Chapter 8

***Six months later***

Dr. Julianna Sandoval. Even six months later, Julie was still in awe that she was finally married to Carlos and they were happy.

After dinner Julie and Carlos were relaxing in the living room when Julie said, "I heard from Crystal's mom today."

"Really? How is she?" Carlos asked, remembering how Julie put her life on the line for Crystal.

"Crystal is really doing great," she said, then she took a deep breath and turned to look at Carlos. "There's something I need to tell you."

The tone of her voice grabbed his attention and he looked right into her eyes. "Is something wrong?"

She school her head. "It's nothing that won't get better in a few months."

"Months? Julie, you have been sick and tired for two months. . . I mean, the only reason would be if you were. . . wait a minute. . . are you?. . . are you?" Carlos couldn't seem to grab hold of what he was trying to say.

Julie smiled and nodded her head. "I am, the doctor said that I am actually three and a half months along now."

"We're going to have a baby?" Carlos asked, his eyes wide.

Julie looked at him. Why does he look like a deer caught in headlights?

Julie thought. "Carlos? Are you okay? I mean. . . you do want this baby. . . don't you?" she asked, suddenly feeling worried.

"Of course I want this Julie! This is great!" said Carlos as he pulled

her to him and kissed her. "I couldn't be happier."

****

Everyone was happy to hear about Julie and Carlos, and Alex offered help wherever she needed it, including time off. Julie was grateful to her friends.

A month later Julie was at HOPE when one of the volunteers came into her office to say that there was someone who wanted to see her. Julie was puzzled as to who it was until she saw him.

"Hello Julianna."

"Dad. What are you doing here?" Julie hadn't seen her father since her parent's divorce a month after her wedding.

"I heard you were expecting a baby," he said, still standing in the doorway.

"Yes, Carlos and I are starting a family," she said, emphasizing Carlos' name.

"You really think this is going to last?" asked Edward, his voice was hard and cold.

"Why do you keep doing this? I am happy and Carlos and I love each other. Why are you so obsessed with insisting that something is going to go wrong?"

Julie asked, hearing her voice break a bit.

"Because I don't want to see you hurt Julie," Edward insisted.

"I am being hurt. . . by you," she said. "I want you to leave."

"Julianna, just listen. . . " Edward said, taking a step toward her.

"NO! No, I don't want to hear it anymore! I want you to leave!!" she cried, knowing she was raising her voice.

Edward didn't say anything, he just turned and walked out.

Julie watched as he left, her body was shaking. She knew she had to sit down and as she moved toward the chair, Julie felt a sharp pain stab her in her lower abdomen. She groaned and doubled over slightly from the pain. Trying to straighten up, the pain stabbed again and she cried out.

"Julie? Julie, are you okay?"

Julie recognized Alex's voice. Shaking her head, she said, "I don't know, something's wrong," then gasped at another stab of pain.

"Come on, I'm taking you to the hospital," said Alex as she helped Julie to her car.

With Alex's help, Julie was able to get out to the car, but the pain was getting worse and there were tears running down her cheeks. "Please let everything be okay", Julie pleaded as Alex drove to the hospital and called Carlos along the way.