A Family Affair - First Born

by Marilyn McPherson

  “Dad, I’m sorry. Why didn’t you say?”

  “Jack, I’m sorry too,” said Ellen softly.

  Strangely though, Jack didn’t seem at all displeased. “Her lawyer only served me papers this morning. Apparently the divorce settlement will be quicker than usual if I sign her papers. She’s seeking a dissolution based on fraud.”

  “Fraud,” queried Ellen, confused.

  “Just legal mumbo jumbo,” continued Jack. “Sooner the better if you ask me.”

  “Dad, you don’t mean that. Do you want me to talk to her?” asked Tom. “I’m sure this matter can be sorted out. I hadn’t realised that the situation had deteriorated to this point.”

  “Don’t bother. If I know anything about that woman, I know she lives to take a stand. Her mind’s made up.”

  “I’m sorry, Dad.”

  “I’m sure going to miss her cooking, but not her yapping, or her gossip, or her stories from the club. And I’m not going to miss paying for credit card bills every month. That woman could shop, if nothing else.”

  Jack’s complaining continued on and on, and Kane was starting to feel uncomfortable with the conversation. Given his very recent arrival into the family, it was a surprise that this dirty laundry was being aired in his presence. He wasn’t particularly interested in hearing about Margaret’s love of society gossip.

  Ellen seemed to be thinking the same thing. “Kane,” she said. “Can I get you another drink or something to eat?”

  Kane grinned at her, thankful that the subject had been changed. The two of them just understood each other so well.

  “I’m sure Jack and Tom would like to ask you more questions.”

  Wait. Was she just trying to get out of his presence? Kane replayed the last few sentences in his mind. He didn’t want Ellen to leave the table. What happened if she didn’t come back?

  “Tom – should I order something for the table?” Ellen asked, standing up.

  “Good idea,” Tom said, standing up next to her. He put his hand on her back. “But I’ll do it. You stay here and relax.”

  As Tom left the table, Jack stood up unexpectedly too. “Excuse me for a minute as well. Nature calls.”

  Ellen watched with anguish as he headed towards the bathroom. Kane thought he saw apprehension in her eyes as she turned around to face him. They were alone, but she didn’t want them to be.

  He couldn’t let today be a wasted opportunity. Ellen had to know how much he was thinking of her. “It’s good to see you again, Elle. I’ve missed you.”

  “Don’t,” she cautioned, the colour in her face changing.

  “Don’t what?”

  “Don’t talk to me like that,” she snapped, more quickly this time. Her eyes darted to the tables nearby.

  Kane paused, unsure how to talk to her in this situation. Maybe honesty was the best policy for him. In any case, Ellen needed to understand the depth of his feelings before she married Tom. Kane leaned forward in his chair, and whispered in a voice only she could hear. “I can’t stop... I want you. We belong together.”

  “No, we really don’t,” she whispered back.

  “I don’t believe that. I can’t stop thinking about you, about what we did that night.”

  “I’m going to have to leave if you don’t stop this.”

  Something changed in Ellen’s tone though. Something in her broke. Kane wished he could rewind her expression and watch it again. He needed to know exactly what was going on her mind. There was something she wasn’t saying, but confusion and pain were written all over her face. Maybe she did care for him.

  “If you love me even a little bit, you need to say so, Ellen. Break the engagement. It’s better now than in a year’s time.”

  “I don’t love you at all, not one little bit,” she snapped, looking him directly in the eye. “Do you understand that?” Neither of them said anything, until Ellen looked down, and softly said, “But...”

  “But what?”

  She looked thoughtful, as if she was wrestling with something. “I do need you to do something for me,” she said.

  It must be important, as she was speaking calmly to him once more. “What is it?” he asked, filled with curiosity. He would do anything for her. Didn’t she understand that by now?

  “I need you to come to the doctor with me.”

  “The doctor. Why?”

  “We can talk about it somewhere else,” she said, looking around again.

  It was obviously sensitive, but Kane could see that Tom and Jack were nowhere in sight. “They’re not here. Tell me now.”

  Ellen stared at him with a fierce determination. “I said no.”

  “Well then, I won’t come,” he threatened. Of course it wasn’t true, but he couldn’t stand having to wait a moment longer.

  This time she glared at him.

  “Tell me now,” he pleaded.

  She took a deep breath, defeated and sad. “We need to rule you out of something. I’ll need you to do a blood test.”

  Kane took a second to understand, and then stared at her stomach. She was pregnant with his child. Feelings of elation rushed through him. “You do belong to me.”

  “No. How many times do I have to say it?”

  “You’re pregnant though, aren’t you?”

  “Keep your voice down.”

  “Are you?” he asked again, this time more softly, understanding the delicacy of the situation, and playing along.

  “Yes.”

  Why hadn’t she broken off her engagement yet? “Does my dear brother know?”

  Ellen shook her head.

  Kane’s heart and mind leapt ten feet in the air. He could tell from the look on her face there was a very good chance that Ellen was carrying his baby. But maybe it was Tom’s. She obviously didn’t know. “I’ll come along if you promise me one thing, Ellen.”

  “What’s that?”

  “If it’s my baby, choose me, not him.” He could tell by her expression that she was giving due consideration to his terms.

  Chapter 16

  After the doctor called their names, Ellen quickly led Kane from the waiting room into the doctor’s private consulting room.

  To ensure she wasn’t recognised by anyone, Ellen dressed in tracksuit pants, and a polo top, and bundled her hair under a cap. She looked a bit scruffy, but wouldn’t be readily identified. She was just a normal person attending a regular doctor’s appointment. Unfortunately, Kane hadn’t taken similar precautions. He was dressed immaculately in jeans, and a tight-fitting shirt, which hugged his torso. He was attracting the attention of every adult female eye in the room. Even the receptionist herself appeared to be monitoring his every move.

  “Good morning, please take a seat,” the doctor said, indicating towards the two chairs in front of his desk. “What can I do for you today?”

  Ellen removed her sunglasses, but kept her hat on.

  “We’re pregnant, doc,” Kane said, almost proudly before she could say anything.

  “Congratulations,” said the doctor, looking at the two of them.

  Ellen shot Kane a frustrated glance. It would be better if he let her do the talking. His attitude and tone suggested them to be a couple, and she didn’t want the doctor thinking that. It didn’t seem to matter how many times she told him that she loved Tom, he continued to believe their relationship would one day become permanent.

  Kane had been wearing a dopey expression of hope all morning. He actually seemed to think the paternity of the child would change the status of their relationship by itself. The truth was - it would change nothing. Ellen loved Tom, and she was quickly growing to despise Kane. His new relationship with Tom certainly complicated the situation, but nothing more.

  “Do you know how far along you are?” the doctor asked Ellen.

  Ellen took a deep breath. “I’m about six weeks I think.”

  “We’ll need a blood test to confirm everything, and to check your vitamin levels too. Have you chosen an obstetrician yet,
and worked out where you will deliver?”

  “Um, no,” admitted Ellen. “Not yet.”

  “We need to talk about a scan as well.” The doctor started making some notes on his note pad.

  Ellen didn’t know how to say it, so decided to blurt the words out quickly. “Um, the reason we are here is because I’m not sure who the father is.”

  “I see.” The doctor sat up in his chair giving Ellen his full attention.

  “The baby could belong to either of two men.”

  “Go on. Is Kane here because he is one of the two men?”

  “Yes. And I...” Ellen paused and started again. “I mean we... need to know whose baby it is.”

  “Well, the paternity of a child can be easily determined once the child is born. It requires taking a cheek swab from both of the men involved, and the child too of course.”

  “We would prefer to know now, if possible,” Ellen said.

  The doctor stared blankly at Ellen for a few seconds. “I see. One moment.” He turned to his computer screen, and started to type some words into a medical search engine on his desktop. “Ah, yes.” He read some material and then turned around to face Ellen and Kane. “There is a test which can be performed while the baby is in utero, however, this is not a test that I, or any other doctor would recommend for you at this stage of the pregnancy. There are a number of risks associated with it. Paternity tests are much easier and safer if we wait until the child is born.”

  Ellen frowned, upset about the situation she found herself in. How could she have let this happen? She knew the doctor was thinking that she was a bad person. But if the child was Kane’s, then she needed to tell Tom prior to the wedding. He needed the opportunity to leave their relationship. She gathered her courage and looked at the doctor directly. “It is critical that we establish paternity now.”

  “I see, and you understand that my recommendation to wait until the baby is born is for the health of the unborn child?”

  Ellen was silent. It was hard to say anything when he put it like that.

  “We understand that there are risks, doc,” said Kane speaking up. “But we wish to proceed with the test.”

  Ellen’s annoyance with Kane subsided momentarily, as she registered his gesture of support.

  “Very well. I will provide you with a referral for this test, but I would encourage you to think more about the options available, including waiting until the child is born.”

  Ellen dropped her eyes, not able to maintain eye contact after what they had asked for.

  The doctor started to type some information into his computer, and soon printed out a referral to a clinic in the city. Ellen knew the address.

  “You will need to make an appointment, and ideally the other potential father of the child should attend as well.”

  Ellen shook her head at the doctor.

  He seemed to understand her reluctance. “I see. If the second sample cannot be provided, the clinic will only be able to compare the child’s DNA with Kane’s. They may or may not be able to establish paternity conclusively.”

  Ellen knew that if Kane wasn’t the father, then Tom was. There were no other options. “I understand, doctor.”

  “There is some useful information for you to read about the test on the website.” He circled a web address on the referral. “I would recommend reading more about this procedure before making the appointment. The clinic will also explain the risks to you on the day, and require you to sign a consent form. Now, is there anything else I can help you with today?”

  “No.”

  Kane shook his head also.

  “I recommend you find an obstetrician this week, as you will need a scan shortly to check that everything is going well. Here is another brochure for you.” The doctor handed Ellen a brochure titled Mother’s Health during Pregnancy. “It explains the vitamins you should be taking, and which foods to avoid eating during pregnancy. And here is a pathology request form. Please have a blood test taken as soon as possible so we can identify any issues that require follow-up.”

  “Thank you, doctor,” said Ellen. “I do have another question.”

  “Yes.”

  “How long until the paternity results are known?” There wasn’t much time. The wedding was only two weeks away.

  “You should make another appointment to see me one week after your appointment with the clinic. That should be enough time. We can discuss the results then.”

  “Thank you, Dr...” Ellen said, looking down at her slip of paper. “Dr Walsh. Thank you very much for helping us with this matter.” Now that she had the referral in her hand, Ellen was feeling genuinely appreciative of the man’s assistance. It had been a difficult conversation, but it was now over.

  “Thanks, doc,” added Kane, more casually. It was apparent that he hadn’t felt any discomfort by this conversation.

  They left the medical rooms quickly, not saying a word.

  Ellen turned to face him when they reached the car park. “I’ll give the clinic a call this afternoon, Kane. Are there any days or times you can’t be available?”

  “I’ll be there. Just call me when you have made the appointment.”

  “We need to do this as soon as possible. Tomorrow or the next day I think.”

  Kane nodded. “I’ll do whatever you need me to do, you know that.”

  “Thanks,” said Ellen, not wanting to admit to herself that he was actually being quite good about the whole situation. She nodded to him, and then they moved away separately.

  Both Ellen and Kane were individually so distracted by their conversation that neither of them noticed the black sedan parked nearby. Someone was watching their every move.

  Chapter 17

  Hayden entered Dr Douglas Walsh’s waiting room, and took a seat. The receptionist didn’t look up or wave him over, so he sat quietly, watching the movements of other patients from the corner of his eye. When a nearby office door opened, Hayden saw the man he’d come to see. Douglas walked one of his patients to the receptionist’s desk, and handed a small slip of paper to her. He waved goodbye to this patient and returned to his office.

  This was Hayden’s chance. Once Douglas’ back was turned, Hayden quickly and quietly stole past the reception desk and followed him into his consulting room.

  “Hayden,” Douglas, said, turning around in shock.

  Hayden closed the door, and walked slowly into the room. “Douglas.”

  “I’m surprised to see you here.”

  “Are you?”

  “I’ve been meaning to call you. What’s it been?”

  Hayden shook his head, and chuckled silently. Of course, Douglas would never call him voluntarily. They never did. “Two years I believe.”

  “We should play golf again one day.”

  Golf was one of those activities that Hayden played in order to blend in with others. Usually men of his age and financial standing liked to play golf, so that is why he played. However it never really interested him, and he certainly had no intention of wasting his time with Douglas in such a way.

  Douglas looked down at one of the papers on his desk. “Did you have an appointment, Hayden?”

  “No,” he said flatly. It was a ridiculous thing to say! The man must be nervous. “Do I need an appointment to see you?”

  “Of course not,” Douglas said, stammering. “I was just wondering if...”

  “You seem to be doing well, Douglas,” Hayden said, cutting him off. He walked around the room, studying the various certificates which hung on the wall. For an educated man, Douglas had made many stupid decisions in his life.

  “I haven’t gambled since that day,” Douglas said earnestly. “Katherine left me of course, as soon as she found out about the mortgage I took out on the house, but I can’t blame her, can I? I’m renting a small one bedroom unit near the practice.” He was rambling slightly.

  “I’m working all the time, saving money, and sending it to her for the children. I’m doing my best to be a g
ood father.” Douglas paused, looking at Hayden with concern. “Are you here to discuss the money I owe you? I’m surprised you left it this long.”

  Hayden suddenly saw the situation from Douglas’s perspective. He had probably been expecting and dreading this visit for some time. Little did he know, Hayden didn’t expect to see the money again. If this meeting went the way he hoped, the money would have been well-invested.

  Douglas kept rambling. “You never mentioned the terms of the loan, Hayden. Of course, I want to pay you back, and I can start making repayments right away, if you like. The gambling is over, I promise you that. I’ve turned over a new leaf. Whenever I feel tempted, I just remember being in that car boot.” Douglas shuddered.

  Hayden had heard enough. “That’s not why I’m here, Douglas.”

  “Oh, I see.” He looked confused, as if he was trying to think of another possible reason for the visit. “Well, it must be important. Please take a seat.” Douglas tried to steady his nerves.

  Hayden sat down in one of the patients’ chairs in front of Douglas’s desk. He was about to start talking when an intercom sounded.

  “Should I bring your next patient in, Dr Walsh?” It was his receptionist.

  “No,” Douglas responded quickly. “I just need a few minutes to myself.”

  “Is everything okay?” she asked.

  “Yes.” Douglas looked at Hayden, as if he was hoping that his words were true. “Sorry about that, Hayden. What can I do for you?”

  “I came here to check that you still remember what I did for you two years ago?”

  “Of course. I’ll be eternally grateful. You saved my life. I owe you everything.”

  “Good. Well, the tables have been turned. It is I, who needs something from you now.”

  Douglas looked surprised, but also curious. “Go on.”

  “I need to talk to you about the paternity of Ellen Jackson’s unborn child.”

  Douglas’s face contorted in confusion. “How did you...? You know I can’t talk to you about another patient.”

  “I know why they were here. Kane Jarrad is not going to be the father to that child.”