Chapter 15-The Carter II

"Oh my God," Holly screamed as another contraction washed over her. "Get me a fucking epidural."

"Calm down," Jeff said rubbing her stomach gently.

"CALM DOWN," she screamed. "I will not calm down. YOU did this to me."

"Holly, please calm down," Dr. Hopkins said. "Your blood pressure is rising and the baby's heartbeat is going too fast. Calm down."

Jeff swallowed the lump that was in his throat as Holly took deep breaths to calm down. "Calm down, Holly,” he whispered in her ear as she gripped his hand tighter.

“I am asshole,” she growled through gritted teeth.

Dr. Hopkins left the room to grab the nurse so they could give the shot to Holly.

Holly looked at Jeff as he sat down on the chair next to her bed and ran his hands through her hair, “I know you hate me right now because you are in pain but this is almost over, just please calm down so you don’t hurt yourself or the baby,” Jeff said as Holly nodded her head slowly before closing her eyes.

Jeff rubbed her stomach gently and watched the TV that was playing the local news. “Jeff Carter will miss tonight’s game against the Rangers while he and his girlfriend await the arrival of their baby. We wish the best of luck to the both of them.”

“How many times have you told the media that we weren’t together,” Holly asked.

“I gave up on trying since they always twist the story around anyways, you know how that is. I’m the orange douche bag who doesn’t know how to respect women and has apparently banged half of the city.”

Holly laughed before pointing to her stomach, “You are a douche bag who has banged half of the city but only got your roommate pregnant, as long as we know.”

“Fuck you,” Jeff joked as Holly laughed before gripping his hand tighter. “Breathe,” he whispered. “Just take a deep breath.”

Holly inhaled then exhaled as Jeff continued rubbing her stomach with his free hand, “I just want this kid out of me.”

“It’ll be over before you know it, just calm yourself down before something happens to the both of you,” Jeff whispered kissing her knuckles. “Everything is going to be ok.”

Dr. Hopkins entered the room with a nurse and sat Holly up on the bed. Jeff held her close to him as the doctor pressed the needle to her spine. Jeff closed his eyes out of fear he would pass out. Dr. Hopkins checked Holly over once again before he made his way out of the room. Holly closed her eyes and fell asleep for a short time before Jeff too fell asleep.

Dr. Hopkins came in a short time later and checked Holly again, “You’re about seven centimeters now,” he said as he looked up at the monitor. “Your baby is fine and your blood pressure has gone back to normal. Just keep taking deep breaths and small sips of water. It shouldn’t be long now.”

“I’m going to go let my parents know,” Jeff said standing up from the chair. “I’ll send Lauren in.”

“Ok,” Holly smiled slightly as Jeff kissed her forehead before leaving the room.

Jeff walked down the hallway to the waiting room and everyone turned to look at him.

“Any news,” Mike asked as Jeff rubbed the back of his neck.

“She’s seven centimeters now; the doctor said it won’t be long now. Have Jane and Tom came yet?”

“They’re upstairs getting something to eat,” Lauren replied. “Why don’t you go get something to eat, if anything changes, I will call you?”

“Ok,” Jeff smiled, “I’ll be back.”

Jeff headed towards the elevators and hit the 11th floor. He had become familiar with what floor the cafeteria was on because both he and Mike would bring Holly and Lauren lunch sometimes when they were working. Jeff smiled at the couple who were getting on the elevator that was going down. They were oohing and awing over their newborn. Jeff was envious of the man as he kissed his wife on the lips as they entered the elevator.

He wanted that with Holly more than anything but he didn’t know if she felt the same way. They’re relationship was messed up and they knew it but that didn’t stop them from ending it.

Jeff entered the cafeteria and made a beeline for the coffee machines. He had been up ever since Holly called him at five am letting him know that she started having contractions.

“Hey,” Tom Petersen greeted Jeff as he spotted him in the line for the cashier. “How’s she doing?”

“She’s seven centimeters now,” Jeff replied. “It shouldn’t be long now. Where’s Jane?”

“She went back downstairs,” Tom said.

Jeff told the cashier to add Tom’s food on to his and they fell into a conversation. “I’m sorry,” Tom suddenly said. “I know both Jane and I haven’t been the nicest people but Holly has always been our rebel child. We just want what’s best for her and we got off to a bad start. Jane isn’t as forgiving as I am but I am proud of you for stepping up and being there for Holly. This baby will change your life in more ways than one.”

Jeff shook his hand and they headed towards the elevators. Jeff went back to the room and Lauren wished them both luck before she left.

“Can I have a bite,” Holly asked Jeff as he unwrapped the chicken caesar wrap from the cafeteria. Jeff stood up and brought it to Holly’s mouth and she took a bite. “I’m so hungry.”

“We’ll get you something as soon as the baby comes,” Jeff replied, “I promise.” He pulled a napkin from his back pocket and wiped her face before he sat down next to her and finished his lunch. Holly was eating the ice chips that the doctor gave her since she couldn’t have fluids when Dr. Hopkins entered the room again.

“You’re ready to start pushing,” he smiled. “I’m going to go get prepped. Mr. Carter come with me.”

“I’ll be back,” Jeff said as he followed the doctor out of the room.

Jeff put scrubs on as the doctor washed his hands and they headed back into the room. Holly was now sitting up and Jeff took his place next to her whispering words of encouragement.

“On the count of ten, we are going to start pushing,” Dr. Hopkins said. “Are you ready?”

“No,” Holly screamed causing Jeff to laugh but her grip on his hand strengthened. “It’s not fucking funny, asshole.”

“Alrighty then, let’s get started, shall we? Mr. Carter, count for me.”

“1, 2, 3, 4, 5,” he started as Holly let out a scream.

“You’re doing great,” Dr. Hopkins said, “Keep pushing.”

“Come on Holly,” Jeff said, “You can do it.”

“THEN YOU FUCKING HAVE THIS BABY,” she shouted as she squeezed his hand and he bent over.

“What the fuck Holly,” he said. “I fucking need my hands to play hockey.”

“Fuck you and hockey,” she shouted as she pushed again.

“Push, push, push, push,” the nurse said. “Good.”

“You’re doing great Holly, he’s almost here,” Jeff whispered as he ran his hand through her sweaty forehead. “Just keep doing what you’re doing. Are you ready?”

“1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,” Dr. Hopkins said taking over the counting for Jeff. “We’re almost there one big one.”

Holly screamed as she pushed as hard as she could and the cries of a newborn baby filled the air. Holly threw her head back and Jeff cried as he saw his newborn baby for the first time.

“It’s a girl,” Dr. Hopkins said as he handed Jeff the scissors to cut the umbilical cord.

“Wait…,” Jeff asked. “What do you mean it’s a girl?”

“It’s a girl,” Dr. Hopkins said again.

“You better check again, you told us it was a boy.”

“I’m afraid I was wrong Mr. Carter, it’s a healthy baby girl.”

“That’s not my kid,” Jeff said somewhat serious and somewhat joking.

“It’s a girl,” Holly questioned glaring at Jeff. “Are we having twins?”

“Nope, it’s only one baby,” Dr. Hopkins replied. “I know I may have told you it was a boy but not every sonogram is accurate. I’m sorry.”

“What are we going to do with a girl,” Jeff asked as he shook his head before cutting the cord. The nurse had his cell phone and took a picture.

“She weighs seven pounds, nine ounces. She’s twenty inches long,” the nurse said as she wrote it down on the chart before wrapping the baby up in a blanket.

Jeff looked on amazed that the son they were expecting was a healthy baby girl. The nurse placed the baby in Holly’s arms and Jeff ran his finger over the baby’s cheek.

“She’s beautiful,” Holly whispered with tears in her eyes.

“She gets it from you,” Jeff replied as he wiped the tears away from his own eyes. Holly smiled as Dr. Hopkins congratulated them one last time and left the room. The nurse took the baby from Holly and placed her in the incubator.

“We’re going to take her and get her all cleaned up for you. We’ll be right back,” she smiled as she wheeled the nameless baby down the hall.

“I’m going to ask if I can get cleaned up myself,” Holly said to Jeff. “Why don’t you go tell everyone?”

“Ok,” Jeff said standing up. “I’ll be right back.”

Jeff walked down the hall towards the waiting room once again and this time everyone was sitting there, “How is she,” Jane asked.

“Holly’s fine,” Jeff replied.

“How’s the baby,” Mike asked.

“She’s fine too.”

“Wait…she,” Lauren asked.

“Yeah,” Jeff smiled.

“Oh my God,” Sue Carter said standing up to hug her son.

“It’s a girl,” her and Lauren said in unison causing Jeff to laugh.

“I have a niece,” Christine asked her brother.

“You have a very healthy niece; seven pounds, nine ounces, and twenty inches long.”

“Congratulations son,” Jim Carter said. “We’re proud of you.”

“Holly was getting cleaned up but you guys are all finally allowed back,” Jeff said as both he and Holly’s families along with Mike and Lauren followed him towards Holly’s room.

Holly was holding the baby and she smiled when everyone entered. Jeff lingered behind them as he saw them going crazy over the little bundle of joy. Jeff texted Holly’s sister who was now living in New York and told her that they had a girl. She was beyond excited and told Jeff that she would mail them some clothes first thing in the morning.

“Well, it looks like I got to take this “It’s a boy” teddy bear back down to the gift shop and exchange it for one that says ‘It’s a girl,’” Mike said as he quietly excused himself away from all the madness in the small hospital room.

After everyone had left, Holly fell asleep and Jeff stayed up holding the baby. Jeff placed his index finger into the hand of his baby girl and she squeezed as hard as she could. He had been wracking his brain to find a name for her and he came up with the perfect one, he just hoped Holly would like it.

Jeff was rocking the baby in the recliner that had been placed in Holly’s bed and he was slowly falling asleep himself.

“Jeff,” Holly whispered slowly sitting up in the bed. “Why are you still awake?”

“I was thinking of a name for her and I came up with one. I think it’s the perfect name for the perfect baby.”

“What is it?”

Jeff looked down at the baby before glancing over at Holly, “Olivia Christine,” he said. “I don’t know where the Olivia came from but the Christine is after my sister.”

“I love it,” Holly said.

“Really,” Jeff asked. “We don’t have to name her that. You won’t hurt my feelings.”

“Jeff, no,” Holly replied. “I really love it.”

Olivia Christine Carter entered the world on November 13, 2007 at 5:45pm weighing seven pounds, nine ounces. She was twenty inches long with all ten fingers and all ten toes.

“Bring her here,” Holly said as Jeff crossed the room and laid his daughter in her mother’s waiting arms.

Holly looked up and Jeff smiled as their faces were inches from each other. Holly closed the space and gently placed her lips on Jeff’s. Jeff was shocked but cupped her cheek in his hand and kissed her back. Olivia began crying in her mother’s arms breaking them out of their trance.

Jeff smiled as he kissed Holly once more before going to get a nurse so Olivia could be fed. Holly watched him leave and she smiled knowing she had caught Jeff off guard. She had never kissed him just for the hell of it but she was so overcome with emotion when she saw the love for their daughter in his eyes that she just did it.

Jeff stood outside of the door and smiled to himself before he walked down the hall. Holly was slowly coming around now it was time for him to do something about it. Everything was falling into place. He had the perfect life complete with the perfect baby, all he needed was the perfect woman and Holly was that perfect woman.

Chapter 14-Wine After Whiskey

"Jeff, answer you're fucking phone," Lauren shouted frantically as the EMTs loaded Holly into the ambulance. "Stay with us, Holly. Don't close your eyes," she said holding her best friend's hand.

"Where's Jeff," Holly asked out of it from the loss of blood.

Lauren watched as the EMT hooked Holly up to an IV bag. "Not too much, she's pregnant. Too much can kill the baby," Lauren said as she bossed the EMTs around.

"He's on his way," Lauren lied not wanting to worry her friend. The EMT shot a needle into the IV line and Holly went to sleep. Lauren was both relieved and worried. Relieved that Holly was knocked out but worried that she will not wake up.

Lauren watched the heart monitor to make sure nothing changed. With all things considered, Holly's vital signs were fine.

Lauren's phone ringing broke her out of her trance and she sighed in relief answering it.

"Did you call," Jeff asked.

"You need to get to the hospital right now."

“What’s wrong? Is Holly ok,” Jeff asked frantically.

“She started bleeding; she’s passed out in the ambulance right now. We’re on our way to the hospital right now.”

“WHAT,” Jeff screamed. “What happened?”

“She was cooking dinner and started bleeding. She passed out and I called the ambulance.”

“What about the baby?”

“I’m not sure about the baby, just get to the hospital.”

“I’ll be right there,” Jeff said.

Holly was immediately rushed back to the trauma unit when they arrived at the hospital. Lauren was forced to sit in the waiting room as the doctors worked to figure out what was wrong. Jeff ran through the doors and sat down next to Lauren.

“Where is she,” he asked as Lauren hugged him.

“She’s back there with the doctors. They said they will come out here when they know something.”

Jeff and Lauren sat in the waiting room when Mike arrived. “How is she,” he asked as he sat down on the other side of Lauren.

“She’s been back there almost twenty minutes,” Lauren said. “They won’t tell us anything.”

Just then the doors opened and a doctor walked out towards them. “Lauren, hi how are you,” the tall blonde haired man said, “Are you all here for Holly?”

“I’m her boyfriend,” Jeff said shocking not only himself but Mike and Lauren as well.

“I’m Dr. Northman,” he said shaking Jeff, Holly, and Mike’s hand. “Holly lost a lot of blood.”

“Is she ok,” Jeff asked.

“She’s fine. The fetus is ok as well. It’s stress that caused it, her membrane broke and that’s what caused her to bleed. She is going to be here for the rest of her pregnancy.”

Jeff sighed in relief, “When can we see her?”

“I sedated her for her own benefit. She’ll be out for the next twenty-four hours. You guys can go to the fifth floor, room 501.”

“Thank you Paul,” Lauren smiled as they headed towards the elevators. “Jeff, you can go see her. Mike and I are going to get some lunch. Do you want anything?”

“No, thank you,” Jeff smiled getting off of the elevator. “Where do I go?”

“To the right, she’ll be the first room on the left.”

Jeff smiled, “Thank you.”

Jeff walked down the hall slowly. It was the first time in almost a month that he was seeing Holly and she wasn’t even awake so he could apologize.

“Holly,” he whispered pulling the chair over to the bed before grabbing her hand. He kissed her lips lightly and ran his free hand over her stomach. “I know that I haven’t done anything that has made you happy, all I have done is disappoint you. I know you can hear me, I am so sorry for everything. I want this baby more than anything in the world. I can’t lose either one of you.”

Jeff smiled at the nurse that came in to check Holly’s IVs. “I’m Patricia,” she smiled, “You must be Jeff.”

Jeff smiled before sticking his hand out. “Nice to meet you,” he smiled.

“I used to work with her all of the time before I changed floors a couple of months ago. I’ve heard wonderful things about you.”

Jeff could have swore he felt Holly’s hand squeeze his. Jeff smiled at the older woman, “I heard great things about you as well."

"Her vitals are fine, the baby's heartbeat is normal, and her blood pressure is stable."

"She scared me," Jeff said running his fingers through Holly's hair.

"She scared a lot of us but she is going to be fine. Your baby is going to be fine too."

"I'm going to go get something to eat," Jeff said, "Will she be ok?"

"She'll be fine, take your time."

Jeff stood up from the chair and pressed a kiss to Holly's forehead, "I'll be right back," he whispered in her ear before he walked out of the room.

Jeff went to the gift shop in the lobby of the hospital and purchased a pre-made turkey sandwich along with flowers for Holly. He went back up to her room and put the flowers on the stand next to her bed.

He ate in silence while watching the TV in her room. He had just gotten off of the phone with her ever pleasant mother who hated his guts. She was out of town on a church field trip and Jeff laughed as he hung up the phone.

"Your mom is a psycho," Jeff said out loud. If Holly would have been awake, she would have agreed with him then told stories about when she was little.

Patricia came back into the room and smiled at him as he tried to sleep in the chair. "You can lay next to her if you want to," she said. "Just watch her IVs."

Jeff nodded his head as he stood up from the chair, "Thank you."

"It's no problem, sweetie. I'll get you a pillow and a blanket."

Jeff looked at the clock on the wall noticing it was going on seven o'clock at night. Lauren and Mike had sent him a text telling him they'd be back first thing in the morning. Lauren needed sleep after the day she had and Jeff didn't blame her for wanting to rest.

Patricia returned with a pillow and a blanket for Jeff, "I'll be in every so often checking things but I'll be as quiet as I can."

Jeff smiled, "Thank you for everything."

"It's no problem, dear. I'm just doing my job but she deserves the best."

Jeff nodded his head in agreement, "She definitely does."

Jeff sat down gently on the bed. He kicked his shoes off and curled into Holly's back. "Goodnight," he whispered. "I love you."

He kissed her below her ear and wrapped his arm around her before falling asleep. It was the best sleep that he had gotten in a month after their fight that sent her to Lauren's house.

There had been no other women for Jeff in that month. He had given up going out in return for the time he had spent painting the nursery. It was pale yellow with a Noah's Ark decal on the wall. Jeff had spent hours working on it. The crib was put together with Mike's help and the car seat was fastened securely in the back of his car. There was a bassinette in his room for nights that Holly needed a break and the diapers and the three outfits Jeff had bought were in the drawers. Everything was ready to go for when the baby arrived.

Jeff woke up the next morning to something poking him in the chest. He grumbled as he pulled Holly closer, "You're going to squeeze the baby right out of me," she said laughing as he quickly pulled away.

"Oh my God," he said standing up. "You're awake."

Holly turned to look at him, "I'm fine. I was so scared yesterday."

"I was too," he replied as she motioned for him to climb in bed again with her. She held her arms out to him and he hugged her, "I thought I was going to lose you and the baby."

Holly closed her eyes and pulled herself closer to him, "You don't disappoint me, Jeff and you have done things that make me happy."

Jeff froze, "You heard that last night?"

Holly looked up at him, "I was sedated not unconscious."

Jeff smiled, "You hate me."

"I don't hate you, I never could."

"I bought that house," Jeff said tracing circles on her arm, "It's your dream house and I can't wait for you to see it."

"You what?"

"I bought the house I was going to look at when you left. It's the house that you have always wanted. I had it decorated like the picture in the magazine that you had and they are finishing it up. The baby's room is complete and yours is filled with boxes of the stuff that you had left. Mike and Lauren bought the townhouse, so I guess the only thing I'm asking is if you'll move in with me...again?"

Holly laughed, "Of course."

Jeff kissed her cheek, "I'm sorry for bringing that girl home."

"I'm sorry for blowing up the way I did. You're right, we're not together and I had no right being mad."

"I can't say I blame you though," Jeff said as Lauren and Mike walked through the door.

"You two ok," Mike asked.

"We're great," Jeff replied.

"Does this mean you two are together," Lauren asked.

"No," Holly said. "Just back to where we were before."

Mike looked at Jeff sympathetically and Jeff sighed. He still had a lot to prove and a lot to do to make Holly his once and for all.