Chapter 17
(Hi all. Hope you are enjoying the story. I know everyone has been asking similar questions, so I thought I would answer them below.)
Post Schedule:
I am a full time student and I have an internship this semester. My posting schedule will be all over the place up until about May. I am trying my best to be mindful of how long you guys wait!
Will there be drama soon? I am bored!
Yes, as usual there will be drama! BUT Phoebe and Nathan got married 3 months ago! I am trying to be realistic and giving them that honeymoon stage. Real life is still present, as we can see in the past couple of chapters. But I am waiting a minute before I add full on drama!
As always y'all, thank you so much for taking time to read and review my story. It means the world. I am trying my best to keep this a priority, but some weeks I slip. For that I apologize. I hope you all are well and enjoying the story!
Best, Greyfamily6179
(Phoebe's POV)
The Fourth of July is next week, so I am trying to plan a get together with our friends and family. Escala's top floor has an outdoor patio space with seating, a pool, a grill, and more. I have rented it out. There also is fireworks so we can watch them from the building which will be lovely.
It was a rough week last week, so I am trying my best to make this week a good one. I am off my period, so Nathan and I are going to start trying again.
Maisy is calling me everyday because she feels like she is about to pop. She is due so soon. She wants this baby out of her. She says she is so uncomfortable. Little does she know I would give a lot to be in that situation.
Nathan is on call tonight so I have the place to myself. I decided to have Ava over so she is on her way. I got Chinese take out for us that is in the warming drawer. I haven't had quality Ava time in awhile.
I throw on a pair of joggers and a sweatshirt. I put my hair in a messy bun and went into the kitchen. When Ava gets here she just lets herself in. "Hi little cuz," she says and I look at her smiling.
"Hi," I laughed, hugging her. She pulls out a bottle of wine. I get out the food and we situate ourselves at the counter.
"How was work?" I ask her.
"Fine, we are launching a new line, so it has been busy," she says.
"Oo anything good," I smirk.
"I will have all the samples to give you next week," she laughs knowing what I am asking.
"Have I ever told you how amazing you are?" I ask.
"All the time," she laughs.
"so what's new with you and Nate?" She asks.
"Planning Fourth of July and he is at work," I say.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to rsvp I can come," she says and I smirk thanking her.
"So what else? I mean you guys have been pretty quiet. You weren't at grandma's last week," she said. Nathan and I didn't attend family dinner. It was the night that we had the sexual assault case and I got my period.
"We both had work late and it was a long day," I say and she nods.
"Just unlike you guys, is something going on?" She asks doing her famous Ava stare.
"No we just had a really long and hard case that day, and both needed time to process," I say. I don't know why I don't want to tell her about us trying for a baby. I just don't think I can bear to have that conversation right now.
"Oh I'm sorry," she says and I smile patting her hand.
"How is Andrew?" I ask.
"Hot," she says and I laugh.
"No really, he is good. He has been busy with work. Your father keeps him on his toes. He loves it though. We are thinking about adding to our family," she says and I raise my eyebrows.
"A child?" I say and she shrugs.
"We are between a child and a dog," she says and I laugh that's the most Ava comment ever.
"On one hand, we know we both want children and we aren't getting any younger. But on the other hand we are still so young and want this time to spend together," she says and I nod.
"Well whatever you guys decide dog or child I will be happy for you and an Auntie," I say and she smiles.
"Speaking of Aunt Phoebe, how is Olivia?" She asks.
"Still in her first trimester, so the morning sickness is rough. They are both coming around to the fact that they will have a human in January," I say and she laughs.
"They will be good parents," she says and I nod taking a sip of my wine.
"Oh yeah, Ted is so excited. He will call me and ask me questions and it is so sweet," I say and she laughs.
"What about you, Ms. thang?" She asks.
"What about me," I ask.
"Any Buns or future buns in the oven," she asks. My heart drops. I want there to be.
"Well you watched me drink a glass of wine," I say and pour myself another while I am at it. "And yeah we both want kids," I say and she nods.
"Can you guys adopt me," she asks and I laugh. She gets herself another glass too.
After we finish our food, we head to my bed bringing the bottle of wine. We get in and turn on the bachelor. "Imagine if we did this," I say.
"Our dads would murder us before we step foot on set," she says and I laugh.
"Plus Peter isn't that cute," I say and she nods.
"Nathan is so much hotter," she says and I look over at her.
"What and Andrew… well," she looks back to the TV and I laugh. This girl.
We both keep drinking our wine until we finish the bottle. Maybe it wasn't the most brilliant idea because now we are playing karaoke on the TV. We are officially drunk, but I needed this. This is what keeps my soul happy.
By midnight we are both passed out in my bed. The lights are off and we are out. A lot has changed since college. And I mean a lot. We used to be out till 4 am and still want to stay out.
Now we are in bed by midnight.
All of a sudden I hear a scream followed by another yell. I sit up and turn my bedside light on. Nathan is in his boxers standing over Ava who is now in between us.
"What the hell," he says.
"Nathan just wrapped his arm around me and tried to spoon me," she yells and I start dying laughing. I forgot to mention that Ava was sleeping here. Well it was never the plan.
Nathan throws his shirt on. "I'm sorry Ava, usually my wife is the only one in our bed," he says and we all are laughing.
"Well, Andrew is on his way. He is thrilled," Ava says and I laugh.
"Sorry about that," I say and they both look at me and laugh.
"Hey no apologizing I got to see Nathan in his boxers," she says and I throw a pillow at her. Nathan shakes his head.
Nathan crawls back into bed. He wraps his arm around me as I kiss him. "How was work?" I ask.
"It was good, not too busy," he says and I nod.
"I see you had a fun night," he says and I nod smiling.
"I did," I say and he smiles.
"Good, that makes me happy," he says.
"I planned the fourth of July. Cruz's RSVP'd that they could come," I say and he smiles.
"Good, they are all going to be so big," he says and I nod.
"I know," I shake my head.
"Tomorrow, I need to go to work pretty early," he says.
"Why?" I ask.
"Meeting with the medical team," he says.
"Oh cool, I guess I could go in early too. Tomorrow, I have a meeting with potential foster parents for Henry," I say and Nathan looks at me.
"Why do they want you there? Isn't that a Child protective services job?" He asks.
"Well yeah, but since he has experienced child abuse they want a licensed psychologist there to see if they would be a good fit for his needs," Nathan nods.
"I saw Henry today," he says and I smile.
"How was he?" I ask.
"He said Bee Bee Play," he says and I laugh.
"I love that kid," I say and he looks at me. I always refrain from speaking like that with my patients. It helps me maintain emotional boundaries.
"I mean he is funny, you know," Nathan just wraps me in his arms and kisses my head.
"Go to sleep," he says and it doesn't take much for me to.
When I wake up in the morning Nathan is in the shower. I check the clock and it is 6 am. I am so tired. We will need to stop at Starbucks on the way in. Nathan requires way less sleep than I do.
I sit up and rub my eyes. I get out of bed and head into the bathroom. I strip down and get into the shower with Nathan. "Good morning," he says and I just wrap my arms around him burying my head in his chest as the water pours over us. He holds me to him tightly.
"Hmm, I would love to put you up against this wall but that would make us both late," he says and I nod. He rubs my back. All of a sudden I feel him shampooing my hair. Oh this is life.
He ends up washing my hair for me and I just stand there hugging him. He is so hot. Nathan kisses my head and turns off the water.
He wraps a towel around me first and then dries himself off. "Can we stop through Starbucks?" I ask.
"Of course," he says. I smile and thank him.
I finish getting ready. I wear a short sleeved blouse and black slacks with button detailing. I throw on flats and put on my silver jewelry.
When I head out to the kitchen Nathan is on his laptop. "You ready?" He asks and I nod.
"You look pretty," he says and kisses my head.
"Thanks babe," I say. We head out to the car and head to Starbucks. Nathan rests his hand on my thigh.
"What time is your foster parent meeting?" Nathan asks.
"Nine," I say and he nods.
When we get to Starbucks I get a breakfast sandwich and a coffee. Nathan gets the same. "I am so tired," I say.
"I wonder why," he says and I laugh.
"I'll need a lot of caffeine today," I say.
"We can go to bed early tonight," he says and I nod.
We get to the hospital and Nathan comes into my office. We eat our breakfast sandwiches and enjoy each other's company. "It's almost baby making time," he says and I laugh.
"How do you know that?" I ask. He pulls out his phone and shows me a notification. It's a period tracking and ovulation app. I start laughing. He is so stinking sweet.
"Babe," I say.
"What I am all in this too," he says and I smile.
"You are right, we can practice tonight," I say.
"Or right now," he says and I shake my head laughing.
"Babe, I love you, but I can barely keep my eyes open," I say.
"I know, no pressure," he says and I smile. He is so sweet. And means so well.
"Shoot, I gotta head out," he says. I stand up kissing him.
"Love you, Bee," he says.
"More," I say as he walks out.
Now I have to get to work. I pull up the paperwork on the parents that are coming in. They are younger, but I don't want to judge. Neither of them have had the abuse training. They will need to do that.
They also have never fostered before. Oh boy. Who brought these people in? I rub my temples. I don't want to judge. But Henry deserves a home where with people who can adequately take care of him.
Speaking of, before I go talk to these parents, I want to see him. I know I am getting too attached to Henry, but he is just so sweet. I am so protective over him.
I walk downstairs and head into his room. He is laying on his belly watching Moana. When he sees me his face lights up.
"Bee Bee," he says and stands up.
"Hey no standing, Mr.," I say and he sits. I open the crib side and he practically lunges at me.
"How is my fav- how is Henry doing today," I stop myself from saying my favorite man. Oh Phoebe you are in deep.
"Pway," he says.
"Of course we can play," I say. He smiles as I bring out my toy bag. I bring his favorite remote control truck out and his face lights up.
"Vroom vroom," he says and pushes the control back and forth. The truck starts to move making him laugh. He thinks this is the funniest.
"Good job," I say and he claps. He stands up and comes over sitting right on my lap. My heart just melts.
"Dis," he shows me and pushes the move forward button and the car lunges forward ramming into the wall. He throws his head back laughing. I even laugh now because it is so funny
We play for a little bit before I have to go to my meeting. I put him back in his crib and restart Moana. He claps and when I wave goodbye he blows me kisses.
I head up to my meeting. When I get to the conference room the social worker and her supervisor are there. They also have the psychiatrist and a detective who was on his child abuse case.
"Hi guys," I say and sit down. "I'm Phoebe Grey," I introduce myself to the supervisor. I know everyone else.
"So I read through the file for this couple. Neither of them have taken the child abuse training foster parent course," I say.
"Is that a requirement?" The detective asks.
"Yes, for children who have been abused the parents need to go through that class," I say.
"Okay," she says and writes that down.
"I noticed that too, they also haven't Fostered before. I brought them in because these are the first people who have stepped forward who could take Henry," Michelle, the social worker says.
"Right," I say.
There is a knock at the door and the receptionist brings in the people. They are young. The mom looks a bit off. Neither of them really attempted to pull it together for this meeting.
Don't judge, Phoebe.
We go around the table introducing ourselves. When it comes to me I say "hi I am Phoebe Grey. I am the child psychologist here at children's and have been working with the child for a couple months now," they don't know Henry's name for safety purposes. They know his age and sex.
"So tell us about you guys," the social worker says.
"Well I'm Mike and this is Leanne, we have been married for 6 months now. Leanne Uh can't get pregnant, so we want to foster," he says. Something feels so off about this.
"Yeah we just really want to foster," Leanne says.
"So you are aware if you are granted custody of the child you both will have to go through extensive training to foster due to the past of him," the social worker states.
"Yeah um how much does that cost?" Mike asks.
"The courses start at a couple hundred. I can find out for y'all," Jada the supervisor says.
"Well would you guys cover that?" They ask. What did they expect when they said they wanted to foster children who have traumatic pasts.
"No, that would not be," Jada says. Mike looks at Leanne and she rolls her eyes.
"So how much would we get a month?" Leanne asks and my mouth about drops open. I get it now. They are here for the money. They know they will get money to foster. Henry is not going home with them over my dead body.
"I am not sure, we still have a couple of more questions," Michelle says. The meeting goes on for another 15 minutes and by the end I'm ready to flip the table. These people are despicable. I will take Henry before they do.
When they leave I close my book. "No," I say, shaking my head.
"I know, it was a bad call to even interview them," Michelle says.
"So is this kid just going to stay here until someone takes him in?" The detective asks. Michelle nods her head and the detective sighs.
"Man," he says.
"Well Phoebe, thank you for letting us come here and have the meeting," jada says.
"Anytime," I say. I shake all of their hands heading back into my office.
I am fuming when I sit down. People are despicable. Go work at McDonald's or Del drugs for all I care. Do not try to take an innocent child and abandon them just so you get a paycheck.
I shut my office door which I rarely do. I just want to scream. Not only did that meeting was hours out of my day. The parents were only in it for the money.
I decided to go see Henry. When I walk in his room he is asleep on his side. He has his little iv hand sticking out of the crib. It takes so much strength for me to not cry.
Henry is seriously so cute and the fact that people can be this disgusting. Ugh. I smile as a little snore comes out of his mouth. I stroke his hair and make sure his crib is secure before heading out.
The rest of my day is paperwork. I have to fill out and say why I do not think they would be a good fit. This really is bugging me. I want to punch someone.
When I'm ready to go home I head out to the car. I have the key so I'm just waiting for Nathan. He takes a bit longer than usual and my temper is flaring after those people. I'm angry. I'm angry for Henry.
Nathan gets in the car. "Hi baby," he says and kisses my cheek.
"Hi," I say and pull out of the parking lot.
"How was your day?" Nathan asks.
"Fine, how was yours," I say.
"What's wrong?" He asks. I just shake my head.
"Did something happen?" Nathan asks.
"I really don't want to talk about it," I say.
"Was it a doctor?" Nathan asks.
"No, nothing I just need a minute," I say.
"Did the meeting go wrong?" He asks. I don't answer. I am so angry. I don't know what happened. I am just so angry.
When we get back to escala, we get in the elevator. Nathan takes me in his arms and kisses my head. I'm not trying to be a bitch I just need a second alone.
When we get inside I put on workout clothes. I throw my hair in a ponytail and run upstairs. Nathan says something to me, but I ignore it. When I get in the gym I go on the treadmill. I turn it up.
I run for a while. I run and try to get the angry energy out. I am so mad. I am mad we can't have a baby. I am mad people do this to kids. I am just mad.
I hop off the treadmill. I go over to the punching bag. I don't even bother with gloves. Sweat is dropping down my body. I start punching the crap out of the bag. I put all my frustration and anger into it.
I start crying as I punch it. I am so emotional. I hate feeling this out of control. All of a sudden my name starts being called. I keep hitting the punching bag.
My hands hurt and burn. I keep hitting it. Nathan comes behind me and pulls me back. He pulls me in his arms hugging me. I sink to the floor and he comes with me. I am sitting between his legs my head in his chest sobbing.
"Shhhh," he says. He is rubbing my back.
I needed this. I just needed to breakdown before I could be okay. Nathan keeps holding me and rubbing my back.
"What is going on?" Nathan asks, holding me. I feel bad I'm so sweaty.
"The people adopting Henry were in it for the money, they didn't even care about him. We can't get pregnant. Everyone around us is getting pregnant by accident. This is our third month trying. I'm scared we can't. I'm scared I'm failing you. That rape case last week gutted me. I just can't keep all this in anymore," I say crying. I really just let everything go.
"Shhh," Nathan says, hugging me as I cry.
"Phoebe Moore, look at me," he says. I do and he cups my face in his hands.
"You have the biggest heart of anyone I know. Henry is going to find a home that loves him. It may take a little time, but for now he has me and you. He has the nurses. He is so loved right now. Claire is going to be okay too. You heard she's gotten into counseling and her trial is soon. You care so much about the people around you. But Bee you are forgetting about caring for yourself," he says and I nod. I know I am.
"And don't even for a second think that you are failing me. You could never fail me. I am so fucking proud to have you as my wife. I don't deserve you, Phoebe Moore. Every morning I look at you when you are asleep and wonder how the hell I get to be married to you. We are going to have a baby. We are going to have 11 babies. Just because it has taken us a couple tries doesn't mean we aren't going to have our turn," he says. I nod and hug him tighter.
I lean up and kiss him passionately. "I'm sorry," I say and he shakes his head. He kisses me back and holds me to him.
"Shit Phoebe," he says and holds my hands in his. I look down and realize how bad they are actually hurting. My knuckles are bloody and bruised. In particular my right middle finger knuckle looks a little wonky.
"Come with me," he says and I follow him. I wince when he sets me on the counter in the bathroom. He pulls out his medical bag. He starts the sink and tells me to wash them.
"Shit," I say as it stings so bad. I pull them away from the water.
"I'm going to clean them off," he says and takes an alcohol wipe to them.
"Fuck Nathan," I try to pull away.
"They will get infected, I know it hurts," he says and holds my hand tightly so I can't pull away.
"You have to wear gloves, Phoebe," he says and I nod.
He bandages up my left hand. When he looks at my bad knuckle he shakes his hand. "I think you might need an X-ray," he says.
"It's sunken in meaning you fractured it," he says.
"Fuck," I say and look at it. I get nauseous when I see it.
"Come on," he says. He gets me an ice pack. I sit in the front seat icing my hand as Nathan takes me to the hospital.
"I'm sorry," I shake my head.
"Baby, it's okay," he says and I stare out the window. When we get to the hospital we get taken back pretty quickly.
The nurse takes me to get X-rays while Nathan waits. She is sweet and gentle. I have my hand under the machine.
"Okay when you get back to your room just wait. We should have the results soon," she says. I nod. I get into my room and Nathan is pacing the floor.
"I'm fine," I say and he smiles hugging me. We sit on the exam table together.
"You keep me on my toes you know that?" Nathan says. I laugh and kiss him.
The doctor comes in and Nathan stands up. "Hi Phoebe," he says.
"Hi," I say feeling small. The doctor puts up the x rays and Nathan sighs looking at them. Oh no.
"You broke your third knuckle," the doctor says. Great.
"Um, so what does that mean?" I ask.
"Well you will be in a brace for 4-6 weeks," he says and my eyes bug out of my head. Stupid punching bag.
"Great," I say.
"Well I am going to put this on, Nathan I'm sure you know all about this," Nathan nods. He puts the brace on and tightens it. Great, just great. This is exactly what I needed.
"For a couple days, try to keep the use of the hand to a minimum. Ice it when you can, I also recommend sleeping with it on a pillow," he says and I nod. Great. This is my dominant hand too.
"You guys are free to go," he says after Nathan fills out paperwork. God this sucks.
"I'm sorry," I say as we get into the car. I put my head in my hands. Nathan shakes his head.
"Don't worry, Bee," he says. Suddenly I get a phone call. I look down and see it is my dad.
"Hello," I say.
"Hey Bubs, what's up," he asks. Now that I'm an adult we made an agreement that Sawyer doesnt tell my dad my every move.
"Well I'm just leaving the hospital," I say.
"What, are you okay, what's going on? Taylor," I hear him call. I shake my head.
"Dad, dad I'm fine," I say.
"Why were you at the hospital?" He asks me.
"Because I broke my knuckle," I say.
"Phoebe, how the hell did you do that?" He asks.
"Boxing without gloves on," I say.
"Phoebe, that is seriously so dangerous. You are lucky you only broke one knuckle. You know to wear gloves when you do that, is Nathan with you? Have you eaten?" He asks.
"Nathan is driving, and I am going to eat when I get home," I say.
"I will bring food right now, so you want Worrels?" He asks. That's been my favorite dinner place recently.
"No I'm okay, dad really. Don't leave the house. Nathan is going to make pasta," I say. Nathan looks over and pats my leg.
"Let me talk to him," I sigh. I swear I'm 27 not 13.
I pass the phone and hear the one sided conversation. "Of course, yes I am. Well I tried to tell her, but we know Phoebe. Yes, yes," I sigh and shake my head. Nathan hands the phone back to me.
"Will you come over tomorrow?" My dad asks.
"Yes, we will," I say.
"Okay, good. I miss you Bubs," he says and I smile.
"Dad you saw me less than a week ago," I say.
"You'll understand one day. Less than a week feels like eternity," he says and I smile.
"I love you," I say.
"I love you most," he says and we hang up.
When we get home we head up to our place. When we get inside I instantly go to shower. I feel disgusting. I slip the brace off and wince in pain. I get into the shower.
I one handed wash my hair and body. I also shave. This is the accomplishment of a lifetime. I finish up my shower and dry off. I slip my brace back on and go to get dressed. Nathan is leaning against the door of my closet watching me.
"Enjoying the show?" I ask, turning in just my towel.
"Yeah, I came to ask what kind of sauce you want on your pasta, but got distracted," he says.
"That was the least sexy comment I've ever heard," I say and he laughs. He walks towards me and I close my drawer turning.
"Are you up for this?" He asks, kissing my neck. Everything south of my stomach clenches. I smirk and start to unbutton his shirt.
"Drop the towel," he says and I do let it go. He looks me up and down and starts kissing me.
"Bedroom," he says and I shake my head. I drop to my knees trying to unbutton his pants but I can't with my brace on.
I look up at him and he starts laughing. He helps me unbutton them and take them off. I start to suck him off. He puts his hands on the drawers above me stabling himself.
"Fuck," he says and then moves to the ground with me. He sticks two fingers inside of me. I grip his back and moan.
He quickly replaces them with his dick. I cry out as we have sex on my closet floor. This is what I needed. I turn and flip us so I'm on top.
He holds my hips as I ride him. I put my left hand on his chest to stabilize myself. Nathan uses his hand to rub that little ball of pleasure.
"I'm going to cum," I cry out.
"Do it for me," he says and I do. I keep riding him and shortly after he follows my lead. I collapse on his chest and lay there naked. Nathan grabs the warm towel and drapes it over me.
"I love you," he says and kisses my head.
"I love you more," I say out of breath. We lay there panting and chilling.
This day.
(Hi all. Hope you are enjoying the story. I know everyone has been asking similar questions, so I thought I would answer them below.)
Post Schedule:
I am a full time student and I have an internship this semester. My posting schedule will be all over the place up until about May. I am trying my best to be mindful of how long you guys wait!
Will there be drama soon? I am bored!
Yes, as usual there will be drama! BUT Phoebe and Nathan got married 3 months ago! I am trying to be realistic and giving them that honeymoon stage. Real life is still present, as we can see in the past couple of chapters. But I am waiting a minute before I add full on drama!
As always y'all, thank you so much for taking time to read and review my story. It means the world. I am trying my best to keep this a priority, but some weeks I slip. For that I apologize. I hope you all are well and enjoying the story!
Best, Greyfamily6179