Stephanie suspected she got pregnant the first night she made love to Carlos. She smiled when the pregnancy test returned a positive result. "Babe?" Carlos asked when Stephanie climbed back into bed.
"I have something for you," she replied. Stephanie passed Carlos the pregnancy test. He saw the two pink lines, showing a positive result.
Carlos leaned to the left, placing the test on the nightstand. He pulled Stephanie beneath him and celebrated the news by making love. Stephanie was happy to be carrying her husband's child. "Proud of you, Babe," Carlos whispered during their post coital snuggles.
"You had a hand in it," Stephanie said.
"More than just a hand, I would say," Carlos joked.
Stephanie giggled. "I'll need to make an appointment with the doctor to confirm the pregnancy. Dr. Brianne Walker recommended I contact her office when I get pregnant. I'm surprised it happened this fast. Are you really ready for this?"
"Yes," Carlos replied. "I'm ready to have it all with you." Stephanie looked into her husband's eyes and grinned. She climbed out of bed and extended her hand to Carlos. He tossed back the blankets and lunged at Stephanie. She giggled as he carried her to the shower, where they made love again.
Carlos washed every inch of Stephanie's body, pausing briefly to kiss her abdomen. "Do you want a boy or another girl?" Stephanie asked as she stepped from the shower.
"It doesn't matter as long as our child is healthy. But if we have a daughter, I would like to try again for a son. If you're willing to endure a second pregnancy," Carlos replied.
"Just a second pregnancy? What if that child's a girl?" Stephanie asked.
"We can keep trying for a boy if that's what you want," Carlos wisely replied.
"How about we wait until we know what we're having before discussing more children," Stephanie reasoned.
It took three weeks to get an appointment with Dr. Walker after hours. Stephanie didn't want to visit with her obstetrician when the waiting room was full. The file had her listed as Stephane Polumbo. It would keep her safe enough from the clinic employees, but Stephanie didn't want to risk anyone recognizing her.
Stephanie picked up a copy of Time magazine. A tiny image of Carlos holding Stephanie beside one of her burning vehicles was inside. The accompanying article said the woman died after getting kidnapped and shuttled to Brazil.
"I know who you are," Dr. Brianne Walker said, pointing to the magazine. "My brother, Hal, would serve my head on a silver platter if I gave away your secret."
"How long have you known?" Stephanie asked.
"Since I examined you in the hospital. I lied about being on call. Hal begged me to help," Dr. Walker explained. "I should be angry about you tasing my brother, but I still find it funny."
"I didn't mean to hurt him," Stephanie said.
"He's too naive. It toughened him up," Brianne replied. She was grinning at Stephanie. "I normally get my staff to draw a blood sample, but I know your anonymity is too important. Is anyone looking for you?"
"Not that I can see," Stephanie replied. "It's been quiet."
"You shouldn't have said that," Brianne joked.
Stephanie squeezed her eyes closed as Dr. Walker inserted the needle into a vein. She breathed and clenched her fist to assist blood flow. "Are you done?" Stephanie asked.
"Yes. I'm going to examine you now," Dr. Walker said. She got Stephanie to lie back on the table and put her legs into the stirrups. Stephanie stared at the ceiling as Brianne ensured everything was fine. "I'm going to insert the probe to determine gestational age."
"How far along am I?" Stephanie asked.
"Six weeks gestation, which makes you eight weeks pregnant. I'll prescribe maternity vitamins fortified with iron since you were anemic during your previous pregnancy," Brianne explained. "Everything looks good. I'll see you in a few months."
"Same time?"
"Yes. I think it's best," Dr. Walker replied. She set up the appointment, then added it to her personal calendar. Brianne gave Stephanie the sonogram image.
Stephanie met Marco and Zero in the waiting room. Zero raised an eyebrow, waiting for Stephanie to share the news. She gave Zero the sonogram. "Why are you showing me a blob?" Zero asked.
"That's your cousin," Stephanie replied.
"You're pregnant?" Marco asked.
"Yes. Eight weeks."
"My brother didn't waste any time," Marco joked. Stephanie rolled her eyes and giggled when Zero punched Marco's arm. "Weren't you just cleared for sex seven weeks ago?"
Zero punched Marco's arm again. "You're an idiot. Pregnancy weeks get determined from the last menstrual cycle. Haven't you learned anything in health class?" Zero replied.
"I stopped listening when the teacher mentioned periods and cramps," Marco confessed. Zero shook his head. He thought Marco was an idiot for tuning out the necessary information. Sure, it was pointless details for boys, but it helped him understand the fairer sex.
"And you didn't think it was important to know how to take care of your woman during that time of the month?" Zero asked. "It's no wonder you couldn't keep a girlfriend longer than a few weeks."
"I think it's gross," Marco said. Stephanie started laughing. She thought Marco was ridiculous and funny. "What are you finding so funny, sis?"
"You have four sisters, right?" Stephanie asked.
"Yes. You know I do," Marco replied. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"They likely went through puberty while you were still living at home. You were the fourth child born. Didn't your sisters experience mood swings and cramps?" Stephanie asked.
"I can't think about my sisters like that," Marco replied, making Stephanie laugh.
"Your brother doesn't have any issues with women's cycles. I never knew him to be disgusted or freaked out about my monthly visitor," Stephanie said. Her face turned red as she discussed normal female bodily functions. "It's a part of life, Marco. You should adapt, or you'll never find a woman willing to date."
"Speaking of my brother, where is Carlos?" Marco asked.
"He had to take care of some business in Chicago. The police chief and bail bonds office managers wanted to meet Mr. Manoso," Stephanie explained. "Carlos trusts you and Zero to watch me."
"When is he coming home?" Zero asked.
"In two days."
-SMSMSMSM-
Helen Plum attempted to contest the divorce petition. She hired her son-in-law, Albert Kloughn, to represent her. Unfortunately for Helen, Frank had the backing of the Rangeman lawyers. She learned Frank had purchased the Rangeman Trenton office from Ranger, but Helen couldn't touch the business since the purchase agreement got signed after Frank filed for divorce.
"Why me?" Helen lamented.
"Why not you?" Edna asked. "You brought this upon yourself."
"Mother! How dare you?"
Edna rolled her eyes. Helen was exhausting and knew better. When did Helen become so misdirected? Edna raised her daughter better than that. Perhaps Helen's jealousy of her younger sister, Deanna, contributed to the disdain Helen displayed toward Stephanie. Deanna and Stephanie shared the same spirit and fight for independence. Edna encouraged her daughters to be true to themselves. Helen was too much like her father.
"You pushed Morelli to chase after Stephanie. Why? Were you disappointed Anthony married Angie instead of you? Are you so desperate to have a Morelli heir that you'd encourage your daughter to marry a cheating, abusive asshole?" Edna asked.
Helen gasped. Her hand clutched her throat as Edna spoke. "Why, I never," Helen whispered.
"Please, don't flatter yourself, Helen. I'm not buying your shit," Edna shouted. "My baby granddaughter is dead because of you." Edna knew the truth. She was aware Stephanie was alive and living in Miami. Edna also knew Stephanie lost her son. Stephanie was safe with Ranger in Miami. Edna prayed Stephanie could still have children. She looked forward to the day Stephanie revealed she survived.
"How will I pay the bills?" Helen whined.
"Get a job," Edna replied. "I heard the tampon factory is hiring." Edna cackled as she left Helen standing in the living room, resembling a fish. It was time for Edna to leave Helen alone in her misery.
"Where are you going, Mother?" Helen asked when Edna pulled her luggage down the stairs.
"Leaving. I'm going to live with Mabel Burlew. You know Mabel's husband passed away a few weeks after Stephanie. She can't afford the bills on her own." Edna grabbed her jackets from the hall closet, then shoved her boots into another bag. She gave Helen a piece of paper.
"What's this?" Helen asked.
"An application for the tampon factory. I took the time to fill it out for you," Edna replied. "They have an opening on the synthetic fibre line. You'll get to fold the fabric which wraps the tampon core. That's all you're good for unless they want you to iron the pads and liners flat."
"B…B…But," Helen said, "what would the neighbours think?"
"I think you lived enough years concerned about your precious neighbours. Living in the Burg changed you, Helen." Edna left the house without saying goodbye. She was not going to stick around to watch Helen implode. It was time to move on.
Helen called Valerie, hoping to have someone on her side. "Hi, Mom. Are you okay?" Valerie asked.
"I'm fine," Helen replied. "Your Grandmother moved out tonight."
Valerie thought she misheard her mother. "Could you please repeat that?" Valerie asked.
"Your Grandmother moved out tonight," Helen repeated, speaking slower.
"Oh. That's what I thought you said. Why would Grandma move out?" Valerie couldn't fathom why everyone was leaving her mother. "First Daddy, then Grandma? Mom, what did you do?"
"I didn't do anything," Helen replied.
Valerie didn't believe her. She must have done something to anger Grandma and Dad. Mary Alice quietly approached her mother and whispered what Grandma Helen had said at the church. Angie saw Mary Alice whispering to their mother and decided to do the same. Valerie shook her head after Angie repeated the story from Mary Alice. "Mom!" Valerie yelled to get her mother's attention. "Did you really wish Stephanie was alive so you could force her to divorce Ranger?"
"I was upset," Helen replied.
"Ranger loved Stephanie, Mom. I caught Joe messing around while he was supposed to be dating Stephanie. Why would you want a man cheating on your daughter?" Valerie asked.
"You must be mistaken. Joseph would never cheat on Stephanie," Helen said, defending Joe.
"And I suppose Steve never cheated on me with the babysitter?" Valerie asked. "Don't bother answering, Mom. I see how it is with you."
"Val, you did nothing wrong. You were the perfect mother and wife," Helen replied. "When Stephanie married Dickie, she refused to quit her job, and have children. She did everything wrong and I was embarrassed. It's her fault for Dickie cheating on her."
"Wow. I don't know what to say," Valerie answered. During Stephanie's divorce, she learned Dickie had cheated on her while they dated. Dickie and Stephanie should never have gotten married. "I have to go, Mom. Call me when your attitude changes."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Helen asked.
"It means I won't let you treat my daughters the way you raised Stephanie and me," Valerie replied. "Goodbye." Valerie hung up before Helen could defend her actions.
"I'm sorry if I upset you, Mom," Mary Alice quietly said. Valerie wiped the tears off Mary Alice's cheeks.
"You didn't upset me, MA. I'm not going to let Grandma Helen hurt you. I promise," Valerie said. She pulled Mary Alice into her arms and hugged her tightly. Angie and Lisa joined the fray. Albert smiled lovingly at his wife. He was proud to hear her defend the girls.
"Hey, Al," Angie said. "Did you find a job?"
"I hope so," he replied. "Frank said they have an opening for a contract lawyer. I could work from home as long as nobody sees the documents."
"I'm glad Daddy's giving you a chance. Does that mean you can't represent Mom for her divorce?" Valerie wondered.
"Helen fired me, which was for the best. She was too demanding. Frank gave her what he owed for the divorce. The equity in the house is equivalent to fifty percent of his assets plus alimony for the next ten years," Albert replied. "She wants more."
Valerie shook her head. Her mother was lucky to get anything. Most Burg women got the house and jewelry, but they had to work to pay the residual mortgage and bills. It was more than what Valerie received from Steve. All she got was enough money to return to Trenton with the girls.
Mary Alice stayed with Valerie until they were alone. She had an important question to ask and didn't want an audience. "What's bothering you, MA?" Valerie quietly asked.
"What if Aunt Stephie was still alive?" Mary Alice asked.
"I would be happy. Stephanie was a kind, loving and generous woman. She did more for me than I had ever done for her," Valerie replied. "I didn't deserve to have her as my sister. MA, don't hope for something that isn't true."
Mary Alice nodded, but she believed inside her heart that her Aunt Stephie was still alive. It was only a matter of time before everyone else learned the truth.