Infinity Chapter 93 - Welcome

[itztigress3]

Chapter 93 – Welcome
POV:  Emily
Word count: 4067


August 20, 2014; 3 am.

Isabella was up for her feeding and I was sitting on the bed while she ate, she was now spacing a bit as the milk was more filling and she was a very good eater. The small lamp beside the bed was on so when my phone light up I wondered why. I reached over and picked it up.

Ems?! Please tell me you’re awake with Isabella….

It was from Craig, so I replied back that I was awake and then he called me, strange for 3 am and it be him.

“What’s up Craig? It’s 3 in the morning.”

“Jacey just called from the house, she’s having bad pains and she’s asked for us to take her to the hospital. I know you have a newborn and I know you have a toddler but I can’t do this Emily.”

“Is she in labor?”

“Yes…she said the contractions are like thirty minutes apart.”

“Calm down Craig, it’s going to be ok. Breathe.”

Zac turned over and blinked. “Baby?”

“Jacey’s going to the hospital, thirty minutes apart.”

“Call Eliza and have her come get you. The kids and I will come down after breakfast.”

“Isabella’s still eating.”

“By the time Eliza gets here she’ll be done and there is enough for her for a few feedings actually.”

I nodded. “Did you hear him Craig?”

“Yes. I don’t know if he wants Eliza there though.”

“Put him on and I’ll ask.”

There was a shuffle in the phone before Christopher’s stressed out voice said hello.

“Eliza is going to bring me to the hospital, are you ok with that or do I need to have Aaron come pick me up?”

“Aaron. He’s already on his way to get you anyway.”

“She’s our sister Christopher.”

“She’s your sister right now, I’m not certain on her yet. I will call her but not right this minute.”

“Ok. Put Craig back on.”

Another shuffle and I could hear the fear in his voice.

“Breathe Craig, its fine. You’re going to be a father and you’re going to do great with him or her. I will see you at the hospital; make sure you bring the diaper bag that we packed last week.”

“Thank you…I’ll see you there.”

I hung-up and Zac sat up.”Let me guess, Craig is freaking out?”

“Remember how you were when it got closer and you were somewhere between completely and totally elated and scared shitless?”

“I do.”

“He’s on the scared shitless end right now; I can hear it in his voice. Can you let the agents know Aaron is coming to pick me up? He didn’t want Eliza there right now.”

“On it and I’ll get you some clothes.”

He handled letting them know, getting me something to wear, and then letting Aaron in who had to spend a few minutes with Isabella while I was getting dressed. I was sketchy on leaving Zac alone with them both; neither of us had been alone with both of them at the same time yet. So, he was being very brave. Once ready
I kissed Isabella and then Zac.

“I’ll keep you posted, good luck with them both when there both awake.”

“If I need reinforcements I’ll call Casey.”

“You may need to.”

“Otherwise, I’ll keep them here until she’s a lot closer and then bring them up. That way there not bored.”
He came with us to the door and watched, Aaron wasn’t alone, a police officer was with him and it was mostly because I was leaving the house. The drive to the hospital was much slower because he had to abide by the traffic laws but it turned out fine because they were just arriving too and Craig looked beyond terrified.

“Where is Zac?!?”

“He’s going to keep the kids at home for a while, that way Alexander isn’t bored senseless.”

I got his hand. “Do you remember the second day of school after you came out?”

“I try not too but yeah.”

“I wouldn’t let you go in alone so I held your hand and walked you in, I’m not letting go Craig.”
He looked down at our hands and took a deep breath. “What if I can’t do this Emily?”

Christopher and Aaron were already heading inside, they were excited and here my tough friend was, scared out of his mind but he wasn’t seeking comfort from his boyfriend, it was me.

“You can. You came out to your family and your friends, you let the world know and while I know you were terrified then you did it anyway and look how that turned out?”

“This isn’t coming out Emily, this is being a…”

His voice trailed off and got his other hand. “It’s becoming a father. I know, it’s terrifying to know you’re about to be responsible for another human being, a little baby that is helpless and depends on you for everything.”

“How did you and Zac do it?”

“Truthfully? We were both scared; we were both terrified that we’d fail. Especially me, Zac had experience with babies and I didn’t. I knew nothing about being a good mother; I only had your mom to go by. It’s terrifying, it’s scary. But, once you hold them, once you get to see them it melts those fears away. I still have moments Craig where I am afraid I’m doing something wrong. It’s ok.”

“I’m terrified Emily and I don’t know how to do this.”

“Craig? Emily?” Aaron called.

“We’ll be there in a minute.” I called back.

I looked at Craig, terrified and afraid. “You and I need to get inside so you can meet your son or daughter.”

“What if I suck at this Emmy?”

I smiled. “I’ll be here Craig, if I see you doing something wrong rest assured I’ll smack you upside the head and tell you.”

He smiled some. “I wouldn’t doubt that.”

“Come on, let’s go inside.”

He didn’t let my hand go either as we walked to the hospital and even on the elevator going to labor and delivery. Christopher glanced back at me one time and just smiled and I was confused, Christopher was the man he was living with and in love with, yet he come to me for comfort? His grip got tighter the closer we got to the delivery room. It was just around 5 when we walked into the room, Jacey was already settled in her bed and had the monitor’s on, the babies heartbeat was steady and strong. Christopher went to her and it was clear he was much more comfortable with the idea of raising a baby, but hadn’t they basically raised me?

“Any news?” he asked.

“I’m at 3 and contractions are about 30 minutes apart still, but they are getting a bit stronger.”

I nudged Craig over and he wouldn’t let me let go yet, so we both walked to her. I gave the best hug I could.

“I’m kind of glad you’re here actually.”

“Hey, this is your third.”

“Not for me honey, I’m good. For them, the last appointment they were both jittery and I feared they’d both faint before he or she got here.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine. Zac said he’d bring ours up later on when your closer, Alexander was bored the last time while waiting for me to have her.”

“I saw her picture, she is adorable.”

“You’ll get to see her today, depending on how you feel.”

She smiled and we settled a bit, Craig did not let go of my hand until after 8 and only because Aaron convinced him to go to the cafeteria for us and I waited until they were out of the room before I settled down beside Christopher.

“Want to explain to me why you’ve left all the comforting words to me? He is your boyfriend.”

He smiled at me and I wanted to smack him.

“I’m not stupid Emily, Craig loves me and I know he does. But he loves you too and he trusts you. You helped him through the hardest part of his life and that was coming out to everyone he loved and then you were there when the kids didn’t understand and you helped him. He’s missed you a lot and I know that you can provide that calming effect he needs.”

“I’m not far dude.”

“No, but you are a busy ass woman. Your phone has gone off like ten times since six.”

I giggled. “It’s just Zac; Alexander woke up at 6, Isabella 6:30. He sent me a picture of them curled up with him in bed and then the last one he asked me where the bouncer was, he wanted to put her in the kitchen with him while he got breakfast ready.”

“Is he there alone?”

“Yeah, well I mean the agents are there too but they won’t come inside unless we call for them.”

“He is a brave man.”

“If he can do it, I can. So, how are you?”

“Scared out of my mind, terrified, confused. You know that baby shower you through for us was so
unexpected but we ended up being so grateful because the guest managed to find things we needed and didn’t know we did.”

“It’s what baby showers are for, granted we just don’t do typical baby showers around here.”

“No. When are George and the others arriving?”

“Friday.”

“Least we’ll have another baby to show off.”

Jacey turned over, she’d been asleep or trying for an hour how and I was jealous that she got to have the epidural and not feel it all. They returned with breakfast and Christopher and I ate. We settled in for a long wait, I was half asleep when my phone rang at 11:45 and I got it because everyone else was asleep.

“Hey baby.”

“Are you inside?”

His voice sounded strained and worried.

“Yes. I’m in the same room we had Alexander in actually. Why? What’s wrong?”

“I got an e-mail from Ian.”

“Ok, what did it say?”

“Asked me if I was aware of how close you were to Craig, picture of the two of you two outside the hospital this morning. He looked absolutely terrified by the way.”

“He was, is. He won’t get far from me actually. Christopher said he was letting me because I helped him through so much. How are you?”

“I called Casey to come over, alerted the agents to the e-mail. One came in to view it. I know what he’s trying to do Emily and he’s underestimating what you tell me. I know Craig loves you and I also know you love him. I don’t see you holding hands in the same context as anyone else would. I could tell he was terrified. I just wanted to make sure you were inside and safe.”

“I am. If we leave the room I will make sure someone is with me. When you come up you need to bring a few agents.”

“I will. How is Jacey?”

“She’s at 6, but it’s been slow. If you want you can come up about 1, bring us lunch.”

“I can do that. She should eat about 12:30; she ate a little early this morning. That will give me time to get them ready.”

“Ok. It’s kind of cool here, plan accordingly. Don’t worry Zac; I’ll make sure to stay with someone until you’re here.”

“Ok. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I hung-up and Christopher was staring at me. “Problems?”

“Ian sent him an e-mail, picture of Craig and I from this morning. He’s going to bring lunch up about 1 and stay.”

“You haven’t mentioned Eliza much since you got here.”

I sat down next to him. “Your baby Christopher, if you don’t want her here then I can’t make you.”

“You two seem to be getting along, I heard she was going with you to Australia.”

“She is, the FBI provided his protection but not mine. She’s been very good the last month or so. She was jealous Christopher. She may have the parents we all wanted but she didn’t have you guys, she didn’t have five brothers that kicked ass and then asked questions. She admitted the hospital was a bad thing and that it just hit her that she didn’t have many people that would fawn over her.”

“Do you trust her? We haven’t seen any pictures of you together.”

“I still want to make sure she’ll stay but Zac got pictures of her and Isabella when she was born. I’m a bit older than that. She wants to know you all but she’s afraid of it, I think she’s as afraid as I am about us leaving. Like she wants to get close, but she doesn’t want to risk it.”

“Is she coming Saturday?”

“George told me to invite her, he wants to meet her. Why is it hard for you? Aaron showed her pictures but he said you didn’t want him too.”

“I’m closer to you and I have seen every emotional reaction you have in your arsenal, believe me Emily I know when your puppy eyes are to get what you want, knowing doesn’t mean there any less affective. But when we came into the hospital and you were there, I’d never in my life seen you act that way. Amanda pushed you but Eliza didn’t have to do near as much as Amanda did. You snapped and it scared the hell out of me.”

“Well, you have to admit that could have been pregnancy related too.”

“It could have yes, but when you described how your encounters were it was clear that it wasn’t just that. She pushed buttons that none of us knew existed. It scared me. It’s hard for me because I didn’t think anyone had the capability to do that to you. My sweet little sister was reminding me of David.”

“Sweet? I haven’t been all that sweet.”

He smiled. “If you trust her and you think she’ll stay then call her, I think I’d rather she be here and leave than not have this and stay.”

“Good choice.”

I sent her the message and Zac showed up at 1:30, he had gotten dressed at least but his hair was pulled back in a sloppy ponytail and he looked a little frazzled, but Alexander was dressed, hair combed and happy and Isabella was dressed, hair combed and looking cute.

“I see you survived the morning.”

“It wasn’t easy but yes I did.”

I ate with him and the kids and then took them back one at a time to see them, but for the most part they’d stay with Zac in the waiting room. By 3:30 they were kicking people out of the room and I started to leave as well but both Christopher and Craig got my hand.

“Don’t go, we won’t make it through this without you.”

“You may want to ask her about that.”

Jacey smiled some. “I’m ok if you want to stay.”

I guessed it couldn’t hurt but I was going with Casey’s stance here, keeping my eyes on her face and away from where everything else was going on. This wasn’t my child, so I didn’t need to witness that. Her pushing process was different but I didn’t comment, because she had pain medication and I didn’t, so it may be different. Christopher was a champ, coaching her and just being there Craig on the other had was shaking wildly and about 4:10 I asked the nurse for sugar packets and she was confused but retrieved them and I made him eat the packets.

The newest arrival arrived at 4:34 officially and the doctor declared they had a daughter as soon as she was completely here. Christopher actually cried and I glanced at Craig who seemed to be doing ok and then she started crying, that undone him completely because this really was his child and he cut the cord for them.
When they took her from the bed to be cleaned up and checked I sent the two of them, they needed one another right now and I sat with Jacey while the doctor checked her and got everything squared away. Everything was fine and then I heard a thud and when I looked Craig was laying out cold on the floor.

“Is he ok?” Jacey asked.

“He’s fine, he just fainted.” Christopher said.

He was checking on him and the nurse used smelly salts, they didn’t have time to tend to him and her too.

“Pardon me.”

“Go, it’s clear at least one of them needs you.”

I walked over to them and got to see her really well for the first time, she really looked like Craig quite a bit actually. She had his blue eyes for starters but her hair was jet black and already pretty long. I recalled from the sheet I saw the egg donor had black hair.

“Does she have a name?” I asked.

“Names have been a source of problems.” Christopher said.

“Why?”

“I was going to use Isabella but someone beat me to it.”

“Hey, I reserved the right to use Mom’s name. Craig?”

“I love Jasmine, but we wanted to use some of Jacey’s name too.”

“Jasmine Isabella Rose Stevenson, you guys know that you can use Isabella and it doesn’t have to be a first name.”

Both of them looked at me. “We have fought over a female name for months and you just whip out the one combination we never considered? What are you some miracle worker?”

I giggled. “No. I’m your sister.”

“Would you like to hold her?” The nurse asked.

They both shook their heads and I wanted to smack them so I agreed and after getting a diaper on and wrapped up she let me pick her up.

“Heavy little girl.”

“Her official numbers are twenty inches and eight pounds ten ounces.”

“Isabella was bigger than she was.”  Craig said.

“Not as tall though.”

I took her over to Jacey so she could see her, I admired her for the ability to carry a baby for nine months and then hand her over. She smiled at me though as she saw the product of her pain.

“Gorgeous.”

I turned to them. “Ok guys, this is your daughter. Who wants to go first?”

Considering Craig was still shaking, Christopher came over and took a deep breath and took her from me. I used my phone to capture pictures and eventually after sitting down Christopher handed her to Craig, I never thought I’d see him with a baby, let along one that was his.

“Alright guys, I’m going to let them know what we have and check on mine.”

They nodded and I left the room, went down to the waiting room where Alexander was in Casey’s lap watching a movie and Isabella was in Zac’s arms being fed. The others were waiting and everyone looked at me.

“We have a baby! Eight pounds ten ounces, twenty inches, born at 4:34 and I would have been out sooner but Craig decided he needed to faint on us.”

They still stared at me and I giggled. “Isabella is not the only girl anymore; I believe they’ve agreed to name her Jasmine Isabella Rose.”

“Sorry princess, you’ve been dethroned.” Zac said.

Casey snorted. “Given you just called her princess I doubt her throne is in jeopardy.”

“Speaking of this is the last bottle I have with me.”

“My shawl should be in there, they were holding her when I came out and I know she needs to be bathed well. Another hour or two and then everyone can come see her and them.”

I did show Eliza, Aaron, Zander, Ace and Nathaniel the pictures I had taken along with Zac and Casey. I would let Christopher text or call the older three though because it was his right to do so and they hadn’t ruined it for me. I stayed with them for a bit until Christopher came out and then I let the other’s back, I had seen her so I was good. We were sitting with Aaron and Zander when Zac’s phone went off and he looked at me. It was the new tone set for Ian’s number. Zander looked at him weird when he handed me the phone and so did Eliza.

I haven’t heard from you. I know you got my e-mail, I expected a call, text, or something…

“Did his e-mail indicate that?”

“Yes. But I didn’t reply.”

I sent a message to the agents, who said not to reply so we didn’t. Yet, several minutes later the same tone and the messages asked him to call.

“Is that Ian?” Zander asked.

“Yeah, I changed his tone because I don’t want to associate it with Broken Angel because it’d not why we wrote that song.”

“You look like you want to reply, do you?”

Zac looked up at them. “I want to tell him to leave me alone, to get out of my life.”
He nodded but didn’t say anything and eventually after four messages Ian stopped sending them, but then mine went off and checking it revealed Glen.

“Emily?” Aaron asked.

“It’s Glen.”

“Glen is sending you message, why?” Aaron asked.

“He’s apparently taking Adam’s place, but he’s just delusional as well. Ian controls what he does so this is
just Ian’s way to drive me insane. I’m not letting him.”

“Good. But you need to be wary Emily, it can take a toll even if you don’t intend for it too.” Zander said.

“I know.”

Eliza, Ace and Nathaniel came out and sent the other two back. Eliza declared she was going to head out and would see us this weekend. We said our goodbyes and she headed out.

“They’ve called George, Joshua and Jason and told them. They don’t have great pictures though so they asked if you would send the best one to them.”

“Not a problem, I was waiting for them to be told.” 

“Would you two care if we came home with you tonight? It’s a long drive and really we have to be back in a few days.” Ace said.

“No problem at all, Alexander would love company. Did you bring enough clothes and stuff to stay until after the party Saturday?”

“Yes. We figured we might be here a while but Ace always packs long-term.” He replied.

“I fly and sometimes we get stuck in places.”

“Well, by all means.”

“We should head there soon actually, it’s nearing bed time.”

“If you’re ok with it we can head on there and fix something for us adults, I know you haven’t seen her yet
Zac.” Ace said.

“I’m ok with that.” Zac said.

“I’ll let the agents know and you can borrow my key.” I said.

They stayed about ten extra minutes; Casey had been very quiet the whole time, just letting Alexander watch movies on his phone.

“Casey, where is Robert?”

“He’s with his sister’s kids again. Nothing is wrong Emily and he’s coming over tonight. He said he would text me when he left and I let him know I was here and why.”

“You can go if you need too, I can help.”

“I know. I’ll let you go back and then I’ll go.”

Aaron and Zander came back out about ten minutes later and left, and then we all went back. Zac got to meet his new niece and Casey got to meet her as well. Jacey was still doing very well and the next day would be hectic with paperwork being signed and all, so I told them if they needed me to call but otherwise I’d see them Friday. Jacey promised to call me when she was at home and we finally left the hospital. Alexander was asleep by the time we got home and Isabella wanted her dinner, so Zac took Alexander on to bed and I got her, covered up because they were here. Casey had gone home. Zac and I ate with them and then everyone called it a day. I’d been up too long and Zac looked as frazzled as I felt. It had been a long day and we had added to the family, come Saturday everyone would meet again.