Christopher Lorenzo stared at his wife as she walked through the doors of their home. She was carrying groceries and yelling at the children behind her.
?Samuel Lorenzo!? she screamed. ?Didn't I tell you to stop teasing your sister!?
?Big baby,? he said sticking out his tongue at his sister as he ran through the door. ?Hi dad,? he said wrapping his arms around his father's neck.
?Be a big boy and help your mother with the groceries before she kills you,? Chris said patting his son on the bottom giving him a slight shove in the right direction. He watched his daughter walk in behind him. She was now a full head taller than he was but they still looked like the identical twins they were. He closed his eyes and opened them again still in shock that this was his life. The once confirmed bachelor was married with twins and triplets on the way. He watched as Rita and the kids made about five trips each.
?Jesus, Rita, did you leave any food in the grocery store??
?You're very funny mister,? she said giving him a light punch to the stomach with her free hand.
He held onto it and pulled her closer to him and kissed her very full lips. She still tasted as sweet as the very first time he kissed her and was as passionate.
?Get a room,? Samuel said to his parents from the kitchen doorway.
?Put away the groceries you little demon,? Rita said taking a seat on the couch behind her. Chris closed the door behind Samantha after asking her if there were any more.
?Yes daddy,? she said flashing him the same smile that he would give Rita. ?Thanks for your help.?
?Get out of here,? he said patting her bottom as he had done his son earlier. He sat down next to Rita and took her shoes off as he began massaging her feet.
?And you're going to have three more just like that,? he said smiling at her.
?You know Christopher,? she said feeling her eyelids getting heavy. ?This is exactly what did this.?
?So,? he said moving next to her on the couch. He put his hands on her shoulders brushed her hair out the way as he massaged her shoulders, ?your saying that making you feel relaxed makes the kids bad.?
?You know what I mean,? she said letting out a small sigh of satisfaction.
He began kissing her shoulders and that spot right at the base of her neck that he knew drove her crazy. Her eyes flew open and she turned and looked at him.
?You,? she said returning kisses to his bare chest, ?are insatiable. Don't you ever not try??
He pulled her into his arms and lay back in the couch. ?Not try what??
?To have your way with me,? she said playfully.
?I can, so why shouldn't I,? he said smiling.
?Because I always manage to end up like this,? she said rubbing her huge belly.
?I don't mind,? he said kissing her fingertips, ?at least I don't have to worry about some other guy trying to mess with my wife.?
?So this is your plan,? she said slyly, ?keep me pregnant so other guys wouldn't look at me and you can have me all to yourself.?
?Precisely,? he said covering her mouth with his own for a long, hungry kiss.
He woke up the next morning as she stirred next to him. He thought she was getting up but realized that she was in actuality just getting in.
?Where have you been gorgeous?? he asked kissing her cheek.
?Walking.?
?Uh oh,? he said now fully awake. He propped up on his hand and looked at her. ?What's up??
?Nothing, couldn't sleep so I went for a walk.?
?Do I look like someone else? It's me, Chris. Your husband, confidant...?
?Pain in my ass, pain in my neck, gets on my nerves, sex-crazed maniac best friend/lover/husband. I know.?
?Then don't try to hide from me. What's wrong??
?I've just got a few things on my mind. That's all.?
?Care to share,? he said pulling her onto the bed and next to him. ?I'm a good listener.?
She smiled at him unable to keep a straight face from his words and his own smile. She couldn't imagine loving any person more and being happier but yet, something was nagging at her for the longest. She had questions that could never be answered and yet she felt so knowledgeable.
?Tell me something,? she said. ?What would you say if I told you that I was thinking about quitting the force??
?I'd be rightfully shocked. Why, are you??
?Sort of. I've just been thinking about what you said a few months ago about our family....?
?Don't think about that. Remember, we discussed that, in detail.?
?Yes, in very detailed details,? she said with a smile, ?I have been anyway.?
Chris looked into Rita's eyes and could see her indecision and worry. He kissed her forehead knowing all too well that no matter what he did or said, she'd be thinking about it. They had been partners for years before they married and started a family. They had been friends through that time and one of their greatest ties was the fact that they wanted to be so good at the profession they had chosen. Many times they tried to outdo each other just to prove that they were the best cops and it was strange to hear her thinking about quitting.
?What ever you decide, I back 3,567,890%.?
?Thank you,? she said giving him a genuine smile. ?You always know how to make me smile.?
?That's because I love to see it. It's the most beautiful thing on your face. Well...except for your eyes... and that nose... and....?
Rita woke to the sound of the doorbell and tried to wake Chris to get it. He turned over a few times before he peered at her through one open eye.
?Yes,? he said huskily.
?The doorbell.?
?Why don't you get it?? he said in a slight whine.
?Because the doctor said I'm supposed to stay off my feet.?
?Right,? he said through a yawn as he grabbed the sweats that laid on the floor. ?I just love how everything is so convenient for you. When we don't want to get up, 'the doctor said'. When we don't feel like it, 'honey, sweetheart' and every other pet name we can think of for coercion. And we're just so good at...?
?Go get the door!?
Chris walked down the stairs carefully as he picked up toys and dolls and clothes and shoes from them. He couldn't remember how many times he told the kids about putting things everywhere and not cleaning up after themselves. ?Damn kids,? he muttered after almost slipping down the stairs on a pair of Scooby-Doo underwear. ?Right and I don't know who these belong to,? he said picking them up. ?Hold your horses,? he said to the door as he drew nearer to it. He opened the door to the ultimate shock.
?Honey, who is it?? Rita called from upstairs.
?You wouldn't believe me if I told you,? he said staring at the person on his front porch.
?Chris, who is it??
?It's Jillian.?
?Are you for real?? she called not wanting to get up.
?Pretty sure of it.?
Rita stood at the top of the steps and looked as Jillian sat on her couch. She asked for something from her refrigerator and looked at her husband like he was the next meal. She also noticed that Jillian still had her figure and that Chris was noticing.
?I see you?re still looking good,? Chris said from the kitchen.
?Thank you,? she said looking at him bent over in the fridge. ?So are you??
?Hello Jillian,? Rita said descending down the stairs. She too found it necessary to pick up the children's belongings from the stairwell as she descended. ?Jesus... for Pete's Sake... Chris!?
?Yes sweetheart,? Chris said coming back into the living room with the juice for Jillian.
?What is all this... this... stuff doing all over the stairs??
?The same thing this was doing there,? Chris said flinging the underwear in her direction. ?Trying to kill somebody. To what do we owe the pleasure, Jillian.?
?You seem very happy in your marital bliss,? she said trying to come off aloof. ?For a man who told me that he couldn't handle a woman making more than him you sure are handling it now.?
?Was there a good reason for you coming here, Jillian?? Chris asked helping Rita into the chair. ?And at 8 in the morning.?
?Yes I do. I want to know why your wife is trying to have me fired.?
?You're shittin' me, right?? Chris said in more shock than seeing her at his door.
?I'd like to rephrase that, why your wife had me fired,? Jillian said crossing her legs. ?I know that you aren't the type to hold a grudge Chris but she was always so needy for your attention that she would purposely put herself in harms way, so you could rescue her.?
Rita's blood began to boil in her veins as she battled the urge to reach across the coffee table and knock her right out. ?Christopher,? was the only word that left her mouth.
?Yes sweetheart, I believe you're right. Jillian, I'd like you to leave,? Chris said getting up from his seat next to his wife.
?Do you have ESP. She hasn't even said a word.?
?Jillian, I tolerated your little tyrants when we were dating because we were dating but this is my wife, and I won't allow you to upset her.?
?I don't plan on upsetting her,? she said quietly. She pulled a gun out of her bag and aimed it at Rita. ?I just want to kill her.?
?Jillian, put the gun down,? Chris said approaching her.
?Rita, tell your husband to back up or I'll shoot you now,? Jillian said a little too calmly for Rita's taste.
?Sit down Chris,? Rita said looking at him. She gave him direct eye contact and pleaded with her eyes for him to not try anything with her.
?Killing Rita doesn't solve any thing Jillian,? Chris said sitting in the chair next to his wife. He held her close; afraid of what Jillian might do to her. ?I love only Rita, and with a stunt like this I would never even consider taking you back. I'd die first.?
?Maybe you should,? she said sitting back down in the recliner. ?I want to tell you what you've done to me.? Jillian made herself comfortable in their home before beginning her fairy tale of what was happening to her. Once settled with a glass of water she began.
?I never liked you Rita,? she said looking at her with pure hatred, ?maybe that was my mistake. Maybe I should have gotten to know you and then turned him against you. Maybe...?
?It would have never happened Jillian,? Chris gritted out.
?Don't antagonize her sweetheart,? Rita said squeezing his hand.
?Yeah sweetheart, don't antagonize me. And don't interrupt me any more either. Now, where was I, oh yes, I never liked the bitch. You were always clinging to him like a child to their favorite toy. He would leave my bed to come to you when you needed him. I just couldn't beat you then when I got the job offer; it was the perfect opportunity to get him away. He preferred to stay here with you. But that just wasn't enough for you. I was happy to leave. I had all I needed. I might not have had Chris but about two weeks after I had been in Boston I found out I was pregnant. I was content with that but you took that away from me too. I had a miscarriage and I lost my baby....?
?I'm sorry Jillian,? Chris said softly. ?You should have said something.?
?Why, so you could let her beat me to death about it. I had enough kicks in the teeth from her thank you very much.?
?I tried Jillian,? Rita said solemnly. ?I tried to let him be there for you. I sent him away to Boston to make sure he really wanted to give this up. He wouldn't go. I knew he cared about you and I tried.?
?Well you didn't try heard enough,? Jillian said banging her hand on the chair arm. ?I never saw him.?
?That's because I never made it past the airport,? Chris said a little sad. ?I realized right as I was boarding the plane that there would never be anything in Boston for me no matter how much I loved you, everything for me was here. It was actually the last conversation we had together that caused me to confront my feelings and tell her how I felt. I guess I forgot to say thank you for everything.?
?Well your bitch of a wife wasn't grateful because it was her fault I lost my baby.?
?That just isn't possible Jillian.?
?No. Then why is it the woman who pushed me down the stairs said 'Lorenzo was never yours to have? before she pushed me.
Chris looked at Rita very pensively for a second without saying a word. It wasn't possible. He knew without a shadow of a doubt it couldn't have been Rita. She would never do that to anybody, she was always too worried about doing the right thing, but what if?
?Got your wheels a-turning, don't you Chris? You should question it especially when the lady who witnessed it described Rita to a tee.?
?I'm not questioning my wife, I'm questioning if I should believe you. I mean really Jillian,? Chris said aloof, ?You want me to believe that you loved me so much but when you found out you were pregnant with my child you didn't try to use it to get me back.?
?I would never do that. I would want you to come back to me because you chose to. I make competent judgments.?
?Like coming into my home and putting a gun on my wife with my children upstairs sleeping.?
?Children??
?Twins. A boy and a girl.?
Jillian started to cry. The glass fell out of her hand and shattered into pieces. Chris took the opportunity to take her gun. The children woke up and ran downstairs to see what all the commotion is about. They saw Jillian crying and their father with a gun. Their mother was sitting there like a mummy.
?Mommy,? Samantha called crawling up into her lap. Rita didn't say a word. She didn't even move. Her son also sat in her lap to try and comfort their mother. ?Daddy,? Samantha said scared, ?do something. Mommy's not moving.?
Chris turned and looked at Rita. The kids were right. She wasn't moving no matter what they did. He looked at Jillian who was now beginning to calm down. He looked back at Rita and noticed that her lips were beginning to get discolored.
?Damn it. Sam, call 911. Tell them who you are and to get an ambulance here quick.? Jillian turned her attention to Chris. She looked at him beseechingly. ?I'm sorry,? she said tears coming to her eyes again; ?I'll leave. I'll never come here again.?
?I don't give a damn about you,? he said with a hard voice. He went at sat next to Rita. He tried CPR but nothing was working. She was still paling and her temperature was dropping. ?Come on honey,? he said in a soft and soothing manner, totally opposite of the voice he used on Jillian, ?you have to breathe sweetheart.?
The kids began to cry and Chris didn't know what to do. He didn't want to leave her but the kids needed him to be strong and comfort them. Jillian just sat there. She didn't lift a finger to help Rita, she just looked at her.
?Rita you have to wake up honey. You're scaring the kids and me.? He just sat there waiting for something to happen and about five minutes later it did. Her body began to warm up and he could see her color coming back. She still hadn't opened her eyes.
?Come on honey, let me see those green eyes I love,? he said coaxing. Her eyes opened and she looked at him.
?What happened to you mommy?? Samantha said going to her mother and wiping her tears.
?Sam!? she said sounding scared to death, ?where's Sam? Chris??
?Calm down Rita,? Chris said to her, ?Sam is fine. You gave me quite a scare, what happened??
?She...she....
?It's okay honey,? Chris said holding her in his arms. It was one of the things he loved doing the most. When he was holding her he felt as if the world didn't exist only her being in his arms. He felt tears stinging his eyes as he thought about not being able to hold her anymore. He loved it when they were in the bath, just out the bath, after work, during family moments, all the time. He looked into those green eyes that held his soul and wondered what would happen to him if he could never look into them again. ?Don't ever scare me like that again,? he said holding her even tighter.
When the police came they arrested Jillian Dupree on one count of attempted murder and for failing to do her job as an officer of medicine. Her medical license would be revoked. Rita went to see her.
?Came to rub it in,? Jillian she said spitting at Rita.
?No, I came to make you an offer you can't refuse,? she said in a very business-like tone.
?Like??
?Let's just say that I can make this very worth your while.?
?How worth my while?? Jillian asked trying to look bored.
?I'll drop the charges and even give you an extra added incentive,? Rita said in her no nonsense tone.
?What's the deal for?? she asked suspiciously.
?You tell me everything there is to know about what's been going since you lost your child.?
?Why do you want to know?? Jillian asked even more curious than before.
?Because not only is somebody trying to get to you but they're trying real hard to make it look like I'm doing it. Think my offer over. I'll be back.?
*
Rita took off her shoes and went into the kitchen where she saw Chris cooking. He hadn't heard her come in. She put the recorder on the table and walked right behind him. She put her hands around his waist and laid her head on his back.
?I'm a married man,? he said with a grin not turning around.
?I know,? she said turning him around to face her, ?and it's time for you to perform your husbandly duties.?
?I am,? he said pointing to the stove.
?Not those, these,? she said kissing his lips.
?I thought you said,? he said pulling away to look into her eyes, ?no more of that unless we're in the room.?
?Well I want it now,? she said to him, ?so I guess it's to the bedroom we go,? she said running her hands across his butt.
?What about dinner,? he asked his breath coming out a little heavy. ?The kids do have to eat.?
?They can wait,? she said coming in for another kiss.
For the first time in a long time Rita led her husband upstairs to their bedroom. She lay him down on the bed to be ravished and used like a love slave. She was sure before they started anything that they wouldn't be disturbed. She locked the door and proceeded to taking off his clothes. Rita took off her dress and got in the bed next to Chris.
?You are so beautiful,? he murmured through kisses, ?you are absolutely glowing.? Their lovemaking was fast and hot the first time and the second and third they took it slow. Chris was gentle when he entered her being careful not to hurt her since she was still pregnant. He wanted to possess her all night but there was the matter of dinner. He drew away from her and tried to get up and finish dinner.
?Where do you think you're going?? she asked from the bed.
?To finish dinner.?
?I'll help,? she said getting up after being properly sated.
?That's okay,? he said holding her shoulders, ?you're kind of help is not going to go unappreciated, however, if I plan to feed our children tonight, you stay here. I'll bring you up a tray.? He kissed her forehead as he headed down stairs.
Chris headed upstairs with a tray and the recorder on it. He wanted some questions answered about this.
?Ah, dinner,? she said ravenously, ?it took you long enough.?
?The kids have eaten and bathed and in a half hour it's bedtime.?
?Hmmm,? she said kissing him on the lips, ?early night.?
?No, we need to talk about this,? he said showing her the recorder.
?I was just backing up a conversation,? she explained, ?No big deal.?
?Yes big deal, who with??
?Somebody.?
?Rita!?
?None of your business,? she snapped.
?Don't take that tone of voice with me. I'm asking. You have ten more seconds before I turn it on.?
She reached for it and grew discomforted as he yanked it away and she began feeling a pain. ?Just give it to me.?
?Five seconds,? he said with determined eyes.
Rita tried the only thing left for her to try. She reached out and caressed his arm hoping to get a reaction out of him. She did. He flinched and backed away.
?Times up.? He rewound the tape a little and played it. He heard her offering Jillian a deal for a price. ?What are you planning on giving her that she can't refuse.?
Rita refused to say anything. She knew he'd have her hide for this if he knew. She had planned on telling him but at a more convenient time when he wasn't so... angry. ?I know my rights,? she said indignantly. ?I don't have to answer that question.?
Chris got a hold of her arm and looked her in the eyes. ?What the hell are you planning, Rita? You've run my patience now.?
?You're hurting me Chris,? she said trying to pry free from the vice grip he had on her.
?I could probably do worse,? he said his eyes getting menacingly dark.
?I'm going to give her one of the babies,? she hissed and he let go of her arm.
?Have you lost your damn mind!? he asked her letting go of her arm. ?That's a stupid question. Of course you have. You must have to consider giving her my child.?
?Don't you get high and mighty with me Christopher Lorenzo. This is your fault. You got her pregnant. I'm just trying to right a wrong.?
?You believe her!? he said incredulously. ?She's a damn liar and an attempted murderer at that. Yours!?
?Pressure makes people to do things they wouldn't normally do,? she said flippantly. ?Like marrying you,? she said making her attack.
?You said yes,? he hissed, ?I didn't force you.?
?Coercion by pregnancy counts as forcing.?
?Stop it,? he demanded.
?No you stop it,? she said looking him dead in the eyes. ?This is my choice. This is my body and these are my babies. I make the decisions.?
?So being the father gives me no rights. Being your husband gives me no rights,? he said no longer being angry. He was hurt. He couldn't believe that she would discard his opinion as being obsolete, as if he didn't even matter. ?Fine,? he said picking up his pillow and clothes, ?I'll pick up the rest of my stuff. I'm moving into the basement.?
?Not far enough,? she grumbled.
?You won't even know I live here.?
Sure enough he was right. She couldn't even tell he was there. They never saw each other in the evenings and managed, quite miraculously, to miss each other during other times as well. Rita continued her digging into the crimes against Jillian. She called the hospital and sure enough the doctor who handled her surgery said she truly had been pregnant. Rita told Jillian the deal that she had worked out and explained all her findings over the last few weeks when she went back to the jail to see her.
*
?You're really willing to give me one of your babies?? Jillian asked looking into her lap.
?Yes,? Rita said without hesitation. ?I feel for your loss. When I almost lost Chris ten years ago the only thing that kept me alive was that I knew that a part of him lived in me. I know what it's like to live for something that means so much to you. I know you loved Chris and you would have never said anything to him about the baby. Just knowing you had a part of him to love was all you needed.?
?I'm sorry Rita,? Jillian said looking up at her, ?I didn't know what else to do. I was very scared that everything I worked so hard for was being taken away from me by you. I can't accept your offer though.?
?Why?? Rita asked sitting down. She'd be due soon and her feet hurt like hell. Jillian looked at her intensely.
?You haven't been sleeping,? she said to Rita, ?It's not healthy for the babies. You need lots of rest.?
?You're avoiding my question,? Rita stated flatly.
?You don't have your usual glow. You and Chris had a fight??
?My personal life is none of your business,? she said wearily, ?You're still avoiding.?
?Just trying to help,? she said putting up her hands in mock surrender, ?I think I need a nap. Thanks for filling me in,? Jillian said getting up, ?I'll be going back to my cell. I hope you find whoever's behind this soon. I'm about due for a manicure,? she said giving Rita a genuine smile as she walked out.
Rita walked out of the Fairfax police department shaking her head. She didn't how she did it but Jillian managed to avoid the question all together.
Samantha and Samuel were completely fed up with their parents. Their father lived in the basement and their mother lived in her room. They developed a routine. She came home, she cooked, and she went upstairs, showered and went to bed. Their father came upstairs and ate what was left. She always cooked enough for him to eat; she just didn't put it in a plate. She washed the clothes and left his in the dryer. This was becoming just a little ridiculous.
?I know I said get a room but I didn't mean separate ones,? Samuel said to his sister.
?I know,? she said agreeing, ?Dad should apologize.?
?Mom should apologize,? he said looking at his sister dangerously.
?All I'm saying is this,? she said rationalizing, ?If dad had died and we didn't really get to know him and mom had taken away our pictures that she keeps by our bed of them, we wouldn't know what he looked like. If she didn't tell us all the stories, we wouldn't know the kind of person he was. We're lucky, he didn't die and the pictures just remind us of how lucky we are to have such great parents. That lady really loved dad and her baby was just a reminder of lucky she was to be a part of his life.?
Samuel thought it over and Chris stood against the wall outside of their room. He was coming to ask them if they wanted to go to McDonald's when he heard them talking. They were right. It was ridiculous for him and Rita to avoid each other. They never had these kinds of problems. They hardly ever disagreed and when they did it didn't last long. They made up right after.
What really made Chris think was what his daughter said. She was right. He never realized how much Jillian really did make him and Rita possible. She showed him how to really love and how to just give in sometimes. She showed him how to laugh and take things less seriously. She helped the relationship between him and Rita more than he had realized. He had some big time apologizing to do and now seemed like as good a time as any.
?Hey peanut heads,? he said walking into their room.
?Daddy,? Samantha said running to him and giving him a hug. ?Does this mean you and mommy aren't fighting anymore??
?Not exactly,? he said kissing her cheek, ?but I heard what you said.?
Samantha looked down and said, ?I'm not saying mommy shouldn't apologize,? she said using her foot to scrub at an imaginary stain in the carpet, ?the both of you should make the decision. I just think that you were too busy being angry to understand her point of view.?
?Your very right pumpkin,? Chris said sitting in the rocker that Rita used to use to rock them to sleep. He motioned for her to sit on his lap. His son tagged along and sat on the floor in front of them. ?You are very wise for your young ten years,? he said giving her a raspberry kiss, ?and very right. Mommy and I were very angry. We only thought about what we wanted we didn't even think about how things would affect you guys. I'm very sorry about that, we've never done that before.?
?It's okay dad,? Samuel said smiling, ?it's just tes-tos-terone,? he said sounding it out.
?This is true,? he said laughing, ?It makes men do stupid stuff like I did to impress your mother when we first became partners. That's just it though,? he mused to himself but spoke out loud, ?She was never impressed and when we got married she was impressed by everything I would do. She confuses me. Half the time, I don't know what to do with myself.?
?It's okay dad,? Samuel said, ?It's about that mid-life crisis time any way.?
?Right son,? he said tousling his hair and standing up. The phone rang. ?I'll go get that and you get your shoes on for dinner tonight. We are going out.? Chris walked down the stairs with a lot more pep in his step than he'd had in a few days.
?Hello,? he said cheerily.
?Mr. Lorenzo?? the voice said coming in unclearly.
?Who is this??
?This is Captain Haney at the Hampton PD. I'm your wife's boss. They called me when they found her. She's at Fairfax Memorial.?
?Thank you,? Chris said in frenzy, ?Come on kids,? he said in a worried tone.
?What's wrong dad?? Samuel asked.
?Your mother's in the hospital,? he said rushing out the door with two worried children in tow.
Chris arrived at the hospital in record time. He rushed in and was immediately rushed to his wife's room where he found her doctor.
?Dr. Denny what happened?? Chris asked looking from the bed where Rita was to the doctor.
?Your wife is fine,? Dr. Denny said taking Chris aside, ?she's getting ready to go into labor.? Chris's eyes opened wide in amazement. The babies were on their way. He was going to hold three very precious babies in his arms and love them forever.
?Wait a minute,? he said stopping Dr. Denny, ?they're early. Are they going to be okay??
?I guarantee it,? Dr. Denny said putting his hand on Chris's shoulder. ?Your wife's going to be fine too.?
Chris stared at Rita as she slept and smiled. He couldn't imagine what he'd do without her. The kids were right. Their fighting was petty and silly and they both took it a little overboard. He got angry and so did she and they didn't talk it out. They never had this problem before except for when something was bothering her. He assumed it was this thing about giving Jillian one of the babies. He new she wouldn't want to part with one of her children. He sat next to her and held her hand. She started to stir.
Rita opened her eyes and looked into Chris's blue ones. She never thought she'd ever be this happy to see those beautiful blue eyes again.
?Chris,? she said a little hoarsely.
?Shh,? he said putting a finger over her lips, ?we'll talk later. I'm going to take the children home and put them to bed. I'll be back in the morning.? He kissed her forehead and left the room. As he was walking down the hallway, Chris ran into Rita's boss.
?Mrs. Haney,? Chris said extending his hand to her, ?Thanks for calling. How did you know anyway?? he asked for the first time wondering why she called.
?She was at the station,? she said taking his hand in the gesture it was meant, ?she was talking to that lady we hauled in for trying to kill her. I don't think I'll ever understand your wife,? she said with a smile.
?Neither will I Mrs. Haney,? Chris said laughing. They said good-bye and he went to retrieve his children. He saw Jillian talking to Samuel and Samantha. He ran over to them and blocked the path of view between her and his children.
?How did you get out of jail?? he questioned angrily.
?Right before she started having labor pains Rita signed papers that she had her lawyers draw up that said she was dropping the charges she was filing against me,? Jillian said calmly. ?I didn't mean your children any harm. They were worried about their mother so I sat and talked to them for a while. That's all.?
?Stay away from my family,? Chris warned, ?or so help me I'll kill you with my bare hands.?
*
Jillian sat in Rita's room and watched her sleep. In many ways she was still angry. She was upset at what she'd lost. Chris, her baby, and now her job and yet she no longer blamed it on Rita. Rita had stuck her with her words. She looked and searched into the things that had happened. Even when she thought she had reached a dead end she kept looking until a few things started to fall into place. She kept Jillian aware of everything that she found. Earlier that evening, before her pains Rita had told Jillian that everything was solved. It turned out that one of the doctors that worked with her in Palm Beach was out for revenge. She thought that Jillian had stolen her job opportunity and knowing how much Jillian despised Rita had her hair done exactly like Rita's and reeked terror on Jillian's life.
Jillian looked at Rita sleep and wondered how this woman could even consider giving her one of her own babies, her own flesh and blood, after all she had done to her. She tried to kill her and didn't even help her when she almost died. Jillian saw Rita and Chris's relationship in a new light now. She understood how easy it was for him to deny that he loved her for so long with out ever thinking about it. It was as easy as breathing for him. Jillian now understood why he denied it so fiercely too. They had a very special bond that was nothing but pure love. She had a little space in her heart that would always be reserved for Chris and the baby she had lost but she realized it was time for her to stop the pain. She stood up and looked at Rita one more time. She held her hand for a few minutes and saw her stir. She quickly let go. She didn't want to wake her up. She kissed Rita's cheek and whispered thank you as she picked up her pocketbook and left.
Chris had just finished putting the kids to bed. He had to call the hospital and let the kids talk to her doctor or they refused to go to bed. They were like two old people as they worried about their mother and tried to comfort their father. After a trying time he finally convinced them that he was okay and they went to bed. Chris settled in front the television and before he could get comfortable, the doorbell rang.
Chris dragged himself off the couch and to the door. He opened it and saw Jillian and closed the door in her face. He tried to walk back to the couch and heard the doorbell again.
?Go away Jillian,? he said wearily.
?I have to talk to you Chris,? she said through the door, ?It's important and it won't take long.?
?You want to put a bullet through me too,? he said laughing sarcastically.
? I am sorry about that, it was a mistake. Chris I don't want to wake your kids up with all this noise,? she said in her reasonable sounding voice. ?It'll only take a few minutes.?
Chris turned around and opened the door. ?Leave your purse right there,? he said pointing to a table right by the door. He closed the door and sat on the steps. Jillian sat in the closest chair.
?I'd really like to apologize,? she started, ?I was wrong to take this out on Rita and I felt even guiltier when she offered me the baby. I'm not taking it; I'm leaving tonight. I'm not going back to Boston. I'll go somewhere else and start over. They took away my license so I guess I can try something new,? she said offering a little smile. She looked at him pensively before continuing.
?I know I was wrong for what I did,? she said looking at him. ?And the truth is I don't think I would have done it but nonetheless, it was wrong. I'm sorry I caused you two to have a fight,? she said sincerely, ?I never suggested it. She did and when she did, I lashed out at her. I guess she knew how I felt more than I did. She was never mad at me, not even once. She was so in control and I realized tonight, while I sat next to her bed how you fell in love with her. I imagine that's how I would feel about her child. It is quite easy to not realize that you've fallen in love with someone when you already love them.?
Chris looked at Jillian and scowled. He didn't know why she was here spouting her mouth but he let her finish. He wanted her gone and out of their lives for good.
?I know you want me gone forever,? Jillian said reading his thoughts, ?I'll be just that but I just wanted to say something that I think is very important for you to hear. You were right not to leave with me and I guess I would have blamed her anyway. Without her your spirit would have been broken and that's what I love about you the most. I also have a newfound respect for your wife. She's very special. She's got such a good heart and makes very solid decisions. Listen to her and ask questions. Don't let your anger do this again. She has been so miserable for the last few weeks. Could you give her this for me after the babies are born?? she asked handing him an envelope.
She stood up and took her purse and walked out. Jillian stood on the other side of the door with tears stinging her eyes. She clutched her pocketbook to her chest and put a hand on the door.
?It might not mean much,? she said through the tears, ?but I wish you both long lives and everlasting love.? After that she took a deep breath and turned away from the doors. For the first time in ten years she felt a weight so great lifted from her heart and her soul. She never looked back. She only hoped that one day she might find someone to love her as much as Chris loved Rita.
Chris looked at the envelope and set it on the coffee table in the middle of the room. He went upstairs and stripped down to his boxers before getting in bed. He looked at the clock in the room that said one o'clock in the morning. He had the oddest sensation run through him and he looked at the calendar. It was now April 13. Then Chris got the strangest sensation and got out of bed and knelt toward it. He folded his hands in front of him and began.
?Our father, who art in heaven...?
About twenty minutes later he was almost finished praying. ?Dear lord,? he continued, ?please give Rita and I the strength and love that we'll need to raise this tribe that were building and help us to remember your love. Thank you for all that you have done for us. Amen.?
He got up off his knees and got back in bed feeling like something that was weighing on his chest was relieved. He felt like he was a new person and then, again he was compelled to look at the calendar again. It was still Sunday, April 13 at 1:30 in the morning. Then oddly enough it came to him what was bothering him.
?And God bless Jillian. Today is her birthday and I think she's been born a new person, today.?
Chris turned over to try and get some sleep and the phone rang. ?Don't these people believe in sleep,? he grumbled picking up the phone.
?Mr. Lorenzo,? the voice said, ?This is Dr. Denny.?
He shot up quickly. ?Is Rita all right?? he asked.
?Your wife's about to go into labor,? he said hanging up the phone. Chris shot up and turned on the light. He grabbed his jeans from the foot of he bed and started putting them on. He yelled for the kids.
?What?? they asked simultaneously as they stood at the door of his room. They were still asleep and Chris kissed both their cheeks.
?You're mother's going into labor,? he said excitedly. The two children looked at him and went to their room. They put their shoes on in a half sleep state and took the keys to go sit in the car. Chris grabbed Rita's bag and hurried downstairs and to the door. He forgot the envelope on the table.
Chris made it to the hospital right before the first baby was born. He held on to Rita's hand as she suffered through the agony of childbirth.
?What the hell,? she said through moans of agony, ?took your ass so long. Ohhhhhhh.?
?I couldn't find the keys,? he said sheepishly.
?I'm sorry,? she continued through moans, ?I don't want to fight... Ahhhhhhh... anymore.''
She squeezed his hand so hard Chris thought HE was going to pass out. Before they knew it, Rita had given birth to triplets, a boy and two girls. Chris beamed like the happy father as he looked at the babies in the nurses' arms. He turned to look at Rita who had passed out cold.
?Sleep well pumpkin,? he said kissing her forehead and leaving the hospital.
Chris woke up early and bright Monday morning and got he kids ready to go to the hospital. He picked out their clothes, he cooked and he even cleaned.
?Were you this happy when we were born?? Samantha asked.
?Happier,? he replied as they drove to the hospital.
?Why??
?Because you guys officially made your mom and I a family as well as me a dad.?
?We love you dad,? they both said hugging their father.
?I hope you remember that when you're on diaper duty,? he said smiling at them as they walked down the corridor to Rita's room.
She looked a little tired still but she had tow of the babies in her arms and one in a bassinet. Chris took up the one in the bassinet and held it close to him. It was one of the girls. She looked just like Rita with her tiny face and green eyes. He put the baby back down and reached into his pocket and handed something to her.
?What's this?? she asked handing the baby to the nurse.
?Jillian brought it,? he said cooing to his new son over the nurse's shoulder.
Rita opened the envelope and read the letter Jillian wrote. When she was done Rita had tears in her eyes and she sniffled. Chris looked up and saw her crying.
?What's wrong?? he asked her suspiciously.
?Listen to this,? she said as she began to read the letter.
?Dear Rita,? she began, ?You?re probably going to want to kill me for doing this but I thought it was the right thing to do. I'm leaving tonight and you'll never see me again. I don't want the baby. I'm not being mean but I'm being practical. I sat by your bed before I wrote this and it might sound weird but I love you. I love the person you are and what you've taught me in such a few short days. You were able to open your heart to me unconditionally and I respect you as a person and woman for that. I was jealous of what you and Chris had and that was because I, personally, have never had a best friend of my own that I could share everything with. Chris was the closest I got to that. I'm glad you understood my pain and reached out your heart to me. You helped me to start a new life on my 35th birthday. That should be today unless Chris, like we both know him to do, forgot. If that's the case, yesterday. On my birthday you gave me the birth of a new soul and three little people that I will forever think of as my own. If you really are mad at me here's my deal to you, name one of your children after me and call it even. Forever in your debt, Jillian.?
?Damn her,? Rita said with a small smile.
?Are you really mad at her?? Chris asked her perplexed.
?Yes,? she said still crying, ?and no.?
?Okay,? he said utterly confused. ?You understand her and she understands you, can somebody help me to understand? The woman intented to shoot you and you offer her our child and your mad when she declines your offer and leaves. I'm obviously missing something.? he asked frustrated.
?Listen carefully,? she said refolding the letter and returning to the envelope. ?She was hurting Chris. For the first time in her life she had something that mattered and when you broke your relationship off and she found out she was pregnant, it was like dying and being reborn. She would never forget you because she would have a piece of you forever. It made it not so bad. She loved you that much. I thought that your child would fill that void for her.?
?You are very wise,? he said kissing her nose, ?so is our ten year old daughter who made the explanation much simpler.?
?Where did she go, Chris?? Rita asked him.
?I don't know,? he said looking into her eyes, ?but I hope she's happy.?
?So do I,? Rita added a little remorseful. ?I think I'll name our son Jillian. Whadya think??
?That crack kills,? he said laughing. Then his voice took a more serious tone. ?I think we should name him Dupree.?
?Dupree Lorenzo,? she said smiling, ?That sounds nice. How about the girls?? she asked.
?How about Rita and Lee??
?You are so funny,? she said giving him a smirk. ?I like Rose and Jennifer.?
?Rose after my grandmother,? he said with a smile, ?how about Fontana after your dad.?
?Fontana Lorenzo. Nah, it doesn't have the ring, how about Donna, Donna Lorenzo. That has the ring.?
?Donna, Rose and Dupree it is then,? he said kissing her. ?I love you.?
?I love you too,? she replied. ?And I am glad I decided to marry you.?
?We'll discuss it in about six weeks,? she said with a wink and kissed him.
*****Here we go. Silk Stalkings is the property of the USA Network and this guy named Stephen somebody or the other. I am not looking to make any money off of this. All the characters EXCEPT for everyone under the age of eleven belong to this guy too. Under eleven are mine and I can do with them what I so choose. Hope you enjoyed it!*****