Chapter12: I'm Pregnant…
Author's Note: Hi everybody! Thanks to kristi-julie, prettycrazy, The Velvet Top Hat, clarisseandmishka, bluegirl-783 and to Captain Wierdo for the enchanting reviews. And sorry Laura.For propitiation: I dedicate this chapter to you, for your Birthday. I know it's not perfect but it's a sweet chapter.:-) Love Liz
It was nearly afternoon when Joseph arrived back. He found Clarisse on the terrace deep in thoughts…
"I've back Honey…" smiled Joseph and stepped closer "Honey?... Honey?"
"Oh Joseph, you're here. Sorry I didn't realize you." said Clarisse and turned to face with him.
"Yes, I can see… Are you all right?" asked Joseph and stroked her cheek gently.
"Yes, yes of course. I was just thinking a bit, that's all."
"About what?"
"Oh, just Mia was on my mind. She is twenty-one, and she and Nicholas make a fine pair. So maybe she will marry soon, and then I'll be a great-grandmother…"
"Oh I see." smiled Joseph.
"Have you…" started Clarisse.
"Yes?" asked Joseph.
"Have you ever wanted a child?"
"Oh… Well, yes. But those days are gone. I mean we ran out of time."
"So you dreamt about an own child?" asked Clarisse softly.
"Yes, I always desperately wanted a child, but those women I met… Well, I couldn't imagine them as my child's mother, and when I found the one… Now it's too late." sighed Joseph. "Oh, don't misunderstand me. I wouldn't change you for anything. We simply ran out of time. And if that's the price I have to pay, I don't say a word. I'm so happy with you. You're my everything." whispered Joseph and kissed her gently on the lips.
A few moments later Clarisse slowly broke the kiss…
"So… if you could wish one thing, what will be that?" asked Clarisse.
"If I could wish one thing? Well I would wish at least 30 happy years with you."
"Ok, but don't think of me…"
"Well then I definitely wish a child… But it's so pointless Clarisse. It's just dreaming…"
"No it's not." said Clarisse softly.
"How do you mean?"
"I'm… I'm pregnant."
"…"
"Joseph?"
"You're joking."
"No I'm not."
"You mean I'll be a daddy?" asked Joseph with a big grin on his face.
"Yes."
"Oh my God!" shouted Joseph and picked Clarisse up.
"Joseph. Put me down. Please put me down. You know I'm…" started Clarisse.
"Of course. Of course. Sorry. I just can't believe it. It's so unexpected and sudden and magical and… Oh, I'm so happy." smiled Joseph and kissed her.
"So you want this baby?" asked Clarisse with a smile.
"How can you ask a question like that? Of course I want it. That's all I ever wanted after you. No, I'll correct myself. My dream was a real family with you, but I thought it's just a fantasy. And now? My wildest dreams are coming true… But… Wait a minute. Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, I made three tests, and the symptoms are the same as with my boys."
"But we ran out of time a few years ago…"
"Yes, that's right. The limit is about 52-53, but… Well, I don't know what happened, but I'm pregnant. I'm sure."
"I really hope that you're right… Oh." sighed Joseph "I thought I couldn't be happier, but now… We have to go to the doctor as soon as possible. Just to check everything is all right."
"Of course. I'll ask an appointment. Do you want to come?"
"It's a stupid question. I wouldn't miss it for the world." smiled Joseph and hugged her.
"Right. I call the doctor." said Clarisse and turned to leave, but Joseph stopped her.
"Wait."
"Yes? What's the matter? You're so pale." asked Clarisse.
"I've just realized that… Isn't it dangerous? I mean in your age… If anything happens with you I… I wouldn't survive it."
"Don't worry. Everything will be all right." smiled Clarisse and hugged him.
"I've waited you for so long. I can't lose you." whispered Joseph.
"You won't lose me. I promise." smiled Clarisse and looked straight in his eyes.
"Right." sighed Joseph and gave her a quick kiss "Call the doctor. I want to speak with him as soon as possible."
"Ok, I go." smiled Clarisse and squeezed his hand.
OOOOOOOOOO
Two hours later, they were sitting in Dr. Monroe's consulting room. Joseph was a bit nervous.
"So the tests are positive. You're definitely pregnant Clarisse." smiled the doctor.
"Yes!" smiled Joseph and squeezed Clarisse's hand. "Sorry, I'm so happy."
"Oh, it's ok. Have you got any questions?"
"Yes, I have a few." answered Joseph quickly.
"Yes?"
"Well, isn't it strange? I mean in our age…"
"That's a very good question." said the doctor "I think you're both a bit… well surprised."
"Yes exactly. I know that the limit is somewhere around 52." said Joseph.
"You're correct. Yes, the limit is 52-53 usually. But in this case, well I just read about it 'till now. So it's some kind of miracle. I'm the man of science, so I always try to find a physical reason, but now I think the reason is pneumatic extraction. Let me explain it. I must tell you that I'm not want to chip in your private life, but I read a lot about your… well, your secret life. Especially after your scandalous wedding. So… I think that you both wanted the other so desperately for so long, and you made love with such… empathy, that… That's the reason why Clarisse is pregnant now. Does that make a sense?"
"Yes, I think so." smiled Clarisse.
"And isn't it dangerous?" asked Joseph.
"No. Well, we're gonna make a few tests just for safety. But I think it's so special, I mean you have 1:1.000.000 chance to have a child in a natural way in your age." said the doctor while he looked at Clarisse. "So I think everything has to be all right." smiled the doctor.
"Thanks doctor." smiled Joseph with relief.
"Yes, thank you very much." smiled Clarisse too.
OOOOOOOOOO
A little later, they arrived home wearily from the past few hour's events.
Now they were sitting on the sofa, Clarisse leant against Joseph's chest, while he gently rested his hand on her belly…
"I can't tell you, how happy I am." smiled Joseph and stroked her belly a bit. "You and this little baby is my whole world."
"I'm over the clouds too." sighed Clarisse happily "I know everything will be different this time. I mean, when I was pregnant with the boys, I was so depressed. Not about I was carrying a child. No, about my life. I felt like if I lived someone else's life, and carried another woman's child. Does that make a sense?"
"I think I understand you." answered Joseph softly and kissed her head to continue.
"I was pregnant from Rupert. And I've never ever loved him, just made love to him a few times, when passion flooded us. But that was nothing to do with love. I felt myself like after an unfortunate one-night adventure. I was so desperate. Don't misunderstand me, I love my boys, but I always hated myself for timing. I mean a few days ago, I had two boys from a man I didn't love, and the feeling that I'll never have a child from the only man I ever really loved. That was a horrible feeling, but now I'm… I'm relieved."
"That was my problem too, just on the opposite… But now, I'm glad that everything slowly goes to its place. We both waited for so long…" started Joseph, but Clarisse cut him.
"Did it pay the trouble?" asked Clarisse softly.
"Definitely. It paid every single moment of waiting. Ten years is a long time, but if I had to choose, I would do the same. Yes…" sighed Joseph "In the end I wanna be standing at the beginning with you." smiled Joseph.
"That was such a sweet line, I feel the same. I couldn't phrase it 'till now, but yes that's exactly what I feel." smiled Clarisse and squeezed his hand gently.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course." said Clarisse.
"When did you realize that I'm in love with you? I always wanted to know this, I know it's silly, but…"
"No. Not at all." smiled Clarisse "Let me think a little. I think the first time was… Yes, I have it… So the first time was on a meeting in my office. You know, after that bomb scare."
"Really? But how? I mean, I did nothing."
"Nothing?! You watched me all the time. You didn't take your eyes off of me neither for a moment." giggled Clarisse.
"You knew it? But you didn't even look up."
"Yes, I didn't look up, but I knew you were watching me. I could feel it."
"Oh, If I could knew it." laughed Joseph "And what it felt like?" He asked her teasingly.
"Well, first I was smiling all the time. I enjoyed it so much. It was exciting and flattering, then after a few days, I always caught myself that I was thinking of you."
"So you fell in love with me."
"No. Yes. Well, it's complicated. I mean yes, I fell in love with you, but I didn't realize it 'till… you know, 'till you haven't been shot."
"Oh so I have to risk my life to get you." chuckled Joseph.
"Yes, but you've always known about this." teased him Clarisse.
"And what else do I have to do?" asked Joseph.
"I have ideas…" started Clarisse, but she couldn't finish it, 'cos Joseph kissed her quickly…
OOOOOOOOOO
Next day the cooker was finally replaced, so they didn't have to go to a restaurant, and could start the normal life. That was a dream for the two of them, but the execution was a little elusive…
"Cooker is ready Honey." smiled Joseph.
"Yes, it's fantastic, but we have another… well, another task." said Clarisse.
"Another task?"
"Yes. Did you realize that we run out of clothes? We have nothing clean to wear."
"Well, I was a bit surprised that my clothes last out a long time. I still can't imagine how."
"I know the answer." smiled Clarisse.
"Really? And what is it?"
"Well, we nearly dressed up in the last few days." giggled Clarisse.
"Oh! I see. Well, then we wouldn't have to change a good habit." smiled Joseph.
"Yes, but soon we have to go out, so I think it's time to have a closer look at our washing machine."
"Right."
OOOOOOOO
After a short period of familiarization… Clarisse took over the washing, 'cos as she said, it was a piece of cake…
Well, nearly…
"Joseph." said Clarisse from the kitchen.
"Yes dear?" He was in the bathroom.
"Can you open the washing machine? I think the program is finished."
"Of course." answered Joseph and did as she said.
A few moments later Clarisse heard laughing.
"What is so funny dear?" asked Clarisse as she stepped in.
"Did you… Did you wash only pink things?" asked Joseph while he was laughing hard.
"Oh damn it." said Clarisse.
To be continued…
Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Now please review:-)