2021-02-07 Fernanda's Realization

 2021-02-07 Fernanda's Realization

On Sunday afternoon Fernanda Negron was trying desperately to study. But the waves of nausea were rolling over her concentration like Tsunamis. The anxiety she was feeling didn’t help either. She knew….she just hadn’t told anyone yet. Duncan had been so upset that night about the news of his mother, that one spontaneous night when she just comforted him, and they skipped the condom altogether. They had rationalized it after. She had looked at her calendar and for once in her life she had miscalculated. The queasy feeling had just started but she was already aware she was late. Her mother had been shopping and bestowed her and Laia with a stockpile of pads and tampons because there was a good deal on at the pharmacy. Fernanda had smiled and thanked her mother, but a week after, she had no need for the supplies. Surely Laia suspected. Surely Duncan did. She hoped to god her parents did not...not yet. Give her time to find the words. I mean really only two needed to be spoken, before all hell would break loose. “I’m pregnant.” She whispered to the stillness between her face and her laptop. “I’m pregnant…”

He couldn’t study.  Duncan Rogers was more distracted than he could ever remember being.  The memory of New Year’s Day kept coming back to him.  It had started out miserable, with his mind full of reports about his mother and her rejection of all of them.  He’d tried to keep up appearances and not ruin Angel Negron’s wedding day, but in the end, he and Fernanda had snuck off so he could talk about his feelings.  She was always patient with him and he loved her for it.  They had made love and after they remembered what they had forgotten.  A condom.  Fernanda hadn’t said anything to him about it, but he had a feeling that she was late.  More than just late.  Pregnant.  He already knew his feelings on the matter and he wondered if she was afraid of his reaction.  Or her parents and family.  Blowing out a breath, he shut his book and pulled out his phone, sending Fernanda a text.

How are you feeling, love?  We need to talk, don’t we?  I love you

He sent it and sat back on his bed, closing his eyes and taking in a deep sigh.

Fernanda was still staring at her screen absently when her phone buzzed and vibrated on the desk. She looked at it and read Duncan’s words as they came across the screen. She sighed in acceptance and relief. He knew, and he was still telling her he loved her. Duncan was a good man. She picked up the phone and texted back:

Meet me for a walk? Halfway point by the road to the forest?

She shoved the phone in the back pocket of her dark blue jeans as she stood. She needed a walk regardless. Fresh air would help the nausea too. Her parents were rattling around in the kitchen and she dodged them as she grabbed her jacket and slung it around her shoulders “Going for a walk…” She called absently. She and Laia both took walks for exercise so it wasn’t an abnormal exit. Fernanda yanked on her boots without tying them up and shoved the laces down the sides. Her jacket was black leather but fleece lined. Her boots were black too. She wound a red scarf around her as she made her way. Red was her favourite colour and she wore red somewhere everyday even if it was something small. Fashion was the least of her concerns now though. Life was about to change. She was a fast walker and walked and waited for Duncan’s reply, finding herself in sight of the service road in no time.

Duncan opened his eyes, read the text and went downstairs to get into his boots and coat.  His coat was a bomber jacket and he loved it.  “I’m gonna take a walk.”  he told the air.  Miranda and Romeo were home … possibly.  It was hard to tell.  That was how distracted he had been.  It was Sunday, so he was sure his father and Levi were at Levi’s place.  No one answered him by the time the door closed behind him and he walked towards the meeting place, spying Fernanda and smiling, despite everything.  If she doesn’t protest, he will take her in his arms and kiss her deeply, then start walking into the forest.  “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”  he decided not to waste time beating around the bush.  “I mean … have you taken a test yet?”  he squeezes her hand as they walk.

Fernanda felt immediately lighter at the sight of Duncan, despite how many worries were buzzing around in her overactive brain. When he took her in his arms and kissed her she kissed him back and held onto him like a lifeline until they eased back and walked holding hands. She nodded slowly and then gave a little shrug “Not yet…..but I’m pretty sure. I’m queasy now. Not continually but off and on. And I’m late...if that wasn’t the give away already.” Duncan knew her very well now and she was open with him about everything, even womanly things. She sighed “I love you too...I didn’t text it but I’m glad you did. I guess I should get an official test.” Fernanda squeezes Duncan’s hand back.

Duncan nods as she speaks.  It did seem obvious.  He stops and nods in the direction of the town.  “We can go now.”  he offers.  “My Dad has the day off, but you might be happier seeing Dr McKinney?”  he arches his brows.  He isn’t worried about his father’s reaction so much.  There would be disappointment but … Duncan realized he half hoped she was pregnant.  “Nan …”  he paused.  “You already know that, no matter what the results are, I still want to marry you…”  he told her.  Her being pregnant might speed that up a little, but not change it by any means.

Fernanda halts with Duncan and follows his gaze when he mentions that they could go now. She knows they should. Especially for telling their parents. Duncan’s father is a doctor after all. She has no idea what kind of reaction to expect from the Roger’s family. They’re kind for sure, but this is new territory. As for her own family….well she was honestly afraid of breaking her mother’s heart making her watch Fernanda do exactly what she did. She can’t imagine her mother becoming a  hypocrite and treating her the way she was treated when she had Angel though. Still too many big conversations to comprehend. Duncan’s words ring in her ears though and she gives him a melting look “I know….I still want that too...no matter the results.” She flung herself back into his arms for a long embrace before taking his hand again and steering her steps in the direction of the Alexandra Clinic to confirm what she already knew.

Duncan held onto Fernanda’s hand as they walked towards the clinic.  He wanted to be by her side through it all.  They were in this together.  He opened the door when they got there and held it as Fernanda did the talking.  No one else was in the waiting room, but he took his mask out of his pocket and put it on anyway.  Seemed it was a slow Sunday in the clinic.

Fernanda also slipped on a mask and spoke to the front desk “Is Doctor McKinney taking walk ins today? I’d like to get in if I can.”

It wasn’t Shelly Newcastle behind the desk on Sundays but a weekend part timer who doubled as a health care aide. He was a small slight man of obvious Middle Eastern descent with brown skin, shorn to his head jet black hair and black eyes that seemed large for his small face that darted around between blinks over his own medical grade face mask. He wore light green scrubs and navy grey slip on sneakers. Tarek Nadir nodded “Yes she has time now. Can I get your name please?” He gave the young woman a smile but looked harder at the young man who bore such a striking resemblance to Dr. Rogers. This must be the oldest son. He was curious as to why they weren’t seeing the doctor in the family but he knew it was best not to ask these things, especially with a  young woman.

“Fernanda Negron.”

Tarek typed away at his computer and put in the info. Then he called out “Dr. McKinney?” The clinic was small and she was likely nearby.

Fernanda rocked on her feet a bit nervously as they waited, steadying herself with the feeling of Duncan’s hand around her own.

Susan McKinney was enjoying the quiet day.  Times like this, she felt they didn’t really need the hospital extension, but … when things in ALexandra went wrong the hospital got slammed.  Maybe the extension would be one of those ‘have it and not need it’ scenarios.  She heard Tarek calling her name and stepped out of Exam 1 to see Duncan and Fernanda masked up and waiting.  “Hi.”  she smiled, looking between them.  “Come on in .. Exam 1.”  she motioned for them to follow.  Duncan usually saw his father, so she was assuming that Fernanda wanted a word.  They were an established couple, as far as she knew, so the ruled out a test for an STD and put her money on a pregnancy test.  Sliding the accordion door closed, she smiled at them both.  “How can I help you?”

Duncan moved into the exam room.  They were so small, but he was with Fernanda.  He kept his mouth shut, letting Fernanda handle it.

Fernanda stepped in and just bluntly stated their purpose “I need a pregnancy test. I’m pretty sure I know the answer but we need an official result.” She exhaled audibly into her mask after she said it, looked at Duncan for reassurance, and unzipped her jacket, assuming Dr. McKinney would be asking her for an arm to take blood. Or maybe it was urine? She had never had a pregnancy test before. She knew the drugstore ones were pee on a stick but she has skipped that step. 

Susan listens and nods, completely relaxed.  “Alright…”  she speaks as she gets a small plastic jar with a screw on lid and a small label.  “Put your name on this label, then pee into this, cap it and leave it in the bathroom.  And I will be back with the results.”  she smiles.  Easy as pie.

Duncan unzips his jacket as well and stands quietly as out of the way as he can, but within easy reach of Fernanda.

Fernanda nods resolutely and takes the cup “Let’s get it over with then. Thank you.” She slides the accordion door open and walks to the bathroom to do as instructed. When she comes back in, it’s just Duncan in the room and she walks to him and hugs him “And now we wait.” She exhales again, working to stay level, even though this part of it feels very stressful to her.

Duncan waited alone in the exam room and when Fernanda returns, he hugs her back.  Blowing out a breath, he nods.  “It’s fine, no matter what.”  he tries to reassure her.  He considers his job with Levi and the money he has saved up.  Preparing for a baby.

Susan ordered Colleen Reinhardt to run the test, then went down to her office to pull up Fernanda’s chart.  She downloaded it onto her tablet and went back upstairs.  Colleen gave her the test result and Susan noted it in the chart as she returned to Exam 1.  Closing the accordion door, she moves over to Fernanda.  “The results are positive.”  she tells her.  Them.  “You’re pregnant.”  she pauses.  “There are, of course, several options from here…”  but she lets the sentence drop as Fernanda and Duncan absorb the news.

Fernanda knew she was pregnant. But hearing it from Dr. McKinney makes it even more real. Duncan said it was fine no matter what. They both wanted children one day. It was just sooner than they imagined it would be. But she knew it was still a lot at the age and stage of life they were at. She looked at Doctor McKinney and nodded and then looked at Duncan “I want to have it...and keep it.” She knew this about herself. She could never make any other choice. She prayed Duncan felt the same.

Duncan hears the results and takes in a deep breath, even as Fernanda says she wants to keep it.  Her words make him smile and he nods.  “Then we’ll keep it.”  he says in agreement.  Pausing, he looks at Fernanda.  “I love you.”  he tells her.  “We’ll have to tell our families … together …”  he is thinking not only should he be by her side as always, but maybe even only give the information to the parents once.

Susan watches her reaction and keeps her own face neutral.  “Alright then …”  she looks at the chart and then turns to get the Due Date chart out of her pocket.  “If you can remember the date of your last period, I can give a due date …”  she heard Duncan and is glad he is sticking around … not that she’d expect less from Jasper’s son.

Fernanda’s eyes tear up as Duncan responds to her with a  smile. It was the reaction she had hoped for and she gives him a small but lingering peck and nods “Maybe we can bring our parents together for ….dinner? I’m not ready to extend to the siblings yet.” With her siblings it would be a cacophony of chatter and questions she was sure. Fernanda  looks at the due date chart Susan has out and sighs “What if we just know when the conception was? It was the night of my brother’s wedding. New Year’s Day eve. It’s the only time we didn’t use a condom. I had a period in the range of two weeks before probably.”

Duncan nods.  “Maybe at Levi’s … neutral ground and no siblings.”  he chuckles.  “He isn’t sure how his sister and brother would react.  He pulls out his phone and very carefully segregates Levi, his father, Mateo and Maria into a text message.  The memory of the message his father sent to half the island when he caught her and Gene would never fade from his mind.

Hey Levi, can I treat you guys to dinner at your place tonight?

As he sends it, he wonders what they will think, but decides not to dwell on that.  He hears the chat about due dates and grins, murmuring.  “October 1st.”

Susan nods.  “Then it sounds like the due date would be …”  and she says it at the same time Duncan does.  “October 1st.”  she chuckles.  “Alright then.  Make an appointment with Tarek for a complete exam and start thinking how you’d like to give birth .. we have an excellent midwife if you want a home birth, although that doesn’t always work out.”  the story of Cedar Brate’s birth was, of course, all over the island.

Normally Fernanda was on the ball with numbers but both Duncan and Dr. McKinney said the date before she could even count the months in her head. She was just too overwhelmed by it all. She had noticed Duncan texting and pulled out her phone, seeing the message and waiting almost on baited breath for her mother to spontaneously call her. “October 1st…” She repeated. “I could do it by then.” She didn’t specify what she meant and they might assume just taking on parenting...but she meant school. Fernanda was well ahead in most subjects already. She could accelerate that, take summer school and some correspondence classes. She blinked at Susan “Home birth…..good god not in MY house! There’s way too many people around. In theory that sounds lovely.” She laughs “And I guess like the mayor and his wife’s baby, they can just be born anywhere in town too. I’ll make another appointment, yes.”

Jasper was just finishing a cup of coffee and taking his cup to Levi’s kitchen sink when he heard the ping indicating a  text. It was Duncan asking to treat him and Levi, as well as Fernanda’s parents to dinner? He frowned at the text and looked up to see if Levi was reading it too “Should we be worried?” He wondered out loud. “Are you ok having everyone here?” He didn’t want to assume Levi wanted a sudden dinner party without consultation.

Mateo had just hung up a painting, a birthday gift from Ziggy and now he was standing back to ponder whether it was crooked. It was a scenic portrait of the Alexandra harbour and he quite liked it. “I used a level….” He muttered. “Maybe the house is crooked…..” He squinted at it and heard his phone chirp but didn’t check immediately.

Susan chuckles at Fernanda’s reaction to the concept of a home birth.  “Well, you still have plenty of time to consider it.” she tells them.  Then she takes her tablet and heads for the door.  “Congratulations.  And yes, Duncan you can come to any of the appointments Fernanda lets you.”  she winks and heads out of the door and down to her basement office.

Levi was halfway to the kitchen when his phone vibrated.  He looked at the message with raised brows.  “I can’t think of a reason to worry.  I’d love to have them over.”  he lifts up his phone and replies.

Can’t wait!  Let me treat.  Pizza?

Maria looks at the painting and giggles at Mateo.  “I don’t think artists use levels, Mateo.  But it’s very pretty and face it .. the natural ground is never level, right?”  She was still giggling a little when her phone chirped with a text message.  Reading it, she frowned and then tightened her jaw.  “Duncan wants to talk to us …”  she told her husband.  “ALL of us.”  she tightened her jaw again.  “If those two ran off and got married ....”  she tells her phone as she replies.

If you two ran off and got married before you even graduate!!  Pizza sounds good, Levi.  We’re on our way now for this pizza and news!

She sends the message and looks at Mateo.  “Get your coat and hold your temper.”  she orders moving to get her own coat.  Like hell she was going to just sit back and wait until dinnertime for whatever these two were plotting now.

Duncan heads for the receptionists desk with Fernanda, looking at his phone.  “Levi says he’s paying .. which is good since I have to save as much as I can.”  he reports.  Then he pauses.  “And your mother .. is on her way to Levi’s now …”  he looks out of the clinic window and then towards the back of the building … the other exit.  “She thinks we got .. married?”  he can’t help but laugh a little bit.  “Maybe we should…”  he ponders his savings.  “I actually saw a ring in the thrift store I think might fit you…”  he half murmurs to himself … and half to Fernanda.

Mateo naturally helps Maria on with her coat while frowning but then has to retort “MY temper?” He almost ducks after he asks and grabs his own coat while yelling to the household in Spanish “Mama and I are out for dinner. Eat from the fridge!” They always had leftovers. The kids would figure it out. “Duncan would never marry Fern without asking for my hand...we’re compadres...amigos….” Their mutual love of Louis Guzman had bonded Mateo to his daughter’s beloved. He was a little worried though and he jogged to keep up with Maria as soon as they hit the street.

Jasper conceded to Levi’s optimism and planted a kiss on his cheek as he made his way back from the kitchen “Thank you.” He glanced at his phone and saw the reply and smiled “Well that was easy.” Then he blinked as he saw Maria’s “And here they come….she doesn’t waste any time.” He laughs “And she thinks the kids eloped? Oh this will be a fun night.”

Fernanda gives Duncan an affectionate shove “Don’t waste money on jewelry. We’ll need it for diapers later.” She laughs “You know we still need their permission to marry under 18? If you’re serious we can call that redheaded priest. But maybe let’s take things one topic at a time, even if it isn’t the order everyone has in mind.” She can only imagine what Dr. McKinney must think “We’ll see you soon Doctor. Thank you for everything.” And they head down the hall. Fernanda does check in with the desk “I need to make another appointment. Whatever’s open in the next few weeks, preferable an afternoon on a weekday. I have more spares in the afternoon.”

Tarak nods and clicks away at the computer “OK…..” He gets out an appointment card and writes in the date and passes it over “That good.”

“Yes thanks you.” Fernanda pockets it and sighs at Duncan “Are you ready for this?”

Duncan smiles at her and takes her hand.  “As ready as I’ll ever be.”  he replies and tugs her towards the back, where he exits with her.  They’re unlikely to be seen from the street by her parents.  He pauses at the back and pulls her close.  “You alright?”  he asks her with an almost carefree smile.

Levi grins into the kiss on his cheek and then blinks.  “Eloped?”  he can’t help but laugh.  Then the smile fades and he looks pensive.  “They’re too young.”

Maria hurries down the street, taking the corners at speed.  As short and plump as she is, she can still move fast when she wants to.  She looks along the street as she goes, especially in the Municipal Buildings big windows and the clinic, but she doesn’t see them.  Finally she stops by the law office and enters the door from the street looking at the mailboxes and nods.  “Second floor .. come on Mateo.”  she marches up the stairs and stops at the door, then knocks.

Mateo is panting by the time they reach the top of the stairs and she knocks “Dios mio…..Maria. You know I can lift things but I’m no Speedy Gonzalez.” He leans his back into the wall while they wait for Levi to answer.

Jasper hears the knock and blinks again “Did the Negrons get a car? That’s really fast. And yes they are too young.” He can’t help but chuckle as he looks at the door, still unsure if he should be answering for Levi given it’s his space. Although he would be fine with Levi answering the door of his house.

Fernanda gets pulled to Duncan and can’t fight her own smile back at him “Strangely i am. I’m happy about the baby,,,,your baby…..our baby. Telling the families is the stressful part. If we could run away somewhere and just do this without having to do that I’d be over the moon. But what can they say right? Mama had Angel young. And didn’t your Dad tell you guys you were all unplanned. The ball...so to speak...is in our court.” She cracks up “Maybe I’m just repressing my hysteria.”

Duncan nods.  “Our baby.”  he loves the sound of those words.  “They don’t have much ground to stand on.  And … “  he takes her hand.  “I’m staying with you.  Your mother might not be so upset knowing that, right?”  he chuckles as she cracks up and then leans in to kiss her.  “I love you … even if we never get married.  Come on … let’s go face the music.”

Levi arches his brows when the knock sounds.  “I have no idea…”  he heads for the door and opens it.  “Hello.  Come on in.”  he motions into the living room.  “Can I get you anything?”  he notices Mateo is panting and guesses that Maria power walked.

Maria moves in the second she’s invited, toeing off her shoes.  “Thank you Mister Levi.  Doctor Jasper.”  she stops in the living room and looks around.  “Where are they?  I want to know what they have to say.  I hate secrets.”

Jasper half leans on the back edge of the couch “Hello Maria. Mateo. They’re not here yet. I’m curious as well. Mateo you look like you need to sit down. Are you ok?”

Mateo nods briefly and gives a wave as he toes off his shoes. Mateo only wore boots for work, steel toed, not winter boots. Otherwise it was loafers and sandals as soon as the spring came. He does go to the couch and sinks into it, staying quiet until they have more information, lest the loafer go into his mouth as they have done before.

Jasper bites his lip trying not to chuckle and looks at Levi, already feeling sorry for Duncan and Fernanda even though they don’t know what it’s about.

“I hope not.” Fernanda says earnestly. “And I love you too.” In no time they're next at Levi’s door and waiting. Fernanda can smell her father’s cologne “They’re in there already. Did they get super powers and fly here? Maybe Mama carried him on her back and leapt the buildings.” She jokes.

Duncan chuckles as they reach Levi’s door.  “She’s super, your mother.”  he keeps his hand in hers, raises his hand and knocks, taking in a deep breath and squeezing Fernanda’s hand.

Levi looks at Jasper.  He’s pretty curious himself.  But then comes another knock at the door and he goes to open it.  “Come on in, you two.” he motions inside again and adds.  “I haven’t rendered any pizza yet.  Maybe talk first and eat later?”  he suggests, in his calm way.

Maria sees them enter and looks them both up and down as if she hasn’t seen either of them in years.  Searching.  “What is it?  What’s wrong?”  She can see that Duncan has Fernanda’s hand, but that doesn’t tell her anything she didn’t already know.

Fernanda had always been the type of person to just rip the bandaid off so she met her mother’s gaze without greetings or chit chat and squeezed Duncan’s hand as she sat evenly “We’re pregnant. It’s not wrong Mama...it just is.”

Mateo had turned around on the couch as the kids came in but now he froze and stared at Fernanda with wide eyes not knowing what to say.

Jasper had still looked amused by Maria to a degree and was gesturing at Duncan as he began to say hello when Fernanda came out with their big news. He was a little stunned for a moment and then his face broke into a grin “Wow you two...ok…..um...that’s big...but we’re here for you.” He moved from his sit lean on the couch and approached Duncan and Fernanda, hugging Duncan first if he could and suspecting Maria or Mateo might want a moment with their girl before he could hug her as well.

Duncan again smiled as Fernanda announced that they were pregnant.  He noticed that Mateo was staring, but then his father grinned and gave them his support.  As he hugged his father, he was grateful that he had a supportive parent.

Levi arched his brows when Fernanda announced that she was pregnant.  He could tell by looking at them that they were not ashamed or unhappy.  That was a good sign, as far as he was concerned.  He watched Duncan and Jasper hug and smiled.  "Mazel Tov."  he congratulated them, but waited a but longer.  This was only the beginning.  There was much more to discuss, he suspected.

Maria stared when Fernanda explained that she was pregnant .. that they were pregnant.  She looked between Duncan and her Fernanda - from their faces to their clasped hands.  Then she thought about her first pregnancy ... how Angel's father had reacted ... how she had to tell her parents ... alone.  Fernanda would not be alone ... Duncan loved her ... and they looked ... happy.  She sniffed and began to nod slowly.  "Just is ..."  she sniffed again, trying not to cry, because she didn't want anyone to mistake her tears for sadness or disappointment when she was happy her daughter was happy.  She leaned into Mateo.  "Oh, she is not like me, Mateo.  She's strong, this one.  Like her father." she sniffed a third time.

Fernanda let go of Duncan’s hand at the tail end of his hug with his father because he seemed determined to hold onto hers. She loved him for it but she needed to connect with her parents too. She started to walk in and then stopped herself and kicked off her boots a bit roughly and kept walking in after. She leaned down and wrapped her arms around her mother’s shoulders “No Mama, I’m strong because you raised me with your strength. Papa is strong too but I get it from you. I love you. Duncan and I can do this. We can be good parents. We’ve had great role models after all.”

Mateo had been comforting Maria, stoking her hair and nodding. He knew her strength even if she didn’t take credit for it. But when Fernanda came over and hugged her and spoke his emotions got triggered and he let out a little unexpected sob “Oh Fern. We know you can. Especially with this boy….he’s a good boy...a good man.” He wiped at his face “Look at me like a baby. I’m gonna be an Abuelo…..” He looked to Jasper and Levi “Three Abuelos and an Abuela….and many uncles and aunties. This baby will be so loved.”

Jasper eased off his hug with Duncan and grinned at him, Levi and then watched Fernanda with her parents and his hand went to his heart as he gave them all a sweet look. Then he laughed “Three Abuelos yes. We’ll help you a lot, whatever you need.”

Duncan finally ended the hug with his father and let go of Fernada's hand as she went to her parents.  How had they been worried about them?  That was the way of kids being afraid of parent's reactions and imagining the worst, he supposed.  Mateo mentioned Abuelo and he grinned at his father's reaction.

Levi watched the scene, but when Mateo mentioned being an abuelo, he blinked.  He'd been included in that.  After all he and Jasper were in love as well.  He would be an abuelo as well.  "A grandfather ... oh just wait until I tell MY grandmother."  he smiled, especially at Jasper.  Then he turned his attention to the expectant parents.  "When?"  he suddenly asked.  "When is the baby due?"

Maria sniffled and accepted the love from her daughter and husband.  Mateo's tears made her forget her own and she hugged him.  We can't spoil the baby, Mateo."  she warns him.  Then she looks at Fernanda and Duncan.  "And no Luis." she shot her husband a warning look.  Part of it was Mateo's love of Luis Guzman, but also Luis was the name of Angel's father and she just never mentioned that to anyone.  Only Mateo knew and she had not mentioned that for years.  Then Levi brings up the due date and she looks curious.

Fernanda hugged and kissed both her parents and then stood back, her hand going instinctively to her abdomen “October 1st. No Luis….believe me.” She shot Duncan a look briefly and then laughed. Then she declared “I’m going to try to finish high school before this kid pops out.”

Jasper knew of Duncan and Mateo’s Luis Guzman connection and laughed about the forbidding of the name as well as laughing even harder about what Esther might think of Levi as a grandpa. He looked impressed by Fernanada’s ambition “You can continue after though….you have babysitters galore. But I know you work very hard. Duncan will be graduated in the spring.” He looked at Levi as if asking permission for something and then said “Although his job might involve a ferry commute if certain things get decided.” He had let half a cat out of the bag about something but then looked at Levi again “Should we tell them?”

Levi grinned and nodded.  "You don't have to rush graduation, that's for sure."  he tries to assure Fernanda.  Then Jasper mentions the job and he nods.  "My father's opening another satellite office."  he explains.  "Even smaller than this one.  On an island called Zuri.  I'll be heading that one up and I'll need my clerk."  he looks at Duncan.  "It's about half an hour away by the ferry, so ...  I'm moving at least.  Natalie's made partner ...the first woman in our firm to do so .. and she'll handle the cases here.  The island is small enough for just one lawyer and Zuri is even smaller.  They had a rough time of it, but are coming back strong..."  he stops, aware that he was rambling a bit.  "And I think a raise would help you with the commute."  and more he thinks.

Duncan smiles at the support that Fernanda is getting.  He listens to Levi and nods slowly.  "A raise would come in handy, that's for sure."  he admits.  "So you don't have to aim for graduating before October.  We'll be busy but not THAT busy."

Maria nods at the date and listens to the new job location.  "You have a million babysitters, so no pressure."  she listens to this new job on an even smaller island.  "More money is always a good thing."  she replies.  "You work hard to support your family, Duncan."

Fernanda throws up her hands “I want to see how much I can get done before I have to take time off. But I’ll be healthy for the baby. I’ll sleep properly, take vitamins, keep taking walks. I finished most of the grade 11 textbooks. If they’d let me sit exams I could just move on. But I appreciate it all.” She looks around and then her eyes settle on Duncan “Just don’t miss the ferry home to us.” She’s already thinking of her body as a vessel for both her and the baby. They exist together.

Jasper nods along with Levi “I’m glad they’re recovering from their outbreak. Such a small place would see a spread fast. And they’re smaller than us?” He’s never been to Zuri but now he’s curious. He smiles at Maria and then looks between Duncan and Fernanda “However it goes, wer’re here.”

Mateo keeps quiet and rubs Maria’s arm beside him, taking it all in. It’s big news after all.

Levi nods.  "If worst comes to worst, you can also take your equivalency."  he reminds her.  "It means the same."  he looks at Jasper and then around.  "Their population was around 90 ... before Covid, which took twenty-six of them, including their doctor."  he blows out a breath.  "They've been clean of Covid and almost everyone on the island has been vaccinated.  So my dad feels it is safe.  He bought a small office building and I'm refreshing my memory on Indiginous law."  he looks over all of them.  "It's Covid-free."  he reassures them of not only his safety but of Duncan's as well.

Duncan smiles at Fernanda.  "I wouldn't dream of it.  And my boss wouldn't make me stay past the last ferry anyway."  he hears about the Covid on the island and winces.  "Damn..."  that was a lot of people dead of Covid.

Maria bites her lip as Levi explains the Covid situation, but nods slowly.  "These days it is always a risk."  she murmurs.  "Duncan will always come home to you, just as your father has always come home to me."

Mateo smirks “Where else would I go mi amore?” His eyes twinkle at Maria and then he looks intently at Duncan “I know you will be good to our girl, and the baby.”

Jasper shakes his head at the devastation Zuri experienced and then gasps “They lost their doctor? Maybe Susan and I can find a way to offer some support…..damn.” The wheels are m turning and it’s obvious in his facial expression. The idea of becoming a grandfather is a pretty big idea rolling around in his head too.

At her mother’s words, Fernanada steps away from her parents and walks back to Duncan with a loving smile “I know he will Mama.” And she takes both Duncan’s hands and then puts one of them on her abdomen “Because he’s a good man and he has a lot of love to come home to.”

2021-01-20 Poster Child for Birth Control

 2021-01-20 Poster Child for Birth Control

It was Megan Brate’s due date and she was well aware. She was easing into maternity leave but since Isabella had taken her sweet time getting into the world, she would work as long as she could, despite feeling the discomfort of being a very pregnant woman. Seamus was ready to fly solo as acting store manager regardless. Kitty was prepared to pitch in more, despite her lab tech job. Megan was just tidying up loose ends, making sure all the invoices were filed and the product was on order. Seamus could do it, but Megan wanted to be useful. She wasn’t good and sitting and waiting. So in her oldest and stretchiest faded black leggings and a baggy tunic style long sleeved teal coloured maternity t-shirt, she was in the office before his shift even began. Her dark brown hair was in a messy ponytail. She was in black socks with no shoes because her feet were balloons and shoes were torture for longer than the walk to daycare and work. Adum had insisted on walking with Megan to take Izzy to daycare and then walking her to work. He was getting ancy with the due date looming over them. As she bent down to the lowest filing drawer she had what could be a contraction and froze for a moment while it worked its way through her. Then she shrugged as another half hour passed with no follow up “Probably just Braxton Hicks again….ugh….”

Seamus Reinhardt was in The Love Shack wiping down the counter.  Mid-Week wasn't the busiest time for the store, but he was just making busy.  Once the newest Brate arrived, he would be working in the store mostly alone, but he was ready for it.  As he worked, he considered how much responsibility he’d taken on in just the last several months.  Coming out of the Fog was a change of his life, to be sure.  Now he had a job and a daughter.  Iris was in his life as well, as much a part of his family as his parents and siblings.  He loved her and he loved his life, even though it was the last thing he would have expected.  Megan was in the office finishing up and from there, he expected she would go home and wait to go into labor.  He heard her shuffling around in the office she’d been hiding in, but no screaming or anything, so he assumed she was fine.

Megan fell down an invoice history rabbit hole trying to make sense of something they’d been double billed for. Seamus was here now and they’d greeted as per usual and she knew he had the front covered so she let herself hop along and solve the puzzle. As she filed the now resolved invoice she stood up from the bottom drawer again, her back aching like crazy. “Dammit baby...you need to come out.” She muttered and then sighed. As she turned, another contraction struck, this one a bit more intense. “Uuuugh…” She moaned and put out her hand to steady herself on the desk, panting a bit “Oh come on...let me at least finish the day.” Isabella had taken 32 hours to come so if this was labour, she still had time.

Seamus looked around the store and thought that, if anyone asked, he believed his brother-in-law Vincent would be proud.  The place was spotless, but that was usual for a slow day.  He couldn’t look out of the window, as there wasn’t one in the shop, but he knew that there was snow on the ground and the inlet was frozen over.  Perfect for ice skating and fun.  But it was a work day and he would stick it out.  That was adulting, and he got better at it all the time.  From the back, he heard a moan and looked at the closed office door.  It came from Megan, he knew, since she was the only one in there and he knew her time to give birth was close.  Walking up to the door, he knocked softly.  “Megan?  You OK in there?”  he asked, as he opened the door.  It was lunch time anyway.  If nothing else, he could volunteer to get them lunch.

Megan stood up from stopping over the table “Oh yeah….it’s a contraction but I got time. My babies are slowpokes.” The contraction having passed she was speaking evenly but her face was flushed and her brow had beads of sweat, which was unusual for Megan. She was flawless in a heatwave usually. It was the deep of winter and the Love Shop thermostat was not set high. She looked at Seamus and smiled “Don’t worry. It’ll be fi….” The next contraction hit her twice as hard and she ended the word fine in an “Aaaaargh!! Mother fucking sonofabitch...what the fucking helll…”

Just then the door chime went off and two teenagers came into the shop, both tall, looking a little flirty with each other for the occasion of their shopping. Miranda Rogers giggled “I can’t believe we went through them so fast….my house is empty for a bit.” She crooned at Gene Sinclair. Miranda was wearing her grey winter jacket over very ripped faded blue jeans with purple fishnet stockings peeking out under on top of her black army style boots. Her hair was loose and still brown. She hadn’t dyed it a wild colour yet and she suspected Gene liked the brown from a few comments he’d made so she was leaving it alone. She saw Seamus Reinhardt and was about to say a cheery hello when she heard a struggle and a string of profanity and blinked. It sounded like the shop owner, the pregnant woman. It dawned on Miranda she was VERY pregnant now and she had a look of worry “Oh god….” Gene was a step ahead of her so he might be able to see more. “Is she ok in there?” Everyone knew Megan Brate, the mayor’s wife and one of the proprietors, the pregnant lady in the condom shop.

Seamus looked at Megan and, despite her smile and reassuring words, got the idea that something was up, even though Megan wasn’t standing in a puddle or anything.  Then what seemed an unmistakable contraction hit her and he took a stepforward.  “Maybe I should call Adum …”  he offered.

Gene Sinclair chuckled as they walked into the Love Shack.  They had gone through their supply quickly, but he’d loved every moment.  He also noted Seamus as he headed towards the back and he could see Megan Brate looking … seriously stressed.  He looked at Miranda and shrugged.  “I .. have no idea.”  he admitted.  “I mean … should she be at home if she’s about to give birth?”

Megan brandished a finger at Seamus “Oh you call him. You fucking call him. Adum did this to me! Mother fucker…..FUCK!” She shouted as she now gripped the desk and braced herself “This is NOT like the last time….holy fucking christ!” The contractions were barely giving her a break. Talk about going from zero to sixty. She heard voices talking in the store “SORRY! We’ll be right with you!”

Miranda sidled up to Gene and she could see Megan now, who was clearly in labour. “No worries!” She called out. Then she answered Gene “Maybe we should try to help get her to the hospital?”

Megan overheard the word hospital and screamed “NO! This one’s going to be a homebirth! We bought the fucking tub! Adum even promised Michelle he’d wear swim trunks! God dammit we’re doing this at home. Call Adum Seamus…call Michelle Kim!.Then you three...help me walk home. Walking is good…..so fucking good….AAAAAAHHHH!” She nearly doubled over as the next round brought pain.

Miranda couldn’t stop herself as something instinctual kicked in and she rushed in to steady and support Megan “I don’t think walking that far is a great plan. Does your husband have a car?” She put a steadying arm under Megan’s and looked back at Gene and Seamus as she’d passed them both. Megan seemed to be shaking her head about the car…..or maybe it was just another contraction causing her to react. It was hard to tell.

Seamus reared back a bit when Megan brandished the finger at him and agreed he should call Adum.  Her anger made sense, but then he remembered it probably wasn't anger

 but the pain that was driving her right now.  But Megan saying it wasn't like this the last time made him a little worried.  He pulled out his phone even as he motioned to Megan, about to tell her to sit and make herself comfortable.  It looked like she'd never be able to get comfortable so he simply nodded.  "On it.  hold on."  he turned and left the office looking at Gene and Miranda, actually glad someone else was here.  At the counter, there was already a sticky note with numbers to call in case Megan did go into labor here.  Michelle Kim and Adum's office number.  He considered who to call first and decided on Adum.  Megan wanted him here.  Dialing his personal cell phone, he found himself wondering if he should have called the midwife first instead.

Adum was in his office, doing paperwork.  He hated this part of the job, but it kept his mind busy.  With Megan so close to her time, he wanted to be available and since she wanted to was much as possible, he could at least do it from his office in the Municipal Building instead of his home office.  He would work from there after the baby was born and help out.  It would be more difficult with two kids than just Izzy, even with his father around to help them.  On his desk blotter, his personal cell phone began to ring.  "Is it time, Seamus?”  he asked, hoping he sounded calm.

Seamus was a little surprised at how Adum answered the phone.  "Yea ... seems like it.  We're still at the store and Megan wants you here."

Adum nodded and took in a calming breath.  "Call Michelle.  I'm on my way." and he disconnected without another word, grabbing his jacket and heading out, telling Wendy Stanley to field all but the most crucial of calls.  It was time.

Seamus was glad that the call didn't take too long.  Adum seemed calm and that helped calm him.  His next call was to Michelle Kim.  This was turning out easier than he thought it would be.

Gene could hear and see Megan and bit his lip.  “The clinic is only down the street…” he reminded anyone who happened to be listening.  :And we could always call 911 … if we have to …”  this was far out of his league.

Michelle Kim got Seamus’s call as she had just finished up an appointment with Lisette Paget and Greyson Page where they were blissed out having heard their baby’s heartbeat for the first time on the fetal doppler and Michelle couldn’t help but love these appointments. The joy people felt at bringing a being into their world was contagious. But now she was rescheduling the rest of her afternoon, kit in hand and ready to rush to Megan and Adum Brate who were at the later stage  of their journey with her as a midwife. The critical mass of labour and childbirth. She nodded to the receptionist as she saw the calls happening and then was out the door as she zipped her jacket and fast walked to the Love Shop. It sounded like this might be another fast birth from what she heard of Megan in the background.

Megan now flung her finger at Gene “No ambulances….no clinic...this is a HOMEBIRTH! Oh mother fucker!” Another contraction took her hard and she gripped the desk and Miranda “I don’t want to hurt….ah…..fucking goddamn hell!” She tried panting but it was close to hyperventilating.

Miranda had half nodded at Gene, thinking 911 might be a good option but could hear Megan’s resistance. Seamus was calling all the appropriate folks so all she could do was hold onto Megan. “It’s ok...I’m strong. But should we get you to a chair so you can be more comfortable?”

“Can’t sit...hurts too fucking much….can’t sit…..aw shit….” Megan looked down as a puddle formed underneath her and her leggings were soaked “My water broke…..still going…” She looked up and around “ADUM!!!!” She truly hoped he was close to arriving.

Seamus got off of the phone, his job complete.  He looked into the office and saw that Miranda seemed to be helping Megan, so he headed for the front door to greet Adum and Michelle when they arrived.  He stepped outside and could already see Adum running towards the shop.  Without a word of greeting, Seamus opened and held the door for him just as Megan screamed her husband’s name.  He then waited for Michelle to arrive, so he could let her in and then ‘man’ the door, keeping anyone else out.

Gene moved into the office and tucked himself into a corner.  He wasn’t sure how much help he could be.  As much as he liked Megan, this was very personal.  Miranda seemed to be of more help so he decided his job was to stay out of the way.

Adum rushed past Seamus just as Megan screamed his name.  “I’m here, my love.”  he announced, going to her side and seeing the puddle on the floor.  He took her hand.  “Just breathe.  We’ve been here before.  Just breathe.”  He encouraged her.  It looked like this baby would be born in the shop.  Fun tale to tell when the baby got older.

Megan’s focus was all over the place but she narrowed it on Adum as he arrived “I’m breathing dammit….and flooding the fuckin office. It’s not like Izzy….” She reaches out a hand for Adum, the hand that was on the desk “Hold me up on this side Babe…” She head juts at Miranda and Gene but then her words can’t form as another wave washes over her. They’re not even separated contractions anymore. More a continuous state that ebbs and flows. The pain is immeasurable and she winces and grits her teeth “Mmmmmnnngrrrr…..AHHHHHH!” She grunt screams.

Michelle had seen Seamus open the door for Adum and Adum go into the shop. That was a good sign. She smiled at Seamus “Wow, such service. Thanks Seamus.” She teased and went in just as Megan made a loud noise. She breezes into the office, seeing the people through the door “You started the party without me? Megan, you shouldn’t have?” Michelle is jovial and then sees the puddle “OK...we’re there.” She briefly glances at Miranda and Gene “Hiya…..” Then she squats and opens her midwifery kit, tossing down a  sort of drop cloth on the puddle but mostly ignoring it. Then she gloves up and gets ready to work “When was your last contraction Meg? Do want an office chair or are you comfortable in a supported stand?”

Megan grimaces “Nonstop…….fuckin hurts….can’t sit…..It’s right there….”

Michelle nods and looks between Adum and Megan “OK….let’s take a look.” She wastes no time pulling down Megan’s soaked leggings and underwear and tilts her head to look under the long top “Oh yeah you’re crowning. No wonder it hurts like hell. Hang onto her Adum….and sorry...it’s Miranda right? Doc Roger’s kid? Megan you can just go for it. I’ve got my catcher’s gloves on.” She eases down on one knee a bit.

Miranda nods at Michelle and then can’t help but look a  little excited to know this baby is coming right away. She flashes a smile back at Gene but keeps hold of Megan firmly “Yep, a Roger’s kid. I’ve got her on this side.”

Seamus closed and locked the door of the shop the moment Michelle came through.  He then went and hovered in the doorway of the office, not trying to peek, but at the same time … how often did someone get to watch a birth live and in person.  It was something he might have to know later if he and Iris decided to have a baby.  Quietly, he went and stood in the corner along with Gene and then sort of awkwardly asked.  “Can we help or should we just … you know .. get the fuck out of the way?”

Gene was relieved to see Adum.  Megan looked horribly uncomfortable.  He felt even better when Seamus reappeared and asked what he had been thinking.

Adum moved to Megan’s side and took her under the arm, aiming to support her squat.  “This one isn’t going to be a home birth, either I don’t think, babe.”  he quipped.  “But it also looks like it won’t be 36 hours, either … if that helps.”

All Megan needs is permission to push and she starts to. She doesn’t even hear Seamus’s question and bends her knees a bit more in the supported squat with Adum and Miranda holding onto her. She takes a deep breath and then lets out a sort of battle cry that ends in a whimper as a slimy mass of small human literally rockets out of her and into Michelle’s hands. One pish, but it was a doozy. 

Michelle acknowledges Seamus’s question with a glance but before she can even answer she catches the baby flying at her hands “Bullseye.” She quietly jokes and then checks the baby as it begins a healthy first round of crying. “Oh he’s got Mom’s lungs!” She reaches into her kit and gets a cloth to wipe him off a bit and another to wrap him. The cord is still attached and pulsing and the placenta hasn’t been birthed yet so there’s no rush to cut. “OK Seamus...or..” She glanced at the tall teenage Indigenous boy not remembering his name as they hadn’t formally met.” One of you pull over the office chair for her. Congrats Mom and Dad! Megan, you should sit now.

Megan looked down, elated but also looked ready to collapse and was grateful for the idea of sitting down now that the baby was out. She tearfully looked between Adum and their son as Michelle reached to hand him up to Adum first, since Megan needed to sit first.

Miranda was utterly delighted and fascinated by the miracle of birth happening rapidly right below her. It was amazing. She revered Megan in her strength but was also very impressed by Michelle. It was a tender moment now, so she stayed quiet but when a chair appeared, she’d help ease Megan into it and then step back and stand beside Gene, looking between him and the new again family with an unreadable expression.

Seamus blinked as the newest Brate came into the world before anyone could answer his question.  He quickly moved to get the office chair for Megan and stepped back again.  Before he could think he quipped.  “Born in the Love Shack.  Bad for business, but … one hell of a story.”

Gene was shocked at the speed of the baby’s birth.  It was less than an hour since he and Miranda had walked in the door.  He looked between Miranda and the Brates and couldn’t help but to grin.

Adum took his son in his arms with a smile.  “Hello thee Cedar Adam … with an A because .. your grandfather and spelling.”  He stared at Cedar and laughed a little bit  when Seamus spoke.  “When he’s a little older …”

Megan is eased into the chair by helping hands and exhales “Cedar Adam….with an A. Also so you don’t have to explain your spelling to everyone for your whole life. Look at you…” She reaches out a hand to the baby’s face as he’s held in his father’s arms to start. Cedar has that moment of wise wide eyes and blinks at his parents looking down on him as he breathes in the world. Megan absently answers Seamus “We could have a condom sale when the story gets out.” she jokes and then leans her head up and kisses her husband and then Cedar’s little cheek.

Michelle fusses about and does some tidying and prep work for the placenta which she can see beginning to emerge. She eases it into a container for disposal or if the parents wish they can keep it. She busies herself and steps up after, cutting the cord and clamping it, all the while aware of the conversation and the tone of the room. “Definitely a condom sale. I love the name Cedar. I can’t believe he’s the first one with it.”

Miranda returns the grin and then peeks at the family “He’s amazing. He looks like he knows everything already with those eyes. Congratulations Brate family! And what a cool name.”

Michelle looks around “We need a way to get you folks home safely. Save that birthing tub for the next round but maybe the EMTs or even one of the police cruisers with a towel down in the backseat? It’s not a rush but rest is crucial. You guys can call the cleaners for the floor and chair if need be. They have kits for….bio matter.” She smiles and shrugs. Then she nods and Miranda and what seems to be her fellow, the other teen, who she doesn’t know. “Got more than you bargained for today folks.” She chuckles.

Seamus is amused and oddly touched at the scene.  A minute ago, Megan was in horrible pain, but now she seemed very happy.  “I’ll take care of all that.”  he tells them.  “Just give me the number Michelle.  It’s Someone's Got To Do It, right?”

Gene watches the new family with his odd grin.  At Michelle’s comment he chuckles.  “Quite a bit more.  We just came for more condoms …”  oddly, if Miranda was on the birth control, they might have missed this incredible moment.  Alexandra has introduced him to many families happy to have kids, but he'd never seen a birth.

Adum smiles and looks around at their impromptu audience.  “Thanks Seamus.  I guess this place is all yours for a while.”  he pulls out his phone.  “I’ll call Hank about a ride if the EMT’s aren’t too busy to help you get settled at home.”  he begins to dial making mental note of all the other calls he has to make about the arrival of little Cedar.

Michelle nods slightly at Seamus “Yep SGTDI. I have their cards and I’ll leave one when I’m washed up.” Michelle can’t help but crack up at the fact that they came into buy condoms and saw birth. “Well talk about your inspiration eh? Babies are lovely, don’t get me wrong. But I had one young. He’s great and no regrets. Live a little first if you can though. You probably know him because Alexandra...Brayden...Brayden Kim. Actually I’m sure you know him because he’s dating Miranda’s friend Winona Carpenter.” she laughs “Alexandra. And yes call Hank. I’m sure they’d be delighted to meet Cedar as well.” She smiles at Adum and Megan “Izzy will be pretty excited too.” Michelle finishes up her after birth tasks and then holds up an adult diaper style disposable panty after checking Megan over one last time “So you don’t leave a trail between the chair and the stretcher. Non husbands avert your eyes please.” She says for Gene and Seamus.”No tearing….that’s good for a fast baby.”

Megan laughs “Oh she is. She picks out an outfit everyday from the clothes we already have. Just in case the baby comes that day….been a thing since about November.” Megan is doing pretty well and stands on her own to step into the disposable “Oh you brought the sexy big girl panties again. Why don’t they make them in black or red? I swear I’d even stock them here.” she agrees with Michelle about living before baby times “Yeah keep buying condoms. Kids are great but they are your whole world too. Gotta be ready to make some sacrifices.” Then she sits back down and reaches for Cedar “But worth it my love.” She gives Adum another kiss “I love it all, them all and you.”

Miranda stays quiet and mostly listens but giggles as jokes are made. The wheels are turning in her head and it’s almost written on her face that she’s thinking deeply about something. Maybe it’s Michelle and Megan’s words about waiting. She smiles and nods about Brayden and then looks thoughtful again, glancing unintentionally in Gene’s direction as she thinks of this powerful experience they’ve been accidentally a part of.

Seamus nods and waits for Michelle to clean up.  He nods, slowly.  “Kids really are all encompassing.”  He agrees.  “I didn’t get Katie until she was a little older, but … she still demands a lot of time.  I love it, but it’s not always easy.”  Granted his daughter had issues stemming from the time before she came to him.

Adum speaks quickly and quietly to Hank and returns Megan’s kiss.  “I love you, too.”  he tells her.  “I am very glad you aren’t one of those women who turns against me in labor.”  he winks and sends a quick text to his father.  “Dad will want to know and be home.”  he murmurs and then looks up at Miranda and Gene.  “Wait for kids.”  He agrees.  “Even though I wish I had gotten married much younger.”  he grins.  His first marriage is still lost to his memory thanks to the gunshot wound he received in 2016.  Adum didn’t miss those memories one bit.

Gene looks at Miranda as the talk turns to young parents.  “We’re very careful about that sort of thing.”  he assures them.  Miranda looks thoughtful and he wonders if she might be thinking of the children he is sure they will have … someday.

Tara Munroe hops out of the passenger side of the ambulance as it pulls up to the Love Shack from it’s short jaunt there. She pulls open the back doors and reaches for the stretcher on her side, knowing Valentine will get his. They have a collaborative rhythm now as work partners do after some time. “So we’re just taking them home right? They don’t need the clinic?” She confirms. Valentine had been closer to Hank when the call came in and Tara just followed his cues after and got ready to go.

Miranda concurs with what Gene said “We are careful. We’ll get there later. It was amazing to see this little guy come into the world though. It’s not like the video in health class when it’s happening in the here and now.” She jokes. Miranda takes in that Seamus is also a parent as he talks about Katie. She’s seen him with his little girl of course around town, and his librarian partner. The Reinhart’s are of course a known entity. She sees John the most at Carpenter’s as he’s often there getting supplies to work on his boat but they’re all unmistakable and connected. She can hear a vehicle pull up and then the wheels of a gurney on the pavement outside the door and her head turns in that direction.

Michelle chuckles and then looks to the front door as well “Your chariot is here Megan. Seamus, can you let them in or is it still unlocked at the front?” She can see a small bathroom off the office and after she puts all the things she needs in a small trash bag and degloves she walks to wash her hands.

Megan nods along with the wait for kids advice that tacks onto hers. When Adum says he wishes he’d gotten married younger she can’t help but give him a sweet smile “We worked it out in the end thankfully, and here we are two kids in and living the best life I could have ever imagined.” She perks up at the announcement of the EMTs arrival “Oh thank god. I could really use a sandwich. I was going to walk to the deli for lunch and then...well…” She cuddles Cedar “You. You...little man had another plan. But I’m so happy you’re here.”

Valentine grabs his side of the stretcher.  “Yup, we’re just taking them home.’  he confirms.  “Seems the baby came a lot faster than they planned.”  he grins and heads for the door of the Love Shack. 

Seamus was waiting just outside of the door for them and opened it when he heard the ambulance pulling up.  He nods to all three of them, but mostly holds his tongue and heads into the back with them, staying outside of the office.

Hank goes in with his paramedics.  “They do that sometimes.”  he tells the younger people as they enter.  He nods back to Seamus and heads for the office.  “Welcome to Alexandra little one.”  he calls to the baby as he walks in.  “He just had to come into the world while you were at work, eh Megan?”  he quips/

Gene nods.  “Very different.”  he agrees.  He looks at Miranda with love.  “I guess we can come back later to shop?”  he offers.  There were still things they could do without condoms, and it seemed to him the shop was now closed.

Adum laughs.  “Kids are hard on the diet.  Always demanding something before you can take a bite.”  he looks over at Gene and Miranda.  “I think Seamus can take care of you two before he starts cleaning up.” because business is business.  He looks at Hank and grins.

Miranda looks at Seamus hopefully and then glances at Gene “That would be awesome if you could. Congrats again and rest well with Cedar.” She makes to step away into the shop area now before the gurney comes in to give the family space. But she’s been making mental notes of everything, everything the midwife did. It’s inspiring in a way she didn’t expect. She smiles politely at the fire chief, recognizing him from his presence and reputation in town.

Tara is at the front of wheeling the stretcher but lets the teenagers step out of the room before she wheels in and thanks Seamus for his promptness and holding the door. She grins at Valentine and then at Hank and then can’t help but melt a bit at the not so new family but second time parents and the sweet new baby “Aww you’re old pros, look at you. Hi there little guy. What did you call him?”

Megan nods vigorously “Like I said condom sale! Half price for the lady who held me up one one side or two for one...take your pick. Thank you both!” Megan smirks at Hank “Ah well it’s what they do. Hello Chief Stanley.” She smiles at the EMTs and answers Tara’s question “Cedar Adam Brate.”

Michelle is packing up but greets Hank and the EMTs “Well now it’s a party. Hello folks. Glad you’re here.”

Seamus nods at Gene and Miranda.  "Come on.  You guys want your usual?"  he asks, knowing it will be half off today.  As he turns towards the register he gives Megan and Adum a final "Congratulations you two." and will take care of the last two customers of the day before he turns his mind to afterbirth cleaning.

Gene chuckles and waves goodbye as he leaves the room.  "Yea .. congratulations to you both."  he moves to the counter with Miranda.

Valentine pushed the gurney in a bit.  He sees the baby with his parents and smiles a little bit.  "Well welcome to the world, Cedar Adam Brate."  he stands waiting.

Hank grins.  "Hello Mrs Brate."  he returns her formality with his eyes twinkling.  "Let's see.  Mom on the stretcher.  Papa Adum, you and Cedar can ride home in the back with Megan."  he offers Megan his hand to help her onto the gurney.

Megan looks perfectly content in the whole process of things. Now that the baby is out her body is more comfortable than it has been in a long time. Sure, there’s soreness in expected places but overall she feels good. She gets up on the gurney with minimal assistance, lies down and looks up at Hank and then the EMTs followed by Adum and Cedar with love. “OK I’m ready. Thanks everyone.”

Tara covers Megan with a sheet so she’s less exposed and nods “Good plan Chief.” Then she’s ready to wheel her back to the ambulance.

Miranda looks happy about the deal on condoms but is also still elated about the whole day. “Oh two for one then, let's stock up.” She laughs and has her card out and ready to pay Seamus with a  wink at Gene.

Michelle follows the gurney but stops at the counter and slips a SGTDI card onto the counter in front of Seamus “As promised. They’re very good. See ya later kids. I’m going to follow the ambulance and make sure Megan’s on the right path to nursing Cedar.”

Hank motions for the paramedics to adjust Megan so that she is sitting up and then nods to the door.  "You kids take care."  he says to Seamus, Miranda and Gene as they head out the door.

Valentine adjusts Megan's seat and, with Tara's help gets her outside.  They get her in the ambulance and Hank nods for Adum and Michelle to join them, then closes the door on them.

Adum waves goodbye to the kids and gets in the ambulance with Megan.  He smiles, holding Cedar carefully.  "Maybe someday we'll get that home birth."  he jokes and kisses Megan on the forehead.

Seamus  nods his thanks to Michelle for giving him the card and then turns his attention to getting Miranda and Gene two of their usual brand of condom.

Gene laughs at Miranda's eagerness.  "Sounds like a plan to me."  he agrees and watches as she offers to pay.  The day had been so strange he couldn't even remember whose turn it was to pay for the birth control.

The ambulance pulls up to the Brate house and Megan looks at Adum as they get help all getting to their door. “Can your Dad get Izzy from daycare? If not, I’ll call Tams or Frank...oh my god did you call them already? I want to tell people but I also just want to selfishly hide out and get this munchkin on my boob and cocoon with you both.”

“Cocooning is good. Pick one person in your family to start the phone tree and then tell them all to let you have a few days and only come by with meals they leave at the door. Trust me, it’s a good plan.” Michelle chimes in.

Tara nods as she steers and Valentine hoists “Yep, my sister made me stand guard. Her mother in law is a little overbearing.” She laughs and then hops down and wheels.

Little Cedar started rooting on Adum in the ambulance ride over and by the time they were near the door he was crying. 

Adum tried to comfort his son.  "Sorry.  We're almost home.  Mom can help you then."  but Cedar was unimpressed.  Over the crying he tells Michelle and Megan.  "I texted my Dad so he's going to get Izzy.  He promised to spread the word for us."

Hank grins from his seat in the back as the baby starts getting demanding.  He remembers those days well, most recently his grandchildren.  "You enjoy all the alone time your little family can have."  he follows to the door.  "Welcome home young Cedar.  We'll meet again I am sure."  and he nods for his paramedics to go.

Valentine helps wheel the gurney into the house and then helps Megan onto the couch for the now.  "You folks take care and congratulations again." and he heads out with the gurney.

As soon as Megan is in the house and on the couch she unceremoniously whips off her tunic shirt and bra. She was not dressed for nursing when she went into labour “I should have known better when I got dressed on D day. But whatever, we’re home now. Give me that hungry baby!” She reaches for Cedar and is an old pro at getting him latched since it hasn’t really been that long since Izzy. The baby nurses like he’s been doing it for months and both mama and baby relax into the rhythm. “Thank god for your dad Adum….ahhhh……”

Michelle waves to Hank and the EMTs “See you all next time.” She jokes. Then she turns to help Megan and Megan’s already set up and nursing “Well you don’t even need me. Let me grab you a glass of water at least. You need to stay hydrated.” She knows her way to the kitchen but takes off her shoes at the door before going through.

Tara nods at Hank and then helps Valentine get the gurney back in the rig and is ready to head back to the station. This was a joyful call and she’s pleased to leave the happy family to their day.

Adum went with Michelle to the kitchen.  Michelle got the glass and Adum got the pitcher to keep nearby on the coffee table.  Finally he sits down.  “Dad offered to buy dinner.  For a few days it’ll be sandwiches easy for a mother to eat with one hand.”  he announces.  “ANything you want my love, you get.”  he doted on both his wife and his children.

Megan relaxes more as she nurses. It was still at the colostrum stage but she knew how important what was for Cedar’s health “Water, sandwiches…..yes please. Thank you Michelle and Adum...I love you so much. Adam is awesome. We should get Zabats. Souvlaki in a pita is like an upscale sandwich.” She chortles. “And no pita for Izzy but she loves those lemon potatoes. Oh she’s going to be so happy to meet her little brother.”

Michelle sits down near Megan but far enough away that Adum can sit closer “Y’all are making me hungry.” She teases “I’m sure Izzy will be a great big sister. When you guys reach a natural break in nursing I’ll weigh Cedar and give him one last check over before I’m on my way for the day. Do you want a blanket Megan? Not to cover of course but for warmth around your shoulders?”

Megan shrugged “I’m good for the moment but when he’s had enough I wouldn’t mind my pajamas. They’re still on the end of the bed.”

Adum had remained standing, at least for the time being.  He nodded at the idea of Zabat’s.  “Just tell me when and I’ll put the order in.”  then he snapped his fingers when Megan mentioned her pajamas.  “I’ll get them for you.”  and he was off, his step light.  His son was safely born and he and Megan were healthy and happy as far as he could tell.  He’d do all he could to keep them that way.

Cedar got dozy and dropped off the breast just as Adum came back with the pajamas. Megan carefully handed him to Michelle who had her scale already set up. He didn’t even wake during the weighing.

“Seven pounds 2 ounces.” Michelle whisper shouted with a small smile “Healthy in all ways.” She had checked him over while he was in the weigh sling. Everything was as it should be.

Megan gratefully took the pjs and pulled on the top “Thank you Love. Oh...a pound or so smaller than Izzy but he came so fast I couldn’t guess his size.” She stepped into the bottoms and then stood to shimmy them over her hips, her deflated pregnant belly sagging at the waistline “Oh I hate this part….the elephant skin. I know it will shrink back but bleh. Oh well he’s healthy and that’s all that matters.” She looked at Adum as Michelle picked up Cedar again “Your turn for baby cuddles? I REALLY need to pee.” She laughed and headed for the main floor bathroom.

Michelle took the cue and offered Adum his son “I think my work here is done for now. But you folks know where to find me.”

Adum happily took Cedar for his turn to cuddle and sat carefully as Megan got up to pee.  He looked at Michelle.  “Thanks a million Michelle … again.”  his attention drifted back to his son, staring as so many new parents do in amazement at what and who he and Megan had created.

2021-01-14 Useless Tool - Hunter in Carpenter's

 2021-01-14 Useless Tool - Hunter in Carpenter's

It was Thursday evening in Carpenter’s Hardware store and surprisingly a bit of a busy one. Miranda was thankful Winona was on too and willing to take on the line up at the key cutting station as she took on the main till. As she bagged up some paint, brushes and rollers for Amanda Hawkins - Domino and chatted with her, Brayden Kim walked in with a hopeful glance around for Winona. He also stopped to use the hand sanitizer dispenser just inside the door. Miranda smiled at him “She’s on keys but she might be a bit. Hi Brayden.” She’d met him now as Winona’s beloved, outside the world of the pharmacy. Miranda was in her usual work uniform t-shirt and brown apron with her work favoured pair of grey jeans and black high top sneakers. As was required she also had on a cotton face mask. Hers was black and had a pattern in white with the periodic table on it.

Brayden grinned “Thanks Miranda. I have to grab some drywall stuff for home anyway. My mom keeps knocking down walls and putting them back up again.” He laughs and catches Winona’s eye from afar and gives her a loving look and a little wave before heading to the section he needs and leaning into a bin to dig through some drywall putty tools. He passes Miranda’s whole line on the way and greets someone as he goes by “Oh hey Gwen.” He was wearing a red hoodie sticking out from his black wool jacket and a pair of black jeans with his slip on sneakers. He had a Pacman inspired face mask on.

The woman he greeted replies with a friendly smile “Hi Brayden.” Muffled slightly from behind her own blue face mask with a beautiful Indigenous abstract painted multicoloured wolf on it.

“Thanks Mrs. Hawkins-Domino and I’m sure that blue will look really nice in your kitchen. Say hi to Keisha and Levar for me.” She was friends with two of the Hawkins-Domino kids and Romeo was really even closer friends with Keisha, she didn’t really know LaTonya as well. Miranda hated formality normally but Keisha and Levar’s mom was a teacher at the school.

“I will honey.” Amanda smiled and said as she picked up her purchases and started out the door, sanitizing on her way out as well. “You have a good one.” Amanda could be seen through the window taking off her own simple white and yellow flowered mask to breathe the outdoor air but keeping a safe distance from other pedestrians.

Miranda took her next customer and began to scan their purchases. She recognized the customer but had never known her name. An Indigenous woman in her 20s maybe with a gorgeous wolf print mask on a bunch of cool rings on her fingers and a wicked sense of profane humour Miranda enjoyed when she came through the line. Today she was buying some hardware to hang instruments on her walls and talking about how her boyfriend had too many.” I swear to fucking god we’re either tripping over work boots, metal or a bass. It’s like parkour for my cat though...she just fucking goes kamikaze through the obstacle course.”

Meanwhile at the key line Hunter Tench had stepped up to the front of it and he looked Winona up and down. Hunter was not wearing a face mask even though there was a sign on the outside of the shop door stating it was mandatory and the Mayor and town council had been mandating it “Well hi there hot stuff…..can you cut me some keys? I just moved into the building next door and the landlord gave me only one. Stupid hippie motherfucker.” He was of course speaking about Phoenix who was also the landlord of the Sterling building and a lifelong friend of Gary Carpenter from childhood days. The Carpenter family as a whole quite adored Phoenix Moon and Hunter would have no idea that insulting the guy in this shop was a terrible idea.

Brayden was in hearing range of Winona’s line and gave a little sideways look at the guy calling her hot stuff and being rude about Phoenix Moon. Also the guy was maskless. He knew who Hunter was, one of the construction guys and not one of the nice ones like his best buddy Pedro. This guy palled around with Samuel Negron and Brayden suspected he was just as piggish. He kept his ears open now.

Gary Carpenter was on the phone and in the storage room that served as a back or staff entrance sometimes as it had a door through to the other outside door “Well how much cable are you using? Yeah yeah…...I only have the 50 footers but I can order in the 100…..for sure…..oh yeah he did eh? Well that was unexpected.” It was common for Gary’s customer phone calls to run long as he knew so many people in town. Business and personal chats blended and he never minded taking the time. He was strawberry blonde like his kids but his hair was very much thinning and turning white at the edges. He had a moustache and a little goatee, covered today by a plain medical blue disposable mask and wore a pair of black framed glasses on his longish face. But he had a smile for everyone and a kind pair of twinkling blue eyes. Gary had been having a  really tough time since his sister’s death and the family and many close friends knew it. He channeled it into trying to be there for her children, and his children and his customers.

Gene SInclair went next door to the hardware store because they had a very minor problem in the computer store.  Bruce had his own tools and sometimes more than one of the same, but Gene did not.  As encouragement, Bruce had gone into the budget and told Gene to buy himself all of the tools that he would need for work.  To make himself a small kit for working on computers.  So Gene wanted to pick up as much locally as he could to avoid shipping and handling costs online.  He wasn’t sure the small hardware store would be able to help him, but he was willing to try them first.  Walking in the door, he noticed Mianda immediately, but she seemed to be helping someone. He was wearing a simple black face mask and did use the sanitizer at the door since he knew and respected the drill. So he only raised his hand in greeting and moved on.  There were quite a few people around, so he milled about, looking at screwdrivers and the like around the area where they made keys.  Winona was there helping some guy he’d see at the construction site.

Winona looked at the man who needed keys made.  He was good looking, but he ruined all of it the second he opened his mouth.  She was willing to take being called ‘hot stuff’ as a compliment, but the man then went on to call Phoenix a ‘hippie motherfucker’.  She was dressed in dark jeans and a button down shirt with her Carpenter’s t-shirt and apron over all.  Jeans were better for the hardware store if she ever needed to get on her knees to clean up a spilled container of … you name it; screws, nails, bits or anything else. She of course had on a face mask that was an old fashioned looking floral pattern on a delicate aqua blue fabric.  “Sure thing.”  she told him with a customer friendly smile, taking his key and turning to the machine behind her.  She looked at the peg board of keys, looking for the match, but a bit uncomfortable.  She was almost sure this guy would check out her ass.  But Brayden was around.  Her dad was around and Miranda was around.  Winona wasn’t always the most aggressive at defending herself.

Hunter Tench took Winona’s friendliness as encouragement and then she turned around and he obviously checked out her ass in her jeans and grinned “You know doll....you could hang onto one of those keys. Bring it to me later up in apartment 306. Name’s Hunter.” He licks his lips and leans on the counter.

Brayden heard Hunter blatantly hit on Winona now and made a point of stepping into the key line looking pissed off. He was no fighter and the guy was bigger than him and could likely wipe the floor with him but he couldn’t just watch and listen if this shit kept going. There was one person between him and Hunter in line now and it was Chuck from the gas station. Chuck barely said boo to a goose on the best of days so he just stood there dumbfounded. At least Chuck had a mask on, black disposable but it was typical and sufficient.

Miranda saw Gene come in and gave him a little smile, which he’d only see in her eyes above her face mask. They had just walked together after school so she barely had time to miss him before he was in the shop. But they were both working and she was busy. She knew after this line she’d get Winona’s key people too. She noticed Brayden in the key line and he looked annoyed. She hoped everything was cool with the two of them. Winona’s customer was smiling in a way that made Miranda feel icky. She couldn’t explain it. But for now she focused on the customer leaving and reached to take the next person’s items to scan “Good luck to your cat on the parkour.” She joked and then she looked up “Hi there, did you find everything you were looking for?” It was one of the big beefy redheaded guys, a Reinhardt she knew the surname. They were regulars. This one was the older one, the balding one.

“Oh yeah.” He said jovially “Might actually get this boat in the water by the spring.” He looks at his package of sealer “Hey you guys changed brands. I hope this works as well as the old one. Any feedback on that?” He had on a beige black and white Siwash style sweater jacket and a red plaid face mask.

Miranda looked uncertain “I don’t know actually. Gary’s just on the phone if you want to wait and ask him? I can put your order on hold?”

John Reinhardt shrugged and waved it off “Nah I don’t wanna bug him. I’m sure it’ll do.” He pulls out his wallet and bank card.

In the meantime Gary finishes his phone call and does a quick round on the sales floor in the next aisles over. He smiles at Gene “Finding everything ok there?” The girls had line ups so at least he could cover any other questions.

Winona finally found the key and was at the machine to make it up when the guy … Hunter ... suggests she can keep one and deliver it to his place.  The message was clear.  “Um … we don’t deliver keys …”  she stammered, keeping both eyes on her work.  This guy was making her feel worse than Mrs. Norris who often pretended to be confused as to her gender because she wore ties.  She’d heard the old bat say the same to others like Laia Negron, but right now she was dealing with this man.  “Um … you wanted how many again?”  she asks him, still not looking at him, but that meant he could still check out her ass.

Gene was looking at the collection of screwdrivers and was beginning to realize that this smaller shop might not have what he was looking for.  “I need an electronics repair kit … for computers … really small screwdrivers and soldering equipment and the like.”  he shakes his head.  “I might have to suck it up and pay the shipping.”

Hunter chuckles “It’s not the keys I want if you know what I mean. But let’s go with three. I’m enjoying the view. Those jeans fit you real nice. Wouldn’t mind a peek under the package.”  He kept his voice low enough not to carry too far.

But Brayden heard it all and walked around Chuck “Scuse me.” He came up beside Hunter and leaned on the counter a little further down staring at him. It took all his courage but he was furious “Hey she’s just offering to cut your keys. Take a fuckin hint buddy.”

Gary couldn’t hear the key conversation yet but was gesturing down the aisle to an end cap display “Oh hey well we got some of those screwdriver specialty kits in for the holidays. I probably still have a few. The soldering stuff I can order in.” He gestured at the kits but noticed Brayden leaning on the counter where Winona was working and looked momentarily ruffled.

Hunter looks the guy over with the balls to cut in on his potential score and scoffs “What are you...her boyfriend? Let the chic answer for herself, asshole.”

Now Gary turned to the conversation. What the hell was this?

Brayden straightens to his full height, a head shorter than Hunter “Yeah I am her boyfriend and you’re being really inappropriate. Back off.”  That was as tough as he could muster.

Miranda wished her customer a good day and then had a lull. But something was happening at the key cutting counter and she could see Brayden and the icky guy as well as Gary and Gene now about 4 feet from them. She watched nervously.

Winona reached for two more keys after finishing the first, but heard Hunter perfectly fine.  She shuddered a bit.  This guy was aggressive and she didn’t like it.  But she was also at work.  She had to be professional.  Then Brayden swooped in like a superhero and she couldn’t help but turn to look at him with love and gratitude for standing up for her.  With luck, this Hunter would go and just learn to live with one key.

Gene looked hopeful.  “Wouldn’t actually have a computer repair kit, would you?”  he asks and then is distracted by a guy he’d seen around giving Winona a hard time and Gene glanced in Miranda's direction, as if checking up on her a bit.   He could also see a smaller guy call himself Winona’s boyfriend … which meant he was Brayden.  Miranda had told him about him and Winona before.  But Brayden was a head smaller than this jerk giving Winona a hard time.

As soon as Gary heard why Brayden was getting in Hunter’s face his dad senses tingled and he tapped Gene on the arm “I’ll come back to you. Excuse me.” And he stepped behind the key counter beside Winona “You don’t have to serve this guy. Take 5 if you want Winona.... but in a second.” He squared off with Hunter “You know we’re the only place to cut keys in this town eh pal? You want keys, you apologize to my daughter and learn some manners.” He waited and stared.

Hunter had been ready to blow off the scrawny boyfriend but then the chic’s dad stepped in and he made a point that was inarguable. With gritted teeth he forced out the word “Sorry.” and looked at the counter. 

Gary moved to the key cutting machine, ready to take over for Winona.  He was lukewarm on Brayden still but his stepping in was helping things. 

Brayden had just stood back and watched Gary take the lead. He was easily more intimidating than he was but he looked at Winona with absolute love after.

Miranda had casually taken a few steps down the counter and listened in. Go Brayden... and go Gary. She looked at her till and sighed. Whoever this jerk was, he was her last stop. She glanced at Gene for a moment as he’d been left standing there by Gary but she suspected he would never object.

Winona breathed a sigh of relief when her father intervened.  Braydon had been so brave, but if push had come to shove … literally … she feared for Brayden.  He was definitely the lover not a fighter type.  “OK Dad … thanks.”  she murmured and took a breather while her dad told Hunter off before going to 5.

Gene watched from the distance as this jackass was served.  But once he was served, he would have to check out … which meant he would be dealing with Miranda.  As much as he knew that Miranda could take care of herself, he was ready to intervene.

Brayden just set his things down randomly on the counter and met Winona as she came out from where she was working. If he could he’d take her by the hand and lead her gently away from Hunter down to right before their staff room back entrance. He had been coming to the store for years so he knew it and he’d also met Winona at the end of a few shifts now. After a relieved look at Gary he looked at Winona “Are you ok?” He whispered.

Gary gave Hunter a brief nod and then finished the key Winona had begun and bagged it up with a  code written on it.

“I had asked for three…” Hunter protested but meekly now.

Gary gave him a tongue in cheek look and then just eyed the bag “Be glad you’re getting one right now. On your way son. Pay at the other counter. And if you want to come back in here again, you also need a face mask” As soon as he said it he looked at Miranda and worried. Would this guy harass her too? Hunter swiped the bag and took it and then Chuck stepped up nervously and Gary held up a finger at him and pulled out his phone made a call “Jake….I need you in the shop….I know it’s not your day….just get down here ok and head to cash. No….now…” He hung up and half looked at Chuck.

Chuck fumbled in his pockets and then produced a key “Someone keeps walking off with our bathroom keys…..”

Gary distractedly took the key “Yeah ok Chuck…”

Hunter circled around an aisle and then went to the cash desk and saw another prospect in the making. He was a bit stung from being humbled but now the old man was busy with Chuck. He smirked to himself. He knew who had that bathroom key. He’d banged Brooke in there last night and she probably still had it. But now he was in front of a tall brunette who clearly needed a smile.

Miranda was determined to ring this guy through at light speed and she wordlessly took the bag from the counter and keyed in the code “That’ll be $4.70.”

Hunter leaned on this counter now, grinning at her “What….no please? You’re hot but you’d be much hotter if you smiled….maybe even take off the mask and show me?”

Miranda gave Hunter a cold stare “Four seventy.” She repeated slowly like he was too dumb to catch it the first time. She had no intention of removing her mask and didn’t feel like getting into the fact that he wasn’t wearing one. He’d gotten past her when she had a lineup before.

Winona took a deep breath and actually managed a smile when Brayden took her hand.  “I’m okay now.”  she replied to him.  “I handle those sorts of things better in fiction and I’m not the best at fiction.”  she gives a nervous little laugh and then kisses him on the cheek.

Gene got in line behind Hunter.  He didn’t have anything to buy, but he knew this guys type.  So when he told Miranda that she would look better if she smiled, he spoke up.  “She’s hot anytime.  I would know.”  he tells him.  “And she said that would be 4.70, in case you didn’t hear her.”

Miranda looks past Hunter at Gene and then she does smile. She can’t fight it “He would.”

Hunter looks back at the guy chiming in with irritation and then back to the cashier who just smiled at THAT guy, not him “What the fuck is it bring your boyfriend to work day?” He pulls out his card and rolls his eyes.

Miranda slides the pin pad his way and hopes he taps because it’s faster “Yes that’s exactly what day it is...so we don’t have to put up with assholes.” She’s at work but she doesn’t care. Gary’s already told the guy off too.

Hunter sneers at her now but backs up a step away from her boyfriend, who was bigger than the other boyfriend “Fuck you I was just paying you a compliment.”

Jake barrels into the shop in sock feets with his sneakers in his hand and steps in beside Miranda as he hooks on a plain black cotton mask over his ears just as some guy swears at her and Gene’s right behind him “Whoah……” He just kind of stares around at them all.

Miranda glares at Hunter “I’m not sure you know what a  compliment actually is.” She looks at Jake “Hi….can you ring him through again Jake? By the way your card….declined and you’re not supposed to be in here without a face mask.” She rips off the receipt and tosses it on the counter in front of him and then leaves Jake there shoeless. She had an out and she was going to take it.

Brayden leans into the kiss and then gives Winona a little hug “I’m honestly glad your Dad was here. But what an ass. I’m so sorry you had to deal with that.”

Winona hugs Brayden back.  “I’m glad too.”  she speaks into his shoulder.  “And I’m sorry about it too, but it just sort of proves … I can’t handle that kind of fucktard.”  she sighs.

Gene watched the exchange between Miranda and this jackass.  He has a flash of wanting to rip this guys head off, but he knows that is illegal in most places.  Instead, he waits until Miranda is heading away from the jackass, leaving him to Jake.  “You’re card got declined, so you ain’t fuckin’ nobody, limp dick.”  he looks at Jake, who is without shoes like he just got home and then his eyes move to Miranda.

Miranda walks right up to Gene and just looks at him with adoration and wraps her arms around him if she can and hugs him, a little emotionally and intimately for at work. It’s her feeling safer with him there and also stress relief from dealing with a gross asshat...and just love. But she pulls back from Gene a  bit as the guy starts yelling and stares at him in disbelief.

Hunter Tench hears his card got declined and he’s being insulted. This was the worst day ever. Turned down twice, shamed and broke. So he does what makes sense to him and lashes out    “Fucking sheeple. I never wear a mask.You know what fuck you all….fuck this place!” He gets louder as he bellows “You’re all a bunch of fucking cunts!” Before he storms out the door.

Shoeless Jake just freezes and starts after him and then mutters “What the ...hell…..”

Brayden pulls back from Winona and the last of the yelling “Jesus…” He looks towards the door.

Gary hands a key over to Chuck and then starts towards the door but Hunter is out before he can say anything. He points around at Jake, Miranda and calls loud enough so Winona can hear “That guy’s banned. What the hell is his name?”

“Hunter…” Brayden calls back “Give me a sec I’ll get you a last name even.” And Brayden fires of a text to Pedro:

Hey that guy you work with...Hunter? What the fuck is his last name? He just was a major asshole in Carpenters, harassed Winona and I think her friend on the cash desk from the sound of it and then called the whole place cunts. Gary Carpenter wants to ban him. Maybe he’ll stop giving me the stink eye about dating his daughter if I can shoot him a surname.

Winona looks in the direction of the front of the store and blinks at the outburst.  Then her father announces that the guy is banned and she smiles as if she’d just been given a raise.

Gene hugs Miranda back because he would never say no to the opportunity.  Then the dick is screaming and bitching and storming out.  Gary bans him but Gene can’t help with the name.

Pedro is sitting on the couch in the apartment he shared with Gwen.  “And that is why you can’t just race around the house like you’re loco, Brigit.  Do you understand yet?”  the cat looks at him like she couldn’t care less about human mannerisms when his phone chimes with a text.  He looks at it and sighs.  “Puto…”  and he replies.

Hunter Tench. No home training.  Her dad should love you.  Kiss Winona for me.  NOT THERE PENDEJO!  On the cheek.  NOT THAT CHEEK!

Gary hears that Brayden may have a name and he walks behind the counter “OK come here you guys…..staff meeting...extended staff meeting….Gene...Brayden. No chuck not you. Jake ring him in please and put something on your feet for Chrisakes….”

Jake throws up his hands “Dad...you said now like we were being held up or something. I was playing video games. Hey Chuck…” He takes the key “Yeah that’ll be 4.70.”

Chuck looks awkward and pays quickly “Bye Gary.” And he’s off.

Gary waves “Bye Chuck.” He head juts at Brayden as he’s looking at his phone “Watcha got Brayden?”

Brayden keeps one arm around Winona but if he can he’ll move with her towards her father as they’re called over. He reads the reply as his phone chimes and stifles a laugh “Sorry….” He cleared his throat “Hunter Tench…..Mr. Carpenter.” He’s been calling him Gary since he was a kid but the recent scrutiny has made him scared into formality. Then he notices Gene, who he's seen in passing but really only heard about and not met. He shyly nods at him “Hey good to meet you properly Gene. Brayden Kim.”

Gary slaps his hand on the counter “Hunter Tench...ok I’ll send out a little staff email.” He sighs at Brayden “Mr. Carpenter now?” He looks a little sheepishly at Winona “Have I been that cold to him?”

Winona goes along with Brayden and looks a little curious at the stifled laugh.  She understands the ‘Mr Carpenter’ thing and when her father asks her if he’s been cold, she arches her brows.  It had been bad.  To the point that she had stopped speaking to him for the way he’d treated Brayden.  She looks at him.  “No, Daddy.  You only made a Iqaluit winter look like a desert summer.”  she let the sarcasm flow from her mouth, freely.  Hopefully Braydens standing up for her made him realize he was serious and she wasn’t just … whatever horrible things her father had been thinking.

Gene moves a bit closer and finally gets to meet Brayden.  But he can’t help himself.  “That was properly?”  he snorts.  He nods back.  “Gene SInclair.”  he hears the exchange between Winona and her father and looks curious.  Was it the age thing, because he could give age differences that would make Mr Carpenters heart stop.

Miranda watches the interaction between Gary, Winona and Brayden. She knew it hadn’t been going well with Gary and Brayden and it seemed like Gary was finally cluing in how much he was upsetting Winona and making Brayden uncomfortable. She looks at Gene about his comment on properly “Maybe after all that shit with Hunter this seems normal?” 

Brayden looks at Gene and nods and then glances back to Gary and Winona “Sorry I’m just...nervous…” Gary had been as cold as the north for sure and it had been hard for him.

Gary looks humble and glances between Winona and Brayden “I’m sorry. I can see how much you care about Winona. Especially today. I got stuck on the age difference. I admit it. I married my high school sweetheart. My parents were the same age….But I’m not being fair to you guys.”

Brayden interjects “I wasn’t …” and he makes finger quotes “Looking for a younger woman. Winona and I just feel for one another and she’s….older than her age really….and amazing. Some of that might be on you and Shannon and how you raise your kids. I know I owe some of the best parts of me to my folks. Winona’s also just the most kind, intelligent and beautiful human being I’ve ever met…..it’s just her.I do care about her.”

Gary was swayed even more by the how you raise yours kids comment and then looked pained at how he’d treated Brayden.”Damn….son. Please call me Gary again. I’ll try not to be such an ass.” 

Brayden snorts “OK Gary. Don’t worry about it.”

Jake has crouched down and is finally tying his shoes, listening and giving Brayden a little nod and smile “Welcome to the family Brayden.”

Miranda looks touched for the Carpenters and Brayden over the whole way it unfolded.

Winona watches two of the most important men in her life talk it out.  She leans into Brayden and smiles softly as they talk.

Gene shrugs at Miranda and listens, getting a bit of an idea what the problem is.  He leans in and presses his forehead to Miranda’s cheek.  "What?  10 years?  Try 40."  he isn't trying to be insensitive, but it is beyond him on many levels.  He's had women decades and decades older than he was.

Brayden slides his arm around Winona, more relaxed now that Gary is too. He looks at Jake and chuckles "Thanks man." Then he exhales "I should buy the stuff I came in for and run it home....but.." He looks at Winona "Light dinner after? I know it's a school night so I won't keep you out late." He smiles and then looks a bit confused by Gene's comment but gives him a half hearted reply "Yeah well....can happen too." He didn't know much about Gene other than he was Miranda's boyfriend and all the poster stuff Winona said had happened.

Gary  was smiling and nodding and then Gene's comment made him blink a bit. He was just working his way to his daughter dating someone older....now Miranda's fellow was pushing his comfort zone a bit.

Jake shifted his mouth sideways at Gene's comment, not really knowing what to make of it. But he didn't really know the guy.

Miranda leans into Gene's forehead on her cheek and hearing his comment she figures she might be the only one to understand. She's never told Winona his very personal stuff about his past of course. So she kisses Gene's cheek after he breaks from hers and gives him a  loving look and then relays the age difference of Brayden and Winona "9 isn't it? You're 25 right Brayden? My Dads are 15 years apart. It's what it is. You two are happy so I think it's great."

Gene had not meant to be overheard, but quickly realized he had been.  He tried to recover a bit by nodding at Miranda’s words.  “Yea and they’re happy.  You’re happy.  If everyone’s legal and consenting … isn’t that what it’s all about?”

Winona snuggles a bit into Brayden’s embrace.  “Light dinner sounds fantastic.”  she accepted Brayden’s invitation.  Then she looks at Gene, then her father’s reaction to Gene’s words and then Miranda and Gene apparently trying to correct his earlier odd words.  She looks at her father.  “Legal and consenting.  Exactly.”  she agrees.  Then she blows out a breath.  “So that Hunter jackass is banned?  I really hope so.  I’m not good with the really aggressive customers.  I’m sorry.”

Gary saw the adoration between Winona and Brayden and couldn't deny them the joy. Miranda and Gene also seemed to have it. "Island magic..." He chuckled because he'd heard Winona talk about the sparks. Sparks he remembered from long ago with Shannon. “Damn sparks got you all too. Had that with your Mom years ago. Shannon Wilson before we married, I’d known her all my life as a classmate, a friend even and then all of a sudden that spark and I could barely stand to be 2 feet away from her.” He nodded about Hunter "Yes he is banned. Can't guarantee everyone will be sunshine and roses but that's one jackass we don't need. Thanks Brayden...and Gene. And Jake you found your shoes!”

Jake rolls his eyes “I did bring them with me. Honestly Dad you should be glad we don’t all come to work in pajamas.” Jake sighed about the sparks. Maybe it didn’t happen for everyone.

Miranda reached out and gave Gene’s hand a little squeeze. “Yeah sparks.” She can’t help but smile and then laughs at Jake “New uniform plan. Don’t tempt me. And I don’t even live over the shop.”  She was also relieved not to have to deal with Hunter again. Even though she got more in his face than Winona it was still incredibly uncomfortable. Although he also had more time to be horrible to Winona before Brayden stepped in and Gary told him off and took over.

Brayden grins “Yep. Sparks.” He looks at Winona with adoration. Gene’s strange comment had dissipated with the ones that followed but it tucked into a little corner in Brayden’s mind. “Ok I will get the drywall stuff and then come back to meet you after closing time. We could go for noodles and make my Chad’s day.” He joked. Then he did go and collect his purchases to take to Jake now behind the till.

Gary happened to glance Gene’s way “Screwdriver sets! We didn’t finish talking about those. Sorry Gene.” Gary walked over to the display now ready to finish that conversation.

In the meantime the door opens and chimes and Brooke Martin saunters in. She is wearing a faded peachy coloured cotton mask but it’s hanging below her nose and it looks stretched like she always wears it improperly. She bats her eyes at Brayden and Jake at the till “Hello boys...” She drawls and in fact she pulls the mask right down past her mouth to speak and leaves it there. She’s wearing a black winter jacket but open over a little red top she’s practically falling out of and a pair of near painted on blue jeans. Brooke walks by Winona, Miranda, Gene and Gary to the key cutting counter and puts a single key down, the exact key Hunter was trying to get three of. Clearly he had sent her back in. “Can I get two copies of this one?” She grins at Miranda “Oh I didn’t know you worked here Miranda...”

Gene lifted Miranda’s hand when she took it to his lips and kissed it, through his mask the moment a girl walked in.  He remembered her as the girl from the Love Shack.  And that hadn’t ended well.  He had led her on a bit and then told her she knew who she was because of Dante. But now, she speaks to Miranda and, in any event, the impromptu meeting is over so he  turns and walks away from Miranda with Gary.  “Oh yea.  Bruise is letting me put together my own kit.  So I will need a computer repair kit … or to put one together myself.  Plus everything I need .. larger screwdrivers .. to crack the cases of the laptops.”

Winona was just happy that her father seemed to be accepting Brayden.  That was one good thing to come out of the whole mess.  Then Brooke Martin walked in and she realized immediately that banning an octopus didn’t mean he’d be all that put out.  Her batting her eyes at Brayden didn’t make her as angry as she thought.  Brayden loved her.  Of that she had no doubt.

Brooke saw the hand kiss between the man who rejected her at the love shack once and Miranda who also rejected her. “Figures...” She muttered, tapping the key on the counter. 

Gary picked up the small screwdriver kit “Well these might do nicely. Kind of a hobby set. I mean you got needle nose pliers in the mix too. They’re 50 percent off after the season and we’ve got multi end screwdrivers on special this week 25 percent off. I can order in the soldering kits and give you a call.” He noticed Brooke at the keys and casually said “Miranda?” She was normally not hesitant to jump to serve any customer but she was moving slowly for this.

Miranda hung back before going to the key counter as it was Brooke waiting for her there. Finally Gary said her name and she walked slowly behind the counter finally and just said “Two copies?” Like she was forcing the words out. She looked at the key and waited for Brooke to set it down.

Brooke smiled “Mmmhmm... and that one that Hunter didn’t get to pay for.” She looks back at Gene and then to Miranda “So he’s your type? We coulda had fun you know. Although now you’ve gotten Spencer in such trouble....” She sighs dramatically but offers the key.

Miranda snatches the key “I wasn’t asking for your fun. And if you want these keys you better learn when to stop talking. And they’re for Hunter? You might have to prepay. His card didn’t go through. And pull your damn mask back up please.” She can’t remember how much about Brooke she said to Gene, he didn’t know her as far as she knew and that was good. 

Jake was half way through ringing in Brayden. Brooke came in all smiles and flirty and he found himself smiling back even though she couldn’t see it all through his mask. He had to work hard not to focus on her cleavage too since it was all right there. He looks back at Brayden a little dumbfounded “What did you say man?”

Brayden looks after Brooke warily and then exchanges a look with Winona before answering Jake “I didn’t say anything Jake. Whatever you’re thinking... you don’t want any piece of that.” He held out his card “You need to punch in the pinpad stuff. Focus Jake. Winona, you might wanna keep an eye on your brother.” He lightly chuckles.

Winona blinks and looks at her brother.  “Jake.  No … just .. no … that’s the village bicycle damn near.”  she tries to explain to him.

Gene considers Gary’s ofer.  “Sounds like a plan.”  he tells him.  “I’ll take it .. but I’ll also be in with a complete list of what I’d need in my kit.  I’d rather buy from you than anyone else.”  he hears a little bit of Brooke and glances over.  Just in case.

Brooke pulls a roll of loonies out of her jacket pocket and lets it thump on the counter “I have cash.” Perks of being the daughter of the laundromat owners. She eventually does pull the mask up but it’s ill fitting and slides down to under her nose again almost instantly.

Miranda notes the coin roll. She did have enough as the rolls were $25.00 worth. With an eye roll and a shrug she went to cut the two keys. 

Jake shrugs at Winona and Brayden “I’m just looking. Relax…” He does finish typing Brayden’s amount into the debit machine and sighs. “Village bicycle?” He whispers to his sister with a small chuckle.

Gary handed Gene the small set and then walked down the aisle a bit “Well that’s what we like to hear. Shop local. Amazon won’t even notice…” He laughs and reaches for multi end screwdrivers “Choice between brands really. It’s a buck fifty difference for two bits on the Crafter….”

Miranda cuts the keys quickly and they’re likely not her best cutting jobs. She bags the two together with the code written on and a 2 X in front and slides them to Brooke without another word. Then she takes her time resetting the machine and tidying.

“Thank you Miranda…” Brooke sort of sings out at her in a sugary tone. “If you and your boyfriend ever have a change of heart...let me know.”

At that Miranda turns and blinks at Brooke and then glances at Gene. Had Brooke hit on him too? “Are you fucking kidding me? I could charge you with sexual assault you know.” She’s been considering it.

Brooke laughs “Over a kiss? Get over yourself bitch.” She takes the keys and sashays over to the line leaving Miranda there fuming.

Brayden keyed in his stuff and nodded “She’s not kidding Jake.” He looked like he was going to say more but he could see Brooke approaching in his peripheral vision.

Winona tries to ignore Brooke, but there's something about the girl that makes that impossible.  She can hear Brooke and Miranda and when Brooke arrives to pay she is torn between getting her out as fast as possible and counting her coins one by one.

Gene smiles and nods at Gary.  "I was told to get the best I could so ... I'll pay the buck fifty extra."  he looked a little amazed that those words had come out of his mouth, but they had.  Spoiling himself was very new, even for work.  He hears something about 'over a kiss' and turns his head.  That sounded familiar ... was that Brooke Miranda had been talking about?

Gary nods and hikes up the back of his jeans as he often does “Well there ya go. Tell Jake or….Winona.” He turns and sees both of them by the till but it’s possible Winona is just saying bye to Brayden “To put you in the system and then when you send me that list I can email you as stuff comes in or tell you price points. You could also put it on Bruce cause we have him but then he gets the emails.” He laughs “You should have your own.” He hands over the multi tool Gene had chosen and gives him a pat on the shoulder. Then he turns and see Miranda looking angry after serving Brooke and sighs. “What a night…” He mutters and then calls over to her as he walks up “Everything ok?”

Miranda has no plans to tell Gary her whole history with Brooke so she just takes a deep breath and nods “Yeah. She's buying for Hunter by the way. The keys.” She looks past Gary at Gene with an I’ll tell you later look.

Gary deflates “Oh for the love of Pete….” Now he watches Brooke. She wasn’t yelling at the staff at least.

Brayden finishes his transaction and steps to the side and back a bit, staying in range as Brooke steps up to the counter. It’s like one of those cringe worthy TV shows where you want to stop watching but you can’t look away, and he’s worried for Jake.

Brooke sets down her little bag of keys and then shoots Brayden a sweet smile “Brayden Kim…..did you do something different with your hair? You’re looking cute.”

Brayden laughs and shakes his head around “No. No I did not. Barking up the wrong tree again Brooke. Not interested.”

Brooke gives a little shrug and just turns to Jake “That’s ok I like your hair better. Jacob is it?” She hadn’t focussed on this one yet. She ignores Winona like she’s not even there. Maddox hadn’t been returning her calls. Brett and Joey had died. Spencer was in legal trouble. Her options were dwindling. Hunter was fun but also a bit whiny.

Jake had frowned when the attention was on Brayden but then smiled again “Jake…..thanks…” He blushes a bit, clearly flattered by her attention as he takes the keys to punch in.

“Oh and there should be one more key around like those...I’ll buy it too….” Brooke requests.

Winona is only partially relieved when Brooke ignores her for her brother.  As she compliments him, she wants to squirt hand sanitizer all over him.  At the mention of the missing key, she slides it to Jake.

Gene grins.  "I'll do that for sure, sir."  he replies and looks over at the till again then follows Gary over to Miranda as Gary asks how she is.  He looks at Miranda and she is so upset he figures Brooke IS the person she mentioned but did not name.

Jake rings in the keys under his sister’s supervision and smiles a little self consciously at Brooke “Uh $14.10 please….”

Brooke cracks open the loonies on the edge of the counter and counts out 15 of them, giving Jake’s hand a little nudge as she slides them to him “You have nice fingers Jake….”

Gary makes a little noise of derision and steps behind the till with Jake and Winona looking annoyed at Brooke “Tell Hunter not to be so bloody obvious when he sends you on his errands Brooke. And Jake, wipe that grin off your face. Bloody hell…..”

Brooke looks a little contrite at the sight of Gary but bats her eyelashes a bit at him too “I’m just being helpful.” She says with doe eyes.

Jake clears his throat and puts her change on the counter, well back from her hand “Have a good day.” He says awkwardly. Now he’s got his Dad and sister watching him. As well as Brayden, Gene and Miranda from afar.

As Gary walks away Miranda does briefly explain to Gene but whispers quietly and leans in across the counter “Brooke….Spencer invited her….and Cosmo..that day and she forced a kiss on me before I could even do anything to stop her.” Then she turns, watching the Jake interaction. “Piece of work….my god. I wonder what Gary would say if he knew about Maddox…because he was in her little collection.” She whispers cringes. She’d seen the pictures and still had some on the thumb drive.

Winona watches the transaction, trying not to look too disapproving.  She probably does tho.  At the end she parrots Jake.  “Have a nice day.” and nods at the door.  It might not be very businesslike, but she can’t help herself. 

Gene leans into Miranda as she whispers and has it confirmed that Brooke was that girl from ‘that day’.  He looks over and sighs.  “Probably something like ‘let’s get you tested’ probably.”  he guesses in as low a voice as he can muster.

Miranda whispers one more comment to Gene “She’s the reason I got tested mostly...Spencer’s connection to her.” She makes a face “She is the reason I want to get tested one more time before….we can go without…” She smiles at the thought, despite the grossness of Brooke. The thought of being with Gene with nothing between them. Then the door chime goes off and she’s gone and Miranda just leans into Gene’s shoulder for a moment in relief “OK the rest of the shift should be delightful now right?”

Jake looks awkwardly around “OK...Dad do you still need me? Because I could go back to slaughtering orcs upstairs…..”

Brayden sees Brooke go and shakes his head “Wow just wow.” He looks at Jake “Stick to orcs it’s safer.” He smiles at Winona and then Gary.

Gary shakes his head “Go Jake. You’re still on the full shift tomorrow...with shoes on when you walk in.”

Jake wanders off happily and gives a general wave “K see ya…”

A familiar brown grey haired man walks up to the door and the chime goes again as he enters. It’s Paul McLeod with his winter jacket over his Thrifty’s apron and uniform, the green apron hanging out. Paul has on a green face mask that matches the thirty’s apron. Joan made them specially for all the staff. He’s holding a metal shelving bracket in his hands and sees Brayden by the door with Gary and Winona behind the till. “Hey there.” He greets casually “Would you happen to have any more of these brackets Gar? Just had a bit of a collapse in the dry goods.”

Gary looks elated to see Paul “Paul! Thank god….a normal customer.”

Paul laughs self consciously “Uh ok…..nice to see you too.”

Gary takes the bracket “Yeah something like it….come with me…” And he leads Paul to the middle aisle to look at options.

Winona looks relieved to see Brooke leave and even happier to see Paul enter.  She waves to him.  "Hi Mr McLeod."  she calls as her father takes the normal customer to what he needs.

Gene gets completely why she'd want to be tested a second time because of Brooke.  He's looking forward to it also.  He puts his arm around her when she leans into him.  "Absolutely delightful."  he assures her.  "I'm ordering some stuff for my personal repair kit.  That's why I came in."  he grins, as if this is a belated Christmas present, and for him, it is.  “I should get back to make that list Mr Carpenter needs.”  he sees the guy from the grocery store and nods a hello he may or may not see.

Miranda sneaks her mask down and gives Gene a quick kiss on the cheek and nods “I know you need to get back.” She had smiled at Paul and heard Gary and Winona “Ok we’re getting the normal and nice people now…” she laughs “All is well. And that’s awesome about you getting set up with tools. Another step to being a pro at what you do.” She encourages. “I will catch up with you later, maybe walk home together?”

Brayden had made his purchases now but greeted Paul back “Hey Paul….” He used to work for him to he calls him Paul. It’s also a part of his bitter past in many ways but Paul had been very kind to him. He steps over to Winona, half stepping behind her counter and pulls his mask down very briefly to kiss Winona’s cheek“Text me when you’re close to closing. I’ll come back to meet you for dinner. I love you.” And then he’ll step back towards the door.

Gary and Paul and comparing brackets in their own conversation now.

Winona smiles at the kiss and nods.  Now things are more normal and her job is almost relaxing.  "I will, I promise."  she promises, already looking forward to their light dinner.  "I love you, too."

Gene smiles.  That had been stressful for Miranda and he understood.  "Yea.  Bruce is being very generous to me.  And trusting me a lot.  I love it, but ... you know me .. takes some getting used to."  he nods.  "Maybe we will."  He tells her about walking home.  More like absolutely.  He loves their walks and has to admit there is apparently a protective part of him as well he didn't really know about.

Miranda does know Gene and his ability to trust the love and support he has in his life now. “I know. But he believes in you, and so do I. We’ll text later.” She’s aware his maybe is likely a yes as they usually did walk home together on Thursdays. She loves it though and she’ll never take it for granted or assume it’s a given.

Brayden heads out the door with a little wave.

Paul and Gary are laughing and clearly talking about Hunter and Brooke as Paul says a bit louder “So you banned him and then she came to get his keys….Jesus Gar…..when it rains it pours.”

Gary almost shouts “I know right!” And they both laugh.

Gene nods and leans in for a super quick kiss. Pulling down his mask as she sees him and does the same.  “I love you.  See you tonight.”  it's a promise.  Nothing but death would keep him from it.

Winona overhears Paul and just bursts out laughing as she waves a cheerful goodbye to Gene.  Her father was coming to accept the man in her life ... so the day was not totally useless.