Chapter 13: 9th April at 4.32pm
Both Susan and Mark relished the thought of being parents. Susan's dream had come true. She was with the man she loved and now she was pregnant with his baby.
Although Mark had done it all before he was still so excited. Not as much as Susan though. She was like a child at Christmas. They were going to wait until Susan was 3 months pregnant before telling everyone, but as soon as Susan's IV had finished, she was up and out of bed with a huge grin on her face.
Mark insisted on holding on to her, but she was off telling every one their fantastic news. Most people were concerned with how she was feeling, and all Susan could reply was
"Fantastic, I feel wonderful."
Susan had waited so long for this. She had looked after Suzie when Chloe had disappeared, then when Chloe came back she had to give it all up. Just the thought of it now still pulled at her heart strings. But this time is was different, this baby was hers and Marks and no-one would be taking it away.
Mark however, was keen to get home. It had been a stressful day and he just wanted to see Susan put her feet up and relax.
Home at the moment was Susan's apartment. Mark had sold his, as they would be moving into their new house in a couple of weeks but still needed a place to stay before they did so. Plus the sale of Mark's apartment would bring in extra money for the mortgage and the baby, before Susan sold her place. It meant that they had a bit more disposable income. No doubt Susan would want to decorate as soon as they moved in.
"Come on you, we're going home. You need to relax tonight" Mark said firmly
"Ok then. I'll see you all tomorrow" Susan shouted to the ER staff
"Bye Susan. And congratulations" They all yelled back
"So you think we should have a baby shower for her now?" Carter asked
"Not yet, you usually wait until about 6 months. Gives us some good time to think though. And by the way Carter how far gone is she? Susan told us everything but that" Haleh asked
"Oh um, she's about 4-6 weeks. So it's really early days. She just needs to start eating properly again" Carter replied
"Yeah, she looks so thin. It's not natural, she used to be so healthy looking" Haleh answered
"And she will be again, I'll make sure of that" Mark said as he came out of the Doctors Lounge.
No-one had noticed that Mark had crept back in to get Susan's scarf. In all the excitement she has forgotten it.
"I'll see you all tomorrow. And I guess this makes us the topic of conversation for a while now doesn't it?" Mark asked
"Oh definitely, Doctor Greene. You took so long in getting this far, it's the least we could do" Haleh replied with a laugh
Mark just laughed as he walked out of the doors. Susan was waiting outside. They decided to take the El back to Susan's apartment instead of walking. Mark also convinced Susan to have some Chinese take out with him.
"You know what? I could just eat some of that now" Susan said
"Glad to hear it" Mark replied as he wrapped his arm around Susan and pulled her playfully to him
They were both smiling from ear to ear. On the 9th April at 4.32pm Mark and Susan found out they were going to have a baby. It would be a day that cemented their future together. A day of excitement (a lot on Susan's part) and planning.
"I'll have to call my Mom." Susan said as they entered her apartment
"Hmmm, do you think I should call Jen or not? I mean I want to tell Rachel that she's going to have a brother or sister, but I just don't know how Jen will react." Mark said
"You're worried because it's me. You're worried because she might start a fight." Susan replied
"No, well yes. I'm so proud to be having this baby with you, and if it comes out looking anything like you it will be the most beautiful baby in the world, but Jen can be so difficult." Mark answered
"Then leave it for a while, until she calls you. You know she only calls when she's in a good mood. And anyway doesn't she have a new guy now?" Susan asked
"Yeah she does, and she's living with him, and she wasted no time in telling me. Ok, when you've phoned your Mom, I'm phoning Jen." Mark said sternly
"Ooh that's my Mark. I found that quite sexy actually. You taking charge and everything. Always have. Especially in traumas, really turns me on." Susan laughed
"Oh yeah, then how about this. Take this phone, put yourself on the couch and phone your Mom. I'll order the food" Mark answered
"Ooh, my heart is all a flutter." Susan giggled
Mark pulled out his Cell phone and dialled the take out number. Meanwhile, Susan was on the couch dialling her Mom's number
*Phone Call*
Susan's Mom picked up the phone after the second ring.
"Hey Mom, it's me" Susan said
"Hello Susan. How are you?" Susan's Mom replied
"Oh Mom, I'm doing so well, I'm really happy now. I'm back at work although I did pass out today." Susan said
"Oh Susie, are you ok?" Her Mom asked
"Mom, I'm fine. In fact I'm pregnant. Carter reckons I'm about 4-6 weeks but I'll go up to OB tomorrow for a scan to find out the exact time and my due date."
"Oh Susan, that's fantastic news. It's Mark's right?" Susan's mom answered
"Yes Mom, it is!" Susan shouted, a little annoyed.
"Well I know you're pretty busy at the moment, but when you're free for a few days I'd love to come and see you" Susan's Mom said
"Ok, well I'll let you know. We're moving in to our new house in a couple of weeks so I'm tied up with that and work at the moment. So, I'll phone you sometime soon, ok?" Susan said
"Ok honey, speak to you soon. Bye. And congratulations"
"Bye Mom, speak to you soon" Susan said as she put down the phone.
*End of call*
"Now it's your turn. I've done my bit" Susan said, knowing Mark didn't really want to do this.
"Ok, here goes. Oh and the food will be here in about 20 minutes" Mark said
Mark took the phone from Susan and began to dial Jen's number. She picked up extremely quickly.
*Phone call*
"Hi Jen, it's Mark"
"Oh hi Mark, how are things?"
"They're fine, I have some news." Mark said unable to hide the excited tone in his voice
"Sounds like good news" Jen answered
"It is. Susan's pregnant. She's about 4-6 weeks, we're so excited. I just wanted to let Rachel know that she was going to have a new brother or sister." Mark said
"Oh, well, um, that's great news. I'll just go and get Rachel." Jen said with a slightly bitter tone
"Dad!" Rachel's voice filled the phone
"Hey Sweetie. Guess what? You're going to have a little brother or sister. Susan is pregnant." Mark said
"Yes! When is she having it?" Rachel enquired excitedly
"Oh we don't know yet, we only found out today. But I'll let you know soon ok? I have to go now, I'm waiting for my dinner to come" Mark replied
"Ok dad. Let me know soon, ok?" Rachel asked
"I will. Speak to you soon. Say goodbye to your Mom for me. Love you." Mark said as he put down the phone
*End of call*
"Well Rachel is really excited and I don't really think Jen could care less. But I could. I can't wait for this little one to come along" Mark said as he sat on the floor next to the couch where Susan was laying.
Susan had changed into her old Bears top and Mark's tracksuit bottoms. Mark lifted her top slightly just to check if there was a little bump.
"Mark there won't be anything there yet. You'll have to wait until I'm at least 3 months pregnant. And even then you might not notice, as I'm intent on putting on the 21 pounds I've lost. So although I need lots of good food, spinach, pasta and stuff, I'm going to need a few take outs a week. I can't believe I went so long without eating. I feel so hungry now." Susan said
"Well don't worry, the food should be here soon. Ooh I wonder if you'll have any cravings. Well if you do, I'll go and get it, anytime day or night. I'm going to take such good care of you and this baby." Mark said
"Don't go too over board though. I am still capable of handling myself. I intend to work until I'm at least eight months. I've missed so much, I'm just getting back into it and really enjoying myself." Susan said firmly
"Ok, well it's your choice, it's your body and I know you won't compromise the health of the baby. If we plan for that, and then if you do want to stop earlier you can." Mark answered
"Exactly. That was my thinking. Ooh take out is here." Susan said as there was a knock on the door.
Mark got up and paid the delivery guy, he starting unpacking the bag, but Susan was way ahead of him, she already had a carton of noodles up against her chest and she was munching away.
She showed no signs of being ill anymore. Apart from the obvious physical appearance, but that wouldn't last long according to Susan. She was determined to put the weight back on quickly. She had never had a problem keeping her weight constant before, because she ate well, but if she ever ate too much she had a tendency to put on weight. Something that she really wanted to do right now.
"I take it you're enjoying that?" Mark asked
"Mmmm, it's good" Susan said with a mouth full of noodles
Mark sat on the sofa next to Susan and asked the inevitable
"So what do you want? A boy or a girl?"
"I don't mind as long as it's healthy." Came the standard reply from Susan
They spent the evening discussing baby names and colours for the baby's room in the new house. They didn't want to go for pink or blue because if they got it wrong it would be too much decorating to do it again.
"Well we have two spare rooms there, why don't we do one pink and one blue" Mark suggested
Susan just laughed "Mark don't be so daft. I think we should go for yellow"
"Yellow is nice, or we could go for a mix, like a ocean scene. Aqua blues and sunny yellows. Then we can re-do it once they out grown that theme at about 4 or 5." Mark said hopefully
"Ooh I quite like that idea. It's different, and not biased to a boy or a girl. We should paint the walls, yellow at the bottom and blue at the top, like the sand meeting the sea. Then we can paint boats on the sea, and have a slightly lighter shade of blue at the top for the sky, and paint birds flying." Susan was so excited at the idea
"Wow, to say I only suggested it a few moments ago, you've given it a lot of thought." Mark replied
"That's because I love the idea. We'll need a cot, and a mobile to over the top. Baby sheets, with cute patterns on. Oh and clothes, cute romper suits, little hats, booties. Oh Mark I can't wait I'm so excited"
"Really I would never have guessed!" Mark laughed
At 10pm Mark and Susan decided to go and watch TV in bed, they were both on at 6am again, but it was only a 9 hour shift. The following week was worse because they were on nights. On at 9pm off at 6am, all week apart from Monday and Thursday for Mark and Monday and Wednesday for Susan. Kerry would only allow them one day off together.
Susan would have to begin to think about maternity leave and Mark was going to plead for a few weeks paternity leave. He wanted to spend the first few weeks of his new baby's life with Susan. Helping her out so she wouldn't feel so stressed.
That night both Mark and Susan went to sleep wrapped in each others arms, thinking about baby names and trying to guess when the baby might arrive. They knew one thing though, it would be a winter baby.
Both Susan and Mark relished the thought of being parents. Susan's dream had come true. She was with the man she loved and now she was pregnant with his baby.
Although Mark had done it all before he was still so excited. Not as much as Susan though. She was like a child at Christmas. They were going to wait until Susan was 3 months pregnant before telling everyone, but as soon as Susan's IV had finished, she was up and out of bed with a huge grin on her face.
Mark insisted on holding on to her, but she was off telling every one their fantastic news. Most people were concerned with how she was feeling, and all Susan could reply was
"Fantastic, I feel wonderful."
Susan had waited so long for this. She had looked after Suzie when Chloe had disappeared, then when Chloe came back she had to give it all up. Just the thought of it now still pulled at her heart strings. But this time is was different, this baby was hers and Marks and no-one would be taking it away.
Mark however, was keen to get home. It had been a stressful day and he just wanted to see Susan put her feet up and relax.
Home at the moment was Susan's apartment. Mark had sold his, as they would be moving into their new house in a couple of weeks but still needed a place to stay before they did so. Plus the sale of Mark's apartment would bring in extra money for the mortgage and the baby, before Susan sold her place. It meant that they had a bit more disposable income. No doubt Susan would want to decorate as soon as they moved in.
"Come on you, we're going home. You need to relax tonight" Mark said firmly
"Ok then. I'll see you all tomorrow" Susan shouted to the ER staff
"Bye Susan. And congratulations" They all yelled back
"So you think we should have a baby shower for her now?" Carter asked
"Not yet, you usually wait until about 6 months. Gives us some good time to think though. And by the way Carter how far gone is she? Susan told us everything but that" Haleh asked
"Oh um, she's about 4-6 weeks. So it's really early days. She just needs to start eating properly again" Carter replied
"Yeah, she looks so thin. It's not natural, she used to be so healthy looking" Haleh answered
"And she will be again, I'll make sure of that" Mark said as he came out of the Doctors Lounge.
No-one had noticed that Mark had crept back in to get Susan's scarf. In all the excitement she has forgotten it.
"I'll see you all tomorrow. And I guess this makes us the topic of conversation for a while now doesn't it?" Mark asked
"Oh definitely, Doctor Greene. You took so long in getting this far, it's the least we could do" Haleh replied with a laugh
Mark just laughed as he walked out of the doors. Susan was waiting outside. They decided to take the El back to Susan's apartment instead of walking. Mark also convinced Susan to have some Chinese take out with him.
"You know what? I could just eat some of that now" Susan said
"Glad to hear it" Mark replied as he wrapped his arm around Susan and pulled her playfully to him
They were both smiling from ear to ear. On the 9th April at 4.32pm Mark and Susan found out they were going to have a baby. It would be a day that cemented their future together. A day of excitement (a lot on Susan's part) and planning.
"I'll have to call my Mom." Susan said as they entered her apartment
"Hmmm, do you think I should call Jen or not? I mean I want to tell Rachel that she's going to have a brother or sister, but I just don't know how Jen will react." Mark said
"You're worried because it's me. You're worried because she might start a fight." Susan replied
"No, well yes. I'm so proud to be having this baby with you, and if it comes out looking anything like you it will be the most beautiful baby in the world, but Jen can be so difficult." Mark answered
"Then leave it for a while, until she calls you. You know she only calls when she's in a good mood. And anyway doesn't she have a new guy now?" Susan asked
"Yeah she does, and she's living with him, and she wasted no time in telling me. Ok, when you've phoned your Mom, I'm phoning Jen." Mark said sternly
"Ooh that's my Mark. I found that quite sexy actually. You taking charge and everything. Always have. Especially in traumas, really turns me on." Susan laughed
"Oh yeah, then how about this. Take this phone, put yourself on the couch and phone your Mom. I'll order the food" Mark answered
"Ooh, my heart is all a flutter." Susan giggled
Mark pulled out his Cell phone and dialled the take out number. Meanwhile, Susan was on the couch dialling her Mom's number
*Phone Call*
Susan's Mom picked up the phone after the second ring.
"Hey Mom, it's me" Susan said
"Hello Susan. How are you?" Susan's Mom replied
"Oh Mom, I'm doing so well, I'm really happy now. I'm back at work although I did pass out today." Susan said
"Oh Susie, are you ok?" Her Mom asked
"Mom, I'm fine. In fact I'm pregnant. Carter reckons I'm about 4-6 weeks but I'll go up to OB tomorrow for a scan to find out the exact time and my due date."
"Oh Susan, that's fantastic news. It's Mark's right?" Susan's mom answered
"Yes Mom, it is!" Susan shouted, a little annoyed.
"Well I know you're pretty busy at the moment, but when you're free for a few days I'd love to come and see you" Susan's Mom said
"Ok, well I'll let you know. We're moving in to our new house in a couple of weeks so I'm tied up with that and work at the moment. So, I'll phone you sometime soon, ok?" Susan said
"Ok honey, speak to you soon. Bye. And congratulations"
"Bye Mom, speak to you soon" Susan said as she put down the phone.
*End of call*
"Now it's your turn. I've done my bit" Susan said, knowing Mark didn't really want to do this.
"Ok, here goes. Oh and the food will be here in about 20 minutes" Mark said
Mark took the phone from Susan and began to dial Jen's number. She picked up extremely quickly.
*Phone call*
"Hi Jen, it's Mark"
"Oh hi Mark, how are things?"
"They're fine, I have some news." Mark said unable to hide the excited tone in his voice
"Sounds like good news" Jen answered
"It is. Susan's pregnant. She's about 4-6 weeks, we're so excited. I just wanted to let Rachel know that she was going to have a new brother or sister." Mark said
"Oh, well, um, that's great news. I'll just go and get Rachel." Jen said with a slightly bitter tone
"Dad!" Rachel's voice filled the phone
"Hey Sweetie. Guess what? You're going to have a little brother or sister. Susan is pregnant." Mark said
"Yes! When is she having it?" Rachel enquired excitedly
"Oh we don't know yet, we only found out today. But I'll let you know soon ok? I have to go now, I'm waiting for my dinner to come" Mark replied
"Ok dad. Let me know soon, ok?" Rachel asked
"I will. Speak to you soon. Say goodbye to your Mom for me. Love you." Mark said as he put down the phone
*End of call*
"Well Rachel is really excited and I don't really think Jen could care less. But I could. I can't wait for this little one to come along" Mark said as he sat on the floor next to the couch where Susan was laying.
Susan had changed into her old Bears top and Mark's tracksuit bottoms. Mark lifted her top slightly just to check if there was a little bump.
"Mark there won't be anything there yet. You'll have to wait until I'm at least 3 months pregnant. And even then you might not notice, as I'm intent on putting on the 21 pounds I've lost. So although I need lots of good food, spinach, pasta and stuff, I'm going to need a few take outs a week. I can't believe I went so long without eating. I feel so hungry now." Susan said
"Well don't worry, the food should be here soon. Ooh I wonder if you'll have any cravings. Well if you do, I'll go and get it, anytime day or night. I'm going to take such good care of you and this baby." Mark said
"Don't go too over board though. I am still capable of handling myself. I intend to work until I'm at least eight months. I've missed so much, I'm just getting back into it and really enjoying myself." Susan said firmly
"Ok, well it's your choice, it's your body and I know you won't compromise the health of the baby. If we plan for that, and then if you do want to stop earlier you can." Mark answered
"Exactly. That was my thinking. Ooh take out is here." Susan said as there was a knock on the door.
Mark got up and paid the delivery guy, he starting unpacking the bag, but Susan was way ahead of him, she already had a carton of noodles up against her chest and she was munching away.
She showed no signs of being ill anymore. Apart from the obvious physical appearance, but that wouldn't last long according to Susan. She was determined to put the weight back on quickly. She had never had a problem keeping her weight constant before, because she ate well, but if she ever ate too much she had a tendency to put on weight. Something that she really wanted to do right now.
"I take it you're enjoying that?" Mark asked
"Mmmm, it's good" Susan said with a mouth full of noodles
Mark sat on the sofa next to Susan and asked the inevitable
"So what do you want? A boy or a girl?"
"I don't mind as long as it's healthy." Came the standard reply from Susan
They spent the evening discussing baby names and colours for the baby's room in the new house. They didn't want to go for pink or blue because if they got it wrong it would be too much decorating to do it again.
"Well we have two spare rooms there, why don't we do one pink and one blue" Mark suggested
Susan just laughed "Mark don't be so daft. I think we should go for yellow"
"Yellow is nice, or we could go for a mix, like a ocean scene. Aqua blues and sunny yellows. Then we can re-do it once they out grown that theme at about 4 or 5." Mark said hopefully
"Ooh I quite like that idea. It's different, and not biased to a boy or a girl. We should paint the walls, yellow at the bottom and blue at the top, like the sand meeting the sea. Then we can paint boats on the sea, and have a slightly lighter shade of blue at the top for the sky, and paint birds flying." Susan was so excited at the idea
"Wow, to say I only suggested it a few moments ago, you've given it a lot of thought." Mark replied
"That's because I love the idea. We'll need a cot, and a mobile to over the top. Baby sheets, with cute patterns on. Oh and clothes, cute romper suits, little hats, booties. Oh Mark I can't wait I'm so excited"
"Really I would never have guessed!" Mark laughed
At 10pm Mark and Susan decided to go and watch TV in bed, they were both on at 6am again, but it was only a 9 hour shift. The following week was worse because they were on nights. On at 9pm off at 6am, all week apart from Monday and Thursday for Mark and Monday and Wednesday for Susan. Kerry would only allow them one day off together.
Susan would have to begin to think about maternity leave and Mark was going to plead for a few weeks paternity leave. He wanted to spend the first few weeks of his new baby's life with Susan. Helping her out so she wouldn't feel so stressed.
That night both Mark and Susan went to sleep wrapped in each others arms, thinking about baby names and trying to guess when the baby might arrive. They knew one thing though, it would be a winter baby.