I was about to close it when I clumsily dropped some of the favours that were poking out of my baby shower folder onto his desk. Shuffling them back up into the folder, I saw a post it note that had been ripped and shoved into the trash. Piecing it back together, I tried to decipher the message.
It had been written using the code my father always used when writing messages he did not want anyone to read though this was not his handwriting. I had tried aimlessly for months trying to figure out his secret message system, but had finally solved the mystery with the help of an accelerated math student at high school. It was a play on the Fibonacci sequence, but with a military take on it, using coordinates too. Grabbing the pad, I began to reveal the message.
As you requested, these three will do the job. L.
It meant nothing specifically to me, but considering they were discharged from the army, why would my father need them to work for him at all?
Pondering this briefly before the sound of movement upstairs sent me into gear, grabbing my stuff and rearranging everything as I found it; I quickly stuffed the deciphered message into my pocket and closed the study door behind me.
Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, I headed to my room and closed the door. My heart was pounding and I lay down onto the bed, clutching the note as though my life depended on it.
Caitlan – shower me
It was the morning of Lexi’s baby shower and after the last two days with my brother being here; I was so ready to just relax once my job interview this morning was over and enjoy the day.
He had to leave before the party to catch a flight back and I had never felt so jubilant at a family member leaving before.
I quickly showered and got dressed into my interview clothing, a skirt, blouse and blue cardigan, applying a modest amount of makeup, I was ready to leave. Arranging the interview so I would be back in time for the party I was the first up for the day. Grabbing some orange juice out of the fridge I left for my bus.
The restaurant was in an upper class part of town, one where you would need to make a reservation months in advance and that would not guarantee securing a spot. Unless you were famous or had pull, the resounding no would be the only answer.
Sitting on the bus and surveying my attire, I wondered if I was just dreaming thinking I had a chance at this job. It was the building that drew me in, such astounding historical architecture, just being in the building was reward enough, through the pay cheque would not be such a torturous thing.
I smiled and stood to exit at my stop, the butterflies churning as I entered the gothic building.
‘Hi, I have an appointment with Mr Lee,’ I announced, having practiced for hours last night, trying to sound mature and professional.
‘Of course, one moment please,’ the concierge confirmed, going into what I assumed was the manager’s office, smiling as he closed the door behind him. I surveyed the room and was not disappointed, having never been inside before.
The restaurant was stunning, from floor to ceiling. Red velvet drapes shielded you from the outside world, creating a warm historical vibe throughout the room. I could just picture the guests musing over the menu and contemplating the next big discovery in business when the sound of my name brought me tumbling back to the present.
‘Lexi, come this way,’ a man in his late twenties escorted me into the office and sat in front of an old antique wooden desk was the manager.
‘Please take a seat, this is just an informal chat today,’ he confirmed, ushering me forwards as the door was closed behind us. ‘Tell me a little about yourself,’ he commanded, politely, but assured in his position.
I took a deep breath to compose myself and filled him in about my schooling, dance and job experience. It was not the strongest of resumes, but the volunteer work my sister and I had done for Madam’s parties, serving drinks and appetisers, always elaborate in nature, as only Madam could, seemed to please him.
‘Yes, I know Madam well and she spoke of you and your sister highly. As you are no doubt aware, this restaurant has extremely high standards and as such, we have a comprehensive training programme that you must complete. The next entry date is in three months’ time, which falls in with your school semester finishing. After the training period, assuming you pass, you will be offered the next available start date. How does this sound?’ He appraised me up and down and I suddenly felt very uncomfortable, almost whispering my acceptance. The door opened and the guy from earlier escorted me out.
‘I will see you soon,’ he smirked, and I turned around surprised.
‘Did he already tell you I got the job?’ Not noticing them exchange any confirmation as I left the office. He laughed sardonically.
‘I knew it as soon as you walked through the door; he is not blind nor stupid. Welcome aboard.’ Puzzled and completely lost at his thought train I smiled weakly and exited the building, taking one last look at the exterior.
Brushing off the uncomfortable feelings, and relishing the pay cheque I waited for the bus, ready to enjoy Lexi’s baby shower.
The balloons were the first thing that I saw as I turned the corner, neutral, as we did not know officially the sex, but I did without a doubt, he would be a boy. The ribbons floating in the breeze, dancing under mother’s natures command, I opened the door jubilantly.
People had already started to arrive and quickly throwing on my party dress I ran downstairs finding Lexi and my mom in the kitchen preparing to serve appetizers and drinks.
My mom had got some popcorn chicken with dipping sauces, fruit kebabs, tons of chips and the obligatory ice cream. I was just about to say hi and grab a tray when a huge box from the bakery distracted me, the label, gender reveal party, took me by surprise and then the hurt started to flow.
‘You had a gender ultrasound?’ I asked, my voice barely able to hide my feelings, swallowing the tears quickly away.
‘You are back, how did the interview go?’ My mom hugged me and then turned to my sister, grinning.
‘We wanted to surprise you,’ Lexi gushed, looking guilty and excited at the same time.
‘Okay, well you got me,’ I replied, not sure, whether I was angry or just disappointed I missed it. ‘I got the job, Mom, the training starts in three months,’ I confirmed, catching my sister’s eyes and she looked positively bereft. Not wanting to spoil her big day, I walked over and hugged her.
‘Congratulations, Lexi,’ I whispered as I hugged her tightly, as much as possible with her huge blooming belly.
‘I want you to cut the cake,’ she replied, suddenly looking a bit more relaxed, and I nodded, the anger whittling away, replaced with warm fuzzy feelings. I was about to find out my whether I was going to have a nephew or a niece, reproaching myself for the stupid reaction I had.
The party was going great, everyone had played the diaper game, and even Seth had got involved, making retching sounds at the chocolate diapers, winning the contest in the end. Which kid does not know all the candy bars in the world?
I was handing out drinks, pink lemonade and blue punch, watching as Lexi was revelling in all the positive attention, so thankful our father had to go back to work today. It was nearly time for presents, but before that, we were going to cut the gender reveal cake. The group of my mom’s friends and a couple of girls from our ballet class, whose parents had allowed them to attend, not worrying that, Caitlan, was a bad influence gathered, mom carried out the cake.
It was a three-tier structure in white with daisy marzipan flowers in yellow all around, Lexi’s favourite. Handing me the knife I eyed my sister suspiciously.
‘You don’t know the sex?’ The excitement was exuding out of her and I watched as her face lit up incredulous.
‘Did you think I would have found out without you, no way,’ she retorted and I threw myself into her arms. That meant more to me than she could ever fathom, every lie, hidden truth and secret she had kept whittled away, like a snowflake under the desert sun.
‘Together?’ I pulled h
er towards the cake and holding the knife, we tore through the bottom tier, cutting a perfect slice.
‘Ah, it is a boy,’ she gasped, the tears flowing down every woman’s face in the room.
Hugging Lexi tightly, JC was joining our family.
Everyone was caught in the moment, congratulating, enjoying the blue sponge and frosting as Lexi devoured the marzipan daisies. It would be gift time soon and quickly excusing myself to use the bathroom; I grabbed my laptop and typed a message.
Lucas, it is a boy, I’m so excited.
Love you xx
The reply back was almost instant. I loved that about him.
What, she had the baby already?
Love u always xx
Realising my confusing message I explained about the gender reveal party and hit send just as my mom was shouting me for the gift portion of the shower.
Running downstairs, Lexi was sat on the living room chair with a mountain of gifts surrounding her, all decorated with ribbons and balloons. Some of the guest had either took a guess on the sex or bought more than one option as the little outfits and onesies Lexi opened were gender specific and so adorably cute. Monkeys, dinosaurs and teddy bears followed with larger items including a car seat, and bouncer next.
I grinned at Lexi, thrilled that she would have everything she and JC needed to start off with, hundreds of diapers and burp clothes with an abundance of wipes.
It was my turn, and I wheeled in the stroller she had been eyeing for weeks, tied with a bunch of blue balloons. Not wanting to face the fact that my father had paid for it, I focused on Lexi and her enjoyment of the moment.
My mom’s gift was a bassinet, and I had a little extra gift for Lexi, which I would give to her when we were alone.
After everyone had gone home, and I had helped tidy up while Lexi napped, exhausted from the day, I watched as my mother cleaned, knowing there was something she needed to tell me.
‘Everything okay, Mom?’ Dumb question, I knew it was not, but waited for her to be ready to fill me in.
‘Let’s sit down, sweetie.’ I suddenly felt like I was being stabbed in the eye, the pain blinding me and prevented me from doing anything other than scream. ‘What is it, Lexi, what is wrong?’ My mother yelling over my screams in between me trying to mouth the words.
‘Caitlan.’ I had always shared this connection to her, she not as strongly, but I ached and hurt whenever she had fallen or bruised herself. Her stomachache was mine as children and the connection had only gotten stronger as we got older.
Mom launched herself from the living room at full speed, me desperately following behind her as Lexi lay on the bed, moaning and writhing around in pain. Seth had followed us, hearing the screams outside playing soccer and arrived behind me in Lexi’s room.
‘Call 911, now,’ our mother yelled and I grabbed the phone, unable to see to dial, the blinding headache too much for me. Seth took the phone out of my hands and called for an ambulance as my mother sat hunched with Lexi in her arms trying to soothe her as best she could.
The ambulance arrived minutes later with the paramedics ploughing up the stairs rushing to Lexi’s aid. They carried her down on a stretcher and I sat in the ambulance with her as my mother drove Seth behind us.
‘Please be okay, Lexi, please,’ I whispered, squeezing her hand and watching as the paramedic checked her vitals on the monitor.
We waited what seemed like hours before anyone came to talk to us, explaining that Lexi had developed pre-eclampsia and would have to stay in hospital and be monitored closely. The only cure for the condition was delivery, but with Lexi only being thirty-one weeks, they would try to treat the symptoms of the condition, only delivering if it worsened.
I held my sister’s hand as she slept, exhausted from the day’s events and my mother the other hand, watching for any signs of deterioration. Seth had fallen asleep on the chair behind us and I rubbed my head with my free hand, still throbbing, not wanting to know how much it was still hurting Lexi.
‘Any better, sweetheart?’ my mother asked, her eyes willing for me to say yes and that Lexi was getting better.
‘A little,’ I lied, wanting to help calm her, though I knew she could see right through me, lying was not my forte, at least it never came naturally and I was too exhausted to pretend any more.
The doctors rounded on Lexi once more that night and we all slept in her room, desperate for any news or signs she was okay. The baby was doing well so far, not seemingly affected by his mother’s condition, but they were worried about Lexi’s liver and kidney function and her blood pressure was not decreasing at the rate they would like.
I watched the magnesium drip slowly into her portal, pushed down through the IV into her arm, willing the medicine to work.
Around two am, my mother had finally passed out next to Lexi’s side and for the first time in hours, my headache had dulled.
‘Caitlan,’ the weak voice rang out, and I rushed to her side.
‘I’m here, we are in the hospital, you’re going to be okay,’ I reassured, clutching her hand as she tried to focus her eyes.
‘JC?’ she mouthed, her eyes half closing again.
‘He is fine, I promise,’ I proclaimed, as she closed her eyes and went back to sleep.
I lay her hand gently down and went to splash water onto my face. Grabbing mom’s cell phone, I opened my email account and filled Lucas in about what had happened.
Shutting the phone off, I crawled next to Seth and snuggled with him falling asleep, pain free finally. Lexi was going to be okay.
Lexi – hospital party
It had been three weeks since my baby shower that ended with me developing pre-eclampsia and being hospitalised until my due date.
Not really remembering much about that night, I was just fed up with being in bed all day. My mom and Caitlan would visit as much as they could, but sitting here all day was driving me crazy.
I had my own room, TV and snacks galore, all bought by my amazing sister who spent hours making me videos to watch to keep me entertained and was at my beck and call.
It was our seventeenth birthday tomorrow, and I was looking forward to having some visitors for our make shift hospital birthday party.
‘Good morning, Caitlan, just here to check your blood pressure,’ the nursing assistant confirmed, attaching the cuff to my arm as she smiled at my array of snacks.
‘Your sister visiting today?’ she asked, frowning a little before I had chance to respond.
‘Something wrong?’ I questioned, fear suddenly enveloping me.
‘It has gone up a little overnight, I will ask the doctor to come and check on you. You’re in safe hands here,’ she reassured patting my hand, gathering up her equipment as she closed the door behind her.
I sat back onto the pillow; I did have a little headache, but just thought that was lack of fresh air and reading a lot.
Grabbing the calendar, I did the math. I would be thirty-four weeks tomorrow; the baby should be able to cope reasonably well out of the womb. Just hoping I would have a little longer with him inside to grow.
Sticking my head out of the window as much as I could I breathed in the scent of stocks and lavender that were planted just underneath my window. The sky was crystal clear without a cloud in sight, not too hot, not too cold, the perfect day to have a baby and I stopped. No, he needed to stay inside until he was ready.
Wanting to escape this room was not the reason to have him delivered early.
I was interrupted by a knock at the door and in came my sister, Seth and our mom, laden down with balloons, party decorations and a myriad of glitter.
‘Wow, did you leave anything behind at Party City?’ I marvelled at their load, grinning from ear to ear. This was going to be so much fun.
‘They could do with re-stocking,’ Caitlan giggled, such a beautiful sound that made my heart flip. She was glowing and I knew the new job training she was going through was having an effect. She seemed so much more confident
in herself, her abilities and generally all around. Lucas definitely had a huge part to do with that too.
‘How are you feeling, sweetie?’ My mother frowned eyeing me up and down, touching my head gently. Mother’s intuition. I just hoped that I would develop that skill when I was taking care of JC.
‘Sure, Mom, just a bit tired,’ I reassured, not wanting to lie, I was more tired than Madam ever could have gotten me in ballet practice. Sleeping was next to impossible now, my belly so big I could not find any comfortable position. But that was not the only reason. I wanted us all to have fun for a day. We all needed it without worrying about me, my father or anything else. Just fun.
‘Let’s get started,’ Caitlan declared, giving everyone their own task to complete. Mine was to sit down and make streamers. Of course, sitting down was essential and my back was joyfully in full agreement.
We were all busy decorating when the doctor came in to check on me.
‘Dearie, I think tomorrow is the day,’ he announced with his thick Scottish accent that I had only just begun to understand after almost eight months of pregnancy.
‘Tomorrow?’ I gasped and my mother interjected.
‘You will induce?’ My mother replied, looking nervous as she held my free hand, the other still holding the streamers I had prepared earlier, my heart racing with fear and joy. I would have my baby tomorrow.
‘No, if Caitlan agrees I would rather do a C-section, I do not want to risk her blood pressure rising further doing an induction. Caitlan, we have already discussed this may be the outcome. What are your thoughts?’ The best part about him being my doctor was that he did not treat me like a child and even more so he treated me as an equal in all my care.
‘Yes, I want what is best for JC, a C-section is fine, as long as my sister can be in the room with me,’ I was shaking internally, never having had a tooth out, let alone major surgery, having my belly ripped open and a baby yanked out. Taking a deep breath to steady myself, Caitlan was at my other side, stroking my arm reassuringly.
The Beginning (The Butterfly Series Book 2) Page 15
