AUTHOR'S NOTE: THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS GUYS AND THANKS JACKIE FOR BEING MY BETA
CHAPTER 44
SPECIAL DELIVERY
November 3, 2003
3:27am
Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville Memorial Hospital
"Jarod, I'm too early!" A worried Morgan said as she was wheeled into the ER, Jarod's hand in hers.
"It will be all right, Morgan, I promise. Twins usually come early." Jarod said, as he brushed a strand of damp hair away from her face.
"Dr. Russell, do you intend on assisting with this delivery?" A nurse asked.
"Yes, I do."
"Then you need to go scrub up." The nurse replied.
"I'll be right back," Jarod said kissing his wife on her forehead.
"Hurry." Morgan said
"I will. Listen, Chris is bringing the kids."
"Just ours?"
"Yeah, but Nick and Ethan are coming too. Nick already called your Dad, Jon and Sam. They'll be here as soon as they can."
"Doctor Russell," The Nurse said impatiently.
"I'm going," Jarod said, as he squeezed his wife's hand reassuringly and turned to leave.
Four hours and a difficult delivery later, Morgan gave birth to two identical boys. To be on the safe side they were placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, otherwise known as the NICU. Morgan exhausted from the birth, fell asleep shortly after holding her boys. After his wife was soundly asleep, Jarod went to the waiting room to find his brothers and Nick, along with the rest of his children. Peter was asleep in Will's lap; Alex was sitting in her older sister's lap. In between Will and Alley sat Aaron and Andros. The five children, who were awake, looked extremely worried.
"Dad, are Mom and the twins alright?" Will asked his father as soon as he saw him.
"All three of them are fine. Your mother is resting. The twins were taken to the NICU."
"What!" Alley cried waking a sleeping Peter. "I thought you said that they were okay."
"They are, Alyssa," Jarod said placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "They just took the boys there as a precaution. They were born a month earlier than planed."
"When can we see them?" Aaron asked his father.
"You can see your mother now. Unfortunately children are not allowed in the NICU. Chris, Alley and Will can go in because they're old enough but you four can't. I'm sorry," Jarod told the children.
"That sucks," Andros muttered.
"I know, but the four of you can look at them through the glass, if it's any consolation."
"When?" Alex asked.
"How 'bout now?" Jarod replied.
"Perfect," Alex answered.
"They're so small." Will said as he and his family watched the sleeping twins. The babies, like their older brothers and sisters, had a mop of dark brown hair.
"Think that they're gonna keep their blue eyes?" Alley asked.
"Of course they are. All of us have blue eyes."
"That doesn't mean anything Will," Alley replied. "You of all people should know how genetics work."
"Fine then. Alley, I bet you this week's allowance that they keep their blue eyes." Will said to his sister.
"I didn't disagree with you, Will, I just said that there is a chance that they won't."
"Chicken." Will muttered under his breath which was soon followed by a cry of pain as Alley punched him in the arm.
"Cool it you two." Jarod said.
"Dad how much do they weigh?" Aaron asked his father.
"Five pounds, six ounces and five pounds, eight ounces." Jarod replied and the triplets began to laugh deviously. "Don't tell me the three of you started a bet on how much your brothers would weigh."
"Okay, we won't." Andros said, and his father sighed.
"Don't you three know you're suppose to use your powers for good?" Chris said. "It like Spider-man says 'With great power comes great responsibility'."
"What's the point of havin' an Inner-sense and not using it to your advantage every now and then?" Alex said.
"Um, why don't we talk about this when we get home?" Ethan suggested
"You aren't gonna give us a lecture on personal gain, are you? Cause if you are then we could just watch an episode of Charmed." Aaron said. Jarod once again sighed.
"Anyway, have the six of you picked out a name for your baby brothers?" Jarod asked in an attempt to change the topic.
"Yup." Peter said from Will's arms.
"Well, tell me because we can't keep calling them Baby Russell one and two," Jarod replied.
"Well, Zane Jason Christian Russell for the first one," Will said.
"And Gabriel Jack Elijha Russell foe the second." Alley finished.
"Zane and Gabe, very nice," Jarod commented.
"I'll be right back." Jarod told the group. The pretender walked into the NICU and wrote the tins names on the back of the cards and then went to rejoin his family. "Why don't we go and see your mother? Chris, Ethan, Nick I'd hate to ask but..."
"No worries, Jar. We'll watch over the twins." Chris told his brother.
"Thanks little brother." Jarod replied. Jarod then took his six eldest children to see their mother.
He slowly opened the door and put a finger to his lips. Quietly the seven of them walked into the room.
"Hello beautiful." Jarod whispered into his wife's ear.
Morgan opened her eyes and smiled at her husband.
"You know that epidural thing was wonderful, can I have another?" She said and the children giggled. "I know that sound. Where are my babies?"
The children walked over to their mother; Peter now in Alley's arms.
"Hey Momma." Will said. "How are you feelin'?"
"I'm fine, Sweetheart. Considering I just pushed two objects the size of small watermelons through a hole the size of a quarter." Morgan told her son. Will smiled at her weakly.
"Hey, Baby, what's wrong?" Morgan asked her son.
"Nothing, I was just worried. That's all."
"Come here and give your mother a hug." Morgan told her son as she sat up. Will complied. "You know that I'm okay, but I think that the better question is are you okay?"
"I was so scared Mom. I thought that..."
"Hush Baby, I'm okay and so are your brothers."
"I know." Will said releasing his mother.
"Speaking of the twins, Momma, they have names now." Alley said.
"Really and just what have you all decided to name your little brothers?"
"Zane Jason Christian Russell, and Gabriel Jack Elijha Russell." Aaron told her.
"Very nice." Morgan commented and the children laughed.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing Momma, it's just that Daddy said the same thing." Andros told his mother.
"Well, I guess that your Daddy is rubbing off on me." Morgan said. At that moment a doctor knocked on the door.
"Hello, I'm Doctor Smith. I just wanted to let you know that your boys are doing fine. They should be out of the NICU tomorrow."
"Thank you Doctor." Jarod replied.
"You're welcome. And might I say you and your wife have a beautiful family."
"Feel free to." Alex told him with a sly grin. Will elbowed her in the side.
"What?" She whispered. Will just gave her a look.
"Anyway, have a nice night."
"But it's morning." Alex said confused.
"Alexandra." Will hissed under his breath.
"You have a nice night too, Doctor." Jarod replied.
November 5, 2003
7:54:am
Charlottesville, Virginia
Russell Family Home
Two days later, Zane and Gabe were brought home. They were fawned over by everyone. Surprisingly Adam took an immediate liking to the twins. He jumped at every opportunity to help with the twins. By helping take care of the boys Adam was healing. It did not bother Peter in the slightest that his closest friend spent much of his time with the twins. Peter realized that it was what Adam needed.
The week that the twins were brought home Will and Alley begged their parents to let them take a week off from school but their parents refused. Morgan told the twins that the last thing she need were two more children in the house during the day. Will and Alley understood and reluctantly went to school each day. With the twins now home thirty-one people were living in the house. Nick and Emily were talking about finding their own place close by and they weren't the only ones. Charles, too, was considering moving out of the mansion. Others thought about moving out, but because the Black Files were so inseparable, it was impossible.
Jarod loved being a new father. Not even the 2 A.M. feedings or dirty diapers bothered him. He reveled in every moment. Morgan was grateful for her husband. After the twins were brought home, Jarod took a month off from work to help Morgan around the house.
The children looked after one another. Will and Alley had pretty much taken over the household. They had made schedules for each person giving them certain days to do such chores as washing clothes, and cleaning around the house. The eldest twins made sure that their mother, Emily, and Jen were all getting the rest that they needed. When the four eldest children were at school and every one else was at work, Jake was in charge.
Each morning Jake and his companions would set out after breakfast and tend to the stables. Afterwards they would prepare lunch and then do whatever chores were needed around the house. When they had a free moment, the children kept in contact with Bailey and his team who were looking for leads on Margaret.
December was a month of new discoveries for the former Centre projects. Though they had seen such things as Christmas gifts and snow, they had never been given the opportunity to experience the festivities first hand. Realizing this, the adults went all out for Christmas. Charles took the children to a tree farm were they were able to cut down their own tree. Nick, Ethan, Jarod, and Lex took turns taking the children shopping for gifts. Julia, Morgan, Jen and Emily helped the children make the house festive for the holidays.
The adults had gone to great lengths to make the holiday one that the children would never forget. And it was all because of one little phone call.
December 22, 2003
4: 16pm
Charlottesville, Virginia
Russell Family Home
Jarod reach from the phone as he juggled Zane in one arm and warmed a baby bottle up.
"Hello?" Jarod said answering the phone.
"May I speak to Jarod?" Came a man's voice.
"This is he." Jarod replied
"Jarod, it's Bailey."
"Bailey how are you?" Jarod asked pulling the bottle out of the boiling water.
"I'm doing good Jarod, and you?" Bailey asked.
"I'm fine. Hold on one second?" Jarod asked as he shifted Zane around. "Okay, I'm back."
"So how's fatherhood treating you?"
"Just fine. In fact, I'm feeding Zane right now."
"And the triplets, how are they?"
"They haven't had any nightmares about Willard. At least none that they've told us about." Jarod told the agent. "So, not to be rude or anything but what are you really calling me about?
"We think we have a lead on your mother." Jarod dropped the baby bottle in shock and Zane began to cry. Still in shock Jarod grabbed the bottle from off the floor and stuck it in the baby's mouth with out washing it off.
"That's – are you sure?"
"A woman fitting her description was sighted in Bangor, Maine. I didn't want to send in any agents and take the chance of frightening her. Besides I think you'd want the honor of bring your mother home in time for Christmas."
"How sure are you that it's her?"
"Ninety-nine point nine nine."
"Um what do I..." Jarod faltered at a lost for words.
"I'll send a plane for you tomorrow. And I'll fly out there with you."
"Bailey, I don't know how to thank you."
"You can thank me when we bring your mother home. In the mean time I'm going to keep some men posted near your mother's house."
"Bailey, thank you." Jarod said shaking his head in disbelief.
"Think of it as the FBI's Christmas gift to your family."
"Uh, what time do I need to be at the airport?"
"Say eightish."
"That works for me."
"Are you going to tell your family."
"No, I want it to be a surprise."
"What are you going to tell them?"
"I need to go on an emergency pretend for a day or two."
"Are they going to believe it?"
"Probably not. Morgan definitely won't. And the kids probably knew that this was going to happen five days ago. Any way I'll see you tomorrow, Bailey. And thanks again."
"You're welcome, Jarod." Bailey said and the two hung up their respective phones.
December 23, 2003
6:45am
Charlottesville, Virginia
Russell Family Home
"So you're really not going to tell me where you're going?" Morgan asked her husband as he kissed the twins who were mercifully still asleep.
"In a word...no."
"Jarod..."
"Morgan, I promise you I'm not placing myself in any danger. Look, if it makes you feel any better I'm going to go and pick up a Christmas present."
"We bought enough presents." Morgan said tersely.
"This one you can't buy."
"Jarod what are you..." Morgan stopped and stared at her husband.
"Oh. My. God." Morgan said slowly. "You found..."
Jarod quickly placed a hand over her mouth. Morgan looked at him inquisitively.
"It's a surprise. I don't want for the kids to overhear."
"Jarod, they probably already know."
"I know," Jarod sighed. "But still I want for it to be a surprise just in case they don't know."
"How did you find her?" Morgan asked her husband.
"Bailey called yesterday."
"That explains why you looked like the cat that ate the cannery. So are you excited?"
Jarod let out a nervous laugh and ran a hand through his hair. "More like nervous. I could barely sleep last night. Do you think she'll like me?
Morgan laughed at her husband and kissed him on the cheek. "How did you feel when you met the kids for the first time? Even before you knew they were ours."
"I fell in love with Alex instantly. I didn't understand it then."
"And you didn't even know she was yours. Your mom loved you before the Centre took you, and she still loves you. I'm certain of it. Hell, if I could love you after everything you've done to me over the years how could she not? Now I know you don't plan on wearing that when you go meet your mother do you?"
"What's wrong with this?" Jarod asked looking at his attire.
"Nothing except for the baby vomit on your shoulder." Morgan replied over her shoulder. "Here, wear this."
She passed him a royal blue button-up shirt, and a pair of black slacks. "These are vomit free."
Jarod quickly dressed and kissed his wife good-bye.
"Oh, Mr. Russell," Morgan called after her husband.
"Yes."
"If you miss Christmas...I will shoot you in the leg." Morgan threatened.
"I thought it was my knee." Jarod grinned over his shoulder.
"Tell the kids you're leaving or else they'll be pissed." Morgan told him. Jarod made a beeline for the kid's rooms. Surprisingly they were all still asleep. He kissed each of them good-bye and then left for the airport.
December 23,2003
11:37am
Bangor, Maine
Home of Margaret Russell
Jarod stood on the steps of his Mother's home and felt more nervous than he ever believed possible. He now understood how Alley felt when she arrived home and was in awe of her strength. For the past five minutes, Jarod had stood outside of his mother's door unable to bring himself to knock on the door.
Unable to stand it any longer Bailey got out of his car, walked up the steps, and knock three times on the door. The agent then returned to his car. Before Bailey knocked on the door, Jarod was unable to believe that he could feel any more anxious. But now his palms were sweating and he felt as though a group of butterflies decided to have a gathering in his stomach.
Jarod finally heard the sound of footsteps approach the door. The door opened and to Jarod it took an eternity. It is hard to say who was more in shock, Jarod or his mother. Both stared at one another for a good two minutes before speaking a word. It was the sound of gunshots that brought them out of their reverie.
She laughs maniacally at her evil cliffhanger. She then feels the gaze of angry readers on her and quickly composes herself and nervously begins to laugh as they all pull out blunt object.
I cry a thousand pardons for the cliffhanger but I couldn't stop myself. Please don't hate me. Besides as Pretender Fanatic pointed out to me earlier it wouldn't be any good if Jarod found his mother and they just had one happy reunion with lots and lots of tears. Look at it this way I was just gonna have Bailey and Rachael show up Christmas morning with Margaret in tow. I think that this version is better.
Now those of you who aren't extremely pissed with me fell free to review. And hey those of you who are can review too.