Authors Note: I own nothing. No ownership rights to Beverly Hills 90210.
Chapter Seven: Meeting's
As I wait in the reception area of Jim's office I take a deep breath. She and Art had slept well my family was fine, her blood pressure was back to the levels of New Year's Eve, still higher than before Christmas but not worryingly so according to Bren. Yesterday's spike's told me two things Jim and I had to make this work or I'd have to insist that she leave Casa Walsh. The second option would be stressful for her but if she couldn't get better there then it was the only option.
"Mr Walsh will see you now." I stand and make my way into his office noting that he didn't come and invite me in himself. Power play. Does he realise I was raised by the master of these moves, this doesn't intimidate me. He sees me and doesn't stand instead nods in the direction of the chair across from his desk. I have little time for this shit. I sit down and get straight to the point.
"Jim you know I didn't know, if I had the last nine months since she found out would have looked different. If you are upset about our consensual adult relationship last January, well that's not open for discussion it never has been. I will never apologise for anything that has led to the conception and birth of my son Arthur Jack McKay, his mother would agree with me on that." He stares but says nothing, the squinting of his eyes at conception and Jack McKay the only indication that he heard me. "Brenda and I have discussed how financially we would like to take care of our son. She was offered all options, she chose these. I'll be adding her to my account she will have unlimited access to the allowance from my investments that goes in there monthly, it will cover all Arthur's living expenses and Brenda's. She has declined my offer of paying for College, she has declined my offer of purchasing her her own car but will willingly share one in both our name's. She will not be a co-signer of my investment funds here or the term deposit account, though she has agreed that if anything should happen to me the majority of my wealth will go to Art in a Trust, along with some funds for my sister and I will of course include Brenda, the three will be be my only beneficiaries."
"Sister?"
"We'll get to that. What I need from your office is funds for a family car, additional funds to set up Art here in LA, an increase in the monthly allowance, both of them added to my health insurance, and cheques made to cover anyone who covered expenses of her pregnancy or related to her recovery." As I spoke he had gradually turned red.
"No."
"Which part?"
"No to the health insurance, no to cheques to my family, no to her living expenses being covered by you. You may contribute to Art's expenses but it will be proportional to the Walsh contribution. My daughter and my grandson are not for sale." I clench my back teeth together to keep from losing my cool, telling myself not to be the kid who threw the bottle at that fucking wedding.
"My families needs including the mother of my children will be covered by me." Fuck it, he needs to know that until she tells me she doesn't love me I will believe that we will reunite and there will be more children. I'm fucking here forever, regardless if he thinks I'm not good enough for her.
"You'll have access to Arthur Dylan, but my daughter is off limits to you forever."
"Art's Mother will never be off limits to me, we are family forever. Our son tie's us together. You know as well as I do that she was willing to fight for me, leave home in junior year, do you think that she wouldn't leave now if you try and deny me access to either of them?" I hold his eyes.
Behind my eyes I'm panicking she doesn't want that, she wants all of us to get along. I dial down my tone, "Jim she wants to stay with you, she needs to get healthy, I want to give her what she needs. Right now she feels it's the comfort of living with you, Cindy and Brandon, but if we can't make this," I point between the two of us, "work she knows she'll need to leave. Twice yesterday our shit made her blood pressure increase once discussing the financials and your connection to my family's money, and once last night when you shared your annoyance at not being consulted on my family's private decisions." I can see he knows what I'm saying is true. "We are both to blame for those spikes. Our relationship that was once problematic reached unhealthy status when I accepted that deal, when you threatened me in this office. When you crossed a line. I allowed that to poison Brenda and I once but that will never occur again. If we can't make this work with you respecting that I will financially take care of my family, that I will be in both their lives forever, that Arthur's decisions are mine and Brenda's to make alone, that Brenda and my relationship is ours and will not be interfered with, then even though she may want the comfort of her parents and brother while she heals she can't, won't stay there."
"Dylan what you are demanding is-"
"For you to let her be an Adult, make decisions for herself." I try to be honest and open. "If I had my way Jim they would be living with me as of forty hours ago. I'd probably be now trying to convince her that formalising our family, our commitment to each other with marriage was not too soon. I would be attending her doctor appointment on Wednesday and all subsequent appointments. She'd have access to everything." I run my hand through my hair. "But she is not ready for any of that. I respect that. I respect her wishes. I'm now asking you to respect what she is ready for, how she wants our family, mine and hers to operate." I hoped by showing him I wasn't getting my way either he would see that these were compromises, that this wasn't my will but Brenda's and my agreement's. Denying me was going against her, I was in her championing my family decisions not mine alone.
He was quiet for a long time. "She said no to living in your house?"
"And to me buying a bigger one for us to live as roommates," I didn't add for the time being, "and to me getting her her own place. She wants the three of you around her and Art, the pregnancy being sick, it's taken a lot out of her. You can see that." He nods. "I want her to have what she wants but I won't put her in a situation where you and I make her worse with our issues. We set our boundaries, accept them and then we play nice together from then on. Art and her are left unscathed by this."
"Your boundaries are financial?"
"And access to both whilst in your home. An awareness that it may require me to stay there if she needs support-" he goes to interrupt I place my hand slightly up, "support from Art's father, your grandparent support is not the same. An acknowledgment that while you may not like our decisions and may offer advice, that all decisions about Art will be made by Bren and I. You'll also need to accept that I love your daughter I want my life with her. I have messed that up but if she can one day forgive me then you can't stand in the way of that. Let her make her own decisions. If she picks me again let it not seem like a rejection of you."
"And if she doesn't pick you again, if she starts dating, falls in love and marry's someone else? Then what happens, they both have access to your accounts?" While he is speaking I dig my fingernails into my palm in lieu of any physical reaction that he could see, trying for the illusion of calm.
"If Bren decides that then as her best friend I'll support her. Financially, I will support my son and his mother forever. Bren has already indicated that when he has more expenses and when she is no longer living with you she may want to revert to a more traditional child support arrangement. Brenda has never shown any interest in my money, never even mentioned it, I trust her to decide what financial method and support she is comfortable with for both her and Art. This is what will work for us now. We don't want money to be an issue, we have agreed our focus right now is raising our son and college."
"And if you start dating? If you and Kelly get back together, I can't imagine your ex-girlfriend sharing a savings account and a car with you will be okay."
"I have no interest in dating anyone else."
"Didn't stop you last time! You couldn't even give my daughter the courtesy of breaking up with her first before you started seeing her best friend over the summer; so much for the love you were sprouting off about weeks before."
"You're right. A seventeen year old kicked out of the only family they have ever known, threatened with a grotesque charge from an adult they trusted, who had been given the ultimate power over them and their future, the same adult they were told for nearly two years they weren't good enough by. That they were so bad their girlfriend needed to be sent away and they had to be the one to do it. You are right, how didn't I have the maturity to handle it better make better decisions. Especially, when the adults around me where clearly setting such great examples of not manipulating the ones they love for their own advantage and not lying. I mean you have told Cindy and Brenda what you threatened me with, right? The lie you were willing to make up? The way you manipulated me to get what you wanted?" His blank stare is answer enough. "Brenda, Brandon, hell even Steve have earned the right to throw stones at me over that summer over senior year. You though have no right. You lost your moral authority right here in this office when you made that threat."
He's silent for a long time but eventually he pick's up of his pen. It's the only sign that he admits any wrong doing back then. It's a hollow victory. "Is an extra 75% on top of your normal allowance sufficient?" I nod. I don't spend it all anyway so I'm sure it would be fine for the time being and if we need more we will increase it. "The insurance I will add Arthur's name to your's, but Brenda is still covered by my policy. I think until she is back to normal it is best that she remains on the policy in case a new one refuses to pay." I nod. "The car, have you thought of something you would want?"
"The magazines have the Jeep Grand Cherokee as one of the safest cars on the market. It's a little big and has a V8 engine, but I'll take Bren to test drive it. If she is comfortable in it then I think it is the safest option for Art and with the height would give Bren good road visibility." He seemed surprised and maybe even impressed that I would consider my families safety and Bren's comfort.
"I will arrange for any car cheque to be covered, and will add some extra in your account for Art's immediate needs. The payments to my family, Brenda cancelled her College dorm due to the need to take it easy and lived with my mother as I am sure you aware. She used the dorm refund to contribute to meeting my mother's bills and paid any excesses not covered by the insurance with the remainder. From what I understand no one in the family was out of pocket except for gifts. I will not accept any cheque for her college dorm refund. It was money set aside for her education and she used it for its intended purpose to pay for her living expenses whilst in College." I sigh and nod, compromise. "Now this sister?"
I explain the story about Christmas how I though it was a scam at first but then I saw the pictures of Suzanne and Jack together. How it was the year after my parents divorce and well Jack wasn't around much and I was seven I didn't know anything of his life, but the timing works out as Erica is ten and will turn eleven soon. He asks what they are planning on doing, and I explain their story and how Suzanne will be looking for a job this week. How I actually need to go home and babysit my sister so Suzanne can go to some interviews she's managed to line up at some restaurants and stores. He wants to check Suzanne out, it's not something I am comfortable with. We agree though with the potential of them being around Bren and Art that it's important. I just need Suzanne's social security number for the financial background check.
By the time I get home I have calmed down from Jim's button pushing. Though the thought of Bren dating had now taken root in my mind, I don't want another man around my girl and my son. It's a ruminating thought that keeps pushing itself to the forefront of my mind. Walking inside it's obvious that Erica has been stuck in the house all day I assume because Suzanne was prepping for interviews. It makes me think that a backyard is essential for a kid, giving them a space to run, be loud and messy.
While Erica was finishing off a puzzle, I decided I wanted to check on my family so I phoned the Walsh house. After giving her a very brief summary of the meeting which calmed her- the relief evident in her voice, she asked what time was I coming over. I explained I had Erica with me as Suzanne had interviews lined up, but I was hoping that LA traffic wouldn't be too bad and that she would be home by five so I could come over and get a bit of playtime in before helping with Art's bedtime routine. Brenda must have heard the longing in my voice as she invited Erica and I over for the afternoon. It would give her a chance to meet the female McKay and allow me an opportunity to spend time with both my son and my sister. I immediately accepted the offer and within minutes had the house locked up and Erica in the car.
Erica was nervous as we walked up the driveway. "What happens if she doesn't like me?"
"That's not possible because you are awesome so there is nothing not to like, and Bren is the warmest person I know she'll like you immediately." As we made it up to the front porch I knocked, not wanting to use the bell while Art was asleep. Bren opened the door and smiled at both of us.
"Hello you two come on in." As she opened the door wide I ushered my sister into the house. Once Bren has the door closed she sees how nervous my sister is, fiddling and shifting around, she winks at me. "Well you must be the famous Erica that I have heard so much about, hi I'm Brenda." She holds out her hand for my sister to shake as she does Bren continues. "You do know your brother is your biggest fan?"
"Really?"
"Absolutely, he told me everything about you, how you love to read, play music, how you are excellent at board games."
"I'm not really, Dylan is just really bad at them." I bite my lip to keep from laughing and Bren smiles at me knowing I was throwing the games.
"Oh I've played him before he's not that bad so you must be really good. Though the real test is how are you at making cookies? I have a sugar craving and was thinking chocolate chip cookies were needed, I was hoping you could help me make them."
Erica starts to bounce a little and before long I'm in the kitchen watching both of them making cookies. Erica is nattering away to Bren and my patient girl is listening intently. When Art begins to cry through the monitor Bren looks at me.
"You're up Dad. Enjoy diaper duty." I rush up the stairs excited to see my son after twenty-four hours away from him, and after a particularly unpleasant diaper I am moving back down the stairs with him in one arm and the wrapped up nuclear waste bagged and ready for disposal in the other. Bren see's us coming and comes over and kisses our son then takes the toxic bag. "Go introduce Art to his Aunty while I get rid of that." They have finished rolling the cookies onto the tray while I was gone and Erica is now waiting at the table out of her apron with clean hands. I bring Art over and duck down.
"Arthur, I'd like you to meet your Aunt Erica." He begins babbling and she smiles big rubbing his cheek. As Bren comes back in Erica asks.
"Can I hold him?"
"Of course you can sweetheart but let's do that in the lounge room on the couch." I look up at Art's Mum and am hit with a new awareness of how much I love her. She's gone out of her way to spend time getting to know Erica make her feel wanted and apart of our family. As we move into the lounge room Bren places a pillow under Erica's arm to help support Art and then I'm gently placing my son in her arms. Bren is quickly reaching for a camera this time a non-disposable one.
"So you do have a proper camera I was thinking I'd have to add it to our shopping list."
"Haha yes I do but with all it's lenses and the case it's too big for the baby bag, and honestly the disposable one's are better for my baby brain- no fear of leaving them around. Though we should still get one for your place."
Erica who had been focused on Art asks, "Brenda can I please have a go of it?"
"The camera?" Erica nods. "Sure, but let me take a picture of the three McKay's together first."
"I'm not a McKay I'm a Steele like my Mum." She seems disappointed by that.
"Hey you are just like Brenda then, a McKay even without the name." Erica looks up at Bren for confirmation. Crap, I told Bren over New Year's she was a McKay now but she had never confirmed it.
Bren comes over and sits next to Erica on the couch and picks up one of Art's feet. "Well my son is a McKay, Dylan is a McKay, we are a family and that includes his Aunty Erica so I guess we are both going to have to accept that we are apart of the McKay clan. Iris will be pleased she's finally not the only girl in the family."
"Iris?"
"Dylan's Mum."
"I haven't met her."
"No she lives in Hawaii but I imagine she will be coming for a visit very soon." Bren gives me a look of clear expectation. I grumble and agree.
"Fine I'll call but if she tries to explain to me his star chart or any flaky stuff I'm hanging up." She raises an eyebrow. "Well I'm at least tuning out." She smiles at me.
Once the cookies are done we move out to the garden with the a blanket and Erica spends the afternoon trying to show Art how to roll over, taking pictures and playing horse with Bren and I. While Bren is nursing Art and watching our third game of horse, Steve and Brandon come up the driveway. After some surprised introductions they join in on the game and take over while I go to burp my son. When Erica mentions the cookies she made both men abandon the game in favour of the snack. Bren and I move inside to chaperone the snack time, stopping Steve from offering Erica her fourth for the day. While Art makes himself comfortable deciding my chest is the perfect place for nap time Bren cuts up a healthy snack plate for Erica.
"You two are so old now. Come on Bren raw cut up broccoli what kid wants to eat that?"
"I did when I was her age, and Erica does don't you sweetheart?" I'm pretty sure if Bren asked Erica to eat vegetables for every meal she would. My sister was officially a McKay now, she adored Brenda Walsh.
"It's good Steve you should have some." The man child gives a repulsive face as if he had just been offered poison.
Cindy comes in then with grocery bags and is introduced to my sister. It is obvious she is surprised that Art is sleeping on me.
Brandon notices and by his tone I can tell he is still bitter. "I know Mum, Art's preference not to be held for too long doesn't include both his parents." I lean down and kiss my son's head.
Jim's arrival is only slightly awkward but he goes out of his way to be nice to Erica which I appreciate. Art eventually wakes and after another diaper change this time with Erica assisting me we bring him back downstairs.
"Okay baby hog, pass him over." Laughingly I pass my son to Brandon who moves him over to the new blanket set up on the floor to play in the lounge room with him. Steve and Erica are close behind them wanting to get in on the fun, leaving me to sit on the arm of Bren's chair while Jim and Cindy take the couch. Unconsciously, I begin to play with the end's of her hair something neither Bren or I register until I notice Jim's annoyed stare. In the interest of keeping the peace I stop, when I notice Bren yawn for the second time I make a comment.
"I thought you said he slept well?"
"Yeah he did it's been a busy few days."
"Why don't you go have a nap I've got him?"
"You sure? You don't have to take Erica back soon for Suzanne?"
"No it's fine I'll call and let her know we will be a little later than what my note said." She nods and goes up the stairs. Fifteen minutes later Art begins to get over playing and start's to complain, not wanting to disturb Bren I quickly pick him up and he immediately calms down. As he starts to eat his fist again I notice the eyes in the room are on me, I choose to ignore the looks. They shouldn't be impressed that I can look after my son I want that to be a given.
Cindy invites us to stay for dinner and I can tell Erica wants me to accept, which I do once Suzanne confirms she is fine with it. As it's beginning to approach Art's bath time I quietly go up to their room. Bren is still sleeping so I move to start his bath, and once it's at the same temperature it was on New Year's I go down to collect him from his grandpa. Jim hands him over and Erica asks if she can help bath him. I agree as long as she is quiet so we don't wake Bren. It doesn't matter though as Art's squealing and splashing wakes her.
After he's dressed, I leave her to nurse while I go downstairs to get her a water and take Erica with me. As we come into the kitchen I ask Erica if she wants to help set the table. I spent nearly two year's eating dinner in this home most nights and even with Bren and I broken up I was still over for dinner somewhat regularly. After setting up Erica with the job I move to grab Bren a water, and make it upstairs in time to see my son begin to fall asleep feeding. Once I have burped him, and Bren and I have tucked him in we go downstairs to join the rest for dinner. Afterwards, Bren and Erica go to bond over a tv show leaving Steve, Brandon and I on wash up duty.
"McKay you are so domesticated, if the girls of West Bev could see the school bad boy now."
"He's right D though it surprisingly looks good on you."
"It feels good on me." I don't mention that it would feel even better if I could get this to be my everyday normal but both would be annoyed to be reminded of my desire for Bren and I to be back together, though maybe more day's like this will show them all that this is what I want.
Erica and I leave soon after, and her excitement over the afternoon and evening is evident from her endless praise of Brenda and her brother's. It does however taper off when we arrive home and Suzanne has been unsuccessful in finding a job. She's worried about money and I think it's a good time to raise the cheque I had made up at Jim's today for her. While she is grateful for the money she is deeply offended by the requirement that I need her social security number. Handing back the cheque she storms off into my bedroom that her and Erica are residing in currently.
The next day she is no better, and I hope by the time I return from car shopping and the bank with Bren she has had time to calm down. Cindy and Brandon are watching Art for us. We start by going to the bank and adding her name to the account, she is freaked by the money that is in there. It's not excessive but as I never use all of my monthly allocated funds, and I never want to feel like I did the summer of sophomore year when I had nothing there is enough in there for a few months of living expenses. Bren raises the issue that it's so easily accessible with just a simple cheque which prompts the account manager to offer further security on the account. There is already a standard ATM limit on the account but cheques over a certain value could require a co-signature from both of us to be paid out. It's unnecessary in my mind but if it makes Bren feel like she doesn't have to guard her cheque book in fear that someone could drain the account I agree. We set a limit that puts her mind at ease without impacting our daily lives.
Car shopping goes well and she likes the Jeep and so do I. The colour is an interesting discussion and we agree that the two tone is too suburban and old for us, a solid bright colour is too showy, so it's down white or black. The black wins as it's in stock and we can pick it up in the morning. After spending a few hours with Art I return home to find a very sullen Erica who tells me they are leaving. She slips me her mother's social security card hoping that would fix it so they wouldn't have to leave. I quickly copy the details and ask her to return it and then go in search of Suzanne. Luckily, it turns out to be a misunderstanding between the two of them. Suzanne just needs to return back to Iowa to deal with some issues there.
Erica is still upset and doesn't want to leave, I offer to take care of Erica here while she returns home. Suzanne is a little hesitant but agrees on seeing how excited Erica is, she warns me she could been gone for nearly a week. It's fine but Erica will need to be registered for school as it starts before Suzanne gets back, and since they are officially staying in LA then she should begin the new semester with the class. Before Suzanne leaves for Iowa the next day we enrol her, but as her primary address is mine and is needed to access the West Beverly school district I need to co-sign all enrolment information. Once Suzanne has completed her parts I fill in mine and on a whim I place Bren's details down as an authorised adult to pick up Erica on the forms in case class runs long next week.
Once we farewell Suzanne, Erica is thrilled to spend the rest of the day with Bren and I, and after Brandon drops us all off at the car dealership and Art's seat is fitted in then we are off baby shopping. A pram is quickly purchased with Brenda and Erica co-pushing. With Brenda's detailed lists it's not long before we are finished shopping with furniture arriving at both residents the next day. Now I just need to get Brandon to help me assemble the crib's.
Bren comes back to Casa Walsh the next day happy with her new doctor, and though he didn't like the slight spikes at the start of the week it has stabilised and maintained it's Christmas readings. He decides to reduce her aspirin to make sure it's not masking any issues.
By the end of the week Art's room at my place is assembled and a single bed is in there for when Erica stays and for me to use when Suzanne comes back until they get their own place. Brenda's room is set up at Casa Walsh, though she has been moving between the two houses during the day more now with the two car's, wanting to make sure before we start back at College Art is happy in both homes. I know my life has completely changed and I'm officially loving it when I open my freezer and I smile seeing frozen expressed milk. It means Art is all set up here and that Bren wants this to feel like his home as much as her parents.
With everything organised and the boundaries holding between Jim and I, she feels confident to phone Donna and set up a Peach Pit lunch with the gang. We arrive a few minutes late, unsurprisingly considering Bren's punctuality, then add a baby and a ten year old who desperately believed she needed her hair platted, and well I'm amazed we are here so early. Brandon and Steve had promised to fill them in on Erica so that they are not shocked by her arrival. Forgoing the pram in such a tight restaurant and with so many of us we choose instead to carry Art. Well I carry Art and the baby bag while Erica insists on holding Bren's hand. The McKay woman walk into the restaurant first with the McKay men behind them. Currently, one of the McKay men has decided that hiding his head in his Dad's shirt is an excellent way to protest being woken up from his short car catnap.
After the welcome backs and introduction of Erica we sit down.
"Is he sleeping?"
"No Silver he is just grumpy that we aren't still in the car so he can sleep." I look down at my son and try and rub his back and then try and encourage him to be a little social. "Hey buddy do you want say hello to Mummy and Daddy's friends?" The pushing out of his bum is his only reply. Bren laughs and leans over and kisses his head.
"Come on buddy you can't hide in your Dad's shirt all lunch." When she rubs her finger down his arm to his hand he relinquishes his hold on my shirt in favour of his mum's finger and then lifts his head to face her. She reaches in and gives him a quick kiss on his nose that leads to a little squeal.
"He's a sucker for your kisses aren't you buddy?" My little tickle leads to a louder squeal of delight, making him turn his body slightly allowing the gang to finally see most of his face.
The aww's from Andrea and Donna are interrupted by the quiet observation from Kelly, "he looks like you."
I smile in delight loving any acknowledgment that this perfect little human is mine, "he does but he has his mummy's eyes don't you buddy?" My little tickle has him squealing again. Art is more awake now so I turn him so his back is against my chest giving the gang a clear view of my son. Bren gives him his new favourite soft rattle to hold well for me and him to hold together, and he begins babbling away to his toy.
When Nat comes over to take our orders and to meet the new McKay family members Bren organises Erica. "What do you feel like sweetheart?"
"Can I have a milkshake please?"
"Sure but a small one. Chocolate?"
"Yes please, and can I also have a tuna melt and fries?"
"How's about a tuna melt and a salad, and I'll steal some fries off Dylan's plate for you?"
My sister smiles, "he's not going to like it, he grumbled last time you did that."
Bren leans in a mock whispers to her, "why do you think I keep doing it? It's half the fun." I roll my eyes and order a mega burger with extra fries. Erica and Bren laugh.
"Okay McKay hand over baby McKay you've hogged him enough." I laugh and stand up lifting Art over the table to pass him to Steve who is sitting between Donna and Andrea. Both instantly only have eyes for Art. "He's a chick magnet. I'm taking him out on campus next week with me, he can be my new wingman."
"Isn't that false advertising, I mean you won't be able to make such a cute kid?"
"McKay are you saying my kid's won't be as good looking as yours?"
"Steve checkout the genetic pool," I point between Bren and I, "I can't wait to see what our daughter will look like."
Brenda shakes her head as Brandon with slightly a little less heat says, "Dylan!"
Bren is exasperated, "seriously, do you have to stir them up everyday?"
"Yes. It's punishment for them hiding the bolts on the second crib, making me panic for half an hour thinking that I couldn't assemble it."
"D, how many times do I have to say it wasn't me?"
"B, you had to have been Steve's accomplice as he didn't go near the box." Just then Steve flicks his eyes to my left and I turn to see someone who has found their hands very amusing. I flick between the two of them, I then reach out and tickle her sides. "It was you, the mother of my son making me get all stressed?" Her laugh turns into a cry for mercy. Art turns to face us and giggles loudly.
"Erica save me." My sister jumps in then and comes over and starts tickling me. Giving Bren the opportunity to get away.
"Hey where's the loyalty?" As I grab my sister in a bear hug stopping her assault.
Before she can respond Bren declares the need for the bathroom with her patent baby bladder, and rushes away. As I'm teasing my sister for not having my back Kelly excuses herself. Ten minutes later the food is arriving just as Kelly and Brenda are making their way from out the back. Bren is rubbing her head, when she's a few feet away I ask, "Baby you okay?"
Her voice has lost it's previous spark and she sounds tired, "yeah I'm fine, a headache just came on must be all the excitem-" she faints before she reaches us.