Sydney to the Max Season 4: Episode 15 - For Love of the Baby
Written By: "Fun But Shy Girl", Based on Characters Created by: Mark Reisman
Sydney Reynolds sat at a table at an outdoor cafe looking nervous as Harry approached her. Harry sat down as he faced Sydney and said, "Got your urgent text Syd. So what's wrong? I can't take too long a break from work, you know." Sydney then looked down as she said, "Harry... I'm sorry. I know we both tried to be careful and we used protection but... Harry... I'm pregnant."
A smile went across Harry's face as he said, "You are? Sydney, this is wonderful." Sydney still looking nervous said, "Are you sure? I mean I thought we both agreed this wasn't the best time considering we weren't done with school yet and..." Harry interrupted Sydney as he put his hands on Sydney's hands and said, "It's okay. We'll get through this. We're both about to graduate from college. It's gonna be okay."
SEVEN YEARS EARLIER...
PRESENT DAY:
Angela with a look of shame on her face sat on her bed as she said, "Sophia, I just found out yesterday that... I'm pregnant." Sophia with a surprised look said, "Mom. I..." Then Angela looked down as she said, "I know. As a mom I'm supposed to tell you to wait to have sex until you're actually married, and me and Max just totally set a bad example. Heck, I couldn't even pretend to set a good example to my kids and just remembered to use protection. Ugg. This is a disaster."
Then Sophia with a look of optimism said, "No mom. This is amazing. You... you're having a baby." Then Sophia with a smile hugged her mom. As Angela sat looking upset she said, "No Sophia. No." As Sophia backed away she said, "What's wrong? Once you tell Max, this is gonna the happiest day of both your lives." Then Angela said, "No Sophia. I'm about to start another marriage on un-solid ground." Sophia looking concerned said, "What do you mean?"
Angela sighed and said, "Your brother Dylan wasn't born right after me and your father got married. It... it was before. I rushed into a broken marriage because once I got pregnant, I thought I had to. And now... I'm starting another family on un-solid ground again." Sophia then held her mom's hands as she said, "But you're not doing that again mom. You love Max, and Max loves you."
Then Angela said, "Yeah. And I had this exact conversation with myself twenty years ago. And now... I can't do it again. I can't. I need to go. Now." Then Angela got up and rushed out of the room. Sophia then yelled, "Wait!" Angela turned to look at Sophia as she said, "Sophia, don't stop me!" Sophia then said, "I'm not. Just... let me come with you mom." Angela sighed as she said, "Okay."
2001:
A teenage girl named Angela stepped into an office building with a very nervous face. She saw a receptionist sitting at a desk and began to slowly approach the desk. Then Angela suddenly felt very nervous and turned around and began to walk away quickly. Then Angela suddenly bumped into a dark skinned young adult woman carrying many folders. The woman upon bumping into Angela dropped many of her folders as she said, "Oh shoot." Angela looking guilty said, "Oh. I'm so sorry. Here. Let me help you pick those up." The young adult woman then said, "Thanks. Oh, are you the new intern supposed to start today? I'm the other intern: Webby." Angela turned her head and said, "No. I was just... um..." The woman Webby upon seeing Angela's nervous face said, "Oh. Were you here to see a doctor here about..." Angela suddenly fell to the ground and began crying. Webby put a hand on Angela's shoulder as she said, "It's okay sweety. Don't feel ashamed. This is a a place designed to help teenage girls that are pregnant. Come on. Lets talk."
2029:
Sydney sat in the kitchen of her small apartment reading through several textbooks, as Harry stepped in. As Harry walked over to the oven he said, "Hey Syd. How does some bacon for Sunday afternoon lunch sound?" Then Sydney looked up for her book to say, "Actually according to to what I'm reading, some whole eggs might be the better thing to start having for lunch now since they contain the highest amounts of nutrients I need while pregnant." Harry smiled a bit as he said, "Well look at you getting all educated there. I guess it's a good thing your dad never threw away your mom's old med school textbooks. I mean you've been pouring over them every day I'm here with you." Then Sydney said, "Well I need to be as informed as possible on what's happening to my body, and what will happen to it over the next few months. I've also been reading mom's old textbooks on child psychology and reading about ideal forms of child rearing, discipline management, and how to help balance a child's intrapersonal and interpersonal development." Harry looking a bit surprised said, "Wow. That's all interesting. But Sydney, don't you wanna focus on teaching our kid to eat solid foods first before you start mapping out their career." Then Sydney said, "Well I'm not gonna have as much time to think about it after they're born, so I'm just making the most of the free time I still have." Harry then said, "Well... I'm glad you're thinking about how you're going to move forward. Well anyway, I'll start cooking some eggs."
PRESENT DAY:
Max and Sydney were walking down the sidewalk together as Sydney said, "Okay. So the Salvation Army is closed today, and so is every store that sells rings. Well... I guess my wedding day is ruined." Sydney then said, "Don't say that dad." Then suddenly a car sped by the two, hit a muddy puddle, and caused mud to cover the two. Max sighed and then said, "Okay. It really is ruined." Then Max sat on a nearby bench looking defeated. Sydney then sat next to Max and said, "Dad... okay, I'll admit, this isn't going to be an ideal day now. But you've gotten through worse with less. Remember when our car got stuck on the side of the highway while on vacation once? We were stuck for eight hours with nothing to do, but you put on the greatest puppet show in the car that any seven year old would love. Or what about when we camping with Leo and LJ and we forgot to bring any bread, but then you discovered a way to make hamburgers with waffles? And then when you lost mom... you really stepped up and became the best 'mom dad' any girl could ask for." Max smiled as he leaned over and kissed Sydney on the forehead. Then Max hugged Sydney as he said, "Thanks Syd. Coming from you, that means... everything. And you're right. Come on. Even without rings and clean clothes, we got a wedding to get to."
2001:
Angela and the young adult woman Webby were sitting at a bench outside as Angela with tears in her eyes said, "I don't know what the heck I was thinking. My boyfriend and I did it just one time, and I never thought... oh God..." Angela began to sob, as Webby said, "I'm sorry Angela. But this doesn't have to be the end for you. Like you told me, you're going to be graduating high school before the baby is expected to be born, so you're already going to be ahead of other teen mothers." Then Angela said, "But that's the thing. I've done everything right my whole life. I never drank, never smoked, never cussed, never skipped school, always did my chores growing up, was never late to class. But all it takes is one mistake for my life to be ruined."
Then Webby said, "Angela, I know it feels like your life is ruined, but only your original plans for your life have been ruined. However you can still make a new plan for your life. A life where you get to be a mother to a child that will bring new meaning to who you are." Then Angela still looking upset said, "No. I... I can't. I'm not ready to be a mother." Then Webby said, "And neither was I when I was pregnant in high school." Angela suddenly looked caught off guard as she said, "Wait. You mean... you're a teen mother?" Webby sighed and said, "I was going to be. But then... I lost my child in a miscarriage. And a part of me still wishes I could tell you losing my child helped me breathe easier knowing I could go back to the status quo of my life. But in reality... a part of me still mourns for the child I never knew every day. Angela, I know you're scared of what's going to come. But I'm more scared of what you could potentially be missing out on." Angela then looked down, took a deep breath, and said, "Okay... I think I'm ready to go back in there now." Webby smiled and said, "Great. I'll let my boss know you're ready to see her now."
2029:
Sydney was sitting in the kitchen of her home looking tired as she read through textbooks. Then Harry walked in through the front door as he said, "Hey Syd. How are you feeling?" Sydney then looked at Harry with an exhausted look as she said, "Just doing lots of reading." Then Harry took a good look at Sydney's face as he said, "Sydney, you look like a mess. Is everything okay?" Then Sydney said, "Yeah. Sorry. I just haven't gotten a lot of sleep lately. These textbooks about pregnancy and child development are just real page turners." Then Harry said, "Sydney, you need rest. Lets get you over to the couch." Harry then helped Sydney up and guided her into the living room. Harry then helped Sydney lay down as he said, "Sydney, I am so glad you are doing everything you can to prepare for motherhood. But don't you think you're pushing yourself too hard?" Then Sydney with an upset look on her face said, "Well I have to push myself Harry. Do you know that any child born from an unprepared mother is more likely to have bad grades, poor social skills, and get addicted to drugs and alcohol. I can't let my child's life get screwed up. I can't!" Sydney then suddenly began to break down and cry, as Harry sat next to her and held her close as he said, "Look Sydney, what's done is done. I know you got pregnant before we were ready. But at least it happened right as we were about to graduate from college. Plus, remember that you got your friends, your dad, your grandmother, my parents, and more importantly: me. Do you think our child is gonna fall through the cracks with that much support around them?" Sydney then looked at Harry and smiled as she said, "Harry... thank you." Harry smiled as he said, "Any time Syd."
PRESENT DAY:
Angela was driving her car as Sophia sat next to her. As Angela drove, Sophia said, "So mom... where are we going?" Angela then said, "I don't know. Just... in the complete opposite direction of the church for now. I can't be there. I can't look at Max." Then Sophia said, "Look mom, I get it. You're scared again about what the future is gonna hold." Angela nodded and said, "Yes. I screwed things up twenty years ago, and now everything's starting just like it did back then again." Sophia then with a simple tone said, "But it's not the same. This time, no matter what happens: you got me, you got Dylan, and... considering Max has a pretty good track record with sticking around kids that he fathered... I'd guess no matter what happens you'd still have him too." Angela then suddenly pulled off to the side of the road and hit the breaks. Tears appeared in Angela's eyes as she looked at Sophia and said, "Oh my God Sophia. How could I have been so ridiculous?" Sophia then said, "It's okay mom. I'll always be here to help you. However, I'm betting Max could really help too if you let him." Then Angela looked at her watch as she said, "Oh God. We can get to the church if I turn around now. But I'll have no time to change into my wedding dress or..." Then Sophia touched her mom's hand and said, "Mom... it's okay. Max will love you no matter how you come dressed." Angela nodded her head, and then began to drive the car again.
2001:
Angela sat in small room holding a picture of a sonogram. As Angela looked at the blurry picture of a baby before her, tears appeared in her eyes as she made a small smile. Webby then stepped into the room and said, "Hey. Just checking in with you. How did the the appointment go?" As Webby sat down next to her, Angela said, "I'm having a boy. Oh my God, I'm having a boy." Webby smiled as she looked at the sonogram and said, "He already looks adorable." Angela with a little smile said, "I thought for sure it was going to be a girl. I always wanted to have a little girl I'd named Sophia after my late grandmother." Webby smirked and said, "I'm sure you'll find a good name for this little boy. So... you gonna tell the father and your family?" Angela suddenly looked more nervous as she said, "I'll tell my family, but as for my baby's father... I don't know." Webby looking a bit concerned said, "Angela, he has a right to know." Angela sighed and said, "I know. It's just... we've been fighting a bit in the last few months and... I wish we could've had our relationship on more solid ground when this happened." Then Webby said, "Well... it would be good to try to make it work. And if doesn't... I'm sure the right guy is out there for you somewhere." Angela then stood up and said, "Thanks Webby. I should go home now. By the way... is Webby your real name?" Webby smirked at Angela as she said, "Nah. That's just my name here since there's already four women in this building that have the same first name as me. I'm called Webby just because my last name is Webb. My first name is actually Alicia." Angela smiled as she hugged her and said, "Well thank you Alicia... for everything."
2029:
Sydney lay in a hospital bed holding a tiny new born baby girl in her arms. Sydney kept one hand on the baby girl's back as she kept her eyes completely fixated on the newborn's tiny face. Harry then stepped into the room as he quietly said, "Hey. Is she still asleep?" Sydney nodded as she said, "Yeah. I never knew watching any living being sleep could be so beautiful. Harry sat near Sydney as he said, "She's perfect Syd. So... as promised, I'm leaving the final decision up to you. What are we naming her?" Sydney looked at the new born baby's face and said, "I know you thought it be nice to go with my dad's recommendation of naming her after the sister I never knew. But... when I look into her eyes and see that face... I just can't keep thinking about my mom, and how happy and proud she'd be of us right now. So... I'd like to name her... Alisha." Harry smiled as he put his hand on the baby's head and said, "Welcome to the world Alisha. So... you think she's ready for guests?" Sydney smiled as she said, "Yeah. But not too many at once. How about we start with my dad, Angela, and Lauren." Harry smiled as he said, "Fine with me. I know little Lauren is very anxious to meet her brand new little niece."
PRESENT DAY:
Inside of the church, Olive and Emmy were sitting together near the front of the large assembled gathering as Olive said, "Where are they?" Then suddenly Max and Sydney ran in from the back looking dirty and wet as Max loudly said, "Sorry we're late. A car nearly hit us and it was raining, and we..." Then the two looked around as Sydney said, "Angela and Sophia. Where are they?" Then as Sydney sat next to Olive, Max approached the church pastor as he said, "Has anyone heard from Angela?" The church pastor then said, "No. We thought you might have..." Then suddenly the sound of a door opening was heard. Everyone turned their heads and saw Angela step into the church wearing a wet yellow t-shirt and blue jeans. As Sophia walked in behind Angela, she quickly sat down near Sydney.
Angela then approached Max, as Max said, "You got caught in the rain too?" Angela nodded her head and said, "Yeah. You get into a mud fight though too before coming here?" Max smirked as he said, "I wish. You lose your wedding dress?" Then Angela looking around said, "No. But... did you lose the wedding rings?" Max sighed as he nodded and said, "Yeah. I'm sorry Angela." Then Angela said, "No. I'm sorry." Max looking confused said, "What for?" Then Angela leaned towards Max's ear and said, "I'm pregnant." Max looking surprised said, "You are?" Angela nodded her head and said, "I know. I'm sorry I didn't use any protection of my own that weekend we were alone, and I'm sorry I've made this day even more chaotic than you wished but..."
Then Max interrupted Angela as he put his hands on her shoulders and said, "Angela... life is always going to be chaotic. But I'd rather deal with that chaos with you for the rest of my life than with anybody else." Then Max leaned in and kissed Angela. The two adults in their wet and dirty clothes then hugged one another tight and continued to kiss as many people in the church attendance began to clap. Olive and Emmy smiled as they held hands, and leaned their heads towards one another. Sydney and Sophia meanwhile began to cry as they put their arms around each other's shoulders, as Sydney said, "I love you sis." Sophia smiled as she leaned her head against Sydney's and said, "Love you too sis."
THE END!
OR RATHER...
TO BE CONTINUED IN SYDNEY TO THE MAX SEASON 5 (just click on my profile to find it)
*Note from "Fun But Shy Girl" - This is essentially the "season finale" of the Sydney to the Max Season 4 project. This was truly one of the best writing projects I ever worked on. I originally thought I would only be able to get help on half the stories, but instead I received writing assistance and input on every episode except for this last one. Everyone brought their strengths, talents, and creativity to every episode; but they also brought their strong beliefs and convictions as well, making this become what I feel to be: one of the strongest fan-fiction projects out there, and the true definitive continuation of the Sydney to the Max series. Thank you so much to DrDoom2006, JoshFics, L. little'sFanfic, Katy Kear, Stuckfan, and WritingWithKeon for your support. This story wouldn't have been nowhere near as good without all of you. And most importantly: thank you to you the reader for coming along with on this journey. Our goal was to give you the continuation of one of Disney Channel's greatest television programs, and also push the characters' journeys to new surprising levels that would leave you thinking and well entertained. Be sure to share this work with any other Sydney to the Max fans you know, and let the characters and what you learned from them live in your heart forever.
*Also... start reading my Sydney to the Max Season 5 project that me and writer DrDoom2006 are working on. If you were willing to read all of the episodes in this series, you will really like what we have planned next.