Hope for All- chapter 13
Disclaimer- When Harry Met Sally came out in 1989 but they are still in 1988... couldn't fit another movie for what I was going with so... thankfully it's fiction!
The days after Christmas were filled with relaxation for the family. The kids enjoyed their time off from school and slept until early in the afternoon. Normally this would bother Tony, but he was enjoying the quiet mornings just him and Angela. They would allow themselves the luxury of sleeping in as well, but by 10am, they were both up and dressed and sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. A few mornings when the weather wasn't too cold, they would go for a walk around the neighborhood.
The day before New Year's Eve, Samantha and Jonathan came in from hanging out with their friends at the mall. They were both excited as they were both invited to go skiing the following day and into the New Year. They each had a friend in a neighboring family who invited them to go.
"Can we go please?" they both pleaded to Tony and Angela.
Tony and Angela both looked at each other and silently communicated as they often did, agreeing to allow them to go.
"Yes you can both go, but Samantha you need to watch out for Jonathan" said Tony.
"And Jonathan, don't you and your friend bother Samantha okay?" said Angela.
"Yes!" they both said as they ran up the stairs to pack. Just then, Mona walked in the back door from her apartment.
"Well Mother, it looks like it's just the three of us for New Year's Eve. The kids are going skiing. Tony's going to cook us dinner and then maybe we can watch a bunch of old movies in black and white!" said Angela.
"Yes! And I'll make popcorn and I've got a special New Year's Eve punch I'd like to try out! So you in Mona?" asked Tony.
"I'd rather be the diaper on a sumo wrestler" she said as she walked away into the kitchen. Tony and Angela followed her into the kitchen.
"Mother! What, you have other plans? Oh wait, let me guess. Have a hot date?" smirked Angela.
"No dear I don't have a date. I have three actually… and even if I didn't, I would still ditch you two stiffs. You two are about as fun as a root canal" quipped Mona.
"Mona! We are lots of fun aren't we Angela?" shouted Tony.
"Yes Tony we are! You are just going to be missing all the fun around here!" said Angela.
"Ha! The only way the two of you would be any fun is if you did something I would do… and that's not happening so I will catch you all in the New Year… don't wait up…" she said as she walked out the back door.
"Don't listen to her Angela. We are plenty of fun! I bought us some champagne and I am really excited to try out that new punch! I'm going to make us some of your favorite appetizers too. It's going to be a great night!" he said enthusiastically as they headed back into the living room.
The following morning was New Year's Eve. Samantha and Jonathan were up early and packed, ready by 8am to be picked up to go skiing. Tony and Angela were in the living room saying their goodbyes to the kids.
"Ok sweetheart. Make sure you listen to Samantha and bundle up when you are outside! Do you have your mittens?" she asked. "Mom! They're gloves not mittens! Do I really have to listen to her?" he pleaded.
"Yes you do but if she doesn't listen to me right now, you have my permission to not listen to her okay? Samantha, you watch out for him. If you do anything that puts him in jeopardy or goes against my better judgement, you will have to face me. Do you understand?" Tony said sternly.
"Geeze Dad, lighten up. We will be fine. Their parents are going to keep those two dweebs away from us, they promised. But yes I will look out for him okay? Just don't embarrass me dweeb okay?" said Samantha.
They were interrupted by a car honking. Tony and Angela took turns hugging and kissing each kid as they took their bags and headed out the door. They both stood in the doorway and waved as the kids got in the car and pulled away.
"So… alone at last Angela! What are your plans for the day?" asked Tony.
"I'd actually like to get caught up on some work for a new campaign I'm launching right when I get back to work in January. Then I thought I'd curl up with my music and a good book and take a bubble bath before our dinner. How about you?" she said.
"I've actually got some cleaning to do and I'd like to get ahead on some suggested reading for my upcoming spring classes. And maybe a bubble bath sounds good too" he said suggestively as he winked at Angela. "But this time I'll knock first!" he laughed.
"Sounds like a plan Tony. I'll see you later today" she said as she walked upstairs.
A little before dinner time, Tony was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the appetizers. Angela had finished her work and was refreshed from her bubble bath. She came downstairs and followed the delightful smells coming from the kitchen.
"Oh Tony my favorites! Mini quiches, pigs in a blanket, Swedish meatballs!" she squealed as she grabbed one of the quiches.
"Feel free to grab yourself a plate while I pour us a cup of the punch! It's five o'clock somewhere right?" Tony laughed. He grabbed the glasses and the tray of appetizers and headed to the living room. Angela held the door for him and made her way over to the sofa. Tony handed Angela her glass and grabbed his own glass.
"Let's make a toast! Here's to our family… what it was, what it is and what hopefully it will be one day" said Tony as he raised his glass to Angela.
With tears in her eyes, she raised her glass to his as well. "Here's to us… may we both find hope, happiness and… love in this New Year" she said as she clinked glasses. Both Angela and Tony took a sip of the punch.
"Wow! That's some strong punch!" she said as she almost choked on it. "Well, it's got everything but the kitchen sink in it so I guess so!" laughed Tony.
"I better have some more appetizers or I won't make it past 9:00pm let alone midnight!" she laughed as she grabbed some more food.
"Should we see if there are any movies on tv or should we pick from the ones we rented?" he asked.
"How about we see about finding something on tv first, then eat dinner and pick out a movie? That should give us enough time until the New Year's show comes on" she said.
They found an episode of The Honeymooners on tv, while they enjoyed the rest of the appetizers. Tony refilled their glasses with punch. Soon it was time for dinner. Tony had set the kitchen table up for the two of them, with a nice tablecloth, the good china and candles. He made them lasagna with garlic bread and a salad. He poured them each a glass of red wine.
They enjoyed their meal, engaging in random conversations from work to school to where they should take their next family vacation. Angela thought they should try somewhere warm again like Jamaica but Tony wanted to try some place colder like Niagara Falls in the early spring. They talked about how they thought the kids were getting along and if they listened to what they had each told them earlier in the day. Soon, they finished their meals and headed into the living room. Both were more than a little tipsy from the punch and wine.
"I know we said we'd make popcorn to go with the movie, but I don't think I could eat another thing! I'm so full!" laughed Angela.
"Yes me too! How about we start that movie? I've heard really good things about When Harry Met Sally" he said as he started the movie. They both sat on the sofa, closer than they would have normally sat had they not both been drinking. Angela leaned into Tony, while he put his arm around her shoulder.
During the movie, they both couldn't help but think about the similarities between the main characters and each other. They kept stealing glances at one another throughout the movie. Thoughts about men and women being friends was obvious, since they were each other's best friends. However, the idea of just being friends without the romantic attraction and connection was a whole other matter all together. By the end of the movie, Angela had moved even closer to Tony and his grip around her tightened. He passed her the tissues as he knew how emotional she can get.
"So… did you ummm… like the movie?" he asked rather uncomfortably.
"Umm… oh yes, yes I did. It was amazing how long they stayed friends, rather best friends, before they realized they were in love with each other. It's incredible they couldn't see what was in front of them, something everyone else could see but them…" she said as she turned and looked into Tony's eyes.
Tony gulped and nodded, looking back into her eyes. "Love can be blind. Sometimes it's right in front of you and you don't even realize it…" he trailed off before his lips met hers in a passionate kiss. Whether it was the mood created by the movie, the alcohol or the last few months, heck years, they both seemed to release their pent up sexual tension. Finally coming up for air, they smiled at each other, again communicating through their expressions and body language.
"Happy New Year Tony" she smirked. "Happy New Year Angela" he said as the ball dropped in Times Square, neither of them paying any attention to anything but each other.
The next morning, Tony was up and downstairs. He straightened up the living room and was cleaning up the kitchen when Angela came down the stairs and met him in the kitchen. Tony poured Angela a cup of coffee and pulled up a chair with his own cup of coffee in hand.
"Good morning Tony" she said with a smile as she sipped her coffee.
"Morning Angela! Sleep well?" he asked as he took a sip of his coffee, never breaking their eye contact.
"Oh yes, I slept very well. Best night's sleep I've had in months actually. Must have been the punch!" she laughed.
"So Angela, I think we should…" Tony started when he was interrupted by the front door opening and slamming shut.
"Dad? Angela?" Samantha shouted. As they were not expected back for another two days, both Tony and Angela knew something was wrong and ran into the living room.
"This was the worst trip! The dweeb's friend came down with the stomach flu last night! By this morning, their dad caught it and on the way home, their mom got sick. This is the worst!" she shouted.
"Where is Jonathan?" Angela started to say as the door opened and Jonathan stumbled in, holding his stomach.
"I don't feel so good…" he started as he threw up all over the floor and Samantha's feet, causing her to yell.
"Oh my poor baby! Let's get you upstairs" said Angela as she helped him up the stairs to his room to change.
"Okay Samantha don't move! Kick off your shoes and step over this mess. Go upstairs and take a shower. I'm going to get a bucket for Jonathan and then clean up this mess. Put all of your clothes in the hallway and I will do a wash. So much for a happy New Year's Day!" said Tony.
By the end of the night, Samantha was sick as a dog as well. Angela and Tony took turns caring for the kids, making sure they had enough fluids and when they could stomach it, some light food. They were ill for the next couple of days, but were both able to head back to school once the break was over.
By the fourth day, Tony started to feel ill. He spent the next three days in bed. Angela was able to take care of him and the household while he recovered. The worst part for Angela was waiting for her turn. Day after day, she waited for her turn, but each day she didn't get sick. Even Mona who only stopped by for a short while one afternoon, caught the nasty stomach bug. Finally, it caught up with Angela and she was sick for a few days.
After two full weeks of the stomach flu, the family was finally back to normal. Angela was still not 100% but she headed back to work nevertheless. One morning the following week, after being back to work for a few days, Angela walked into the kitchen. Tony and Mona were already sitting at the table eating breakfast.
"Morning Angela! What can I get you for breakfast?" asked Tony. "No thank you Tony, just some juice this morning. I wanted to let you know I called the clinic yesterday and scheduled a meeting to discuss the next steps. I go for blood work this morning and the appointment is on Wednesday. Are you available?" asked Angela.
"Uhh yes sure I'm free. We can drive in together and then I'll drop you off at work. I don't start classes again until the week after so that will work" he said.
"Can I ask you two a question?" asked Mona. Both Tony and Angela looked at each other and braced for whatever most likely inappropriate question Mona would be asking.
"Are you two done with this charade yet? Pretending nothing has changed between you two for the last few months. The looks, the embraces, the very generous Christmas gifts. Don't you think it's time you ditched the blind nun already? Not to mention what happened after the last cycle. Is this really what the two of you want?" she questioned both of them.
"Look Mother. This is between Tony and I so if you don't mind, butt out. No one asked for your opinion, as usual. If you can't or won't be supportive of this decision, then kindly keep your big mouth shut!" Angela practically screamed as she threw her cup into the sink and stormed out of the kitchen.
"Geeze that was a little harsh! She didn't mean it Mona. I think she's just stressed out from work and now starting this process all over again. I'll talk to her okay?" he said as he cleared their plates.
"Good luck Tony. I know my daughter and once she's made up her mind, there's usually nothing to change it. I just hope it's really what you both want…" she said as she left out the back door.
The following evening before the appointment with the clinic, Tony and Angela were sitting down at the kitchen table finishing off dessert. The kids had already left to go finish homework Mona had made herself scarce since Angela's blowup. Tony offered to make some tea, which Angela took him up on.
"I really was too tough on Mother yesterday. She was only trying to help. I guess I should apologize" she said.
"That might be a good idea Angela. You kinda went a little overboard on her… she was just concerned about you" he said.
"Yes I know. And… she was right. Things have changed between us, haven't they? We haven't had the chance to talk since New Years, but a lot has happened over these past few months. What are we to each other Tony?" asked Angela.
"Well… ummm… we are still best friends who mean a lot to one another, who like each other and are trying to have a baby together" he said as he started pick at a loose string on his sleeve.
"Is that it? Just friends? Friends who make out from time to time? Friends who raise each other's kids and potentially one of their own should this process work? Nothing more? You know what Tony? Fine… if that's the way you want it then that's all it will be then!" she shouted as she left the kitchen, leaving Tony alone to wonder what had just happened.
The next morning, Tony was up early making breakfast for the family. He barely slept the night before, ruminating on his conversation with Angela. He knew they were more than all those things he said, they were partners, a couple. They were… in love? Was it love? He'd only ever been in love, real love, once with Marie. Was this love? Yes, it was. This thought was still running in his head when Angela walked into the kitchen.
"Morning Angela! We have some time until we have to leave. Can I get you something for breakfast?" he asked cautiously in case she was still upset.
"Actually Tony, I think I will have some eggs and toast if that's not too much trouble" said Angela. She too had trouble sleeping last night over their conversation. What's wrong with me he can't or won't admit how he feels? Does he love me like I love him? I couldn't bear the thought of being rejected by him of all people. I wish he'd say it first she thought as Tony set her breakfast down on the table.
"Thanks Tony. After we finish breakfast, we should head out" she said as she started eating. Both ate in relative silence, both still deep in their own thoughts. After they were done, they cleaned up and headed to the living room to head out.
In the car, Angela spent most of the time staring out the window. Tony was focused on the road ahead, but couldn't help gazing over at Angela from time to time. Tony found a spot about a block away from the clinic, arriving about fifteen minutes early as usual.
"Alright I guess we should head in…" Angela said as she started to leave the car. Tony grabbed her arm and held her back.
"Wait Angela. We need to talk before we go in. The thing is, I want you…" he said as he put his hand in hers and looking into her eyes.
"I want you… I want you. I want us. I love you Angela. I've loved you for a long time, but I was afraid of losing what we have. You are the most important relationship in my life. I'm in love with you Angela. I want us to be together, not as boss/employee, or as friends or anything else platonic. I want to date you. I want to take you away for a weekend and enjoy being a couple. I want to… I want to ask you to be mine forever and I want you to make me the happiest person in the world by agreeing to marry me. I want to start our lives together with a baby of our own. Heck, the baby can come before all of that if you still want it to, but I had to tell you before we went in" he said, tears forming in his eyes.
Angela was completely overwhelmed with emotions. She started to cry somewhere in between Tony saying he loved her and wanting to marry her and she hadn't stopped since. "Oh Tony, I love you too. I've been in love with you for longer than I can remember. I want all of those things and more. I want an us. I've been thinking this past week of holding off this process. I still want a baby, but something just felt like it was missing, and now I know what it was- it was this, it was us. It was always us…" she said as the tears continued to fall.
Tony reached over and wiped the tears from her face and pulled her as close to him as possible while still being in the car. He leaned in and took a deep breath before letting his lips find hers in a soft but passionate kiss. The kiss ended and they sat there, their foreheads resting on each other.
"So, let's wait on this okay Angela? Even if it's just a few months and then we can go back and try again. Is that really okay with you?" he asked.
"Yes Tony it is… it's time you and I focused on us. Let's go in and tell them okay?" she said.
Once out of the car, they walked hand in hand to the clinic and checked into the lobby. They were practically sitting on top of each other, their new found admission of love setting a burning fire between them. From the outside, they probably looked like a couple of love sick teenagers, but neither of them cared. They were so engrossed in each other that they missed the nurse calling their names. Slightly embarrassed when the nurse called their names a little louder this time, they got up and walked back to meet with the doctor.
Angela and Tony took a seat across from the doctor. The doctor was reviewing Angela's chart and closed it once they sat down.
"It's nice to see you two again. I hope you had a nice holiday and New Year" he said with a smile.
"Yes it was quite lovely. Before we go any further, Tony and I have decided to put off moving forward with this process. Not forever, but just for the next few months or so. I'm sorry if we wasted the appointment time, but we just made the decision a short time ago. I hope you understand" said Angela.
"I see and I do understand. It happens often actually. I was just reviewing your results from your bloodwork the other day. I'm glad you have decided not to pursue this; in fact, I would have recommended you not going ahead with IVF or any form of treatment due to your results"
he said.
Both Angela and Tony looked at one another with a look of terror on their faces. Fears of something being wrong filled both their minds. Tony grabbed onto Angela's hand and squeezed it tightly, waiting to hear what could only be bad news.
Seeing the look of fear on his clients' faces, the doctor stood up and walked around the desk, sitting on the edge of the desk and began to smile.
"The reason I am not recommending you proceed with any treatment is that Angela, you are already pregnant. The bloodwork indicated you are in fact pregnant. Congratulations!" he said.
Tony and Angela sat there frozen, unable to move or process what the doctor had said moments earlier.
"What did you say? Pregnant?" Angela could barely speak the words. Tony was still left speechless, looking back and forth between the doctor and Angela.
"Yes I said pregnant. Your levels indicate you are still in the early stages of pregnancy, probably five or six weeks pregnant I would estimate. Any ideas when you may have conceived?" asked the doctor.
Finally coming out of their trances, Tony and Angela couldn't help the growing smiles on their faces as they both said at once…
"New Year's Eve…"
To be continued…