Both Adyson and Katie stopped and looked at her. Both were clearly stunned by this revelation.
"I never knew," Adyson mumbled.
"That's why he was living in my parents' house," Gretchen said, still a bit irritated.
"I didn't-" Katie was cut off by Gretchen.
"No one asked."
"We didn't want to pry," Adyson said.
Katie began to ask, as she tried to wrap her mind around the information, "So you didn't want to-"
"Cause another one," Gretchen completed.
"You must think I've been the worst friend ever," Katie said, deflating a little.
"You didn't know the whole story," Gretchen said simply.
"Well, compared to someone else, you were the best friend ever," Adyson added.
"What do you mean by that?" Katie asked.
"You didn't start any rumors about Gretchen and Ferb," Adyson pointed out.
"I listened to them. That's just as bad, I'm so sorry Gretchen," Katie said.
"It's over and done with," Gretchen remarked.
"But-" Katie tried protesting.
"Don't worry about it. Adyson told me that you're getting married soon," Gretchen cut the blonde off.
"She did?" Katie asked.
"Who do you think stitched her arm up?" Gretchen returned.
"Yeah well….shame that one co-worker of yours is-" Adyson began.
"Shane is like a brother," Gretchen cut Adyson off.
"Shane?" Katie inquired.
"One of Gretchen's co-workers, really cute but not into women," Adyson answered.
"Oh. I guess that's cool," Katie responded, uncertainty in her voice.
Gretchen became worried, "He's found someone and he's happy."
"I wish we were all so lucky," Adyson muttered.
"I don't see how anyone can be happy in a relationship such as that," Katie commented.
"Well Shane's generally a happy guy, there have been a few times when he's a downer," Gretchen stated, becoming uneasy with the subject.
"Were you working the ER when that nasty pile up happened?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen gave a nod.
"That must have been horrible," Katie commented.
"A few broken bones, a few concussions, and a few stitches," Gretchen listed off.
"So run of the mill?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen gave a slight grimace at the memory of a certain person, "Not so run of the mill."
"I could never work in a hospital, I hate sick people.," Katie remarked.
"It's not that bad. Most people aren't sick, they're there for other reasons," Gretchen explained.
"I don't know how you did it, Gretchen. You knew you wanted to be a nurse by the time you were ten," Adyson said.
Gretchen shrugged.
"Did anyone die in that accident?" Katie asked.
"Fortunately, no," Gretchen answered.
Adyson recognized the tone and said, "I'm sensing a 'but'."
Katie snickered.
"Grow up Katie," Adyson informed the blonde.
"One of the drivers involved was..." Gretchen began.
Adyson was looking over the menu, listening, "Yes?"
Gretchen glanced at Katie then at Adyson, "Jason."
Adyson flipped down her menu, "What?"
"Jason," Gretchen repeated.
"Are you talking about Jason-Jason? That guy you dated before Ferb?" Katie asked.
"That would be the one," Gretchen answered with a slight distaste in her voice.
"I hope you stitched his lips shut," Adyson commented.
Gretchen snickered, "No. He tried saying some things."
"Like what?" Adyson asked.
"Just some rather unpleasant things, so I asked Shane to check on him," Gretchen answered.
Adyson burst out laughing.
"How'd he react?" Katie asked.
"Let's just say Shane got him to shut up," Gretchen replied.
"He doesn't seem like the type to-" Adyson began.
"He's almost thirty now. And can be quite diplomatic," Gretchen cut Adyson off.
"You mentioned an incident at your work," Katie said.
"But seriously though, are you all right?" Adyson asked.
"It was nothing major," Gretchen tried downplaying the incident.
"What happened?" Katie and Adyson inquired.
Gretchen groaned, "You're not going to let this drop are you?"
"You phone me and say that you've got a few days off work. You're quite correct I'm not going to let this drop," Adyson replied.
"I was just over-tired and I passed out. No big deal. Shane was there and..." Gretchen trailed off.
"The way you talk about him, it's as though you're awfully close," Katie remarked.
"He's like a big brother," Gretchen defended.
"You sure?" Katie asked.
"Katie, he's gay, there is no doubt about that. He was the first co-worker that I worked a double shift with," Gretchen replied.
"Hold it, you passed out while on shift?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen sighed, "Yes."
"Isn't that dangerous?" Katie asked.
"I was just walking down a hallway at the time. It could have been worse," Gretchen said with a shrug.
"And Shane just happened to come by and rescue you?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen answered, not liking the turn the conversation was taking, "Yes."
"Sounds like he's willing to switch teams just for you," Katie commented.
"He's got to compete with Ferb," Adyson said.
"He treats me like his little sister! He's openly gay! He has no interest in women what-so-ever!" Gretchen snapped.
"But he rescued-" Adyson tried protesting.
"We were talking when it happened," Gretchen growled.
"You sound like you are close with him though," Katie said.
"Like a brother you guys," Gretchen said with a sigh.
"You're normally so organized. How could you not get enough sleep before work?" Adyson inquired.
"Maybe Ferb's keeping her up," Katie said with a laugh.
While this conversation was going on with Gretchen, Adyson and Katie, Ferb had some comments thrown his way at work when he first arrived.
"Hey Fletcher what's with the smiles?" Derrick Mercer asked.
"Yeah you weren't this cheerful yesterday," Matthew Drew commented.
Ferb shrugged and headed for his office.
"Isn't he married?" Matthew asked.
"I swear that has to be the face of someone who just got-" Derrick began.
"I bet he's knocked up his hot little number and might have another on the side. That would be why he's all smiles now, compared to before" Matthew suggested.
Derrick smirked and glanced over at Ferb's office, "He could have done more than just that. His mind isn't on task. I bet he loves tapping that."
A third co-worker, Anthony Marvin rolled his eyes. Anthony knew that Ferb was a respectable man and would never cheat on his wife. It was only too obvious by the way the green haired Brit spoke about his wife, that he loved her very much. As Derrick and Matthew continued coming up with rumors, their supervisor came over and he was not in a good mood.
"Aren't you supposed to be doing something; rather than gossiping about Fletcher's life?" The supervisor snapped at the two gossiping workers.
"It's not that. I've been under some pressure lately," Gretchen replied.
"What kind of pressure?" Katie asked.
"The kind of pressure I don't want to talk about," Gretchen replied.
"All right," Adyson shot Katie a look, "We won't push it."
"Okay, we won't," Katie agreed.
Gretchen picked up her menu again, "I sure hope your fiancée is treating you right Katie."
"What is that supposed-" Katie began.
"I think she's implying that she'll hurt him if he's a scumbag," Adyson cut her off.
"I didn't say that Addy. I just hope he's treating her right, because he's marrying a very fine person," Gretchen remarked.
"Thank you," Katie said then paused for a few minutes to peruse the menu, "By the way, how is Ferb these days?"
Gretchen offered a small smile, "He's doing well."
"Does he still use the cane? I saw him a few months ago, but he didn't have it," Adyson asked.
"Once in a while, mostly when the weather changes," Gretchen replied.
"That's good right?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen nodded.
"I know Adyson's marriage ended in divorce but you've been married what-" Katie began to ask.
"A little over five years," Gretchen replied.
"What's that like?" Katie inquired.
Gretchen tilted her head, "I'm not quite sure I follow."
"To be married to the same person for so long."
"Five years isn't that long."
"Longer than me. I made it to two," Adyson remarked.
"Jeff wants to get married because he wants to have kids," Katie said.
"That's nice," Gretchen said.
"Do you want kids Katie?" Adyson asked.
"That would be nice," Katie answered then turned to Gretchen, "Doesn't Ferb want kids, Gretchen?"
"We've talked about it," Gretchen hedged, as the thought 'If you only knew,' went through her mind.
"All right. Adyson did you and your ex-husband ever try for a child?" Katie asked the tallest of the three.
Adyson shook her head, "He got a little upset when he found out that I'm on birth control."
"So how are your jobs?" Gretchen asked, desperately trying to change the subject.
"Not bad. There's no room for advancement but I'd rather keep my job than search for another," Katie replied.
"I'm still considered new at my job. I've only been there six months. I might get to make a lateral move soon, unless someone with more seniority wants the job," was Adyson's answer.
Gretchen nodded, "That's good, I guess."
"What about you? I mean other than you helping out injured and sick people," Adyson asked.
"What do you mean?" Gretchen inquired.
"You've been working there for five years now," Adyson commented.
"Surely you've made some progress," Katie added.
"Oh that. If the doctors had the choice I'd be a Charge Nurse, but there are those Union Rules," Gretchen replied with a shrug.
"Just ask Phineas and Ferb to break the rules for you. They've always been good at that," Katie said.
"Those were the laws of Physics. Not a Union. There's a difference," Gretchen returned.
"So, Gretchen. You and Ferb have talked about kids?" Adyson asked effectively changing the subject.
Gretchen gave a nod.
"Haven't you wanted to be a mother since you were sixteen?" Katie asked.
Gretchen uneasily answered, "Yes. But not AT Sixteen."
"So why-" Adyson was cut off by Gretchen.
"I'd rather not talk about it," Gretchen said tightly.
"You left for England with him," Katie pointed out.
"Yes I did," Gretchen replied evenly.
"There's no need to get defensive," Adyson said.
Gretchen gave her an incredulous look, "I'm not being defensive!"
"Did anything-" Katie tried asking.
"No. Nothing really happened," Gretchen said quickly.
"So nothing happened?" Adyson asked.
"Nothing happened. My father would not have been please if I came back from England, pregnant," Gretchen replied.
"I suppose not. You're father's fairly old-fashioned," Adyson mused aloud.
"I remember being scared of your father," Katie admitted.
Gretchen offered a small smile.
"Didn't he get mad at Ferb on a few occasions?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen nodded, "We were back a couple of days and Ferb boldly stepped up to my father and declared, 'I want to marry your daughter. I am looking for your blessing.' I swear my father was waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"What other shoe?" Katie asked.
"Well my parents were worried that I was pregnant," Gretchen explained.
"But you weren't, that much was obvious at your wedding," Adyson stated.
Gretchen gave a confirming nod.
"Isn't Phineas married?" Katie asked.
Gretchen shook her head, "Not yet. Linda's not thrilled."
"Never pegged Phineas to be the one to have kids," Katie remarked.
"They've only got the one," Gretchen pointed out.
"I would've thought that Ferb would be the one to have..." Katie trialed off.
"Katie, stuff a sock in it," Adyson said then turned to Gretchen, "I knew Ferb would be responsible."
Gretchen nodded.
Katie tilted her head.
"What?" Gretchen asked.
"Something wrong Katie?" Adyson asked.
Katie reddened, "I forgot to-"
Gretchen raised an eyebrow.
Katie took a breath, "I forgot to tell Jeff I was going out for lunch."
"Does it matter?" Adyson asked.
"Well, sometimes he comes home on his lunch break and we'll..." Katie started to explain.
Gretchen, thankfully, interrupted, "TMI Katie."
"Yeah, TMI," Adyson agreed.
Katie winced, "Sorry."
Gretchen muttered something about ER visits and something involving a married couple under her breath.
"What was that?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen shook her head, "You don't want to know."
Adyson leaned forward, "I think I want to hear this."
Gretchen was adamant in her reply, "Trust me, this is not something you want to hear when you're about to eat something."
"That good?" Adyson asked.
"That disturbing. You'll never look at.." Gretchen stopped and turned to the waiter, who just arrived, "I'll have the fettuccine alfredo and just water to drink."
The waiter looked over at Adyson to which she said, "Roman Pasta, and a cola."
The waiter turned to Katie, "And for you miss?"
"Chicken Pompadora, and a diet cola," Katie replied.
Adyson watched waiter as he left.
This caused Gretchen to roll her eyes, "Adyson please, I want to enjoy my... excuse me," Gretchen quickly got up and headed to washroom.
"What's up with her?" Katie asked.
Adyson shrugged, "When you've gotta go, you've gotta go."
"A bit odd she didn't-" Katie was cut off by Adyson.
"Maybe she didn't need to earlier."
Gretchen returned a few minutes later, a little bit paler than she had been. She retook her seat and offered the other two women a sheepish smile.
"Sorry," she apologized.
"It's all right," Adyson said.
"Are you okay?" Katie asked.
Gretchen cautiously took a sip of her water, "Yeah, fine. I just really needed to use the facilities."
Adyson turned to Katie, "Told ya so."
"Gretchen, I thought you enjoyed a glass of wine with your lunch on occasion," Katie noted.
Gretchen nodded, "On occasion. I just don't feel like a glass today," then added in her head, 'and for the next eight months.'
"No problem. Though are you sure you're all right? You left in a hurry a few moments ago," Adyson said.
Gretchen leaned back in her chair and closes her eyes briefly, trying to negate the weariness that suddenly hit her, "Yes."
Katie exchanged a look with Adyson.
"You can be honest with us," Adyson said.
Gretchen opened her eyes slowly, "I'm fine."
"Do you have anything planned for May 30th?" Katie asked.
"I don't think so...I might have to work," Gretchen answered.
Adyson shot Katie a look, 'What in the hell is she doing?' she thought.
"I'm sorry Gretchen. I want you to attend my wedding," Katie said.
"If you can send an invitation, I'll check with Ferb," Gretchen replied.
"But Gretchen, I'm asking now. I don't have any left," Katie stated.
Adyson shook her head.
"Besides, I have one person who can't make it," Katie continued.
Gretchen sat up, and upon seeing the linen napkins, pulled a paper one out of her purse.
"Katie, you can't just invite one person without inviting their spouse or date," Adyson scolded.
Gretchen began muttering in German to herself, taking both of the other women by surprise.
"Whoa Gretch-" Adyson began.
"Since when can you speak German?" Katie asked.
Gretchen replied in English, "Since always."
"Really?" Katie inquired.
"Way to change the subject Katie," Adyson muttered sarcastically.
"I'm going to have to politely decline Katie," Gretchen said softly.
"You have to come. It just won't be the same without you," Katie persisted.
Adyson sat forward with her elbows on the table, "You should have thought about that when you drew up the guest list in the first place."
"I'm feeling awfully warm," Gretchen murmured as she took another couple of sips of her water, "I think I should be heading home. I..." her eyes fluttered shut as she slumped in her seat.
Adyson jumped out of her seat, knocking the chair over.
"Gretchen!" Katie yelped.
Adyson caught Gretchen and held her, "Katie, go through her purse and find her phone. Call Ferb."
Katie looked through Gretchen's purse, and found the phone, "I don't see it here. All she has is a list of numbers, hardly any names attached."
"Safety conscious Gretchen. Call Isabella. She'll have his number, or Phineas," Adyson said.
"I don't know Phineas' cell," Katie replied.
"You DO have Isabella's, Right? Adyson asked, slightly annoyed.
"Of course I have her number," Katie retorted.
"Then call Isabella," Adyson said.
Katie shot a worried look at Gretchen.
"Hurry up Katie," Adyson said.
Gretchen's eyes started to flutter.
"Gretchen, are you okay?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen groaned in answer.
Adyson reached for Gretchen's glass of water, "Take a sip."
Gretchen shook her head.
"Then what do you-" Adyson began.
"Help me to the bathroom," Gretchen mumbled.
"Okay," Adyson replied and wrapped an arm around Gretchen's waist.
As Adyson walked with Gretchen to the bathroom, she couldn't help but notice the slight weight loss. Adyson glanced at the smaller woman, and noticed she had gotten two shades paler than when she first walked in. Adyson really hoped there wasn't something seriously wrong with her friend. Most of the old troop probably wouldn't admit it, but Gretchen had been the one to keep the troop on track when Isabella would go off into Phineasland. As soon as they were in the confines of the bathroom, Adyson turned to face Gretchen.
"Gretchen, I don't mean to sound rude but what the he-" Adyson was cut off.
"I'm fine," Gretchen choked out.
Adyson glared at her, "Don't pull that with me."
"Adyson," It was Gretchen's turn to be cut off.
"People who are fine don't nearly pass out in the middle of a restaurant. I'm calling bullshit," Adyson said.
Gretchen leaned heavily on counter, "I'm fine. I'm just exhausted."
Adyson crossed her arms over her chest, "Liar."
"I just need," Gretchen stopped to look for her purse, her eyes went when she couldn't find it, "where's my purse?"
"Katie's got it. She's trying to call Ferb,"Adyson said.
"If she accidentally calls my supervisor," Gretchen groaned and covered her face with her hands.
"I'll go get it. I don't think Ferb will like it if I let you crack your head open," Adyson remarked, looking Gretchen up and down.
"I'll be fine," Gretchen said.
Adyson returned a few minutes later with Gretchen's phone and purse. She had her own phone to her ear.
"Katie got his number off Isabella," Adyson said, looking around the bathroom, "Gretchen? Where are you?"
Gretchen pathetically called out from one of the stalls, "In here."
Adyson handed the phone under door, "Your husband's on the line."
"Thank you," Gretchen said as she took the phone and pressed it to her ear, "Hey," she paused to listen, "It's was just a-" another listening pause, "Ferb you need to calm down," she said followed by a pause then, "Yes, I'll get one of them to drive me home,"she listened for a few moments, "So you'll pick him up and let him drive-" Gretchen was cut off then she sighed, "Okay," a short pause this time, "Love you too," she said then disconnected the call.
"Gretchen, are you all right?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen quietly asked, "Honestly?"
"Honestly," Adyson confirmed.
"No," Gretchen admitted.
"What's wrong honey?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen opened stall door, "I..." she faltered at the sight of herself in the mirror, "I..."
"Gretchen, you look positively dreadful," Adyson gasped.
"I can't keep food down," another admittance.
"Have you seen a doctor?" Adyson asked as she watched her friend's progress from the stall to the sink.
Gretchen nodded as she soaked a paper towel and dabbed it on her face.
"What'd he say?" Adyson asked.
Gretchen went wide-eyed at the question, 'No way I can tell Addy right now. It's way too early.'
"What?" Adyson asked.
"The doctor?" Gretchen asked.
"No, the Easter Bunny. Of course the doctor. What did he tell you?" Adyson replied sarcastically.
"That if I'm not careful I'll burn out and make myself sick," Gretchen answered.
Adyson looked at lack of color in her friends face, "You're already there."
RW26Z: *maniacal chuckle* Let the games begin. Oooh-hooo we're in for a fun ride now. This is just the beginning. Lots of things to come.