An Unexpected Love: Somebody has a crush...

by tarskeewee08

Feeling my sweetie kicking several times my eyes pop open, I look down at my belly and see my night shirt move lightly at the kick. No matter how many times I feel these kicks and flutters it's always a strange experience. Rubbing the spot she kicked I smile gently and lie back on my pillow staring at the ceiling.

Thinking of him tears well up in my eyes again. He was so broken last night. The sight of him in so much pain is killing me. If he'd stayed I wouldn't have fought him and I'm so glad he didn't. I just can't handle the emotional drain he puts on my heart. The kiss we shared wasn't a surprise to me. I kiss him in my dreams constantly, but in my dreams he's whole and can love me the way I need to be loved.

Closing my eyes I try to fight off the anxiety that has my breath short at times and gives me mild headaches. It was so much more peaceful when I was in Seattle.

The phone rings and I instinctively grab it on the first ring. "Hello"
"Good Morning." he says hoarsely.
"Good Morning John" I say sadly.
"About last night"
"Don't worry about it, I don't want to rehash it again" I say quickly trying to avoid another painful argument with him.

"No Van, I was wrong to come over and put that stress on you and the baby"
I close my eyes and listen to the deep smoky voice that always weakens my resistance when I hear it. It's the reason why I avoided talking to him after we slept together in the evidence room. I couldn't resist him when he spoke to me in the way he's doing now.

"What is it that you found out about Layla? Or was that just a lie to get in here last night?"

He sighs deeply in the phone and I hate that I said it to him that way. "It wasn't a lie, a witness saw a car on the side of the road matching the car we think rear ended her."

My eyes fly open. "So it's true? Someone did this to her on purpose?"
"Yes baby it looks that way."
"Why John? Why would someone hurt her?"
"I don't know I can't get a straight answer from Balsom"
"Rex?"
"He's investigating a violent biker gang and I think they may have done this to send him a message."
"Oh god!"
"I'll work hard to solve this one for you and your family Van. How is she?"

I look at my watch and frown "I don't know I haven't spoken to mom yet. I'm supposed to meet her for breakfast in an hour."

"How's my little girl?" he asked timidly
I smile and look down at my belly. "She's up doing jumping jacks this morning." I say chuckling.

"Wow…I would give my left arm to feel that."

We sit on the phone in silence after that comment and I shake my head at the place we find ourselves. "Well I have to go…"
"Okay, can we meet later today?"
"No"
"Just for me to update you on Layla, you can come to the station."
I chew on my lip and think about seeing Natalie at the station today. God I don't need the aggravation. I know this is just a ploy for him to get next to me and I shouldn't encourage it. Yet this thing with my sister has me sick. Who on earth would hurt her like this? Sighing I relent. "Okay, I will call you before I come."
"Okay"
"Bye" I say hanging up before he can say more.

Rolling over to my side I curl up and force my need to be with him away. After last night I know more than ever that he is still as complicated and troubled as he was when I left him. I need for Layla to heal so I can get out of here. I can't stay here much longer and I won't have my baby with him. The experience of bringing her into the world together would destroy all my defenses. I'd take him back broken and all.

Rex Place

(Natalie's POV)

Banging on Rex's door I'm so angry I could spit bullets. How could he not tell me that bitch was pregnant? Not hearing a sound in the apartment I beat on the door so loud the pain in my hand makes me cry out. The door opens and Adrianna is standing there in a t-shirt. I look at her in shock and she looks at me confused.

"What the hell is going on? Where's my brother!" I hiss and push past her
She closes the door and looks at me embarrassed. "He's in the shower."
I look at the couch and see the makeshift bed. Turning on her I frown "Are you staying here?"
She puts her hands on her hips and glares at me. "Rex is in a lot of pain. Everyone is treating him like his feelings don't matter. They won't even let him see her. I'm his friend."

I laugh. I hate Layla and really could careless if she pulls through this. But this hefa has given me attitude since her cousin was released and I kicked him to the curb. "Who you think you're fooling, you're just trying to insert yourself in his life. It's pathetic."

She looks at me shocked and I smirk. "Rex is in love with that troll. You don't have a chance in hell." Walking over to the edge of the couch I gather her clothes. And turn throwing them at her feet. "Get the hell out! I will take care of my brother!"

"Natty! Stop it!"
Turning I see rex standing with a towel wrapped around him glaring at me. "What's wrong with you talking about Layla like that?"

"Me! What about you not telling me that bitch was pregnant! And don't deny it Rex I know you know, you've been at that hospital everyday!"

Rex looks at me and his eyes tear. Turning he looks at Adriana who's visibly wounded by my attack on her. "Could you excuse us?"

She bends and picks up her clothes. Walking to me slowly I see rage simmering under her dark bambi eyes. "Don't you ever talk to me like that again." she says through her teeth.

I move into her face. "I'll say whatever the hell I want. Stay away from my brother. He has one skank and that's enough!" Rex rushes over and grabs my arms shaking me roughly.

"Stop it! Don't talk about Layla like that!"
Adrianna looks at him hurt. "What about me? She called me names too!"
Rex looks at her "Could you just go!" he says dismissively.

Adrianna stands there shocked, biting down on her bottom lip she rushes out of the room. I look at Rex and snatch my arm away. "What is it with you and John? Why do you guys fawn all over these Williamson sisters?" I shout at him.

His face softens. "I'm sorry about the pregnancy. I thought about telling you but I felt it was John's place. I just have so much going on now. I'm worried sick about her Natty, I can't loose another person that I love. First Jen now her, I can't take it."

He goes to the large tan chair next to the couch and sits putting his head in his hands. I can be such a bitch at times. He has always been supportive of me, I need to help him. Going to his side I sit down and rub his back. "I'm sorry Rex. It's been rough for me too, John and I are trying to deal with this pregnancy and Evangeline is trying to separate us again."

He looks up at me confused. "I don't get that. Lay didn't know she was pregnant. I don't think anyone did. Plus how could she be carrying his baby when you two were together?"

I sit back on the couch struggling not to cry. "She tricked him into sleeping with her. He told her he didn't want her so she left town, but I guess she decided that using her sister's accident would be enough to make him feel guilty and want her and the bastard she's carrying."

Rex touches my knee "I'm so sorry Natty!"
I touch his hand and smile. "Don't be, me and John are determined to fight her, even if it means taking the baby and raising it ourselves."

He nods as the door to the back opens and Adrianna comes out. I look at her and she glares at me, then turns to Rex. "Call me if you hear anything on Layla."

Rex gets up and goes to her. "Sorry about today, I appreciate everything you are doing but I think you should stay away for now. If McBain is right and this biker group is trying to hurt me they may take it out on you. Besides Natalie is right I have Layla to worry about"

She looked at him hurt and I frown. I know that look. Rising I go to my brothers side. "Are you interested in my brother? Are so pathetic that you would try to steal a woman's boyfriend while she's in a coma?"

She glares at me and sneers. "No Natalie I'm not as pathetic as you. I don't go after other people's boyfriends!"

What did this bitch say to me? I get up in her face and Rex pulls me away. "Watch your mouth honey, you have no idea who you are dealing with!"

She looks me up and down and turns to get her purse. Looking back at Rex she smiles sweetly "I'll call you later. I'm here for you." shooting me a murderous look she slams out.

I look at Rex. "What the hell is going on with you two?"
He shrugs "She's a friend nothing more…"
"A friend hunh? Well maybe to you but I can guarantee she wants more."
"I don't need this, I need to get to the office and follow up on some leads" he says walking back to his room.

I look at the door, so little Adrianna got herself a crush? What the hell do I care she's no better or no worse than that damn Layla. Neither of them are worthy of my brother. Grabbing my purse I head out. It's time and Evangeline had a chat.

The Palace

(Evangeline's POV)

Walking into the Palace I see mom and uncle Clay already seated drinking coffee. Clay looks up at me and he's still wearing the frown I saw at the hospital. I smile at him anyway and make my way over. Today I'm wearing all black and I can't help it, this thing with Layla and John has me in the mood for nothing jovial. My hair flowing past my shoulders I feel my silver hoop earrings sway and hear my silver bangles cling on my arm as I turn sideways to squeeze past patrons. Reaching them I swipe at my hair that has fallen in my face and smile wider. "Morning"

Mom gets up and comes to me kissing my cheek. "Hey cookie"
"Hey ma" I say looking over at clay.
He says nothing and sips his coffee.
Taking a seat I sigh. "How are you today Uncle Clay?"
"Disappointed." He says dryly.
"Clay you promised." Mom snaps.

I look at him and see his hurt over my pregnancy and it hurts me as well. "I wish you could see this for the blessing it is."
"Are you saying you're proud of this baby cookie?"
"Of course I am."
Clay lowers his cup smirking. "Funny, running away and not telling your family or baby's father doesn't seem like an act of pride to me."

I look at him angry now. "Let me tell you something. My baby is a gift from god. I stayed away from you because I knew you would turn it into some big failure of these supposed dreams you ad my dad have for my life. I didn't want or need your approval and I'm not ashamed of what I created out of love with John"

"Cookie calm down" mom says touching my arm.
"Love!" Clay shouts. "According to your mother the man never said the word, but you spread your legs for him…."

"Stop it!" Lisa snaps and a couple of people turn and look at us. My heart is pounding and I want to cry at what he almost said to me. I don't deserve to be insulted like that. I love my uncle and his approval and respect means the world to me. To attack me like I'm some kind of whore has ripped apart the bond we share. It's destroyed my faith and belief in him as well.

"If you don't stop this now Uncle Clay I will remove myself from your life altogether." I say my voice cracking and tears threatening to fall. I want to say more but the pain in my chest makes it hard for me to breathe let alone speak.

He looks down and then back at me. "I don't want to hurt you Evangeline."
"But you are!" I snap.
"I just don't want you hurt, I promised my brother I would take care of you. This man almost cost you your life. He never treated you with respect and now you are carrying his illegitimate child. This is not what your life was supposed to be and it's all John McBain's fault."
"I'm a grown woman and I knew exactly what I was getting into with John. Contrary to what you and momma think of him he cares and loves me and my child. Yes he has problems and I have removed myself from him and his issues, but make no mistake he is the father of my baby and you two will respect it. Hell you will respect him!"

Mom rubs my hand "We just didn't want you hurt by him" she says sadly.

"Too late I've been hurt. But my pregnancy was not a part of that pain. My baby is my blessing."

Mom squeezes my hand. "Cookie, this baby is what we need now, especially with everything going on with your sister. The baby gives us hope. We are both extremely happy about the new addition to our family. Aren't we Clay." she says flashing him a pointed stare.

He nods and picks his paper back up. I shake my head and accept the menu passed to my by the waiter. My uncle is as stubborn as my father. I won't allow his bitterness or prejudices affect me or my child. I won't allow it to spill over to John, this wasn't intentional and the man has enough problems. Ordering breakfast I steer the conversation back to Layla where it should be.

The Station
(John's POV)

"John, got a minute?" Rex asked holding the door open.
I look up at him aggravated. "Only if you have the information I asked for!" I snap
He walked into my office smiling smugly. "I have better than that I know where Leo Caprone is."

My eyes grow wide. "How? We have feelers everywhere for him. Where is he?"
"Where most cowardly men that abuse women run too" he says standing in front of me with his arms folded smiling, daring me to figure it out.

I lean back in my chair. "Okay I give up…where?"
"Momma's house where else do cowardly women beaters run too."
I shake my head. "Good work Balsom." Getting up I put on my jacket, time to round up a scum bag.

Rex follows me out and I see Natalie arriving at work. She looks up at me and smile and I walk over to her. "If Bo comes in tell him that I'm taking a unit to get Leo Caprone to bring him in for questioning."

She smiles "We need to finish our talk"
I shake my head and keep walking. Rex on my heels I think to tell him to stay behind but what's the point, this is personal for him too and its better if he remains close. Walking into the brisk winter air I smile at the lead we now have. I want to catch this asshole and make him pay for what he did. I want to show Evangeline that I can do at least this right.