(A/N): Wow I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to update! The holidays had me so busy and I ended up with the flu (boo to being sick!). The good news is that I have the next chapter already written so it will for sure be up in the next few days! I hope you enjoy this chapter and as always please leave a review so I know if there is something that you like or dont like. I cant become a better writer without your help :) -Darkrubie
Kori heard a rhythmic beeping far away that seemed to drag her into consciousness. It was a struggle to open her eyes and when she finally did manage to open them, it took her a few moments to focus. Kori glanced around the room and instantly became frightened when she realized that she was in the hospital. Everything that had happened came rushing back to her and she instantly ran a hand along her still swollen belly. Kori sighed in relief when she felt her little peanut kick.
"He has quite the kick." Richard said which cause Kori to whip her head towards the door.
"Richard! I did not expect you to be here." Kori said.
Richard pulled a chair up next to her bed and sat down.
He took hold of her hand and said "There's no way I would leave you. When I saw you lying there on the floor in a pool of blood I felt like my heart had stopped. That was the scariest moment of my life and I don't intend to leave you ever again."
Kori sat there speechless.
A few moments passed before she finally said "Richard I want to thank you for saving not only my life but my babies life but-"
Richard cut in and said "You mean our babies life."
Kori's eyes narrowed "What do you mean our baby? This entire time you have been denying that she is yours and all of a sudden you've changed your mind?"
Richard sighed "I knew this would be a tough argument. I have had nothing to do for the past few days except think and plan. I finally came to a realization. Why would you lie about something like this? You have been the kindest person to walk the face of this planet and you've been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I also realized that it was all completely plausible; I mean we didn't use protection that night and the timing adds up. I don't know how I didn't see it before. Seeing you just lying here has made me so guilty because it's all my fault." Kori began to interrupt him but he continued "please just let me get this out. It is my fault. If I would have trusted you from the beginning than you would be back in Gothem with me and things would be happy. Well that's not going to happen. You are moving in with me and we are getting married and-"
Kori's shrill "What?!" Interrupted him. "This isn't the stone ages and you can't just drag me off to your cave by my hair!"
A sudden ripple of pain shot across Kori's belly which caused her to gasp. Richard raced out into the hallway and called for a doctor.
A moment later Kori's doctor came strolling in. "Ah Mrs. Grayson. Getting yourself stressed out again I see?"
He ignored Richard's hard glare. "Your husband is giving you issues again hmm?"
Kori gave him a questioning look and before she could say anything Richard said "No we were just discussing stuff."
It was the doctors turn to give Richard hard look before he said "Well young man I would say that whatever you were discussing wasn't very pleasant. What Kori is experiencing is contraction brought on by stress. The blood issue was a lot more serious. You have Placenta Previa which is a serious issue. Placenta Previa is when part of the placenta covers the opening of your cervix. The contractions caused some irritation and thus the bleeding. You are lucky your husband got you here just in time. Any long and we would have lost the baby and possibly you. Now because of the Placenta Previa you will have to go on bed rest. If you go into labour, it could cause you to hemorrhage and you might not make it to the hospital in enough time. I'm going to give you a few more medications to take and I mean it about the bed rest. No stress either. Now Mr. Grayson, you'll probably have to help her out a lot. She will need someone there with her almost constantly so I hope you have some time off saved up. So do you have any questions?"
Richard and Kori just stared, not knowing what to say.
Kori was the first to ask "So is there any way this can go away?"
The doctor gave her a sympathetic look before he said "There have been cases where it has happened but that is extremely rare and given how far along in your pregnancy you are, I think the chances of that happening are slim to none."
Kori looked down, feeling tears pool in her eyes.
She didn't even look up when Richard asked "What does this mean for when she goes into labour?"
"Well it means she will have to have a C-section. A vaginal birth would cause hemorrhaging." The doctor said with a grim voice.
Kori started crying. The doctor gave her a faint smile.
"Now now, these surgeries have come a long way now. There is minimal scaring so you'll look as good as you did before a swimsuit. Now if there aren't anymore questions, I have some rounds to make."
When nothing was said the doctor told them that he would be back to check on Kori later, and left. Richard and Kori sat in silence for a while.
Richard finally turned and smirked at Kori before he said "Well, looks like I get to drag you off to my cave, but I promise it won't be by your hair."
Kori groaned and pulled a pillow over her head, wishing things could be silent again.
"Sorry Mrs. Grayson but its hospital policy to be escorted out in a wheelchair." Kori sighed and snapped "Fine. I'll sit in the stupid chair!" She sat down with a humph.
"Here I'll push her." Richard said, taking the nurses place.
He quickly whispered in the nurses ear "Sorry, she has been really grumpy and itching to get out of here."
The nurse chuckled and replied "I understand. My wife was the same way when she was pregnant."
"I heard you and anyone would be grumpy after all that's happened." Kori said through clenched teeth.
They finally reached the front door to the hospital Kori wanted to cry when the fresh air hit her face. She had started to feel claustrophobic after the first day in the hospital. She hated the food and she felt gross after not being able to take a decent shower. All Kori wanted to do was go home and take a nice long shower. She sat in the chair, soaking up the air and sunshine. She felt her mood instantly improve but then she felt guilty for how she behaved.
Kori turned to the nurse and said "I am very sorry for how I acted. I think it was just being all cooped up had me go a little nutty. I was being completely rude and it was totally uncalled for."
The nurse smiled at her and told her all was forgiven, he turned to Richard and told him good luck then waved his goodbyes. Kori began to hoist herself up but struggled a bit. Her belly was getting pretty big and it made doing certain tasks a bit more difficult. Richard saw her struggle and instantly went to her side to help her up.
"Thanks, I guess will only get harder from here on." Kori said with a glum face.
"Well I'll be around to help." Richard said with a smile.
They slowly made their way down to Richard's car.
"When did this get here?" Kori asked.
"Oh I had Alfred bring it down while we were here at the hospital. I hope you don't mind but he is at Rachel's house right now waiting to see you." Richard replied.
Kori beamed at him, now even more excited to get home. She started tugging on his arm urging him to move faster.
Richard chuckled and said "I'll take that as you're excited to see him."
She tugged harder "You have no idea. I have missed Alfred so much. Now hurry up!"
They made it to the car and Richard opened the passenger door for Kori.
He helped her in while saying "Easy does it Ms. Anders."
After she was seated, he shut the door and strolled over and got in the drivers seat.
"Why was everyone calling me Mrs. Grayson? I meant to ask you but things kept coming up." Kori asked.
Richard sighed and said "Well please don't be mad at me but I told them we were married, it was the only way they would let me see you and keep me up to date on how you were doing. I was really worried you know."
"Well that makes sense I guess. I want to thank you again for everything that you have done but it would be nice if you give me some warning next time." Kori said softly.
The drive was almost awkwardly silent and they both sighed in relief when they saw Kori's house. When they came to a stop outside the house Kori was out of the car and up the stairs so fast Richard almost thought she flew. He smiled when he saw Kori giving Alfred one of her bone crushing hugs.
"Ah Miss Kori I have longed to see you as well, however you are squeeze a little too tightly." Alfred said with a grimace which turned to a smile when she released him.
"I apologize; I have just missed you so much!" Kori exclaimed.
"I have missed you as well. Now let me get a look at you and this little guy!" Alfred said.
Kori stepped back and stood straight, ready for his intense scrutiny.
"Well you look like you could gain a few pounds but don't worry, I'll fix you some food soon." He finally said.
Kori giggled "Are you kidding? I am already huge!"
Alfred clucked his tongue disapprovingly. "You need to eat more so this little guy can be nice and strong. You look lovely though, pregnancy suits you." He said with a smile.
Kori beamed at him
"Thank you! Why do you think it's a boy?" Kori questioned. Alfred frowned
"That is what Richard told me, is he incorrect?"
"No, we don't know what the gender is. Rachel knows and she plans to reveal it at the sho-." Kori was interrupted by the front door opening.
"Kori! Where are you?" Rachel called.
Kori squealed and ran to the front door. She enveloped Rachel in a hug and they stood there for a long time simply embracing each other. Richard was shocked, Rachel hated physical contact.
"Kori must be rubbing off on her." Richard thought to himself.
The girls finally broke apart and Rachel finally asked "How are you? Richard called me and I had to come home and see you."
Alfred spoke up "Let's take this into the kitchen and I shall prepare you all some lunch."
The girls smiled in agreement and started walking towards the kitchen.
The doorbell rang which cause Rachel to call out "Richard, can you get that? It's probably Garfield." Richard sighed and opened the door
"I take it your trip went wel-" Richard stopped talking and gaped at the person on the other side of the door. "Bruce?" He finally said.
Next chapter: What could Bruce want?