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True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 01

By: AshiraDatya



 I started writing this last school year and misplaced the flash drive ... I recently found it and decided to post it for you guys to read and hopefully enjoy.

Ashira



:: Prologue ::

The air was clear, crisp and cooling as autumn conquered summer. The day was as perfect as it could be. A young woman sat on a bench over-looking a crystal clear lake feeding the geese and gulls that lingered at the water's edge. The birds cried out in distress as a car pulled up in the drive behind the bench. She turned around and smiled when she saw who was getting out of the car. "Hi Jason," she murmured, throwing the last piece of bread at the birds before wiping the crumbs from her hands and lap. 

"Where have you been all day Mel? Everyone's been worried," Jason asked her, sitting down next to her on the bench. Melanie paused hesitantly before turning to Jason. 

"I had a doctor's appointment and I needed some time to think," Melanie answered. Jason studied Melanie's face; her normally blue eyes were unusually hazy and unsure. 

"What's wrong?" Jason asked softly, reaching out and taking one of her hands. Melanie played with the hem of her shirt. "Melanie, what's going on? Are you okay? What'd the doctor say?" Jason demanded to know. Melanie hesitated for another second before mumbling something almost inaudibly. "Mel?" Jason asked, growing slightly impatient. 

Melanie sighed. "I'm four weeks late," Melanie said finally. Jason's eyes grew wide and he let go of Melanie's hand. "I'm pregnant Jason, the doctor just confirmed it this morning," she told Jason. 

Jason paled, stood up and took a few steps away. "Jason, say something," Melanie pleaded, standing up and walking over to him. "I need some time to think," Jason said, turning to face Melanie. "I'll call you," he promised before walking back to his car and driving away.

:: Chapter One ::

"Hey Mel, have you heard from Jason?" Melanie looked up at her friend and shook her head. "No, Jul, I haven't," Melanie answered, tossing the pencil on the table and rubbing her forehead. "God, how could I have fallen for such a loser?" Melanie asked. "How could I not have seen that he would leave me like this?" 

Julie shrugged and closed her history text. Both girls were in their junior year of college and ready to be done with it. While Melanie was tall with light red hair and blue eyes, Julie was slightly shorter with chestnut brown hair and emerald green eyes. "You made a bad choice in a guy, you aren't the first person to do so," Julie reminded her friend. Melanie sighed and rubbed her back. "You okay?" Julie asked. Melanie nodded. Melanie sighed and toyed with her pencil. 

It had been nearly seven months since she had told Jason she was pregnant, and she hadn't seen or heard from him since. "What have his parents said about where the douche bag went?" Julie asked. Melanie shook her head. "All they said was he transferred," Melanie answered. 

"Do they know about the baby?" Julie asked. Melanie shrugged. "I don't know," Melanie answered, stretching and glancing at her watch. "I have to get to work Jul, I'll talk to you later, okay?" Melanie murmured, grabbing her books and putting them quickly in her bag. 

"See you," Julie said as Melanie headed out the door. As Melanie walked down the sidewalk to her car, she brushed the tears from her eyes while she mentally kicked herself for falling for Jason. Melanie drove as quickly as she could to the diner where she waited tables and chuckled its name; Homer's Dream. 

"Hey kiddo," Homer said to Melanie as she clocked in. 

"Hi Homer," Melanie replied, pulling on her apron. 

"Is everything okay?" Homer asked. 

Melanie shrugged. "As okay as things can be," she answered. Melanie glanced out at the dining room. "I have tables waiting," she added before walking out. Melanie walked up to her first table and smiled. "Hi, welcome to Homer's Dream, could I start you off with something to drink?" The woman at the table studied Melanie quickly. "Iced tea if you have it," she replied. 

Melanie smiled. "We have it, and it's not the powder stuff either, we brew it fresh several times a day. Would you like honey or lemon?" Melanie asked, writing the drink orders down. "Lemon," the woman answered. Melanie nodded and turned to the woman's gentlemen friend. "I'll have the same, but with both lemon and honey," he told Melanie. 

Melanie nodded, smiled and walked towards the kitchen to get the drinks. Melanie poured the tea into the glasses and headed back to the table. "Here you are," Melanie told them, setting the glasses of tea in front of them. "Have you decided on what you'd like to eat this evening?" Melanie asked. The woman studied the menu before turning a critical eye to Melanie. "How far along are you young lady?" the woman asked, studying Melanie again. Melanie shifted her weight. "Around seven months," Melanie answered. 

The woman offered a half of a smile. "Are you and your husband getting excited?" she asked. Melanie sighed. "I haven't seen or heard from Jason since I told him, we were dating, not married," Melanie answered. She shifted her weight again. "Would you like a few more minutes to decide or have you decided what you'd like to eat?" Melanie asked. The woman opened her mouth to ask another question but her husband cut you off. "We'll take the number four special. No onions and light on the mustard," he answered. Melanie smiled. "The chopped steak is very good, I have it every week. How would you like them cooked?" Melanie told them. 

"Medium well," the woman answered. Melanie nodded, took the menus and headed off for the kitchen. The woman flagged down another waitress. "May I help you ma'am?" she asked. The woman nodded and her eyes focused on her name tag. "Nancy, I'd like to speak with the manager, or owner, or whoever is in charge," the woman said. Nancy hesitated. "Is something wrong with your service?" Nancy asked. The woman scowled at Nancy. "Are you in charge?" she asked. Nancy met the woman's gaze. "I'm the head server, but Homer's in charge," Nancy replied. 

The woman took a sip of her tea. "Then I want to speak with Homer, now," she told Nancy. Nancy nodded and went to find Homer. 

When Melanie came back to the table with the order, she was surprised to see Nancy, and Homer standing near the table. "Here you go," Melanie said, setting the plates down on the table. Homer stepped forward. "Melanie, come to my office please," Homer said quietly. 

"Have I done something wrong?" Melanie asked. Homer smiled gently and shook his head. "Just come to my office please," Homer said softly. Melanie followed Homer to his office. "The couple you were waiting on, they're Jason's grandparents," Homer told her. Melanie gasped in surprise. "He told them where you worked and asked them to come and give you this," Homer added, handing Melanie an envelope. "I'll be back in a few moments," Homer said, standing up and walking out of the office.

"Melanie,

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to write you or call you after you told me about the baby. It was wrong of me to keep you wondering what I was thinking and what I was feeling. Obviously, I'm scared to death, I've never been good with kids, and well, I'm not sure I want a baby to be honest. I know it's too late for that, because you're pregnant and I know you wouldn't lie about who the father is. I'm also sorry for taking off on you like that, my cousin was in a very bad accident at school, and you know Mark is Chemistry major, I've talked about him. Let's just say one of his experiments kind of blew up in his face. We all went to help my aunt and uncle out as they were dealing with Mark and his medical expenses. I should be home in a few weeks and I can't wait to see you. I will be there for you, I promise. I love you Mel.

Jason"

Melanie wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at the date, it was dated nearly five months previous. A knock at the door made Melanie look up to see Jason's grandparents in the doorway. "Why am I just getting this?" Melanie wanted to know. 

The woman sighed. "My name is Helen, and this is my husband Thomas. Jason's letter explained his absence," Helen answered. Melanie nodded slightly. "Yes, for the first month or two, but not this long," Melanie retorted. 

Helen bristled but Thomas put a hand on her arm. "Jason wanted to be here with you very much," Thomas began. 

A feeling of dread passed through Melanie. "What happened?" Melanie asked, even though she wasn't sure she would like the answer. 

Thomas sat down in the chair across from Melanie. "He was in an accident on his way back to school, and fell into a coma," Thomas asked. Melanie gasped and her face went pale. "Is Jason alright? Why didn't Carol and Steve tell me?" Melanie wanted to know. "I've called looking for Jason so many times," she added. 

Thomas nodded and sighed. "My son and daughter aren't as trusting as my grandson. Jason is still in the coma; the doctors want to take him off of life support," Thomas answered. Melanie closed her eyes and willed the room to stop spinning. 

"Are you alright?" Helen asked. Melanie opened her eyes and blinked slowly. 

"I want to see him," Melanie said softly. Helen sighed. "Carol doesn't want you to see Jason," Helen told Melanie. 

Melanie laughed dryly. "She never really liked me," Melanie muttered. She studied Helen and Thomas carefully. "I dated Jason for almost four years, how come I've never met you before?" Melanie wanted to know. 

Thomas laughed. "Carol doesn't like us either. We've been forbidden from seeing Jason on a regular basis. We get to see him at Christmas and that is it," Thomas answered. "And yes, Jason told us all about you. He told us all while we were waiting to see if Mark would pull through. He thought it would cheer people up," Thomas told Melanie. Melanie wiped away a tear that trailed down her cheek. "We'll take you to see Jason tonight while his parents are consulting another doctor," Helen said, putting her coat on. Thomas stood up and reached for his wallet. 

Melanie shook her head. "Dinner's on the house tonight," she told Thomas. 

"Are you sure?" Thomas asked. Melanie nodded as she stood up. "I need to get my coat from the break room, I'll meet you out front," Melanie told them. Thomas nodded and Melanie walked away. 

"Are you okay?" Homer asked. Melanie shook her head and gave Homer the details of what she had just been told quickly as she pulled off the apron and slid into her jacket. "Take the price of their meals out of my pay please Homer," Melanie said softly. Homer nodded as he watched Melanie hurry out of the restaurant.

True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 02-04



:: Chapter two ::

"He's in here dear," Helen said, leading Melanie into a hospital room. Melanie hesitated before following the older woman into the room. 

Melanie gasped when she saw Jason, pale and seemingly lifeless lying in the bed. "Oh God," Melanie whispered. 

Helen placed a hand on Melanie's shoulder. "I'll be outside with Thomas; take your time," she murmured before walking out of the room. 

Melanie sank down into the chair. "Jason?" she murmured, taking his hand, not really expecting a response. "Please wake up," Melanie whispered, as tears began to stream down her face. "We need you." Melanie laid her head on Jason's shoulder. 

The next thing Melanie knew, there was shouting outside. "How dare you bring her here! We don't want her here!" Carol shouted at her mother. Melanie came to the doorway. "You little whore! You probably balled every guy on that campus and told my son it was his baby," Carol hissed. Melanie sighed and rubbed her eyes. "This is Jason's baby. I haven't been with anyone but him," Melanie said. 

Carol rolled her eyes. "That's what everyone says," Carol told Melanie. 

"You need to keep it down," a doctor said, walking over. He smiled kindly at Melanie. "You must be Melanie, I'm Doctor Johnson," he added. Melanie nodded and wiped at her eyes. "Mark told me about you. Why don't we all come in and talk?" Doctor Johnson suggested. 

Carol looked at Melanie. "You stay here," she growled. "You have no business here," Carol added. 

Doctor Johnson grabbed Carol's arm. "Actually, she should be here, what I have to say concerns Melanie as well," he told Carol. Carol growled but allowed Melanie to come into the room. Carol sat down in the chair closest to Jason's bed. Steve looked at Melanie. 

"Why don't you sit down Mel, you look like you're about to fall over," Steve suggested. Melanie smiled slightly and thanked Steve as she sat in the other chair. 

Doctor Johnson opened up Jason's chart and studied it for a moment. "I know we talked earlier about taking Jason off of life support" he began. 

Carol swallowed hard. "I want to wait," she told the doctor. 

"I no longer believe taking Jason off of life support is the best thing for him," Doctor Johnson continued. Carol gasped and then smiled in relief. "Jason's vital signs have improved in the last several hours," Doctor Johnson added. He looked at Melanie. "How long have you been here?" he wanted to know. 

Melanie looked at the clock on the wall. "Four hours," she answered in surprise. 

"It seems you are just what Jason needed to come back to his family," Doctor Johnson told Melanie gently. "If his vitals keep improving, he should be awake within the next few days," he told everyone. Carol's face brightened despite hearing that Melanie was the reason for her son's change of condition. 

"As soon as Jason is awake, I want Melanie out of here," she told her husband, giving Melanie a dirty look. 

"Carol, if Melanie is what Jason needs, then she should stay," Thomas said gently. 

Carol turned on her father. "She's a little whore! What right do you have to give any input on my son's life? You've hardly been near him!" Carol shouted. 

Steve looked at his wife in shock. "You kept my parents out of Jason's life. Carol, you need to wake up and think about what you're saying. You approved of Mel when she and Jason first started seeing each other, then suddenly, two years ago, you stopped! Stop thinking about what you want and think about what Jason wants!" Steve exclaimed. Melanie gasped in surprise, but couldn't hide the smile. 

Doctor Johnson stopped in the doorway. "All of this negativity will not do Jason any good, if you want to bicker, do it elsewhere," he told them before walking out. 

Carol gave Melanie another dirty look and left the room. "Mr. Paterson, I don't want to cause any trouble," Melanie began, standing up. 

Steve shook his head. "You aren't causing any trouble, don't worry, Carol will ease up. Once you have the baby and she realizes that it is Jason's, she'll want to be part of your lives. You just stay here and get my boy to wake up," Steve told her, giving her shoulder a squeeze. 

:: Chapter Three ::

Melanie was sleeping in the chair at Jason's bedside, her history text book resting on her abdomen when someone touched her hand. Melanie awoke and sat up quickly. Looking around and seeing no one, Melanie looked towards the bed and gasped to find Jason's brown eyes staring up at her. "Jas?" Melanie asked softly. Jason began to fight the respirator. "Hold on Jas," Melanie murmured, standing up quickly and walking as quickly as she could out to the hall. "He's awake!" she exclaimed. 

Carol and Steve followed Melanie into the room while Thomas went for a doctor. Everyone waited while Doctor Johnson removed the breathing tube. "Just whisper for a bit so you don't strain your throat. A nurse will bring you some ice chips," he said. "I need you all to leave for a moment so I can examine Jason," Doctor Johnson added. Melanie started to follow Carol out of the room, but Jason grabbed her arm. Melanie turned to look at Jason and smiled slightly. "I'll come back, I promise," she murmured. Reluctantly, Jason let go of Melanie's arm and watched as she followed his parents out of the room. By the time they were allowed back in the room, Melanie and Carol were both as jumpy as seagulls on the beach. "Mrs. Paterson," Melanie began as Carol started back for the room. Carol turned to face Melanie. "I do love Jason, and I swear on my life that this is your grandchild," Melanie said softly. 

Carol sighed. "I'll call a truce until the baby is here and we'll go from there. I know Jason cares for you and if it weren't for mys bringing you here, we would have lost him," Carol told Melanie. Melanie smiled and sighed in relief and followed Carol into the room. "Hey," Carol said, brushing a lock of Jason's hair out of his eyes. Jason smiled at his mom and inhaled the smell of her perfume as she gave him a hug. Melanie stood in the doorway nervously smoothing the crease in her pants. 

Jason looked past his mother as she straightened back up. "Mel," Jason said, his voice hoarse. "Jason, the doctor said not to talk," his mother reminded him. Jason shot his mother a dirty look. "Don't look at me like that Jason, I'm still your mother," Carol reprimanded. She sighed. 

"I'll let you alone so you can talk," she added. "Thanks mom," Jason said quietly. Carol kissed her son's forehead before walking out of the room. Melanie sank into the chair Carol vacated and Jason grabbed her hand. "What took you so long to come?" Jason wanted to know. 

Melanie sighed and rubbed her eyes with her free hand. "Jason, not now, you've just woken up," Melanie pleaded. "Mel, I need to know," Jason said. Melanie sighed again. "I just found out you were here when your grandparents came to the diner four days ago," Melanie told him. Jason's eyes narrowed in anger. "Jason, calm down, please," Melanie pleaded. "Are you thirsty?" she asked, trying to change the subject. 

Jason nodded. "I could kill my mother," Jason growled. Melanie sighed and spooned an ice cube into his mouth. "She loves you Jace," Melanie reminded him. Jason sighed and studied Melanie carefully, his eyes coming to a stop at her abdomen. Melanie waited nervously, unsure of what he would say. "Wow," Jason commented. "Mel, you're," Jason shook his head and continued to stare at Melanie. 

"Huge? Fat? Ugly?" Melanie asked. 

Jason shook his head again. "Mel, you're beautiful," Jason told her. 

Melanie laughed slightly. "No, I'm not," Melanie said. 

Jason rolled his eyes. "Mel, don't argue with a man who just came back from death's door. I've never seen anything or anyone so beautiful ever," Jason said seriously. Melanie sighed and looked down. "How are you?" Jason asked. Melanie looked up at Jason, tears in her eyes. "Mel, what's wrong?" Jason wanted to know. Melanie hesitated. "Mel, tell me," Jason murmured, patting the edge of the bed. 

Melanie moved to the edge of the bed. "I thought you didn't want anything to do with the baby or with me," Melanie admitted. "The last time I saw you, you told me you needed time to think and that you'd call me, the next thing I knew, your grandparents were in Homer's giving me the third degree and telling me you were about to die," Melanie rambled. 

Jason put a finger to her lips, sat up, pulled Melanie to him and kissed her softly. "I want you, and as terrified as I am about having a baby, I want to be there with you," Jason murmured. Tears slid down Melanie's cheeks. "Mel, don't cry," Jason pleaded. 

Melanie sniffled and she wiped the tears away. "I'm sorry Jace, I've been a mess lately. Blame it on the hormones," Melanie murmured, laughing a little. 

Jason smiled at Melanie and scooted over. "Lay down with me," Jason said softly. Melanie smiled a bit and lay her head on Jason's shoulder and when Jason's parents came into the room with his grandparents, they found Melanie and Jason asleep together on the bed, Jason's arms wrapped tightly around Melanie's waist. 

Carol sighed. "It looks like it doesn't matter if the baby is Jason's, he'll raise it anyway, won't he?" Carol asked. 

Steve looked at his wife. "I think he is the father, do you think he'd pick someone he couldn't trust to love?" Steve said. 

Carol sighed and couldn't help but smile at the sight they made. "She looks tired," Carol murmured. "I've called Julie to come get Mel so she can get some sleep," she added. 

"So you do like the girl," Helen said surprised. Carol nodded. "I just don't want to lose my son," Carol told her mother. 

There was a knock on the door and Julie walked in. "Oh God, he looks ..." Julie trailed off, unable to finish her sentence. 

"He's alive, Julie," Carol assured her. 

Melanie heard the voices and sat up groggily. "Jul, what are you doing here?" she wanted to know. 

Julie offered her friend a smile. "Carol called and asked me to come pick you up," Julie answered. 

"I want to stay," Melanie said. Carol looked at Melanie and Melanie met her gaze and held it. "I haven't seen him in six months, I thought he walked out on me, the least you can let me do is stay with him," Melanie said, her voice uneven. "Mel?" Jason asked, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "What's going on?" 

Melanie said nothing and after a moment, Carol finally spoke up. "I want Melanie to go with Julie to get some rest, that's all," she said. Jason studied Melanie's face and for the first time noticed the dark circles under her eyes and the paleness of her complexion. 

"That looks like a good idea," Jason agreed. Melanie stared at Jason in surprise. "You look tired," Jason murmured, reaching for Melanie's hand. 

"I want to stay," she whispered. 

Jason smiled and squeezed Melanie's hand. "Go get some sleep and come see me tomorrow," Jason murmured. 

Melanie sighed but stood up and had to grab hold of the night stand to keep from falling over. "Are you alright?" Jason asked, feeling helpless as he watched his father help Melanie regain her balance. Melanie nodded. "I just stood up too fast," she promised. "I'm fine," Melanie added. Julie grabbed Melanie's coat. 

"First some food, then some sleep," she assured Jason, linking arms with her friend. Jason nodded and blew a kiss to Melanie who smiled and returned it. 

"I'll see you in the morning," Melanie promised before allowing Julie to lead her out of the room. 

"Are you okay?" Julie asked after a few moments. Melanie shook her head. "No, not really," she admitted. 

Julie looked at her friend in concern. "Do you need a doctor?" Melanie shook her head again. "I'm just overwhelmed, the baby's fine," Melanie assured her friend. Julie studied Melanie for a moment before putting the car in gear and driving away. 

"Steve and Carol paid for a room for the night," Julie said, trying to make small talk. 

Melanie looked surprised. "I can't believe that. Jason has been in a coma for months now and his grandparents had to come find me and tell me," Melanie said. Julie sighed.

"Well, maybe Carol realizes that if she isn't careful, she'll lose Jason," Julie suggested. Melanie shrugged and rubbed her abdomen as the baby kicked. 

"I'm starving! Let's get Chinese takeout, lots of ice cream and rent some chick flicks," Julie suggested, trying to get her friend's mind off of the information she had been given over the last twenty four hours. Melanie smiled for a moment. "I have a huge midterm and, oh what the hell, class can wait," Melanie said. Julie laughed. "I've already called your professors and told them what was happening, you've been given an extra couple of weeks to do your exam," Julie told her friend. Melanie smiled at her friend. "You're a life saver," Melanie said as Julie pulled into the parking lot of a Chinese restaurant. 

"I know. Do you want Sweet and Sour Chicken or Beef and Broccoli?" Julie wanted to know. Melanie thought for a moment. "Both, with white rice," Melanie replied. Julie looked at her friend in surprise. "I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday," Melanie admitted. 

"Melanie!" Julie exclaimed. Melanie raised her hands in defense. "I was too upset to eat. I wanted to kill Carol for putting me through what she put me through, and I thought Jace was going to die, and when he woke up ..." Melanie trailed off as the emotions hit her and she began to cry. 

"Oh Mel, don't! You'll make yourself sick!" Julie pleaded, handing her friend a tissue. When Melanie began to calm down, Julie gave her friend a quick hug before going into the restaurant. When the girls finally got back to the hotel room, Melanie was nearly exhausted. "Food first, then if you want to crash, you can crash," Julie said, leading her friend into the hotel room. "This place is bigger than my apartment," Melanie commented dryly. Julie laughed and set the bag of food on the table. "God that's pathetic," Melanie groaned. Julie laughed again. "And your place is twice as large as mine is, so stop complaining," Julie teased. Melanie shook her head as she watched her friend set up the DVD player she never went anywhere without. "What do you want to see; Deep Impact or Dirty Dancing?" Julie asked. 

Melanie thought for a moment as she dug into the beef and broccoli. "Is there another option?" Melanie wanted to know. 

Julie nodded. "I also have Fifth Element," she replied. 

Melanie smiled and nodded. "I need to see an action flick; Luke Perry doesn't hurt, then we can watch Patrick Swayze and his Hungry Eyes," Melanie said. Julie laughed and popped the DVD in. By the time the girls were half way through Dirty Dancing, the Chinese food was gone and Melanie had drifted off to sleep.

:: Chapter Four ::

"You're doing great Jason, just a little bit more and we'll be done for today." Jason groaned and attempted to do one more lift with his leg but couldn't do it. 

"Go easy on me Dan, you're killing me over here," Jason complained. Dan laughed. "Jace, you haven't used these muscles in months and you need to build up your muscle tone," Dan reminded Jason. Jason took a few deep breaths and glanced over at Melanie who was sitting over on the side with her nose in a book. 

"How much longer till the baby comes?" Dan asked. 

Jason turned his attention back to his physical therapist. "Next week," he answered. 

Dan nodded and followed his patient's gaze back to Melanie. "Five more on each leg then you can go soak in the tub and you're done for the day," Dan said, clapping his hands. Jason groaned but went back to work. When Jason looked towards Melanie again, she wasn't in the chair anymore. "Did you see where Mel went?" he asked Dan. 

Dan shook his head. "You know, if you exerted that energy and attention to your physical therapy instead of your girlfriend, you'd be walking by now," Dan commented dryly. 

Jason sighed. "I know, it's complicated," Dan said, shaking his head. He watched as Jason finished the reps on the leg exercises then wheeled Jason to the hot tub. "Twenty minutes, no longer," Dan told Jason who nodded and eased his way into the tub. "I'll go check on Mel for you," he added. 

"Thanks Dan," Jason said as Dan walked away. Dan found Melanie leaving the bathroom. "I've been sent to check on you," Dan told Melanie. 

Melanie laughed and shook her head. "My bladder has disappeared," Melanie complained. 

Dan laughed too. "My sister went through the same thing when she was pregnant," Dan said. Melanie glanced through the door at Jason who looked the most serene he had looked all day. "How is he doing?" Melanie asked. 

Dan offered Melanie a reassuring smile. "He's doing great. For being in a coma for as long as he has, Jason has quite a bit of muscle tone left, he just needs to tighten it back up," Dan assured her. Melanie smiled and mouthed, "Thank you," to Dan before walking back into the Physical Therapy room. 

When Jason and Melanie got back to Jason's parents' house, they were greeted by Jason's mother. "Jason, your father is waiting for you in the living room. Melanie, can you come help me with dinner?" Carol asked. Melanie nodded as she watched Jason wheel himself into the house. "Carol, you still do not believe Jason is the father of the baby, do you?" Melanie asked, following Carol into the kitchen. Carol sighed. "I want to believe, but I don't want Jason to get hurt," Carol told Melanie. 

Melanie rubbed the small of her back and thought for a moment before answering. "Carol, this is the last time I'm going to say anything about this so please don't make me repeat it. I love Jason with all of my heart. I thought I would die when I didn't hear from him after telling him about the baby. I thought that out of all of the guys out there that Jason was the last one that would leave someone alone and pregnant. The only person I have ever made love to, or have had any kind of sex with is Jason. He is my first and my only, nothing you say or do will change that. This is your grandchild whether you believe it or not," Melanie said as politely as she could. Carol studied Melanie for a moment before handing her a bowl. "Could you make the salad? You can sit down at the table," Carol said. Melanie sighed before taking the bowl and sitting down. "You won't believe me until the baby comes and a paternity test is done, will you?" Melanie asked. 

"I believe you Melanie, but I don't want to lose my son," Carol murmured. 

"You won't lose Jason, he loves you," Melanie promised, hitting the head of lettuce on the table top to loosen the core. Carol smiled slightly and turned back to dinner. Dinner was very quiet and finally, Melanie had had enough. "Okay, I'm all for family dinners, but I have two finals next week and I don't feel at all prepared," Melanie said. 

Jason glanced at his father who winked and nodded. "Do you have your books?" Jason asked. Melanie nodded. "Why don't we stay here tonight? That way you don't have to drive back to campus tonight. You can get your studying done upstairs and have a good breakfast before class," Jason added. 

"Jace, my first exam is at 8 tomorrow morning," Melanie told him. Jason glanced at his father again. "Melanie, we'll have someone drive you. You shouldn't be driving right now anyway," Steve said. "What will go wrong if you stay here tonight?" he asked. Melanie looked from Jason to Steve to Jason again and suddenly felt drained of all energy. "Okay, we'll stay. But we'll have to leave by 7:15 if I'm going to make it to my exam on time," Melanie agreed wearily. 

Jason smiled. "We'll see you in the morning, love you both," Jason said as he backed away from the table. Melanie reached for her back pack. "Let me take that Mel," Jason offered, reaching towards Melanie for it. Melanie placed the bag on Jason's lap and followed him down the hall to his room. "Jace, what's going on?" Melanie wanted to know. Jason smiled and said nothing as he opened the door. "Ladies first," Jason murmured. Melanie walked into the room and gasped as she saw the candles and Rose petals scattered around the room. "Jace, what is all of this?" Melanie asked, her voice shaking. Jason smiled. 




True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 02-04



"Just trying to make up for what happened," he told her. 

Melanie shook her head. "That wasn't your fault," she reminded him, sinking onto the bed and reaching for the bag. Jason put the bag on the floor, just out of reach. "Jace, I have a ton of studying to do," Melanie complained. Jason smiled. "Just wait, for a minute," Jason said, lifting himself onto the bed. "I love you Mel," Jason murmured, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Melanie's ear. 

Melanie smiled and leaned into Jason contently. "I love you too," Melanie said. 

"Mel, I have to ask you something," Jason said suddenly. 

Melanie pulled away and looked at Jason in concern. "You aren't having second thoughts about being with me, are you?" Melanie asked. Jason shook his head. "No, far from it," Jason assured her. Melanie looked confused and Jason smiled. "Close your eyes," he murmured. Melanie closed her eyes with a sigh. "Keep them closed until I say," Jason added. He waited a moment and then Melanie felt Jason take her hand and slide something onto it. "Go ahead and open them," Jason said. Melanie opened her eyes and glanced at her hand and gasped. 

"Oh my God, Jason, is this what I think it is?" Melanie asked. 

Jason smiled lovingly at Melanie. "I want to marry you Mel, I want to make a life with you and the baby," Jason murmured, pulling Melanie closer. "Melanie Marie, will you marry me?" Jason asked softly. 

Melanie threw her arms around Jason's neck. "Yes, oh God, yes," Melanie cried into Jason's shoulder. 

"Don't cry," Jason pleaded. 

Melanie hiccuped and giggled. "Sorry, hormones again," Melanie murmured. Jason laughed and kissed Melanie. 

"I love you so much," Jason said softly, trailing kisses down Melanie's neck. Melanie moaned and gently pulled away. 

"I love you too Jace, and as much as I want to make love with you, we can't. We're too close and sex can help bring on labor," Melanie whispered. 

Jason groaned and reluctantly pulled away. "Kill joy," he muttered, teasingly. Melanie offered a half smile. "I can wait. I love you so much," Jason said softly, kissing Melanie again. 

"I love you too," Melanie replied. Jason pulled Melanie down onto the bed in a horizontal position. "Forget studying," Jason murmured. "I have better things in mind," Jason added, giving Marie another kiss. The book slid to the floor, forgotten. When Jason woke up the next morning, Melanie was already gone. Jason looked at the clock and was surprised that it was almost noon. There was a note next to the phone and Jason picked it up and opened it. 

"Jason,

I didn't want to wake you; you looked like you had a hard day at PT yesterday. Good luck at your doctor's appointment this afternoon and I'll see you when I get out of exams. I love you.

Mel

Jason lifted himself into the wheel chair and wheeled into the bathroom. "Mom?" Jason called, wheeling into the main house. Carol stepped out of the den. "Good morning sweetie, sleep well?" Carol asked. Jason nodded. 

"Is there anything left from breakfast? I'm starving?" Jason wanted to know. Carol smiled. "Your dad brought back bagels this morning when he came back from taking Melanie, would you like me to toast you one?" Carol replied. 

Jason shook his head. "I can do it, I'm not a baby. Did Mel say when her last exam was?" Jason answered. 

Carol nodded and looked at her watch. "Julie is supposed to be bringing her back around 2:30," Carol answered. "Hurry up, or you'll be late for your doctor's appointment," she added. As 2:30 came and went and Melanie still wasn't back, Jason began to grow impatient and worried. "I'm sure one of her exams went long," Carol said, trying to keep Jason calm. 

"She would have called. Something's not right," Jason told his mother. Carol sighed and took a sip of tea as the doorbell chimed. Jason sped off like a bullet towards the door. "Julie, finally," Jason said, opening the door and seeing his friend. "Wait, where's Mel?" Jason asked, looking back at his mother who walked up behind him. 

Julie started to answer but shook her head. "She's fine Jace, but you guys need to come with me," Julie answered. 

"Not until you tell me what's going on," Jason said. 

Julie sighed. "Stop being a hard headed ass and just come with me," Julie grumbled, turning around and heading to her car. Julie waited for Carol and Jason to get into their car before she pulled out of the driveway. 

Jason's anxiety grew when Julie pulled into the hospital. "I knew something was wrong," he told his mother. 

Carol patted Jason on the hand as she parked. "Think positive," Carol suggested. Julie waited patiently for Carol to get Jason's chair out of the trunk and for Jason to shift himself into it. 

"Julie, what the hell is going on?" Jason demanded to know. 

Julie smiled. "You'll see," Julie replied. Jason grabbed Julie's arm as she started to walk away. 

"I thought you said Mel was fine," Jason 

growled. 

Julie smiled again. "She is, come with me, you'll see," Julie said, walking away, leaving Jason and Carol no choice but to follow her. "Julie, what the hell is going on?" Jason asked, his voice harsh as Julie came to a stop by a hospital room. 

Julie opened the door. "See for yourself," she told him. 

Jason wheeled past Julie, his heart racing. "Mel?" Jason asked nervously as he wheeled himself over to the bed. Melanie's eyes fluttered open and when she saw Jason, she smiled. "What happened? Are you okay?" Jason wanted to know. 

Melanie nodded and reached for Jason's hand. "I'm fine, a little tired maybe, but I'm fine. And as for what happened, well, I had a baby," Melanie answered. 

Jason's eyes grew wide. "Why didn't you call me? I wanted to be here," Jason wanted to know. Melanie stretched and winced. "There really wasn't time," Melanie told him. 

Carol looked around the room and saw the bassinet on the other side of Melanie's bed. "Jason," Carol murmured, pointing as the baby began to fuss. "May I?" Carol asked Melanie who nodded. Carol lifted the tiny baby out of the bassinet and cradled it in her arms. "A girl?" Carol asked Melanie who smiled and nodded. 

"Almost eight pounds, and she's twenty three inches long," Melanie said. 

Carol smiled. "Jason was almost nine so I hear you. How long were you in labor for?" Carol asked. 

Melanie thought for a moment. "Well, my water broke in the middle of a final exam, and that was around 11:30, and she was born at 2:45," Melanie answered. 

Carol looked at the baby who was staring intently. "She's beautiful Melanie," Carol told her, placing the baby in Jason's arms. The baby started fussing again, not happy about the transition but after a moment, calmed back down, despite the look of terror on Jason's face. "What do I do?" he asked nervously. 

Melanie hid a smile and Carol laughed. "Exactly what you're doing," Carol answered, glancing at Melanie. "How are you feeling?" Carol asked, concerned at how pale she looked. 

Melanie hesitated before answering. "Honestly, I feel like death warmed over. They told me there wasn't time for an epidural or any other pain medications," Melanie answered. Carol winced in sympathy. Melanie reached onto the tray next to her bed and handed Carol a piece of paper. "What's this?" Carol asked. 

Melanie looked at Jason before answering. "The paternity test I had them run. Jason keeps combs in my back pack in case we're out somewhere and his hair gets out of control, I had them run a strand of the hair against the DNA from the umbilical cord," Melanie answered. 

Jason shifted in his chair. "I know you still don't believe me completely, so I wanted to give you physical proof," Melanie added. Carol looked at the piece of paper and smiled in relief when she saw the words 100 percent match. 

"I'm sorry I doubted you, but he's my son," Carol said quietly. 

Melanie nodded. "I'm still hurt that you thought I was crazy enough to do something like cheat on Jason, but, I guess I can sort of understand," Melanie murmured. 

Jason looked down at the baby, over to Melanie and back at the baby again. "Mel, I," Jason's voice failed him and his eyes filled with tears. Carol smiled. "I'm going to go call your dad, and we'll come back later. You two spend some time with that precious little girl," Carol said softly. She gave her son a hug and a kiss and then gave Melanie a hug. "I'm sorry I doubted you, please forgive me for being a bitch," Carol murmured in Melanie's ear. 

Melanie nodded and watched as Carol kissed the baby on the top of her head before walking out of the room. "Now what?" Jason asked as the baby started crying. 

Melanie reached for her and Jason carefully passed her over. "She's probably hungry," Melanie answered, pulling an arm out of one sleeve of her gown, uncovering one of her breasts. The baby latched on and began sucking greedily. Jason scooted from his chair to the side of the bed and watched in awe. Melanie shifted uncomfortably in the bed. 

"You okay?" Jason asked. 

Melanie nodded. "I'm just a little sore," Melanie told him. 

Jason ran a finger down the baby's face then reached for Melanie's hand. "I love you Mel," Jason murmured. 

Melanie smiled and took Jason's hand. "I love you too," Melanie told him, staring at the tiny baby in her arms. 

"I can't believe that we did this," Jason murmured. 

"I can't either," Melanie agreed.



True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 05-08



:: Chapter Five ::

"Jason, where are we going?" Melanie asked, shifting uncomfortably in the seat of the car. Jason smiled and glanced at Melanie. "You'll see when we get there," he promised. When they finally reached their destination, Jason anxiously led Melanie to the door of a building. "This looks like an old abandoned building," Melanie said worriedly, looking around to make sure they weren't about to be mugged. 

Jason smiled and unlocked the door. "It isn't an abandoned building," Jason assured her, opening the door. Melanie followed Jason in and gasped. "Welcome home Mel," he murmured. Melanie looked around in awe. "How did you do this?" Melanie wanted to know, as she followed Jason from room to room. 

Jason grinned. "Dad helped. When he and Mom went to your apartment to get things ready for the baby, they couldn't believe how small it was. They didn't want you to bring the baby back there, and since you refused to live at their place, well, we found this place and while the outside needs some work, the inside was great, and we fixed it up," Jason told her. 

Tears came to Melanie's eyes and she bent down to hug Jason. "Wait till you see the baby's room," Jason murmured, his eyes twinkling. 

Melanie straightened up and followed Jason to the nursery. "Oh my God Jason, it's beautiful!" Melanie exclaimed, looking around. The room was lavender with a white trim. "Oh Jason, this is amazing," Melanie squealed, turning around and flinging herself at him. Jason laughed and wrapped his arms around Melanie and squeezed her gently. "I can't believe you did this," Melanie murmured, tears streaming down her cheeks. 

"Why are you crying?" Jason asked, wiping the tears away. 

"I'm sorry, I'm just overwhelmed by this, and I'm so happy," Melanie said, laughing at herself. Jason kissed Melanie gently and reluctantly released her when there was a knock at the door. "That'll be mom and dad with the baby," Jason told her. Melanie headed for the door, Jason at her heels. 

"So, what do you think?" Steve asked when Melanie opened the door. 

Melanie gave him a hug. "Thank you so much," Melanie murmured. 

Steve gave Melanie a kiss on the cheek. "You're welcome kiddo," he said. Melanie stepped back to let them in and reached eagerly for the baby. Carol shook her head. "She's asleep, I'll just go lay her down in her room," Carol said softly. Melanie nodded and watched as her daughter was carried into her room. 

"I can't believe you guys did all of this," Melanie said, as Carol walked back into the living room. 

"Well, you couldn't live in that apartment with a baby, you didn't even have a bedroom," Carol told Melanie. 

Melanie sighed. "It was all I could afford. I don't exactly make a lot at Homer's," Melanie admitted. 

Jason reached for Melanie's hand and squeezed it. "You don't have to worry about that anymore," he promised. Melanie smiled and looked around her new home again, her eyes wide. 

Carol cleared her throat. "There is food in the kitchen, we're going to let you two settle in. Julie brought you some clothing, it's in your bedroom. We'll see you later," Carol said, practically dragging Steve out the door. 

Melanie sighed. "She's never going to like me, is she?" Melanie asked. 

Jason shrugged. "Does it matter? I like you," Jason murmured. 

Melanie smiled and stretched. "You're right, it doesn't matter," Melanie agreed. Jason rubbed Melanie's back and Melanie leaned into him. 

The months flew by as Melanie and Jason settled into a routine with their daughter. One afternoon, while Melanie was making a batch of cookies, the front door burst open. "Jason?" Melanie asked, placing the tray of cookies into the oven and walking towards the front hall. Melanie bit back a scream as a masked man pushed his way into the house. "Give me your money," he growled. Melanie struggled to free herself from his grasp. "I don't have any on me," Melanie gasped as the man roamed his hands down her body. 

"Where is it?" he asked. Melanie pointed to her purse. He grabbed her purse off of the table and rifled through it. After grabbing his wallet, he turned towards a room. "What's in here?" he asked, reaching for the handle. 

"No!" Melanie shouted, grabbing a vase from the table and swinging it at him. He caught the vase and pushed it into Melanie's face. 

"What is in there that you risk your life for?" he asked, looking up and down Melanie's body. Melanie winced as he pulled on her hair. "My daughter," Melanie answered. "Please, don't hurt her, she's just a baby," Melanie whispered. The man turned his attention back to Melanie and ripped her blouse. "No, please, don't," Melanie pleaded. He just laughed and pushed up her skirt. "Please," Melanie whispered as he pulled his pants down and plunged into her. "NO!" Melanie screamed. He just laughed again and continued to thrust in and out. When he was finished, he used one of the napkins to clean himself up before pulling his pants on. 

"Since I don't condone hurting children, I'll leave your daughter alone, for now," he said before leaving with Melanie's wallet. When Jason returned from physical therapy, he found Melanie on the floor, battered and crying, the baby screaming in her room. "Mel, sweetie, what happened?" Jason asked, slipping out of his wheel chair and sitting in front of her on the floor. Shaking, Melanie told Jason about the break in and the rape. "Have you called the police?" Jason asked gently. Melanie shook her head and looked at Jason whose eyes widened when he saw her face. Melanie's face was caked with drying blood. "I'm going to call for help, just stay here," Jason said, pulling himself back into his chair and racing to the phone. Melanie was almost unconscious when the ambulance and police arrived and the baby was still screaming. Jason wheeled himself into the nursery and pulled her out of the crib and cradled her close. 

Jason watched as the police take samples and look at evidence. "Sir, you need to leave," one of the officers told Jason, while collecting the napkin and putting it into an evidence bag. Jason started to say something then collected the diaper bag and wheeled himself out to his car, buckled the baby in, pulled himself into the driver's seat and pulled his chair in behind him. With shaking hands, Jason dialed his parents' phone number. "Mom, someone broke into the house while I was at therapy. Mel's been raped. She's on her way to the hospital, I'm heading there now," Jason said quickly and then hung up and dialed Julie and repeated the same thing to her. Jason reached the hospital in record time and the tires screeched as he stopped the car and parked. Only the baby's babbling kept Jason from forgetting her in his hurry to get to Melanie. "Jason!" Julie exclaimed as he wheeled into the emergency room. She reached for the baby and Jason gratefully handed her over. "Have you heard anything?" Jason asked Julie, glad that she was working that day. 

Julie shook her head. "I know they've cleaned her up, they're doing the rape exam on her now," Julie said softly. Jason clenched and unclenched his fist in anger and watched as Julie cooed to the baby and tickled her, making the baby laugh. 

Jason smiled for the first time since he got home that afternoon. Julie waited with Jason for the doctor, and when the doctor finally came out into the hall, Jason was about ready to crawl out of his skin. "Mr. Paterson, I'm Doctor Barnes, I examined Melanie. The cuts on her face were not very deep and we've cleaned them and bandaged them up. There was evidence of sexual assault and we've taken evidence down to the lab. She should make a full recovery. Do you know if Melanie is on any birth control?" Doctor Barnes asked. 

Jason shook his head. "There hasn't been much need for it, I can't exactly move around much," Jason answered. 

Doctor Barnes nodded. "I'll go over options to ensure Melanie doesn't get pregnant after you've had a chance to go in and see her. She may not want to be touched, please do not be offended or hurt if she shies away from being touched by you. That will go away in time," Doctor Barnes added before walking away. 

Julie and Jason went into the examination room. "Mel?" Jason asked cautiously. Melanie looked at them, her eyes puffy from crying. "Don't cry Mel, it's going to be okay," Jason murmured. Melanie sat up and reached for the baby. "He wanted money; he was going to go into her room. I tried to hit him with the vase, your mother's vase, but he grabbed it from me and hit me in the face with it," Melanie said, her voice unsteady. Jason reached for Melanie's hand and squeezed it. "It's not your fault Mel and you're okay, that's all that matters," Jason said softly, reaching for her. 

Melanie flinched, but allowed Jason to wrap his arms around her, wincing as Jason put pressure on a bruise. "I thought it was you coming back," Melanie cried. "I was making cookies," she remembered, pulling away from Jason quickly. Jason tucked a strand of hair behind Melanie's ear. "I pulled them out, they were probably burned, but the house won't catch fire," Jason promised. Melanie smiled slightly and settled back into Jason's embrace. The baby started fussing, and rooting around Melanie's breast. Melanie glanced at Jason before opening the gown and letting her daughter latch on. 

There was a knock on the door before Jason's parents stepped inside. "Are you alright?" Steve asked. Melanie shook her head. "Physically, I'm okay, but I don't know if I'll ever be okay again," Melanie said quietly. "At least he didn't hurt Marine," Melanie said. 

Carol smiled. "That's a relief. May I hold her?" she asked. 

Melanie shook her head. "She's eating right now," Jason told his mother. 

Carol nodded. "Did this scum bag leave any clues?" she wanted to know. 

Melanie nodded. "He was dumb enough to clean himself up with a napkin and leave it on the table, and he has my wallet," Melanie answered, wincing as Marine suckled a little harder than usual. The doctor walked back into the exam room. 

"I need to speak with Melanie and her husband alone," Doctor Barnes said. 

Carol stood up. "They aren't married yet, and we would like to stay," she argued. 

Doctor Barnes opened his mouth to say something but Melanie cut him off. "It's alright Doctor Barnes, they can stay," she told him. 

Doctor Barnes hesitated but nodded. "I want to give you what is usually called the morning after pill. It isn't a guarantee, but it will help prevent you from getting pregnant," he told Melanie. Melanie shook her head. "I'm nursing," Melanie told the doctor. Doctor Barnes looked at Melanie. "It will only keep you from nursing for a day or two, and you can pump milk ahead of time for your baby," Doctor Barnes told her. 

Melanie shook her head. "I hate the pumps, they hurt worse than nursing. I won't take it; I'm not doing anything to risk my daughter's health," Melanie argued.

"Mel, you don't want to risk getting pregnant by this man, do you?" Carol asked. Melanie sighed and rubbed her eyes. 

"No Carol, I do not want to have a baby with this guy, but I don't want to stop nursing, and before you argue with me some more, I've tried using a pump and it hurts like hell," Melanie said wearily. 

Carol turned to Jason. "You don't want to have to raise someone else's child do you?" she asked. 

Jason sighed. "Mom, enough, this isn't going to make things easier," Jason said quietly. He looked at Doctor Barnes. "Is there anything else you can do?" Jason wanted to know. 

Doctor Barnes nodded. "We can perform a D&C. They aren't usually covered by insurance, and there are a few risks. The safest thing I can recommend is to wait. You're nursing, so while that can't prevent you from getting pregnant, it does lower the odds a bit. Of course, if you do end up pregnant, you're left with only a few options, and I think you know what they are," Doctor Barnes said. Melanie nodded and looked at Jason who took her hand and squeezed it. 

"We'll wait," Jason told Dr. Barnes. He nodded. "I'll get your discharge papers together, and you're free to go home," Dr. Barnes said. Melanie thanked him on his way out of the room. 

Carol stared at Melanie and Jason as if they had lost their minds. "Are you insane? You're going to risk getting pregnant by this man just so you can continue to nurse?" she asked. 

Melanie sighed. "I don't expect you to understand Carol, but I would appreciate it if you could at least respect my decision," Melanie said. 

Carol shook her head. "I can't possibly respect this decision, its crazy!" she exclaimed. 

"Mom, just go," Jason told Carol. Carol shook her head and stormed out of the room. 

Steve gave Jason and Melanie a small smile. "It will be okay," he promised before following his wife out into the hall. 

"Jul brought you some clothing, I'll wait outside for you," Jason said, taking Marine from Melanie. Melanie said nothing as she watched her fiancé walk out the door.

:: Chapter Six ::

"Mel?" Jason called, opening the door. Melanie walked out of the kitchen and gasped in surprise when she saw Jason standing in the doorway. "Jace, how long have you been like this?" Melanie asked, her voice shaking as Jason walked towards her. 

Jason smiled, and pulled Melanie to him and hugged her tightly. "The last couple of weeks, but I wanted to surprise you. I figured you could use a happy surprise," Jason murmured, kissing her gently. Melanie gave Jason a quick squeeze and pulled away. "What's wrong?" Jason asked, sensing something was off. Melanie sighed and looked away. "Mel, what's wrong?" Jason asked again, reaching for Melanie's hand, but she took a step back. "Melanie, talk to me, what's wrong?" Jason murmured, his heart racing as Melanie sank to the floor and began to cry. 

He knelt down in front of her and cupped Melanie's face in his hands. "I love you Mel, nothing you can tell me will change that, I swear to you," Jason promised, kissing her softly. Melanie looked at Jason and swallowed hard. 

"I had a doctor's appointment this morning," she began. Jason's heart sank to his stomach. "You're pregnant," Jason said. Melanie nodded and began to cry. Jason sighed and wrapped his arms around her. "I don't want this Jace, I don't want his baby," Melanie cried into his shoulder. Jason held her tightly, unsure of what to say. "I'm so sorry. I should have listened to your mother. I should have done something to stop this," Melanie wailed. 

Jason sighed. "Mel, it's too late to change the past, and this is not your fault. I agreed with you, we'll figure something out," Jason murmured. "It's okay Mel, really. I don't blame you," Jason assured her. They sat there together on the floor until Melanie's tears subsided. "Where's Marine?" Jason asked. 

Melanie sniffled. "She's with Julie. She thought it best for you and I to have some time alone," Melanie answered. Jason smiled and gave Melanie a tight hug. "C'mon, I have something else to show you," Jason told Melanie, standing up and helping her to her feet. Melanie followed Jason to the back yard and was surprised to see people installing a podium and dance type floor. "I thought we could get married out here, now that I'm able to walk and stand, and, this," Jason said, wrapping his arms around Melanie's waist. Melanie giggled as they danced to their own music. Melanie sighed contently. 

"When are you thinking?" Melanie asked. Jason thought for a moment. 

"Do you think you could wait two weeks?" Jason wanted to know. Melanie smiled and nodded. Jason kissed Melanie gently and held her close. "I love you," Jason murmured. 

Melanie pulled away as she heard someone in the doorway. "You told him?" Julie asked. Melanie nodded. 

"And I don't care. There's my girl!" Jason exclaimed. Julie grinned and carried Marine over to Jason. Marine gurgled and reached for a lock of Jason's hair. "You girls have some shopping to do," Jason reminded Melanie. Melanie grinned and kissed Jason and Marine before dragging Julie towards the front yard. 

"We're getting married in two weeks. We need some dresses," Melanie told Julie as they climbed into the car. 

Julie squealed and Melanie laughed. "His mother is going to hate me for not having the D&C or the morning after pill," Melanie groaned. 

Julie sighed. "Is there any chance that Jason is the father? I know his legs have been getting stronger, and he was walking," Julie said, hesitantly. 

Melanie hit herself on the forehead with the palm of her hand. "There is actually, I don't know why I didn't remember that," Melanie said laughing. 

Julie squeezed her friend's hand. "Because you're psychotic," Julie teased. 

Melanie chuckled and then grew very quiet. "You okay?" Julie asked. Melanie looked over at her friend. 

"I don't have money for a dress," she admitted quietly. Julie smiled. "Yes, you do, Jason's loaded," Julie reminded her friend. Melanie sighed. "I don't want him to have to pay for the dress, and my parents don't have money, I haven't seen them or spoken to them since I got pregnant. They told me they don't want anything to do with me," Melanie told her friend. 

Julie's jaw dropped. "Are you serious? Your parents said that?" Julie asked in amazement. Melanie nodded. "My mother called me a slut and that I was no longer her daughter," Melanie said. "And no, I haven't told Jason that," she added before Julie could ask. Melanie's cell phone chimed and Melanie's eyes grew wide when she saw who was calling. "Leigh, what's wrong?" Melanie asked, after accepting the call. 

"Mom's been in an accident and Dad's on a business trip, will you please come to the hospital?" Leigh asked. 

Melanie sighed. "You know mom and dad don't want you talking to me," Melanie reminded her sister. "The hell with what mom and dad want. You're my sister and nothing you did can change that," Leigh spat. "Please Mel, mom's really bad, and I'm scared," Leigh pleaded. 

"Where are you?" Melanie asked finally.

"Sinai," Leigh answered.

"I'll be there in twenty minutes," Melanie promised, hanging up the phone. "My mom was in an accident, Leigh says its bad, will you drop me off at Sinai?" Melanie asked. 

Julie nodded. The girls sat in silence for the duration of the drive. "Can you call Jason and let him know what's going on?" Melanie asked before she got out of the car. 

"Sure, not a problem. Give me a call and I'll come pick you up," Julie told her friend. Melanie smiled before walking into the Emergency room. 

"Leigh?" Melanie murmured, after being directed into her mother's room. Leigh stood up and Melanie gave her sister a hug. "What happened?" Melanie wanted to know. 

"She was picking me up from school and well, according to the police, she was hit by a drunk driver," Leigh answered. Melanie shook her head and looked past her sister at her mother. Her eyes were closed and her face was swollen, black and blue. 

"Mom?" Melanie murmured, stepping up to the bed. Her mother's eyes fluttered open. 

"Mel? What are you doing here?" Melanie's mother wanted to know. 

"Leigh called me since dad is out of town again," Melanie answered. "How are you feeling?" Melanie asked. Her mother uttered a smart ass remark that made Melanie roll her eyes. "I'm glad to see you too," Melanie said sarcastically, studying her mother carefully. 

Despite the bruises and scrapes, it was easy to see how beautiful she was. "Mrs. Thorne, I'm doctor Campion, we have your x-rays back and I would like to go over the results," he announced, walking into the room. "Who are you?" doctor Campion asked, seeing Melanie. 

"I'm her daughter," Melanie answered.

"My ex-daughter. I disowned her when she got herself knocked up," her mother retorted. Melanie rolled her eyes. "What's wrong with my mother?" Melanie wanted to know. "My mother looks too bad off to be able to make full medical decisions alone and my father is out of town and my sister doesn't turn eighteen for another week, so she can't make any decisions legally, that leaves me," Melanie said, growing weary. 




True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 05-08



After getting a nod from his patient, doctor Campion explained what the prognosis was. "Your mother has internal bleeding, and it's quite severe. She needs surgery right away. I have the consent forms, I just need you to fill them out for me," Doctor Campion said.

"I don't want surgery." 

Melanie sighed. "Mom, if you have internal bleeding that means you'll die without surgery," Melanie said. 

"And how did you get so knowledgeable about medical procedures?" her mother snapped. Melanie ran a hand through her hair. 

"Jason's father is a doctor," Melanie reminded her mother. 

"Hello Melanie," Steve said, walking through the door. "I heard your mother was here and came to see if I could help. How are you doing Ellen?" Steve asked, taking the chart from Doctor Campion's hands. He frowned when he saw the x-rays and MRI results. "Ellen, you need to have this surgery and you need it now," Steve told her. "Mel, sign the consent form for your mother, I know the way your father had the living will set up that if he isn't around and your mother is being stubborn that you have the power of consent," Steve said as Ellen protested. "Oh, Jason told me, congratulations. Carol and I are looking forward to it." Steve turned back to Ellen. "I'll see you when you wake up," he promised and walked out. 

"What is he talking about?" Ellen demanded to know. Melanie shook her head. "Have the surgery and then I'll tell you," Melanie countered. "Mel, please, just tell mom. Please. Maybe she'll smile again," Leigh pleaded. 

Melanie sighed. "Jason and I are getting married, two weeks from Saturday," Melanie answered. "And the baby is a girl, her name is Marine. She's almost a year old," she added. "What took that boy so long to finally agree to marry you?" Ellen demanded to know. 

Melanie sighed. "Mother, any other information will have to wait until after surgery," Melanie snapped, signing the consent form. "Leigh and I will be in the cafeteria," she added, leading her sister out of the room. By the time Melanie got home that night with Leigh, Jason was pacing. "I know I should have called, I'm sorry," Melanie said quietly, rubbing her eyes. "How is she?" Jason asked. 

Melanie shook her head. "She had a reaction to the anesthesia and never woke up," Melanie answered. 

Jason gave Melanie a hug then gave Leigh one. "I'm sorry guys. When does your dad get in?" he asked. Melanie sank into the couch with a sigh. "Not until tomorrow evening, he's down under," Melanie answered with a fake Australian accent. Jason laughed. 

"Are you hungry?" Jason asked. Melanie shook her head. "I'm just tired, I think I'd rather go to bed," Melanie said quietly. "But Leigh, you should have something," Melanie added. 

Leigh headed into the kitchen as Melanie headed towards the bedroom. Jason blocked her way. "You should at least eat a sandwich. You have to think about," Jason stopped talking as Marine started to cry. Melanie sighed and sank against Jason. "The baby," Jason finished. He kissed Melanie gently. "Which I realized after you and Julie left could very well be mine," Jason murmured, hugging Melanie tightly. 

Melanie sighed. "Yeah, that came to me too as we were heading for the store," Melanie said, pulling away. "You make the sandwiches and I'll check on Marine," she added. 

Jason nodded and headed into the kitchen while Melanie went into the nursery. "Mama!" Marine gurgled when she saw Melanie. Melanie smiled and lifted the little girl into her arms. "God how you can make the worst day seem better is beyond me," Melanie whispered in the baby's ear as she carried her to the kitchen.

"Oh my gosh, she's so cute!" Leigh squealed. Melanie winced at the volume of her sister's voice, but smiled. How'd you come up with Marine?" Leigh wanted to know. 

"Jason wanted to name her Irene after his great-grandmother, and I wanted to name her Marie. We compromised," Melanie replied, nuzzling her daughter's cheek. Jason turned the lights down so that they weren't as harsh on Marine's eyes. "What'd you guys have for dinner?" Melanie asked. 

Jason held up a can of spaghettios and groaned. "How she can eat those is beyond me, they smell and taste disgusting, but they're fast and easy and she loves them," Jason answered. Melanie laughed and handed Marine to Leigh's outstretched arms. Jason set a grilled cheese sandwich in front of Melanie and Leigh and was surprised when Melanie stood up and quickly walked out of the room. Jason reached for Marine. "Back to bed you go." Jason turned to Leigh. "Eat up," he added, walking out of the kitchen. Jason took Marine back to her room and settled her down in her crib with a bottle of water. "Mel, you okay?" Jason asked, walking into the bathroom. Melanie groaned and leaned her head against the toilet. Jason knelt down beside her and rubbed her back. "Are you coming down with something?" he asked. "Do you want me to call my dad?" Before Melanie could answer her, another wave of nausea came over her and Melanie was retching again. Nervous, Jason left the bathroom and called his father. "Dad, I know this is going to sound kind of crazy, but I think Mel's sick," Jason said when his father answered the phone.

"Oh? What's wrong?" Steve asked in concern. Jason explained what had happened in the last few minutes and Steve paused before saying anything. "Is she pregnant?" Steve asked finally.

"How'd you know?" Jason asked in disbelief. Steve laughed. "Dad, seriously," Jason growled. Steve laughed again. "It's called morning sickness, and before you say anything, yes, the name is misleading and it can happen at any time of day," Steve informed his son. Jason breathed a sigh of relief. 

"You missed all this with Marine." Steve paused. "What are you guys going to do with the baby? I can't imagine it will be much fun for Mel to carry someone else's baby, then giving birth and raising it," Steve mused. Jason sighed. "It could be mine dad; did you ever think of that?" Jason asked. 

Steve chuckled. "I didn't think Mel would be in the mood, but you kids are young and bounce back. Tell Mel I'm sorry about her mother. I'll come look in on her in the morning," Steve told Jason. Jason thanked his father and hung up as Melanie trudged back into the living room. "Please don't tell me you just called your father," Melanie pleaded. 

Jason gave a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry Mel, I was worried," Jason said softly. Melanie groaned and sank into the couch. "You okay?" Jason asked, sitting down next to her. Melanie nodded slowly. "I feel utterly drained, but I'll be okay," Melanie said, closing her eyes. "I know I should eat, but I don't think I'll keep anything down right now," Melanie grumbled. 

"What's going on?" Leigh asked from the door way. 

Startled, Melanie jumped at the sound and her stomach rolled. "Easy," Jason murmured. "You're pregnant again? And Jason may not be the father? Was mom right? Are you a slut?" Leigh asked. 

Melanie opened her mouth to answer her sister then closed it and hurried back to the bathroom. "I can't believe this!" Leigh exclaimed, grabbing her jacket and pulling open the front door. "Leigh, sit your ass down," Jason growled, his voice low and even, but full of anger. Eyes wide, Leigh did as she was told. "Mel is not a slut. She was raped, that's why the baby may not be mine," Jason said. Leigh gasped and waited for Jason to continue. Gradually, Jason told Leigh everything that had happened in the last year. By the time he had finished, Melanie had come back from the bathroom. "You alright?" Jason asked, looking up. Melanie shook her head. "I feel really funny," she murmured. Before Jason could stand up, Melanie's legs gave out from under her and she crashed to the floor, her head cracking against the hardwood. 

Jason shot over to Melanie like a dart. "Mel, sweetie, wake up," Jason said, caressing her cheek and looking around. Jason swallowed; his heart in his throat when he noticed the blood pooling around Melanie's bottom and he dialed 9-1-1 with shaky fingers. While he waited to be connected, Jason tossed his cell phone to Leigh. "My father's number is in there, speed-dial one, please call him," Jason told her. Leigh walked into the kitchen while Jason started talking to the 9-1-1 operator. 

The ambulance and Steve got to the house at the same time. "What happened?" Steve asked. Jason swallowed before answering. "Mel came out of the bathroom, said she felt funny and before I could get over to her, she passed out. Dad, there was so much blood," Jason whispered. 

"Did she hit her head? Head wounds bleed a lot," Steve said. Jason nodded. "That isn't where the blood came from though," he told his father. Steve gave his son's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure she'll be fine. Mel's one hell of a girl son, she'll pull through," Steve tried his best to reassure his son. 

Jason nodded. "Leigh, will you please stay with Marine? I'll call you as soon as I can," Jason asked. Leigh nodded and watched as her sister was taken by gurney out of the house.

:: Chapter Seven ::

When Melanie's eyes finally fluttered open, she had to squint because of the bright light. Jason was asleep in the chair next to the bed, his head resting near Melanie's shoulder. Melanie blinked a few times and looked around. "Jace?" Melanie asked uncertainly. Jason sat up and reached for Melanie's hands. "What happened?" Melanie wanted to know. 

Jason kissed Melanie's hand and hesitated before replying. "You passed out Mel. You've been out cold for over twenty four hours. How are you feeling?" Jason asked, pressing the call button on the speaker. "She's awake," Jason said when the nurse answered. Melanie shrugged and winced as pain coursed through her body. "You have a concussion, take it easy," Jason warned, weaving his fingers through Melanie's. 

Steve came into the room and sat down in the other chair. "I'm glad to see you awake and with some color in your cheeks," Steve said to Melanie. "Do you remember what happened?" he asked. Melanie shook her head slightly. "I remember coming out of the bathroom, and not feeling well, but I just thought it was because of the morning sickness," Melanie replied. 

Steve sighed. "It wasn't just because of the morning sickness. Your blood pressure when you were admitted was through the roof. Your stress level must have been insane. Then again, mine would be if I were you," Steve answered, examining the back of Melanie's head. "The bump should go down in a day or two, and I would take Motrin for the pain," he advised, standing up. "What about the baby?" Melanie asked. Steve turned back around. "I'm so sorry Mel," Steve said softly. 

"You're sorry? What happened?" Melanie asked. Jason squeezed Melanie's hand. "You had a miscarriage Mel, the baby's gone," Steve answered finally. Tears filled Melanie's eyes. "They managed to do a DNA test on the cells," Jason began, hoping he could cheer Melanie up. Melanie looked at Jason, her eyes narrowed. "It wasn't mine Mel," he told her softly. 

Melanie breathed a sigh of relief. "We can have another baby, if you'd like," Jason murmured, holding Melanie close. 

Steve smiled. "I would wait a while if I were you," he advised before walking out of the room. Melanie closed her eyes and inhaled the smell of Jason's cologne until a knock on the door caused her to jump. "Easy there," Jason murmured. "Yes?" he asked. 

The door opened and Melanie gasped. "Daddy?" Melanie asked, stunned to see her father standing there.

"I went over to the address that you gave me and Leigh said you were in the hospital. What happened?" her father demanded to know. Melanie sighed and studied her father. His brown hair was starting to go gray and his eyes had lost some of their light. "I had a miscarriage daddy," Melanie said softly. 

Her father ran a hand through his hair. "A miscarriage. You already have one child, what were you doing trying to bring another one into the world?" her father ranted.

"I wasn't trying. I was raped," Melanie retorted, her head spinning. 

Jason steadied Melanie and squeezed her hand. "Easy," he murmured.

"Raped?" her father repeated. Melanie nodded and winced. "You should stop doing that, or you're gonna need more than Motrin," Jason teased gently. Melanie stuck her tongue out at Jason. "Where were you?" Melanie's father demanded to know.

"I wasn't there Jack," Jason said. 

"And what were you doing while my little girl was being raped?" Jack wanted to know. "Playing Tennis with your friends?" he spat. 

Jason sighed. "I was at physical therapy," Jason told the man. Melanie's father laughed. "Physical therapy? You? Got any other more plausible excuses?" Jack snorted. Jason clenched his fist in frustration. 

"Dad, he's not lying. Jace was in a really bad car accident and was in a coma for months. He's just regained use of his legs," Melanie said softly, placing a hand on Jason's arm. "Why don't you go home and check on Marine. I'm sure Leigh would like to see dad anyway," Melanie suggested. 

Jason hesitated. "Are you sure?" he asked. Melanie nodded. "Go, I'll be fine, your dad's around here some place," Melanie assured Jason. Jason nodded, gave Melanie a gentle kiss and walked out of the room. 

Melanie's father took Jason's vacated chair. "I want to know everything that has been going on," he told her. 

Melanie laughed bitterly. "Like you care, or you would have answered the letters I sent to your office," Melanie retorted. Her father sighed. "I work from home Mel, your mother gets the mail. Got the mail," he corrected himself. "Your mother made the decision to not speak of you or about you, not me. I used to sit outside the apartment you were living in when you and Jason started dating until the landlord said you moved out," Jack told Melanie. 

Tears filled Melanie's eyes. "Right after I found out about the baby, Jason's cousin got injured in a Chemistry experiment that went really wrong. On his way back from helping his cousin out, he was in a horrible car accident. I didn't find out until I was almost eight months pregnant when Jason's grandparents found me. Carol and Steve were going to take him off of life support. Carol's idea to hide him from me," Melanie said. 

Jack closed his eyes. "I'm so sorry baby girl," he murmured, giving Melanie a hug as Melanie spilled the last year's events. "You never should have had to go through that alone," he added.

"She didn't, she had me," Julie announced from the doorway. "God Mel, don't ever scare me like that again!" Julie exclaimed, giving her friend a hug. 

Melanie smiled and laughed a little. "I'll do my best," she promised. 

Jack sighed. "You don't happen to have any pictures of my grandchild do you?" he asked Julie. Julie nodded and reached for her wallet. "You can wait until Jace gets back with her," Melanie said. Julie put her wallet back in her purse. 

A man stopped in the doorway. "Hey Jules, you working today?" he asked. Melanie gasped when she heard his voice. Julie looked at her friend in concern. "You okay?" she asked. Melanie swallowed and nodded weakly. "I think the medication they gave me is wearing off because I feel like I was hit by a train," Melanie lied. Julie frowned. "I'll get you some more in a second," she promised, turning back to her caller. "No Jim, I'm not. I have the week off, vacation time. I'm just visiting a friend," Julie answered, standing up from the side of the bed. Jim nodded and continued walking. "Let me go get your nurse," Julie said, heading for the door.

"Jul, I lied, I recognize his voice," Melanie said, stopping her friend in her tracks.

"How? You've never met him," Julie said.

"Yes, I have, only he was wearing a mask," Melanie answered. 

Julie turned around. "What?" she gasped. 

"He broke into my house, he's the one Jul," Melanie told her friend. 

Julie shook her head. "That can't be Mel, I've gone out with him," Julie said, feeling sick to her stomach. 

"It is true," Melanie insisted. Julie pulled out her cell phone and called the detective assigned to Melanie's case. "He's going to get a warrant, and come search Jim's locker," Julie said after she hung up. Steve walked back into the room. "What's all the commotion in here?" he asked. Melanie looked at Julie before answering, "I want to go home, I need to get out of here." 

Steve shook his head. "You're here for at least another twenty four hours," he told Melanie. Melanie opened her mouth to protest.

"Doctor Paterson, I'll stay with Mel for the next twenty four hours and keep an eye on things," Julie volunteered. 

Steve hesitated but studied Melanie's face and nodded slowly. "Okay, if that will make you feel better, then I'll get your discharge papers ready," Steve answered. Melanie sighed in relief and sank against the pillow. 

"I'll tear him from limb to limb," Jack growled. Melanie looked at her father sharply. 

"No dad, let the police handle him," Melanie insisted. Before anything else could be said, Jason, Leigh and Marine walked through the door. "Your dad is letting me go home, and Jul is gonna play nurse," Melanie said. Jason looked surprised. 

"I'll explain later," Julie promised. "I'll run down to the gift shop and get you a change of clothing," she offered. "Jack, can you come with me?" Julie asked. 

Jack nodded. "Let's go Leigh," he said before following Julie out to the hall. 

:: Chapter Eight ::

Melanie fidgeted with the bracelet on her wrist nervously while Julie worked on her hair. "Sit still or I'm going to end up burning you," Julie warned. Melanie did her best to hold still while Julie put the finishing touches on her hair. "Why are you so nervous?" Julie wanted to know. Melanie shrugged. "I have no idea," she admitted, laughing a little. Julie laughed too and pulled Melanie's dress out of the closet and motioned for Leigh to come help her. Leigh helped Julie pull the dress down over Melanie's head then Julie zipped up the back. Leigh smiled. 

"You look so pretty Mel, you're going to make Jason drool," Leigh squealed. Melanie laughed. "I doubt I'll make him drool," Melanie said. Julie shook her head. "Girl, you look hot. He's going to want to jump you while you're half way down the aisle," Julie teased. 

Melanie blushed and looked up at the knock on the door. "Hi daddy," Melanie said, turning around. Jack blinked back the tears that threatened to come to his eyes. 

"You look beautiful," Jack told Melanie. Melanie smiled shyly. "Thanks," she murmured, turning back to look at her reflection in the mirror. The dress floor length and made of silk with a satin sash around the waist and the dress was decorated with a few well placed pieces of silver and gold sequence. The simple yet classy look appealed to Melanie, even if the dress cost more than she really wanted and could afford to spend. Jack turned to Leigh and handed her a bouquet of flowers. "You look beautiful as well," Jack told her. "When did you grow up so much? You look so much like your mother," Jack murmured, giving Leigh a hug. Leigh's dress was a pale blue, also floor length with a slightly darker blue sash. Leigh giggled. "I am eighteen, daddy," Leigh reminded her father. Someone cleared their throat from the doorway. "Paul!" Leigh exclaimed, breaking free from her father and running over to the tall young man. "Wow Leigh, you look amazing," Paul said softly before giving Leigh a gentle kiss. Melanie and her father exchanged looks and Melanie smiled. "Hi Paul, I'm Melanie. Leigh has told me so much about you, I'm glad you could come," Melanie said, walking up to her sister and her boyfriend. Paul shook Melanie's hand and waited patiently for Melanie to stop studying his face. Paul was quite tall with sandy blond hair and bright green eyes. 

"Are you ready Mel?" Steve asked, poking his head in the doorway of her bedroom. Melanie picked up her bouquet and nodded. Steve nodded. "I'll let Jason know and we'll get into position, Julie, start leading the way in about two minutes," Steve said.  




True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 05-08



Julie nodded. "Am I still helping Marine down?" Julie asked Melanie. Melanie nodded and looked at her daughter who was playing with a hair brush. Marine's dress was a miniature version of Melanie's, only instead of being made out of silk, it was made out of fake silk. It was just as silky but half the price. 

"Come here Marine," Melanie called to her daughter. Marine toddled over to her mother. "You're going to walk out with Aunt Julie, okay?" Melanie told her daughter. Marine nodded and took Julie's hand. The music started and Julie walked slowly so that Marine wouldn't have any problems keeping up. Marine looked all over the back patio at all of the people and when she looked up, Marine's eyes lit up. "Daddy!" Marine exclaimed, trying to break free from Julie's hand. Jason nodded to Julie, who let go of Marine's hand and Marine ran to Jason who knelt down and lifted her into his arms. Jason looked back towards the aisle as Paul escorted Leigh to the alter and finally, Jack was escorting Melanie towards Jason who shifted anxiously. Melanie smiled shyly at Jason who reached out and took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. The ceremony breezed by and before Melanie knew what was happening, she and Jason were cutting the cake. 

"Let's go to our room," Jason whispered after wiping cake off of his face. Melanie smiled as she handed a piece of cake to her sister. "We can't, there are still too many people here," she told him. 

Jason groaned. "I don't want to wait for them to leave," Jason complained, sliding his hand down Melanie's bottom. Melanie sighed and took a step back. "Jason, we have like thirty people here, we can't just take off to the bedroom," Melanie said wistfully. 

Jason glanced at a group of his friends who were laughing and waving bottles of beer around. "I don't think anyone will care," Jason said, reaching for Melanie. He hooked his arms around her waist and pulled Melanie to him. "I just want you so bad," he murmured, kissing Melanie gently. Melanie moaned as Jason began pushing up her skirt, silently thanking God that she had changed out of the wedding dress. 

"Jason, we can't, not here," Melanie said weakly, trying to back away, forgetting that the table that the cake was sitting on was in front of the wall to the house so Melanie just backed into the wall, trapping herself between it and her new husband. Jason smiled at Melanie and kissed her again, as he fumbled with the button and zipper on his pants. "Jace, not here, we can't, somebody might see," Melanie protested weakly. Jason pushed Melanie's skirt and eased his way into her. "I don't care if someone sees Mel," Jason groaned into her ear as he thrust gently. Melanie bit her lip to keep from crying out. 

"Hey Jace, we're getting low on beer," one of his friends said, walking over to the table as Jason climaxed. 

Jason waited a moment to speak before turning his head. "Zack, there are a few more cases in the garage," Jason told his friend. Zack nodded and grinned before walking away. Melanie's face was bright red. 

"I told you," she whispered as Jason slid out of her and refastened his pants. Jason kissed Melanie gently and lovingly before sliding a strand of hair behind her ear and helping her pull her skirt down. 

"Go clean up and I'll play host," Jason said softly. Melanie started to pull away when Jason pulled her back to him. "Jace, come on, I need to go clean up," Melanie murmured. Jason kissed Melanie again. 

"Hurry back. I love you so much Mel," Jason told her, reluctantly letting go. Melanie escaped quickly to the bathroom and sank to the floor and tried to catch her breath. After a few moments, Melanie cleaned herself up, pulled her panties back to where they belonged and walked back out to the party at the same time as Zack returned from the garage with the beer. 

"Having fun?" Melanie asked Zack. Zack grinned. "Not as much as you and Jace, but yeah," Zack teased. Melanie blushed and Zack gave her a kiss on the cheek. "No worries, your secret's safe. Congratulations," Zack promised. Melanie smiled and thanked Zack before walking over to where Carol and Steve were standing with Marine. "Mama!" Marine squirmed to break free from Carol and go to her mother. 

"Welcome to the family," Steve said, giving Melanie a hug. 

"Thanks," Melanie murmured, glancing at Carol who actually smiled. 

"You make Jason happy, and for that, I thank you. I know you love him, and I'm sorry I've been so horrible to you," Carol told Melanie, giving her a hug. 

Melanie stood there for a moment, unsure of what to say. 

"What's wrong?" Jason asked, walking over. "Nothing," Melanie said slowly as hers walked away. 

Jason frowned. "What'd mom say?" Jason asked. 

"She apologized for being horrible to me and thanked me for making you happy," Melanie answered. Jason smiled and pulled Melanie to him. Marine gurgled happily, too young to realize that sexual tension was all around her. "You make me very happy," Jason said softly, reaching past his daughter to give Melanie a kiss. Melanie bit back a moan and winced when one of Marine's elbows made contact with her neck. "You okay?" Jason asked. 

Melanie nodded and rubbed her neck. "Death by Marine," Melanie joked. 

Jason laughed and took Marine from Melanie. "Come on Princess, let's go have some cake," Jason said, bouncing the little girl on his hip. Marine clapped and chirped happily as her father carried her over to a table. 

Melanie smiled and sighed. "Daddy, what's wrong?" Melanie asked after her father bumped into her. 

Jack sighed. "I can't find your sister," Jack told Melanie. Melanie glanced around the yard. "I'll go check the house, I'll be right back," Melanie told her father. Melanie went inside the house and after searching every room but the room Leigh had used after her mother died, about gave up until she heard laughter coming from behind the door. Melanie knocked once and opened the door and gasped when she saw Paul and Leigh pulling apart. "Leigh Ashley Thorne, what do you think you are doing?!" Melanie exclaimed. Melanie shook her head. "Never mind, I know what you were doing, but you two are going to stop, you're lucky dad didn't walk in here and find you like this!" Melanie said, shutting the door. 

Paul sighed as Leigh stood up and started pulling her clothing on. "Who are you to lecture me? You had sex before you got married! You had a baby before you got married!" Leigh argued. 

Melanie sighed. "You aren't my mother," Leigh reminded Melanie. Melanie closed her eyes and silently counted to ten. 

"Mom's probably rolling over in her grave thinking you're going to follow me down the same path, which is why she tried to disown me when I got pregnant," Melanie said. Leigh tossed something at Melanie, but it fell a few inches away. Melanie bent down and saw it was an empty condom wrapper. 

"We aren't stupid," Leigh retorted. 

Melanie sighed. "Leigh, I know you aren't stupid, I never said you were, but condoms aren't fool proof. We used them too," Melanie said softly. Leigh gave her a look that told Melanie that she wasn't buying it. "Look, if you want to have sex, I don't care, but don't do it in my house with dad here," Melanie told her sister, glancing at Paul. "Get cleaned up and get dressed and return to the party," she added, before opening the door. "Dad," Melanie said with a gasp. Jack tried to look past Melanie, but she shifted so he couldn't see behind her. "I heard yelling, is everything okay?" Jack asked. Melanie hesitated but nodded. "Paul and Leigh are watching a movie, they got bored with the party," Melanie lied. 

Jack looked unconvinced. "What are you hiding from me Melanie Rose?" Jack wanted to know. Melanie hesitated again. "Nothing," she said. Jack's eyes narrowed. "Open the door," Jack told Melanie. 

Melanie shook her head. "This isn't your house," she reminded him. Jack reached past Melanie and opened the door. Melanie was relieved to find that Leigh had finished putting her clothes on and Paul had put on everything but his socks, shoes and shirt. 

"Hi dad, we just finished a movie, what's up?" Leigh asked, grateful that Melanie had spoken loudly enough to be heard through the closed door. Jack narrowed his gaze on Paul. "Where's your shirt?" he wanted to know. Paul pointed to the side of the bed and Jack lifted up the shirt and tossed it to Paul. "Put it back ..." Jack stopped talking as the tissue covered condom and the wrapper drifted down to the bed. Jack turned to Leigh. "You lied to me, you weren't in here watching a movie, you were in here having sex," Jack said, his voice low and even. Jack whirled around to face Melanie. "You lied for her," Jack accused. 

Melanie sighed. "She's eighteen dad, she's legally of the age to consent," Melanie said, not even bothering to try and hide it. 

Jason knocked on the door and peeked in. "What's going on?" he wanted to know, his gaze settling on the condom and Jack's very angry face. "Um, Mel, let them talk," Jason advised. 

Melanie held up a finger. "Dad, if you come down too hard on Leigh, you'll push her away, like mom did with me. They used protection, so they were smart about it. Give her credit and trust Leigh to make the right choice. Just because they aren't married doesn't mean that they have done something wrong. Trust that you raised Leigh to be a smart, caring and wonderful girl," Melanie said quietly. 

Jason sighed, stepped inside the room and closed the door behind him. "You lied to me," Jack repeated, the disappointment on his face evident. 

Melanie sighed. "Because it isn't your business if Leigh is having sex. She's eighteen, and she isn't a little girl any more. I also was afraid you would over react like you did two years ago," Melanie told her father. "Now, Jason and I are going to go back outside, after you guys have talked and calmed down, please go back and enjoy the party," Melanie said.



True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 09-11



:: Chapter Nine ::

Melanie's eyes fluttered open to find Jason's face hovering inches from her own. "Good morning Mrs. Paterson," Jason said softly, kissing Melanie gently. Melanie stretched and smiled. "I could get used to that," she murmured, kissing Jason back. "I love you Mel," Jason told Melanie. Melanie smiled again. "I love you too." Melanie moaned as Jason sank into her. "You're so beautiful," Jason groaned, trailing kisses down Melanie's face and nuzzling her neck. Melanie raked her finger nails down Jason's back and gasped as he plunged deep causing her to dig her nails into his back. Jason winced but kept going, plunging faster and harder, his breaths coming in quick pants. Melanie cried out as Jason went rigid and climaxed. "I love you," he whispered in Melanie's ear. Melanie sighed happily and waited for her body to stop shaking. "Are you okay?" Jason asked, rolling off of Melanie and sitting up. 

Melanie nodded. "I feel wonderful," Melanie murmured, sitting up. Melanie winced, but tried to hide it. 

"Mel, what's the matter? Was I too rough?" Jason asked, worried. 

Melanie shook her head. "Not too rough, no, but we've never made love this many times in a row before," Melanie reminded him. 

Jason grinned and grabbed Melanie again. "I feel like the energizer bunny," he rumbled in Melanie's ear. 

Melanie giggled and sighed when she felt Jason pressing into her again. "Jace, I need some ..." Melanie gasped as Jason pushed his way fully into her, just as full and heavily as if they hadn't just finished making love a few moments ago. "Jason," Melanie moaned, letting go and letting the waves of passion overtake her. 

"God Mel, you're so beautiful," Jason whispered, nibbling on her ear lobe. When they were finally spent, Jason and Melanie laid next to each other on the bed, their hands clasped together. "I love you Mel," Jason murmured. Melanie smiled. "I love you too," she told him. Melanie propped herself up on an elbow. "Hey Jace?" Jason looked at Melanie. "Do you think we could see some of the sights?" Melanie asked. "I mean, we've been here for two days and we haven't even seen the outside of the hotel room yet," Melanie added. 

Jason laughed and pulled Melanie to him. "You mean I can't just make mad, passionate love to you for the entire week?" Jason teased. 

Melanie snuggled up instinctively to Jason. "Well you could, but I may not be able to move afterwards," Melanie teased back. Jason trailed his fingers down Melanie's chest and abdomen, stopping at one of the stretch marks that was just barely visible. Melanie shivered. "They should fade," Melanie said softly. 

Jason smiled slightly and let his lips follow the path his fingers had taken. "Jason," Melanie moaned. 

"I don't mind them," Jason told her. Melanie met Jason's gaze before Jason sat up. "Go shower and get dressed before I change my mind about this sight-seeing," Jason told her. Melanie laughed, got off of the bed and walked into the bathroom. Before long, Jason and Melanie were walking down the streets in San Diego California. "It's beautiful out here," Jason commented. Melanie nodded and laid her head on Jason's shoulder. "I love you," Jason murmured, tilting Melanie's face towards his and giving her a gentle kiss. Melanie kissed him back and wrapped her arms around him until someone tapped her on the shoulder. "There are young kids out here," an older gentleman scolded. Melanie blushed and looked around. "I'm sorry sir, we didn't mean to get carried away, we're on our honeymoon," Jason apologized, winking at Melanie. Melanie smiled and checked to make sure her clothing was where it belonged. 

The older man grinned. "I remember my honeymoon, just try to keep the lovemaking to the bedroom where it belongs," he advised. "Congratulations," he added before walking away. 

Jason and Melanie shook their heads and continued down the street to the beach. "Want to go swimming?" Jason asked. 

Melanie shook her head. "Not just yet, let's just walk in the surf," Melanie answered. Jason nodded and fingers entwined, they walked down the beach. 

On their last day in San Diego, Melanie convinced Jason to take her to Sea World who couldn't see the fascination in going to what he called an aquatic zoo. Jason followed Melanie into the area where the whale shows took place, but started up the stairs. "Oh no you don't! We have to sit down here," Melanie said, grabbing his hand and pulling Jason into the middle of the second row. Jason groaned when he saw the words "Splash Zone" written on the back of the seats. "We're going to get wet down here," Jason warned. 

Melanie grinned. "That's a given," she said, her voice low and husky. Jason groaned again as Melanie sat down in one of the seats. With a reluctant sigh, Jason sat down next to her and waited for the show to begin. Half way through the show, the announcer asked for volunteers. Melanie raised her hand and jumped up and down a little. The announcer pointed to Melanie and she darted down the few steps to where the announcer was waiting. "What's your name beautiful and what brings you to beautiful San Diego?" he asked. 

Melanie waved to Jason. "My name is Melanie and I'm here on my honeymoon," Melanie answered. 

The announcer smiled. "This is a good place for it," he agreed. The announcer let Melanie try training signals and allowed Melanie to pet one of the whales. "What do you think of our Shamu here?" he wanted to know. 

Melanie smiled. "All of the whales and the dolphins are beautiful," Melanie answered. 

The trainer nodded in agreement. "Thanks for your help Melanie, and enjoy your honeymoon," the trainer told Melanie before she walked back to her seat. 

"He was flirting with you," Jason growled when Melanie sat down. 

Melanie giggled. "He's also married, I went to high school with his sister," Melanie said dryly, glancing at Jason. "You're jealous of Don?" she asked in surprise. 

Jason grinned sheepishly. "You are beautiful, why wouldn't I be jealous?" Jason murmured, stealing a kiss. 

Melanie shook her head and laughed. "You men are too insecure," Melanie teased. A woman behind them shushed them and they continued to watch what was left of the show. When the visitors streamed toward the exit, Don waved Melanie and Jason down to the tank. 

"Congratulations Mel. When I saw you sitting in the audience, that close to the tank, I couldn't help but call you up," Don said, giving Melanie a hug before turning to Jason. "I'm Don Smith, Mel and my sister Josie were best friends in high school until Mel moved away," Don introduced himself to Jason, extending a hand. Jason shook Don's hand. 

The three talked for a few minutes before Jason glanced at his watch. "Shit, Mel, we have to go, our flight leaves in like five hours and we're two hours away from the airport," Jason said in surprise. 

Melanie sighed and gave Don one last hug. "Say hi to Josie for me, okay?" Melanie asked. Don promised to do so and watched them leave. Melanie and Jason made it to the airport in record time and before either of them knew it, they were home. 

"Do you want to get Marine tonight?" Jason asked. Melanie shook her head. "Your mom wants to keep her for a few more days; something about not getting to spoil her only grandchild as much as she deserves to," Melanie answered, yawning. Jason shook his head. "We'd better watch how much we let them spoil her or we'll need a bigger house," Jason warned. 

Melanie smiled. "We can just add on," she teased. Jason nodded. After a half hour of silence, Jason looked over at Melanie and was surprised to find her asleep. Melanie's cheeks were pink from the sun, but the rest of her face looked pale. 

"Mel, we're almost home," Jason said softly after stopping at a stoplight. Melanie rubbed the sleep from her eyes and stretched. "Are you okay? You never fall asleep that easily," Jason murmured. 

Melanie nodded. "Long plane rides make me sleepy," Melanie answered. 

Jason took Melanie's hand in his, pulled it to his mouth and gave her a gentle kiss. "We didn't over-do it did we?" Jason asked. Melanie shook her head. 

"No, not in the least," Melanie assured him as Jason pulled into the driveway. Jason unlocked the door for Melanie and then went back to the car for the bags. 

"Mel, where are you?" Jason called from the doorway. Jason frowned when Melanie didn't answer and was about to call again when she appeared in the doorway of their bedroom, wearing nothing but her necklace, engagement and wedding rings. Jason dropped the bags in front of the door and in three long strides was in the doorway to his bedroom. "You read my mind," Jason said, his voice low and uneven. Melanie smiled and backed away until she was standing in front of the bed. "God you're beautiful," Jason commented, pulling his shirt off over his head. Melanie smiled again and reached for Jason as he unbuckled his belt and pushed his jeans and boxers down his legs and let the land in a pile on the floor at the foot of the bed. Melanie leaned back on the bed, taking Jason with her, moaning as he slid inside her. Melanie bit back a scream as Jason plunged harder and faster. Melanie dug her nails into Jason's back as he reached a hand up to play with one of her nipples. "Don't hold back," Jason said, his voice raw with emotion. Melanie was gasping now, her breathing was uneven and she was panting hard. 

"Jace, hold up a second, I can't breathe," Melanie gasped out. Jason slowed and stopped moving all together giving Melanie a few minutes to catch her breath. 

"You okay?" Jason asked trailing his fingers along her side. Melanie nodded and groaned when Jason began thrusting inside of her again. "Tell me if I hurt you," he murmured in Melanie's ear before nibbling on it. Melanie cried out as she began to climax and Jason followed not far behind. "Oh my God," Jason groaned as he collapsed on top of Melanie. Melanie giggled and wrapped her arms around Jason's waist. 

"Did I hurt you?" Jason asked, propping himself up on one shoulder to look at Melanie. 

Melanie shook her head. "No, not at all," she promised giving Jason a smile. 

Jason smiled back and started trailing kisses down Melanie's chest and abdomen making Melanie squirm. Melanie moaned as Jason's fingers touched where they were joined. Jason looked at Melanie, her cheeks flushed and her eyes hot with passion and hardened again. "God Mel, I can't get enough of you," Jason moaned, rolling over so Melanie was on top. "Set the pace Mel, I don't want to hurt you," Jason said, hoping in the back of his mind that it would be hard and fast. Melanie must have read his mind because that was exactly the pace she set. They came together, this time so powerfully that Melanie actually screamed as she climaxed and then began to cry. "Mel, what's wrong?" Jason asked, instantly concerned. He rolled Melanie onto her side and helped her sit up. "Did I hurt you? Mel, talk to me," Jason pleaded, cupping her face with his hands. 

"I'm okay, you didn't hurt me," Melanie said softly. 

"Then what's wrong?" Jason asked. 

Melanie shook her head. "Nothing's wrong, everything feels perfect, I just got overwhelmed," Melanie told him, offering a shy smile. Jason pulled Melanie into a hug and kissed her shoulder. 

"Okay, this is one sight I could live without seeing," Jack said from the doorway. 

Melanie gasped and made a mad dash for the blankets. Jason growled but covered up. "Dad, what the hell are you doing here?" Melanie asked breathless. 

Jack shook his and suppressed a sigh. "Your sister is missing," Jack answered. "I thought maybe she'd come here," he added. 

Melanie ran one of her hands through her hair. "We just got back about," Melanie looked at the clock. "An hour ago," Melanie told her father who smiled. 

"I see how far you guys got," he teased. Melanie blushed as the blanket slipped revealing her breasts. Jack shook his head again. "I know you guys are married, but I really didn't need to see you having sex with my baby girl," Jack told Jason. 

Jason chuckled and shrugged. "You knew we were probably doing it," he reminded Jack. Jack chuckled as well. "Just wait until Marine is old enough to get married," Jack said. 

Jason shook his head. "I really don't want to go there," Jason said with a groan as he reached over the side of the bed for his boxers while Melanie covered herself back up. "What makes you think Leigh came here?" Melanie wanted to know. Jack sighed. "Empty house, no rules," Jack rambled off a few reasons. Melanie sighed and rubbed her face with her hands. "Go sit in the living room and I'll check her room in a few minutes," Melanie said. Jack nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him. 

Jason sank back into the bed and pulled Melanie to him. "We could forget about your father," he suggested. 

Melanie smiled and gave Jason a kiss. "No, I need to find Leigh," Melanie said, giving Jason a look that suggested she'd rather be doing him instead of looking for her sister. Jason sighed and nodded as he watched Melanie pull her clothing on. Melanie blew Jason a kiss before she left the bedroom. "Leigh?" Melanie called, knocking on her door. Not seeing her sister, Melanie checked the rest of the house before returning to her father in the living room. "She isn't here dad, I'll call you if she shows up," Melanie promised, giving her father a hug and politely showing him out. 

Melanie walked into the kitchen to find Jason making some hamburger patties. "Hungry?" he asked. Melanie nodded. "I'm starved," she answered. 

"I wonder why," Jason teased making Melanie blush. Jason took the plate of burgers out to the back yard and paused when he saw a figure huddled on a lawn chair. "Mel, come look," Jason called softly. 

Melanie walked over to the patio door and sighed when she saw her sister crying on one of the lawn chairs. "Leigh?" Melanie asked softly, walking up to her sister. Leigh looked up with a tear stained face. "What's wrong?" Melanie asked, sitting down next to her sister. Leigh looked over at Jason who was getting the grill going. "Let's go inside and talk," Melanie suggested, leading her sister inside to the living room. Melanie handed her sister a glass of water and sat down next to her. "Leigh, what happened, you look awful," Melanie wanted to know. 

Leigh shakily took a sip of water and set the glass down on the table. "I'm sorry I just showed up, I had one of my girl friends drop me off," Leigh said, her voice full of emotion. Melanie gave her sister a hug. 

"It's okay, tell me what's wrong Leigh, I can't help you if you don't talk to me," Melanie assured her sister. Leigh laughed bitterly. "You can't help me with this one Mel, it's my mess," Leigh said. 

Melanie studied her sister carefully. "On God Leigh, you're pregnant, aren't you?" Melanie guessed, keeping her expression carefully guarded. 

Leigh shook her head. "I was, but Paul told me if I wanted to continue seeing him that I had to have an abortion. He couldn't go with me though because he had a soccer match so Erin took me and ..." Leigh stopped talking as the tears broke back through. Melanie wrapped her arms around her sister and held her while she cried. "I didn't want to have an abortion, but I didn't want to lose Paul either. I love him!" Leigh cried. Melanie looked up when she heard the floor boards creak and exchanged a glance with Jason. "Leigh, sweetie, when did you have the abortion?" Melanie asked. Leigh sniffled. "Last night," Leigh answered. "It hurts like hell now too," she added. 

Melanie frowned. "That doesn't sound right, it shouldn't hurt after," Melanie murmured. Jason and Leigh both looked at Melanie in surprise that she would know that. Melanie sighed. "I went with Josie when she had hers, she said it didn't hurt too bad, just mild cramps," Melanie explained. 

Jason nodded, pleased with the explanation. "What do I do Mel? Dad's going to kill me for getting pregnant in the first place, but you know how he feels about abortion!" Leigh wailed. Melanie sighed. "Dad loves you Leigh. He'll be angry and upset, but he will always love you. Dad isn't like mom was, he'll forgive you eventually, and you know what, he'll just be concerned about you then he will about your actions," Melanie assured her sister, stroking Leigh's hair soothingly. Leigh started to straighten up, but a wave of pain rocked through her and she doubled over with a cry of pain. "Jace, call your dad, please," Melanie said softly, rubbing her sister's back. "Deep breaths Leigh, deep breaths," Melanie suggested in a low, even voice. By the time Steve arrived at the house, Leigh was in utter agony, her body shaking with pain. 

"What happened?" Steve asked after telling Leigh he needed her to lay down. 

"Leigh had an abortion yesterday," Melanie answered, helping her sister lay down. Steve shook his head sadly and did a quick exam. "You're too young to be doing something like that Leigh. I want to take you to the hospital for a more complete exam, but I think you'll be okay," Steve said softly, giving Leigh a shot. "This is a little bit of Morphine, it will help keep the pain at bay, and here is some Tylenol, it should help your fever a little bit too. I need to know where you had the abortion performed at," Steve added. 

"That can wait, take care of Leigh first," Melanie said sharply. 

Steve nodded. "Of course. Jason, can you help Leigh to the car?" Steve asked. 

Jason nodded and lifted his sister into his arms as if she were as light as a rag doll. Melanie followed anxiously behind them.

"Melanie! What happened? Is Leigh alright? All Steve told me was to come to the hospital!" Jack called, rushing towards his daughter. 

Melanie sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Leigh will be fine, but dad, before you go in there, I need to talk to you," Melanie said. 

"It can wait, I want to see your sister," Jack told Melanie. Melanie sighed and blocked his path to her room. 

"Dad, what I need to talk to you about is Leigh," Melanie told him. 

Jack sighed but allowed Melanie to take him down to the room usually reserved for an organ donation specialist to talk to families of recently deceased loved ones. "Leigh had an abortion," Melanie said after hesitating a moment. 

Jack sprang to his feet. "What?" he asked, his shock written all over his face. 

Melanie nodded. "Paul told her that if she didn't have an abortion, he wouldn't see her anymore, that he was too young for a baby right now, that his only chance in life is an athletic scholarship," Melanie filled her dad in on the details that Leigh had chosen to share. "The doctor that performed it didn't clean his instruments well enough and Leigh has a staph infection, but Steve says it's a pretty mild case and is responding well to antibiotics. Leigh is terrified that you're going to hate her for what she's done, more for the abortion than getting pregnant, so please, no matter how angry with her you are, go easy on her," Melanie said softly. 

Jack sat for a few more moments before following Melanie into the hall. When Jack and Melanie walked into the room, they saw Paul sitting in the chair by Leigh's bed. "How dare you show your face here," Jack growled. Melanie sighed. "Dad, you promised," Melanie warned. 

Jack shook his head. "I never promised to tolerate him," Jack said, his voice low, the anger radiating from it. "You made love to my little girl, got her pregnant, well, that's not the worst thing that could have happened, but you tell her that in order for you to stay with her, she needs to have an abortion? What kind of person are you?" Jack asked, never raising his voice. 

Paul sighed. "I didn't mean for Leigh to get hurt like this, I do want kids, just not right now. I need to go to college," Paul said. Jack's eyes narrowed so much that Melanie was surprised he could see through them. "So does Leigh. I want you out of here right now Paul, and I don't want to see you anywhere around my daughter until you figure out what your priorities are. Your friends or my daughter," Jack said giving Paul a pointed look that he understood all too well. It was one Paul had given too many of his sister's dates and boyfriends. It was a look that screamed, "You hurt mine and I will kill you." 




True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 09-11



Paul leaned over and kissed Leigh on the forehead. "Feel better, we'll talk in a few days," he promised before walking out the door. Jack waited for Paul to close the door before he turned to Leigh. "What were you thinking?" he wanted to know. "Why didn't you come to me when you found out you were pregnant? Why did you go through this alone?" Jack asked. 

Leigh's eyes filled up with tears. "I was scared, and when Mel got pregnant, mom kicked her out and said she wasn't family anymore," Leigh answered. 

Jack sighed. "I'm not your mother Leigh. You know I did not agree with what she did, and I have tried to make up for it, but what you did young lady," Jack shook his head and stopped talking, knowing that if he did not, he would say something he would regret. 

Melanie sighed. "Dad, you aren't helping," she said softly. 

Jack turned on his oldest daughter. "This is your fault! If you hadn't gotten pregnant, Leigh wouldn't have followed in your footsteps, she wouldn't have made the same mistake," Jack told Melanie. Melanie took a step back. 

"You're out of line Jack," Jason growled. Jack shook his head and stormed out of the room. Leigh, Melanie and Jason all exchanged looks and Melanie gave her sister a hug as tears streamed down Leigh's face. 

"Leigh, listen to me and listen carefully. You made a mistake, and you know what the mistake was. It is up to you to decide which one was the worst mistake, getting pregnant or having an abortion. Dad has every right to be angry at you, you're only eighteen. He said things he shouldn't have, but you do need to think hard about what you are going to do from here. The choices you make stay with you forever. You will never forget about this, this will stay with you forever, but Leigh, remember this above all else: I'm your sister, and no matter what you do, I'm here for you," Melanie said gently. Leigh sniffled and wiped her face with a tissue. "It wasn't fair of Paul to make you choose like that," Melanie said softly. Leigh shrugged. "Did you want the baby?" Melanie asked. 

Leigh shrugged again. "I don't know," Leigh answered honestly. 

Melanie gave her sister another hug. "Get some rest and we'll be back later," Melanie promised. Leigh nodded and watched her sister and Jason walk out of the room.

:: Chapter Ten ::

Jason looked up as his cell phone rang and smiled when he saw the number on the caller id. "Hey Mel," Jason said. "Mel, are you there?" Jason asked when Melanie didn't say anything back. "I'm here Jace, can you meet me at the lake? I have something to show you," Melanie replied. Jason glanced at his watch. "I have class in an hour, but yeah, I'll meet you. I'll see you in about twenty minutes," Jason promised, hanging up the phone. Jason gathered his books and stuffed them into his bag then grabbed his jacket and car keys and drove to the lake. 

"This looks familiar," Jason said, walking up to Melanie who was sitting on the park bench. Melanie smiled as Jason sat down next to her. "What's going on?" Jason asked after giving Melanie a gentle kiss. Melanie hesitated a moment before handing Jason a picture. "What's this?" Jason asked. Melanie smiled slightly. "Turn it over," Melanie told him. Jason turned the picture over to reveal a fuzzy black and white photograph. "I don't understand," Jason said. "What is this picture of? It looks like a really weird shaped pineapple," Jason commented making Melanie laugh. "What is this Mel?" Jason asked. 

Melanie shook her head and sighed. "It's our baby," Melanie answered. Jason dropped the photograph in his lap and stared at Melanie. "I wanted to make sure before I said anything," Melanie said softly. Melanie watched Jason's face closely, remembering all too well the last time they were sitting in this spot. "Jason, say something," Melanie pleaded quietly. 

Jason wrapped his arms around Melanie and gave her a gentle hug. "Is everything okay?" Jason asked. 

Melanie nodded. "Doctor Keys said the baby looks good, and that I'm about seven weeks along," Melanie answered. "Jason, say something, please, tell me what you're thinking," Melanie whispered. 

Jason kissed Melanie gently. "I love you," Jason murmured, resting one of his hands on Melanie's abdomen. Tears came to Melanie's eyes. "What's wrong Mel?" Jason asked, gently wiping the tears from Melanie's face. 

"I couldn't help but think about the last time we were here, and for a moment, I thought you were going to have the same reaction," Melanie sniffled. 

Jason sighed and mentally cursed himself for being an idiot. "Mel, I love you, and I love Marine, and I'll love this baby too," Jason promised. Melanie sniffled again and melted into Jason's embrace. "Let's go home," Jason murmured, standing up and pulling Melanie with him. 

"What about class?" Melanie wanted to know. Jason grinned. "The hell with class, let's go home," Jason said, pulling Melanie to the car. Melanie laughed and shook her head. 

"Don't be a bad influence," she teased. Jason grinned and squeezed Melanie's hand. 

"Just this once," he promised, speeding towards home. Melanie laid her head back against the head rest and dozed while Jason drove. "Mel, wake up," Jason murmured, his lips on her forehead. Melanie stretched and followed Jason into the house. Jason scooped Melanie into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. "I love you Mel, more than anything," Jason said, laying Melanie on the bed and working on the buttons on Melanie's shirt, kissing Melanie as he popped off the last button. "God you're beautiful," Jason murmured, pulling Melanie's clothing off of her and dropping them to the floor by the bed. Melanie smiled and watched as Jason quickly rid himself of his clothing and gently eased his way inside her. "Jace, slow down," Melanie gasped. Jason frowned and stopped. "Am I hurting you?" Jason asked, toying with a strand of Melanie's hair. 

She shook her head. "No, but you don't have to rush this," Melanie answered. Jason smiled and thrust gently, gradually building up intensity. Melanie cried out as she came hard and fast and Jason soon followed. 

"Did I hurt you?" Jason asked, shifting so that they were lying facing each other. Melanie shook her head as Jason pulled her a little closer to him. "I'm fine," Melanie assured Jason who smiled and ran his hands down Melanie's body, stopping at Melanie's abdomen which was just barely showing signs of the baby inside. Melanie squirmed and giggled. "That tickles Jace," she murmured. Jason grinned and rolled so that he was on his back and Melanie was on top of him. "I could do this all day," Jason said softly, running his hands down Melanie's back. Melanie sighed contently as Jason began thrusting slowly and gently. He stopped when Melanie winced. "What's wrong?" he asked instantly. 

"I'm a little sore," Melanie admitted. Jason reached for Melanie's hand. "Do you want to stop?" he asked. Melanie shook her head. "Not on your life," she answered. 

Jason kissed Melanie gently. "Let me know if you need to stop," Jason said before thrusting slowly. Melanie came hard and fast. "You're beautiful," Jason murmured, gently rolling Melanie onto her back and kissing her. Melanie kissed him back and made a noise of protest as Jason stood up. Jason chuckled. "Greedy little thing aren't you?" he asked teasingly. Melanie blushed slightly making Jason laugh again as he pulled Melanie up with him. "We've missed so much," Melanie murmured. 

Jason sighed. "We'll make up for that, don't worry about that," Jason promised, leading Melanie into the bathroom. He gave Melanie a kiss on the top of the head before turning on the shower. "And I'd say we have gotten a pretty good head start on that," Jason added, leading Melanie carefully into the tub. 

Melanie laughed and nodded. "I'd say we have," she agreed. Jason studied Melanie carefully, looking for tale-tell signs that would reveal the baby. Melanie blushed and backed away. "Mel, you're beautiful," Jason breathed, pulling Melanie to him and giving her a kiss. Melanie stood under the stream of water sighed as the warm water cascaded around her. "What are you thinking about?" Jason asked, watching her carefully. 

Melanie shrugged. "I'm just thinking," Melanie answered. They showered in silence and talked little on their way to Jason's parent's house. "Mama! Dada!" Marine exclaimed, running towards her parents. 

Melanie smiled and lifted her daughter into her arms. "Were you a good girl?" Melanie asked, looking at Carol who nodded. "Dinner is almost ready," Carol told them as Jason shut the door behind him. Steve looked up as they walked into the living room. 

"What do you two look so happy about?" he asked, handing Melanie a glass of wine. Melanie handed it back. 

"Thank you, but I can't," Melanie said. Carol looked at Melanie in surprise. 

"You've stopped nursing, you can have a glass of wine," Carol told Melanie. Melanie smiled, and exchanged glances with Jason. 

"I know I've stopped nursing, but I can't have the wine," Melanie repeated. Jason smiled back and took Marine from Melanie. Carol studied her daughter closely and shrugged. Melanie rolled her eyes at how forgetful her mother-in-law could be. 

"We're having a baby," Jason announced, unable to contain it any longer. Melanie smiled and waited for the fireworks to begin. 

Steve gave Jason and Melanie a tight hug. "Congratulations to you both. Another grandchild, how wonderful," Steve said, looking over at his wife. Carol smiled and looked away quickly. 

"Mom, what's wrong?" Jason wanted to know. 

Carol sighed. "You're both so young, are you sure you should be bringing another baby into the world?" Carol asked as gently as she could. Melanie sighed and felt an instant headache coming on. Jason couldn't believe the words coming out of his mother's mouth. 

"Mom, Melanie and I love each other, I thought you wanted me to be happy," Jason said. 

"I do want you to be happy, and I know you love Melanie, but do you really think another baby right now will bring you happiness?" Carol asked. Steve put a hand on his wife's shoulder. "Enough Carol, what's done is done, it can't be undone," Steve said gently. Steve gave Carol a harsher look when she opened her mouth to speak again. 

Melanie rubbed her eyes. "I know you don't like me, you never have and I see now that you never will. Coming for dinner was a mistake," Melanie said before taking Marine from Jason and walking out to the car. Jason sighed and looked at his mother in disbelief. 

"Mom, the sooner you realize that I love Melanie, the happier we will all be," Jason said. 

Carol put a hand on Jason's shoulder. "I know you think you love Melanie, but you are so young and what you think is love is more likely just lust," Carol told her son. 

Jason clenched and unclenched his fists. "I love Melanie, it is not just lust," Jason growled. 

Carol sighed. "Jason, I'm done arguing this. I do not want to risk the baby's safety, so I will stay away from you and from Melanie. It's up to you Jason; your father and I or Melanie and the kids," Carol said before leaving the room. 

Jason ran a hand through his hair. "Don't worry about your mother, she'll change her mind," Steve told Jason. 

Jason shook his head. "I doubt it," Jason said before leaving the house. 

Melanie looked up as Jason slammed the car door behind him making Marine cry. Melanie laid a hand on Jason's shoulder. "I'm sorry for causing so much trouble," Melanie murmured. 

Jason took Melanie's hand and kissed it gently. "You haven't caused any trouble," Jason assured her. Melanie wiped away a tear that trailed down her cheek and Jason gave her a gentle kiss. "Let's go home and we can celebrate in our own way," Jason suggested. Melanie sniffled and nodded, reaching back to calm Marine. Jason glanced back in the rear view mirror to find his mother standing in the window, a sad expression on her face and sighed. 

"What?" Melanie asked. 

Jason shook his head. "Mom," was all he said. Melanie looked in the side mirror and took Jason's hand. 

:: Chapter Eleven ::

-Several months later-

"Mel? Jason called, walking through the house. "We're out here," Melanie called back. Jason walked to the back patio and smiled at the sight before him. Melanie was sitting near her flower garden pulling weeds and Julie was helping Marine paint a picture. 

"What did I do to deserve coming home to such beautiful women?" Jason wanted to know, winking at Melanie. 

Melanie laughed and shrugged. "I guess you just got lucky," Melanie teased. 

Jason knelt down in front of Melanie and kissed her gently. "Hi there baby," he whispered to Melanie's ever expanding abdomen. "How are you feeling?" Jason asked. 

"Better than I was, but still not one hundred percent," Melanie answered, rubbing the small of her back. 

"Daddy, look what I drew!" Marine exclaimed, tottering over to her parents. Jason took the picture from Marine, studied it for a moment and then gave his daughter a big kiss. 

"It's beautiful Marine, just like you," Jason told his daughter, amazed that she was almost two years old. Jason studied Melanie out of the corner of his eye while he played with Marine and after a moment, Jason turned to Julie. "Can you take Mari inside and clean her up?" he asked. Julie studied Melanie for a moment and nodded. "Come on kiddo, let's go take a bath," Julie said, leading Marine inside. 

"Are you alright? You keep rubbing your back," Jason murmured, sitting down next to Melanie. "Yeah, I think so, my back keeps cramping," Melanie answered. Jason frowned and began rubbing Melanie's back gently. Melanie moaned and tensed when he hit a tight knot. 

"Hey, don't tense up you'll make it worse," Jason murmured. Melanie sighed and as the tightness of the knot began to subside, she leaned into Jason who wrapped his arms around her. 

"So what did you do all day?" Melanie asked. Jason shrugged. "The usual. Worked until I wanted to scream," Jason answered. Jason had graduated just a few weeks earlier and had been lucky enough to get a job in the field he had pursued. 

"Dad stopped by to see me, asked us to come to dinner tonight," Jason added after a moment. Melanie tensed up again. "Mel, it sounded kind of urgent, we might want to at least go hear them out," Jason said softly. 

Melanie sighed but nodded. "Okay, we'll go, but we're leaving Mari here," Melanie told Jason who nodded in agreement. When they finally got to Steve's and Carol's, Melanie was fiddling with her necklace nervously. 

"Stop," Jason said, taking Melanie's hand in his. "It will be fine," he soothed, ringing the doorbell. 

Steve answered the door and he smiled. "Wow Mel, pregnancy without the stress really suits you," he joked. 

Melanie laughed and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "I don't want to be reminded of that stress," Melanie said softly. Steve nodded and kissed Melanie on the cheek. 

"How are you feeling?" Steve asked. 

Melanie shrugged. "Worn out." Steve and Jason shared a look of concern as Jason led Melanie into the living room. 

"How far along?" Steve wanted to know. 

Jason answered before Melanie could. "We have another six weeks to go." Carol stepped into the living room with Thomas and Helen right behind her. "Grandpa, Grandma!" Jason exclaimed, surprised to see his grandparents. He gave them both a tight hug.  

"Stay seated Mel, you don't have to get up to greet us," Helen said, seeing Melanie struggle to stand. 

Carol studied her daughter for a moment. "I hope everything is normal with the pregnancy," she said after a moment. 

Melanie relaxed slightly and nodded. "According to Dr. Keys, everything looks picture perfect," Melanie answered. Jason caught Melanie's attention and mouthed, "I want to tell them." Melanie rolled her eyes and nodded. 

"Jason Douglas, what has gotten you all excited all of a sudden?" Carol asked, noticing her son's apparent fit. 

Jason walked over to his father and showed him the ultrasound photo before walking over to Melanie and taking her hand. Steve caught his son's eye and grinned. "It's a boy," Jason announced as his father passed the photo around the room. Carol smiled at that and everyone sat down. "Jason, there's a spot on the couch here, you don't need to sit on the arm of my chair, that one is an antique," Carol scolded. Jason sighed and sat on the couch. 

After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, Jason turned to his mother. "What is this all about? The last time you were here, you told me I had to choose between you and dad or Melanie and the kids. Have you finally decided that I can be with my wife and still be part of your lives, or do you just want to see Mari?" Jason asked. Melanie blanched at the question. 

Carol sighed. "We can talk about that after dinner," she said. 

"No, mom, we'll talk about it now," Jason told her. "If you aren't willing to accept that I love Melanie and that I refuse to not be part of her life, then we're wasting our time," he added. Melanie closed her eyes and took a deep breath; something not unnoticed by Steve. 

"Are you alright Melanie?" Steve asked. 

Melanie nodded. "My back has been bothering me today," she answered, willing the twinge of pain in her back to go away. 

Carol sighed. "I was wrong to say that Jason, but you're my only child and you fell so quickly for Melanie, and I don't want to see you hurt," Carol told him. 

Jason looked at his mother and searched her eyes for signs of lying. "Mom, I love Melanie, and what hurt me the most is that you have done everything you possibly can to break us up, from not telling her about my car accident to giving me the choice: you or her. Melanie has never done a single thing to hurt me, never," Jason said, looking over at Melanie. "Mel, are you sure you're alright?" Jason asked. 

Melanie nodded. "Carol, is there Tylenol in the bathroom?" Melanie asked, rubbing her back. Carol nodded and helped Melanie out of the chair. 

"Do you need help?" Carol asked, noticing how pale Melanie was. Melanie shook her head and headed for the bathroom. Jason was talking to his grandfather when he heard Melanie cry out. Jason rushed for the bathroom, his father close behind. "Mel, sweetie, what's wrong?" Jason asked, concern written all over his face. Melanie was sitting on the floor, her hands on her abdomen, Tylenol was scattered all over the floor. Melanie reached for one of Jason's hands and when he slipped his hand into hers, Melanie squeezed it. "Mel, you're scaring me," Jason said. 

Melanie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I think my water just broke," Melanie said, her voice shaking. Steve and Jason carefully helped Melanie stand. 

"Carol, call an ambulance. Jason, help me get Mel over to the couch," Steve instructed. Slowly and carefully, Steve and Jason helped Melanie back into the living room, but they were no more than two steps into the room when Melanie groaned and her knees began to buckle. "Contraction?" Steve asked. Unable to speak, Melanie just nodded. "Breath slowly and evenly; try to relax," Steve coached. Jason's eyes were wide with worry and his face was pale. "Stay with her while I go talk to the operator," Steve told Jason after they got Melanie over to the couch. Helen handed Jason a cool wash cloth and Jason wiped Melanie's face off with it. "How you doing?" Jason asked softly. Melanie looked at Jason and the fear in her eyes scared him. 

"It's too soon Jace, I'm only at 34 weeks," Melanie whispered. Jason gave Melanie a gentle hug. As he started to pull away, another contraction gripped Melanie's body more intensely as either of the ones previous and Melanie screamed. 

"Don't scream Mel, save your strength," Carol coached, sitting behind Melanie's back on the couch. "That's a girl, breathe slowly, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Just keep breathing," Carol said, rubbing Melanie's back. Jason looked at his mother in surprise that she could be that gentle with someone she claimed to hate. The contraction finally subsided and Melanie collapsed weakly against her mother. The reprieve didn't last long and Melanie was in tears when the contraction finally stopped. 




True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 09-11



Steve hurried back over. "Mel, I know this is going to be a little awkward, but I need to check you, okay?" he murmured. Melanie took a deep breath and nodded. 

"Steve?" Melanie asked before Steve could look. "Yeah sweetie, what's going on in that head of yours?" Steve wanted to know.

"Something doesn't feel right," Melanie told him. Steve patted Melanie's knee. "I need to check you Mel," he repeated. "Jason, help Mel lift up her bottom," Steve told his son. Carefully, Jason helped Melanie lift herself up enough for Steve to pull Melanie's jeans and panties off. "Contraction," Melanie gasped, reaching for Jason's hand again. Jason slipped his hand back into Melanie's and winced as she squeezed it hard. 

Steve got back on the phone again. "This baby is coming now," he said into the receiver before hanging up and tossing the phone away. "Mom, I need for you to go get me several clean towels or blankets. Put a towel under Melanie and have Dad put the rest in the drier to warm them up. Carol, go get my stethoscope from my office," Steve instructed. The contraction subsided and Helen slipped a towel under Melanie, with the help of Jason and Steve. Steve looked at Melanie. "Mel, with the next contraction, you need to push, do you understand me?" Steve asked Melanie. Melanie nodded but Jason stood up. "Dad, you can't deliver the baby, not here, not now! We still have six weeks!" he exclaimed. Steve hid his smile. "Come here son," Steve said to Jason. Jason stood behind his father. "Do you see that?" Steve asked. Jason nodded. "That's your son's head. This baby is coming now, and there is nothing I can do to stop it," Steve told Jason. "Now go stand by your wife, she's going to need you," he added. Jason knelt back down by Melanie and reached for her hand. Steve watched Melanie's abdomen closely. "Push Mel, push now," Steve instructed as her abdomen tightened with another contraction. Melanie pushed until she thought she would explode. "Slow down a bit Mel, you're doing fine," Steve said. Melanie cried out and pushed again. "Stop Mel, just for a second," Steve told Melanie. Melanie shook her head. "I can't," she panted, pushing again. The baby slid out into Steve's hands and he smiled. "He's big for being early," Steve told Melanie. "Dad, I need those warm towels now," Steve called as the ambulance pulled in the driveway. Steve wrapped the wailing infant in a towel and placed him on Melanie's abdomen. "He looks perfect," Steve told Melanie. Melanie began to cry as the paramedics loaded her onto the stretcher and into the ambulance. 

"I'll see you at the hospital," Jason promised, kissing Melanie's forehead. "I love you," he murmured. Melanie waved tiredly as Jason jumped out of the ambulance and the doors shut behind him. 

When Jason arrived at the hospital, he was surprised to see Julie standing just inside waiting for him. "They took Mel up to the labor and delivery unit," Julie told him. Jason nodded and made a dash for the elevator. When he got to the unit, Jason asked the nurse behind the counter where to go and she led him back. Doctor Keys looked up as Jason entered the room. "I'll be back in a few minutes to check on you Mel," Dr. Keys promised Melanie before leaving the room. "Hey," Jason murmured, sitting down next to Melanie and reaching for her hand. Melanie smiled and grabbed Jason's hand. "How are you doing?" he wanted to know. 

Melanie shrugged. "I'm okay, but well, there's been an interesting development," Melanie answered. Jason looked at Melanie curiously. "There's a second baby," Melanie told him. Jason's eyes widened as Dr. Keys walked back into the room. 

"How did you miss this?" Jason wanted to know. 

"Sometimes one baby can hide the heart beat of the second baby. It doesn't happen often, but it can happen," Dr. Keys answered, grabbing the wand of the ultrasound as a nurse squirted the gel on Melanie's abdomen. Dr. Keys studied the ultrasound for a moment before turning back to look at Melanie and Jason. "I think we're going to have to do a C-section to get the second baby out, he's still pretty far up and he's kind of sideways, I don't think we'll be able to turn him enough to get him out vaginally. We can have this baby out in a half an hour," he told them. 

"Can we try vaginally?" Melanie asked nervously. Dr. Keys shook his head. "You've been in labor all day, the back cramps you were experiencing earlier is called back labor, and your water has broken, I don't think we should wait, I want to get you into the OR ASAP," Dr. Keys answered as the anesthesiologist walked into the room. Both doctors gave Jason and Melanie some consent forms to sign and they got Melanie prepped for surgery. 

Jason's parents and grandparents were waiting anxiously in the hall when Jason stepped out of the room. "What went wrong?" Steve wanted to know.

"We've been here for hours and Melanie seemed okay," Carol added. Jason smiled. "Nothing went wrong, come on and see for yourself," Jason told his family, leading them into a recovery room where Melanie was propped up in bed while the doctors took the measurements of the twins. Steve's eyes widened. "Well hell Jason, what did you do to the poor girl?" he joked. Jason laughed. 

"How in the hell did you manage to have twins?" Carol asked. Jason shrugged. 

"I have no clue, ask dad, he's the MD," Jason replied. "Both boys, and they're both healthy. Baby one weighed four pounds twenty ounces and is 19 inches long, and baby two weighted four pounds 10 ounces and is 18 and a half inches long," Jason rattled off the statistics. Melanie stifled a yawn. 

"How are you feeling Mel?" Steve asked. "Other than tired," he added. 

Melanie laughed slightly. "I feel okay, a little sore. I won't be able to pick up Mari for awhile," she answered. 

Steve nodded. "Don't worry, we'll help out as best we can," Carol promised. Melanie smiled slightly and yawned again. The nurses brought the boys back to Melanie and Jason. "I need everyone but the parents out so mom can get some rest," the nurse told everyone. 

Steve nodded and led his wife and parents out of the room.



True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 12-13



Please don't send me hate mail or messages, it isn't what it seems to be, I promise! Wait for the next update.

Ashira

:: Chapter Twelve ::

Melanie stood in the kitchen, chopping onions while the boys napped and Marine was coloring at the kitchen table. "Mama, I'm hungry," Marine said, turning away from her crayons. 

Melanie glanced at the clock. "Give me just a second Mari and I'll get you an apple," Melanie told Marine as she finished chopping up the onions. Melanie washed her hands, dried them on a towel and got some apple slices out of the refrigerator before putting a few slices on a paper towel and putting them in front of her daughter. "That's all you get for now Mari, we'll be having dinner soon," Melanie said. Marine munched happily on the apple slices and Melanie went back to chopping vegetables. Melanie turned as the door opened and someone called her name. "I'm in the kitchen Leigh," Melanie called back. 

Leigh appeared in the doorway. "Spaghetti night?" Leigh asked. Melanie nodded. "Hand me the garlic will you?" Melanie murmured. Leigh picked up a head of garlic and handed it to Melanie. "Do you need some help?" Leigh asked. Melanie shook her head. "Not unless the boys wake up," she answered. 

Leigh sat down at the table with Marine. "Great picture kiddo," Leigh told her niece, stealing a slice of apple. 

"Leigh," Melanie scolded, rolling her eyes. "Its okay mommy, I like Aunt Leigh," Marine said. Melanie laughed and turned back to chopping and thinking about how about much her life had changed in the last few years. The twins were nine months old now and Marine was nearing her third birthday. "Mel!" Leigh exclaimed, shaking Melanie from her thoughts. 

Melanie turned to look at her sister. "What?" Melanie asked . "I think the garlic is dead," Leigh said, laughing. 

Melanie looked at her cutting board and rolled her eyes. "Thanks," Melanie muttered, scrapping the garlic and onions off the cutting board and tossing them in the pan with the heated olive oil. 

"Thanks for letting me stay with you guys. Dad was driving me crazy," Leigh told her sister. Melanie smiled. "It isn't a problem, besides, I could use the extra help," Melanie said, stirring the garlic and onions to keep them from burning. "Can you chop up some green pepper for me?" Melanie asked. Leigh nodded and got the pepper from the refrigerator. When Jason arrived home an hour later, Melanie was working on the garlic bread while Leigh was chopping up lettuce for the salad. "What's the occasion?" Jason wanted to know. 

"I just wanted spaghetti and I was tired of the jarred sauces," Melanie answered as Jason kissed her cheek. 

"It smells good," Jason said softly. 

Melanie smiled. "It'd better be," she told him, opening up the oven and sliding the tray of buttered bread on the top rack. "Go visit with the boys before dinner," she added, gently pushing Jason away. Jason walked into the living room where the boys were just waking up from their naps and their eyes lit up when they saw their father. Both of the boys had light brown hair with hints of red, but David had green eyes and Seth had blue eyes. "Dada!" Seth gurgled. Jason smiled and picked Seth up out of the playpen. 

"Were you boys good for mommy?" Jason asked, tickling Seth's tummy. 

"Marginally," Melanie answered from the doorway, smiling at the sight of Jason holding his son before walking over and lifting David out of the play pen. 

"You okay?" Jason asked, studying Melanie carefully. Melanie nodded. 

"I'm just tired," Melanie answered, shifting David to her other hip. "You look like you need a break," Jason said, putting Seth down on the floor. David squirmed to be down on the floor with his brother so Melanie set him down as well. 

"I'd love a break," Melanie agreed, rubbing the back of her neck. Jason walked over to Melanie and massaged her neck gently causing Melanie to moan softly. 

"Hey now, isn't that how you guys got these loveable monsters in the first place?" Leigh teased. Melanie laughed and pulled away from Jason. 

"I have to finish dinner," Melanie told Jason. Leigh shook her head. "I already have. The bread is in the bread basket, the spaghetti noodles are in a bowl and the sauce is in the pot in the center of the table, all you have to do is come eat," Leigh told her sister. Melanie smiled gratefully at her sister and lifted David up into her arms and carried him to the table and Jason followed with Seth. "Mari, dinner," Jason called. Marine ran from her room into the dining room. "Hi daddy!" she said happily, reaching up for a hug. Jason hugged Marine and helped her get into her chair. 

"How's work going?" Melanie asked after a moment. Jason shrugged. "Other than layoffs, great," Jason answered. 

Melanie rubbed her eyes. "Now who?" Melanie asked. Jason grabbed a slice of garlic bread. "Over half of my department," Jason answered. Melanie paused, her fork half way to her mouth and stared at Jason in surprise. "Don't worry Mel, my job's safe," Jason assured Melanie. Melanie took a bite of the spaghetti and studied the boys while they ate. "Are we out of wine?" Jason asked after a moment. 

Melanie shook her head. "I just didn't open a bottle. I don't feel like wine tonight and it doesn't make sense to open a bottle for just one person," Melanie answered. Jason nodded and glanced at Marine. 

"Mari, don't play with your food, eat it," Jason told his daughter. Marine stuck her tongue out at Jason before nibbling on her garlic bread. "Marine, do not stick your tongue out at your father," Melanie scolded. Marine sniffled and apologized to Jason in a baby voice before finishing her spaghetti. "I'm done!" Marine announced, taking a sip of her juice. 

Jason took a bite of salad. "Finish your juice and wipe your hands and you may go play," Jason told Marine. Marine finished her juice and wiped her hands on her jeans before running into the living room. Jason shook his head and chuckled. "Mel, you okay?" Jason asked, glancing at Melanie. Melanie nodded. "I just have a headache," Melanie answered. 

"Go lay down Mel, I'll take care of the kids and the kitchen," Jason promised. Melanie smiled gratefully before standing up and heading back to her bedroom. When Jason came back after getting the food put away and getting the kids to bed while Leigh washed up the dishes, Melanie was in the adjoining bathroom, vomiting into the toilet. 

"Mel, are you sure it's just a headache?" Jason asked, kneeling down next to Melanie and rubbing her back. 

Melanie nodded. "Pretty sure," Melanie murmured, leaning her forehead against the side of the toilet. After a moment, Melanie stood up and grabbed the side of the sink as her body swayed. "Mel, what's going on?" Jason asked. 

Melanie regained her balance and rinsed her mouth out with some water. "It's just a migraine Jace, it'll pass," Melanie said before taking a bottle of Tylenol out of the cupboard and swallowing two. "I'll be okay," she promised. Jason studied Melanie's face for a moment. "I'm fine Jace," Melanie said before heading back to the bedroom to lie down. 

When Jason woke up the next morning, her heard Melanie being sick in the bathroom again. "Mel?" Jason asked, kneeling down next to her. Melanie looked up at Jason with a wan smile. "You okay?" Jason wanted to know. Melanie nodded and handed Jason a calendar. "What's this for?" Jason asked, looking at the month displayed. Melanie took a deep breath before answering. "Look at last month's page," Melanie told Jason before another wave of nausea hit her. Jason flipped back to the previous month and studied the calendar closely before looking at Melanie with wide eyes. 

"Are you serious?" Jason asked. Melanie shrugged. "It's my only explanation," Melanie told him standing up carefully. Jason swallowed before handing Melanie a cup of water. "I was going to schedule an appointment with my doctor for later today, if you want to come with me, you can," Melanie added. Jason took a deep breath. "I wish I could Mel, but I have a meeting that will last the better part of the day," Jason told Melanie. Melanie rinsed her mouth out and walked back into the bedroom. Jason set the calendar on the counter and stepped into the shower. When Jason finished his shower and was dressed, he walked into the kitchen to find Melanie making a pot of coffee and toasting bagels. "No eggs this morning?" Jason asked. 

Melanie shook her head. "I started to scramble some, and it wasn't pretty," Melanie told Jason, setting a glass of orange juice on the table. Jason rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and sat down before taking a sip of the orange juice. "Mel, are you sure that a baby is the only explanation?" Jason asked as Melanie set a bagel and cup of coffee in front of him. 

Melanie nodded. "Every time I've been more than a day or two late, I've been pregnant Jace," Melanie reminded him. Jason sighed and spread cream cheese on his bagel. "I didn't plan this Jason," Melanie told Jason grumpily. 

Jason sighed. "I never said you did Mel, I'm sorry if that's how it sounded," Jason murmured, reaching for Melanie's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. 

Melanie offered a small smile before reaching for the phone. Jason was setting his plate and juice glass in the sink when Melanie hung the phone back on the cradle. 

"Well?" Jason asked. Melanie glanced at the clock. "They're going to squeeze me in around 9:30," Melanie answered. Jason grabbed his briefcase before heading to the door. "I'll try to call you if I get a break, okay?" Jason murmured. Melanie nodded and Jason gave her a peck on the cheek. When Jason got back from work that night, he was surprised to find the house surprisingly empty. "Where is everyone?" Jason wanted to know. 

Melanie smiled. "Dad has Mari and your parents have the boys," Melanie answered. "And Leigh is on a date," she added. Jason smiled and sighed. "Good because I have had the day from hell and I really just need some quiet," Jason groaned. Melanie waited for Jason to continue. "They aren't firing the rest of us, but we have to take a serious pay cut, at least five an hour," Jason added. Melanie gasped and her eyes widened. "How'd your appointment go?" Jason asked, remembering the morning events. Melanie sighed. "Are we pregnant?" Jason asked softly, kneeling down in front of Melanie and taking her hands in his. "There's no we about it Jace, but yes," Melanie said, her eyes filling with tears. 

"Hey, why the tears?" Jason asked, engulfing Melanie into a hug. Melanie sniffled and wiped her face with her hand. "We can't afford another baby, especially now with a pay cut," Melanie murmured. 

Jason sighed, closed his eyes and hugged Melanie tightly. "We'll figure it out Mel," Jason promised. "Are you hungry?" Jason asked. Melanie shrugged. "A little," Melanie admitted. Jason pulled Melanie up. "Let's go get some food," Jason said. Melanie nodded and followed Jason out of the house.

:: Chapter thirteen ::

Jason walked into the house one evening after work to find Marine screaming at Melanie. "What is going on in here?" Jason asked, coming over to stand by his daughter. "Mommy won't let me watch Elmo. She said I have to go to time out," Marine sniffled. 

Jason looked at Melanie then back at his daughter. "Why not?" Jason asked Marine. 

Marine shrugged. "I don't know," she lied. "Marine," Melanie warned, giving her daughter a, "Don't mess with me," look. "I pushed Seth off of the couch after he climbed up there," Marine answered. 

Jason sighed and crouched down in front of Marine. "Marine, it is not okay to push your brothers, especially off of a couch. You could hurt them very badly," Jason said softly. "And I agree with mommy, you need to go sit in time out for three minutes," Jason added, carrying Marine over to the time out corner. 

"NO! No! No!" Marine screamed, kicking and trying to break free of Jason's grasp. "Marine Grace, that is enough," Jason said, his voice even as he swatted Marine on the bottom gently. Marine stopped crying and stared at her father in surprise at the rare display. "Sit in time out for three minutes and then I'll come talk to you again," Jason told his daughter. 

Marine sniffled as she watched her father walk away. "Seth's fine, he landed on his butt," Melanie told Jason before he could ask. Jason chuckled and pulled Melanie to him. 

"And how are you?" he asked, wrapping his arms around Melanie's waist and placing a hand on Melanie's slightly rounded abdomen. 

"Tired," Melanie answered, laying her head on Jason's shoulder. Jason kissed Melanie gently. "I'm sorry I've been working so late, they've got me bogged down with things," Jason murmured. Melanie smiled. "It's okay," she assured him. The next day, when Melanie and Julie were checking out at the grocery store, the clerk handed Melanie back her ATM card. "I'm sorry, ma'am, the card was declined. Do you have another card you can use?" the cashier asked. Melanie shook her head and carefully counted the cash in her wallet. 

"Take off everything but one package of hamburger, a thing of buns, the diapers and wipes," Melanie told the cashier. The cashier sighed but voided the order and rescanned the requested items. "Forty-five dollars and seventy cents," the cashier told Melanie. Melanie sighed and pulled out two twenties and a ten. After getting her change, Melanie and Julie pushed the carts with the kids and meager amount of food to the parking lot. 

When Jason got home that night, the kids were already in bed for the night and Melanie was sitting on the couch crying. "Mel, what's wrong?" Jason asked, sitting down next to Melanie and reaching for her hand. "I tried to go grocery shopping this afternoon," Melanie said, wiping the tears off of her face. "And the ATM card was declined," she added. 

Jason sighed and stood up. "How much were you trying to buy?" Jason asked. 

Melanie did a quick calculation. "About sixty dollars worth of food and diapers," Melanie told Jason. Jason walked over to the computer and pulled up the account. "There's five dollars in the account Jace, I checked already," Melanie said softly. Jason rubbed his eyes and turned off the computer. "I can get a job Jace, if things are that bad," Melanie reminded Jason. Jason turned to Melanie. "You're pregnant Mel, you need to be resting, not working," Jason said. 

Melanie's eyes flashed with anger. "I worked for nearly nine months when I was pregnant with Mari, remember?" Melanie said, her voice tired and hurt. 

Jason sighed. "You never should have had to Mel," Jason murmured, reaching for Melanie and pulling her into a hug. 

Melanie sighed. "It wasn't your fault Jason, I don't blame you for that," Melanie told him. Jason pulled away slightly as the baby kicked and then smiled at Melanie. 

"Mel, I'm sorry about the account. You don't need to get a job, I'll get a second job to help make things stretch further," Jason said, leading Melanie to their room. 

Melanie sighed. "When are you going to do that? You're working too much as it is," Melanie reminded Jason as he began kissing her gently. Melanie closed her eyes as Jason began unbuttoning Melanie's shirt. "Jace, you haven't eaten yet," Melanie protested. Jason slid the shirt down Melanie's arms. 

"I'm not hungry, at least not for food," Jason rumbled, trailing kisses down Melanie's neck and chest as he reached a hand past the waistband of Melanie's skirt. "God Mel, you're beautiful," Jason whispered, kissing Melanie's abdomen while he pulled her skirt and panties down Melanie's legs. Melanie shivered as the cool air danced across her exposed skin and gasped when Jason eased a finger inside her. "Jason," Melanie moaned as he reached a hand up to tease one of her nipples. Melanie reached for Jason's pants but he stopped her with a single look. "Let me do this Mel," he growled huskily. 

Jason teased Melanie until she was gasping for breath then stood up and pulled his clothing off quickly for thrusting inside Melanie hard and fast. Melanie arched against Jason and locked her legs around his waist, moaning as Jason thrust gently inside. "I love you," Melanie whispered, her voice shaky. 

Jason kissed Melanie gently. "I love you too," Jason said, his voice uneven, thrusting harder and faster. The intensity of Melanie's climax made her scream and gasp for air. "You okay?" Jason asked, holding himself still inside Melanie. Melanie nodded and Jason waited for Melanie to catch her breath before rolling her over so that she was on top of him. "Take your time," Jason said, painfully aware of how hard he still was. Melanie gave Jason an evil grin and slowly began moving herself up and down. Jason's eyes rolled back and he groaned as Melanie reached a hand behind her and cupped Jason's sac gently. "Jesus Mel," Jason gasped as Melanie picked up the pace slightly. The baby pressed its' foot up against Melanie's abdomen and Jason traced the outline of the foot before pulling Melanie down for a kiss and thrusting up sharply. Melanie gasped and bit her lip. "I'm sorry Mel," Jason groaned, pounding into her hard and fast. They climaxed together and Melanie fell limply on top of Jason, her eyes wide. Jason rolled so that they were laying on their sides. "Are you okay?"Jason asked. 

Melanie nodded. "I'm sorry, I meant for that to be at your pace," Jason told Melanie. Melanie smiled and pulled away slightly. "I'm fine," Melanie assured him, getting off of the bed, swaying slightly. "Are you sure?" Jason asked, reaching out to help steady Melanie. 

She nodded. "I just stood up too fast," Melanie assured Jason before walking into their bathroom. Jason followed Melanie a moment later and grinned as Melanie turned on the giant bath tub. "What?" Melanie asked, catching Jason's expression in the mirror. 

"I love you," Jason said. 

Melanie smiled. "I love you too," Melanie murmured, stepping into the tub and sighing when the warm water engulfed her in its satiny feel. Melanie closed her eyes and leaned her head back, but opened her eyes when Jason stepped in. 

"Mind if I join you?" Jason asked impishly, sitting down and pulling Melanie to him. Before Melanie could answer, Jason eased himself inside her again. Melanie laughed and tried to pull away. "Jace, c'mon," Melanie groaned. Jason tightened his grip.  

"I can't get enough of you," Jason whispered, nibbling on Melanie's ear as he thrust gently. Melanie winced and Jason shifted slightly. "Better?" Jason asked, quickening the pace. Melanie nodded, her breathing coming in pants. "Easy Mel," Jason murmured, slowing down a bit. Melanie came hard and fast and loudly before she pulled away from Jason. 

Melanie closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths. When Melanie opened her eyes, she noticed Jason studying her carefully. "You okay?" Jason asked, reaching for Melanie again. "Jason, no more, I can't take anymore," Melanie pleaded. 

Jason took Melanie's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. 

"I'm sorry Mel," Jason murmured, letting the water out of the tub. They sat there until the water had completely drained and Jason pulled Melanie to her feet. "I'll wash your back," Jason offered, turning the shower on. Melanie smiled and stood under the shower, letting the water stream over her. "I didn't mean to get so carried away," Jason told Melanie as he gently scrubbed her back with the washcloth. 

Melanie sighed. "I know you didn't," Melanie murmured, turning around and giving Jason a hug. Jason closed his eyes and pulled away before grabbing Melanie and pushing her up against the shower wall. "Jace?" Melanie asked uncertainly as Jason pushed inside her again. "No Jason," Melanie said, trying to push Jason away. Jason tightened his grip on Melanie's arms and thrust in hard and fast. "Jason, stop! You're hurting me!" Melanie protested, struggling against Jason's grip. Jason groaned and pushed Melanie back again as he climaxed after several deep thrusts. 




True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 12-13



Jason pulled back after hearing Melanie's head hit the wall. "Shit, Mel, I'm sorry!" Jason exclaimed, easing Melanie down to the floor. "Are you okay?" Jason asked. Melanie looked up at Jason with tears in her eyes. "Mel, I'm so sorry, I never meant to ... I got out of control, it won't happen again," Jason promised, cupping Melanie's face in his hands. Melanie felt the back of her head and was not surprised to find blood on her fingertips when she pulled her hand away. 

Jason swore under his breath and helped Melanie dry off and into her robe. "I'm going to call my dad," Jason said softly as Melanie curled up on a chair with a towel pressed to the back of her head. Melanie said nothing as she watched Jason pick up and dial the phone. When Steve walked into the bedroom twenty minutes later, Melanie's head and stopped bleeding. "What happened Mel?" Steve asked as he looked at the back of Melanie's head. Melanie glanced at Jason who had a guilty look on his face. "I slipped in the shower," Melanie lied. 

Steve looked like he didn't believe Melanie but let it go. "You'll be fine, it doesn't look too serious, but I want you to take it easy," Steve told Melanie. "Take some Tylenol every four hours, but if you start to feel too dizzy and light headed, I want Jason to take you into the E.R.," Steve told Melanie. Melanie nodded slowly and watched Jason lead his father out. "What really happened Jason?" Steve asked when they got to the front door. Jason sighed. 

"I got a little rough," Jason admitted. Steve shook his head and sighed. "I didn't mean to get that rough, and I didn't mean to hurt Mel," Jason added. 

Steve patted Jason's shoulder. "You need to hold yourself back, if you're too rough, you could hurt your baby and I know you don't want that," Steve warned his son. Jason nodded and closed the door behind his father. When Jason turned around, Melanie was standing in the doorway. "Mel," Jason began, taking a step towards Melanie. He sighed when Melanie took a step back. "Mel, I'm sorry," Jason said softly. Melanie allowed Jason to wrap his arms around her. "I didn't mean to hurt you," Jason murmured, giving Melanie a gentle squeeze. Melanie sighed and carefully pulled away. 

"I know Jace," Melanie said. "You scared me more than anything," Melanie added. 

Jason sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I love you," Jason murmured. "Daddy?" Marine asked from the doorway. Jason turned to face his daughter. "Hey princess, what's wrong?" Jason asked as Marine shuffled over to them. 

"I had a bad dream," Marine sniffled. Jason held his arms out to Marine and lifted her up. 

"What happened in this dream?" Jason asked, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Marine's ear. 

"There was a bad man, and he was looking in my window," Marine answered. Jason gave Marine a gentle hug. 

"It was just a dream," Jason murmured. Marine sniffled. "I won't let anyone hurt you," Jason promised his daughter. Melanie smiled at Jason over Marine's head. 

"There was a monster under my bed too, he said he was going to feed me to the man outside," Marine added. Jason rolled his eyes over Marine's head and Melanie gave him a scolding glance. 

"Mari," Jason groaned, exasperated. 

"He was there daddy! He was green with blue stripes!" Marine exclaimed. Jason sighed. "C'mon kiddo, I'll go chase away any monsters lurking under your bed," Jason promised. 

Marine looked at Jason in confusion. "Lurking?" Marine asked. 

Jason shook his head and laughed. "Lurking means standing or sitting in a specific spot for long periods of time, in this case, the monster hiding under your bed," Jason answered, carrying Marine into her bedroom and turning on the light. Jason set Marine in the middle of her bed, got down on his hands and knees and looked under the bed. "There's nothing here, sweetie," Jason told his daughter, handing Marine her teddy bear. Marine settled down among the pillows and Jason covered her back up. "I'll leave your door open a crack and the hall light on until you fall asleep," Jason promised Marine, giving his daughter a hug and a kiss before walking out of the room and turning off the bedroom light. 

"Mel?" Jason called, before seeing the kitchen light on. "What are you doing?" Jason asked. Melanie looked up from the stove. "I'm reheating dinner so that you can eat," Melanie answered. Jason ran his hand through his hair again. "You don't have to do that Mel, I'm capable of making a peanut butter sandwich," Jason told Melanie. Melanie sighed. "There isn't any peanut butter, I had to put it back and I used the last bit we had to make Mari's lunch today," Melanie told Jason. Jason sighed and sank into a kitchen chair. 

Melanie set a plate of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn in front of Jason. "Eat Jace," Melanie said softly, sitting down next to him. Jason opened his mouth to say something but ate a bite of meatloaf. 

Jason studied Melanie while he ate and frowned at the sight of the dark circles that threatened to take over Melanie's face. "Go on to bed hon, I'll clean up," Jason said, rubbing a thumb over the back of Melanie's hand. Melanie smiled gratefully and kissed Jason before heading back to the bedroom. The next morning, when Melanie woke up, she was surprised to find Jason's bed exactly as it had been the night before; unused. A note lay on Jason's nightstand with Melanie's name on it.

"Melanie,

I can't trust myself around you. Every time I see you, I want to make love to you and after last night, I can't trust myself not to go too far and hurt you again. I'll stay in touch and I'll send money to take care of the kids, I don't know where I'll stay for the time being, but I promise, I won't be far and if you really need me, you can call my dad and he can get in touch with me. I love you Mel, please believe me. 

Love,

Jason"

Tears filled Melanie's eyes as she crumpled the note in her fist. "Mommy?" Marine asked from the doorway of Melanie's room. Melanie wiped the tears off her cheeks and turned to face her daughter. 

"What's wrong sweetie?" Melanie asked. 

"I had a bad dream again Mommy, there was someone outside, looking in my window," Marine said, her voice trembling. Melanie sighed and patted the bed next to her. "Where's daddy?" Marine asked, climbing in the bed and pulling the covers over her legs. Melanie closed her eyes while she thought of an answer. 

"Daddy had to work," Melanie lied. 

Marine shook her head. "It's Saturday, daddy was going to take me to the zoo," Marine reminded Melanie. 

Melanie sighed. "Then I'm sure daddy will come back and take you to the zoo," Melanie told her daughter. "Are you hungry?" Melanie asked. Marine nodded. "C'mon, let's go get some pancakes," Melanie told her daughter, leading her out to the kitchen. 

"Oh, Mel, hey," Leigh said, stopping short. Melanie eyed her sister curiously. 

"Were you out all night?" Melanie asked. Leigh nodded and gave her sister a sheepish smile. 

"I had a date and I didn't want it to end," Leigh admitted. Melanie smiled and shook her head. "C'mon, I'm making pancakes," Melanie said, walking into the kitchen. Leigh followed her sister and her niece into the kitchen. 

"Mel, what's wrong?" Leigh asked as she watched her sister measure out the pancake mix. "Nothing," Melanie lied. 

"Mel," Leigh said, rolling her eyes. 

Melanie sighed. "Later Leigh, okay?" Melanie asked. Leigh nodded and went to wake up the boys. After the kids had finished their breakfasts and gone down for naps, Melanie showed her sister the note Jason had left for her. "What a jerk!" Leigh exclaimed. 

Melanie sighed and hid her face in her hands. "He got really rough last night; he even pushed me against a wall hard enough to give me one hell of a knot," Melanie said as the tea kettle whistled. Leigh stood up and poured the water into the mugs then carried the mugs of steaming hot chocolate over to the table. 

"Do you want me to call Steve?" Leigh asked her sister. 

Melanie shook her head. "No, Jason will come home when he's ready," Melanie answered, taking a sip of the hot chocolate. "In the meantime, will you watch the kids for a few hours? I have some errands to run," Melanie asked. Leigh nodded and watched her sister walk out the front door. The minute Melanie pulled out of the drive way, Leigh called Jason's cell phone. 

"Hi Leigh," Jason answered with a sigh. 

"That's all you have to say?" Leigh asked incredulously. 

Jason sighed again. "Leigh, it's complicated," Jason said. 

Leigh snorted. "Complicated? My sister has been in love with you for as long as I can remember, and is the mother of three of your children, soon to be four!" Leigh exclaimed. "And no, Mel didn't ask me to call you or your father," Leigh added.

"If I had stayed, I would have hurt Mel or the baby," Jason told Leigh. 

"Bullshit!" Leigh exclaimed. "You couldn't hurt Mel if you wanted to," she said, her voice low and angry.

"I hurt Mel last night. I couldn't stop, and well, I almost gave her a concussion," Jason told Leigh. 

Leigh sighed. "You hurt her more by leaving Jason. She needs you and you just walked away. You're nothing but a coward Jason," Leigh told her brother. 

Jason sighed again. "I have to go Leigh," Jason said before hanging up. 

When Melanie came home later that evening, she felt an instant headache form when she saw her's car in the driveway. "Steve, Carol, what are you doing here?" Melanie asked even though she already knew the answer. Carol looked up from where she was playing with the boys. "What did you do to Jason?" Carol asked. 

Melanie closed her eyes and rubbed her face with her hands. "Leigh, can you take the kids to the backyard please?" Melanie asked wearily. Leigh nodded and herded her niece and nephews out to the backyard to play. "I didn't do anything to Jason," Melanie told Carol, easing into the rocking chair and slowly putting her feet up on the ottoman. 

"Then why has my son moved back home?" Carol wanted to know. 

Melanie gave a small sigh of relief. "You tell me," Melanie said, tossing her mother the crumpled up note Jason had left for her that morning. 

Carol read the note and shook her head in disbelief. "My son would not do anything to hurt you," Carol said firmly. Melanie shifted in the rocking chair uneasily. 

"Steve, you didn't tell Carol about your trip over here last night, did you?" Melanie asked, looking at her father. Steve shook his head and sighed. 

"Jason called last night; said Mel had hit her head. Mel told me she slipped in the shower, but I don't believe that is what really happened," Steve said. "The bruises around Melanie's arms don't fit the story," he added. 

"I don't see any bruises," Carol said. Melanie sighed and pulled off her long sleeve shirt, leaving just her tank top on and Carol winced when she saw the bruises, red and angry on Melanie's upper arms. 

"Jason got more than a little rough," Steve observed. "How did you hit your head Mel?" Steve asked. 

Melanie sighed. "Jason pushed me against the wall, and when I tried to break free, he pushed me back harder and I hit the wall," Melanie admitted. 

Carol shook her head. "I can't believe he'd hurt you," Carol said, standing up. 

Melanie struggled to her feet. "I love your son, and yes, I'm hurt because of what he did last night, but I did not in any way shape or form ask him to leave. He left for whatever reason his mind came up with. Has he told you how bad things are at work?" Melanie asked. 

Carol shook her head and Melanie showed Carol the bank statement that she had had printed out at the bank. "Jason got paid four days ago, and we're already in the negative. Out of the six hundred dollars he was just paid, I had to pay the utilities, the house payment and that doesn't even include groceries! I tried to buy food for the kids yesterday and didn't have enough money! Jason's checks are almost four hundred dollars short because of the pay cuts!" Melanie exclaimed. 

Steve stepped between Melanie and Carol. "Melanie, sit down and calm down, Carol, stop acting crazy," Steve commanded. "Mel, why didn't you guys tell us things were getting bad?" Steve asked. 

Melanie took a few deep breaths and forced herself to calm down. "Jason wouldn't let me. He didn't want to worry you," Melanie answered.

"Well I'm sure as hell worried now," Steve commented. 

"Why did Jason move back to our house?" Carol wanted to know. Melanie rolled her eyes. "You're his parents. I've heard you mention more than once that if he ever needed a place to stay, he would always have a room at your house," Melanie told Carol. Carol nodded and looked over at Steve as he set a check down on the ottoman in front of Melanie. "I can't take your money," Melanie protested. 

Steve knelt down in front of Melanie and took both of her hands in his. "Melanie, swallow your pride and let us help you. When things get better, you can pay me back if you want. I'm in no hurry for the money. As long as people continue to have children, there will always be a job for a doctor," Steve said softly. Tears came to Melanie's eyes and Steve gave her a gentle hug. "Get some rest and I'll kick Jason's ass and tell him to get his head on straight," Steve advised. 

Melanie wiped the tears away and shook her head. "You can't force Jason to do anything he doesn't want to do," Melanie said. Steve laughed dryly. "You're right about that. He gets his stubbornness from his mother," Steve joked. Melanie smiled. "But make no mistake about it, I will be talking to my son," Steve told Melanie. Melanie nodded and thanked Steve as he followed Carol out of the house. 

When Steve arrived home, he was beyond livid. "Jason Douglas Paterson, what the hell were you thinking?" Steve bellowed when he walked inside. Jason came out of the kitchen and sighed wearily. "Dad, I don't need a lecture," Jason said. 

"I think you do! Do you know how badly Melanie needs you?" Steve asked. Jason shook his head. "I could have killed her dad," Jason said. Steve rolled his eyes. "You didn't push her that hard," Steve reminded Jason. 

"But I could have! I couldn't stop! I was so out of control last night! She told me no and I forced her! I wouldn't take no for an answer!" Jason shouted. 

"She doesn't blame you," Carol said softly. Jason looked at his mother sharply and became very nervous when he saw the glint in his mother's eyes. "Mom, I ..."

"Save it Jason. I know I haven't always been approving of Melanie, nor have I been all that accepting of Melanie, but you married her and have children with her. Your wedding vows said 'in sickness and in health and to death do us part. You don't walk out on that!" Carol exclaimed. Jason sighed. "I'm not walking out mom, I just don't want to hurt her," Jason said wearily. 

Steve shook his head in disbelief. "You don't want to hurt her?" Steve repeated. Jason nodded. "What the fuck do you think you did by leaving?" Steve shouted. "She loves you Jason and getting a little rough won't change that!" he exclaimed. Jason laughed bitterly. "I was more than rough dad, I fucked my wife until she hurt and then I practically raped her!" Jason said harshly. 

"Practically raped her? You legally raped her," Steve said. "Mel said no, which means you legally raped her," Steve reminded Jason. Steve studied his son as he watched Jason's emotions get the best of him. 

Carol walked up to Jason and put a hand on his shoulder. "You need to go home Jason. Melanie can't do this alone," she said softly. 

Jason looked at his mother, his eyes filled with unshed tears. "Are you kicking me out?" Jason asked. 

Carol shook her head. "Not yet. You need to go home, but you need to get your head screwed on straight first," Carol told Jason. "Go wash your face and calm down and we'll get some dinner," she added. Jason gave his mother a hug and started for the bathroom and stopped, remembering his conversation with Melanie from the night before. 

"Mel couldn't buy food," Jason said, turning around. 

"It's taken care of Jason. Don't worry," Steve told his son. Jason nodded and walked into the bathroom. 



True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 14-15



:: Chapter Fourteen ::

"Mommy!" Marine screamed from her bedroom. Melanie groaned, sat up, rubbed the sleep from her eyes and glanced at the clock as Marine came running into the bedroom. 

"Mari, it's three thirty in the morning," Melanie said wearily. 

"There's someone outside my window," Marine sniffled. 

Melanie sighed again. "Mari, there can't be anyone outside your window," Melanie said softly. Marine shook her head. 

"There was someone there," Marine argued. Melanie sighed and patted the bed next to her as Leigh appeared in the doorway. "Is everything okay?" Leigh asked. 

Melanie nodded. "Mari had a bad dream. About someone outside her window," Melanie answered.

"It wasn't a dream! It was real!" Marine exclaimed. Melanie sighed. 

"Do you want me to go check?" Melanie asked. Marine nodded and Melanie began to slide out of bed. 

"I'll go," Leigh volunteered. Melanie gave her sister a grateful smile and pulled Marine into a hug. 

"Calm down Mari or you'll make yourself sick," Melanie said softly, rubbing the little girl's back. Melanie found herself staring at her daughter, amazed at how fast the time had flown by. At just over four years old, Marine was proving to be quite the beauty with reddish-brown hair and beautiful green eyes and just the right amount of freckles along her cheeks. Melanie looked up as Leigh reappeared in the doorway. "Leigh, what's wrong?" Melanie asked softly, aware that Marine had started to fall asleep. "There are footprints outside of Mari's window," Leigh answered just as quietly. 

Melanie's face paled. "I'll help you get the boys and Mari into the basement and then I'm calling the police," Melanie said. Leigh nodded and tried to hide her own fear. After the break in and rape, Jason had installed a type of panic room in the basement which is where Melanie helped her family go into before calling the police. 

After hanging up with the dispatcher, Melanie hesitated before calling Jason on his cell phone. "Mel, what's wrong? Are you and the baby okay?" Jason asked groggily. 

"There was someone outside of Marine's window tonight," Melanie said. 

Jason groaned. "Mel, you called me at three thirty to tell me our daughter had another nightmare?" Jason asked, not bothering to hide his irritation. 

"Leigh found footprints outside of Mari's window," Melanie told Jason. 

Jason swore under his breath. "Are you sure?" Jason asked, wide awake now. 

"Why would Leigh lie about that?" Melanie wanted to know. 

Jason swore again. "I'm coming over, I can be there in twenty minutes. Lock the doors and stay away from windows," Jason said before hanging up the phone. When Jason arrived at the house, there were police cars everywhere. 

"Sir, you can't come past here," one of the officers said, trying to restrain Jason. "I live here," Jason argued. 

"Do you have identification?" the officer asked. Jason felt around in his jacket and his jeans and shook his head. "I must have left my wallet at my parents' house," Jason admitted. 

"I'm sorry sir, I can't let you through without identification," the officer told Jason. Jason tried to push past the officer and just as the officer was about to put his handcuffs on Jason, Melanie stepped onto the porch. 

"It's alright officer, he's my husband," Melanie said softly. The officer relinquished his hold on Jason and Jason crossed the walkway in two long strides and reached for Melanie who hesitated before allowing him to hug her. 

"I thought I told you to stay inside," Jason said softly, closing his eyes as he felt the baby move. "Damn, when do you get to sleep?" Jason joked. 

Melanie finally smiled, but it was a sad smile. "I haven't slept in almost five years," Melanie said, pulling away. "Everyone's in the basement. The kids are sleeping. Leigh's with them," Melanie said as she and Jason walked into the house and closed the door behind them. Jason saw the check from his father sitting on the dining room table and whistled when he saw the amount. "Mel, I, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you last night," Jason said softly. Melanie sighed. "Don't worry about it Jace, I know you didn't mean anything. I'm okay. But we need you," Melanie said just as softly. 

Jason engulfed Melanie into a hug and squeezed her gently. "I love you," Jason murmured. Melanie winced as the baby kicked hard, reminding them that they were not alone. "Hey kiddo, save mom's kidneys," Jason teased. Melanie laughed and felt some of the stress melt away, at least until one of the officers walked over to them. 

"I need to speak with both of you, is there a place we can sit?" he asked. Melanie and Jason walked over to the kitchen table and sat down, waiting for the officer to give them any information possible. "Your daughter's window isn't the only window that has been visited. Who sleeps in the room with the Orlando Bloom posters?" the officer asked. 

Melanie shivered. "My sister, Leigh," she answered. "He was outside her room?" Melanie asked. The officer nodded. "We're taking samples, and we're also going to station an officer to watch the house," he answered. Melanie shook her head. "You'll disrupt the kid's habits," Melanie protested. 

Jason squeezed Melanie's hand. "Don't let them get too close to the kids," Jason said, exchanging a glance with one of the officers. The officer smiled. "I understand, I have two kids myself," he told Jason. Jason nodded and watched as the officer showed himself out before turning his attention to Melanie. "Mel, easy," Jason warned, kneeling down beside the chair as Melanie began to cry Jason held Melanie until she stopped crying then lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. 

"You're going to lay here and get some sleep," Jason said firmly while he closed the blinds. "I'll go get Leigh and help her bring the kids back upstairs," he added. When Jason returned to the bedroom, he was hoping Melanie would be asleep, but she turned around and sat up, staring at him as if he was going to leave again. "I can sleep on the couch," Jason offered. 

Melanie shook her head. "Jason, this is your house, and your room, you don't have to sleep on the couch," Melanie told him. 

Jason ran a hand through his hair. "If I stay in here with you, I don't know if I'll be able to control myself," Jason admitted. 

Melanie sighed. "Jason, you scared me, don't get me wrong, but I still love you. The only thing that kept me going this morning when I found out you were gone is Mari, the boys and the baby," Melanie said softly. Jason sat down on the edge of the bed and Melanie reached her hand out to him and Jason took it. "Don't leave me again Jace," Melanie pleaded. Jason wrapped his arms around Melanie and held her tightly. "I mean it Jason, don't leave me again," Melanie said softly. 

Jason pressed a kiss against the side of Melanie's head. "I won't, I promise," Jason murmured, holding tightly to Melanie until she fell asleep. When Melanie woke up later that morning, she panicked when she noticed Jason wasn't in bed. Melanie's heart sank into her throat when she saw the note.

"Mel, 

I ran to the bank to deposit dad's check and pick up some groceries. Julie will be by later with a surprise for you. I promise you, I am coming back. I love you Melanie.

Jason"

Melanie breathed a sigh of relief and trudged to the bathroom to take a shower. Melanie closed her eyes as the water poured over her, wrapping her in warmth and she was startled when she heard a cat-call whistle. Melanie dropped the pouf on the floor and slipped on the string and fell hard down onto her knees. "Mel, I'm sorry," Jason apologized, turning the water off and helping Melanie to her feet and out of the shower. "You okay?" Jason asked. 

Melanie nodded and after wrapping a towel around her body, limped to the bed and sat down. "Are you sure?" Jason asked, kneeling down in front of Melanie to look at her knees on which bruises had already formed. "I think we should have dad come over," Jason said, touching Melanie's knees lightly and cringing when Melanie winced and bit back a cry of pain. "I'm calling dad," Jason decided, reaching for the phone. When Steve and Carol got to the house, twenty minutes later, Leigh was waiting in the driveway. "What happened?" Steve asked, noticing the police. Leigh sighed. "We have a pervert problem, but we'll tell you later," Leigh said. 

Steve walked into the master bedroom. "What in God's name happened here?" Steve wanted to know. Jason looked at his dad sheepishly. "I startled Melanie while she was taking a shower and she slipped on the pouf," Jason said. Steve looked at his son as if he didn't believe him. 

"It's true, Melanie told Steve. Steve looked at Melanie's face closely before nodding and kneeling down on the floor in front of her. One of Melanie's knees was almost the size of a baseball. "Mel, I think you need some x-rays," Steve said. 

Melanie shook her head. "I can't have x-rays," she protested. 

Steve sighed. "How far along are you?" Steve asked. Melanie did some quick calculating. "Twenty nine weeks," Melanie answered. Steve sighed. "You need to be taken to the E.R. Mel, you need that knee looked at by an orthopedic surgeon," Steve told Melanie, standing up. "Jason, help Melanie get something on and meet me at the van," Steve instructed. Jason nodded and quickly found a pair of panties and a maternity dress that would be easy to help Melanie put on. Jason began carrying Melanie to the van. 

"Jason, Leigh can't stay here by herself, what if he comes back?" Melanie asked. Jason sighed. "There are police all around here, she'll be fine," Jason promised. Jason and Leigh exchanged glances. 

"We'll be just great, go and take care of yourself," Leigh told her sister before Jason finished the trip to the van. When Jason returned home five hours later, Leigh and Carol were waiting in the living room. "How is she?" Carol asked softly. 

Jason sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "She broke her knee cap," Jason said, sinking onto the couch. They drained some fluid away and they're going to keep her overnight to determine if they need to do surgery or not," Jason added. Carol winced. "Dad volunteered to stay with her so that I could come be here for the kids and he'd call me if I was needed," Jason said, rubbing his face with his hands. Carol gave Jason a hug. 

"Do you want me to stay?" Carol asked Jason. Jason nodded. "That would help, especially if dad calls me back," Jason admitted. Carol nodded and headed to the kitchen. When she returned to the living room a few moments later, she was carrying a plate with a turkey sandwich and some apple slices on it. 

"You missed dinner," Carol said softly, handing the plate to Jason. Jason ate the food quickly and gratefully before going to check on the kids. Jason bumped into his mother as he left the boys' room. "Get some sleep Jason," Carol advised before walking into the guest room. Jason lay on his back in bed, staring up at the ceiling thinking about Melanie. Finally, Jason drifted off to sleep, but was shaken awake. "What's going on?" Jason asked groggily, opening his eyes. Jason was surprised to find Melanie's face hovering over his, a look of concern in her eyes. 

"Jason, you've been dreaming, and I don't know what it was about, but you have sweat all over you!" Melanie said. Jason sat up and shook his head. "Are you alright, is Mari okay? How about the boys? Where's Leigh?" Jason rambled off question after question. 

"Take a deep breath Jace. The kids are fine and Leigh is out on a date, though I have no idea who with," Melanie said, handing Jason a towel who wiped his face with it. Jason studied Melanie for a moment and smiled when his eyes focused on Melanie's slightly rounded abdomen. "Jason, are you okay?" Melanie asked, concerned. Jason nodded. 

"It was just one hell of a nightmare, but you make it better," Jason murmured, reaching for Melanie. "Just let me hold you," Jason said softly. Melanie lay down next to Jason and snuggled close to him. Jason's arms were tightly but gently wrapped around Melanie's middle and he sighed contently as the baby kicked. "I love you Mel," Jason said sleepily.

"I love you too Jace," Melanie replied, glancing over her shoulder. Jason didn't reply, he had already fallen back asleep.

:: Chapter fifteen ::

Melanie sat at her desk writing out checks to pay bills when a dozen red roses were thrust in front of her. Melanie smiled and looked up to see Jason standing next to her. "What are these for?" Melanie asked, surprised. Jason knelt down next to Melanie.

"Do I need a reason to give you flowers?" Jason asked, tucking a strand of hair behind Melanie's ear. Melanie shook her head and rubbed her neck before standing up. "God, I can't make heads or tails of the checkbook this month," she groaned. Jason frowned as he straightened back up and pulled Melanie to him. "I'll look at it later," Jason promised. Melanie stretched and groaned before following Jason into the living room. Jason glanced at Melanie in concern. "Are you alright Mel?" Jason asked. 

Melanie nodded. "I just slept wrong last night and pulled a muscle," Melanie answered. Jason sat down on the couch and patted the cushion next to him and Melanie sank down next to him. Jason slowly and gently began massaging Melanie's back. Melanie moaned softly and leaned back towards Jason. "Better?" Jason asked. Melanie nodded and shivered as Jason ran his hands across her breasts. "Let's take advantage of nap time and Leigh's date," Jason suggested, standing up and extending a hand to Melanie who took it and followed Jason to the bedroom. 

"So what did you have in mind?" Melanie asked teasingly. Jason chuckled and began working on the buttons of Melanie's blouse. 

"I think you know," Jason said, his voice low and husky. Melanie sucked in a breath as the cool air danced across her exposed skin. "You're beautiful," Jason murmured, unhooking Melanie's bra and flicked his tongue over one of Melanie's nipples causing Melanie to gasp. Jason trailed kisses down Melanie's body until he reached the top of Melanie's jeans. Jason unbuttoned and unzipped Melanie's jeans and slid them down Melanie's legs before kicking off his own jeans and pulling his shirt over his head. "I'm sorry I can't take this slow," Jason said with a groan as he slid inside of Melanie hard and fast. Melanie cried out as Jason took her hard and fast. Jason climaxed quickly and rolled off of Melanie. "Did I hurt you?" Jason asked. Melanie shook her head. "We're fine," Melanie assured him. Jason reached over and kissed Melanie and pulled her on top of him. "We'll go slowly this time," Jason promised as he slid inside of Melanie again. "Set the pace Mel," Jason said thrusting gently. Melanie set the pace slow and teasingly until Jason flipped over and began thrusting hard and fast. Melanie matched his pace and let out a strangled scream as she reached her climax. "I'm sorry," Jason said softly, pulling away from Melanie gently. Melanie smiled and sat up. "It's okay Jason, I'm not going to break," Melanie said softly. 

Jason smiled and kissed Melanie gently. "I love you," Jason murmured, giving Melanie a tight hug. "I love you too," Melanie said, snuggling into Jason's embrace. 

The baby kicked hard and Melanie rubbed her abdomen. "Cut mommy some slack," Jason murmured into Melanie's abdomen making her giggle. A knock at the door had both of them scrambling for blankets. "Come in," Jason called. The door opened to reveal Leigh with a tear streaked face. "What's wrong Leigh?" Melanie asked. Jason sighed and shook his head. "Leigh, if you'll turn around for a moment, I'll leave you girls to talk," Jason said. Leigh giggled and turned around. 

Jason grabbed his clothing from the floor and walked into the bathroom as Melanie began putting on her own clothing. Jason walked by Leigh on his path to the door and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Nothing is ever as bad as it seems," he said softly before leaving the room. Melanie walked into the bathroom and cleaned up quickly before returning to her room and patting the bed next to her. "Leigh, what's wrong?" Melanie asked as Leigh sank to the bed next to her. "I've been seeing Paul again for the last few months," Leigh admitted. Melanie sighed. "Does dad know?" Melanie asked. Leigh nodded. "He walked into my apartment the other day and caught us in bed together," Leigh answered. Melanie sighed and shook her head. "Leigh, why Paul? After what he's done to you?" Melanie asked. 

Leigh sighed. "We ran into each other on campus and well, one thing led to another," Leigh said. Melanie searched her sister's face. "What aren't you telling me?" Melanie asked softly. 

Leigh looked at her sister with tear filled eyes. "I think I'm pregnant Mel," Leigh admitted. 

Melanie sighed and gave her sister a hug. "I'm really late Mel, and I'm scared," Leigh whispered. 

"It's okay Leigh, everything will be okay," Melanie promised her sister. 

"I don't know what to do," Leigh wailed. 

Melanie looked up as Jason opened the door and peered inside. "Your dad's here," Jason said softly. Leigh pulled away from Melanie quickly, the look of panic etched in her face. "He doesn't know you're here," Jason said, closing the door. "What's going on?" Jason wanted to know. With a sigh, Melanie filled Jason in quickly who swore under his breath and shook his head. 

"Stay here Leigh, I'll be right back," Melanie said softly, following Jason into the living room. "Hi daddy," Melanie greeted. Jack turned around and gave Melanie a gentle hug. 

"How are you feeling Mel?" Jack asked, looking at his daughter carefully. Melanie shrugged. "Other than a little overwhelmed, I feel fine," Melanie answered. "What's going on?" she asked. Jack sighed. "I can't find your sister. I stopped by her place a few nights ago and caught her having sex with Paul," Jack answered. Melanie shifted uncomfortably. "Have you seen her?" Jack wanted to know. Melanie shook her head. "Not in about a week," Melanie lied. 

Jack studied Melanie's face carefully. "Are you sure Melanie?" Jack asked. Melanie nodded. "I haven't seen Leigh since I helped her study for her History midterm," Melanie told her father. Jack nodded and sighed. "If you see your sister, have her call me," Jack said before leaving the house. 

Melanie sighed and returned to her bedroom. "He's gone Leigh," Melanie said. Leigh sighed with relief and wiped the tears off of her face. "I don't know what to do Mel," Leigh murmured. Melanie shook her head and gave her sister another hug. "I'll tell you what we'll do. I'll call Julie and have her bring over a pregnancy test. If it's positive, I'll go to the doctor's with you to confirm the results," Melanie said. Leigh nodded and Melanie picked up the phone. Leigh was on the verge of tears again by the time Julie finally arrived. "Leigh, will you relax? If you are pregnant, then you aren't doing yourself any good," Melanie said gently as Julie handed the bag to Leigh. There was a knock at the door that had Leigh scurrying to the bathroom attached to Melanie's bedroom. "Is it dad again?" Melanie asked. Jason shook his head and opened the door to reveal a nervous Paul. 

"May I come in?" Paul asked. Melanie nodded. Paul stepped into the hall and Jason closed the door behind him. "Where's Leigh?" Paul asked. Jason and Melanie glanced at each other. 

"Why should we tell you?" Jason asked, still angry at Paul for what he had done to Leigh in the past. Paul sighed. "Jason, I'm not eighteen anymore, I've learned a lot," Paul said. 

Melanie studied Paul's face for a moment. "She's in the bathroom," Melanie said finally. 

"Is she pregnant?" Paul asked. 

Melanie shrugged. "We'll find out in a few minutes," Melanie answered, wandering into the living room and sitting in the rocking chair. Paul, Jason and Julie followed Melanie into the living room and sat down on the couch. "What are you studying?" Melanie asked Paul. 




True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 14-15



Paul brightened for a minute. "Geography," Paul answered. 

Melanie smiled. "And what will you do if Leigh is pregnant?" Melanie wanted to know. Paul sighed and ran a hand through his hair. 

"I don't know," Paul admitted. "I know I'm not ready for kids; I don't even know if I want them," Paul said. 

Jason chuckled. "I remember that feeling," Jason said dryly. Melanie shot Jason a dirty look. "What? I was scared to death," Jason reminded Melanie. 

Melanie nodded. "So was I," she retorted. Melanie looked at her watch. "I'm going to go check on Leigh," Melanie said softly, standing up and walking into her bathroom. "Leigh?" Melanie asked gently, crouching down in front of her sister who was sitting on the floor, her face covering her hands. "What's wrong sweetie?" Melanie asked. Leigh looked up at Melanie and handed her the test. 

"They both came back positive," Leigh whispered. Melanie sighed and gave her sister a hug. "It will be okay," Melanie promised, holding Leigh as she cried. When Leigh's crying had subsided Melanie stood up and handed Leigh a cup of water. "Paul's here," Melanie told Leigh. Leigh looked up at her sister and stood up. 

"I should go tell him," Leigh said. Melanie nodded. "Why don't you go into your room and I'll send Paul in there. You don't need an audience," Melanie suggested. Leigh nodded and headed for her bedroom. 

Melanie walked into the living room. "Paul, Leigh's waiting in her room for you," Melanie said. Paul stood up and headed for Leigh's room and Melanie sat down in the rocker with a sigh. "It was positive, wasn't it?" Jason asked softly. Melanie nodded and sighed. "At least she doesn't have to go through this alone," Melanie said. Jason nodded. 

Paul knocked hesitantly on Leigh's door before opening it. Leigh was sitting on her bed and her face was red from crying. "Leigh?" Paul asked softly. Leigh looked up as Paul sat on the bed in front of her. "You're pregnant, aren't you?" Paul murmured. Leigh nodded and a fresh batch of tears began. Paul gave Leigh a hug. "It'll be okay," Paul promised, holding Leigh until she stopped crying. 

"I can't have an abortion again Paul. I just can't," Leigh told him. 

Paul sighed. "I wasn't going to ask you to," Paul said. Leigh looked at Paul in surprise. "I know you regretted having the abortion and I also know that's why you stopped seeing me and I'm sorry I gave you that ultimatum," Paul said. Leigh sighed shakily. "I'm scared," she murmured. 

Paul gave Leigh another hug. "So am I, but we'll do this together," Paul said. They sat on the bed quietly for what seemed like eternity before going out to the living room. Melanie searched her sister's face and was relieved to see that Leigh looked calmer. "I can make an appointment with my doctor for you as confirmation," Melanie said softly. Leigh nodded. Melanie stood up and grabbed the phone as she went. "I'll go into the bedroom to make the appointment, Jason, can you make some lunch for everyone? There should be some leftover pasta salad in the fridge," Melanie said. Jason nodded and headed to the kitchen. "Paul, why don't you come help," Jason suggested in a tone that let Paul know that it was not a question, but a demand. Paul nodded, squeezed Leigh's hand and followed Jason into the kitchen. 

Julie gave Leigh a hug. "Go get some fresh air," she advised. Leigh nodded and went out to the back patio. "What are you planning to do?" Jason asked Paul. Paul shrugged. "I know I'm not going to leave Leigh to do this alone," Paul said. 

Jason flinched. "I didn't leave Mel, and even if I did, this isn't about me and Mel, this is about you and Leigh," Jason growled. Paul nodded. "You hurt Leigh so bad last time, and I won't let you hurt her again," Jason added. 

Paul sighed and nodded again. "I don't want to hurt her," Paul said. 

"Good, because if you do, I'll personally see to it that your name is as good as mud," Jason threatened. 

"That's enough Jace," Melanie said from the doorway. Paul turned around and his look of relief turned to a look of dread. "You don't have to worry about Jason, and you don't have to worry about me. You have to worry about my father," Melanie told Paul who gulped as Julie and Leigh walked into the kitchen. 

"What's going on?" Leigh asked, feeling the tension in the air. 

"Nothing," Jason assured his sister. "Lunch is almost ready," he added. 

Melanie gave her sister a reassuring smile. "I got you an appointment for two-thirty," she said. "Do you want me to go with you?" Melanie asked. Leigh nodded. "What about Paul?" Melanie inquired. Leigh nodded again. 

"If he wants to go," Leigh said softly. 

Paul swallowed nervously. "I'd like to go," Paul managed to say. Melanie gave Paul a sympathetic look as she set the table. They ate lunch in silence and before long; Melanie, Paul and Leigh were driving to the doctor's office. 

"Mel, I'm scared," Leigh admitted as they got out of the car. 

Melanie gave her sister a gentle hug. "It's okay Leigh. There's nothing wrong with being scared. I was terrified," Melanie said, giving her sister a reassuring smile. Leigh signed in then went to sit down with Paul and Melanie. Paul looked around at all of the pregnant women and paled. Melanie giggled. "Paul, take a deep breath and relax," she advised. Melanie turned to her sister. "Which one of us do you want to go back with you?" Melanie asked. 

Leigh looked momentarily panicked. "Can't both of you go in?" Leigh wanted to know. 

Melanie shook her head. "There really isn't room," Melanie answered. Paul looked around the waiting room again. "Take Paul in with you. If he plans on being involved, Paul should experience this too," Melanie told Leigh. When Leigh's name was called, she and Paul stood up and followed the nurse back to an examining room. When they walked back into the waiting room a half hour later, Leigh no longer looked as panicked and Paul looked slightly more at ease. "Well?" Melanie asked. 

"I'm definitely pregnant," Leigh told her sister. 

Melanie gave her sister a gentle hug. "Are you okay with that?" Melanie asked. Leigh nodded. "They did some kind of internal ultrasound," Leigh said. 

Melanie smiled. "I hated the vaginal ultrasound, but you got to see the baby," Melanie murmured. Leigh nodded. Melanie looked at Paul. "Paul, how are you doing?" Melanie asked. 

Paul shook his head. "I'm in shock," Paul admitted. Melanie laughed as they all got back in the car. "How far along are you?" Melanie asked. Leigh looked down at the piece of paper she'd been given. "Ten weeks," Leigh answered. Melanie nodded. "You need to tell dad," Melanie said softly. Leigh nodded and sighed. "I can invite him over for dinner tonight and you can tell him there," Melanie offered. Leigh nodded. "Thank you," she said gratefully. "Paul, I assume you're going to stay for dinner," Melanie said, glancing at him. Paul's face had gone white and Melanie suppressed a grin. 

"Your dad scares me," Paul admitted. "But yes, I'll be there," he added. Melanie laughed and pulled into the parking lot of Whole Foods. "I'll go get food, why don't you guys get out and walk around and talk," Melanie suggested. Leigh and Paul wandered in the opposite direction of the grocery store and while Melanie was grabbing a shopping cart, she pushed her Bluetooth ear piece onto her ear and dialed her father's number. 

"Hello Melanie," Jack answered. 

"Hi daddy, I was just calling to see if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight," Melanie said. Jack glanced at the work on his desk. "Sure Mel, what time?" Jack said, leaning back in his chair. Melanie glanced at her watch. "How does six sound?" Melanie asked. 

"Sounds good to me," Jack said. "Have you heard from your sister?" Jack wanted to know. 

Melanie hesitated. "Yeah, she's coming to dinner tonight, and she's fine," Melanie answered. Jack thanked Melanie and hung up the phone. Melanie grabbed enough chicken breasts, baking potatoes and broccoli to feed a small army before checking out and heading to the car. Leigh and Paul were waiting for her. "Dad's coming," Melanie said, unlocking the car and popping the trunk. Paul helped Melanie load in the groceries. "Thanks," Melanie said before returning the cart to the corral. 

"How far along are you?" Paul asked curiously. 

"Twenty-nine weeks," Melanie answered. "A little over seven months," she added before carefully putting on her seat belt and turning the car on. "Where did you guys go?" Melanie asked, coming to a stop at a red light. Melanie rubbed the small of her back before turning on the seat warmer. "Mel, are you okay?" Leigh asked. 

Melanie nodded. "Just a back spasm," Melanie answered. Melanie smiled reassuringly over at her sister. "Don't worry Leigh, I'm not going to go into labor any time soon," she teased. Leigh laughed and glanced back at Paul. 

"We just went window shopping," Leigh said after Melanie repeated her question. Melanie nodded and as the spasm subsided, turned off the seat warmer. Melanie honked the horn as she pulled into the driveway and Jason appeared in the doorway. 

"Good lord, what'd you do, buy out the store?" Jason asked as he and Paul unloaded the back. Melanie shook her head. "Dad's coming over for dinner," Melanie said. 

"So it wasn't a false positive?" Jason asked. Melanie shook her head. "I hope he doesn't hurt her again," Jason said as he carried the last bag into the kitchen. Melanie sighed. "I hope not too," she agreed. 

Melanie noticed Paul standing a few feet away. "Leigh and I are going to go for a drive so we can talk before your dad gets here," Paul told Melanie. 

Melanie nodded and offered Paul a reassuring smile. "Dinner's at six, I'd recommended getting here as close to on time as possible," Melanie said. Paul nodded and gently led Leigh to the car. 

Jason shook his head. "How are you feeling?" Jason asked, feeling the baby kick. 

Melanie rubbed her back. "I'm exhausted," Melanie admitted. "The kids have been wearing me out, I'm really glad your parents took them for the week," she added. At over four years of age, Marine was proving to be quite a handful and the twins at nearly two were a challenge all on their own. 

Jason sighed and pulled Melanie to him. "I think we should do something to prevent having more kids, at least for a little while," Jason suggested. Melanie sighed and leaned into Jason's embrace. 

"I love our kids Jace," Melanie said. 

Jason turned Melanie to face him. "I know you do, and so do I, but we're going to have number four here, and I don't know how much more we can handle right now. Lets at least wait a few years before we try for another one," Jason murmured. Melanie sighed but nodded. "I know, you're right, we probably should wait a bit," Melanie agreed. 

Jason gave Melanie a gentle kiss. "Why don't you go lie down or hang out with Julie while I go work on the baby's room," Jason suggested. Melanie smiled and headed off to find Julie. The closer to six it got, the more nervous Melanie became. Finally, at ten minutes to six, Leigh and Paul walked back into the house. "You guys have been gone for hours, where were you?" Melanie asked. 

Leigh smiled. "You'll find out when dad does," Leigh promised. Melanie growled and turned back to the roasted potatoes she was working on. 

Julie let Jack in who glowered when he saw Paul. "What is he doing here?" Jack wanted to know. Melanie sighed. "He was invited dad, so please, be nice," Melanie said. Paul gave Melanie a look of thanks and squeezed Leigh's hand. 

"Let's go see if Jason needs any help," Paul suggested, leading Leigh out of the kitchen. "She really shouldn't be seeing him again after what he did to her," Jack said. 

Melanie sighed. "Dad, that was almost three years ago," Melanie reminded her father. "They aren't kids anymore," she added. 

Jack put the daisies he had brought into a vase. "I just don't want to see you kids hurt," Jack said. 

Melanie smiled. "Dad, you can't protect us from everything, you have to let us learn as we go," Melanie reminded him. 

Jack chuckled. "I'll remind you that you said that when Mari starts dating," Jack teased. Melanie shook her head and put the finishing touches on the roasted potatoes and carried the platter out to the dining room as Paul and Leigh carried in plates of chicken. "Dad, can you grab the broccoli?" Melanie asked. Melanie gasped and grabbed the table. 

"Are you okay?" Paul asked. 

Melanie took a deep breath and nodded. "I think I just lost a kidney," she joked, rubbing her abdomen. Jason came up behind Melanie and rubbed her back gently. "Only two months to go," he reminded Melanie. Melanie rolled her eyes. "Only," she muttered, sitting down. 

"Where are my grandkids?" Jack asked, setting the bowl of broccoli on the table and sitting down. "With my parents for the week," Jason answered. Everyone sat down and began piling food onto their plates. Melanie caught Leigh's eye and gave her a reassuring smile. 

"So Leigh, where have you been hiding yourself all week young lady?" Jack asked. Leigh sighed. "I was on a trip with Paul," Leigh answered. Jack looked at his daughter sharply and Melanie exchanged confused glances with Jason. "Paul and I went with a few of our friends to Vegas. We left on Sunday and we just got back this afternoon," Leigh added.

"Las Vegas," Jack said slowly. Leigh nodded. 

"Did you see any good shows?" Julie asked politely. 

Paul grinned and Leigh blushed. 

"No, not exactly," Leigh answered. Melanie and Jason exchanged knowing grins and hid their laughter behind their hands. 

"What exactly did you do?" Jack asked, his eyes narrowing. Melanie took a sip of water to keep from choking on her broccoli as Leigh handed Jack a piece of paper. 

Melanie gasped, catching a glimpse at her sister's hand. "This is a marriage license," Jack said. He looked at Leigh and at Paul. "You got married last Sunday?" Jack asked. 

Leigh nodded and Melanie couldn't hide her surprise. "We didn't say anything because we were afraid you'd try to stop it," Leigh said.

"You're damn right I'd try to stop it," Jack told Leigh who sighed. "He made you have an abortion!" Jack reminded his daughter. 

Leigh sighed again. "That was my decision, and Paul's ultimatum had very little to do with that decision," Leigh said. The look on her father's face frightened Leigh. 

"I love Leigh, Mr. Thorne, and I'm not going to hurt her again," Paul told Jack. 

Jack shook his head. "I refuse to accept this. You're still my daughter Leigh, and I want you to get this marriage annulled," Jack told Leigh. Leigh looked at Paul before shaking her head. "I can't, and even if I could, I wouldn't," Leigh said. Jack stared at his daughter. "What do you mean you can't?" Jack asked.

"I love Paul dad, and I won't be treated like a little girl anymore," Leigh said. 

Jack shook his head. "There's the "I won't" explanation, but where's the explanation for "I can't?" Jack wanted to know. Leigh stared at her father, not blinking. "Why can't the marriage be annulled?" Jack asked again, his voice low and even. 

Melanie could see her father fighting for composure. "They love each other, shouldn't that be enough?" Melanie asked, standing up and putting a hand on her father's arm. 

"Leigh Ashley," Jack said in a warning tone. Leigh sighed. "I'm pregnant dad," Leigh answered finally. Melanie sank back into her chair and looked at her sister worriedly; she had never seen her father this angry before. Jason squeezed Melanie's hand as Jack jumped out of his chair. 

"What do you mean you're pregnant?" Jack asked, his eyes narrowing. Melanie swallowed and put a hand on her father's arm again. He shrugged it off. "I'm twenty-one years old dad, I'm not a child anymore," Leigh said softly. 

Paul squeezed Leigh's hand. "I told you if you touched my daughter again I would kill you," Jack reminded Paul. 

Leigh looked at her father in surprise. "So that's why Paul backed off for awhile," Leigh said. 

Paul nodded and sighed. "I'm sorry Leigh," Paul said softly. 

Leigh looked at her father angrily. "I can't believe you!" Leigh exclaimed. "I love Paul! Dad, how could you do this to me?" Leigh yelled. Jason finally stood up. "This is not going to do Leigh or Melanie any good," Jason told Jack. Jack stared Jason down but Jason refused to blink and Jack looked away. "I want you to leave Jack. Until you can get your head on straight and discuss this rationally like an adult, you are not welcome anywhere near Leigh or Melanie," Jason said. Jack stared at Jason again. 

"And who's going to stop me? You?" Jack asked. Jason nodded. "You're just going to hurt them if you can't act like an adult," Jason said. Jack grabbed his jacket and stormed out of the house and into his car and drove away. Jason looked first at Melanie and then at Leigh. "Are you guys okay?" Jason asked. Melanie and Leigh nodded. Leigh pushed her plate away. "I've lost my appetite though," Leigh said. 

Melanie sighed. "You need to eat Leigh, at least a little bit," Melanie reminded her. Leigh nodded and everyone quietly resumed eating their dinner. "You guys can stay here for a few days, unless you have a place of your own," Jason said after a few moments of uncomfortable silence. Leigh gave Jason a grateful smile. "Thank you. You guys have done so much for me," Leigh said softly. 

Jason stood up and gave Leigh a gentle hug. "You're family Leigh," Jason murmured, sitting back down. After dinner, Jason and Paul cleaned up while Leigh, Melanie and Julie settled in the den to watch a movie. "So we have Dirty Dancing, Footloose or Rent," Julie said, setting the three movies in the center of the table and grabbing her soda. 

Melanie and Leigh looked at each other and grinned. "Dirty Dancing," they said together, giggling. The three of them sat in a semi circle with a giant bowl of popcorn and sodas and watched the movie. 

When Jason and Paul finished cleaning up, they both looked into the den and shook their heads. "C'mon, we'll go talk outside, and get away from the estrogen fest," Jason said. Paul laughed and followed Jason outside. "Why didn't you tell us you guys were married?" Jason asked, pulling two bottles of beer out of the outside refrigerator and handing one to Paul. 

Paul shrugged. "Leigh wanted to keep that a surprise, I don't think she expected the reaction to be this bad," Paul answered. 

Jason took a long swallow of beer. "Mel and I are happy for you both, as long as this is really what you both want," Jason said. Paul nodded. "I've grown up a lot over the past few years, and I realize I was an idiot," Paul admitted. 

Jason nodded. "That you were, but I don't blame you for being scared. When Mel told me she was pregnant, I freaked out. I told her that I needed some time to think and that I'd call her and left her sitting in a damn park by the lake," Jason said, shaking his head. 

"What happened? I mean, you're here, so it couldn't have been that bad," Paul wanted to know. 

Jason sighed. "The next day, I got a call from my aunt. My cousin was Chemistry major at a school a few hours south of town and one of his experiments went very wrong and blew up in his face. I was the only one he'd let come and help him," Jason began. "I spent nearly a month there until he regained his eye sight. On my way home, I was in a serious car accident and in a coma. My parents never told Melanie and she thought I had walked out on her. My grandparents finally came and got her when the doctors wanted to take me off of life support, and Melanie being there is what got me out of my coma," Jason said. 

Paul whistled and took a swig of his beer. "That sucks man, really sucks," Paul commented. 

Jason nodded. "When Marine was born, Mel was living in an efficiency apartment that was the size of the dining room with a tiny bathroom; it had a shower stall and a toilet. Her kitchen was a sink, a counter top, a two burner stove and two little cupboards," Jason said shaking his head. "I don't know how she could stand living there, but the rent was only three hundred bucks a month so she made it work," he added. 




True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 14-15



Paul didn't know what to say, so he just took a swig of his beer. Jason nodded. "I felt so horrible about everything that I tried over-compensating for it. I brought her flowers every day for nearly six months before she finally convinced me that she didn't blame me and that me being around made up for missing almost her entire pregnancy," Jason said. He laughed as he remembered the number of flowers scattered room to room throughout the house. "I still feel bad a lot of the times. When Mel was pregnant with the twins, I was a ball of nerves. Every time Mel was sick because of morning sickness, or had a cold, or didn't seem to be gaining enough weight, I was calling my dad," Jason said, laughing at himself. "I drove Mel crazy," he added, finishing the beer and opening another one. Paul laughed. 

"I'm terrified," Paul admitted. Jason nodded. "I'd be worried if you weren't," Jason told Paul. 

"I can't believe what an ass I was when Leigh got pregnant three years ago," Paul said. 

Jason laughed and shrugged. "You were young, you both made mistakes and you have to pay for them. But don't let those mistakes stop you from living," Jason said. Paul took a deep breath and accepted the beer Jason offered him. 

"I don't know what to do. Part of me wants the baby, but part of me is telling me to run far away and very fast," Paul admitted. 

Jason laughed and nodded. "I hear you on that one. Do you love Leigh?" Jason asked suddenly. Paul nodded. "More than I ever thought possible," Paul answered. Jason smiled. "Remember that. When you start to panic at the thought of having a baby, remember that it is your love for Leigh and her love for you that created that baby. That's all kids are, extensions of your love for each other," Jason told Paul. Jason finished off his beer and checked his watch. "We'd better go make sure the girls haven't gone too crazy over Patrick Swayze," Jason said, standing up and stretching. Paul stood up and followed Jason into the house and groaned when he heard the giggling coming from the den. "What in the world is going on in here?" Jason wondered aloud, coming to a stop in the doorway. 

Melanie looked up and giggled. Julie and Leigh glanced at each other and tried not to laugh. "We were just discussing if it would be possible to learn that kind of dancing in such a short amount of time," Melanie said, taking a sip of water. 

"And how much fun it would be to learn how from Patrick Swayze," Julie added making Melanie laugh, causing water to shoot out of her mouth and all down the front of her blouse. The girls started giggling again and Jason shook his head. "You girls enjoy your estrogen rush, Paul and I are going to go shoot some pool," Jason said. Paul hesitated in the doorway. "You sure we should go? What if something comes up?" he asked. 

Jason shook his head and shot a knowing grin at Melanie over Paul's head. Melanie grinned evilly. "Uh-oh," Jason said under his breath. Melanie looked at her sister. "Hey Leigh, when did they say you were due?" Melanie wanted to know. 

Leigh looked at the paper the doctor had given her. "The end of August," Leigh answered. Melanie grinned and grabbed a pad of paper and a pen. "Let's plan your baby shower," Melanie said. Jason groaned. 

"We have our cell phones, call us if you need something," Jason told the girls, grabbing Paul by the arm and dragging him towards the car. "Trust me, they're fine," Jason told Paul.



True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 16-17



:: Chapter sixteen ::

Melanie grabbed the phone as it rang. "Hello?" she answered breathlessly.

"Mel, its dad.". Melanie stifled the groan. She hadn't talked to her father since the disastrous dinner nearly a two weeks prior. 

"What's up dad? And before you ask, Leigh isn't here, she's apartment hunting," Melanie said. Jack sighed. "I want to talk to you, and Jason, and Leigh. I want to apologize," Jack said.

Melanie rubbed her back. "What about Paul? You owe him an apology too," Melanie wanted to know. Jack sighed. "He only married Leigh because of the baby," Jack said. 

Melanie closed her eyes and counted to five. "That isn't true dad. They didn't find out about the baby until the day of the dinner," Melanie argued. 

"How do you know that?" Jack asked.

"Because right after you left earlier that day, Leigh came over with Paul. They didn't tell me they'd gotten married, but Leigh told me she thought she was pregnant. She was afraid of your reaction, that's why she came to me; because I'd been through it already," Melanie answered. 

Jack sighed. "Look, if you promise to be civil and behave, I'll let you come over. But Leigh's been under a lot of stress and so have I and neither of us need any more stress, got it?" Melanie asked. 

"What kind of stress?" Jack wanted to know.

"Other than you and your obvious disapproval? Jason's hours got cut again which means there's less money coming in and Marine's been getting sick a lot lately and the twins are teething," Melanie rattled things off one by one. 

Jack chuckled. "Okay, I get it, I'll be good, but I do need to talk to you and your sister," Jack said. 

Melanie sighed. "All right, come by after dinner. Around eight. That will give me time to get the kids to bed," Melanie said. Jack thanked Melanie and hung up. At eight-fifteen, Jack knocked on the door. "You're late," Melanie scolded. 

Jack gave his daughter a hug and studied her in concern. "Are you all right?" Jack asked gently. 

Melanie nodded. "I'm just worn out," Melanie answered. 

Jack shuffled uneasily. "Melanie, this is Karen," Jack introduced. Melanie shook Karen's hand and let them both in. Paul stood up when Jack walked into the living room. "I'm not here to start a fight," Jack told Paul. Paul reached for Leigh's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "This is Karen, we've been seeing each other for the last few weeks," Jack introduced Karen to his family as they sat on the couch. "She has two boys of her own and a daughter, they're all about the same age as you girls," Jack added. 

Melanie looked at Karen and read the disapproval in her eyes. 

"How did you meet my dad?" Melanie asked, settling into the rocking chair and rested her hands on her abdomen. Jason handed both Karen and Jack a glass of water. 

"I met your father in a survivor's support group," Karen answered. 

"Karen's husband passed away about five years ago," Jack added. Melanie nodded and took a sip of her own water. Jack looked at Leigh who was staring at him nervously. Leigh was clutching Paul's hand so tightly that Jack would be surprised if it wasn't sprained. 

"I'm sorry Leigh. I over-reacted. I shouldn't have gotten so angry when you told me you had gotten married and were having a baby. I was just very surprised," Jack said. Leigh stood up and gave her father a hug. Jack turned to Paul and stretched out his hand. "I owe you an apology too," Jack said. Paul took Jack's hand and shook it. Jack turned to Jason and Melanie. "I owe you both an apology. I ruined the lovely meal you set up and I'm sure I added a fair amount of stress. I know you were both trying to be there for Leigh and I appreciate that," Jack said. Melanie gave her father a hug and Jason nodded, not completely sure Jack meant his apology and Jack knew it by the look in Jason's eyes. Melanie finished her water and began to stand up to get another glass. 

"Oh please, let me," Karen said, taking the glass out of Melanie's hand. "Just point me to the kitchen," she added. Jack showed Karen where the kitchen was and she walked into the kitchen. 

"So how far are you?" Jack asked Leigh.

"Twelve weeks," Leigh answered as Karen returned to the living room with the water and handed it to Melanie. 

"Thanks," Melanie said, taking the glass and taking a sip. "I added a little squeeze of lemon, I hope that's okay," Karen said. Melanie smiled. "Its fine, adds a little flavor," Melanie told Karen. Jack studied Leigh carefully, looking for any signs of the baby. "She isn't showing yet," Paul told Jack. 

Jack started to ask Paul how he knew that and Melanie giggled. 

"They're married dad, it's legal," she teased. Leigh blushed and Paul coughed to clear his throat. 

"So Melanie, is this your first?" Karen asked. Melanie looked at her father in surprise. 

"No, Jason and I have three already. Melanie is just over four and the boys are twins, almost two," Melanie answered. Karen looked surprised. "You look so young to have already been married for six years," Karen said. Melanie shifted uncomfortably in the rocking chair. "How old are you?" Karen asked. 

"I don't see how any of that information is any of your business," Jason interjected. Karen smiled sweetly. "I just want to get to know Jack's family a little bit better, before I decide if I should take the relationship any further," Karen said. 

Melanie and Leigh exchanged glances. "My father is a good man," Melanie defended. Leigh nodded. "He's a little over protective, but he loves us and is a good father," Leigh added. Jack smiled at the girls. 

Karen studied Melanie carefully. "You look to be about twenty-seven, twenty-eight at the most," Karen guessed. Melanie couldn't hide her surprise. 

"Jack, how long have Melanie and Jason been married?" Karen asked. Jack hesitated and Melanie sighed. "Jason and I have been married for almost three years," Melanie answered. Melanie could see the disapproval all over Karen's face. "Jason was in an accident and in a coma for a very long time," Melanie explained. Jason laid a hand on Melanie's shoulder. 

"You don't owe anyone an explanation Mel," Jason said gently. 

Karen made sure she was sitting up straight before saying, "My sons nor my daughter ever created a child until they were married. Pre-marital sex was forbidden in my house." Melanie covered her shock behind her hand. 

"My parents didn't encourage it, if that's what you're implying," Melanie said. 

"But you both still got pregnant before you were married," Karen said, a smug smile on her face. Melanie shook her head. 

"What does that have to do with anything? We're all over eighteen," Leigh asked incredulously. Karen gave Leigh an evil smile. "Yes, but you were only just over eighteen when you had your abortion," Karen reminded Leigh. 

Leigh gasped and both Jason and Paul stood up. "Get her under control Jack," Jason warned. Karen took a drink of water. 

"Karen, you're out of line. Just because my girls got pregnant before they were married, it doesn't mean anything," Jack said. 

Karen laughed. "It means you and your wife were bad parents," Karen told Jack. Jack looked at Karen in surprise. "I like you Jack, I really do, but I don't know if I can be with someone who let his girls get pregnant before walking them down the aisle," Karen said. 

"Dad wasn't even home most of the time! He was always away on business!" Leigh exclaimed.

"I want you to leave right now. You are not good enough for my father," Melanie said, trying to control her anger. Karen smiled as she stood up. "Good bye Jack, it's been fun," Karen said, bending down to kiss his cheek. As she did, Karen slipped something into his jacket pocket and left. 

"Wow, that lady has issues," Paul commented. Melanie took a deep breath before standing up and walking towards the bathroom. Melanie barely made it to the doorway before she grabbed hold of the wall. "You okay?" Jason asked. 

Melanie shook her head. "I don't feel so great," she admitted. Jason reached her in three steps. "I can't breathe," Melanie gasped. 

Jason eased Melanie to the floor and glanced at Leigh. "Call 9-1-1," Jason said as calmly as he could. Leigh and Paul sat near Melanie, Leigh clutched her sister's hand. 

"I want to go with you," Leigh told Jason. Jason nodded. "Jack, will you stay with the kids?" Jason asked wearily. 

Jack nodded. "Take care of her," Jack told Jason as the ambulance arrived and loaded Melanie onto the stretcher. Jason gave Jack a tired smile. "Always," Jason promised as he, Leigh and Paul headed to the car and followed the ambulance to the hospital. 

When they got to the emergency room, the doctors wouldn't let Jason in the exam room with them. "Call my father," Jason said. The E.R. doctor looked at Jason and rolled his eyes. "My father is Doctor Steven Paterson," Jason told him. The doctor stopped and stared before nodding to a nurse to call Steve. 

Steve made it down from his office in ten minutes. "What happened?" Steve asked. 

Jason shook his head. "Jack came over to introduce some woman he was seeing to Mel and Leigh, and this woman made all sorts of insulting comments about Leigh and Mel, practically calling them sluts, and right after she left, Mel stood up to go to the bathroom and couldn't even walk out of the living room. She said she couldn't breathe," Jason answered, his eyes full of panic as alarms went off all around Melanie. Steve hurried into the room and Leigh gave Jason a hug. "She has to be okay," Leigh said softly. Paul stood there feeling helpless as he watched Jason try and hold it together as the three of them waited for news. Suddenly, the doors flew open and the doctors were rushing Melanie's gurney out of the room. "Dad?" Jason asked as if almost afraid of the answer. 

Steve stopped in front of Jason and Leigh. "They got Mel breathing again, that's the good news. The bad news is that the baby isn't getting enough oxygen," Steve began. Jason's head began to spin. "Jason, I need you to focus, right now!" Steve snapped. Jason looked at his father. "They're going upstairs right now to perform an emergency C-Section. I have the forms for you to sign Jace, and you need to sign them, or you will lose the baby," Steve said as gently as he could. 

Jason could hardly sign the form, his hand was shaking so badly. "She's only thirty-one weeks," Jason said, his voice quivering. 

Steve sighed and tried not to let his own fear show. "Melanie's strong, and the baby has a good chance if they can get the baby out in time," Steve promised. He gave his son a hug. "C'mon, I'll show you where you can wait upstairs," Steve said. Paul took Leigh's hand and the three of them followed Steve upstairs to the waiting room for the Operation ward. Leigh and Paul watched as Jason paced the length of the room for what seemed like hours before there was a knock at the door. 

"Jason?" Jason looked up and offered a small smile as he saw Julie standing before him. Jason's eyes zeroed in on the incubator. "I've transferred to the NICU. You have another little girl," Julie said softly. Jason stepped forward and stared at the tiny baby before him. He motioned for Leigh and Paul to step forward too. "She's so little," Leigh breathed. Jason nodded, unable to speak because of the lump in this throat. "She came out screaming Jace, that's a good sign. I'm taking her to the NICU to be evaluated. I'll let you know how that goes," Julie said softly. 

Jason swallowed. "How's Mel?" he asked, his voice hoarse. Julie sighed and looked away. "Julie? Please, tell me," Jason pleaded. 

When Julie looked back at Jason, her eyes were filled with tears. "Oh God, Julie, please tell me she's not ..." Jason stopped and looked away, unable to say it. 

"Her heart stopped right after they got the baby out. They're still working on her. I'm sorry, that's all I know," Julie answered. Julie gave Jason and Leigh a gentle hug. "I need to get the little one to the NICU now. Only your father's persistence is what allowed my detour to show you," Julie said. "Please, let me know how Mel is when you know something," she added before pushing the incubator down the hall. 

Jason slumped into a chair and covered his face with his hands. "No," Leigh murmured, tears streaming down her face. Paul wrapped his arms around Leigh and didn't let go until Steve appeared in the doorway and cleared his throat. Jason looked up at his father with a tear streaked face as his father sat in the chair next to him. 

"I'm sure Julie told you about Melanie's heart stopping when she showed you the baby," Steve said gently. Jason nodded and reached for Leigh's hand, offering her the same comfort she offered him. "They were able to get it started again," Steve told Jason who breathed a sigh of relief. "Mel isn't out of the woods yet, we still have to find out what caused her to get this sick in the first place," Steve added. "But, given time and rest, Mel should make a complete recovery," Steve assured Jason. Tears of relief trailed down Jason's face and Steve gave his son a hug. "I was given a report by the baby's doctor, and for her size and weight, which is believe it or not, almost five pounds, she's four pounds eighteen ounces and almost nineteen inches long, that she is doing fine. Her lungs need to develop a bit more, and in a couple weeks, you'll be able to take her home," Steve said. 

Jason looked relieved. "Can I see Mel?" Jason asked. 

Steve shook his head. "She's in recovery and they don't want her to have visitors yet, but you can go see your daughter," Steve answered. He waited for Jason and Leigh to pull themselves together before leading them to the NICU. "They're so little," Leigh breathed. Jason chuckled. 

"Yeah, but babies aren't usually this small when they're born," Julie said, coming up behind them. "The usual weight for a newborn is around six pounds," she added. 

Leigh paled and Jason chuckled. "I was going to say it can't be that bad, but I've never gone through labor and child birth, so I'll leave that one up to Mel when she wakes up," Jason said. Julie giggled as Jason stared down at his tiny daughter whose eyes were open and she was staring back at Jason. "Look at those eyes," Jason breathed. "She looks so much like Mari did." Leigh looked at her tiny niece and smiled. "She's beautiful," Leigh told Jason, tears in her eyes. Jason smiled at his sister. "Thanks," Jason said, his voice full of emotion. "Still scared?" Jason asked. Leigh nodded and Jason grinned. "That feeling will never go away. Fear will become your lives," he said jokingly. Leigh laughed and some of the tension eased. 

"Is that your little one?" a woman near them inquired. Jason looked up. "She's mine, they're just the aunt and uncle," Jason answered. The woman smiled. "My name is Shannon, I'm one of the nurses here. She is a bonnie lass," Shannon said, extending one of her hands to Jason who shook it and smiled, Shannon's obvious Scottish accent putting him at ease. 

"Hey, you can continue mom's Gone with the Wind theme," Leigh cracked. Jason gave Leigh a look that could kill. 

"Oh?" Shannon inquired. 

Jason groaned. "My wife's name is Melanie, my sister's name is Leigh and my mother in law's name is Ellen. My mother in law was seriously obsessed with Gone with the Wind," Jason said, shaking his head. Shannon smiled. "I don't recall there being a character named Leigh," Shannon mused. 

"The woman that played Scarlett's name was Vivien Leigh," Jason reminded Shannon. Shannon nodded and turned back to the tiny baby who was starting to cry. "You can pick her up," she informed Jason, helping him unhook the latch on the incubator. Jason carefully lifted the tiny baby out of the box she was laying in and cradled her gently. Shannon smiled. 

"Not your first time with a wee one is it?" she observed. Jason shook his head. "Last time they got slammed with twins," Leigh joked, giggling. Jason rolled his eyes. "Which means it runs in your family, which means you could have twins one day," Jason said evilly. Leigh paled and Paul shook his head and tried to avoid laughing. 

It didn't work and Leigh punched Paul in the arm. "I can't see it, I just can't see it," Paul said laughing. His laughter was contagious and eventually Jason and Leigh were laughing too. The baby calmed by Jason's touch and when she fell back asleep, Jason returned her to the incubator as his father stepped into the NICU. "Doctor Paterson," Shannon said nervously. She had only met the Chief of Staff once and she knew she was breaking protocol by allowing three people to visit one baby, when only one of them was the parents. 

"How's Mel?" Jason asked as Shannon nervously refastened the incubator closed. Steve smiled. "She's coming around and won't stop asking about the baby. I think you should get down there and let her know everything's okay," Steve told Jason. 

Jason nodded and glanced at Leigh. "Do you guys want to hang out here with the baby or come see Mel?" Jason asked. 

Leigh glanced at the baby and over at Paul who was shifting uncomfortably. "We'll go see Mel," Leigh answered. Paul almost smiled with relief causing Leigh to giggle. 

"I'm sorry Dr. Paterson, I know I'm not allowed to have anyone other than the parents in to visit the babies," Shannon said, readying herself for a lecture. 

Steve just smiled. "This is one case you can make an exception to. I'm sure my wife will be by as soon as she can," Steve said. Shannon looked surprised. "Jason is my son," Steve told Shannon. Shannon breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll take extra good care of her," Shannon promised. Steve nodded and led Jason, Leigh and Paul to Melanie's room. 

"Each baby has their own private nurse that just sits by the bed to monitor his or her condition," Steve explained. 

Jason nodded. "That makes me feel a little better," he admitted. "Did they ever find out what made Mel so sick?" Jason asked. Steve nodded. "The lab found unusually high traces of aspartame in Melanie's system. Has she switched to diet soda?" Steve wanted to know. 

Jason shook his head, his eyes wide. "Mel's allergic to that. She got diet soda at a restaurant by mistake and had major breathing problems," Jason said. Steve pursed his lips. "I need to notify the police about this," Steve told Jason. 

Jason nodded as his cell phone rang. "Is everything okay Jack?" Jason asked, recognizing his home number.

"No Jason, it isn't. I just went to get my medication out of my jacket pocket and a foil pill packet fell out. It was concentrated aspartame," Jack said. 

Jason covered the receiver. "Jack found an empty pill container in his pocket, he has no idea how it got there," Jason told his father. "Jack, how much did you tell Karen about Mel?" Jason asked. Jack sighed. "Pretty much everything," Jack said. "Why?" he wanted to know. 

"Because that's what made Mel sick," Jason replied. Jack swore loudly. 

"Grandpa?" Marine said in the background. "I have to go Jace, I'll call you in a bit," Jack said, hanging up the phone and turning around. "Where's mommy?" Marine asked, rubbing her eyes.

Jack knelt down in front of Marine and gave her a hug. "Mommy's sick kiddo and daddy took her to the doctor," Jack told Marine. "But don't worry, she'll be okay," he promised. Jack got Marine a drink of water and helped her back into bed. "Daddy will be here when you wake up in the morning," Jack told Marine, giving his grand-daughter a kiss on the forehead. As Jack left Marine's room, he peeked into the twin's room before heading back to the living room. A knock on the front door detoured him to the hall. 

Jack opened the door to reveal to uniformed police officers. "I assume you're here about my daughter," Jack said. 

The officers nodded. "I'm officer Jones and this is my partner officer Davis," officer Jones introduced. Jack stood back after examining their credentials. 




True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 16-17



"I don't think I touched the pouch when I pulled it out of my pocket. I used a tissue to drop it into a plastic bag after I spoke with my son," Jack told them. The officers nodded and took the bag Jack pointed to. 

"Can you tell me what you know about Karen?" Officer Davis asked. Jack pursed his lips. "I met her at a group grief councilor meeting. I can't revel where, but it was run by Doctor Sampson. She lost her husband a few years ago, she has two boys and a girl. I think their names are John, Shawn and Dawn. They range from 28 to 24," Jack said. He told the officers the rest of what he knew and they thanked him before leaving. Jack returned to living room and flipped through the channels on the television.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Jason was led into Melanie's room where she was just coming around. "Mel?" Jason said quietly. Melanie opened her eyes groggily and smiled when she saw Jason. "How do you feel?" Jason asked. Melanie shifted in the bed and winced. 

"Like I lost a marathon," Melanie admitted. Jason chuckled and took Melanie's hand. 

"I thought I lost you," Jason admitted. Melanie rubbed her eyes. "What happened?" Melanie wanted to know. 

Jason sighed. "It looks like Karen poisoned your water with aspartame. You stopped breathing in the ambulance on the way to the hospital," Jason told Melanie. 

Melanie's eyes widened. "Is the baby okay?" Melanie wanted to know. 

Jason sighed again. "They had to do an emergency C-Section because they couldn't get you stabilized," Jason said. Melanie started to panic until Jason smiled. "She's fine Mel." Melanie stared at Jason. 

"A girl?" Melanie whispered. Jason nodded. She weighs 4 pounds, 18 ounces and is 18.75 inches long," Jason said. 

Tears filled Melanie's eyes and Jason kissed her gently. "I love you," Jason murmured. 

Melanie smiled. "I love you too," Melanie said as Jason wiped away a tear from her cheek. "How are the kids?" Melanie asked after taking a drink of water. 

"They're fine, Jack's with them," Jason said, rubbing his thumb along the back of Melanie's hand. Melanie nodded and yawned. "Go back to sleep love, you'll feel better soon," Jason murmured. 

Melanie's eyes closed and Jason stood up. Melanie's eyes shot open again. "Don't leave me!" Melanie exclaimed. 

Jason smiled. "I'll be right back Mel, I'm just going to the bathroom and to talk to Leigh," Jason promised. Melanie smiled and closed her eyes again and drifted off to sleep. 

:: Chapter Seventeen ::

"Hurry Julie!" Leigh exclaimed, taping a balloon to the wall as Julie and Paul put up a banner across the door way. "Jason will be back with Mel any minute!" Leigh added. Steve and Carol finished getting the food onto the table when the boys came running in. 

"Mama and Dada home?" Seth asked. Carol smiled. "Not yet boys, go sit in the living room and we'll tell you when to hide," Carol told her grandson. Marine came running into the room. "Dad and Mom are back!" she exclaimed, grabbing Seth and David by the hand. "C'mon, I'll show you were to hide," she added. The kids ran into the living room and Marine helped the boys hide behind the couch before hiding behind the chair. Leigh and Paul opened the door and headed out to the van as Jason pulled into the drive way. "Hey," Leigh greeted her sister with a smile. Melanie smiled back as Jason helped her out of the van before opening up the sliding door. "Ohh, you got to bring her home!" Leigh squealed. 

Melanie smiled and nodded. "She's gained almost a full pound in the last three weeks," Melanie told her sister. Melanie shuddered at the thought of how long it had taken for her system to fully be rid of the aspartame and to be able to breathe without a struggle. The baby began fussing as Jason unbuckled her from the car seat. Jason calmed the baby down quickly. 

"Can I hold her?" Leigh asked. Jason smiled and nodded, carefully sliding the baby into Leigh's arms. The baby stared at Leigh with big blue eyes and Paul suddenly looked very nervous. Jason laughed and Melanie smiled. 

"You'll get used to that," Jason promised. "You can carry her in," Jason told Leigh. Leigh smiled. "Paul, can you carry the bag in please?" Jason asked. Paul nodded and took the bag from him. Carefully, Jason helped Melanie into the house where once inside, Leigh gave Jason the baby again. "Come sit down, the kids are anxious to see you," Leigh told Melanie, taking her sister's hand and leading her towards the living room. 

Jason and Paul hung back and exchanged grins. Melanie was surprised to see Steve and Carol in the living room. "Hey Mel," Carol said with a genuine smile. 

The boys and Marine popped up from their hiding places and yelled, "Surprise!" Melanie smiled as Leigh helped her to the rocking chair. Seth and David ran to Melanie and tried to jump on her. Seth got there first and jumped into Melanie's lap making her cry out in pain. 

"Easy there Seth," Jason said, coming into the living room. 

"Mommy hurt?" Seth asked. 

Jason nodded and Seth climbed out of Melanie's lap. David and Seth walked to where Jason was crouching on the floor. "Mommy had to have an operation on her tummy. Do you know where the tummy is?" Jason asked. David nodded and pointed to his belly. Jason nodded. "That's right. Mommy's going to be really sore for a little while, so you can't jump on her okay?" Jason said. 

David and Seth nodded and peered curiously at the baby in Jason's arms. "Baby," Seth said. 

Jason smiled. "That's right. This is your little sister," Jason told the boys. "Her name is Jessica," Jason said. 

Marine glanced at the baby, wrinkled her nose and looked away. "Why'd you bring a girl home? You already have me!" Marine whined. 

Melanie tried not to laugh and Jason shook his head. "We don't pick what baby to bring home," Jason told Marine. 

Marine pouted. "Don't you love me anymore?" she asked. 

Melanie sighed and rolled her eyes. "Of course we do Mari. Just because daddy and I had another baby doesn't mean that we've stopped loving you, or the boys," Melanie told her daughter. Jessica started to fuss and Jason gently handed her off to Melanie. "Leigh, can you help me into the bedroom?" Melanie asked softly. Leigh nodded and helped her sister to her feet and followed her to the bedroom. 

"You okay?" Leigh asked, closing the door behind her. 

Melanie smiled and nodded. "She's hungry, but I'm going to need some help. Can you fix the cushion on the rocker?" Melanie asked, gently placing the baby in the center of the bed before pulling the sweat shirt over her head. Melanie pulled a button down shirt off of the dresser and set it on the bed next to the rocker before picking Jessica up and sitting down in the rocker and helping the baby to latch on. 

Leigh couldn't help but watch for a minute before looking away. "Doesn't that hurt?" Leigh asked. Melanie shook her head. "Sometimes, but usually it feels a lot better than being completely full of milk," Melanie answered. 

There was a knock on the door before Paul opened it and stepped inside. Melanie reached for the shawl on the back of the rocker and Leigh grabbed it and gently covered her sister. Paul was beet red and Melanie chuckled. "What's going on?" Melanie asked. 

Paul shook his head in hopes of clearing it. "Your dad's here. He wants to see the baby, and you," Paul answered, opening the door wider to reveal Jack. Melanie shifted in the chair carefully as Jack walked in and sat on the bed. Leigh and Paul headed for the door. "Stay here you two, this concerns you as well," Jack said. Leigh sat on the ottoman by Melanie's feet and Paul lounged against the dresser. 

"What's wrong?" Melanie asked.

"They caught Karen and she admitted everything," Jack said. Melanie breathed a sigh of relief. "And her children would like to meet with you," Jack added.

"Absolutely not," Jason said from the doorway. "After what their mother pulled, how could they possibly think that we'd allow it?" Jason asked. Jack sighed. "They seem genuinely upset," Jack told Jason. "In fact, it seems that Karen was wrong about her kids. John got a girl pregnant while at school but refuses to acknowledge the child," Jack said shaking his head. "Which I know neither of you boys would ever dream of doing," he added. 

Jason and Paul exchanged glances and rolled their eyes. "Why do they want to meet me?" Melanie asked. Jack shrugged. "Dawn is out in the car waiting, why don't you ask her yourself," Jack suggested. Jason looked at Melanie who sighed. "Show her in," Melanie said finally. Jack walked out to the car and returned a moment later with Dawn who gasped when she saw Jason. "Jason?" Dawn asked in surprise. 

Jason looked just as surprised and shifted uneasily as Melanie studied their reactions carefully and worriedly. "How have you been?" Jason asked carefully. Melanie cleared her throat and Jason flushed. "Mel, this is Dawn Carsons. She was dating Mark when he had his accident. Dawn, this is my wife Melanie, her sister Leigh, Leigh's husband Paul and of course, you know Jack," Jason introduced. 

"What happened between you?" Melanie asked curiously. Jason shook his head. "Nothing," he assured Melanie. 

"We just haven't seen each other since Mark nearly lost his face," Dawn added. "I wanted to apologize for my mother's behavior. She's lost her mind since dad died. When John got his ex pregnant, it tore my mother apart; it went against everything she tried to teach us. Then, well, Mark and I started seeing each other again a few months ago, and since I was with Mark in the Chem lab when his experiment blew up, my mother has never trusted anyone to be near me, unless of course, she's met them first," Dawn rambled on. Melanie studied the girl carefully as Jessica finally stopped suckling. 

Melanie gently pulled her nipple out of Jessica's mouth who began protesting angrily until Melanie could switch her to the other breast. Dawn looked surprised at the noise. "I didn't realize you were pregnant when my mother did this," Dawn said softly. 

Jason nodded. "Your mother slipped aspartame into Mel's water. Melanie nearly died as a result," Jason said, his surprise dissipating and his anger returning. "Jessica was born nine weeks premature and is lucky to be alive," Jason added. Dawn flinched at the look of anger on Jason's face and she took a step back. 

"Jason, enough," Melanie said softly, taking pity on Dawn. 

Jason sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "You say you're back with Mark?" Jason asked. Dawn nodded, relieved that Jason changed the subject. "How's he doing?" Jason wanted to know. Dawn smiled. "He's doing really great. He's teaching finally, and we're getting married next month. I'm surprised your parents haven't received an invitation for you," Dawn said. Jason studied Dawn for any signs that she was lying and Melanie yawned. 

"Are you alright?" Leigh asked Melanie, causing Jason to look at Melanie in concern. 

Melanie nodded. "I'm just exhausted. If it's all the same to everyone, could everyone but Leigh leave? We need to discuss a few things," Melanie said as politely as possible. 

Jack gave his daughters each a gentle hug before following Dawn and Paul out of the room. "I love you," Jason said softly before giving Melanie a gentle kiss on the lips. Melanie kissed him back and smiled. 

"I love you too," Melanie murmured as Jason walked out of the room and closed the door.



True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 18-19



CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

"What's up Mel?" Leigh wanted to know.

"To talk to my only sister. How's the apartment search going? Have you found a bigger place yet?" Melanie wanted to know.

"Yup. It's about four blocks away from where Paul works. It's two bedrooms with a den and two bathrooms. It's really cute, I can't wait for you guys to see it," Leigh said excitedly.

"And how are things going for you and Paul?" Melanie asked.

"Really great. He's being so sweet. He even held my hair back this morning," Leigh said. Melanie laughed. "That is sweet; not a lot of guys will do that," Melanie said dryly.

"Do you blame dad?" Leigh asked.

"No, dad needs to move on and get past mom, but he needs to be more choosy," Melanie answered.

"Yeah, tell me about it," Leigh grumbled.

"You okay?" Melanie asked.

"I'm scared Mel. I don't know if I can do this," Leigh admitted.

"Do what?" Melanie inquired.

"Have a baby," Leigh answered.

"Leigh, it's normal to be scared, but you're going to be fine. You're great with the kids," Melanie said softly.

"I'm worried about Paul too," Leigh admitted.

"He'll be fine, it'll just take some time to get into a routine. Just don't forget to make time for yourselves," Melanie said. They both looked up when Jason popped his head back into the room.

"Leigh, Paul says you guys need to go, something about movers," Jason said. Leigh nodded and gave her sister and brother each a tight hug.

"Leigh," Melanie called as Leigh reached the bedroom door. Leigh turned around. "I'm here if you need to talk," she promised. Leigh nodded and slipped out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~

-Months later-

"Are you ready for this?" Paul asked as they watched the movers carry their furniture into the apartment.

"I'm scared Paul, I won't lie about that, but I'm looking forward to raising a family with you," Leigh answered. 

Paul smiled and gave her a hug. "I'm scared too," he admitted, holding her tight.

"Where do you want this?" one of the movers asked as he and an associate stopped with a large desk. Paul moved away from Leigh and motioned to the den. 

"What about this one?" Paul asked a few days later as he and Leigh looked around Babies R Us at the bedroom sets.

"Too masculine," Leigh said.

"So? We're having a boy," Paul murmured.

"We don't know that. What if it's a girl," Leigh pointed out.

"It's going to be a boy," Paul insisted.

"We don't know that, the baby kept the legs crossed, remember?" Leigh reminded him.

"Well, I want it to be a boy," Paul said. Leigh laughed. "How are you feeling?" he asked her, pulling her to him.

"I'm fine." Leigh pulled away and ran her fingers over the rail of a nearby crib. "What about this one?" she asked. Paul chuckled and looked at it closely. "It would work with a boy or a girl," she added.

"It's beautiful and if it's the one you want, then we'll buy it," Paul told her. Leigh smiled and kissed him quickly. "What else do we need?" Paul wanted to know.

"A rocking chair," Leigh said without hesitation. "That one," she added, pointing to a chair in the corner. 

"When's the baby shower?" Paul asked as they browsed through the clothes.

"I'm not sure if Mel is going to be able to throw one for me. Things have been kind of crazy lately," Leigh answered. Paul nodded. "OOh, look!" she squealed. Paul followed her gaze and his eyes landed on a Winnie the Pooh sheet set. "It's perfect!" Paul grinned and shook his head.

"Buy whatever you want," he told her.

"But do you like it?" Leigh asked.

"It's cute," Paul agreed. 

"I'm hungry," Leigh announced as they walked out of the store. 

Paul laughed. "That's nothing new these days," he teased.

"Leigh, is that you?" Leigh looked up to see her friends Carly and Jill walking towards her. 

"Oh my God Carly! I haven't seen you since we graduated high school," Leigh exclaimed.

"Look at you, you look great!" Carly said.

"Could stand to lose some weight though," Jill commented. Leigh rolled her eyes.

"Not right now she can't," Paul grumbled. 

"Guys, this is my husband Paul. Paul, you already know Carly, but this is Jill. She moved away at the end of Junior year, about three weeks before you moved in," Leigh introduced.

"We used to be inseparable," Carly added. "What are you up to these days?" she asked Leigh.

"Well, lately, I've been feeling like an incubator, but other than that, I've been finishing up school and spending a lot of time with my nieces and nephews," Leigh answered. 

It was then that Jill took a closer look at Leigh. "How far along are you?" Jill wanted to know.

"A little over five months," Leigh answered. She blushed as her stomach growled.

"I hate to be rude, but it's past lunch time," Paul said, wrapping his arm around Leigh's expanding waist.

"My cell phone number is still the same, call me sometime," Leigh told Carly, giving her friend a quick hug goodbye before following Paul to the car.

"Your friend Jill seems obnoxious," Paul stated.

"She can be," Leigh agreed. "What's for lunch?" she asked.

"Whatever you want babe," Paul told her.

"Hmm, how about Japanese?" Leigh murmured.

"You can't have sushi," he reminded her.

"I know, but I can have Teriaki and tempura," Leigh said.

"Then Japanese it is," Paul said. They drove in relative silence to the restaurant. "Leigh," Paul said before they got out of the car.

"Yeah?" Leigh murmured.

"Thank you," Paul said.

"For?" Leigh looked confused.

"You gave me a second chance when you didn't have to," Paul told her. 

Leigh smiled and reached over to hug and kiss him. "That's what you do when you're in love," she whispered. "Now take me in for lunch so we can go home and fuck like rabbits." Paul's eyes widened for a second and he laughed before climbing out of the SUV.

"Mel?" Jason called. The call he had received at work from his mother had him in a panic. 

"She's in the bedroom," Carol told Jason as she patted Jessica's back gently.

"What's wrong?" Jason asked.

"The twins were acting up and Mari has the flu so she's home from daycare and Jessie's been colicky all day," Carol answered. "She needs a break Jason, and you need to start being careful, if she gets pregnant again anytime soon, Mel is going to lose it," Carol said. 

Jason nodded and headed for the bedroom, frowned when he saw Melanie laying on the bed in a fetal position fast asleep; her face red from crying. "Mel?" he asked softly, sitting down next to her. Melanie's eyes fluttered open and she managed a small smile. "You okay?" Jason asked.

"I need a break Jace. Can't we go back to San Diego and stay in a hotel room for a week?" Melanie asked. Jason sighed. "I love the kids Jace, but I can't do this anymore. I need something to do, I don't even know who I am anymore," Melanie added, her eyes filling with fresh tears. "I hate feeling this way, I can't stand it!" Jason pulled Melanie in for a tight hug.

"What do you want me to do love?" Jason asked.

"Take me away from here for awhile," Melanie pleaded.

"I'll see what I can do," Jason promised. "Go back to sleep love, mom and I can handle the kids," he added. Jason held her until she fell asleep and then slipped back into the living room.

"Mom, I need a favor." Carol looked up at her son and smiled as Jason explained his plan.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well?" Jason asked, a hopeful smile on his face.

"I can't believe it Jace! Are we really in Israel?" Melanie asked in surprise.

"You said you've always wanted to come visit," Jason said with a shrug.

"How can we afford this?" Melanie asked, her eyes wide.

"Mom and Dad finally got us a wedding present," Jason answered. Melanie threw her arms around Jason's neck and hugged him tightly. "Mom, Dad and Julie are taking turns with the kids and Leigh is going to get lots of field experience before her little one comes," Jason told her. Melanie laughed. "She'll need it," Melanie said. 

"Yes, she will, but let's not talk about your sister anymore, let's enjoy our vacation," Jason murmured. Melanie nodded and kissed Jason. "First stop is the hotel," he said with a wicked smile.

"What, you mean we can't just fuck against the wall over there?" Melanie asked with an innocent smile on her face. Jason laughed.

"I think the IDF would have an issue with that," Jason said with a grin.

"I think they'd enjoy the show," Melanie purred. Jason laughed again. "All kidding aside, let's hurry up already," Melanie said. Jason nodded and reached for her hand and together they made their way through the airport and hailed a taxi cab. 

~~~~~~~~

"Jason, did you remember the condoms?" Melanie asked.

"Yes. They're in the small black bag inside the blue duffel," Jason answered. Melanie pulled the bag out and headed back towards the bed. Jason covered Melanie's lips with his as he slid his hands through her hair. "I love you," Jason breathed as he lowered his hands to her blouse and began undoing the buttons.

"I love you too," Melanie murmured; she moaned when his hands found her breasts and fondled her nipples gently. They both quickly dispensed with the rest of their clothes, too impatient to take their time. Jason slid the condom over him and thrust hard and deep inside of her. Their cries of passion mingled together and the bed shook with the force of their thrusts. Melanie screamed loudly as her climax washed over her like a wave, Jason following soon behind with a loud moan as he emptied his seed into the latex sheath. Jason reluctantly pulled out of her warm core and went into the bathroom to take care of the condom. 

"It's been awhile since we made love like that," Melanie commented, propping herself up on an elbow as she watched Jason walk back into the bedroom.

"Made love like how?" Jason asked.

"With a condom. I don't like it," Melanie answered. 

Jason laughed. "Would you rather risk getting pregnant again?" Jason asked.

"No, not really. I'd like to think we're done having kids," Melanie murmured. Jason studied her closely and she caught his gaze. "I love our kids Jace, but we have four and while I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world, except maybe more sanity, I really don't think I could handle any more," Melanie murmured.

"I love you Mel, and if you say we're done, then we're done. I can get snipped if you want me to. Considering giving birth to two of our children vaginally and two of them by c-section, it's the least I can do," Jason offered. 

Melanie smiled and gave Jason a hug. "That means a lot to me," she whispered.

"Then as soon as we get back to the states, I'll set up the appointment," Jason promised. Melanie smiled again but the smile turned to a pout as Jason began pulling on his close.

"We're going to dinner and then we can stay naked for as long as you want," Jason told her.

~~~~~~

"Paul, where are you?" Leigh called, struggling with the bag of groceries. He appeared in the doorway and quickly took a bag from her.

"Are you okay?" Paul asked.

"Just sore and tired and I still have three and a half more months left," Leigh mumbled. 

"You look great though," Paul said, grabbed a slice of apple, dipped it in a dish of honey and popped it into his mouth.

"Yeah right," Leigh muttered, snagging a piece of apple.

"Seriously Leigh, you're beautiful," Paul told her. Leigh sighed and shrugged.

"If you say so," she murmured.

"I do say so," Paul said with a grin. "And I love you," he added.

"I love you too," she said with a smile.

~~~~~~~

-2 weeks later-

"Mommy!" Marine shouted as Jason and Melanie walked into the house. "i missed you!"

"I missed you too sweetie," Melanie told her daughter, lifting her into her arms and squeezing her tightly. Melanie put Marine down as Seth and David launched themselves at their parents as only toddlers can; Carol walked behind them carrying Jessie. 

"She's been fussy today," Carol said, passing the baby off to her mother.

"Thank you Carol, for staying with them," Melanie murmured.

"No problem, you needed a break, anyone could see it," Carol said. Melanie smiled and knelt down before her older children and gave them all a big hug.

"We brought you back something," Melanie told them. 

"Presents!" Seth and David exclaimed together. Jason laughed and dug around in his bag and pulled out several plastic bags. He handed a bag to each of the kids and watched as they pulled out tee-shirt after tee-shirt and other items out of the bag.

"Thanks dad!" Marine exclaimed, giving Jason a big hug. "Thanks mom!" she added, shoving everything back in her bag and running off to her room.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

"How are you feeling?" Melanie asked her sister as Leigh set the oversized table.

"I'm feeling good," Leigh said with a smile. She looked up as Seth and David raced into the dining room with Marine on their heels.

"What in the world is going on here?" Melanie demanded to know.

"Seth and David went into my room and they broke my piggy bank!" Marine complained.

"We didn't mean to!" David exclaimed. Melanie knelt down in front of the boys.

"What have your father and I told you about going into your sister's room?" Melanie asked gently.

"Only to do it if we had permistion," Seth answered. Melanie nodded and Leigh giggled at her nephew's mispronunciation.

"Did Marine give you permission to go into her room?" Melanie asked. David shook his head. "And did she give you permission to play with her piggy bank?" This time it was Seth that shook his head. "Then why did you go into Marine's room and break her piggy bank?" Melanie wanted to know.

"We wanted to see the new sea shell that grandpa Jack gave Marine for her birthday," David said.

"And I accidentally hit Marine's piggy with my elbow," Seth chimed in.

"You need to apologize to your sister for going into her room without permission, and for breaking the bank." Melanie looked at both boys sternly. "You also need to pull your allowance together to replace the bank that you broke," she added.

"But we didn't mean to!" David protested.

"It doesn't matter. You did something you were not supposed to do by going into your sister's room and in the process, you broke something of hers. Even though it was an accident, you still need to replace it," Melanie said firmly. Marine looked expectantly at her brothers as they turned to face her.

"We're sorry Marine!" they said together.

"I'll forgive you," Marine told them.

"What color piggy bank do you want?" David wanted to know.

"Yellow with white flowers on it," Marine answered.

"I'm a good painter, I can do it!" Seth exclaimed as the three kids left the kitchen for the playroom. 

"Wow, I wish I could handle things that easily," Leigh commented.

"Practice," Melanie said as she turned back to the broccoli she was chopping.

~~~~~~~~~~

"You look terrible!" Leigh exclaimed as Jason walked in the door, later that evening. Melanie looked up from her book in concern.

"Jace, what happened?" Melanie wanted to know.

"Long day and a torturous doctor's visit," Jason answered, dropping down onto the couch. Melanie gave him a sympathetic smile. "I thought that wasn't until next week?" Melanie murmured.

"The doc had a cancellation and I figured it was better to get it out of the way," Jason said.

"Leigh, can you get an ice pack?" Melanie asked. Leigh nodded and finished her trek to the kitchen. Melanie set her book down, pushed herself out of the rocking chair and sat down gently on the couch next to Jason. "What are we looking at in terms of your recovery?" she asked softly. Jason handed her a few papers. "No sex for a week? No bathing for two days?" Melanie raised an eyebrow.

"I won't be able to pick up the kids for a few days," Jason said.

"Fun times," Melanie murmured.

"I really want a shower right now," Jason groaned.

"I'll give you a sponge bath later," Melanie promised with a wink.

"No!" Jason protested.

"No?" Melanie asked in surprise.

"I can't have sex for a week so having you touch me like that would be torture," Jason complained. Melanie grinned and looked up as Leigh walked back into the living room, Paul on her heels.

"You got fixed?" Paul asked with a wry grin.

"Can it," Jason snapped. Melanie laughed.

"Not a good time to joke Paul," Leigh observed.

"What made you do it?" Paul wanted to know.

"Four is more than enough," Jason said with a wry grin. 

"I bet," Leigh murmured. 

"I'm going to bed," Jason announced. He let Melanie help him into the bedroom and he dropped to the bed. "Thanks," he murmured. Melanie smiled, leaned over and kissed him.

"That's what I'm here for," Melanie told him before she walked back out to the living room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leigh slipped in bed and pulled the covers up over her before snuggling against Paul's shoulder. Paul wrapped his arms around her, savoring the feel of her, thanking God that Leigh had given him a second chance. He watched Leigh's eyes flutter closed as sleep took her, pressed a kiss to the top of her head and whispered, "I love you."



True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 20



-Months later-

"Leigh, I'm going to take a shower while the kids are napping, do you need anything? Are you doing okay?" Melanie peered at her sister in concern. The further along Leigh got in her pregnancy, the more anxious she became. 

"I'm okay, I think. I think I'm just going to sit here with my feet up and read this book before all of my personal time vanishes," Leigh answered. Melanie laughed and nodded.

"I have the receiver to the baby monitor in the bathroom and one of the other ones is out here, so if you need anything, just call out for me and I'll be out as soon as I can get my robe on," Melanie answered.

"I'll be fine Mel, go take your shower and relax a bit," Leigh said with a laugh.

"Okay," Melanie agreed, before heading off towards her and Jason's bedroom.

Melanie walked into the bathroom and turned the water on in the shower. She quickly pulled her clothes off, let them drop to the floor and stepped under the streams created by the four shower heads attached to the wall; she moaned when the massaging shower head pounded onto her back. 

~~~~~~~~

"Hey Leigh." Leigh looked up to see Jason walking into the house.

"You're home early," Leigh commented. Jason nodded and shrugged.

"Slow day at the office. Where's Mel?" Jason wanted to know.

"Shower," Leigh answered. Jason thanked her and headed off towards the master bathroom.

"Leigh, is something wrong?" Melanie asked when she heard the door open and close.

"Leigh is fine." Melanie stuck her head out the shower door in looked at Jason in surprise. "It was slow at the office so I cut out early," Jason added. Melanie watched as Jason tugged at his clothes until they had joined hers before sliding into the shower.

"And what do you think you're doing?" Melanie asked with a bemused smile.

"This," Jason said. He lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers, his hand slid up her body and curled gently around her breast, squeezed and teased her nipple. Melanie moaned and wrapped her arms around him. "Have I told you lately that you're beautiful?" Jason asked sliding a hand down her mostly flat abdomen that was just slightly rounded, evidence of her past pregnancies. "Or how much I love you?" he murmured before trailing kisses down her belly and sucked on her clit.

"Jace!" Melanie gasped.

"I love you," Jason told her softly, nibbled gently on her clit as he slid his middle finger deep within her. He looked at her in surprise as Melanie pushed him away but chuckled when she rolled him onto his back and straddled him. "Mel," he groaned when she eased herself on his straining cock. His hands gripped her hips as he moved her up and down over him, pulled a nipple into his mouth and nibbled on the hardened nub, eliciting a loud moan from Melanie and she dug her nails into his shoulders. Jason raised his face to Melanie's and kissed her hard before rolling her onto her back; he took control and began thrusting hard and fast within her. Melanie buried her face in Jason's neck to muffle her scream of pleasure as she came, her orgasm triggered his and Jason kissed her hard as his seedless cum shot inside her. 

Breathing hard, Jason pressed a kiss to Melanie's forehead and they lay together, held each other, just taking comfort in the other. Finally, after a few minutes, Jason reluctantly pulled away from Melanie. "It's a good thing I had that surgery," Jason murmured.

"Why's that?" Melanie asked sleepily.

"Because if I hadn't, we probably would have another baby in nine months," Jason answered with a laugh. Melanie rolled her eyes. "I can't keep my hands off of you," he reminded her.

"I don't mind your hands on me," Melanie said quietly, her eyes were soft and full of love for him.

"Why don't you get some more sleep, and I'll take care of the kids when they wake up," Jason suggested.

"Mkay," Melanie murmured, stretching before lowering her head back to her pillow. Jason covered her up carefully then pulled his clothes back on.

"I love you Mel," Jason said quietly. 

Melanie smiled back sleepily. "I love you too," she murmured before he walked out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Is mommy okay?" Jason stopped short in the doorway of the living room when he saw Marine sitting on the couch next to Leigh with a look of concern on her face. Jason swallowed and met Leigh's eyes and growled when he saw she was trying not to laugh.

"Mommy's fine," Jason assured his daughter.

"I heard her scream," Marine said, sounding older than her years. Jason knelt down in front of Marine and gave her a hug and a kiss. 

"Mommy's fine. I promise," Jason told his daughter, gave Leigh a look of annoyance at her chuckle. "Would you like a snack?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

"Could I have an apple?" Marine asked. 

Jason rolled his eyes. "You and your apples," Jason said with a grin, but he went into the kitchen with Marine on his heels to cut up an apple for her to eat.

"How are you doing kiddo?" Jason asked when he returned to the living room.

"My back hurts," Leigh admitted. "It's been sore all day," she said with sigh.

"Well, your back is bound to hurt, you've gained weight with the baby," Jason reminded her with a small smile. Leigh groaned and laughed. "Here, turn around and I'll work on your back a little," he offered. Leigh turned so her back was to Jason and he began kneading the knots away. "You aren't that tense," Jason observed. He studied Leigh when she made a small gasp of pain. "Leigh, sweetie, when are you due?" Jason wanted to know.

"Three weeks from yesterday," Leigh answered.

"And what is going on in here?" Jason and Leigh looked up when Steve walked into the living room.

"Just helping out the only pregnant woman in the house," Jason said with a laugh. "Leigh has been having back problems lately," he added.

"It's just a back spasm," Leigh protested.

"She has three weeks left," Jason told his dad, reading the expression on Steve's face correctly.

"Any cramps in your abdomen?" Steve asked.

"A few, not too many, but they're probably just braxton-hicks," Leigh answered. Steve studied Leigh carefully.

"How long has your back been spasming?" Steve wanted to know.

"A few days," Leigh answered. Steve knelt down in front of Leigh and took her pulse. "I'm fine, what's the big deal with a few back aches? I'm pregnant, I've gained twenty pounds, my back is supposed to hurt," Leigh grumbled as she struggled to her feet. Jason and Steve exchanged glances but turned back to Leigh when she groaned loudly.

"How long have you been having pain like that?" Steve asked, exchanging knowing looks with Jason.

"About an hour," Leigh murmured.

"How often?" Jason asked, reaching for the phone.

"Every twenty minutes," Leigh answered.

"I'll call Paul," Jason said and grabbed the phone.

"Why? He's working, I'm fine," Leigh protested.

"Leigh, you're describing the early stages of labor," Jason said gently while he waited to be connected to Paul's work station.

"I feel ..." Leigh stopped protesting and sat back on the couch as another cramp passed through her.

"Wonderful, Paul's in a meeting," Jason grumbled. "Put me through to his voice mail," he told the secretary. "Paul, it's Jason, I'm taking Leigh to Siani Hospital, when you get this message, if you haven't heard anything else, come straight there," Jason said before hanging up. "Dad, Mel's napping, will you stay here? Marine's eating an apple, the boys and Jessi are napping as well," Jason said calmly. Steve nodded and helped Leigh off the couch.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Leigh!" Paul exclaimed when the nurse showed him into the delivery room. Jason patted his sister's hand and backed away when Paul practically rushed the bed.

"I'm okay," Leigh said softly. "And yes, the baby is coming. I'm dilated four centimeters," she added. 

"Do you want me to stay or go?" Jason asked quietly. Leigh took a deep breath as a contraction rolled through her.

"Stay," Paul answered, a look of panic on his face. Jason chuckled.

"Paul, you'll be fine," Jason said, as Paul sat in the chair that Jason just vacated.

"How badly is this going to hurt?" Leigh asked when the discomfort of the contraction passed.

"I'm not the one to ask kiddo, but Mel delivered two without any medication at all, there wasn't time," Jason answered.

"Is it bad now?" Paul asked Leigh, reached for her hand.

"It hurts, but it's pretty manageable," Leigh answered.

"I need to call home and check on Mel and the kids," Jason said. Paul nodded and watched his brother walk out of the room.

"Mel, what are you doing here?" Leigh asked a few hours later when Melanie walked into the room.

"Julie gave me a ride, I had to see my only sister before the baby came," Melanie answered with a smile.

"I'm ready to strangle Paul," Leigh admitted after Paul had left the room to get a cup of ice water for her to drink.

"What is he doing?" Melanie wanted to know.

"Every time I have a contraction, he just gets so jumpy and touchy ... during the last one, he was stroking my arm, and my leg and my abdomen. I wanted to grab him by the balls and squeeze as hard as I could," Leigh grumbled. Melanie laughed and hugged her sister gently.

"How are you doing?" Melanie asked, sitting down next to the bed.

"It hurts. I didn't know it would hurt this badly," Leigh admitted. Both girls looked up when Paul walked back into the room with the cup of water and as he closed the door behind him, another contraction gripped Leigh and she grabbed Melanie's arm as a loud cry of pain escaped her. Melanie merely said, "Breathe." as Leigh squeezed her hand. Paul watched helplessly until the contraction ended and Leigh let go of Melanie's hand.

"Are you sure you don't want an epidural?" Paul asked, setting the cup of water on the night stand.

"If Mel can do this twice without one, I can too," Leigh panted. Melanie took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Don't use me as a reason not to have pain medication Leigh. I know how badly it hurts," Melanie said.

"I don't want an epidural. The morphine is taking the edge off," Leigh told them. None of them said anything as a nurse walked into the room.

"I'm just going to check your progress now," the nurse said as she pulled on her medical gloves. Paul waited impatiently while Melanie hid a smile behind her hand before she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're making wonderful progress. You're at nine centimeters. You'll be pushing very soon," the nurse announced. "I'll go inform your doctor," she added.

"You're doing great Leigh, just great," Paul said, relieved when she loosened the grip on his hand.

"Oh shut up Paul! In fact, why don't you just get out!" Leigh shouted, pulling her hand away. Paul couldn't hide the hurt in his eyes.

"She doesn't mean it!" Melanie exclaimed. "Leigh, I know it hurts, just calm down sweetie and breathe. You're almost there," she said to her sister. "Paul, just hold her hand and wipe her forehead," Melanie told the younger man. Paul nodded and slid his hand back into Leigh's. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well?" Jason asked when Melanie walked into the house later that night and sank onto the couch.

"To Paul's dismay, they had a little girl," Melanie answered, remembering the look on her brother's face when the doctor had told them the sex of the baby.

"What did Paul say?" Jason wanted to know.

"That they'd have to keep trying. I thought Leigh was going to rip his balls off right then and there," Melanie said with a chuckle. Jason laughed and shook his head.

"They'll come around," he said with a grin.

"They named her after mom, named the baby Sue Ellen," Melanie added.

"And continued the Gone with the Wind theme," Jason said with a chuckle. 

"If Leigh is hell bent on continuing that theme, Paul may get a hell of a shock when they do have a boy; she may try and name him Ashley," Melanie giggled. Jason covered his face with his hands and laughed.

"You know what this means don't you?" Jason asked after a minute.

"I get to be the one to spoil the baby and send her home," Melanie said with a devilish grin.

"And none of the midnight feeds and sore breasts," she added.

"Which means more play time for me," Jason said with a grin before he lowered his lips to hers, slid his hands up under her shirt to tweak a pointed nipple. Melanie moaned and gasped when Jason pulled her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.