The Pregnancy Ship

Chapter 7: Tying up Loose Ends... part 1

It took two days to find the boyfriend, so in the interim, Sharon and her family visited. On the day Sean was to have the radiation seeding procedure, Sharon and Andy had to go back to work. They went in late, so she could be with her mother during the wait. However, once it was over and she was told he was fine, they had to leave.

They had said their goodbyes before the procedure, because she knew she would not be able to see him afterward. The exposure to radiation was too risky in her condition "Daddy, I love you. I'm sorry I won't be able to see you after this. I feel terrible," she said fiddling with her hands.

Sean took her face in his hands, and kissed her forehead, "My dear Sharon, I love you, too! I understand you have to protect your babies. But once we get home we'll set up a time to Skype, we'll be more regular about it. I want to see those babies growing and keep an eye on you to make sure this Andy fellow keeps taking care of you."

"We take care of each other, Daddy and of course we'll Skype often. You know, I'm surprised you didn't flip when you found out I was pregnant out of wedlock actually. You're taking this baby thing very well, considering how you took his carrying me in the house and undressing me for bed that is."

"Well, the way he looked me in the eye and stood up to me impressed me and I realized right away he was a stand-up guy. As far as you getting pregnant, it's a different world my dear then when we were raising you. I know that you had no idea it was possible; you're mother and I didn't either. I know you wouldn't enter into a physical relationship with someone lightly, after what you've been through with Jack. Don't be afraid to give him your heart. He won't hurt you like Jack did. Don't make him pay for Jack's stupidity."

"I won't, Daddy, I love you!"

Eileen kissed her husband and then she and Sharon waved bye to him as they wheeled him away.

She turned to her mother, "I love you, Mama, I'm so sorry about this. You know I would help you if I could."

"It's alright, Darling, I never expected that from you. Even if you weren't pregnant you're the head of Major Crimes, so we know your time is limited. Your sister, Mary, is on her way. She'll help us from here. The children can't be exposed either because in doing so they can expose you. So Mary will be the one to help us."

"Is Mary on hiatus from her show?" Sharon asked excited at the prospect of seeing her older sister.

"Well, yes, she finished it. She's taking a break before she starts a new one, so she's free. There she is now." Sharon turned and saw her sister and squealed a real girly squeal. Her sister squealed back. Eileen shushed them smiling at her girls.

Andy saw his Sharon and Mary her older sister, side by side. Ten years separated them yet; they looked enough alike to be identical twins. Neither Sharon nor Mary was wearing their glasses.

Her auburn hair was done in a moderate flip with a side part and a slight bang. She wore a white dress with navy polka dots, a thin red belt, a navy blue blazer, and navy blue sandals. Her sister Mary wore the same white dress with navy blue polka dots, a thin red belt, red wedge sandals, and a red blazer. Her hair was done identically to Sharon's but it was a tad lighter. Her green eyes matched Sharon's to a T.

They hugged and Andy saw Sharon's shoulders shake. Mary pulled back to look her sister in the face with concern. "Hey, little sis, even if I didn't know it's impossible I'd think you were pregnant," Mary said looking into her sister's eyes. "You never cry in public unless you're pregnant."

"I'm just so very glad to see you! It's been so long, she said and wiped away her tears with a Kleenex. And...and it's not impossible, Mar, I am twelve weeks pregnant...with twins."

"You're kidding me, right? Although there are women out there having babies later, I suppose, but ..." Mary said incredulously.

Sharon shook her head, "No, I'm not kidding. It was an accident. We... neither one of us knew it was possible to get pregnant at my age. It's true a lot of women are waiting to get pregnant until close to my age, but they use their own frozen embryos or eggs or they use donated eggs from someone else. Few women get pregnant with their own eggs naturally at my age and even fewer carry to term. Mama did it and I'm hoping to beat the odds, like she did."

"Well, darling if anybody can you can. You were always fertile myrtle," Mary laughed not unkindly.

Sharon scowled at her older sister, "Don't call me that!"

At once contrite, Mary hugged her sister again and Sharon hugged back, "I'm so sorry, Sweetheart, I forgot who used to call you that and the tone he used."

"You're forgiven! I can't hold a grudge, against my big sister. Not when we have so little time together. Oh! I've missed you so much!"

"Me too, Shari! Me too."

"I thought Judy and Jan were the twins," Andy said looking at the women.

Mary saw Andy for the first time then. "They are Andy, but Mary and I have always looked more alike than they do. They're fraternal twins. They look like sisters, but Mary and I look almost identical."

"Which since we're ten years apart has always been a little weird," said Mary with a laugh. "So, this is your Baby Daddy. Oh my, he's handsome. Hello, my name is Mary Eileen," she held her hand out to shake.

"Andrew Flynn. You can call me Andy."

"Um, did you ladies plan this?" he asked indicating the similarity in their outfits.

The girls looked down at each others outfits and laughed. "We did it again, Shari," said Mary

"Indeed we did! It's no wonder people think we're the ones that are twins."

"It's nice to meet you, Andy. You had better take care of my sister. She deserves so much better than she got the first time around," she said pointing her finger at Andy exactly like Sharon did when she was giving an order.

"I totally agree and I will do my best!"

"I like him. He's a keeper," said Mary to her sister, out of the corner of her mouth but loud enough to hear and elbowing Sharon in the ribs, gently.

Sharon, Mary, and Eileen caught up with each others lives until they were distracted by the nurse coming to say the seeding was done and their father/husband would be on his way to recovery. He'd done well. Sharon kissed her mother and sister and she and Andy and the children left. The children went in Rusty's car. They would be going back to the house, while Sharon and Andy would be going to the station in her car.

Sharon was quiet on the way back to the station. Occasionally, he heard her sniffle and once she wiped her eyes from under her glasses. Andy knew she was missing her family and feeling guilty for not being able to see her father after the procedure or being able visit with her sister and mother for very long. He gave her space but let her know he was there by holding her hand and intertwining their fingers.

Sharon was not usually a crier. She only cried in front of people when she was pregnant. Then it seemed like the water works never stopped. She felt impatient with herself. She needed to get her emotions under control before they got to the station. Andy handed her a Kleenex from the glove compartment. She took it, wiped her eyes and blew her nose. Her breath hitched, and she hiccuped. She looked over at Andy apologetically, "I'm sorry."

"You're feeling bad because you want to be there for your family that's nothing to be sorry about. The dangers of radiation exposure prohibit that. Your family understands, Sweetheart that it can't be helped, but Mary said she'd set up the Skype so you can talk to your Dad when you can put aside some time tonight. Also she'll come and visit close to when the babies are due so you'll see her soon."

"I know. I just can't seem to stop these tears."

"How about we talk about the suspect?" Andy asked completely changing the subject. She nodded in response to his question. "Provenza called while you were talking with your parents. You're not going to believe this but he was picked up in San Francisco. He was on the way to Canada I guess. He had the bloody axe and some damp clothes that showed blood when we shined luminol on it."

"Where was it?"

"In the trunk of the car, in the spare tire well."

"Did he say what he was going to do with them?"

"No, he invoked the right to counsel, but get this! Amy took one look at him and suggested we take DNA samples from him and the girls and they are related. He's their half-brother!"

She hummed, "I was afraid of that, and I'll bet there's only one. Not two young men."

"Only one. William Ronald Gordon. His last name is his mother's since his father wouldn't accept him, I suppose."

"Is what you're saying based on what he's said or the original circumstances?"

"The original circumstances. He closed up like a clam. The minute he was brought in for questioning. Called for counsel, right off the bat, like the girls."

"How are the girls, by the way? Do they know he's been caught?"

"I doubt it. For one thing he was caught early this morning, and the media hasn't caught up with us yet. So it's not on the news yet. Also they've been too busy enjoying the luxury of staying at a hotel with room service, bubble baths, new clothes to try on and blessed sleep. The uniforms have made sure they stay clear of one another."

By the time they arrived at the station, Sharon's tears had dried up but her face needed some cold compresses. It was still mottled with the vestiges of tears. However, she was in Captain-mode again. Andy parked the car in her spot in the garage and got out to let her out of the car. She was already almost out, but he gave her his hand to help her anyway. She gave him a small smile, as she gathered her purse and bag and they walked in together.

When they got to their floor, Sharon turned slowly towards Andy, "I'm going to stop in the ladies room before I go in the murder room. Meet you there?"

"I'll wait for you here, if that's okay."

Sharon shrugged, and rolled her eyes good naturedly, "Suit yourself." Sharon went to the regular bathroom because the executive one was on the other side of the murder room. She took care of her business and then went to wash her hands and put cool water on her face. She turned as she heard sniffling coming from one of the stalls. It sounded like Detective Sykes. "Amy, are you okay?"

"Yes, Captain, I'm okay," she said and blew her nose.

"You don't sound okay. Would you like to talk about it?"

"It's just that I just got my... my period… so I guess I won't be on the pregnancy ship with you after all," her voice quivered.

"Well, it sounded to me like you weren't ready to be pregnant, when we talked the other day. But you sound sad, now that you're not. Something's changed?"

"Yeah well, I guess the idea started to grow on me, you know," she swallowed and wiped the tears away.

"Have you told Chuck about thinking you were pregnant?"

Amy came out of the stall and leaned against the wall. "No! Good grief, no! He'd have us married and putting up a nursery already! I'm not really there with Coop, Captain. I don't know whether I ever will be. I mean he's cute and nice and a lot of fun, and he's up for the whole marriage and family thing. But when it comes to women, he's a big kid in a candy store. If and when I get married, I want somebody who only has eyes for me, who is settled and mature."

"I think I know someone like that."

"Really? Who?"

Sharon sighed, bit her lip and shoved her hands in her pockets. She was suddenly unsure about sharing what she had noticed. But then she decided to just say it, "Julio. There have been times I've noticed him starring at you when you're not looking. Then if Cooper comes into the room, or you look up, he pretends to be doing something else. It's kind of sweet."

"Really? Julio likes me?" Amy questioned softly.

"Oh yes," said Sharon, nodding her head.

"He's kind of a hot head," Amy mused.

"It's only because he cares so much and because of what happened to his wife." Amy nodded. "As far as the baby situation is concerned, Amy, you have plenty of time. Though it wouldn't hurt to take a page out of Hobbs book and have some of your eggs frozen, so that when you are ready, you'll have a fighting chance to get pregnant. I have my mother's fertility it seems. She got pregnant at 52, as well, with my sisters Jan and Judy. It's rare for this to happen and I haven't gotten through the whole pregnancy yet so we don't know what's in store. So don't think you can wait to get pregnant until you're my age. At least, not naturally." She said with a self-deprecating smile.

"Thank you, Captain, for listening and for the advice."

"I'm glad to be here for you, Amy."

"Sharon, are you alright in there?"

"I'm coming, Andy," Sharon said rolling her eyes.

Amy ducked her head and giggled. Sharon turned back to her slowly, "What are you laughing at?"

"I'm just... It's just so sweet how much he adores you and worries about you. His eyes follow you around the room. He has eyes only for you! That's what I want."

"You can't have him. He's all mine!" Sharon smiled and winked at her.

"Oh no! I mean in a guy my own age." She said flustered, her face a study of horror.

"I know! I was just teasing, Amy. Come here!" she said waving her towards herself. Amy complied and Sharon hugged her. Amy hugged her back surprised and touched. She framed Amy's face with her hands, "You're smart, talented and beautiful, Amy! You'll find the person who is right for you and some day maybe you'll have your own pregnancy ship," she giggled. "You know, I had no idea that saying was going to become a "thing" and take on a life of its own like it has"

Amy giggled too. It sure has a life of its own all right! Thank you Captain."

"Sharon! Are you coming out or do you need me to come in?" Andy shouted from the hallway.

"I'd better go before he makes a complete fool of himself. Run cool water over your face before you come out," Sharon told her. "Oh and by the way, may I share with Andy the relevant part of the conversation? I know he's going to ask."

"Oh sure you can! Share it with Andrea and Patrice too. Just not anyone else, I'm not ready to mention it to Coop yet and um, thanks again, Captain."

Sharon left the bathroom and stood in front of Andy with her hands on her hips and an annoyed look on her face. "Andy, this has got to stop! You should be in the murder room getting updated on our case instead of standing outside the women's bathroom making a pest of yourself."

"Well, I might have opted to do that if I'd known you were going to be in there that long! I was worried you had had a dizzy spell and fainted or something."

Amy came out of the bathroom, excused herself and went to the murder room. Her eyes were still a little red. Andy's eyes followed, suddenly he understood. "Is she alright?"

"She will be. Look, Andy, I love you for being worried about me. I know you have cause with my high-risk pregnancy and all but please keep the hovering to a minimum, at least here at work."

"Alright, I'll try. I really will. What's wrong with Amy?"

"I'll tell you later. At home okay?"

"Sure."

"Let's go watch the interview with Mr. Gordon and get this case wrapped up." As she walked into the murder room, she looked for her second in command. "Lieutenant Provenza, you and Lieutenant Tao do the interview with Mr. Gordon. Has anybody called DDA Hobbs?" Sharon asked resting her right hip on the front of Andy's desk and folding her arms in front of her chest.

"Yes, they have. I'm here," said a tired voice behind her.

Sharon jumped and turned to Andrea. A wave of dizziness hit her with the sudden movement, and she grabbed the edge of the desk. Andy, who was standing near, steadied her with a hand on her back. She was aghast at the sight of her friend. Her face was paler than two days ago and it was puffy. She looked to be five months pregnant when she was only as far along as Sharon at three months. Of course, she was carrying triplets so that was to be expected. There were circles under her eyes and her skin was dry. Sharon indicated a chair be brought over. Andy wheeled one over and Sharon guided her friend into it. "Andrea, you don't look good. Isn't there someone you could have sent? Robin, for instance, or…"

"Rios, but you guys don't like her. You will be stuck with her though once I go on early maternity leave. Today is my last day."

"To me it looks like yesterday should have been. Honey, have you been to the doctor lately?"

"Yes, that's why I'm going on early maternity leave. I begged for one more day to…to tie up loose ends and this case is one of them. So let's get this done so I can go home and put my feet up and maybe you should, too," Andrea said taking in Sharon's red-rimmed eyes and tired look.

"Don't worry I will be. It's been a long day already," she said yawning into the back of her hand.

Andrea stood up and Sharon put her arm around her friend to support her, they walked to the electronics room holding each other up. Without their knowledge Andy snapped a picture with his phone.