Can't Stop (Frusciante fan fic)

Part 28-Policy of Truth

A/N: Despite the comforting picture above, which is about 3 years old, be forewarned of some tough subject matter here, and that Sophia and John the cat are the only admirable characters in the chapter. Nothing here is a platform for the author's POV on any issue, I'm just telling a story. It may not entirely be clear on a first read, but just to reassure you, no animals nor children suffer any physical harm in this chapter. 

Ellie's POV

Greg returns before I know it with the 3 kids, who head straight for the kitchen to see what junk food they can forage. Sophie comes into my room briefly and kisses me on the cheek and pets John. Greg is right behind her.  I am still in a T-shirt and ugly sweatpants, drain which is not really draining anything hanging out of my side. I don't know why they didn't just take it out in the hospital. Now I have to go back the day before Thanksgiving to have it taken out. What a waste. My phone is by my bedside and starts ringing. It's John. I have to press the icon to turn down the call, as I'm not going to talk to him in front of Greg. No good could come of that.

Greg would either totally want to talk to him and fangirl and gush, or be angry and start asking him questions I know could result in Greg, if not both Greg and John, never talking to me again. Maybe I would deserve it. But Greg and I were fighting, and who knows what our relationship status was at that time. I always have to come up with some excuse.

"Just one of those unfamiliar telephone numbers, probably some dumb telemarketer again!" I tell Greg. He nods slowly. Sophia comes running in to pick up John and take him out to where the TV is now blaring. To my surprise, John gives an annoyed meow, and jumps back onto the bed with me. "Sophie, why don't you let him be and watch TV. Your Mom and I need to talk privately for a few minutes," says Greg. "OK!" Sophia agrees and walks out. Greg shuts the door behind her, and sits down on the bed, taking my hand lightly.

"Ellie, I know I shouldn't bring this up because this was such a terrible experience for you.." I flinch, knowing what might be coming next. I take a deep breath.

"Ellie, if the baby had attached to the right place, well, I was just wondering, would you have wanted to keep it. Or would you..? Would you have.." his awkward voice trails off.

"What, had an abortion, Greg? Is that what you're trying to ask me?," I inquire, not liking how this conversation is going. Yet, relieved that John Frusciante is not in the conversation at the same time. But, this is a touchy subject nonetheless.

"Greg.. First of all, there is such an incredibly minimal chance of that, it's not even worth discussing." I pause. "I'm of advanced maternal age, I have psych meds on board because of the bipolar (which I hate to talk about with him, as I want to be normal like Holly and the other moms), my uterus is a non-functional mess. There is no way I would have been able to carry a normal pregnancy to term."

"So, that means yes, you would have aborted the pregnancy?" Greg looks at me with sadness and disappointment in his eyes. And passing some judgment as well, I can tell. I'm feeling fear in my heart, hoping he won't push the topic any further. 

"Greg, I would have miscarried first, like I said, not even worth.." He just continues to stare at me with that look in his eyes. To answer his question, I nod, slowly and sadly.

He pauses, then says, "OK, I hear you Ellie, well, no point in arguing about that," still looking grim and unhappy. "There is something else I need to know, but I'm not sure I want to."

He sits a little further away on the bed, though doesn't drop my hand yet. "Is there any chance this baby was not mine? Is there any chance it's John.. John Frusciante's baby?"

I look down at our hands, his grip starting to loosen on mine. "Greg, there is no baby, there was no way this pregnancy was viable.." I haven't answered his question. His hand continues to loosen. "Greg, we were fighting.. I didn't know if you wanted anything to do with me anymore.. I'm so sorry.. " His face falls, though I think he knew already.