Chapter 45

Back to the present

I am sitting here, at the hospital, looking at my future wife, with my daughter, Bethany in my arms. She's sleeping right now. She's so tired, because she just gave birth. This feels so surreal; I can't believe I'm a father and soon to be a husband. Whodathunk that crazy Matt McGuire would be a father?

Mom and dad just left; they needed to see after my younger sisters and brother. My life is so different now. It seems like the prankster that was Matt McGuire is a totally different person. Was I ever a prankster? I was heading straight into trouble, but Melina saved me. If it wasn't for her, I would have never met this beautiful baby who is my daughter. She gave me an ultimatum—unless I straightened up and changed my ways, I would never get to see my daughter.

It's so quiet now. Bethany, it's just me and you right now. Oh, you're so cute. You look so much like your mother, but I think you've got my mom's mouth. He holds one of her hands, and compares his with hers. Okay, there is some of me here. Your hands are like mine. So are your feet. I wonder what your eyes will be like, once they turn their true colour? I hope they're like your mother's. She has such beautiful blue eyes. I wonder if your hair will be blonde or brown?

I have so many dreams for you. I hope you grow up to be a happy, healthy, and sweet person I know you'll become. Although I hope that you have a good sense of humour and know how to have fun, I hope that you don't follow our footsteps and get into lots of trouble. Do I have any regrets? Some. I wish I'd never gotten into drugs, but if your mother and I hadn't gone down that path, we wouldn't have you. And I don't regret you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me.

You met so many people today. No wonder you're asleep. You've got a bunch of aunts and uncles. You got to meet your Aunt Amanda, Aunt Miranda, Uncle Gordo and their kids, Lizzie and David (yeah, I forgave them), and your Aunts Marin and Brooke, and your Uncle Ben. There's one aunt that you won't get to meet, but I'll tell you all about her. She's my older sister, your Aunt Lizzie. She killed herself five years ago today. You've turned this sad day into one that's good. I don't expect you to be a replacement Lizzie. You're my daughter, and all I'll ever ask of you, is to be the best you that you can be.

Since I mentioned your Aunt Lizzie, let me tell you about her. She was a couple years older than me, your Grandma and Granddad's first child. She wasn't very tall, but she was thin and pretty. She had long straight blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She was sweet, loving, and kind, and I adored my big sister. When we were little, she was so protective of me. We went to Grubby Gulch a lot when we were little. When I was about six years old, I wanted to stay at Grubby Gulch, instead of going back home. Lizzie said she'd stay with me. We could move into the store or something. In addition, she's stuck up for me before, like when Heywood was bothering me. She and I teamed up against him at Lizzie's carnival thing. Then, when Lanny and I ruined dad's prize football and went all over town trying to get a new one. Lizzie hunted us down and did some righteous bartering with the store clerk. Of course, there was that time when we switched bodies and she got me out of 2 weeks of detention for something I actually didn't do. Your Grandma and Granddad don't know about that one.

Like all big sisters, although she loved me, she thought I was a pain. Oscar and I stole all her right shoes when we were playing superheroes. I made her so mad when I showed up at the junior high as Matt Bond. She got so steamed; she called the cops on her. I have to give her props for that. Then, there was the time I wanted to be called "M-Dogg!" He laughs. We had some good times.

There were times when I was so proud of my sister. She went for class president. Tudgeman won, but she sure tried hard. She competed in a Rhythmic Gymnastics competition and won. I made fun of it, but I was proud of her. Too bad she hated it; she was really good. She tried to save the earth. She got a little crazy, but she had good intentions. There were numerous times she stood up to Kate Sanders. Too many to count, actually! She once saved a man's life by doing the Heimlich, however she had snuck into a rated R movie and got busted by your Grandparents when she was on the news.

I think one of the times I was most proud of her was when she went to Rome on her 8th grade trip. She met an Italian pop star, Paolo Valisari and snuck out, faking sick, in order to meet with him. She was an amateur at sneaking out, but I have to give her props for her effort. Paolo was trying to ruin his partner, Isabella Parichi's singing career by having Lizzie pose as Isabella and then embarrassing her on stage at the IMVAs. However, she and Isabella turned tables on him and exposed him for the phony he was. I give her props for that. She got to perform on stage. She was great. Your grandparents were shocked. Your Grandma was so excited; she was in tears the whole time. We were all proud of her.

It's been five years since she killed herself. That's a story for when you're older. Much older. Suffice it to say, we really loved her and miss her a lot. She would have loved you so much. I think she would've been surprised at how your old man turned out. He laughs and Bethany smiles. You think your old man's funny? I guess I am. It's been a roller coaster of a five years. When you're older, I'll tell you all about it.

Melina wakes up and Bethany begins to fuss.

Melina: Here, hand me the baby. She needs to be fed.

Matt: Passes Bethany to her mother. Here you go. He kisses the baby on her head and then kisses his fiancée on the lips.

Melina: So, what were you and Bethany talking about?

Matt: Oh, nothing really. Just some father-daughter stuff.

Melina: Looks down at their daughter, who has latched on. Can you believe she's ours?

Matt: It still seems surreal. He puts his finger on Bethany's palm and she curls her fingers around. She's so perfect.

Melina: Smiling. Yeah, she is.

Matt: I guess that's how mom and dad felt when Lizzie was born. His face falls somewhat.

Melina: You miss her a lot.

Matt: Every day. I'll never get that picture out of my head, of when I found her. And then mom rushing up, finding her and screaming. Dad looked like he'd aged about ten years. Tears roll down his face.

Melina: They don't know why she did it, do they?

Matt: No, I've never told them. It's probably best they don't know. I hope nothing like that happens to our daughter.

Melina: I wish she'd stay this innocent forever.

Matt: If anyone hurts her….

Melina: I know what you mean. I'll be right there in line too.Bethany finishes eating, and Matt takes her to burp her. I just love this little girl so much. I didn't know I could love someone so much until now. She begins yawning. Why don't you get some sleep? I can stay up with her.

Matt: I think you need some sleep too. I'll get some in a little while. I just want to continue our father-daughter chat.

Melina: Okay. Her eyes close and she drifts back to sleep.

Matt continues his conversation with his daughter. Bethany, I hope you grow up and have a good life. I love you more than words can say. Bethany closes her eyes and Matt puts her in her bassinet. You've got a lifetime full of experiences and love, but for now, just sleep.

He sits in the recliner next to his wife and child. Lizzie, I wish you could've known your niece. She's the best thing I've ever done. You've missed out on a lot. I know mom and dad have filled you in on the details. I'm sorry I didn't get to visit you today, but this little girl beside me had other plans. I know what happened, and your secret's safe with me. I wish you'd confided in me or someone. Yeah, I was your pesky little brother, but I loved you. I looked up to you. I hope you've found the peace you couldn't find on earth. Do me one favour. Watch over this little girl of mine and protect her like you protected me when we were growing up, okay? She's named after you and mom, you know. Her name's Elizabeth JoAnn, and since there are so many Elizabeth's and Brooke's in this family, we're calling her Bethany. He begins to yawn. I'm sorry we can't talk more. It's been such a long day, and I'm tired. I think this will be the last sleep I'll get until she's grown (well, we'll probably have more kids, so I won't be getting any sleep until our last one's grown). He smiles. I know you couldn't ever picture me as a father, but here I am. She's my baby, my joy. Please keep her safe and sound. Okay? He closes his eyes. I'll take her out to visit you. I promise. Goodnight, sis. I love you. He falls asleep.

A/N--The next chapter is graphic. If you've read thus far, you know what this story is about. If graphic content bothers you, stop here. This is a good ending spot; you won't miss an integral part of the story if you stop here. If you go on, consider yourself forewarned. Thanks for all your kind reviews. I've really enjoyed writing this story, but feel it's come to a natural conclusion. I hope you'll read my other stories and yes, I will update the other 2 (McGuire Family Ties and Can You See Me Now?) before I start on any other stories. Again, thanks for reading. I hope you've enjoyed this series! ----Woemcat