It's about time, isn't it?! LOL! Sorry, as usual, but I've been really busy with work lately.
I hope you enjoy this part. I added a little from part 25 as a reminder of what happened.
Thanks for being patient with me.
Happy reading, and take care.
LM
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(refresher of part 25)
Dr. Cameron moved the wand to another area of Dee Dee’s stomach. “Now, you see this here?” She pointed to the image on the screen.
“Yes.” Dee Dee felt a slight amount of tension growing again. “What is it? It isn’t a tumor is it? I’ve heard of fibroids growing during pregnancy. Even if you have a tiny one, it can grow really fast along with the baby. It can be dangerous, can’t it?”
“Slow down, okay?” The doctor said. “It’s not a tumor. It’s nothing of that nature at all.
I want you to take a closer look as I move the wand. Here’s your baby; just a little bit larger than when I showed you a few weeks ago and this…”
“Oh, my God.” It was beginning to register with Dee Dee. “Is that… are you saying I’m… having twins?”
Celise who had been clueless was also catching on. “Oh!”
“Yes, Dee Dee. You’re having twins.” The doctor said with a grin. “There isn’t one, but two babies growing inside of you.”
Dee Dee felt an extreme amount of surprise, and joy. “Oh, I can’t believe it. This is…it’s…oh, I don’t know what to say.”
“Well, I think it’s wonderful.” Celise said. “Dee Dee…twins.”
“I hope this is good news to you.” Dr. Cameron said.
“Oh, yes, this is fantastic news! I’ve always wanted twins!” Dee Dee sat up closer to the screen. “Why is it we’re only seeing the other baby for the first time today?”
“Well, sometimes with identical twins, it can take up to the twelfth week or later until the second is visible and the heartbeat is detected. But there’s no doubt that there are two babies, and by the looks of the sacs, they appear to be identical.”
Dee Dee placed her hand over her forehead and laughed at the idea of her baby hiding. “Identical twins. I’m carrying identical twins. Oh, this is too much. It’s amazing.”
“It is, isn’t?” The doctor said. “Janae was pretty sure she’d found a second baby, and when she didn’t see any information of it in your chart, she had to be more thorough with the exam and made a note of it.”
“Oh, so that’s what she was talking about; the something that wasn’t in my chart.” Dee Dee said with relief.
“Exactly. It wasn’t her place to tell you that she saw, or thought she saw a twin. She had to report to me first, then I’d take a look to make sure, and then I could tell you.”
“Twins.” That’s all Dee Dee could say with a bright smile and a gentle hand on her belly.
“Dee Dee, I’m so happy for you.” Celise added with a smile of her own. “I was already excited about buying baby clothes for you, and now I get to have twice as much fun.”
“Me, too.” Dee Dee laughed. It’d been such a long time since she’d laughed. It was such a great feeling that she’d missed. “Oh, just look at them; my two precious angels.” For a moment Dee Dee was so transfixed by the view of her two miracles, that she barely heard the doctor speaking to her.
“As for the minor bruising and soreness in your side; a warm shower should help with the soreness, and just take it a little easy until it goes away.” Nina helped Dee Dee to sit up. “However, you’re quite a bit underweight, especially for someone carrying twins, and I’d like to see that change. I can give you something to increase your appetite, but I think that being away from Alex and the stressful situation might be enough to bring your appetite up.”
“Yes, I believe that too. I tried to eat as well as I should, but with my nerves being on edge all the time, it was really hard. Sometimes I just didn’t feel hungry at all, and when I did eat, it wasn’t easy to keep it down.”
“I’m sure it was tough.”
“She’ll be staying with me and my husband, and we’ll make sure she eats healthy and often.” Celise added. “I’m not a great cook, but I think between the three of us we’ll do fine.”
“Good. I’m sure she’ll do much better within a few days. But if not, one of you give me a call and I’ll write a prescription to help out.”
“Okay.” Dee Dee replied.
“Now, although you’re staying with Celise and her husband, you’ll still have to deal with the emotional stress Alex left you with. That, combined with pregnancy hormonal changes might be pretty tough at times. There are going to be days when you feel just fine about everything and others when you may not know what to do, and just feel lost. I want you to talk to your friends about anything that’s troubling you because you and these babies don’t need the stress. Let it out any way you can, Dee Dee. Cry, curse, go for a walk, throw a pillow, scream; anything that will help. I have a friend who specializes in helping abused women get their lives back in order.” Nina wrote down the doctor’s name and number on a slip of paper. “Here. If you feel you need her, just call her anytime. And when you’re ready to remove all of your things from the house, don’t you dare go alone. I don’t care if you have a dozen moving men there, be sure to contact the police so they can escort you.”
“I will.”
“Good. I want to see you back in one month, unless you have any problems before then, okay?”
“Okay.”
“I may be able to tell you the sex of the babies by then, if you’d like. You’ll be just about the right stage; eighteen weeks or four and a half months, for me to tell.”
“That’d be great.” Dee Dee beamed. “I’ve always said I wanted to be surprised and not find out until the birth, unless it was twins. I don’t know the reasoning behind that, but that’s how I feel.”
“Then it’s settled. We’ll try to find out during your next visit.” Nina moved in to hug her patient. “I’m so very proud of you for getting away from Alex today. Very proud.”
“Thank you. You’ve been a great help to me, Nina. And you truly are becoming more of a friend than a doctor.”
“I’m glad. And it looks like Celise and her husband will be there to support you too.”
“Yeah, she’s a great friend.”
Once all three women wiped away their tears from the emotional moment, Dee Dee was told she could change back into her clothes and as soon as the final paperwork was done, she was able to go home.
Nina printed copies of the sonogram images and handed them to do Dee Dee. “Take care of yourself and those twins.” The doctor said; just before leaving.
“Twins.” Dee Dee repeated to Celise. “I’m pregnant with twins. This is definitely another dream come true.”
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(Part 26)
As Dee Dee was wheeled out to the exit-way, Michael stood up to greet them. “Are we all set to go?”
“Yes, she’s ready to home.” The nurse said. “You can go ahead and bring your car around.”
While Michael went to retrieve his car, Celise, the nurse and Dee Dee gushed over the new sonogram pictures. “Aren’t they precious?” The nurse said. “I remember when my cousin and his wife had their twin boys, Braeden and Brendan. They were such little dolls.”
“I’m sure they were.” Dee Dee smiled.
“Oh, but they’re not so little anymore. They’re both in their second year of college.” The nurse sighed at the thought. “Where does the time go? It won’t be long before they find wives for themselves and have their own babies.”
Dee Dee couldn’t imagine that far ahead; the day her twins would begin college, or even preschool. She could only think of holding those two precious beings for the very first time and falling in love with them even more so than now.
Just as Michael pulled up to the door, the nurse quickly ran over the instructions for Dee Dee. “Dr. Cameron wants you to keep an eye on the bruise on your side; make sure it begins to fade within a few days and lessen in tenderness. If it doesn’t, you should call and make an appointment with her or come back here. Take warm showers, or soak in the tub, but don’t have the water too warm. Get plenty of rest, and make sure you eat properly and drink lots of liquids. Any questions?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Okay, then off you go.” Michael opened the passenger side door as the nurse pushed the chair closer. “Congratulations and best of luck, Mrs. Turnan.”
“Thank you.”
The nurse smiled brightly, waved goodbye and returned to her post inside the hospital.
“So, everything’s okay?” Michael asked as he looked over at Dee Dee and then to his wife in the backseat.
“Yeah, everything’s fine.” Dee Dee began. “I learned a lot more than I expect, too.” She looked back at Celise and smiled.
“I got to see what’s what during the sonogram.” Celise said. “It was great. You’d better hurry and tell him about it before I do.” Celise’s voice rose with excitement. “I’m about to burst!”
“If she’s about to burst, it must be really something.” Michael said as he pulled away from the curb. “Tell me.”
“Okay. Before you wife springs a leak, I want to show you something. Pull the car into a spot for a second.”
“Sure.” Michael’s curiosity began to grow. “Is it that you know the sex of the baby?”
“No, that’s not it.” Dee Dee replied. “Take a look at this picture.” She handed him a copy of an image from her last visit with the doctor. “That’s from the very first sonogram.”
Michael was having a hard time figuring out exactly what was what, but he was interested. “That’s pretty cool, isn’t it? A tiny little person; living and growing inside you. Wow.”
“I know.” Dee Dee said with a smile. “Now look at this picture. It was taken today.” Celise was sitting excitedly on the edge of her seat, but remained quiet. Michael studied the picture and noted that the baby had grown. “What’s this in the spot over here?” He pointed to the image.
“That’s the sibling to the first baby you saw.” Dee Dee’s eyes lit up at her own words. She awaited Michael’s response, but before he could say a word, there was a response from the backseat.
“She’s having twins, Michael! Twins!” Celise was shouting with excitement. “Isn’t that wonderful?!”
Michael sat quietly for a moment, allowing his eyes to really see what was just explained to him. “Twins?” He smiled at his friend. “Dee Dee. That’s fantastic. Congratulations.” As his smile grew larger, he pulled her close for a hug. “I’m really happy for you.”
“Thank you.” Dee Dee said as the embrace was broken. “I think this is the happiest day of my life.” She beamed.
Celise chimed in once more. “Well, I know I’m happy for you. And I can’t wait to see them.”
“I feel the same way.” Dee Dee said.
Michael allowed the ladies a few seconds of excited giggles before speaking up. “I don’t about you two, but the excitement has helped to boost an already raging appetite in me.”
“Oh, I could really go for a bite.” Celise said.
Dee Dee was silent for a moment. “I’m not very hungry, but I guess I should try to eat something too.”
After the decision was made against fast food, Michael would drive them all home and place an order over the phone and then go back out for their meals. Once they arrived home, Dee Dee and Celise kicked off their shoes and Dee Dee made herself comfortable by putting up her feet and resting her head on the armrest of the sofa, as Celise did the same on the loveseat. Michael left them alone and went into the den to watch the last few minutes of the game he was watching at the hospital.
“May I me see the pictures again?” Celise asked.
“Sure.” Dee Dee handed them over. “I still can’t believe there are two babies.” She smiled at the thought. “It’ll probably take a while to get used too.”
“Well, once you’re up to shopping, and realize you need two of most everything, you’ll get used to it easier.”
“You’re probably right.”
Celise handed the pictures back to Dee Dee. “I’m so glad I was able to be with you during the exam. It was amazing to see the babies and hear their heartbeats. And to see the surprised look on your face when you heard the news….” Celise chuckled.
“Dee Dee laughed a little too. “Was it a look of total shock?”
“Just a little.”
Both women laughed at the thought, and then Dee Dee took on a more serious tone.
“Well, I thank you so much for allowing me to stay here. Without you and Michael, I’d be in a shelter. It made me so sad to know that I might not be bringing the baby to a beautiful nursery of his own, but to whatever space they’d have for him at the shelter. Sometimes there are two families to a room; up to six beds two to a bed, most times. I know I would have toughed it out rather than be on the streets, but you know how we dream of that precious moment of placing our child in his crib for the first time. And now especially since there are two babies...” She sighed with relief that she wasn’t in a shelter, but felt a great sadness for the women and children who were there.
“I’m glad you finally got out of Alex’s house and came here. And if you’re still here when the babies are born, your room is large enough for two bassinets or they could share a nice sized crib.”
“Thanks. But I hope to be out of the way before they arrive. I’m going to be looking for an apartment soon, but before I do that, I’ve got to find a job; someone to hire me who’s willing to give me maternity leave within a few months of my first day of work. Or, I could apply for government aid and let them help me until I find a job.”
“And of course Michael and I will support you as well as we can, financially.”
“I know you’d be willing to do that for me, but I don’t want to put you two in debt. If there’s something that I really need but just can’t afford it, I’ll allow you and Michael to give me a loan, if that’s okay.”
“Don’t worry about it. Whatever we buy for you will be as a gift because we love you, Dee Dee. Just use some of the money Rick sent, to pay some of the rent when you find a place, and use more of it to get yourself things you’ll need for the place, and of course, new clothes.”
Dee Dee smiled at the thought of her mid-section swelling like a balloon. “Well, that does make a lot of sense. Thanks.”
“Sure. Celise smiled. Michael entered the room, and Celise told him about the conversation she’d just had with Dee Dee. “She wants us to all agree that sometimes it’ll be a loan and not a gift.”
Michael looked at the two women who were staring at him. “Well, I guess so.” He sat on the sofa and focused on Dee Dee. “Celise and I had a long talk when you first told her you were pregnant, and we decided then that we’d get you everything you need, without expecting to be paid back. I’m very comfortable with our decision, but if you feel that it’s absolutely necessary to pay us back for something, then…okay, I’ll agree to it. We just want you to be happy. But anything given as a gift, is just that…a gift.” He looked at his wife who smiled sweetly at him.
“Thank you both.” Dee Dee said. “I really appreciate it.”
“We’re glad to do it.” Michael smiled and changed the subject. “Did you bring any luggage?”
“Yeah, two bags in the car.”
“Okay. I’ll go get them and take them up to your room. Our dinner order should be ready, so when I’m done with that, I’ll be off to pick it up.”
While Michael was gone, Celise showed Dee Dee the room she’d be sleeping in during her stay. It was a lovely room decorated in sage green and cream. A full-sized bed with a sage and cream quilted-look comforter, matching green curtains, and cream carpeting with a sage rose patterned oval rug at the foot of the bed. The light oak furnishings; dresser, chest, combination bookcase and television stand, made it even more inviting. Dee Dee immediately felt welcomed and secure.
“There’s a down-filled mattress pillow which I hope you’ll find very comfortable.” Celise said. “We have one on our bed and I love it.”
“Oh, I’m sure it’ll be great. I’d intended to get one for my own bed a long time ago, and then when I married Alex, I wanted one, but… well, it was his money and he wouldn’t buy one.”
“Well, as long as you’re here, this one is for your comfort.” Celise opened the closet to show Dee Dee where she could find extra pillows, and blankets. “You can put your clothes here, and in the drawers, too. The bathroom is right across the hall; all for you, because Michael and I have one in our bedroom. Just make yourself at home, and if you need anything, just let us know.”
Dee Dee sat on the bed; sighing heavily, as Celise noticed a look of sadness on her face.
“What’s wrong?” Celise asked.
“I was just thinking of Rick.” Dee Dee began solemnly. “I have to call him. I have to get to him before he calls the house and Alex tells him what’s happened. But I really don’t feel up to talking to him, or to my parents.”
Celise sat beside her. “Well, the sooner you make the call, the better. I know it won’t be easy, but like you said, Alex could tell him everything. And I know you don’t want that.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Will you tell him that you’re pregnant?”
“No. I’m not ready for that yet.” Dee Dee ran her hand across her belly. “I’ll have to tell him someday, but not now.”
“Well, whenever you decide to make the calls, I’ll be here to support you.” Celise embraced her friend.
“Thanks.”
The two began unpacking Dee Dee’s suitcases and putting her things away. She showed Celise the two heart pendants on chains; the silver from Rick and the gold alike from Steve. She told Celise about Rick’s story of how he and Steve unknowingly felt she deserved the delicate piece of jewelry, each with its own special meaning. She also explained the life and times of Mr. Mouth, and how Rick “brought him back to life” for her. Celise thought these were the sweetest stories she’d ever heard.
“I take it that this T-shirt belonged to Rick.” Celise noted about the giant article of clothing she held up. “He’s a big guy, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, that was his. It made for a very comfortable nightgown once, and I kept it.” She blushed.
After a few more minutes of Dee Dee getting acquainted with her new surroundings and thinking to herself about Rick, she and Celise heard Michael pull into the driveway and headed downstairs. Once they were seated at the kitchen table, Michael removed the two lasagna plates and one pasta salad plate from the bag and placed them on the table. After he served the drinks, the trio began to eat, but Dee Dee only took a few small bites of her salad and pushed it away. Although her friends tried to encourage her to eat more she just couldn’t. Her mind was on Rick, their babies and nothing else.
Celise looked at Dee Dee with concern. “Dee Dee, Dr. Cameron wants you to eat more. You know she said you don’t weigh enough to be so far along and carrying twins.”
“I know.” Dee Dee sighed. “I’ll do better. It’s just that I’ve got a lot on my mind and I guess it’s taken my appetite. I thought I was really hungry, but… maybe I’ll eat more of it later.”
“Yeah, you might want a midnight snack.” Michael added. “And don’t be surprised if you have company. Celise is no stranger to those.” He chuckled.
“Hey, I can’t help wanting popcorn in the middle of the night.” She playfully punched him in the arm. “And don’t leave out the fact that you like ice cream late at night, too.”
“Guilty as charged.” Michael laughed.
“I’ve been known to make trips to the kitchen during the late night hours, too.” Dee Dee stated with a little smile. “So, it sounds like this kitchen might be pretty crowded some nights.”
After dinner was finished the friends made themselves comfortable in front of the television in the den. After about an hour, Dee Dee found herself yawning and feeling sleepy. She checked the time on the wall clock and on her watch realized that the time might be right to call Rick. She desperately wanted to put off calling for another day, but as she told Celise; Alex could tell him everything. She’d put off calling for only about another half hour. She looked across the room to her friends. "I’ve decided to call Rick tonight.” Celise and Michael were both surprised to hear that.
“Good.” Celise replied. “If you need me to be with you, let me know. You can take the cordless phone from our bedroom and take it to your room.”
“Okay, thanks. I’m going up to take a shower first. Hopefully it’ll help me relax a little more and give me time to build up my courage. And then I’ll make the call.” Dee Dee excused herself and did as she said. While the water poured down over her body, she tried to calm herself with every second that grew closer to making the call. While she rinsed the conditioner from her hair, she told herself that everything would be fine as long as she kept calm and could keep Rick from asking a lot of questions she didn’t want to answer just yet. Once she was wrapped in a towel, she stepped from the shower and walked across the hall to her room. After she slipped into her bathrobe and began to blow dry her hair, she felt movement from her belly. At least on of the babies made his or her presence known. She stopped the dryer for a second and caressed her belly; thinking of her children’s father. Before she’d lose any of her nerve, she quickly finished drying her hair, changed into her pajamas and picked up the telephone. Before dialing, she debated the idea of calling with or without Celise at her side. It was now or never, and she decided to go it alone.
[riiiing!] Hunter; dog tired, had just finished an all-night stakeout and was just getting home. He could hear the phone ringing as he put the key in the front door. [riiiing!]
With each ring Dee Dee became a little closer to hanging up as her anxiety grew.
[riiiing!] “Hello. Hunter, here. Hello? Is anyone there?”
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