Baby 71: Part 3 of 3

The next morning I open my eyes and look blearily at the ceiling - confused.  Then I remember last night and the fact that I'm at Simon's house hits me hard.  He's not in the bed next to me so I pluck up the courage to get up and change.  I doubt I'll be going out of the house so I pick up my discarded dress and throw it on.  I find Simon in the kitchen making waffles.

"Hey."

"Hey beautiful."

I try to ignore that last part.

We eat in silence until my stomach acts up and I excuse myself to go to the bathroom.  That's when I find out I'm pregnant.

I go back to the table and finish my meal.  After clearing the dishes Simon prepares to go to work.

"Simon, I'm pregnant!"

He looks at me, surprised with an utterly exuberant look on his face as if he's just won the lottery.

"Oh my gosh, that's amazing, and... kind of shocking.  But I'm so happy for you!"

And with that, I give him a good-bye hug and he drops a kiss on my cheek, much to my dismay.  Last night was just a nighttime fling and NOTHING ELSE.  He seems to see it as a little bit more.

Despite my happy mood, I'm still confused as to what I'm doing here.  This whole Luke-cheating-let's-stay-at-Simon's-house thing is getting me all paranoid.  I decide to call my very good friend, Destiny Rose.  She has recently finished her challenge (that lucky duck) and is now living lavishly with her blond husband, Alex Webber, a rather handsome man I must say (but don't tell her that).

She agrees to come over in about an hour.  I give her directions to his house and then go into Simon's room and check my emails from the kids.  They ask what I'm doing and where I am.  I'm not sure if I'm ready to tell the the truth.  It pains me to keep secrets from them and miss their growth but... I'm rather confused right now.  I give them a cheery reply and tell them that I am pregnant with a new brother or sister for them.  The doorbell rings and I sign off.

"Oh my god, it's really you!  Congrats on finishing your challenge and you had the wedding of the century, girl.  How was your honeymoon?"

"Whoa, okay, thanks Cal, it's definitely a load of stress off of my back but I miss the little guys.  Oh my god, don't even mention the honeymoon.  Long story short, it was amazing!"  She sighs with a dreamy look on her face and then looks around the room.  "Wow, Simon's quite the singleton.  His house is... cute?"
"It is.  He's definitely a neat freak and quite organized."

"So, I forgot to ask, how've you been?"

"Well, besides the fact that Luke may or may not be cheating on me, I'm totally fine."

She laughs.

"Oh, Dessie, before I forget, I'm pregnant!"

"With Simon's baby?"  She asks.

"No, with a challenge father's baby."

She looks at me with a sigh of relief.

"I'm pregnant too."  She announces slowly.

"OH MY GOD!  Am I the first to know?  I'd better be the first."  I tease.

"Um... a few other people know."  We laugh together.

I offer her some beverages and then we sit down in the living room to "discuss."

"So Destiny... what should I do?  What would you do in my situation?"  I ask her after I've caught her up to date on all the things that have happened recently. "Luke or Simon.  I think I've made my decision but I wanna know what you think."

"Hmmm... personally, I'd go with Luke.  But I may be bias since I don't really know Simon as much as Luke."

"And, do you think Luke could be telling the truth?  He couldn't really be cheating on me, could he?"

She purses her lips and says, "I don't think so.  I've seen the way he looks at you and I do believe he's telling the truth.  He's an amazing man, Calista.  And I do believe he's not lying about not cheating."

We talk a bit more about other stuff but I can't help but get her words out of my mind.  A very small part of me wants Luke to be cheating on me so I can be with Simon but a huge part of me knows Luke would never lie to me.  Otherwise I wouldn't trust him with my kids.

I've finally made my decision.  I'm going to stay with Simon until the pregnancy is close to over and then say a final good-bye to him.  He already told me last night that he understood that I couldn't be with him so hopefully it won't end badly.  I just can't go back home right now because I still need some time before I go back to hear Luke's explanation of all these events that have taken place.  I need to rest a bit and Simon's house is, so far, the only place for that.  After much pondering, Destiny finally agrees with my plan.  We hear Simon's car door slam.

"Oh, I think it means it's time for me to go!"  Destiny announces.

"See you soon, old friend!"

Simon comes in as Destiny puts on her shoes to go.

"Hey Simon, this is my friends Destiny Rose.  Destiny, Simon Simmons."

"It's a pleasure to meet you."  Destiny smiles with her charming smile.  They shake hands and then Destiny leaves.

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SIMON'S POINT OF VIEW

Calista had been living at my house for quite some time now.  She had told me her plan to leave before the baby was born.  I was a bit confused but I thought I'd surprise her with my present to her anyway.

It was quite the expensive project and would require her to go out for a day or so in order to get it done.  I just needed to figure out a way to do that.  I found her in my bedroom, on the computer.

"Hey Calista."

"Hi Simon.  I think I need to go out for a doctor's visit today, just to check up on how the baby is doing."

"Um... okay."

She quits out of the browser window she has open and stands up to face me.

"What's wrong Simon, anything bad happen lately."  She surprises me by reaching for my hands.  She squeezes them lightly.

"What, no.  I'm fine.  I'm just not, erm, feeling well.  You think you could stop by the drug store and pick up some meds for me?  Oh, and I also created this huge list of errands if you want to do those.  But please, don't feel any pressure.  You don't have to do this if you don't want to."

She eyes me suspiciously but being Calista she agrees.  I feel bad about making a pregnant woman do that work but she didn't seem to mind.  It would all be worth it once I showed her my gift for her and the new baby.

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CALISTA'S POINT OF VIEW

I came home late from running all those weird errands for Simon, which I'm 100% sure were not the best thing for a pregnant lady to do.  They led me all around town.  I drove so much I had to stop for gas.

"Simon?  I'm home.  I ran all of your errands for you."

I spot him leaning against the door of his room.  Then, to my left, I notice a room that wasn't always there.

"Was that door there before I left?"

Silently, he grabs my hand, tells me to close my eyes, and then leads me into the room.

"Okay, you can open them."

I gasp.  "It's beautiful Simon."

My eyes run over the beautifully painted crib, the fluffy teddy bear, and the beautiful view.  It's the perfect room for... "A baby's room?"  I say dumbly.

"Yes, it's for the little one once he's born.  I thought you'd like a place to put him once he's here."

"Simon... you do know I'm leaving before the baby is born, right?"

"Yeah, I just thought that because he's mine he'd want to stay here some of the time...."

Oh my gosh, he thinks it's his baby.

"Um, Simon, I don't know how to break this to you but... it's not your baby."

His face drops and his lower lip tightens.  "What?  After you and I had... you know... you told me you were pregnant.  I just assumed you had gotten pregnant with my baby."

"Simon, I impregnated myself that night but not with your baby, with a challenge father's baby.  I guess the time I told you just happened to be the night after we, we...."

He continues, "I thought you had decided to stay with me...."

"Simon, I told you I was leaving before the baby was due.  Don't you remember telling me you knew I was going to leave?"

"Yeah, but I was hoping you were going to change you mind.  I just thought you were being modest."
Oh god, he really looks disappointed.  "Simon, I'm sorry---"

"I guess I really knew, deep inside, that you would never end up with me.  I'm okay with it though, I don't know what I was thinking.  Can I touch the little fellow?"

"Sure.... Simon, are you okay?"

"I'm good Calista, a bit shocked but I'll do."  His voice is strained and stiff.  He looks into my eyes and then grabs me ferociously and tightly with one hard kiss on the mouth.

I feel the same feeling I felt that first night... but this one feels different.  It's as though he's finally letting me go.  All of his feelings are powering through me.  It's as if he's releasing me and finally realizing, in his heart, that we'll never end up together.  I kiss him back, with equal force.  After a few minutes, we finally let go for air.

"Okay, I think that did it.  I'm officially okay.  If you left right now, I think I'd live," he assures me.

I smile and we walk to the door.  We lock into an embrace as we silently say good-bye.  Our eyes are telling each other everything our mouths are not.

"One last thing," he says.  He hands me a couple of beautiful white roses.

"Mmmm, they're beautiful Simon.  Absolutely gorgeous.  Thanks so much."  I compliment.

"Just promise me a few things before you go, okay?"  I nod silently, holding back my tears.  "Calista Katherine Smith.  Would you do me the honor of being my very best friend?  I am willing to let you go as a lover, but I don't think I could let you go as a friend.  Despite all of the terrible and wonderful things we have gone through, would you mind if I just stuck around a bit longer?  Perhaps if you need an instant babysitter, you can count on me."

I'm speechless as he continues.

"And, I would love to go to yours and Luke's wedding.  Would you mind inviting an old friend?"

"Yes, yes, and no!  Yes, I would love to be your friend, yes I would love if you stay around a bit longer, and no, I would not mind if you came to my wedding.  That is, if I have one."  I hug him.  "Thanks Simon," I breathe, "Thanks for everything you've done and everything you will do."

And before I cry into tears, I walk out to my car, and make my way for home.  I agree with his idea.  Instead of leaving him forever, it's awesome that we will now be very good friends.  Even though we can't love each other as eternal partners, we can still love each other as friends.  Good friends who stick with each other through thick and through thin.  My tears finally burst through, but not of sadness so much, but of happiness.

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SIMON'S POINT OF VIEW

After Calista leaves, I close the door and deadbolt it.  Quietly, I tuck the bear into the crib, turn off the lights, and close the door.  I eat some ice cream, wash my face, eat some more ice cream, and brush my teeth.  Then I go to bed.

I'd say my plan as being friends with Calista was really good and I'm looking forward to seeing her, not as a lover, but as a beautiful friend.  I know our friendship will grow as strong as our love did, if not more.  And hopefully, I can one day find someone who will refill the gap in my somewhat healing heart.  Someone who will capture my gaze as much as Calista did.

Perhaps my future isn't so grim after all.

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CALISTA'S POINT OF VIEW

It's nearly morning by the time I get home.  Before I even make it to the front steps, though, my water breaks and the labor starts immediately.  @$#%!!

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LUKE'S POINT OF VIEW

The little puppy, who has remained unnamed, is as playful as her sister, Skittles.  The kids absolutely adore her.  It's almost birthday time and the triplets constantly ask me when Calista will be back.

It's early morning when I walk to the kitchen to prepare breakfast before the chaos begins.  I'm am shocked to see Calista walking toward the front door with a baby in her arms.

Her eyes are red from crying (I'm assuming) but she smiles at me and, after setting the baby down, she come toward me and we embrace.  I can't help but smile back at her.  There are no angry words spoken because I am not mad at her and apparently she isn't either.  Although I'm aching to know where she was, I throw it back into my mind.  She's here now and that's what matters.

Silently, we hug and hold each other.  It's clear to see that she has missed me and I have missed her.  I can see it in her eyes and hopefully she can too.
After moments of silence, she speaks.

"I'm home and ready to listen."

I look down at our new baby 71, a boy named Toffee Molasses Smith, and slowly nod my head back at her.  

"Not yet though..." I respond.  She blushes with relief and we walk to the kitchen, hand in hand, to prepare breakfast together.  I can't wait to see the kids' faces when they see that their mother is home.

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FAMILY UPDATE

The z-triplets Zvon, Zenon, and Zuriel were babies 62-64.  Zvon decided not to get married but becamed the official "favorite uncle" of Zenon's and Zuriel's kids.  Zenon married Zaheera Zupfer.  She had pale greenish-blue skin, pale purple eyes, and soft pink hair.

They had son, Zarek, who didn't seem to mind having three younger siblings who were all girls.

After Zarek was born, Zenon and Zaheera tried for another baby and had Zari.  She had her father's hair.

The twins were born a few years after Zarek and Zari.  Twin girls named Zelena and Zerelda.  It seemed as Zelena was the only child to get her mother's pale skin tone.

Zuriel married Zadok Zamora.  He had bright red from head to toe, except for his eyes, which were a shocking neon pink.

They had their oldest daughters, twins named Zabrina and Zaila.  Their youngest child was Zafar who loved trailing behind his older sisters despite their giggles and whines about "cooties."

Rob and Liana  (babies 65 and 66) were doing exceptionally well.  Of course, Rob and Cassie got married and had the twins, Lance and Robert.

Liana's attitude and perspective on life definitely changed for the better.  She met a wonderful man in college named Seth Rune.  I was so proud to see my daughter so happy.  Throughout her childhood, I had been fearful that her demanding attitude and vanity would drive every boy away.

Another turn of events that surprised me even more was that Liana and Seth had SIX kids, despite the fact that Liana had always complained about how much she hated kids.  They had their first babies, the twins Crystal and Pyry.  Crystal was their only child to get Liana's amberish eyes.

Then they had the triplets, Flurry, Nevada, and Vanada.

As if having a set of twins and triplets wasn't enough, Liana and Seth tried for one more baby and had little Edur.

Baby 71: Part 2 of 3: I have a feeling I'll probably regret this sooner or later

CALISTA'S POINT OF VIEW

I don't know where his house was but I know I'll recognize it once I see it.  I drive around town for a while... partly looking for his house but partly letting my mind wander and thinking about Luke and how he could possibly not be cheating, despite all of the very convincing evidence I had found.  

I finally spot the house, it's a new one, built on the same lot my old house had been built on.  It makes me sad to see my old home not there anymore but I couldn't blame them, this house is very cute.  

I walk across the pebble walkway to his house and ring the doorbell.  My legs are shaky.  I don't have anything prepared but I know that if I really mean to apologize, my heart will know what to say.  

Unfortunately, the sight of him walking to the door causes my heart to beat loudly and my mind goes fuzzy.  I feel terrible that he still has this affect on me.

"Calista?"

"Simon."  I breathe.  His name rolls off the tip of my tongue so smoothly. 

"Um, would you like to come in?"  He asks politely.  I notice he seems uncomfortable with me being here.  He probably has a girlfriend, a whole new life.  I suddenly want to leave. 

"Thanks."  I blush, much to my disappointment.  As I walk in, I take the opportunity to look at his face.  I meet his gaze.  He looks so tired and there are bags under his bloodshot eyes.  Yet, something about him looks... newer.  He looks much younger, which puzzles me.  We exchange formal meetings, as if we are just long lost friends.

I ruin the mood.  "Could I stay here for a while, just until I figure things out with Luke?"

He seems to jump back into reality.  "Why are you here, Calista.  I thought you never wanted to see me again?  Are you here to break my heart yet again?"

I'm silent.  I wasn't expecting that outburst from Simon.

"No Simon, I'm actually here to... to say sorry."

He raises an eyebrow as if he doubts that I'll actually apologize.

"I know I've been so mean to you in the past, but I... I'm so sorry about it, Simon.  I was cruel and I broke your heart more times than you deserved.  Heck, because of me you divorced your wife and my sister cheated on you.  She told me about your, erm... depression.  I'm so sorry, Simon.  You just don't deserve a life like this."

I look down trying not to meet his eyes.  If I were him I'd probably just kick myself out.

My eyes start to tear up.  Great, now he thinks I'm just a helpless crybaby.

"Calista, I just want to know, do you really mean those things?"  He asks quietly.

"With all of my heart.  Simon, I never meant to hurt you the way I did.  I'm going to leave you alone after tonight and I'm never going to bother you again.  That way you can just live without me to hurt you anymore.  You can go and find a new life, with a new family who love you without any obstacles in the way."

I close my eyes trying to hold back the tears.  A soft finger comes up and wipes my eye.

"Calista, I know you never meant to do any harm.  I'll admit, you did break my heart on more than one occasion but it was totally worth it - because I got to meet you and know you.  I wouldn't change my life for anything.  That night I met you, I knew you were special.  You mean the world to me but I know I can never have you.  So, with all due respect, I would love for you to stay with me, at least until you get your situation figured out.  And I do.  I do accept your apology."

Now my eyes are filled with tears of happiness.  I throw my arms around his waist and he hugs me back. We stand there for what seems like eternity, but it's more like a release, and thank you from me to him for forgiving me after all those hurtful things I did to him.

"Simon, thank you.  Thank you so much."

"Now, would you do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"Go get ready for bed, we're going to have a movie night tonight."

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SIMON'S POINT OF VIEW

I gaze at her as she goes into the bathroom to change.  I was never really mad at her.  How could I be?  What I said was true, I will never love anyone the way I love her.  Although I know I'll never get her, perhaps things could change....  

I change into my own pajamas and get out some ice-cream as a good movie watching snack.

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CALISTA'S POINT OF VIEW

I get dressed.  I only have a few articles of clothing packed because I don't know how long I'll be staying here.  While in the bathroom, I take out the sample of sperm (or "man cells" as some of my friends call it) and soon I'll hopefully be pregnant with my next baby.  The father's name is Butterscotch Rosehip.  He has very interesting hair and eye colors so I'm hoping that the baby will get his looks.

I fix my hair into a loose side braid before going to the couch where I find Simon fiddling with the remote.

We're going to watch Pride and Prejudice, which is a movie I love.  Mr. Darcy is so handsome.  Luke opposes since he doesn't see what's so good about Mr. Darcy.  That might be because he's a boy.  He's probably just jealous.

I sit down and try to smooth out my nightgown but it barely covers half of my thigh.  It's so uncomfortable  and I feel a bit self conscious even though Simon has seen me with even less on.

"So, what have you been doing these past years?"  I ask attempting to make small talk while Simon continues to dabble with the remote.  Frustrated, he throws it down on the chair next to us and then faces me.

"Well, I was living in Bridgeport after I quit my job as a firefighter.  I went back to my career as a scientist, researching for a potion called the "Young Again" potion.  I bet you know what it does, considering the fact that I named it."

"Hmmm, let me guess, it makes one young again?"  I guess sarcastically.

"Yep.  I'm so creative."  He teases.

"I noticed in the paper it said that only one person had tried it but they didn't name names.  Do you know who that person was?"

"Calista, look at me."

I look into his bright eyes and notice again that it wasn't just a trick of the light, he really did look younger.  I subconsciously move my hand forward to touch his face.  Once my hand reaches his smooth and spotless skin I instantly recoil, realizing what an intimate gesture I've made.  He reaches just as quick as my recoil and grabs my hand in mid air.  He presses it to his face once again and holds it there.

"Oh---"  I start to say but I don't pull away.  We're just being friends, there's nothing weird about touching another guy's face.

Suddenly I realize why he's doing this and feel silly that I would think he was trying to make a move on me.

"You took the potion?  I knew you looked different.  Wow, Simon.  It really did work.  But you know, you really didn't need it before."  I stop myself before I say anything more that might lead him on.

"You really think so, well, thank you."

Then he looks at me.  "You look a bit cold, are you sure you don't want something warmer?"

"I'm good.  So, what's with the movie."

"Oh, the stupid thing won't work.  I just received the new TV yesterday.  I guess I didn't hook it up correctly.  But that's okay, right.  We'll find something else to do."

"Yes."  After a few minutes of talking, he puts his arm around my shoulder.

He laughs at my rather horrified expression and expertly calms me down.

"Don't worry, Calista, we're just friends, hanging out as friends.  No need for me to start making out with you."  We laugh and I feel a bit stupid to think that he would still like me, even after all the things I had done to him.

I cozy up into his arm.  I can't help but notice how nice looking he is.... no, I tell myself.  Don't fall for him.

He catches my gaze and our eyes are locked on each other.  He starts leaning in.  My mind is telling me no and my body is saying yes.  I lean in too.  NOOOO!!! 

I tell myself but it's no use.  He's kissing me.  His hand is holding onto my hand as if letting go will cause him to fall to his death.

"Simon."  I blush.

"Calista."  He sighs.  Then our lips lock together again.

Tears start to fall from my eyes.  I want to continue but something is telling me not to.

"Oh Simon.  I'm so, so sorry."

"Shhh, baby, it's okay."  He soothes.  His voice is like a brook, trickling slowly.  It's calming and beautiful... and familiar.

He pulls me onto his lap.

Suddenly, I snap out of my trance and stand up.

"Simon, I can't do this.  Not while I'm dating Luke.  I really should go.  Like, I really should.

"You know you want it, Calista.  What's one night going to do to you?  It's not like you're dating him anyway.  Didn't you come here to get away for a while?"

His tone is very convincing.  I walk back toward him and without stopping I grab onto him for dear life.

Our lips and noses crush together.  Like a long lost couple.  I can feel his lust and I know he truly does love me, even after I broke his heart and will continue to break it later on.

We stand there, in each other's arms, locked in an eternal embrace.  I could stand here for hours.  His eyes are on mine and mine on his.

"Shall we go to the bedroom?"

I don't say anything as he leads me to his immaculate master suite.  He stands there in front of me as I think about what I'm about to do.

"Simon... I want to do this but I can't."

"Calista darling, it's just a one night thing.  Come on.  Don't worry about hurting Luke's feelings.  He's been cheating on you, it won't hurt for you to cheat on him."

"I'm not worried to hurt him as much as I am knowing I'm going to hurt you.  You do know that I have to go back home, right?  I can't be here forever.  I don't want to hurt you again."  I sigh and sit down on the bed.

"It's okay.  I understand.  I just want one more night."  Then he leans over and places a tender kiss on my lips.  He pulls away as quickly as he came and I lean in for more.  He sure knows how to convince me.  I can't resist.

Pretty soon, it's getting more, erm, intense and I'm just thinking one thing: This is the best one night stand EVER.

Later, we soon fall asleep and his arms settles on my waist.  For once, I sleep very peacefully.

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NOTE

Please don't hate me.

Also, I'd like to thank Haileygleisner/Dawn Turner for the Babydoll Dress!

And thank you Skye Everard for letting me use Butterscotch Rosehip as a father!!!

And Happy Holidays people!  If I don't get a new post out by 2012, Happy New Year!!!!