a/n: This is a bonus! I started writing this next chapter and once again I wrote too much. So, it's broken into two parts. This is part one so keep in mind it's just a build up for part two. The next part will be out either Monday or Wednesday, depending on how eager all of you are (and if I have time to finish the ending). Happy reading!
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"What test are you running next?" Cameron hadn't had any blood extracted for a few weeks now. She silently cursed herself for not being able to remember what type of test happens when. After all, she is a doctor. Still, it's not like she did a lot of OB work.
"AFP test. It's standard at 16 weeks." Dr. Ades pulled the needle from her arm and quickly threw a bandage on. "Arm up."
Cameron did as instructed while pondering the implications of the latest test. "Alphafetoprotein? Isn't it susceptible to a lot of false positives?"
"Yes, but it's more of an indicator than a diagnosis. It is still the most effective way in identifying potential birth defects."
"But what happens if a defect is found? I've actually seen a few mothers deal with that agonizing decision. I'm not sure I'd be able to do anything if a problem was detected."
"That is a 'we'll cross that bridge when we come to it scenario'."
Cameron nodded. "I suppose it will give us piece of mind if the results are negative."
"I have to give you fair warning. The risks are higher with you for two reasons. First, your pregnancy was unplanned so you weren't taking folic acid or prenatal vitamins before you got pregnant. Second, we still have no real idea how Hypermesis and Phenergan affects fetal development. Studies don't show increased risk, but you can't be too careful. If the AFP levels do come back abnormal, don't panic."
Cameron nodded, realizing her doctor was right. "Okay, the test is for the best." It was so weird for her to have the shoe on the other foot. She couldn't remember how many times she gave such assurances to patients. She didn't realize until now how those words were less than comforting. Test results were the only assurance.
"You are looking really good this week. Fundal measurement is normal, which I consider strange considering you aren't quite up yet to your pre-pregnancy weight yet, but I'm not worried. Fetal heart rate is normal and the fatigue isn't as bad. How about the concentration?"
"It's good, once I figured out House and Foreman were moving things around on me."
Dr. Ades laughed, knowing that those types of pranks were pulled on pregnant women all the time. "Men co-workers can be pigs, can't they? I'm glad I work with all women."
Cameron laughed, wondering if she would ever get that someday. Women doctors in her specialty weren't as common.
"Allison, it's fine until now, but I'd like to see Robert come along on one of these visits soon. I usually like to address any questions or concerns the dad has, especially as the pregnancy progresses. I know he's a doctor, but there are always non-medical questions. He's part of this too."
"I'll tell him. His schedule is actually lightening up these days." Cameron of course didn't want to tell her the reason was because Princeton General got word he was wooing PPTH board members and wanted to make him happier. Too little too late, but they will accept the extra time off gladly.
"Okay, it should be a week before we have the labs back. I'll call you as soon as I have them."
"Thanks." Cameron watched the doctor leave and was left to realize that her mind was not exactly going to be at ease for the next week. Yes, being the patient wasn't anywhere as easy.
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"Here we have a two bedroom, one bath two story home."
Chase and Cameron did a full circle of the main room, which didn't take very long since it wasn't that large or dynamic. Sure, they told Bonnie to just show them samples of what was out there since they had no idea what they were looking for, but the first house of the day wasn't leaving much of an impression.
"How old is it?" Cameron couldn't help but immediately notice the entire interior done in wood paneling.
Bonnie looked at her notes. "85 years old."
"Our apartment is bigger than this." Chase noticed that it couldn't even fit their sofa, let alone the wide screen TV and stand.
"Oh, but this is a charming historic home. Lots of character."
Cameron twitched her nose up in the air. "What's that smell?"
"It belonged to an elderly woman who just passed away. She liked cats."
"How many cats?"
"Twenty or so. Anyway, come look. This house actually has a basement."
They found the door at the side of the stairwell. The musty odor smacked them in the face as soon as they passed through the doorway.
"I'd prefer a basement with a floor that isn't dirt." Chase almost felt bad for having such a petty demand, but he didn't.
"Oh, they tried to pour concrete, but they can't get a sump pump installed. The water table is too high and it would burn out."
"Kind of renders the basement useless, fighting water all the time, wouldn't you think?"
"It's part of the charm. Anyway, as you can see its right across the street from the University and the school district is fantastic."
"I wouldn't make an issue about school district." Chase said. "We have time, and worse comes to worse there's always Catholic school."
Cameron's eyes bugged out of her head. "That's a joke, right?"
"What's wrong with Catholic school? I went to one and turned out great."
"Sure, if you want to count conflicted and disillusioned great. I went to a rough and tumble public school on the South Side of Chicago and I turned out fine as well."
"So, you agree then with my original point that school district isn't an issue." Chase shot back.
"Okay, I'll make a note about school district." Bonnie said smiling, not wanting to get in the middle of their little disagreement.
"How much do they want for this?" Cameron quickly moved them out of the stinky basement.
Bonnie checked her notes again. "$359,900."
"For this?" Cameron knew real estate was expensive in the area, but their apartment was bigger and cheaper. "I think we better see what else is out there."
"Okay, but I think you are passing up a real find here." Bonnie took the cue to move on judging by the less than impressed looks on Chase and Cameron's faces. She had plenty of other choices for them.
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"This one is a two bedroom, one bath, much like the last one. The price is reduced because it needs a little repair."
"A little?" Cameron couldn't help but notice the water damaged plaster walls, the creaky wood stairs bowing in the middle, and flooring that was so worn that she was surprised that no one had fallen into the basement yet.
"Watch out in that corner over there. The flooring is a little weak and you might fall through into the basement." Bonnie warned.
Chase looked out the crusted windows in which the wood was rotting so badly he was surprised the glass hadn't fallen out. "I don't see a yard at all."
"Nope, this is a .02 acre lot. I think it's enough for the house and the front sidewalk."
"This is smaller than the last place," Cameron noticed. "How reduced is this house?"
"$325,000. All it takes is a few repair projects and a fresh coat of paint. The Home Depot isn't very far."
"Oh yes, this is the perfect house for people with loads of free time like us. Not to mention there is plenty of play area for our child out in the street." Chase was hoping Bonnie would pick up on the sarcasm, but her blank stare left that hope doubtful.
"I'm guessing this one is a no then."
Cameron diplomatically jumped in. "Bonnie, I know we told you we really didn't know what we are looking for, but maybe we should mention now that money is not a primary concern. The most reasonable amount of house for the best price is our goal here."
"Really?" Her face lit up. "How much of a not concern?"
Her look instantly worried Chase. "We don't want anything too big. Don't show us Tony Soprano's house."
"Tony Soprano?"
"Never mind," Chase said running his hand through his hair. "No mansions."
"Okay, if money isn't an issue, there is a place a half mile from here. It should be perfect."
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The yard seemed really nice and different as they pulled into the inviting driveway. The backyard was lined by a nice and private row of trees and the landscaping was impeccable. Still, amidst all this inviting beauty, sat a rather modest and generic ranch with yellow aluminum siding.
"Three bedroom, one bath, eat in kitchen, spacious living room, all appliances and fixtures updated. The flooring is the original hardwood and has been restored to its early glory."
Cameron saw a pretty bland but somewhat acceptable home. She could tell it didn't excite Chase. Still, she wondered what would since he grew up in a mansion. "How much?"
"$699,900."
"For this?? It's so common. Shouldn't we be able to get a lot bigger for that?"
"In Princeton?" Bonnie laughed. "Heavens no. There are several other possibilities I know of if you are willing to venture outward."
"I think it would be safe to say that we are willing to venture out of the Princeton city limits. I'm guessing there are not a lot of bargains here."
"Okay, we'll move outward. That opens the door for lots more possibilities."
Chase and Cameron both stared at each other with skepticism, wondering what those possibilities could be. They weren't sure they were ready to find out.
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They couldn't deny that the older home was spectacular and a rare gem. Too many people had let these older and glorious estate-like homes go. The price was right, but something still wasn't quite right.
"I wanted to avoid showing you anything in the city limits of Trenton. Real estate doesn't hold its value there very well. But this one is a gem." Bonnie said, enthusiastically hoping they saw this as a diamond in the rough.
"Wow, the old wood working throughout the house is immaculate." Cameron said, trying to play along.
Chase cringed a bit. "This feels too much like my grandmother's home in Canberra. It's a bit creepy."
Cameron looked across the street to notice the gathering of a large gang of youths. "I thought you said we weren't in Trenton."
"Nope, that's across the street. Anyway, this house has a top notch security system."
"Fantastic. I'm sure it will come in handy if I never want to leave my house." Chase realized the sarcasm was again lost on his realtor.
Chase watched the foreign couple in their yard next door. Their origin seemed Indian or Pakistani. He knew from experience never to ask if they were one or the other. Asking an Indian if they were Pakistani or vice versa was like punching them in the face. "Anyone speak English around here?"
"I figured that wouldn't matter since you are a foreigner yourself."
"We do speak English in Australia."
Bonnie gave him another long perplexing stare, shook it off and went on. "Five bedroom, 3 bath, 11 rooms, three story stand alone Victorian style home with a nice yard. This was considered quite the luxurious home at the time it was built. The attic is divine."
Cameron knew it was time to provide yet another clue. "Okay, when we said that school district didn't matter, we should have told you that neighborhood does. After all, we want our child having play dates with other kids in the neighborhood."
"Play dates?" Bonnie asked all strange.
"You see, she hadn't heard of them either!" Chase was feeling rather proud of himself.
"I'll keep this one down as a maybe. Once you see the other options, you might want to come back to this one." Bonnie still tried to remain cheery, but she couldn't help but think these two were getting a little demanding.
"Yeah, we'll keep an open mind." Chase said with the fake smile, more than ready to move on.
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"The home is perfect, and the price is right, but…"
Bonnie was at her wits end by now. How many homes did she have to show them? "But, what's the problem?"
"It's on the freeway." Cameron pointed out.
"There's a privacy wall there."
The home was plenty big, somewhat generic and common, and on the freaking Interstate! Still, Cameron felt like she had to give Bonnie a reason that wouldn't frustrate her. "The kitchen sucks."
"Come on Allison, you have to admit, watching the traffic from the upstairs bathroom window is rather mesmerizing. It's right on the off ramp." Chase felt like teasing since he was starting to get a little punchy from this day.
"Yeah, I've always wanted a home with a view. But, trucks tend to use their engine brakes on off ramps."
"Picky, picky." Chase said, happily pushing Cameron's buttons.
"Kitchen, huh?" That gave Bonnie an idea. "There is one place that might work. It's a bit of a drive, but perfect. Do you have some time?"
Chase looked at Cameron and shrugged. "Oh, why not." He was actually hoping a long drive would give him a chance to take a nap in the car.
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They had to admit, the place was very, very nice. The price was right too, but…
"Gorgeous custom home on 2.5 acres, 9 ft ceilings, beautiful woodwork and wainscoting, two story foyer with open railing staircase, vaulted family room, island kitchen, 42" maple cabinets, hardwood floors, three car garage and brick patio. There's also a fenced area in the backyard for the dog."
"We don't have a dog."
"You will."
Chase looked out the gorgeous bay window that looked beyond the spacious dinette area. "I only see cows. Aren't there any people around here?"
"Somewhere. I'm not sure really because I've never shown a home in rural Pennsylvania before."
"We aren't in New Jersey?"
Bonnie laughed again. "Oh heavens no. You can't find this sort of thing in New Jersey."
They knew it was a long drive, but they were asleep for most of it and don't remember seeing a Pennsylvania sign.
"You're right, this is a perfect house and we love how it is over 3000 square feet, but how long is the drive out here?" Cameron asked, knowing no answer would likely be acceptable.
"To PPTH, about 86 minutes. I don't know about Princeton General."
Cameron grabbed her head, not wanting to say anymore. Bonnie couldn't take a clue if it was applied with a sledgehammer.
Chase was too busy exploring possibilities. "Oh, I don't know dear. There is enough space over there to build a helipad so we can actually get to work each morning in fifteen minutes."
"Did we want a big yard? Something with this much acreage?"
"Sure," Chase said letting his dry humor show again. "I actually can see myself on a riding mower on a nice hot day with my headphones on cutting the acreage."
Cameron laughed at that image in her head. "And I would be in the island kitchen fixing you a pitcher of lemonade and some cookies."
"You see, maybe it isn't such a bad idea." They were both just plain slaphappy now.
Bonnie finally could tell after spending all day with them that she had pushed them a bit too far. "Take all the time you need to think about it. Since you have a good idea of your options now, maybe you can specifically pick out what you want to see next time."
They both bit their lips, groaning inside over the possibilities of another outing. "Uh, can you give us a few minutes?" Chase asked. Bonnie eagerly nodded and went into the other room.
"Another day or days of this? Maybe we can just take Tony Soprano's house. It's only money right?"
"She's the absolute worst realtor in New Jersey." Cameron said keeping her voice low.
"New Jersey and Pennsylvania." Chase replied still in a joking mood. "I think we just have to tell her what we are looking for. If we don't have a good idea of what we don't want after today, then we are as clueless as she is."
"Do you want something new and big?"
"I don't know."
"How much can we afford?"
"I don't know."
"How did Foreman and Pamela get so lucky with their find?"
"I don't know."
Cameron knew she was going to have to start setting the boundaries. "Robert, I knew that you grew up in a fancy home, but I grew up in a two bedroom apartment. I wouldn't mind a nice house."
"I want a nice house too. Size doesn't matter. Do you want to start small and move up, or are you looking for the home we want to grow our family in?"
Cameron smiled sweetly. "Grow our family? You expect me to put my body through this more than once?"
"Is that question I actually have to answer right now?"
Cameron smiled, letting him off the hook. "Let's go home and regroup. I'm sure we can get on the Internet and get a good idea of what we want."
He pulled her toward his chest and looked all around at the nice house that surrounded them. "A helicopter would be pretty cool."
Cameron laughed. "Come on. I'm sure Bonnie is wondering what we are up to."
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"Allison?"
"Yes." Cameron said, a little scared that her doctor called her on the pager. She knew something wasn't right.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to get you in for level two ultrasound right away."
"What's wrong?"
"Allison, your test came back with elevated levels of AFP."
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a/n: Oh, I so want to give you a preview of what's coming up, but I can't. Thanks for reading!
