabeth looked like she was over the chicken pox. On that day, Jack and Karen took her back to the hospital to make sure it would be alright for them to bring Sophia back to the penthouse.
"Good afternoon," Dr. Haupt said as he entered the exam room that Jack and Karen were in with Elizabeth. "I wondered if I would see you again. How is Elizabeth doing?"
"Very good," Karen answered. "Her sores are pretty much gone now."
"Okay, let me have a look at her then," Dr. Haupt said. He then lifted up the little girl's shirt and looked at her back and then chest. "It looks like she's over it," he said as he let Karen pick the little girl up off the exam table. "Just make sure you keep putting the cream on or else those sores will take a long time to go away."
"Is it alright for us to bring the baby back home?" Jack asked.
"Sure, but I would wait for a day or two to have them in the same room and interact," Dr. Haupt said. He picked up his files and then left the room after saying goodbye to Karen and Jack.
"Come on Jackie, let's go home and get Sophie," Karen said, taking his hand.
When they got home twenty minutes later, Karen headed up to the penthouse while Jack went over to Katherine and Edward's to pick up Sophia.
"Hello Mr. McFarland," Theo said when she had opened the door. "Are you here to visit the baby?"
"No, I came to pick her up," Jack said, smiling. "Ebie is better and we can take Sophie home now."
"Oh, well then come with me, I'll help you get her stuff," Theo said. She turned and walked to the stairs to go up to the room Sophia was in.
At that moment, Karen was putting Elizabeth in her crib with a lot of whimpers from the little girl. "I know honey, but I don't want you to make your little sister sick," Karen said, handing Elizabeth her stuffed dog. "Remember, you're supposed to watch out for her."
Elizabeth nodded solemnly, hugging her dog to her tightly.
Karen smiled and stayed there, looking down at Elizabeth until she heard the front door open downstairs. "Okay honey," she said, smiling down at the little girl. "Take a nap and I'll come back with your daddy later to see you." When Elizabeth was lying down, blanket covering her, Karen turned and quickly left the room.
"Hey Kare, I think this one is really anxious to see you," Jack said as Karen almost ran down the stairs to him.
"Sophie, oh honey, I'm so glad you're back home," Karen said as she took the baby. She felt an enormous sense of relief and kissed Sophia's cheek.
"So what do you want to do now Kare?" Jack asked, putting his arm around her waist.
"Well, I think you should put Sophie's things away," Karen said as they walked up the stairs. "And then we can spend sometime with her on our bed."
"Perfect," Jack said, kissing her cheek. "I'll meet you in our bedroom."
While he went over to Sophia's room, Karen went into their room and set the baby down on the bed as she sat next to her.
"Here Kare, I figure we should give her something to play with so she doesn't get completely bored with us," Jack said, handing her a couple of toys.
Karen handed a small set of plastic cubes and immediately Sophia threw them off the bed.
"Okay, it looks like she'll be a softball player," Jack said laughingly as he knelt down to pick up the cubes.
Laughing, Karen took the toys back from Jack and then handed them to their daughter, who promptly threw them onto the floor again.
~~~
That night, Jack and Karen put Sophia to sleep together, Jack rocking the baby to sleep gently.
"Night Sophie honey," Karen said as he set Sophia into her crib.
"Good dreams sweetie," Jack then said, giving Karen the blanket to cover the baby up. When she was done, he took Karen's hand and then led her out of the room. Since they had already put Elizabeth to sleep, he pulled her to their bedroom.
"Poodle, when was the last time we made love?" Karen asked as Jack closed the door and locked it behind him.
"Uh, I think it was the day before Ebie got sick," Jack said, smiling at her.
"Really?" Karen asked, surprised. "Well, I guess we need to make up for lost time then." With that she grabbed Jack's shirt and pulled him over to the bed, pushing him down on the mattress.
"Who's turn on top first?" Jack asked as Karen straddled him and started to unbutton his shirt.
"We'll take turns Jackie," Karen said, concentrating on taking his shirt off. Once it was off, she leaned down and kissed his chest a few times.
"Wait, wait a sec," Jack said, sitting up. He undid the first two buttons of Karen's blouse and then kissed the tops of her breasts. "I love you," he said, looking up at her.
With a smile, Karen quickly said, "I love you too Jackie, so much."
Immediately, Jack unbuttoned the rest of Karen's blouse and took it off hurriedly, her bra following it to the floor soon after. Her breasts exposed to him now, he wasted no time in claiming her left nipple with his mouth.
Karen cried out in surprise when Jack bit down on her lightly with his mouth. "What are you doing?" she asked him surprised.
"Never mind Kare," Jack said saucily.
"Oh honey, are you going to get it tonight," Karen said, getting off of him. She stood up and got on the bed, up near the pillows. Once she settled there, she took off the rest of her clothes and sat against the headboard. "Come here Jackie," she said seductively.
Jack, breathing harshly, crawled on his hands and knees over to Karen and was going to reach out to grab her breasts.
"No," Karen said forcefully. She pushed him back on to the mattress. "You're going to have to pay for what you did." With that, she arched her back so that her breasts stood out.
"Wh-What do I have to do Kare?" Jack asked, a little distracted by her breasts, which he was staring at intently.
"Hmm, let me think," Karen said. She looked at Jack for a few minutes and then smiled. "You have to pleasure me tonight... twice."
"Okay," Jack said, looking relieved. He spread Karen's legs and then descended on her, stroking her sensitive spots with his tongue.
"Oooh Jackie," Karen moaned as she neared her edge. A few minutes later, she climaxed and arched her body up, screaming Jack's name.
Almost sweating, Jack continued to stroke her and then started to use his fingers as well.
It took a long time for Karen to achieve her second climax, and when she did so, she buried her fingers in Jack's hair. She laid her head back on the edge of the headboard as she recovered, breathing deeply.
At that point, Jack sat up and brought Karen towards him. "Am I forgiven now?" he asked, knowing that she would say yes.
"Not yet, but you will be," Karen said, a mischievous look shining in her eyes. She pushed him down yet again and then unzipped his trousers, pulling them off. She smiled at the bulge in his boxers and then ran her fingertips over it.
Jack closed his eyes tightly and then groaned as Karen continued to stroke him very lightly. As she started to rub him with her hand, he started to take off his boxers.
"Hold on Jackie," Karen purred, looking up at him. "I'll take care of you."
With a shudder of pleasure, Jack lay back on the bed and then let himself relax for whatever Karen had planned for him.
Karen took off his boxers then and ran her fingers up his member. Then she turned her head and let her hair tickle him, making Jack groan. For a long time, she either ran her fingers around him or brushed his shaft with her hair lightly.
"Please Kare," Jack cried out; tortured by the fact that she was teasing him for so long.
"Oh my sweet Jackie," Karen cooed. "What can I do to take care of this?" she asked, rubbing him gently.
"D-do whatever you want Kare," Jack groaned out.
"That's the right answer Jackie," Karen said. She got on top of him, straddling him, and then let herself down on his member.
"Oh god Kare, yess," Jack hissed as she started to move up and down on him. He put his hands on her hips and then thrust with her.
Karen gasped as her body tightened and then she climaxed around Jack, crying his name out over and over.
A second later, Jack finally achieved his release and yelled Karen's name in complete ecstasy and euphoria.
Twenty minutes later, they were cuddled on the bed, wrapped together in the comforter even though it was hot.
"You are very evil Kare, but I still am crazy about you," Jack said, kissing her temple.
"So am I poodle," Karen said, kissing his jaw.
With that they settled down on the mattress and then fell asleep at the same time.
~~~
A few days later, Jack and Karen were inside Elizabeth's room with their daughters. They decided that the sisters shouldn't spend anymore time apart and were now watching the two girls play.
"Careful when you knock down those blocks Ebie," Karen said from where she was sitting with Sophia.
"'Sor Mama," Elizabeth said, not even looking up from her wooden blocks.
Jack, who was sitting behind their eldest daughter, smiled and then went back to helping her build.
Sophia, who was watching her sister intently, used Karen's knee to stand up. After waiting a few minutes, she started to walk over to Elizabeth, a serious expression on her face.
"Watch out sweetie," Jack said, taking her into his arms before she could fall on the floor. He set her on his lap and then looked over at Karen, smiling.
"Good job honey," Karen said. "Now come back here so I can give you a kiss."
Jack set Sophia on the ground, helping her stand up. The girl then walked over to Karen and hugged her before she could lose her balance.
Karen smiled happily at Jack before kissing the top of Sophia's head. "Not bad for your first time Sophie."
~~~
That night, Jack was putting Sophia in her crib when Karen walked in.
"Da-da," Sophia said calmly as he covered her.
"I was thinking," Jack said, not even noticing at first that Sophia had spoken. "That I would-" He looked down at the baby in surprise.
"Da-da!" Sophia now cried happily, waving her hand in the air.
"She spoke her first word Jackie!" Karen said excitedly, hurrying over to stand next to Jack.
"And she said Dada," Jack said, grinning widely. "Thank you sweetie." He leaned down and kissed Sophia's cheek.
Sophia yawned in response and then closed her eyes, holding on tightly to her teddy bear.
"I think that's all she's going to say for tonight," Karen said, pulling Jack out of the room.
"Are you okay with her not saying mama as her first word?" Jack asked, looking at Karen.
"Jackie, Ebie said that as her first word, I'm fine with it," Karen said kissing his cheek softly.
"I feel like playing something on the piano downstairs," Jack said. "I'll be up in a couple minutes." He kissed her forehead and left her at their bedroom before going down the stairs.
While Jack thought Karen was getting ready for bed, she actually followed him down the stairs. She stood in the doorway and watched as he sat down at the piano and then started to play and sing.
I can't stop myself from callin'
Callin' out your name
I can't stop myself from fallin'
Fallin' back again
In the mornin'
Baby in the afternoon
Dark like the shady corners
Inside a violin
Hot like to burn my lips
I know I can't win
In the morning
Baby in the afternoon
I tried to quit you but I'm too weak
Wakin' up without you I can hardly speak at all
My girlfriend tried to help me
To get you off my mind
She tried a little tea and sympathy
To get me to unwind
In the mornin'
Baby in the afternoon
Funny how my favorite shirt
Smells more like you than me
Bitter traces left behind
Stains no one can see
In the mornin'
Baby in the afternoon
You're gonna put me in an early grave
I know I'm your slave whenever you call
I can't stop myself from callin'
Callin' out your name
I can't stop myself from fallin'
Fallin' back again
Fallin' back again
Fallin' back again
Fallin' back again
Fallin' back again
Jack sat back once the last note faded and then smiled. "How'd you like that Karebear?" he asked, turning his head toward the door.
"How did you know I was here?" Karen asked as she walked into the room.
"I could feel you," Jack said, smirking. "Plus, I heard your shoes on the floor."
Rolling her eyes, Karen grabbed Jack's arm and then pulled him off the piano bench. "Let's go to bed honey."
"Whatever you want Kare," Jack said, following her up the stairs and to her room. When they got inside, the door closed behind him, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. He then lifted Karen into his arms and walked over to their bed.
As Jack lay her down on the mattress, Karen unbuttoned his shirt and then hurriedly pulled it off of him.
They then undressed each other. Going very slowly, and making sure to place loving kisses on each others bare skin as it was exposed.
Jack hovered above Karen's body for a few seconds when they were naked, and then he entered her slowly with his member. "I love you Kare," he said as he started to thrust in and out slowly.
"Mmm, oooh Jackie, I love you too!" Karen cried, wrapping her arms around his back.
Speeding up a little more a long time later, Jack could feel Karen reaching her edge, and he felt himself do so also. "Kare... oh god Kare," he whispered fiercely in a husky tone of voice.
Listening to Jack, Karen arched her body towards his and screamed as she climaxed around him. "Jackie, oh yesss... JACKIE!"
With a deep breath and one final thrust into his wife, Jack cried out in pleasure. "Oh fuck Kare, I love... you... oh KARE!" When he was sated, he collapsed on top of her chest, running his fingers over her right breast.
"Hmm, that was wonderful Jackie," Karen sighed as she started to stroke his hair, running her fingers through it too.
"I know, but I feel a little tired," Jack said, looking up at her.
"Me too honey, let's sleep for a little bit before we go again," Karen said. She then brought his lips up to hers and they kissed passionately.
When they separated a long time later, the both of them breathing harshly, Jack settled back down on Karen's chest and closed his eyes, saying, "Night Kare, love you."
"I love you too poodle, sweet dreams," Karen said, starting to stroke his hair again as she fell asleep, a tiny smile on her face.