35: Preggers and X-man Ages Up

(originally posted on 11/09/2011)

Me: John, you okay?
John blinks a few times: Uh, yes. That just took me by surprise.
Me: Sorry.
John: I thought you wouldn't want to have another baby.

I stand there a little wide-eyed, staring at him. How did he know that? We'd never discussed kids after Xavier.


Me: Greg really wants a baby. I'm okay with it.
John looks at me like he doesn't believe the last thing I said.
I ask defensively: What?
John sighs in an aggravated manner: Nevermind. I won't tell you how to live your life. Wanna dance?
Me: Er, okay.

What is he getting at 'I won't tell you how to live your life'? Like HE knows better. It was always that way with him. Nothing like a reminder of why we're divorced, well, other than Greg.

Still though, I really appreciate how he understands. Oh, I won't admit that to HIM, and I'm actually a little pleasantly surprised that he cares.


We hit the little dance floor and we're quiet for a few minutes.

John: I'm sorry, Elena. I'm just concerned.
Me: Don't worry about it. (I pause) So, how are you and Raquel doing?
John: We're not. She didn't tell you?
Me: I haven't spoken to her in a while. I'm sorry to hear it.
John shrugs: Eh, it wasn't going anywhere and we both knew it. We've just been friends for too long.

I trip and almost fall, but in a reflex action John catches me. I breathe a sigh of relief. I look up at him in gratitude, and he does that slow smile of his. My heart goes thud. There are some parts about John that I really miss.

John: Still can't stay on your own two feet I see.
I smile: I'm fine as long as their's always someone to catch me.


We dance quietly some more. He's being a little obvious that he doesn't want me to overdo it.


He just stares at me. I'm getting a little self-conscious. I look away, but I can still FEEL him looking at me. He once told me to never ask a man what he's thinking because you probably don't want to know. This is one of those times.


Me: I probably should be getting home now.
John: Alright. See you.

He looks a little down. That bugs me. Geez, that bugs me that that bugs me.

I go home to tell Greg about the upcoming baby. He nearly wets himself with excitement. I don't think I've ever seen him smile this big.

Greg: Hey there, baby. You're gonna join a pretty big family. We're all so excited you're on your way. Just hang out with Mommy some and then Daddy can play with you too.

Men are so weird when it comes to their babies. Cute weird, but weird.


Greg looks up at me: This is so GREAT!


He stands up and I can't help but mirror his smile.


Then, without warning, he closes the gap between us and kisses me so passionately that I doubt I'll ever be able to recover from it.

Friggin-A he's a great kisser.


That night we dream the dreams of happy people.

Possibly Wednesday


Early this morning Betty dropped off DeMarco since she and what's-his-name could go on a second honeymoon. I feel a little awkward around him. I mean, here I am... the woman that caused the breakup of his parents sitting right next to him eating a breakfast salad. Finished eating, I get up to wash my plate.


The bad part is now I don't know who to blame.


Looks like Greg is a victim too. I can't help but want to blame DeMarco. He had a little time before we all got up this morning to do this, and Marie, I think, is just a bit old for this kind of crap.

Before she leaves for school I ask Marie if she did it.

Marie: You just don't get it do you? Don't I have enough drama in my life without you blaming me for stuff I didn't do?! How could I even have the TIME to orchestrate something like that?


Me: Chill out, Marie! Geez, I was just asking because you used to do this kind of stuff.
Marie lets out a huff.


Me: Maybe a change of scenery would help you if you have too much going on. Perhaps that preppy boarding school we heard about? That would take you away from all this "drama."


Marie: NO! Please! Please. I'm sorry okay? I'll try to keep my problems to myself. But, no, I didn't do it!


Me: Alright, alright. Just calm down. I said it as a maybe. I just worry that your grades are slipping because of all the things that might be going on. You know, you CAN come to me to talk about them. As long as you don't yell them to me. You don't have to hold it all inside.
Marie: Yeah, maybe.


That night, I decide to go ahead and throw a birthday party for Xavier. I invite over all the people that are important to him. Hmm, looks like a Parren birthday. Eric, Sue and Jonah are here. For some strange reason, Alex and Dawson Creek were invited as well. I guess Marie invited them...as well as her boyfriend.


John and Greg hardly speak to one another. Geez guys, please don't ruin Xavier's party, K?

There's a little tiff about who's going to help Xavier blow out the candles. I just give Greg a warning look and he agrees to let John do it.

Greg does stand real close and kind of gets in John's way the whole time, though.

(mypalsim1: This was neat how the game did this. John obviously doesn't live there but he was chosen as the one to do the cake bit.)


cute


I hope he gets the cross-eyedness from his father's side. Who knows about my side. They're John's eyes after all.


At the party I also notice where some of Marie's drama is coming from. I get the feeling Dawson is making a play for his brother's ex-girlfriend. Oh boy. And her actual boyfriend just stands there and watches helplessly.


Okay that's better. Just a momentary growth spurt thing.

34: Playing Around

(originally posted 11/09/2011)

Monday I think...

Greg: Where do you think you're going?
Me: Upstairs to change. (I laugh) You got me all sweaty.
Greg snorts: Why do we even HAVE a hot tub if you're not going to use it? C'mon... no one's watching...

O.O

He starts taking everything off when...

...the hot tub starts suddenly filling with green slime. At least it did that BEFORE we got in it.

Me: Why does everything have to break!? This drives me crazy.

Greg just shakes his head with a small smile and pulls out his phone.

Greg: Calm down, Elena. So we'll just use it later. I've got the repair lady coming by.

I sigh exasperatedly and walk upstairs to change. Greg runs up the stairs after me and tackles me onto the bed.

Me: What the?
Greg: I just thought since you were changing your clothes anyway...
Me: Uh huh.
Greg: Well, why not start trying right now?

I just laugh. Why not?


Greg: Now you're REALLY sweaty. (He grins impishly.)
I roll my eyes: Let me go take a shower then.
Greg: Can I come?
Me: No! (I laugh at his sad expression-he can't fool me!) Just give me a minute? (the last word said in question)
Greg pouts: Okay.... (then his face perks up) Hey! Sounds like the hot tub is getting repaired!

I just grin. He's being a silly kind of happy, and it's contagious.
Right after I get in the shower I hear Marie's shower kick on. Good thing he waited until I was done. Our lame water system can't handle two showers going at once--unless you want an ice bath.
When I get out I just go ahead and put on my swimsuit. Then I go out to sit in the nice, freshly clean hot tub. That repair lady was FAST.


Greg: Hey beautiful, mind if I join you?
I purse my lips a little and give him a small glare: Sure, I've got nothing else better to do.
Greg: Hey!
I laugh.
Greg: Seriously, come here.

He pulls me in and wraps his arm around me.

Greg: I just can't wait to have a baby. I was an only child you know, and I want to have a lot of kids. Thing is, we already have a lot of kids. (He squeezes me and sighs happily.) What with Marie, Xavier, and now I have some custody rights to DeMarco...with this new baby it'll be a full house.

Uh oh. A small feeling of dread comes over me. I don't know what to tell him. I already agreed to having this child... but my decision really was based on the fact that I am going to be heartbroken every time John takes the kids--This way I'd have someone John can't touch with a custody battle. Also, I really do want a little Gregish imp running around. But, now with DeMarco...if we have all of them at the same time there won't be enough beds let alone room! And I'm supposed to be the MOTHER of the crew? I want to faint.


Greg doesn't give me any more time to think on it. Have I ever mentioned he's VERY good at distracting my thoughts? Maybe I have.


Afterwards, we just sit there in the hot tub until Marie gets home from school. John is supposed to bring Xavier by at 6. I have to get dinner started and I'm worried Greg is going to get a sunburn. I bet he already did.

Pretty sure it's Tuesday


Oh great. This is how I wake up the next morning. Why does this happen so quickly?

After my "lovely" visit to the restroom, I go and sit in the hot tub for a bit because my back is bothering me. Probably from the previous visit in this hot tub.

Later, when I go to check on Greg since he hasn't gotten up, I find that yes indeed he did get a sunburn. He had been trying to deny and/or prevent it all evening and night. I try to rub some aloe on his back, but since I've never had a sunburn myself I apparently don't know how to do it right. He sends me out as I apologize and he keeps wincing.

After a while my stomach starts bothering me again. I decide to go get something with bubbles in it at Leo's.


It's about noon by now and a few people come in for lunch. Suddenly...


Poof! I spin into maternity wear. Guess I'm pregnant.

Oh look, there's John. Last night we sorted through a few of our problems while Greg was upstairs rubbing wet tea bags all over himself trying to drive away the sunburn. ANYway, John and I sat at the table and worked out a better custody agreement. We're doing one week off, one week on. We're going to get it put down on paper because I don't trust him and I think he doesn't trust me. I don't blame him. Also, I was really impressed at how calm he was. I guess the anger management has been helping him.

So, I decide to go over and talk to him. He challenges me to a game.


Me: Bring it!
John: Elena, there's no way you're going to win this. I've got it hands down.
Me: Uh uh, I've got skills.

He just laughs and we play.


John: Um, Elena... You're looking a little... different.
Me: Quit trying to distract me.


I scored.

Me: And, yes, I'm pregnant.

John's hands get loose on his side as I win the game. I look up and grin at him. He looks shocked.

33: Doubts

(originally posted 11/02/2011)


Okay, I've worked my butt off and gotten visa level 3!


This is our new little vacation getaway. It didn't cost much and Greg is looking forward to a little fishing. I have mixed feelings about killing fish. They're the only animal food that I've not made up my mind on. I just know I'm not going to eat any.


Just a funny pic of me annoying Greg with my snake charmer basket. I've been completely ignoring the possible topic of conversation that I don't want to even mention. (baby) I've been successful at it for days. I think Greg might be more annoyed by that than the snake basket.


He finally corners me on the subject: Elena darling, I'm happy that you've been working so hard on getting us this place, but we haven't talked about having children since the other night.


Me: Greg, I just don't know. Thus far I've made a terrible mother.


Greg: How can you say that? After the way you fought tooth and nail for your kids? No "bad mother" would do that. Where on earth are you getting this idea that you're a bad mother?


Greg pulls me closer to him as I stand there and think about how I seem to have no relationship with Marie, and how Xavier plays viciously with his toys-making them beat each other up. Maybe that's just a boy thing, but I'm not totally convinced. And that doesn't even take into account that I've broken up their home for my own selfish desires. I am NOT one who should've ever had kids, or adopted, or anything. I'm hardly worthy enough to be someone's wife let alone their mother.

Me: Greg. I just don't think I can do it again. What if I screw this child up even more than the other two?


Greg: You did NOT screw up the other two. No, the situation isn't ideal, but that doesn't mean they're screwed up. They know you love them and they know their father loves them. I think you're wonderful for wanting him to be able to have more time with them than the court decreed. I wish Betty had done the same for me. And I want US to have children that are a little bit of me and a little bit of you, well maybe more of you (he smiles).

He touches my face and tries to tuck that bit of my hair that won't stay put behind my ear. He can't get it behave either so he finally gives up.

Me: But, Greg. What if...
He interrupts me: No what if's

I'm still torn. On the one hand I see Greg's point of view. It would be so neat to have a little Greg running around. Still, I shouldn't base my decision on thinking it would be "neat." I'm so so worried and I think Greg can tell in the way that I'm kissing him. So, he works on reassuring me with his. Maybe I should just let nature decide.


Me: I'm just so worried.
Greg grins: You shouldn't be. It's not like you'll be doing this alone.
I laugh a little.
Greg: Let's just try. What if the two of us together are awesome parents? Xavier really likes me. Marie tolerates me, which I guess is the best I'm going to get from a teenager. I want to try.

Then he gets this wild gleam in his eye. Uh oh. I know this look.

Me: Greg! Put me down!

I start squealing as he acts like he's going to drop me on my butt on the floor. He laughs as that makes me hold on to him tighter. He's not putting me down.

Me: Greg, put me down nicely.

Geez, why do I have to be so specific?

Greg: Okay.
Me: This isn't quite what I meant.

He just lays there over me, staring at me.

Me: What?
Greg: I'm not giving up. I want kids. At least one.

Me: Curse you and your dammed persistance.

I smile as I sit up a little and kiss him. Neat, I think I actually took him by surprise. I'd better enjoy the moment, that doesn't happen often.


I'm guessing I don't need to narrate this part.


Ehem, afterwards, Greg decides to try his hand at a little fishing. I can't watch, so I go hunting for rocks.
(btw-Greg SUCKS at fishing)

That night we take our journey back to our little hometown. John is supposed to drop Xavier off Monday afternoon. I can't wait to see him again.


Greg and I have Monday and Tuesday off as a little gift from work. Monday morning I walk up to Greg and interrupt his workout. He looks at the expression on my face and stops immediately.

Me: Greg. I've thought about it. Alot. Let's just leave the decision about the baby up to nature. If it happens, it was meant to be. If not, it wasn't. But... I kinda do hope it IS meant to happen.

I smile. Greg just throws his arms around me. I'm going to have to go change my dress because now it's all sweaty, but I don't care. I just love the look of sheer joy on his face. I guess I can do this. If Greg is certain, then why should I doubt?