Chapter 51
(Phoebe's POV)
These past couple weeks have been newborn bliss. Leo is the most precious baby. Watching Ted become a dad has been so amazing. Liv is handling newborn life with such grace it amazes me. They are so swoon with little Leo. We all are.
My bump is growing bigger by the day. I can't believe my stomach and body are stretching like this. The morning sickness has gone away. I feel great really. Today while Nathan is at work, I am taking Henry over to see his cousin. I am bringing them lunch and coffee.
I have him in the car all strapped in. I get in and start driving. "Henry, are you excited to see the baby?" I ask and look in the rearview mirror.
"Yes," he smiles and kicks his legs. "Bee Bee I give love to Leo," he says and I smile. Henry is obsessed with Leo.
When we went over last he didn't leave the babies side. Except when my dad came in the room, but after he went right back to little Leo.
"You are such a good big cousin," I say and Henry smiles proudly.
"Bee Bee where Bubs?" Henry asks.
"Bubs is at work buddy," I say. He is asking about my dad.
"We go?" He asks and I smile.
"Not today, little man. Bubs is busy. How about after work we can call him and see if we can go over to Bubs and Nana's house this weekend," I say.
"YES," Henry yells and I smile.
I pull up to Ted's house and go around to get Henry out. I put him on my hip and carry him up the steps. It is getting harder to carry him with my bump. I am wearing a cardigan and jeans. I feel the baby kick and I smile.
When Teddy answers the door, I can tell how exhausted he is. I smile as Henry gives him a big hug. "Hi Teddy Bear," I say and give him a hug. I pass him the coffee I brought him.
"You are a real life savior, Bubs," he says and takes a sip.
Their house is messier than usual. It is obvious that Leo has taken over. I smile as I see Liv holding Leo. Henry is leaning over looking at him. She is such a natural it amazes me.
"How are you both?" I ask Ted and Liv as we sit down in their living room.
"Well, we each got an hour of sleep last night," Liv says and I laugh. I feel awful.
"Oh no," I say.
"Little man has his nights and days messed up," Teddy says and I smile. I look at Leo sleeping peacefully in Liv's arms.
"Hoping for a better night tonight," Liv smiles looking down at Leo.
"Well here, let me take him, you guys go eat and get your coffee. It is on the table," I say and go over to Liv who passes me the swaddled baby. I smile and look down at him. He is the spitting image of Teddy. He got Liv's button nose and besides that he is my brother's twin.
Henry follows them over and sits down with them as they eat. I watch Teddy talk to him and smile. "You are a lucky little man. You're daddy is a great guy," I say to Leo.
"Pheebs, did you hear that Ethan is retiring," Teddy calls out to me.
"No way," I say. Ethan works as a CEO of a technology company.
"Yeah, Mia called and told us. She says that we have to get a sitter the night of his party," I laugh at that. Mia would.
"She also just dropped off an entire closet for Leo," Liv says and I laugh.
"Only Mia," I say and they both nod. I look at Henry who is focused on his sandwich.
"What are you doing buddy?" I ask him while swaying with a baby in my arms.
"I don't like dis," Henry says and pushes away his plate.
"Yes, you do buddy thats a PB & J," I tell him. Henry shakes his head. I look at Liv and Teddy who are laughing.
"Buddy, that is what I brought you. If you don't like it then you'll have to wait to eat when you get home," I say.
"That looks so yummy Henry," Teddy says and goes to take a bite. Henry stops him.
"No me," Henry says and starts eating the sandwich. I smile at Teddy and mouth thank you.
I keep cradling the baby until he wakes up and starts screaming. I laugh as Henry covers his ears and shakes his head saying no. Henry comes over to me with the baby and starts shhhing him. I watch in awe. He is going to be such a good big brother.
Liv takes the baby from me thanking me and slips him under her shirt. She watches as he eats. Once it is quiet Henry giggles. "Leo loud," we all laugh at that.
"Leo is loud, especially at 3 in the morning," Teddy says. We all laugh and Henry does too even though he doesn't understand.
"Has mom brought up the family vacation idea to you yet," I ask them.
"Oh lord, not yet," Teddy says, putting away their leftovers.
"She wants to go in either April or May," I say and Ted looks at Liv.
"I mean by May Leo will be almost 5 months," she shrugs. "It could be fun. Pheebs you'll be ready to give brith," Liv laughs.
"Trust me I already feel like it," I say, turning to the side showing my five and a half month belly off.
"Oh just wait," Liv laughs. She takes Leo and gently burps him. I check the time and see Henry's nap is soon.
"Well we should get going, someone has a nap," I smile.
"It's not nap time," Henry says and we all laugh.
I give Teddy a big hug and Liv one too. I kiss little Leo's forehead and head out. I put Henry in his carseat and turn on Cocomelon. As I drive home my phone rings. I answer it on the bluetooth and see it is Nathan.
"Hey baby," I say.
"Hi, what are you doing?" he asks.
"Driving home and putting a crazy man down for a nap. We brought Ted and Liv lunch," I say.
"That is so sweet of you. I am sure they appreciated it. Listen, I have to work late tonight. The residents are graduating so we are having a staff get together for them," he says.
"Okay, do you want me to save you a plate of dinner? I was going to make chicken," I say.
"That is okay, baby. They'll have food there," he says.
"Well have fun tonight, I will see you later," I say.
"Love you, Bee," Nathan says.
"Love you more," I say and he hangs up.
When I get home, I put Henry down for a nap. While he is down I get a couple of things done. I am moving things around the nursery and hanging up clothes. This baby already has more clothes than I could imagine. I can't believe the baby will be here in a little over 20 weeks.
I think back to when Nathan and I were in high school and college. We would always talk about the future. It is crazy that now we are here. We almost never fought. If we did it always ended up with us being closer than before and usually me crying. Now, I am more emotionally capable of arguing with him. I think of one fight in particular in college.
(FLASHBACK PHOEBE"S POV)
I am fuming. Fuming doesn't begin to describe what I am. Nathan and I are in a fight. It started off as a lack of communication. Now he hung up on me. Both of us are in finals week and our stress levels are high. Not a good combination with being in a fight.
I text him. *Hanging up. Real mature Nathan.*
He texts back. *If you get to suck at communication I figured I would extend the favor* I see red.
*You are acting like a child*
*So are you.*
*Call me when you want to grow up* He reads it and doesn't respond.
I could hit him. I really could. I am so angry. He yelled at me for not responding after I told him I would call him. He does the same thing and I get upset then he freaks out. After I confronted him, he told me I was over exaggerating and then I lost it.
"Woah baby what's going on you look ready to kill." Kendra walks in with Liam her boyfriend following her.
"Fucking Nathan is being an asshole," I say and she laughs.
"It is not funny," I say.
"Oh my gosh, Pheebs. You two will be making up and making out by 4 pm," she says and I stick my tongue out at her.
"Grey, do I have to kick some ass for you?" Liam asks and I laugh. I love Liam.
"Hopefully not, but be on standby for me," I say and he nudges me.
I head back into my room and start studying for my psych final. I can barely focus. I keep the thoughts of Nathan being hypocritical out of my head. I end up heading to bed and ignoring Nathan's text messages.
The next day, I wake up and head to my psych final. I feel great about it and know all the questions. Most of it is child development review. When I head back into the house I hear voices.
"Hey, Pheebs," Liv says as I walk in. I am looking at something on my phone.
"Hi," I say and when I look up I about drop the phone right out of my hands. Nathan is sitting there with Liv, Kendra, and Maisy. As excited as I am to see him, I remember how pissed I am.
"So she does have a phone," Nathan smiles and comes over hugging me. To not make things awkward I hug him back as the girls smile. I would rather be kicking him in the balls.
"Thanks ladies," Nathan says and takes my hand leading me upstairs to my room. I turn and flick off Kendra as she is hysterically laughing.
"What are you doing here?" I snap at him as soon as the door closes.
"It is nice to see you too," Nathan says as he plops into my bed smiling. I hate how smug he is being. I want to kick his smug ass off the bed.
"I am serious, how did you even get here?" I ask.
"Walked," he says sarcastically.
"I am so angry at you right now," I say.
"I am angry at you too," he says and I shake my head.
"You have no reason to be," I say.
"Ignoring my texts and phone calls is childish," he says.
"So is doing the same thing you yelled at me for a week ago," I say and he nods.
"Fair," he says.
"I am sorry," he says. He is laying on my bed. Both hands behind his head. His shirt road up a little bit and I can a sliver of his stomach including his happy trail. Focus Phoebe.
"You came all the way here to say that?" I ask.
"Well, I would have said it over the phone, but somebody wouldn't answer," he says and I shake my head.
"I really am sorry, Bee," he says and I try not to back down. He sits up and takes my hand pulling me to stand between his legs. His hands rest on my hips and I try to focus on the conversation at hand, not his large hands holding me.
"You were such an ass," I say and move my hands to cup his face.
"I know," he says. I sigh and look into his beautiful eyes. His stubble rubs against my hand. My belly clenches. Oh how I want to feel that between my legs. He looks older with stubble on his face.
"I am sorry too, I shouldn't have ignored you," I say and his hands move to find my butt.
"It is okay, baby," he says and puts his face in my stomach. I look down at him and run my hands through his hair.
"Can we make up now," he asks.
"We already did," I say and he shakes his head.
"Not yet," he pulls my face down to meet his and really kisses me. This boy.
(END FLASHBACK)
My phone starts ringing, bringing me out of my thoughts and I go to grab it. I see Claire is calling me. I pick up the phone and sit down at the kitchen table. "Hi Claire Bear," I say.
"Hi," she says. I can tell she sounds upset.
"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" I ask her.
"Do you have time to talk?" she asks.
"Always for you," I say. "What's going on," I say.
"My brother found me," she says and I about drop my phone.
"What sweetheart? How do you know?" I ask her. What the hell is going on?
"He said he knows that I stayed with you. He said he knows everything and I am going back to him," she says and I shake my head.
"Sweetheart, listen. Is Susan with you?" I ask her.
"No, but she is on her way home," she says. I call for Sawyer.
"Yes, Pheebs?" He says.
"I need someone to go to Claire's house. Her brother is threatening her," I say. Sawyer nods and runs out.
"Okay, honey. Sawyer is going to your house Claire. Did he text you this? How do you know?" I ask her.
"I was walking out of school and he was parked by my car," she cries.
"Maybe I should give him a chance, Pheebs," she says and I shake my head.
"Claire, your brother has a restraining order that he is violating. He is breaking the law. Right now without talking to Susan is not the time to give him a chance," I say quickly.
"But," she starts.
"Claire, not right now okay?" I say and I hear her cry. It breaks my heart.
"Is Nathan with you?" she asks. I wish. Whenever Claire is upset or worried she always goes to Nathan.
"He is at work, are you inside your house? Sawyer just got there. He is checking around the house and then will stay there," I tell her.
"I am locked in my room," she says and I nod. I am glad Sawyer is there.
"Susan just got home I think, Pheebs I am going to talk to her okay," she says.
"Okay, and Claire Sawyer is going to stay," I say and she thanks me.
"Call me after you talk to Susan and tell me what is going on okay? I love you sweet pea," I say and she thanks me again.
"I love you too Pheebs," she says and I nod.
I am worried sick now that Claire's brother has attempted to see her. He is a piece of shit. I don't know why he even wants custody. Then I realize. He was getting money for taking care of Claire. Now that he doesn't have custody, he doesn't. This poor girl.
I have Sawyer keep me updated on everything. Henry wakes up from his nap and I give him a snack. He eats it as I watch for a phone call from Sawyer or Claire.
"Bee where Nate?" Henry asks. I am asking the same thing, buddy.
"He is at work. Nate is going to wake you up tomorrow," I say and Henry frowns. I know that is how I feel too. We miss our Nathan.
My phone rings and I see it is Claire. "I talked to Susan," she says.
"What did you decide?" I ask her.
"Well the police are on their way here. Susan says he violated his restraining order. They are coming to interview me," she says and relief fills my body. He can go to jail again for this.
"That is good. Sweetheart, I am so sorry this is happening. You know you are welcome to come here or we can come to you if you need it," I say.
"I know Pheebs. Thank you so much for talking to me. You always make me feel better," She says.
"I love you to the moon Claire girl," I say. We bid each other goodbye and I look at Henry.
The rest of the night is spent chasing around a toddler. Man the more pregnant I get the harder it is to keep up with him. I can't imagine how I will feel in a couple of months. I smile and rub my belly.
Henry is in the bath and I am washing his hair. He is pulling a boat around. "Bee Bee," he says.
"Yes buddy," I say.
"You mama Nana?" he asks.
"Yes, my mommy is Nana and my daddy is Bubs," I say and he nods.
"You my mama?" he asks and my heart catches in my throat. Nathan and I haven't discussed how we want to address this. We are adopting him, so technically I am his mom. Curse the interns for graduating tonight.
"Yes," I finally say and he looks up at me.
"Nate my dada?" he asks and I nod.
"Yes, and we love you so much," I say and bop his nose. He laughs and goes back to pulling his boat. I am going to have to talk to Nathan about this.
After I get Henry in his bed, I kiss his forehead. "Goodnight, I love you," I say.
"Me love you," Henry says and I smile turning out his light. I walk downstairs and grab a glass of water. The baby kicks my side and I groan.
"Jeez child, give me a break," I say and rub my side. I sit down on the couch and fireup my laptop. We need to get on our baby registry and order Berk's wedding shower gift.
My phone dings and it is Maisy. There is a picture of 6 month old Oakley. She is an absolute doll. I text Maisy telling her that we need to catch up soon. She is the best. I keep searching on my laptop until my phone starts ringing.
I see Nathan is calling. I smile and pick up the Phone. "Baby?" he says and sounds panicked.
"Nate what is wrong?" I ask quickly.
"Sawyer is on his way to you. There has been an incident at the hospital and we aren't sure what it is related to," Nathan says and I jump up.
"What kind of incident, Nathan are you okay?" I ask panicked.
"The car is badly vandalized, I am not hurt. I am perfectly safe. The care isn't drivable, so I am coming with Tucker. Don't worry baby," He says.
"Did you seriously just say do not worry," I say.
"I'm okay sweetheart. Stay calm. I will be there soon," I feel my blood pressure spike. Jesus.
Sawyer barges in and comes over to me. "Pheebs, more security is on the way. The garage is locked and so is the building. Your dad has been notified," he says. FUCK. The last thing I need is a stressed out Christian Grey on my case.
"Baby, sit down I am on my way home. Do not stress, it isn't good for you or the baby," he says and I shake my head. Pregnancy hormones are not helping this situation.
"Of course I am stressed Nathan," I snap.
"Bee, breathe. I am safe and in the car on the way home, the vandalized car has been taken away and the police are coming to our place," he says and I shake my head. I sit and place my hand on my forehead.
Nathan is home quicker than expected. I sit up as he bursts through the door. He rushes over to me and wraps his arms around me. "You're trying to kill me," I murmur.
"I am sorry baby," he says and kisses my head holding me.
"I mean this is ridiculous who would vandalize your car," I say and he shakes his head.
"Were any other cars vandalized?" I ask. He shakes his head. I place my head against his arm. Shit.
In one big frenzy the police, my parents, and Sawyer come into the room breaking Nathan and I out of our bubble. "Does anyone else want to come?" I say quietly and Nathan gives me his trademark smirk.
My dad comes around hugging me tightly. "Oh Phoebe, I am sorry," he says and I shake my head hugging him back.
"Hey, this is not your fault," I say and he smiles at me.
"I hate that this has happened and after the delivery guy break in," he says and I shake my head.
"We just have shitty luck," I say hoping the two aren't connected.
I watch as Nathan gets interviewed by the police. My dad keeps an arm around me. My mom holds my hand. "Mrs. Moore, what about you?" The bulky cop asks.
"Pardon?" I say.
"Is there anyone who would want to hurt you or do this?" He asks.
"Well, not that I can think of," I say. Then I pause.
"Wait, Claire's brother," I say.
"What?" My dad, the cop and Nathan all say at the same time.
"Claire's brother found her. He parked by her car and told her he knows she stayed with us. He wants her back and told her that. This was today. She called me and told me. Maybe he found out Nathan was a doctor," I say and the cop writes this down.
"Claire, was our foster child. Her brother abused her," I fill the cop in.
"Do you have his name or address?" He asks. I look at Nathan. I have no clue what her brother's name is. Nathan gives them Claire and Susan's information.
After a couple of more questions, the cops head out. "Phoebe, why didn't you call me when Claire called?" Nathan asks.
"Well I was acting under the assumption that her brother wasn't going to smash your car in and we could discuss it when you got home," I say. He nods and rubs my back.
"Why don't you guys get some sleep," my mom says. I nod and stand up. I hug my parents goodbye and head into our bedroom. Nathan crawls into bed with me and wraps his arms around me. Before he can talk I am fast asleep.