First Love
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Chapters 1 - 10 // Chapters 11 - 20 // Chapters 21-30 // Chapters 31-40 + Epilogue
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Chapter 31
“Oh dear god...,” Sydney groaned when she came out of the mall and saw her brother leaning back against her mother’s minivan in the parking lot, waiting for her.
“What?” Nadia asked.
“My brother,” Sydney groaned as she gestured towards the man in uniform.
“THAT’S your brother?!” Nadia asked.
“Yeah...”
“He’s cute.” Nadia smiled.
“He’s also an asshole... You can go ahead without me. I’m sure he’ll give me a ride... and a verbal beating.” Sydney groaned.
“Alright, see ya later girl,” Nadia said as she hugged her friend briefly and then headed in the direction of her car.
“Yes?” Sydney asked as she approached her brother.
“Get in. We need to talk.” Nathan said as he opened the passenger side door for her. Sydney got in rather reluctantly and waited for him to walk around the driver’s side. “I went to your apartment...”
“Oh no, you didn’t hurt Michael did you?”
“No... I can’t believe you’re living with him!” Nathan shouted. “How can you be so blind?”
“Blind to what? I still have no idea what you’re talking about!” she said.
“Don’t you know what Michael was like in college?!” Nathan said.
“No...”
“He was a player in ever sense of the word. I mean... he was never mean or disrespectful to them really... but he just never cared about any of them. A different girl in his bed every night and that’s the way it was for as long as I was there at least. He’s not the settle down to have a family type Sydney; he’s just the guy who will have a lifetime of one night stands.”
His words hit her like a ton of bricks. Sydney had known form the brief conversations between Eric, Michael and herself that Michael wasn’t exactly celibate in college but... the way Nathan described him was quite different than how she imagined it. “But... he loves me,” she said in a quiet voice.
“Maybe,” Nathan said, almost laughing.
“We’ve been together for a year!” Sydney insisted.
“Which is truly amazing, let me tell you. I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten sick of you.”
“Gee... thanks...,” she said sarcastically.
“I didn’t mean you... I meant him... like I said he’s not the settle down type.”
“Maybe he is now,” she said.
“People like that don’t change Sydney,” Nathan said. “People can’t change. You’re just setting yourself up to be hurt when he leaves you.”
“But... no! I even thought I was pregnant and it didn’t scare him away!” Sydney said.
“Pregnant!?” Nathan growled.
“I’m not.” She told him.
“That means you... you two...”
“Nathan we’re living together,” Sydney said.
Nathan grunted and mumbled something incoherent under his breath. “Look I know you can’t see it now but I’m telling you this for your own good. Michael would never want to marry anyone. Sooner or later he’s going to break up with you and move on to someone else. I just don’t want him to break your heart like he broke the hearts of most of those girls he screwed and then left the next morning.”
~*~
“Hey... what’s wrong?” Michael asked when he saw Sydney walk into their apartment looking distant and sad.
“What? Oh... nothing... I just had a run in with Nathan.” She sighed.
“Oh no, what did he say?”
“Nothing,” She sighed. “Just... jerk stuff. Whatever.”
“Ah, sorry. He was here and I figured he might go after you so...”
“Well it doesn’t matter,” she said as she walked over and hugged him. “I love you.”
“I love you too Syd.” Michael said as he kissed the top of her head.
~*~
“Nathan where have you been?” Irina asked her son when he came home.
“Trying to stop my sister from ruining her life,” he mumbled.
“Nathan she is not ruining her life. How could you think that?” Irina said.
“Michael... he isn’t....,” he let his voice drift off.
“Michael isn’t what?”
“Good enough,” Nathan said.
“Nathan, she’s happy. You want her to be happy don’t you?” Irina asked.
“Yeah... whatever,” He shrugged as he stomped up the stairs to his old room.
~*~
The next day, determination still pulsing through his veins, Nathan went to see Michael on his lunch break at work. “Nathan.... what are you doing here?” Michael asked nervously.
“Can we talk?” Nathan asked.
Michael nodded. “Just let me put this stuff down...,” He said as he began to sort charts into their appropriate piles.
“Michael, I- where are you going?” His father asked when he saw Michael walking towards the door.
“Oh, I’m just gonna go out for a bit... I don’t have another patient till one. This is Nathan Bristow, by the way. You remember him, right?” Michael said.
“Oh yes of course. Nice to see you again Nathan,” Bill said as he shook Nathan’s hand.
“Nice to see you again too,” Nathan said.
“So...,” Michael said as they walked out of the dentist office.
“I want you to break up with my sister,” he said bluntly. “We both know you’re going to do it eventually anyway so you shouldn’t string her along any longer.”
“You’re insane you know that?” Michael said as he shook his head.
“Come on Mike, this is me here. I know you’re not the marrying type. You never were. And now Sydney knows it too,” Nathan said.
“Wait, what do you mean ‘now Sydney knows it too’?” Michael asked in horror.
“I told her about college.”
“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” Michael shouted. Nathan shook his head. “Damn it why would you do that?!”
“Because it’s the truth,” Nathan said.
“Not anymore!” Michael defended. “This is different. I love Sydney.”
“No, you don’t.”
“YES I DO, god damn it! I want to marry her!” Michael shouted with such force that Nathan actually took a step back.
“What?” Nathan asked.
“I want to marry her.” Michael repeated. “I even went looking for a ring and everything.”
“You did?” Nathan asked in disbelief.
“Yeah... it was a few weeks ago. I didn’t get anything... I mean I didn’t see one I liked but if I had, I would have gotten it,” Michael said. Nathan just looked at him. “I know how I was in school... but I wasn’t even 20 years old and I was young and stupid and I’m not proud of who I was, but that’s what happened and I can’t go back and change it. But I’ve changed since them. I’ll admit it wasn’t that long ago either.
“Until I ran into Sydney again a year ago, I had never had a relationship longer than four months. But it wasn’t that I never wanted to get married, it was that I hadn’t found that person. She’s it for me. She’s the one. I know we have this crazy history from when we were kids but I really think that’s what made us better.
“I never loved anyone before, not really. But her... I love her with everything I have. I want a marriage; I want a family; I want a life together with someone. And the only person I want those things with is her. So, you can accept it or not but that’s the honest to god truth, I swear it is.” Michael finished as he looked up to Nathan.
For a moment, Nathan said nothing. “I, um.... I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry,” Nathan said.
“Yeah, it’s ok.” Michael shrugged. Nathan raised an eyebrow at him. “Ok, it’s not ok but I already knew you were a jerk anyway.” Michael smiled.
Nathan laughed. “Yeah, I deserved that. But I am sorry and... welcome to the family, man,” Nathan said as he extended his hand.
“Thanks, that is assuming she says yes,” Michael said as he shook his hand.
“She will... once you smooth over that whole college issue I brought up.” Nathan cringed.
“Great.” Michael rolled his eyes.
Chapter 32
“Syd, you here?” Michael called when he arrived home that evening.
“Yeah.” She called from their bedroom. Michael walked back and found her changing into her sweats.
“Hey, can we talk?” Michael asked. A panicked look crossed her face. “It’s not bad I swear.”
“Oh ok, what’s up?” She asked.
He pulled her into the bed where they sat down. “Nathan told me what he said to you.”
“Oh...,” She sighed. “I never thought you’d dump me though.”
“What? He told you I was going to dump you?!” Michael gasped.
“Yeah... what did he tell you that he told me?”
“About my college... missteps,” Michael said quietly.
“Oh, yeah, he said that too.” She sighed.
“I just wanted to say I was sorry.”
“Sorry for what?”
“Being... a player...,” he said quietly.
Sydney laughed. “You don’t have to apologize for that. It’s in the past. You were just a young stupid kid.”
“Thanks.” He rolled his eyes slightly.
“It’s fine, really, I swear.” Sydney assured him.
“Good, I love you.” He smiled.
“I love you too.” She said as she leaned in and kissed him. Michael rolled back on the bed and pulled her down with him. She giggled. “Michael it’s like five in the afternoon.”
“And?”
“Nothing.” She smiled.
~*~
“Hey Nate, what’s up?” Michael asked when he called the Bristow residence and Nathan answered the phone.
“Bored out of my mind.” Nathan groaned.
“And you’ve only been here six days, imagine that.” Michael laughed. “You wanna come out with me?”
“Yeah sure.” Nathan said.
“Great I’ll be there to pick you up in like fifteen minutes ok?”
“Ok...,” Nathan said.
~*~
“So, how’d you manage to get free of Syd for the afternoon?” Nathan smirked as he got into Michael’s car.
“Excuse me, I don’t need her permission to go out...”
“Yet,” Nathan interjected.
“...and she’s with Nadia...,” Michael said.
“Who’s Nadia?”
“Syd’s best friend... or one of her good friends anyway. From college.” Michael told him.
“Ah ok, so where are we going anyway?” Nathan asked.
“Ring shopping.” Michael smiled.
“Seriously?!” Nathan asked excitedly.
“Yeah... I mean if you wanna come...”
“Oh yeah, I gotta make sure you don’t pick out something ugly for my sister,” Nathan said.
“Excuse me, I have taste.” Michael defended.
“Yeah...”
“But I am on a budget.” Michael said.
“Budget? You’re a freakin doctor!” Nathan exclaimed.
“Six months out of medical school with more tuition loans than I care to count.” He groaned.
“Oh... right. Forgot bout that. Didn’t your parents help you?” Nathan asked.
“They paid for everything before medical school.” Michael told him.
“Ah.”
“Yeah my dad was of the mind that since he paid for his I paid for mind. Something about a hard earned dollar... I dunno I stopped listening once he told me he wasn’t going to give me any money.” Michael laughed.
“Nice.” Nathan laughed.
“Yeah... So do you know how long you’ll have before you can come back again?”
“No, not really.” Nathan sighed. “Maybe not THAT long though, because some of the guys are getting released from duty.”
“Oh that would be nice.” Michael said.
“Yeah... but I don’t know what I’d do if I came back.” He laughed.
“You could always go back to school. I’m sure the credits you have are still valid. And doesn’t the army like pay you for school?” Michael asked.
“Yeah... I could do that. I dunno. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.” Nathan shrugged.
“Ok good, first stop.” Michael said as he pulled into the parking lot of a jewelry store.
“Do you even know what you’re looking for?”
“No, but I’ll know it when I see it.” Michael said.
“Great we’re going to be here forever.” Nathan groaned.
“Oh I’m sorry, am I interfering with your pressing social calendar?”
“Yeah, yeah shut up.” Nathan said as he got out of the car.
Michael didn’t find anything he liked at that jewelry store or the next one or the one after that. Soon, he and Nathan were both growing frustrated and bored.
“Mike, seriously, these rings ALL look the same.” Nathan groaned. “Please pick one.”
“No... they don’t look the same. I haven’t found the perfect one yet.” Michael said as he glanced over at Nathan who looked weary and a little angry. “Ok, ok this is the LAST place I swear.”
“Good.” Nathan said.
“Can I help you sir?” The clerk behind the counter asked.
“Yes, I’m looking for an engagement ring.” Michael said.
“Oh wonderful. This is our selection of yellow gold engagement rings. Over here we have white gold and platinum. What were you interested in?”
“White gold, definitely.” Michael smiled. Michael looked down to where the clerk was pointing and looked closely at all the rings. There, in the center of the case, he saw it. “Can I see that one?” He pointed down through the glass.
The clerk showed him the ring. Michael glanced over his shoulder to Nathan who smiled and nodded in approval. The ring was slightly out of his price range but it was definitely worth it. The ring was perfect.
“So when are you gonna do it?” Nathan asked excitedly as they left the jewelry store.
“I dunno yet.” Michael smiled. “The perfect moment. But I gotta ask your dad permission first.”
“Oh can I be there? Please? I need a really good laugh before I go back.”
“Yeah... ok fine, if that will make you feel better.” Michael rolled his eyes.
“Excellent.” Nathan grinned. “Plus if Dad starts to turn on you I’ll be there to back you up.”
“Good, I could actually use that.” Michael laughed. “Oh, right, Syd wanted me to ask. Do you want to come have dinner with me, Syd and Nadia some time?”
“Is this like a set up?” Nathan asked suspiciously.
“I don’t think so. I think she just wants to save you from one night of your mother’s smothering,” Michael said.
“Oh... that could actually be really nice,” Nathan said.
~*~
The next day was the double date but not date for Nathan, Sydney, Nadia and Michael. Nadia giggled a lot and Nathan seemed to have a good time. As a matter of fact Nathan and Nadia made a date for the following day and the day after that.
“Nadia, you do realize he’s going back to Afghanistan in a week, right?” Sydney warned her overzealous friend.
“Yeah, so?” Nadia shrugged. “Doesn’t mean he can’t have fun while he’s here.”
“Well if you’re having ‘fun’ with my brother please, keep the details to a minimum,” Sydney said.
“You got it.” Nadia laughed.
Chapter 33
“Sydney, are you and Michael still coming over tomorrow for the Fourth?” Irina asked.
“Of course Mom, why wouldn’t we?” Sydney laughed. “Is that why you called?”
“No... not exactly. Nathan didn’t come home last night and I was wondering if you knew where he was,” Irina said.
“No... I don’t. But he’s a big boy Mom, I’m sure he’s fine. Oh, you know what, I think he was hanging out with Eric last night so maybe he just crashed at Eric’s place,” Sydney said.
“Oh alright... well if you hear from him tell him to call me please,” Irina said.
“Sure. Bye Mom, see you tomorrow.”
“What was that about?” Michael asked when Sydney hung up the phone.
Sydney rolled her eyes. “Nathan didn’t come home last night.”
“Ah... didn’t he go out with Nadia last night?” Michael asked.
“YEP,” Sydney said.
“Nice.” Michael laughed.
“Ew mental image.” Sydney groaned. Michael laughed again. “I’m kinda worried about Nadia though.”
“Why?”
“Because she tends to get really attached and Nathan’s leaving,” Sydney said.
“Ah, she’ll be ok,” Michael said.
“Yeah...,” Sydney said. Then her phone rang. “Hello?”
“Hey Syd.” Nadia giggled.
“If you’re in bed with my brother I’m hanging up right now,” Sydney said.
“No, I’m not. Nathan’s just leaving,” Nadia said.
“Lovely.” Sydney groaned.
“I’m calling because... well do you think your Mom would mind if I joined you guys for the fourth of July tomorrow?”
“I dunno why doesn’t Nathan ask her?” Sydney asked.
“Why doesn’t he ask her um...”
“Because she’ll question me until I’m ready to shoot myself.”
“Did you hear that?” Nadia giggled after Nathan’s outburst.
“Yeah I heard. Well tell him that Mom is already questioning why he was out all night so he might as well come bearing an excuse,” Sydney said. Then she heard Nadia relay the message to her brother.
“Damn it, I don’t want to go home now...,” Nathan groaned.
“You can stay here.” Nadia giggled.
“Annnd I’m hanging up now.” Sydney said. “See you both tomorrow.”
“What was that?” Michael laughed.
“Scarring me for life,” Sydney groaned.
“Nathan and Nadia in bed?” Michael asked.
“Please, I just ate,” Sydney said as she put her hand gently over her stomach and looked rather ill.
“Alright,” Michael laughed.
“So, I guess tomorrow should be interesting to say the least.” Sydney said.
“Very interesting,” Michael grinned.
“What was that?”
“What?”
“The tone.”
“What tone?”
“The tone you just used,” Sydney said.
“I didn’t use a tone. Honest,” he said.
“Yeah... ok...,” she said as she eyed him suspiciously.
~*~
“Mom, Dad, this is Nadia.” Nathan grinned when they arrived at his parent’s back yard.
“Yes, we’ve met,” Irina said. “How are you Nadia?”
“Good, thanks.” Nadia smiled.
“Why, exactly are you introducing her to us Nathan?” Irina asked
“Well Nadia and I have been hanging out.” Nathan smiled. Sydney and Michael snorted back their laughter when they saw Jack and Irina exchange curious glances. Nathan turned around and glared at them.
They all chatted somewhat awkwardly through dinner until the women went inside to put all the food away and then men stayed outside to clean off the grill.
“Um, Jack, could I speak with you for a moment.” Michael began nervously. Nathan’s eyes lit up and he gave Michael a subtle thumbs up which Michael ignored.
“What is it?” Jack asked.
“Well, um, I love Sydney very much sir and I was... I’d like to marry her.” Michael said. “With your permission of course...” He added quickly.
Jack eyed Michael for a moment before turning to Nathan. “I assume you have an opinion on this.”
“Oh well... not really. I mean Mike and I have discussed it. We’re cool.” Nathan smiled. Michael gave him an appreciative smile.
“Well, you have an excellent job and seem to care for my daughter quite a bit so, yes, I approve.” Jack nodded. Michael immediately sighed with relief and thanked Jack profusely.
~*~
“So Nadia...,” Sydney whispered when her mother was in the other room. “You’re not getting too serious with Nathan are you?”
“What? No... I know he’s leaving in a week. We’re just having some-”
“I beg of you. Do not say fun.” Sydney grimaced.
“Okay.” Nadia laughed. “We’re just having some very intellectually stimulating discussions.” She smiled.
“Better.” Sydney laughed.
~*~
They all talked through the evening until it was dark when they laid blankets out on the lawn so they could sit outside and watch the fireworks display. Sydney and Michael had a blanket, as did Nathan and Nadia. Meanwhile Jack and Irina sat back on the patio claiming that they were quote ‘too old to sit on the ground outside like children’.
Sydney sat in Michael’s lap with his arms wrapped around her waist and her head resting against his. When the fireworks started they snuggled closer together and stared up at the colorful portrait together.
“Syd,” Michael whispered in her ear during brief intermittent bangs from the fireworks.
“Hmm.” She sighed.
“Will you marry me?” he asked. She didn’t respond at first and Michael wasn’t sure if she had heard him over a loud crack coming from the fireworks over head. But, a moment later she turned and from the brief flashes of colored lights, Michael could see tears glimmering in her eyes.
“Seriously?” she whispered.
“No I was kidding.” He laughed. “Yes of course seriously.”
“YES!” She screamed but it was muffled by the loudest boom yet, but Michael got the idea from the look of elation on her face and the fact that she attacked his lips with hers with such force that they tumbled back onto the blanket as they kissed. They kissed the whole way through the rest of the fireworks display.
“That was HOLY SHIT!” Nathan screamed upon seeing the dark shadows of his sister and boyfriend lying across the blanket on the ground. “Oh god my eyes quick get me a knife so I can remove my vision!”
“Oh god you’re such a baby.” Sydney groaned. “I was just kissing my fiancée.” she said with extra emphasis on the word. “Oh! That sounds so good.” She giggled.
“Really? Did he just ask you?” Nadia asked. Sydney grinned broadly and nodded. “Ohh that’s so sweet! Congratulations you guys.” Nadia smiled.
“Yeah congrats,” Nathan added.
“Oh let’s go tell Mom and Dad,” she said as she went to get up but Michael held her back down.
“Wait, the ring,” he said.
“You got me a ring?!” Sydney gasped.
“Yep.” Michael said as he dug into his pocket and pulled out a ring box which he opened and showed her.
“Ohh, it’s too dark I can’t see it. But I’m sure I love it.” She said as he slid it on her finger. Then she bolted off the blanket and ran towards the house shouting. “Mom! Dad! Michael proposed!”
Michael laughed and said quietly to Nathan. “At least she’s excited.”
“Oh Sydney that’s wonderful! Come here! Oh and Michael too!” Irina said as she pulled them both into a hug. The family passed around congratulations for a few minutes before Sydney and Michael announced that they were leaving.
“OH! I can finally see the ring!” Sydney giggled excitedly once she opened the car door and the car lights turned on. “Ohh Michael it’s gorgeous. I love it.”
“Yeah?” He asked.
“Yes I love it. And I love you.” She smiled.
“I love you too.”
“Good, let’s go home and celebrate.” She giggled.
Chapter 34
In the next five days, Sydney didn’t get to spend as much time with her brother as she would have hoped since he was busy with Nadia and she and Michael were busy celebrating their engagement and their one year anniversary which happened to only be three days apart. The day of Nathan’s return to the Middle East was very bittersweet for everyone. They were thankful that they had gotten to see him but wished it could have been longer. Not surprisingly, Nadia took it the hardest, giving him a long, tearful kiss goodbye before his parents drove him to the airport. And after Nathan left, Nadia proceeded to mope around for the next week and a half.
“Hey Nadia.” Sydney greeted her friend. Nadia had come over so that she and Sydney could go wedding dress shopping. Sydney wasn’t seriously looking but she had been anxious to go into a bridal salon since she was a teen and now that she was engaged she was using that as a perfect excuse. “I’ll be ready in just a second,” Sydney said as she took another long sip of her coffee.
“Take your time.” Nadia sighed as she sat down at a kitchen table.
“Aww what’s the matter? Still bummed over Nathan?” Sydney asked.
“Sort of.... it’s been a month since we’ve seen him and I got an email yesterday but... that’s not why I’m...”
“What’s wrong?”
“I think I’m pregnant,” Nadia said. Sydney choked and sprayed brown liquid from her mouth.
“What?!” She coughed as she tried to wipe up the coffee she sprayed with a napkin.
“I think I’m pregnant.” Nadia repeated.
“Really?” Sydney asked. Nadia nodded slowly. “Ohhh Nadia....,” Sydney sighed as she slowly sat down at the table.
“Yeah...,” Nadia said.
“Is it Nathan’s?” Sydney asked. Nadia nodded. “Are you sure?”
“SYD!” Nadia said in a defensive tone.
“Well... I was just checking.” Sydney cringed. “So, what are you going to do?”
“Well, I made a doctor appointment and I was hoping you’d come with me for... you know, moral support.”
“Absolutely, when?”
“In an hour... I mean if you don’t-”
“Don’t worry about it.” Sydney smiled. “We have plenty of time to annoy poor unsuspecting sales people.”
~*~
“Well congratulations Miss. Santos. You are pregnant.” The doctor announced.
Nadia had a blank expression on her face. “I’m really not sure if I’m happy about that, does that make me a bad person?”
“No,” Sydney said as she rubbed Nadia’s back soothingly.
Nadia was very silent on their drive home from the doctor’s office. “Nadia, are you ok?” Sydney asked.
“Honestly, I don’t know. I mean... I really don’t know what to do.” Nadia sighed.
“Well... I’ll try not to let the fact that your baby makes me an aunt effect my impartial judgment.” Sydney smiled.
“Thanks.” Nadia laughed slightly. “What do you think I should do?”
“Well, is this about keeping the baby or not keeping the baby?” Sydney asked cautiously.
“I don’t know.” Nadia sighed.
“Well, I think you should at least sleep on it before you make any serious decisions.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Nadia sighed. “Hey Syd, could you not tell anyone about this, not yet anyway?”
“Sure, no problem. I won’t tell Michael or anyone.” Sydney smiled.
“Syd, you’re a horrible secret keeper. At least if you tell Michael you won’t have the urge to tell anyone else.” Nadia groaned.
“Horrible secret keeper?!” Sydney gasped. “I’m offended!”
“Syd...”
“Yeah you’re right.” Sydney sighed. “Michael, but no one else.”
“Thanks Syd.”
~*~
“Hey Syd- wow I didn’t realize wedding dress shopping could be so sad. What’s with the face?” He asked.
“Nadia’s pregnant.” Sydney sighed.
“WHAT?!” Michael gasped.
“Yeah...,” Sydney sighed.
“And I guess by the less than excited look on your face, Nadia isn’t excited either.” Michael said.
“Not really...,” Sydney sighed. “I feel so bad. She’s really confused. And I feel even worse because for like a brief few minutes I was all excited about being an aunt.” Sydney laughed slightly.
“Aww don’t feel bad about that,” Michael said as he put an arm around her. “I’m sure everything will work out. Nadia just needs some time.”
“Yeah... oh god, poor Nathan...,” Sydney sighed.
“Yeah...”
~*~
The next morning, rather early for a Sunday, Nadia came banging on Sydney’s and Michael’s door. They answered the door looking rather annoyed and groggy. “I made a decision.” Nadia announced.
“Okay.” Sydney yawned as she let Nadia in the apartment.
“I... can’t get rid of the baby... I just can’t.” Nadia sighed as she covered her stomach with her hands. “So... I’m going to have it but, I don’t want Nathan to know.”
“Are you sure?” Sydney asked.
“Yes.” Nadia nodded. “Because... I don’t want him to worry about having to come home or anything. Or supporting me and the baby. I can do it... at least, I think I can.” Nadia sighed.
“You can.” Sydney smiled as she grabbed Nadia’s hand and squeezed it. “And we’ll help.”
“Yeah,” Michael yawned.
“Yeah,” Nadia smiled. “I’m having a baby.” She laughed in disbelief.
“I’m gonna be an aunt.” Sydney grinned as she pulled Nadia into a hug. “Oh! What about my parents? Are you going to tell them?”
“Yeah... I guess I should, shouldn’t I? Do you think they’ll hate me?” Nadia asked.
“Noo they won’t hate you.” Sydney assured her. “But I’ll come with you to tell them just in case.”
Chapter 35
That evening a very nervous Nadia accompanied by Sydney and Michael went over to the Bristow residence to break the news. Nadia was practically shaking by the time they pulled up in the driveway. So much so that Sydney had to help her inside while telling her everything would be alright.
“This is a surprise.” Irina smiled. “To what do we owe this visit?”
“Well, um.” Nadia began quietly. “I needed to tell you something.”
“Oh?”
“I’m pregnant,” she said.
Jack and Irina’s faces fell immediately and Nadia squeezed Sydney’s hand tighter. “Oh...,” Irina said very quietly. “That is... certainly unexpected.”
“Yes...,” Nadia said even quieter when desperately avoiding eye contact with them.
“Does Nathan know, I mean did you tell him?” Irina asked.
“No, and I don’t want him to know,” Nadia said. Jack and Irina’s expressions narrowed. “I mean, he has enough to worry about without this.”
“I see,” Irina said shortly. “You’re just not going to tell him then?”
“Well... not never... just not right away.” Nadia said. “I’m sorry.” She added noticing the unchanging expressions on her face.
“Oh... don’t be sorry.” Irina sighed. “We... we’re just shocked that’s all. It’s good, really. Right Jack?” Irina asked encouragingly.
“Oh, yes good.” He said dully.
“Right...” Nadia sighed.
~*~
“They hate me.” Nadia cried once Sydney and Michael were driving her back to her apartment.
“No, they don’t.” Sydney said.
“Yes they do.” She chocked. “And they probably think I’m some stupid whore. I am! I am a whore who got knocked up by a guy she knew for six days.”
“Ohh Nadia don’t think that,” Sydney sighed.
“But it’s true.” She sobbed.
“Nadia, no one thinks you’re a whore. It’s going to be ok.” Sydney told her.
“But what about Nathan? He probably doesn’t want this.”
“Nathan will be fine with it, I’m sure,” Sydney said.
“But what about...”
~*~
“Poor Nadia...” Sydney sighed once she and Michael had dropped her off.
“Yeah.” Michael sighed. “But it will all be ok.”
“Yeah, I hope so.” Sydney gave a small smile.
~*~
For the next two weeks Michael thought about one thing over and over in his mind so much that it really became an obsession. He couldn’t help but have his mind drift back to when Sydney had thought she was pregnant and now, Nadia was pregnant. Suddenly he was noticing babies and how adorable they were everywhere they went. Whenever a tiny toddler smiled at him his heart warmed and skipped a beat.
He never actually thought his thoughts were crazy either. He was comforted by them and finally he was brave enough to bring up the idea with Sydney, rather bluntly actually.
“I think we should have a baby,” he said one night while they were sitting at the table eating dinner rather quietly.
Sydney, thinking he was joking, burst out laughing. “Wait, why aren’t you laughing?” He didn’t respond; he just looked down at his plate. “You’re serious?!”
“Yes,” he said quietly.
“What brought this on? Nadia?” Sydney asked.
“Yes... and you thinking you were pregnant before. I was thinking about it and we could-”
“Michael.” Sydney sighed. “I’m only twenty three... not to mention that we’ve barely been engaged for a month!”
“It’s almost two months,” Michael said.
“Still.... I’m sorry Michael, but it’s too soon. I’d like it if we were actually married first,” she said.
“But I’m not getting any younger and-”
“Any younger?! Sydney laughed. “You’re only twenty six!”
“Well excuse me for planning for our future!” he snapped. “I think having a baby is a good idea.”
“Michael, I’m not ready to quit my career and have a baby.”
“No one said you had to quit.”
“Oh, and you were going to stay home with the baby were you?” Sydney asked with her arms folded over her chest.
“No we could ... get help or something.”
“Ohhhhh right so the nanny would raise our baby... and by the time we’d get home he or she would practically be asleep so we’d see them on weekends? And the point of having the baby would be.....”
“Look I just wanted you to consider it,” he said.
“Fine I considered it. No,” she said sharply as she walked off and slammed the door to their bedroom.
~*~
Twenty minutes later Sydney came out of the bedroom looking rather sheepish. She sat down on the couch next to Michael who barely looked at her as she did so. “Sorry I was so short with you. You obviously really want this.”
“I do,” he said.
“I know... but I don’t want our baby to be raised by a nanny. I want to do it I just... I don’t want to give up my career yet.”
“I know. I don’t want you to have to do that either,” he sighed. “I also don’t want to be thirty five by the time we have our first baby.”
“Because that’s really, REALLY old.” She smiled.
“No.” He laughed. “But...”
She leaned over and kissed him sweetly. “What if I promise you we’ll have a baby before you’re thirty? That gives us almost four years of practice.”
Michael smiled back at her and laughed slightly. “Deal.”
Chapter 36
The first snow of the year on Thanksgiving Day brought a foot of frigid snow as well as some heart breaking news.
“Mom, what’s wrong? You look upset.” Sydney said as she, Michael and Nadia arrived at the Bristow residence around noon.
“We got a call today...,” Irina began.
Sydney’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach and she immediately felt like she was going to be sick. “Nathan?” She whimpered.
“He’s... he’s alive... there was an explosion...”
“Oh god,” Sydney sighed as she felt herself go week. Michael caught her and help her into the couch where Nadia sat beside her with a drawn expression.
“We don’t know how bad... we just know he was air lifted to Germany to go to a hospital there.” Irina sighed.
“Oh...,” Sydney sighed again. Michael sat down beside her and pulled her into a hug. “I’m not very hungry anymore...”
“That’s alright... I didn’t have time to make the turkey anyway.” Irina sighed. Then they all sat down and prayed silently.
~*~
For over a week they heard nothing about Nathan’s condition, then suddenly they received overwhelming news.
“Nathan’s coming home!! For good!!!” Irina shouted, practically in tears.
“What?!” Nadia and Sydney gasped.
“Yes the Army is releasing him!” Irina said.
“But... does that mean his injuries are that severe?” Nadia asked.
Irina’s elated expression disappeared immediately. “Oh... I never thought of that.”
“Sorry.” Nadia blushed.
“No, you’re probably right...,” Irina sighed.
“When is he coming home?” Sydney asked.
“In a week,” Irina said. “We can all go see him.”
“Sure.” Nadia said as she covered her stomach with her hands. Even though she was barely showing at all (to everyone else), to herself she looked like a whale.
“Are you going to tell him?” Irina asked.
Nadia shrank slightly. Though the Bristow’s had been accepting of Nadia’s pregnancy and even of her as part of their family now, they were still upset with her choice to hide the baby from Nathan. “Yes... I suppose I will,” she said quietly.
“Good.” Irina smiled.
After their more uplifting announcement they all sat down to have dinner together, which they had been dong almost every night since they found out about Nathan. During dinner, Sydney noticed that Nadia was unusually quiet and distant looking. Sydney was really going to be concerned about her friend. Since they had told the Bristow’s about Nadia’s pregnancy, Nadia had rarely been her bubbly, personable self. She always seemed sad, preoccupied or worried about something. Sydney suspected it was because though her parents were being friendly and polite to Nadia, they were doing so more out of obligation than anything else and it shone through from their not so subtle facial expressions to each other.
After eating, Nadia sat on the couch quietly next to Michael and simply stared at her hands while Jack and Irina shot her glances from their seats across the room. Desperate to help her friend out Sydney said, “Come on Nadia I want to show you something.”
“Okay.” Nadia said quietly as she followed Sydney up the stairs. She took Nadia into her old room and then shut the door behind them. “What do you want to show me?”
“Nothing.” Sydney said as she sat on her old bed. “Nadia, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Nadia said quietly.
“Yes there is. Come on, we’re best friends, what is it?” Sydney asked.
“It’s nothing...” Nadia sighed as she sat on the bed as well. “Just... everything. Everything’s messed up.”
“No, its not,” Sydney said.
“Yes it is, it wasn’t supposed to be like this! I was supposed to get married or at least engaged before I had a baby. I was supposed to have a guy that supported me and now... your parents hate me.”
“No, they don’t.”
“They do!” She insisted.
“Well...” Sydney sighed. “They really want you to tell Nathan.”
“I know but I’m scared to!” Nadia sobbed. “What if he doesn’t want the baby? What if he just leaves?”
Sydney shook her head. “He won’t. Nathan’s not like that.”
“But I don’t want him to just stay because he has to.... I mean then he’ll just divorce me.” Nadia sniffed.
“Nadia, you don’t know that,” Sydney said.
“I know.... I just... don’t know anymore.” She sniffed. Sydney put her arms around her and hugged Nadia tightly as she sobbed.
~*~
After Nadia had stopped crying, Sydney asked Michael to take her home so that she could stay and have a word with her parents. “You guys, please, you have to be nicer to Nadia. She’s really having a hard time with this.”
“Nicer? Sydney we’re not unkind to her.” Irina said.
“No, I know but you give each other these looks and we all see them, Nadia too. She thinks you hate her.” Sydney said.
“Oh...,” Irina sighed. “We just wish she would have told Nathan.”
“I know, but it was her choice. Besides she’s going to tell him now, right?” Sydney said.
“Yes... I suppose.” Irina sighed.
“Just please, keep in mind that she’s having a hard time with this.” Sydney said.
“We will. We’ll apologize to her as well.” Irina said.
“Thank you.” Sydney smiled.
Chapter 37
The night before Nathan was coming home, Michael awoke to hear Sydney sobbing softly beside him. “Syd?” He asked quietly as he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
“Sorry.” She sniffed.
“What’s wrong baby?” He asked.
“It’s just... I’m worried about seeing Nathan. I mean, we still don’t know how he’s injured. If... if it’s his face or something I don’t think I could take it. Does that make me a bad person?”
“No, of course not,” Michael sighed. “It’s hard for all of us.”
“I know.” Sydney sobbed. “I just want him to be ok.”
“We all do.” He said as he kissed her head softly.
~*~
The next afternoon Sydney, Michael, Jack and Irina drove down to the hospital where Nathan was being transported to. Nadia had to drive separately since she got off work half an hour later than everyone else and she told them not to wait for her. Sydney held tightly to Michael’s arm the whole time they were listening to the doctors. As well as being broken, Nathan’s left leg had received severe burns from the blast. His left hand was also burnt but mildly. None of the burns were life threatening but they had to be careful that they didn’t get infected which would be very dangerous. Nathan would have to have skin graphs on part of his leg but other than that the doctors were almost positive that once his broken bones healed he would be able to walk perfectly fine.
“Thank you so much.” Jack said as he shook the doctor’s hand. “May we see him?”
“Of course,” the doctor said as he led the way to Nathan’s room. Slowly, the four of them filed it. Nathan, who was slightly groggily, smiled at them.
“Hey.” He croaked.
As soon as he spoke Irina broke down sobbing and Jack had to put an arm around her to support her.
“Mom, I’m fine,” Nathan said. But Irina kept crying. Sydney crept over and kissed his forehead. He had blankets pulled up to his chest so his bandaged leg wasn’t visible but the wrap around his left hand was. Sydney squeezed his right hand tightly.
“How ya doin?” She asked.
Nathan shrugged slightly. “You know me. It’s just a scratch.”
“Right,” Sydney laughed slightly. “At least you get to stay home with us now right?”
“Yeah.” Nathan laughed.
“Get a real job.” Michael added with a smirk.
“Like cleaning people’s nasty teeth?” Nathan suggested. Michael laughed and rolled his eyes.
They chatted for a few minutes before there was a knock at the door and Nadia slowly stepped in. Sydney noticed that she had curled her hair (which she almost never did) and was wearing a nice dress.
“Nadia,” Nathan smiled immediately.
“Hey Nathan,” Nadia smiled quietly.
“We’ll give you two a minute...,” Sydney said as she, Michael and her parents filed out of the room. Nathan looked slightly confused but then smiled as Nadia cautiously approached him.
“Oh! Your hand...,” Nadia gasped seeing it wrapped up.
“Nah, I’m good. I have another.” He smiled as he held up his right hand. Nadia laughed slightly. “How have you been?”
“Um, alright...,” Nadia sighed. “I have to tell you something.”
“Oh?”
Nadia nodded slowly. “I’m pregnant.”
“What?” Nathan gasped. He was confused at first, trying to figure out if she meant she had been seeing someone else until his eyes traveled to her belly, which was noticeably fuller than it had been before. “How long?”
“Twenty four weeks.” She told him.
He just nodded slowly and sighed. “Why... why didn’t you tell me?”
“I’m sorry.” She sniffed as tears came to her eyes once more. “I didn’t want you to worry... I wasn’t going to take the baby and run or anything I swear. I told your parents... I just...I didn’t know what to do.”
“You should have told me,” Nathan said. He didn’t exactly sound upset, more hurt.
“I know.” She nodded. “I’m really sorry.”
“I... I’m sorry Nadia... I’m really tired,” Nathan said as he shut his eyes.
“Okay... I’ll go,” she said as she turned and walked out of his room. By the time she had shut the door behind her, tears were flowing freely and she ran past Sydney, Michael, Jack and Irina, crying hysterically. The four of them exchanged confused glances.
“I’ll go see what happened,” Sydney said as she jogged after Nadia. She found her in the next hallway, collapsed in a chair, with her head in her hands, sobbing. “Nadia, what happened?”
“He hates me.” She sniffed.
“I’m sure he doesn’t.” Sydney told her.
“Yes, he hates me because I kept this from him. He’ll never forgive me,” Nadia said.
“Oh now that’s not true,” Sydney said. “He will definitely forgive you. Just give him some time.”
“Ok,” Nadia sniffed. “These damn hormones are making me insane.”
“Aww,” Sydney sighed as she rubbed Nadia’s back.
“What even happened to him? I saw his hand wrapped up.” Nadia said.
“Yes, it got burnt. And his leg is broken and burned as well. But he’s going to be fine.” Sydney said.
“Good.” Nadia sighed.
~*~
The following day after work Sydney drove down to visit Nathan. She wanted to have a chance to speak with him alone about the whole Nadia situation.
“Hey Syd.” Nathan smiled. He was sitting up in his bed and flipping through a magazine.
“Hey, how are you feeling?” She asked.
“Great. This pain medication I’m on is like crack or something.” Nathan smiled.
Sydney laughed. “Great, we’re going to have a junkie on our hands soon.”
“Oh I hope not. You know how much I hate needles.” He shuddered.
“Yeah.... so I wanted to talk to you about Nadia.”
“Oh...,” He sighed.
“Look Nathan, I really hope you’re not mad at her because-”
“I’m not mad.” He interrupted. “I guess... I’m just upset she didn’t tell me. Plus it was a bit shocking.”
“Right, well it shocked her too,” Sydney said. “And me... I spit coffee on her.”
“Oh no,” Nathan laughed.
“Yeah,” Sydney sighed. “Just... don’t be too hard on her. She’s having a hard time with this.”
“She is?” Nathan asked.
“Yeah... well Nadia’s never been the incredibly independent type. She likes to have a guy around or at the very least a nice support system... but her parents are upset with her and Mom and Dad weren’t exactly being overly warm and friendly. And I’ve been trying to help her as much as I could but... I think she just feels like she’s really alone.” Sydney sighed.
“Well she’s not anymore,” Nathan said. Sydney looked up at him and smiled. “Wow... ok, I’m going to be a father...”
“Yeah,” Sydney giggled. “Freaked out?”
“Little bit, yeah.” Nathan sighed.
“Well you should talk to Michael. He wants a baby.” Sydney rolled her eyes.
“And I take it by that look you don’t.”
“Well, its not that I don’t. Just not right now, you know?” Sydney said.
“Yeah... well take it from me, don’t wait too long to do the things you really want to do because everything can change in an instant.”
Chapter 38
“Michael, can we talk?” Sydney asked.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I think we should get married.” She said.
“Okay...” he laughed, sounding confused.
“No, I mean... I know we had talked about maybe next June but I don’t want to wait that long. I want to get married as soon as possible. I mean.... if that’s ok?” She asked cautiously.
Michael smiled broadly. “Of course that’s ok.”
“Thank you.” She grinned as she hugged him tightly.
“So what did you have in mind? Like... eloping tonight?” He laughed.
“No! No, I want our families there... so I was thinking that since Nathan’s doctors say he’ll probably be out of the hospital by January we could do it like the first weekend in February?”
“That’s like seven weeks right?” Michael asked. She nodded. “Yeah let’s do that. You think you can get a dress in that time?”
“Yeah, I can.” She smiled. “And hey, I might even find one cheap in after Christmas sales.” She smiled.
Michael rolled his eyes. “Always the thrifty one aren’t you.”
She giggled and slid into his lap. “I love you so much.”
“Me too.” He smiled.
~*~
“Hey Nathan,” Nadia said quietly as she walked into his room.
“Hey, how have you been?” He smiled.
“Alright.” She shrugged. “I was at the doctors yesterday.... I brought you this... if, if you want it,” she said as she held out a tiny sonogram picture.
“Thanks.” He smiled as he took it and looked at it. “Um... what exactly am I looking at here?” He laughed, slightly embarrassed.
“Oh,” She laughed. “Well it’s upside down but.... its that right there.” She said as she turned the picture around for him and pointed at the tiny, grainy shape.
“Ohh I see it. Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” He asked.
Nadia shook her head. “I wasn’t going to find out... I mean I guess if you really want to know I-”
“No, it’s ok. It will keep us guessing.” Nathan smiled.
Nadia smiled but it faded quickly. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” She said as she cast her eyes downward.
“Hey come here.” Nathan said softly as he held out his hand. Nadia took it and he pulled her next to him where she sat on the edge of the bed. “I’m not mad at you. I was upset at first but it’s ok now. Because we’re having a baby right?”
“Yeah,” Nadia smiled.
“And... if you’re interested, I think we should try being a family, you know the three of us.” He smiled.
“You sure?”
“Of course. Plus it’s not like I’m really all that busy.” He said as he looked around. Nadia laughed and rolled her eyes. Nathan just smiled and slipped his hand up to rest on the bump that held their child. Nadia smiled and covered his hand with hers. Then she leaned over, kissed him softly and rested her forehead against his.
“Are you ok with this?” She whispered.
“Of course,” he smiled.
~*~
The next six weeks were busy with wedding plans. Much to her utter joy Sydney actually found a wedding dress she loved at an after Christmas sale to which Michael rolled his eyes dramatically. They were able to find a church and a minister as well as a restaurant to host their reception. Their wedding party was small: Nadia was the maid of honor and Nathan was the best man though he couldn’t exactly do all his best man duties since he would be confined to a wheel chair. They didn’t have a very large guest list either. Only their parents, a few friends and Michael’s aunt and uncle.
After one surgery that he healed well from, Nathan was released from the hospital in the middle of January. He would still need a few more on his leg but the doctors were more than confident he’d make a full recovery. However, much to Nathan’s dismay, since his leg wasn’t quiet healed yet he needed help getting around and with Nadia pregnant she couldn’t help him, so he had to move home with his parents.
Thankfully after only two weeks his leg was no longer broken, just bandaged from surgery. Nathan took that opportunity to move out, or really run out as quickly as he could. Using his money he received from being in the Army, he bought a small house not too far from Sydney and Michael’s apartment. Nadia then moved her belongings in with him.
~*~
“Hey Mike.” Eric grinned as she smacked his friend on the shoulder. It was the night before their wedding and they had all gathered at the church for the rehearsal. Eric was performing part of the best man duties since Nathan was unable.
“Hey Eric.” Michael smiled.
“Nervous?”
“Not really,” Michael said.
“Good. Hey, is that Nadia? Did she... gain weight?” Eric asked, having not seen his ex-girlfriend since the break up.
“She’s pregnant.” Michael told her. Eric looked at Michael with confusion. “Nathan’s baby.”
“Really!?” Eric gasped. “Wow, I didn’t even know they were together.”
“Well... it’s complicated.” Michael laughed at his understatement.
“Michael!” Sydney whined.
“Coming,” Michael said. As he walked away Eric made a suspicious noise that sounded like a whip cracking. Michael glared at him.
~*~
The following morning was rushed and frantic with ripping pantyhose, breaking heels and smudged make up. Everyone arrived at the church on time, though, and Sydney began to pace in her wedding dress.
“My god sit down you’re making me dizzy.” Nadia groaned as she rubbed her round belly.
“Sorry I’m just... suddenly I’m really nervous.” Sydney said as she rubbed her forehead with a trembling hand. “I mean... this is my
dream wedding... it’s what I’ve wanted since I was eleven years old... with Michael and... oh god, what if he divorces me?”
“He’s not going to divorce you.” Nadia said. “Sydney, he loves you.”
“I know... I love him too.”
“Then that’s all you need to know.” Nadia smiled.
Sydney’s hands were still trembling as she walked up the isle on her father’s arm toward Michael who was smiling at her. “You’re beautiful.” He whispered when he took her from her father and they stood in front of the minister. They said their vows and exchanged rings with tears in their eyes. Then, they walked down the isle as husband and wife feeling happier than they had been in their entire lives.
Chapter 39
For their honeymoon, Sydney and Michael went away for only a weekend since they both were very busy with work. Immediately after returning, Sydney was swamped with a project at work so it was nearly a month before she and Michael could seriously begin their search for a house.
“Hey Nadia, how are you?” Sydney asked as she walked into the home shared by her brother and Nadia. She was met by a very loud groan.
“I’m so hot.” Nadia whined. She was thirty seven weeks pregnant and unfortunately for her, they were having a freakish mid-March heat wave and it was over eighty degrees outside.
“Aww I know. And you guys still don’t know when the air conditioning will get fixed?”
“No.” Nadia groaned. “I might just sit on that repair man and crush him to death if he doesn’t fix it soon.”
“Aw honey he cant fix it when he’s dead.” Sydney laughed.
“Yeah...,” Nadia groaned. “So how goes the house shopping?”
“Great, we’re getting that one with the grey stone. We sign the papers tomorrow.” Sydney smiled.
“Oh that’s great.” Nadia said.
“Yep.” Sydney smiled.
“So married life is treating you well hmm?” Nadia asked.
“Yes, yes it is. Speaking of, where is my lazy brother at today?” Sydney asked.
“Doctor appointment,” Nadia said. “I was too hot to go.”
“Oh, alright.” Sydney laughed.
“Yeah I as –ahh!” She winced as she grasped her belly.
“What!” Sydney shouted.
“Something hurt.” Nadia whimpered.
“Well sit down and take a deep breath.” Sydney said. But before Nadia could waddle her way to the couch she screamed as a puddle formed at her feet.
“OH GOD! Oh god oh god oh god!” Nadia screamed. “I CAN’T BE IN LABOR!!!!!!!”
“Well you are,” Sydney said.
“NO! I can’t! I’m only thirty seven weeks!” She screeched.
“So? Nadia that’s perfectly fine. It’s hardly early at all.” Sydney assured her. “Come on we have to get to the hospital.”
“NO!” Nadia screamed.
“Why not?! Do you want to have the baby on your kitchen floor!?” Sydney asked.
“No, Nathan has to come. He did this to me he’s gonna be there when it comes out!” Nadia said.
Sydney rolled her eyes. “We’ll call him on the way.”
Nadia grimaced as another pain shot through her belly. “Fine. Let’s go get me some drugs.”
Sydney laughed. “Okay.” She grabbed Nadia’s packed bag from her bedroom and then they headed out the door, meeting Nathan (who was walking on crutches) in the driveway.
“What’s going on?” He asked.
“I’m in labor you big... dumb... soldier!” Nadia shouted. “Where the hell were you?!”
“YOU’RE HAVING THE BABY?!” Nathan gasped, so in shock that he nearly dropped his crutches.
“YES!” Nadia screamed, tears now coming down her face.
“Why are you crying?!” He asked.
“Because I’m scared,” She sobbed.
“Aw, honey, it’s going to be ok.” Nathan said as he put one arm around her.
“Okay hospital.” Sydney said as she threw Nadia’s bag in the back of her car.
“I’ll meet you guys there.” Nathan said as he hobbled back to his own car.
Sydney called Michael and her parents on the way to the hospital while Nadia was screaming for no apparent reason beside her (she wasn’t having contractions; just screaming because it quote ‘makes me feel better’). They met Nathan at the hospital and got Nadia all checked in. The doctors told them it would probably be a long wait.
“What do you mean long wait?!” Nadia’s eyes narrowed.
“Well, you’re not very dilated. Your labor may progress slowly.”
“How slowly?” Nadia asked.
The doctor shrugged. “Maybe twelve hours... some women go twenty four.”
“AHHH!” Nadia screamed and glared at Nathan. “Purple heart or not I swear to god if this takes twenty four hours I will kill you.” Nathan shrank slightly.
“I’ll be back to check on you in a few hours.” The doctor smiled as he left. Nadia then proceeded to pout.
“Hey did I miss it?!” Michael asked as he jogged up to Sydney who was waiting with her parents.
“No,” Sydney laughed. “The doctor said it might take twenty four hours.”
“Ouch.” Michael said.
“Yeah Nadia isn’t very happy.” Sydney sighed.
“I can imagine.” Michael sighed. Then he leaned down and kissed her sweetly. “Hello.”
“Hey.” She giggled.
“You two.” Nathan, who had just come out of Nadia’s room, groaned. “Stop acting like newlyweds, the rest of us are trying to keep our lunches down.”
Sydney giggled. “But we are newlyweds.” Nathan rolled his eyes. “How’s Nadia?”
“Bitter.” Nathan sighed.
“Well I guess we’re gonna be here for a while. Maybe we should all go out to dinner and come back.” Michael laughed.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Nathan said.
“And what, leave her here alone?” Sydney asked.
“Yes...,” Nathan said.
“Nathan!” Irina gasped. “She’s having your child!”
“I know but she always tries to throw something at my head when I go in there!” He said. Everyone laughed.
~*~
It was 2 am before Nadia was wheeled to the delivery room. Everyone else had fallen asleep but Nathan was awake and his hand was being crushed by Nadia. “You know for such a tiny person you are very strong!” He groaned as he felt the bones in his fingers begin to crack.
“You’re complaining to be about pain?!” She shouted.
“Hello my leg!” He defended.
“HELLO! Person coming out of my-AHHHHH THAT HURTS!” She screamed.
“Just one more push.” The doctor said.
“You do it.” Nadia groaned weakly.
A minute later the doctor held up their screaming, pink little baby. “Congratulations it’s a girl.” The doctor smiled.
“Aww a girl,” Nadia sighed.
“We have a daughter.” Nathan smiled down at her.
“Yeah,” Nadia smiled as she kissed him sweetly. After the nurses cleaned the baby off and wrapped her up they handed her to Nadia. “Ohh she’s so tiny.” Nadia said as she cuddled her whimpering child.
“She’s perfectly healthy.” The doctor told them. “Have you thought of a name?”
“No, we’re still thinking,” Nathan said. The doctor just nodded. After Nadia held her for almost twenty minutes, Nathan sat down in a char next to her bed so that he could have a chance to hold his daughter. “Ohh I love her already,” Nathan smiled.
“Me too.” Nadia said.
~*~
At five am Sydney awoke with her head resting on Michael’s shoulder. She yawned and stretched her neck, which was aching painfully. Then, she got up and shuffled her way to Nadia’s room and slowly pushed open the door. “Didyababyet?!” She yawned.
“What?” Nathan laughed.
“Did she have the baby yet?” Sydney asked.
“Yes, three hours ago.” Nathan said.
“And you didn’t wake us?!” Sydney gasped.
“Nadia told me not to.” Nathan shrugged.
“Well?!”
“It’s a girl.” Nadia smiled.
“Aww.” Sydney smiled. “Where is she? In the nursery.”
“No she’s right in front of you.” Nadia said, gesturing to the basinet at the foot of her bed which Sydney was standing next to.
“OH! Ohh aww.” Sydney sighed quietly as she peered down at her tiny sleeping niece. “Can I hold her?”
“Sure.” Nadia said. Sydney carefully scooped up the tiny infant, who stirred at first but then fell immediately back to sleep, and clutched her tightly to her chest.
“Ohh she’s perfect.” Sydney sighed as she admired her. “What’s her name?”
“We’re still discussing it.” Nathan laughed. “But you can go show her to Mom, Dad and Michael.
“Okay.” Sydney smiled as she slipped back out the door. She sat down next to Michael and shook his arm lightly.
“Wha? What? Ohhh,” he sighed as he looked down and saw the tiny bundle of pink blankets. “Is that her?”
“No I stole this one,” Sydney said. Michael’s head snapped up quickly, as if he thought she was serious. “I was kidding! This is her.”
“Ohh she’s adorable.” Michael sighed as he rubbed a finger over the baby’s tiny fist. “What’s her name?”
“They don’t know yet,” Sydney said. Upon hearing the conversation beside them, Jack and Irina woke up. “You’re grandparents.” Sydney smiled at them.
“Oh well that’s a way to wake up.” Irina laughed.
“Here she is,” Sydney said as she slid the baby into her mother’s arms.
“Oh she’s beautiful.” Irina sighed. “What’s her name?”
“They don’t know.” Sydney repeated.
“Oh that’s ok.” Irina sighed.
~*~
“Hey,” Nathan said as he kissed Nadia’s forehead gently after noticing she was crying. “You ok?”
“Yeah, I’m just happy.” Nadia smiled.
“Me too.”
Chapter 40
Three days later, after Nadia and Nathan had brought their yet to be named daughter home, Sydney and Michael went to visit them bearing some presents.
“DIAPERS! Oh I love you.” Nadia squealed as she hugged Sydney.
“Wow I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone that excited about diapers.” Sydney laughed.
“Well they’re expensive! And Zara uses a lot of them!”
“Zara?!” Sydney asked, hoping they were kidding.
“Yeah we can’t decide if it should be Natasha Zara or Zara Natasha so we keep trying it out.” Nadia said.
“But we’re leaning towards Natasha Zara because then we all have ‘N’ names.” Nathan smiled.
Sydney glanced back at Michael who was looking weary. “So, um, you’re definitely using those two names then?”
“Yep we love them.” Nadia smiled.
“Okay then.” Sydney said.
~*~
“ZARA?!” Michael hissed quietly as they left the house.
“I know.” Sydney laughed.
“That poor kid, what did she ever do to them?” Michael said. “God it sounds like Sara with a lisp or something.”
“Yes.” Sydney laughed. “Oh well... they can call her Nat or...”
“Tasha.” Michael said.
“Yeah... we’re not naming our baby Zara.”
“Thank god.” Michael sighed. “So you ready to pack?”
“Oh that’s right. We’re moving. I forgot.” She laughed.
“How could you forget?”
“Well with the baby and stuff... ahh I can’t wait to move! We’ll have more than three rooms.” She smiled.
“Yes.” He laughed.
~*~
“What in the hell is this?” Michael asked as he pulled a pink t-shirt out of a box sitting on their bed.
“Hey I just packed that.” She whined.
Michael held it up and looked at it. “Mrs. Pitt?” He read across the front of the shirt.
“Yeah.” She giggled. “It was a gift.”
“I bet it was.”
“Oh yeah Mr. Speedo let’s go through this again.” She smiled.
“Good point; moving on.” He said as he tossed the shirt back in the box. “So you ready to take the first load over to our new house?”
“Yep.” She smiled.
~*~
“Oh it’s so pretty and its ours.” Sydney sighed as she admired their house from the driveway while holding a box on her hip.
“Yep.” He said as he came up behind her and kissed her head. She giggled and made her way towards the front door. “Wait.”
“What?” She asked as she stopped and turned around.
“I have to carry you over the threshold.” He smiled.
“Oh.” She laughed. “Well then, carry away.” She said as she set her box down on the sidewalk and raised her arms. Michael set his box down next to hers and picked her up. She locked her legs around his waist and held onto his neck as he carried her into their house, pausing in the foyer.
“There you go Mrs. Vaughn.” He smiled.
She giggled and kissed him. “You know what we have to do?”
“Syd we haven’t moved the bed here yet.”
“But there’s a floor.” She smiled.
~*~
For the next two months, Sydney helped Nadia take care of Natasha when she could. She loved more than anything how Natasha quickly became her own person who grew more and more each day. Soon Sydney realized that Michael had been right all along (something she would definitely not admit to him willingly), but he had been right. Every time she held Natasha, Sydney’s heart ached and she knew exactly what she needed.
“Michael.” Sydney said one evening when they were both sitting on the couch after work. She was staring nervously at the wall while Michael was reading the newspaper.
“Hmm?” he said without looking up from the article he was reading.
“I want to have a baby.” She said.
Michael practically threw the paper down as he leapt across the couch, hugged Sydney tightly and showered her in kisses while repeating “I love you, I love you, I love you.”
Sydney giggled. “I guess there’s no need to ask if you still want to.”
“Of course I want to! What changed your mind? Not that I care....,” he said.
“Natasha.” She smiled. “Every time I see her my heart just melts and says ‘I want one’.” She said in a cute voice that made Michael smiled.
“Well I definitely want one.” He smiled.
“Yeah... and I mean... I’m twenty four but who cares?! Careers are over rated right?” She laughed.
“Syd, you don’t have to quit... just take a break,” he said.
“I know, I will.” She smiled.
“So we’re trying for a baby? Really? Seriously?” he asked excitedly.
“Yes really, seriously.” Sydney laughed. “I love you.”
“I love you too. Let’s go try right now.” He smiled.
Sydney laughed loudly. “Boy you don’t waste any time do you.”
“No, I’m very efficient.” He grinned.
~*~
“Look at you with that goofy grin on your face.” Nadia smiled.
“Yeah.” Sydney sighed.
“Should I ask?”
“Michael and I are trying for a baby.” Sydney smiled.
“Really? Oh that’s wonderful!” Nadia smiled. “I have some news of my own?”
“You and Nathan are trying too?!” Sydney laughed.
“God no, we already have one.” Nadia sighed.
“I’ve noticed.”
“Yeah... but he did propose.”
“Really? Oh that’s wonderful. We’re going to be sisters!” Sydney giggled as she hugged Nadia.
“Yeah I can’t wait.” Nadia grinned. “Then I can be an aunt too!”
“Yes.”
“Oh! Maybe you can have a girl too and they can go on little play dates.” Nadia grinned.
“Slow down I’m not pregnant yet.” Sydney laughed.
“Well you might be, you never know.” Nadia said.
“That’s true... well, I hope not yet anyway.” Sydney said. Nadia looked curious. “Trying is fun.” Sydney giggled. Nadia rolled her eyes.
Epilogue (Because I must have an even number of chaps cuz I have mild OCD)
“So Sydney, what’s the big news?” Irina asked.
“Yeah this time last year you guys got engaged, what are you? Pregnant?” Nathan asked.
“Actually, yes.” Sydney smiled. “We’re having a baby!”
“Oh Sydney that’s wonderful!” Irina grinned as she pulled her daughter into a hug.
~*~
Ironically, Sydney went into labor the exact same day as Nadia only a year later of course. But, she was only in labor for six hours to which Nadia was incredibly bitter. So Natasha’s cousin, little Jacqueline Kayla Vaughn, was born a day before her first birthday.
“Oh Michael she’s perfect.” Sydney sighed as she cradled her new little daughter. “I’m so glad we had her. I love her so much already.”
“Me too.” Michael sighed as he rubbed his fingers across his daughter’s bald little head.
“We should have another one.” Sydney said.
Michael laughed. “Another one?! We haven’t even had this one for a day yet!”
“Well I didn’t mean now I meant.... you know.” She smiled.
“Yes I understand. And you’re right, we should have another one. Maybe a little boy.” Michael said.
“I’d like that.” Sydney smiled.
“Let’s take a picture of us.” Michael suggested.
“Let’s not.” Sydney laughed.
“Why?”
“Well I don’t have a mirror – which is probably a good thing – but I’m sure my hair is a wreck and I’m sweaty and gross.” She groaned.
“You’re beautiful.” He smiled. “You’ve got that new mother glow.”
“Ugly.” She groaned. “You may have a picture when I’m clean.”
“Pleaaaaaaaase.” He whined. “I won’t show it to anyone I promise. And I’ll buy you something pretty.” He smiled. She looked wary. “Something diamondy?”
“Fine.” She sighed. “But it better be pretty, shiny, AND diamondy.”
“Deal.” He grinned as he kissed her forehead.
Much to her dismay and protest, the picture that Sydney so reluctantly took was placed on the mantle in their home. (Michael bought her a diamond pendant and matching earrings for her to let him keep it there.) Next to the picture of their only five hour old family, was a frame that held a picture of Sydney and Michael on their wedding day. Written across the frame was a phrase that Sydney and Michael heartily believed to be true. The first loves are the best loves, always and forever xoxo.
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