2020-11-27 - Triplets!!

 2020-11-27 - Triplets!!

Slaine Indi woke up feeling big and full.  It was unavoidable, she knew, but this was getting out of control.  She was due ‘at any time’ and had an appointment on December the 1st for her cesarian.  But time was suddenly moving at the speed of continental drift.  She got out of bed, even though she didn’t want to.  Then she showered and was convinced that it was taking longer because there was literally so much more of her.  She could only see her feet if there was a mirror around and she was just … just done with pregnancy.  “Four more days, guys and you are OUT!”  she announced as she dressed as easily as she could.  One of Owen’t T-shirts that said 10-alarm on it and a gigantic maternity dress that felt tight on her body.  Clearly they were designed with single babies in mind.  She considered and decided she couldn't be bothered with her thick knitted stockings.  Overall, by the time she slipped into her shoes, she was ready to go back to bed.   But it was now near noon and she wanted to start a nice long walk, working her way to the school in order to pick up Liam from day care.  Carefully, she walked down the stairs to the sidewalk and headed down Water street.

Out the front of the laundromat Sherry Martin stood leaning against the building smoking a cigarette. She noticed the very pregnant woman who she’d seen around town walking towards her and lit a second smoke off the near end of the first and then literally exhaled right at the women like she wasn’t even there. Then she smiled at her “Carrying a load I see…..”

Brooke Martin walked out of the laundromat and sidled in next to her mother “Give me a drag….” She took the cigarette from her and puffed and then looked the mother to be up and down “Fuck if I ever get knocked up....” she snorted “Can’t deal with my body doing…” She gestures at the woman’s belly “THAT….”

Sherry laughed “Oh Brookie it comes back.” She shook her own middle but it was jiggly and then she laughed harder.

Brooke cringed “That’s not back….that’s a sign that says fuck me from behind so you don’t see what’s shakin…” She laughs an exhale of the smoke and hands it back to her mother and then tries to engage the pregnant lady “Am I right?”

Slaine was enjoying her walk.  She’d waved through the window and given Owen a thumbs up to let him know that everything was OK.  He’d been wonderful … better than she'd even hoped.  There wasn’t even disgust from him as she had gotten bigger.  Once he’d gotten past not crushing the babies.  They’d even had some laughs while making love when one of the babies moved and kicked him.  But she had to admit she was glad in many ways that the orgasms hadn’t brought the babies.  The memories made her smile to herself as she walked down towards First Street and suddenly had cigarette smoke interrupt her happy thoughts.  Suddenly frowning, she waves the smoke away and turns immediately to cross the street.  These were not people she really knew and they didn’t seem pleasant to her, so she ignored them, as if she were being approached by street people in Vancouver.  She crossed and stopped at the door of Perkatory, then decided to open the door and walk in.

Buni Chuku was at the counter enjoying a slight lull.  It gave her time to process between customers.  The door opened and that cute little girlfriend of Owen walked in, so big with her babies Buni marvelled that the human body could do such a thing.  She smiled at her.  “Afternoon, Slaine … how you doin?  Kin I git ya anythin?”

Slaine inhaled of the smells of the coffee shop.  Now that it was getting closer to the end of the year, it smelled of cloves and cinnamon … like a kitchen where a mother might be baking holiday treats for her children.  The proprietress was smiling and it seemed a million miles from the smokers across the street.  “Good afternoon.”  she called as she waddled to the counter and looked at the menu.  Her face fell a bit.  “Oh, it’s not December yet.”  she felt almost like she was pouting.  “So none of the Peppermint White CHocolate.”  she blows out a breath.  “Alright then …”  she begins to study the menu for other options.

Buni watches her customer and then looks around her shop.  No one was in it except for them.  “Ain’t Decembah, but I got what I need ta make it.  And you gon hab dem babies an not be able ta visit me for a long time, I bet.  So … I make some fo ya.  First one ob da year.”  and she turns from the counter and heads into the kitchen to get it made, as she hadn’t brought the supplies out in front yet.

Slaine smiles wide and finds herself almost in tears.  “Oh thank you so much, Buni!”  Owen had told her all about the little Trini woman and she had proven to be just as great as he’d told her.

Walter McLeod had just come from a live show broadcast as a little business launch promo for Lee’s Noodle House, which had just opened. He was full from a hearty lunch of Chad Lee’s Singapore Slaw but he was really craving something sweet as he walked past the Perkatory so he sauntered in. Like a hound dog he caught a whiff of peppermint as he lined up behind a short woman and looked over her head at Buni “Buni….how you doin….you making the holiday drinks early this year? Because I’ll have what she’s having…” Upon second glance he recognized Slaine. He was well acquainted with the Thrifty’s folks and she was a partner to Owen, his brother’s right hand man “Oh hey Slaine….you’re looking voluptuous.” He winked at her. Sexy women were sexy, even with a baby belly as far as he was concerned. It hadn’t worked out for he and Sally because of his own stupidity but he still pined for a baby in ways no one would likely guess, and for Sally in ways most would guess and shake their heads at. Across the street he saw Sherry Martin stamp on a cigarette butt and head back into her laundromat. Brooke Martin was at the window inside now talking to her.

Buni comes out of the kitchen area with the Peppermint White Chocolate in time for Walter to come in and ask for what Slaine is having.  “She havin triplets.  You want yours wit sprinkles?”  Buni has her ways of saying no.  She hands the drink to Slaine and looks at Walter for his real order.

Slaine grins at Walter.  He is a dog in that interesting way that he is usually always in trouble but cute at the same time.  She smiles, as his compliment is definitely helping her.  “Thank you, Walter.  I feel .. big.”  she giggles when Buni comes out with her drink and tells Walter she is having triplets, even though he surely meant the Peppermint White Chocolate.  She pays for her drink and turns.  “I wouldn’t recommend having what I’m having, although it would make for an interesting addition to your show.” 

Walter humbles a little at Buni’s subtle and yet not subtle chastising of his drink hopefulness. “Point taken Buni. Point taken.” He grins down at Slain and pats his belly “Hey I’ve been walking more…..I think I could only fit one miracle of science baby in the paunch right now…” He snorts. He was a little slimmer, noticeably. Walter loved the autumn colours so he made a point of taking more walks at this time of year, often before his winter hibernation where he packed more on again. “But good luck with that.” He looked up at Buni now “Oh I’ll just have the pumpkin paradise then….can I have sprinkles too?” He knew he was pushing his luck.

Buni looks at Walter with her lips pursed.  “I shouldn’t  Ya been losin dat weight and looking good.”  she holds up her hand.  “Not DAT good.  Don be askin me out.  Ya pale belly blind me!”  she tells him.  “But .. OK .. sprinkles fo not comin on ta da pregnant lady.  Da police say I cain’t be chasin fools down the street with me cleavah that need chasin down da street wit me cleavah.”  she turns and starts making his Pumpkin Paradise.

Slaine giggles and her heart lightens, even if her belly doesn’t.  She waves.  “Back to my walk.  Thank you SO MUCH Buni.  I may not be able to have this peppermint treat any other way.”  and she heads out of the door waving to them both.  She lets her drink cool as she approaches the beach, looking at the water.

Walter’s grin turned almost muppet like as Buni told him he’d been losing weight and looked good. Then she clarified and brought the metaphorical cleaver down, while vaguely threatening a literal one and he gulped audibly. “Yes Ma’am…..” He smiles nervously at Slaine and waves back as she leaves and he’s alone with the formidable Buni. Today he will politely pay and leave a good tip before a hasty exit.

Anna Wright was crouched down on the beach trying to get an angle shot of a seagull on a log, testing a new camera between her customers at the portrait studio. She shimmied onto her belly and then happened to glance sideways and notice Slaine looking out at the water. In her head turn, the seagull flew away and she sighed when she looked back to see it soaring over the inlet and letting it’s cry echo in the emptiness it left behind like it was taunting her. She rolled to her side and sat up and then stood up, walking to Slaine. Anna wasn’t the most social of people but she knew who her boyfriends tenants were for the most part and everyone knew the Reinhardts, heck most people who didn’t know had thought Anna was one of them with her red hair. “Hi there...Slaine right? Anna….Phoenix is my partner. Nice day so far.”

Slaine smiled at this woman with the red hair.  “Hi, Anna.  Yes.  I’m Slaine.”  she frowns slightly.  “You're not a Reinhardt?”  it’s part question and part flat out statement.  “I’m pretty sure I met all of the ones on the island.”  she takes a sip of her coffee and smiles, partly resting it on her huge belly.

Anna laughs “Not a Reinhardt. Not even related by…” She has to think about it. “Nope not even by marriage or distant relatives. Although Stephanie Reinhardt is one of my dearest friends. We grew up together in Cedar Point….Steph and Tams...well and Eryn who sadly passed away a long time ago. But that’s my connection to your rather complex family.” She looks at Slaine’s belly “When are you due? I suspect you might be sick of the question.”

Slaine listens and smiles.  When asked when she is due, her hand rests on her belly.  “I have an appointment on the 1st.”  she tells her.  “Because they’re triplets, it can be dangerous to have them naturally, so … I have an appointment for them.”  she grins.  “People have been asking me that since around the 4 month mark.”

Anna nods “I’ve read that about twins...so yeah triplets. But I know we have really good people at the clinic here. Dr. McKinney and Michelle even...you and your babies  will be in good hands I’m sure.” she smiles “I’ve seen you with your young son...he must be getting excited to be a big brother?”

Slaine nods.  “I know they’re fantastic.”  she agrees.  “It’s just I am so ready to give birth, even more so than when it was almost time for Liam to be born.”  she smiles widely at the mention of her son.  “He really is excited.  And he’s been an incredible helper to me, also, so that is a definite plus.”  she drinks a bit more of her coffee, just enjoying the autumn day with a non Reinhardt.

Anna smiles “Well that makes it easier. What do you do in the part of your life that’s of the work world? I mean I realize you’re about to be on leave from whatever that part is. Triplets....I hope all those Reinhardt’s take turns too.” She laughs.

Slaine laughs.  “Oh I work from home.  I can even work on bedrest if I have to.  So that might help .. except for the triplets wanting me in turns thirty hours a day.”  she grins.  “They’re offering to give me a break when I need it … Owen still has to work, I think.  No one mentioned paternity leave.”

Anna looks sympathetic “Intense but I am sure also amazing. And also awesome that you work from home. What type of work is it? I’m a portrait photographer. Not from home but close by and I set my own hours. No babies though. You’re braver.” She laughs.

Slaine grins.   “I’m a graphic artist for a graphic novel publisher.  I draw the pictures to fit the words and I help put it all together, so I am an editor also.”  she smiles.  “Someday I’d like a portrait of my family.  But I sort of wanted a painting.  I know, I’m old fashioned.” she giggles a little bit.

Anna looks impressed “Oh that’s amazing. I went to Emily Carr and I saw lots of illustrators but I don’t draw well at all. Photography, digital stuff but more related to photos. We have a portrait painter... you probably know her already... Ziggy Alvin. She works at Thriftys too as a delivery driver.”

Slaine looks interested.  “I know Ziggy.”  she admits.  “She offered a free family portrait, but we just haven’t gotten around to it, and after the babies are born, they’ll be squirming too much for us to sit for anything.”  she ponders.  “Now I’m torn between the two.”  she laughs again and drinks, thoughtfully.

Anna holds up a finger “Ziggy and I can tag team actually...I can do a few pictures and you can pick one you like to have as a portrait painted….it’s an option. But honestly no rush. Having three babies will be busy enough. You could also probably take her a photograph taken bya  family member or friend..” She shrugs.

Slaine nods to herself.  “I will definitely talk to Owen about it .. when we have time.”  she promises and sips her coffee again.  “I should probably let you get back to work, eh?”

Anna smiles “Yes when you have time. And I should get back. It’s been nice chatting with you Slaine. Blessings and best of health to you and the little ones as you all get to meet and go home together.”

Slaine smiles at the farewell.  “Thank you so much, Anna.  Have a nice day.”  she turns and heads up the incline and to the park she frequents with Liam.  It’s deserted at the moment, so she walks past it.  She’d only really seen the new library and community center during story time and wanted to see the new building.  She walked in and was determined NOT to turn towards the children's section for a change.

Zeno Katz was at the front desk tapping on the keyboard and staring at the screen.  It was nearly time for him to start worrying about the library’s inventory of books.  What to store away and what to order completely new.  Nothing major, as this was a small town library, so the choice had to be perfect.  He was looking over options so that he and Iris Paige could start ordering after the 1st of the year.  Glancing up, he saw the very round shape of Slaine Indi.  He smiled.  “Hello there, Slaine.”  he called.  “I almost didn’t recognise you without little Liam.  How are you?” he looked at her, knowing she was very close to her due date.

Iris Page was deep in the stacks, following up on a few requests she’d gotten by email. She pulled the little cart behind her and once she’d piled it with her retrieved selections she wheeled it back to the front to see Slaine talking with Zeno. She wheeled past her and smiled at her “Hi Slaine. You’re at the library kid free? Quick ready something just for grown ups while you still can!” Iris knew how close to the due date she was and what life with a small child was like now.

Slaine laughed and nodded.  “I am good Zeno, thank you.  And yes that sounds like a good idea, Iris.  I have an appointment for the cesarean on the 1st … and I will be in the hospital at least a couple of days with a full nurses staff to help me 24/7 … or 24/3 or whatever.  SO maybe a book WOULD be nice?  What do you have that will take my mind off of being filed like a salmon for her roe?”

Iris laughs “God what imagery…” She thinks “How about something from the humour section…...or maybe an audiobook? Since you may have your hands very full?” She starts to spin the displayer right by the front desk with a few new ones.

Ursula Norris trundles into the new library with her little pull cart she uses for errands. She sniffs with disdain “Doesn’t smell right in here...maybe it’s the new building materials or paint….” Then she sees Slaine, Iris and Zeno. “Good afternoon.” She looks down at Slaine’s belly “Did he marry you at least? Can’t do much about the race mixing now…”

Iris had picked out an audio book and was about to read the back and now she gaped at Mrs. Norris “Excuse me….are you SERIOUS?!” She gripped the CDs like she might throw them like a discus at Mrs. Norris’s head.

Zeno winces.  “Oh my god.”  he chuckles. He gets what she might be going through, but the image in his head .. it’s exactly like Iris said.  “Oh an audio book might just be perfect for you.”  he sees that Iris has it and he smiles, eager to see what she comes up with.  But Mrs Norris walks in and starts in on Slaine.  “Ursula!”  he stands and looks at her with an admonishing look  “I thought we discussed your behavior in this library.”

Slaine listens and absolutely beams at the idea of an audiobook.  “You know, I never thought of that.  I work in graphic novels, so maybe that makes sense.  And my hands will be fuller than full.  I don’t have enough.”  she laughs and can hardly wait to see what Iris finds for her.  Then Mrs Norris comes in and starts talking about the lack of marriage and race mixing.  Her eyes go wide and she blinks, still a bit sensitive to the evil in the world.  “Oh you horrible .. horrible …”  she swallows hard, unable to go on.  She looks for a place to look at that isn’t this awful woman.

Ursula throws up her hands at all the fuss “Well it’s true. Just calling a  spade a spade.” She starts off with her cart again “I’ll go collect some knitting magazines then.”

Iris can’t stand it and advances on Mrs. Norris “No you won’t….get out!” She gets right in the older woman’s face and she just stands there so Iris breaks all laws of librarians everywhere on earth and shouts in the library “OUT! AND I MEAN NOW!”

“Well I never…..” Ursula back up in shock at the volume and ferocity and then shuffles out the door.

Iris is breathing like she’s just runa  marathon after her outburst and then softens looking at Slaine “I’m so sorry…...oh my god…..that is beyond unacceptable.” She looks at Zeno “I’m sorry I had to….”

Zeno is opening his mouth to say something but Iris definitely beats him to it.  She looks at him afterwards but he shakes his head.  “I’m afraid I’ve been far too easy going for far too long, especially with her.”  he sighs and looks over the counter at Slaine.  “I apologize.  That will not happen again.  She is going on the banned list.  No more entry.”  he pauses.  “I don’t mean to sound condescending but I hope she didn’t upset you too much.”

Slaine watches the woman leave and looks at the librarian and his assistant.  “Thank you … and it’s alright Zeno.  I’m not standing in a puddle of water, so we’re all good, right?”  she takes in a deep breath and looks at Iris.  “Humorous audio book.  Yes, please.”  and she laughs a little.  What an emotional rollercoaster of a day.

Iris exhales, calming herself and focussing on Slaine who is basically her sister in law and oh so pregnant. She did not need  that racist clueless cow making that any harder. “Funny books….” She thinks about the context of life with tiny babies and chooses a very light read that she had laughed hard at through a whole airplane ride once; The Girl’s Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Banks. “Try this….if you hate it...then maybe…” She chooses another; Good Omens by Neil Gaiman. “And if you don’t listen to any of it...don’t worry. They’ll be around later when the kids are teenagers.” She laughs and sets them on the desk for her to check out. She looks at Zeno “Thank you for ban her over firing me. I’ve never shouted in a library before.”

Slaine grins.  “I’ll try and get through them both.”  she agrees and turns to Zeno to check out.  “Oh please don’t be angry about the shouting.  Surely Mrs Norris brings that out in many people.”

Zeno chuckles and begins to check Slaine and her audiobooks out.  He glances at Iris.  “Ursula Norris brings the demons out in her fellow humans.  I’ve yelled at her in this library a few times.  So Slaine is right … she does it to herself.  And now that she is banned, you will never leae us.”  his voice becomes a bit mock evil.

Iris has to smile and then laugh at Zeno’s never leave us little moment of evil “And now….we are the library of the damned. And no pious bible thumpers can stop it. I’ll be curating the new occult section right next to the erotica?” She jokes. Occult might go over. Erotica not so family friendly and she agreed with Zeno on keeping things family friendly.

Zeno chuckles.  “Perfect place.  Or was can put it all in the basement under bare light bulbs.”  he finishes checking Slaine’s audiobooks out.  “Feel free to call us or go online when you’re ready to renew or return.  I know you’re going to be quite busy.”

Slaine took the audiobooks and slipped them into her bag.   “Thank you and both of you have a great day.”  she heads out of the library and looks around.  She was starting to feel hungry, but wasn’t sure where she wanted to go to eat.  But she crossed the street into Central Park, thinking about her choices.

Hank Stanley was sitting on a bench, enjoying the weather when he saw Slaine walking up to him.  “Good afternoon, Miss Indi.”  he greeted her with a smile on his scarred face.  “I’m glad I’m not the only one enjoying a last day off.”  he chuckles.

Darcy Lynch was walking from the yoga studio towards the police station. She had a break long enough to renew her yoga pass and she wanted to get to a class tonight so she figured she’d get it done. She sees Hank Stanley on a bench talking to Slaine Indi. Poor woman looks bigger every day. She didn’t envy the breeders their discomfort. She smiled at them as she was about to pass “Hi.” She said casually to both.

Kurt Zimmerman was on his way from the city hall to the library to check a detail about a local story in a book he knew was in there. He had a smile of almost childlike delight as he saw round beautiful Slaine, his old friend and Logan’s, their roommate even from before. Now they were all family and it was so lovely. His joy infused his greeting to her as she stood near Detective Lynch and Chief Stanley “You’re radiant….Slaine….you’re all lovely...but look at her...mother earth incarnate.” He gestures at her belly like it’s a wonder “Behold….” He reaches out to try and hug her after.

Hank is always amused by Kurt.  If the man ever figured out how to bottle his energy and happiness, he’d be the richest man on the planet.  “She is lovely.”  he admits.  “But all pregnant women are beautiful, I think.  Even if I stopped at one.”

Slaine smiles and hugs Kurt.  He was always a joy, although sometimes just a bit … intense.  “I feel as big as Mother Earth Kurt.  How are you?  And you Chief Stanley?  I do appreciate the compliments, but … it’s hard to see my beauty … or my feet.”  she ads, feeling her belly tighten a bit.  She sees one of the lady cops passing by, but it isn’t someone she knows well.  Owen has told her that she is Vincent’s adopted mother.

Darcy can’t help but chuckle at Kurt. “Yes she’s beautiful.” And she was, even pregnant. Darcy kept on her way but got a text two steps later and stalled to read it.

Kurt keeps beaming “I am vonderful. It’s a sunny day. The world is complicated but we find the beauty….how do you feel Slaine?” He lets her go and steps back.

Hank looked up.  This was one day he could appreciate, being one of his days off.  But something about Kurt made him look at it again.

Slane arches her back a bit, feeling uncomfortable.  “It is a pretty day.” she agrees.  “I wanted to make sure I got out to see as many as I can before the 1st, when the babies are coming.  I can hardly....”  she stops and groans, feeling a familiar wetness down her legs.  Under the hem of her skirt, liquid gushes, hitting the pavement and sounding a little like a glass of water spilled all over.  Slaine’s water has broken.

Kurt watches Slaine with growing concern and then at the sound of water he jumps about a foot in the air “Sheisse!” Then he puts a steadying hand on Slaine “Sorry ...I startled…..your babies...they’re coming!” He breaks into a  grin again “It’s so beautiful!”

Darcy turned back at the sound of the water and her jaw dropped. The pregnant lady’s water...oh shit. Darcy walked back “How can I help….do you need a ride to the clinic? I can run and get a cruiser.” Darcy was great with most first aid things as a field medic. She had no problem with blood, injuries, mangled human parts...but she’d never helped with a baby coming into the world and she’d take a bullet wound gushing blood over a birth any day.

Hank’s brows lift as he first hears and then, looking down, sees the amniotic fluid hitting the pavement.  “A beautiful day indeed.”  he says, his voice calm and a little bemused.  He rests a hand on Slane’s arm.  “You mentioned the 1st as the day the babies are coming?”  he said to her, still calm as anything.  “Were you scheduled for a cesarean?”  he asks, taking her pulse and making a mental note.

Slane stares down at her wet shoes and the wet pavement beneath.  “Oh god … oh … “  she hears Kurt, but ignores him for now.  Hank is there.  He is the Fire Chief.  He works with Logan who is an EMT.  “Yes … yes…”  she bites her lip and breathes a little harder than normal as Hank just takes her pulse.  Yes, his voice is super calming.  “It’s triplets …”  she sobs, becoming afraid.  “They aren't supposed to come on their own.”  She tries not to panic.

Hank smiles.  “Well, you can’t tell kids anything these days.”  he tells her.  Then he looks at Darcy.  “No cruiser.  Go and call in a silent alarm to the fire department.”  he looks at Slaine and then back to Darcy.  “Woman in labor, Central Park right across from the library”  he looks at Slaine again.  “A limo ride the whole way for you, m’lady.”

Darcy nods, looking immensely relieved to have a task that doesn’t involve catching a baby and runs towards the station “On it!”

Kurt really has no idea how it all works aside from TV and movies so he pets Slaine’s head and starts doing exaggerated breathing. A big deep breath followed by rapid panting it out “Breathe with me Slaine…..it’ll be ok…” He inhales and pants again making the most absurd face while he does it.

Hank watches Darcy head for the station, but then his attention is brought back to Kurt.  The German man is trying to be helpful.  Looking at Slaine, he simply keeps his usual calm demeanor.  “So while we’re waiting … do you need me to call anyone?  You’re quite busy, I see.”

Slaine looks at Kurt in irritation.  “Kurt …  please .. please … I don’t want to breathe.”  she looks at Hank.  “Owen ..  I … you .. someone should call Owen … because … this isn’t happening today.”  she sits on the bench Hank had been on and cross her legs.  “Nope.  We’re going to sit here until Tuesday if we have to.”  sh explains, as if that was even possible.

Hank grins.  “I’m pretty sure that isn’t going to help…”  he reaches for her purse.  “May I?”  he takes her phone out and finds her contacts, scrolling down to Owen’s name and pressing Call.

Owen is actually walking from a break when his phone rings so he just stops and answers “Hey Babe … you just missed my break. Did you have a nice walk?”

Kurt actually does back off but squats beside Slaine, sidestepping the puddle “Sorry….I’m not very good at this. You need Owen…..” He sighs and looks at her worriedly.

Hank can’t help but grin at the love in Owen’s voice.  SO much for that goofy kid he used to know.  “Owen, this is Hank Stanley.”  he tells him.  “I’m curently in Central Park across from the library with Slaine.  Her water’s broken …”

Slaine looks at Kurt.  “No you're not.”  she snaps and then groans as a contraction hits her just as Hank says her water’s broken.  “It’s OK Owen!”  she shouts to the park at large, but Owen will easily heard her.  “I’m crossing my legs until Tuesday.  Go back to work and bring me food!”

Hank clears his throat instead of laughing.  “I’ve called for an ambulance.  If you could meet us at the clinic, that would be great.  “You could probably come here also.”  he realizes that as young as Owen is he might want to just run across the park.

Owen freezes at Hank Stanley’s words “Her wha…..I’ll be right there. Tell her….shit shit…” He hangs up and bolts out the door past Paul shouting “Her water broke.” Owen runs at top speed towards the park, desperate to get to Slaine.

Kurt stays where he is and accepts the criticism even in the form of snapping. Slaine looks uncomfortable. Hank is thankfully very on top of sorting it all out. He sees an ambulance coming their way now.

Tara Munroe is in the passenger seat while Valentine drives and they pull up to the park where they can see Slaine sitting on a bench with Hank Stanley and Kurt Zimmerman squatting near her too. As they get out they can also see Owen Reinhardt running across the park still in his green Thrifty foods apron like it’s life or death.

Owen stops dead in front of Slaine and sinks to one knee in front of her sliding his hands carefully over hier arms and lightly around her “Are you ok?” He’s a little out of breath but not too bad, more panicked breathlessness than from running.

Valentine gets out of the ambulance and accesses the situation.  He remains calm.  “Basic transport, Chief?”  he asks, simply.

Hank decided against delivering the message Owen gave him and instead simply disconnects and slips Slaine’s phone back in her purse.  He sees the ambulance coming up.  “Yes, I think that would be fine.  Call ahead to the clinic and let them know exactly who you’re bringing in.”  then he sees Owen racing towards them and is amused how men often get far more nervous than women do.

Slaine basically sees the ambulance attendants and shakes her head again.  “Nope.”  she replies to them.  Then Owen is suddenly in front of her asking asinine questions.  She groans .. but the contractions are a bit far apart.  It’s that she is having them at all that has her on edge.  “Go back to work, Owen.  I’m not having these babies here.  They are going to wait.”  she announces, terrified of the differences between the nice calm planned cesarean she was going to have versus the emergency cesarean she is now looking at.

Hank hears her after he gives his orders.  Looking at Kurt, he tells him.  “Why don’t you give the other family members the news.  Detective Lynch, if you’d take him to tell Detective Reinhardt?  I am sure the family would like to be informed.” he leans a bit into Slaine and lets the calm of his voice wash over her.  “Slaine.  I know this isn’t what you planned, but the faster we get you to the hospital, the better for you and the babies, alright.  Now hop on the gurney and go on to the clinic.”  he nods at the EMT’s to get the gurney.

Slaine bursts into frightened tears, but nods.  Hank is making sense.

Owen’s not quite sure what to do with Slaine’s resistance to what seems to be already happening. He visibly sees her have what looks like a contraction and eases back from her to give her space, trying to take her hands if he can. “I’m not sure they will wait…” He says weakly. Then Hank starts organizing people. He and the EMTs have seen this kind of thing before. Slaine starts to cry and he moves beside her as Kurt moves back and kisses the side of her head “It’s going to be ok….” He tries to reassure her, hoping to god it’s true. He’s also pretty terrified.

Kurt does listen to Hank and nods “I’ll go talk to him and call John and Colleen too...Colleen will know soon but...I’ll go.” Kurt actually realizes that him being there is not helping Slaine and also in the way of what needs to happen “Good luck Slaine….it’ll be ok…”

Tara is already on her way to the gurney with Valentine and soon they’re right back and reaching for Slaine to help her stand if she’ll let them “Ok…..up we go…..you can out all your weight on us…..we’ve got you.”

Hank nods as Owen speaks.  He takes Slaine’s elbow and helps her up.  “You can go with her, Owen.”  he tells him softly.  Getting Slaine’s purse, he hands it to Owen.  “Good luck, kids!”

Valentine gets the gurney to Slaine and takes her from the Chief.  “There you go.  Come with us, sir.”  he doesn’t know Owen except from the grocery store.

Slaine whimpers as she is guided to her feet and put in the ambulance.  “Owen!”  she called, almost yelled.  “Owen!” 

Owen just slings the purse over him so it’s secure and he doesn’t need to think about it. He doesn’t care how it looks to be wearing a purse. They have more important things going on. He jumps into the ambulance with Slaine on the gurney and grabs her hand again as she calls his name “It’s ok I’m here….I’m not going anywhere you aren’t…..” He reassures her. “Thanks Hank..” He calls back and then nods to the EMTs “Thanks.” He’s so grateful this happened with people ready to come and help her, and them.

Tara makes sure everything is secure and then hops into the passenger seat ready to go to the clinic which is a very short drive. In no time they’re unloading Slaine and wheeling her in through the emergency doors.

Valentine drives to the clinic with the back window open to observe their patient.  At the hospital, they take her out and wheel her in.  “Dr McKinney?”

Susan hurries up to the gurney.  Over her shoulder, she calls.  “Find Dr Rogers to assist.”  she calls and then looks at Slaine.  “I guess the kids decided this is a better day to be born.”  she smiles reassuringly.  “We’re going to take you down to the operating room and get you ready for surgery.”

Slaine is still crying, but glad Owen is with her.  “But now it’s an emergency.”

Susan shrugs.  “Now we’re on the triplets schedule.  We’re ready for them.”  she pats Slaine on the shoulder.  “It’s going to be fine.  Trust us.” and she nods for the orderlies to wheel her down, where the nurse will prepare her for surgery.  Once the doors close, she looks at Owen.  “Normally I’d not let you in for an emergency section … but if you want, I can make an exception.”

Tara wheels Slaine with Valentine until the orderlies take over and then she backs up and gets out of the way, transfer of care. They head back to the ambulance after and get ready to head off.

Owen doesn’t let go of Slaine’s hand for a second “It’s ok…..” He listens to Dr. McKinney and nods at what she says looking less than ok but trying not to show it too much for Slaine. She has way more to do here that’s scarier. When Dr. McKinney says he can come into the emergency c-section he nods “Thank you...I can’t leave them…oh god I need to text someone….Liam!” He realizes Liam needs someone to get him from daycare and skips texting and just dials Seamus. Either he or Iris could take him with Katie.

Jasper hears his name being called by several people and makes his way towards Susan gloves and at the ready. He smiles at the couple trying to look reassuring “Hi there. Looks like we’re having a baby….” He says in greeting, not aware or forgetting this family is having triplets.

Valentine smiles as he hands the laboring woman over to the doctors and then joins Tara in the ambulance.  Excitement like this, he could deal with.

Susan smiles as Jasper arrives.  “And I decided to let Owen in…  I mean I know he was going to come on Tuesday, but so far I see no reason to kick him out now.”  she still wants to double check, but for the most part, she is confident this isn’t a dire emergency.  “There will be a screen, Owen.  You stick to your side of it … above the waist … and Jasper and I will keep to our side below.”

Slaine is taken downstairs, where she and her babies are examined.  She is rolled on her side and given a spinal block.  This is it.  In a way, she is more anxious than when she had Liam.

Seamus is reading text messages to Megan Brate when his phone actually rings.  He glances at the caller ID and sees it is his brother.  Answering he simply replies.  “I got a text from Kurt … so I’ll pick up Liam … we’ll have a nice afternoon of fun and ice cream.  I’ll even buy some for the kids.”  he teases then pauses a moment.  “How you doin, bro?  How’s Slaine?  Wow … it’s really happening.”

Owen is still beside Slaine when Seamus answers “Oh thank god...thank you. You rock…..uh good...so far….it’s ...I’m going to have to tell you later. It’s happening. Thanks again. I love you. I have to go.” Owen doesn’t say that a lot to his siblings even though he does really love them. But it’s an indicator of his anxiety right now, needing the grounding in his family or origin. He watches Slaine get a spinal and runs his hand through her hair just trying to offer some kind of comfort in this crazy place they’re at. But he stays where the doctor tells him.

Jasper is ready to assist Susan but it’s her patient so he asks “Ok early cesarean….anything else I should know before we scrub up?”

Slaine is almost ready and knows they are getting Owen ready as well.  In almost no tome, she can feel nothing and is laying on a table with bright lights and Owen beside her.  She smiles at him.  “I love you.”  she’s feeling better now, because shes in the hospital and she trusts her doctors.

Susan smiles at Jasper.  “Well, I do believe we’ve been covering everything we’ve had to.  So we only need to go in and get those babies out.”  she smiles.  “Lets scrub u.  And she heads in to do just that.

Jasper had forgotten it was triplets until Susan said babies plural and he overheard it again from one of the healthcare aides. Yikes….but they were doctors. He stood at the ready as she took the lead and then she basically started passing him babies. He and a healthcare aide whisked them for a quick check, a girl, a boy and then another girl...all dark haired, small but healthy. As soon as it seemed they were all safe and well he brought one of the girls to Owen with plans to bring them all in rotation unless he could hold 2 at once right off the bat. But two of the babies had fairly obvious red hair with the other girl being dark haired. 

Owen stayed on his side but could see the babies being passed and squeezed Slaine’s hand as he gasped and looked at her with a big grin. Then as Jasper carefully set one of his daughter’s in his arms, the dark haired girl he held her close to Slaine, almost between them and cried happy tears “She looks like you this one…..you did it….I love you….she’s so beautiful….”

Jasper had the redheaded boy waiting to pass too “Do you think you can hold two of them?” He asked with a little laugh. The joy was infectious. The babies were healthy.

“I think we’ll have to..” Owen said and got ready to shift the girl so he could try it.

Susan worked with Jasper and the whole thing was over in an hour.  The twins were all about 3 minutes apart and she was pleased to note that they were healthy.  After all they were only a few days early.  Small, but they were triplets.  Nothing to stick them in the clinics version of a NICU.  “You’ve done wonderfully, Slaine.”  she praised, the joy clear in her voice.  She even laughed a little.  She kept working on Slaine.  The couple had decided in advance on the tubal ligation, so she did that and then took out Slaine’s uterus, checking it carefully before returning it and beginning to close her.  She gave her tape, not staples, which would make things a little bit easier for the new and busy mother.

Slaine sniffs as her daughter came into view, held by Owen and then followed by their son.  She laughed.  “She’s beautiful … but he looks like you I think.”  she sniffed and could feel the tears.  Their children.  A nice large family just like that.”

Susan finishes up.  “Alright Slaine.”  she tells her.  “We’re going to move you up to the third floor.  It’s nice and quiet up there and you'll have plenty of help.  You’ll be ready to go home in a few days.”  she promises.

Jasper realizes Owen can’t hold three babies and he’s not putting any pressure on Slaine unless she wants to hold one so he’ll come around the other side holding the redheaded girl so they’re surrounded by their children, or Slaine is. “All healthy and lovely babies you’ve got here...congratulations. If you want to hold this one I can pass her before we wheel you all up...or we can do it upstairs.”

Owen can’t take his eyes off the babies and it overcome with joy “Maybe a bit….oh my god look at them Slaine...I can’t believe we made these amazing little humans. I know you did way more than me and you’re still doing it…..are you feeling ok? You’re a superhero to me right now.” He smiles at Susan and Jasper.

Slaine smiled at Jasper.  “Here, please … just for a minute.”  he passes the her redhead daughter over to her and she holds her.  “Oh look at you  So beautiful.”  she tells the crying baby.  “I know you’re probably cold.  Go be warm.  I’ll feed you all soon.”  she promises. And looks at Owen.  “I love you.  Thank you for them.”

Susan smiles and moves to Owen.  “Let’s get them upstairs with you.  Just a few minutes, Dad.”

Upstairs once they’re settled in and surrounded by babies they keep holding in rotations Owen can barely stop weeping with joy “Slaine I love you but I’ve never known this love too…” He looks down at his son now in his arms as she holds the dark haired daughter. The love he feels for his children is beyond powerful. He of course loves Liam but the meeting of children as they come into the world, they’re nothing more overwhelming “We hadn’t even written out all the name ideas….now we have to pick….” He looks down at the boy “Dude I’m stumped...what do you want to be called?” He asks with a laugh.

Slaine is settled into her new room.  Definitely confined to her bed for now, she happily holds their dark haired daughter.  “I get it.”  she tells him about that feeling of love for your children, especially when they’re born.  She watches him with their son, but the baby doesn’t answer him.  So she looks down at the girl she is nursing.  “My father's name was Kiet …  and perhaps …  Logan?”  she tries it out.  “Kiet Logan Reinhardt.”  They were not married, and she had toe right ro give her children her own last name, but … no … Reinhardt fit.

Owen holds the redhead girl with the little dimple in her chin “I like that name and I like honouring your dad….I wasn’t sure if you wanted to give them your surname or mine or...I just wasn’t sure…..and no expectations either way. We could hyphenate even or give two mine and oen yours as we have Liam Indi.” Then he smiles shyly “We could get married and hyphenate all of our names or pick one. I love you….let’s do whatever it takes to feel like a family. I wouldn’t mind naming this little one Joanna after my dad….but we need a Thai middle name. Did your dad have any sisters? What about your paternal grandmother?”

Slaine smiles as she nurses.  “No hyphenating .. it makes me feel like .. divided, if that makes sense.”  she hasn't looked up from nursing yet.  But then Owen suggests marriage.  Getting married.  Her head snaps up.  “But … marriage would … be perfect, I think…”  she sniffs, trying not to cry on her new baby.  “And I think Liam wants a big long complicated name like Reinhardt …”  she tells him.  I like Joanna and no sisters, but I think I like the name Kusa … it means heart in Thai.”

Owen sees Slaine trying not to cry and it makes him weepy again. “Marriage will be perfect. Liam can be a Reinhardt if he likes the name. I’d love it. I would love it if you were too. No divisions. And I love Joanna Kusa. Kiet Logan. What about this other sweet girl of ours?” He looks down at her and she briefly opens her eyes. Owen gasps and smiles “Slaine she has the most beautiful eyes!” He turns her and this dimple chinned babe seems to study her parents with her gaze like an old soul. Her eyes are light brown almost Amber which looks interesting with red hair. “Huh they’re like those crystals you see fossils preserved in....” He makes a suggestion “ Finley? A variation on Fiona and what’s Thai for Crystal?”

Slaine looks up at Owen, slightly emboldened.  “Well … for that … you’d have to marry me … and adopt Liam … “  She nods about the names of their first two children.  Now only their youngest was without a name.  She watched the little one.  “I like that.  The Thai for Crystal would be Ratana.  So ….  Joanna Kusa for their first born.  Kiet Logan for their son and second born.  And finally Finley Ratana.  She looked at her three new children.  Finley and Kiet both had Owen’s red hair while Joanna had her dark hair.  Yet Finley had her eyes while Kiet and  Joanna had their father’s green eyes.  She giggled to herself, thinking of little Katie … the nearly perfect duplication of her father Seamus.  That was Kiet.  “We have beautiful children, Owen.”  she sniffs a bit.  “I love you .. so much.”

Owen carefully leans over to kiss Slaine while they both hold babies and she is still nursing one. “Then I’ll marry you and adopt Liam.” He confirms. “I love you... and all of our beautiful children so much.” Finley starts rooting on him. “I guess you just nurse while I manage the line up now?” He asks with a little laugh.

Slaine blinks away more tears.  “Well, let’s trade for now.  “Come on, Finley.”  they trade and she begins to nurse Finley.  “I’ll definitely need a breast pump, so you can help.  Liam, too.”

A knock sounds and the door opens.  “Hello…”  Colleen Reinhardt pokes her head in and smiles.  “Oh my god, look at all of you.”  she moves to Owens' side and gives him a quick kiss.  “I am your nurse for the day and spokesperson for the family, for now.”  she tells them, holding up a large shopping bag.  Within is a breast pump.  “SInce we never got to that baby shower, I brought this and some rather unisex baby clothes.”  she tells them.  “So who do we have here?”  she wonders.

Owen beams at his mother as she comes in and also kisses her other cheek as she kisses his “Hi Mom…..Grandma...again.” He just looks so happy but is ready to hand her Joanna “Oh wow thanks for all that stuff...if you set it down you can hold Joanna Kusa….” He’s offering her the dark haired first born who’s not been fed. “Slaine has Finley Ratana…...and I’m about to pick up Kiet Logan….the lone boy...well not really since he already has a brother in Liam.” Once he’s handed off Joanna and picked up Kiet he’ll also casually add “Oh and Slaine and I are getting married….on a  less busy day than this one.” He chuckles.

Slaine smiles broadly, but tiredly as Colleen walks in bearing gifts.  “Oh thank goodness!”  she replies to the breast pump.  “After Finley is done, I’ll nurse Joanna .. the feminine of John, by the way.”  she blinks when Owen announces their engagement.  “Just slot it in there, Owen.”  she giggles.

Colleen sets her bag down and takes Joanna.  “Oh, John will be over the moon.”  she announces.  She blinks at Owen and then laughs with Slaine.  “That’s about how things work in this family, Slaine.”  she grins, looking at all three babies.  “You kids did a good job.”  she tells them.  “Liam is dying to see the babies, but I told him he would have to wait.  And in the meantime, he could help get everything ready for their homecoming.  He and Katie are working on that now.”

Owen nods “I hope so...and yeah we’re ass backwards but it works. Slaine did it….I just hold babies now and help the rotation.” He smiles. “Liam and Katie remember they can’t play Spiderman or trains for a few years right?” He jokes thinking how those two kids will be helping get things ready. “Hey we should probably take some pictures to send to everyone.” He looks at Slaine “Are you feeling up for a few baby selfies? Unless we can get another nurse or a health care aide to do it.” He holds Kiet with one arm and carefully pulls out his phone. Everything he normally did he’d have to learn to do one handed.

Colleen laughs.  “We had that talk with them, yes.”  she replies about ‘helping’.  “They will be putting diapers and clothes in drawers.”  she grins “And we’ve ordered you two a sleeper sofa for your living room.  Years before you’ll need it, but it was on sale and we couldn’t resist it.  Seamus and Logan are delivering it now and packing a few clothes for your stay here.”  she knows Slaine probably didn’t bring her bag full of things as this was sooner than expected.  “Vincent has been making and freezing foods for you guys, so cooking shouldn’t be a problem for a month or so.”  she looks at Joanna, who is starting to root.  “No .. this bar is very closed, young lady.”  then she looks at Slaine.  “Trade you.”

Slaine looks happy and touched at all of the news.  “It is all so very welcome.  Thank you, Colleen.”  she nods.  “Yes, let’s trade.  I’ll pump … soon, I suppose.”

Owen nods “Good. Oh gee thanks for the sofa. Might ask for helpers to crash there in rotation for the next while. Oh my god Vincent….you all rock.” He sees the baby trade and looks down at Kiet who’s still pretty sleepy “See your sisters will jump the line...that’s what they do.” He jokes. Kiet wasn't rooting yet.

Colleen smiles as the babies are traded.  “I’ll create a schedule.  Actually, I’ll have Fiona make up a schedule for you.”  she decides.  “I know Irish triplets are hard, so I can only imagine your future.”

Slaine nearly slumps in relief.  “I was a little worried.  But I … well I thought I … with Owen working .. would be on my own.”  she still isn’t used to her new enormous family.

Owen shook his head “Paul said I could do some from home and be at the store less….after some leave….sadly a short one but no you won’t be alone. Believe me, there’s enough Reinhardts to rotate around to help us too. Fiona will make sure we’re covered I know...thanks Mom.”

Colleen is happily bouncing with the baby in her arms.  “Good.  You better not leave her to do all of the work.  I raised you better.”  she huffs.  “And yes …  I will even drag Jude out of the forest to help if you need it.”

Slaine smiles, happily.  She is exhausted, but knows that her new son will soon want feeding.

Owen looks amused “Jude with a  baby...this I gotta see.” As Joanna drops off the breast he’s ready to switch her for Kiet. After all that was Joanna’s second round. “I would never leave her to do it all Mom….” He takes Joanna now and after two feedings there’s the sound of a sudden explosion coming from her behind. The first poops are always epic. Owen’s eyes go wide “Holy shit…” He laughs “Where are the diapers?” She has one on of course, thank goodness. Owen sees a little stack of them near one of the bassinets and makes his way over, using the bassinet to change Joanna in. The meconium poops look like scary black tar and Owen looks terrified “Uh what’s wrong with her poo? It’s all black….do we need to call the doctor?” He has no idea this is actually normal.

Colleen grins.  “Me too … I wouldn’t doubt he knows how to take are of a baby.  He knows how to do everything else.”  her hero worship of her baby brother knew no bounds.    Then Joanna poops and Owen understandably freaks a little.  “Nooo, she’s fine.”  she tells him.  “Just remember, Owen, wipe her front to back.  You don’t have to worry about dodging until Kiet’s turn.  Your father was hoping you’d have a son.  Revenge or something …  I don’t know.”  she says, vaguely.

Slaine takes Kiet and begins nursing him.  “I know baby.  Your sisters tried to hog it all, but I saved you some.”  she giggles at Owen’s reaction to Joanna’s poo and then laughs at Colleen talking about revenge without explaining whats so funny.

Owen looks relieved and opens the wipes, doing as his mother tells him “He was was he? Alright…..well then I assume he’s hoping Logan and Seamus have sons too or is it just me?” He begins to clean up the baby and looks amazed “How did all this come out of this tiny creature…..” He’s not squeamish, just in awe. Eventually he’s got the clean diaper on and is fastening it. The cord is still looking raw and he examines the bit that they were told would fall off on it’s own “Do we need to do anything with their little belly buttons while they heal?” He takes one of the unisex coloured sleepers and starts putting it on Joanna. She fusses a bit “Hey it’s ok….I got you Joanna…..” He picks her up after and walks around trying to soothe her.

Colleen chuckles.  “Oh, probably all of you, but he swore Seamus laughed every time he hit your father in the face.”  she watches him change a diaper approvingly and then change her clothes.  “A natural… I always knew you would be.”  she grins.  “Let it heal and fall off.”  she tells him.

Slaine is looking at her son.  It never got less amazing, even when they got older, she knew from her life with Liam.  But these babies would be loved as much as he was and she was happy for that.  She laughs at Colleen’s words.  “They shouldn’t know how to aim, but they do.”  she teases.

Owen snorts “Seamus I can see doing that. Thanks Mom….and thank god...we’ll be using a  lot of diapers.” He grins at Slaine “Maybe it’s in our DNA...although then we have to be taught to hit the toilet?” He muses and then after a few more turns around the room he looks down and Joanna is fast asleep. He chokes up at the beauty of it all. “Oh….they’re so perfect….all of this…” He sniffs.

Colleen laughs With boys, that is also an adventure.”  she warns him and then sees his melty face.  “They’re beautiful, Owen, but I am also biased.”  she admits.

Slaine has propped Kiet on a pillow, securing him a bit more.  “They are…”  she murmurs and then falls into a light sleep, Kiet not noticing or caring.  He nurses happily on, growing drowsy himself.