Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. Here is the next chapter, please let me know what you think.
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Evelyn can't believe she is actually glad to be back at work, but she is. She has enjoyed the past several days spending time with James and getting a better handle on all the thoughts and emotions coursing through her. Adrian and she even shared a rather enjoyable lunch on one of the days, but it is also good to be away from the house and the two men that have been bordering on overprotective. At Marisol's no one knows about the pregnancy, aren't constantly hovering, and Evelyn is enjoying it immensely.
Nearing the tenth week of pregnancy, Evelyn noticed this morning her clothes are fitting a bit more snuggly. It doesn't pose a problem yet, she has a few more weeks before it does, but it does offer her a sense of comfort. The first time around, she was horrified when clothes became tight, repulsed by the thought of maternity clothes. This time, though she doesn't like the idea of elastic pants and flowing tops, she is almost looking forward to there being a bit of proof of the baby's existence. A swollen stomach means a healthy, developing fetus.
This morning, like most, her only complaint is the nausea. Marisol shot her a questioning glance when she shied away from coffee. She then offered Evelyn a croissant, a quirked brow her response when Evelyn paled and pushed it away. Luckily, Marisol is so preoccupied preparing everything for a follow-up interview with Daphne Wells, she hasn't had time to consider Evelyn's strange behavior and what might be causing it.
Evelyn is filing an invoice when the doorbell rings. Marisol is in the kitchen preparing a tray of refreshments, so she calls to Evelyn, asking her to answer the door. Evelyn makes her way to the front door and opens it, putting on her largest smile when she sees Daphne, the woman looking breathtakingly gorgeous. Some people make pregnancy look glamorous and Daphne is one of them.
"Daphne, you look amazing," Evelyn gushes between air kisses.
"Thank you," Daphne smiles brightly, entering the foyer.
Evelyn leads her into Marisol's office and offers her a drink. She declines the offer then Evelyn and she make their way to the sofa. As they wait on Marisol, they catch up on the latest gossip. Evelyn wants to ask her about her pregnancy, curious as to how Daphne, a year older than she is, is handling a 'late in life' pregnancy. Evelyn despises the term, but she can't help but wonder if the other woman, though amazing as she looks, is experiencing any of the discomforts she is. Could she also be harboring the same fears and insecurities?
Before Evelyn can muster the courage to ask, Marisol enters the room carrying a tray filled with tea, brie, crackers, and white grapes. She places the tray on the coffee table, taking a seat between the two women. Marisol and Daphne begin discussing the four maids interviewed for the available position, Evelyn trying to follow their conversation but her focus is on the wave of nausea that has overtaken her. There is nothing with a strong odor on the tray, but once it appeared, she couldn't shake this nauseated feeling.
"Evelyn, are you all right?" Daphne is concerned, immediately noticing how pale Evelyn has become. Marisol turns to look at Evelyn, also alarmed by her pallor.
"I'm fine," Evelyn dismisses weakly, swallowing in an effort to keep the nausea at bay.
"Are you sure?" Marisol gives her a questioning look, not believing her in the least.
"I'm fine," Evelyn says a bit more forcefully, silently urging Marisol to continue with a pointed look.
Marisol turns back to Daphne, nodding as the woman lists her likes and dislikes of the candidates. Marisol is thrilled when she decides on a young woman named Petra, certain Daphne will not be disappointed. With business taken care of, Marisol offers Daphne the refreshments, all the while keeping an eye on Evelyn.
"I adore Brie, but I can't have it because of the baby," Daphne says a bit sadly, looking longingly at the cheese. She then rubs the very noticeable baby bump.
Marisol apologizes to Daphne, wishing she had thought better of her snack choices. Daphne waves away the apology, reaching for a grape instead. She laughs as she explains that during this pregnancy, unlike her previous two, she has craved anything containing grapes. Marisol is relieved there is something on the tray she can enjoy. Marisol then turns to Evelyn, offering her refreshments.
"Oh, no thank you," Evelyn declines, wishing Marisol would take the tray back into the kitchen, or preferably, just throw it outside.
"You love brie." Marisol narrows her eyes at Evelyn, confused by the woman's behavior. Momentarily Evelyn is at a loss for words but quickly recovers.
"I do, but if Daphne can't enjoy it, I don't think we should. Really, Marisol!" Evelyn scoffs, shaking her head disapprovingly.
"Ok," Marisol says slowly, growing more confused by Evelyn's strange behavior.
Marisol and Daphne continue to discuss Petra as Daphne snacks on grapes. Once everything is in order, Marisol sees Daphne to the door, the two women laughing about something Peter said to Daphne's husband. Evelyn stays behind in the office, grabs the tray, then holding it as far away from her as possible, carries it to the kitchen.
"You're acting oddly, even for you," Marisol says from the doorway of the kitchen, startling Evelyn. She crosses her arms in front of her as she watches the redhead dispose of the brie. "Are you sure you're ok?" Marisol takes a few steps towards her.
"I'm fine," Evelyn says once again, growing tired of this question. Adrian and James have asked her this at least five times a day since she announced her pregnancy.
"Evelyn, if something is wrong, I'm here." Marisol gently places her hand on Evelyn's arm, worried about her friend.
"I appreciate that." Evelyn offers her a smile and pats her hand, thankful to have such a wonderful comrade.
Not wanting to discuss this any further, Evelyn walks out of the kitchen, leaving Marisol to stare after her. She has noticed Evelyn appeared rundown lately, hoping a few days to relax and recharge would help her. By the looks of it, Evelyn still isn't feeling all that well. Marisol tells herself not to, but she is worried.
Hovering is the only word to define Adrian's and James' behavior over the past days. Adrian has only become worse as the day has progressed, following Evelyn around everywhere, repeatedly asking about the doctor's appointment she has a little later in the day. She has explained to him, several times, today's appointment is when Doctor Greely will perform the blood test that detects abnormalities, as well as perform an ultrasound to hear the heartbeat. She has been nothing but calm in her explanation, but Adrian can tell she is nervous. Both of them are so afraid something will go wrong, resulting in the loss of another child. Likewise, Evelyn understands Adrian's shadowing of her is his own way of dealing with anxiety, his close proximity to her and their unborn child a source of comfort.
Walking down the driveway to the mailbox, Evelyn has to remind herself of this. She really thought retrieving the mail would offer her a few moments of peace. She was wrong because the second she opened the door, Adrian was standing right beside her like an eager puppy.
"Your hair still smells like spaghetti," Adrian tells when the wind blows a lose lock of her hair in his face.
"I showered twice last night and again this morning," Evelyn huffs, tired of his wise cracks about her helping at the soup kitchen the night before. She pulls a stand of hair to her nose, grimacing. She will definitely take another shower before leaving for the doctor.
"Told ya," he smirks receiving a glare.
The two walk the remainder of the way to the mailbox in silence. Once at the mailbox, Evelyn flips down the lid, her eyes widening as her stomach rolls and wave of dizziness washes over her. Inside the mailbox, a putrid odor assaulting her nostrils, a maggot infested dead cat lies. The cat's intestines have been ripped from its abdomen. Adrian is just as shocked as Evelyn, his attention only taken away from the gruesome sight when Evelyn doubles over and wretches. He steps between her and the mailbox, obscuring the horrific view, beginning to gently rub her back as she heaves.
"Are you all right?" he asks, wrapping his arm around her waist to steady her once she is finished.
"Your shoes," she croaks, motioning to the loafers that are now flaked with specks of vomit.
"I don't care about the damned shoes," he huffs. "Are you all right?"
Evelyn simply nods, leaning into Adrian as he guides her back up to the house. He pauses long enough to toe out of his shoes, leaving them on the door step. He leads Evelyn to the study and seats her on the sofa. Quickly he fetches her a glass of water then takes a seat beside her. She is very pale.
"Stop hovering, please. I'm fine!" Evelyn says between clinched teeth, trying to remember he is only being a concerned father and husband. She appreciates his concern, but it is becoming too much.
"I'm calling the police," Adrian informs her, standing from the sofa.
"You will do no such thing!" She insists, head snapping up to look at him. He is about to argue but she continues before he can. "Adrian, there have been murders, a severed leg discovered, and an explosion at this house; why on earth would phone the police over a juvenile prank?" She shakes her head; certainly he can't be serious.
"Evelyn, that's more than a juvenile prank. Someone disemboweled that poor cat." Adrian cringes at the thought.
"Don't remind me." Evelyn covers her mouth at the mere mention of the stray.
"I'm calling," Adrian says again, this time grabbing his phone.
He has just started dialing when they hear a scream. Both are alarmed, quickly taking off in the direction in the scream. Just as they reach the front door, Carmen stalks in looking a little green. She glares accusingly at the Powells.
"What the hell was that?" She demands, motioning towards the mailbox. Adrian sighs, turns to Evelyn. She closes her eyes and shakes her head.
"I'm calling the police."
This time, before Evelyn can object or another unsuspecting person looks in the mailbox, Adrian dials the number and begins speaking with an officer. Evelyn might think it is simply a joke, but Adrian wants it investigated.
Evelyn is almost positive the police did not spend as much time at her home when Flora was murdered. For nearly three hours, police officers have been at the mansion, first taking photos of the mailbox and the sickening contents then collecting the dismembered feline. The mailbox was then dusted for prints, Adrian, Carmen, and she were also finger printed for exclusionary purposes. Finally, an officer took their statements along with the video from the front gate camera. The most the perpetrator will be charged with is animal cruelty.
Since getting in the car to go to the doctor's appointment, Evelyn has been on the phone explaining to James what has happened. He called earlier to apologize, saying something had happened at Hamilton House and that he wouldn't be able to join her for her doctor's appointment. Adrian was glad to hear this, finding it inappropriate that his wife's boyfriend would be in attendance at an appointment where they would hear their child's heartbeat. The police had still been at the house when James called, forcing Evelyn to hastily end the conversation, promising to call him back and provide him with a more detailed account of what had transpired. So far, James has asked her the same infuriating, nerve grating questions Adrian has been assaulting her with since the discovery of the cat. Not even three months into this pregnancy, and she is already tired of the coddling.
"I assure you I'm fine," Evelyn tells him for the fourth time, reminding herself not to snap at him.
"Adrian's with you, right?" James never thought he would be relieved by the thought of his girlfriend's soon-to-be ex-husband's presence.
"Yes, he's driving." Her patience is fraying. It is one thing for the two men to show concern for her and her unborn child's wellbeing, but there is absolutely no way she will tolerate this coddling both seem so fond of. She isn't fragile, in need of their protection.
For a few more minutes she stays on the phone with James, fielding yet another question about hers and the baby's wellbeing. Adrian remains silent but chuckles as Evelyn answers through gritted teeth, obviously annoyed. If Reverend Boyfriend insists on hanging around, maybe he will receive some of the lovely hormone induced abuse Adrian is. He will gladly share that.
Not much is said during the remainder of the drive or while they sit in the waiting room. Evelyn preoccupies herself with her phone, responding to a few missed texts. Adrian fidgets, uncomfortable in any doctor's office, but especially one that has charts and 3-D models of a woman's reproductive system. He would not be anywhere else, of course, but he wishes the staff would get a move on. Aren't they frightened of Evelyn? Do they not realize that a pregnant, hormonal Evelyn is much more frightening, and impatient, than the everyday Evelyn they are accustomed to dealing with?
Evelyn glances up from her phone, resisting the urge to beat her husband with the stack of magazines lying on the table beside her. He is uncomfortable, she understands, and just like her, he is nervous about this visit and the results they could receive from either the blood test or the ultra sound, but he needs to calm down. Otherwise, she will walk over to the reception window, borrow the name plate of Holly Winters, bludgeon him with it, then return it to the receptionist.
A few minutes later, just moments before she does in fact borrow the name plate, she is called back. She is weighed, something she really could have skipped, her blood pressure is taken, then shown to a room. Once in the room, the nurse draws the blood needed for the screening, then, instead of discarding her clothes for one of those hideous paper gowns, the nurse instructs her to remove her skirt and underwear and drapes a sheet over her. Doctor Greely will be with her shortly, the nurse assures her cheerfully, then exits. Evelyn falls back against the exam table, sighing deeply.
"Is something wrong?" Adrian asks, immediately by her side. She looks up at him murderously.
"I forbid that question," she states, jaw clenched. No longer will she be asked that. Adrian narrows his eyes at the request.
"Fine," he concedes. "Is our child all right?"
Again she shoots him a cold glare, but concern shines in his eyes. He is worried about her and their unborn child. As easy as it would be to ignore their fears, she knows it isn't realistic. Any pregnancy, no matter the mother's age or past experiences, is met with some concern. This pregnancy, at her age and with their history of loss, causes many worries and fears. At some point they will have to deal with these, but now is not the time. Her features soften and she nods in response to his question, noting his entire body relaxes once he has her assurance that everything is all right.
A knock at the door draws their attention. Doctor Greely enters pushing the portable ultrasound machine, smiling at Evelyn. Doctor Greely is surprised by Adrian's presence, well aware of the marital discord and pending divorce, but she is glad he is there for his wife and their unborn child. The three exchange pleasantries as Doctor Greely grabs the tablet out of its cubby on the side of the cabinet and begins checking Evelyn's chart. She is pleased to see Evelyn has gained two pounds, concerned the frequency of her nausea might impede appetite and weight gain, but obviously it hasn't. She then glances at Evelyn's blood pressure, frowning.
"What's wrong?" Evelyn asks, immediately aware of the doctor's change in expression. Adrian pales, unable to catch his breath.
"Your blood pressure is slightly elevated," Doctor Greely says, placing the tablet back in the cubby then reaches for the blood pressure cuff hanging on the wall. "Just try and relax." She offers them a warm smile, picking up on their fear.
Evelyn takes a deep breath and nods. She closes her eyes at the doctor secures the cuff around her arm and begins squeezing the bulb. She feels the cuff tightening on her right arm, but on her left she feels Adrian rest his hand. Her eyes remain closed as she takes his hand, the contact reassuring.
"Still a bit elevated," Doctor Greely says once she's finished. "Has anything upset you today?" She removes the cuff, looking to Evelyn for an explanation.
"Umm," Evelyn looks at Adrian; just how is she supposed to explain this morning's events?
"Evelyn found a dead cat this morning." Adrian tells Doctor Greely, the doctor nodding. She can see where that could be upsetting. "In our mailbox," Adrian elaborates, Evelyn digging her nails into his palm.
"Oh, well that would definitely explain the elevated blood pressure." Doctor Greely is glad to have a reason but she doesn't want to know what led to a dead cat in a mailbox.
Evelyn and Adrian appear relieved. Nothing is wrong that avoiding disemboweled felines in mailboxes won't fix. Doctor Greely asks if they are ready for the ultrasound, both nod. The doctor instructs Evelyn to lift her shirt then applies gel to Evelyn's abdomen and begins moving the ultrasound wand. Evelyn's and Adrian's eyes are glued to the screen, Adrian squeezing her hand as a picture of their child appears on screen.
During her first visit when Doctor Greely performed a sonogram just moments after announcing the unexpected pregnancy, Evelyn wasn't able to concentrate on what the doctor was saying. Her mind was filled with too many questions, too much disbelief. This time, she can't focus on anything but the doctor's words as she points out the fetus and its head. The doctor then turns a knob on the ultrasound machine and again moves the wand, telling them they should hear a heartbeat any second. The expectant parents hold their breath as they wait, alarm growing when it seems to be taking too long. Adrian looks to the doctor but her face reveals nothing, she continues adjusting knobs.
Adrian turns his gaze to Evelyn, her eyes filling with tears. Just moments earlier she was smiling, her fear momentarily tamped down by her awe of seeing the fetus. Now, she looks haunted, the look ripping at Adrian's heart. He remembers that expression so well from when they lost Barrett. Before he can relive that pain, the silent room fills the rapid fetal heartbeat. Evelyn makes a choked sound as her face erupts into a look of pure joy. Tears fill Adrian's eyes and without thinking, he leans over and presses a kiss against Evelyn's temple. She doesn't push him away, instead she cups his cheek and the two share a tender look. Doctor Greely arches a brow, curious just how all of this will play out.
Soon the ultrasound is over. Evelyn sits on the edge of the table, cleaned of the gel and dressed. There is a sense of peace surrounding her, the sound of her child's heartbeat offering her some reassurance. She knows there is still so much that could happen, months of wondering and worrying lay ahead, but for now she is at ease. Adrian also has relaxed, a happy smile adhering to his face as he looks at her.
Doctor Greely hands Evelyn a print out of the ultrasound, the redhead crinkling her nose at the photo, still only seeing blobs. The doctor laughs, tells her she will be in touch in a few days with the results of the blood test, then reminds her to set up a follow-up appointment before she leaves.
"And Evelyn," Doctor Greely says sternly, both Powells looking at her in concern. "When you get home, I want you to rest. The mailbox incident is more than likely to blame for your elevated blood pressure, but I would feel better if you spent the rest of the day taking it easy." Doctor Greely gives her a pointed look. Evelyn scowls, about to rebuke the suggestion but Adrian speaks first.
"She won't lift a finger, I promise. Thank you, Doctor." Adrian offers his most charming smile, places his hand on the small of Evelyn's back then guides her to the reception desk. She stares daggers into him as they exit.