Generations: The Long Game

Right On Time

TW: mention of life threatening illness
She sat in the lounge watching Rory pick up the wooden blocks and stack them making little clicking noises. The little girl looked up each time to make sure Marjorie was still watching. "That's it Ror. Make a tower." She heard the door open and close but didn't immediately turn knowing it would take him time to get their coats off and Emery's boots as they had a late season snow overnight. She heard the little boy giggling before they came around the corner. "Hi my little love. How was his day?" She looked up at the tall blonde who was holding the little boy against his chest. He bent to let him go play with his sister before sitting next to her.

"He had a good day. Wint said the fantastic four were a bit wild today, but otherwise he ate well and get this! Wint said he uses the toilet all day. We are getting so close." She smiled up at him as he leaned in and places a soft kiss on her lips. She leaned into his side feeling content for the first time all day. "How is she? Fever down? She certainly has more color the she had this morning." She nodded. "She was pretty fussy for awhile, but I gave her some Calpol early this morning and she hasn't needed any since. If she is still doing well tomorrow, she can go back on Thursday." He felt her body tense next to him. "You alright gorgeous?"

She shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah, I'm fine." He twisted to better face her. "You're not. What is wrong? Are you in pain? Do we need to call the doctor?" She pulled away a bit to see his face. She could see the worry and panic. "Reece it's nothing like that. It's...well it's been six months. I don't want to sit here any more." His panic was replaced with confusion. "What do you want to do?" She shifted away from him entirely to face him. "My love I want to go back to work. I do still have a job. Even if I haven't been there in a year."

"No." He crossed his arms and furrowed his brow. "Reece what do you mean 'no'? You can't just decide. I get to decide or at the very least we can talk about it." He stood and crossed the room. "No, Marjorie we almost lost you. You aren't ready yet. No." He left the room heading for the kitchen. She stood to follow him when Rory started crying. Walking back to the children she bent to pick them up when she heard the door open.

Genevieve came around the corner followed by Autumn and Charlie. "Autumn can you..." She gestured to the small boy and girl. "Just for a few minutes please." The brunette nodded before sitting in front of the little blonde and pulling the little brunette into her lap as Marjorie turned and headed for the kitchen.

She swung the door sending it slamming into the wall behind it and making him jump. "Marjorie!" She placed her hands on her hips. "Reece what do you think you are doing? You cannot just say no. You don't get to just say no. This is my decision! Mine!" He slammed the pan down on the cooktop. "No it isn't Marjorie. It isn't just your decision. You are not ready. For fucks sake Marjorie you are just barely back up to your pre-pregnancy weight. It is too much. It's too soon!" She pace back and forth across the kitchen floor. "Reece you don't get to make this decision for me. You are trying to control everything! You are trying to control me!" She stopped in front of him. "I am going back to work! Next week. I am going back to work next week!"

He turned away from her. "Marjorie I am still a member of the board. If you try to do this I will call a board meeting to evaluate your ability to continue on as the manager." They both knew that would keep her out of the nursery at least three additional months. They would have to fully investigate or risk the nursery. "Reece Knight you wouldn't dare!" He shifted his weight. "If it keeps you home and safe, I would."

Without another word she turned and left allowing the door to slam again. As she ascended the stairs, she heard Autumn call after her. Seething and unable to answer she slammed the bedroom door behind her and locked it. She paced the room her chest heavy with hurt and anger. Her breathing became ragged and uneven as the sobs began.