I Think I've Had Enough

Chapter 120: But It's a Beautiful Ride

A nurse came through the door and passed a container of apple juice to Patrick. Ellen was resting in the hospital bed next to him. Hadn't they just been through this? It felt so different this time. Car accidents for the most part were predictable. If you couldn't see the damage on the outside, then there most likely wasn't damage on the inside. But this time was different. The fear of the unknown overwhelmed him. 

Patrick had only been through fear like this one other time. A time that he wouldn't even let himself think about. He couldn't even stomach the comparison. He learned his throat to quietly ask the nurse, "Do you have any updates?" he paused as her face told a story, "we've been waiting a while."

The nurse shrugged, "I know. I'm sorry," her voice soft, "He should be in soon to talk to you. I know all of her tests came back."

His nerves exploded to a new level. He tried to inhale to calm his heart rate but it wasn't working. He was worried that she was sleeping though that wasn't logical since it was nearly two in the morning. 

For a moment his mind wondered to their kids. Luckily, Stella had spent this weekend with Chris, and Tallulah and the boys with Jill. He wasn't sure what they would have done. That's not a phone call you want to make to your ex wife. In fact he didn't want to make any phone calls to his ex wife. 

He feared this had been too stressful for Ellen. Could she have had some sort of strange heart attack? A stroke? Were they too young for that stuff? 

Patrick ran his hand through his hair anxiously. As if she could hear his unsettled thoughts, Ellen stirred next to him. "Hi," she spoke through a groggy voice and a soft smile.

"Hey," he replied touching her hand softly. 

Ellen looked around the bleak hospital room and then to Patrick's worried face. She wasn't nearly as scared as he was. It was definitely more traumatizing to watch than to experience. "It's ok," she said softly, "I should have had more to eat today." He didn't like hospitals, or sickness, she new that. 

"I know," his voice anything but convinced.  He pulled the container of apple juice from the tray behind him. "The nurse brought some juice for you," he opened it and slowly handed it over.

"Thanks," she nodded sitting up a little straighter.

"You feel ok now?" he asked softly.

"Just a little tired," Ellen shrugged. "What time is it?"

"Almost two fifteen," he answered.

"Well that would explain it," She smiled. "I'm sorry I ruined date night."

Still not escaping his nerves but trying desperately to pretend, "Pftt Please. It was quite an exit." He lifted his phone, "It's already on TMZ." 

Ellen rolled her eyes, "Great." 

A stirring in the hallway distracted Patrick. He could see the doctor laughing with the nurses. That's a good sign right? Or was he flirting? His face turned professional as he picked up a chart. Patrick's heart racing faster again. The doctor turned to enter their room. He plopped down casually in the chair across from Ellen's bed. Casual was a good sign right?

"Well you two could have saved me a hell of a lot of work," the doctor came in and sat at the bottom of the bed.

"How so?" Patrick asked nervously.

"Well for starters you should have mentioned you were pregnant."

"Pregnant?" Patrick asked firmly. His fears suddenly shifted to shock. 

"I'm sorry," Ellen nearly spit her apple juice.

The doctor cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter. He was suddenly feeling embarrassed about his demeanor. "Well that explains why you didn't tell me." He glanced to her chart in front of him, "Based on your hCG levels I would guess about 8 weeks..."

"I took a test," Ellen said shocked, "It was negative."

Patrick's eyes were huge as he turned to look at Ellen. A tinge of anger in his voice. "You took a test?" Patrick repeated.

"False Negatives happen," the doctor shrugged. He was suddenly the background to their minor argument.

"Yes, I took a test," Ellen turned to Patrick gesturing heavily with her hands. Her Boston accent slipping out. "It was when we weren't talking and it was negative and I felt like an idiot for even taking it." She turned back to the doctor, "I'm sorry...How is this possible?"

"It happens way more than you think," the doctor stood and leaned against the wall. "And Vasovagal syncope happens very often in pregnancy. So the fainting is nothing to worry about."

"And my age?" Ellen asked, still in shock. 

"You're age is also more common than you think. You seem to be a healthy and youthful woman. Anything over 35 is considered Advanced Maternal Age so it will adjust the protocol and the red flags but I don't see this pregnancy being an issue." He stood and squeezed Ellen's shoulder, "I'm going to order a few tests and pass you off to OB. Glad you're ok."

Patrick looked down at Ellen's hand. He didn't remember grabbing it but he was now gripping it tightly. He looked up at her eyes. She was in shock, anxiously waiting for him to say something, anything. He knew that he should comfort her tell her that it was all going to be ok but all he felt was excitement. His heart was ready to explode. In a surprised and awe filled voice he said, "We're going to have a baby."

"Mommy," Tallulah said playfully as she wrapped the corner of the door to Ellen's room. In her arms she held a blue eyed, dark haired, seven month old baby boy. She skipped along making him giggle loudly. "Look Liam, there's your mommy." She tickled him.

"Oh my handsome little boy," Ellen smiled brightly pulling him into her arms. "I missed these cheeks." She kissed his chubby cheeks.