...Continued
“Why does he want to live with you?” Oscar relaxed and was willing to at least hear them out. “Doesn’t he know I love him?”
“Of course he does Oscar. He knows you love him.” Jaime began.
“He just doesn’t feel you understand him.” Steve finished.
“Understand? What is that supposed to mean?” Oscar demanded.
“Well take the last few times Marc has broken away so to speak, including last night. He knows what he did was wrong, but he has this uncontrollable urge to help people. Look if I had been here last night, and Rudy was late, and the storm was as bad as it was. I would have gone looking for him myself.” Steve explained.
“Steve. I can’t have him just up and running off whenever the urge strikes him.” Oscar indicated.
“I’m not asking for that. You said it yourself the other day. Marc is not an average eight year old. He’s special, very special. And I’m afraid he’s a bit more than you can handle.” Steve continued.
“Oscar.” Jaime started again. Marc’s needs have changed over the past year. He’s not like Matt at all anymore.”
“Yea. I have noticed that. They have drifted apart. He’s closer to Steve than his is to any of us.”
“That’s what I’m saying Oscar.” Steve nodded. “He’s not the same.”
“Ok I don’t like it very well, but I’ll agree to it on one condition…”
“Oscar we don’t want to take Marc away from you, you’ll still be his father…”
“And if Marc walked through that door right now and said he had changed his mind…” Jaime broke in
“That would be fine with us.” Steve finished. “Look Oscar The choice was Marc’s we want it to remain that way. We will never prevent him from seeing you.” He added.
“Ok, ok. Let me talk to the kids. I want to see what they have to say.” Oscar sighed as he headed out to the kitchen to have a family meeting.
“What did he say?” Rudy asked when Steve and Jaime stepped out of Oscar home office.
“He wants to discuss it with the other kids.” Steve sat on the couch.
“I spoke to Dan. He’s in full agreement.” Rudy went on.
“I just hope he can convince Oscar to agree to it.” Steve sighed.
“I think he will.” Rudy sat next to Steve.
A half-hour later Oscar and the kids emerged from the kitchen. “Ok Steve. You win.” Oscar smiled.
“It wasn’t a contest Oscar.” Steve stated.
“I know, just a figure of speech pal. I guess I figured all along that this day was coming; I just didn’t want to admit it. You can take Marc as soon as the holidays are over. I kind of want my family together. I also request that it remains that way.”
“We promise Oscar.” Steve put his arm around Oscar. “I know this hurts you. Marc can visit as often as he likes, and besides Jaime will be out here everyday to tutor the kids…”
“No she won’t. Matt has requested that after school starts back up he wants to go back to public school. I figured I’d do the same with Joey since the autism is no longer an issue. So Jaime will have only one student, that will be Marc.”
“Looks like this has caused quite a disruption.” Jaime noted.
“No. Not really, this isn’t the first time Matt has requested going back to public school.” Oscar told them.
“Well.” Marc passed the grown ups. “I guess I better start packing, if I’m moving in a few days.”
“Wait till after Christmas Marc. I want to help you.” Oscar seemed on the verge of tears.“Why don’t we just enjoy the holiday?”
“I agree.” Steve put in. “We can do it little by little. We can maybe move some stuff over sometime tomorrow. I think his furniture should stay here. Jaime and I will buy that our selves, that way Marc still has a room and a home here.”
“I like that idea.” Oscar showed the slightest hint of a smile. “I like that idea a lot. That way Marc will feel like he still has a home here.”
“Exactly!” Steve articulated. “And Marc will feel welcome at our place because we will supply him with what he needs, and he has the idea from us that we aren’t out to take him away from you. Now. Not to change the subject but what were you planning on for dinner?”
“The same as last year, my world famous chili.”
“Well let’s get at it. The twins asked me if I’d take them shopping, I guess this year they have money for presents.” Steve noted.
“Yea, I started giving them an allowance after their birthdays back in January. In fact I guess I have that rolling around again They are going to be nine.”
“Yea I know. Well I better get going.” He called to the twins and the three headed out.
“So. How much do you guys have to spend?” Steve asked when they were on their way.
“About forty dollars a piece.” Matt piped up.
“Well I think that should buy everyone some pretty good presents.
They finished up their shopping and headed back home.
“I think you guys did a pretty good job picking out things for everyone.” Steve said as they pulled into the drive.
“Think dad will like the cuff links we got him?” Marc asked.
“I’m sure he will.” Steve was relieved that Marc still referred to Oscar as ‘dad’. “I’ve seen him looking at them before.”
“Really?” both twins asked.
“Really!” Steve assured.
They got out of the car and headed into the house. “There you are.” Oscar greeted. “What took so long?” Oscar asked when the finally got back to the house.
“Long lines everywhere.” Steve explained. “I think every man and his brother were at the mall.”
“Well I got started early this year.” Oscar smiled. “I had everything done by Dec. first.”
“Yea, same here” Steve admitted. “But everyone likes the bustle of shopping Christmas Eve.
“We are just about ready to sit down and eat.” He turned to the twins. “Why don’t you get cleaned up, and then we’ll have dinner?”
“Sounds good “ both boys raced down the hall and up the stairs.
Steve watched Oscar closely. “Oscar, you’re not having second thoughts about this are you?”
‘Not really Steve, I just hate the prospect of giving up any of my kids.”
“Yea, I understand.” Steve whispered. “But like we said Oscar, no one says this has to be permanent by any matter.”
“I guess you’re right. You know a year ago when my sister and Tom were killed I wasn’t real sure about taking on the responsibility of four boys, but the more I had them, the closer I go to them…”
“Yea I know. You were the last person we would envision being a father.” Steve chuckled. “But Oscar you’ve done a great job with them.”
“Do you think so, even Marc?”
“Especially with Marc. Oscar you hadn’t even had those kids two months when Marc had his accident.”
“I made the right choice?” Oscar questioned. “Sometimes I wonder.”
“I would have made the same choice had I been in your situation.” Steve admitted.
“I’m glad to hear you say that.” Oscar smiled for the first time since he had agreed to allow Marc to move in with Steve and Jaime.
“You also made the right choice by allowing Marc to stay with Jaime and I. Don’t worry Oscar. We’ll take good care of him.” Steve promised.
“See that you do.” Oscar replied.
“That night the kids were to excited to stay up. They wanted to get to bed and sleep so they could wake up Christmas morning. Even Joey was excited this time around. He had talked of nothing but Santa since Thanksgiving.
Steve and Jaime stayed up to help Oscar put the toys that required assembly together.
“Hey!” Steve burst out. “Next year we’ll be doing this for our own son!”
“What do you mean next year?” Jaime laughed.
“Huh?” Oscar replied
“You haven’t seen out tree at home have you. I swear that man has bought every toy under the sun for his son.”
Oscar and Rudy started laughing. “Steve.” Rudy began. “Even if the baby were to come right this minute, it will be at least two years before he’s ready to play with any toys.” He continued laughing.
“He’s just excited about the baby. So am I.” Jaime confessed. “I guess I bought him a couple of things too.”
“You two are nuts.” Oscar laughed. He turned to the clock. “Well I suppose we better turn in.”
“Yea I guess you’re right.” They all agreed.
“Steve. Why don’t you and Jaime take my apartment? I’ll take the guest room.”
“No way Rudy.” Jaime protested.
“Come on. It will be more private for you.” Rudy encouraged.
“Well if you insist.” Steve began.
“I do. Don’t worry about it.
“We won’t.” Everyone went to their respective areas of the house.
Outside the winds picked up once again and a strange figure crept around in the shadows trying to avoid the streetlights…
Eventually two-bit petty crook Simon Vincent worked his way up to the house. Everybody was sleeping as he opened the garage door and worked his way to back door. It took some time, but he managed to pry the back door open.
Simon looked around the kitchen. ‘Nothing here.’ He muttered to himself. ‘There has to be a safe around here someplace. This house defiantly cries out money.’ He thought to himself. ‘And where there is money, there’s a safe.’
“Steve?” Jaime whispered. “Steve! Wake up!”
“What is it? Is it time?” Steve leaped out of bed.
“No. It’s not time. Listen I hear something.” Jaime whispered
“What do you hear?” Steve said as he slipped on a pair of pants.
“I don’t know. It came from the house.”
Simon made his way through the living room and into the front hall. He opened the door to Oscar’s office. ‘I knew it’ he continued to think. He searched the office till he came to the safe that not only held valuables but also classified information Oscar brought home to work on.
‘Pay dirt!” Vincent whispered.
“I’m sure it’s just the kids getting an early snoop.” Steve laughed. “But I’ll check it out.” He headed for the door that led back into Oscar’s house.
“Wait. I’m coming with you.” Jaime followed Steve into the house. “It doesn’t sound like the kids.”
“Ok but stay with me.” Steve cautioned.
When they entered Oscar’s kitchen Simon bumped into the desk knocking off the stapler in Oscar’s office Steve turned to her and whispered. “ Did you hear that?”
Jaime nodded.
“Don’t say a word.” He continued to whisper so only Jaime could hear. “ I hear it too. Go back into Rudy’s apartment and call the police.”
Again Jaime nodded and headed back into the apartment to fulfill Steve’s request.
Steve slipped into the family room. He didn’t see anything. ‘Nothing out of place here I was sure it was the kids, but they know they aren’t allowed in Oscar’s office.” Steve made his way through the living and like Simon out into the front hall.
He looked around, and still didn’t see anything out of place. Then he saw a light coming from under the door of Oscar’s office.
‘I wonder what Oscar is doing up? Maybe something is up’ He thought. He cracked the door open and saw Simon. He had the door to Oscar’s safe open.
‘I hope the police are on their way. I’ll just keep an eye on him and let the police take care of it. If I scare him it might put the whole house at risk.’
Steve watched as Simon began to take everything out of the safe. He stuffed the contents into his pockets. He then turned around and headed back for the door. Steve moved into the shadows so not to be seen.
Simon headed into the family room. Steve followed. When Steve stepped into the room he could no longer see Simon. ‘Now where did he…”
Simon snuck up behind Steve and thumped him on the head with the butt of his gun. Steve fell to the floor.
Thinking he had heard something and wondering if he just might not get a peek at Santa Marc crept downstairs.
He tiptoed across the front hall and made his way to the family room. The first thing he saw was Steve lying on the floor. Then he saw Simon stuffing all of their Christmas presents into a large cloth bag.
Marc slipped back into the front hall. He laid the groundwork to capture the strange man in his living room.
Marc grabbed a roll of kite string that was in the hall closet. He quickly strung it around the hall. When he finished he attracted Simon’s attention. He knocked over one of the small statues that lined the front hall.
Simon heard the noise and dashed into the front hall. He tripped and was tangled in the string Marc had strung around the room.
Hearing the commotion Oscar came dashing down the stairs he flipped on the light at the top as he ran down. He saw the strange man at the bottom of the steps. Marc was standing over him.
“Dad. Quick!” Marc called “His gun is right there.” Marc pointed
The man had worked his way free and was scrambling for his gun. Oscar was quicker and grabbed it before Simon had a chance to reach it. He held the man at gunpoint.
“Marc! Call the police!” Oscar called out.
“They are on their way Oscar.” Jaime said coming into the front hall. “Marc where is Steve?” Jaime asked.
“He’s in the living room.” Marc remembered. “He must of hit Steve on the head or something.” Marc pointed to Simon who was now sitting on the floor defeated.
“Why son. Is Steve unconscious?” Oscar wondered.
Marc nodded.
“Run up and get Rudy, try not to wake your brothers.” Oscar cautioned.
“I won’t.” Marc ran upstairs.
“Do you have him Oscar?” Jaime asked. “I want to go see if Steve’s all right.”
“Sure Jaime. Go ahead. I’ve got him” Oscar continued to hold the gun on Simon.
Rudy ran downstairs with Marc at his heels. Just as he reached the bottom of the stairs the police knocked on the door.
Oscar answered the door while Rudy headed into the living room.
“We had a report that there was a burglary in progress.” The officer said.
“Yes officer this man tried to rob by house.” Oscar pointed.
The police grabbed Simon up and escorted him to the door. Oscar saw them out and then joined the others to see how Steve was doing.
“How is he Rudy?” Oscar asked
“He’ll have a headache in the morning, but he’ll be fine.” Rudy completed his exam of Steve.
They were all headed back to bed when the doorbell rang. “Now who could that be?” Oscar muttered.
They all went to the door. The police officer stood on the porch. “We just thought you would like to know. Your place wasn’t the only place he hit tonight. Everything was returned back to the respectful owners.”
“Well that’s good.” Oscar noted. “Thank you for letting us know.” Oscar closed the door behind them.
“Well shall we try and get a little sleep before the rest of the kids get up?”
A few hours later everyone was up. The presents were open and they had eaten dinner.
“I think it was a pretty good Christmas.” Jaime said as she and Steve prepared to leave the house.
“Yea I suppose.” Steve sighed.
“What’s the matter honey?” Jaime sat in the passenger seat of the car.
“I was hoping the baby would have been here.”
“Steve. Rudy said it would not be before Christmas.” She reminded.
‘I know. I just…”
“Steve he would be way to early.” Jaime explained. “In fact Rudy was hoping I wouldn’t have him before Christmas.”
“I wasn’t aware of that.” Steve muttered as he steered the car through the light traffic.
“But Rudy did say he could come anytime after Christmas.”
“Well maybe we’ll be parents before the new year.” Steve smiled.
“I hope so. I’m getting a little tired of being pregnant. I’m ready to be a mommy.”
“And I’m ready to be a daddy.” Steve reached over and patted Jaime’s stomach. “Here that James. Your parents want you to hurry.”
“What was that?” Steve called out.
“I think he heard you. He just gave me a kick.” Jaime exclaimed.
“That’s it tiger.” Steve laughed.
“When will Marc move in with us?” Jaime asked.
“Tomorrow.” Steve smiled. “I can hardly wait. I’ve wanted Marc ever since his accident.”
“Yea I know. I feel the same way.” Jaime smiled.
“I told Oscar we needed a little time to get his room ready.” Steve went on “I figured we’d be ready by tomorrow morning.
“What did he say about that? I doubt he gave much of an argument.”
“You’re right. He’s not real thrilled about this.” Steve pulled into the garage and stopped the car. “Anyway, I thought Marc could have the room next to the baby’s
“That’s what I was thinking. Steve what if Marc changes his mind in between now and then?”
“I guess I’ll just have to accept it.” Steve sighed. “That’s what I said I would do. I don’t think that’s going to be an issue though.”
“Marc really wants it doesn’t he?” Jaime unlocked the door that led into the kitchen.
“Yea, he’s more comfortable with us.” He followed Jaime into the house. “I suppose we better get started.”
They headed upstairs and set about redecorating the guest room for their new guest.
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“There!” Steve proclaimed the next day. “I guess we are all ready. I’ll call Oscar and tell him to get Marc’s things together.
By noon they drove over to Oscar’s house. Steve started loading the few things Marc was bringing into the car, and then joined everyone in the living room.
“Are you finished Steve?” Oscar asked
“Yea, everything is loaded and ready to go.” He turned to Marc. “Are you ready?”
“Marc nodded. “Yea Steve.”
“Are you sure this is what you want son?” Steve could tell by Oscar’s voice he was misgiving’s about the decision he had made.
He pulled Oscar into his office. “Look Oscar you know this is the right decision.” Steve reminded. “I mean if you’re having second thoughts…”
“No, nothing like that.” Oscar turned to him. “You’re right it what’s best for Marc anyway. Well I suppose you want to get going?” Oscar sighed.
“It would be a good idea, we would like Marc to be settled by dinner.”
“Well then let’s go…”
The four of them stood on the porch.
“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” Oscar sobbed. He turned to Marc. “I want you to know. I love you very much. You always have a home here, and I am still your father.”
“I know that dad.” Marc gave him a hug. “I love you to.”
“You take good care of him Steve.” Oscar warned.
“I will Oscar don’t worry.”
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Marc was pretty quiet on the way to Steve and Jaime’s house.
“You ok Marc?” Steve asked.
“Yea I’m fine. Marc replied.
“You miss Matt?” Jaime wondered.
‘Yea but I really want to live with you guys.” Marc smiled at them.
They pulled into the drive. “Come on partner. I’ll help you get settled.” Steve grabbed Marc’s suitcase and carried it into the house.
“We have everything all set up for you. I guess you have a home here and over at your dad’s. We thought it would be better that way. That way if you want to go stay with Matt, you’ll have a place to sleep.”
Jaime ran her fingers through his hair. “I hope you like the way we fixed up your room.”
“It’s great!” Marc exclaimed when he saw it.”
“Good.” Steve and Jaime said together. “And don’t forget everyone is coming here for dinner on New Years. I think your dad is having us on New Years Eve.” Steve smiled.
They left Marc to get his things put away.
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Two days later they sat at the dinner table. Jaime made a couple of funny faces.
“Something wrong?” Steve asked as he passed the platter of meat to Marc.
“I think you better give Rudy a call.”
“Why?” Steve wondered
“Unless you want to deliver this baby…”
“I’ll call.” After trying Rudy’s apartment and receiving no answer Steve called Oscar.
“He and Dan are working on some project at the lab. They said they might be late. Why is it the baby?” Oscar wondered.
“Yea. Call him and tell him we’re on our way.”
“Ok Steve. I’ll have him meet you at the hospital. The rest of us will meet you there too!”
Steve turned to Jaime. “Ok where is your bag?”
“It’s up in my room. I’ll go get it.” She started for the living room.
“You’ll do no such thing!” Steve raced up the steps to retrieve Jaime’s overnight bag. She had had packed for over a month now.
“Ok” Steve muttered to himself as he grabbed the suitcase out of the closet. He had a hard time grabbing on to it. In his excitement he kept dropping it.
Jaime and Marc still sitting in the kitchen could hear him fumbling around.
“Marc, go see if that husband of mine needs some help.” Jaime smiled.
“Ok.” Marc giggled as he headed for the stairs.
Steve was at the top of the stairs. “Need any help?” Marc offered.
“No, no I got it Marc.” Steve called.
He headed down the steps and slipped, the suitcase flew out of his hands and both fell to the bottom of the steps spilling the contents of the suitcase all over the place.
“What is going on?” Jaime demanded coming into the living room
“I uh lost my balance.” Steve smiled as he stood up.
“Are you alright?” Jaime asked.
“Yea I’m fine.” Steve told her.
“I swear this baby will be ready for college before he ever gets born.” Jaime picked up the contents and replaced them in the suitcase.
“Now do you think we can get to the hospital.” She picked up her suitcase and headed for the door.
“Now you let me carry that!” Steve scolded taking it out of her hands. “You wait here, I’ll go get the car.”
“Steve it’s just out in the garage.” Jaime reminded.
“I know, I’ll pull it around front.” Steve dropped the suitcase on the living room floor as he headed for the back door.
“Steve! You don’t have to…” She turned to Marc and shrugged. “I guess there’s no talking to him.”
“I guess he’s happy.” Marc smiled.
“Ok!” Steve burst back into the house. Again he grabbed Jaime’s suitcase and raced out to the car. Jaime and Marc watched through the front door as Steve threw the bag into the trunk then opened the driver’s side door got in and sped off.
“Where is he going?” Marc turned to Jaime.
“I have now idea Marc.” Jaime was getting a little angry.
In the car Steve turned toward the passenger side. “Don’t worry Jaime I’ll…”
He noticed the seat was empty Steve quickly turned the car around and brought the car to a screeching halt in front of the house.
He got out of the car and raced up the steps. “Sorry about that.” He apologized.
Steve led Jaime to the car. He opened the passenger door and got in.
“Oh am I driving myself?” tears of laughter rolled down Jaime’s cheek.
“Huh? Oh yea right.” Steve got out of the car and helped Jaime sit down. “Marc you get in the back.”
Marc slid into the back seat. Steve ran around the back of the car he opened the trunk and tossed Jaime’s suitcase onto the parking, then climbed into the back seat with Marc.
Marc turned to him. “Ah Steve. Who’s going to drive?”
“I guess I am.” Steve got out of the car and opened the driver’s door.
“Before you get in dear husband, could you please get my suitcase, you threw it out of the trunk.” Jaime and Marc were laughing so hard their sides were aching.
“Oh yea right. Steve grabbed the keys and opened the trunk. He put the suit case back in then got into the driver’s seat. “Ok now…” He looked around
“Now what’s wrong?” Jaime could hardly speak she was laughing so hard.
“I uh left the keys in the trunk.” Steve blushed.
What else could go wrong?” Jaime wondered.
After retrieving the keys Steve climbed back into the car and they were finally off.
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After calling Rudy at the OSI, Oscar gathered up Matt and Joey and the three of them sped for the hospital. He stopped long enough to grab the boys a hamburger.
Rudy and Dan were waiting inside the door of the National Medical Center when Oscar and the kids arrived.
“Where are Steve and Jaime?” Oscar asked.
“That’s a good question. I’m waiting for them.” Rudy replied.
“I thought they would be here long before me.” Oscar noted looking down the hall.
“Yea me too.” Rudy too was getting nervous. He turned to Dan. Look why don’t you go on up. You and the little kids can wait in my office. I have a bag with some new puzzle books I bought special for today.”
“Ok” Dan agreed leading his brothers to the elevator.
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Steve was trying to get Jaime to the hospital as fast as he could without breaking any laws; they were a block away from the hospital when it happened.
Marc had been watching out the back window “Steve. I think you better pull over.”
“Why Marc…Oh I see.” Steve pulled over to the curb. He waited for the police officer to approach him.
“Now, now.” The officer mocked. “Going a bit fast aren’t we?”
“My wife is going to have a baby!” Steve shouted pointing to Jaime.
“What hospital are you going to?” The officer cried
“National!” Steve barely got out.
“Just follow me! I’ll have you there in a second.” The officer jumped in his cruiser and turned on his lights.
With sirens blaring Steve and Jaime finally arrived at the hospital. Rudy greeted them at the entrance “Oscar says it’s time.”
“Yea.” Jaime grimaced.
“Thanks officer.” Steve shook his hand.
“No problem. Glad to help.” The police officer smiled. “Good luck.”
“Thanks again.” Steve called as the officer left.
“Well let’s get to it. Marc you can wait in my office the other kids are already there.” Rudy offered.
“Ok Rudy.” Marc replied.
Marc Steve and Jaime stepped onto the elevator. Just as they did Rudy and Oscar were distracted for just a moment.
“Well come on everybody.” Rudy called.
“Hey where did they go?” Oscar asked.
“I guess they went on up. Look Oscar. You can wait in my office too.” Rudy pushed the button to recall the elevator.
“That sounds fine.” He looked at Rudy who had a strange expression on his face. ”What’s wrong?” Oscar asked.
“I guess it’s stuck.” Rudy grumbled.
“You mean Steve and Jaime are trapped on the elevator, and Jaime is about to have the baby?”
Rudy nodded. “If we don’t get them out of there, Steve will have to deliver the baby himself….”
“Can Steve do that?” Oscar asked.
“He might have to.” Rudy related. “Although.” Rudy continued. “In his condition let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” He gave a slight chuckle.
“I’ll call the janitor. See if he can’t get it moving.” Oscar dashed down the hallway.
“Inside the elevator Steve, Marc and Jaime were frantic.
Steve turned to Jaime. “How are you doing?”
“I think I can hold out for awhile.” She proclaimed.
“Well let’s hope so.” Steve picked up the emergency phone. “That figures, the janitor isn’t there. I’m going to have to find a way to get us out of here.”
“Just what do you intend to do.” Jaime looked at him
“I don’t really know.” He sighed.
Rudy was still pushing buttons trying to get the elevator to move. “Is the janitor coming?” He asked Oscar
“He’s not in his office.” Oscar was out of breath from running all over
“Well we have to try something.” Rudy stated. “I’ll let Jaime know we are trying.
“Listen Jaime…” Steve started.
Jaime held up her hand
“What is it?” Steve asked.
Jaime stood nodding Then she turned to Steve. “Rudy was just talking to me. Oscar and Rudy are trying to find the janitor to get us out of here “
“Well let’s hope they get us out before the big moment.” Steve sighed.
Marc turned to the two of them, “You mean the baby might be born right here in the elevator?”
“Let’s hope not son.” Steve stated.
Rudy and Oscar again ran down to the janitor’s office to see if he was there. “Where could he be?” Rudy complained.
“Wait Rudy don’t those phones go through to the elevators?”
Rudy nodded. “Why?”
“Well I suppose if Steve is going to have to deliver the baby, you could use that to talk him through it.”
“It could work, and it might be kind of special if Steve had to, but we forget. Marc is in there with them…”
“Oh yea, I’m not sure Marc is ready for something like that.” Oscar sighed. “But if it comes down to it…”
“Yea I could use it.” Rudy reached over to see if the phone was working. “Sorry Oscar. It’s dead.” He reported.
“Now what?” Oscar wondered.
“Let’s just hope we get the janitor and fast.” Rudy replied.
“I don’t know if I really want to see the baby being born.” Marc stated.
“I hope you don’t have to too son.” Steve walked back over to where Jaime was now sitting on the floor of the elevator. “How close are the contractions?” He asked.
“About every three minutes.” She announced
“That is pretty close.” Steve commented.
“Yea tell me about it. At least they know we are here, and they are trying to help.” Jaime added.
“I suppose you’re right.” Steve sat next to her.
“You know Rudy. There is a trap door in the top of the elevator car.” Oscar remembered.
“Yea?” Oscar said. “Meaning?”
“Well if we had to we could lower you into the car and you could…”
“Oscar. The door would be barely big enough for Danny.” Rudy reminded.
“I really don’t want Dan down there either.” Oscar sighed. “It was just an idea.”
“Don’t worry Oscar. We’ll think of something.”
Marc sat next to Steve and Jaime. “What happens if they never get us out of here?”
“They will Marc. Have you heard from your dad yet?”
Both Marc and Jaime shook their heads. “Not since they said they were looking for the janitor.” Jaime replied.
“I suppose I better call up to your office, let the other kids know what’s going on.” Oscar picked up the phone in the nurses station.
Rudy nodded. “That would be a good idea. I never thought of them up there waiting.”
Oscar placed the call up to Rudy’s office.
“Let me know if there is anything I can do.” Dan said.
“I will Dan.” Oscar hung up and turned back to Rudy. “Well at least they won’t send out a search party.”
Marc leaned his head on Steve’s shoulder.
“What’s the matter partner?” Steve asked.
“I’m just getting tired.” Marc answered. “Steve what if I went up through that door up there…”
“Marc if they didn’t know we were down here I might, just might consider it, but they know we’re here and they are working on getting us out…”
“I mean they know we’re here, but do they know we know they know?”
“Huh?” Steve frowned.
Marc laughed. “I mean we can hear them but they can’t hear us. I mean if worse came to worse and you have to deliver the baby. Rudy can tell Jaime to tell you what to do, but if you have trouble they won’t know it.”
“I think I see where you are going with this Marc, look it’s way to dangerous. Your father would have my head.”
“Yea I guess you’re right.” Marc closed his eyes and fell asleep
“Well at least if I have to deliver the baby, Marc is sleeping.” Steve noted. “How are you doing, still two minutes apart?”
“No they are coming a little closer.” Jaime winced again.
Steve looked down from the direction they had come. “Come on you guys. Hurry!”
“Rudy!” Oscar cried. Running toward him. “Rudy I found the janitor!” Oscar continued to shout.
“Fantastic!” Rudy called back. Then he turned toward the elevator. ‘Jaime I hope you can hear me, Oscar found the janitor. We should have you out in no time.”
“What is it Jaime?” Steve asked.
“They found the janitor it won’t be long now.”
Next to him Marc started to wake up. “What’s going on?”
“We’ll be out of here soon.” Steve said. Anyway I hope we are.”
“Come on!” Oscar pleaded. “Let’s get this thing going!!”
The Janitor pushed a few buttons. “Sorry this thing gets stuck at least once a week. I’ll have it moving in just a second.”
“I’m beginning to think we are going to be stuck…”
“Wait a minute Steve.” Jaime said. “I think I hear something….”
Soon the elevator was moving. “Thank goodness.” Marc breathed out.
“Actually, I was kind of hoping I had to deliver the baby.” Steve muttered as the elevator continued moving upward.
“You? Steve you couldn’t even carry my suitcase. How are you going to deliver a baby?” Jaime laughed.
“It’s moving! Oscar cried. He and Rudy raced up the stairs to greet them.
Jaime, Steve and Marc were just stepping off as Oscar and Rudy dashed down the hall. “Are you three all right?” Rudy asked.
“Yea, we’re fine.” Steve told him. “But we better get Jaime to that delivery room you made up. And fast!”
It was well past midnight when Rudy led Steve and Jaime down the hall. He turned to Oscar. “Why don’t the two of you wait in my office?” He suggested. “The other kids are already there.”
“That’s where we’ll be.” Oscar called out as he led Marc down the hall.
The three of them stepped into makeshift delivery room Rudy had prepared. “So the big day is finally here?” Rudy turned to the two of them
“That’s what she tells me.” Steve laughed.
Rudy turned to Jaime. “Why don’t you start getting ready?” He turned to Steve. “You need to wait in my office with the rest.”
“I can’t be in here?” Steve sounded disappointed and at the same time nervous.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Rudy explained.
“Rudy I’ve read where the father can be in the delivery room now.” Steve complained “Besides I was this close to delivering him myself…”
“I’ve read those articles to Steve, just call me old fashioned I guess…”
Steve tried to remind Rudy of the dream he had had sometime back, where Jaime and the baby died.
“Steve that was a dream. Jaime is going to be just fine, now I really need you to go down to my office and just sit back and relax.”
“I still want to be in here, but if this is the way you want it…”
“It is. I’ll see you in just a bit. Don’t worry Steve.” Rudy assured.
Grumbling Steve headed back down the hall to Rudy’s office.
Oscar jumped to his feet. “Anything yet?” Oscar asked when Steve entered
“Not yet. By the way where are the kids?”
“Right over there” Oscar pointed to Rudy’s inner office. “They are all sleeping. Well all but Dan.”
Steve started roaming around Rudy’s office rearranging objects that were sitting around.
“Steve, come on. Why don’t you just sit back and relax.” Oscar pointed to the couch.
After an hour or so Steve stood back up and began to pace the floor. “What is taking so long?” He asked.
“Just relax Steve. I remember when Julie had the twins it took forever.” Oscar mentioned.
“You know, you said those exact words more or less in that dream I had.” Steve reminded.
“You mean the one you had a few months back, the one where you kidnapped Marc?”
“Yea.” Steve turned toward the door. “I just hope everything is alright. Maybe I should go back down.”
“Rudy called right after he kicked you out. I’m to keep your mind off of things.”
“Does Rudy suspect trouble?” Steve headed for the door. “If there’s trouble I want to be there.
“Steve would you just relax. There is no trouble. Rudy just wanted me to keep you busy. He’s read all the records from when you were born, so far everything is exactly the same, that’s why he wants you out here.”
“There will be one big difference.” Steve noted. “I’ll be there to….”
“Well actually his real father is still not here.” Oscar reminded. “Carl is his actual father.”
“I’ve been wondering about that. Genetically he doesn’t belong to either one of us.” Steve pointed out.
“Dan was talking to me about that just the other day. He said the only time you may have a problem is if you and Jaime were to ever divorce.”
“I don’t think there is any danger of that.” Steve smiled. After a while Steve looked at the clock. “It’s getting late, it’s well past two.” Steve couldn’t sit still.
...Continued