“That must be some big closet.” Killian says. I laugh as I look around the room. It’s a good combination between functional and comfortable, like they are trying to make all the moms relaxed while they are lying on the bed half naked. There are a lot of machines placed around and I would be lucky if I could tell you what half of them do. The only one I recognize is the ultrasound machine that’s sitting next to the bed.
“So from what I’ve read in your chart, this is your first ultrasound other than the one they did in the emergency room, correct?” The nurse fiddles with the machine bringing the instruments to life.
“It is.” I sit on the edge of the bed wringing my hands together. I’m a bundle of nerves waiting to see my baby, but excited to see her in detail for the first time. I guess I will find out really soon if I should be caller the baby her.
“Okay, well we’re just going to look at the baby first. Make sure everything is measuring up okay and then once that’s done we will move on to see if we can tell the sex of the baby. All you have to do is lay back and relax.”
“Seems simple enough.” I lie back on the bed and lift my shirt, exposing my not so small bump.
“Whoa,” Killian blurts out, gaining him a smack to the arm and a not so nice look from me, but a giggle from the nurse.
Women always say you pop overnight and those words couldn’t be truer. I was growing little by little and then one morning I looked like I’d swallowed a watermelon whole.
The nurse takes a bottle from beside the machine and shakes it before turning it upside down and squeezing warm gel onto my stomach. As she slides the probe back and forth across my belly I turn my head to try and see the screen but I can’t, the screen isn’t facing us so we can’t catch a glimpse of what she’s looking at. I stretch my neck, trying to see if there is any way to see what’s on the screen.
“I will just be a few minutes, once I’m done measuring I’ll turn the screen so you can see your little bundle of joy.” The room is quiet as she continues to move the probe and hit he buttons on the machine. She stops moving the probe, leaning closer to the screen with a confused look on her face. She takes a few more seconds looking at the screen before placing the probe back into its holder.
“Is everything okay?” I’m not sure why she’s stopping. She didn’t show me anything yet and the firm line her lips have formed is making me worried. She turns to me and smiles.
“Yes, everything is fine. I’m just going to run out and grab the doctor for a minute. Just stay put and he will be in to finish your scan.” She quickly leaves the room before I can ask any more questions. I look to Killian. My chest is tightening and it’s becoming harder and harder to breathe.
“Killian, did you see something? Why did she leave, what if there’s something wrong with my baby? There has to be something wrong, right? What if getting drugged did something to my little one and they just didn’t see it earlier at the hospital? It could just be showing now. Oh my God, Killian, if something’s wrong it’s all my fault.” I’m starting to hyperventilate and Killian helps me lay on my side so he can rub my back.
He leans over, talking softly in my ear in a calming tone. “Ava, breathe. You need to calm down. I’m sure there is nothing wrong, take a deep breath in and let it out. Try and calm yourself. The very same thing happened with Aria and it was just because she couldn’t get a good angle because the baby was moving too much. They can’t give you any information on the ultrasound without running it past the doctor first. So even if they know the baby looks healthy, they have to show the doctor first to confirm it, since they aren’t doctors.” Rolling my neck, I concentrate on my breathing. I keep taking calming breaths like Killian tells me to, and the tightness in my chest quickly loosens and my body becomes more relaxed. “Good, Ava. Just keep breathing.”
Looking up into his eyes, he smiles. “Thank you. Not just for calming me down but thank you for being here with me.”
“You don’t have to thank me. We’re friends and friends stick by each other, no matter what.” I love the smile he gives me, there is a look of love behind it but it’s not a look that scares me.
“I know this can’t be easy for you either. I’m sure it brings back memories of you and Aria.” I didn’t even think about what he went through with Aria when I invited him to come, I was just thinking that he would be able to support me.
“It does, but they’re happy ones. I welcome those memories anytime. They help me get through some of the tougher days.” He still has a smile, but now there is a sadness in his eyes, making me grab his hand to squeeze it.
There’s a knock on the door and the doctor walks in with the technician. “Hi Ava, I’m Doctor Cummings. I’m one of the rotating doctors here and wanted to get the chance to meet you in case I’m on call when you go into labor.”
Holding out my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” I say the words but I don’t mean them, my heart is still racing over what he's doing here.
“I saw in your chart that you were in the hospital not too long ago.” He doesn’t turn my way as he looks over the chart in his hand, turning pages as he waits on my answer.
“I was, but they said the baby looked fine.”
“Yes, we have that ultrasound and the baby did look good.” Did? He just said did.
“Does that mean that my baby doesn’t look healthy anymore?” I draw in my eyebrows and bite my lip while looking at him.
“No need to worry, Ava. I’m just going to take a quick look, see what’s happening in there for myself.” The technician is pointing to something on her screen and she refers back to the ultrasound that was sent over from the emergency room. “Well Ava, it seems I have some news for you. This here is your ultrasound from when you were in the emergency room.”
“Okay.” I say looking at the baby’s profile, praying that everything is still okay with my precious gift.
“And this,” turning the monitor so I can see, she points to the image displayed on it. “This is your baby today.”
Looking at the screen horrified, I screech out. “Why does my baby have two heads!?” I feel Killian’s hand squeeze mine, obviously trying to get me to calm down.
Doctor Cummings and the technician laugh at my horror. “Your baby doesn’t have two heads, Ava. You’re having twins.”
“Holy Shit!” Killian spits out. “Pardon my language.” He quickly says.
“How is that possible? I mean I know how but how did they not see that on the ultrasound when I was in the emergency room?”
“You’d be surprised at how often that happens. Babies like to play hide and seek, even when they are in your belly. Your other baby must have been hidden when they did the scan that day. They would have been concentrating on the baby they did see, not even thinking to look for another.”
Every emotion possible floods through me when I see the profile of my babies. The doctor is moving around and freezes the images for a moment. “I’m just going to take some measurements and mark them with baby A and baby B then we will move along to see what you’re having. Your babies are very active today. Look at the arm of baby number two waving saying hello.” Happy tears are sliding down the sides of my face as I wave back to the screen. Killian hands me a tissue and grabs a hold of my hand again, holding it for support. She continues to talk me through each part of the babies’ bodies she’s measuring and assures me that everything is measuring right on track and both babies are looking great. “Okay all set, are you ready to find out what sex they are?”
I nod. “Okay my little Pop Tarts. It’s time to see if your daddy was right.” A pang of sadness floods through me as I think about how happy Dante would have been knowing we are having two babies. Twice the trouble, but twice the love.
The technician chuckles. “I have to say, I’ve heard of babies being called things but Pop Tart is definitely a new one for me.”
Smiling at her, “Her father used to call me that. And he would often refer to the baby as our little Pop-Tart. I guess it j
ust stuck.” I laugh, thinking at how much that damn nickname annoyed me whenever it came out of his mouth and how I would give anything just to have him call me it again.
“Let’s hope both babies cooperate and hold still for a moment so we can get a look.” Dr. Cummings says. After adding more gel, she moves the probe around and freezes the screen. Taking her finger she points between the legs. “Congratulations, baby A is a girl.”
“Lord help us, another one of you running around is the last thing this world needs.” Killian jokes and I laugh through my tears that just keep streaming. I can’t control the happiness that’s flowing through me right now. I can feel the puffiness under my eyes and I don’t even care how bad I must look just now. This is such a blessing and nothing could make me happier.
“Okay, let’s see what baby number two is.” She’s moving the probe and turning it around to try and get a different angle. “Well, baby B is defiantly more stubborn than baby A.” She presses down a little harder on my stomach. “There you go, gotcha!” She freezes the image and once again points between the legs. “It’s a boy. Congratulations! You’re going to have one of each.”
“Of course it’s a boy. It explains the stubbornness. Just like his dad.” I joke through a new set of tears.
“You got that right.” Killian squeezes my hand and I want to turn and look at him, but I can’t drag my eyes away from the images on the screen. All too soon the lights turn on and the doctor rubs a towel across my belly to clean off the gel. She holds out her hand to help me sit up.
“So, other than the very exciting news of you having twins, do you have any questions for me?”
Shaking my head no still in shock. “None that I can think of at the moment.”
“Do you have your next appointment already scheduled?” She is making notes in my files and attaching the printed out copies of the babies.
“I do.”
“Okay then, if you have any questions until then, please don’t hesitate to call.”
“I have a question.” Killian says. “Since she’s having twins should she be exerting herself the way she does. She’s very active being an officer and she works out a lot.” I glare at him, wanting him to turn around so I can let him know how unhappy I am with his question but he refuses to look my way. He’s smart, I’ll give him that.
“That’s a great question. I would say stay healthy of course but limit the activity you do. You can walk but don’t go to any kickboxing classes or do any hardcore training. No one-on-one combat training and things like that of course. Your body will tell you what is too much, but stop before you get there. You are carrying two babies so it’s going to take a lot out of you, so make sure you rest a lot.”
“Okay, thanks.” Killian finally turns towards me, eyeing me sternly. “You heard that right?”
“Yes, dad.”
“Don’t ‘yes dad’ me. I know you, Ava, and I know you’re a hands-on person, but you need to learn to limit yourself. I’m serious, you can’t get yourself into any violent situations.” I see the doctor and nurse silently leaving the room, giving us space to have this conversation in private.
“You do remember what we are trying to do right?” I remind him, my anger getting the better of me.
“Yes, but you don’t need to be doing anything dangerous. Just be careful is all I’m saying.” His voice softens, losing some of the frustration that was there before.
“I know.” I place my hand on his shoulder. “I promise no more throwing or tackling people to the ground, and no more heavy lifting.” Taking my finger, I draw a cross over my heart. Now let’s go get something to eat because I’m suddenly starving and I can officially eat for three.” I say too excitedly as I clap my hands together.
“Okay, but please no more disco fries. I don’t think I can eat any more of those.”
“Oh, I’m getting disco fries and you’ll eat them.” He groans as we leave the office to find the nearest diner.
It’s dark and rainy today and as much as I love days like these, I’m wishing the weather would brighten up some. I’m going to see Sylva today and I’m already dreading it as is, so the weather isn’t helping with my mood. I need to apologize to him and make things right. The bottom line is, he put his ass on the line to the point where it could cost him his job and I pretty much shit all over that with my crappy ass attitude.
I’ve decided not to meet him at his cabin, I’m not sure if he’s going to be there and since I didn’t call or text him to tell him I was coming, I figured dropping in on him would be the best way. I know it’s a rude thing to just drop in on someone but I figured he’s already pissed off at me so why the hell not risk it. I couldn’t risk talking to him on the phone and him telling me not to come, I need to make things right between us.
I’m happy to see his car in the driveway when I pull up and park. His wife, Penelope is outside watering the flowers in the front garden and smiles as she waves at me. Stepping out of the car, I approach her as she puts the watering can down and embraces me with a hug.
“Ava, it’s so good to see you. What a lovely surprise. Sylva didn’t tell me you we’re coming over.” She looks down to my stomach. “Oh dear, you’ve really popped, haven’t you.” She places her hand on my belly.
I bite my lip and pick at my pants. “Well, he didn’t actually know I was coming. I don’t know if you know but I kind of messed up and just wanted to come and apologize to him.”
“Well, that’s a first. Normally it’s him who has to do all the apologizing.” I raise an eyebrow at her, that’s something I never imagined since Sylva is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. “Don’t let him fool you, sweetie. He can be just as stupid as the rest of the men out there. I will give him this though, whenever he manages to get on my bad side, he knows to follow it up with a, ‘I’m sorry, you were right, I was wrong and I love you.’” She smiles sweetly, showing her very obvious love for her husband
“So, he’s kind of ahead of all the other men out there.” I joke.
“Yes, but don’t let him know that.” She whispers to me, looking around like she's sharing a secret.
“Know what?” Sylva asks, coming around from the side of the house.
“Ah, nothing dear. If you’ll both excuse me, I have to run back to the shed to grab some more soil.”
“I can do that for you sweetheart.” He leans over and gives her a small kiss on the cheek.
“I got it. Besides, Ava here has some things she needs to speak with you about.” She shoots me a wink and waves her hand in the air. “I’ll see you later, dear.”
Standing in silence I kick around the dirt on the driveway. “Should we go inside?” He asks.
“Yeah, sure.” I follow him up the stairs and into the house and he heads straight for the living room to take a seat.
“I’m sorry to just show up unannounced.” I take the seat across from him, crossing my legs at the ankles. “I was just afraid if I called first you would tell me not to come.”
“Ava, I would never turn my back on you.” That makes me feel even shittier as I sit here. “How’s your pregnancy going?”
“It’s funny you should ask. I went to the doctor the other day and found out I am having twins.” Placing my hands on my stomach, I pat my belly. There is a crash in the kitchen area which makes me jump, but Sylva is by my side, pulling me into a hug.
“Holy crap.” He pushes me back, holding me by the shoulders as he looks down at my bump. His mouth hangs open and when he goes to reach out and touch my belly I give him the look I’ve managed to master. It says ‘if you touch the belly I will kill you.’
“My thoughts exactly. Dante must have had some super sperm because neither one of us have twins in our family. Well not that I know of at least. Should you check that noise?”
“No, it’s fine, nothing to worry about, but it’s nice to know that even when he’s GONE he’s still a PAIN IN THE ASS.” He says some of the words louder than the rest with a sarcastic tone whi
ch elicits a raised eyebrow from me.
He chuckles nervously before silence falls upon us as we both avoid eye contact. Finally, after a couple of awkward minutes, we both speak at the same time. Sylva laughs and apologizes, telling me to go first.
“I’m so sorry, Sylva. I feel like that’s such a lame thing to say, but I am. You have been nothing but good to me. You’ve put your job on the line many times when I asked you to do unthinkable things and I pretty much repaid you by being a bitch. I failed you as a friend and I feel awful about it. You’ve had my back from the very start and I turned mine on yours when you were just looking out for me. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I hope that one day we can move past this and work on rebuilding our friendship.” I’m pulling at the end of my shirt when I look at Sylva, whose expression is hard to read.
“It’s not fair that you’re the only one apologizing. I was unfair to judge you the way I did.”
“Sylva you have no need to apologize.” I didn’t come here expecting him to say sorry, this one is on me and I own it.
“That’s where you’re wrong. It’s not my business who you have in your life and who you trust with it. I shouldn’t have jumped down your throat with Killian. I mean, you spend the most time with him and if you think you can trust him then I should trust your judgment and not question it. I blew up at you but I was just worried about you and the pregnancy. I honestly felt like I failed you as a friend when you told me you got drugged. I panicked for the first time as reality really set in that Dante wasn’t there to help you. I always felt better knowing you two had each others backs.” He sounds so sincere, like what he's telling me is from the heart.
“So, can we just forgive each other and move on from here? I’m going to need as many friends as possible when these two come into the world.” I ask with a little hope in my tone.
“I’d like that. And Penelope can probably attest to this but I have a tendency of pissing people off. So in the future, when it happens again, and let’s be honest--it will happen again. Can you just remember how much you love me and forgive me?” He’s got a goofy grin on his face and I get up, walk over and pull him into a hug.
Ava's Revenge: (Salvation Series Book 2) Page 15