a/n: It seems that this site has been having problems lately where chapters have gone missing. Since the ff net has always been a little prone to problems, I'm going to now start posting these chapters (as well as my entire catalog) on my livejournal site just in case they're not accessible here. I'll include the link for my stories on my profile page soon. Of course livejournal had their own problems the other day, but that seems to be the only time I've noticed both sites acting up at the same time.
This is a transition chapter showing the week after the big event. Enjoy!
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"Dr. Chase!"
He dropped his shoulders, knowing exactly what this was about. He wasn't in the mood. Since Ethan had been moved to the nursery this morning, he promised his wife he would check on him. Emily had been taken there as well for some routine checks, reuniting brother and sister.
"I understand congratulations are in order."
"Yes Ramone, the babies are well, as is Allison."
"Fantastic. Look, did you happen to get the fundal height?"
"Why of course." Chase was lying, but wasn't in the mood to go check it out. "In millimeters, right?"
"Yes, that's what I need."
"Let me do the conversion in my head." He of course wasn't, he was just stalling so he could throw out a number. "402."
Ramone got very excited and grabbed him in a big bear hug. "Oh that's wonderful! I'm the closest. You've made me so happy."
"Glad I could help," he replied with a slighty muffled voice as Ramone was squeezing the breath out of him. If he wasn't a new father, he was sure people would be talking.
Ramone let go and walked away briskly. He turned around and shouted to Chase, "Give Dr. Cameron my best. I've got to go put in for my half day off."
Chase shook his head and laughed at him, probably due to being giddy from fatigue. Now where was I going? He realized he was standing outside the nursery. Oh yeah, babies.
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Pamela and Foreman gazed through the glass, from outside of the nursery, watching the babies get their final check before being reunited with their mother and father.
Pamela's mouth hung open and her heart melted over all the children, amazed over how adorable they were. She rarely got a chance to see babies like this. Then her face scrunched a bit.
"What is it?" Foreman asked, wondering what she spotted.
"Man, I don't want to say such a thing, since we know things usually don't stay that way, but that little Emily is a homely looking chick. Look at how puffy her face is. She looks like she has taken a few whacks from a baseball bat."
Foreman shrugged. "She was born five weeks early."
"That one over there was seven weeks early. Look at her. Those big blue eyes, curly hair and soft round face is darling. Emily, she's a blowfish."
Foreman busted out laughing, trying very hard to contain the noise level of his laughter. "Little Ethan is pretty."
"Just like his dad. Scary, isn't it? You think he's started hitting on the nurses yet?"
"Look at that nurse tending to him. She's falling all over him. I'd say so."
Pamela sighed, showing what a complete sucker she was for all things tiny and cute. "I'm still really glad I can't have one of these things, but I might be up for babysitting."
"Shh, don't tell Chase and Cameron yet. Wait until they're super desperate. It'll give us bargaining power."
"You mean you. You need every chance you can get to one up Robert in that partnership of yours."
"Damn straight. That's the law of business."
They stared for another minute, taking the time to reflect how precious life really is. "Yep, she's still ugly." Pamela said.
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Pamela and Foreman came in for their promised noon time visit. They noticed both Chase and Cameron staring at a packet on the table. "We just got the pictures."
"Pictures?"
"Yes, the babies' first photos. The ones the hospital takes of all babies the day after they're born."
"That's because they need to exploit the parents immediately so they'll hook you into buying for this crap for life." Foreman said.
Pamela elbowed him in disapproval and came over to admire the professionally taken photos of the two children. They were obviously posed to for photogenic purposes to impress the parents, despite how unnatural it looked. They even tried to put a bow on Emily's head, which had to be pretty hard considering she was bald.
Pamela looked puzzled. "Ethan looks strangely calm. He didn't resist the pose they put him in like his sister."
Chase and Cameron both glimpsed at each other and smiled. "Yeah, well that's because he had just been circumcised. He was a little stunned." Chase explained.
That made Foreman wince.
Pamela handed the photos back. "They're lovely." She punched Foreman in the arm. "Aren't they adorable?"
"Yeah, they're uh, sweet."
Pamela sat down, making herself comfortable. "Okay, something's been bothering me, so I'm going to have to ask now. How did you two come up with the names?"
Chase and Cameron looked at each other, signaling each other to start first.
"I chose Amanda," Cameron said, taking charge. "He said Emily. When we found out the other one was a boy, I put the two together. Amanda Emily. When I saw her though, I switched the names."
"Why those names?"
Cameron hadn't told anyone her reason before, especially Robert. "Amanda was a friend in high school. She died in a car accident. I've always loved the name."
Pamela nodded, happy with that answer. "Okay Robert, fess up. Why Emily?"
He smiled. "My mother always loved that name. If I was a girl, that would have been my name."
Pamela was actually humbled there for a second. It ended. "Aww, nice reasons. I'm sure your mother was bitterly disappointed that you were a boy, since she obviously picked your name out of a hat. What about Ethan?"
Chase's face grew serious. "Christopher comes from St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, who's a popular Catholic saint and one I always said a blessing to while going places. Ethan was a strong, optimistic, and very wise man in the Hebrew bible. 'Self-nullification and love were etched indelibly on all subsequent Jewish souls and for them they longed for their great leader who God would name Ethan.'"
The room fell silent. Even Cameron was touched by that story, despite the religious references. "Wow, that's so lovely." Pamela said.
Chase broke into a cunning smile. "Good story isn't it? I actually found that online yesterday. No, I picked Ethan Christopher because I loved the names."
Cameron was ready to hurt him, but her displeasure was short lived as the door opened. It was the day nurse, coming in with two cribs.
Cameron's face instantly grew a wide and teary smile. "Oh, I've been waiting for them to get here."
The nurse pushed the cribs next to the bed. "Both are all set, and both have been cleared by the pediatrician to go home tomorrow, with you."
"Ethan can come home with us?"
The beaming nurse nodded.
Chase picked up his son, holding him so gingerly. Ethan had his eyes wide open, as if he knew he was finally with his family. "We missed you."
He saw Cameron's anxiousness and delivered the boy to her arms. She clutched onto him for dear life, hoping he would never have to be separated from them again.
Pamela and Foreman all of a sudden felt out of place. "We should be going. You guys need some quality family time." Pamela said.
Chase picked up Emily and sat down next to Cameron and Ethan. "Normally I would say nonsense, but you're right. Get out."
"You don't have to tell us twice," Foreman said. They cleared out in a hurry, leaving the now complete family behind.
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"You paged me?" House said, limping into the hospital room in protest.
"Pick a child." Cameron told him.
"You're giving kids away? Should have thought of that before you got pregnant."
"Sit down and pick which baby you want to hold."
"I'm not going to-"
"Sit!" She ordered. He sat down abruptly.
Cameron got up and went to her two babies. She grabbed Ethan and placed him in House's arms.
"Why did you pick the boy?" House asked holding him awkwardly.
"Because I think Cuddy is having a boy. Your son."
"I don't know what you heard but -"
"Don't give me that. Wilson's a bad liar and I was only half asleep that day. Now be quiet and see what holding a baby feels like."
House's attempt was half-hearted at best. He looked over the boy, who seemed as displeased as he was to be in this situation. House couldn't help but think that this boy could read people as well as his dad. He knew a grouchy son-of-a-bitch when he saw one.
"Of course I could be wrong. Would you like to hold the girl just in case?"
"Whatever you're trying to do, it won't work."
"Yeah, you should hold the girl too." She took Ethan from his arms, placed him back in the crib and gave House Emily.
She didn't mind him so much. He took time to stare at the tiny little life in his arms. He noticed the pure innocence in those bright eyes. No worries, no concerns, no drug addictions. He never really saw that in any being before, but it figured it only could exist in a baby. She hadn't been corrupted yet.
They heard the door open and Cuddy walked in. As soon as House saw her, he handed back Emily to Cameron and got up. "It didn't work." He told her.
"Lisa." He said to Cuddy before walking out the door.
Cuddy's stunned look left her at a loss for words. She shook her head instead. "I don't want to know. So, is it my turn to hold now?"
Cameron sighed, not blaming herself for trying. "Pick a child."
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Chase unlocked the door, putting down the carrier that held his baby girl. Cameron was all jittery behind him, taking time to glance at the baby in her hand, cozily resting in his seat.
"Okay, we're home." He pushed the door wide open, letting Cameron go through first.
"It feels like I haven't been here in weeks." She said, feeling overjoyed by the fact she was finally there.
She loved seeing all the flowers and gifts she got while in the hospital on the kitchen island. It enhanced the much overdue welcome. "Thanks for bringing those here ahead of time. They're lovely to come home to."
Chase grabbed both children and placed them side by side, still in their car seats, in front of the couch. "Come on, it's my favorite part. Time for watch the sleeping babies."
Cameron fell onto the couch beside him, feeling like this was one of the greatest moments of her life. It probably was. "Look at the matching hats."
He smiled, thinking they would look adorable in anything. "Who knew that babies came with hats? Those hospital ones aren't too fashionable though. We need to get something a little more stylish."
"Oh, you mean like your hats? You're going to have to leave that task up to me."
"What's wrong with my hats?"
"Nothing," she said backpedaling. "They just cover that beautiful wavy hair of yours." She gave him a little peck on the cheek.
"Oh, I get it, kill me with flattery. Smooth move."
"I don't need to use flattery to win you over. You're stuck with me for good. We've procreated. We're joined at the hip now."
"Oh yeah, my life in hell," he said sarcastically, gazing fondly at the children in front of him.
Their moment of contentment lasted only a few minutes, when Emily went sour faced and started to cry.
Cameron frowned. "She seems be eating every two hours. My nipples are still too cracked and raw from her chomping."
"Just wait until she starts getting fresh milk. She won't be able to leave them alone."
"Yeah, that's my fear. I'm already feeling some fullness. I'm sure by tomorrow it will be a milk feast for both of them."
Emily's wails became more pronounced, causing Ethan to stir a little. "Not very patient, is she?" Cameron picked up the child and settled into feeding mode. Emily latched on tightly, causing Cameron to grimace.
Even Chase cringed a bit. He wouldn't be that harsh on a nipple. "I'm sure it will toughen up in a few more days."
Cameron bit her lip while the little suckling continued to crush her. "I think it'll fall off before then."
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The familiar cries echoed through the baby monitor. Cameron stirred, knowing it was time to do her duty. 3:30 am. She was up only an hour ago with Emily. Judging by the cries, it was Ethan's turn. She wondered how Chase could sleep through all this. Since he had to go to work tomorrow, she'd have to handle it on her own.
She shuffled into the nursery like a zombie, wondering why they hadn't put a bed in there for her. She picked up her son and pulled out her swollen and red bulging nipple for him. It barely had time to let the lanolin do its healing before having to feed again. Lucky for her, Ethan was nice and gentile. It still hurt, but it didn't feel like her boob was being chewed off. He didn't eat much anyway. He more enjoyed the latching on and snuggling against mom more than the actual nourishment he was getting.
Her eyes drifted shut shortly after he attached himself. Ten minutes later, she shot awake, switched Ethan to the other side and fell back asleep.
Cries rang out again, snapping her out of her dozing. In her haze she found herself still in the rocking chair, Ethan sleeping in her arms. "I only fed you an hour ago," Cameron said to her crying girl. Then she noticed the time. 5:00 am. It had been two and half hours and it was time for another feeding. She looked down at her open and drooping breast, which was leaking milk all over her son and her nightclothes. At least she had a fresh supply to offer.
She put Ethan down and picked up her upset baby. Emily latched onto the exposed nipple before Cameron even made it to the chair. "Ow, ow. Easy baby girl." She couldn't sleep through Emily's feedings. The surge in pain was just too much.
"Leave some for your brother," she told her while she was biting vigorously. "He'll want to eat in another hour or two." She then wondered if this was how cows did it.
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Chase came home to find Cameron still in her nightgown, dozing on the couch, with Emily and Ethan nearby in their bassinets. Emily was asleep, while Ethan lied there peacefully and was pleased to see his dad. Chase pulled him into his arms. "Hey there little guy. Have a good day?" He could easily get used to this kind of homecoming every day.
He stood over Cameron, who looked like hell. The pale complexion, the dark circles under her eyes, and the messed up hair was his clue. To help out, he brought home dinner, something he would be doing for a while. She didn't have much time for anything else other than caring for the babies and trying to rest. He thought about waking her and letting her know dinner was here, but she looked so exhausted.
Before long, Emily started crying. "Oh for god's sake girl," Cameron griped, now awake. She noticed Chase standing over her. "Grow some milk in your breasts and make her shut up."
Chase chuckled lightly, not wanting to irritate his cranky wife. "Life would be easier that way, wouldn't it? Let her cry. Eat something yourself first."
"No," Cameron said reluctantly and got up. "It's maternal instinct to care for the child first, plus I want to eat in peace." She glanced at the time. "Two hours, like clockwork."
"When did Ethan last eat?"
"An hour ago. He wasn't sleeping?"
"Nope, content and happy, staring at everything around him."
She gave Emily a breast, then flinched. "Ethan, you're officially my favorite."
"Shh," Chase said. "We can't give the children complexes this early in life. Wait until they are old enough for their spirits to be broken properly."
"Easy for you to say. Sleep deprivation isn't driving you to thoughts of ill will. No wonder some mothers snap."
"Allison,"
"Fine, I'll tone it down. I don't mean it. I'm just having trouble adjusting, that's all."
Chase sat down and put his free arm around her. "We're in this together. We are a family now."
"You lactating?"
Chase didn't give her the obvious answer.
"Then you're useless."
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Cameron held little Ethan in her arms, clutching him tightly, rocking back and forth for soothing. The soothing wasn't for him though. He was well fed and happily sleeping. It was for her, who was sobbing.
"Care to talk about it?" Chase asked while rescuing his boy from his hysterical mother. He knew the last few days had been hard on her, and was wondering when she would crack.
"What's there to talk about? I haven't slept for more than two hours in days. My boobs are so engorged they feel like they're going to explode, yet I can't get these kids to feed properly. Emily's ripped my nipples into shreds, and she sucks me so dry I don't think I'm giving her enough. Ethan's on an opposite schedule of every three hours, and he eats so little it I don't get any relief from milk being released at all. I'm at my breaking point."
Chase put Ethan down into his crib and knelt down next to his wife. "There are ways to make this better now that your milk has come in. If you're engorged I'll help you pump right now. The extra milk will allow me to feed Emily next time, giving you a rest. Let her rip on a rubber nipple."
"It won't be enough."
"I'm sure it will be. You should also be pumping after feeding Ethan, to get the extra milk out. She can use that too."
Cameron took a minute to compose herself. Chase gave her a tissue and watched patiently. "It's not going to work you know," she said. "You're trying to come up with a rational plan with a hormonally wrecked and sleep deprived woman who is anything but rational right now."
Chase smiled. "I know. It's one of those burdens a dad must bear."
She opened her mouth, but he cut her off.
"I know, this is all my fault. Looking at these two precious babies, I claim full responsibility."
She broke into deeper sobs.
"What now?"
"You're so damn good to me. What would I do without you?"
"I take responsibility for that too."
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a/n: Just FYI, I'm starting to plot the story to the end. There is an end in sight now. It will be several more chapters, but it's time to wrap this one up.