In the Blink of an Eye

by S J Batsford

  The room fills with the sweetest sound of my child’s heartbeat.

  “Wow,” Mace whispers, I look at him, seeing tears sparkling in his eyes.

  God, he loves chunk as much as I do.

  “Oh…” I hear the doctor murmur, and I panic looking at her.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask, my voice wavering.

  “Nothing’s wrong, but there are two heartbeats.”

  “Oh, my god.”

  ~*~

  I stare in shock out of the window while Mace drives. I’m still in shock. I thought it was going to be hard with one baby, but two.

  Shit. What am I going to do now? Two babies twice the work and no daddy in sight.

  “You okay over there?” Mace asks hesitantly.

  “I don’t know Mace. I think I’m in shock, and freaking out a little bit. How am I going to cope with two babies?”

  “Just take deep breaths, it’ll be okay. I promise, I’ll be there every step of the way,” he assures.

  “I know, but it’s not the same. I’m sorry, I love you. You’re amazing, but you’re not their dad. I’m going to need constant help. You have school and eventually you’ll have to go home.” I breath, my life feels like it's spinning out of control, it’s overwhelming me.

  “You’re still keeping them? Right?” He asks anxiously.

  Honestly, I can’t answer that right now, so I keep quiet. Closing my eyes, trying to stave off a massive headache.

  Am I seriously thinking about giving up my babies? No. I can’t, no matter how hard it’ll be I can’t do that. They didn’t ask to be created, it’s not their fault.

  When we finally arrive back I’m glad to see Nan’s not home because I need time to process.

  “Are you going to tell Ethan?” Mason’s quiet question brings me up short.

  God, that means another hard conversation with him. I was hoping to not have to talk to him till the baby was born.

  “Shit, I’m going to have to aren’t I?” I whine.

  “Yep, you can do this you’re the strongest woman I know.” I hug him.

  “Thanks, but right now I don’t feel so strong. I feel helpless and scared shitless.”

  “I’d be worried if you weren’t scared. You’ll get through this and then you’ll have two, cute little babies.” His excitement sparks a warm feeling inside me. I can do this, I have to.

  “Should I call him now?”

  “Yeah. He’ll still be at work.”

  “Do you want me to leave the room?”

  “Do you want to stay?”

  “I think this is between you and Ethan.”

  ~*~

  “Lily?” I close my eyes as his voice washes over me.

  “Hello?” It’s now or never.

  “Hi, Ethan.” I’m so nervous I’m shaking.

  “Are you okay?” He asks, panic shaking his voice.

  “I’m fine, I’m…” Shit, I don’t know how to word this.

  “Is it the baby?” I can hear his erratic breathing through the phone.

  “No. Not exactly. We’re fine. Healthy.” An audible sigh comes through the phone.

  “What’s the matter then? You said you’d call when the baby was born.”

  “Well, I went to the scan today and…. Well, it seems, we... There are two babies,” I stutter.

  “Oh god,” he breathes.

  “Are you okay? I know it must be a shock. It never even crossed my mind. I suppose it should have since I’m a twin.” His rambling makes me smile.

  “Yeah. I’m shocked, but okay, I think.”

  “What are we going to do? This on top of everything else…” I know just how he’s feeling. I was blown away too.

  “We carry on the way we have, until the babies are born. Then we can talk. Listen, I just don’t know what to say or do right now. How the hell am I going to cope with two babies?”

  I’m sick of feeling unsettled, unsure. I had just got on an even keel and now this. It’s thrown me through a loop.

  “We need to talk about this, Lily. We can’t keep ignoring it, I can help. I know this is hard, but you’re not alone. I’m right here, I want to help, I want to be there for you and our babies. Please?” I feel myself weakening at the desperation in his tone, I want to say yes.

  “I... I don’t know Ethan.”

  “Please? I want to be there, to see you grow, to see my babies. Please?”

  I know I’m going to need his help and support. “What about Ashley? She’s not going to like this. Have you even told her about me and the baby... Babies?” The pause is telling. He hasn’t even told his wife.

  “No, not yet. We’ve been busy, I meant to tell her before the wedding, but everything was happening so fast, and I was upset about us.”

  “I wondered why she never contacted me. I suppose I have that to look forward too?”

  “No. I’ll talk to her at lunch, but everything was fine? With the babies?”

  “Yeah. It was amazing, I should have thought there was more than one with how big I am for twelve weeks,” I chuckle.

  “When do you find out their sexes?”

  “I’m having a 3D scan at sixteen weeks, I hope to find out then. My doctor said they are better at telling the sex’s earlier than 2D scans.”

  “Wow. That’s soon. I know this is a lot to ask after everything, but could I come to that scan? I would like to see my babies.” I’d have to be a heartless bitch to say no to him, I can hear the heartache in his voice.

  “Okay, yes. You can come, but you have to sort it so both you and Mace can be there. He’s so excited, I won’t push him out. He was amazing today.”

  He huffs, I know he’s jealous, but he got himself into this mess. “Okay, give me the number and I’ll call,” he sighs. “I know it’s wrong, but I’m jealous of Mayo; he’s seen my kids before me, he knew there were two of them before me, he knew everything before me.”

  “This conversation is pointless. It was your choice, Ethan. You chose her. How did you think it would be between us, when you chose another woman over me? Then went and married her,” I yell pissed at him all over again.

  “I don’t know. Just not like this. I’m going to miss so much of their lives, even though I’ll be there as much as I can.”

  I laugh humourlessly “you mean as much as Ashley will allow you to be.” I snap.

  “Hey. What’s all the shouting about?” Mason asks, rushing into the room. I put the phone on speaker.

  “Your brother’s pissed off and jealous, because you’ve seen ‘his’ kids and knew about there being two first. He expected us all to play happy families, after he chose Ashley. Funny thing is Mace. Ashley still doesn’t know about me or the babies,” I rant.

  “What the fuck, E? You still haven’t told her? I thought you would have told her before marrying her,” Mason yells.

  “Yeah, yeah. We all know I’m a fuck up,” Ethan says snidely.

  “How can you be pissed about me being a friend and picking up your slack?” Mason fires back.

  “Of course I’m pissed. You’re doing my job. Seeing my kids grow, seeing Lily…” He should not be saying this shit, he’s married.

  “Well, you made your choice. Don’t go making Lily feel guilty for your choices, we’re getting through this just fine.” Mason is seething.

  “Oh, you are, are you? What exactly is going on between you two?” he growls.

  “That is none of your business. Not anymore.”

  I should have just told him nothing was going on. This will just cause more strife.

  “Of course it’s my business. You’re carrying my kids.”

  He sighs, “Okay…. This is ridiculous. You’re my brother and their uncle, I’m glad she has you in a way. I’m just sad for myself, mad at myself. I know I made my choice, but that doesn’t mean I like it.”

  ~*~

  Chapter Thirteen

  The next morning, I’m woken by a consistent banging. Sighing, I slowly roll out of bed, it’s my only speed t
hese days.

  I pull on a big comfy jumper and shuffle towards the door, shouting reaches my ears as soon as my door is open.

  “Where is she?” It’s Ashley.

  “In bed, she’s pregnant, and it’s early. What do you want Ashley?” Mace asks calmly.

  “I want to see that little slut,” she yells.

  “Hey! Don’t call her that. She’s pregnant and the one alone in this. I’m calling Ethan, he’s your husband, he can deal with you.”

  I listen intently. “Ethan? You need to come to Lily’s. No, they’re fine! Your wife is here yelling that she wants to see Lily.”

  “Yeah. Well, hurry up. I’m not going to be nice to her if she keeps calling Lily derogatory names.”

  “He’s on his way, and none too pleased with you either,” he says sounding smug.

  “Mace?” I ask quietly, as I just came down.

  “Lils? Go back to bed. I’ll be up in a minute. Okay?” He rushes to me trying to coax me back upstairs.

  “Aww, she fucking you too, Mace? Wow. Not much slows you down does it?” She asks from behind Mason.

  I laugh at her. She looks astonished. I won’t let her rile me, my babies don’t need the stress.

  “No, I’m not fucking him. I don’t need to trap a man into sticking by me. I’ve only ever slept with one man. Your husband.” I don’t know why I say it. It just pops out.

  She screams lunging for me. Mace catches her, holding her off gently.

  “You, little whore. You were just a quick fuck, he’s my husband, he chose me,” she screams, red faced, fighting to get at me.

  “Calm down. You’re pregnant,” Mace hisses as she claws his arms.

  “No. I won’t calm down. She’s supposedly carrying my husband’s, babies. He cheated on me with her,” she screeches.

  “That’s something you should be talking about with Ethan. I may be carrying his babies, but that’s as far as it goes,” I say rubbing my belly.

  “Oh, really? Like I’m going to believe a word out of your mouth, you little slut. Was it his money? Too bad you won’t be getting a penny for either of those brats,” she spits.

  Gasping, I hug my belly protectively. “You really are a witch. Attacking defenceless babies,” I choke.

  “I don’t care. They aren’t even relevant. He’s mine.”

  “This isn’t about whose he is. You bimbo, it’s about the babies. He’s a father to all three of them,” I yell, feeling dizzy.

  Taking her chance, she lunges again, this time shoving me over.

  “ASHLEY!” Ethan yells, we all turn, none of us had realised he was there.

  Mason let’s go of her and rushes to me. “Are you okay?” He’s pale, sweaty and shaking.

  “Yes, I think so,” I say, rubbing my back, I hit the stair pretty hard. Mace shifts behind me lifting my top.

  “Shit. It’s bruising. I think we should go to the emergency room, get you checked,” he looks frantic.

  “I’ll rest for a while, if I get any pain later we’ll go, okay?”

  “See, I told you she was with Mason. How do you even know they’re yours? She’s trying out all your brothers, Niles will probably be next,” Ashley spits, not even bothered that she’s just assaulted someone.

  I look at Ethan. He look’s torn, not wanting to believe it, but the doubt’s there in his eyes.

  “What the fuck did you just say?” I stand shakily holding Mace’s arm. He’s shaking with anger.

  I look at Ethan. “You believe her?” He looks from Mace to me. Unsure.

  “Of course he does, I’m his wife!” She says smugly, as Ethan says nothing.

  “Okay, then. Get the fuck out, and don’t come back. Don’t even call.” My voice steady and calm.

  They look shocked, as Mason’s arm goes around my shoulders.

  Ethan just blink’s looking at me.

  “What? I ask coolly.

  “I... Are they mine?” He whispers, and I have to physically restrain myself from lamping him.

  Holding Mace back, I wobble to within an inch of his face.

  “No. They’re mine. They don’t have a daddy, but they have an amazing uncle. Now leave and take your trash with you,” I sneer in Ashley’s direction before walking around them into the kitchen.

  “You… You have the cheek to question her? You’re no longer my brother, you’re a waste of space,” Mason’s voice is arctic.

  Leaning against the sink, I breathe deeply. Mace comes up behind me and pulls me into his arms.

  “I’m so sorry, sweetie. I don’t know what happened to him but he is nothing to me.”

  “It’s okay, I was expecting her outburst. He shocked the hell out of me though. How can he think? Believe her lies?” I hiccup, trying to keep the overwhelming emotions from swamping me. It’s hard, normally I would just go for a run.

  “You can cry. That was a vicious attack. He’s going to regret this when he opens his eyes and realises what he’s done.” He sighs.

  “His choice. He's not coming to the scan now, tough, as I said they may not have a daddy, but they have an awesome uncle” I sob.

  “Let’s not tell my Nan what happened. She may beat the shit out of him,” I laugh.

  Chuckling, he kisses my forehead. “No. I think you’re right, but I am calling my Mom. She’s going to kill him.” He sighs.

  I shrug, what can I do? It’s his family. I shuffle back upstairs gingerly to lie down, my back is killing me because of that bitch.

  ~*~

  Hunger wakes me from a restless sleep. I get up slowly, rubbing my back, it’s sore. I take the stairs carefully.

  I’m so caught up thinking about food, I don’t see Mace at the kitchen table with an older woman at first. I immediately know it’s his mom by her warm smile.

  “Hi,” I whisper as Mace stands to help me into a seat. Smiling, I thank him.

  “Hello, Lily. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” she says softly.

  “You too. Would you like a drink?”

  “No, thank you, sweetie. How are you?” She looks sad.

  I search my brain for an answer, coming up with nothing positive, I go with the truth.

  “Well, honestly? Like crap. It’s been a horrible day,” I smile weakly.

  Tears fill her eyes as she looks at me. “I’m so sorry. I’m so ashamed of Ethan right now. I don’t know what happened to him. Since that day here, he hasn't been the same.”

  “It’s not your fault. It’s all been his choices. And he’s choosing to believe what she’s feeding him.” I shrug, what can I say to his mom? That he’s an arsehole? I may feel that way, but I’m not telling her that.

  Shifting, I wince as my back protests.

  “You okay?” Mace asks crouching beside me.

  “Yeah, just back ache,” I say. “Let me see. Is it where you fell?” Nodding, I lean forward slightly.

  “Oh god, you have a massive bruise on your back,” he gasps touching lightly, I shy away not wanting anyone to touch it.

  “What happened?” Mrs, Scott gasps standing beside Mace.

  “Oh, this is Ashley’s handy work,” Mason hisses. “I think we need to have you checked out.”

  “Ashley did that? Where was Ethan?” She asks horrified.

  “Standing in the doorway, he didn’t even ask if she was okay.”

  “I’m okay. I need the loo though.” I rise, wincing again as I waddle to the toilet waving off Mason’s offer of help.

  While on the toilet I notice blood in my knickers, I panic and yell for Mason, not even caring that I’m half naked. He bursts through the door, panicked. His mom on his heels looking scared.

  “Lils? What’s the matter?”

  “I’m bleeding!” I screech panicking. “I need to go to the hospital,” I say crying, he flies to me.

  “Mom, go call the number in her notes. It's in the kitchen, then start my car.” He yells holding me.

  “It’s okay, you’re all okay,” he whispers tears in his eyes.

&n
bsp; “What if….?”

  “No. Everything is fine. They have your blood, they’re stubborn little bu… Fighters,” he smirks making me laugh.

  “Hold onto my neck okay? Let’s get your pants up and I’ll carry you to the car.”

  I shake my head. “No, Mace, I’m too heavy…” Scoffing, he lifts me up cradling me to his chest.

  “See, easy. Now let’s go. I’ll text Cora from the hospital,” he grabs my key and shuts the door behind us.

  ~*~

  At the entrance of the hospital I’m made to sit in a wheelchair. My Doctor is waiting for us as we arrive. “Hi, Lily. How are you feeling?”

  “Hi, Dr James. I’m not too good, had a fall today, now my back’s hurting and I’m bleeding, so, I’m scared,” I say softly.

  Mason scoffs looking up from his texting my Nan, I presume. “She didn’t fall. She was pushed,” he snaps, and her gaze shoots to him.

  “Is that true, Lily? Who pushed you?”

  “It was my brother’s wife, Ashley Barker,” his voice cooling as he utters her name.

  “Is that right, Lily? If so, I think you need to report it,” she frowns seeing my stricken face.

  “Let’s check you out first, then we’ll do an ultrasound, and see how the little ones are doing. Okay?” I nod, looking at Mace scared. I see Mrs, Scott behind him wiping tears.

  “Dr James? Can they both come in please? She’s the babies’ Grandma.”

  Smiling, she nods, “Of course.”

  Mace whispers “thank you,” in my ear. I look at him questioningly.

  “For asking if my mom can come. She would have been going stir crazy otherwise,” he pulls a face, making me giggle.

  “Thanks for being here, again.”

  He just shrugs. “Wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

  “Okay, so tell me what happened?” Dr, James says.

  “Well…” I stop, unsure of how much to say.

  “My brother’s crazy wife came to Lily’s house shouting her mouth off. Verbally attacking Lily. I was in the middle holding her off, when it all got out of hand, somehow she got around me and shoved Lily over. She fell and hit her back on the stairs.” Thank god he left all the horrid details out.