Author : Eviefan
Summary : A few people have missed Emma, so I have decided to do a story for them, and for me, she is close to my heart. One comment about adopting. If we got to what Rick went through as a kid in TMR as being and orphan in my eyes I think they would open their heart to this girl, especially Rick, who wouldn�t want a kid to have to endure the hardships of living alone. As far as how fast it happened if Emma didn�t have a family which she didn�t, and given that Evelyn and Rick are very well excepted in social circles it wouldn�t have been hard for them to adopt her, and this is the 1930s, and there were more things to worry about than adopting i.e.. the great depression, the rise of Hitler and so on. Just my thoughts. enjoy.
ADDED NOTE...I know I said I wouldn�t put Christina in anymore of my stories, and this is just memories of her, but I felt a need to do this, so don�t sue me, and she isn�t coming back but lets just say this is going to be a ride and then some.
Life Moves On
Epilogue
The adoption had gone through within a matter of weeks, and now Emma was officially an O�Connell. There was alot to get used to, mostly the fact that there were two men who lived in this house, and Emma at first was terrified of both of them. Still being a part of family was better than being alone, and they seemed like good people, and thus life, a new life began for Emma.
Chapter 1: Just the Ladies
It was Saturday, and a rainy one at that. Emma would have slept in, except that Alex came in to wake her, and tell her goodbye. He and their dad were going camping, and would be gone for two weeks. After he said goodbye, she tried to go back to sleep but could not. Finally she gave up on that notion, and after putting on her robe, and her slippers, she went downstairs, and found her mum in the kitchen sipping tea and reading a post.
�Your up awful early,� Evie commented, as her daughter shuffled in.
�Alex decided to tell me bye. So do they go away allot?� Evelyn shook her head.
�No, Rick, your father,� she smiled, as she corrected herself, �takes him once or twice a year. they have been going since Alex was 5.� Emma nodded and sat down.
�I bet it got lonely for you when they left before me.� Evelyn smiled, and nodded.
�It did, but this time I have you, and you and I shall have a grand time.� Evelyn said, which made Emma smile. A serious expression stole over Emma�s face.
�Is he mad because I don�t let him give me hugs?� She had fretted over that. Her new father was a gentle man, and she knew that to be so. However she was so afraid of letting a man get close to her. Evelyn stood and came to where her daughter sat, and hugged her.
�No honey, he knows you are adjusting, and when you are ready he will be there for you.� She nodded.
�Now what should you and I do today hmm?� Emma shrugged. She wasn�t feeling all that grand today.
�How about you and I go shopping, you could use some more cloths.� That sounded fine with Emma, who ran upstairs to put on her dark blue dress. It was long sleeved, and warm and very comfortable. As she walked she frowned, she felt wetness in her underwear, and she knew she didn�t have to go to the bathroom. When she got to her room she shut the door, and went into the bathroom. There she pulled up her gown, and pulled down her underpants finding allot of blood, and screamed.
�MUM HELP� she started to cry, she was bleeding, and maybe this meant she was dying. Evelyn was quick to respond.
�Honey what is it?�
�I�m bleeding in my underwear,� She was huddled up against the bathtub, and Evelyn took a look realizing that her daughter had gotten her first cycle.
�Oh sweet girl, shh.� she knelt down and hugged her soothing her.
�It�s all right honey. All woman have this happen when they come of age, its called a period, and it just means your body is making ready for the day when you have a baby.�
�So..so, you have them too?� she nodded.
�Is your tummy hurting?� Emma nodded, so Evelyn stood and moved over to the tub. There she put the plug in the drain, and ran the water until it was fairly warm and let it fill. While it the water ran, she took the soiled undergarment to the sink, and ran it under cold water, which got the blood stain mostly out. Then she hung it over the front of the sink, and would wash it later. By now the tub was fairly full, so Evie shut it off, then went back to her daughter, who had her head against her knees.
�Come on lets get this off of you.� Emma let her help, get the gown off, then stepped into the water.
�Mum. Would it be wrong if I wanted you to get in here with me?� Evelyn shut the bathroom door, and after she undressed, she climbed in with her daughter, sitting behind her, and Emma leaned back shuttering, still afraid.
�So what is a period exactly.� Evelyn smiled.
�That is when a woman�s body expels the egg she created.� Emma looked back, and it was clear that a detailed explanation was in order.
�Our bodies have eggs in them, its how we make babies when we are old enough, but there are thousands of eggs, and its not until a girl, usually your age, comes of age, that her body begins to become fertile. That means that she has a month, or a time when, if she is with a man, like I am with your father, they can create a new life, if she choices to do so. That part Emma knew about.
�I know about men and woman and making babies. One time me and Katiebell, that was my best friend at the orphanage, we snuck in the sisters office and found her Anatomy book. Katiebell is 17, but she read to me, about man and woman making a baby, I just didn�t know about this part. Its not very fun,� Emma said.
�I know its not. I think we should forgo shopping.� That was a relief, Emma didn�t feel like doing much today.
�Did it hurt you when Alex was born.� Evelyn remembered that time well.
�Yes. However, all the pain you go through is worth it, because the moment you hold your baby in your arms you forget about that.� That made Emma smile.
�Why don�t you have more children, than just Alex.� She sighed.
�We had a daughter, Christina who was born when Alex was three. But she became very ill, and we lost her.� Emma felt bad now.
�I�m sorry I didn�t mean to ask.� Evelyn hugged her close.
�Don�t be sorry honey, its been a long time since we have talked about her.� Emma nodded.
�What did she look like?� Evie smiled.
�Everyone said she looked like me, though I think at least in her face, she looked more like her father than me.� Emma nodded.
�If your ready to get out we can go up in the Attic and I�ll get out a picture for you to see.� That was a plan.
The attic was cold, and dusty, and the two O�Connell women stepped to the back area, finding several crates. Evelyn opened one and unwrapped a picture. It was one she had taken just a few days before they found out Christina was sick, one of Rick holding her while asleep in the rocking chair.
�Oh she was so cute,� Emma said looking at her picture. Evelyn smiled. It felt good to talk about her baby. Really since she had passed away, no one much talked about her. Alex still got upset if she was brought up in conversation.
�Emma do me a favor. Alex still has a hard time talking about her, so if you would just keep that you know to just you and I.� She nodded. The next item brought out was a china set.
�She loved this so much. She had tea parties everday, and would beg us for cookies for her baby Sasha. Which reminded her. She hadn�t seen the doll in a while, and wondered where she was. Christina had given it to Alex moments before her death. She and her daughter, shared a special time that drew both of them closer. When they got back downstairs both of them were tired, so they curled up in Evies bed and fell asleep.
It was the next day while Emma was resting, that Evelyn went into her son�s room, and after looking a little. found the doll settled on one of his shelves safe and sound. Evie took her down and held her close closing her eyes. It had been a long time since she let herself think of her baby girl, and though it was hard, she was glad that Emma had asked about why they hadn�t had anymore children. She sat down in Alex�s rocking chair and closed her eyes, remembering back to the first real argument she and Rick had about having more children.
Jonathan had taken Alex out for the day, and that left she and Rick alone. She had not let him touch her since the loss of their child, and the tension around them was growing thicker everyday Right now she was in Alex�s room making his bed, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She pulled away knowing whose hand it was.
�Evie this can�t continue,� Rick said gently.
�What can�t continue, were fine Rick, I just have things to do.� He pulled her into his arms, and kissed her hard, and despite her efforts she couldn�t resist the taste of her husbands mouth, and for a moment she gave into her desires. Then thoughts of having more children came into her head, and she abruptly pulled away.
�I can�t do this Rick, I can�t�. She was shaking because she wanted to make love to him, but it terrified her to no end that they would have more children, and she didn�t want that. She didn�t want anymore children, any who would take place of the one they had lost. Anymore children who might get sick and pass on. He knew she was hurting, but he hurt too, and right now, he needed her, and it was time for them to face this, instead of running from it. He walked over to her, and lifted her into his arms, and she let go and cried.
�Oh Rick I don�t want us to have anymore children� she finally admitted. He carried her into their room, and settled with her in bed.
�Shhh.� She cried for a long time, and when there were no more tears to be shed, she made the decision to have her ovaries removed.
It was Emma�s hand on hers that woke her.
�You have tears,� Emma said.
�I do?� she wiped them away.
�Is this Sasha?� Evelyn smiled.
�Yes. Your father bought it for her, despite my protest, because Christina had begged for her.� Emma held her.
�She is very beautiful.� The doll was beautiful. It had dark hair the shade of Evelyn�s hair, and the shade Christina�s had been.
�Well I need to put her back in place, or else Alex will have a fit.� After she did that the two went downstairs, and Evelyn made her daughter some herbal tea, which soothed her stomach. The rest of the day was spent in the parlor, working on reading, which Emma was not good at, but it was a wonderful time just the two girls of the house, and no interruptions.
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Disclaimer: The original characters are not mine. Emma, and Christina are mine, and while you can ask to use Emma, Christina remains off limits, sorry guys she won�t be brought back.
NOTE: When I started this I didn�t think about using Christina at all as with all my works it sort of just wrote itself, so this is a story about Emma, and also about healing. I may end up making a bit of a mess, as some certain character did in the library once, but hopefully it will all pull itself into place.
Chapter 2 : The Return of the Men Folk
The two weeks went quickly by, and now on another Saturday, Evelyn and Emma sat in the parlor, and Emma was learning how to play chess. It was getting late, and they knew the guys would be back soon.
�I just don�t get this mum, you and Alex make it look so simple.� Evie smiled.
�It just takes a little practice. Now I�m in a bad position with my rook, do you remember which one that is?� Emma nodded and looked, then a smile spread over her face.
�Gotcha.� Emma took that piece, and put it in to her pile. As Evelyn was about to make her move, they heard the door open.
�Mum we�re back, Emma we�re back,� Alex yelled as he ran in. He ran over to Evelyn first, and gave her a big hug and a kiss.
�Oh I missed you,� she told her son.
�I missed you two, but you should have been there mum. There was this bear right?� Rick walked in, and for a moment Alex would have to save his story, because his mum went over to where his father stood, and they kissed. Emma giggled, and Alex just groaned.
�See what I�ve had to put up with all my life, they need to be more private,� he said to his sister. Rick parted, and Emma stood and walked over giving him his first hug, which he returned gently.
�I see you two had a good two weeks,� he said to both his ladies.
�We did dad, it was nice just being us, but it will be nice to have all of us home too.� Emma said, still hugging him. She finally let him go.
�Mum is teaching me chess,� she informed her brother and her father.
�I see that she is .� He pulled Evelyn into his arms, and picked her up.
�We will be down shortly.� he left and Alex sighed.
�So what happened with the bear?� Emma asked, as she began to fix the chess board back for the next game.
�Well it came into our camp, and in the middle of the night, so dad had to fire some shots to scare it away, but it was so close to our tent, it was very scary.� she nodded, and followed him upstairs, as he was going to unpack. They went into his room, and the first thing he did, which she had not noticed until now, was to go over to Sasha and lifted her off the shelf, and hug her.
�Alex?� he put the doll back
�Yeah?�
�Why do you have that doll? She knew what mum had told her, and wondered if she could get him to talk about it, if it would make him feel better, like mum had.
�I guess you should know.� He sat on his bed.
�I had a little sister once. I was five when she died, but she gave that doll to me, and I just keep her for Christina.� He sighed.
�I�m sorry.� He nodded.
�Me too. It was really lonely after she was gone, and I�m glad your here Emma, because it makes it less lonely.� She wasn�t sure what to say, so she just hugged him.
�Do you want to go out, and meet the horses?� he asked her.
�Sure.� They left the house, and went to the fields. A black horse came running to the fence.
�This is mine, his name is Seti.� She smiled.
�Thats Egyptian isn�t it?� she asked. He nodded, and climbed the fence, and from there, got on his horse.
�Come on, climb on.� She nodded, and once she was on, he told her to hold on, and when she was ready they took of in a Gallop. Emma loved riding, and wished she had a horse of her own.
�This is like flying,� She said, as the horse ran them further in to the field.
�It�s allot better than being on a camel,� he told her, as he had the horse slow down into a steady walk.
�A camel?� she asked totally surprised.
�Yeah see mum and dad, and me went to Egypt. That�s what mom does she is an Egyptologist, and our dad is an adventurer, but we all went once, and it was very cool because I got to ride a camel.� They headed back to the fence and when they got next to it, Emma was the first to dismount, then Alex, and Seti ran off to be with the other three horses they had.
�I bet I can beat you back to the house.� Before he could think, Emma took off on him, and Alex ran after her.
�Hey no fair you didn�t even yell go.� She just laughed, and stopped once she got to the front door.
�You play mean,� Alex wined.
�Ahh poor Alex.� He tackled her, and she laughed as they ended up on the ground trying to pin one another down. In the end, Emma got the best of him.
�That isn�t very proper of you,� he told her as she held him to the ground.
�Oh okay I promise not to tell Max that I can pin you down, or beat you at a race.� She got off of him, and they went inside, smelling good food coming from within. Their noses led them to the kitchen, where they found dad cooking the fish that he and Alex had caught and saved.
�Oh yuck fish,� Emma said, for she was not a fan of fish at all.
�Hey thats the fish we caught, and trust me it�s so much better than the stuff that we get at the market,� Alex informed. The two set about getting the table set, and Evelyn walked in fresh from a bath. Emma smiled.
�Mum, you look positively glowing,� she said. Her daughter�s comment caused her to blush. Emma just smiled and went on with her job. Once the table was set, Evelyn sent Alex to fetch Uncle John for dinner. Emma had already settled in to her seat.
�Why does he sleep all day?� she asked. She hadn�t seen much of Jonathan since her 5 weeks of being around. Rick and Evie set the food on the table.
�He likes to go out at night,� Evelyn said. She would explain later. A moment later, Jonathan and Alex walked in, and settled at the table. Alex said the prayer, then they dug in.
�Mum we need to get Emma a horse,� Alex said. That made Emma smile. Until now Evelyn hadn�t thought about that.
�I guess we do, since all of us have our own.� She looked at Rick who nodded.
�There are some horse sales just on the other side of town, we will go this weekend and look for a horse.� That put a very big smile on Emma�s face. Once supper was finished, Jonathan asked both children if they wanted to go out for ice-cream at the parlor. Alex was all for it, Emma was hesitant.
�Aww come on and go sis, its lots and lots of fun.� She frowned, and Jonathan came over and knelt down.
�I know we don�t see much of one another, but I promise I�m a good guy. I just have a party streak in me.� She nodded.
�Okay I�ll go with you guys.� They got their coats, and left.
Now Evelyn was cleaning the dishes, and Rick came behind her, and gently pulled her into his arms. She sighed, she had missed his arms around her. It felt nice to have him home.
�So what did you two get into while I was gone?� he asked still holding her.
�Well she got her first Cycle, and that scared her to death, she thought she was dieing.� He nodded.
�And we talked about Christina.� She felt him sigh.
�It�s been a long time since we talked about her.� Evelyn nodded.
�I know. I keep wondering if Christina decided to help Emma find us, to add what we missed with her.� He didn�t really believe in that, or used to not believe, but given everything that had happened last year, he was beginning to wonder if Evie had a point.
�I love having Emma with us. Rick she is such a joy to me, but there are times that I think I am betraying Christina by loving her. I won�t every not love Emma, but I feel in conflict.� He turned her in his arms, so that she was looking at him.
�Evie, Christina will always be our little girl, that will never ever change. She will always be in our hearts, but maybe its time for us to face what we lost, we never really did that, and its been five years.� He wasn�t referring just to Christina, but also to what Evelyn had done to prevent the birth of anymore children. He had put his foot down against her having that type of surgery, and then had gone out of town for two weeks. When he returned ,she had gotten the operation, and for two months they had slept in separate rooms. It had gotten so bad, that Jonathan had taken Alex to stay in Egypt, just to get away from the tension. Rick had avoided his wife allot, and it wasn�t until he came home one night, and found her passed out on the kitchen floor from not taking care of herself, that he realized how ridiculous they were both acting. He had nursed her back to health, and life had gone on.
�There are times when I find myself wanting to have another child, and then I get angry because I just can�t face losing another one, or allowing myself to love another baby, because I don�t want to replace our daughter.� He held her in his arms.
�Evie what happened to Christina was a rare occurrence. The doctor even said it was.� She let out a shuttering sigh.
�I keep thinking that its so easy to love Emma, maybe I could love another baby, but I messed that up,� she started to cry, and he lifted her in his arms. As he walked, she rested her face against his chest, taking in his smell, loving how safe she always felt when he held her. Being held by him made all her worries go away, and it was only when she felt her back pressed against the coolness of the mattress, that she realized they had moved from the kitchen to their room. She lay there watching, as he undressed, until there was only him, no cloths, just the beauty of his magnificent body, a site she never got tired of. He knelt down and took of her shoes, and ran his hands up her right leg. Evie let out a moan. Then, his hands trailed fire up her legs. His touch was heaven to her. Slowly he removed her cloths, and what came off, the skin that was exposed, was touched first by his hand, and then by his lips and tongue.
�Oh Rick make love to me.� He liked to make her wait most nights, but he knew that she needed his touch, and once she was undressed he moved over her. With one movement he sank himself into the warm wetness of her body. Evelyn wrapped her legs around him, causing him to sink as deep into her, as was possible. Then he began to move against her, long slow strokes. Evelyn wrapped her hands around his neck and held him as he loved her. Her body was afire with sensation, as it always was, and at one point she screamed out as he stilled his movements resting himself inside her. The sensation of that, built tension in her center, right below her belly.
�Oh Rick please� she begged.
�Shhh. Just feel Evie.� He lifted his head from her shoulder and kissed her lips. He let his tongue trail around them. Then moved down her neck, and sucked in the soft flesh there. Evelyn�s breathing became labored, as the tension built for them both. When it was almost as if they would explode, he began to rock in her again, but was slow in his movements. He wanted her to experience this as if it was their first time, and he was going to make this loving slow, so they could both savor each sensation. He lifed his upper body away from hers, bracing himself on his hands on either side of her shoulders. His hips moved in and out of her slow, and his strokes penetrated to the very core of her being. His breathing matched hers, and with each movement of his hips, each thrust in, and pull out, they moaned in unison. He felt her body begin to tighten around his very swollen Penis, letting him know that she was nearing her climax, and he wasn�t ready for that to happen yet. He eased all the way out of her, and at the loss of his touch she cried out.
�Oh Rick don�t leave me.� She was sobbing, and he leaned his head to hers kissing her.
�Shh trust me.� He lay on his back and brought her up to strattle him, and Evelyn smiled as she caught on to what he wanted. She was still breathing heavy, and her body was aching for his return. She squatted over him, and lowered herself onto his penis, kneeling until it filled her, and pressed deep inside of her. She gasped at that sensation as did he. To help her he held her around her waste, and in a moment she was making her own movements. She braced her hands on his shoulders and moved away and back, trying to be slow, like he had been, but her body was already tightening around him. He lifed his head and kissed her lips, then she began faster movements, or as fast as she could go. Her long hair fell around his face, a dark curtain, so that he could only see her.
�I love you Evelyn,� He said. She pushed up almost to sitting, and both cried out. He held out his hands and she took both of them and kept moving against him. His body began to ache with the need of completion, and as he felt the tightening of her wet warmth against his hard erection, he eased her against him and rolled them so that she was back against the mattress. He slid both of his hands under her head, and began to rock in and out of her at a faster pace. Her cries filled the room, as did his. Then, with one final thrust, he pushed into her, held in the tight embrace of her body as his seed filled her. While she was still tight around him, he rolled them to their side, holding his hand to her bottom to keep them together, and with a free hand, reached below them and pulled the comforter over them. Evelyns head was barried against his chest, and she had already drifted into a restful sleep. It had been a long time since they had made love with such an intensity, and he decided they needed to do this more often. This kind of love reminded him, and he guessed her, of the feelings that had drawn them to one another. It was the connecting force, what kept them whole, and for so long they had both denied themselves of that love, too swallowed up in the losses to let themselves feel this. He closed his eyes, and kissed the top of her head, and as he drifted to sleep, he let out a slight whimpering as she did, when his now soft flesh slipped from within her warm folds.
Time with her uncle wasn�t as scary as Emma had thought it would be. Jonathan was a funny guy, and what was really neat was that he told them dirty jokes. Now they sat in his car, each eating their ice-cream, as Jonathan told them yet another one of his dirty jokes.
�What would mum do if she knew you told us these?� Emma asked of her Uncle. He pretended to shutter.
�If she found out, well actually your mum doesn�t scare me. You see I�ve lived with Evelyn long enough to know how to weasel my way out of any mess. Now your father, uh, he would likely rip my tongue out.� He said this with the utter most sensarity, and had forgotten that Emma was still afraid of him, and of Rick. Her bowl dropped and her color drained from her face.
�He would do that?� she began to shake.
�Good one Uncle John. Emma he was just kidding. Dad always gives Uncle John a hard time.� Alex tried to explain to ease her mind.
�I want to go home,� she said and started to sob, laying her head on her brothers lap. Jonathan felt terrible, and the ride was silent with the exception of her sobs. When they arrived she was still crying, and Alex sat with her while Jonathan ran inside, and upstairs to face the music. The door to his sister and Rick�s room was locked, and he felt even more terrible at having to disturb them. He knocked loud three times, and wasn�t surpised when it took Rick a couple of minutes to answer.
�I blew it Rick. I was making jokes for them, and well not the best ones to tell, and she asked me what would happen if Evie found out. So I said you would likely be the one to rip my tongue out, and Emma took that too seriously.� Rick closed his eyes.
�We will talk tomorrow.� Evelyn was deep asleep, and though he knew Emma was afraid he needed to be the one to go and talk to her. He went back into the darkened room, and pulled on his jeans, and pulled a T-shirt over his head. Then he went out of their room, down the stairs, and outside, where he found Alex sitting with Emma�s head in his lap.
�Dad she needs mum,� he said.
�Mum is asleep,� he said, and rubbed her back.
�I�m sorry I�m afraid of you again.� He lifted her into his arms, and his touch soothed her. Alex followed them into the house, and was the one to lock up behind them, while his dad moved in to the parlor, and sat down holding her against his chest as she cried.
�Emma shhh. I know Uncle John frightened you, and he does allot of things before he thinks them through, but I love him as I would my own brother, and even if I get angry with him, which happens sometimes I would never hurt him.� Though right now Rick was ready to punch his lights out, he knew he had to gain this child�s trust back.
�But there are men who hurt girls, and other people too,� she said softly, still holding tight around his neck.
�Your right there are. But I�m not one of those men.�
� You spanked Alex that one time.� He close his eyes. Alex had gotten out his revolver to show Emma, and had almost shot her in the process.
�I know I did, and Emma its rare that I ever do that to him, but he had my gun, and those are very very dangerous. I shouldn�t even keep them around, but I spanked him for that because he came a hair away from shooting you, when he dropped the gun. When Alex does something that naughty, then he gets my hand. But its not done because I hate him.� She was sobbing again.
�Will you ever hit me?�
�If you ever did anthing that dangerous yes.� She knew he loved her, and knew why he had spanked her brother, but it still scared her.
�I�ll make you a deal. If Alex gets into enough trouble and needs to be spanked, then I will take him outside to do it.� She nodded, and he looked up as Evelyn came downstairs. He idly wondered if Alex had woken her up, then saw him come out of the kitchen with china cup, with what he guessed was warm milk with cinnamon and sugar. Evie settled with them and Rick started to move Emma into her arms.
�Noo don�t go,� He was surprised, but it warmed his heart that she had finally excepted him.
�Mum is here I was going to let her hold you.� he said kissing the top of her head.
�I want you to hold me please,� came her tired request.
�Then I won�t let you go,� he told her, and took his free arm wrapping it around Evelyn.
�Alex has brought you some warm milk,� Evelyn told her. After a moment Emma lifted her head, and scooted so that she was sitting with her back against her father�s chest.
�I know it sounds disgusting, but trust me when I tell you that its really good stuff.� He put it into her hands, and she took a sip. Alex settled on the couch ,on the other side of his father.
�Mum tell the princess story that you used to tell to Christina. Emma hasn�t heard it before,� Alex said as he rested his head against his fathers chest. Evelyn smiled.
�What is the princess story?� Emma asked.
�We used to call your sister little Princess, because she was very delicate. She was very much the little lady, and Egyptian history had many princesses, like Nefertiti. So I made up stories about the little princess, and her life back in ancient Egypt. Many nights when I would be holding her in my arms, Alex would come in and sit at my feet, and sometimes your father, and I would tell them all my stories.� Emma had finished her milk, and Alex took it, setting it beside him.
�Once a long time ago, in Ancient times there lived a little Princess. She was very spoiled because she was the daughter of a Pharaoh, who was a king in that time, and the little princess had many adventures.� Evelyn told the entire story, or one of them at least. When she finished only she, Rick, and Jonathan ,who stood beside the fireplace remained awake. She smiled at him.
�It�s nice to hear that story again,� he said softly, as he came, and lifted Alex in to his arms. Alex let out a snort, then snuggled against his uncles chest. Once Evelyn had moved away from him, Rick sat forward, and with ease cradled Emma in his arms. She was shorter than Alex, and lighter as well. He stood, and together they all went upstairs. Jonathan took Alex too his bed, and Rick followed with Emma. As soon as Evelyn had his covers pulled back, he placed Alex on his stomach, which had been his proffered way of sleeping, even when he was a baby. Once he was in bed, Evelyn removed his shoes, and sox and pulled the comforter over him. She leaned in and kissed the top of his head, and Rick did the same. Jonathan left for his own room, not wanting any conflict this night, though knowing that Rick would have words with him in the morning. In Emma�s room, Evelyn pulled her covers back, and Rick placed her in the bed. She snugged into her pillows, and he took her shoes off, and both of them covered her. For a moment they stood and watched her sleep, then Evelyn tugged on his hand and they went out, down the hall to their own bed. The old grandfather clock downstairs rang out twelve chimes.
�Time for us to go to bed,� She said as she slipped of her robe and her under pants. When they were in bed, they were satisfied just to snuggled in one anothers arms, and soon sleep came for them both, a sleep that was comforting, and sound. The house around them settled into a soft silence, with and occasional shifting, as all old houses had a tendency to do, but it held within it a family that was now whole, and was safe within its strong walls.
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Disclaimer: Its not mine..OH how I wish it was mine. But the credit for these lovely characters goes to the amazing Stephen Sommers.
Chapter 3 : A new Horse for Emma
The weekend arrived, and on a cool rainy Saturday, Rick, Evelyn, and the children went to Abbington Stables to look at a horse for Emma. On the way, Alex decided to bother his sister. He stuck his feet up, and over her lap. Emma who had been looking out the window, shot Alex an annoyed look.
�Alex I�m not a foot rest,� she told him, quietly.
�Oh well I thought you were,� he said keeping his feet where they were. He knew she wouldn�t tell on him, because she was afraid of getting him into trouble. On her part Emma just ignored him, but tears slipped from her eyes. She hated it when he acted nasty. In the front, Rick looked in the rear view mirror and noticed what was going on.
�Alex leave her alone now.� he said angered that his son was being unkind. He knew sibling rivalry was a natural part of life, but he still didn�t like it. Once Alex was behaving, Rick smiled at his love, and she rested her head against his shoulder.
�Mum still loves me more,� he told his sister. Emma ignored that. She knew that Mum loved them both equally.
It was a little later when they arrived at Abbington Stables. Emma was happier then, and they all went inside the main barn and met a young man, Mr. Abbington. He shook Rick�s hand, then came to Emma who backed away from him until she was beside her father.
�Well you must be the young lady in search of a horse.� She nodded, feeling safe now that her father�s arm was around her.
�I think I have the perfect horse ready for you.� He walked into the stall, and led out a beautiful dark brown horse. Her muzzle was almost black, and her mane was black as well. She was a young horse with allot of spirit.
�Now its best to just talk to her when you approach her,� Mr. Abbington said to Emma. After a reassuring hug from her dad, Emma walked up to the horse, and held out her hand. The horse in return nuzzled her there, which got a smile from Emma.
�I do believe she likes you,� Mr. Abbington said.
�Could I ride her?� Rick and Evie nodded, and once the horse was saddled, Rick lifted Emma onto her back.
�Now then she doesn�t take a lot of coaxing to get going, just be gentle with her, and she will be gently right back. Emma clicked and the horse started to walk around the barn.
�Your a good girl,� Emma said rubbing her neck, not at all afraid by this animal. Alex�s horse frightened her, but it was as if this one was made just for her. When they got back to where her parents stood with Mr. Abbington, and Alex, she stopped her.
�Daddy, this is the one for me.�
�Well Emma we should try other possibilities.� Alex smirked at that.
�But she loves me and I love her oh please daddy please.� Rick looked at Evelyn who nodded.
�How much is she selling for?� Rick asked.
�1500 pounds.� he said. That was allot, but seeing how happy Emma was, Rick didn�t mind to spend that much. Emma got off of her horse, and as she did Alex came up to her, and she backed away.
�Easy there son. She takes a gentle hand,� Mr. Abbington said to the young boy. Alex walked out of the barn. He was mad. Dad was never that giving to him, never. He went to the car and sat on the hood, feeling cheated. When the rest of the family came out, they piled in the car, and left for town to get Emma a saddle as well as other things she would need. The whole day Alex felt like and outsider, as everyone was lavishing attention on Emma and her stupid horse, who had arrived while they were gone. Now he sat in his room trying to make a puzzle. Dad and mum had taken Emma for her first ride. They had asked him to go, but he didn�t want to. When he heard the knock at his door he ignored it.
�Alex its Uncle John. I have a surprise for you.�
�Go away.� Outside the door Jonathan set the fluffy German Shepherd pup down and left. The puppy began to wine, and on the inside Alex heard this and ran to the door. He opened it and the ball of fluff ran in. Alex looked down the hall and Jonathan smiled.
�For me really?�
�Yep. I talked it over with your mum and dad, and they said as long as you take full responsibility for him, that he is yours.� Alex turned and groaned as he had found his puppy did its first �no no�
�You little rascal you.� Alex picked him up, and laughed as the pup licked his face.
�I better clean this up hmm.� Jonathan came in with a wooden crate and set it down then put blankets in it. Once it was ready Alex settled his pup in there and cleaned up the mess. As soon as he had done that, he took his new friend outside, about the time Emma and his parents arrived.
�Thanks for the puppy,� Alex said setting it down.
�Your welcome buddy, just remember he is your responsibility.� Emma didn�t say anything, not sure she should, but Alex was in a grand mood and asked her if she wanted to go with him to take his new friend for a walk. The pup followed them up the lane.
�What are you going to name him?� Emma asked.
�Max,� came Alex�s reply.
From the house, Rick, and Evelyn watched as the children walked with the puppy.
�Well Mrs. O�Connell, it wouldn�t be fair of me not to have gotten you something,� he said as he led her inside their house.
�Oh Rick you have already spent half our money in one day.� He grinned.
�What is the fun of having the money if I can�t spend it on the ones that I love.� He led her to their room, and she sat on the couch.
�Close your eyes� She did this, and when he was sure she wasn�t looking, he went to his dresser and got out and envelope, then came back to her, and placed it in her hands.
�What is this?� she asked opening her eyes.
�Well find out,� he said, as he settled next to her. She opened it, and found tickets to New York City.
�Oh Rick really?� he nodded. They had been talking about going to the big city, where the Statue of Liberty stood, and where many plays were performed, among other things.
�What about Emma and Alex?�
�Jonathan can handle them, and with the summer vacation here, Jonathan won�t have to worry about their schooling. She threw herself into his arms kissing him.
�Oh I love it when your in a giving mood.� He smiled and held her against him.
�I love it when my wife is happy,� he told her. Before things could move on to more romantic ventures, Alex and Emma came in with Max who jumped into Evie�s lap. They all laughed. Life was a wonderful thing to behold these days. No curses, no illness, just family and love.
~*~*~
Disclaimer : They do not belong to me..I cannnot take the credit :-(
Chapter 4 : Bumps along the road of Life
It had been a month since Rick and Evelyn had gone to the States, and today was their return. It was a cool day outside, and at the port Alex, Emma, Jonathan, and Max waited for them to return. They were sitting on one of the benches, and while Alex was busy with his puppy, Emma sat close to her Uncle worried. Her leg had gotten broken yesterday while she and Alex had been milling around in the old hay loft in the barn. It was a place that Rick had repeatedly told them not to go messing around in, but being the adventuring sort, they had disobeyed, and now she had her leg all broken. It hurt pretty bad, as she had gotten it broken in three places. Doctor Brown had said the breaks were clean, and that she was a lucky young woman. That whole experience had not been much fun, having a stranger touch her, and she had put up a fight despite Alex and Jonathan trying to calm her down.
�Do you think Daddy will be angry with me?� Emma asked looking up at her Uncle. He hugged her.
�No, He will be more angry at me for not having watched over you two closer.� She nodded, then they heard the whistle of their parents ship, and it was the moment Emma had been dreading. Alex and Max made their way through the crowd to the ship, and saw mum and dad coming down the ramp. When they stepped onto port, Alex ran to greet them and got a big hug from his father, and then his mother.
�I think you grew,� Evelyn said kissing the top of his head.
�Really I want to be as tall as dad,� Alex said. He grabbed a lighter suitcase.
�Where is Emma?� asked Evelyn, for they could not see her through the crowd. This was it, and Alex began.
�Well um she is sitting with Uncle John close to the car,� he said, deciding not to say anymore than that. Rick noted his nervousness.
�Did you two have another arguement?� he asked, not ready to come home to having to referee, though that was a part of being a parent. Before Alex could say anything Rick and Evelyn saw Emma sitting on the bench, and the cast which went pretty much all the way up her leg. They both ran to her, and Evelyn settled next to her hugging her.
�How did this happen?� Evelyn asked eyeing her brother. Alex came to the rescue.
�It wasn�t Uncle Johns fault. Well me and Emms decided to go exploring, and she sort of fell out of the hay loft. But the doctor said she had clean breaks, and her leg will heal fine,� he said. This was not something either parent was happy about.
�Don�t worry they have been punished. I grounded them both to their room�s until they are 20,� Jonathan said trying to lighten things up. He never did like it when his brother-in-law, or sister got upset with the kids.
�Yeah I was supposed to go to the picture show with Max, but now I can�t,� Alex wined. He had not been happy with his punishment, but he was glad dad had not been there or his bottom would have been sore for a few days. Rick pointed out that if it would have been him, that punishment would have been used, and Emma for one was very glad that Uncle John had sentenced them to their rooms for a week. After he said that, Rick saw the fear in his daughters eyes, and hated that she feared him, but at the same time she and Alex had both known better than to do that. He knelt down in front of her.
�I�m glad your leg is the only thing you got hurt,� he told her, then he lifted her into his arms, and Evelyn stood, and got her crutches. Then they headed for the car, and home.
The week of being grounded passed, and that next Saturday, Alex and Emma recieved the presents their parents had brought back for them, from America. Alex had gotten a ball and glove, to go along with the one that Rick had purchased for himself, and Emma had gotten a locket that had a picture of her mother and father on one side, and on the other, was a lotus flower, which was done in gold, and stuck out a bit. The front of it also had a Lotus flower on it, and she decided she would always wear it, just as her mother always wore hers. Right now she was laying in her parents bed while her mum put away cloths.
�Alex really liked his present,� she said smiling. Evie looked up from folding the last of her clothing.
�I know. Your father noticed that it was becoming very popular over in the States, and decided he and Alex could use that as a bonding expereince. Emma giggled.
�Men are so silly about sports,� she said. That got a laugh from her mother who came and settled beside her. Emma frowned.
�Mum you don�t look like you feel good,� she said.
�I�ve just overdone, it, and my body is still on their time,� she said. Emma snuggled against her, and they both fell asleep.
A few weeks passed, and Evelyn had managed to hide the fact from Rick that she wasn�t feeling herself. She had absolutly no energy, and even though she managed to keep things running smooth at the museum, when she got home at night, it took all she had to put up the front that all was well. With Rick was out of town on business, today, she had decided to pay a visit to Doc Brown. Now she sat on the exam table in just a light gown, and jumped when he came in.
�It has been a long time since you payed me a visit,� he said sitting on his stool. She nodded. It was rare that she ever got sick, and aside from her yearly check up, there was hardly a time when she needed to see him.
�My nurse said you have been feeling run down of late,� She nodded.
�What else?�
�I�ve not had much of an appetite lately, not getting sick but just havn�t wanted to eat.� shes said. He noted that on her chart, as well as the extreme fatigue.
�Well let me run some tests then. I�m sure its just the flu,� he told her standing. He got out a seringe and Evie closed her eyes as he took some of her blood.
�I�ll know by tommrow if something is amiss.� She nodded, and after she got dressed she left for home, she would call it an early day, and since the kids were away with Rick, noone would know she was feeling as bad as she was.
That next day came around quickly, and when Doc came in he had a look of shock on his face. He sat down.
�What is it?� she asked worried.
�Evelyn I�ve never in all my years as a doctor come up with these kinds of results. I ran the test ten times and it came out the same. Your pregnant.� Her eyes grew very big.
�That can�t be possible. I had a surgury, you did the surgery after we lost Christina.� He nodded.
�I know I did the surgery.� He was untterly at a loss for words. It was Evelyn who quickly relised exactly what was happening, and she gasped.
�Doc I am going to tell you why its happened, but its not something you can tell anyone.� He nodded, and she told hima bout Ahm-Shere, more specifically about the Book of the Dead, and her death and resurection.
�Don�t worry I won�t breath a word.� She nodded and closed her eyes. She was pregnant, and she didn�t want to be. Doc. came to her.
�I�ll take it that this isn�t something you want?� he asked. She looked up.
�I feel like a terrible person, but I have my children, a son and a Daugher, and the memory of Christina. I can�t have this baby,� she said.
�I will ask that you discuss this with Rick first,� He told her. She nodded, and left. It was hard to keep a steady face as she made her way to the car. The drive home she kept a straight face. It was when she got to her room that she lay on the bed and began to cry great sorrowful cries, and in fact cried herself to sleep.
It was dark outside when Jonathan woke up, and when he went in the kitchen he found that the house was empty. Generally he encountered Evie having dinner with her nose burried in a book but tonight it looked as if she hadn�t even been here. Concerned he went up to her room and knocked on the door. When there was no answere he opened it and found her sobbing in her bed. He moved quickly to her and gathered her in his arms.
�Shh,� he said. She held to him, wishing it were Rick but for now Jonathan would do. After a few moments she calmed down. Jonathan got out his handkerchief and gave it too her. She wiped her face with it and her nose.
�What happened?� he asked worried.
�I went to see Doc. I�ve been feeling really tired lately, and he said I�m pregnant.� Jonathan�s mouth dropped, then he closed it.
�But you had surgury.� She nodded.
�And when I came back from the dead I was healed,� she said.
�Evie look at this as a second chance, or third,� he said.
�Jonathan I can�t look at it as a good thing. Alex has just now begun to talk about his sister on his own. He is doing well in school, and his life is going on. Emma is finally excepting the men in this family. Rick and I reconciled over what happened with Christina, and with my operation. If I allow this baby to come into our lives it will destroy us.� She was totally convinced of that.
�Shh.� he held her against him wishing for all the world that Rick was here, and glad that he and the kids would be back early in the morning. He got her to promice she would sleep, and talk to Rick when he got back, then went downstairs and called Rosa, to tell her he was ill, and wouldn�t be seeing her. Tonight he would be here for his sister.
It was still dark when Rick returned with the kids. He woke Alex and carried Emma into the house, and was surprised to find Jonathan in the parlor, awake playing solitare.
�You need to talk to Evie.� he said standing. He noted the scared tone in his brother-in-law�s voice.
�I plan too.� Upstairs, he got Emma and ALex tucked in, then went to his room. He opened the door quietly, and found Evie asleep, which is where she was supposed to be. Despite his efforts to keep quiet, the rustling of his cloths, and opening of the drawers drew Evelyn out of her sleep. He came to her and settled on the bed, and noticed her face was tear stained. As soon as he was settled against the pillows he pulled her against him.
�Whats wrong hmm?� he asked. She merely snuggled as close to him as she could get, not wanting to tell him about this.
�I�m just not feeling all that well is all,� she said. That was part of the truth she really wasn�t feeling well, but more to the point was how her heart ached. She really didn�t want to have this baby not at this point in her life. He eased her away from himself and kissed her cheeks.
�Evelyn I�ve been married to you long enough to know when something is bothering you. Please tell me.� he said looking into her Hazel eyes with his blue ones. It was so hard to begin.
�Rick we have all we want right now. We have Alex happy, we have Emma, and our memory of Christina. Our lives are perfect just the way it is now,� she said trying to make him see that. He nodded.
�Your right. I love our life, but if there is change coming, then we will cope.� He said holding her once more against him. She took in a shuttering sigh.
�I�m pregnant Rick,� she said, waiting for his responce. At first the words didn�t register, then when they did he eased her away.
�But but. you had surgery,� he pointed out. That she already knew that.
�Yes and when Alex used The Book of the Dead to bring me back it healed not only the stab wound, but also my operation. So now we have this baby, and I don�t want to have it Rick.� That was not something he had expected to hear, but then again given what had happened with Christina, she had every right to say that.
�Evelyn shh,� he held her in his arms, and she snuggled close needing his strength at this moment.
�Rick I�m so afraid. Everytime we get to a point in our lives where I think things are going to go smooth, somthing always comes along that shakes things up.� He sighed.
�Evelyn I know that having a baby frightens you because of us loosing Christina, but maybe this is what we need.� He told her.
�I can�t love another baby Rick I just can�t.� She began to sob, and he held her closer. Her crying didn�t stop until she had fallen asleep, and by then the night sky was lightening, and morning was quickly approaching. As he eased away from her, he tried not to wake her, but did anyway.
�Rest,� he said to her. She shook her head, forever the stubborn one. He settled beside her and gathered her in his arms.
�I�m not sure what I want anymore Rick, part of me wants this baby, and then the other part says that it would be betraying our little Princess,� She said nuzzling his chest. He kissed the top of her head running his hand down her back.
�Evie maybe this is what was meant to be. What happened to our baby was a very rare event,� he said, remembering the doctor telling them both that after Christina had passed away.
�What about Alex and Emma?� shes asked. He rocked her.
�We will help them with this news, and I�m sure they will be fine with this.� He could never have been more wrong.
Family meetings were very rare occurances, and now Alex and Emma sat on one Couch while their parents sat on the other.
�Whats wrong?� Emma asked worried.
�They want to be rid of you,� Alex teased.
�Oh they do not,� She took a pillow and hit him with it.
�Alright you two that will be enough of that,� Evelyn said. They settled down and noticed mum take dads hand.
�We called a meeting because we need to tell you both something that is going to effect all of us,� Evelyn said. Alex�s eyes lit up.
�We are going back to Egypt?� he asked.
�No son,� Rick said. �Your mum and I, well we are all going to be adding another life to this family.� Neither of the kids really understood.
�You mean mum is going to have a baby?� Emma asked. Alex jumped in.
�No dummy she can�t have any babies, she had an operation after Christina left us, and she can�t have anymore, so we are adopting one then?� he asked confused.
�No Alex, I am going to have a baby. When you brought me back to life, the book healed all of me, making it possible for me to have a baby. I wasn�t aware of this, but we are going to have a baby,� She was still not sure of herself, and the sudden look on her son�s face made her heart sink.
�No.� Alex stood and shook his head.
�Your not having this baby,� he ran upstairs and the door to his room slammed shut. That left Emma.
�So I guess this means that you don�t want me anymore,� she said standing with the aid of her crutches. Evelyn went to her, while Rick went to speak to Alex.
�Oh Emma this doesn�t mean that at all.� Evelyn hugged her, and Emma hugged back afraid.
�What did you mean by the book?� she asked. Evelyn settled down with her daughter and began from the beginning.
In his room Alex had packed all he needed. There was no way he was going to stay here. He was going to find the Book of the Dead and bring Christina back. He didn�t care how much trouble he got in, THis baby wasn�t going to take her place. He was so into his task that he didn�t hear his dad come in.
�Where are you heading?� Rick asked as he took a seat on his son�s bed.
�Egypt,� came Alex�s honest reply.
�Thats a long trip to take by yourself,� Rick said, watching Alex break his piggy bank.
�I remeber how to do things,� he said not carring about his fathers presence at the moment.
�So what are you going to do when you get there?� he asked. Alex put his money in the Rucksack.
�I�m going to go back to Ahm-Shere.� He said putting on his socks and shoes.
�Son, we need to talk...� Alex cut him off.
�No we don�t need to talk. Mum isn�t going to have the baby she won�t have it I�ll get the books and bring them back and I�ll bring Christina back. A life for a life. This new baby for my sister,� He said. Evelyn walked in on that last part.
�Alex I know your hurt. I was upset about this at first too, but this is a new beginning for all of us,� She said going over to him.� He moved away still packing.
�You will feel differently once we have Christina back,� he told her, sure of himself.
�Alex we aren�t going to let you go to Egypt,� Evelyn told him.
�You can�t stop me mum. You can tell me not to go, and when you least expect it I�ll go anyway,� he said looking up at her. The hurt in his eyes was something she hadn�t seen since a few days after Christina�s death, and she wanted to cry. Rick came over and knelt down in front of him.
�Son the books are gone now. They dissapeared with the Oasis, and there isn�t a way to bring that back. It is not like Hamunaptra,� he said.
�Well then maybe I�ll go live with the Med-Jai,� he said still determined. A tear made its way down his face, and Rick hugged him. Alex resisted for all of two seconds then he started to cry. His cries turned to rage and he hit his fathers chest or tried to.
�You got her that way I hate you I hate you,� He yelled,� Rick held on to him, until the anger passed, then there were just sobs, soul wrenching sobs. Evelyn came over to them and placed her hand on his shoulder, and he came into her arms.
�Shhh.� She crooned. Alex took some deep breaths and eased away from her.
�Is it okay if I don�t want to love this baby?� he asked. Evelyn kissed his cheeks.
�I wish that you would love this baby, but that is your choice,� she said to him. He hugged her again.
�So you won�t be mad at me then?� Alex asked.
�No honey, I won�t be mad,� Evelyn said looking at Rick with tears forming in her own eyes. Once Alex had calmed down some, they all went downstairs for some Lunch. Usually Lunch was a noicy affair but today no one had much to say. Emma and Alex finished lunch first, and decided to go outside, which left Rick and Evelyn. alone.
�I want to have an abortion,� she said flatly. Rick nearly choked on his sandwich.
�Evie no,� he said standing up, going to her side.
�Rick there is no other way. Emma thinks we are having a baby because we dont love her anymore, and Alex thinks I want to forget about Christina. He stood her up and turned her to face him.
�What do you want without the children�s opinions?� She sighed.
�I know that I won�t ever forget Christina, and I know that this baby was put here for a reason, and I�m not going to deny it the chance to live, but when I think about our other two children I can�t help but thing that this is all wrong.� He took her into his arms, and she sighed.
�Evelyn we will help them understand that we love them just as much as we ever have, and its not going to be easy but he have been through far worse situations,� He told her. That was true, they had lost one child to a sickiness no one could find a cure too, and come through that, and a new baby was supposed to be a blessing, the hard part was getting the kids to realise that.
Outside in the garden, Alex and Emma sat on one of the benches not saying much of anything.
�Maybe it would be neat to have a baby around,� Emma tried.
�No it wouldn�t be. Christina was the only baby, our princesss, and there is no way I�ll ever love the baby.�
�What if mum has a boy like you?� she said guessing that Alex had not thought of that.
�Well I don�t know. I still won�t love it.� he said. Max came running over to them, and for a moement they forgot about the baby, and played with the puppy. Life was always moving and changing, and while this new baby was a big surprise for them all, eventually things would fall in to place.