Chapter 25: You Were Borm To Be My Baby

Jesse opened the door of the house when he came from from shopping. He left the bags on the kitchen and walked out to the pool erea. There he found Pauline sitting on a sunlounger listening to music. During her 28th week of prengancy Pauline's belly was getting bigger and bigger. Yesterday on the ultrasound everything was very normal as each boy weigh 1kg. Their four eyes for both of them have been formed and they looked beautiful even they are 38cm and 40cm.

Jesse walked next to her crossing the pool and he couldn't be more proud of the tree of them. Pauline was wearing a light blue bikini as her both hands were placed gently on her belly. When she heard footsteps she turned. "Hey you!" she told him with a smile. "Hey, you good? Can i get you anything?" he asked and sut on the sunlounger next to her. "Nope, i am fine. Did you buy everything that was on the list?" "Everything." he answered and looked at the pool.

"You know it's a pitty having this wonderfull pool and we can't use it. Doctor said there is no problem swimming on a pool especially when that pool is ours." he looked at her. "It's very hot and i can see you're sweating here." "Okay,okay. But you'll help me get in and out." "Of course and i'll help you, Paul. I'll go wear my swimming shorts and i'll be right back." Jesse said and got up. "Take your time Jess. I'll be there for you is next." Pauline replied as the intro started.

Momments later Pauline and Jesse were walking back in the house dripping water from the pool. "You had a very nice idea." Pauline said as she walked in. "Jesse what the hell is that?" Pauline rolled her eyes as she saw a cage. She walked closer. A white and peach canary just jumped. "That's a canary." Jesse replied and walked closer to the cage. "Isn't he beautiful?" he asked. "Yes, but what does he doing here?" "It's a gift, Pauline. The League started and i already was gone in Utah and you were alone here. I know Louis's death costs you a lot. We'll get a dog when you're ready." he answered.

Pauline looked down to that canary and the canary looked up at her. There she realized she was missing Louis so much. "I miss him too, Pauline. I think he really wanted to meet our boys and play in the garden. Run like crazy after them. I really wanted them to meet him. But you know when the kids grow up we can get one." Jesse said looking at her. "Yeah, we can sure get one." Pauline answered with low voice.

"Why a canary?" she asked him. "You know they sing all the times. So, when i'm gone this little guy will sing to you and you'll not be alone. Plus, i can watch them for hours. I don't kow why, i just do." "Thank you." Pauline answered and smiled. "He needs a name." Jesse said and they both sut next to their new pet. "What about Oscar?" Pauline said suddenly. "Oscar? I like it. And i think is suits him, right Oscar?" Jesse asked the canary. Oscar let a single note. They laughed.

After the luch Jesse was sitting on the couch playing with his phone. pauline came from upstairs and turned on the A/C. It was only the first days in August and the weather was getting hotter and hotter. After leaving her phone on the table she sut next to Jesse. "You know i checked the names you wrote on the list." he said and left his phone next to hers. "I really like Patrick John together." he looked at her. "Sounds good together." "Yeah, PJ sounds really cool. Plus is the first letters of our names." Jesse added. "I don't even thought about that. It's more simbolic that way." Pauline answered.

"Okay, so Patrick John is the one, what about the there other little guy? he deserves to have a cool name too." she said. "Sure. I can think of the one of the two names." "Which is?" "Contastine, your father's name. We want both kids to have greek names. John and Constantine, voila!" Jesse said. "How do you kow John is a greek name too?" Pauline asked suprised. "I did some research. There are more. Jason, Jeremy, George, Bill, Micheal, Paul, Nick, Chris, Peter, Stephen..." Pauline stopped him. "Okay, okay. I see you did a research." Pauline answered. "Constntine is one of my favourites on the list. It's really unique and royale. It was your King. I didn't kow you had a King."

"Yeah, we did. Many, many years ago. When he left my dad wasn't even born. Very long ago." Pauline said. She liked his idea about her father's name. She wanted one of her sons to be called after him but still she wasn't sure if Jesse will have the same opinion about this. Jesse was studying her face. He wasn't sure what she was thining for this long. "Babe." he said and brought her back to reality. "Yes." "What you were thinking all this time?" "Nothing." she answeed. "Okay, so which one?" he asked but she still had that puzzled look on her face. "Name." Jesse said to help her. "Oh yeah names. I like Daniel, Benjamin and Kevin." "For me the top three are William, Noah and Andrew." Jesse answered.

"We have time." "Pauline, in less than two months you are giving birth. We do not have as much as time you think. We need to deside." "Fine, can we deside in a few hours because i want to sleep?" she asked looking at him. Her eyes looked very tired to him. "Okay." he answered and she smiled. He didn't want to her push more on the names thing. "Thank you. Now sit a little higher i want to sleep!" she ordered him. Jesse was looking at her. "Don't look at me. Move!" her eyes rolled. He found her extremly beautiful when she order him to do something.

Eventually Jesse sut right where Pauline wanted him. She lyied there leaning on him. She felt her eyes so heivy and closed them. It took her only a couple of minutes to fall asleep while he was playing with her hair.

Pauline fell asleep and Jesse was sitting on the couch thinking. He couldn't imagine his life anymore. Everything was now getting like they used to be before. In a few months he will have two little humans that will complete his life. He will be a father and that scares him. Even after all those talks with his father Jesse was scared. he was scared if he can't be the father he want or the father their kids deserve. He knew from first hand how is like your father to be gone. He didn't want that for his kids either to Pauline.

He looked down her her. She was so sound sleeping. She looked tiried and yet so much different. She looked so different in his eyes. She had changed a lot the last weeks. Not only physicly but emotionaly too. Hormanies were doing their job, especially when two little humans are moving inside your belly. He couldn't blame her. He was more thankfull to her than any other person on the whole planet. It had crossed his mind that she would leave or worse she would never come back after...

He stopped. That chapter of his or theirs lives was far gone. It has no point thinking what it would had happend if she was still in Greece. All that matters in now and the future. He looked around and heard Oscar singing. He couldn't lie, getting her a canary was one of the best things he had done the past months.

Her phone rung. Pauline moved but she didn't wake up. Jesse raised his head to see the ID and it was Alex. Jesse answered it. "Hello Alex." "Jesse listen to me. Ava is giving birth, i am taking her to the Hospital right now. I had alrready called my parents and they are on their way. Can you please bring Richie and Tori?" Alex told him in a rush. On the backround he could hear Ava heivy breathing. "Yeah, yeah! We are coming." "Okay, thank you. See you there." Alex hung up.

Jesse left her phone on the table and said. "Pauline, hey. Get up we need to go to the hospital." Pauline opened her eyes when she heard the word 'hospital'. She stood up. "What happend? Is everyone alright?" "Everyone is doing fine. Ava is giving birth. We'll pick up Richie and Tori and probably Adam and drove them to the hospital." Jesse informed her. Her eyes opened wide as they got watered. Ava will be a mommy. The best news she could hear right now.

Jesse stood up. He held out his hand to help her get up. "Go to the car and call Richie. I'll take care of the house." he said and Pauline nodded her head. "Don't forget Oscar!" she answeed while she was walking away. Pauline walked outside of the house where Jesse's car was parked. She unlocked it and got in. With her phone in her hands she was now waiting for Richie to pick it up. "Hey, Pauline how are you doing?" she heard his voice. "Did i wake you up?" "No, no. We are watching a movie with Tori." "Is Adam home?" "Yes." Richie answered. All those questions sure were not random. "Pauline what is going on?" "Just be ready all of you. Jesse and i will be there in 15 minutes. Ava is giving birth." she told im.

"Oh my God! My baby girl! Oh my God!" Pauline wasn't sure if she heard those words. Richie told them really quick. "Pauline you here?" he asked several seconds later. "Yep, i'm here. Just hurry Richie." "Yeah." Richie answeed and hung up the phone. Jesse jumped in the car and drove away. "You called him?" he asked. "Yes, they are waiting us." Pauline answered. "How are you feelling?" "I am feelling good. Just want to finish this. It's very painfull." Jesse raised his eyebrew. "You mena you don't want to be prengant ever again?" "I didn't say that. I put so much weight on the last month. I can't stand up by myself, i can't even wear my shocks and shoes Jess. But apart from these, this seven months are the best of my life." Pauline wanted to cry right there, in the car.

Jesse took her left hand. "Just two more months babe. Two more months and we'll be complete." Jesse answered as he saw Richie, Tori and Adam on the road. In a matter of seconds they sut on the backseat. "Jesse hit this fucking gas!" Richie said as they got in. "Richie watch your language in front of Adam." Tori answered immediately. Richie turned to Adam and said "Sorry Adam."

He looked in front. "Jess, son are we going to arrive in the hospital before or after the birth?" "I am doing what i can Richie. Just relax i can hear your heart beating from here." Jesse answered as beatween him and Pauline Richie was there. he might be sitting on the backseat but his head was on the front seat. "Pauline thank you so much for taking us to the hospital." Toria said and paused. "We will go in jail." "Oh come on Tori! You know i can drive without driving lisence. I was driving for years before i got my lisence." Richie looked at her.

"That was more of half a century. Ava did well by taking your lisence. You broke your arm, remember?" "Yes, but hte cops didn't take my license." Richie replied. "Because you gave them an autograph!" Tori answered. She wasn't mad at him at all. She was only worried about him and the other people around him. "Anyway." he looked at Jesse. "Jess please just drive a little faster."

"I thought you wanted to see your daughter." "I do." Richie answered. "So, sit back and enjoy the ride." Jesse answered. He was trying not to laugh from the chat he and Tori had. He finds them funny. He will propably act like that if his daughter was in labor. If he will ever have a baby girl. But this plans seems to belong on the future.

All the five of them walked in the waiting room of the labor. Richie was walking faster by far. There they found Alex sitting. "Alex, where is Ava?" Richie asked him without loosing any time. "She's in labor. Everything is very normal." Alex answered as he stood up. "Can i see her?" "I wanted to see her too, but she wants to be alone." "Okay." Richie answered and walked to the door with the big sing 'labor room. Doctors only.'

"Why nobody is coming?" he asked the rest of them. "Richie relax please. Alex said everything in alright. Let's sit down. Doctors know what they are doing." Tori told her husband. Richie thought about it and she was right, as always. Richie walked back and sut next to Tori and Adam on the one couch. On the other couch were Alex, Jesse and Pauline.

Over an hour passed and the door opened. Richie and Alex rapidly stood up and walked to the doctor. "How are they doctor?" "Alex, everything is okay. The expasions are very close to each other. I believe in 3 or 4 hours the baby will breathe the oxygen of this world." the doctor said. "Great. Please let us know how they are doing." "Will do, Alex. Now, if you exsume me." the doctor said and disappear behind the doors.

Alex and Richie returned back and informed the rest how things were going. "I just can't believe it." Richie said. "I remember the day she was born. I held her in my hands." he held his hands and looked at them. "She was so small and now she'll have her own baby." he said with all the emotions a grandfather could have in momments like these. Tori was gently rubbing his back. "Is just... i don't know how to explain it." he said. "Nobody can." Alex said from the other couch. "All i know is that the next day things will be different."

Some hours later Alex's parents joined them. They were all splitted in all the couches. Alex and Richie were the most nervous. The last minutes were walking up and down to the room. Adam was just waiting. Pauline was leaning in Jesse's showlder. "Pauline you okay?" he asked and looked down at her. "Yeah, i'm fine. Why do you ask?" "Because you haven't said a word since Alex's parents came two hours ago." "I am just tired. That's all." "Do you want to go home? Ava will understand." "No, i promised her i will be there." Pauline said. She will never brake her promise.

"Okay. Are you hungry? Thristy? Want to go to the bathroom?" he asked her. "No, Jess i am fine." she sit up. "What?" he asked. "Nothing. I just sit up. And i think i am hungry." Pauline finished her setence and Jesse had already stood up. "I'll get you a sadwich." he told her. "Does anyone wants anything to eat?" Jesse asked the rest of them. "I do!" Adam answeed in no time. they were sitting there more than three hours now and he got hungry.

"Let's go buddy." Jesse said and waited for Adam. They were walking next to each other. Adam was alittle shorted than Jesse even being only 14 years old. "Exited of having a nephew?" Jesse asked him. "Yeah, how could i not be exited?" "It's really cool being an uncle." Jesse answered. He remembered how he was when Stephanie gave birth to Stevie four years ago. He thought that the day will never pass. It was an endless day but in the end it was worth it.

Minutes later Jesse and Adam returned to the waiting room. Jesse gave Pauline the sandwich he bought. "Did any doctor showed up?" "Nope. We are just waiting here." Pauline answered and took a bite of the sandwich. "That staff is good." she added with half filled mouth. Jesse nodded his head. "You are not hungry? It's been more than six hours since lunch." "No, i am fine." Jesse answered as Pauline continue eatting her sandwich.

The next two hours passed really slow. They all think the clock on the wall was stuck at 11.34 pm. Most of them was beggin feelling sleepy. Adam was half awake and half asleep next to Pauline who was in the same situation as Adam. Everything was so quite and peachfull. The nurses on the front desk changed the shift. People was passing them by but they were still there waiting.

All of them were so tired that they jumped up when the door opened. "Congratulations Alex. Ava just brought to this world a healthy baby boy!" the doctor said with a huge smile of his. Alex covered his mouth with his hand. His eyes opened wide as the docotr shaked his other hand. He is a father. "Thank you. When can i see them?" he asked with socked voice. "The nurses are taking care of the baby and in a few minutes will bring him here. As for Ava in an hour or so. She's very exhausted from the labor." the docotr answered. "Okay. Thank you George." Alex answered. George nodded his head and left.

As he turned back everybody were so emotional about this. Tears of happiness rolled in everyone's cheeks. They hugged and kissed the brand new father. And as the doctor said before a nurse came carrying the newborn boy. Alex froze as he hold that little human in his shaken hands. He was covered by a blue blanket. His eyes were closed and his tiny little hands were closed as a punch. Alex looked to his closed eyes, to his nose, to his mouth and to his ears. Everything was so perfect about him. On his right his parents were looking to the newst memeber of their family. On the left Alex's parents-in-law were looking at their very first grandson.

Unfortunatelly the nurse has to take back the baby so he can feed and sleep. The nurse also told him that Ava was waiting for him in her room. But only him. He was ready to see her. he was wating all those hours for her. Alex just walked to her room and found her and their son together. He smiled and walked closer to the bed. He sut and put his left arm around her showlders. "I love you." he said and kissed her. "I love you too." she answered.

They both looked down to their son. "He is beautiful." Ava said while he was holding him. A pair of green eyes opened sow slowly that any timer could ever count. They smiled and cryied in the same time. A nurse walked in the room. "Congratulations!" she said with a smile. "Have you desided the name?" "Yes." Ava said and looked at Alex. "It's Benjamin Richard Wilson." Ava added and saw the nurse taking her son out of the room. "It sound better that Micheal Richard Wilson." Alex said. "I know, beacuse i was the one who suggested it." she answered. "Yes, my lady!"

Chapter 24: One Step Closer

Pauline took a notebook and a pen. She sut on the couch in front of the TV. Is been just three days since she finished with the classes she need to pass. The previous night Jesse left for Utah. The League has just begun. She drove him to the airport and saw him leaving. She knew this day will come but she hoped for the best. He promised he'll call when they land. The flight to Utah was about seven and a half hours with one stop in Chicago to change plane.

It was 10.00 am when she chacked the time in her phone. She took the pen and wrote down some possible names for the babies. She wrote about a dozen but she couldn't pick her favourite. She liked them all. She hoped that Jesse will like some of them too. At least they agreed that both of their kids with be named after their fathers. Pauline didn't mind that. After all she was named after her father's mother.

She was lost in searching names in her mind and she didn't hear the door bell. The bell rung for the first time, at least that was she thought. It took her some time to walk to the door. She opened the door and faced smiling Ava, a woman that she has never seen before and a huge bucket of flowers be hold by a guy.

Pauline was looking at the flowers when they go away. The next things she remembers is hugging very close Mike. "Oh my God!" she keep saying until Mike stopped her. "Okay, Pauline we all get that." Mike said and smiled. "Yeah, sorry. Please come in." Pauline said and closed the door behind her. "Have a seat. Can i get you anything?" she asked. "No, we're all fine." Mike amswered.

"I want you to meet my fiance Alison Baker. Alison this is Pauline Timson." Mike said and both women shaked hands. "Nice to meet you Alison." Pauline said. "The pleasure is all mine. I know a lot about you. You know Mike he never stop talking." Alison said and they all laughed. "You know i'm here too?" Mike responeded and walked next to Pauline.

"Why you didn't tell me you're coming when we talked to the phone yesterday?" she looked at him. "If i had told you it wouldn't have been a suprise." Mike looked at her. "Just look at you!" he looked at her belly. Mike sut down to meet her belly. "Hello, boys. I'm Mike, nice to meet you." He stood up.

"You know you look redicioulus, don't you?" Pauline told him. "I know, but i don't care!" Mike said smiling. "i don't know about you i'm going to sit." the 8,5 month pregnant Ava said and she made her way to the living room. The rest followed.

"So, what are you doing here?" Pauline asked the couple. "I work for the McDonald's. I used to control all the restaurants in Michigan. I got promotion which requars me to control New Jersey and New York's restaurants and i couldn't do that in Michigan. So, we moved in Newark." Alison said. "Congrats!" Pauline said. "Thank you." Alison answered.

"Where is Jesse?" Mike asked. "In Utah. Or on his way to Utah. He left this morning." "Oh yeah. I forgot NFL starts tommorow." "Yeah, it starts!" Pauline said. "Anyway." Pauline looked at Ava. "How are you holding up?" "Me? I'm fine, just a little anxious about the labor but in genelar, good." Ava answeerd and smiled. "Until, my father mouved in!" Ava added a few seconds later and everyone in the room looked at her.

"What do you mean he mouved in?" Pauline asked. "He lives in the house now. He said that now Alex in LA for filming the movie and i'm alone he should come to help me. Especially now that my due date is coming." "Oh, it can't be that bad." "You have no idea." Ava answered and shaked her head. "Do you think my dad will come too?" "I hope he does not." Ava said. "I hope that too."

The next few hours past very quickly. It's been very long that they were all together in the same room. They have so much to talk about. They laughed so hard, they all need it. But beacuse good things can not last forever they have to go.

And then pauline found herslef alone on the big house. She realized how lonely she was feeling. Since Louis died she was never alone. And now three months later she faced the loneliness. She was missing him momments like these. He will walk from the patio and sit next to her on the couch. He will rest his face on her legs. This is how they watched movies together.

Pauline look at the notebook on the table in front of the couch. She saw the names she had write down. She smiled. She wanted to find her sons the best possible names when she realized is not the names that matters, is everything else but the names. All those things Jesse and her will learn them about everything in the world. She didn't want to loose anything from their livies. She wanted to be there in every step they take, big or small. Hers and Jesse's job have ohter plans. Outside games for both them, she really wanted to know if they will have time for themselfes. She was so silly thinking things like that. They have the whole life ahead of them.

Her phone ringing brought her back to reality. "Hey, did you land?" she asked Jesse right away. "Yeah, just half an hour ago. Hello to you too." "How was your trip?" "Good. I was sleeping the whole time. How did you spend the last five hours?" "You have no idea who came for a visit?" Pauline said. "Am i have any chance to find it?" "I don't know." Pauline answered. "Can you tell me because i will never find it?"

"Ava, Mike and his fiance." Pauline said exitied. "What? I though he lives in Michigan." "Not anymore. His fiance got promotion and they moved to Newark." "That's great!" "You don't any problem with that?" Pauline asked him. "Why should i have?" "beacuse when we were in High School..." Pauline started but Jesse stopped her. "Baby, all these belongs to the past. We were all young back then. We are different now. I'm glad he's your friend, he's a good guy." "Yes, he is." Pauline answered.

"Did you parents call you?" "Not yet. They have about two hours till they land to Greece." Pauline told him. "Lucky them." he said and sighed. "Worried about the game?" "No, not really. I worry more about you, being home alone." he said and walked a few steps away. He didn't want his teammates hear him. "You don't have to worry about me, i'll be fine. Just focus on the game. I checked their stats, they have no hope." Pauline said.

"Since when you check football stats?" "Since my husband plays in the NFL." Pauline answered him in no time. "I like you calling me your husband, even though i am not yet your husband." "Technicly you are." she said.  "I already miss you." Jesse said after a long pause. "I miss you too." Pauline said.

"Jess come we need to check in!" 

Pauline heard Cody's voice. "Go. I'll call you before i go to bed." she told him. "Okay." "Have a nice flight." Pauline answered. "Thank you. Bye." Jesse said and hang up the phone.

Pauline left her phone on the table. She checked the wall watch above the TV screen. It was 5.35 pm. She got up. She walked to the bookcase in the living room. She took the book she was reading. After turning on the AC she sut on the couch and lost herself on reading.

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The next afternoon Pauline sut comfy on the couch in the living room. She flipped the channel in the sports one, where she will watch Jesse's game. A big bowl of cream and cookies ice cream was in front of her. Being late July, eatting ice cream and going swimming were the best things you can do. Pauline didn't mind both of them. She was eatting ice cream during the winter, she was enjoy it more in the summertime.

The game will start in 30 minutes. As the team was get warming up {auline was trying to find Jesse. It was a little hard because they were all wearing this gold hemlets or gold eggs as Pauline was calling them. She still remembers how Jesse reacted when she said that. She started laughing but the sound of the door bell made her stop.

On her way to the door she was trying to figure out who migh be behind the door. Pauline oped the door and faced always smiling Romeo. Her jaw fell. "Romeo what are you doing here?" "I am here to watch Jesse's match with you." he walked in the house. "I brought some ice cream, cream and cookies, i know is your favourite." Romeo added.

He looked back at Pauline who has the one hand on the door and was looking at him like he was a ghost. "Are you going to close the door or...?" he asked her. "Yes, of course." she said puzzled and closed it. As they both walked in the living room. "Oh i brought the very same ice cream." Romeo said.

"It's okay Romy. By the end of the week your ice cream will be long gone." Pauline said and she and Romeo sut on the couch. "I think they'll win." he said and looked at Pauline, who was kind of lost. "Hey Pauline i'm talking to you."

Pauline shaked her head and looked at him. "What?" "Are you alright? Do you need anything?" "No no, i'm fine." Pauline answered and smiled. "You are suprised seeing me here, aren't you?" Romeo asked back. "This boy is smart." she thoguht to herself. "Just a little." "I should have visit you more often." the young man said.

"If you want to. I'm here." Pauline said. She could see that something was bothering him. But she remain silent. If he wanted to talk all he had to do is start. "I am going to bring something to drink and two bowls to put the ice cream." she said and stood up.

When she returned Romeo was still sitting where she left him. The game had started. "How does it going?" she asked and put on the table the disk. "We win." he answered and took the one of the two bowls. "Who would have thought? Jesse playing for Notre Dame." he said after taking his first bite. "He earn it." Pauline sut next to him. "Yeah sure. He really wanted to play there as far as i remember." he paused. "Will you?" he was now looking at her.

"What do you mean?" she asked him. "I remember the fight you had at his first game. You don't like this team, don't you?" "Romeo it doesn't matter if i like it or not. If Jesse likes there is nothing more to talk about." "Yes, you're right." Romeo answered.

"Have you talked to Jacob?" Pauline asked trying to change the subject. "We don't really talk since he left for Los Angeles." Pauline was keepinga very close eye to 18th year old Romeo. "So, do you know is which College you'll go?" she asked him. "No." he answered and left the half filled bowl on the table. Pauline notised it.

"There are too many and you can't choose?" "There are no Colleges i want to go to." he yelled and looked at her with his eyes filled with anger. "Why everybody is asking me this question?" he got up. "Is it so hard to understand that i do npt want to go on a College?" he said angily. He tunred his back on her. "Everybody were so proud when Jacob  got that scolarship." he said calmy now.

"Dad was so proud of him. His son will study Business and Economics in Los Angeles, California." he looked back at her. "I was proud of him too, i really was. But when he left all we talk about was Jacob. When they finished with the conserts all he was saying is 'Romeo John study hard to reach your brother.' Over and over again." he turned to Pauline. "And i am asking you know. How on Earth should i try?"

"I was never fan of studying, Pauline. I tried but i failed. I send letters to all Universities in the Country who have Architecture departement. And guess how many replied successfully?" he paused for a second. "None."

Pauline was looking at him trying to understand what she should answer. The situation was different and it was the first time that she has to answer. Usually she was in Romeo's shoes. But now she must give him an answer. "Look Romeo." she started and looked at the 18 year old Romeo. "There is no way you will get accepted in any College. Even i got accepted who i was born in an another counrty." she paused. "What i am trying to say is that you should re-send those Colleges an application letter. I can help you with that."

"Really? Will you do that for me?" his blue eyes filled now with hope for a second chance. "Of course and i will help you. We are family remember?" Pauline answered smiling. Romeo hugged her tight. "Thank you." he answered.

A few hours later after Notre Dame's victory Pauline asked Romeo. "Would you like anything to eat?" "No, i am full. Thank you." he replied. "I'll go these to the kitchen." he added only two seconds later and got up. Walking back from the kitchen he asked. "Pauline can i stay here for the night?" "Yes, sure. Just let your parents know." "I don't think they will notice me." Romeo said and sut on the couch. "Don't you ever say that again. You are their son. Of course and they wil worry about you. You are their youngest." Pauline said.

"Can call them and ask them? I don't want to talk to them right now." Pauline sighed. "Okay, i will call them."

Pauline after making the guest room for Romeo she lyied to the bed. She thought she had done the right thing. She was one step closer of becoming a better person and a better future mother. She was somehow proud of herself. She had watched Romeo growing up and becoming this young man he is today. She knew he will make it. She have faith in him.

The next moring when she walked downstairs Romeo was already gone. But he had left a frwaing of him and her together. It was beautiful. She wipped off the tear in her eye when the phone rung. "Good morning Pauline." Jesse said happily. "Good morming to you too." Jesse notised her voice was different. "Are you crying? What happend?" "Nothing. Everything it's under control." Pauline answered. "Are you sure?" "Yes, i'll explain you when you get here. Where are you?" "In the room packing. We leave in an hour." Jesse said.

"Do you want me to come to the aiport?" "No, we arive at 11.30 pm. It's too late for women like you." "Women like me?" "I mean prengant." Jesse answered. "You saved it." she said and laughed. "We'll talk later, okay babe?" Pauline said and walked to the kitchen. "Okay, take care." "You too. I love you." "I love you too." Pauline answered and hung up. 

Chapter 23: And The Servants To Paint The Sky Blue

Pauline woke up when she heard a weird noice coming from her stomack. It's been more than ten hours she didn't eat and she was hungry. She checked the clock on her nightstand and it was past noon.She pulled the covers and got up. After using the bathroom she walked out of the bedroom and there she found Jacob and Romeo.

Pauline was more suprised than the boys. "Boys wgat are you doing here? Why are you in school?" she paused to breath. "And what is that you're carrying? Where is Jesse?" "Easy!" Jacob stopped her. "We were in the town when we saw Jesse buying the colours and we're here to help him paint the kids rooms. Jesse is downstairs with dad." Jacob filled her in. "Okay, thanks for the usdate!" Pauline said as the boys walked away.

A little suprised Pauline walked down the stairs and found Jesse and Jon sitting on the couchwith a lot of magazines in front of them. "Good morning!" she said and both looked back. "Good morning Pauline!" Jon answered and smiled. "Morning babe." Jesse said and kissed her cheek. "I brought some donats for breakfast." "Great!" Pauline answered and shit next to Jesse on the couch.

"I saw Jacob and Romeo upstairs. Why you didn't wake me up?" "I woke up early. My dad here wanted to take care of some staff and he called me." Jesse looked at his father who was lost in a magazine. "You know it's been a while since we had some father-son time." Jon answered. "So, what are all those magazines for?" Pauline asked. She could see that Jesse was pissed.  She tried to change the sunject before it get worse.

"For the boys's room. The guy who delivered the cribs gave us these too." Jesse informed her as he pointed the two large boxes on the other side of the living room. "Great. I'm going to eat my donats and i'll be right back." Pauline said and got up from the couch.

Walking in the kitchen she found the donats that Jesse bought and a glass of milk. She couldn't have a better breakfast than this. Pauline sut on the chair and took the first bite and then the phone tung. Seconds later she heard Jesse picking it up and coming in the kitchen. "It's for you." he said and left.

"Hello?" she said. "Hello mrs Timson. I'm calling from New York Athletics University Volleyball departement. Mr Christopher Bledsoe wants to talk to you personally in his ofice this afternoon." the man said. Pauline froze. Her breath caught in her throat as her heart start racing in her chest. "Mrs Timson?" the man asked after the long term Pauline's pause. "Yes. What time?" "At 18.00 will be great." "Do you know what is this about?" "I'm sorry but i don't." "Okay thank you." Pauline said and hung up.

A little lost returned to the living room. Both Jon and Jesse saw her a little shaken. "Who was on the phone?" Jesse asked her. "New York University. Mr Bledsoe wantes to talk to me." she said and left the phone on the table. "I'm fucked." she said and sut heivy on the couch. "Why?" Jon asked. "Because i haven't been there since February and i didn't play at any game and i screwed up the whole team." Pauline answered and covered her head with her hands. Jesse hugged her as he said "Is not that bad." "No Jesse it is. And it will get worse. They might fired me! How we will managed it with only you getting paid? My due date is getting closer and we didn;t find names yet. The room is not ready. Shall i move on?" "Pauline breath!" Jesse said and looked at her. "We will find a way i promise." he said and kissed her foarhead.

"Try to stay calm and take it easy. Go finish your breakfast and we'll talk about it later, okay?" he said. "Okay." she answered as he helped her get up. She was only four months away and her belly was getting bigger and bigger.

Jon was waiting for Pauline to go in the kitchen. "That was beautiful Jess." Jon said and looked at his son. "From now on your livies won't be the same. These two little boys will complete you as a human, Jess." "How much change are we talking about?" Jesse asked scared. "Jess, in a few months you'll be a father. Do you know how much you have to sacrefise? Not only you, Pauline too. Everybody can have childern but the diference is who can raise them right." his 60 years old father told him.

Jesse looked down. "What if i'm not ready to be a father? My carrier is just getting better. The league is starting and i'll be travelling in all over the country while Pauline will be here. I don't want that." Jesse said looking at his father. "I'm sure you don't but you have to." Jon paused. "Jesse i know i wasn't the best dad. I have missed so many birthdays. school plays, games that i can count because of my job. But when i was home i was home. So, when this will happen make sure be at home, okay?" Jon finished.

He doesn't talk many times about being a father but when he does is unforgetable. "I know i didn't say this one before but i'm sorry Jess." "Sorry for what?" For not being home in half of your birthdays, at the promp and in your gratuation." Jon said as his tears were about to roll on his cheeks. Jesse in all his life he had never seen his father like this before. he will never show how he was really feelling. He was keeping it to himself and only to him. Jesse knew things had changed since they stopped touring but he thought, hoped and believed he will be better.

"Oh dad!" Jesse finaly spoke and hugged his father. "You'll have all the time you want to replace all the time you and i lost." "It won't be enough Jess, i'm not gonna live forever. Afterall i've missed so many many school plays and you can't go back to school." Jon answered when they broke the hug. "I won't dad. But your grandchildren will. You can go to theirs and i will be there too." his son said and smiled.

"Okay, i'm crying like a little girl here. Let's go some men staff. I'm going upstairs to see what these little monsters are doing." Jon said with his normal voice now. "Okay, i'll be there in a few." Jesse answered and saw his father walking up the staircase.

Smiling to himself Jesse got up and walked to the kitchen. "And this man is your grand-father. Well, the one of the two. We'll talk about grandpa Costas an another time." Pauline said looking at her belly. Jesse was standing in front of her with his arms crossed. "Are you telling them his whole biography?" "No, just the basic. They'll descover the rest with their own." Pauline answered as Jesse pured himself a glass of water.

He seems upset and Pauline notised it. "Everything okay?" she asked. Jesse finished shis water and put it back in the sink. "Yeah, everything is fine.We'll be upstairs painting." "Okay, i'll start cooking lunch. Do you know if they'll stay?" Pauline asked and got up. "I don't know. I'll ask them and i'll tell you." Jesse answered and smiled.

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Hours later Pauline was waiting outside of Mr Bredsoe's office. She was watching people passing her by and all she could do was pounding her foot. She had many years to feel this nervousness. Now, she had to face the conciquences of her own actions which she had no idea what the cost will be.

Finally, Mr Bredsoe's door office opened and pauline got up to greet him. "Mrs Timson! I'm so happy to see you. Please come in." Mr Bredsoe said with a big smile on his face. Pauline crossed the large office. "Please have a seat." he said as he sut.

"First of all, i want to congratulate you for your upcoming wedding and the birth of oyur childern." "Thank you Mr Bredsoe." Pauline answered and smiled. "Now, let's get to the point. he paused and looked at Pauline who has no idea what to exept from him.

"You're a good player. Probably one of the best i've ever seen. We need those players in order to achive more and more every year." Mr Broedsoe started and Pauline tried to hide her blush. How can't you not blush when the principal of New York University Athletics says those kind of words?

But he got serious the second after he finished the setence. "In the middle of March you just disapear. Your long term shouting down phone couldn't tell us where you were. Mrs Timson you staied in Greece for 48 days and then you flew back homewithout answering any phone calls. We lost the championship that you all girls fight to get in." Mr Bredsoe stopped to sit a little closer to the desk.

"You're a good player nobody can't doupt that. But there are lost of things next to your name Mrs Timson. And because of that i want to tell you one good and one bad thing. Which one do you want to hear first?" he asked.

her heart was racing and her mind was travelling with 100km per second. She was lost right in front of him and she couldn't give him an answer. "The bad news please?" Pauline asked while she was looking at him. He took a breathe. "Well, Mrs Timson there are four more classes you need to pass before you get your Master in coaching. Meanwhile you're..... fired." Mr Bredsoe answered.

Pauline froze. She shallowed hard. At first she thought her ears were playing tricks but Mr Bredsoe's face couldn't lie. She looked down to herself for a moment. That was a consiquence it didn't crossed her mind but she should had guess it. What she did was tattaly unprofesional and without thinking. And these she goes facing the consiquences.

"But the good news Mrs Timson are that you are nominated fro MVP of the year." Mr Bredsoe caught her out of guard. He gave her the letter which confirmes it. Pauline rolled her eye as she read it.

"As i said before you're a good player and you're getting better everyday all you need to do is grow up." Mr Bresoe begun. "I'm sorry to put it in that way is just an advise from an older one. You have your whole life ahead of you. In a few months you will be a mother which is better than any of these." "It's alright Mr Bredsoe you don't have to apologise to me, this part is mine." she paused.

"I just wanted you to know that i didn't leave the country because i didn't have anything else to do. I know i acted like a fool and all i ever wanted is to be a part of this team. I know you just fired me and i don't blame you, i will probably had done the very same thing. All i ask is a second chance." he said and looked him in the eyes.

"I don't know Mr Timson. We could have won the championship if you were here. And now with your pregnancy you're one year off." Mr Bredsoe answered. He didn't see this one coming and still he cou;dn't do anything. "I have to talk with the coach about this. but you have to wait. Just pass those classes and we'll see." "Okay, Mr Bredsoe. I should get going." Pauline said and stood up as Mr Bredsoe did the same.

"I wish you the best for the birth and good luck." Mr Bredsoe shaked hands with Pauline and saw her leaving his office.

About one hour later Pauline walked in the house. She left her jacketand the bag on the couch and walked up the stairs. Passing by the closed doors she found Jesse on the nersary room. he has the back on her and he couldn't see her. He was down on hi knees.His shirt was tight and she could see every muscle as he was moving his arms. Not to mention how she loved his back. In front of him every single piece of the one crib. He had make some progress in fixing it but he was in the first steps. He read the instraction out loud. "Yes, i know that this is going between them you bastard!" he sighed and threw the paper.

"Jesus man! How can i fix this fucking crib? jake said it will be easy.Damn!!" Jesse said totally disappointed. "Need a hand there babe?" Pauline said from behind as she was trying to hide her laughter. Jesse stood up. he laughed too after watching her laugh. he rested his hands on his hips. "A helping hand will awesome right now." he laughed. "How it go?" he asked when he got closer.

"Well, four classes i need to pass in order to get my Master in coaching. We're about 36,000 US dollars richer because they fired me. And i'm nominated in MVP of the year." Pauline finished. She could see the suprise in Jesse's face. "What?!" je said. "Yeah, i didn't see this one coming too. But what can i do? In just one more thing in my to do list." Pauline said. "I'm sorry to hear that i know how badly you wanted to be in this team. But if you're the MVP of the year many teams will want you right?" Jesse said with his thinking face. "Maybe. I need to get my Master before the ceremony." "And when is that?" "17th October New York. PLus, my due date is somehwere close to this date. yeah, everything is fabulus.!"

"Don't say that Pauline. We're fine. We have been through worse when we were younger." he took her face in his hands and looked deep in her brown eyes.  "I want you to pass those classes. Is a pieve of cake for you. You were a better student that me when we were in High School. Show the world who you are. You have the chance to be MVP of the year, do you know how many people want this? Everybody wants a blaze of glory and that sometimes change them but you're not like that. You're strang, talented, protective and yet beautiful. And i know that i didn't say this the past few days... i love you." he said and kissed her with everything he has because she was everything he ever wanted."I love you too Jesse. You're more romantic than i thought you were." Pauline said and smiled.

Chapter 22: Dying Ain't Much Of A Living

"And you have no idea who opened the door!" Pauline said as Jesse opened the door of the house. "The President?" "No, someone worse. A housekeeper!" she paused to close the door. "My mother hired a housekeeper!" "And is that bad? The house is big and she couldn't clean it all by herself." Jesse said and pulled out his coat. Pauline sut on the couch. " She started yoga. She hates yoga. I think we should buy her a dog or find her a hobbie. Pauline said. " Nixe idea. Stephanie bought a dog for dad too when he stopped touring." Jesse sut next to her.

"Now he thinks he's Bukowski and he start writing a book." "What kind of book?"Pauline asked. "We don't know. He doesn't allow anyone to see it." "This is very interesting." "I think it's very serious." Jesse said and Pauline was about to laugh.

"Why are you laughing?"He asked with string voice. "Because you're being rediculus. They were touting for almost 40 years. They just stopped and have nothing to do all day." Pauline explained. " I don't mind writing the book as soon as it remains unpublished." "He might get bored writing it." "I hope so." Jesse said and looked around at the living room.

"Are you looking for something?" Pauline asked. "Have you seen Louis?" "None since we came back. He'll probably be in his spot." "I wanted to take him out. You know since you returned I didn't have the chance to take him out." Jesse answered. "You can take him tomorrow and the day after that and all the days." after a small pause Pauline got up from the couch. "I'm going to bed. Are you coming?" "Yeah, I'll  just go out to find Louis. Is getting cold outside." Jesse said and got up from the couch. "Okay." Pauline said and walked away.

Jesse saw Pauline walking away and he walked away too but for the differnt direction. He closed behind him the kitchen door. He shadered by the wind. It was cold for late May. With his hands in his jacket pockets Jesse walked down some stairs. He found Louis where Pauline thought he will be. he yelled his name but he didn't responce. Instead he left a low voice of giving up in. Jesse froze and run as fast as he could leaving a small curse word on his mouth. He knelt down on his knees. He touched his back as he said "Hey buddy. You're going to be okay." Louis opened his eyes. He looked at Jesse with a look full promises he couldn't keep anymore.

The wind was blowing cold as the clock keep ticking. Jesse got up and took him in his arms. As he was walking him inside he whispered. "I won't leave you alone, i promise." Once they were inside Jesse walked up the stairs very carefully. He walked in the bedroom and found Pauline reading a book.

"Oh my God! What happend to him?" she said as she tgrew the book on the wodden floor and got up. Pauline run to them. Jesse placed him down on the floor like he was made of glass and he will break. Pauline looked up at Jesse and hew eyes filled with tears.

"It's time..." he said with low voice as he was trying to hide the tears. Pauline let herself free and buried her head on his chest. Tears of not wanted to say goodbye rolled to all over her face.

She staied there for several seconds. Pauline wipred off her tears and fondled Louis's back. "We are here with you baby." she said and lied next to him. She pulled him closer to her body. She was playing withhis ears and fondling his back like he loved since he was a puppy. She was thinking all of these that they had lived together the past 10 years. All filled with crying and laughter. She couldn't ask for anything else exept Louis. She fell in love with him since the first look, the first hug, the first barg and the last beat of his heart.

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Pauline was sitting on her side of the bed. Jesse knocked the door and asked. "Can i come in?" Pauline looked at him and nodding her head. He sut next to her. "How are you doing?" "I've been better." she simply answered. "Are you ready to see him again?" Jesse asked a few seconds later. "I'm not but i have to." Pauline said and got up from the bed and fixed the dress she was wearing. Jesse got up and hugged her so tight that all of the broken pieces of her heart got together again.

"You know Louis didn't want you to feel so bad." he said when they broke apart. "I'm not feeling sad Jesse. I feel empty." she replied. Jesse didn;t know what to say because he was felling the same way. "Let's go dowstairs everybody is waiting for us." Jesse said when he found his voice. 

Later that day Jesse returned home from the practise. He found his future wife sitting opn the couch playing with her tablet. "Babe, i'm home." he said and put his bag on the floor. He walked in the living room and kissed her mouth and belly. "What are you looking for?" he asked as he sut next to her. "Many different staff. From clothes for the kids to wedding locations." Pauline answered. "And did you find anything you like?" "I fgound some super awesome cribds! We should go and check them out." "Yeah, sure! And what about wedding locations?" he asked. 

"About that we have a problem." "What kind of problem?" he was serious now. "We can't get married unless one of us chances religion." "Oh..." he said and let the disappointement go all over him. Pauline looked at him. "But there one state in USA that we don't have to." his face lighted up. "And where is that?" "Hawaii." Pauline answered him. "Really? That's great." he answered hapilly. "Yes it is. About 100.000 marrieges take place in Hawaii every year." Pauline explained."Then we should hurry! Did you picked a date yet?" he asked.

"Actually, there something you need to know." she paused. "I don't want to get married this summer." "Pauline you scraed the Hell out of me!" Jesse said reliefed. "I thought you didn;t want to get married at all. I had a thought about it too. You know with the weatherand the anxious that marriege preparations have we should probably get married next summer." "Is not only that. I will never fit in any dress. I will be like a zeppelin in the summer." Jesse didn't say a word he just keep starring at her. "Look at my feet!" Pauline said and lifted her feet. "They are like someone is filling them with air. I'm halfaway and i'm 10 kilos fatter." she said and put her feet on the floor.

"Babe you're prengant with twins. Is normal to put some weight on during these 9 months." Jesse answered. "I know but i am not okay with that. All i think about is food!" Pauline said desperarly. "Welcome to my world!" Jesse said and smiled. "And speaking of which do we have any?" "I made some pizza for dinner." Pauline said proudly. She was getting better and better with the couking thing. "Awesome! I'm going to have a quick shower and i'll be right back." Jesse said and kissed her foarhead.

After they enjoyied themselves into eatting that delicious mushrooms filled pizza it was time for bed. Jesse walked in theier bedroom and found Pauline sitting on the bed with her phone in her hands. "I thought that the bigger sisters are the ones who should worry about the smaller ones not the other way around." Pauline said when she heard his footsteps on the wooden floor. "Is that Zeta you are talking to?" "Yep, she just texted me to to see if i'm okay."  Pauline and left the phone on the nightsyand next to her.

Jesse crossed the bedroom and sut on the bed next to her. "I wanted to give this earlier but i didn't really had the chance." Pauline looked at him with the rised eyebrow. "I took this his first day at home." he continues and gave her a small picture. "I made it so small that could fit in your wallet. I did." she smiled. "I remember that day and the previous one." she said with devil's voice. "Thank you Jesse. I loved it." Pauline said and hugged him.

Then she left the picture on the nightstand as Jesse turned off the lights. He pulled the covers and lied beside her. "I was thinking about going a new bookstore in Woodbridge tomorrow do you wanna come with me?" Pauline asked him. "Bookstore? Since when you became a book fan?" "I guess I always was but now I discovered it. You should start reading too." "I'm not the one who will read a book instead of a sport magazine!" he turned to her.

She gave him the serious look. "But yes we can go.  What time is it?" "10.00" she answered. "And after that we can go and check the cribs you found." "Very nice idea." Pauline said and tryied to hide her yawn. "Time for sleep." Jesse said and turned off the lights of the nightstand as Pauline did the same.

She found her spot in his arms like she always does. "Just like the first time." he said and fondled her belly. "Yeah, too bad we can't do what we did before we fell asleep." she said and sighed. Jesse lifted his head and looked at her in the dark. "What?" "You are not the only one who misses it." "I do." he said and put his head on his pillow. "But i have not to think about it and you should do the same." he explained while he was playing with her hair.

"Is one of the reason i want to get married next year. How should i enjoy the first night as your wife when we will not be alone?" "We will never be alone but we can manage it for one night." Jesse said and kissed her. "Goodnight Jesse." she said and looked deep in his light blue eyes. The moonlight run in their bedroom and stopped for a second just to admire them fot their brightness. Thso blue eyes of him could shallow stars, galaxies and universes. What hope did she ever have? "Goodnight." he said and kissed her soft lips goodnight.

She buried her eras into the calm of his heartbeat and in a matter of seconds fell terribly in love with the way her loneliness fell, softly and suddenly fell asleep in his chest.

Chapter 21: Pictures Of Them

A bird was singing his song to start his day and to wake up his girl with his beautiful song. This bird was sitting on the tree next to Pauline and Jesse's bedroom. This bird was happy because he has his girl right next to him and so was Jesse. Pauline was right there next to him sound sleeping. Her hair was a mess and all over her face and he loved it. e could see her belly making a heel under the blanket and he loved it. He was just watching her lungs filling in and out of air and he loved it. Then he realize that he loves everything about her, even her left toe that she hated, he find it unique and absolutly beautiful.

Pauline opened her eyes. She knew Jesse was looking at her sleeping a quite long. "Good morning." she said and smiled. "Good morning gorgeous. You missed you bed?" "Missing sleeping and the bed too." she laughed. Pauline checked his clock over his showlder. "It's late we should get up. Go to the super market to fill the fridge, go to your parents and take your staff and go to my parents to see me." she informed him the to do list. "No, just stay here with me." he said and pulled her closer to kiss her.

"And one more thing..." "What? Take Louis out for a walk?" Jesse asked. "I've totally forgot about that, but no. Have you hair cut off and as long as your beard." "Hey, i thought you like my beard." "Honey, i do like your beard but not this one." Pauline said  and placed her hand on his cheek. "I have something to show you!" she said and got up. "Where are you going?" Jesse asked from the bed.

"Be patient. It takes me a while to walk. And tell me again why the hell we wanted big master bedroom?" Pauline was complaining while she was walking to the closet room to find her wallet. Jesse heard her and smile. "You was the one who wanted big master, i wanted bigger the living room!" he shout back. "And why you agreed with me?" Pauline asked as she was holding what she wanted.

"You were so happy and i didn't want to ruin it." he said and got up from the bed. Pauline walked in the bedroom and saw Jesse standing and waiting for her. She smiled and gave to him what she was carryng. "I want you to have one too." she said. Jesse took it in his hands and froze at the sight of his unborn childern.

The backround was black and the siluette of his two children was white.He could see their heads and the rest of their body. Their arms and legs were formed. "They are beautiful" he said and looked at her. "I know" she answered and hugged him. They stayied there looking at this picture. Suddenly Pauline felt a pain in his belly. Automatically she put her hands on her belly. She saw the horror in Jesse's eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked. "Yeah, they just switch places. Do you wanna feel?" she asked him. "Can i?" he asked a little scared. "Give me your hand." with his hands in her Pauline placed them on her belly. A few seconds later he felt the best feeling he had ever felt in his life. he touched his own son's head and that felt more unique than words will never express.

He smiled. "Did you see that? He moved! He moved!" he said exited. "Does it hurt?" "No, is just weird having two little things moving in your belly." Pauline answered. "We need to find some possible names too. Did you find anything?" "Thousands but i didn't like any of them." she answered. "We have time. You want them to have greek names too." Jesse asked. "That will work for second names. You don't mind?" "Me? Of course not. I like greek names and i will love my kinds have one." he said and smiled. She smiled back.

"Thank you. I'm going to make some breakfast." "With what ingridiens? Our fridge is empty." "You're right. We'll grab something on the road." she said and disappear on the walking closet.

Minutes later they were both ready to go. They went to the supermarket to fill their fridge. "You'll go to your parents to pack your clothes?" Pauline asked him as they got in the car. "Yes, do you wanna come with me?" "I'd loved to but I'm planning on going to see my parents." "Yeah sure, I'll drove you there. Did they know anything?" he asked. "My mom knows and I told her not to tell dad. He'll be mad and agressive, you know." Pauline a sneered and looked put of the window.

Jesse looked at her. He wasn't really sure if she needs to know what happened. But a voice inside him was telling him to inform her. "Yeah about that. I think he knows." "And why is that?" "He came over one day." Jesse started. "He didn't do anything, didn't he?" she asked looking at him. "No.No. He was just making sure you won't get hurt again." Jesse answered."We'll see in a few what he knows. I only hope he's in the house. Judging by the cars on the road he's here." Pauline said as soon as Jesse turned on the road if her house.

He stopped the can on front of the big gate. "There you go." he said. "I'll call you when I'm done." "Okay. It take long for me too. Explain things." "Tell them I said hi. Howis Romeo?"she couldn't help herself for asking. "He didn't really noticed me home. Teenagers." "Teenagers. I should go otherwise we'll stay here all day." "Yeah sure." he said and moves to kiss her. After they apart Pauline smiled and opened the door. "I'll call you!" she said when she got out. "I'll wait." he answered and smiled. She smiled back and closed the door.

She watched him driving away when she couldn't see him anymore she turned to her belly and said "Let's go meet your grandparents." A few steps away and she was on the doorstep.

She looked around on the portch. A table with a chairs were there. She loved that place and brought memories that she thought she had forgot. She smiled and rung the bell.

Seconds later she faced what she wasn't prepaid to see. An unknown woman opened the door of her house and said. "Hello." "Who are you and what are you doing in my house? Where are my parents?" Pauline asked a little furious. "You must be Pauline." the woman said and Pauline looked at her. "I'm Brenda. I'm helping your mother with the houseworks. Come in." Brenda said and let Pauline in the house.

"Nice to meet you Brenda. Are my parents home?" Pauline asked feeling a little awkward asking where her parents were in her own house. "Your  other is in the garden doing some yoga and your father us in the office right here working. Di you want me to call them?" "Yes Brenda that will be great. Just don't tell them I'm here. I'll be waiting in the kitchen. Pauline told Brenda and saw her waking away.

Pauline Wales to the kitchen and thankfully nothing had changed. She took a glass from the dish washer and Pires herself a bit of orange jouce. "Well this in not what I was expecting." Pauline said to her babies but she stopes when she heard footsteps. She put her nest smile and turned.

Both mother and father rolled their eyes when they saw heir daughter. "Hey mom and dad!" Pauline said and hugged both of them tight. "Oh my gosh Pauline what are you doing her? I thought you were in Greece. When did you come?" her mother asked. Before Pauline tried to ask her mother what she was talking about her father jumped in. "I know everything Pauline. Your mother told me." "Mom I thought this was between you and me." "Pauline he's your father, he has the right to know What is going on in your life" Katerina told her daughter.

"Okay since dad knows what happen... Jesse and I are back together." she said. "Pauline ,my daughter, he cheated on yo and you're welcoming home with open arms? Is that what I've teached you?"her father started. "Dad he didn't cheat on me that night. I saw the rest of the video and he stopped. He didn't do anything." Pauline explained.

"And why he didn't tell you that two months ago before you moved?" Costas asked his daughter as they sit down on the table. "I didn't gave him any choice. I was gone before he got back that day." Pauline said and drunk a sip of her jouce.

The next seconds passed into silence. Pauline looked first at her father and then at her mother. "Is there anything I need to know?" Pauline asked. "Is there Costas?" Katerina asked her long time husband. Costas lifted his head and looked at his daughter. "Are you getting a divorce?" "Hell no! I just wanted to tell you that I warned Jesse..." Costas started. "You warned him about what?" "Hurting you. I heard Zeta talking on the phone with Ava when she found you." he shallowed. "I'm not proud of what I did okay? I was blind by anger. I couldn't handle that cheated on my little girl." "It's okay dad I understand." Pauline answered. "But you don't know what I did." "Jesse told me when he drove me here. You lost control. You made a mistake, we all do." Pauline said and touched her father's hand. "I was sure you'll understand." Costas said and hugged his daughter. "But you still own him an apology, a big one." she said when they broke the hug. "Sure whenever you want. You know I see you're different now.  These two had changed youbabf they are not born yet. " her father said looking at his daughter's pregnant belly.

"It took you longbyo bring it up!" Pauline said and laughed. "Boys these are your grandparents. Say hi!" she told them. "Boys?" Costas asked suprised. "You didn't tell him?" Pauline turned to her mother. "It was a suprise." "Oh my god! I need to buy clothes, strollers and so much more!" "Slow down dad! We have like five months  until the birth." "I need to be ready." "Did you find some names?"Katerina asked.

"Jesse asked me that earlier this morning.  He doesn't mind having greek names. So I guess we'll find some great ones." Pauline said and smiled to her parents.

Chapter 20: Willing To Try

Alex and Ava were sitting in the living room chatting when the door opened. Melina  walked in and froze as she saw them. "Ava and Alex Wilson?" Melina asked when she was able. "Yeah, you must be Melina. I'm Ava." Ava said and stood up to say hello. "Nice to meet you too." Melina asked back trying to sound normal. "And this is my husband Alex." Melina shaked hands with Alex too.

"Pauline is somewhere around?" "Yeah, she's packing her staff she's coming back to New Jersey." Ava answered. "That's great. I'm going to miss her though and Louis of course." Melina said as Pauline showed up with all her suitcases.

"Oh Melina you're here. I bet you met my best friends already." "Yeah, just did. Why you didn't tell me you're moving back to New Jersey?" "Because i wasn't. Ava and Alex came here today and made me watch a video prooving that Jesse didn't cheat on me. I'm not going to continue because i feel tottaly like a jerk to him." Pauline finished. "You should." Ava said. "Thanks for the support." "Any time." Ava answered.

"Pauline ready to go? We have a long journey ahead of us." Alex said and took the suitcases. "I'm ready. But before we leave i must see someone." "Who?" Ava asked the second after. "I'll explain on the road."

After Pauline said goodbye to Melina left her house. All the four of them were waiting for a cab to drive them to the airport. The two prengant women were sitting on a bench while Alex was trying to find a cab. When he found one and got in pauline instead of giving the airport adress, she gave an another.

"We'll stop somewhere first." Pauline said from the front seat. "Okay, but don't be late. The flight is in 6 hours. I booked us tickets online." Alex said checking his i-phone. "No, Alex this will not take long. "And who is this mestirious person?" Ava asked. "Well, his name is George and he offered to be the father of my childern." Pauline said and looked back to the backseat. Both of her friends were shocked.

"And?" Ava asked when she found her voice. "And i'm going to his house to tell him he can't do that anymore." "Hold on an unknown man offered to be the father of your kids without even know you?" Alex asked suprised. "Not, exuactly. We were dating before i left Greece." Pauline explained. "And he found you radomnly? That doesn't make any seans to me." Alex said from behind. "I agree. Anything suspicious he had done?" Ava added. "Guys relac! George is a very good guy and there is no way he could do anything to hurt me or the kids." Pauline said and looked out of the window. "We're here. Stay in the car, i'll be back in a few minutes." Pauline said and opened the door. "If you're not back in 15 minutes i'm breaking in." Alex said a little angry. "Alex don't be rediculus." she answered and closed the door.

Pauline walked in the entrance pof the big house and rung the bell. A few secondds later George opned the door. His eyes opened wide when he came face to face with Pauline. "Pauline what are you doing here? Is everything okay?" he asked. "I need to talk to you. Can i come in?" Pauline asked. "yeah, sure." George answered and let her come in. Pauline walked in the huge living room. "make yourself confortable." he said and both sut on the couch.

"So what do you want to tell me?" he asked. "Well" she started. "I really don't know how to start." "Jest tell me." George said looking in her eyes. She looked back at him and said. "is hard for me because you were good to me since the first day." she started with a prologue. "Pauline just get to the point." "I will but first i want you to know that i'm sorry." "Sorry for what?" "For having to move back to New Jersey."

"Oh... And why is that?" he added secondds later. "Let's just say i learnt things i didn't know months ago." "Okay." "George..." Pauline started. "No, Pauline you don't have to explain to me. I understand." "I'm sorry again." she said and stood up. "i wish you find someone who is more grown up than me." she added and left.

Pauline closed the door behind her. George was still in shick since pauline left. He knew a few minutes later will be his end. He took the phone in his hands and pressed the call bottom. After two rings he heard a voice. "Hello." "Hey, Jennifer it's me George." "You run out of money so fast? I send you 3.000 dollars yesterday." Jennifer said with atiduit. "No, i want to tell you something." he paused to take a deep breath. "I'm done. Your plan is over. She's coming back." George said and faced the five seconds silince.

"Shit!" You can't do anything right. I asked you one thing and you failed it." "I tried." "You didn't try enough." Jennifer slapped back. "What about me? The deal?" George asked back anxious. "There is no deal anymore. The deal was you to marry her and i save your company. But now you didn't marry her and i ain't saving your company. Things were straight since the begging George." Jennifer paused. "Oh and before i hung up don't try to tell anyone our little deal. I have men watching your every move. If i find out you tell anyone will be the nd of you as long as your little company of yours." she said and hung up.

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The airplane landed in New jersey airport. All four of them were thrilled to be home. Even Louis despite his age, he was happy. They jumped in the car and Alex drove away from the airport parking lot. 

"Pauline where to?" Alex asked. "I don't know. I need to talk to Jesse first. See how he's doing." "He'll be in his parents house. He was there two days ago." Ava informed her. "But i bet you want some alone time with him." she added. "Is not that i don't love his family." Pauline answered. "yeah, yeah. We know." Alex teased from the driver's seat. "Just drive you smartass." Pauline said while she was laughing.

When they calmed down from the laughter Alex tried again. "Still you didn't answer my question." Drive me home Alex. I have all these suitacases to care  of first. I'll have a shower, eat something mayebe and in the afternoon i'll call him." Pauline answered quickly. "Can you do all these by yourself?" Ava asked knowing the feeling. "Yeah, i'll be fine don't worry." "I'll help you with the suitcases tough. You took everything in Greece, didn't you?" Alex asked already knowing the answer.

Minutes later Alex had uploaded all Pauline's suitaces in front of her house. After saying goodbye to them and thanked them one more time Pauline crossed her house's side walk with Louis. She looked down to her dog. "So, Louis we're back home.Are you feeling good?" she asked and Louis sit and she just looking at her. "I wish i could know what you want to say." she added and walked to the porch.

She found her keys in her purse and tried to unlock the door. She froze. She lost the ground under her feet. The door was unlocked. She didn't know how to react. What if someone was in the house? She couldn't stop that someone. Louis walked next to her and then next to the door. He wanted to go inside. He was smelling something, someone.

"Okay, Louis. I open the door and you go to get whoever is in our house. Okay?" Pauline whispered to her little four foot friend. Pauline opened the door and Louis run in the second after the door opened. Pauline was afraid to walk in her house was in danger. She took a step in and closed the door behind her. She looked around but noone was there, maybe is just her imaginasion. After checking all the first floor and brought the suitcases in the house.

Once the suitcases was inside the house Pauline stopped at the big sash that is seperating the living room from the outdoor space. The view was stanning. It was late noon and the sunlights were going deep inside the lake water's making them sparkle. She had missed the view to the lake. She had missed every inch of that house. She was so lost on that view that she didn't notised Loui's barg.

He bargs a few times but he saw that Pauline didn't pay any attetion to him. He walked next to her so she can see him. He barg and she got scared. "Oh Louis i'm so sorry. I didn't see you." she said and sut on the couch. Louis followed her. She start fondling him. He enjoy it mpre than he could express. "You miss it buddy huh?" she asked. But out of nowhere Louis got up and run to the opposite direction.

Pauline smiled and turned to see where Louis was going. Her smile froze on her lips as she faced the one person she wanted to see the most. She slowly got up from the chair still having that shocked look on her face.

On the other side Jesse was having a hard time too. He was upstairs when she heard some noice coming from downstairs then Louis walked in the bedroom. That momment he knew she was there too. He has been watching her since she stopped on the sash. Words couldn't express or explain what he was feeling when he saw how beautiful she was and how big her belly is.

Pauline faced a different Jesse that she haven't see since they met in high school. He looked tiried and unhappy. It took her a little while to get used to looking at him with all the beard he had. A few feet was seperating them. A few feet and their hearts will beat as one.

"Jesse." she said first.

"Pauline." he followed and opened his arms.

With a small run she was hugging him and he was hugging her. He wrap his arms around her and hold her so tight than ever. He buried his head on her neck as he never let her go away. Her head was on his chest hearing his heart racing. She had missed that. She had missed them.

They stayied there enjoying each other for a while. "I missed you." he whispered to her ear. "I missed you more." she said and broke the hug just to feel his lips on hers. It felt like the first time to both of them. "What are you doing here?" she asked. "I came to check up on the house. What are YOU doing here?" was his question.

"I'm back. I learnt the truth with a little help from two friends and here i am. I couldn't be there while the other half of me was here." she said. "I wanted to call you since the first day but i knew you wouldn't picked it up knowing it was me. I should had search for you but i've never thought that you'll leave country." he answered. "I know but all these belong to the past and i'm here willing to try from what we left it." her hands were touching his cheeks.

"Ever since the first day i met you i have felt everything for you and i think i will never stop." she said looking deep in his eyes. Even though they were tiried they still had that sparkle that Pauline fell in love with all those years ago. He is the biggest love of her life and he will always be no matter what.

"Then, never leave me alone. It's too much pain than i can handle without you being around." he said and kissed her hoarhead. Then with his two hands touched her belly. "This is the best gift who you could give me. Is something that will remind me of you always and foever." Jesse said and Pauline covered his hands with hers. "They will probably look more like you but still i can try to give you a mini me."

Chapter 19: Maybe Someday

"So are you going to send it?" Ava asked Jesse. "I want to but she won't see it. I'm sure about that." he answered. Right next to him Ava was sitting on the couch. The life she was living suddenly turned upsides down when she saw the rest of the video. Ava didn't talk for several minutes. "You have to talk someday." Jesse said. Ava looked up at him and smiled. She stood up and took the DVD in her hands. "Maybe someday i will but first i got to go, Jess." she said and walked away. "Oh and please shave your beard." was the last words she said before she left the Bongiovi house.

When she sut on the driver's seat she search in her mobile for the contact she wanted and presed the call bottom. After two rings she heard a voice. "Hello." "Hey Mike it's me Ava!" "Oh hey girl how are you doing? I read an articl about your prengancy. How does he doing?" Mike asked and sut back in his chair. "He's doing really well, thanks for asking." "Have you talked to Pauline?" he broke the silence between the two lines. "Yes, i did. And that's why i called. Can you meet me somewhere?" "I'd loved to but i just got prommotion and i write about two or three articles a week." Mike said back.

"Oh, gongrats for the prommosion." "Thank you." "So, you can't leave for a few days like a day off?" she asked with a little hope in her voice. "I'm sorry Ava but that's impossible." "No, it's okay. I undertsnad." "And what this has to do with Pauline? I heard that that asshole cheated on her with Jennifer and she left the states." Mike said with anger in his voice when he talked about Jesse. "Actualy, Mike he didn't cheat on her. That was what Pauline knows but he didn't cheated on her." Ava answered.

"What? How do you know?" "I was in his house and show me the rest of the video that Jennifer send to Pauline the next day and nothing happend." "And why didn't he tell her?" Mike asked back. "Do you think Pauline will listen to him?" "No. So, she left knowing that Jesse cheated on her and he didn't." Mike said. "That's right. I'm going to pay her a visit that's why i called you. I didn't know about the prommotion thing." "No, Ava you did the right thing. Is just me i can't come with you." Mike answered feeling like an ass because he couldn't come with Ava.

"Hey, Mike Pauline will understand plus i'm not going alone." "And who's the lucky one?" "Alex, he will not let me go to Greece alone and prengant." "You are very bad." "I know." Ava answered and smiled. "Look, Ava i got to go the headmaster wants to see me. I'll call you when i'm home okay?" Mike answered more surious now. "Okay, but i will probably don't answer it. Mobile phones are not allowed in the airplane." "Okay, i'll text you then to wish you a nive flight. And tell Pauline i'm very sory that i couldn't be there." "Sure, Mike.Bye." "Bye Ava." they said and both hung up their phones.

Several hours later Ava and Alex were sitting on the seats of the First Class on a plane to Athens. "You okay Ava?" Alex asked his wife. She had a strange look on her face the three hours since the flight started. "Any second thoughts?" "No, is just i don't know how she will react when she'll see us on the doorstep." she said and looked at him. "Well, she will be suprised but i think she'll sit down and see why we are here." "You think so?" "I'm sure. I may not know her as much as you do but she will listen." Alex paused. "I think you should get some sleep until we land. It will be 3 am when we'll land. I'll wake you up, we had a tough day tommorow." Alex said and kissed her goodnight.

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Next morning Pauline was sitting on the couch flippong throught the TV channels but nothing caught her eye. Until she heard the bell rung. It took her some time to get up. Her belly was getting bigger and bigger and that made things more difficult. When she opened the door she came face to face with a huge teady bear. Behind this was George. "Good morning" he said and made his way in the apartement. Pauline closed the door behind her and said "Good morning to you too."

She walked closer and asked him. "What are all these?" George was holding this teady bear along with several bags. "Oh these are some clothes for the kids. You know nothing special just for the first months. We'll buy them more when we're closer to the due date." George answered full of passion. "Okay. Can i get you anything?" "No, i'm fine." he said and sut on the couch. He waited for Pauline to sit too and asked. "Did you make a decision?"

"Yeah about that. Look George i'm not sure about moving in your house. And i'm not sure of any of these things. I'm just tried to do what is best for my children right now." "I understand this Pauline. That's why i'm here right now. I know you since we were 6 years old and that's a long time. I know you are a very good person and i'm sure you'll be an excellent mother." "Thank you." she answered as she felt her cheeks blushed.

"We can wait until the kids are born. We have a lot of time ahead of us." George said. "Yeah, we do." Pauline answered and looked down to her belly. "Well, i should get going." he said and stood up. he said goodbye to Pauline and left.

Once George was gone Pauline had the chance to see what he had bought for them. She opened the bags and saw numerous pants, shirts and whatever a human mind can think. That make her cry. She was going to be a mother. She was still trying to get used to it. She knew that after the kids were born her life was about to change in just a few minutes.

She was sitting on the couch looking at the baby clothes when the bell rung again. Before answer the door she tryied to think who would be behind the door. But she never thought this person will be Ava and Alex.

Her eyes rolled and her jaw feel when she faced them in the door step. "W-What are you doing here?" she asked. "We came to check up on you since you're not in the US anymore." Ava answered. "Can we come in?" she asked a few seconds later. "Yes, of course." Pauline answered and let them in. "Nice house. Is that yours?" Ava asked as she take a quick look to living room and kitchen.

"No, Melina and Peter live here. My house is a few blocks away." Pauline answered. "Have a seat. Don't just stand up." she added. Both Ava and Alex sut. "So, how are you doing?" Alex asked. "I'm doing really fine. It did very good to me coming back here." "Are you planning to stay here?" he asked again. "Yeah, why not? When the boys grow up a little i'll start looking for a job."

Ava's eyes rolled. "You are having twin boys?" "Yes. You'll probably meet them a few months before the change of the year. What about you? How is this little guy?" Pauline asked back when she realized that she hadn't talk with Ava for a few months. "My due date is in the first days of August." Ava answered. "That's like in three months. And you crossed the sea just to check up on me?" now this was getting surious.

"No, we came for something alse." Alex jumped in. "What is it?" Pauline asked looking both of them. "Is Jesse." Ava asked. Pauline's breath caught in her throat. "What happend? Is he okay?" "He was better when you were with him." Ava said quickly. Pauline gave that coocky smile of her while she was looking down to the floor. "I should had guessed that." she lifted her head. "I was better with him too but he made me, he made us come to this point."

"Okay, Pauline come on now pack your staff and let's go home. Where you belong. He made a mistake okay i understand. But you crossed that line. Alex and i will be waiting for you here while you pack your things." Ava said. "What make you think that i will ever come back? I was born here this is my home i'm leaving. And damn sure i'm not leaving to go back to him." Pauline slapped back.

"We all know that's not true. You were ment to be together." "That was what i thought but he prooved me wrong when he was with her on the bedroom." Pauline said. The second after Ava search something to her purse and when she found it she stood up. Ava walked to where the TV was and put the CD on the DVD player and pressed the play bottom.

"We'll watch a movie? Should i get popcorn?" Pauline asked with sarcasm in her voice. Ava didn't answer and sit again next to Alex. Pauline looked at the TV screen and saw the video that ruined her life. The video that destroied her life. "Turn it off!" she yelled. "Not yet. You must see something." Ava replied calmy. Pauline looked back on the screen. She saw him kissed her like he was kissing her but he stopped. He pulled away from Jennifer and said. "No, you're not Pauline." "Of course and i am not. I'm better than her." Jennifer answered and kissed him.

He pulled away from the kissed and left the bed. "I wasn't supposed to be here. You did all these just because you're jelouse. And i the idiot thought you were doing fine. I'm just a jerk." Jesse said and walked closer to Jennifer and said "If i see you again near her or my family i'll kill you with my bare hands. Do you understand me?" he was very close to herhe could see the fear in her eyes and that was what he wanted to acheeve. Then he grabbed the rest of his clothes and left.

Ava closed the TV and turned to Pauline. "So, what do you want to say?" Pauline shallowed hard and then answered. "You have nothing to say, i do. Stay here i'll go pack my staff. We are going home."

Chapter 18: Don't Say No Just Give In

The next morning Pauline woke up and found Melina on the kitchen having breakfast. "Morning." she said. "Morning you too. I'm sorry about yesterday I didn't know that." Pauline said and sut next to her. "You don't have to apologise to me. How was your lunch with George?" "Pretty good." She said and looked down. Melina looked at her and asked. "What happend?" "He want to be the father of my kids." Pauline said after a few seconds.

"He wants to be what? B-But how?" "He said that he never stopped loving me. I believe him." "And now what? Are you going to marry him? And Jesse?" Melina asked but she regret it a second later. Pauline looked back at her with the stink eye. "Don't ever say his name again, do you understand me?" "I'm sorry." Melina felt very bad right now. "I think he has the right to know. He hadn't heard new from you since you left. We both know that he doesn't deserve it, after what he had done. But he's the father of your childern. If you were in his shoes you would had gone crazy."

"In case you forget, i wasn't the one who cheated. He deserves everything. I still can't believe that i gave all those years of my life to him. But the years flowed by and i'm changed, Melina. I'm not going to do the same mistakes again." she paused. "I think George will be a great father." Pauline said and stood up. "Now, if you excuse me i'm going to take a nap." Pauline said and left Melina with no words.

Minutes later Pauline was laying on the bed listening to music. Music always had been the best way to forget your problems. Louis was sitting next to her like he always did. But this time was different. She couldn't see him because of her belly. Her belly was getting bigger and bigger by the day. Now, knowing the sex of the babies she was carring, she should think about some names too.

In Greece there is a tradition that the first born kid of the family is named after the the father of the man. In that case Pauline didn't mind her son been named John, which is also a Greek name. On the other hand she wanted to name her other son Contastine, just like her father, but that couldn't work as an English name. It was a hard decison which was needed to be taken. But they have 4 months until the birth, that's a long time to think two names.

her thoughts were in a chaos when her phone rung. She saw the ID and it was her mother calling her. "Hey mommy! How are you? she asked. "Where the hell are you?" Pauline raised her eyebrows. "In the house." "Don't lie to me Pauline. I'm in your house right now an neither you or Jesse is here. I was calling you like 10 times a day the past week and you didn't answer your home phone. Are you guys on vocation?" "Not exuactly. Actually, i'm in ..." she paused to take a deep breath. "I'm in Athens." Oh great! You went to show Jesse your hometown, great! But the next time give us a call."

"I'm in Greece mom! And probably Jesse is in his house too." With these two sentenses Pauline creat a silence between the two lines. "What happend?" her mother asked. Pauline knew that she was going to hear it one way or another. It will be better to hear it from her. "Jesse and i broke up." and after that silence. "What do you mean broke up? How had broke up severale times before." "I know, but this time final." she said closing her eyes for a second. She didn't want to believe it.

"Are you joking?" "No, mum i'm not. It's the truth and you need to get over it." "What about the marriage? Your childern? The house? Will you come back?" were a lot of questions with one breathe. "Mum i'm sorry but i'm not going to marry him. The kids will be born here, in Greece. As far for the house and me coming back don't expect me because i'm not coming back." Pauline said.

"Honey, what did he do to you?" her mother asked. "Look mum, i got to go. Is getting late here and i'm very tired." her mother couldn't say anything but "Okay, sleep well and take care. I'll call you tommorow." "Okay, mommy. I love you." Pauline said and blow her a kiss over the phone. "I love you too." her mother answered and Pauline hung up the phone.

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Pauline had pressed the call botton on her phone the next morning. She put it on her ear and waited. "Hello?" she heard from the other line. "Hey, George it's me, Pauline." "Oh hey girl! How are you doing?" George asked back. "Pretty good thanks." she paused. "Look, George i thought what you said the other night." "And?" "We're not having this over the phone. Can you come over?" Pauline asked him. "Yeah, sure i'm on my way." George said and hung up .

About thrirty minutes later the bell rung. Pauline took a deep breath before she opened the door. "Hey!" George said with a smile. "Come in." Pauline said and George did. She closed the door and said. "Have a seat." George sut down to one of the two couches. "Can i get you anything?" "No no i'm fine." George answered.

Pauline walked and sut on the other couch. It was a weird momment for both of them. Both of them wanted to talk but none of them knew what to say. "So, what do you want to tell me?" George asked. He wanted to know. "Look George i thought of what you said and i want you to be the father, if you still want." she said and looked at him.

"Of course and i still want." he said exited. "You have no idea how happy this make me." Pauline smiled. "So, now you don't have to stay with Melina anymore. You can move in in my house in Dionysos." George said. "I don't know George..." she answered to him. She knew Dionysos is the richest suberbe of Athens and she knew her kids will have everything they need in their livies but she wasn't sure if she wanted to cross that line.

"Okay okay when you are ready."she stopped to take Pauline's hands in his. "I promise you Pauline you will not regrete this. I'll be the best father ever. I will love your childern like they are mine. I'll be there for them, i promise." Pauline's position was getting really weird. She didn't know what to say right now. All she could do was look at him.

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Meanwhile Ava just rung the bell on Pauline and Jesse's house. She was there for a few minutes but now she was sure that Jesse wasn't there. She sighed as now things were getting more and more clear. Pauline will never come back and Jesse moved back to live with his parents. She couldn't blame Pauline because she would had done the same things. Ava was hoping that Pauline will be back but now she is convined that this is not going to happen. All she could do now is be there for Jesse, even though he doesn't deserve it.

Minutes later she was in the Bongiovi house. "Ava what do you want?" Jesse asked her as soon as he saw her on his doorstep. "First of all who are you and what you did to Jesse?" Ava asked him. She was facing a different Jesse. He was wearing his pj's and he didn't shaved the last fouyr months that Pauline was gone. "You now how to use a shave machine right?" she asked him as she walked in the house.

"Ava i'm not in the mood." "You are not in the mood for four months now, Jesse. You need to get over it." Ava said as she walked to the living room. "Did World War III started from you living room?" several beer bottles were on the table as long as on the floor too. "If you came here to judge me the door is right there!" he said with agressive voise and pointed the door. "Woah Jesse chill out. I'm here to see how are you doing." Ava said with soft voise.

"I'm fine. I've never been better!" he answered and took a beer bottle in his hands and took a sip. Ava looked up at his tired blue eyes which had defently lost that sparkle. "We both now that's not true." "So, what do you want me to say? That i'm happy here? That i'm happy because i will never see my kids? Is that what you to hear Ava? Cause is not going to happen." he yelled.

"No, i just want to make you feel better." "Ava i'm sorry but nothing right now could make me feel better exept one." he stopped. Ava knew what he will say but she didn't hear it. "I want to see the rest of the video with me." Jesse said and put the cd on the dvd player before Ava could answer. "Jesse i don't think that's a good idea." "Just wait and see." he answered.

When the video finished Jesse sut next to suprised Ava. "This is what i wanted you to see. I knew that if i send it to Pauline will not see it and i was hoping you will." "So, this is what you wanted to explaine." Ava answered looking at him. "Yeah..." Jesse answered and looked down to his feet. Ava touched his hand. "This changes everything and you know it." "I know but she will not listen to me." "She doesn't need to hear Jesse, all she needs is to see." Ava stated.

Chapter 17: And I Will Love You, Babe - Always

Pauline opened the door of Melina's house and Louis run in first. After closing the door behind her she notised Melina with Peter sitting on the couch. She had that stupid smile on her face when she saw them. Melina looked at her and asked. "Why so smiling?" "Nothing, i just realized that the world is too small." Pauline answered and sut on the other couch.

"Yeah, i think it is. Who did you see?" Peter asked. "George." "George who?" Melina asked. "The one i was dating with on the Juniour High..." Pauline explained but still Melina didn't remember it. "Oh come on. The one who cheated on her with her neighboor on their anniversary." with a little help from Peter Melina remembered. "Hold on a second, how you know all this?" Melina turned to her boyfriend. "I've been watching you for years before we start dating, you just didn't notised." Peter asked back.

"You're the one who send her that huge boucket of red roses on her birthday?" Pauline asked with rolled eyes. "Yeah, that was me." Pauline start laughing while on the other couch Melina looked Peter with the stink eye. "He's good. We had no idea...." Pauline said between laughters. "Pauline shut up. How long have you been watching me?" Melina asked Peter with her bad look on her face. "About three months ago." he answered. "Okay, i'll go to have some sleep. Louis come here!" Pauline said to the dog and both of them walked out of the living room leaving the couple some space and time to talk.

Pauline was on the bed lying but she wasn't really able to sleep. George's name was pounding on her mind. She couldn't deny that he was the first love but things didn't worked out so well for them after he cheated. And even if he didn't Pauline had to leave for the Untied States. She was a mess when she ended and walked out in front of his eyes. She loved him and she was sure he loved her for a while after she left. They talked every day until they stopped.

But after she saw him today and talked he was much different. That meetting brought back memories that were deep down. She had done so many crazy things for him and with him. There were three amazing years that they were together. Lots of laughters when they were together. They were kinds sure that this relationship will last for a long time.

The next morning Pauline wake up a earlier than the usual time. It was a buzy day for her. She walked in dressed and saw Melina. "Good morning. Why up so early?" Melina asked. "I have to check that cleaning company fpr the house and i have an ulrtadound today." Pauline sut down. "Oh yeah i forgot about these. We'll go together on the ultrasound i'll finish work until then." "Yah, sure."
Melina checked her watch and she was late for her job. "I should get going. You'll leave?" "Yep, can you drive me to the company?" "Sure, let's go." Melina said and both left the house.

Moments later Melina left Pauline outside of the cleaning company. Pauline walked in and search for someone who can talk about the house. "Good morning madam. How can i help you?" a nice lady asked pauline as soon as she walked in. "Good morning. I want to talk to the headmaster, plaese." "I'm sorry but he's not here right now. He'll be here in seconds. You can wait him there." the woman said and pointed a little sallon on the right. "Thank you." Pauline answered.

She sut on the couch and waited for the headmaster to arrive. The same woman offered her an orange juise. She was reading some magazines waiting for the headmaster. "Excuse me Mrs Timson, Mr Papadopoylos is waiting at you in his office. Follow me please." the woman said. Pauline stood up and followed that woman.

She knocked the door and Pauline came in. "George?" she asked with a voise full of suprise when she closed the door behind her. "What are you doing here?" "I work here. What are you doing here?" George asked back with the same suprise on his face. "Are you the headmaster of the company?" Pauline asked. "Yes, please have a sit." George said.

Pauline sut on the chair facing him. "What can i do for you?" "Well, i told you that i'll move back to me house, which is been closed for almsot ten years. I was hoping if you can clean the house up. I'll pay you." "Of course and we can do that. You don't have to pay. Condire this as a welsome home gift." george said without taking his eyes of her.

That made Pauline a little unconfortable. She was used to only when Jesse was looking at her like that. She looked down and george sut back to his chair. "You don't have to do that." "Of course and i can do that. My first love came back after all those years is the least i can do. After the way treated you." he stated.

Pauline positions was gatting more uncomfortable but the second. Thankfully her her sell phone rung. She checked the ID and is was from the gynecologist. "I'm sorry but i have to take this." Pauline said and picked it up. "Hello. Oh, yeah i can be there now. I'm coming. Thank you very much." Pauline said and hung up.

"I'm sorry about today George. An ultrasound was cancelled and i have to go now." A few seconds passed and Pauline realized that she was supposed to go with melina who is in the office now. "Oh shit!" "What happend?" George asked and stood up from the chair. "Melina would and pick me up from here and go to the hospital but now she's in the office. Are there any taxis walking by from here?" Pauline asked. "They do, but i can take you to the hospital."

"George thank you, but you have work to do here. You can't leave." "I can leave whenever i want to. I rule this company. There is nothing to worry about." he said. Pauline closed her eyes and opened them again while she was facing him. "So, what do you say?" he asked her. She shallowed and answered. "Fine."

Minutes later Pauline and george arrived to the hospital. The doctor was waiting for them. Without loosing more time Pauline lyied on bed in the ultrasound room. The gynecologist was working her belly. "Very good. Every seems very normal. You want to hear their heartbeats?" the doctor said. How that young mother could say no? "Yes, please." was the only words she could say right now.

A second later Pauline was hearing their strong heartbeats. Boom. Boom. Boom. Her eyes filled with tears of happiness. She could hear her own heart racing as long with her childrens ones. "Want to know the sex? On this case of pregnancy there will be the same sex." "So, boys or girls?" "That's right. Let's see here." the gynecologist said and turned the screen so Pauline can see too.

She was now 23 weeks pregnant. Both of her children have their limps shaped legs and arms. They were face to face and they doctor was able to recognise the sex. "Do you want to call the father? I'm about to make a great anouncement." "No, he's not the father. He's just a friend. You can tell me." Pauline said and waited for the doctor to let her know what colour should paint their bedrooms on the house.

Hours later george offered her some lunch. That was Pauline's weak point for the past months. She knew that she and the kids she was carrying needed food. They ate on a very good restaurant and pauline loved it. But as the time was passing pauline was feeling tiried. george being a gentlman drove her home.

"Thank you for what you did for me today. I will not forget that." Pauline said on the entrance of Melina's house. "Everyone willhad done the same thing." he answered and smile. "Don't be so sure, George. On the hospital they thought you were the father." Pauline said and smiled a little. But as soon as she saw George looking down to his feet she stopped.

"I can be if you want me to." he saddenly said. Pauline roze and looked at him with a puzzled look on her face. "Be what?" "The father of your childern. Father is the one what raises them not the who participates on the sexual act." he said and took her hands in his. "The truth is that i can't stop loving you." he moved closer to her but she didn't pulled away, she stayied there until their lips met.

Pauline let herself free for the first seconds but she stopped. "I-I don't know if i, i mean we, can do this. At least not right now. I'm not on the best somaticaly and phycologist time." she told him looking at him. "I know. I know. I'll be there for you all the time, on any time. If we can't be together at least let me be your best friend." "I don't know George. It's too much for me right now."

"You have all the time to figure things out. I'll wait." he said. "I should go to the house." she said. "Yeah, sure. And get some rest, you have to raise two men." George said as Pauline was a few metters away.