Hearts are Wild
Disclaimer and Author's Note: This chapter has been in the works for a while, but due to heavy workloads and, recently, a lost love, I haven't had the heart for writing. Now, I'm going to get back to it and hopefully be more faithful. So, I don't own Outlaw Star. Enjoy the story!
Chapter 3 – Three of a Kind"TWINS!" Jim screamed into the telephone. Aisha and Suzuka watched him curiously.
"That's right, Jim." Gene spoke from the other end. "Dr. Chatrelle says that sometimes, particularly in construct chemistry, things can be overlooked."
"That's incredible!" Jim said. Gene heard another voice talking to Jim. Jim responded before returning to the speaker.
"Suzuka and Aisha are gonna see if they can find another bed set for the room. I think we have enough room for two babies, but we might have to consider a different plan when they're older."
"Thanks, Jim." Gene said. He hadn't thought about the need for two beds. "But have them hold off on any blankets or toys. At least until we know if we'll have two boys or two girls."
"Gotcha." Jim said. "You'd better get back to Mel."
"Right. I'll call you when we deliver." Gene said and hung the phone up. He returned to the room where a nurse was caring for Melfina. Dr. Chatrelle had stepped out to check on a few more patients and returned 5 minutes later.
"Okay, we've got room 3 squared away for delivery. Gene, you'll need to get yourself prepped. The nurse will give you the scrubs you'll need. Melfina, these two aides will take you down to the delivery room and get you set up. Okay, folks, let rock and roll."
Gene watched Melfina as she was gently lifted onto a gurney and rolled down the hall. The nurse handed him a green smock, cap and covering for his shoes. She then tied a mask around his neck.
"Just head down that hall and make a right. They should be at the elevators."
Gene caught up with them just as the elevator arrived. As they boarded and pressed the buttons, Melfina was breathing steadily, but she seemed to be doing so in a great deal of pain. And her eyes were filled with anxious fear. Gene stroked her cheek and gave it a small pinch.
"Don't worry." he said fondly. "You'll be just fine."
"I know." Melfina smiled back. "Doesn't mean that I'm not still nervous."
As the doors opened, Melfina was quickly rolled down to the room and helped into the bed. She was again hooked up to the machine that monitored her life signs, as well as those of her babies. Gene watched intently, trying to understand the various numbers and data. The aide grinned at him.
"This red line is the blood pressure of Melfina," he said. "This one monitors her heart rate. These two lines here are the babies' hearts. We're also going to hook up a line to monitor brain waves."
Melfina soon looked something like a radio. She hissed in pain and Gene was strongly reminded of radio static.
"Hey, see if she picks up any stations." Gene joked. Melfina glared at him.
"Sorry." Gene smiled and kissed her forehead. Melfina rolled her eyes and breathed through another contraction.
"Okay, Melfina, you're almost fully dilated." Dr. Chatrelle said. "A few more minutes and we can start pushing."
Melfina gave another hiss of pain and let out a whimper.
"Isn't there something you can do for her pain?" Gene asked. He'd never felt so helpless.
"At this point, it wouldn't be effective in time. She'll have given birth long before it would kick in."
"It's okay, Gene." Melfina said in a breathy voice. "I'm okay, really."
"Okay, Melfina, on the next contraction, I want you to push, just like I showed you."
The next contraction hit and Melfina gave a great push. Gene watched and began to breath with her as she prepared for another push. Two pushes later and Dr. Chatrelle announced that she could see the head.
"One more push, Melfina!" Gene said. "Almost there. Come on. You can do it."
Melfina pushed again and gasped as her first child came out into the world.
"It's a boy!" Imara cried out. "Just listen to that voice!"
The sound of newborn cries filled the room. Gene stared in wonder at the tiny person in the nurses' arms. Black hair and pale skin and a tiny mouth opened in a scream. Gene had to force himself back to reality. Melfina still had one more birth.
"Okay, Melfina, the other one isn't far behind. Give another push and we should be able to see the head."
"I'm so tired." Melfina said. "I can't."
"Melfina, you have to." Gene said. He looked into her eyes. "You can do anything. I know you can. Come on. Do it."
Melfina pushed down again and Imara gave a shout of surprise.
"Look at all that hair!"
Gene looked down and saw a wild mass of red hair.
"One more push, Mel." Gene said and Melfina screamed as she gave one final push.
"It's a girl!" Imara shouted. "Look at this beautiful little thing."
The nurse took the baby to join her brother. Gene saw the red hair falling in dark curls against soft pale skin. She cried just as loudly as her brother.
"Baby boy is 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Baby girl is 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Both are 30 inches long."
Melfina was sobbing with joy as she watched her children get washed and wrapped in blankets. Gene felt hot tears roll down his cheeks as the nurse laid his son and daughter beside his wife.
"What will you name them?" Imara said. She was grinning and crying.
"Our son's name is Jack Dillon Starwind. Our daughter's name is Crystal Lily Starwind."
Melfina smiled up at Gene and he bent down to kiss her. Then he kissed each tiny head in turn.
"You're my family." Gene said in awe. "I have a family."
"You always did." Melfina said as she tweaked his cheek. They laughed together as the nurse wrapped the ID bracelets around each baby's wrist. The twin's seemed to understand that they were with their parents and that they were safe. They began to suckle at their mother's breasts and Gene watched in wonder before going out to call Jim and the others to tell them the news.
Jim poked his head in the room. Melfina was sitting up nursing Jack while Gene rocked Crystal
"Hey there." Gene said as he looked up to the door. Jim came in nervously.
"Jim, meet your niece and nephew." Melfina said. Jim peered down at the tiny faces.
"They're so little." he said. "I hope that they won't get hurt on what I bought them."
"Jim, you didn't need to do that." Gene said.
"No, every baby needs one." Jim returned and pulled two teddy bears from behind his back. One was white and the other brown and both nearly as large at the babies themselves.
"Let's let Jack take the first pick." Gene suggested.
"Excuse me." Melfina said. "But isn't it supposed to be 'ladies' first'?"
"Pardon me." Gene said and bowed to his daughter. "Okay, young lady, take your pick."
Jim held out the two bears to the baby girl. Crystal didn't do anything for a moment, but then her hand gave a small twitch and touched the brown bear.
"We'll call that her choice." Melfina laughed softly. Jim placed the white bear by Jack. Gene suddenly noticed the absence of Suzuka and Aisha.
"Aisha and Suzuka are out buying baby stuff for the nursery." Jim explained. "They wanted to get some nice sheets and blankets for the cribs. I told them nothing too over the top…and not the whole "pink and blue" nonsense either."
"So we got red and navy." Suzuka said as she and Aisha came in the room. They carried flowers for Melfina and a few packages that no doubt carried the bedclothes. Jim rolled his eyes.
"I'm sure everything is just fine." Melfina said. "Meet our twins, Jack and Crystal."
Suzuka broke all emotionless behavior and began to coo softly at the little boy while Suzuka nosed gently at the little girl.
"Children, this is your family." Gene said. "They're a little weird and sort of out of the ordinary, but they're the best."
Gene gently joined Melfina on her hospital bed to give Crystal a better view.
"Uncle Jim is a first rate mechanic, so if any of your little toys break down, be sure to see him." Gene said. Jim grinned as his cheeks reddened.
"These two ladies are your Aunt Suzuka and Aisha." Melfina said. "They'll teach you how to stand up for yourself and use what you are to be strong."
"And, kids, this is your mom." Gene said, smiling fondly at Melfina. "She'll teach you how to love and respect everyone and everything in the world."
"And this is your dad." Melfina giggled. "He'll teach you how to make the world respect you."
Everyone laughed quietly as the twins drifted off into a contented sleep.
Birth Announcements
Shotriye Space Station rejoices with local mechanic business "Starwind and Hawking" as two more workers join the company.
Jack Dillon Starwind, 8 lbs, 6 oz. and Crystal Lily Starwind, 8 lbs, 3 oz.
Mother, Melfina Starwind, doing well.
Father, Gene Starwind, expected to hand out cigars with each job.
"So, Melfina is a mother." an ugly whining voice hissed as the birth announcement rolled past his eyes.
"What do you think, little brother?" a deeper voice rumbled.
"I think, Ron, that you and I are going to have to make a stop soon in Shotriye Space Station. After all, we should congratulate the new parents. If we didn't, imagine what people would think of our name."
"Yeah, Harry." Ron rumbled with a twisted smile. "We can't let it be said the McDougall Brothers lacked style."
To Be Continued
Okay, the story is going to pick up in the coming chapters. But I hope you're enjoying it so far. Next chapter will be up as soon as I can get it up.
Stay cool minna! From here on in, this will be fun!
