*You Gave Me Everything*
“You Gave Me Everything”
Chapter 16
By: Tricia Kuchler © 1999
<<<<< *~* Two months later *~* >>>>>
Mandy was now a little over five months showing, and her stomach was showing more and more. She was by herself today; Kevin was at a rehearsal for the Boys new tour and she decided to do a little cleaning.
She went downstairs and got the cleaner and went back upstairs to her and Kevin’s bathroom. It hadn’t been cleaned in a little while and it needed, but not too, too badly.
The tile on the floor was cold under Mandy’s bare feet. She leaned over the tub and began to clean it, wiping the walls of the shower as she went. All of a sudden, her knees gave way underneath her and Mandy’s stomach hit the wall of the bathtub.
Panic filled Mandy’s brain. She didn’t know what to do. She had hit her stomach, her baby…her life. She thought to Kevin and her life with him. She loved Kevin more than anything, and this baby was such a huge part of them already. They couldn’t lose it now.
She had hit her stomach kind of hard, but she wasn’t sure if it wasn’t too hard. She may have just missed hitting the baby. But this was all tearing her up inside and she had to know.
She quickly got up and threw some sneakers on, carefully making her way downstairs. She picked up the phone and called Marissa.
“Hello?” Marissa asked.
“Hi, its Mandy. Look I need to go to the hospital. I fell and hit my stomach, and I don’t know what to do…” Mandy explained.
“Ok, hun, calm down. I’m sure everything will be okay. I’ll be there in two minutes,” Marissa reassured her.
“Ok, thanks Marissa,” Mandy told her.
<<<<< *~* At the hospital *~* >>>>>
Marissa took Mandy to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. As the doctors took Mandy into a room to examine her, Marissa whipped out her cell phone, calling Brian’s cell phone.
It rang and rang. No one picked up. Marissa hung up, exasperated. She dialed again and still no one answered. “Damn it, Brian, this is not the time to turn your ringer off,” Marissa said, aloud. Marissa needed to get in touch with him so Brian could let Kevin know because she knew the guys were all together. But she didn’t know the rest of the guys cell phone numbers.
She quickly looked at her phone, knowing Brian had programmed the numbers in the memory. Marissa just didn’t know how to really access them. After pushing buttons, by luck, Marissa found Kevin’s cell phone number.
“Hello?” Kevin asked, out of breath.
Marissa figured they had just been rehearsing a dance routine.
“Kevin, its Marissa. Listen, I’m at the hospital with Mandy. She hit her stomach and she’s being examined now. I think you guys should cut rehearsal short and come on over,” Marissa told him.
“Oh my god. Ok, tell Mandy we’ll be there in like ten minutes,” Kevin said, hanging up the phone.
<<<<< *~* >>>>>
“What’s wrong, Kev?” Brian asked, looking at his cousin. “Mandy fell and hit her stomach, and her and Marissa are at the hospital,” Kevin explained. He was in a bit of shock. The other guys heard this. “Fatima, we’re going to have to cut this short. Mandy’s in the hospital,” AJ said, not bothering to ask the other guys. Fatima nodded, understandingly.
The other guys ushered Kevin out to the car, who was kind of having trouble walking by himself. In the car, Kevin looked as if he was going to faint. So, the guys opened all of the windows, as AJ sped to the hospital.
<<<<< *~* >>>>>
Mandy sat in the examining room, occasionally letting a tear fall from her eyes. She still didn’t know what was wrong with the baby, or if anything was wrong with the baby and it was killing her. They wanted to take an ultrasound, but Mandy told them she wouldn’t do it until Kevin got there. So, they had to wait.
End of Chapter 16
“You Gave Me Everything”
Chapter 17
By: Tricia Kuchler © 1999
Kevin got to the hospital and ran right over to Marissa. “Marissa, what room is Mandy in?” Kevin asked, out of breath from running into the hospital. “202,” Marissa told him, giving him a reassuring smile. Kevin ran off in the direction of Mandy’s room.
Brian and the other guys came into the hospital soon after. Marissa looked over at them and smile weakly. Up until now, she had been sitting there alone and it had been getting to her. Brian noticed and went right up to her, giving her a big hug. Marissa smiled at the fact that Brian knew just what to do to make her feel a little better.
AJ got up and went to the nurse’s desk, asking them to use the phone as he called Allison. Nick and Howie also called Claire and Casey.
<<<<< *~* Kevin *~* >>>>>
Kevin ran down the hallway, coming to a halt outside of room number 202. He put his hand on the doorframe and kind of leaned against it as he looked in at Mandy. “Hey,” he said quietly. “Hi,” Mandy said. A few tears slid down her cheeks.
Kevin immediately walked over to her, giving her a kiss on the forehead. He took the seat next to her and held her small hand in his. He wiped the tears away with his thumb. He looked down at her stomach, but noticed that she kind of sniffled as he did that, so he looked up at her, locking his eyes with her own.
“Kevin, what if I lost the baby?” Mandy asked, not wanting that to be the case at all. Kevin took a deep breath. “Well, hunny, then I guess it wasn’t meant to be. But, I think the baby is going to be okay. We’ve been through hell and back and God knows that. He wouldn’t take this away from us,” Kevin reassured her. He kissed her hand and they waited. Waited for the doctor to come in. And waited for their lives to stay the same, or to change forever.
<<<<< *~* >>>>>
The doctor came in about ten minutes later. “Mr. Richardson, how are you? I am Dr. Stevenson,” Dr. Stevenson told him. “I’m alright. What do you think about the baby?” Kevin asked, eagerly. “Well, I’m not sure. We need to take an ultrasound and we told Mandy that but she refused until you got here,” Dr. Stevenson said. He was touched by how much love he could feel in the room. Kevin looked back at Mandy and smiled. “You didn’t have to wait for me,” Kevin told her. “I know,” Mandy said quietly. “Well, then, if you two are ready, we can do the ultrasound right in here,” Dr. Stevenson told them. “Yeah, we’re ready,” Kevin told him.
The doctor called in two nurses who helped everything being set up. And then he turned the lights off in the room. Luckily, there was enough sunlight outside that the doctor could still see what he was doing.
Mandy gasped a little as the cold gel was put on her stomach for the ultrasound. Kevin tightened his grip around Amanda’s hand. Mandy couldn’t see the monitor but Kevin could. He watched the monitor with a hope. A hope that he had never quite experienced. Yes, of course, he had experienced “hope” before, but not ever quite this strong. It was almost indescribable.
Although he could see it, he didn’t really know what he was looking at. He presumed it was the baby but he wasn’t sure. So, he looked at Mandy, right in the eyes. She had a different look in her eyes. One that Kevin had never seen from her before. Fear. Mandy was scared.
Mandy was scared because she didn’t know what was going to happen. Her and Kevin both wanted this baby more than their own lives. So, what happens if I lose the baby? Mandy thought. She knew Kevin loved her, but if the baby was lost, there was always going to be an unspeakable distance between them and Mandy didn’t want that.
Kevin, knowing exactly what Mandy was thinking, kissed her hand gently. Mandy looked over at him, almost noticing him there for the first time. She smiled at him. “Mands, don’t worry, ok? I’m gonna be here for you either way,” Kevin told her. The doctor smiled at the young couple. There seemed to be a few problems with the ultrasound, but he wasn’t sure so he was going to have to get a second opinion.
He turned the monitor off and wiped the gel from Mandy’s stomach. “Well?” Kevin asked. “I’m really sorry, but I don’t have the results right here. Mandy, you are going to have to stay over night. Kevin, you are welcome to stay here as well but you have to keep it quiet,” Dr. Stevenson told them. They nodded, understanding. “If you have any friends here, they can come in and visit now. Visiting hours are over at 7:00,” Dr Stevenson told them. “Thank you, thank you very much,” Kevin said, standing up and shaking the doctor’s hand. Dr. Stevenson shook Kevin’s hand and nodded. Kevin looked back at Mandy and smiled weakly.
End of Chapter 17
“You Gave Me Everything”
Chapter 18
By: Tricia Kuchler © 1999
After everyone came in to visit Mandy, Kevin looked over at her. She looked tired. He went and sat down in the chair next to her hospital bed. “Thanks for staying with me here tonight,” Mandy told him. “It’s no problem,” Kevin told her, trying to read what her eyes were saying. “I know you guys had work to do with the group today and all. I didn’t mess that up, did I?” Mandy asked. “No, hunny, no. Listen, yeah the group is something that’s really important, but that’s not going to keep me from my family. Nothing is more important to me than you are,” Kevin told her. Mandy looked at him. Kevin knew she didn’t fully believe him. “Just trust me okay?” Kevin asked. “Yeah, I do,” Mandy told him.
Kevin stood up and kissed her forehead. “You look exhausted, sweetheart. Get some sleep. And I’ll be right over there in that bed,” Kevin said, pointing over to the next hospital bed. “Okay baby,” Mandy said. Mandy closed her eyes and leaned back on the pillow. She was quickly in a deep sleep.
<<<<< *~* >>>>>
Kevin lay down on the uncomfortable bed. He knew he wasn’t going to get much sleep tonight. Not just because of the bed, but because he was worried. He knew he couldn’t let that on in front of Mandy, but he was scared. Inside, his thoughts rushed together.
He wanted this baby and he wanted Mandy. He wanted everything is his life to go perfect for once. It wasn’t fair for him to always have this stress hanging over his head. It was always there. No matter what he did.
He looked over at Mandy, who was sleeping peacefully. He knew she was scared too. The look in her eyes earlier had said it all. Kevin closed his eyes and for the first time in a long time, talked to God, begging him for his little son or daughter to be okay.
<<<<< *~* The Next Day *~* >>>>>
A few nurses came in and woke the sleeping couple up. Kevin excused himself so that he could go get some coffee as the nurses gave Mandy her breakfast.
While Kevin was gone, the doctor came in. “Mandy, I have some good news for you,” Dr. Stevenson said. “Wait! Kevin isn’t here. He went to go get some coffee,” Mandy said, shutting the doctor up. “Oh ok. Do you two have to hear everything together?” Dr. Stevenson laughed. “Yes, we do,” Kevin said, coming back into Mandy’s room. Kevin laughed a little and sat back down in the chair next to Mandy’s bed.
“Well?” Mandy asked. “Oh? I can tell you now?” Dr. Stevenson asked. Kevin laughed a little. “Yes, please do,” he said. “Well, the baby looks healthy. We were worried about the heart rate, but everything checked out fine. And Mandy you can leave whenever you want. Just get the nurses to bring you your check out papers so that you can sign them,” Dr. Stevenson told them. Kevin stood up and shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you so much,” Kevin told him. “It was my pleasure. Good luck kids,” Dr. Stevenson said, leaving the room.
Kevin looked back at Mandy, grinning from ear to ear. “Ya know, I don’t know what we would’ve done if we had lost the baby,” Mandy told him. “Yeah, I know what you mean,” Kevin told her. “Well, when do you want to leave?” Kevin asked, after a moment of silence. “As soon as possible,” Mandy told him. “Alrighty, then I’ll go get those papers, and are you okay getting dressed by yourself?” Kevin asked. “Yes, I’ll be fine,” Mandy told him. Kevin leaned down and gave her a kiss. “I’ll be back,” he whispered and then left the room.
<<<<< *~* A few days later *~* >>>>>
Kevin and Brian were playing some basketball at the local recreation center. Brian noticed, however, that Kevin was in another world. “Yo cuz, what’s up?” Brian asked. “What? Oh nothing,” Kevin said, coming out of his trance. “Nah, something’s up. Come on, you can tell me,” Brian said. “Well, ya know how me and Mandy had the scare with the baby and all?” Kevin asked. “Yeah,” Brian said. “Well, it got me thinking. This is stupid, me and Mandy, we should be married,” Kevin said. “Whoa, you’re thinking of asking her to marry you?” Brian asked. “Yeah, why do you think I should?” Kevin asked. “I can see that you’re in love, man. I think that’s the right thing to do, but I don’t want to influence you. If you love her, then do it,” Brian said. “Yeah, I think I should,” Kevin said. “I want to,” Kevin said, correcting himself. Brian smiled at him. “And you said I’d be the first to get married,” Brian said. “Yeah well, you were always the one with the girlfriend. What’s up with you and Marissa anyway?” Kevin asked. “What do you mean?” Brian asked. “Bri, you’ve been going out with her for like four years. When are you gonna get serious with her?” Kevin asked. “It may just be sooner than you think,” Brian said. Kevin tried to get more information out of him, but Brian wouldn’t let on.
End of Chapter 18
“You Gave Me Everything”
Chapter 19
By: Tricia Kuchler © 1999
Kevin was up, bright and early the next morning. He quickly took a shower and got changed. He went downstairs, scribbling a note to Mandy, explaining that he had errands to run and would probably be gone for most of the day.
He left in his car and headed towards the mall, where an expensive jewelry store was located. When he got to the mall, he put his hat and sunglasses on, and then headed inside.
Kevin looked at the directory and then headed to the first floor. He went into the store with clammy hands. He was nervous. This was a big step. “Man, if I’m nervous now, I’m gonna be a wreck when I actually ask her,” Kevin thought.
His mind wandered to how he was going to ask her. A million ideas were running through his head. Whatever he decided, it had to be romantic. And Kevin didn’t have a difficult time making something romantic. Mandy had always admired that about him.
Kevin walked over to the salesperson, explaining what he wanted to purchase. The salesperson, Frederic, showed him over to a case. Kevin peered in. There were so many nice settings, he couldn’t decide. “Which do you recommend?” Kevin asked. “Well, a lot of people seem to like this one, and also this,” Frederic said, pulling out two different rings.
One had a heart shaped diamond with a plain band. And the other was more fancy. It had a regular cut diamond with the band almost surrounding it, after the diamond jetted out. Kevin thought of Mandy, and knew the heart shaped diamond would be something that she would like.
“I’ll take this one,” Kevin said, pulling out his wallet and handing Frederic his credit card. Kevin thought of how lucky he was that he wouldn’t have to start out the married life already in debt.
<<<<< *~* >>>>>
After buying the ring, Kevin drove around for a while. He went all over Orlando. He even stopped at Kevin and Mandy’s secret place. He still couldn’t decide exactly what he wanted to do.
Then, a store caught his eye as he passed a shopping center. It was a pet store. Kevin parked his car and headed into the store. He went over to the kittens and looked them over. He decided on a black, gray, and white kitten with blue eyes. It reminded him of Brian’s cat when they were little.
He bought the kitten, deciding to let Mandy name it. And what he was going to do was put the ring on the kitten’s collar so that when Mandy picked the kitten up she would see the ring. Kevin smiled to himself as he thought over his plan. It was now dark out and Kevin decided to head home.
<<<<< *~* >>>>>
Kevin grew nervous as he parked the car outside of his house. He picked up the nameless kitten and went up to the house. He took a deep breath outside the door and then went in, locking it behind him. “Mandy?” Kevin called. The cat meowed. Kevin smiled. “Yeah? I’m in here,” Mandy said.
Kevin walked into the living room, cradling the kitten in his arms. Mandy looked up as Kevin entered the room. “Aww Kevin, he’s so cute!” Mandy said, getting up and going over to Kevin. She picked him up out of Kevin’s arms and placed him in her own.
“Where did you get him?” Mandy asked as she rubbed the kitten’s stomach. “Uhh, at a pet store,” Kevin said, nervously. “What’s wrong?” Mandy asked as she looked up at him. “Uh, nothing,” Kevin said. Mandy gave him a weird look. “Ok, so what’s his name?” Mandy asked. “Well, I wanted to let you decide,” Kevin told her. “Hmm ok. Little Kitten, your name is going to be Blue Eyes cause you have gorgeous blue eyes,” Mandy said.
Kevin got more nervous as Mandy’s hands moved up towards Blue Eyes’ collar. She ran her hand under his collar. “Oww, there’s something sharp on him,” Mandy said. She looked at the collar and then put her hand over her mouth.
Kevin reached down and got the ring off of Blue Eyes’ collar. Mandy put the cat down and looked at Kevin. “Mandy, I have loved you since the first day we met. I can’t imagine a day without you in my life, and I want to share the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” Kevin asked. “Yes,” Mandy said as tears poured down her face. Kevin kissed the tears off of her cheeks and then kissed her passionately.
End of Chapter 19
“You Gave Me Everything”
Epilogue
By: Tricia Kuchler © 1999
<<<<< *~* One Year Later *~* >>>>>
Mandy and Kevin Richardson had now been married for a little less than a year. They had a beautiful baby boy, who they named Brandon Thomas. He was now six months old and had Kevin’s piercing green eyes, and had Mandy’s light brown hair. All was well with Mandy and Kevin. Brandon had brought more joy to them than is even imagined. Their life was perfect. And as for Brian, he and Marissa were engaged to be married a few months later. Nick and Claire are still going out, as are AJ and Allison and also Howie and Casey.
*~*
This story was partly inspired by this song:
“I Will Remember You”
I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
Remember the good times that we had?
I let them slip away from us when things got bad
How clearly I first saw you smilin' in the sun
Wanna feel your warmth upon me, I wanna be the one
I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
I'm so tired but I can't sleep
Standin' on the edge of something much too deep
It's funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word
We are screaming inside, but we can't be heard
But I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
I'm so afraid to love you, but more afraid to lose
Clinging to a past that doesn't let me choose
Once there was a darkness, deep and endless night
You gave me everything you had, oh you gave me light
And I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
And I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
Weep not for the memories
End of Story
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