Charlie opened and closed her mouth a few times, still not finding the ability to speak.
"Exactly," said Jackie.
"I, um, when did you take a test?" asked Charlie.
"The night before the troops deployed," she answered, "Kevin was all concerned that I wasn't eating much and fatigued. And of course I have this bad habit of keeping exact track of my menstrual cycle. And so I bought a test while I was out getting things for Kevin and Patrick and it had a plus sign on it," said Jackie wiping the fresh tears away, "I'm sorry this not the right reaction to a pregnancy."
"No Jackie, there's an expected reaction to pregnancy. Doesn't make it the right one," said Charlie.
"I know it's just, you and Nicole can't conceive on your own and you had such a rough time with the sperm donors. You girls are so grateful and here I am, pregnant without even trying and having a mental breakdown. I mean I'm happy but I'm also…"
"Jackie, there's no need to explain yourself. Your head and your heart just aren't in the same place yet. You'll get there," said Charlie wrapping her arm around the somewhat unstable woman, "I mean you've done this before and you know it'll be okay."
"That's just it. I don't know if it'll be okay," said Jackie turning to face Charlie, "When Kevin and I first got married we tried getting pregnant for about a year. Then we went to the doctor and I was told I couldn't conceive. Hell, Kevin and I didn't even bother with birth control after that. And then when I found out I was pregnant with Patrick, we were so excited. But with both him and Sophie, I hemorrhaged with them. It was touch and go there for a while on both of them. And I mean what if that happens again only this time…" Jackie swallowed to try to hold back the tears.
Charlie protectively rubbed her own abdomen. From what Jackie was saying, there was a very real chance that past events could happen again to her, "Jackie, it'll be okay. But it might be a good idea to tell your friends and your family. Express your fears to Kevin and let Sophie know what happened so she can help you in case we can't."
Jackie nodded, "Kevin and I will tell the kids later today."
"Good," said Charlie.
"Well I really should be getting home now, so I guess I'll see you later?" asked Jackie.
Charlie nodded, "If you need to talk I'm here."
Jackie headed for the front door and turned around again, "Thank you for listening. I didn't know who else to talk to that knows what I'm going through right now other than you."
"Jackie, go tell Patrick and Sophie they're getting a little brother or sister."
"Leaving now," said Jackie jokingly closing the door behind her.
Later that Night…
Charlie waited for Nicole to answer when she Skyped from her laptop. A few moments later, Nicole's face appeared on the screen, "Hey Niki! How are you?" asked Charlie.
"Pretty good. Long flight over here," she said, "How are you and the girls?"
"They were kicking this morning and all day," answered Charlie, "And they really miss Mommy. And so does their other Mommy."
"I miss you guys too. I'd much rather be in Charleston, next to you, instead of over here in the middle of the desert," said Nicole.
"Please come home soon Niki. Hannah and Alyssa need both their parents," said Charlie. As if they knew they were being talked about, the twins started kicking again. Charlie smiled and rubbed her belly, "They say hi."
Nicole laughed and said, "I'll try my best baby girls. Mommy loves you both of you so much." She sniffled a little, "I'll be back as soon as I can. I love you all."
"We all love you too," said Charlie.
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