A/N: Happy Saturday! Thanks for continuing to read, review and follow! As always, it's truly appreciated. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
"I won't beat around the bush. Kendall, you're pregnant."
Angie's words seemed to hang in the air as everyone tried to absorb them and exactly what they meant.
"Are you sure, Angie?" Zach was the first to recover from the shock of the doctor's announcement.
"Yes, I am. I had them run the test twice. There is no doubt about it, Kendall, you're pregnant."
"Wow. I was not expecting that." Kendall couldn't help but smile. She and Zach had discussed having another child but thought that maybe they shouldn't given her heart. That was why she and Zach were taking precautions. Of course, they weren't always foolproof, a fact glaringly obvious given what Angie had just told her. She had also been so stressed lately with the Christmas and Valentine's Day lines for Fusion that she hadn't realized she had missed periods. "Is the baby alright? The medications I take for my heart, could they affect the baby?"
"What about her heart?" Erica asked. Normally, she would be ecstatic at the thought of her daughter expecting another child, but these were not normal circumstances. A pregnancy could put a strain on Kendall's heart which could in turn jeopardize her life.
Zach's thoughts ran in the same direction as Erica's. While he was thrilled at the thought of having another child with Kendall, he didn't want it to be at the expense of losing his wife. He and Kendall had been through a lot. He needed her. Spike and Ian needed her.
Bianca was equally torn. She knew how much her sister wanted another child. It was obvious when they found out that Marissa was pregnant. The sisters had talked privately, and the thoughts and feelings were shared. So, part of Bianca was happy that Kendall was having a long held dream realized. At the same time, part of her worried. Bianca knew this pregnancy would be risky for Kendall without having Angie tell them so.
Greenlee was in shock. Like the others, she knew Kendall wanted another child, and she knew the risks involved. Greenlee was not ready to lose her best friend, her partner in crime, the woman who was like a sister to her.
"That is what makes this complicated." Angie paused. "I'm going to be completely honest. There are not many studies dealing with the effects of anti-rejection drugs on fetuses. So, we don't know at this point. A lot of factors are going to be in play and your condition will need to be monitored very closely. As you know, I've been consulting with your cardiologist, Dr. Rivera. Our first concern is your heart, Kendall. So far, there is no sign of rejection."
There was a collective sigh of relief and more than one muttered 'thank god'.
"You will need to consult an obstetrician immediately. I know this is all sudden, but do you have one in mind? If not, I can recommend one for you if you'd like."
Kendall looked at her sister. "You like Marissa's doctor, right?"
"Very much. She's excellent. I'm sure she'll see you if you'd like."
"Could I ask who it is?"
"Dr. Maura Abbott."
Angie nodded. "I know Maura. She's very good and has experience with high risk pregnancies."
"Which is what this is." Kendall acknowledged.
"Yes, it is. Again, you and the baby will be monitored closely. Your OB and cardiologist will go over all of your options regarding your care and condition."
Options. They knew what was meant by that word. Kendall's hands flew to her belly instantly as if trying to protect the baby from the word and its implications.
"I'm not …"
Zach stopped Kendall from finishing what she was going to say. "Kendall, we're not making any decisions right now. We'll talk to the doctors and get their opinions, and then, we will make any decisions together. I want this baby just as much as you do. I'd love nothing more than a miniature you. That being said, I also want and need my wife, and Spike and Ian want and need their mother."
Kendall closed her eyes briefly as the truth behind Zach's words sunk in. He was right. They would need to talk and make this decision together. "You're right. Binx, do you have Dr. Abbott's number?"
Bianca pulled out her cellphone and scrolled through her contacts to find the doctor in question's name. "I do, and you'll really like her. She's good. I wouldn't trust my wife and sister to just anybody, you know. Whatever you decide, I'm with you. Whatever you need, I'll do. I know the same goes for Marissa. I love you."
"I know, and thank you. I love you too."
/
Kendall had been released from the hospital a few hours later after a discussion with cardiologist, and the boys had gone back home after school, happy to see that their mom was okay. Angie had instructed her to take a couple of days off, and Kendall had complied. An appointment with Dr. Abbott had been made for the next day.
/
"Wow. Kendall's pregnant. How is she handling all of this? How's Zach handling all of this?" Marissa asked as she settled next to Bianca on the sofa in the family room. The couple finally had a chance to talk after putting the kids to bed.
"They are handling this as well as can be expected. It's a lot to absorb and think about. They're seeing Dr. Abbott tomorrow."
"How are you?"
Bianca could see the concern in hazel eyes. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. I'm happy for her because I know how much Kendall would love another child, but I'm also scared. Odds are that this won't be an easy pregnancy for her. It could put strain on her heart and jeopardize her life. I don't know what I would do without her."
Marissa pulled her wife into her arms. "Don't go there yet, okay? Let's see what the doctor says, and whatever they decide or need, we'll be there for them. I'm right here for you as well. You're not carrying this burden alone. Got it?"
"Got it. Thank you."
"There is no need to thank me. We're a team, no matter what comes our way."
Bianca smiled and kissed the redhead. "You're right. We are. There's nothing we can't handle or get through together."
Marissa grinned. "That's my girl. Now, how's Erica?"
"She's holding it together. I could see her wheels turning though. She's going to want the best doctors for Kendall, and she's not alone with that. I'm pretty sure Greenlee is burning up the internet looking for information and gathering a list of experts. And before you ask, she's hanging in there."
The redhead was relieved to hear that. Greenlee and Kendall were more than best friends. They were family. If the roles were reversed, Kendall would be beside herself with worry over Greenlee. As for the statement, Marissa knew what Bianca was saying without her saying it. "Do you need me to talk to David?"
Since the wedding, Marissa had met David a few times for lunch. Their relationship was tenuous at best and most likely always would be, but they were at least talking. David had been successful in getting his medical license reinstated and had been granted limited privileges at Pine Valley Hospital. He was still hoping and fighting for more such as a permanent position on staff and the hospital's board itself.
Bianca shook her head. While Marissa would most likely eventually have to get involved, the brunette was reluctant to bring her wife in just yet. Bianca didn't want to put her in an awkward position. "Not yet. I think it's on her mind to talk with him, but she's not there just yet. We won't do anything without clearing it with Kendall and Zach."
"Alright. I have no problem talking to him about this if you need me to. Kendall's my family too, and I'll do whatever I can to help."
"I know, and I love you for it. For now, we'll wait and see what Dr. Abbott says. After she sees her, Kendall will be meeting with Dr. Rivera. Zach has promised to let me know what they say."
"Because Kendall was so forthcoming about her dizzy spells to begin with." Marissa smirked.
"Exactly." Bianca sighed contentedly as she relaxed further into Marissa's arms. They provided the respite, strength and love she needed right now. As if on cue, Bianca felt a small kick making her smile. "Hey, little one. Are you being good for your Mama?"
"Of course, Sparky's good. You don't expect anything different, do you?"
"No, I don't." Bianca turned to face her wife. "That reminds me. We need to talk about this 'Sparky' nickname thing. I've never agreed to it, you know? I don't know why you insist on using it."
Marissa simply smiled as she leaned forward and began placing gentle kisses along Bianca's neck. In between those oh so persuasive kisses, the lawyer started stating her case. "Well since we don't know what we're having, I don't really feel right calling the baby 'he' or 'she', and I definitely don't want to call the baby 'it'. Does any of that seem right to you?"
Bianca had closed her eyes and leaned her head back to give her wife better access. "Wh … What?"
"I said it doesn't feel right to call our little one 'he' or 'she' since we don't know what we're having, and 'it' is out of the question. Don't you agree?" Marissa smiled and continued her assault. She knew the effect she was having on her wife, and she was going to use it to her full advantage.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I … I agree with that. It … it … it doesn't seem right, but why Sp … Spar … Sparky?"
"Kendall came up with it, and it's cute. It's grown on me. Nothing else seems to fit as well."
Bianca moaned as soft lips found that sensitive spot that made all resistance futile and rational thought vanish. "You don't fight fair."
Marissa smiled into her next kiss. "I never said I did."
"F … Fine. We'll go … oh god … we'll go with Sparky … for now." Bianca opened her eyes hearing her wife chuckle. She saw the triumphant grin on Marissa's face. "Do you plan on finishing what you started?"
"Oh, I definitely do. I plan on savoring every bit of my victory and every inch of you." Marissa gently pushed Bianca back so she was laying down on the sofa before leaning in for a searing kiss.
The 'Sparky debate' would continue at a later date and time, but for now, Bianca acknowledged that Marissa had won this round and she really couldn't find it in herself to give a damn.
/
"What did Dr. Abbott say? Remember, we can check this all out with Zach so you better spill." Bianca asked she settled next to her sister. They were joined by Greenlee and Marissa for lunch at Kendall and Zach's. The women decided to make it easier on Kendall and meet there since she was still told to take it easy for another day.
Kendall rolled her eyes. "The baby is fine, and I'm approximately 11 weeks pregnant. I will have to go in for frequent checkups though. The one thing we're just not sure about are the long term effects of my anti-rejection drugs on the baby. The ones I take aren't as risky as some of the others. She spoke with Dr. Rivera, and they agree that I don't need to switch them up."
"That's good. It would be hard on you if you had to change them. It took a while to get them regulated after your transplant." Greenlee noted.
"Yes, it would be hard, and I'm glad I don't have to go through that again. I'm healthy, and the baby is healthy so that's all that matters. She told me that she will be reporting my pregnancy to the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry. It's not as bad as it sounds. She said that doctors are encouraged to do so in order to provide more updated information on the safety of newer immunosuppressive drugs and their adverse effects on mothers and fetuses. Hopefully, this will help other women with heart transplants going forward. I have to tell you that I really like her. She doesn't pull any punches and is very honest and straightforward. I like that and really need it."
Marissa smiled. "We thought you'd feel that way. She's been great and has answered every question I've had, and you know me, I have a lot of them. So, what else did she have to say?"
"Well like I said, Dr. Abbott does want those frequent checks because I have a higher risk of going into labor prematurely. Hang on a second. I wrote this stuff down because I wanted to get it right. I knew I was going to be grilled." Kendall found a pad of paper with her notes. "Okay, 69% of pregnancies in heart transplant recipients resulted in live births. Out of that number, 32% resulted in premature births, and the babies also had low birth weight. Some of the pregnancies were terminated for therapeutic reasons and others because of miscarriages. I have risks for hypertension, acute allograft rejection, infection, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes."
Bianca couldn't hide her concern, and both Kendall and Marissa each squeezed one of her hands.
"It's not all bad, Binx. I have some positives on my side. Two years seems to be a milestone mark. It's been over two years since my transplant, and in that time, I've been in really good health. I've had no sign of graft rejection, and the graft function itself has been stable. I haven't had any infections that might affect the baby." Kendall rapped her knuckles on the end table next to her. "Knock on wood. I'm maintaining a stable dose of my immunosuppression drugs, and for the most part my blood pressure is under control. Most important of all, I have every intention of doing what my doctors tell me to do."
"Good. Because if you don't, you're going to have to deal with me." Bianca solemnly warned her sister.
"I know. I promise you that I will do everything I'm told. This baby is a gift, an unexpected one, but a precious gift all the same. I'm going to do what I need to in order to keep it."
"And we're going to help you with that. We're going to be rearranging some things at Fusion. No late meetings or workdays in general." Greenlee held up a hand to stop the protest she knew Kendall would be voicing. "I'm not talking about reducing your role just the number of hours you put in there."
"It's not right for you to shoulder everything though."
"I won't be. I'll get Madison and Randi to pitch in more. Any major decisions though will still be made by both of us. Deal?"
Kendall shook Greenlee's hand. "Deal. Alright, enough about me for now. Red, I want to hear about your reunion."
Marissa laughed. "Okay. I guess I'll start at the beginning."
/
"Bianca's your baby mama! I love it. I'm just going to say right now that I need to meet your friends, especially Jo. She sounds like she would fit right in." Greenlee grinned.
"I wish I could've seen Binx with the pie." Kendall faked tears. "I have to say I'm proud of you, Binx. Oh, you know Mom would love the fashion smack down you gave that bitch too. It screams 'Please, bitch. I'm Erica's Kane's daughter, and nobody knows fashion more than her. You need to get your weak-ass shit out of here'."
Bianca rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Don't forget about Rissa and spilling the punch."
"While it was good and I did enjoy it quite a lot, I have to say that I enjoyed what you did immensely. In fact, I think I showed you exactly how much when we got back to the bed and breakfast." Marissa waggled her eyebrows.
Bianca blushed slightly at the memory of that night. Marissa had gotten a second wind and definitely showed her how much she appreciate the brunette's defense of her. Her wife was so appreciative in fact that they were almost late for breakfast the next morning. The only thing that saved them from that fate was that everyone else was late too because they had gone out after the reunion.
Greenlee burst out laughing and held out her hand for a high-five from Marissa. "Nice, Rocky!"
Kendall groaned. "Why do I have to keep reminding people that I don't want to hear about my sister's sex life?!"
"Sorry, Kendall. I couldn't help myself." Marissa checked the time. "I gotta get back to the office. Kendall, if you need anything, let me know."
"You got it, Red. Thanks."
"See you, Greenlee, and the same goes for you."
"Later, Marissa, and thanks."
Bianca walked her wife to the door. "Be careful. The roads are a little slick."
"I will be. You too. I'll see you later. Love you."
"Love you too."
The couple shared a loving kiss before Marissa left.
/
"Sounds like you had a good time, especially Red." Kendall noted when Bianca rejoined her and Greenlee.
"We did, and she really did. It was good for her to catch back up with them, to face others and show them who she is. You both would really like her friends. I know the two of you are in charge completely of her baby shower, but would you mind inviting Jo, Cory and Jo's mom Jessica? It would mean a lot to her."
Greenlee and Kendall glanced at each other and smiled before Greenlee answered for both of them. "No problem. It's her day and yours as well. You can have whoever you want there. I'll just need you to get us their contact information. Think you can handle that?"
"Definitely and thanks!"
"We were thinking of having the shower on a Saturday anyway. So, that should work out for them. They could get here a little earlier in the day and spend some time with her."
"Do you want them coming to be a surprise, Binx?"
Bianca thought for a moment before shaking her head. "I don't think that's best. I think Marissa will want to talk to them beforehand to give them a heads up on things around here since Krystal will be there. While I haven't spoken with Jessica, I get the feeling from both Rissa and Jo that she is very protective of Marissa since she considers her like a second daughter. I know Jo is protective of her."
"It sounds like a little pre-shower damage control is definitely in order then. If Red wants to see the guest list, then we'll make sure they're on it."
"I've got an idea. Why don't I see if they can come in that Friday? They could surprise Rissa by coming over to the house for dinner that night. They could stay with us if they want. We have the room. If they don't want to, I could get them rooms at the Yacht Club. By coming in a little early, they could meet the kids, and after they're in bed, Rissa can fill them in on everything. That way, they are prepared for the shower." The more Bianca thought about it, the more she liked the idea.
"Hmmm, it's kind of like the best of both worlds. I like it. What do you think, Greenlee?"
"I like it too. Good thinking, Bianca. Marissa's going to love it."
"Thanks!" Bianca's phone began to ring before she could respond further. "Sorry. I need to take this. It's the school."
"I hope everything's alright."
"Me too. Bianca Tasker-Montgomery."
Kendall and Greenlee couldn't tell what was being said on the other end of the call but could tell that Bianca was slightly concerned by what she was being told.
"I'll be there this afternoon. Thank you for calling. I'll let my wife know. She is trying a case this afternoon and will be unavailable. I agree. We definitely need to talk. Thank you again for calling."
Bianca disconnected the call.
"Is everything okay, Binx?"
"I don't know, Kendall. That was AJ's teacher. She had a small break. It seems he hasn't been turning in his homework the last few days. The thing is I know he has it done, and that it's right. He's also not really responding to her when she calls on him in class."
"That doesn't sound like AJ. He usually likes participating from what you and Red have told me." Kendall noted.
"I know, it doesn't sound like him at all. He's been quiet at home lately too. Rissa and I both have this feeling that something is going on with him. We were planning on talking with him tomorrow. It looks like we'll be doing it tonight instead."
/
The ride home from school was a quiet one. None of the children were expecting one of their mothers to pick up them today. One look at their brunette mother told them there was something she wasn't happy about. Someone was in trouble. Only one of the three kids knew who it was, and he wasn't talking. Bianca for her part was mulling over the discussion she'd had with AJ's teacher. She knew exactly how Marissa was going to feel when Bianca shared what she had been told. They had to find out what was going on with their son and help him through it, whatever it was.
When they got home, Bianca had them start on their homework right away while she let Max out. The brunette started on dinner as she pondered the issue of AJ. A short while later, she heard her wife pull into the garage.
"Hey, you're home early." Marissa smiled as she was greeted with a quick kiss.
"Yeah, I am. I've actually been home for a while."
Marissa groaned appreciatively as she slipped off her heels. The further along she'd gotten in her pregnancy, the more her feet would swell in the heels she had to wear when she went to court. Thankfully, she only had one case maybe two that she was working on that would be going to trial before she went on maternity leave. "Why's that?"
"After you left Kendall's, I got a call from school."
The redhead stopped what she was doing immediately. She knew if one of the kids was sick that Bianca would have called her right away, whether she was in court or not. No, something else was going on, and judging by her wife's face, it was something that needed to be discussed privately.
"Let's go back to our bedroom."
Bianca nodded, thinking exactly the same thing. She grabbed Marissa's laptop bag and led them down the hallway.
/
Marissa sat on the bed shaking her head. "I can't believe AJ's been doing that at school. We know he's doing his homework because we review it."
Bianca sighed and sat next to her wife. "I know. It's also not like him to ignore his teacher when she calls on him."
"Definitely not. He's moody around here too. We need to find out what's going on with him, B. We have to get to the bottom of it."
"I know. We'll sit him down after dinner and talk with him. As for not handing in his homework, I'm thinking no videogames or TV for a week."
"I agree. If this happens again, we increase the punishment."
"Let's finish getting dinner ready, and then, we'll talk to him."
/
When dinner was finished, the kids started to get up and head to the family room.
"AJ, we need to talk. Miranda and Gabby, you can go ahead and go to the family room." Bianca instructed.
Miranda and Gabby looked at each other before casting a quick glance at their brother. AJ's head was hung low and his shoulders slumped.
"Girls, do what your Mom said please."
The girls nodded and did as they were told. They knew better than to argue with either of their mothers at a time like this.
/
"So, AJ, I had a call from your teacher earlier. That's why I was at school. Care to guess why she called me?"
AJ simply shrugged. He knew the answer. The boy just didn't want to give it.
Marissa sighed. "AJ, answer your Mom, and don't say you don't know because we all know that's not true."
The boy scowled. "I haven't been turning in my homework."
"Why, AJ? We know you have it done." Bianca asked.
"I don't know." AJ mumbled.
"AJ, you have to have some reason for not doing it. You can tell us." Marissa coaxed.
"I didn't feel like it."
"That's not a good reason, and you know it. You have to turn your homework in or you're going to fail."
"Like you care." AJ muttered under his breath.
"What?! Of course we care, AJ. Your Mom and I love you very much. We want you to do well so you can make the dream you have of being an architect come true. That won't happen if you don't do well in school."
"You don't love me."
Both women gasped.
"Why would you ever think that, AJ?! Your Ma and I love and your sisters more than anything."
"AJ, look at me, please." Marissa finally caught her son's eyes. "Inside out and upside down, always."
Tears welled in the boy's eyes. He wanted to believe her but something was holding him back. "You're just saying that. You don't really mean it. You don't want or need me around here."
"Where is this coming from, Buddy? Of course we want you around here. It wouldn't be the same without you. Our family would have a big hole if you weren't with us."
AJ shook his head at Bianca's words. He truly wanted to believe them, but other words were drowning them out. "I don't wanna be here. I wanna go live with my dad!" Tears streamed down AJ's face as he ran from the room.
/
A/N: I'm not a doctor, but thanks to Google, I can look up what I need. The medical information I detailed for Kendall was found on the website for "Medscape" thanks to a Google search. See you soon!