Author's Notes: Cujo copyrighted to Stephen King. And this chapter turned out twice as long as was anticipated. Enjoy!
In Life and Death
Chapter 15: Guess What Grandma
"Sora… you have to tell her."
"No."
"You have to."
"No."
"You look like you swallowed a beach ball."
"No."
"Either you never see her again or you tell her now."
Sora groaned as he pulled the blanket up over his head. What Kairi said was not completely true, but it was close enough. A beach ball was an exaggeration but he couldn't see his feet anymore when he stood up. Though he had wanted it this way, being cooped up all day, every day, in the apartment was driving him crazy. Between classes and work, Riku was hardly ever there, though he called Sora daily on breaks. Kairi called in the evenings and came over on the weekends. Which was why she was there now. She had arrived an hour ago, found the living room empty, and stalked down the hall to Sora's room, where the brunette had been napping. And she had proceeded to harass him about his mother. It was her favorite subject now that Riku knew.
"Kairi…" He groaned again as the blanket was wrenched from him.
"Come on Sora! You have to tell her!"
"Give it a rest."
Kairi looked over as Riku appeared in the doorway. "I didn't know you were home." She pinched Sora's shoulder. "Why didn't you tell me?"
He slapped her hand away and pulled his blanket out of her grasp. "You didn't ask."
She rolled her eyes. "Fine. Just go back to sleep and pretend everything is alright and I'll just go make dinner." She stormed out of the room and down the hall, making more noise than necessary.
Riku rolled his eyes. "Like we need her to cook anyways."
Sora grunted in agreement.
"I'm a much better cook."
"You don't have to convince me."
The brunette pulled himself up in a sitting position and rested his hand on his stomach.
Riku glanced over and pushed away from the doorframe. He stepped into the brunette's room and moved closer to him. "Everything alright?"
Sora made a face and shrugged. "They never sleep, I swear." He rubbed his stomach.
Riku laughed. "Not even born yet and they're already fighting.
Sora rolled his eyes. "You have no idea."
"You have to tell her you know." Riku said softly after a few silent moments.
"I know." Sora sighed softly. "She's coming for a visit." His voice was laced with mock enthusiasm.
"Oh?" Riku sounded doubtful.
Sora had been adamant about no one else finding out. Especially his mother.
Riku stepped further in the room and sat down on the bed beside Sora.
The brunette sighed. "I'm serious this time. She was pretty upset I wouldn't come home this weekend. Really upset." He shook his head slowly. The tone in her voice hurt him. "So I… I told her to come here next weekend."
"Next?"
Sora nodded. "Veera will be here when she arrives. I've already spoken to her about it."
"And what did the doctor say?"
Sora shrugged and didn't answer. He knew Riku was suspicious of Veera, though he couldn't figure out why. She was always friendly and helpful. She had been there for him and helped him through everything. She was perfect, so no; he wouldn't tell Riku that Veera had a bad reaction to the news.
"I don't know Sora. Are you sure it's a good idea to tell your mom? She seems like a loose cannon." She had said over the phone.
"What?"
"The few times I've spoken to her…"
"Oh that was when she was worried about me."
"And you think she won't worry now?"
"Well, of course she will. But I can't not tell her. Especially now that I've told her to come over. She's going to see me and know something is wrong."
"Sora!"
"I'm sorry to spring this on you, Veera, but my mom will be at my next appointment." He had hung up the phone on her after that.
"Hey." Riku said, slapping him on the back and bringing him back to reality. "It may not seem like it now but it will all be alright. Okay?"
Sora smiled and leaned into the touch on his back. And then a crash from the kitchen disturbed the silence.
Riku laughed as he stood up. "I better go and help Kairi before she burns our kitchen down."
Sora turned to watch him walk out the door.
For over a month, it had been nearly perfect in the small apartment. He talked to his mom and Kairi daily but if he ever wanted to be alone, he simply turned his phone off. And the extra distance between his mom and him allowed him to hide from her. It allowed him to hide from everyone. And whenever he complained about being bored, Riku brought him home a new video game, DVD, or, believe it or not, book. His new bedroom was littered with books.
It was nearly perfect. The one thing Sora longed for was Riku. He had realized a while back that he was in love with his male friend. As weird as his current situation was, he wouldn't change it for anything. He was having Riku's babies. Their lives would be tied together forever. And when Riku had said he wanted to be there for Sora and when he asked him to move in, the brunette assumed there was another, underlying reason. Sora thought that maybe his friend loved him back. Or at least wanted a few repeat performances.
Riku called him on breaks, did the shopping and cooking, and sometimes played a few rounds of video games with him. But he hadn't touched Sora since that night in the hotel room. He was the perfect friend. Too bad Sora didn't want that.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Meanwhile in the kitchen…
"Kairi… you've been in here for like ten minutes. What the hell is on the ceiling?" Riku shook his head as he looked up at the red and brown spots. It never amazed him the amount of trouble Kairi could cause in the kitchen.
"Oh shut up! I'll clean it up. Now get out!" She pushed him towards the entrance. "Out! OUT!"
He laughed and let her as the phone in his pocket began to ring. He pulled it out and smiled at the name on the caller ID. "You're lucky I have to take this."
She stuck out her tongue and gave him another shove.
He flipped the phone open and pressed it to his ear. "Hang on a minute." He pulled it away from his ear and hurried down the hall. A quick glance in Sora's room proved the brunette sitting on his bed with his newest book. Riku smiled as he ducked into his room and shut the door. "Sorry Connie. I was in the middle of something."
"Oh? Bad time? Should I call another time?"
"Oh no. I was just thinking about you." He pulled the chair away from his desk and sat down.
She giggled over the line. "Perfect timing then. But I only have a few minutes."
Riku leaned back in his chair. "Well then, you better get right to the point."
"Exactly." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Okay. So… your friend's appointment last week, right? First one at your new apartment, which in itself is odd. This hospital doesn't do house calls. But anyways, Veera comes back from the appointment all hysterical… screaming and flailing and she calls me unprofessional. Whatever. The next day, her roommate actually shows up. Old guy, just nasty. Not that Veera's fantastic, but why the hell does she live with that guy? She despises him. But anyways… they had a very heated conversation."
"Were you able to hear any of it?"
She laughed. "Like I had to try. It was like a shouting match. Get this. You guys moved not only in the same building as Veera and her roommate, but on the same floor."
Riku's mouth dropped open. "Really?"
"Yeah. Third floor, Randiam Complex, correct?"
"Yes." He nodded as he said it. That was certainly an interesting bit of information. Clearly Veera had known. Why hadn't she mentioned it?
"So the roommate, Zing I think she calls him, is pleased with it. Said something about him finally getting to meet the kid."
"Kid?"
"Uh huh. To which she screamed that he would never get his hands on Sora."
"Sora?" Riku's mind buzzed with a million questions. "Is he a doctor too?"
"I can't be sure but I don't think so. I can try and get more info on him."
"Yeah. That might be good." He sighed softly and leaned further back in his chair.
"Speaking of your friend, how is he doing?"
"Fine."
"Well… you may want to mention getting a second opinion, if he hasn't already. There's something really wrong with those guys. Really wrong."
"Yeah, I know." He shook his head slowly. Ever since he found out, he'd pestered Sora to talk to someone else. "I'll pass it along, but it won't help."
"You still won't tell me what's really wrong with him, will you?"
Riku laughed. "Have you asked Veera?"
"She tells me to mind my own damn business. I could tell her that it is my business, since I should be filing the non-existent paperwork, but why alert to the fact that I pay attention?"
"Exactly."
"One day I'll get it out of you. But I can wait."
Riku smiled. He had come to like the girl quite a lot. She was really quite bright, even if she didn't always show it. And he enjoyed listening to Sora go on and on about how annoying she was. "Anything else?"
"I'm not sure yet." She spoke slowly.
"Not sure?"
"Yeah. There were some thefts earlier this week. But I can't link it to Veera yet."
"Thefts?"
"Yeah. The board is investigating."
"What was stolen?"
"Tools. Imaging equipment. Incubators. An ambulance. All unofficial because no one is telling us anything. They think it's an inside job."
"Huh… And you think Veera is connected?"
"Her or that Zing guy. Just haven't figured out their angle yet. Why steal from the hospital? She's like… a big wig here. If she had some emergency where she needed the equipment, she could probably sign it out or borrow or something. Or get discounts through the hospital."
"Well… I'm sure if there's an angle you'll find it."
She laughed. "Oh! Got to jet!"
She hung up without a formal goodbye and Riku flipped his phone closed. He sighed and shook his head. "Somehow I will find out what is going on. And I will kill anyone who puts his hands on my Sora. Or my babies."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Two days later, Sunday…
Kairi glared at the brunette as she helped him carry the laundry baskets from the basement laundry room to the apartment. She hadn't said much of anything to him the past two days. "You know Kairi, pouting is childish."
She glared at him again and stuck out her tongue. "You're the one being childish, not telling me."
He rolled his eyes as he unlocked the door. "I don't have to tell you everything."
"Oh yes you do! You have to tell me everything there is to tell."
"No."
"Tell me Sora!"
"Tell you what?" Riku walked towards them, a curious look on his face.
"Sora picked out the..."
"Nothing!" Sora snapped, throwing a folded towel at her. "She's mad because I didn't tell her about mom right away." It wasn't a complete lie. She was still ticked about that fact.
"Uh huh." Riku stepped around them and headed to the door. "I'll pretend like I believe that. I'm running late." He was out the door before either could comment.
Kairi shot a glare at Sora. "What was that for?"
"I don't want him to know."
Her mouth dropped open. "You named them and you didn't even tell Riku?
Sora flinched at the accusation in his tone. "I just don't want…" He looked away and ran a hand through his hair.
"Sora?" Her tone changed and her voice was softer. "Did something happen? I thought Riku…"
Sora spun around and held up his hands. "No. Nothing like that. He's been… great."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I don't know." Sora shrugged. "I know he says he wants to be the dad… but… I don't know." He sighed. "Uh!" He screamed suddenly and kicked at the nearest thing, the laundry basket. Folded clothes and towels went flying. "This is all messed up! It's not supposed to be like this!"
"Sora… what happened? The other day you were fine, happy. What happened between then and now that you have doubts?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Sora…"
"No! I'm tired of people treating me like a baby, telling me what to do. You, mom, Veera… even Riku! If I'm old enough to be a parent, I'm old enough to make my own damn decisions."
"Sora…"
"I'm not hungry. I'm going to bed." He didn't wait for an answer. He shouldn't have yelled at her and he felt bad. But he was tired of everyone around him. Kairi acting like a mother hen. Veera's paranoid worry. His mother's nagging. And Riku. He was the most frustrating.
Sora groaned and sunk down on his bed. He rolled over, flat on his back, and his hands went to the bulge on his stomach. "Sorry babies. Mommy didn't mean to yell." The term came out before he realized it. It came so easy. Damn Kairi's need to tease him about being the mother. He sighed.
"Okay. I admit it. I'm the mother. Your mother." He smiled at the way it sounded. Oddly enough, he liked it. A lot. "I know you guys have heard a lot of stuff over the months. And when grandma comes next week, you'll no doubt hear more shit… I mean talk. But that's all it is, talk. Because no matter what happens or what everyone else thinks, I love you. And I'm happy you exist. And I can't wait to meet you."
He hadn't realized he drifted off to sleep until a knock at his door woke him. "Come on in Kairi." He groaned, sitting up and rubbing his forehead.
The door opened slowly and Riku smiled. "Sorry to disappoint you."
"Oh… sorry. I just thought it'd be Kairi. I didn't know you were home."
Riku shrugged. "Slow night so they let me off early."
Sora yawned and stretched. "Is Kairi still here?"
Riku shook his head. "She left hours ago."
"Awe man." He glanced at the clock. "I didn't realize it was so late." He rubbed at his head. "I guess I was more tired than I thought. And I didn't apologize. She's probably upset with me."
"Eh. Don't worry about Kairi. She understands."
Sora looked over at him in confusion.
"She called me, worried. She said you have doubts. About what Sora? Me?"
Damn her, Sora thought. He sighed and shook his head. "No. No I don't. Kairi just needs to mind her own damn business."
"Sora… if you…"
"Please don't, Riku."
Riku lingered in the doorway a moment longer, like he wanted to say something. Finally, he nodded and excused himself. "Goodnight." The door shut behind him.
Sora breathed out a sigh of relief. Damn Kairi. Why couldn't she just keep her mouth shut? So what is Sora was still slightly worried about what would happen after the birth? That didn't mean Kairi had to tell Riku. Sora had already put him through too much. It wasn't fair to make him worry more.
"The thing is…" Sora said to the babies, a habit that was getting worse with every day. "I really love your dad. But I have the feeling… I just know he only thinks of me as a friend. A very unusual friend who he… never mind. But he says he'll be around. And I believe him. You'll have your dad and…" He shook his head with a smile. "And your mother."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Week 28…
The next few days passed pretty uneventful. Sora called Kairi to apologize. She forgave him and promised not to nag him anymore. Riku seemed distracted by something and made Sora promise he wouldn't leave the apartment alone. Sora was upset at first but agreed. He was starting to enjoy Riku's fawning. He didn't mind being confined to the apartment. Mostly he cleaned, finicky about everything. He wanted it perfect for when his mother got there.
"Stop worrying." Veera patted Sora on the knee. While she wasn't exactly happy that Sora was telling yet another person, she couldn't think of any real reason why he shouldn't. "Your mother will be fine. Just like your friends."
Sora rolled his eyes and pushed her hand away. She had arrived moments ago, right after Riku and Kairi left. They had said their hellos and she joined him on the couch. But once again, Sora's mood was sour. The damn mood swings were exhausting.
"Sorry." He muttered.
She smiled and stood up. "Want to go get started before your mother gets here?"
He shrugged and stood up as well. "Sure."
"Your room again?"
He nodded and the two walked down the hall towards his room. Sora flopped down on his bed and immediately regretted it. One of the babies kicked in protest at the jarring movement. He grimaced and prodded the area. "That's enough." He said in a warning tone.
"Everything alright?"
"Just peachy. They're a lot more active this week." He adjusted his pillow and leaned against it, trying to get comfortable.
She laughed. "Good for them, bad for you."
He rolled his eyes.
"Now…" She clapped her hands together and glanced around the room. "Where's the equipment I left here last time?"
Sora pointed towards his closet. "Riku rolled it in there. Something about me breaking it if it were left out." He watched as she walked over to the closet. "Though I wish you wouldn't leave it here. It makes me nervous."
Veera smiled as she wheeled a small cart with an ultrasound machine on it. "Don't worry Sora. It's a lot more durable than it looks." In reality, it was a part of the recent thefts at the hospital. The easiest place to hide it was exactly where she needed it. No one would find the missing equipment in the home of a patient who didn't exist. And Zing assured her someone else would be to blame.
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
At the dock…
It had been close to two months since she had seen her son and probably longer since she really got to hang out with him. She blamed her job. She was never home anymore and then he up and moved out while she was gone. It was foolish that she had to schedule a visit to see her teenage son. But she had been eager to see him when he had called. And she was determined to talk some sense into him. She's quit her job if that was what it took to get him to move back home.
She ran a hand through her long cinnamon brown hair, straightening a few stray locks. She had been expecting to see Sora at the dock, waiting for her. She didn't bother masking her disappointment when instead of her son she found his two friends leaning against a black pickup.
"Where is my son?" She asked, walking up to the pair.
Kairi smiled up at her brightly. "Hello Rain!" She called her by her first name, as she had done for many years. "I hope your ride over was pleasant."
"It was fine." She answered flatly. "Where is Sora?"
"Back at the apartment. He's… not feeling too well." Riku said much too slowly. "Bad headache."
"Uh huh." Rain didn't believe him. But she nodded and let him take her bag and open the door.
The short ride to the apartment wasn't quiet. Kairi chatted on and on about school, both her classes and the few times Sora had talked about his. She also went on and on about how she thought Riku and Sora needed a pet.
"Come on Riku!" Her voice reached a shrill, whining octave. "Sora would love a puppy."
He laughed as he pulled into the parking lot. "We don't have room for a dog. Plus Sora doesn't like dogs all that well. Remember when he saw that movie, Cujo?"
"Fine." She pouted. "What about a cat?"
Riku rolled his eyes. "Kairi, now is not the time for a pet. We'll have our hands full soon enough."
She stuck her tongue out and followed him out of the truck.
Rain followed a few minutes later and gave them an odd look. "Hands full with what? What are you guys talking about? Is something wrong with Sora?"
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Back in the apartment…
Sora shook his head as he lifted the hem of his shirt over his stomach. He ran a finger over his swollen belly button, still marveling at it. The movement brought a tiny kick from one of the babies. Sora smiled.
"Sora?" Kairi's voice carried through the whole apartment, as did the front door shutting.
"My room." He called out in answer.
"Sora?"
Sora took a deep breath and prepared for seeing his mom.
"Why are you… move Riku… let me by."
"Let her in Riku. She has to find out sooner or later."
"Find out what?"
"Hello grandma." He smiled as she stepped into the room.
Rain's eyes went first to Veera and the ultrasound machine, and then to Sora and his bloated stomach. Only then did it sink in what he called her. "Excuse me?"
"You're going to be a grandma." Kairi squeaked, stepping into the room.
Riku slipped in beside Rain. "Don't freak out, but Sora's pregnant."
She looked at Riku, bewildered, and then looked back at Sora holding his stomach. "I think I'm going to faint." She wavered on her feet.
Riku grabbed her arm and lead her over to the bed.
Sora reached over and grabbed her hand as she sat down. "I know how it sounds mom. And I know how scary it is. But here." He pulled on her arm gently.
With a deep breath, Rain leaned over and let her son place her hand on his stomach. She fought back the urge to flinch away when she felt a tiny kick.
"That's your grandson." Sora said softly and moved her hand to the other side of his stomach. "And this is your granddaughter."
"What?"
"Twins." Veera said with a smile. "Would you like to see them?"
Sora released his mother's hand and nodded. "Yes!"
Kairi giggled. "Sora can see them now. Up until the last time he kept calling them aliens."
Sora glared at her. "You saw them. They did look like aliens."
Veera laughed as she readied the ultrasound machine and spread the jelly on Sora's stomach.
"Ah! It's cold!"
She rolled her eyes. "And you complain about it ever time too."
"Because it's always cold."
Rain sat, unmoving on the bed, as they bickered back and forth. Her mind raced. Sora was pregnant. Sora was her son. Her son was pregnant. With twins. And it looked like she was the last to know. But how? How had it happened? How could it? How long had he known? Is this why he moved out? Why he wanted to be home schooled? She wanted answers.
"They're getting big." Veera froze an image on the monitor.
"You're telling me."
"Yeah. Sora's fat."
"I am not!"
"Hold on here one minute." Rain said loudly, earning all eyes to turn on her. "I want an explanation. Now."
Sora flinched at the tone of her voice, feeling like a little kid again, getting scolded for not following the rules.
Riku grabbed Kairi's arm suddenly and pulled her towards the door. "Let's go make lunch."
"But you said I'm not allowed in the kitchen."
"Just come on."
Rain watched as the two disappeared into the hall and then turned towards Sora. "Okay. Go."
Sora took a deep breath and started from the beginning. Veera supplied the theories she had recited several times and then excused herself when Rain wanted to talk to her son alone.
"While I don't like the situation, I'm glad you finally told me the truth." She scooted closer beside him and wrapped her arms around him. "I don't want any more lies, alright?"
Sora nodded as she released him. "I am sorry. I just didn't want you to be ashamed or disappointed in me."
"Sora, I could never be those things. As long as you're happy and healthy, all the rest is nothing."
"I am happy. And Veera says we're fine."
"What about Riku? Do you love him?"
Sora squirmed and looked away.
"Does he love you?"
"I don't know. He says he wants to take care of us. Whether it's out of responsibility or obligation or love or because he's my friend… I don't know. But as long as he doesn't hate me, I'll be okay."
Rain looked at him hard, like it was the first time she'd ever seen him. She sighed and shook her head. "When did you grow up Sora?"
He smiled. "Being a mom does that to a boy."
She shook her head slowly. "I'm not old enough to be a grandmother."
They laughed and got off the bed. "Someone is hungry. Let's go see if lunch is ready."
And it was. They all sat down and made pleasant chatter. Rain asked Riku about his classes and job. She asked Sora about his days. Kairi asked about Rain's job. When they finished, Kairi got up to clear the plates.
"Now that everyone involved is all up to date…" Veera said, getting serious. "I have a matter to discuss."
"What?" Sora asked, leaning back in his chair and putting hands over his stomach.
"The birth, Sora."
"What about it?"
"Well… they aren't just going to come out naturally."
Kairi giggled. "Well duh."
"We'll have to schedule a cesarean section. C-section."
Sora squirmed.
"And I'd like to do it sooner, rather than later."
"Sooner?"
She nodded. "They'd be premature, but I think it would be would be best for you to do it now."
"Now? Like now, now?"
She nodded again. "In the next few days."
"But they're only 28 weeks." Sora said evenly. "They aren't ready."
"Sora…"
"Lungs don't fully develop until the 32nd week."
"That's true, but we'd keep them in incubators for a few weeks under observation."
Sora shook his head. "No. They aren't coming out until they are ready."
"Sora, pushing this off is dangerous. Despite your deformity, you aren't built to carry a baby, let alone twins. You can't carry them to a full term. It's dangerous for you."
Sora shook his head and crossed his arms protectively around himself. "I can handle it. Put me on bed rest or whatever if you need to. But they aren't coming out yet."
"Sora…"
"No!" He stood up and walked out before she could say anything else. The sound of his bedroom door slamming echoed through the apartment.
Veera sighed and rubbed her eyes. "The latest we can wait is a month. After that, I assure you he won't survive. Even then it'll be tricky."
"Do whatever you have to do to schedule it." Riku said in a calm, even tone. "He'll be ready then."
Veera looked over at him doubtfully. "He didn't sound like he would consider it."
"He'll be there." Riku insisted, standing up.
"I'm sorry, Riku, but I can't just take your work for it. There's a lot of preparation involved to just have him not show up."
"I won't let him risk his life anymore than he already has. If you say a month, he'll be there. I'll make sure of it. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to inform him. Call us with the details when you have them." He disappeared down the hall.
Veera still looked doubtful. "In my months of knowing that boy, once he sets his mind on something, nothing can stop him. Especially when it concerns those babies."
Kairi twirled a lock of hair around her finger. She was getting tired of the good doctor and all her insights. In truth, Sora's mind had always been like a snowball. When he had his mind on an idea, he could be hard headed like a snowball put in the freezer. But simply leave that snowball in the sun and it could be reshaped and stuck back in the freezer. She smiled as she imagined Sora turning into a snowman.
She shook the thoughts from her head and turned to smile at Veera. "Well Miss Doctor… you may know more about this weird pregnancy of his but Riku and I, we've been friends with him forever. We've been through some weird stuff that you wouldn't understand. He needs us. He trusts us. We are his family." She paused and glanced over at Rain quickly. "And Rain too, of course."
Veera's smile faded as she looked between the two ladies. They each wore forced, sarcastic looking smiles. Veera knew Riku was very suspicious of her. And she had an idea Kairi might have been a tiny bit. But she didn't expect this much. And now the mother was as well. She'd have to keep her hooks in Sora.
"Well…" Veera leaned forward on the table. "You may have known him longer but your point of trust is moot. It took him three months to tell you." She said looking at Kairi. "And five to tell daddy dearest. And grandma found out today, after seven. I've known all along."
"Sora found out when he was nearly three months along." Kairi snapped. "He told me shortly after."
Veera stood up and waved the redhead off. "It doesn't matter. That boy will never be able to convince him."
Kairi followed suit and stood up as well. "That boy, as you call him, cares about him more than some paranoid, possessive, self-obsessed, crazy doctor. You may have Sora fooled but not us."
Rain's eyes widened as she watched Kairi. A smile spread across her lips as she realized Sora was indeed in good hands with his friends here. She didn't have to worry about him.
"Now… even though I don't officially live here, I'm asking you to leave. Now." Kairi smiled sweetly and pointed towards the door.
Rain waited until the doctor left before she joined Kairi at the sink. She helped her put things away and clean up as she talked. "You don't trust her, I take it."
Kairi made a sour face. "Not at all. I knew there was something off the first time I met her. Riku did too. But you can't talk to Sora about it. He throws a fit."
"Hmm… I guess in a month we won't have to deal with her anymore. Certainly Sora would agree to taking the kids to a pediatrician."
Kairi nodded. "That's what Riku and I are hoping for. The less we see of her the better. She has too much influence on him. She didn't want him to tell anymore. She can pretend all she wants, but she tried to keep Sora all to herself. I convinced him, finally, to tell Riku. And it took both of us to convince him to tell you. I am sorry about that." She shook her head slowly. "It isn't fair the way it turned out. Him moving out without a reason."
Rain smiled. "Past is passed. As long as he's doing alright and is happy."
Kairi nodded and returned the smile. "He is. And he's happy that you're here."
"We all are."
Both girls turned around as Riku walked into the kitchen. "For what it's worth… I'm sorry about him moving out. I suggested it because it's closer to the hospital and because of all this damned secrecy." He rubbed at his head. "I still don't understand but whatever. It's what he wants."
"I don't blame you Riku."
Kairi finished wiping off the counters and threw the rag in the sink. "Did you talk to Sora?"
Riku nodded.
"What'd he say?"
"No." Riku smiled. "But I explained to him that yes, the lungs start developing at this point, as well as the digestive track. But babies can survive prematurely at seven months. Around a 90% survival rate. But again he said no. I told him that was fine because I'd give him another month. By week 32 the lungs are pretty much formed. At that point it's pretty much just about gaining weight anyways. As long as the lungs are formed, they can live without a respirator. As for the weight issue, they'll gain quickly in the first couple of week. So there'd be no danger to them."
Kairi's mouth had dropped open. "How did you…"
Riku rolled his eyes. Sora had been surprised too by his knowledge. "I paid attention in health and biology classes. And I'm the one who bought the books for Sora."
"What did he say?"
"He still said no. So I told him they run the risk of injuring each other as they get bigger and run out of room. And that if he didn't agree I'd drag his ass to the hospital and hold him down. I won't let him die because of this." He smiled. "He said okay. I've also put him on bed rest, since he suggested it. Less movement is less chance something can happen."
Rain stepped forward and drew Riku into a tight hug. "Thank you. He's lucky to have you."
Riku squirmed slightly when she released him. "I… uh… have to… uh…"
Rain smiled, watching the boy fidget. "That's alright sweetie. You go ahead. I have to excuse myself. Important phone call."
Kairi giggled as Rain left.
"Not a word from you!"
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Landic Hospital…
It took about ten minutes for her to get there. It wasn't hard to find. The building was huge and just as Riku had said it was close to the apartment complex. Rain had been to Landic Hospital a few times in her life. Enough that she was able to find her way to the wing where Veera worked. She recalled the brief meeting she had with her months before when the doctor lied. And Rain was furious.
She walked into the wing's reception area and eyed the receptionist. "Excuse me."
Connie, who had been chatting on her cell phone, smiled. "I'll call you back." She said into the phone before flipping it closed. "Can I help you?"
"Is Dr. Veronica Verse in?"
Connie nodded. "She just got back."
"Can I see her?"
"Do you have an appointment?"
Rain shook her head. "No. Is that a problem?"
Connie shrugged. "Probably. Go on back."
Rain smiled. It looks like there was another person who didn't like the doctor. "Thank you." She didn't knock on the door. "Veera." She swung the door open and found her sitting at her desk.
"Yes, Miss Tottori. Can I help you with something?"
"Cut the shit." Rain shut the office door loudly and stepped closer to the desk. "You told my son to lie to me." Her voice took on an accusing tone. "You messed with his head, convinced him he was alone in this. How dare you! You better hope I don't report your actions to the medical board. Because I wouldn't stop until you lost your license."
"Is that a threat?"
Rain smiled sweetly. "Oh heavens no. It's a promise. One that I intend to keep if you ever talk to me or Sora's friends like that again." She smiled sweetly again and turned to leave. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have an important phone call to make. It's been a real pleasure."
-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-
Back at the apartment…
Nearly an hour had passed when Rain knocked on the door.
"Mom!" Sora sat on the couch, flipping through the channels on the television. "I thought you'd left."
She sat down between him and Kairi. "Sorry to worry you. I had to make a few phone calls."
"What about?"
"I called off work for a while. If you'll have me… I'd like to stay and keep you company."
"Really? You want to stay? Here? With us?"
She nodded.
Sora wrapped his arms around her. "I'd love to have you here. If Riku says okay."
"Alright by me." Came an answer from the kitchen.
"Great! I'll sleep on the couch." When Sora started to protest, Rain held up her hand. "I'll be fine. I won't be putting anyone out while I'm here."
End of Chapter 15. Stay tuned for Chapter 16: Will You?
Author's Notes: So now everyone knows. Woot! Well… not everyone, as in the whole world. But everyone who's currently important in the story. So… yeah.