Fallen Too Far (32 page)

The three women sat submerged in the warm bubbling water of the hot tub in Tom and Annik’s home. It had become a weekly ritual for them to spend Wednesday afternoons there; the usual afternoon off for Dr. Diana. Jessica had also marked her calendar at Canada Weekly as ‘out of office’ on Wednesdays.

Annik had enrolled in a couple of courses at University, resuming her dream of becoming a psychotherapist. She still owned Pandora’s but worked from home much of the time now. Tom joined her in a more relaxed pace from going into the office. Both had very competent back-ups to cover off the day to day operations. For Annik, it was the Major. Like a duck taking to water, the Major oversaw the daily management of
Pandora’s
. There were very few problems that he contacted Tom and Annik about and it was showing more of a profit than projected.

“That’s a lot of work for you and Danny, parenting twins. When you go back to work, will you hire a Nanny to help out?” Jessica asked Diana.

“We thought about that. I’m going back to work in another month. Much as I love the thought of being a mother, I’m starting to get antsy. I love my job and I miss it. And we’ve got it worked out that Danny will be the house husband and primary caregiver. He loves kids and is super organized.” Diana always smiled when she thought of Danny.

“Well, if he ever wants to earn some money on the side and take a break from the household routine, there’s a job waiting for him at
Pandora’s,
at security. I can’t think of anyone I would rather have there than Danny. Mention it to him, Diana.” Annik said.

“Fathers! Craig is really looking forward to the arrival of our little guy Liam Howard. He had never really thought about being a father but now that he’s going to be one, he can’t think of anything else. He’s even helping me pick out paint colors and the décor of Liam’s room.” Jessica said.

“How did you come by the name Liam? It’s beautiful. Was it Craig’s father’s?” Annik looked at Jessica.

“No! Craig’s father deserted the family when he was a young boy. There’s no way he would want to honor him, taking his first name as a namesake. No, it’s just an Irish name he likes. Howard is to honor my father. My parents are in grandparent heaven right now with this baby. I think they’d almost given up on being grandparents. They’ve even got a framed ultrasound picture of Liam in their living room.” Jessica grinned.

“You ladies are going to become stewed prunes soon. Just a friendly reminder, times almost up. Maria has your afternoon tea and snack just about ready.” Tom poked his head into the solarium. He then left, leaving the women to get out and put on their robes.

“Thanks Tom! Just a few more minutes. I promise. Diana, how did you come by the names Bobby and Becky?” Annik asked.

“Robert Terrence and Rebecca Rose.No family name affiliation. If you think your parents are happy Jessica, imagine my folks. A forty-one year old spinster, now married with twins. Good thing their hearts are good for their age.” Diana said laughing.

Maria called out, “LUNCH, mother and mothers to be. Tea, fruit, yogurt and low fat blueberry scones.” She set the tray of food on the table and then left to get the tea tray.

Annik stood up and climbed out of the tub first.

“How is it that even with that beach ball in front of you, you can look so beautiful? I feel huge and unattractive. My breasts hurt and my back aches all of the time.” Jessica asked.

“Nonsense. You look beautiful too! Okay, you may be a little achey, but your face is radiant. You too Diana. You lost the baby weight so fast. You both look wonderful. Actually, all three of us do!”

Jessica and Diana rose from the water and took the towels that Annik handed to them.

They dried off and slipped into the robes that they kept there for these Wednesday afternoons and sat down at the table.

Maria returned with the tea and set it before them. “Anything else, you would like ladies?”

“No Maria. You look after us so well. Gracias.” Annik smiled.

“Well…speaking as a mother of three, you may as well get a little pampered and rest up now. After the baby is born, no more full night’s sleep for you. You’ve got a full time 24/7 job ahead of you and you’ll love every minute.” Maria said before she left them to their tea.

“I think of all the great times Craig and I have had over the past year and I wonder. Will I ever get my body back in shape? And what happens to our sex life? The exciting evenings at
Pandora’s
? Is that a thing of the past? Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled to be having Liam, just wondering.” Jessica commented.

“I can answer that in three words. It’s called
Date Night
and
babysitter
. In my practice, I see so many new parents and that’s a common problem. The baby consumes their lives as parents and they put being adult lovers on the back burner. You have to keep that flame alive.” Diana said.

Annik raised her cup of tea in the air making a toast. “To Hope, Liam, Bobby and Becky. And to date nights and babysitters.

“Amen sister” Diana and Jessica chimed in.

Four Years Later…

“Danny!  Do you know where my black stocking is?  I can only find one.” Diana called to Danny from the bedroom where she was getting dressed. She opened the drawers in her dresser, becoming irritated. “I can never find anything anymore.  Danny organizes my things and I’m not always sure about his system…”

“Do you mean this stocking?” Danny appeared in the doorway of their bedroom holding a silky black stay up in his hand. “Bobby the Terror was using it to pull the wagon, giving Miss Becky a ride.  You’re ruining all their fun Diana Girl.”

“Oh no.  It’s going to have snags and be stretched out of shape.  I don’t have any stockings to go with this red dress.  I don’t have time to buy any…the wedding’s in less than an hour.” Diana looked completely distraught.

“No fear my sweet, I picked up another pair for you when I was shopping yesterday. The kids wanted me to get fishnets but I over ruled them.  I didn’t tell them but fishnets are for our date nights.  Weddings have a little more formality and decorum.  I think Becky would get it but I think the Terror would have a hard time thinking of style over fun. Of course it kind of depends on the fun, doesn’t it? YOU accomplish style and fun in one gorgeous package.”

Danny walked to Diana’s side and rubbed his hand over her bottom as she bent to slip the new stockings on.

When she finished, she ran her hand along Danny’s leg to his crotch which was beginning to harden.  “Have you packed our outfits and the toy bag for the reception?” She smiled seductively at him.

They heard a loud crying and the doorbell ring.

“Yes to the toybag and no to whatever badness Bobby is up to with his sister.” Danny rushed off to see what the kids were doing.

He scooped Becky into his arms soothing her before answering the door. “No Bobby, you can’t have Becky ride you like a pony.  She’s too small and doesn’t have the balance yet.  See, she bumped her head on the floor.  No horsey rides.” Danny scolded and walked to the door to open it.

“Ah, Elizabeth. Our favorite babysitter, otherwise known as the neighborhood masochist.  Back for another round with Bobby the Terror and Becky Oops? Come in to our home of mayhem, my sweet unsuspecting teenager.” Danny smiled while raising his eyebrows ominously.

“Danny, they’re great kids.  Honest, when you leave, they settle down.  I read to them.  We have snacks and watch cartoons.  They go to bed without a fuss. They’re wonderful.” Elizabeth squatted down and rustled Bobby’s hair.

“I know.  Actually, I’m crazy about them and they know it. I can hardly remember what life was like before Bobby and Becky. I’m a lucky guy.” Danny scooped up each child in turn and gave them a big kiss.

“Ready dear?  We should be going.”Diana entered the living room wearing a dark red dress, dark stockings and high heels. She had pinned her hair up into a loose chignon which showed off her white pearl earrings and necklace.

“Wow! Hello Gorgeous! Yes I’m ready. Let’s go.” Danny’s eyes appraised her with admiration.

Bobby and Becky ran to Diana and hugged her legs. “Mommy, Mommy” they repeated in unison.

Diana squatted down and hugged and kissed each of them, asking them to promise to be good for Elizabeth and go to bed at 7:30. It was hard for Diana to leave them. They looked so adorable, even though she was looking forward to the wedding and party afterwards.

“You have my cell number if you need anything Elizabeth. Have fun!”  Diana opened the door and joined Danny outside.

****

“How are you doing?  Are you almost ready to go?” Craig called to Jessica through the closed bathroom door.  He held Liam in his arms, tickling the boy and joining in Liam’s peals of laughter.

Jessica straightened up after leaning over the toilet for a few minutes being sick. She rinsed her mouth with mouthwash and rearranged her hair.  She was two months pregnant and had been ill almost every day until mid afternoon.  And that was the time of day that she could fall asleep at the drop of a hat.

“Yes, just about.” She answered Craig.  She put lipstick on and emerged from the bathroom in their home in the Beaches area of Toronto.

“Just give me a minute to eat some soda crackers and have a few sips of ginger ale and I’ll be fine.” She brushed by Craig and Liam, rubbing Liam’s head on the way by.

Liam squirmed and struggled for Craig to set him down and ran after Jessica into the kitchen.

“Can I have a drink too Mommy?” Liam looked up at her with his big brown eyes.

“
May
 I have a drink 
please
 Liam.  And yes you may.” Jessica corrected him.

She poured a second small glass of ginger ale and handed it to him.  Liam gulped the soda, his eyes never leaving Jessica.

Liam and Jessica heard familiar voices in the front hallway and smiled at each other.  Liam ran out of the room yelling “Uncle Eddie, Aunt Shell.”  He threw himself against Eddie’s legs hugging him while jumping up and down with the excitement of a puppy.

Craig and Jessica greeted Eddie and Shelly and tried to get Liam to calm down. He was now hugging Shelly, bouncing against her.

“He’s Okay.  How’s my favorite little Leprechaun? Got a hug for your uncle Eddie?” Eddie swept Liam up into his arms.

Liam hugged Eddie and then leaned sideway, arms extended to hug Shelly.

“Come here Cutie and give me a proper hug” Shelly said reaching up to take Liam from Eddie.

“No fair.  I only had him for a minute.  Remember.  Share Shelly. You two look great!  All spiff and polish for the gala wedding?  Give my regards to the happy couple please. How are you feeling Jessica?” Eddie asked.

“Well lots of nausea, but that will pass soon.  Nothing like when I was pregnant with Liam.  Maybe this one’s a girl.” Jessica answered.

“I’m just hoping for ten fingers and toes and healthy.  Whether it has a handle or not is okay by me.” Craig said reaching an arm around Jessica and hugging her to him.

“There’s lasagna and salad in the fridge.  Help yourself to whatever’s there.  We should be home just after midnight.  Thanks so much for staying with Liam.  He likes you two so much and there’s no one else we’d rather leave him with.” Jessica said.

Jessica and Craig had grown to know Eddie and Shelley over the years since Liam had been born, at first seeing them at Annik’s and later inviting them to dinner parties.  Craig and Jessica both enjoyed listening to Eddie’s old police stories and Shelley was so sweet.  She had knitted a number of sweaters and hats for Liam.

“Okay.  We’ll leave you guys to have fun now.  Be a good boy Liam for Aunt Shelley and Uncle Eddie.” Craig said, leaning forward to plant a kiss on the boy’s cheek.

“Yes Da.  I will.  Bring me back some cake?” Liam asked.“You got it Mister.” Craig said and headed out the door.

“Bye Eddie and Shelley.  Thanks again.  See you later Liam.  Love you!” Jessica joined Craig.

****

“Hello! Anybody home?” Annie called as she and Anthony entered Tom and Annik’s home.

“Aunt Annie! Aunt Annie!” Hope yelled and ran to the door into Annie’s arms.

“Oh my precious little girl!  How are you?” Annie scooped Hope into her arms and hugged her.

“Uncle Anthony!” Hope turned to Anthony and hugged him. He held one arm behind his back.

Hope reached for his arm, tugging it and trying to peek behind.  “What have you got Uncle Anthony?  Is it something for me?” Her eyes were wide above a wide smile as she bounced up and down, her long dark curly hair flying out at the sides.

“Yes, something only a princess can wear.” Anthony returned her wide eyed look as he handed her the pink bag.

Hope sat down on the floor and tore at the ribbon. “Yay! Cinderella slippers!  They’re so pretty!  Please help me put them on Aunt Annie.”

Annie helped Hope and the little tyke preened and twirled around in her new shoes.  The pink gingham dress she wore flared out around her.

“Annie, you spoil her.  Every time you visit you bring some gift for Hope. Really I don’t know what else you could give her.  Anthony, good to see you!  Care to join me for some tea?  Hope is having a tea party.  Annie, I know you’re dying to see the baby.  Go on up.  Annik is just putting him to bed.” Tom said.