My Exception (sequel to No Exceptions)

Sixteen

Rackel's POV

One month later

I never knew how lonely you could feel in a crowded room. Friendly faces offering smiles but no answers; nothing of real substance.

No one could, or rather would, tell me where Daryl had gone, or when he would be back.

"He'll be back." was the most common response. This usually was followed by an impossibly important task that had to be addressed right at that very moment.

Where are you my love?

Maggie ended up joining me for my ultrasound in my partner's absence, grateful that I had such a supportive friend. My two little jelly babies had grown into ETs, cuddled into themselves. Their hearts thrummed like little hummingbirds, fear piled on top of my already maxed out psyche.

"Are they OK Carson? Are their little hearts going too fast?" Maggie squeezed my hand and nodded in encouragement.

He tucked his wavy ginger hair behind his ear before placing a hand on my shoulder, "That's perfect Rackel! Your babies are perfect!"

I looked back over to the monitor just in time to watch the top baby kung-fu kicking their sibling in the head. I stroked my belly with a single finger, already smitten.

"You've gotta learn to share sweetie."

Maggie and I giggled then quickly transitioned into tears, both feeding off our hormonal states.

Carson shook his head and scoffed in jest, removing the wand from my abdomen. "Okay ladies, I think that's enough excitement for one day. Who's idea was it for two pregnant ladies to come here today?" He laughed, not realizing how raw the topic was.

I wailed, the moment just too much to take. The incessant weeping was impossible to turn off; knowing full well that I was making him feel uncomfortable but unable couldn't stop it. "I I I I'm soo sorry doctor! I nnnn..." After taking a deep breath I tried again, "I know you didn't mean it!"

Carson's eyelids disappeared, backing away slowly, "I think I'll give you ladies a minute..."

The door slammed behind him; I buried my head in my hands, praying that the weeping would cease. My lifeline gave me a moment before pulling my hands away, revealing a splotchy face. Maggie took her delicate finger and waved it at me, "now listen to me baby girl! I'm sure that whatever Daryl's doing is really important. Otherwise he'd never be away from you for so long." The knot in my throat formed as I tried to look away from her, but she just sat up and locked our eyes again, "you know that it would take a mountain of stuff to keep him away from these little ones!"

Why won't anyone tell me?

Precious little energy was left for restraint; so I opened the flood gates, letting it all out, "I just wish that he was here for this! I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like everyone knows something I don't. People look at me differently, no-one wants to talk to me!"

Maggie nodded, she didn't even bother to deny it, "I've asked Glenn and he told me that he's treating a sick prisoner. Something about he wanted them to be taken care of."

The idea of him caring for someone from Sanctuary made my heart soar. "I love him so much Maggie. I just want him home already!"

"He will beautiful! Just keep yourself busy!"

Whilst wrapping my arms around my midsection I nodded; I couldn't be selfish with this. He was doing the right thing and that was going to take longer than other less palatable methods. The fact that the father of my children was safe should've been enough, but the worry didn't completely subside.