Seek and Go Hide
part twenty
"Jack, wake up." Doug shook Jack gently by the shoulder, "We're just about to the city and I need you to tell me where to go."
Jack was surprised to find that he had actually fallen asleep. He cleared his throat, looked around and tried to get his bearings. "Uhm, right. Let's see...we need to get on the West Side Highway and then take the 96th Street exit and go east to Amsterdam...I think that's right. I'll know when we get closer." Jack was grateful he had gone with Jen to a few of her doctor appointments otherwise he would have had no idea where to go.
Doug didn't say anything else; he just kept driving. Jack noticed the tight set of Doug's jaw and frowned slightly. He hadn't meant to make Doug so angry, not when he was doing him such a huge favor. But the fact is, he needs to deal with it, thought Jack defensively. How can he not understand that being afraid and keeping secrets is a million times harder than just accepting it and getting on with life?
Jack tried to break the tension in the car and asked, "What time is it anyway?" He stretched as best he could in the passenger seat. He felt the slight rumblings of a hangover in his head and stomach but tried to ignore it.
"It's just past 1 a.m."
"Wow, you are making good time," said Jack appreciatively. When Doug still didn't respond, he continued, "You must be exhausted."
'I'm fine."
"You want me to drive?"
"I really don't."
Jack nodded and gave up the small talk. He considered calling Gram and Jen again to let them know where he was, but he didn't want to ask Doug for the phone again. So he stared out the window and tried to think about something other than Jen or Doug. I need to remember to call Joey when I get to the hospital and let her know what's going on. Pacey too. He wondered if he should call Dawson out in California. Might as well even though I'll probably just get his voicemail.
-------------------
When they got to the hospital is was twenty to two in the morning. Doug dropped Jack off at the front entrance and went to look for parking. Jack found his way up to the birthing center and stopped at the front desk, "What room is Jen Lindley in please?"
"I'm sorry sir, regular visiting hours are 11a.m. to 8:00 p.m., please come back then." answered the busy nurse without even looking up at him.
Jack didn't even have time to think, he just opened his mouth and said, "But I'm the father!"
The nurse looked up sharply, "Didn't you say Jennifer Lindley?"
"Yes..."
"I'm sorry but it was my understanding," she grabbed a file and flipped through it rapidly, "that there was no involvement from the father in the Lindley case. Yes, it says right here - single mother, grandmother as support." The nurse shot Jack a dirty look, "And yet you claim to be the father?"
Jack swallowed hard, "Yeah, well what can I say? I've been a shit dad so far but I want to change Nurse..." he looked at her badge, "...Clayton. I mean I've still got rights don't I?"
Nurse Clayton pursed her lips but smiled a tight, mean, little smile and said, "Of course you do. Ms. Lindley is in room 7713. Down the hall, to the left, past the atrium. Don't upset her."
"Thank you." Jack walked down the hall and wondered what would happen if they found out he wasn't the father - would he be banned from the hospital? As soon as he turned the corner and was out of sight of the formidable Nurse Clayton, Jack picked up his pace and sprinted down the hall and toward Jen.
-------------------
Doug was having a hell of time finding parking. It seemed most of the hospital-affiliated parking lots were either full or closed until 5:30a.m. He was dead tired but he kept up the slow, methodical search knowing that eventually he'd find something.
-------------------
When he got to Jen's room, Jack paused and took a deep breath. He tried to fix his hair and clothes but he knew he looked like a walking disaster. Maybe it'll make Jen feel better seeing me like this. After all, she's not going to be picture perfect herself! thought Jack with a smile. He slowly and quietly pushed open the door, not wanting to wake her if she was asleep. The first thing he saw was Grams, asleep in a chair, with a blanket over her knees and her worn Bible in her lap. Jack opened the door further and was surprised to see Jen not only awake but looking luminously beautiful if a little pale. She was reading a magazine in the soft glow of the bedside lamp.
"Hey, pretty lady..." whispered Jack as he stepped into the room.
Jen smiled her wide, perfect smile and sat up further in the bed but whispered, "Do I know you?" She cocked an eyebrow at him and pretended to be puzzled.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to get here. You wouldn't believe..." Jack continued to speak softly in hopes of not disturbing Grams.
"Shut up and come give me a hug."
Jack was all too happy to comply. "I'm so glad you're finally here," whispered Jen in his ear.
"Me too. Me too," whispered Jack back. He sat down on the edge of the bed careful not to squash Jen but she gestured for him to lie down next to her. He kicked off his shoes and did just that. He wrapped an arm around Jen and she snuggled in close. "So, I thought you were having a baby here but you look far too glamorous for that! I expected to find you all red and sweaty and angry..." teased Jack.
"Yeah, well, that part comes later and besides, I was waiting for someone."
Jack kissed the top of her head and felt himself relax. No matter what, he was here and that's all that mattered. "So how ya been?"
-------------------
When Doug finally found parking and got back to the hospital, it was nearly a quarter to three. He stared at the directory in the hospital lobby and tried to make sense of it. The words and numbers swam in front of his tired eyes. Eventually he figured out where he needed to go and headed up to the birthing center on the seventh floor.
Luckily for Doug there had been a shift change at 2:00 a.m. and the formidable Nurse Clayton was gone for the night. "Jen Lindley's room please?"
"And you are?" asked the young nurse now working the front desk.
"Sheriff Doug Witter," he answered out of force of habit.
The nurse looked alarmed, "Are you here to arrest Ms. Lindley for something Sheriff?"
Doug was so tired that the question didn't really make sense. "No..." he shook his head slowly.
"Oh, good. Well unless you're the father, you'll have to come back during visiting hours. That's 11a.m."
"I am the father," said Doug quickly. He hoped he looked like he was telling the truth. "And I'm really, really late." "Oh, well, then ok. Let me check..." The nurse pulled something up on the computer and said, "She's in room 7713, down the hall, to the left, past the atrium." She smiled warmly at Doug and he did his best to grin back but it came out looking kind of guilty and forced.
"Thanks," he walked quickly down the hall.
"Congratulations!" called the nurse after him.
When he got to the room, he stopped outside the partially open door. Jen was having a contraction. Jack and Grams each held one of her hands, which she gripped tightly. Grams smoothed her hair back and Jack encouraged her to do the special Lamaze breathing. Jen groaned and kept her eyes tightly closed. Doug heard a nurse say, "Still only 5 centimeters dilated."
Doug saw Jen's eyes fly open and heard her holler, "How is that even possible?!"
Doug smiled his first genuine smile in several hours and decided to go see if he could find an open gift shop or pharmacy and give the three of them a little more time alone together. He figured in a hospital this big, there had to be at least one.
When he returned twenty minutes later he had nice bouquet of sweetpeas and lilacs as well as a large Mylar balloon that said 'Happy Birthday Sunshine!' The door was closed so he knocked softly. Grams opened the door, "Douglas Witter! How nice to see you! Come in, come in."
Doug stepped into the room and suddenly felt very shy and out of place. But Jen, looking a little tired and flushed, welcomed him with a warm smile, "Doug! Hi! Are those for me?" She reached eagerly for the flowers. Doug happily handed them over and watched delightedly as Jen buried her face in them and inhaled deeply. He tied the balloon to the foot of the bed. "Oh, they smell so good! Thank you! You shouldn't have but I'm glad you did!" She sniffed them again reveling in the fresh, sweet scent.
"I'm glad you like them Jen. How are you doing?" Doug did his best to ignore Jack even though he sat right next to Jen.
"Fine. And then terrible. And then fine again. Apparently that's how this labor thing goes."
"So I hear," chuckled Doug. "You hang in there ok?"
"How'd you get in here Doug?" asked Jack grumpily. He hated the way Doug wouldn't even look at him.
"Jack! Don't be rude!" gasped Jen.
Doug looked sheepish and said "Actually, I told the lady at the front desk I was the baby's father. I hope that's ok? I didn't really know what else to do and it just sort of came out..."
"Ok? That's hilarious! They believed you? Awesome!" laughed Jen.
"Well, at first they thought I was here to arrest you..."
"Oh my god! Even better! How funny would that be? Me leaking amniotic fluid as you lead me away in handcuffs?" Jen's laughter filled the room; Doug and Grams joined in.
But Grams couldn't resist saying, "Jennifer please! Don't be so crude!"
"See Grams, I told you it could be worse - I could be having the baby in the pokey."
The smile faded from Grams face briefly, "Jennifer..." She composed herself and said, "Don't be silly dear," with a smile. But something had changed between the two women and neither Doug nor Jack was sure just what.
"Well, I probably shouldn't stay since I don't want to get anyone in trouble. But I wanted to check in..."
"See you later then," said Jack irritably.
"What are you going to do Doug?" asked Jen as she shot Jack the evil eye. What's his problem anyway? she wondered.
Doug continued to flat out ignore Jack and focused on Jen, "I figured I'd check into a hotel, take a shower, get a little sleep if I can and then come back for regular visiting hours - if that's ok?"
"Of course it's ok! Only there's no reason to go to a hotel - you can crash over at my place. It's not far from here. But be warned it's a bit of a mess." Jen made a face when she realized what an understatement 'a bit of a mess' really was but she kept smiling.
"Thanks but I don't want to impose..."
"You aren't imposing Doug. Really. Just stay out of the bedroom - there was some female-type baby labor business going on in there. Other than that, make yourself at home. I insist. Grams give him the keys would you please?"
Grams rummaged through her bag, scribbled the address on a scrap of paper and handed a set of keys to Doug, "It's on the third floor." She smiled kindly at Doug, "Do get some sleep Douglas, you look exhausted."
"Thanks Mrs. Ryan." Doug glanced briefly at Jack who feigned interest in the monitor Jen was hooked up to. Jack didn't say anything. "Ok then, well I'll see you all later."
Doug left quickly but not so quickly that he didn't hear Jen say, "Ok Jackers, spill it! What's going on between you two?" He momentarily considered staying and listening to Jack's answer but he was too afraid of what he might hear. So he kept walking.
-------------------
When Doug got to Jen's place he was too tired to do anything other than drop his bag in the middle of the living room, fall on the couch and go to sleep. He'd been up for twenty-three hours straight; I'm too old for this, thought Doug right before he conked out.
-------------------
Later, at the hospital Jen was having yet another contraction. "You called him a COWARD?! Gahhhh! Jack! How could you? Oh! Oh! Ahhhhhhhhh! Coward? How STUPID are you? Owwwwwwwww ohhhhhhh! Idiot!" She tried to catch her breath, "That was the WORST possible thing for you to sayyyyyyyyYY!" Jen screamed loud and long. Tears coursed down her face but she couldn't stop lecturing Jack. "Did you apologize? Gahhh ahh ahh. Did you tell him you didn't mean it? No, of course you didn't OHHHH! Stupid! Ah! Ah! Stubborn! Ah! Ah! Don't you remember ohhhhhhh...at all ahhh ah ah... remember at all how scary it was for you? Owwwww!" Jen loose another blood curdling scream, "Is my DOCTOR ever going to join us?"
-------------------
Doug woke to the sound of the phone ringing insistently in his ear. Groggily, he got up and looked for the phone; when he finally located it, he answered it and yawned, "Hello? Uhm, Lindley residence..."
"Doug?" Jack's voice blared through the receiver, "You awake? Jen had the baby!"
"What? Wait, what time is it?" asked Doug wondering exactly how long he had slept.
"It's almost 9. You should see her Doug -- she's amazing. She's healthy and beautiful and really, really pink! She's like a little seashell."
"I can't believe she had the baby already! It seems fast! Is Jen ok?"
"She's great. Tired but great, actually I don't know when I've ever seen her so happy. But yeah, once the active labor and the pushing started it went really fast. Jen disagrees with that of course but Grams, the doctors and I all thought it went really fast. Her eyes are so blue Doug - they say that will change but I don't think so - I can't wait for you to see her!" Jack's happy voice reverberated in Doug's ear. The feeling was infectious and Doug found himself smiling and getting caught up in it all.
"I'll be there at 11 - that's when visiting hours start. Do you need me to bring anything? Some food or...something...whatever...do you need anything?"
"No, no I'm good but thanks. Ok, I gotta go - I gotta call Jen's mom at her hotel and I want to call Andie..."
"Ok, Jack. I'll see you in a few hours. Give Jen a kiss for me...and thanks for calling."
"Sure thing Doug."
Doug hung up the phone but the smile remained on his face. He looked around Jen's apartment and shook his head. It was quite a mess with baby stuff and books and cds everywhere. He shuffled into the kitchen; the sink was full of dirty dishes and the refrigerator contained yogurt, oranges, pre-natal vitamins, a half-eaten box of mini donuts and not much else. He helped himself to an orange and continued his inspection. When he got to the room he was pretty sure was supposed to be the nursery he burst out laughing. Suddenly he knew what he had to do.
First, he needed to call Pacey. Then he'd take a shower. After that? Well, after that there was plenty of work to be done.
-------------------
Pacey hung up the phone and laughed but he didn't dawdle. He needed to get dressed and head over to the restaurant. He had to grab the deposit from last night, run to the bank, find someone to cover for him for the next day or so and pick up some supplies. Then he had more errands to run thanks to Doug's very specific list. On top of that, he really wanted to hit the road by 10:30, 10:45 at the latest. So no, there was zero time to dawdle. There was however, plenty of time to call Jen and voice his approval on a job well done. He pulled on his jeans and dialed the number Doug had given him. He was buttoning his shirt when she answered, "Hey hot mama! I hear you've been busy..."
-------------------
Jack sat in the hall outside Jen's room. She was talking to her doctor and had asked for some privacy. Whatever they were talking about, it seemed to be taking a long time and Jack was getting antsy. Grams had gone home to get some sleep. Jen's mother, Helen, and Doug and would be here as soon as visiting hours started. Finally the doctor came out.
Jack stood up quickly, "Is everything ok Dr. Brustman?"
"Just fine Jack. You can go back on in..." answered Dr. Brustman. She gave him a curious look and smiled faintly, "Congratulations, I hear you're the godfather. You ready for that?"
"Yeah..."
The doctor's pager went off and she excused herself saying, "I'm sorry, I have to go. I'll see you later."
"Sure thing doc," Jack crossed the hall and opened the door to Jen's room. He stood in the doorway and enjoyed the pretty site before him. Jen sat in her bed with the tiny, pink baby in her lap. She was laughing and whispering to the baby, counting her fingers, smoothing the slight blonde fuzz on the small head. To Jack she looked radiant, ethereal and so happy.
Jen looked up and smiled at Jack, "Are you coming in or do you have some place better to be McPhee?"
Jack chuckled, "I can't think of any place better than this Jen." He walked across the room and sat on the edge of the bed. Gently he kissed the baby on the top of her head.
"Jack do you remember that day we left Capeside for New York...right after Grams got sick?"
"Of course I do. Why?"
"Do you remember how I kept saying that everything seemed to be shrinking and I couldn't touch it, couldn't have it any more and I didn't understand why I felt that way? You told me that that was goodbye." Jack nodded but didn't say anything. "This, this feeling it's like the exact opposite of that - it's like the best hello in the world, like my world just expanded into this new wonderful direction." A tear slipped down Jen's cheek but it was a happy tear, "I didn't know...I just didn't know that my heart could feel this big...this open. I'm so happy Jack. So happy. I wouldn't trade this for the world."
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Author's note: Surprise! I thought this chapter might get done fast but I didn't want to promise in case something came up. I hope you like it - I really enjoyed writing it. Chapter 21 should be up sometime next weekend - seriously. I got stuff to do this week :) Thanks for reading and reviewing!
part twenty
"Jack, wake up." Doug shook Jack gently by the shoulder, "We're just about to the city and I need you to tell me where to go."
Jack was surprised to find that he had actually fallen asleep. He cleared his throat, looked around and tried to get his bearings. "Uhm, right. Let's see...we need to get on the West Side Highway and then take the 96th Street exit and go east to Amsterdam...I think that's right. I'll know when we get closer." Jack was grateful he had gone with Jen to a few of her doctor appointments otherwise he would have had no idea where to go.
Doug didn't say anything else; he just kept driving. Jack noticed the tight set of Doug's jaw and frowned slightly. He hadn't meant to make Doug so angry, not when he was doing him such a huge favor. But the fact is, he needs to deal with it, thought Jack defensively. How can he not understand that being afraid and keeping secrets is a million times harder than just accepting it and getting on with life?
Jack tried to break the tension in the car and asked, "What time is it anyway?" He stretched as best he could in the passenger seat. He felt the slight rumblings of a hangover in his head and stomach but tried to ignore it.
"It's just past 1 a.m."
"Wow, you are making good time," said Jack appreciatively. When Doug still didn't respond, he continued, "You must be exhausted."
'I'm fine."
"You want me to drive?"
"I really don't."
Jack nodded and gave up the small talk. He considered calling Gram and Jen again to let them know where he was, but he didn't want to ask Doug for the phone again. So he stared out the window and tried to think about something other than Jen or Doug. I need to remember to call Joey when I get to the hospital and let her know what's going on. Pacey too. He wondered if he should call Dawson out in California. Might as well even though I'll probably just get his voicemail.
-------------------
When they got to the hospital is was twenty to two in the morning. Doug dropped Jack off at the front entrance and went to look for parking. Jack found his way up to the birthing center and stopped at the front desk, "What room is Jen Lindley in please?"
"I'm sorry sir, regular visiting hours are 11a.m. to 8:00 p.m., please come back then." answered the busy nurse without even looking up at him.
Jack didn't even have time to think, he just opened his mouth and said, "But I'm the father!"
The nurse looked up sharply, "Didn't you say Jennifer Lindley?"
"Yes..."
"I'm sorry but it was my understanding," she grabbed a file and flipped through it rapidly, "that there was no involvement from the father in the Lindley case. Yes, it says right here - single mother, grandmother as support." The nurse shot Jack a dirty look, "And yet you claim to be the father?"
Jack swallowed hard, "Yeah, well what can I say? I've been a shit dad so far but I want to change Nurse..." he looked at her badge, "...Clayton. I mean I've still got rights don't I?"
Nurse Clayton pursed her lips but smiled a tight, mean, little smile and said, "Of course you do. Ms. Lindley is in room 7713. Down the hall, to the left, past the atrium. Don't upset her."
"Thank you." Jack walked down the hall and wondered what would happen if they found out he wasn't the father - would he be banned from the hospital? As soon as he turned the corner and was out of sight of the formidable Nurse Clayton, Jack picked up his pace and sprinted down the hall and toward Jen.
-------------------
Doug was having a hell of time finding parking. It seemed most of the hospital-affiliated parking lots were either full or closed until 5:30a.m. He was dead tired but he kept up the slow, methodical search knowing that eventually he'd find something.
-------------------
When he got to Jen's room, Jack paused and took a deep breath. He tried to fix his hair and clothes but he knew he looked like a walking disaster. Maybe it'll make Jen feel better seeing me like this. After all, she's not going to be picture perfect herself! thought Jack with a smile. He slowly and quietly pushed open the door, not wanting to wake her if she was asleep. The first thing he saw was Grams, asleep in a chair, with a blanket over her knees and her worn Bible in her lap. Jack opened the door further and was surprised to see Jen not only awake but looking luminously beautiful if a little pale. She was reading a magazine in the soft glow of the bedside lamp.
"Hey, pretty lady..." whispered Jack as he stepped into the room.
Jen smiled her wide, perfect smile and sat up further in the bed but whispered, "Do I know you?" She cocked an eyebrow at him and pretended to be puzzled.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to get here. You wouldn't believe..." Jack continued to speak softly in hopes of not disturbing Grams.
"Shut up and come give me a hug."
Jack was all too happy to comply. "I'm so glad you're finally here," whispered Jen in his ear.
"Me too. Me too," whispered Jack back. He sat down on the edge of the bed careful not to squash Jen but she gestured for him to lie down next to her. He kicked off his shoes and did just that. He wrapped an arm around Jen and she snuggled in close. "So, I thought you were having a baby here but you look far too glamorous for that! I expected to find you all red and sweaty and angry..." teased Jack.
"Yeah, well, that part comes later and besides, I was waiting for someone."
Jack kissed the top of her head and felt himself relax. No matter what, he was here and that's all that mattered. "So how ya been?"
-------------------
When Doug finally found parking and got back to the hospital, it was nearly a quarter to three. He stared at the directory in the hospital lobby and tried to make sense of it. The words and numbers swam in front of his tired eyes. Eventually he figured out where he needed to go and headed up to the birthing center on the seventh floor.
Luckily for Doug there had been a shift change at 2:00 a.m. and the formidable Nurse Clayton was gone for the night. "Jen Lindley's room please?"
"And you are?" asked the young nurse now working the front desk.
"Sheriff Doug Witter," he answered out of force of habit.
The nurse looked alarmed, "Are you here to arrest Ms. Lindley for something Sheriff?"
Doug was so tired that the question didn't really make sense. "No..." he shook his head slowly.
"Oh, good. Well unless you're the father, you'll have to come back during visiting hours. That's 11a.m."
"I am the father," said Doug quickly. He hoped he looked like he was telling the truth. "And I'm really, really late." "Oh, well, then ok. Let me check..." The nurse pulled something up on the computer and said, "She's in room 7713, down the hall, to the left, past the atrium." She smiled warmly at Doug and he did his best to grin back but it came out looking kind of guilty and forced.
"Thanks," he walked quickly down the hall.
"Congratulations!" called the nurse after him.
When he got to the room, he stopped outside the partially open door. Jen was having a contraction. Jack and Grams each held one of her hands, which she gripped tightly. Grams smoothed her hair back and Jack encouraged her to do the special Lamaze breathing. Jen groaned and kept her eyes tightly closed. Doug heard a nurse say, "Still only 5 centimeters dilated."
Doug saw Jen's eyes fly open and heard her holler, "How is that even possible?!"
Doug smiled his first genuine smile in several hours and decided to go see if he could find an open gift shop or pharmacy and give the three of them a little more time alone together. He figured in a hospital this big, there had to be at least one.
When he returned twenty minutes later he had nice bouquet of sweetpeas and lilacs as well as a large Mylar balloon that said 'Happy Birthday Sunshine!' The door was closed so he knocked softly. Grams opened the door, "Douglas Witter! How nice to see you! Come in, come in."
Doug stepped into the room and suddenly felt very shy and out of place. But Jen, looking a little tired and flushed, welcomed him with a warm smile, "Doug! Hi! Are those for me?" She reached eagerly for the flowers. Doug happily handed them over and watched delightedly as Jen buried her face in them and inhaled deeply. He tied the balloon to the foot of the bed. "Oh, they smell so good! Thank you! You shouldn't have but I'm glad you did!" She sniffed them again reveling in the fresh, sweet scent.
"I'm glad you like them Jen. How are you doing?" Doug did his best to ignore Jack even though he sat right next to Jen.
"Fine. And then terrible. And then fine again. Apparently that's how this labor thing goes."
"So I hear," chuckled Doug. "You hang in there ok?"
"How'd you get in here Doug?" asked Jack grumpily. He hated the way Doug wouldn't even look at him.
"Jack! Don't be rude!" gasped Jen.
Doug looked sheepish and said "Actually, I told the lady at the front desk I was the baby's father. I hope that's ok? I didn't really know what else to do and it just sort of came out..."
"Ok? That's hilarious! They believed you? Awesome!" laughed Jen.
"Well, at first they thought I was here to arrest you..."
"Oh my god! Even better! How funny would that be? Me leaking amniotic fluid as you lead me away in handcuffs?" Jen's laughter filled the room; Doug and Grams joined in.
But Grams couldn't resist saying, "Jennifer please! Don't be so crude!"
"See Grams, I told you it could be worse - I could be having the baby in the pokey."
The smile faded from Grams face briefly, "Jennifer..." She composed herself and said, "Don't be silly dear," with a smile. But something had changed between the two women and neither Doug nor Jack was sure just what.
"Well, I probably shouldn't stay since I don't want to get anyone in trouble. But I wanted to check in..."
"See you later then," said Jack irritably.
"What are you going to do Doug?" asked Jen as she shot Jack the evil eye. What's his problem anyway? she wondered.
Doug continued to flat out ignore Jack and focused on Jen, "I figured I'd check into a hotel, take a shower, get a little sleep if I can and then come back for regular visiting hours - if that's ok?"
"Of course it's ok! Only there's no reason to go to a hotel - you can crash over at my place. It's not far from here. But be warned it's a bit of a mess." Jen made a face when she realized what an understatement 'a bit of a mess' really was but she kept smiling.
"Thanks but I don't want to impose..."
"You aren't imposing Doug. Really. Just stay out of the bedroom - there was some female-type baby labor business going on in there. Other than that, make yourself at home. I insist. Grams give him the keys would you please?"
Grams rummaged through her bag, scribbled the address on a scrap of paper and handed a set of keys to Doug, "It's on the third floor." She smiled kindly at Doug, "Do get some sleep Douglas, you look exhausted."
"Thanks Mrs. Ryan." Doug glanced briefly at Jack who feigned interest in the monitor Jen was hooked up to. Jack didn't say anything. "Ok then, well I'll see you all later."
Doug left quickly but not so quickly that he didn't hear Jen say, "Ok Jackers, spill it! What's going on between you two?" He momentarily considered staying and listening to Jack's answer but he was too afraid of what he might hear. So he kept walking.
-------------------
When Doug got to Jen's place he was too tired to do anything other than drop his bag in the middle of the living room, fall on the couch and go to sleep. He'd been up for twenty-three hours straight; I'm too old for this, thought Doug right before he conked out.
-------------------
Later, at the hospital Jen was having yet another contraction. "You called him a COWARD?! Gahhhh! Jack! How could you? Oh! Oh! Ahhhhhhhhh! Coward? How STUPID are you? Owwwwwwwww ohhhhhhh! Idiot!" She tried to catch her breath, "That was the WORST possible thing for you to sayyyyyyyyYY!" Jen screamed loud and long. Tears coursed down her face but she couldn't stop lecturing Jack. "Did you apologize? Gahhh ahh ahh. Did you tell him you didn't mean it? No, of course you didn't OHHHH! Stupid! Ah! Ah! Stubborn! Ah! Ah! Don't you remember ohhhhhhh...at all ahhh ah ah... remember at all how scary it was for you? Owwwww!" Jen loose another blood curdling scream, "Is my DOCTOR ever going to join us?"
-------------------
Doug woke to the sound of the phone ringing insistently in his ear. Groggily, he got up and looked for the phone; when he finally located it, he answered it and yawned, "Hello? Uhm, Lindley residence..."
"Doug?" Jack's voice blared through the receiver, "You awake? Jen had the baby!"
"What? Wait, what time is it?" asked Doug wondering exactly how long he had slept.
"It's almost 9. You should see her Doug -- she's amazing. She's healthy and beautiful and really, really pink! She's like a little seashell."
"I can't believe she had the baby already! It seems fast! Is Jen ok?"
"She's great. Tired but great, actually I don't know when I've ever seen her so happy. But yeah, once the active labor and the pushing started it went really fast. Jen disagrees with that of course but Grams, the doctors and I all thought it went really fast. Her eyes are so blue Doug - they say that will change but I don't think so - I can't wait for you to see her!" Jack's happy voice reverberated in Doug's ear. The feeling was infectious and Doug found himself smiling and getting caught up in it all.
"I'll be there at 11 - that's when visiting hours start. Do you need me to bring anything? Some food or...something...whatever...do you need anything?"
"No, no I'm good but thanks. Ok, I gotta go - I gotta call Jen's mom at her hotel and I want to call Andie..."
"Ok, Jack. I'll see you in a few hours. Give Jen a kiss for me...and thanks for calling."
"Sure thing Doug."
Doug hung up the phone but the smile remained on his face. He looked around Jen's apartment and shook his head. It was quite a mess with baby stuff and books and cds everywhere. He shuffled into the kitchen; the sink was full of dirty dishes and the refrigerator contained yogurt, oranges, pre-natal vitamins, a half-eaten box of mini donuts and not much else. He helped himself to an orange and continued his inspection. When he got to the room he was pretty sure was supposed to be the nursery he burst out laughing. Suddenly he knew what he had to do.
First, he needed to call Pacey. Then he'd take a shower. After that? Well, after that there was plenty of work to be done.
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Pacey hung up the phone and laughed but he didn't dawdle. He needed to get dressed and head over to the restaurant. He had to grab the deposit from last night, run to the bank, find someone to cover for him for the next day or so and pick up some supplies. Then he had more errands to run thanks to Doug's very specific list. On top of that, he really wanted to hit the road by 10:30, 10:45 at the latest. So no, there was zero time to dawdle. There was however, plenty of time to call Jen and voice his approval on a job well done. He pulled on his jeans and dialed the number Doug had given him. He was buttoning his shirt when she answered, "Hey hot mama! I hear you've been busy..."
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Jack sat in the hall outside Jen's room. She was talking to her doctor and had asked for some privacy. Whatever they were talking about, it seemed to be taking a long time and Jack was getting antsy. Grams had gone home to get some sleep. Jen's mother, Helen, and Doug and would be here as soon as visiting hours started. Finally the doctor came out.
Jack stood up quickly, "Is everything ok Dr. Brustman?"
"Just fine Jack. You can go back on in..." answered Dr. Brustman. She gave him a curious look and smiled faintly, "Congratulations, I hear you're the godfather. You ready for that?"
"Yeah..."
The doctor's pager went off and she excused herself saying, "I'm sorry, I have to go. I'll see you later."
"Sure thing doc," Jack crossed the hall and opened the door to Jen's room. He stood in the doorway and enjoyed the pretty site before him. Jen sat in her bed with the tiny, pink baby in her lap. She was laughing and whispering to the baby, counting her fingers, smoothing the slight blonde fuzz on the small head. To Jack she looked radiant, ethereal and so happy.
Jen looked up and smiled at Jack, "Are you coming in or do you have some place better to be McPhee?"
Jack chuckled, "I can't think of any place better than this Jen." He walked across the room and sat on the edge of the bed. Gently he kissed the baby on the top of her head.
"Jack do you remember that day we left Capeside for New York...right after Grams got sick?"
"Of course I do. Why?"
"Do you remember how I kept saying that everything seemed to be shrinking and I couldn't touch it, couldn't have it any more and I didn't understand why I felt that way? You told me that that was goodbye." Jack nodded but didn't say anything. "This, this feeling it's like the exact opposite of that - it's like the best hello in the world, like my world just expanded into this new wonderful direction." A tear slipped down Jen's cheek but it was a happy tear, "I didn't know...I just didn't know that my heart could feel this big...this open. I'm so happy Jack. So happy. I wouldn't trade this for the world."
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Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine
Little one when you play
Don't you mind what you say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine
If they knew sweet little you
They'd end up loving you too
All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for
The right to hold you
From your head to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But you're so precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine
-- Baby Mine
- By N.Washington/F.Churchill
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine
Little one when you play
Don't you mind what you say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine
If they knew sweet little you
They'd end up loving you too
All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for
The right to hold you
From your head to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But you're so precious to me
Cute as can be, baby of mine
-- Baby Mine
- By N.Washington/F.Churchill
Author's note: Surprise! I thought this chapter might get done fast but I didn't want to promise in case something came up. I hope you like it - I really enjoyed writing it. Chapter 21 should be up sometime next weekend - seriously. I got stuff to do this week :) Thanks for reading and reviewing!