In Grid Battleforce, Kelly was working hard in her office on the story about Sarah. She was doing her best to create a story where Sarah and Kathryn, despite the biological connection, were two very separate individuals. It wasn't a hard story to fabricate, since it was entirely true. The hard part was wording it so that no one could read between the lines, or think this was a cover up. Kelly needed to be open and honest, which still leading the public to believe what she wanted them to believe.
It was delicate work and she needed focus. For most of the day, she had that. No one in the building needed her attention, and Blaze, Roxy and Scrozzle seemed to be content with leaving the Rangers and the city alone for the day. However, towards then end of her working day, there was a knock at the door.
Security in Grid Battleforce was tight, but since Kelly worked as Public Relations, the public had access to her office with minimal security checks. A sign in sheet at the front security desk was the most rigorous check. Her office had no access to any other parts of the building without the right badge, so it was still relatively safe.
"Come in," Kelly called and saved her work. She assumed anyone who came all this way to talk would want more than just a moment of her time. Unfortunately, she didn't like who she saw coming into her office. She pointed to the door. "Get out."
"I'm sober."
"How many minutes?" Kelly frowned. She glared at Kathryn. "You promised you were doing better."
"You saw the news, huh?" Kathryn asked shamefully. Kelly nodded her head.
"We owe you nothing. You promised you'd leave…"
"Something's come up."
"We're not giving you money. We're not giving you a place to stay. We're not helping you…"
"I'm not looking for help for myself," Kathryn shook her head. She pointed to the chair on the other side of Kelly's desk, asking for a seat. Kelly reluctantly nodded. She had already insisted Kathryn leave, but it seemed the older woman wanted to be heard. If listening would get her out, Kelly would let her vent, then kick her out. "Last night… that wasn't on purpose."
"Classic excuse. It's not my fault, officer. The alcohol poured itself down my throat. I don't know how the drugs got there. His dick just fell into…"
"Please," Kathryn begged. "Please, hear me out."
"You haven't deserved it."
"It's not for me," Kathryn repeated, sparking Kelly's curiosity. Who would Kathryn be trying to help? She had no one in her life, which was likely why she had already fallen off the wagon with her sobriety. Kelly could only think of Thomas, and she wasn't willing to help him out either.
"Who?" Kelly demanded. Kathryn placed her hand on her stomach. Kelly laughed.
"You think I'm buying that?"
"I know it's hard to believe. Trust me, even the people at Planned Parenthood were shocked but…" Kathryn reached into her pocket and took out an ultrasound. Kelly reached out to grab it. She had never seen one before, but this looked credible.
Suddenly, kicking Kathryn out didn't seem so easy. While Kelly wanted nothing to do with the woman, the child she was carrying – claiming to carry – was perfectly innocent. Kelly couldn't, in good conscious, turn down a chance to help what would be Sarah's sibling.
"What do you need?" Kelly asked. "A hand to hold? Money? Me to warn Child Protective Service to come knocking at your door nine months from now?"
"I'm not making the same mistake I did before," Kathryn said. "Sarah… you know better than I do that with a good parent around, Sarah found a way to thrive. And I'm sure if I had made sure of that with Thomas, he wouldn't be in prison now either."
"Well, he is still the spawn of Satan," Kelly muttered.
"I want to do right by this one. Third time's the charm."
"Just… to confirm," Kelly said. "This is baby number three, right? Not four, or five, or…"
"Only the third," Kathryn nodded. "I'm not hiding anymore secrets, I promise."
"I can look into support groups for you," Kelly suggested. "Surely someone in this building must know something about abortion support groups and…"
"Abortion?" Kathryn frowned. Kelly looked to her curiously.
"You said you wanted to do the right thing by the baby," she said. "You have no house, you're barely sober enough to call yourself sober, you have no education or job experience to fall back on except prostitution, and that doesn't have a god track record for being a safe, family friendly environment. You're really going to bring a kid into that world?"
Kelly had to hope that there was some other answer here. She wanted nothing to do with Kathryn and knew that the older woman being in Sarah's life would only complicate things for the pink Ranger. However, if there was a child involved, Kelly really couldn't cut all ties and hope for the best and she doubted Sarah would want that either. Thomas never had anyone in his life who he knew wanted better for him and he was rotting in prison. Sarah had someone who fought for her, who loved her and actually did provide her with a safe, family friendly home and she was doing well. Kelly wanted – needed – to give the new child that same support.
"I'm adopting," Kathryn said. "And… and… I was hoping the baby could stay in the family."
"What family?" Kelly asked. Kathryn just looked to her. Kelly shook her head as she pointed to herself. "We're not family."
"You said it yourself, I'm barely sober and I'm pregnant," Kathryn said. "So far everything seems normal but… I want the best chance for this baby and I'm worried that won't happen. A drunk mother? On drugs? A baby conceived by a total stranger who paid for sex?"
"Someone will love that baby."
"You already do," Kathryn said. She looked to Kelly sincerely, then to the picture of Sarah on Kelly's desk. "Do you really believe I stayed completely sober while I was pregnant with her? You love Sarah, in spite of everything."
"Never in spite. I love everything about Sarah. Period."
"Please, tell me you'll think about it," Kathryn begged. "If I can leave this kid with you, I know they'll be okay. I'll know I've done right by them, for once in my life."
"I'll talk to Sarah," Kelly said. "We'll see what we can do."