August 1948
Over two years after meeting, the Martin and Jones families had become a part of each other's every day lives. Now, Dean Martin was a household name, and life was becoming increasingly difficult. At some point during those two years, Betty finally began to trust Chrissy and see her as a friend, not some girl trying to steal her husband.
Betty and Dean had worked through their problems, and Betty became pregnant again which seemed to bring joy to the whole family.
Now, Betty was having difficulty with the pregnancy and had been put on bed rest. Since Dean was filming a movie with Jerry Lewis that left a rotation of Angela Crocetti, Chrissy's grandmother, and Chrissy herself to look after Betty.
One hot summer night, Betty was lying in bed with Chrissy sitting on the edge, "How are you feeling, hon?" Chrissy said, reaching for Betty's hand.
Betty moaned, "Ready for this to be over. How's Dean?"
"He's good. He said he's anxious to get home to be with you and this baby."
Betty's eyes glistened with tears, "Chrissy, can I confide in you?"
"Of course, honey."
"Chrissy, I... I... I fear that my marriage isn't going to last."
"Betty-"
"Chrissy, listen. I'm not well. My mind isn't good. Once this baby's born, I'm going to turn to alcohol again. I know it..."
"Betty-" Chrissy interrupted, squeezing her hand.
"Listen, I trust you and love you like family. You have to look out for Dean and my kids, okay?"
"I will, Betty. I promise."
"Ah!!!" Betty moaned.
"What's wrong? Oh no, Betty. Why me?"
"I'm sorry, Chrissy. It's time."
Chrissy ran around the house looking like a fool trying to wrangle children and call Angela and Noni. Finally, once Angela arrived to watch the children, Chrissy helped Betty waddle to her car.
She raced to the hospital as quickly as she could and went to call Dean immediately, "Dino!" she nearly shouted into the phone breathless.
"What in the hell's a matter with you?" his deep voice vibrated through the receiver.
"Your baby! The baby is coming!"
"Ah Christ! Coming!" The receiver was slammed down and she was left with the dial tone.
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You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
FanfictionDean Martin and his best friend, Chrissy, are unstoppable. They have been friends through it all: the Jerry Lewis Days, The Rat Pack Era, and more. When Chrissy's life unravels, Dean is there to pick up the pieces. When Dean's life unravels, Chrissy...
