What Now? - a Rhekker, Chicago Med Story

Chapter 20

*** The Next Day***

Ava was sitting on the couch at home, while Connor was typing at his computer in the kitchen. There was some faint music playing and every now and then Ava would hum or sing a line from the song that was on. She was reading a paper on advanced techniques for aortic aneurysm repair and seemed very lost in her own little world. Today was the night of the surprise baby shower and Connor still had to figure out how to get her to Molly's without arousing suspicion. He was texting with Natalie and Clare who were already on location doing last minute preparation.

N: Ok we are all go over here. The guests will be arriving in the next 20 minutes so shall we say get here in 40?

C: Ok will see you then.

Connor shut his laptop and headed over to where Ava was sitting. She was on the last page so he decided to let her finish before interrupting. He sat down on the other couch and lay back. /he suddenly had an idea. He pulled out his phone and text Clare.

C: Can you please text Ava asking her for a ride. Pretend you are drunk or something. Ask her to pick you up from Molly's.

Clare: Sneaky. I like it.

He put his phone away and laid back again waiting for Ava's phone to ding. 2 minutes later her phone chimed and she leant over and picked it up. She sat up and sighed.

A: Fancy for going for a little drive with me?

C: Of course. Where too?

A: Molly's, Clare is drunk and needs a ride. If she is really far gone I won't be able to support her by myself, and I sorta just want you to come with me anyway.

C: Sounds like fun. Wouldn't wanna miss it.

A: Ok I just need to grab my coat and beanie hold up. You drive.

Connor grabbed the keys and put his scarf and jacket on. Ava walked out the bedroom a moment later all wrapped up.

C: You good?

A: Yep, lets go.

She grabbed hold of Connor's hand and they walked out the apartment together. It was snowing outside and the car windshield was icy. It took a few moments to thaw out and while they were waiting Ava wrapped her arms around Connors neck. Connor put his arms around her waist and gently kissed the tip of her nose.

C: Jeez babe. Your nose is freezing.

A: My whole body is frozen. This baby makes me cold all the time.

C: Do you think maybe we should start discussing names for 'this baby'.

A: I actually already had a couple of ideas to run by you.

The car windshield was clear now and Connor and Ava both got in.

C: Oh yeah? Lets hear them.

A: Well, I don't know a first name yet but I'd like to make her middle name Beth.

C: That's gorgeous. Any reason?

A: Its the name of one of my good friends, she and I just have so much in common and I don't know what I'd do without her. I would also want her to possibly be one of her guardians if anything ever happened to us. If that's okay with you?

C: She sounds amazing. I'd love to meet her.

Connor already knew that Beth was going to be at Molly's tonight.

A: She is. Do you have any name ideas?

C: Yeah a few. Elizabeth, Grace or Maddie maybe. They could be her second middle name or a first name if you like any of them in particular.

A: Elizabeth like after your mother?

C: Yeah.

A: We must use that.

Connor laughed.

C: Sorry Hun, I m not laughing at that. Thank you for saying that. Its just that, what we have so far is Elizabeth Beth...

A: Oh dear.

C: We can just use Beth because it's the best of both worlds.

A: You sure?

C: Yes absolutely. At least now there's a story behind that name.

Ava giggled and then looked over at Connor who was focused on the road.

A: I love you.

Connor gave her a quick look and then turned back to the road.

C: Yeah. I know. I love you too.

Ava smiled and then said "Well, we still have just under 3 months to find her the perfect name." They drove for another 15 minutes and just before reaching the street Molly's was on Connor pulled over at a gas station.

A: What are you doing?

C: We should buy her a bottle of water and some ibuprofen.

A: Right, smart. I'll get it.

C: Oh no I can.

A: Enough Connor, I'm fine besides I want to get some snacks.

C: Oh okay.

Ava got out of the car and walked inside. Connor pulled his phone out and texted '5 mins out!' 2 minutes later Ava got back in the car with 2 bottles of water, potato chips, an orange, some ibuprofen and an ice cream. Connor started the car as Ava started eating the chips. A minute later they pulled up outside Molly's and they both got out of the car. Ava walked over to the door and pushed it open. It was completely dark inside.

A: C- c-c-clare?

All of a sudden the lights flashed on and Everyone yelled "SURPRISE" and jumped out from behind the bar. Ava went still for a split second before a massive grin spread across her face.

A: I had NO idea!

Nat and Clare ran over to her and embraced her in a long hug. The bar was decorated with pink ribbons and streamers, with little pink and white balloons strung around the place. There were trays of assorted foods and strawberry milkshakes laid out on the bar and a large pile of gifts on one of the tables. Connor walked up behind Ava and kissed her head before heading over to where Will and Jay were sitting with a collection of beer bottles.

W: Nice work man. We haven't seen her smile like that in a while.

J: Yeah this is all great.

Connor nodded and patted them both on the shoulder before grabbing a beer from the counter. He looked up to see Ava looking straight at him. She smiled warmly and then looked back at the baby onesie Natalie was holding.

W: Owen decorated that especially for her.

C: Oh wow that's special.

W: These people are all special.

J: Agreed.

Connor held his beer up and they both clinked their bottles together with his.  "Cheers to that".