Chapter 5

Sharon stood numb looking at Andy. She didn't know what to say at this time. She couldn't stand to lie to him more, but she had no the courage to tell the truth in his eyes. She put her hand over her mouth and ran to the bathroom. Andy followed her immediately and decided to wait outside. Sharon had done this on purpose. She couldn't hide her tears, but she didn't want to cry in front of him. She wept quietly while Andy was knocking on the door constantly.

"Sharon, are you okay there? Tell me, are you okay?" he asked anxiously. Sharon took a deep breath and immediately washed her face, then she emerged from the bathroom pale. Andy touched her face gently and looked into her green eyes that were filled with sadness.

"Andy, I'm fine." she said, almost whispering. Andy took her carefully as she was about to faint. He slowly led her into the bedroom and grabbed her hand.

"Sharon, you're pale. Do you want me to call Dr. Julie?" he asked seriously. Sharon shook her head.

"No need. I just feel tired and I need sleep." she assured him. Andy shrugged and hugged her tightly. He was completely forgotten about his question. No, he just couldn't think of anything other than Sharon and his child. Sharon closed her eyes and snuggled in his arms tightly. She wrapped her arms around him, unwilling to let him go. She felt terrible after every lie. But how could she say such a truth? She knew very well that Andy would never forgive her and if the child is Jack's, he will never look at her more. She didn't want to risk. She couldn't risk just so. She had to make sure somehow that this child is Andy's. But she had to wait until the baby is born - she had no choice. The next morning, Andy breakfasted with Nicole and Rusty, while Sharon was getting ready for work. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and took a deep breath. She was two months pregnant and that meant that soon she'll be able to learn whether her baby is a boy or girl. She touched her belly, but she felt very bad. She threw her purse and sat on the bed. On the other hand, Andy was worried why Sharon is still not coming.

"I wonder why Sharon is delayed so much." Andy frowned and looked at his watch. Nicole and Rusty laughed.

"Dad, Sharon is pregnant. Calm down, she probably choose appropriate clothes. You know that at this stage of pregnancy, women are vulnerable." she said with a grin. Andy sighed and sipped his coffee. Rusty grabbed his bag.

"I regret that I have to go, but Sharon will be angry too if I'm late for college." he said jokingly.

"Well, that's pretty normal. I'll see you later and good luck." Nicole said sternly. Rusty shook his head and walked away. After a few minutes, Sharon joined them in the kitchen. Andy helped her to sit while she looked around because she couldn't see Rusty.

"Rusty?" she asked, turning her attention to Andy.

"Don't worry honey, he went to college. You don't want him to be late, right?" Andy asked her and kissed her gently on the cheek. Nicole put breakfast in front of her.

"Sharon, Rusty is pretty smart and believe me he knows that you'll get angry if he delays." she added. Sharon sighed wearily, saying, "I just didn't know what time it is. Andy and Nicole looked at each other confused. Nicole went to her room, while Andy decided to talk to Sharon.

"Sharon, what's up? You're pretty distracted and you barely talk. Tell me what's going on with you?" he asked quietly and anxiously, clutching her hand. Sharon looked into his brown eyes sadly. She took a deep breath and dropped his hand. She got up carefully and stood near the window, looking out. Andy stood next to her immediately and squeezed her shoulder, forcing her to look at him. But she didn't look at him. She couldn't look at him. But Andy was stubborn. He lifted her chin and looked into those eyes that were always full of love and warmth, but this time there was only sadness and emptiness. He couldn't understand what was happening. He was worried about her more than ever, especially in her condition.

"Sharon, when will you answer? When will you stop ignoring me like this? I want to know if I am guilty. I've offended you for something? Maybe you are annoyed because of my question las night? Yes, actually you're right. I'm an idiot to ask so stupid question. I know you love me and that Jack is lying as usual. " he said sadly, regretfully. Sharon swallowed the lump in her throat. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she touched his face. He blamed himself, but actually only guilty was she.

"Andy, of course you don't offended me. You're not guilty." she said softly. Andy sighed and kissed her gently on the forehead, then wiped her tears.

"Then why are you crying? What's the problem? Sharon, I'm worried about you because I love you very much. In addition, Dr. Julie warned you that you must be calm and away from stress." he said quietly. Sharon pursed her lips and nodded with a smile.

"I promise I'll be careful about my health." she assured. Andy hugged her tightly, rubbing her back soothingly. On the other hand, Nicole and Dean had a plan to move to LA to allow Nicole to be near her father. And especially when she'll have a sibling. She remembered her childhood very well. Years ago she was quite excited about her brother, but unfortunately he'd died at birth. She knew very well that her father hasn't forgotten the pain and she just hoped that Sharon will give him this chance. She wanted her father to be happy, but she was convinced that only Sharon is able to gave him happiness. Several hours later, the whole team worked hard. They'd just revealed another case of murder. Now it was lunchtime and in the department was no one besides Sharon. Andy was insisted very much to go into a restaurant, but she'd refused. She wasn't in this mood. So, Andy had decided to have lunch together with Provenza. While Sharon was sitting on her desk thoughtfully, she saw Jack in front of the office. She couldn't believe that he is here. She immediately came out of her office and stood before him, looking at him with anger, but Jack also looked at her angrily. This time, he wasn't drunk.

"Jack, what are you doing here? I can't believe that you come here again!" she almost shouted. Jack grabbed her hand hardly.

"Why am I here? Because you're a liar! What? You told me you that this child is mine? You're so pathetic. You have a relationship with Andy Flynn and probably the child is his. Then, why did you lie to me?" he asked angrily. Sharon stepped back and gave him a slap.

"Enough! You're guilty. Because of you, I lie constantly to Andy! Because of you ... I can't tell him the awful truth. I am a fool to sleep with you again!" she shouted.

"Yes, it's your fault. But don't worry. Andy will understand your secret very soon. Even more soon than you expect." he said cheekily. Sharon was filled with more fear. She knew that Jack can say anything to Andy immediately. She put her hand on her belly, feeling mild discomfort. She took a deep breath to calm herself. During this time, Andy and Provenza had lunch together.

"So, Sharon didn't answer you?" Provenza asked anxiously. Andy sighed and shrugged.

"No, but last night she felt bad. Look, Louie, she is pregnant and I didn't want she to worry unnecessarily. Maybe this was a pretty stupid question. I know that she loves me and that she has nothing to do with Jack. " he said firmly. Provenza nodded slightly.

"Yeah, maybe you're right. I'm sorry that's why I pushed you. But still, it's okay." He said slightly guilty. Andy grinned and shook his head. After half an hour, Sharon was called Andrea, as she was the only person who can help her. Andrea handed her a glass of water and sat down beside her squeezing her hand.

"Sharon, stop to think about this idiot. He won't say anything. But maybe it'll be better if you tell the truth to Andy. It would be much better if he finds out this from you, not someone else." she suggested quietly. Sharon left the cup on her desk and took a deep breath. She trembled and Andrea was afraid for her health.

"Andrea, I'm trying to tell the truth, but afraid of his reaction. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe this child is Andy's, but even to acknowledge that, he can break his relationship with me. I'm afraid." she admitted. Andrea shushed softly and hugged her. At that moment, Andy and Provenza returned. Seeing the open door he hurried to the office. He was worried when he saw Sharon crying quietly in Andrea's arms. Andrea stood back while Andy squatted in front of Sharon and looked into her green eyes with fear.

"Sharon, are you okay?" he asked anxiously. Sharon took a deep breath, but she couldn't stop crying helplessly. Andy looked at Andrea asking, "Andrea, what's happening? Why Sharon is crying?" Andrea shrugged and Provenza walked into the office and stood beside Andrea.

"Andy, believe me, I have no idea. Suddenly Sharon felt sick, but I think it's nothing serious. These are pregnancy hormones." she explained hurriedly and looked at Sharon. Andy touched Sharon's face gently.

"If you want I'll call a doctor." Provenza suggested anxiously. Sharon shook her head and wiped her tears.

"No, Lieutenant. I just felt a little discomfort, but it's okay." she said immediately. Andy took her hand.

"Sharon, let's consult with Dr. Julie. Maybe it's serious." he said quietly. Sharon bit her lip.

"No, Andy, I'll be fine." she insisted. Andrea and Provenza decided to leave them alone. Andy decide to led Sharon home because he thought that she needs a break. Nicole assured her father that she'll take care of Sharon and Andy returned back to work. Nicole sat next to Sharon with a smile and took her hand.

"You know, Sharon, I see my father so happy after so many years. He is truly happy with you. I'm glad that you'll give him this chance. Many years ago my brother died at birth. After that Dad and Mom decided to seperate as it was a hard moment for them. I can't tell you how excited I was by the fact that I will have a little brother, but all my dreams went with him. And now, after so many years, my father is happy again with you and you're pregnant. I hope that at least this time everything will be fine. " she said sadly. Sharon took a deep breath and squeezed her hand.

"Nicole, I can understand your father's pain. But believe me, I really want he to be happier than ever because I love him." she said softly. Nicole nodded with a smile and hugged her tightly. Sharon took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. She hoped that the child she expects is Andy's. In the evening, Rusty showed his best exam results to Sharon. For the first time, he felt true maternal love as hang back. Sharon hugged Rusty tightly and kissed him tenderly on the cheek. During this time Nicole was getting ready to announce her surprise. Andy was pleased, seeing Sharon more relaxed.

"Rusty, this is a pretty good result." Sharon said with pride. Rusty smiled contentedly.

"Thanks Sharon. But I'm grateful to you, and Andy. If it weren't you, I wouldn't succeed." he admitted. Andy squeezed his shoulder with a smile.

"You're a smart kid, you can succeed without our help too." he said firmly Rusty nodded and walked to Nicole because he already knew what she will say now. Andy sat near Sharon and squeezed her hand.

"I hope you feel better." he said quietly. Sharon nodded with a smile.

"Absolutely. Don't worry." she assured. At this point, Nicole stood before them with Rusty and cleared her throat, ready to break her news.

"Well, are you ready for my surprise? Me and Dean decided to move to LA. From now on, we will live here." she said happily. Andy immediately hugged his daughter tightly. Sharon was glad because Andy had always wanted his daughter to be near him. But her fear grew with each passing minute. Jack was capable of everything and she knew very well. She was afraid of Andy's reaction when he finds out the awful truth. She could only hope everything to be okay, whatever happens ...

~~~ TBC ~~~