“Are you all right Miss?” Stephen asked with concern as they exited customs. “I’m fine,” Macey sighed. “Air travel has never been my favorite.” “It will be much easier from here.” Hailing a cab, Stephen loaded her luggage into the trunk, then gave instructions to the driver. Macey listened, amazed at the ease with which he handled the situation. “Stephen, I didn’t know you could speak French.” “I can’t.” “But.” “I learned a bit when I came here to set up your apartment,” he said, “but I only know enough to give the correct address.” Macey was silent for a time, “I’m going to need to learn.” “Miss?” “French. If I’m going to stay here I really should learn the language, don’t you think?” “You have a point. It will be useful when you begin attending school. But the state has several remedial programs, specifically for immigrants to learn the language.”
Victoria stepped out of the cab with a sigh, checking her phone for the address one more time before entering the building. Though she was generally confident and carefree, she had to admit she was feeling a little anxious about this meeting. She had seen the advertisement a week ago for a private tutor willing to teach remedial French to a newly arrived immigrant from America. Like many people, she didn’t have a favorable opinion of Americans in general. They were arrogant in their claims of coming from the greatest country in the world, as if their country never did anything wrong or didn’t have problems. At least other countries admitted their shortcomings. Then there was the American fascination with sex and sexuality when, at the same time, they were completely uncomfortable with their own bodies. They either saw themselves as too fat or too thin, too short or too tall. Half the population was busy trying to reach some unattainable ideal, while the
Macey woke with a sudden urge to pee. With a grunt, she pushed herself out of bed, struggling with her rather large stomach. She gently stroked it. It had been months since the doctor told her she was not having just one baby but two. Twins. It still didn’t seem real despite her expanding middle. Twins, actual twins. She eased out of bed and retreated to the bathroom to relieve herself. Once she was comfortable again, she moved to the living room and sat on the sofa. She was grateful for the large cushions. Her back and feet constantly ached. Now, it seemed the twins had settled permanently on her bladder. That was something no one warned her about. She inhaled deeply as her body tensed. For the past couple of weeks she had been having minor contractions. Her doctor explained it was her body’s way of preparing for labor and to not be alarmed by them. The moment passed. She winced as a wave of heartburn came next. It seemed she was a
“Miss Macey?” Stephen prompted when she didn’t reply. “Is everything all right?” “Yes. Sorry. I’m calling because dad wanted to know when I went into labor. Well, I am. In labor.” “Are you all right? Are you alone? Do you need me to make calls for you? Arrange transportation?” “No. It’s fine. Vicki is here. She’s calling the hospital and a cab is on the way. We’ll be heading to the hospital shortly.” “Understood. I’ll arrange transportation for Mister DaLair. He’ll be there as soon as he is able.” “Oh, you don’t have to do that. I mean…” “Mister DaLair insists. I will let you know his ETA as soon as I confirm it.” “…Okay.” “Come on Macey. We got to go.” Victoria said, hauling the prepared duffle bag out of the entry closet where it had been stashed for the last two months. Though Victoria might have momentarily panicked, she was once again in control. “Right.
“Ah, dad?” March stared as his father stood. Not that he wasn’t ready to end the meeting as well, but it was out of character for his father to do so. Augustus never ended meetings early. “Something important just came up. I’ll be leaving now. Good work everyone,” Augustus said as Stephen moved ahead of him and opened the door. “March, take your brother home. Next time, I want him awake and sober.” “Yeah, dad.” March rubbed his temples, looking at the shell that was once his brother. He stood and circled the table. “Come one, Jules. Let’s get you home. Work day is over.” Julius muttered groggily as his brother pulled him to his feet. Though he looked asleep, he was surprisingly aware. How could he sleep when Macey was out there? Their baby would soon make its entrance into the world and he still hadn’t found them. There had to be a way. Macey was too responsible to neglect her own care, let alone her baby. She wouldn’t shu
Leaving off further insults, Victoria paused long enough to toss money at their driver before returning to Macey’s side and helping her to the entrance. Macey winced as she walked. She wasn’t certain if she could say she was in any great amount of pain, but she felt bloated and uncoordinated. Luckily, as soon as they entered, the forewarned maternity ward was ready to receive her, offering a wheelchair. Macey sank into it gratefully as Victoria wheeled her to the front desk to check in. “Papiers d’identité?” the nurse at the desk asked.[1] Macey nodded, signaling Victoria to open the end pocket of the duffle where her passport and ID had been stashed in the event their departure to the hospital was less than organized. Somehow, she wasn’t terribly surprised it had come to this, though the wild ride was certainly not part of her plan. “Oh good, I didn’t miss you two!” Macey turned in surprise to see Paul hurrying to join them, saying
Macey jerked awake, blinking as her gaze landed on her attending nurse, “Excusez moi, mademoiselle.”[1] Macey smiled, watching as the nurse continued her rounds. She wondered when she had fallen asleep. In fact, she didn’t even remember drifting off. “You’ve been out an hour or so,” Victoria answered her unasked question. “Don’t worry, I’ve been keeping an eye on them.” “Thanks,” Macey chuckled. A smile briefly crossed her face before her expression suddenly fell. “Paul said he was going to grab a bite to eat and come back since this is likely to take a while.” “Right.” “Macey? Something wrong? Macey, why are you crying?” Macey bit her lip, feeling the tear trickle down her cheek. Victoria immediately left her chair and came to sit on the edge of the bed. She quietly dried her tears as tenderly as a mother. “Macey, you can tell me. Didn’t we say we would tell each othe
“Macey? Oh she’s asleep.” The male voice roused Victoria from her own nap. Looking up, she saw a rather elderly gentleman shadowed by another at the door. It took her a moment, but she eventually recognized Stephen, which meant the other was Macey’s infamous father-in-law. Without a word of explanation, the gentleman entered and immediately walked to the bed. Victoria shifted ready to protest, but held herself in check as the man gently patted Macey’s head and smoothed her hair as he fondly gazed at her. “How long has it been since the doctor was here?” the man asked without looking up. When Victoria didn’t answer, he glanced at her. “How long?” “Fifteen minutes. She’s still only about six centimeters,” Victoria said. The man glanced at his watch and sighed. At least he hadn’t missed it. Patting Macey’s hand, he moved to another chair and sat down, waving off his assistant who quietly went to a corner until needed.
“Mom and I were planning to play later,” Alexis said. “You can too if you want.” “Really? Thanks,” Caden immediately brightened. “…So you based the décor on the diner you used to work in,” Macey said after listening to Ava’s brief retelling of her past. “Were you thinki
Silas’s embrace tightened. He hated thinking about the trials she went through without him. Ava leaned against him relishing his comfort and support. Their past was not as important as their future. “You two aren’t going to go all kissy-face, right?” Theo asked. “We’re in public and
Two Months Later The restaurant was lively. Guests had been arriving for the past two hours eager for a unique dining experience. The staff was well-trained providing exceptional service despite the rush. They had been drilled in their duties by the restaurant’s manager, a tyrant the
She nodded. “Going down?” Silas repeated. “Just what have you three planned now?” “It was more like a hunch,” Lexi said. “Sean found something real interesting when he deep-dived Ryker Holdings. So we asked Duncan to keep an eye on someone, just in case.” “D
“Late? A test for what?” Silas asked not following. “Are you serious?” Tracy snorted a laugh. “Ava, you’re going to have to be a little clearer,” Opal chuckled. “Remember, it’s his first time.” Silas glanced from one to the other even more confused. Looking
“There you three are,” Tracy said as the trio returned to the party. “We were just about to send the search party to find you.” “Auntie Tracy, you’re so silly,” Alexis giggled. “How are you feeling mom?” Ava hugged her tight but Alexis didn’t feel any tension or strain in
Finding no support anywhere Jenna finally fled. No one paid her further mind as they watched the kids swarm around their parents comforting their mother. It was a sweet and tender scene and many began to see Silas in a completely different light. * * * Jenna screamed as she storme
Jenna stepped forward intentionally shoving her shoulder and made Ava stumble back. “W-What is—” Jenna stuttered as the video paused. “Who was calling who shameless?” Alexis demanded standing next to her mother arms crossed in front of her chest. “So playing with people’s
The music started slowly with just a few notes announcing the beginning of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. The simple melody became more complex as notes overlapped and weaved a new organic pattern but always maintaining the integrity of the piece. Conversation lulled as everyone turned their