Author's Note: Thanks dragonrobotgirl for the alert and fave! Aw, and thank you for mentioning me on your profile about the stories!

(The Lorax and The Once-ler do not belong to me. They're Dr. Seuss' and Illumination Entertainment's. Same goes for his family and songs/sayings shown in the film/book/old cartoon. Marie and other OC's are mine.)

Chapter 6

Another Surprise

"Off to sell your piece of garbage again?" asked The Lorax who was playing poker with some Humming-Fish.

"It's not garbage and yes," said Once-ler. "For your information I just found out I'm a dad so all the more reason to sell and earn money!"

"Hmm," said The Lorax who had just spotted Marie leaving the cottage. He gave a smile. "She does look like it doesn't she? Congratulations by the way!"

"Thaannk you," said Once-ler smiling. "That's actually a nice thing to say-what does she look like?"

"She has that look a female gets when she's expectin," chuckled The Lorax. "You know? That glow thing. Every mother gets it. It's all part of nature."

Once-ler gazed at Marie for a moment. The way she looked; hair shinier, her face radiating, the gracefulness of her movements and the knowing that she was carrying a life in her. Maybe he was over-romanticizing, but his emotions were dancing on air after the day before. Suddenly, he didn't feel like leaving. He tugged for Melvin to turn around.

"Where are you goin'?" asked The Lorax. "I thought you were leavin'?"

"I don't have to leave right now," said Once-ler. "The customers won't go anywhere." He didn't notice the knowing grin of The Lorax as he went back down to the cottage.

Marie attached some clothes pins to one of her dresses. She wanted her clothes to smell fresh after being folded up in her suitcase. She was humming to herself, knowing that her tone deaf voice wouldn't affect anyone that way. She felt content after the night before and knew that Once-ler's third selling day would be better. She shook out another dress and hung it up. At that moment to her surprise she felt Once-ler hug her from behind and rest his chin on her head.

"Hey," said Marie. "Did you need something? I thought you were going today."

Once-ler had spoken proudly of how he would sell the Thneed and support their son. That was all he could talk about during breakfast.

"I changed my mind," said Once-ler sweetly. "I just want to be near you right now."

"Really?" chuckled Marie. "You gave a terrific speech this morning, I'd hate for you to suddenly cancel your plans."

"I have time for you," said Once-ler and he started helping her with the many dresses.

He didn't even head for Greenville for the whole day. He spent the whole day with Marie and hardly left her side. Her hand was in his most of the time. Her pregnancy was off to a good start…until she had terrible morning sickness and had to go back and forth for appointments.

Eight weeks pregnant and already her belly had a small bump. Marie was too happy about showing and kept stroking it. She drew her attention back to the doctor she had searched for thanks to one of the huge phonebooks in a drug store.

"So I'd say in the next two weeks you can come back and we'll do an ultrasound," said the doctor. She placed her pen on her clipboard. "We should be able to hear the baby's heartbeat by then."

"Thank you Dr.-" Marie began. "I'm sorry. What was your name again?"

"It's Helms," the lady said smiling. "I hope your husband can be here next time. Sad he had to miss your appointment because of a fever."

"Yes," agreed Marie. "He was trying to fix windows on our house during the rain storm and he got sick from it. I told him to forget about it and get warm."

"Well tell him to get better so he can see the ultrasounds," said Dr. Helms warmly. "Trust me, he'll hate missing those."

So when the appointment was over Marie left Greenville with cartons of soup for dinner. Once-ler had been upset to not go with her, but she insisted he needed to recover. He didn't miss anything much for the first visit.

Once-ler was half asleep when Marie came home later that afternoon. He felt more miserable of not going with her than how he felt. Pipsqueak, who barely left him since their waterfall experience, had crawled under the covers with him and napped. Once-ler was growing fond of the cub himself.

"I'm back," said Marie and kissing Once-ler's damp head. "Everything went well and I brought dinner."

"Tell me everything!" demanded Once-ler as sat he right up. He wavered from his fast movement, but recovered. "He's okay right?"

"I didn't have an ultrasound yet," said Marie. She took some bowls out. "That's for next time. You didn't miss anything too serious. It was just paperwork and questions. I don't drink or smoke so I'm in good health. Dr. Helms, nice lady by the way, mainly discussed things that I have to know."

"What things?" asked Once-ler as he inched towards the night table to rest his folded arms.

"The things were like how long the appointments will go," continued Marie. "What'll happen and what I should do to be healthy. Oh and how I feel emotionally and physically. Now I'll have to visit every four weeks during the second trimester. In the third trimester, I'll have to go back once every two weeks until I'm was thirty-six weeks along. Then after that, it'll be weekly until birth. I already have my prenatal vitamins and-"

She paused to face her best friend. She felt touched to see him leaning forward, arms folded, chin resting and eyes sparkling.

"You're very interested aren't you?" she laughed and he grinned. "Next time we'll get to hear the baby's heartbeat. I do want you there for that."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," said Once-ler kicking the cover off to cool down. Pipsqueak yawned and jumped off the bed. "When do we find out the gender?"

"That's farther off. So keep waiting. In the mean time you keep trying to sell the Thneed. I hope you got some rest today."

"I did and I made something," said Once-ler grabbing one of his notebooks. He flipped it open. "I came up with names!"

Despite feeling ill, he wanted to participate for Marie. He held it up excitedly for her. The soup was poured out, but Marie sat on the bed's edge and looked through.

"Baby Names," she read aloud the two pages. "-William, Jeremy, Eric, Caleb, Orville, Victor, Kyle, Julian, Quintin, Tate, Finn, Oliver-"

The list kept going and she felt a little emotional. She wasn't ready to say it yet, but she did want a certain name. If their baby was a son, she'd name him after the brother she never knew; Nathan.

"Good list isn't it?' piped Once-ler.

"No girl names just in case?" Marie questioned teasingly when she went back to their dinner.

"It's going to be a boy," said Once-ler indignantly. "I'll knit booties out of blue dyed tufts for him!"

It was a week later and the selling still hadn't gone well. Marie met with Once-ler after his attempt with bags of baby goodies. They had passed the park where there was an event going on. Little Ladies Brigade was having a father-daughter dance. The one area had white paper lanterns hanging up, wicker chairs and a dance floor. There were tables with flowers and a buffet. A jazz band was playing softly. Marie kept on walking, knowing that Melvin was getting tired. Once-ler stopped and watched the men with little girls who were around six-years-old dance on their feet.

"Once-ler! Come on," called Marie seeing he had fallen behind.

He slowly came after staring off into space. He didn't speak the whole way home which was unusual for him. Marie filled in the silence by talking of what they could afford to buy with the money she had pulled out of her inheritance before she ran away.

They were a few paces from home when Once-ler couldn't take it anymore and took Marie's hand to draw her in for a tender kiss. His free hand was in her hair and he kept her close. He gazed sweetly into her eyes as his glistened.

"I hope it's a girl," said Once-ler. "I hope we can have one someday. I'd teach her how to knit and protect her from boys." Especially like ones that broke Marie's heart.

There was a long pause and Marie only looked surprised. Once-ler was just as surprised by what he said.

"What made you change your mind?" asked Marie. "You've been talking about a boy since we found out about my pregnancy."

"I wouldn't mind having a girl," said Once-ler sheepishly. "She'd be beautiful and look just like you."

Seeing the fathers dance with their daughters had struck many chords in Once-ler and he found himself wanting a tiny version of Marie running around. With how gorgeous Marie looked, they would certainly have the prettiest daughter. They'd have a little one with sapphire eyes, golden curls (and just maybe his freckles.) A whole new list of baby names ran through Once-ler's mind that night while Marie slept. Until they'd find out the gender he deeply hoped he would have a daughter one day.

"That's a healthy heartbeat," said Dr. Helms as she moved the probe around Marie's lower stomach.

Once-ler stood behind Marie and held her hand. The rapid pounding of the little one's heart seemed to echo in the room. Once-ler and Marie couldn't contain their smiles. Once-ler felt his eyes water hearing the wonderful sound.

"It's amazing," he managed to say. The whole world seemed perfect just hearing that hearbeat.

"It's louder than I expected," said Dr. Helms. She moved the probe again. "Hold on…I think I see…"

"She's sick isn't she?" said Once-ler starting to panic. Marie squeezed his hand and tried to not look concerned so he wouldn't worry. Sometimes she had to be optimistic and she did find it adorable that Once-ler called the baby "she."

"No, the babies are not sick," said Dr. Helms after a long pause.

"Oh, good." Once-ler gave a sigh of relief.

"Babies?" asked Marie who registered what Dr. Helms said.

Then Once-ler realized what had been said; babies.

"Yep," chuckled Dr. Helms. She ran her finger over the screen that showed an alien-formed-image. Then suddenly another alien-formed-image peeked out from behind and hid again. "See right here? It's twins! Sometimes one will hide behind the other."

"Twins?" cried Marie letting go of Once-ler's hand to clasp both over her mouth.

"Congratulations," said Dr. Helms as she moved it again to find the hider. "Let's see if we can get a better view of the other. I think this one doesn't like the spotlight."

There was a thud against the wall and both women turned to see Once-ler. His light blue eyes were huge, his jaw wide, and his lanky figure sliding down to the floor. He had been so shocked he had wandered backwards and smacked against it. He was nothing but limp limbs as he shrugged down.

"So Marie what I've calculated from your last period is that you're due in early March," continued Dr. Helms. "I'd say March 5th."

Marie still focused on the image of her two children. Many things went through her mind. Responsibility would be bigger and the cottage would be even smaller. However, thinking of what could've happened if she stayed home and found all the new information, it was less frightening and she began to feel warm.

"I have the list of child birthing classes you can take a look at," said Dr. Helms as Marie adjusted her blouse back down. She handed her a paper. "I'll see you in a couple of weeks. Start getting some maternity clothes soon just so you're ready. It was nice to finally meet you um, Once-ler."

Once-ler managed to lift a few fingers up to bid good-bye. He was still shocked. Marie smiled compassionately at him.

"That's your daddy," she thought to her babies fondly. Then she rubbed her belly which was eleven weeks along.

"Ready to go home?" asked Marie bending over him.

He only nodded and she sighed happily. Two babies for her and Once-ler. It meant twice the diapers and crying, but twice the hugs and kisses. Twice the love rushed in her as she imagined two bundles of joy in their household.

As they went home, arms linked together, Marie remembered finding out her family had a set of twins. Her grandfather, Clarisse's father, had a twin sister. Marie's heart grew three sizes bigger thinking of two sons, two daughters, or one of each joining her and Once-ler. She was in full bliss by nightfall.

The same could not be said for Marie's husband. Once-ler's thoughts kept pounding in his head. Twins? With his family history and Marie mentioning that she had a set in her family the genetics were definitely strong. He was awake half of the night thinking of it. The fears of raising a child came back. He didn't want to fail two lives! At one point when his brain became too restless, he started sketching.

"Twins," he muttered. The pencil scratched loudly against the paper.

He drew a large square and a small rectangle inside. Before he knew it, he had blueprints of a baby room with two cribs. He blinked and stared at the back door. In that small cottage, he felt an idea grow.

Maybe two babies wouldn't be so bad. It meant hard work, but it would be a good thing. If Once-ler's mother could raise twins and the grandparents he never met had two sets of their own then so could he and Marie. Isabella had been gracious enough to tell him something of his father's family. Besides, if one of the babies was a girl then his new want would be fulfilled. The picture of a little daughter or even two that Once-ler could spoil filled his head again and he went back to bed.

"She'll be the happiest girl in the world," he thought proudly.

He curled his arm around Marie's middle. Then he was able to sleep peacefully.

Now everything felt awful. The scent from cheese, eggs and pepper smelled putrid after being cooked. The bed felt uncomfortably warm.

"I can't stay in bed the whole time," thought Marie miserably.

If she hadn't felt so queasy yesterday she would've gone with Once-ler for the selling. It was mid-August. Marie's belly was protruding more and her sickness was stronger. Once-ler was his usual self.

"Got the bucket," said Once-ler cheerfully as he came in. "We won't need it outside."

"Why did we need it on that rope and pull outback?" asked Marie.

"It looked interesting," said Once-ler innocently.

He put it near the bed and Marie yanked the covers over to not tempt her sickness.

"When I feel better I'd like to try washing our clothes," she said through the blanket. It was quite the switch from the usual washer and dryer to a washtub.

"Is that a good idea?" her husband asked.

Marie peeked out. She frowned and nodded. She was surprised to see Once-ler look anxious. Then he put his hand to his chin thoughtfully and shook his head after a pause.

"What?" she asked. "You're not doing everything alo-do it together then?"

"You just sit back," suggested Once-ler with a smile.

Despite feeling ill Marie felt restless. She had enough of lying in bed for two days and feeling disgusting. Once-ler only stood in the kitchen and started making tea while he chattered.

"Anyway I have a surprise for you. I thought about what you said for your bathing and I'm going to build you a-where are you going?"

Marie was stepping outside. Not a moment too soon had Once-ler dashed over as if she had crumpled down. He latched her hand in worry.

"Are you okay?" he asked frantically.

"I'm fine," she answered. "I'd like some fresh air and stretch my legs."

"Can you do that?" Once-ler was becoming too protective.

"Yes," Marie said and feeling confused over his question.

"Really?"

"Yes Once. Now could you please let go of my hand?"

Marie swung his grasp. He only stroked her knuckles. She swung it again.

"Let go already!" she snapped.

Once-ler was started and released his hold. Marie heavily sighed and stepped away.

"I just don't want you feeling worse." Once-ler's face went pink as he spoke.

Marie started dragging the patio rocking chair and had to give a quick hand up when Once-ler nearly dodged out. If that was going to be pregnancy for her, with being handled like a glass doll, then the next seven months would be long.

"I'll do all the work for you," he called out before partially closing the door.

Marie sighed again and sat down. The chair wasn't heavy, but her mind was. She slowly rocked with her toes and rubbed her face. She felt the sting of tears. Melvin, who was thirsty, ignored her while taking a long drink.

"Me and my big, fat mouth," she mumbled. "Why did the mood swings start today?"

She didn't mean to snap and she should've known her patience would be tested. While she considered her frustration, she watched the bar-ba-loots rest under the shade and nibble Truffula Fruit. Pipsqueak wasn't nervous of water anymore and wade his paws over the bank. The Humming-Fish were springing onto rocks and diving back into the river. Marie noticed the Swomee-Swans were roosting in the tree tops and the chicks were completely hidden under their mothers. The Lorax was keeping his distance from the humans since he had bad feelings about the doubled pregnancy.

Minutes later Once-ler was outside and wrapping The Thneed into a scarf. Marie cleared her throat and looked over her shoulder.

"Leaving?" she asked.

"I won't be gone for long," answered Once-ler. He adjusted the sign on Melvin. "Or did you want me to stay?" he added quickly.

"You can go sell," said Marie.

Melvin huffed as the sign was nestled on his back. Marie pushed herself out of the seat and Once-ler grabbed her arms. He pulled her up easily.

"You're okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," sighed Marie. "You don't have to help with everything."

"I know. I just want to. I guess if you feel alright you can do things."

Marie warmly hugged him. Once-ler's palm caressed her front and he remembered the heartbeats.

"I still love you," said Marie. Her tone was gentle and her eyes apologetic.

"Love you back," replied Once-ler with a smile. "And them too."

He ducked down and kissed her bulging stomach twice. Marie laughed, but only to feel her breakfast come back up and she raced for the bucket before giving a decent good-bye.

Despite the sickness, nice changes started happening. One particular nice thing Once-ler did for Marie was build her a shower. Behind the cottage, he took some spare pieces of the tent that were flexible, bent them circular and nailed them to a copper pole. Then he tied a Thneed (formed into a shower curtain) around the circular part. He twisted the garden hose around the pole and let it hang over for Marie to control. If she took a shower in the morning it would be warm from the summer's heat. He wasn't sure about winter yet, but he had something else in mind for building later.