November 29th, 2004

Week 36

When snow fell, The ER began to become slow. Apparently no one felt like hurting himself or herself in weather like this. Luka didn't mind.

"Catch." Frank threw an ace bandage roll at Luka. He caught it and stared oddly at it, "We're playing Bandage Ball."

"Oh right." Luka smiled.

"Something wrong?" Frank asked.

"You don't want to hear my problems." Luka threw the bandage to Malik and walked down the hallway.

"I'll be right back guys." Frank followed Luka. Normally he wouldn't care how Luka was feeling, but being a father himself, he could tell the nervousness signs. "How's Susan doing?" Luka glanced at Frank.

"She's great." He said going into the supply closet.

"And you?" Frank asked. Luka glanced at him. He knew where he was going with this.

"I'm fine. A little anxious I guess...and scared." He said, "But it'll be fine." Frank nodded.

"Yeah. It'll be just fine." He said, "And if you need anything, you can holler for me." Luka smiled softly.

"Thank you. That means a lot coming from you." He said.

"I thought it might, but don't tell anyone that I'm nice." Frank winked leaving Luka alone. Luka shook his head. Sometimes days got weird. He leaned against the wall. He really was more than anxious. He was scared. He wouldn't loose this baby. He couldn't loose this baby.

"Luka?" Susan stuck her head into the closet. Luka jumped.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"I was antsy and I need to walk." She said rubbing her stomach.

"In the middle of a snowstorm?" He took her hand and led her to the admit desk, "I'll get you some hot chocolate. You're frozen."

"Luka, I'm fine." Susan said.

"You can't do this, Susan." Luka said, "You're about to give birth."

"And?" Susan crossed her arms.
"You're in trouble, Dr. K." Morris chuckled looking at the charts. Luka narrowed his eyes.
"Go away. Go far far away." Luka said.
"I'm looking for a patient." Morris said.

"There's a bowel impaction in five." Luka told him, "Go do that."

"Luka, what's your problem?" Susan asked.

"You have four weeks left until your due date." Luka said as if Susan didn't know. "It's snowing outside. Did you at least take the El." Susan narrowed her eyes.
"I took the El but I got off a stop early." Susan said, "I wanted to go for a walk and it's no big deal if I go into labour right now. I'm far enough a long where the baby will be okay."

"That's so irresponsible of you!" Luka cried.

"Oh my god. Don't be so over protective! I'm sorry that your family died, Luka! But that's no reason to take it out on me!!!" Susan snapped pulling her achy body up. Luka stood there staring at her. Susan sighed, "I'm sorry."

"No. You're right." he said, "I care too much about your well being. I shouldn't. That's what you're saying."

"No it's not." She said, "I just want you to know, I will be fine. The baby will be fine. You don't have to worry."

"It's hard not to worry." Luka admitted.
"I know." Susan touched his cheek, "but try, for me, okay?"

"Okay." Luka muttered. It'd be hard to not worry about Susan or the kids. He was afraid of loosing them like his other family. He had to try to remember to not voice his concerns as much.

December 13th, 2004

Week 38

She was a whale. She was a frigging beached whale. That's what Susan felt like. She had gained so much weight in the past two weeks she thought she was going to pop. Frankly, she wanted to.

"Mommy, I'm hungry." Suzie bounced on her feet.

"So am I." She said. "Want some ham sandwiches?" Suzie nodded. Susan waddled to the kitchen with Suzie.

"Santa is coming soon." Suzie said. Susan nodded, "He's gonna get me tons and tons of presents."

"As long as You've been a good girl this year." He said.

"I know. I have been." Suzie said.

"How so?" She asked getting some bread out.

"Well, the other day Tessa and Kate were colouring on Aunt Carol's table and I told on them." Suzie said.

"Well. tattling isn't a very nice thing to do either." Susan said. Suzie groaned loudly.

"But I saved her table." She said.

"Very true." Susan chuckled. Suzie watched Susan dress up the sandwiches. "I think Santa will be very good to you."

"Can we make him a sandwich?" Suzie asked.

"You don't want to leave him some cookies?" Susan frowned slightly.

"No." Suzie said, "Imagine how sick he's gonna feel? Everyone is gonna feed him cookies. I'm gonna get him something healthy. We don't want him having a heart attack." Susan laughed.

"Very well. You're smart." She said. "What kind do you want to make him?" Suzie thought for a moment.

"I think a ham sandwich with potato chips would be cool. Maybe some soda." She said, "Do you think he's like that?"

"I think Santa would absolutely love it." Susan said putting Suzie's sandwich on a plate. "Okay, sit and eat."

"Okay." Suzie took the plate and sat at the kitchen table. "How come Luka works a lot?"

"Cause we need money to buy food." Susan said easing herself down in a chair. "And you need to wear clothes."

"I could go naked." She said. Susan laughed softly.

"I love you, but I don't want to see that." Susan said. Suzie rolled her eyes as she munched on her sandwich.

"I love living here." She said.

"Why is that?" Susan asked her.

"Cause I get food." Suzie licked the mayo off of her lips. Susan sighed softly, "And hugs."

"Your mother loves you, Suzie." Susan asked.

"I know you do." She giggled.

"Susan." Susan said softly. Suzie looked at her, "I'm serious. Chloe loves you. That's why she let you live here and that's why she let Luka and I legally be your mom and dad." Suzie sighed slightly glancing out the window.

"I know that." Suzie said, "I just...I love it here more." Susan smiled.

"I'm glad you do baby. So does Luka." She said. She was glad Suzie loved living her. Frankly, Susan was thankful, but she just wanted to scream sometimes. She wanted to scream at Chloe. How could anyone treat a beautiful little girl badly?

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