Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. I appreciate it.

Also, I'm fuzzing the numbers a little bit regarding what week we are in Amanda's pregnancy for narrative purposes. I've been using due date calculators but decided to go with the writer's prerogative. It's close enough.

Chapter 87: Braxton Hicks?

Mandy Cakes: Good news, Betty quit. [6 confetti emojis, seven champagne popping emojis, seven smiling emojis, and one happy tears emoji]

Hilda: Oh, thank God. [Smiling emoji]

Justin: [Streamers emoji

Fashionista Marc: [confetti emoji]

Ignacio: Finally, I've been so worried about her. I hate what her boss has been putting her through.

Monique: Please tell me she's taking over UK Diversity Business. We need a replacement EIC badly; nobody over there can be moved up to take over the position permanently. The interim EIC is barely keeping his head above water, and I think I will have to fix half the issue from New York myself if Daniel is on Maternity leave.

Ignacio: She would be happier at a magazine like that.

Mandy Cakes: Unfortunately, there is still the stupid no-compete clause. On the car ride, she did mention she now has time to work on the book for the kids.

Monique: I know a publisher.

Monique: That's not me. I think she could be successful as a writer of children's books. I even have a few contacts in the UK.

Hilda: Yet you post your stories on the Internet for free.

Monique: That's like knitting. It's a stress-relief activity. I haven't done that much of that since Jamie was born. I have three works in progress that I haven't touched in two months. With everything going on, I will probably not post again until January.

Fashionista Marc: Having a kid is a valid reason not to post. At least, that's what a few of my reviewers told me.

Monique: Yes, but Jim and Spock were just about to get together in two of those stories. It was the worst time for a long hiatus.

Hilda: Can we talk more about how my sister is doing? Should I call her?

Mandy Cakes: Tomorrow. It's been a really long day. We also may have been accosted by the paparazzi on the way out of the restaurant.

Ignacio: Did you pretend to be dating again? Next time you do that, can you give me a little warning? I have been getting text messages from the family in Mexico all day. My niece woke me up with a 5 AM phone call about it.

Mandy Cakes: Maybe a little. But that's because the photographer worked for Victoria. Sorry, I'll text you if we need to do that again.

Ignacio: Thank you. How are you feeling?

Mandy Cakes: I'm okay. I know I am pretending, and Betty only sees me as a friend. Which is better than other relationships I've been in. My emotional needs are being met, at least. There are toys for everything else. At least they will never abandon me.

Fashionista Marc: At least not until the batteries die.

Ignacio: I mean with the twins physically.

Mandy Cakes: I am dealing with those weird Braxton Hicks contractions. One hit during the middle of dinner. Thankfully, I haven't had any for the last hour. I am hoping for a bit of a reprieve.

Mandy cakes: At least not a really bad one. I've been having some less intense ones. Those are a little more regular.

Hilda: Keep an eye on that.

Monique: I agree with Hilda. Britney had pains like that for a while but still came to brunch because she thought it was no big deal. Although her water breaking did keep the situation with my ex-brother-in-law from escalating even worse because I was about 30 seconds from punching him. You do not put your hands on my baby nieces.

Ignacio: Let us know how the doctor's appointment goes. I assume Betty's able to go now? She's been sad about missing your appointments.

Mandy Cakes: Yep. Betty was thrilled when she realized that no longer working for Lindsay meant she could come to my appointment.

Monique: I'm glad she can be there. Let me know if I need to put Marc on the same flight as Spencer tomorrow.

Fashionista Marc: I'm packed and ready to go. I'm sad that Cliff will stay behind for now because my mom is screwing with the custody situation.

Monique: The lawyers are already working on fixing that.

Mandy Cakes: Spencer is leaving tomorrow for London? Marc, you're coming now?

Monique: Since you're having contractions, I thought getting Spencer there sooner rather than later would be better. Marc is helping Daniel handle the necessary EIC functions for London and Paris Fashion Week in case you deliver during the middle of it. I think they're planning to trade off handholding duties, which is something Daniel's co-EIC cannot do.

Mandy Cakes: I'm not in labor.

Fashionista Marc: Yet.

Monique: Close enough [shoulder shrug emoji]

Hilda: I thought the same thing and almost delivered Justin in third-period math.

Justin: I didn't need to know that.

Hilda: We got to the hospital on time. Barely, but we got there.

Ignacio: Your teacher was an idiot and thought you were faking when your water broke. Your mom wanted to sue the school.

Monique: On that note, listen to your body and your doctor. We'll talk more in the morning. I want to know how things go first thing, even if it is ridiculously early here in New York.

Mandy Cakes: Will do.

Mandy Cakes: I have to go. Christina has decided that we will have boozy ice cream Sundays to cheer Betty up. Mines will be a regular root beer float. But I'm not missing that.

Xxxx

September 21, 2010

Betty was happy that Christina was here after she quit her job yesterday. She was the one who cut her work phone off and handed it over to Daniel. Her fiancé plans to return the phone to Lindsay at the first show he sees him at. That way, Betty won't be tempted to respond to Lindsay's messages. The ones on her personal phone were enough. She's deleted them without reading them. She was done.

When they returned from the restaurant, they had vast quantities of ice cream and alcohol and brainstormed about what Betty could do next. Amanda still pushed the children's book, and Betty liked that idea. Christina suggested she start blogging again, and Daniel explained that the no-compete clause did not cover that. He pointed out she definitely would have a lot of exciting things to talk about right now, which was very accurate. Christina was confident she would do well wherever she landed. That made Betty feel a lot better about quitting her job. At least this morning, she didn't wake up in tears. Besides, she had a baby appointment to look forward to.

What she did not look forward to was saying goodbye to Christina again.

"It was such a good time for you to visit. I'm sad that you have to leave so soon." Betty said, pulling her best friend into a hug.

"Unfortunately, I need to get back. I have a meeting with the divorce attorneys tomorrow." Christina said sadly.

"I'm so sorry about that."

"It's okay, it will be over soon. Although I regret not filing in New York because it would have been simpler there." Christina explained.

"Let us know if you need help with the lawyers. I know a lot of them now in multiple countries." Daniel offered as he grabbed Christina's bags to take to the black cab waiting to take Christina to the train station. "Anything to help my almost baby brother."

"I appreciate the offer. I may take you up on it. Is the car already waiting outside?" Christina asked.

"Yes. I'm sorry we can't drive you to the train station, but we must get to Amanda's appointment." Betty was already worried that they were going to be late. They needed to leave five minutes ago, and Candy still wasn't there to pick up DJ to take him into the Mode offices. Last night, they decided that DJ did not need to be there for this checkup. He was happy about that. He's also pleased that Candy was late because it means more time with baby William.

"It's fine. It's more important for you to be there with Amanda at the doctor's office." Christina said as she walked over to hug Amanda.

"I am so glad I got to see your show. It was terrific, and I want at least three of those dresses once I'm no longer baby fat."

"You're not fat; you're just pregnant. You're gorgeous." Daniel said from the front steps.

"I look like a giant elephant. A stylish giant elephant, but an elephant." Amanda said, pulling out of the hug.

"It will be worth it, though, in the end." Christina grabbed William from a very reluctant DJ.

"I have a meeting in London in early November, so I'll be back soon and can visit with the babies," Christina told everybody.

"I look forward to it," Betty responded.

"I'm looking forward to spending more time with baby William," DJ answered.

"You're his new favorite babysitter, and I wish I could take you with me," Christina replied.

"I think the grandparents would object to that unless you gave the money." Daniel joked.

"We'll see you soon," Christina said as she got into the car with William. Only one tear rolled down Betty's cheek as Christina pulled away.

Xx

Matt #6: Have you seen the doctor yet?

Daniel Amanda line 2: It's not even 3 AM yet where you are. Why are you still up?

Matt #6: I couldn't sleep. I am worried about the twins. Is Amanda still having "not real" contractions?

Daniel Amanda line 2: They're getting more rhythmic and painful. I'm convinced they're actual contractions. We will know more in about an hour.

Matt #6: Let me know as soon as it's over.

Daniel Amanda line 2: We will.

Matt #6: Hey, this is Corey. For Matt's sanity, I am going to put his phone elsewhere and try to get him to go to sleep. If something big happens, text me. I know you have my work cell phone number.

Daniel Amanda line 2: Good luck. Will do.

XX

Daniel always found Dr. Sawyer's office peaceful. At least more relaxed than Amanda's old doctor back in New York. They should've realized something wasn't quite right with her. Daniel is sure the woman being his sister's ex-girlfriend didn't help the situation. Dr. Sawyer felt different, in any case. The fact that she was a private doctor in London may have had something to do with that. Daniel was getting used to living in a country with government funded healthcare, but they decided early on that it would be best for Amanda to have a private OB/GYN. Daniel was glad he went with his number two's recommendation. Dr. Sawyer was wonderful.

"It is good to have you back, Amanda." Dr. Sawyer said as she walked into the room." Amanda was already sitting on the table in her paper gown. "I see you brought another friend." The doctor pointed to Betty.

"This is Betty, the twin's other mommy." Daniel could see Betty twitch at that, but she didn't correct Amanda. "She is Daniel's fiancé. Betty is also my other coach." Amanda explained.

"It's nice to meet you finally." Dr. Sawyer stated, looking at Betty.

"I'm glad I could finally be here," Betty replied.

"It's not her fault she wasn't here. Betty hasn't been able to come before because her boss is a dick." Amanda explained. "Thankfully, she quit last night because he tried to send her to Barbados even though I'm extra pregnant right now. I feel like an elephant."

"That's to be expected at this stage in your pregnancy. How are you feeling?" The doctor asked Amanda.

"Like I'm fighting for the last pair of Prada shoes during the closet clean out, and the other girl keeps stabbing me in the back with a stiletto every 10 minutes," Amanda explained.

"That's the first time I've heard that description, but it feels accurate. Anything else?" Dr. Sawyer asked.

"I also know I am 36 weeks right now, not 40."

"Technically 35 ½ weeks." Daniel corrected.

"So, you decided to come clean finally?" The doctor asked, turning to Daniel.

"I figured it out after last week's appointment where you said you wanted me to go past my due date."

"I'm glad you know. It's important that you know your actual due date in case something is wrong. How I would treat you at 35 weeks is different than I would treat you at 39 weeks." The doctor explained.

"Good to know. I have to ask, is Matt's mom paying you off?" Amanda asked. Dr. Sawyer looked very concerned at that question.

"She did that to my previous doctor in New York," Amanda explained at Dr. Sawyer's perplexed expression.

"Although in her defense, my sister was her ex. And it ended badly." Daniel added.

"It couldn't have been that bad if Alexis handed her picture to her surgeon for her facial feminization surgery." Amanda pointed out.

"My sister is transgender," Daniel explained.

"I am aware." The doctor answered as she put on a fresh pair of gloves. "OK, let's do a quick examination. Are you comfortable with everybody staying here?" Dr. Sawyer asked.

"Betty was my roommate for over a year. She's probably seen my maracas more than Daniel." Amanda joked.

"She liked to watch TV in the nude often," Betty added.

"I like to be comfortable watching TV, and I'm more comfortable naked. Before, I had a giant baby body." Amanda explained.

"You're still beautiful. You're just growing our babies." Daniel responded quickly.

"You're good at this." Dr. Sawyer commented.

"Half the decade in the fashion industry helps. It's not all wrecking self-esteem and triggering eating disorders. There is some affirmation of beauty in there." Daniel joked.

"Oh, I just remembered one more thing. When I woke up this morning, my underwear was wet and not the same way as if I had a sex dream."

"Okay will check to see if your amniotic sac has ruptured. It's possible. Your comment about being stabbed in the back with a stiletto every 10 minutes earlier makes me wonder if you could perhaps already be an active labor."

"It's more like every seven minutes now. I'm not sure this is still Braxton Hicks contractions," Amanda added.

"We will determine that." With that, the doctor started her examination.

Xxx

Daniel Amanda line 2: Hey Matt, we just got out of the doctor's appointment a few minutes ago. When you wake up, call me. Things went okay, but it will be easier to update you over the phone instead of text messaging.

Daniel Amanda line 2: Cory, if you read this first, I will wait a while before I text you. At least until it's a decent time of the day in New York.

Xxx

London Betty: Hey, we just got out of Amanda's baby checkup. You should get on that 9 AM flight.

Fashionista Marc: It's now a 9:55 AM flight. Obviously, something happened during the checkup. Is Amanda in labor?

London Betty: She's leaking amniotic fluid.

London Betty: One of the twins is anyway. They're checking her into the hospital to keep an eye on her. The doctor thinks it's likely that Amanda will deliver within the next 48 hours.

Fashionista Marc: That's not good.

London Betty: The doctor says it is normal this late in the pregnancy for twins. But they still need to watch her. They wanted her to at least go make it to 36 weeks and she's a little short.

Fashionista Marc: I am getting dressed now and will start making my way to the airport. Give Amanda my best.

London Betty: I will. I'll keep you updated.

Fashionista Marc: Do I need to text anybody else? I think Monique would be up this early, giving Jamie their bottle. I'm up this early because baby girl refuses to give up her 4 AM bottle, and it was my turn.

London Betty: Daniel already sent a text to Matt, but he hasn't responded yet. Daniel is texting his co-EIC now. However, if you can let Breanna and Monique know, that would be good. Amanda was supposed to text message Monique after the appointment, but is obviously not able to at the moment.

Fashionista Marc: I can do that. What about your sister and Justin?

London Betty: I'll take care of them next. Or maybe when it's a better time in New York. I just wanted you to know in time for you to get to the airport.

Fashionista Marc: I already decided I was going regardless, but now I'm getting to the airport extra early.

Fashionista Marc: and my assistant, already anticipated this and booked a town car. I have just enough time to pack.

London Betty: Good.

Xxxxx

Boss: Hey, can you do the 11 AM fashion show? Dr. Sawyer is checking Amanda into the hospital. She's leaking amniotic fluid.

#2 EIC: Of course. Natalie, Candy, Charlotte and I already had a contingency plan in place.

Boss: I'm glad you plan ahead.

#2 EIC: Do I also need to do your 2 p.m. show? I can have Charlotte do the one I was going to go to. Natalie is already booked for another show at that time. I can have Charlotte do all my shows, and I'll do yours. Or Natalie can do some as well. We will work out a schedule.

Boss: I will make a few appearances this week because we don't want Victoria Hartley to realize that Amanda is having the twins. I don't want her to show up to the hospital and try to suffocate them with a pillow.

#2 EIC: A part of me feels that's not hyperbole. Is she mad that you turned out to be the father of the twins?

Boss: More like highly relieved. She also hates Betty, so we all have many reasons to avoid her. Ask Candy for more details.

#2 EIC: Don't think I won't. You seem to be making yourself the sacrificial lamb.

Boss: One does a lot to protect their family.

#2 EIC: That's true.

#2 EIC: Would you like DJ to stay with us for a couple of days? I know the kids would love for him to be there.

Boss: That would be great. DJ has a whole lot of complicated emotions about the twins. I think hanging out at the hospital the entire time would not be good for him. That's part of why I asked Candy to bring him to work today.

Boss: That and he needs to spend quality time with his tutor.

#2 EIC: Understandably, he has mixed emotions about the babies. It's hard going from being an only child to having siblings. And your family is a little on the complicated side.

Boss: Technically, DJ has a five-year-old sister.

#2 EIC: That he met for the first time this summer. Also, didn't he run away after finding out?

Boss: I think he did. Honestly, he's ran away a lot. That's kind of how we met.

#2 EIC: When your ex-girlfriend is not in labor, I want to hear that story.

Boss: I promise I'll tell you.

#2 EIC: Do you want me to tell DJ you're not coming in, or will you call him?

Boss: I will call DJ in a few minutes.

Boss: I need to text a few other people first.

#2 EIC: I'm sure you do, especially your mom and sister. Is your mom coming for the birth of the twins?

Boss: She can't come up before Christmas. But she's looking forward to the visit. Too much stuff is going on with the magazine in New York.

#2 EIC: It's unfortunate she can't come now, but it's good that she's coming later. Charlotte just agreed to do all my shows. Don't worry about today. We will come up with a good reason why you're not there that doesn't involve you having a kid.

Boss: Thank you for that.

Boss: Marc is coming in from Mode US. We are planning to split fashion week and Amanda duties between us. However, I have no idea when he's getting here. I'm sure Tamika will send an email later.

#2 EIC: I will have our assistant call his assistant. Do you want me to tell Candy what's going on?

Boss: Yes. She will need to take DJ back to the house to get some clothes. She also needs to know why her roommate isn't coming home.

#2 EIC: She's okay with taking DJ to get some clothes at lunchtime. Candy wants to know if she needs to bring the baby readiness kit to you?

Boss: Yes. We thought this was going to be just a routine appointment. We didn't know to bring the baby go bags. There are also premade lunches in the fridge. The food is questionable at all hospitals, so I would be happy if she brought that.

#2 EIC: Candy will take care of it. Don't feel bad about not being prepared for this. It happens sometimes. Also, at least Amanda's water didn't break during yesterday's Christina McKinney show.

Boss: That would not have been good. Christina delivered William at February Fashion Week last year. I don't think she would want the same thing to happen at her show.

#2 EIC: Another story I want to hear. Also, that should be in the article.

Boss: Talk to Charlotte. DJ is texting me. I have to go.

Xx

DJ: Is Amanda in labor?

Daniel: Yes, sort of. How do you know that?

DJ: I overheard Candy talking to Rayan's mom. Am I going to be staying there for a couple of days?

Daniel: Yes. I figured you didn't want to camp out at the hospital. However, this private room has a sleeper sofa that Betty and I will share tonight.

DJ: No, I do not. Although, I do want to meet the twins when they get here.

Daniel: We're still not 100% sure Amanda will deliver soon. We just got to the hospital. They're going to do more tests. But I promise someone will bring you here once the babies are born.

DJ: Keep me posted.

Daniel: Will do.

Daniel: Hey, can you look up Cory Hunter's phone number? I don't have access to the company directory right now. I thought I saved it on my personal phone, but I didn't.

DJ: Checking now.

Xxxx

EIC UK Mode: This is Daniel Meade, the head of Meade Publications Europe. When it gets to be a decent time in New York, call me. We need to move up the timetable for the exploratory meetings regarding Player UK.

EIC UK Mode: Certain things are moving faster than planned, and we need to move up the trip to London to next week. I no longer plan to attend Paris Fashion Week and will be available to host you and your colleagues.

Player Cory: I thought that could've been a possibility. I'll discuss this with my colleague and get back to you shortly.

Xxxx

PI team Tiffany: This is Jerry. I just wanted to let you know that we might have had a breakthrough. A little before twilight, a have submerged van matching the description of the car Tiffany was last seen, then was found about three hours away in Pennsylvania. I am dispatching the team. Give me a call when you get up.

Vivian: I am up early to meet my yoga instructor. I am calling now.

To be continued…