Authors: Vivienne Harris-Scott
"E.
I can't. It's our baby. I can't. Please, don't ask me to do this...." she
said in a breaking voice.
"Vic,
you could die. I'm not willing to take that chance..." he replied,
pleading, feeling his words choke in his throat.
She
looked at him, silently. He had changed. He did look different from the man she
last faced a week ago. The man who told her he would never let her go.
He
was caressing her hand, looking down and playing with her wedding band.
"E.?"
she said, looking at him intensely.
He
looked up, his cerulean eyes glowing with shimmering tears that were seconds
from shedding.
"Why?"
she asked softly, sipping water slowly.
"What?"
he asked, puzzled.
"Why
do you care if I live or die?" she demanded, her eyes boring into his.
I
love her. Still.
It
was the one thing he realized in the past few weeks, and even more so, in the
last few days.
I
couldn't bear to lose her. I needed her.
He
cleared my throat and whispered, "I love you." I couldn't look at
her, so my eyes went back to the hand I was holding.
"E?"
she gently said.
"I
know, y-you don't believe me
…”
he started, clearing his burning throat, as he could barely let the words out,
“…
And I know you probably hate me
after...but I'm begging you, please..." He forced the words out, still
unable to meet her gaze until he finally looked up. She was silently crying.
Tears strolling down her cheeks, she was giving him the most intense look she
had ever given him, and then she said with a calmness that nearly caused him
fright,
"I
do believe you E.
”
He was certain, she could see the self-loathing in his eyes, and continued,
“
And I am having the baby. No matter
what."
Their
fate was sealed. He knew he would do anything in his power to protect that baby
from then on.
He
had chosen her, but she had chosen the baby over her own life.
They
would all have to live with that decision.
Vi
March 2004. Darling Harbour. Sydney.
Australia.
"Kevin, you're full of
crap!" she said wincing. "Don't tell me if it was your child you
would not make the same decision! You know what? It isn
’
t. It's my body, and I'm telling you, I'm
doing this. Period." she finished loudly, exasperated.
Kevin
looked at her. He was livid.
They
had been arguing over an hour.
After
speaking with Ethan and being appraised of the choices needing to be made, the
two men, who incidentally could barely stand each other, found themselves
becoming unexpected allies. Kevin couldn't forgive Ethan for what he did to his
best friend on their third wedding anniversary and Ethan had to put his
jealousy of Kevin aside as the man always had seemed to have so much more
influence and closeness to his wife. They were together as one on this
issue. They both wanted to save her first.
For
Ethan because she was his wife: the woman he wronged, but the woman he loved.
For
Kevin: because she was his all. The sister he never had, the person closest to
him on the planet but also the woman he measured anyone against. He
simply could not lose her.
"I'm
being released today, and I'm going home, and for the next 6 months, I will
take care of myself, so I can have this baby. Kev please! Try to understand. If
the doctors are right, this will be my only child. This is my only chance to
have a baby..." she said in a pleading tone.
"If
the doctors are right, you will not see this baby, you'll be dead!" he
retorted, cold, angry.
He
walked out slamming the door.
"You
can go in and try to reason with her. I need some fresh air..." he mumbled
to Ethan walking past him in the intensive care corridor.
Vic
had been hospitalised for 8 days, and her condition while stabilized was still
highly worrying.
The
doctors had explained to her the risks of continuing the pregnancy and had even
pushed the cruelty as far as showing her the printed scan of her
tumor and the difference in size from the day she was admitted to the previous
day when the last scan was done. It was growing; there was no doubt or
denying about it.
They
said it would keep on doing so as long as she was pregnant, and soon it would
be a battle between the baby and the tumor for every nutrient her body had, and
the odds were not in favor of her baby.
The
tumor was growing, but so was the foetus, and by all accounts, it was growing
splendidly. She was 9 weeks pregnant, and the baby was developing perfectly.
She
looked at the printed scan of her baby and smiled. That's all that mattered.
The life growing inside of her was what was important.
She
would do whatever was necessary, but she would have this baby, even if it
were the last thing she ever did.
Ethan
walked in, and they looked at each other without saying a word for a few
minutes. He finally approached her, cupped her face, kissed her on the forehead
and softly said, "Ok. We'll do it your way. Tell me what you need me to
do.". She gave him her first smile in three months, and simply replied,
"Call Lily."
((~~!~~))
Julian
Madeline
Sara McCarty
She
is my daughter.
I've
raised her since the day she was born. And as I watch her sleep, I am
wondering what to do.
Belinda
has put herself up at the Marriott, but she warned me; this is only the
beginning. She will not leave Sydney without Maddie.
I
know what I want to do: kick that bitch out of our lives.
But
I'm wondering how Maddie will react to all this. You see, while I hate to admit
it, Belinda is actually a good mother, if not a great one. She has spent almost
every day of our daughter's life with her, attending to her every need.
Consuela helped of course, but it
’
s
been mostly Belinda who shaped who Maddie is, a happy little girl. Can I
deprive my daughter of her mother?
Yes,
you can.
I
am very tempted to do just that, because most of all, I am afraid of losing my
daughter. I haven't asked Belinda who the biological father is, - not that I
care anyway-, and I haven't spoken to anyone about my intentions, except Todd.
She's
leaving you no choice here...
My
mother is still ill, and we simply do not have the mother-son relationship that
would help me right now. We are barely civil to each other, and this is the
best both of us can do as this stage. If I told her my true intentions, I can
already see the disapproving scowl on her face, and hear the recriminating tone
and harsh words she
’
d
use to tell me how wrong I am. Not that she can give lessons on motherhood
anyway.
I
can't talk to Melissa either. She is a devoted mother, and I know what she
would tell me: no matter how much you hate Belinda, for your daughter's sake,
you've got to keep her around.
This
is not what I want to hear.
Besides,
she would be horrified if she knew the extremes I
’
m willing to go...
And
of course, there's Ethan. What he said to me at the church: I
’
m wondering if God was talking to me
through him.
Do
what needs to be done if you are willing to pay the price.
Well,
what's the worst that can happen? I mean seriously?
Since
Maddie is only 2
½
,
she will forget her in time...
I
simply can't lose my daughter.
I
have to call Todd.
It's
either my lawyer or a hit man.
There
is no other choice here.
The
situation is untenable.
Some
lies are simply unforgivable.
((~~!~~))
Ethan
I don't know what the next six months
will bring. I'm taking Vic home, and as I hold her in the back of the car
while our chauffeur
maneuvers
the
Sydney
’
s
streets, I pray I won't have to actually chose, and if I do, I pray I will have
the strength to let her go.
I
am scared but also hopeful.
Lily
will be flying in next week. She is a renowned surgeon these days. Maybe
she can help.
I
hope she can.
I'm
going to be a father.
I
know. Ever since I found out, it's just been one thing after another. There was
this awful night between Vic and I after the Ball...I can't believe it was only
over a week ago.
So
much has changed.
I'm
going to be a father
.
It
’
s really hitting me for the first time
since I saw the 3D photo of the scan this morning. Mind you, I also saw the 3D
photo of my wife's tumor.
That
put things into perspective for me.
Vic
says she wants the baby above all, and while I resisted at first, now I get it.
I've
seen him, - it's a son, I know it, even if it's too early to tell -, and I will
do anything in my power to ensure he is born.
Why
the change of tune you might ask? Because, I'm going to be a father, and
fathers protect their children.
If
it comes down between Vic and my son, I will choose my son, the same way she
chose him. I get it now.
Sometimes,
you simply don't have a choice.
CHAPTER 24
Vi
"Hey girl!" said one of my
favorite people in the world.
"Lil!
I'm so happy to hear your voice! You have no idea..." I sighed with
relief.
"Actually
babe, I kind of do. I spoke to Kev. All I can say is
…
you've been busy!
”
She added, chuckling.
I
blushed.
“
I can't leave you alone for a week, and see
what you do? End up in all sorts of messes..." her warm voice trailed.
I
laughed. God I had missed her!
"Lil?"
I asked.
"Hmm?"
she mumbled.
"I
think I'm in trouble..." I slowly stated.
"I
know you are...
”
she was still laughing.
"What?"
I cried out.
"You
forget who you're talking to! Now, spill it, and please don't forget the juicy
parts! I want to know how GOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDD Julian McCarty is
bare...." she laughed louder.
"Lil!"
I admonished, her laughter was contagious.
"What?"
she said with an innocent voice.
That's
the thing about Lil; when you look at her, and even when you hear her voice,
you might be fooled into thinking she is this sweet, innocent, petite
woman.
I
know better. I know she
’
d twist
the balls of any man hurting anyone she loves without even breaking a sweat.
I
know she is one of the smartest people I know, and being smart myself, trust
me, I know smart. She is book smart and street smart, and she is sexy as hell.
Why she is not married yet is a mystery to me. She adores men. Well, only to
sleep with, dine with and go to the museum with; the minute they try to get
more from her, they're out the door...
He
career is everything to her. Almost everything. She's a surgeon, specializing
in obstetrics, gynaecology and neonatal surgery. Why am I thinking of this
now?
Because
she saved my life. And because apart from Kev, she is the only person who knows
me, really knows me, and loves me in all my complexities.
I'm
getting distracted thinking of Lily and I don't hear her shout into the phone.
"I
AM WAITING? HELLO? HELLO? CHICA!" she is screaming in the receiver.
"Stop,
I'm right here...I...what did you ask again?" I respond, apologetically.
"How
was it?" she returns to the subject at hand, not missing a beat.
"It
was good Lil." I reply sincerely, knowing, she won
’
t let go if I don
’
t.
"You
gotta
do better than this puppy, give me a little
somethin
somethin
, so I can
picture it..." she sings song.
I
laugh. "Lil, you do realize we are talking about me here, my sex life, not
some hussy's we'd be discussing drinking Mai
Tais
..."
"Well,
speaking of Mai
Tais
, I hear you're in Dubai
…
Do you have some free time? I could use a
holiday, and wouldn't mind lounging around a pool with my favorite girl for a
few days...It's been ages since I've seen you, and I'd rather grill you in
person...you'll blush, I'll grin, it'll be fun...like old times..." she
says with mirth.
"How
soon can you get here?" I ask, hopeful.
"Tomorrow."
she replies, knowing.
"I'll
go buy bathing suits." I reply, a grin on my face.
((~~!~~))
Marcus
"We need to talk. How soon can you be
in my office?" asks the voice in a cold, serious tone.
"An
hour." is the simple, concise reply.
"Be
there." is added, almost as an afterthought.
I've
known Julian for close to 18 years. I became his business manager when he
bought his first restaurant in New York. We were both in our twenties and while
he was just starting out as a businessman, he had acumen beyond his years. He
actually poached me from Goldman
’
s
where I was making a shit load of money,- it was the 90's -, and getting quite
bored because once you know how a leverage buy-out works, the amount of money
involved is irrelevant whether it
’
s
10 million or a hundred.
Julian
made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Not only would I become his personal
business manager, but also represent him in all dealings
involving McCarty industries. Being close to your 30's and
having a global conglomerate to run gives you a thrill you don't get on Wall Street.
The
bonus? We became best friends. It is safe to say: I know Julian like the back
of my hand. I've seen him through two divorces, the loss of his parents, the
damn Belinda episode and more rough patches I care to think about, and
while we have argued sometimes, he is my boy, there's nothing I wouldn't do for
him, and I know if push comes to shove, he would be there for me too.
Todd
is also one of my boys, the three of us have seen our share of trouble,
but I digress. I'm talking about Julian. I'm worried about him.
I
don't know what's been happening these past few days but, hell, he's barely
hanging in. And that's not good.
Ok,
I actually know: he's got it bad for some woman he met, slept with and lost in
the same night.
My
boy is in a funk; that alone is stupefying. Yes, it's a bloody shocker. No one,
least me, saw it coming.
I
mean, what is the world coming to?
Julian
McCarty losing it over a woman? No way Jose...
Well,
until today this would have been true.
Not
anymore.
I
went to his house this afternoon, because he hasn't replied to any phone calls
or emails in the past 3 days. I even sent a basket from the
Beverly Hills Cheese Store yesterday - his favourite gourmet store -,
which remained undelivered because no one opened the gates to sign for it.
I
spoke to Ari, and he confirms Julian is MIA, and of course, Ari is pissed.
So
here I came today, thinking maybe, just maybe, he was sick; but I knew I
was deluding myself because since last week Julian has been obsessed with this
V issue.
I
saw him 3 days ago at the board meeting and he was barely paying attention,
which is unlike him. The clincher was afterwards, when I asked him what his
plans were for the evening, as I was going to take some of the members out
dining, he just replied, almost indifferent, "I'm going to bed. I'm
exhausted. I haven't been able to sleep."
I
know it might sound benign, but see, Julian doesn't give out such details.
Usually.
I
knew something was up when he asked me to hire a professional to find this
woman. Then, when he had Todd and I come over to Malibu just to hang out in the
middle of the week, I grew even more suspicious, something was off. But, that
not sleeping nonsense? And now, this disappearing act and shutting down?
Not
good.
So,
I went to see him today.
What
I saw worried me. A lot.
I
found Julian by the pool; he was on a chaise longue under the shadow
of an umbrella, eyes closed. At first I thought he was asleep, so I covered him
with one of the throws, only to have him open his eyes, look through me and say
in a hollow voice, "Why are you here Marcus?"
"Jay,
I'm here because it's been 3 days and you've gone missing. What's
up?" I said calmly, trying to get a sense of where he was at.
"Nothing.
I just want to be left alone. Is it too much to ask?" he replied in a cold
tone, he usually employs when deeply annoyed.
"Jay,
the last time I saw you act like this..." I started, unwilling to let it
go.
"Don't
fucking say it..." he grunted, his voice rising.
"Was
after the Belinda episode...I'm worried..." I finished.
"Marcus,
go." he just said, turning his head towards the pool.
"No.
Not until you tell me what the fuck is wrong with you, and how it can be fixed.
Don't tell me it's still that V issue..." I said, anger rising in my tone.
He
got up from the chaise, and only then, I realized he hadn't shaved, was
spotting a five o
’
clock
shadow that looked messy instead of sexy, and his eyes were bloodshot red.
He
came to stand right in front of me, and as we were eye to eye, he fiercely
said, "There isn't a V issue. Not anymore. Ask your man, Marshall. Now,
leave me alone."
He
walked inside the house.
I
left.
That
was 2 hours ago.
Now,
I'm back at the office, waiting for some answers to come.
In
the meantime, I have to call Melissa.
Maybe
she can get through to him.
((~~!~~))
James
As I was entering the McCarty
Headquarters building, I was wondering what exactly was awaiting me on the
47
th
floor.
Marcus
Brent had been concise and his tone didn't give me any clue as to what he
wanted to see me for.
Maybe
another problem that needed taking care of...
"Sit.
”
he says after his secretary showed
me in.
I
do, and observe him curiously. He isn't behind his desk as usual, but standing
by the window, swirling liquor in a glass he has in his hand.
It
’
s
4 pm, and he is drinking in his office?
"What
did you say to him?" He asks bluntly.
The
question doesn
’
t
quite take me off guard. Of course, I know whom this 'he' is.
"Nothing."
I reply, wondering where this is going.
"James,
you really don't want to fuck with me..." he starts, in a glacial tone.
"I'm
not!" I reply, protesting.
"Let's
start from the beginning, shall we? Did you find her?" He turns to look at
me.
"Yes."
I assent.
"Where
is she?" he asks, as he gets into his chair, facing me.
"Overseas."
"I
see." he pauses, as if thinking.
"Does
he know this?" he adds.
"Yes."
I say with conviction.
"Have
they spoken?" he continues, his eyes locked onto mine.
"No,
not that I'm aware of." I reply sincerely.
"James...what
did you say to him? And tell me the truth because one way or the other I will
find out...I just saw him, and to be candid, I haven't seen him like this in
years..." he pursues, unnerved.
He
takes a sip off his glass and continues, almost dreamily, "The place he's
at isn't good James. Julian gets dangerous when he's in that place, so I need
to know exactly what you said to him to put him there, because if you don't
tell me..." his voice trails.