_ Chapter 9 _

They found a beach ball in the back of the cottage, and were now allowing the wind to blow it back and forth between each other. He ran to the left, volleying the ball up once, before bumping it across the sand to her. Virginia jumped up, her thin white t-shirt rising and exposing bare skin beneath, as she spiked it into the sand in front of him. He sighed, as she - once again - won another point.

"Do you give up, or do you wanna keep playing?" She asked, tucking her hair away, out of her face.

Andy put on a brave face. "Never."

She chuckled, picking up the ball and tossing it in the hair for herself to catch when his phone began ringing a few feet away on his towel. She looked over at it, and then back to him. She sighed and placed her hands on her hips. "Andy…"

He had told her before they left that this vacation would only be for the two of them, and he would leave work behind, once they left the city.

He ran his hand through his grey hair, looking at the vibrating cellphone and then back to his girlfriend. He gave her a sorry look, before jogging across the sand tor retrieve it.

She decided to ignore it, and pretend like it had never rung, and began throwing the ball up in the air for herself to catch. She tried focusing on the sound of the waves, and not the heart breaking thought, they may have to return to work earlier than planned.

After nearly a minute of silence, she turned around and saw his face as pale as one of her patients. She dropped the ball and ran across the sand to him. His hand was over his mouth and he kept repeating the words, "I'm so sorry…"

She couldn't handle the suspense any longer. "Andy, what's wrong?"

Her heart was beating faster by the second. He pulled the phone away from his ear frowned. "It's Kate's dad. He's passed away."

_ AC _

It didn't take very long for Virginia to win the argument with Brandon, of driving back to the city to help. She remembered what it was like losing a parent, and how it felt like in a way, you were losing a part of yourself. Kate wasn't in any shape to be taking care of children, and her husband should be there to support her. Andy supported her decision, and helped her pack up the car. The drive back home was quiet, Virginia absentmindedly remembering her father's death. Andy picked up on it, and held her hand all the way home. His finger rubbed the back of her hand, while the other was held on the wheel. Every so often his eyes would leave the road, and glance over at her to confirm she was alright.

Of course this would bring back memories of her father's death, but he knew her better than to think she was making this about her. It was the very reason he wasn't saying anything.

By the time the tall buildings and horrible traffic had returned, he could see her face turn to a much more determined look.

She was planning what to say, and how to react. Her hands had fell to her lap, and were fidgeting nervously. She had told him earlier in their relationship that the one thing she hated most about being a surgeon, was having to inform patient's relatives that a patient had passed. She didn't like talking about death, it brought un-welcomed anxiety. It was hard enough dealing with her own panic, but she hated seeing others go through it. She never knew what quite to say, so she always did her best to show it. She remembered when her father had died, she cleaned her parent's house until the walls sparkled and Brandon had to force her to go home. She knew that he meant well, but she could only think how she could support her mother during such a crisis. Hugs and apologies can only go so far, but she wanted to help.

Andy didn't bother going home first, he knew that Virginia would want to see her brother and sister-in-law first, just to make sure they were okay. As soon as the car was parked, Virginia's door flung open and she ran to the steps. She knocked on the door until her brother answered, with a tired and confused three year old on his hip.

Virginia, never being good in these situations, allowed Andy, who was now behind her for support, to speak for them. "Hey, we heard what happened and came as fast as we could."

Virginia's brother stepped out of the way, letting the couple enter. The little pair of tired eyes were fixed on their aunt and her 'friend', while the adults talked.

Madison and her sister were old enough to know something was wrong by the way their parents were acting, but not old enough to understand.

"Well, Kate and I really do appreciate you coming. I think it's best the little ones not have to be involved in this."

When the little girl started to squirm, he set her down on the floor and she pulled on her aunts leg; something she did when she wanted to be held.

Virginia gave the child her best smile, and reached out her arms to lift her. The child held onto her aunts neck tightly, squeezing her in a hug.

Brandon and Kate were raising the girls well, to be polite, and kind, young women, however they were very fussy when it came to people looking after them. Their Aunt Vee was the only one aside from their parents, who they never cried around or threw tantrums.

The sound of sobbing in the kitchen reminded Brandon of why they were here. "I'm sure they'll be more than okay with the idea of staying at your house for a few days. All their things are upstairs. I'll run up and grab Avery and their things."

Andy and Virginia were left alone with Madison; her big brown eyes fixed on Andy. "You remember my friend Andy, right?"

The little girl nodded her head, before tucking it into her aunts shoulder, as she did when she was shy.

"Andy's going to be with us while you're at my house. Is that okay?"

Madison looked at Andy and then back to Virginia, as if she didn't understand why they were always together. "Mommy doesn't let me have friends over that long."

Virginia saw this coming long ago. "Andy and I are a different kind of friends."

It took her a few seconds to process what her aunt was saying before answering. "So, you don't play barbies with Andy?"

"No."

"Then what do you do?"

"Well, we watch movies and bake cookies and go grocery shopping together."

"Grocery shopping is boring." Madison face twisted into a scowl. "So you're like mommy and daddy?"

The four year old was understanding the concept better than predicted. "Yes. Andy and I are like your mommy and daddy."

A few seconds later they were interrupted by footsteps down the stairs. Brandon hushed them, once they came into sight, gesturing toward the sleeping child on his shoulder. He walked them out to their car, careful not to wake the little one.

Andy loaded their bags into the trunk, while Virginia made sure Maddie was buckled in. As the child who would always jump up and down, whenever Virginia brought them cupcakes and brownies, she looked nearly lifeless, with deep bags under her eyes that were barely managing to stay open. It was then she realized, she hadn't even thought of where they were going to sleep. She couldn't have them sleep on the couch, when a good night's sleep was going to be hard enough already for them. Very rarely did Kate have the girls up this late ever, unless it was for a family gathering or the Academy Award Show.

"Okay Maddie, I want you to make sure you and your sister behave for Aunt Virginia and Andy. I'll see you girls in a few days."

He kissed both of their heads, ducking his head back out of the car, and giving his sister a hug before returning inside the house. Andy got in the front seat, while Virginia sat next to him, watching the backseat carefully, in the rearview mirror. "They look so tired," Virginia whispered.

"Shouldn't be too difficult for us then."

Andy kept his eyes on the road, driving extra careful with a full vehicle.

They pulled into the driveway, and Andy brought the overnight bags inside, while Virginia opened the back door. She unbuckled the youngest, and lifted her out of the car seat, all the while she remained sound asleep.

She met Andy on the front step, as she stopped to readjust her arms. "Andy, I don't think I can lift Maddie without waking her up. Would you mind..?"

Without any arguing, Andy went to the car and carried the remaining passenger, from the car to the house, making sure the door was locked behind him.

Virginia entered the living room, empty handed, brushing the hair out of her face. She raised her finger to her lips, pointing toward their bedroom and whispering, "I hope you don't mind, I laid her down in our bed."

It was late, and she would prepare the guest bedroom tomorrow morning, when everyone was well rested.

Once both girls were in bed, Andy joined Virginia on the couch, putting his legs up and relaxing his arm around her.

The house was quiet. "Those girls just lost a grandparent, and they don't even know it." She shook her head, wistfully.

"They're so young, they're likely to forget."

His fingers stroked through her hair, as he tried remembering what it was like when he was younger, growing up and losing his grandparents. It had been so long ago. His Nana Flynn was a lot like Virginia; she would have liked her. She was a quiet and introverted, but fiery woman, who was the most pleasant woman you'd ever meet until crossing her.

Her head had fallen to his shoulder, and by the way she was allowing hair to fall in her face, it showed she was getting tired too.

"Honey, why don't you go to sleep now, and we'll figure things out in the morning."

She moaned, and lifted her head from him. Her words were slurred with fatigue, "No, I don't want you sleeping on the couch."

He set his feet on the floor, yawning himself. "And neither are you." His hand wrapped around her back, as he helped her to her feet. "C'mon, you can sleep in our bed tonight with the girls, and we can set up the guest room for them tomorrow. I'll be fine on the couch. It's just one night."

Too tired for arguing, she kissed him goodnight at the doorway, before retiring to their room.

_ AC _

The iridescence of the sun, lit the face of a wide-eyed and toothy smily young girl. She was twirling in the middle of huge field, wildflowers up to her knees and birds flying above her. It was almost unearthly, like nothing Virginia had seen before. She'd had plenty of younger patients just like the girl, but this one stood out. She wasn't calling to the girl, or making any effort to communicate, she remained distant, observing her graceful moves. She didn't recognize this child, but it felt like she knew her well. Like they had an extremely powerful bond, that couldn't be named. A few seconds worth of a glance away, and when she looked back she was slipping away. Farther into the leaves, and the trees. She was torn. Should she chase after the girl, talk to her and try to get her to stay, or let her let her go, not knowing anything about her? Maybe that was the reason she wanted to talk to her so badly, because she knew so little. She could have sworn she heard her name being called. Was it from the little girl? Was she scared? looking for her? Was she hurt?

"Veeeeeeee."

Was she looking for her? Was she hurt?

"Veeeeeeee."

It wasn't a scared voice. She was calling for her.

"Veeeeeee.."

Virginia's eyes flew open, and inches away were another pair looking down at her.

"Aunt Vee, Andy wants to know if you're okay. You've been sleeping a reeeeeally long time."

The weight on the bed shifted, and something plunked down next to her. "I told him he couldn't come in because it was girls only."

Virginia rubbed her eyes, while her niece curled up beside her, and tucked her head under her aunt's arm. "Madison, wheres your sister?"

It was disorienting for Virginia, waking up with a child in her face, asking a million questions, that she was barely capable of processing so early in the day.

"She's in the kitchen with Andy making breakfast. Andy said if I woke you up nicely, then I could help him make the pancakes."

Virginia eased, knowing that everyone was okay, and breakfast was being made.

Once her eyes had finally adjusted to the light, she noticed Madison was already dressed, the room was still clean and she couldn't recall being woken up during the night, or in the morning by any screams or wails. "You should have woke me up earlier. Are you girls behaving for Andy?"

Maddie nodded her head quickly, and sat back up, half on Virginia and half on the bed. "Andy told me and Avery all about his job as a policeman."

"Avery and I, and police officer," Virginia corrected. She couldn't imagine all the grammatical errors the girls must have picked up from their mother. Then again, it was the same woman who was anti-vaccination.

The little girl paid little notice to her correction and continued her story. "He has handcuffs, and a badge and hat, just like on TV!"

She couldn't imagine where Madison could have seen such a thing on television. "And where did you see this?"

"Paw patrol. I'm too old for those shows, but mommy let's Avery watch them or she throws a hissy fit. I watch the big girl shows, like Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First."

Neither shows sounded familiar to Virginia, but she was relieved to hear they were children's programs.

"Doc McStuffins is like you, Aunt Vee. She fixes people who are hurt."

She couldn't help but grin at her choice of words.

Maddie bounced around on the bed, evoking a few groans from her aunt, as she elbowed her way into the blankets. "Aunt V?" She tucked her head into her aunt. "Do you think Andy will show me his handcuffs."

The little girl's elbow was digging into her side, and she wasn't used to sharing a bed with children.

"No, honey. Andy's handcuffs are for work."

She pouted out her bottom lip and rolled onto her back. "But you let me try on your doctor's coat."

At this point, Virginia was now fully awake and after arguing with a six year old. Strangely enough, it reminded her of work.

"Maddison, that's different. My job isn't as dangerous, and my coat isn't the same as his hand cuffs. Also, I'm your aunt."

The little girl went silent. It was something she'd managed to get from Virginia. Whenever she was upset, she would fold her arms and go silent. It was unusual behaviour for a child, but she was sure Kate and Brandon must have preferred it over a temper tantrum or screaming.

"Why don't we get up and go see if breakfast is ready."

Virginia got out of bed and and pulled on her robe, on the way to the hallway, with Maddie trailing behind her, rambling on about a seven year old doctor.

She took a seat at the bar, across from Andy at the stove. "It smells good in here."

Andy set down the wooden spoon and covered the home fries, turning his attention to her. "Well, someones finally up."

She rolled her eyes, and reached her bottle of vitamins, while Andy poured her a glass of water. She took a small sip and swallowed them.

"You're making bacon?"

He set her glass in the sink, and walked around the island to finish preparing the breakfast table.

"We had some left in the fridge and Maddie said she couldn't have breakfast without eggs and bacon."

She looked to the girls, playing peacefully on the floor in the living room, while Andy finished cooking.

"So, any idea what we're going to do this weekend."

Virginia crossed her arms over her chest, and leaned into the counter. "I'm not sure."

She thought about it for a moment. Whenever she watched the girls it was overnight, and usually just at her house. Virginia didn't have the first clue about what kids liked these days. "You have children Andy, where do you think we should go?"

He reached for a stack of plates. "Well, theres a play park just down the road. We could walk them down there for an hour or so and let them play. Maybe get ice-cream on the way home."

"Ice cream!" A little voice shouted from the living room.

Virginia rolled her eyes and chuckled. "No ice cream until after breakfast."

Maddie let out an overdramatic sigh, and continued on with her dolls.

After they had finished eating, Virginia took them to wash up and change into a pair of matching sundresses, while Andy cleaned the kitchen. "Mommy doesn't let us wear our nice dresses to the park. She says we'll get them dirty."

Virginia directed the little girl's arms through the sleeves, and tugged her hair out of the back. "Well then you're going to have to make sure you don't make a mess."

"But what if I do?"

Virginia sighed, and went to their suitcase, looking for shoes. "Then you'll have to save your pennies for a new one."

She had never imagined children could be so bothered by the simplest things. If the girl's wanted to wear their nice dresses, then she didn't see it as being a problem as long as they knew they had to be careful. Children are children, and if she had little girl's of her own, she'd have them in frilly pink dresses everyday, with their hair in braids and pig tails and tied up with bows. It seemed as though every time they came over they were in tights and t-shirts. Not that they weren't dressed nicely, but they always wore play clothes, and were repeatedly warned by Kate not to act silly. Virginia couldn't see what the big deal was, about a four and six year old wanting to run around in dresses.

She held up two pairs of shoes for them to see. "White or pink ones?"

"Pink!" Avery shrieked.

Maddie nodded her head, agreeing with her sister and Virginia began slipping them on, one foot at a time.

There was a knock at the door. "You ladies almost finished in there? The park is going to be closed by the time we get there."

They both giggled. "The park doesn't close, silly. It's always open," Maddie said, as a-matter-of-factly.

Once they were both dressed, and Virginia had a packed a small bag, they headed for the park. Maddie skipped ahead of the group, while Avery held tightly on to her aunt's hand.

It was a sunny day, with a small breeze; a perfect day for a walk. Virginia wished she had more to bring for them, like toys or their bicycles. She hated spur of the moment things.

Once the sun came out from behind the trees, Virginia made the girls put on their sunhat, which was a battle, but won on her part when she threatened ice cream.

They played happily on the slides, while Virginia and Andy watched them from the shade of a tree. Virginia had wore her own sun hat, which hadn't managed to escape the mocking of Andy. It didn't bother Virginia. Her skin was protected, and skin cancer wouldn't be any match for her.

The hour had rolled by, and it was already nearing the afternoon. Virginia stood from the grass and called out, "Maddison, Avery, It's time to go!"

They didn't listen at first, but after a second warning, with a tone that wasn't one of their favourites, one came running over with ther hands dusty from the stones.

"Madison, did you get dirty? Show me your hands, please," Virginia instructed.

The six year old did as she was told, and let her aunt throughly inspect, the dirty aftermath.

"I'm sorry Aunt Vee, I didn't mean to."

Her big brown eyes looked as if they were beginning to water, and her lower lip twisted to a pout.

Virginia took her hand, and gave her a reassuring smile. "It's oaky, sweetheart. You two can have a bubble bath, when we get back to the house."

Virginia was about to call for Avery, when she heard a small voice shriek from across the playground.

She dropped the girl's hand and started running toward Avery, who was laying face down on the pavement.

By the time she got there, there were tears streaming down her bright red face, and her nose was running.

Virginia hushed her softly, holding her closely as she ran her hand through the little girl's hair. "Avery honey, what happened? Show aunty where the booboo is."

She mumbled something through her tears and then continue crying harding, into her aunt's shoulder.

"Sweetheart, you have to show me where it is, so I can make it better."

She sniffled before stopping long enough to grab her knee, where a small drop of blood, was trickling from a cut.

"It's okay, honey. It's just a cut."

She kissed Avery's forehead, and sat down on the ground, with the girl in her lap. "Andy, could you please bring my purse over?"

Andy came with Madison following closely behind. Whenever those two got together, she suddenly became his shadow. Virginia found it cute.

"There's a few bandages on the outside pocket."

Andy unzipped the pouch and held one out.

Madison sat down next to her sister. "Don't worry, Ave, Aunt Vee is a doctor just like Sophia."

The younger girl had stopped crying, but still held a firm grip to Virginia's sleeve.

Once the bandage was on, Virginia helped her back up to her feet. "See? All better."

Avery gave her best smile and wiped her nose, which had Virginia rummaging through bag for a tissue.

Avery held on to her aunt, all the way home. In the meantime, Madison had moved far moved on from the accident that had occurred, and was now chasing after squirrels with Andy. Virginia couldn't help but laugh at watching her boyfriend chase after furry animals. He could be such a teddy bear sometimes. It made her wonder what he was like with his children. Or how he was with them now.

Once they got home, Virginia promised that they'd get ice cream later. She was surprised when neither argued or put up a fight.

After their bubble baths, Virginia changed them into more casual outfits, and let them sit and watch television while she started dinner.

Chicken fingers and french fries seemed to be the girl's favourite, so she caved. Andy was kind enough to settle for a salad of his own, which didn't seem appealing the younger guests, when offered.

Three episodes of Team Umizoomi later, Andy, a changed man, stood from the couch and lead the girls into the kitchen.

They got ice cream as promised, once dinner was cleaned up and by the time they returned home, both girl's were struggling to keep their eyes open.

Once they were laid in bed, in the guest room that Andy had prepared, Virginia joined him on the back porch.

He was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to notice she had joined him. She took a seat beside him, hugging his arm to her chest. "What are you thinking about?"

His arm came instinctively around her, pulling her in closer. "I'm reliving a few hours ago, when I was sitting on our living room floor playing Barbies."

Virginia smiled, at the thought, but not because it was funny to her, but because she found it sweet.

Her father was a good man, but never played dolls with her when she was younger. He was too busy with work, and when he wasn't, he would play ball with Brandon. Her brother, being the good man her parent's raised him to be, always invited her to play, but sports were never her thing. She figured, he always said something, just to make her feel included.

"Did you play dolls with Nicole when she was a little girl?"

The smile on his face disappeared, and she worried that she'd said something wrong.

"I drank a lot, when Nicole was Maddison and Avery's age. Daniel was old enough to remember back to before the alcoholism, but Nicole was too young, and so it's all she remembers. I managed to screw things up perfectly."

Virginia found it easy to empathize with Andy, unlike with everyone else. It was odd how naturally it came to her.

"Yeah, but they still love you, now."

Andy scoffed, "Yeah, and when's the last time I saw them."

Virginia wasn't sure what to say. There were so many other thoughts running through her own mind, to try to tend to his.

"I may not know your children personally, but I've heard about them through you and I feel as if I do, and that says something. You're a good father, because you're trying."

Andy went silent, and she seemed to have calmed him. She's the only one he'd met in his life, who could say the slightest words and make his problems seem distant. He tilted his head to kiss her forehead, and laid her head to his shoulder.

Andy had known this woman for over a year now, and although he knew logically why she hadn't children, he couldn't for the life of him understand how so many men had let her get away. Seeing her with her nieces that day made him realize, she may have regret never settling down, and having some of her own. Even with Aspergers, she worked around it and was still able to take care of the children as if they were her own. It seemed like she'd spent her whole life, learning to work around it, and rehearsed socializing, to end up alone up until the previous year.

"Growing up everyone always told me that I could do anything I wanted to, even though I was different. When I found out I had Aspergers, the doctor's told me they were surprised I had made it to be this successful, and that they'd never met a woman my age who had come this far."

He grinned proudly, as if he'd known her all her life, and kissed her head, letting her continue. "I was told that day, that there was less than five percent of doctor's who had Aspergers, and less than one were women."

She went quiet, and tugged on his arm, readjusting her grip. "Less than one percent," she repeated.

Where on earth was she going with this? "Honey, you've told me this before." But she continued.

"Women above the age of forty, have an eight percent fertility rate, and women over fifty only have one percent. There is no scientific evidence that women with autism have a higher rate of passing down the genes, however, for those who have, there is no connection, genetically to the parents."

His fingers had unconsciously stopped twisting around her hair, as he tried to process the meaning of all she was saying. He wasn't sure what to say, wanting to be careful he didn't hurt her feelings. Was she trying to say she wished she'd had children? Did she regret it?

"Virginia I-" but she cut him off, before he could finish

"Andy… I've been thinking a lot about it lately, and I know you may have your own thoughts on it, but I can't just ignore it any longer. Especially with the girls here, and.."

This time it was his turn to interrupt. "So, what you're saying is…"

"I want a baby."

His heart nearly stopped altogether. He swallowed hard, before trying to compose a response. "Virginia, I don't know what to say."

The last time he'd heard those words, he was at least twenty years younger.

She reached for his hand, and held it in her lap. "You don't have to say anything, I just needed to tell you."

He was finally started to really process what was said, and once it was within reach, he imagined Virginia holding a baby. A little boy, or even a little girl, wrapped in a blanket, with a pacifier in their mouth. He imagined it having her nose and mouth, or if it were a boy, he could have his eyes and her tiny ears.

He was enjoying the blissful thought, when she brought him back to reality. "I know that it may seem a little sudden, and we've only been together for just over a year, but with my age, I don't think I have much more time to dwell on the thought, or let it hide in the back of my mind much longer."

He almost felt bad, for never entertaining the thought. Of course he'd thought of their future before. Marriage, and family dinner's, maybe even a pet, but not a child of their own. He never really considered it being something she'd want. Not that she wasnt good with children, but she hadn't said a word about children, to him. They'd visited her brother a handful of times together, since they'd started dating and she never projected the idea that she wanted it for herself. For them.

At their age, it seemed more like a fantasy. Of course it was something nice to think about, but he was way past the age of considering that. And even though she was younger than him, it couldn't be the safest idea. Wasn't this something that society considered selfish, and hasty?

She watched his eyes concentrate on their hands clasped together, as he processed her proposition. Virginia couldn't help but feel guilty. Not only for springing this newfound idea on him all at once, but also for asking him for such a serious commitment. She couldn't lie to him, and say that he needn't worry about the commitment, but it was more than that to her. It was wanting to share a child with him. She wanted to share this with him, and the commitment that followed. She didn't just want to mother his child, she wanted them to raise it together.

She withdrew from the thought of it being too much. Had she picked the wrong time? Was it a bad idea as an entirety? They were both getting close tor retirement, having a baby must have been the last thing on his mind.

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that."

When she didn't receive a response, she took it as a sign of it being a mistake. Was she selfish for asking for something like that from him? They'd only been together for a year, and she was asking him to raise a child. What if he wasn't as sure of their relationship as she was? Of course Andy loved her, she knew that, but raising a child takes more than just love. Andy already had two full grown children of his own.

"Virginia, this is…"

"I know… I just acted on impulse," she lied. "I probably shouldn't have said anything,"

She felt him withdrawing. She wrapped his arms around his and pressed her chin to his shoulder. "You know what? Now that I think of it, it kind of sounds silly. Don't worry about it. Forget I brought it up."

Virginia didn't often lie, especially to him, but she could sense she must have scared him, and didn't want to throw their relationship off course. Everything was going so well, she didn't want a silly dream scare him away.

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Yeah…" She gave his hand a slight squeeze and rested her head on his shoulder.

_AC_

That night Andy turned back and forth between Virginia and the wall. He'd memorized every crack on the ceiling, thinking about what Virginia had said. The more he thought about it, the less crazy it sounded. It became calming to think of, and began lulling him to sleep. Virginia had been so good with the girls that weekend, it wasn't straining to see her as being good mother. He'd known for quite some time, that they'd be together from that point on. He couldn't imagine life without her anymore. Obviously it was important to her, otherwise she wouldn't have brought it up, and it only broke his heart when she dismissed it so quickly afterward. He wished he would have said more, anything, just so he didn't seem so cold toward the idea.

It was a scary idea, but something about it seemed right. It was only fair, that as half of their relationship, he consider it.

He turned his head to the woman next to him, her brown hair laying against the pillow as her chest rose and feel rhythmically. He turned to his side, careful not to wake her and ran his fingers over her curves. Her hand found his and pulled it to her chest.

Maybe giving the thought a chance wouldn't hurt.