Chapter 16: Simple Kind Of Life (No Doubt)
A/N: Well in this chapter is going to be a bit of flash forwards in time, about 2 months to be exact. The reason I'm doing to do this is because I felt that I should progress the story a bit in terms so this doesn't become stagnant. I hope that you guys really like the story, I reread the story and I found some continuity errors so I will be going back changing them so it lines up correctly. I'm really trying to introduce some dramatic aspects to this story, I've been dropping a few hints, and I hope you guys caught them. Earlier I promised that Sean And Ellie would get the staring role in a chapter, so this is it. Please read and review, it's basically the only way I can make this story better; so I really appreciate those have given me reviews. In between writing chapter 15 and this one, I wrote a quick one shot, where I basically parodied Miami Vice using Degrassi characters; I did it so I could have a an outlet for all the ideas in my head. I hope you guys check it out and get that I was trying to write something funny. I know it was a bit off topic but whatever. This chapter is a little shorter than the last few, but I think I leave everything with a tiny cliffhanger. I'll be dropping hint here and there. I chose Simple Kind Of Life as the title for this chapter more because of the title of the song not so much the lyrics. They lyrics kinda fit but I think the song is a bit more depressing than I really want it to be. I still love No Doubt and some of the themes presented in song fall in line with what I'm trying to write, the longing to find someone to spend the rest of your life with, to have a family with. Those are all theme that reflect the story in a nutshell I believe.
For a long time I was in love
Not only in love, I was obsessed
With a friendship that no one else could touch
It didn't work out, I'm covered in shells
And all I wanted was the simple things
A simple kind of life
And all I needed was a simple man
So I could be a wife
I'm so ashamed, I've been so mean
I don't know how it got to this point
I always was the one with all the love
You came along, I'm hunting you down
Ohhh
Like a sick domestic abuser looking for a fight
And all I wanted was the simple things
A simple kind of life
If we met tomorrow for the very first time
Would it start all over again?
Would I try to make you mine?
I always thought I'd be a mom
Sometimes I wish for a mistake
The longer that I wait the more selfish that I get
You seem like you'd be a good dad
Now all those simple things are simply too
Complicated for my life
How'd I get so faithful to my freedom?
A selfish kind of life
When all I ever wanted was the simple things
A simple kind of life
In front of Craig's house a moving truck pulls up, Craig along with Sean and Steve, his bassist' get out of the truck. Sean moves over to the back of the truck and opens up the slide door, and let's out a big grunt. As Craig and Steve walk over to him, he could tell that they were joking around. As soon they joined him, they can't help but to let out big sighs.
"I have one question Manning," says Sean
"What Bro," replies Craig
"How can she have acuminated so much crap over the years, I mean her apartment is not that big, how can she have so much stuff" answers Sean
"Hell if I know, look once she agreed to move I thought that at the most she would bring all her clothes and some of her stuff with her. But then like the good lawyer that she is, she basically convinced me into giving her one of the empty rooms so that she could have her own office," responses Craig.
"So basically what your saying is that you're whop like a dog," replies Steve
Sean starts laughing hysterically, which causes Steve to join in; Craig gives them both a stare that could burn a hole through their heads. He then punches Steve in the shoulder and pushes Sean then begins to chuckle himself.
"Yea I guess I am," answers Craig
"Well it's not that bad of a position to be in," says Steve
Craig looks over at Sean who just shrugs. Sean then gets in the truck and begins to pass boxes to Craig and Steve, who then proceed to go in the house and drop them off in an empty room that was destine to become Ashley's new home office. Sean basically took control of the situation and supervised everything, once they were done moving all the boxes into the office, they moved on to getting all of Ashley's clothes and put them in the master bedroom.
Ashley along with Joey spent the day at Ellie and Sean's house, Ashley and Ellie wanted to spend a little more time together since most of Ashley's time in the last two months was either focused on the trial or spending time with Craig and Joey. Ellie really didn't mind because she knew that they needed time to reconnect as a couple but she missed her best friend so with the trial concluding it meant that they could hang out like they use to.
Back At Craig's House
"Yea, Marco said that he would come over tomorrow and help Ashley pick a color scheme for the new office. He said he would also go with her to IKEA to pick out a new office desk," says Craig
"Well that's good, at least you don't have to go," responses Steve
"What are you talking about, of course I have to go, who do you think is going to lug everything around," answers Craig
"Yea Steve don't you know we are just their arm candy slash personal assistants slash manual labor" says Sean
Steve starts to chuckle and then places the box in his hands in the corner of the room then follows Craig and Sean out the door.
"Hey Steve man I just wanted to say thanks for helping us out with this. I mean this is your day off so it means a lot to me that you are here lugging boxes with us," says Craig
"Dude don't trip, how long have we known each other 6 years now. When you first hired me I was this gawky 19 year old kid who was so not ready to be in the limelight. Then you did the unexpected, you took me under your wings and you showed me how live a fulfilling life in this business. This is the same thing you are doing for Emily by the way so if there is any way to repay I going to jump at the chance and do it. You have gone from being my boss to being my best friend," responses Steve
Craig grabs a hold of Steve and gives him a hug, as they walk back to the truck
"Hey Craig how is the recording coming along?" asks Sean
"You know at first we got off to a slow start I mean Emily had only used pro tools so she had to get used to using top of line equipment. There were days when she had to sing the same song over and over again, but once she got the hang of things everything just fell into place. So in another words the album should hopefully be done by next week. Then we'll start to do all the touch ups that are needed then we'll be done," replies Craig.
"That's cool man. When do you think the album will be released?" asks Sean
"I don't know yet. I mean what I plan on doing is releasing the album on the label's website. We'll see how that goes, if it sells I like I think it will then I think we'll release the CD version of the album," replies Craig
"Don't forget that we have to setup some dates for her to play," responses Steve
"That's what Leo said. So he setup a few dates in various clubs in and out of T.O, and remember I got her a small set during the Bonnaroo festival in Tennessee, she's playing on the second stage. Leo also told me that he was going to setup something so that Emily and myself would try out some musicians so we can get to together her back up band for when she does her mini tour, then when she opens for us on the European leg of the tour. I know it all sounds a little rushed but with Ashley moving in and Emily recording the album I need to find a way to slow everything down," answers Craig
"Look man you are just a beginner at this. No one expects you master everything okay?" says Sean
"I know I know. I just don't want to let her down she's a good kid and God is she talented. I want her to succeed and I'm going to do everything I can to make it happen," responses Craig
"Yea that's good and all but don't let that affect your career," replies Sean
"That's not even a concern. We have gotten so use to one another that we don't even need to practice together or even do sound checks anymore before we go on stage. Its just second nature to us and so when we get up there we just play and we don't worry about anything," answers Steve
"Wow that's pretty cool," says Sean
He then looks over at Craig who shrugs then gets in the trucks and removes a box and hands it to Steve.
Once the last box had been removed from the truck the guys were surprised at how quick they got done with everything, all in all it had taken about an hour and a half to get Ashley's stuff inside of the house. All of Ashley's basic furniture was going to be donated to goodwill. As they sat down on the couch and turned on the TV and drank some water Sean feels a buzz coming from his pocket.
"Yello," says Sean
"Hey Seanny, It's Ash. Look Ellie's water just broke and we are on our way to the hospital. Ellie called your doctor, we have her pregnancy bag, and Scotty and Joey are with us. We'll see you when get here," says Ashley
"We're on our way," answers Sean
"Alright bye," responses Ashley
Sean gets up and looks down to Craig and Steve who have puzzled looks on their face. "Umm, Ellie's water just broke and they are on their way to the hospital," as he finishes his statement Craig turns off the TV and gets up gives Sean a quick hug and then the three of them proceed to exit the house and get in Craig's car and make their way to the hospital. Since the hospital was closer to Craig's house they arrive before Ashley and Ellie do.
Sean enters the hospital and begins to talk to the receptionist who then proceeds to call the doctor to tell them that Ellie is on her way. Sean along with a nurse who has a wheelchair at her disposal is waiting for wait them as they pull into the hospital. Everyone expect for Ashley exit the car she then proceeds to park the car, as she rejoins the group she proceeds to kiss Craig on the lips as they remove themselves from their embrace she notices that several nurses have noticed Craig. The group then moves over to the waiting room, at this time Sean has been allowed to join Ellie and help in delivering the babies.
At first Ellie's contractions were half an hour a part apart, but as time went on the time in between her contractions began to decrease, Sean had the full getup on; the mask, the robe, he even had the shoes on. While everyone was in the waiting room, Craig called Marco and Paige who said that they were on their way. One of the nurses was nice enough to regularly update everyone on Ellie on the condition that Craig takes a picture with her and sign an autograph.
Once the four-hour mark hit Ashley decided that everyone should go get something to eat, so they took rounds so that at least someone would be waiting if anything happened. At first Ellie seemed to be positive about the whole situation, but she started to become irritated and started to take it out on Sean, he didn't take any offense to it.
In the O.R
"Damn it Sean, if you ever think I'm going to have sex with you, you have another thing coming," yelled Ellie
Sean didn't response he knew that if he said anything he would just end up making things worse.
"Ok, now you're quite but when you wanted some, you were all over me," answered Ellie
The doctor and one of the nurses who happened to male couldn't help but laugh, Ellie and all the other nurses gave them the death stare.
"That's it Sean after these two are out of me you are getting your tubes tied, I am not going through another nine months of this again," says Ellie
"Ok Ellie, if that's what you want," replies Sean
"Don't suck up to me now Sean, it's not going to get you anywhere," answers Ellie
"Okay, how are you feeling Ellie?" asks the doctor
"How in the hell can you ask me a question like that? How do you think I fell right now?" replies Ellie
"Ok bad question, Ellie right now you are fully dilated, so when you are ready I want you to give me the biggest push you could possibly give me," says the Doctor.
Ellie nods her head and grabs a hold of Sean's hand then proceeds to push.
"Alright Ellie that was perfect, just remember your breathing techniques, breathe in and out. All right Ellie when your ready just give it a go," says the Doctor.
She takes in a deep breathe then proceeds to push. As soon as she regains her composure she can begin to hear loud screaming, all Sean can do is smile as the nurse hands him a pair of scissors. A baby girl has been introduced into the world, as a nurse hands Ellie their daughter Sean cuts the umbilical cord, but the job isn't done yet; a sharp pain hits Ellie, it seems as though some else is trying to say hello.
Back in the Waiting Room
It was Craig and Marco's turn to wait while everyone else went to go grab some food in the Cafeteria. As soon as they finished eating they return to the waiting room, Craig has a puzzled look on his face.
"Hey Paige where's Ash?" asks Craig
"Oh, she had to go to the bathroom," replies Paige
"Must have been the food, hospital food sucks," answers Scotty
As soon as Scotty finishes his statement, Marco sees Ashley walking up.
"Speak of the devil, there she is," responses Marco
As she walks over to the groups she sits on Craig's lap and places her head on his shoulders, Craig then proceeds to kiss her on the forehead.
"You Okay Hon?" asks Paige
Ashley looks over to Paige and says, "I don't feel so hot it must have been the salad I ate."
"Shh its okay baby, just rest your head," says Craig
Paige smiles at Craig then proceed to the empty seat next to them. As Steve plays with Joey and Scotty, Paige leans over and says, "looking at those two kinda makes me want one of my own, Craig how did you do, I mean you raised him as a single parent that must have been such a tough job?"
"I'm not going to lie to you and say it was easy, I mean look at Sean and Ellie, two stable loving parents with great jobs, Sean being the owner of a chain of auto shops and Ellie being a world renown internet journalist and so I can say this with some confidence that it has not been easy for them to raise a child, even one as good as Scotty. It's tough to raise a child these days Paige, this world is a tough place to grow up in, there is a lot of violence, a lot of horrors that people have to endure and I know it's been hard on Joey with me receiving so much attention from the media over the years. But I wouldn't trade it for the world; he will always be my greatest accomplishment in life. And I mean I didn't do all by myself I had Sean and Ellie, and lets not forget everything that Joey has taught me, him being my dad has made me a better man. Wait have you and Alex talked about having a kid?" asks Craig
As soon as Craig asks the question Ashley gets up and goes over to the water fountain and starts drinking.
"Umm, I dropped a few hints Craig. Hon look I'm not getting any younger. With all the success I've had in my life I've always felt like something is missing. Craig I want to be a mother, I'm tired of seeing everyone around me finding that happiness that has eluded me. I think Alex feels the same way but you know how she is, she never likes anyone to know how she is thinking even her own wife," replies Paige
Craig chuckles a bit and responses, "Yea I guess you're right. Well I support any decision that you make."
"Thank you, umm… have you and Ash you know had the talk yet?" asks Paige
"Not really I don't know if she even wants one, you know how she is, she wants everyone planned out. And she is focused on her career, I don't really mind because that's how she is; once the trial ended everyone single immigration rights groups contacted her to see if she would willing to help them out. Who knew that victory would turn out to be such a win fall for her and the practice," replies Craig
Paige nods in agreement
Back in the operating room
Ellie is breathing heavily; Ellie had just felt one child pass through her now it was her little brother or sister's turn. After another 5 minutes or so and breathing in and out now it was time for Ellie to push. As it turned out Ellie gave birth to another daughter, twin girls. The happiness was radiating off of Sean as cut the second umbilical cord of the day; he then proceeds to kiss Ellie on the forehead.
As they looks over to the nurse cleaning up the newest addition to the Cameron household, Ellie looks up to Sean and says, "I'm sorry for being such a bitch today, you know that I love you and I would never do anything to hurt your feelings."
"I know honey, I'm not mad, you have given me a beautiful son and now two gorgeous daughters you have never looked more beautiful than you do right now," answers Sean
"All right Mrs. Cameron we are going to finish cleaning them up and then we are going to move your daughters into the post partum facility," says one of the nurse
"Okay, when will we be able to see them?" asks Ellie
"In about half an hour or so, Mr. Cameron if you are ready you can fill out all the paper work," says the nurse.
"Okay thank you, umm…El I mean what should we name them?" asks Sean
Ellie looks over at her recently born child and says, "I always liked Melissa, what do you think?"
"I like Lauren," replies Sean
"Well what about if we name the oldest Melissa and the youngest Lauren," answers Ellie
"That sounds great El," responses
"Excuse me Mr. Cameron its time that we move your wife into her own private room," says one of the nurses.
"Ok. El I'll see you in a little bit ok," replies Sean
"Alright I love you. When you see everyone give them a hug for me," responses Ellie
Sean nodded as the nurses pushed Ellie out of the room; he followed the primary nurse to the nearby nurses' desk and filled out all the paper work. As he walked over to the waiting room he couldn't think of time in which he was happier, it ranked right up there with the day he got married and the day that Scotty was born. The minute he saw everyone he just exploded with joy, Craig was the first one to run up to him. He gave him the biggest hug he could muster, as Craig let go of him everyone joined in.
"So?" asks Paige
"Two beautiful twin girls, Melissa and Lauren," replies Sean
"I like Melissa, it's a beautiful name," says Ashley
"Don't forget about Lauren, it's such a pretty name Hon," answers Paige
"When can we see them?" asks Craig
"The nurse said in about 20 minutes or so. Craig they are so beautiful, they are like two angels sent down from heaven," says Sean
Craig doesn't respond he just gives him a huge smile, they continue talking for another 10 minutes or so. Each time Sean exhibits the joy of being a parent a smile creeps on Paige's face, Craig looks over to her and notices this he knew what she was thinking. At the same time Sean looks over to Ashley and notices that she is not looking too good.
"Hey you okay Ash?"
"I'll be fine Sean. Let's go see them," replies Ashley
Sean gives her a puzzled look and then proceeds to shrug, "fair enough. Well I'm going to talk to the nurse and ask if we can see them."
As Sean talks with one of the nurses Craig looks over at Ashley who is talking with Paige he knows when she is holding something back. But he can't quite put a finger on what is going on with her, he shakes it off knowing that if it was something serious she would tell him. He sees Sean walking back from the nurse's desk with a paper in his hand, a map of the hospital.
"Umm the desk nurse gave me a map of the hospital, they said that Melissa and Lauren are ready to be seen," says Sean
Sean started to walk over to the post partum room, everyone else followed. Craig and Marco were last in the train of people; Marco sees that Ashley's skin is starting to become pale. He leans into Craig and says, "Hey what's wrong with Ash?"
Craig shakes his head and says, "don't know. She said she's just feeling a little sick. As soon as we get home I'm making sure that she goes right to bed and takes some medicine."
Marco doesn't ask any further questions. Once the group gets to the viewing window they see Ellie being carted in on a wheelchair, she motions for Sean to enter the room. Sean then runs around and one of the nurses hands him the robes and he joins Ellie. As they move over to the cribs everyone is in awe, the nurse hands Sean Melissa to hold and Ellie is handed Lauren. As the proud parents hold their newborn babies in their arms they can't help but smile.
Everyone single one of them starts to make faces at the newborns, Craig looks over to Ashley and smiles. He then proceeds to move over behind her and snakes his arm around her body until he places it on her stomach then he places a kiss on her shoulder. No matter the fact that they only had a 5-minute conversation about having a child, he knows deep inside of himself that he wants Ashley to have his child. Ashley lets out a deep sigh and leans her body back against his and kisses him on the cheek.
The group spends several minutes observing the newborns, Paige seems to be the one who is most focused on them. One could definitely tell that the yearning to be a parent is growing within her.
As Sean and Ellie put down the twins for their nap they are hesitant to leave them, they don't want to be separated from their children even for a minute. As Sean rolls Ellie out of the room he moves her over to the rest of the group. Once they reach them Ashley and Paige are the first ones to give her a hug. Scotty then proceeds to plant a huge kiss on her cheek. Steve promptly shakes Sean's hand, Ellie then looks over to Craig who is just staring at her; they exchange smiles, she lifts her arms awaiting a hug from him, he doesn't make her wait long.
As soon as Ellie gets back to her room, Ashley and Paige are quick to follow.
"How did it feel El?" asks Paige
"The labor sucks Paige especially when you have two people trying to get out of you. But once you see when all of that goes away. Those two little beautiful creatures are what make living worthwhile. I know that even if I have a bad day all I have to do is look in their eyes and I'll know that I could never ask for a better life. That's the same feeling that Craig has when he looks in Joey's eyes. And that's how you two dears will feel when you decide to join the club," answers Ellie
Paige and Ashley just smile at each other.
"So why did you decide on Melissa and Lauren for the twins?" asks Ashley
"Well for one I didn't want them to have similar names, yeah they will always be twins but I would like to that they will have the opportunity to be different people. Second something told me that Melissa was the perfect name, you would have to ask Sean why he decided to name her Lauren," responses Ellie
For the next hour or so the three women speak about life, love, and the joy of having those who care about in your life.
Meanwhile in the hospital cafeteria
Craig and Sean bite into their sandwiches, that doesn't matter how bad the food with the long days they had they were just lucky to eat something edible.
"Slow down dad, you might choke on your food," says Scotty
Sean seems to take his sons' advice and starts to chew his food slowly
"Dude we've been here what six hours," says Steve
Craig looks at his watch and nods
"If it's cool I'm gonna take off and knock out once I get home," responses Steve
Sean gets up and shakes his hand. Craig proceeds to get up and gives Steve a hug, Scotty and Joey wave goodbye. The next thing they know he exits the cafeteria doors.
"How does it feel to be the father of three children?" asks Craig
"Like everything I could ever wish for has come true," replies Sean
"That's awesome," answers Craig
"Dude, I'm just so freaking tired. The joy that I had when the two were born was incredible but it's about the most emotionally draining thing ever," says Sean
"Yea it is," answers Craig
As Craig and Sean finish up their food Marco comes walking in.
"Someone decide to join the group?" asks Craig
"Sorry I was giving Dylan round by round details of everything. By the way he says congrats Sean," says Marco
"Well when you see him says thanks for Ellie and myself," replies Sean
"What I miss?" asks Marco
Craig and Sean look at each other and both say at the same time, "Nothing."
Back in Ellie's hospital room
As the ladies continue to talk for what seems like forever. The next thing they know a nurse enters the room
"I'm sorry ladies but the visiting hours have ended. So I think it would be best if Mrs. Cameron should be getting some rest. You can come back in the morning if you are so inclined," says the nurse
"Of course, thank you," replies Ashley
"All right Hon, we are going to get going. I'll be back tomorrow with Alex," says Paige as she moves over and kisses Ellie on the forehead
Ashley follows suits and kisses her as well, she then says, "I'll try to come back tomorrow after I organized the house ok?"
Ellie nods in agreement and positions herself and closes her eyes with a huge smile on her face. As Ashley and Paige exit the room the nurse turns off the light and closes the door. As the ladies walk back to the waiting they see that Sean is talking with Craig and Steve while Scotty and Joey are watching TV. Sean smiles at them once he sees them enter the room.
"Hey Sean how are holding up?" asks Ashley
"I'm so tired but at the same time I've never been happier," replies Sean
"You look it, why don't you go home so you and Scotty can get some rest," responses Ashley
"I don't want to leave Ellie and babies here by themselves," says Sean
"Ellie and the twins will be safe here, look at how many people work here. And if God forbid anything should happen they'll call us and we'll be here," says Ashley
"Ok Ash, I'm too tired to fight," says a defeated Sean
"Sean it's ok, look you and Scotty can come with me and Paige," says Marco
"Alright Marco whatever you say. Scotty you heard your uncle Marco he is going to drop us off at home. The tomorrow we'll come back to see your mom," says Sean
"Sure dad," responses Scotty
As they make they're way through the hospital that sense of being a family has never been higher. As they get to the cars, they notice that it is no longer day and the light of the moon has encompassed their entire world. Everyone hugs each other and says goodbye. As they go their separate way they can't help but smile
Marco's first stop was Paige and Alex's apartment, as soon as Paige gets out of the car they see that Alex is walking back from work. They inform her that Ellie had given birth to the twins, she seems genuinely excited as Paige tells her all the details. As everyone is talking they notice that Scotty is knocked out in the backseat, that's their queue to leave. As they exchange their goodbyes then go back to the car and make their way to Ellie and Sean's house. As soon as they pull into the driveway Marco stops the car and Sean quietly carries Scotty into the house, after Marco opens the door he was on his way home. As he puts him down to bed he looks down at his beloved son an smiles. As he walks the halls of his house he tells himself that this will probably the last time that the house will ever be this quite. But oddly enough it doesn't bother him much, its something he could really get used to. As much he knew that his family loved him, he grew up without a really sense of family. The only one that ever really looked out for him was Tracker, but that wasn't going to happen to his kids. He was going to give the same amount of love to all of his kids, they would not abandon him like his parents did to him. He knew that Ellie would never allow it, and if he did do that she would kill him. As soon as that thought entered his head he started to quietly laugh, and went into the room to get some rest.
Meanwhile
The car ride home had been strangely quite, usually whenever they were in the car together Ashley would talk up a storm. Craig ever so often tried to drop conversation starters but she wouldn't bite. After 10 minutes or so Craig lost all hope and turned on the radio. As soon as they got home Joey went straight to bed, as Ashley and Craig getting ready bed they maneuver around all the boxes. As Craig is brushing his teeth he notices that Ashley is getting undressed.
"Hey babe I notice that you were sick today, are you feeling better?" asks Craig
"Yea, I am. Look Craig I know I told you that I got sick from the food but I was kinda of lying. Well I mean that the food sucked but that's not what made me sick," replies Ashley
Craig opens the door and gives Ashley a confused look while continuing to brush his teeth.
"Craig I didn't know how to tell you, I mean I was going to do it today but with Ellie's water breaking and giving birth to the twins, I just didn't know how to bring it up," says Ashley
Craig walks back into the bedroom and splits into the sink. He then returns to his original position and says, "Ok what's up? Tell me"
"Craig I'm late," says Ashley