Little Red

by Trista Jaszczak

  I brush a few strands of hair from her face and, finally her face relaxes

  “Absolutely perfect,” the doctor beams, as she changes out her gloves.

  “Now, this is probably the easiest and best part: the ultrasound.

  We’ll try it on your belly first, make it more enjoyable.”

  She adjusts the gown so Red’s flat belly is showing and begins to squeeze a gob a blue goo onto her lower abdomen.

  She then takes an odd instrument and begins moving it along her belly, pushing the gel along the way.

  A black and white screen flickers with an odd, striped haze, and then she smiles.

  “Well, that could be one heck of a reason why you’re so sick.”

  Red’s eyes move to the screen, looking as clueless as I am.

  The doctor points out two little ball figures that both have a flickering dot in the middle.

  “Those would be your twins.”

  “There’s...” Red pauses.

  “There’s really two?”

  The doctor smiles.

  “There sure are, and healthy, too.

  Two beautiful heartbeats; measuring just over ten weeks.”

  For some reason, even though I have no clue what I’m looking at, I can’t help but to smile

  “I can print you off some pictures, if you’d like?”

  Red smiles and nods as though in a happy little daze

  The doctor grins and begins clicking a few buttons.

  “I think I’m also going to give you something for the sickness, just a little to take the edge off.

  Might make you a little sleepy, but should take care of that pesky nausea.

  The good news is you’ll be able to eat again.” She cleans the goop off Red and begins scribbling a prescription.

  “You can have it filled right in the hospital pharmacy.”

  “Are we free to go?” I ask

  “You sure are.

  Congratulations, and good luck,” she says, before heading from the room

  I look down at Red and help her to sit up.

  “There are two.”

  She grins back

  “Well, if Ian’s theory was right, it’s no wonder you’re so weak.”

  “I really hope this medicine works like magic,” she says, waving the piece of paper around

  I laugh as she gets up to change.

  Part of me swells with pride.

  Part of me fills with terror.

  Twins.

  Of course being a twin myself, I should have known there was a possibility, but with so much on our plates as it is the thought never crossed my mind.

  I’m not entirely sure how to care for one baby, let alone two.

  Somehow it doesn’t take away from my excitement, and I can’t wait to tell my brothers

  * * * * * *

  By the time we make it back to room 214, Red has already chewed one of the tiny white pills and looks more peaceful than I have seen her in weeks.

  I still wrap an arm firmly around her as we walk inside.

  I only smile as I help her to a seat

  “Well?” James says, staring hard at me.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Well, if Ian’s theory is correct,” I start, “there’s good reason why she’s so sick.”

  Their eyes grow large as they stare and wait

  I smile and look at Red.

  “Would you like to tell them?”

  She shakes her head.

  “You.” She smiles.

  “You’re the proud daddy.”

  I grin and reach for her hand as I look at my brothers.

  “We are having…” I pause and look at Red who grins.

  She knows I’m teasing them

  “What?” Ian asks.

  “What are you having?”

  Eli laughs.

  “They’re having a baby, you idiot.”

  Red laughs as Ian makes a face at Eli.

  “I know that, but I mean what? What’s the news?”

  I let out a laugh, “Looks like one shot is all it takes for me.” I give them a wide smile as I hear Red beginning to laugh so hard she has to steady herself on her seat

  Ian gives me a funny look.

  “What the hell does that mean?”

  “That means we’re having twins,” I say

  I feel Aaron pull me into a hug as Colt pats my back.

  Ian bends to hug and congratulate Red who is completely well and at peace

  James gets up from his bed and bends to kiss Red on her cheek.

  “You do realize,” he starts, “once we get back, you’re never being left alone.”

  She laughs and nods

  “We’ll just take shifts,” Aaron says

  She laughs as she gets comfortable again in her seat.

  She smiles, but there’s a little pang of fear and worry that sweeps across her.

  I reach for her hand again and give it a squeeze, hopefully signaling to her that everything would work out perfectly

  James smiles.

  “They gave you something to take, huh?” He laughs

  Red nods and smiles.

  “I feel so much better.”

  “Good; get some rest and some food in that belly.” James says and turns to me.

  He pulls me in for a hug.

  “My baby brother is going to be a daddy.” He gives my back a slap and laughs as he pulls away.

  “You treat that beautiful lady right; raise those boys like we were raised.”

  I hear Ian huff.

  “They’re girls.

  We have been through this.”

  I laugh and give James a nod.

  “I’ll treat her like dad treated mom,” I tell him

  He gives me a smile and another pat to my arm as he turns to Red.

  “I don’t have to tell you to be good to him.” He laughs.

  “I already know how you feel.”

  Her cheeks flush.

  “It’s hard hiding things from you, isn’t it?”

  He laughs.

  “You’re a good fit for him.

  If he ever gives you any grief, you come to any of us.

  We’ll put him in his place.”

  She laughs and nods

  James turns to me.

  “Let’s get the hell out of Kentucky.”

  I smile and look at Red.

  “You ready to go home?”

  She smiles.

  “Yeah, I am.”

  “You sure you can put up with all of us, Red?” I hear Ian laugh

  She gives him a nod.

  “I’ve never had brothers, but always wanted one,” she admits

  Aaron laughs.

  “I’m pretty sure you have six now.”

  I give her a nod.

  “You get me and them; it is a package deal.”

  She laughs.

  “I should be asking if you guys are ready to put up with me, the sick pregnant lady.”

  “Well,” James starts, “let’s hope that medicine works for you.

  It’s not easy hearing you so sick.

  Makes us all feel helpless.”

  I nod.

  “You’ve had us all a little worried.”

  “A little?” James says, shooting me a look.

  “He’s been worried out of his mind.” He laughs.

  “You’ve done something to him, Red.

  Hope you don’t mind being stuck with him.”

  Her cheeks regain some color as they turn a cute shade of pink that’s just right on her.

  “And, you’re pretty much stuck with me, too.”

  I look down at her and smile.

  For some reason, I don’t mind that thought at all.

  I reach down for her hand, and I help her fr
om her seat.

  I bring her hand to my lips and place a tender kiss on the back of her hand as I’d seen my own father do to my mother so many times before.

  Her cheeks flush more, and she smiles as I nod toward the door, “Let’s go home,” I say as we all pile from the room and finally get the chance to leave Kentucky behind us.

  Permanently

  When we finally return to Louisiana, Ethan takes me to my new home immediately.

  I’m excited, but at the same time I’m nervous and scared.

  Not only do I have a track record of losing all my homes, but the only person I’ve ever really lived with romantically was Josh.

  If you can call living in fear on a daily basis living, that is.

  It was more like I was confined to a pink bedroom and left to my thoughts.

  It’s strange to watch the trees go by as he drives down the long dirt road to my new home.

  I have to control my noises as I see that my new home is a large log cabin.

  Huge pieces of tree trunk have been used to construct the exterior.

  My mouth drops completely, and I cover my mouth a moment.

  The large porch is graced by a large chandelier style light over the front door, and rocking chairs and tables line the porch

  “You live here?” I ask

  He nods, pulling the Jeep into park.

  “And now you do, too.” He smiles and hands me a small key ring that has just a few keys on it

  “Ethan, this is…” I stop.

  “It’s so beautiful.”

  “Thank you.

  I’ve always had a thing for cabins,” he admits as he climbs from the Jeep

  I can barely move.

  My eyes are still fixed on the house when he reaches my door

  “I was thinking,” he says.

  “To sort of celebrate tonight, we could build a fire and make some s’mores.”

  I smile as we begin trailing up the steps that have a charming creak to them

  “After a homemade dinner, of course.” He smiles as we reach the front door.

  “This is your home, too.

  The silver key; you first.”

  I stare at him in disbelief.

  My “home.” A real home for the first time in my life.

  A sigh escapes past my lips.

  A safe home.

  I never thought I would see the day.

  It’s overwhelming, and I feel a few tears poke at my eyes as I insert the key into the dead bolt and twist.

  The click lets me know it’s unlocked, and with shaky hands, I push the door open.

  I’m rewarded with an interior as grand as the exterior.

  The walls are truly made from logs.

  Massive logs that are a beautiful amber color and have a delicate shine to them.

  Even the furniture and fixtures have stayed true to the cabin theme.

  Each item seems to be made of the lovely wood and covered in delicate colors.

  As I walk, the hardwood floors give off the settling sound of the wood.

  It’s comforting, and for some reason I feel right at home

  “Do you like it?” I hear Ethan ask

  “Like it?” I ask.

  “Ethan, this is amazing.

  I think I’m in love.”

  He smiles.

  “Think you can live here?”

  I laugh.

  “That shouldn’t be a problem.”

  “I’ve had a few of my guys running my shop for me,” he says, and it’s then that I remember he’s a mechanic; useful information to know when you’re about to move in with someone.

  “So, I will have to go back to work, but James has worked out a plan.

  Someone will always be here with you, just in case you get a little sick.”

  “Don’t the other boys work, too?” I ask

  He nods.

  “Aaron and Colt own a construction company.

  They’re the ones who built this for me.”

  My mouth drops.

  I didn’t see that one coming

  He laughs.

  “Did an alright job, didn’t they?”

  I give him a nod as he continues.

  “Ian has a motorcycle restoration kind of place.

  He fully customized his bike.”

  My eyes grow wide as I smile

  “Don’t you get any ideas.” He laughs.

  “Your bike is here, parked safe in my garage, and that’s where it’ll stay until after the babies are here.”

  I laugh softy.

  “I guess pregnant women don’t ride too much.”

  “And your red jacket is hanging safe in my closet.” He smiles.

  “I had Colt pick it up and bring it here.”

  I smile wide; I’d nearly forgotten my treasured jacket.

  “Thank you.”

  “Very welcome,” he says

  “So, what do the others do?” I question curiously

  “James is an architect, and Trent and Eli own an antique shop here in town.

  Restoration, auctions, they love old things and art.” He grins

  “Wow,” I say.

  “You boys are just jacks of all trades, huh?”

  He laughs and takes my hand.

  “Something like that.

  I like cars, Aaron and Colt like building things, James likes creating them, Ian loves bikes, and Trent and Eli both love works of art.” He beams

  “Where exactly will I be sleeping?” I ask shyly, almost wanting my eyes to move away from his

  “Well,” he says as he leads me up the flight of stairs that have a slight curve in the magnificent wood.

  “The offer still stands to sleep in the room with me.

  But, since I know we’re new to this, I have other rooms if you want.”

  At the top of the stairs, I see we have two choices.

  Go straight into a hallway of doors, or off to the right to a beautiful loft that’s filled with books, movies, a large TV, and one large, comfortable looking fluffy couch

  He laughs.

  “Like it?”

  “Well, if you lose me,” I say, “that’s the first place to look.”

  “There will be plenty of time for you to spend up here.” He smiles as he takes my hand and leads me into the hallway of doors.

  “The master bedroom,” he tells me, urging me inside

  The room is beautiful.

  The bright amber colored logs are accented with only pure whites.

  The bed itself is not only huge but made from large pieces of logs as well.

  There’s a dresser, night stands, even a beautiful hope chest positioned at the foot of the bed

  “The bathroom is right here,” he says, pushing himself off to the left and opening a door to reveal an insanely large bathroom complete with shower stall and Jacuzzi tub.

  “If you want, you can take this room, and I’ll take another one.”

  Suddenly the words hit me.

  For Ethan to take another room feels wrong and less safe.

  I shake my head.

  “I feel safe when you’re with me.”

  He laughs.

  “You feel safe with the big bad wolf?”

  I grin.

  “I told you; you’re not bad.”

  He smiles slightly and looks up at me.

  “I think you’d be the only person to say that.”

  I shake my head.

  “Maggie would say that.”

  He laughs.

  “Alright, Miss Smarty Pants, are you hungry? We can unpack and get settled in later.”

  I nod.

  “But if I’m going to eat, I’d better take that medicine.”

  He nods, taking me by the hand again.

  “We may get lucky tonight,” he
tells me.

  “It being our first night in the house together, they might leave us alone.

  Then again, they may smell the tacos and s’mores, so I can’t promise anything.”

  I can’t help but to laugh.

  Suddenly, I don’t mind the presence of all his brothers.

  They’re fun, witty, and protective - everything big brothers should be, and part of me feels like they’re my big brothers too.

  That’s something that I’ve never felt before in my life

  * * * * * *

  Ethan has kept to his word about making dinner: homemade tacos that I find suddenly hard to resist.

  When I reluctantly push myself away from the table, he laughs

  “Oh, my God,” I say.

  “Those are so good.

  Ethan, you are an incredible cook.

  Thank you so much for dinner.”

  I see his cheeks flush with a little color.

  “Thank you, and hopefully you saved room for s’mores, because once I build that fire, there’s no going back.”

  I laugh and have another drink of tea, swishing my lemon around in the glass.

  When a loud pang hits a backdoor that I’m unaware of, I jump, nearly splattering my tea

  Ethan is quick to relax me.

  “It’s okay; it’s just my brothers.”

  I lean back in my seat as he reaches for a back door.

  Aaron, Colt, Ian, Trent, and James all pile in

  “Where’s Eli?” He asks

  “He’s with Maggie,” Ian answers.

  “You don’t even want to know what they’re doing.

  Animals.”

  I laugh; good to know we’re not the only ones who are the butt of their sex jokes

  “You made tacos,” Aaron says, walking past him

  Ethan looks at me.

  “I told you.”

  I laugh as the boys each reach for a plate and a taco.

  In a matter of a few bites, they’re gone

  “How are you feeling, Red?” James asks, taking a gulp of tea.

  I inspect him for a moment and see that he’s still missing the shoulder sling that he’s supposed to be wearing for a few more weeks.

  I fight the urge to scold him

  “Better,” I say

  “Settling in alright?” he questions, finishing off the last of his sweet tea

  I give him a nod

  “Find the bedroom okay?” Ian laughs

  I fight myself to not throw the flatware at him, but Ethan is quick on his feet, giving him a good whack for me