Hey guys! Glad you are all enjoying this story so far! I've been wanting to upload it sooner but it seemed like the site was down and I couldnt log in, but anywho, glad they got that issue fixed. Also...I know Naomi wasn't in the episode "A Step Too Far," but I decided to include her in this story :-) enjoy!
A/N: nope, dont own it...wish I did!
The three of them made their way to the elevator in silence. Addison was grateful that Naomi had a patient-if she had seen the three of them together, it would have been obvious that something was up. Charlotte King was immediately suspicious when the three of them got off the elevator, each of them so lost in thought that they almost ran into her. Amelia quietly muttered to Addison that letting Charlotte in on their meeting would be a good idea. Charlotte was the Chief of Staff at Oceanside and was capable of handling any kind of situation. Addison agreed rather reluctantly and went ahead with Violet while Amelia explained things to Charlotte. Addison was relieved to have a few minutes alone with Violet before Amy and Charlotte walked in.
"So...have a seat. Make yourself comfortable," Violet tells Addison as they walk in to her office. Addison sits awkwardly, suddenly feeling nervous about what she was going to say. Her mouth went dry and her mind drew a blank. Amy and Charlotte joined them a few moments later.
"You're pregnant," Charlotte stated bluntly, staring at Addison with a look of pure shock. Addison nods, still unable to speak. "I thought you couldn't have any children?" she asked. Addison swallowed a lump that had formed in her throat.
"Yes. That's what I thought, but-"
"You thought wrong." Addison glanced down at the floor.
"Sam and Naomi-do they know?" Charlotte asks.
"No."
"You do realize that Nai is going to kill you?"
"I know," Addison whispered. She could feel tears stinging her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
"You need to tell them. Before they hear it from somebody else." Addison glared at her.
"You wouldn't." Charlotte shook her head. Even though she wasnt that close to Addison, she did help her through her own rough patch when she was raped. She would never admit it, but Charlotte was grateful that Addison was there for her in her worst time of need.
"No. It's not my secret to tell. They deserve to here it from you, Addison. But I think it's best to tell them sooner rather than later." She wrings her hands together nervously and looks to Violet for help.
"Charlotte's right, Addison." Violet replied softly. "If Sam really loves you, he'll understand. He'll see how happy this makes you. I'm sure he'll be supportive." The tears Addison had been trying to hide finally came out in earnest. Amelia reaches for her hand.
"It's going to be ok, Addie. You'll see. I know you're scared. But everything will work out. We'll all help you."
"What if it doesn't," Addison whispered, wiping away the tears that streamed down her face. "What if Sam hates me and walks out on me?"
"He won't," Amelia disagreed. "The man loves you too much to do that."
"And if he does, I'll kick his ass." Charlotte replied. Addison chuckled. She couldn't believe that Charlotte, of all people, was taking her side.
"I dont understand. A few nights ago I was overjoyed with the idea of being a mother. But now-" Addison paused as the truth of her reality set in. "Now I'm scared to death." Violet nods in understanding.
"You've given yourself a chance to process."
"Exactly."
"It's ok to be scared, Addie." Violet replied. "But the important thing to remember here is to not let your fear win. You've given yourself a chance to process, but now you need to move forward. You decide where to go from here." she gave her friend a reassuring smile. "Can I make a suggestion?" Addison nodded.
"Talk to Sam first. If you are scared of telling Naomi, which I can totally understand- go to Sam. I'm sure the two of you can work things out as a couple."
"And if not, you know where to find me." Charlotte supplied. Addison laughed.
"Thanks, you guys. I really appreciate the support you're giving me." Addison smiled. "I feel better already, knowing that you guys have my back." She felt relief for the first time in two days, as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Violet smiled back.
"I'm glad. And if you ever need to talk, my door is always open." Addison stood up.
"I better get going. Don't want Nai getting suspicious. Charlotte and Amelia followed suit.
"And I need to get back to work." Charlotte pointed out, already heading for the door. Addison paused to give Violet a hug before she left, ready to face whatever challenges that were heading her way.
A few weeks later, the staff at Oceanside Wellness were all invited to celebrate the successful publishing of Violet's book. Violet had received numerous positive reviews and decided to take the opportunity to celebrate the occasion.
"I'd like to propose a toast," Pete announced, holding up his glass of Champagne. "To our favorite new author. May your book quickly reach the best-seller list!"
"And may it outsell mine," Sheldon added as he raised his glass. "Let's hope the find someone very handsome to play me in that movie they make from it."
They all clinked together and murmured their congratulations to Violet, who blushed as Pete kissed the top of her head.
"Tell me you're not drinking!" Amelia hissed out of the corner of her mouth.
"It's Ginger ale," Addison muttered, keeping her eyes on the back of Naomi's head. Amelia grinned.
"A small price to pay for a B-A-B-Y!" Addison shushed her.
"You haven't told her yet?" Amelia asked, following her gaze as Naomi hugged a still-blushing Violet.
"No." there had been numerous occasions where the two of them were alone, but Addison always chickened out right before she opened her mouth. It was much the same when she was with Sam. Tonight, however, would be different. Addison decided that the happy atmosphere would be the best environment to break the news.
"I'm telling Sam tonight," Addison confessed. Amelia choked a little on her wine.
"Here? Now?"
"Yup."
"Are you sure?"
"Totally." she explained her reasoning.
"I don't know, Addie..." Amelia said doubtfully. "Maybe you should wait."
"Wait? Wait for what? I've already put this off too long."
"You're probably right." Amelia agreed. "Just...be careful." she paused, staring at Addison with concern written all over her face. "Are you feeling ok?" she finally asked.
"Yeah, sure, I'm great." Addison lied. "Why?"
"You look a little pale." Addison sighed. The truth was that she was exhausted. She didn't get much sleep the night before, she tossed and turned, going over in her mind exactly what she would say to Sam until she had it memorized. Now she was feeling dizzy and with the beginnings of a migraine. But she smiled warmly and reassured Amelia that she was fine. She still didn't look convinced, but Addison was grateful that Amelia let the subject drop.
"Whoa, heads up." Amelia muttered, her eyes widening as she took in Sam and Cooper's sudden appearance. Addison's heart began to pound wildly and she felt short of breath.
"You don't have to do this now," Amelia could sense her panic. "Wait until you guys get home." Addison shook her head. If she didn't do it now, she never would.
"I should go," she whispered, watching as Sam and Cooper joined their group of friends. Amelia squeezed her shoulder.
"Good luck. It's going to be fine." Addison nodded. Her feet carried her to where Sam stood.
"Hey! Where have you been all this time?" Naomi asked when she joined them.
"Oh...I've been...around," Addison replied lamely.
"Well, you've missed out on all the food. The sushi was amazing." Addison shrugged.
"It's ok. I'm not really hungry." It wasnt a lie. In fact, she was starting to feel sick, but she didn't say so. The room started to spin around her and the pounding in her head was getting worse. Addison swayed, putting her hand on Sam's shoulder to steady herself.
"Hey-are you ok?" he asked. But before Addison could answer, her knees buckled and she collapsed into his strong arms.
"Addie!" he gasped, shocked. "Addie, are you alright?" Pete saw what happened and rushed over to help Sam as he gently lowered her body to the floor.
"Addie?" Pete reached for her wrist to feel her pulse. "She fainted. We need an ambulance, somebody call 911!"
So what do you think so far? Please review! Comments/suggestions are all welcome! Next chapter should be up in a few days...I got a ton of ideas while the site was down :-)
Chapter 4 preview- her secret is out! how will Sam and Naomi react?