Well, it's been a little depressing not seeing traffic on this due to site system issues, but I choose to believe that people are still reading and still enjoying. Hopefully, that is the case. Just a note: it seems the birth order of the Reagan kids may have changed at some point regarding where Joe fit in. I've decided to go with him being the oldest. Anyway Here's chapter 6. Enjoy
Pick Up on Aisle 10: Chapter 6
"Twins?" Lucy croaked, eyes wide.
"Twins," Angie confirmed.
After confirming that the placenta, cord, and baby number 2 were also healthy, the technician started cleaning and packing up her machine. The nurse picked up a towel and started to clean the gel from Lucy's stomach.
Frank reached over and took the towel from her. He carefully wiped the gel away, keeping his gaze on her. Her gaze remained locked on the image on the screen of the two tiny figures. He laid the towel aside and gently rested his hand on her abdomen, thumb stroking the soft skin.
He leaned over, touching his forehead to hers and softly called her name. Her gaze snapped to his and he could see panic and fear before she squeezed them shut.
"Slow, deep breaths," he counseled. "In. And out."
After a couple of rounds, he felt the hand clenching his starting to relax just a bit.
"Do you need a few more minutes or are you ready to talk?" Angie asked.
Lucy breathed out again, then opened her eyes, holding Frank's gaze. She studied him a moment, straightened her shoulders, then nodded.
He helped her to sit up, then stood next to her, one hand holding hers while the other rested lightly against her back.
The dark haired doctor pulled the stool over and sat, looking up at them.
"Okay. The bad news. A multiples pregnancy is one more factor for the high risk category. With twins, you're at a higher risk for preterm labor and delivery. They also tend to have lower birth weights, especially since your build is also small, Lucy."
She nodded.
"If we can get past 28 weeks, they've got pretty good odds of making it, though it's a long road. The odds get better every day after that, so there's a pretty good chance you'll end up on bed rest by the end of the pregnancy."
Lucy gave Frank a look of concern.
"It could be anything from complete bed rest, in the hospital with a catheter and bedpan and no getting out of bed at all to modified bed rest which is basically just 'take it easy and stay off your feet as much as possible."
She looked at the two parents to be and smiled.
"I know it sounds scary, but there's good news, too." She continued. "Lucy looks to be in excellent physical condition overall and both of the babies look good.'
She glanced at her notes. "They are on the small end of the normal range, but that is to be expected with twins. There are separate placentas and amniotic sacs, so they are fraternal twins."
"Can you tell the genders?" Frank asked.
"Not yet. Not reliably, anyway. It's still a little early to be certain. But we will do more ultrasounds to check on progress and should be able to tell pretty accurately in a few weeks."
Pausing, she reached out and rested her hand on Lucy's arm, waiting for her to meet her gaze.
"That is, assuming you plan to continue the pregnancy. You do have options at this time. With the risks involved, it's completely understandable if you want to consider terminating."
Lucy looked at her for a moment, then at Frank.
He smiled slightly.
"Your decision. I'll support you, whatever you decide."
She leaned over, resting her head on his shoulder, then straightened.
"No, I want to have these babies, God willing."
"Okay," Angie replied. "Let's talk about making that happen."
She went back to her notes.
"I'm not seeing any indications of chromosomal abnormalities. If you're concerned, we can do an amniocentesis or CVS testing."
"But those both carry additional risk as well, don't they?" Lucy asked.
"They do," Angie agreed. "Increased risk of miscarriage. Infection. Bleeding. And risk of sensitization with your negative rh factor. Plus, with twins, the procedure would need to be done twice."
Lucy looked at Frank.
"Is it necessary?" he asked.
"Not really," she told them. "It's just another source of information about some possible birth defects. Generally, my advice is to skip it if you've decided to have the baby regardless."
"I think we'll pass," Lucy told her, still holding Frank's gaze. He nodded his agreement.
The doctor made a note, then continued.
"Do you drink or smoke?"
Lucy shook her head. "No smoking at all. I've been known to share a cigar with my late husband and some of his friends, but that's been years. As for alcohol, I have a glass of wine maybe once or twice a week and something a little stronger maybe once a month or so. Never in excess."
"That's good," Angie confirmed. "You probably want to avoid smoke as much as possible. As for alcohol, I tend to advise against drinking, especially with high risk moms, but it's up to you. Some of the research says moderate consumption is okay, some advise abstinence. You can read and decide for yourself."
"What about coffee?" Lucy asked. "I don't think I can give that up."
"Not necessary. You may need to cut back some. With those hellacious shifts you ER people work, you probably drink plenty. Moderation is the key with the less healthy things."
"I'll try."
"Diet. Try to get plenty of fruits and vegetables. Keep an eye on sugar and salt. Glucose and blood pressure are good, but we want them to stay good. Several small meals or regular snacks would be good."
"My work schedule doesn't make it easy to keep too close an eye on what I eat. Or when I eat. But I will try to be more aware."
"That's good. How about exercise?"
"Not as much as I should. I usually walk or run a few times a week. Either around my neighborhood or at the employee gym here at the hospital."
"That's good. You should keep that up. Just don't overdo it. Same for sex. Nothing strenuous. If it's painful or uncomfortable, ease up."
"What about work?" Lucy asked.
"How many hours do you normally work?"
"Usually 10 to 12 hour days, 40 to 50 hours most weeks. Sometimes more. It's not the sort of job I can just clock out and leave when my time is up."
Angie nodded. "Understandable. I do think you should seriously consider cutting back. Closer to the lower end of those ranges would be better. As the pregnancy progresses, you'll definitely need to be spending less time on your feet. Even now, you should start taking more time to sit and relax. Let your family take care of more of the household chores. Cooking. Cleaning. Laundry. Pregnancy is taxing on a woman's body and even more so when you're carrying multiples. Especially with your petite build."
Lucy sighed. "Understood."
"At this stage, I usually see my moms-to-be about once a month, but with all the potential issues here, I'd prefer to see you more often. Maybe about every 3 weeks or so. Just a quick check."
"I should be able to do that," the blonde replied.
The nurse handed the doctor a bag containing several items which she proceeded to pull out and explain.
"I'm giving you some samples of a few different prenatal vitamins. If you like one in particular, let me know and I can send in a prescription for you. I've also included a packet of some frequently asked questions, some good online resources for pregnancy, and a listing of medications that are relatively low risk to take if you need."
As she put everything back in the canvas tote, she handed Lucy a small, 4x6 photo album.
"We also printed up a few of the pictures from the ultrasound. If you'd like, I can also email them and a video to you."
Lucy opened the album, studying the image. "Yes, please."
"This is my business card," Angie told her, offering the cardboard rectangle. "It has the office number and the number for our answering service. I've also included my personal number on the back. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call me. If you have any bleeding or cramping, call me on the way to the hospital. Okay?"
She accepted the card with another nod. "Thank you."
"Any questions or concerns right now?"
The duo looked at each other, then shook their heads.
"Okay. You can get dressed. The front counter will set up your next appointment. I'm looking forward to taking this journey with you."
She shook their hands, then left the room, the nurse trialing in her wake.
Frank wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as he leaned in to look at the picture she was holding.
"This just got really real," she said softly.
"Indeed it did."
After she had dressed and set up her next appointment, the two exited the office into the hallway where Frank's detail waited.
As they waited for the elevator, she stepped to a window, looking out over the parking garage, a pensive look on her face. Frank watched her, trying to get a read on her state of mind.
When the doors slid open, he touched her shoulder to get her attention. He then followed her into the car, still watching her. She leaned against the back wall, making no move to push a button. He finally reached over, pressing the indicator for the ground floor, then took her hand.
"What are you thinking?" he asked softly.
She took a deep breath, let it out, then looked up at him with a shaky smile. "I'm trying to decide if I'm going to have a panic attack or a nervous breakdown once I get home."
He pulled her close and she sighed, relaxing into his embrace. He rested his chin on the top of her head.
"I know."
When the elevator doors opened, she pulled away.
"I need to call a cab," she told him.
"You didn't drive today?"
"No. I was kind of expecting bad news and thought I might not be in a good frame of mind to get behind the wheel after this."
"Good planning," he agreed. "How about I give you a ride. We've got a lot to talk about anyway."
After a pause, she nodded, then let him guide her to the SUV. Once they were in and the doors closed, she leaned forward, head in her hands. The driver looked back at Frank, who held his hand up in a 'wait' gesture.
The man nodded, moving the vehicle from the pickup lane out to an empty space in the lot to await further instructions.
Frank rested his hand on her back, gently rubbing calming circles. He felt her trembling under his touch, her breathing ragged. After several minutes, she managed to get it under control. Finally taking one more deep breath before sitting up and looking at him.
"What did you decide?" he asked. "Panic attack or nervous breakdown?"
As intended, his question made her laugh.
"Panic attack," she told him. "Minor one, for now. I have no doubt there will be more to come."
"I think it's understandable, under the circumstances,: he replied.
She turned to face him. "I just don't know if I can do this, Frank. I had myself convinced that I could. I mean, I survived medical school, all the long hours with little to no sleep. I can do it with a baby. Up all hours of the night for feedings. Colic. Crying. Pop her in the carseat to go to work or the store, then into a stroller or whatever to get errands done. Getting her back and forth between your place and mine. But…"
"It's a lot more complicated with two," he finished. "We never had twins, but Joe and Danny were what people often refer to as Irish twins, less than a year apart. We had two infants, two toddlers. It was exhausting for both of us, but especially for their mother. I can't imagine two newborns at the same time. And needing two nurseries for two."
"And I'm not as young as I was during medical school. I'll be outnumbered. What happens when they're both hungry at the same time? Or need changing at the same time? Or just need attention? Chasing two creepers, then toddlers. It sounds exhausting."
"It was exhausting 40 some odd years ago," Frank replied, rubbing his forehead. "And there were two of us. And we had my parents to help. And I'm a whole lot older now, too. And I'm wondering if I can do this. If it's going to work."
She reached over and slipped her hand in to his. Leaning forward slightly, she tried to catch his gaze.
"I'm sorry. I've been so focused on my thoughts and feelings, I haven't really asked about yours. You're probably finding it every bit as overwhelming as I am."
He flashed her a brief smile. "It is, a bit. But I'm not the one who's going to be dealing with the physical part of the pregnancy. The changes and the risks that you'll be dealing with."
"Oh, I'll be sure to remind you of all that," she laughed
Studying him for a moment, she continued. "If you've changed your mind…If you've decided you don't want to be involved, just say so. I told you from the very beginning that I don't want to pressure you into something you don't want. You can walk away and no one is going to think less of you for doing so."
"That's not true," he responded with a sigh. Turning in the seat, he faced her, eye to eye. "I would think less of myself. Besides, I told you from the beginning…from the time I was coherent enough to speak anyway, that I wanted to be a part of this. That hasn't changed just because there are twice as many kids involved."
"You don't have to stay. I'm sure you had plans for your life, and this was not a part of those plans."
"It probably wasn't for you, either," he countered.
"No," she responded, "but I don't really have a choice at this point."
"But you do," he reminded her. "These days, there are alternatives. Options. You don't have to do this."
"I suppose. But the alternative isn't something I can do. It's not something I want to do. I don't think I could forgive myself."
"And I couldn't forgive myself for walking away from my children," he told her. "Or from their mother."
He squeezed her hand.
"What I meant when I said that I wasn't sure if I could do this was that I wasn't sure I could do it alone. That I wasn't sure if the plans we had been making would work. The whole 'two household' thing."
"What are you thinking would work better?" she asked.
"I think we should do as Pops advised. I think we should get married."
This chapter is a little short, but this seemed like a good place to end this one. I hope you enjoyed it and I would love to know what you thought. (Hopefully reviews will show up) Let me know if you want another chapter (already in the works, actually)