We Can See STARS

Future Chapter 17: Birth Day Twins

November 2028

As you sat on the porch swing enjoying the autumn breeze and the ever changing colors of the leaves on the Elm tree in the front yard, you tried to balance the plate on your belly as you were enjoying eating your generous slice of pumpkin pie. It was the only thing that the twins were craving and you were worried if you didn't stop soon they'd come out looking orange.

It had been about 3 weeks since you were on maternity leave. The Rangers season had come to an end. They had made it into the ALDS and forced a Game 5 but were unable to defeat those annoying pinstripes that play in NYC. Causing "Evil pregnant Ana" to emerge once again and perhaps one of the main reasons your boss urged you to take your maternity leave two weeks earlier. The Baseball Season had ended early into November and if the Sawx or Rangers couldn't win, then you were happy that the Braves took the pennant. You were all moved into your new home which was about half way between Globe Life Park and American Airlines Arena which was great for commuting. You had the nursery room all set up and ready for the imminent arrival of the twins. The renovations to make the New England style house a bit more of an open floor plan were done and the new dark blue shutters on the sides of all the windows and the deep red colored door really added some life to the exterior of the house. On days like these when you were sitting on the porch swing, you would just imagine the twins growing up and playing with leaves in the front yard or playing upstairs in the game room. Imagining the house full of family and friends, laughter in the kitchen and dining room or the screams and wahoo's at the tv during sporting events.

"Liebling? Hello? Ana?!" Benn's voice broke you out of your trance.

"Oh! Hey!"

"Are you ready to go?"

"Hmm? Ooh are we gonna go get some more pumpkin pie??"

"No, we're going to your appointment."

"Oh my gosh, is that today? I totally forgot!" You slipped back on your shoes as Benn came over to help you up. "Can I bring my pumpkin pie?" You asked, on the brink of tears. Everything made you cry nowadays. And you were dealing with a severe case of mommy brain.

Benn looked at you quizzically before his face softened and he said, "Meine liebling, of course you can."

You sniffle, "okay, thank you."

He stood in front of you while you placed your plate down and put your hands up towards him. These days, getting up from a comfortable position was as difficult as putting on a wetsuit: complicated, frustrating and by the end of it you needed a nap. Once he hoisted you up, he grabbed your plate and gave it back to you. In appreciation, you grabbed his neck and kissed him, leaving a bit of pumpkin on his face.

"Mmm...that pie is pretty good."

"I know. The beans love it." He helped you into the car and once you got your seatbelt on you went back to happily eating your pie while making up a song about it.

Once you got on the table at the doctor's office, you went through your last symptoms with her and she measured the babies.

"Hey doctor, I have a question," you mused, lying back while she poked and prodded at your huge stomach.

"Anything Ana."

You started sniffling again, "are my babies going to be orange?"

She looked over at Jamie for an explanation. He side whispers to the doctor "She's on two pumpkin pies a day habit."

She turned back to you with her hand comfortingly on your stomach, "Nope, they're going to be beautiful and not orange."

"Okay. I just don't want to be known as the mother who turned her babies orange." The last part said in between sniffles and on the verge of crying yet again. Benn squeezes your hand to assure you and comfort you. You looked up at Jamie with a slight smile on your face "See Gummibarchen, no orange babies!"