Don't Rock the Boat

Chapter 8

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The next morning, Brooke wakes up to find Lucas awake at her side.

"Hey you, how are you feeling?" Lucas asks.

"Better."

"Guess what I did before?"

"What?"

"I went to the nursery and hung out with all of the babies."

"Aw, Lucas. You'll have your baby soon."

"But not too soon", Lucas reminds her.

"Of course."

The doctor walks in, "I see you're both awake. How are you feeling, Brooke?"

"A lot better, thanks."

"Well, we'll do an ultrasound now to check everything out again."

"Okay", Brooke says a bit apprehensively.

The doctor puts the jelly on Brooke's abdomen. He moves the instrument around until the clear image of Brooke and Lucas' child appears on the screen.

"Well, doc?" Lucas asks.

"Everything looks great. She is underweight but as long as she can stay in there at least five more weeks, she should be fine."

"Good, and now, when do I get to go back home?" Brooke asks.

"Later this afternoon, but I'm ordering bed rest for you, missy. I don't want you on your feet."

"You're kidding", Brooke deadpans.

The doctor smiles, "Do either of you have any questions?"

Lucas and Brooke both shake their heads 'no'.

"Well, if you think of anything, just let me know", and with that, the doctor leaves.

"I'm scared out of my mind, Luke," Brooke admits.

"I know. I am, too. But you'll be fine. So will the baby."

"But I have to stay in bed all the time", Brooke whines.

"Just for a few more weeks. I know how hard staying in one place is for you."

Brooke ignores what could be perceived as a dig, "What about school?"

"I'm sure we can work that out."

Brooke smiles, "She's almost here."

"Yup."

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Three weeks later, Brooke is home, lying on the couch doing schoolwork. Karen walks in, "Hey Brooke. How are you feeling?"

"I'm starving."

"You're lucky I brought home your favorite food from the café."

"Oh, Karen. Have I told you lately how much I love you?"

"Here", Karen presents Brooke with the bag of food, "What have you been up to today?"

"Ah, homework? Talking to the baby, too. I'm getting really bored."

"I bet. Should I go out and rent some DVD's?" Karen asks.

"Nah. I'll have Lucas do that when he gets home."

"Poor Lucas."

Brooke snorts, "Poor Brooke! Not poor Lucas!"

Karen laughs, "You just have a couple of more weeks to go, Brooke. You'll be fine."

"Sure", Brooke responds, totally unconvinced.

"When your next doctor's appointment?"

"Tomorrow. I think Luke is going to carry me the whole way there."

Karen smiles, "I wouldn't put it past him."

Brooke pauses, "You really raised a great kid, Karen. I hope I'm half the mother you've been for Lucas."

"I'm sure you will surpass me, Brooke. I've seen you grow as a person throughout this pregnancy. You are already a wonderful mother and I can see it clear as day."

"Thank Karen. You have no idea what that means to me."

"Well, I'm glad to be of service."

"Me too", and both women smile.

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Later that afternoon, Lucas comes home from school to find Brooke napping on the couch. He puts down his backpack and sits on the floor by the sleeping Brooke.

He begins talking to the baby, in a volume somewhere between a whisper and a normal voice, "I can't wait until you come, baby girl. Your mother is not a very patient woman. I'm not very patient, either. But I'm scared, too. Your mother and I are young. But we'll be good parents for you. Your mother, especially. She is an amazing girl. And the love of my life. She's going to spoil you rotten. I'm warning you now. You'll love her. I hope you'll love me, too."

Brooke speaks without opening her eyes, "Of course she'll love you, you idiot."

"Brooke."

Brooke opens her eyes, "Lucas."

"How much did you hear?"

"Most of it", Brooke starts to sit up and Lucas jumps to his feet to help her, "I'm fine, Luke."

"I just want to be sure."

"I know. But I'm tired of feeling so useless."

"You're not useless", Lucas says.

"Of course. I get to carry our daughter", Brooke says sarcastically.

"Did you hear anything I said, Brooke?" Lucas says as he gets frustrated.

"I'm sorry. I'm bored, anxious, and hormonal. That makes for Bitchy Brooke."

"It's okay. Should I even ask how your day was?"

Brooke sighed, "Just like every other day for the past three weeks. I hope the doctor has good news for us tomorrow."

"Me too…"

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Alrighty! That's the end of this chapter. Please review. I knooww you love to review my story!