Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Ladder 49; lyrics are Illume by Stevie Nicks.
Chapter 4
Linda was in the waiting room for the family doctor. She flipped through a magazine about knitting, but nothing registered in her mind. She was too busy thinking about what Mike had told her. What if something was seriously wrong with her? She had to be there for her kids, she couldn't leave them alone.
"Linda Morrisson, you can follow me now," said a petite nurse wearing sesame street scrubs.
1 HOUR LATER
Linda sat in her car, thinking. It was only 11 in the morning, it was a while before the kids would be home. She played with her keys, still in shock. She couldn't believe what the doctor had told her. She would never have guessed. And she was unsure about how to feel about it all. Pregnant. Most people would be delighted that they were expecting. And she was, but she was still thinking about how this was going to work. She had no Jack to help her through this. She would have to go through it alone. And that was beyond frightening for her.
She drove home and sat on the couch. She read and re-read the bottle of pre-natal vitamins the doctor had given her. She picked up the phone and called the fire department. "Mike, I need to talk to you. I just got back from the doctor," started Linda seriously.
"What is it? Linda, are you alright?" Said Mike in a panicked voice. Then Linda heard a loud buzzing in the back ground, and some voices on the other end.
"Shot! I have to go, Linda, I'll talk to you as soon as I get a chance. I really have to go," he said apologetically, and hung up.
Linda gazed at her hands. She should have suspected this. Her morning sickness, her moodiness, her slight weight gain. They were all signs. What would she tell the kids. The kids! As if they weren't already vulnerable, now they would be getting even less attention with a baby. A baby! How would she give birth? Who would hold her hand as she cried and swore in agony? How would she do this financially?
She heard the doorbell and rushed to open the door. It was Mike, still smelling like smoke.
"Linda, I came straight from the fire, my shift's done. Please tell me you're alright."
"I'm fine. We're fine."
"Are you sure? You took the kids to the doctor too?"
"No, they're at school. I'm pregnant, Mike."
Mike looked at her as though it was the last thing he expected to hear.
"Pregnant? Linda, are you serious? How far along?"
"Four months. It happened before Jack's accident."
"Linda, this is wonderful! Aren't you excited?"
"God knows I'm happy about this, but I'm scared too. I'm carrying Jack's baby. The last thing he left me. How am I going to do this, Mike?'
"Don't worry, everything will workout. Just make sure that you take care of yourself. Are you going to need some help around here?"
"Well, I'm not sure. As much as I hate to admit it, I think I'm going to have to get my mother to move in for a bit. She's been bugging me to let her help, and I guess I'll just have to let her."
"You better. I'm so happy, Linda. This is so great. I know Jack would be happy."
"Yeah, we always said we wanted another baby. It just never happened. I guess I'll have to tell the kids tonight."
"Good luck. I wish you all the best. If there is anything, anything at all I can do for you, please tell me. I have to go, so keep in touch and take care of yourself."
"I will."