The Last Nine Years: A Collection of One-Shots

Her New Addition

Her day was going fine, the boys had come over and brought her donuts from the shop on the corner. She'd been upset when she learned they'd spent money on her but David had reassured her that it was no big deal. She'd had a lovely evening teasing Romeo about his "girlfriend" when she got up to get a drink. Immediately five boys rushed up to her offering to help get it for her.

"Kath maybe you should stay sittin' down." Crutchie said he too hobbling to his feet.

"Relax boys." Katherine said putting a hand to her watermelon sized belly. "I'll be fine, I couldn't sit for another minute even if I tried."

"Jus' hold still ill bring it to ya!" Race said shooting to his feet.

"No, I'll be fine." She insisted partly walking partly wobbling past them. The boys grumbled in response but let her go. Despite her protests David followed her into the kitchen and leaned against the door frame as she got some water.

"You don't have to act strong Kath, we're here to help." David said sincerely. Katherine gave him a tight smile in response.

"I know you guys want to help and I'm very grateful, but I can't stand being helpless." She said shaking her head. "Maybe when this is all over I'll make you all some-" Katherine froze mid sentence, at first she thought she'd spilled her water but as soon as she looked down she knew it wasn't water.

"Oh crap." David muttered noticing it too. "Race! Romeo! Finch! Go get a doctor!" He shouted into her living room.

"No Davey I'm fine." Katherine insisted shaking off the feeling of water pooling between her legs. She heard the boys shouts of alarm and question from the living room.

"Her water just broke go get a doctor, now!" David snapped to the boys, he was once again the one in charge. She heard about half the boys scramble out the door to go get a doctor. "Okay Katherine come here, let's sit you down." He said moving to her side.

"Its no big deal Davey, can't it wait until after I finish my donut?" Katherine asked as he pushed her into a chair. "I really don't see-" her sentence was cut short by a pain like Katherine had never felt.

"You okay?" David asked kneeling beside her.

"Ah! No I am not- ow!" She shouted curling around herself as another stabbing pain shot her stomach. Just then Crutchie hobbled though the door looking worried.

"Crutchie! I need you to call Katherine's father for me." David said patting her back reassuringly.

"What? No!" Katherine protested "He doesn't even care! Don't let him see me like this." She pleaded. Davids face was grim as he though of what to say.

"Well, he at least needs to know your going into labor." David said and turned back to Crutchie. He understood and left the kitchen. Another wave of pain hit Katherine and she cursed so colorfully it would of made Race proud. "Just hang in there." David said patting her back.

"I can't do this now, it's not time!" She gasped.

"Your nine months along Kath, you were bound to go any day. To day must be the day." David said comfortingly even though it was far from comforting.

"No!" She said the idea that she might have a child in the next 24 hours terrified her. "I need more time!"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not ready, I can't do this alone! I thought I had more time!" Tears of pain and fear were clouding her vision.

"You are not alone. You have me and Crutchie and the rest of the boys. You are far from being alone." David said sternly. Katherine shook her head and curled herself around her stomach.