Medical malpractice case

Chapter 11 Noah

I rub the cream on her growing belly before beginning with the monograph. I look at the screen, seeing the bundle of joy. Hearing their heartbeats. I can't help but smile but also tears watering in my eyes.

"You're 7 weeks in." I inform her. She breathes out.

"That's still..." She says hesitantly

"You got time." I say,"Take care of them though and yourself."

"Thank you." She sits up.

"Anytime." I finish and walk over to my desk. I take a seat and begin writing the prescription. "I'll write some medications, but they aren't heavily, so don't worry about it. They just help with the cramps and all." I tell her not looking up from the paper. "Also, you can't carry anything heavy. Nothing. Okay?"  She nods and runs her hand down her shirt to smooth down the wrinkles. I'm snapped out of my thoughts when I hear my phone ring in my pocket. I pull it out and read the contact calling.

'Cameron'

I look at Jamie apologetically. Silently telling her sorry for the disturbance. She gives me a small nod. I swipe right on my phone.

"Hello Cameron, you're literally across the hall. What do you want?"

"Haily and I. Our anniversary is today. Can you come home and stay with Ruby and Brandon?" He asks.

"Cameron, I'm not a babysitter." I reply.

"Oh, come on, please." He says, his voice pleading. I sigh and reluctantly agree. I hang up and look up. Suddenly, an idea pops up in my mind. It might be stupid, but it's worth a try.  "See Jamie, you've never had experience with any kid, right?"

"No. Why?" She says

"How about we change that? To gain experience. Come with me." I simply suggest.

"You want me to come?" She asks, her voice filled with confusion.

"Yeah, it'll help you with learning."

"I guess I can, yeah. How old are they?"

"Brandon is 10 months, and Ruby is 3."

____________

I never thought I'd spend my Thursday night with a hotshot judge babysitting. Out of all things babysitting. I zone out on a picture of Hailey and Cameron. Memories of Jenna and I flood through my mind. The days and nights we spent. The nights I had late night shifts and she'd wait for me. The days I'd surprise her at work with her favorite flowers. I miss who I used to be. Happy. In love. Everything seemed to be going perfect until it didn't. Until my life fell apart. Living for the thrill of it. I want my 5 months ago back. Why did that happen to me? Will I ever find love again? Not that I will act upon it. Like hell I would. I don't feel my fist clenching until I find a little hand holding it open. I look down to see Ruby.

"That's not good, uncle.  It'll hurt you." She says, her voice soft and soothing. I look across the room to find Jamie cradling Brandon peacefully sleeping in her arms. She's a natural. His head resting on her chest as she rubs his back soothingly. Ruby sits on the couch engrossed by the television. I stand up and walk over to Jamie.

"You're a natural." I blurt out. She smiles, looking down at Brandon in her arms.

"Can I put him to bed?" I immediately nod and lead her to the nursery. I stay at the door leaning against it, watching as she puts him in the crib. I can't but feel some sort of comfort and something else.. I can't quite name. She rubs her hand against his little forehead. His tiny hand clinging to her finger. I don't even realize what I'm doing until I'm behind her looking down at their hands. I smile at the sight. I steady Jamie in case she falls. My hand on the small of her back. She looks up at me.

"He's adorable." She says softly.

"I agree." I say with a smile on my face. Suddenly, we're interrupted by the sound of my brother. Bad timing.

"You guys are like parents." He states. My whole face flushes red. Hailey walks over to Jamie and hugs her. I'm shocked they know each other.

"You guys know each other?" I ask, looking between them as the hug.

"I see her at the hospital all the time." Hailey answers. She places her hand on Jamie's baby bump, which is beginning to show. "Congrats!"

"Thank you." She answers. Ruby runs to me. I kneel down and scoop her up.

"Can you put me to bed?" She whispers. I ruffle her hair, teasing her.

"Let's see. I wanna go home, though." I fake a pout. She looks at me.

"Come on, pretty please." She says pleading. I stand up and walk over to her bedroom. I enter her pink bedroom filled with toys and her king-sized bed.

"Your dad really spoils you, huh?" I say, walking over to the bed. I lay her down gently and pull the covers over her. I lean down and kiss her forehead soon enough that she drifts off. I can't help but stay there for a second. This could've been my life. With Jenna. Now I doubt I'll ever experience it. I stand up and walk out quietly.

"Ruby told me to invite you to her birthday party on Saturday. Come. Bring Jamie with you." I look at Jamie for a moment. As I hear Cameron's words, "Yeah, I guess. I'll come with Jamie."

________

I drive back to her apartment. The only sound between us is the sound of the cars engine humming and the slight shift in her position. I noticed her eating today. I can't help but smile at that thought. She's doing her best. I remind myself. We stop at her building, and I see a guy. Tall. Blonde. Blue eyes. Waiting for someone.

"Thanks for the ride." Jamie says softly.

"Anyti-" Before I even get to finish the sentence, she leaves the cars and walks over to the guy. I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy run through me.