SO WE COULD BE TOGETHER…
Chapter 24
« New York, New York »
Candy left for New York with Terry. He had bought a house. House? A palace was more like it! Candy had been very tired with Junior; she couldn't do the trip to visit the houses. The doctors had advised her to rest. Terry was little disappointed, but his wife and baby's health passed before everything. To know her with her parents, peacefully in her family, resting and getting pampered, reassured him. Candy in fact was doing nothing, aside washing getting dressed, eat, talk, sleep … and missing her husband. Her parents and the employees were taking care of her. And her belly was growing peacefully. Terry had bought her pictures of the palace hoping she will like it.
Roxanne's belly was growing too. But she did everything not to show it. Candy and Nathan knew about it, but not the others. She was taking Candy to the doctor and was doing her own consultation.
Candy and Terry finally arrived at their place. The house, the palace was huge!
- Terry! My God, it's big, it's huge…
- I know my darling, think about the children we're going to have after Junior and our families and friends will come and see us, we need space for everybody. Don't worry for the cleaning; I have an army of employees… you will be spoiled for the moment. You have to rest. My Juliet darling, you're my queen, you will have everything you need.
- Oh Terry… thank you my love.
They arrived in front of the door. A butler opened the door; all the employees were there in line, to greet them. Terry carried his wife through the threshold, since she was entering their house for the first time. Candy burst out laughing.
- Terry! She said laughing
- It's the tradition said Terry
He presented his wife to the staff that were looking at them smiling. The young couple was very much in love, all you had to do his look at them to see it. Candy was happy to be able to rest, in reality; she was getting more and more tired.
- You like the house Candy? Asked Terry
- It's wonderful Terry, really
- How are you? The trip didn't tire you too much?
- Junior is getting bigger…
- Yes, I liked my bride with her big belly… you're very beautiful, honey…
- You say that to please me, I'm fat…
- Honey, even when you're old without any teeth, you'll always be the most beautiful woman for me…
- Thanks honey said Candy smiling
- I'm going give the tour of the house, and then you'll take a long warm bath.
He showed her the house that had 3 big leaving rooms, one big dining room, a terrace transformed into a glass leaving room, a library and study, there was a little kitchen on the main floor and a big one in the basement with the staff's quarters. On the first floor there was 7 bedrooms with individual bathroom and another small leaving room for the family. Behind the house there was a big garden and a swimming pool.
- Terry, it's wonderful….
- You can decorate the rooms as you like
- After Junior anyway…
- It's like you belly is growing as we see it… maybe you're having twins…
- Twins…?
- Yes, you're a twin, and according to doctors, you have twice the chance of having twins than anybody
- Twins? Repeated Candy, well I hope that if I have twins, I get a girl and a boy, so I'll kill two birds with one stone!
They went in their bedroom to change. The maid undid the luggage. The bedroom was the master bedroom and the biggest; there was a little room close to it that Terry had transformed into his study and another that candy will transformed into a nursery for the baby, the furniture was white, Louis the XIV style, very elegant and there was the biggest bed Candy had ever seen!
- Where did you find this bed? It's huge!
- It's a king's bed, isn't it?
- Six people or more can sleep on it…
- I don't need six people or more… you're enough for me, you know! Mrs. Freckles…
Candy burst out laughing.
- You want to try it now? Asked Candy
- You're not tired?
- I missed my husband, especially being pregnant and all…
- So, it's true what they say about pregnant women and their insatiable appetite…
- Yes …
- How did you do it all those months?
- Let's just say, I was very happy to be with my parents ….
- Oh Freckles… so you're telling me that you want me because you're pregnant?
- To be honest with you… yes!
- That's flattering…he joked
- You're responsible for my condition…come on, you know I love you… but for now, let me show you how much I missed you darling
- I think I'm going to love having a pregnant woman in my bed every night….
- I sure hope so, because, you're stuck with me, honey! She said taking his lips….
Time passed and Candy was adapting to her new life. She tried to occupy her time during the day without getting tired and was waiting for her husband's return impatiently. Her friends came to see her; Annie came almost every weekend and helped her with the decoration for the baby's rooms and buying the furniture. Georgie came to stay with her more often, towards the end of her pregnancy. Her belly was, that is so, very big and when she told the doctor in New York, that she was a twin, he started to examine her closer suspecting a multiple pregnancy. If it was twins, they won't wait 40 weeks, they always came a little earlier, a few weeks earlier…
- So Georgie, you like being married? Asked Candy the first day
- Yes, it's wonderful. I wondering how did I do without it for so long… what about you? You're happy to be with your husband?
- You have no idea!
- Oh…and you're not too tired?
- Oh… it's normal at this stage.. and if there's two of them…
- If there's two of them?
- I'm a twin…
- Oh yeah, they say we have more chance to have twins… and your belly is very big…
- I'll be happy with what I get…
Candy was happy to have Georgie with her; she missed her so much so did the rest of the family.
- Did you know that mom was in the family way? Asked Georgie
- Yes, I guessed it… she didn't want to say anything…
- It proves that, it's never too late in life. Dad is so happy!
Nathan was in fact pampering his wife, like he wanted to make up for lost time with the twins.
Archie finally started to go after Annie, she was getting desperate! She continued her courses and her mother was looking for a boutique.
Patty was with Stear, who was talking about going to the war to serve his country. The Great Aunt became ill just to the idea of losing Stear; the memories from Anthony came back to her… Patty couldn't make him change his mind, so she told him, that she wanted to go to the war too.
- Are you out of your mind? Said Stear
- Why? You want to go…
- To defend my country…
- And I want to go take care of the wounded soldiers from my country…
- But, you'll be in danger… I couldn't concentrate…
- So you have an idea of how I'm feeling just to the idea of knowing you in Europe in that senseless war… if you go, I will go too.
- That's emotional blackmail, Patty! Be reasonable!
- You should follow your own advice said Patty, I love you and I don't want to lose you Stear…
- You're not going to lose me, I promise you
- If you go, even if you go without me, I will be in Europe too in the war too
- Ok, honey, I will stay with you, it was only a suggestion…
- We can go together, if you absolutely want to serve your country…
- And put your life in danger deliberately? No way!
That's how Patty managed to convince her beloved not to go to war. He was disappointed sure, but if Patty followed him, and that something happened to her, he would never forgive himself.
Neil Reagan came out of the rehab centre and was surprised to see his sister so nice, not only with him, but with everybody! What had happened when he was in rehab? Did someone brain washed his sister?
- Eliza said Neil, what came over you?
- Neil, I'm so happy that you're feeling better she said hugging him again
They were in the leaving room when a butler announced they had a visitor.
- Thank you said Eliza with a smile
Neil looked at his sister like she had three heads! Since when did she thank the help? A young man entered and Eliza ran to him and kissed him on the cheek. Eliza was very happy. Neil still couldn't believe it.
- Neil this Max and Max this my twin brother, Neil
- Pleased to meet you said Max
- Same here. You're the one to thank for my sister's metamorphosis?
- To be truthful you started it all the work when you entered rehab…I just finished what you started said Max
- Oh… I didn't know that love was a force so powerful that it could transform my sister that way it's a miracle!
They all burst out laughing. Their parents could only support their daughter for once in the good. They were happy she had found suitor from a good family, even if it was Candy's family. The great Aunt was also glad of Eliza's change, she was told everything her great niece did for charity and goodwill and she appreciated her good work.
When Candy started to feel funny, being a nurse, she knew the symptoms of labour, she called Georgie so she could come and stay with her. Georgie came with her parents who didn't want to miss the birth of their first grandchild.
- Mom, Dad, you shouldn't have bothered… said Candy
- You're kidding right, honey? We wouldn't miss this for all the money in the world! Said Roxanne
- But it could take days… maybe it's too early
- Not if there's two said Roxanne, twins are always a little early, I know what I'm talking about… I'm going to examine you. Let's go to your room.
They went in the bedroom and Roxanne examine her daughter. In Africa, she had done a lot of births and sometime the doctors were not there, or didn't have the time to get there on time.
- So, Asked Candy, am I right to get ready?
- Yes, honey, your baby is getting ready to come, but he's a few week too early. But for first-timers it's a little normal
- What about you, how are you? Are able to hide you condition?
- In big dresses, but people are not duped… it's wonderful to get pampered this time. Terry is at the theatre?
- Yes, if we have to go to the hospital, I'm going to call him to join us. I will also call Eleonor now, since it can happen one day or the other…
Georgie called Laurent and Annie who called the others… all of Candy's friends were there, aside from Albert who was away on a business trip. Terry came back in the evening and found the whole house full! He was happy that Candy was not alone, but with family and friends.
In their bed in the evening, he talked to her about his day and talked to him about her exciting day…
- I told you we needed a big house…he said
- You thought about everything, honey
- How are you feeling?
- A little funny. Junior is getting ready
- I have a terrible headache…
- Are you ok, honey? What if I need you during the night?
- If I sleep a little, I'll be fine, he said closing his eyes
- Let me get you some water and some pills said Candy
She went downstairs to the kitchen to get some water for Terry. In her condition, going up and down the stairs was good; the baby will come faster. She went back to the bedroom and found Terry a little disoriented…
- Terry? Are you all right?
- I feel like the room is spinning
- You want to go to the hospital?
- Shouldn't I be asking you that question, Juliet?
- But, you're feeling so bad…
- Give me the pills, I going to sleep and everything will be fine
- Ok
He fell asleep almost at once, without forgetting to hold his beloved in is arms. Candy woke up around 4 in the morning to go to the bathroom. Terry moved and asked if everything was alright
- How are you? She answered
- Much better, thanks he said with a sleepy voice
Candy came back to bed next to Terry. She was trying to go back to sleep when…
- Terry, Terry! She cried
- Yes Freckles…? He said with a weak voice
- Terry, my water just broke…
- What? Cried Terry sanding up suddenly, what… what do we do?
- I think we have to go to the hospital…
- What? Oh yes of course… I'm going to the hospital… he said walking to the door
- With me I hope? Said Candy smiling
- Of course, honey… where's my head?
- Terry, look at me. Take a deep breath… calm down. Everything will be fine, ok? Now go and call my mom…
- Your mom?…Oh Roxanne! Ok, which room is she in, again?
Roxanne was asleep in her husband's arms, when she heard knocks at the door.
- Roxanne, Roxanne!
It was Terry's voice. She stoop up and put on a robe on top of her nightgown and went to open the door.
- Terry, it's Candy?
- Her water broke…
- Oh… Nathan, I'm going to see Candy, ok, honey?
- Ok, said Nathan half asleep
She went to see Candy who was getting dressed
- Mom, I think it's time
- How are you feeling?
- I think, it's still every twenty minutes… I called my doctor
- It's still early… but let's go to the hospital anyway. I'm going to get ready
- Ok, Terry, you're getting ready?
- Do I have to wake the others?
- No. Let them sleep. They will come to the hospital when they are going to wake up said Roxanne
But the others had heard the noise and they were all awake. It was the general panic! They finally arrived to the hospital, all of them. Since there was not enough place in the cars, some had to take a cab. The wait was long, a few hours, in fact.
- You can go eat something said Terry, I'm going to stay here and wait
- There is no way I'm leaving said Georgie, I couldn't eat anything anyway…
The others had the same reaction. Candy had a family and friends that cared about her a lot as much as he cared, thought Terry. She was lucky. And he was going to be a father soon… that thought scared, frightened and excited him at the same time…
In the delivery room, with other women, Candy was in labour pain. The contraction were getting closer' every ten minutes,
- Mme Grandchester said the nurse, you dilatation is going fine
- Thanks said Candy, you're nice… call me Candy
The nurse, Darla, found Candy likeable, when she came in consultations. She knew she was a nurse because they talked a lot about their work. She even suggested to Candy to come and work after the birth of her baby. Candy simply told her that she would think about it, even part-time later, because she wanted to concentrate on her baby's education.
Time passed and around 1:30 in the afternoon, Candy's contractions started to come every 3 minutes… the baby was ready to come out. Candy was in pain and was trying not to scream, like the other women in the room. Some were screaming loud, some were screaming less loud. Some were pacing the floor will moaning loud in pain. Candy had to restrain herself not to order them to stop screaming. She called Darla when she felt the baby ready to come out.
- Darla, I can't take it anymore… when is the doctor coming?
Darla examined her and saw that she was ready.
- Candy…I'm going to get the doctor she said with a calm voice, everything is going to be all right, come with me on the delivery table
In the waiting room, the family and friends of Candy were dozing off. Terry was literally pacing the floor. He was talking to other fathers that were waiting for news of their wife and child too. A nurse arrived. Every time that happened, all the future fathers stood up and hoped that it was good news for them. The nurse was near them and said:
- Mr. Lewis?
- Yes, said one of the fathers…
- Congratulations, you have a beautiful little girl…
- Thank God! Said Mr. Lewis
The others fathers and future fathers congratulated them and he went to see his wife and baby.
In the delivery room, Candy had just had her baby.
- Candy, it's a boy! Said Darla, taking the baby that was crying loud
Candy smiled tired, but her contraction pains were still there.
- Doctor, said Candy aren't the contractions suppose to stop after the baby comes out?
- Yes…
- So, why am I still in pain? Oh….Oh…
- Candy, stay calm said the doctor, everything will be fine…
Darla arrived in the waiting room and walked towards Terry
- Mr. Grandchester…
- Yes? Said Terry holding his breath
- You have a boy… said Darla
The families and friends congratulated him and started screaming with joy, they kissed and congratulated Terry that was smiling and crying at the same time in his mother's arms. He was so happy! The other fathers congratulated him too.
- Can I see them? Asked Terry
- Yes, but Mr. Grandchester… it's just that…
- What? There's a problem with my wife and my son? Asked Terry worried
- No, sir, you didn't let me finish my phrase…
- What phrase?
- You have a boy…
- Yes?
- And a girl!
- What? Two? Twins!
- Oh my God! Said Roxanne happy…
The families and friends started to scream louder of joy. The other fathers congratulated Terry again. He went to see the babies; they showed him through the glass of the nursery. They were so beautiful. He went to see Candy in her room… she was on the bed, and her eyes were closed.
- Freckles…
She opened her eyes and a smile illuminated her face.
- Terry…
He came near her and sat on the bed and hugged her for long, and then he kissed her on the lips.
- Did you see the babies? Asked Candy
- They are magnificent… how are you feeling?
- I'm fine, but a little tired, but that's normal. Did you think about names?
- Junior and Junior? He joked
- Aren't we going to confuse them? She said joking as well
Two nurses entered the room with the babies in their arms.
- Here are your babies said Darla, I have the girl, here, Mr. Grandchester
- Here is the boy, there, Candy
Terry felt the biggest joy of the world. He had children with the woman he loved… he cried while holding his daughter. Candy was also submerged by an indescribable joy, she had children with the man she loved, tears of joy started to come down her tears, too.
- What would you say for James for the boy? Said Candy
- And Melissandre for the girl? Said Terry
They smiled at each other. Terry kissed his wife on the forehead.
- Thank you darling for the children, I love you
- Thank you to you too, it was a team's work… I love you
Candy had a private room, so her families and friends were allowed to come and see her. They kissed her taking turn. It was the general joy.
- Let me introduce you to Melissandre said Terry smiling
- And James said Candy
- Wow said Roxanne taking Melissandre
- They are precious said Eleonor taking James…
- Candy, are you ok? Asked Georgie, how was it…?
- Oh Georgie, you'll know soon enough! Said Candy
The others started laughing and Georgie blushed.
- Thank you all for coming, said Candy, I'm happy to have shared this joy with the people I love
- We wouldn't have missed this for the whole world, said Nathan, I'm a grandpa!
- And we are grandmas said Roxanne and Eleonor at the same time, without taking their eyes off of their grandchildren
- The girl looks like you Terry, said Stear
- And Candy, the boy looks like you, said Annie
- I think they look like both of them said Patty
The door opened and Albert came in with a big bouquet of flowers
- Mr. Albert! Said Candy smiling
- Hello, and congratulations… oh… am I seeing double? Two! Candy, Terry that's wonderful!
- Thank you Albert! Said Terry smiling
- Yes thank you for being here said Candy really moved
- You're going to cry again, Candy said Annie
- Of joy, she said
- Yes, and for now on, if it depends on me, those are the only tears you're going to shed, tears of joy said Terry with love looking at Candy
Need less to say that Candy was shed more tears of joy! When the others left, Terry was alone with his wife. The doctors allowed him to stay, since it was a private room anyway.
- Terry, there's space on the bed…
- Are you sure? He said worried, I won't bother you?
- It's not our king's bed, but at the Pony house, the bed was smaller…
Terry smiled and lied down next to his wife, holding her.
- Did I tell you how much I love you…? Said Terry
- Not in the last five minutes she said, I love you too Terry…
- I want to be with the babies…
- Let them take care of them, we'll have our hands full once we get home…
- You're right, let's take advantage of our free last free nights…
- How many more kids do you want? She asked…
- As many as you like, he said, it's up to you…
- Are you sure? I might want an army…
- …or stop here they said at the same time…
They started laughing. They always had the same idea. They had their whole life ahead of them, raising their children and live like they wanted to. Life will not be so perfect some times, but they had their love that will help them go through the obstacles of life. After all, love is the most powerful force of the universe.
THE END