We're Lovers After All

Mike Hanlon (July 3, 1976)

July 3rd, 1976
8:32 p.m.

Out on the outskirts of town, a scream could be heard coming from a barn off to the side of the house near the road. A young woman was being held up by her father-in-law while her husband held her hand from the side.

Both her mother and mother-in-law were holding her legs up, trying to keep her clean with the bucket of water placed in front of her. While her grandmother was placed in front of her, checking under the blanket placed over her legs.

"Now," her grandmother began, "you look about ready. Now, on that first contraction, you push, ok?"

Jessica nodded as that first contraction hit her, and she pushed with all of her might.

"Good. Good," her grandmother cooed at her as she stopped, huffing.

Her husband, Bill, kissed her head, "you're doing so good, honey. So, very good, hon."

She tried to smile at him, but she soon pushed again; a yell slipped past her lips as she felt something tear.

"The ambulance is on its way," her father-in-law whispered from behind her, and she couldn't help but let out a breath of relief.

"Come on, now," her grandmother scolded, "don't start that just yet, ya hear me? You still have some work to do before they arrive."

Another contraction hit her, stronger than the last, as she screamed, pushing.

Soon her husband collapsed beside her, and she felt the pain wash away from her.

She turns to him, "now, you didn't have to do that."

He smiled through clenched teeth, holding his stomach, "now, darlin', what kind of soulmate would I be if I let you suffer through this by yo'self?"

She huffed as her stomach tightened once more, but no pain was felt. She pushed with all her might as her grandmother yelled out that she had the head.

All she could think was how wonderful her husband was and how she couldn't wait to meet her baby.

A few more pushes later, she held her newborn son in her arms. She glanced at Bill, sitting next to her, breathing heavily as he petted the top of his son's head.

"So," he breathed out, "what are we gonna name him?"

She kissed his sweaty cheek before looking down. Her eyes stared deep into her son's, and she finally answered. "Michael Jay Hanlon."

Her husband nodded in approval as they both looked up to see lights and sirens in the distance.

"Took them long enough, " Bill noted as she laughed beside him.

~~~~~~~

12 Years Later

Mike and the rest of the now dubbed "Losers Club" were sitting around their new clubhouse that Ben had found and reinvented. Mike watched as Eddie and Richie fussed over the hammock; Stan glared at the two when they swung too close to him, almost knocking his book out of his hands. And he watched as Ben, Beverly, and Bill discussed the rock fight they just had.