The Crow; Chasing The Moon

15) The Joys Of Life

Philadelphia Pennsylvania/ Days Inn Hotel

Katrina- Briar has been sick on and off randomly, the guys all thought the job was getting to her or that she might have caught the flu. I had a hunch and bought the girl a test, brining it back to her for her to take when the guys were all out.

Briar- I didn't want to offend Kat, so I took the test.

(Twelve Minutes Later)

Katrina- Briar comes out of the bathroom as I stand up from the chair I'm sitting in. "Well? What's it say?"

Briar- I happened to just glance at it, when I picked up before coming out to the room and nearly fainted in shock. "I'm...it's..." I hold it up showing her.

Katrina- I gently grasp her shaking hand and read the result. (Squeals Delightedly) "Your gonna be a mama!!!" I wrap my arms around her middle and gently squeeze. "I'm so excited, I'm gonna be an Auntie!!!!"

Briar- I watch Kat dance around in utter amusement. (Giggles) "Hey I just thought of the perfect way to tell Coda."

Katrina- I topple unto the bed as I look at her. "How?"

Briar- (Smirks Deviously) "At tonight's investigation."

Katrina- (Laughs) "You girl, are genius and evil!"

Briar- I hide the test in my bag for later and then we get back to researching.

Eastern State Penitentiary
(Later That Same Night)

Jay- Rob and I have finished setting up all the camera and mics, joining the rest of our crew outside to film the intro before we begin.

Aaron- Billy and I stand with our cameras on Briar, Katrina and Dakota.

Katrina- (Smirks Deviously) I knew what was about to happen and I couldn't wait to see the look on Coda's face at the news, better yet the crews and they were filming it too!

Dakota- I give Briar her cue.

Briar- Sharing a knowing look with Katrina before I start. (Smirks) "Ladies and gentlemen you are all in for a treat tonight. That's right tonight we are back in Pennsylvania, getting locked down dusk till dawn to re-investigate the Eastern State Penitentiary." Pausing for a moment, before I continue. "I'm sure you all know the graphic history, so I'm not going to bore you with such details. But I will say that it has been a dream of mine to come and investigate such a place like this and great timing too as I won't be investigating much longer." I drop hint after major hint. "In a couple months I will be stepping back and my husband Dakota will be taking over the crew as lead investigator." In the background all you could hear is the shocked gasps from our crew. "Though I'll be traveling with the crew and working at the Museum, I'm stepping back because I think Daddy would prefer I don't get hurt or possessed while on the job." Reaching into my back pocket I pull out the test, I'd hidden there right before we started filming the intro.

Dakota- I was confused and a bit hurt by her words until they really sunk in. My eyes widen to near saucers as I look at the item in her hand. "Your? I'm? Are we?" Not bothering to cut the feed as it continues to roll, I set my camera down and walk over to my wife as I press my hands to her belly. "Really?"

Briar- (Giggles and Nods)

Dakota- Wrapping my arms around her as I pick her up off her feet. "I'm gonna be a daddy!" Setting her down as I press my forehead against hers, I take the test and look it over. (Smiles Brightly)

Briar- I kiss the tip of his nose which scrunches up. (Hums Happily)

Jay- We cut the feed and set the cameras down.

Rob- Looking between Briar and Kat. "How long have you two had this planned?" Shaking Dakota's hand. "Congrats man."

Katrina- (Shrugs) "Couple hours, she found out earlier today."

Billy- We all surround the girl, giving her hugs and shaking Dakota's hand. "We can't wait to find out what you are having."

Aaron- (Smirks) "Little Bean is beyond loved and protected."

Katrina- Being the smart-ass I am. "So when are you going to tell Grandma?"

Dakota- (Pales Drastically)

Briar- I gently tap Coda's cheek, trying to bring some color back. "Probably should tell him before this episode airs or before I get any rounder." We all look at my flat belly.

Dakota- Glancing at each and everyone who is gathered. "You are all witnesses!" I pull out my phone as I put it on speaker and speed dial Nick. "Hey Nick!" There is a moments pause.

'Is something wrong?'

My eyes widen slightly. "No, no not at all. Everything is fine."

'Then why are you calling? Aren't you at a location investigating?'

Turning to glare at my wife. "About that, why don't you ask your daughter!" There is another moments pause.

'Briar...what happened?'

Briar- Taking the phone from my husband. "Nothing bad happened, we promise." We listen as he sighs in relief.

'Then what is it?'

(Smiles Brightly) "Well Grandma, I was hoping when we get home we could do some room rearranging, painting and shopping..." (Bites Bottom Lip)

'Are you on another cleaning binge? Wait, Grandma? Briar, are you pregnant?'

(Giggles Softly) "Took you long enough to catch that." I have to hold the phone a good distance between all of us as a delighted squeal rings through the device. 

'I'm so happy for you and Dakota, when did you find out? When do we get to find out what you're having? Oh, I'm so excited and happy for you babygirl!'

(Laughs) "Mamma, calm down." He takes a deep breath and we can tell he is having a hard time calming himself. "I just found out this afternoon, from the test I took I'm two ya three months." I do a bit of mental math. "Give or take this month I should be able to find out what we are having." There is a few minutes of silence this time. "Mom, are you okay?"

'Oh yes, I was just making a list of things we need to do and get. I'm also gonna make the doctors appointment for you, you just make sure not to get hurt while working and take care of yourself an the baby, the crew and I will take of the rest...okay?"

(Shakes Head and Smiles) "Okay, I love you!"

'Love you all too, so very much. If you hear from your father, let him know the news and tell I said hi and that I love him."

(Smiles Tearily) "Will do." He hangs up and I hand Dakota his phone back, then wipe away the tears that begin to fall.

Dakota- I pocket my phone, then wrap my arms around my wife's waist as I nuzzle her temple. "You okay?"

Briar- Resting my head against my husbands chest as I listen to his soothing heartbeat, my eyes never straying far from our family. (Shakes Head) "No, but sometimes it's okay to not be okay."