CHAPTER 31 TO 40

CHAPTER 31 - Assemble

- Five inches. Can you believe our baby is five inches long?

- Yeah! I think it’s bigger actually - Chris sat on the couch and rested his head on ’s shoulder, putting his hand on her baby bump - It looks bigger.

- Yeah, I guess, maybe… - looked down.

- What are you looking at, anyway?

- Oh, it’s an iphone pregnancy app. You type in your due date and then it gives all the info on how the pregnancy is currently going - smiled at Chris and then her phone rang.

- Oh, I wonder what my mom found on the internet now - Chris said when seeing it was Lisa calling and laughed.

- Hey Lisa! What’s up? … Oh, we’re great too… Really? Oh my god! … That was yesterday! I didn’t even notice! … Oh, thank you! - laughed - Ok, bye.

- I was right, wasn’t I? - Chris asked.

- Yeah, there’s a picture of me on some website about pregnant celebrities!

- Really?

- Yeah! And she said I had a red dress on, which was yesterday! I didn’t notice anyone taking my picture!

- Oh yeah, you almost never do. The guys really are professionals. And since we confirmed the news, they must’ve been dying for a picture.

- Oh, she texted me the link. Let’s see… She said at least I looked really good - laughed.

- Aw, you do! - Chris said after the picture loaded.

- This is so weird!

- Well, get used to it. You’re a celebrity now - Chris smiled and kissed .

- What time is our flight again?

- 5:30. About an hour until we have to leave - Chris answered after looking at the clock - Did you finish packing?

- Yep - smiled.

was four months pregnant, and it had been about a week since Chris’ publicist confirmed the news to the tabloids. As Chris was on the spotlight because of The Avengers, there had been quite a few news online about the pregnancy.

Later that day, Chris, and Isabella flew to New York, where they were spending two weeks. Chris was shooting The Avengers and the whole cast was there too. The shooting started the day after they arrived, and was excited to meet the rest of the cast - but probably not as excited as Isa was to see all the superheroes in action.

- Hey! - hugged Tom when seeing him.

- Hello! - he smiled - How are you?

- Oh, I’m great! How are you?

- Great, too! Congratulations about the baby! I hadn’t seen you pregnant yet - Tom put his hand on ’s belly.

- Oh, yeah! It’s been quite a while since we last saw each other, uh? - smiled and then Tom turned around when he felt someone poking him.

- Hello! - Tom crouched when he saw Isabella and she hugged him.

- Uncle Tom, are you gonna wear your Loki costume today?

- Yes, I’m actually gonna go put it on right now! Then you’ll see me when I’m ready, okay?

- Okay - Isa and Tom smiled, and then saw Chris coming closer while talking to Mark Ruffalo, who had his son walking alongside of him.

- , you hadn’t met Mark right? - Chris asked.

- No, I hadn’t, hi!

- Hey, nice to meet you! - Mark smiled and hugged .

- You too! Is this your son? - looked at the boy that was with Mark.

- Yes, this is Keen.

- Hey, nice to meet you! How old are you?

- I’m 10 - he smiled.

- This is my daughter Isabella, she’s 7…

- Hello!

- Hi - Isabella smiled.

- Oh, Tom, my son here wants to say hi… he’s a huge Loki fan - Mark smiled at Tom.

- Well, hello! I was just telling Isabella here that I’m about to change into my costume…

- That’s awesome! I can’t wait to see it!

- Okay, sweetie, now dad’s gonna go change, let’s wait over there - said to Isa.

- Hey, , can Keen stay with you? - Mark asked - His nanny hasn’t arrived yet.

- Oh, of course! - smiled and walked to some chairs Chris said they could wait at with Isabella and Keen.

- Where’s your mom? - Isa asked Keen.

- She’s working, she couldn’t come. But my nanny is arriving at night - Keen smiled.

- ! - Scarlett smiled and hugged - Congratulations! - She put her hand on ’s baby bump.

- Oh, thank you - smiled.

- Hey, you two haven’t met - Scarlett pointed at Cobie, who was just talking to her - , Cobie; Cobie, .

- Nice to meet you! - Cobie hugged .

- You too! It’s such an honor! I’ve seen your TV show, I love it!

- Aw, thank you, how sweet! - Cobie smiled.

As everyone got ready to shoot an outdoor scene to be in the end of the movie, Isabella and Keen played with some toys and talked to Elsa and Susan, Chris’ and Robert’s wives, who were also pregnant.

- So when your baby due? - Elsa asked .

- July 20th. And yours? - said to both of them.

- May 11th - Elsa smiled.

- That's the same day as my friend Hayley! - Alice smiled.

- Really? What a coincidence!

- Oh my boy here is due February 7th - Susan put her hand on her belly.

- Oh, it’s getting close! - Elsa said.

- You’re having a boy? That’s great! - smiled.

- We decided to make the sex of the baby a surprise - Elsa said.

- Really? Chris and I are way too curious for that - said and they laughed.

- Mom, look! They’re ready! - Isabella pulled ’s shirt and they all looked to find everyone in their outfits, ready to shoot the final scene, and could see the sparkles in Isa’s and Keen’s eyes as they spotted Tom dressed as Loki.

- Wow, Loki looks so cool! - Isa said.

- Yeah, but dad said that in the next scene there’s gonna be am explosion, and Loki is gonna be bad! - Keen said and Isa squealed, making laugh.

A while later, Chris was talking to some people while Isa played next to him, and went to look for a bathroom. She couldn’t find her way back and ended up on a bunker, where she found Tom.

- Oh, hi there! - He smiled surprised.

- Hey - smiled back - What are you doing?

- Just checking some props - Tom showed a shelf with Captain America’s shield and Thor’s hammer.

- Cool! - came closer - Oh my god, you should totally take a picture with these!

- I should! You know what, I will - Tom and laughed and he handed her his phone - Can you, please?

- Sure! - smiled and started taking pictures of Tom with the shield, the hammer, and both together. They spent almost ten minutes “playing” with all the props and laughing like two children.

- You should send this one to Chris - smiled and showed Tom a picture of him holding the hammer, while they both sat on a couch and checked out the photos.

- Oh yeah, I’ll do it right now - Tom smiled and got the phone - Look what I wrote - he said after a minute - “I know it’s supposed to be ‘Whoever holds this, if he be worthy’ but, look…” - Tom and laughed.

At the end of the day, everyone went out for drinks at a bar Robert picked, and Isabella and Keen had stayed with Keen’s nanny at the hotel. As they all started to drink, they started to gain more courage to sing at the karaoke - which wasn’t the case for and Scarlett, who had been excited to sing all along.

- Tom, pick a song for us to sing! A hard one! - said.

- Okay… Do you know Highway To Hell?

- Oh god, yes! Let’s ace this thing - stood up and Tom laughed.

Apart from all the laughs and interruptions by the drunk ones, Tom and did great singing. After they finished, they sat next to Chris and Scarlett, as they got ready to see Robert singing New York, New York.

- I dare you not to laugh at this - Tom said to .

- What? There is no way anyone can do that. Especially - Chris laughed.

- What? You think I can’t hold my laughter? Okay, let’s do this. I’m not gonna laugh.

As Robert started singing, it really did get hard to hold the laughter, but seemed to be pulling through. Chris and Scarlett were already laughing and and Tom were smiling and trying to hold it. Everything was going well until Tom burst into laughs.

- Stop it! You’re gonna make me laugh - said, and after a couple seconds, started laughing at Tom.

- Ha! I told you couldn’t do this! - Chris shouted.

- I said I wouldn’t laugh at Robert, I didn’t count on Tom to start laughing like a child! - laughed.

- No, she’s right, I think it’s Tom’s fault - Scarlett said.

- You idiot - slapped Tom in the back as he recovered his breath.

- Okay, we’re next! - Scarlett stood up and pointed at Chris - Come on, let’s beat the laughing children over there!

- Oh, please - Tom said to Scarlett - Like you two are gonna beat our rendition of Highway To Hell!

- I gotta tell you, it is a hard one - Chris stood up and grabbed a microphone - But this one’s a professional. You two should be scared.

- Oh, okay then, we’re scared - teased them and laughed.

Later on, , Susan and Elsa were sitting on a table and talking when Scarlett and Cobie arrived.

- So, can we join you guys or is this table only for who’s baring little Avengers? - Scarlett smiled and they all laughed.

- Oh, little Avengers, I love it! - laughed and moved a little to the side to fit two more girls on the couch - Of course you can join us!

- So what are talking about? Sharing pregnancy stories? - Cobie asked.

- Actually, we were just wondering if the guys give you two a hard time, being the only girls on set - Susan said.

- Oh, of course not! They’re the best - Scarlett smiled.

- Yeah, I’m used to a set with more guys than girls. I think it’s actually better - Cobie looked at Scarlett and she nodded.

- Yeah, I think they’re a little scared of us! - Scarlett and the other girls laughed.

- You guys do realize how weird it looks that there are only man dancing, right? - Jeremy said while coming close to the table and taking a sip of Scarlett’s drink, and all the girls looked at the dance floor.

- There are plenty of girls dancing! - Elsa smiled at Jeremy and he looked back.

- Yeah, but look how ugly they are! - He joked.

- Oh, that’s sweet - Scarlett laughed - So, which of the “husbands” made you come and summon us?

- It was just common sense. Come on girls, come on! - Jeremy called them and went back to the dance floor, and they made their way there too.

CHAPTER 32 - Little Things

and Chris were sitting by the pool side while Isa was playing with her toys in the small pool, and Chris was randomly going through a gossip magazine that had finished reading.

- Heey, check out the hot chick I found in this magazine - Chris handed the magazine opened in a page.

- What chick? - got the magazine and took off her sunglasses - Oh my god, it’s us! I must’ve skipped this page!

- Yeah, I hope you skipped it and not just didn’t recognize yourself.

- Okay, my pregnant brain is not that messed up - laughed.

- Yeah right!

- “Captain America out with the family” - started reading - “Star of the upcoming movie The Avengers, Chris Evans spent his Sunday, 18, walking by the beach with daughter Isabella and wife , who is five months pregnant with the couple’s first natural child. The Avengers is out in theaters on May 4th”. Oh wow! Oh, don’t we look cute?

- Don’t we always? - Chris joked and smiled.

- Mom, why can’t I go watch Uncle Sam’s movie tonight? - Isabella asked as she got out of the pool and grabbed her towel.

- Because, sweetie - put the towel around her - It’s an adult movie. It has a lot of fighting, I don’t think you’re gonna like it. And plus, Grandma Lisa is going to rent a bunch of movies for you to watch!

- Oh, can I call her and ask her to rent The Smurfs?

- Sure sweetie, go get mommy’s phone on the table - smiled.

After the phone call, took Isa for a bath, and around 4 p.m, she and Chris left Isabella at Lisa’s and went to the premiere of Sam’s new movie, Wrath Of The Titans. Since Sam was the star of the night, Chris and took the opoortunity to simply be the guests. They arrived and greeted Sam and Hayley, but went to the back before anyone could ask them to pose or give interviews. Instead, they just sat and talked while Sam discussed his role and Hayley posed with her beautiful growing baby bump.

- , you know what I was thinking about? - Hayley said to as they waited for the movie to begin and Chris talked to Sam.

- What?

- You’re going to the doctor tomorrow right? Maybe you can already see the sex of the baby!

- Oh, yeah! I hadn’t realized that! Hey, Chris - called Chris, who was sitting next to Sam while the movie didn’t start - Maybe we can see the sex of the baby tomorrow!

- Oh… yeah… - Chris looked thoughtful.

- What’s wrong?

- I’m not gonna go, remember? I have that interview - Chris looked sad.

- Oh, honey, it’s ok. You know what? It’s probably not gonna be viewable yet. My mom only found out I was a girl a day before I was born!

- Really? - Hayley said.

- Yeah, my room was all yellow - laughed.

- Oh, it’s gonna start - Chris sat next to again and held her hand, and she lied her head on his shoulder. It was one of the greatest moments of her week. Not that she didn’t love her amazing routine of working or being at home with Isa and East, but it was nice when there was a deep and calm moment for her and Chris to be together and soak up all the amazing things going on in their lives.

- Oh, wow! I loved the movie! - patted Sam on the back after the movie ended and they left the room - I think it’s even better than the first one!

- Thanks!

- Sofia didn’t like it - Hayley said.

- Oh come on - Sam hugged Hayley from behind - You’re overreacting.

- Are you joking? Our daughter hasn’t even been born yet and she already had to experience you almost dying!

- But it wasn’t real!

- I gotta say, I’m with Hay on this one - said - I had to see Chris dying in movies three times, and it feels very real when it’s happening.

- Oh, we’re sorry we pretend-die - Chris and Sam laughed.

- Don’t joke about that! You once almost died for real! - said in a serious tone.

- Still not my fault! But I really am sorry - Chris kissed on the cheek.

- Ok, enough with the hormones - Sam said - Let’s just go to dinner.

- Now that we can do pretty well - Hayley and laughed.

The next day, Chris left early for an interview and went to the doctor. It was the third time Chris wasn’t able to go with to the doctor, and he was very upset about it. understood why he couldn’t go, but was feeling really sorry that he wasn’t there.

- Addison, could you do me a favor? - asked her ob-gyn right after she started her ultrasound.

- Of course! What is it?

- If you find out the sex of the baby, don’t tell me. Just put it in the file. Cause I wanna find out with Chris.

- Oh, sure! That’s sweet - She smiled.

- Yeah, he was really upset he couldn’t come today, so I thought I’d make this little surprise - smiled.

- Yeah, it’ll be great! Just as if he was here - Addison smiled at and proceeded to examine her.

After the consult, went to her dance company’s theater to practice. They were about four months away from opening the new season of the Swan Lake, which couldn’t be a part of, but she went to some of the training because she didn’t want to out of practice when she came back. She was having some water while still in her training clothes - a blue shirt, black pants and beige flats - when she heard Chris calling her, so she turned around.

- He- was interrupted by Chris with a kiss, while he put his arms around her, and she did the same.

- Hey - Chris smiled - I really missed you guys today - He put one hand on ’s belly and kissed it.

- We missed you too - smiled.

- Chris! - Lisa came close to them and kissed him - Take home! I think if she exercises more this baby’s gonna be born underweight! - Lisa put her hand on ’s belly and she laughed.

- Mom, what are you doing here?

- Oh, I was just catching up with Amy and ran into ! But I’m on my way. Bye sweetie - Lisa kissed on the cheek and walked away.

- Bye, see you later!

- You will? - Chris asked .

- Oh, yeah, we’re having dinner at your sister’s.

- She’s out of town!

- No, not Carly, Shanna.

- Shanna is cooking? Oh god, do we really wanna go? - Chris joked.

- Stop it! You know she’s been taking cooking lessons!

- I don’t know, you can’t just magically change in three months…

- Of course you can! - laughed - Plus, your mom said she’s eaten her food and it’s really good!

- Okay, fine - Chris smiled - Oh, how was the consult?

- I don’t know. I’m gonna have it right now.

- What do you mean? I thought you went to the doctor this morning!

- I did, but… Here, come with me - took Chris by the hand and led him to a room, turning on a bunch of switches.

- , what’s going on? - Chris asked.

- Stand over there - pointed at a platform and then joined him in it, and after pushing a button, the platform started to level up, revealing the stage and the view to all the seats in the theater.

- Wow, this is amazing!

- I know right? They installed this last week, I love it.

- What is that? - Chris noticed was holding a file as she sat down on the floor and he sat next to her.

- The sex of the baby is here. And I don’t know it yet.

- You waited for me? - Chris smiled - Thank you honey - He then kissed her on the cheek, putting one arm around her and the other in her belly.

- Okay… Here we go - opened the file and they looked through all the information, which was just a bunch of technical terms that basically meant and the baby were fine. Then, they got to the bottom of the page and saw it: “Sex: Male”.

- Oh my god, we’re having a boy! - Chris and smiled and kissed.

- Hey, want other great news? - Chris smiled.

- What?

- I just remembered I got gummy bears - Chris took a pack of gummy bears from his jacket and laughed.

- That is good news - smiled and lied her head on Chris’ lap and they stayed there talking for almost an hour.

After picking up Isabella from school, they went home and had mexican food for dinner, since was craving for spicy food. Chris would tease her every time she said what she was craving for, claiming she was just doing that to eat more, otherwise she would be craving things like “chicken with chocolate”. Later, Chris was sitting on the couch watching TV, and Isa had just fallen asleep in his lap. was sitting on the living room floor, going through some magazines that were in a drawer.

- You know, chicken with chocolate is starting to sound really good - said and Chris laughed.

- What are you doing anyway?

- Looking at some old magazines… oh, this is the one with the photoshoot with your mom! - stood up holding a magazine - I don’t think I’ve read this interview - lied on the couch next to Chris, while he put his arm around her.

- Wow, I don’t even remember it anymore…

- Oh, this interesting! Your ideal woman… - and Chris started reading his answer to the question - A woman that challenges you… Am I challenging? - smiled.

- Oh yeah, definitely. In your latest move, you got me actually considering chicken and chocolate - Chris said and laughed - Look at that, it’s like I’m describing you!

- Yeah?

- Totally. Loves dogs, is humble, doesn’t take herself too seriously… is smoking hot.

- You did not say smoking hot!

- Yeah, well, I couldn’t say it out loud! But all I was thinking was “man, she better be this smoking hot dancer named , that loves jellybeans and waking up late” - Chris and laughed.

CHAPTER 33 - Suit Up

- What about John?

- Um… no - answered as she sat in front of Chris during lunch.

- You said you liked it!

- Yeah, but now it sounds weird! Baby John? Come on.

- Okay - Chris laughed - What was that name you said you liked? Back when were dating?

- Um… oh, it was Daniel. Then I suggested it to Abby… and she took it.

- Okay… Lucas?

- Oh, no! Ex-boyfriend. Joey?

- Hm, my first boss… that guy was the devil.

- My god, this should not be this hard! We’ve been doing this for weeks!

- No, it should be this hard! It’s the name that our son is gonna have forever!

- Yeah… Oh, you know a name I always liked? Thomas.

- Thomas… Yeah, I like it! - Chris said and noticed that looked slightly shocked - What happened?

- Oh my god. Tom Evans. It’s perfect! - smiled.

- Okay, so we got a name! - Chris kissed .

- Tom Evans. Wow. He’s gonna be famous.

- Are you hoping for that or forcing that? - Chris smiled.

- Oh, definitely forcing. Can’t waste such a good name - and Chris laughed and then she looked at the clock - Oh, gotta go. Isa!

- I’m going!

- Wish me luck! - said while putting on her coat.

- Um… good luck getting your hair and makeup done?

- No, I meant not getting my picture taken by paparazzi now that I’m so famous - laughed - Plus, it’s not gonna look so good that you’re not driving me places - smiled and kissed Chris.

For the following hour or so, and Isa were at the beauty parlor and Chris was going over some things with his publicist, as later that day it was the world premiere of The Avengers. After being home for about half an hour, and Isa came back.

- Dad! Dad! Look at my nails! - Isa came running into the house to show Chris her blue nails with white stars in them.

- Wow! They look like Captain America’s shield!

- Yeah!

- Wow - Chris said while looking back and seeing - Mom looks great too, doesn’t she?

- Yeah, she does - Isa said as smiled and kissed Chris from the back of the couch. Then, East came running and started licking .

- Oh, there’s my boy! My healthy little boy! - crouched and patted East.

- Yeah right, healthy! - Chris laughed - All he does is sleep and fart.

- Oh, don’t listen to dad! - said in a childish voice - He’s just jealous that you spend way more time with mommy now that he’s working so much!

- Yeah, I’m jealous. God, I wish I could lie on a carpet all day and lick your feet!

- I do think you’re jealous. East is another male you have to compete with for our love. I just hope you’re not gonna be this mean to the other boy joining the family - smiled and caressed her belly.

- Yeah, we’ll see about that - Chris joked and laughed.

- Oh, honey, will you help me put on my dress?

- Sure, I have to go get ready anyway - Chris picked up Isa and started walking upstairs with .

- Otherwise you wouldn’t go? - and Chris laughed.

- Isa, sweetie, bring your dress for me to put it on - smiled and Isa went to her room.

While Chris got ready, dressed Isa and left her in the living room. Then, Chris helped put on her dress. It was a beautiful blue tulle gown with two pairs of straps, one of them crossed in the front, and a belt just below the chest, enhancing ’s growing baby bump.

- Crap! Do you think it’s not gonna close? - asked Chris as he tried to zip her dress.

- No, wait a minute, I can do it… - Chris struggled a bit more and closed the dress - There you go!

- My god! I tried this on like two weeks ago! - looked at herself in the mirror - Maybe our boy is gonna be born with your muscles already! - and Chris laughed.

- Not “our boy” - Chris hugged from behind while she stood before the mirror - Tom.

- Oh yeah - smiled - I’m not used to that yet. Oh, we can already tell everyone tonight, right?

- Yeah! Oh, I think our ride arrived - Chris said looking out the window after hearing a noise.

- Did they pick up your mom first?

- Yeah - Chris answered and went to Isa’s room - Sweetie, let’s go!

grabbed her clutch and went to the car with Chris and Isabella, where Lisa was waiting for them.

- Wow, don’t you all look pretty? - Lisa said after kissing everyone.

- Grandma, did you see my nails? - Isa asked while sitting on her lap and laughed.

- I did, sweetie, they’re very pretty!

- Grandma, is it true that blue matches white? Because dad says that my nails match my dress!

- Yes, it’s true! - Lisa laughed.

- You think dad was lying to you? - Chris started tickling Isabella.

- Oh, honey, Jim just texted you that he and Jean are already there - handed Chris his phone.

- Oh, and so are we - Chris pointed outside as the driver parked, and after a minute, they were all outside the car. Lisa took Isabella to the back while Chris and posed for the first cameras.

- Ladies and gentleman, we are here live with Mr. Chris Evans! – the reporter said after Chris and went for the interview.

- Hello!

- Hey!

- So, you were here a year ago, and tell me how it feels to be back for the second rendition of the Cap.

- Uh, it feels good, it’s exciting! You got a lot of people here, lot of fans, and it’s a rewarding feeling when people work on something and, you know, people are actually gonna see it.

- Tell me how was the relationship with your character and Tony Stark.

- Well, it was a good relationship, within the character… The better relationship was off set, I mean, Downey’s such a great guy, he’s so experienced and educated. He had a lot to offer and it was a great opportunity - Chris smiled.

- Oh, and congratulations about the baby you two! - the reporter smiled at .

- Thank you! - they said together.

- How’s it going with that? Are you gonna be past this whole craziness to enjoy the baby?

- Oh, yeah, yeah, I’m gonna be done with the press, done shooting my new movie, so we’re both gonna be home - Chris smiled.

- Oh that’s great! Well thank you so much and have fun tonight - the reporter smiled and they walked away.

- Hey, - Chris Hemsworth called while she waited for Chris to take some pictures.

- Hi, how are you doing? - smiled and hugged Chris.

- Oh, great, how are you?

- Great, thanks! How’s Elsa?

- She’s great too, getting ready for the baby… It’s a shame she can’t travel anymore…

- Yeah, I can’t either… Oh, we’re not gonna see each other anymore until we both have the babies!

- That’s true, yeah!

- Chris!

- Oh, you’re being summoned - smiled and pointed at a reporter that was calling him.

Chris went for an interview and stayed there, while some photographers requested her attention. As she posed for the cameras, someone stood close to her, also posing, but didn’t see who it was until after about thirty seconds.

- Heeeey! - said to Tom as they saw each other.

- Oh, hello! - Tom was surprised as well to see it was and hugged her - How are you? How’s the baby? - Tom put his hand on ’s belly, as the photographers captured the moment.

- Oh, we’re doing great, thank you! - smiled and then they both looked at the cameras for some more pictures.

- I’ll see you inside? - Tom said after some more pictures.

- Sure! - smiled and went to the back of the red carpet, at a room where a lot of people were hanging out.

- Oh, there you are! - Lisa said while sitting on a couch with Isa on her lap - Come sit here, you must’ve been standing for so long!

- Oh thank you - smiled and sat, and then she felt Tom kicking for the first time - Oh my god! Tom is kicking!

- Oh, really? - Lisa put her hand on ’s belly - Oh wow, he really is! Oh, Chris should be here!

- Yeah! Let me go see if he’s done - stood up - Oh, he stopped now!

- Already?

- Oh my god, it must be because I sat down and he didn’t like it!

- Oh yeah, that must be it! Sorry , it looks like Tom might be a hyperactive just like his father - Lisa and laughed.

- Oh, there you are! - said while turning around and seeing Chris walking in her direction - You won’t believe what just happened!

- What?

- Wait, let me check if I’m right - put her hand on her belly and sat back down on the couch - Yep, he’s kicking again!

- What? Tom is kicking? - Chris sat down and put his hand on ’s belly - Oh my god!

- I know right? - and Chris smiled and he kissed her.

- Wow, this is great! - Chris smiled.

- Chris! Come take a picture with us! - Scarlett asked as she and Jeremy posed for a friend that was taking their picture.

- Oh, sure! - Chris went to take the picture and saw Tom coming.

- Hey, how’s it going, super villain? - said and Tom laughed.

- Great! It’s such a big crowd, uh?

- Oh, yeah, I was scared to see that many people!

- Oh, Chris told me last week it’s a boy, right? - Tom smiled.

- Yes! Did he tell you about the name?

- No…

- We decided to name him Tom - smiled.

- Really? Oh, that’s great! Great choice! - Tom and laughed.

- I’ll be sure to tell that to your mom too - laughed.

- Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask you… What do you think we take picture to put on twitter? I think the fans would go crazy, they love these things - Tom said and laughed.

- Sure, ok! - smiled and Tom took their picture.

- Do you ever think of making a twitter? - Tom asked.

- Um… I don’t know. I know Jean wants Chris to make one, and his mom wants that too. I think it’d be good for him - smiled.

- Well, maybe if you make one you can too encourage him in! - Tom answered and laughed when seeing what Tom wrote as the capture of the picture: “At The Avengers premiere, where the lovely Evans just revealed me the baby’s beautiful name!”

- Time to go - Chris said to Tom after greeting him, as the cast made their way to the official introduction and photo. went to say hi to Scarlett and Chris was talking to some co-workers.

- No way! On the 7th? - Chris heard saying to Scarlett as he came close to them.

- What’s going on? - He asked.

- We just found out our grandmas live in the same building in New York! - Scarlett laughed.

- Really? Wow, how did you get to that topic? - Chris laughed.

- Oh, you’d be surprised how fast girls can change topics! - smiled.

- Hey, Jeremy - Chris said as Jeremy came close to them - Found out what’s the order?

- I don’t think anyone knows actually - Jeremy answered and they laughed - We’ll just have to be ready for our name to be called.

- Susan! - said when seeing Susan and hugged her - Hey, how are you?

- I’m great! And you?

- Great too! How’s Exton?

- Oh, terrific. We’re all doing so good, it’s like a dream!

- That is so good to hear - smiled.

A few minutes later, Scarlett and Cobie were getting their makeup reapplied, while the guys stood close to the stage, talking and sipping some drinks, and Isabella played with Mark’s son, Clark’s daughter and some other kids that were there.

- This is fun, to see the other side - said to Chris as she fixed his tie.

- What do you mean?

- Oh, you know, when watch these things on TV it’s like the actors just come out of nowhere, all looking pretty. This perspective is nice too - smiled.

- Speaking if superstars, I guess an order has been finally decided - Chris said after some people oriented him to stand behind Chris Hemsworth, and kissed .

- Have you been drinking scotch? - asked.

- Just one glass - Chris said immediately to make sure wasn’t mad.

- I’m not mad, I’m just saying… tasted good - smiled.

- Well, maybe I shouldn’t kiss you so much… - Chris said, kissing again - So you don’t get drunk - Chris then kissed her on the cheek.

- Oh, I think amount is allowed - smiled and Chris kissed her again. Then, she sat on a couch with some other people, including Lisa, to watch the official introduction on a screen. Each actor entered alone, and as they all stood together, the director and producer said a few words, and then they all posed for the official cast photo, making all fans go crazy.

- If you’ll please accompany me to the theater room - A man said to the people watching on the screen after the introduction ended, and everyone followed him.

- What was the name of that bar we went to in New York? - Chris asked as they waited for the movie to start and she talked to Scarlett, while Chris talked to Tom and Jeremy.

- Flanigan’s - and Scarlett answered together.

- Oh yeah - Jeremy said.

- Neither of you guys could remember? - Scarlett laughed.

- Well, it’s not like the name is such an important thing! - Chris joked.

- Oh really? How would you feel if someone forgot the name of the movie we’re about to watch? - smiled.

- We’re watching the movie? I thought this was it! - Chris answered and laughed.

When the movie started, everyone went dead silent, which is not a good reaction if you’re performing a comedy show, for example, but for a movie it’s great. Everyone was just completely mute except for the laughs and maybe some comments on the range of “that is awesome”. As the movie wasn’t a hundred percent explosions and action, was worried Isabella could lose focus, but every time she looked at her she was barely blinking.

After the movie, everyone went to dinner together. They had made reservations at a restaurant nearby, and after eating and talking and congratulating each other, everyone made their way to the set close to the theater, where they were shooting a surprise extra scene. Lisa went home and took Isabella with her, and spent the whole ride telling Chris how mind-blowing was the movie. Even though she had seen a lot of scenes being shot, it looked a lot different in the correct order and with all the special effects.

- Oh my god! - laughed at Chris when seeing him ready to shoot the scene. Since he had grown his beard to shoot Snowpiercer, he had to wear a prosthetic skin for the extra scene.

- I know, I know, I look great - Chris smiled - Crap, I can’t smile! - Chris said while fixing the prosthesis, which only made laugh more.

- Ooh, that looks fun - Cobie said as she came close to them. She wasn’t in the scene but went there to watch it being shot.

- Well, it’s making everyone laugh, so… - Chris smiled - But thank god it’s just a minute, I’m melting.

- Yeah, I remember we shot an episode where Neil had to wear a prosthesis for like two whole days, to look fat. He kinda almost died - Cobie looked at Chris with pity.

- Oh, yeah, I think I watched that episode! - said.

- Yeah, it’s when Barney and Robin break up, isn’t it? I think we watched it last week - Chris said.

- Yeah, that’s the one - Cobie smiled.

- Chris let’s go! - A man called Chris as everyone took their place in the table. Luckily for Chris, it was a simple one minute shot, so it only took one take. After getting out of their costumes, everyone went home to rest. Starting the day after, it was a gonna be long schedule for everyone, with interviews, photoshoots and premieres around the world. Chris wasn’t going to be part of the tour, but in a couple of days he was leaving for Prague to shoot his new movie.

- Honey, you gotta start packing - said with her eyes closed as Chris lied behind her in bed and cuddled her.

- Oh yeah… God, I hate packing.

- I can’t believe you’re gonna be gone for three months!

- Just think about it as one month, cause after that I’ll be back for a week…

- What day do you come back?

- May 3rd. I’m gonna go to New York that week, then on Wednesday I shoot The View and on Thursday I’m back.

- Oh, you’re gonna be here for Mother’s Day, right?

- Yeah, I will - Chris smiled - Goodnight honey.

- Goodnight - kissed Chris and they fell asleep.

CHAPTER 34 – Daughters

Chris had been in Prague for a month, shooting Snowpiercer, and was coming back later that day. He called home but didn’t answer, so he called her cell.

- Hey baby! How’s the shooting going?

- Great! Why aren’t you at home?

- Oh, I’m at your mom’s… Actually let me put you on speaker… She just found out there’s a Wikipedia page about me.

- Oh my god, really? - Chris laughed - Well, it’s not really surprising who you found it out from.

- Yeah - laughed.

- But you’re not there because of that, right?

- No, no, I brought Isa here to play with Lilly, and Lisa happened to have that information… - laughed.

- Oh my god, Chris! Do you really think that I would make my favorite daughter-in-law get out of the house, where my youngest grandchild was resting, just to show her a Wikipedia page? - Lisa said and Chris and laughed.

- is your only daughter-in-law! And I do think you would do that!

- I would never! And knows she’d be my favorite one even if all my four kids had wives! You’re the one with best taste!

- Yeah, and also, she’s helping me make a twitter account – said after laughing.

- Oh, really? So you finally caved in, uh?

- Yeah, and so will you – Lisa said.

- Yeah, Tom kept insisting that it’s easiest way for us to talk, and that friend of mine that lives in Seattle, too…

- Just be sure to keep a low profile now that you’re all famous with the Wikipedia pages and all – Chris and laughed.

- Mom, I wanna talk to dad too! - Isa said as she and Lilly came to the room - Hi dad!

- Hi sweetie! How are you?

- I’m fine. I’m at grandma’s with Lilly!

- Hi uncle Chris!

- Hey! So, who else is there?

- Mom, grandma, grandpa, aunt Carly… and Tom! Did you say hi to Tom? - Isabella got the phone and put it close to ’s belly.

- Hi baby! Do you miss me?

- Oh my god, Chris, he’s kicking! - laughed.

- Really? Aw, so he does miss me!

- Yes, we all do! Get home before Tom gets his own Wikipedia page! - Lisa said joking.

- Ok, I’ll be sure to do that - Chris laughed - Bye everyone!

- Bye! - They said together.

A while later, went back home. Isa was in her room and was in the kitchen when she heard a knock. She answered the door to find Hayley, who looked completely desperate and terrified.

- Oh my god, honey, what happened? - grabbed Hayley’s arm and led her inside, and before she could say anything her phone rang.

- Hello? Sam, is that you? - Hayley took a deep breath when hearing the answer and dropped a tear - I just read on a website… - Hayley stuttered - that you had died!

looked at Hayley, scared, realizing why she looked that way, and patted her in the back while Sam comforted her on the phone.

- Okay… No, I’m at ’s. Okay. I love you - Hayley gave the phone - He wants to talk to you.

smiled at Hayley and sat on the couch with her.

- Hey, Sam, how’s it going?

- Well, everything okay around here… But I guess Hayley is not.

- Well, yeah, I don’t know much to it either, she just arrived here…

- Well, can you try and calm her please? She’s been really sensible because of the hormones. I’m really worried for her, and the baby.

- Oh, sure, don’t worry! What time do you get here?

- Around 10 p.m …

- Great, that’s like fifteen minutes before Chris does! I’ll take Hayley then!

- That’s great, thank you .

- Not at all! Have a safe flight - smiled and hung up - Honey, are you okay?

- She put Hayley’s head on her shoulder.

- Yes, I guess I am now… God, I don’t know what happened! I never believe those things! But I just saw the fake news was posted this morning, and I hadn’t talked to Sam since yesterday morning, then he didn’t pick up…

- Oh, I know sweetie - smiled - Well, now you know he’s ok, right? How about we watch a movie and go to the airport together?

- Okay - Hayley smiled.

At night, drove Hayley and Isabella to the airport. When Sam arrived, Isa was asleep in ’s lap as she sat on some chairs, so she just kept looking from a distance as Sam hugged Hayley for almost five minutes and said things that were making her smile
continuously.

always said Sam and Hayley were her favorite couple in the world. They truly were meant for each other. She remembered the day she told Hayley to go talk to “that guy that keeps smiling at you”, when they were having coffee at a place near Hayley’s house. She remembered the first time she talked to Sam after he told Hayley he loved her, saying she knew true love when she saw it. Then, she started smiling by herself as she remembered the time she was teasing Hayley by saying that she considered Sam a brother more than she considered her a sister. Then, they sat next to and Sam told them all about his trip. stood up immediately when seeing Chris, as Isa was now on Sam’s lap. They hugged for a minute without saying anything, just breathing in the moment, and then kissed.

- Do you know how hard it is to be away from you for a month while carrying your baby? I missed you for two people!

- It was hard for me too, I had more people to miss!

- Oh, Tom is kicking again - put her hand on her belly.

- Yeah, I felt that! - Chris smiled and then the two couples spent about ten more minutes talking before they went home.

About three days later, on a Saturday, and Chris went to the ballet school where Isa had classes, to see her presentation. Since taught in two classes, one for kids from 3 years-old to 6 years-old and another from 6 to 10 year-olds, she was still Isa and Lilly’s teacher, but this was a special Mother’s Day performance that one of her teacher friends organized, and she hadn’t let her see any of it.

- Wow! - Chris said from his seat as he saw coming and sitting next to him - Am I to understand you just left the backstage of a theater voluntarily?

- Yes! I just left Isa there and that’s it! I even turned off my phone. Today I am just a mother - smiled.

There were seven different performances, divided by age. As Isabella, Lilly and about five other girls danced to the third dance of the night, just smiled nonstop while trying to hold back tears, and trying to convince Chris it was just the hormones’ fault.

- Oh I think it’s because you just realized your daughter is a great dancer - Chris smiled - That was the look on my mom’s face whenever she saw me tap dancing - Chris joked and pointed at Lisa, who was sitting some chairs away, next to Carly.

- Yeah, right. Speaking of tap dancing, somebody here is trying really hard to be noticed - looked down and Chris put his hand on ’s belly, where Tom kept kicking for almost five minutes.

After the presentation ended, Isabella and Lilly showed up with roses for , Carly and Lisa. Then, they all went to dinner together. After eating, turned on her phone and saw that there was a missed call.

- I wonder what Sam wants… He knows I wouldn’t answer while watching Isa - said while dialing back - Oh, hey Sam! … Oh my god! Really? Oh, ok, we’re going right now!

- What happened? - Lisa asked.

- Hayley is in labor!

- Oh my god! I thought it was supposed to be in three days! - Chris said.

- Yeah, so did they, but she’s already in the hospital and everything!

- You know what? I’ll take Isa to sleep at our house, you two can go - Carly said.

- Oh, that’s great, thank you Carly! - smiled and she and Chris left after saying goodbye to everyone.

- Wow, this was so unexpected! - Chris said in the car after they left.

- Oh my god, I can’t believe our goddaughter is going to be born tonight!

- Yeah - Chris smiled.

- Oh, I didn’t buy her a present! I was gonna do it tomorrow…

- Well you can still buy it tomorrow. It’s Sofia’s fault, she didn’t give us any notice - Chris said and laughed.

A few minutes later, Chris and arrived at the maternity.

- Hi - said to the receptionist - I’m looking for Hayley Atwell’s room.

- Oh, third one on the left - the woman pointed to a hall and smiled.

- Thank you - smiled and she and Chris went to the room, where they found Sam and Hayley. – Hi! – hugged Hayley as Sam and Chris greeted – How are you feeling?

- Oh, great! Apart from the contractions – Hayley smiled.

- Are they really that terrible? I’m starting to get really scared.

- Oh, nothing you can’t take, - Hayley and laughed.

- So, I guess Sofia is going to be more than two months older than Tom - caressed her belly.

- Yeah, if Tom comes on his due date, which I really don’t believe in - Chris said.

- Yeah, I don’t either - smiled – So, is anyone else here?

- Yeah, our parents are in the waiting room – Sam said.

- Oh, great!

- Time to go, Hayley - Hayley’s doctor showed up at the door.

- Already? - asked.

- Yep, 10 centimeters dilated. It’s time - the doctor smiled and went to call a nurse.

- Oh my god! Good luck sweetie – kissed Hayley’s cheek - See you later.

- See you! - Hayley smiled and and Chris went to the waiting room.

- Hello! - hugged Hayley’s mom.

- Hi!

- Hayley is in the delivery room!

- Really? Oh my god! – she smiled.

- And how are you doing, sweetie? - Sam’s mom asked as she put her hand on ’s belly – Wow, I hadn’t seen you in so long! The baby is getting really big, uh?

- Yeah, he’s always bigger than the normal expected, but everything is going amazingly well - smiled and Chris’ phone rang.

- Hello?

- Hi dad!

- Hey, princess! Are you getting ready to sleep?

- Yeah, I’m using Lilly’s pajamas! Is the baby born already?

- No, honey, not yet.

- Will you send me a picture when she is?

- Ok sweetie, I will. You go to bed now, I’ll send a picture to aunt Carly’s phone and you’ll see it when you wake up tomorrow, okay?

- Okay. Goodnight dad.

- Goodnight Isa - Chris smiled and hung up.

After about half an hour, Sofia was born, with 7 pounds and 20 inches. and Chris went to meet her after Sam and Hayley were back in their room and their parents had met their first granddaughter.

- Hi baby! - smiled when seeing Sofia - Can I hold her?

- Of course! - Hayley handed Sofia to and she kept smiling at the baby, glancing at her big brown eyes.

- Wow, she is so beautiful! - Chris said while standing behind , with his head on her shoulder.

- Your almost-cousin is saying hi too - joked as Tom started kicking and everyone laughed.

- Hey, it’s past midnight - Chris said while looking at the clock. – Sofia was born on mother’s day.

- Oh, yeah! Happy mother’s day - Sam smiled and kissed Hayley.

CHAPTER 35 – Lucky Strike

Chris was going back to Prague for a month to finish shooting. If everything went well, they would finish early and he’d be back home by June 10th, in time for his birthday and over a month before the baby came.

Two days before going back, he and went to visit their goddaughter Sofia, who was know a week old. Their friends Liz and Matt were also at Sam and Hayley’s house, and everyone was alternating between holding Sofia and caressing ’s seven-months baby bump.

- So, Chris, you’re going back in two days, right? - Matt asked. - If I know you well, I’d say you haven’t packed yet.

- Well, that’s the good part, I don’t have to, because I haven’t unpacked yet - Chris laughed.

- That’s the only way that you can possibly have your bags ready this early - smiled while holding Sofia, and then started talking to her in a childish voice - Yeah, don’t ever go to uncle Chris when it comes to being organized. Maybe you can even learn from your mom and teach him some skills! - laughed.

- Well, there’s another messy one coming to compete with the ladies in our house - Chris smiled and sat by ’s side.

- Oh, no. He better not even try to side with you on this thing. And he won’t, you knows that boys are always more attached to their moms.

- Yeah. I think that’s true. And girls to their dads, right? Cause I’m pretty sure Isabella’s starting to be more like me.

- Yeah, thanks a lot for that by the way. You know, I invested in that girl, she was gonna be my perfect sucessor in dancing, and now all that she’s incredibly good at is leaving toys around the house and talking about the Patriots - teased Chris.

- Oh, you’re welcome for that! The way I see it, I’m adding a little “me” to Isa, and if she turns out to be a combination of the both of us, we’re creating a perfect human being! - Chris smiled.

- Well, I hope we are, cause we’re about to “model” another little being to perfection - smiled and kissed Chris.

- Mom, did you see how pretty is Sofia’s room? - Isa said as she arrived downstairs with Hayley.

- I did, honey. It’s the same color as yours, isn’t it?

- Yeah, purple, my favorite color!

- Time to get going - Chris said while checking the clock - I gotta wake up early tomorrow.

- What time is it? - asked.

- Um, nearly 10 p.m.

- Wow, really? It seems like we’ve been here for like an hour!

- Yeah, time flies when you’re looking at this little princess! - Liz said as put Sofia in her arms.

- Well, we’re still up for Saturday, right? - Sam asked after hugging her, while Chris got Isabella on his lap.

- Oh, yeah, totally! I’ll bring the wine - smiled.

- Wait. No! Don’t tell me… - Chris said and nodded at him.

- What’s going on? - Matt asked.

- Sam keeps saying he learned how to make the best lasagna when he was shooting in Italy, but he always makes it when I’m traveling!

- Oh, come on, it was only three times - Hayley laughed.

- Yeah, still, I’m pretty sure it’s on purpose - Chris smiled.

- Tell you what man - Sam said while patting Chris on his back - How about I make it for your birthday?

- Ooh, that’s a great idea! - smiled.

- Ok, then, it’s a promise!

After getting home, they all went straight to bed. The next day, Chris went to meet his publicist to go over some things about his interview later that day, and went to work after dropping Isa off at school. Chris was at home, getting ready for the interview, when called him.

- Hello? - Chris answered the phone.

- Hey, honey. Are you still home?

- Yeah, I’m leaving in about five minutes. Why?

- Oh, because I’m going home early cause I don’t feel so well… and I just saw that I don’t have my keys so, can you wait for me please?

- Um, okay, but try to come fast.

- Okay.

About fifteen minutes later, arrived.

- Hey honey - Chris smiled and kissed - What took you so long? I have to go!

- Sorry, I was feeling a little… Oh my god! - made a pain face and put one hand on her belly while holding onto a chair with the
other.

- What? What’s going on? - Chris quickly went close to and put one hand on her back her and the other over her hand on the belly, helping her sit down.

- I don’t know, it’s… it’s kinda like cramps but… - looked at Chris - What if it’s a contraction?

- Oh my god! Okay, I’ll take you to the hospital, come on - Chris helped stand up and go to the car - Are you ok? - Chris asked after stopping at the sign.

- Oh, I don’t know - squeezed Chris’ hand - Are we getting there?

- Yeah, we’re almost there. It’s okay, just breathe - Chris said calmly and started taking long deep breaths.

He drove as fast as he could and took her into the emergency room at the hospital where her doctor worked at, which was close to their house.

- Honey, go, you’re gonna be late! - said to Chris after he had talked to the recepcionist, insisting she waited on a chair.

- But, are you ok? - Chris sat next to .

- Well, not really, but I’m at a hospital! So I am gonna be ok! Go on, you can’t miss the interview - She kissed Chris.

- Okay. Call me when you’re done.

- I will.

- Actually, if you could call me in like ten minutes so I can be calm for my interview…

- Okay sweetie, I will - smiled and kissed Chris, then he went away.

- Here - Dr. Montgomery said while showing the screen with Tom’s image - No plans of getting out yet. In fact, he even looks like he’s asleep now - Addison smiled.

- Oh that’s great! So I’m definetely not in labor?

- No.

- Good, let me text Chris, he must be nervous - got her phone and texted Chris “We’re both fine! No one getting out today. Have a great interview. xxx”, and a couple minutes later he answered “Great! I’ll call you in about an hour”.

After the consult, Addison prescribed some pills for , as she was still feeling a little discomfort, but already cleared her to go home, so she took a cab.

- Hey honey - answered Chris’ call - Are you done?

- Not yet, sorry sweetie. How are you?

- Oh, I’m great. I figured you were busy so I just took a cab.

- What? You’re in a cab? You can’t go back home by yourself!

- Honey, I’m fine, don’t worry! I had something called Braxton-Hicks contractions; it’s like a false labor…

- False labor? That sounds serious, you shouldn’t be alone!

- If it was serious it wouldn’t be called “false” - laughed as she paid the cab driver and got out of the cab - Look, honey, the doctor cleared me to come home. And now I’m already home anyway. I’m gonna have the pills Dr. Montgomery prescribed delivered, then I’m gonna take them and rest, okay?

- Okay, fine. But call me if you need anything!

- I will honey - smiled and hung up.

About half an hour later, Chris arrived home and went to his and ’s bedroom, from where he heard TV sounds.

- Heey - smiled when seeing Chris.

- Hey, - Chris smiled and walked into the room.

- Oh my god, this is the best show there is - let out a loud laugh while watching tv.

- Are you drunk or something? - Chris laughed and lied behind , hugging her.

- Oh, yeah! After you dropped me off at the doctor I thought “Why am I here when all my troubles can be solved with alcohol?” - smiled and Chris kissed her.

- How are you feeling?

- High on meds, that’s how I’m feeling - She smiled - But Tom is just fine.

- Great - Chris put his hand on ’s belly and started watching TV with her - Did Abby pick Isa from school?

- Yep, I already called her. We’ll pick up Isa tomorrow on our way to the airport cause she wants to say goodbye too.

- Okay, great - Chris kissed .

CHAPTER 36 - Timing

- Mrs. Evans, what would you be willing to do for this child? - a judge asked as she sat next to him.

- Um… well, I’m a dancer so my work hours are pretty flexible. I have my own house, and I have conditions to give this baby a great life, in all aspects. I can be both parents.

- You have to fight for this baby, ! You owe it to Chris.

- What are you talking about? I’m adopting Isabella by myself!

- I’m talking about the baby inside you. Are you sure you really want him?

- Of course I do! - said desperately and when she looked down, her baby was gone. She wasn’t pregnant.

At that moment, woke up. She didn’t understand at all what that dream was supposed to mean, so she just kept staring at Chris, and then the baby started kicking.

- Hey, you’re up - smiled when Chris opened his eyes.

- Yeah. Even I can feel Tom kicking - Chris smiled and put his hand on ’s belly.

- Right? He is kicking so much these days… maybe he’s trying to tell us something - kissed Chris and sat up - I had the weirdest dream.

- Yeah? What was it?

- I was in a court, and a judge asked me how badly I wanted the baby. Now I know that part was a memory, cause it was the same place and same judge from when I adopted Isa. But then he said he was talking about Tom. He asked if I really wanted Tom, and that I owed it to you to fight for him.

- Wow, that’s weird - Chris sat up.

- I know! What is that supposed to mean?

- Oh don’t worry honey - Chris gave a kiss on the cheek - Dreams don’t mean anything most of the times. Remember that time you dreamt you left me for Brad Pitt?

- Yeah, well, who’s to say that’s not gonna happen? - joked and Chris laughed.

- Well, for all the matters, you don’t need to fight for Tom. It makes no sense. He’s our baby, and in 5 weeks he’ll be here - Chris smiled and kissed .

, Chris and Isa had breakfast together, and then left for her last day of teaching. She hadn’t even completed eight months of pregnancy yet, but Dr. Montgomery insisted she started to rest and prepare for when the baby came.

- Are you really not gonna make me chocolate cake? - Chris asked while standing by the car’s door while she buckled up.

- No! You’re such a child! - laughed.

- But I love your cake - Chris leaned forward and smiled - You haven’t cooked it in so long! Last time was on my birthday!

- Oh my god. Your birthday was two days ago. You literally are a child.

- Ok, fine, I don’t need cake - Chris kissed - Are you sure you can still drive?

- Yes! Look, completely normal - pretended she was spinning the steering wheel.

- I don’t think it qualifies as normal when your belly is an inch away from the wheel.

- The doctor said it’s okay! I’m only seven months pregnant!

- No you’re not! You’re completing eight in five days!

- So I’m still at seven! It’s not my fault our families have genes for giants - and Chris laughed - I’ll stop at eight then, okay? Only one more week of driving.

- Okay. Bye - Chris kissed - Bye Isa! - Chris smiled at Isa, who was in the backseat.

- Bye dad! - Isa waved at Chris and they went away. - Mom, is dad going to pick us up with his car? - she asked as dressed her up for class.

- No, he’s gonna walk here and then we’re gonna go to lunch with mom’s car - smiled. - Oh, hey, Lilly! - said when Lilly walked in and kissed her.

- Hi aunt !

- Did grandma bring you here?

- Yes - Lilly smiled - You’re going there tonight, right?

- Yes, we are - smiled and went to the children’s dance ballet studio with Isabella and Lilly, where most of the girls were at already. - All right girls, let’s form a circle.

Teaching was always something loved doing, since she loved children and dancing. But it was a bit different that day, like time was moving slower. It was like she could hear the clock ticking each second in her head. That was going to be the second time she stopped dancing since she joined the Stelle Blu Dance Company, but the first time she stopped teaching, since she wasn’t yet a teacher when she adopted Isa and stayed home with her for the first six months. All the same, she couldn’t love more the reason why she was stopping.

After the class, Chris went to pick and Isa to have lunch with him.

- Check out what a producer sent us - Chris said, handing a package.

opened the package to find three adorable baby clothes: a tiny blue jumpsuit with the Avengers’ “A” in it, a t-shirt that said “Little Avenger” and a little Captain America costume.

- Oh my god, these are the cutest! Tom is gonna be the tiniest Avenger!

- Yeah - Chris laughed – Tom said he should send the baby a Loki costume!

- Aw that’s so sweet - laughed.

Shortly after that, their meals arrived and everyone ate really fast cause they were all hungry - including Tom, which was always ’s excuse for eating so much. She always said that even though she didn’t need excuses to eat, this was the baby’s fault.

- Okay Isa, let’s go brush your teeth cause you’re going straight to school - took Isa to the bathroom while Chris paid, then they all got in the car to take Isa to school. After that, Chris and had thought of seeing a movie or just staying at home.

- Mommy, can you put The Little Mermaid CD please?

- Okay honey - tried to reach the CD, which was on the floor between her seat and Chris’, but couldn’t because of her big belly.

- I can’t reach it.

- Hold on, I’ll get it when we stop at the sign - Chris said while turning the car to the right.

- Here mommy - heard Isa saying, and as she turned her head back Isa was standing up right before her.

- Isabella, what are you doing? - Chris yelled - Sit back!

- I was trying to help mom! - Isa started crying.

- But you can’t undo your seatbelt until we stop sweetie! - got the CD that was in Isa’s hands - Just get back there okay?

- Let me try to do it - Chris said while turning back after stopping at the red light, and started trying to buckle up Isa’s seatbelt, but he couldn’t reach it either.

- Honey, the light turned green - said putting one hand in his arm and still holding the CD with the other - It’s okay, I’ll talk her through it.

- Sweetie, you have to put the seatbelt yourself, okay? - said calmly and Chris went back to driving. She was about to continue talking when suddenly everything turned gray.

People who have never been in car accidents use to think that when the car is hit there’s no time to realize what’s going on, like you just wind up in the middle of car wreck. But there is time. It’s hard to believe but things actually move in slow motion for who’s being hit. It’s not completely like in the movies though. There was no looking to the right, to a rainy night, and seeing a big bright light and a loud honk noise. It was a cloudless sunny day, and everything was normal in the car, and in the next second it was completely quiet, shaky and grey, until the car stopped spinning.

CHAPTER 37 – How To Save A Life

Can't seem to hold you like I want to
So I can feel you in my arms
Nobody's gonna come and save you
We pulled too many false alarms

It’s all about timing. Every single thing in life, if you think about it. Your entire story could’ve been completely different if it were for one small thing you had done differently. If you had missed that bus. If you had gotten on that bus. If you had accepted that job. If you had stopped for coffee. If your best friend hadn’t insisted you went out to drink with her. Of course nothing is going to change now, but it’s really scary when you realize how different your life could be. There were at least a hundred details that day that led Chris, and Isabella to be at that exact place, at that exact time – and if just one of them had gone differently, this would probably not have happened.

When she came to herself, the first thing saw was Isa’s CD completely smashed right next to her, and glass from the window all over her, her right arm with several small cuts. But it was only for a couple of seconds, and then she heard Chris’ voice.

- Oh my god, , are you okay? - Chris put one hand on her shoulder and the other on her bump, as she recovered her rapid nervous breath.

- I… I think I am. I’m not bleeding or anything - said while looking down. - Isabella?

Chris looked back and didn’t see her, so he stormed out of the car and opened the back door.

- Chris, be careful, you can’t move quickly!

- Isa? Sweetie? - Chris’ voice was shaky and he was breathing unevenly.

- What’s going on? - tried to look back moving her head slowly.

- She wasn’t in her seat yet - As Chris said that, a couple of people approached and asked if they were okay. There was some talking in the back and someone called emergency, but all that wanted was to hear Chris’ and Isa’ voices.

- Chris – started crying.

- Yeah?

- I’m meant to save Isabella.

- What? - Chris was still breathing loudly.

- When I gave up on nursing school, I did it because all I wanted was to be a dancer and for a long time I couldn’t understand why did I even start that course. But it was for this. To save Isa. So, please… please tell me that she’s awake.

- Daddy? My head is hurting - Isa said in a low voice, but heard it and closed her eyes relieved, dropping a tear.

- I know sweetie. We’re going to the hospital, you’re gonna be fine.

- Chris, put her back in her seat, try not to move her head. And don’t let her sleep.

- Okay. How are you honey? Are you feeling any pain?

- I… - stuttered – I just wish Tom would kick right now.

- Hey – Chris got back to the front and put one hand on ’s face, which made her see a huge cut he had on his arm – You’re gonna be fine. I’m sure Tom is just fine, okay?

After a few minutes, the ambulance arrived. The paramedics took Isa first, and put her in the ambulance. hadn’t seen her daughter until that moment, and she was relieved to see her lying in the gurney and smiling about something Chris had told her. She remembered that great feeling from when she saved Isa as a tiny little baby, and felt like it was happening again. But the bad memories of that day were happening again too. One more time she was completely responsible for a little baby’s life - but this time she couldn’t do anything. She placed both hands at her bump and just stared at it. Her water hadn’t broken and she didn’t see any blood, but that didn’t make her calm at all.

The paramedics laid on another litter and put her in another ambulance. She only saw “the scene” when she was out of the car: their car completely crushed on the right side, a huge truck further back on the left side with minor scratches, a bunch of people looking and all cars working their way to get through the street.

- Chris - said as seeing him standing outside the ambulance - Tom is not kicking.

- It’s okay, honey - He came closer and looked deeply into her eyes - They already paged Dr. Montgomery and they’re taking us to the hospital she works at. We’re all gonna be fine, okay?

- Okay - took a deep breath and saw that Chris was looking apprehensive to leave her.

- Go with Isa, I’ll be fine.

- Okay - Chris slowly walked away.

- Honey?

- Yeah? – Chris looked back.

- I am gonna have to fight for Tom. Remember my dream?

- Oh, honey – Chris entered the ambulance again and held ’s hand – I know. But I’m gonna be with you all the time. You won’t do this alone. Okay? – Chris kissed ’s forehead and went to Isa’s ambulance.

- Can you please check for the baby’s heartbeat? - asked the paramedic on the way.

- Sorry, our portable ultrasound is not here right now… but we’re almost there.

- Okay.

In a few minutes, ’s ambulance arrived at the hospital, right after Chris and Isa’s. As the paramedics opened the door, there were about five doctors waiting, including Dr. Montgomery, her ob-gyn.

- Evans, 31, 33 weeks pregnant, vitals are stable, multiple fractures in the arms, possible bone fracture in the right leg - The paramedic said, and as all doctors started talking to each other about what to do and take her to a trauma room, just kept staring at the ceiling, instead of asking how her family was. Where was that strong, unbeatable woman that always knew herself to be? Where was she now? It’s like she could feel she was falling apart by the minute.

The nurses changed ’s dress to the hospital gown and, as the doctors kept sticking wires in her arms and hooking her up to machines while discussing treatment plans, continued to be silent. “Why am I not that average person in a trauma, crying and desperately asking for my family?” thought. Maybe because the head concussion was making her feel incredibly dizzy and tired. Or because she knew there was nothing she could do. No, that didn’t make any sense. That means crap when your beloved ones are hurt. It had to be because she hadn’t really processed what was going on – and it was about time she did. There she was, lying down in a hospital, all messed-up. Her husband wasn’t doing much better. Her daughter could have a brain bleed at that very moment. A truck hit her unborn child.

- Everyone shut up! I’m trying to find a heartbeat! - ’s ob-gyn suddenly said in a higher voice, bringing her back to her conscience, and as she said that Chris walked in. His grey t-shirt had some blood in it, his arms with some cuts, other than one above his eyebrow.

During really long ten seconds, everyone was quiet and still, and as soon as there was a heartbeat, squeezed her eyes in relief and dropped a tear, and Chris came close to her.

- Is he okay? - asked as the doctor.

- His heartbeat is slow, so we have to keep checking - Dr. Montgomery answered in a serious tone.

- How’s Isa? - asked Chris as he stroked her hair.

- The doctor said she’s fine, she didn’t break any bones, but they’ve taken her to x-ray just to be sure.

- Okay - smiled.

- Sir, you have to let me examine you - A doctor walked in and said to Chris.

- Look, I can’t right now okay?

- You have to! You could have something broken or bleeding, and you definitely need stitches on that arm.

- Oh my god! - looked at the huge cut on Chris’ arm - Honey, go! I’m fine.

- No, I have to check on you and Isa, I’ll do this later - As Chris said that to the doctor at the door, a monitor started beeping like crazy. Chris knew that couldn’t be a good thing, so he immediately looked at , but she was conscious.

- Baby’s in distress! - Dr. Montgomery said, and couldn’t hear anything after that. It was a little bit like that moment in a drama movie where the music takes over the other sounds. Only what was taking over ’s head was the silence of darkest pain someone can ever experience. The life of your child, slipping through your fingers.

The doctor that was by door pulled Chris back, and everyone was moving really fast, and as her gurney started to move, Dr. Montgomery looked closely into ’s eyes while walking and said:

- , we’re gonna have to deliver the baby right now. You have to stay calm, okay?

- What? No, he’s not ready yet, I’m not due for another month!

- I know, but he has to come out now, we’re gonna do everything we can, okay?

- Where’s Chris? – was scared and tried to look back.

- He’s getting stitched, but he’ll be there with you, don’t worry.

- Let me go! She’s gonna have the baby now! - Chris was trying to go through the door where ’s doctors took her.

- Sir, look at me. Just calm down and look at me - The doctor turned Chris to his front - Look, I know what you’re going through. Believe me, I’ve been in a very similar situation. I know all you want is to be there, and you don’t even care if this is gonna leave a scar or become an infection. But the thing is, you can’t be in the room with this opened wound. So, please, just come with me. It’ll only take a minute.

In a few minutes, a nurse gave an epidural, while Dr. Montgomery held her hand. As she lost her senses below the shoulders, another nurse put a surgical cap in her head. Just when the doctors were ready to start the surgery, Chris walked in with the surgical gown and cap the doctor gave him, and sat by the gurney where lied down with and a sheet covering her up.

- Chris, you’re here - took a deep breath and Chris smiled and started stroking her hair to calm her down. The doctors kept on saying things that made nervous in a sort of numbed way. – Is Isa okay?

- Yeah, I just checked on her. And our parents are here.

- Yeah? You talked to them? – asked as the doctors made the cut and started working.

- No, I was already coming here. But I think the doctor’s gonna let them be with Isa. That’s good.

- Yeah, it is – smiled nervous – Honey?

- Yes?

- Do you believe in destiny? - dropped a tear.

- Um… yeah, I guess.

- Well, what if… what if this was supposed to happen?

- , what are you talking about? - Chris asked worried.

- I mean… all of this, us… the accident you got into wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t met me, and this one either…

- Shhh, stop - Chris put his hand on ’s lips - I don’t believe that, and I know you don’t either. You’re just scared. I think all those things show us that we are meant to be together. We got through all of it, and now we’re an incredibly happy family. This is just something for us to get through. It will make us even stronger - Chris closed his eyes and kissed on the forehead.

- Will you tell me a story? To distract me? - said after they were silent for a while, her doctor requesting different instruments from the nurses.

- You know what actually? A few days ago I realized that I never told you the story of how I bought your engagement ring.

- Yeah. You never did - smiled.

- Well, to be honest, I hadn’t really set my mind on wanting to get married. But I was walking by the jewelry store, and when I stopped to look at a ring I thought, “It’s just a ring, right? It’s something to symbolize all my love. That’s not scary”. So I walked in.

- Was that the first one you saw? The one you bought?

- No. I had been looking for about five minutes, there were a lot of options. Then, I saw “the one” trough the glass table. And, uh - Chris laughed - There was this guy on my side that asked me which one was better, then he pointed at the one I had liked and another one. And I immediately said the other one!

- Really? But was it better?

- No! I just wanted that one to be yours - Chris smiled and laughed, and Dr. Montgomery smiled at the story. didn’t see it, but it would’ve been good if she had, because last time she caught a glimpse at her she looked worried. A beep on a machine made her shout something and quickly get back to work, but was focusing on looking at Chris.

After a couple of minutes, everyone went quiet, which concluded meant something bad. Then, she and Chris saw Tom coming out.

They say it’s the most amazing moment in a woman’s life, the first time they see their baby. was really looking forward to the moment Abby and Hayley had told her all about, when that tiny little baby is crying, the world stops and you can’t help but let out tears as well. But, as she looked at Tom, there was no beautiful slow motion moment, there was no magic - He hadn’t cried yet. And everything was happening really fast.

- Karev take the baby - Dr. Montgomery gave Dr. Karev the baby, who was quickly out of ’s sight, and Dr. Montgomery proceeded to finish on .

- What’s going on? - asked the doctor as Chris looked at the corner of the room, where the doctor was working on the baby.

- There’s no response! Is there any OR available? - Dr. Karev said.

- They’re preparing OR 2 right now - another doctor said while on the phone.

- All right, Karev, go! Page Robbins and Altman, I’ll be right there! - Dr. Montgomery said while working on , and she heard the sound of wheels rolling out of the room. It was an incubator.

- What did the doctor say? Where is he going? - ’s eyes filled with tears.

Dr. Montgomery looked at and made a nervous face, and then Chris looked at the doctor.

- They’re taking him to surgery. That’s it, isn’t it?

- Yes. – Dr. Montgomery looked at Chris and then and took a deep breath - Heart and lungs surgery.

CHAPTER 38 – Nobody Said It Was Easy

Did you say it?
I love you.
I don’t ever want to live without you.
You changed my life.
Did you say it?
Make a plan.
Set a goal.
Work toward it.
But every now and then look around
Drink it in.
Cause this is it.
It might all be gone tomorrow.

“Tom was born with 4.5 pounds and 17 inches” - remembered the doctor saying. It was one of the first things she heard after waking up from the sedative she had been given when she started to panic, knowing where Tom was going. She saw a bracelet in her arm as she opened her eyes, a wire connecting her arm to a machine, and an empty room. Then, the doctor walked in and told her a few things. - “That is more than expected for this stage, but still very small. Also, at 33 weeks, the baby’s skin starts to unwrinkle, and he starts to use his lungs to practice breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid.”

It took a while to realize what that last sentence meant, but when she did, that’s what her desperate look said whenever her eyes met Chris’: “Our baby doesn’t even know how to breathe yet.” When he walked in, he hugged her and she closed her eyes, without thinking of anything for a bit, and it took her a while to say any words at all. Chris kept walking in and out, running all over the place for the three people he felt he needed to take care of.

- Chris. Please tell me what’s going on - asked worried as he walked into the room - The doctor said the surgery is going well but everyone is acting really weird.

- They’re just worried honey - Chris held ’s hand, smiled and looked at her. Something about his eyes really brought her peace. Even thought he wasn’t peaceful at all in that moment.

- Yeah, well I’m worried too! - started crying.

- Hey, hey - Chris dried her tears - You just need to get some rest, okay? You need to get stronger.

- Chris? Can I talk to you? - The doctor showed up and called him.

- I’ll be right back - Chris smiled at and went to the hall.

- We have to tell her – Dr. Grey told Chris.

- But you said she’s not strong enough! She’s already freaking out and she thinks the baby is doing well!

- I know Chris, I know. But… um… the complications, they… needs to know because…

- Because what?

- Tom might need a heart transplant. And has to know, because… you have to prepare yourselves.

- For what? – Chris asked and the doctor just stared at him, without having to say anything. - Look, just wait. Let me bring our daughter, her parents… she needs to calm down for a while.

- Okay.

- , look who’s here – Chris said while standing by the door about ten minutes after he had left, and the doctor following him pushed Isabella’s gurney inside the room.

- Oh, Isa – hugged Isa with all her strength after the doctor put the gurney right next to hers – Are you okay sweetie?

- Yeah. My arm is hurting, but not so much.

- Yeah? Wow, you’re so strong honey!

- I just want to see Tom. I hope he’s okay – Isa made a sad face.

- I hope that too – kissed Isa’s forehead, trying not to cry.

- Hey, - ’s mother came in, followed by her father and Chris’ parents, and hugged her.

- Hey - said with a weak smile.

- Hey, sweetie, how are you feeling? - ’s dad held her hand while Lisa hugged Chris and Robert talked to Isabella.

- Okay, I guess…

- Tom is gonna make it. The whole family is praying, he’s gonna be ok - Emma smiled and patted ’s shoulder, and she nodded.

After a couple of minutes of silence, everyone started talking and telling stories to get ’s mind off of Tom’s surgery. was also worried about Isa, and all the questions she could want to ask, so it was good that they were all there to distract her. And it was good to take some time off from the headache and tears, too. After about half an hour, their parents left to give them some privacy, and took Isabella for a walk outside the hospital, in a wheelchair - mostly because she found it incredibly fun that that was the solution to the doctor’s recomendation that she needed to rest -, before she went back to her room.

- What’s going on? – asked when seeing Dr. Grey walking in.

- … - The doctor started and was interrupted by Chris.

- , I need you to be strong. Okay? Please, don’t freak out.

- Okay – said worried.

- , Tom’s heart is really weak, and the doctors are doing everything they can…

- He doesn’t need a transplant! – Another doctor came running and shouted.

- What? – said and they all looked at the doctor.

- Lexie! - Dr. Grey said with a reproval look.

- Sorry – She said, recovering her breath – It’s just… Tom doesn’t need a transplant anymore.

- Why would he need a transplant? What are you talking about? - asked.

- Oh my god, you hadn’t told her – She looked at Dr. Grey with a regret face.

- It’s okay. Well, , there was a chance Tom could need a heart transplant, but apparently he doesn’t anymore? … - Dr. Grey looked at the other doctor and she continued.

- Yeah, they saved the heart, but the surgery is still gonna take a while, cause Tom is very weak. I will come back when I have more news, ok? – The doctors smiled and went away.

- Hey honey – Chris sat on the bed when seeing that was about to cry – He’s gonna be fine.

- He’s just so tiny! He shouldn’t be here yet, he was supposed to be inside me so that I could protect him!

- I know. I know, sweetie – Chris held , which made her cave in and start to cry.

- It’s just… What if he doesn’t make it? What are we gonna do?

- Hey, look at me - Chris lifted ’s head – Tom is going to live. Ok? We’re all gonna be fine - Chris looked deeply into ’s eyes until she was calm enough to take a deep breath, and hugged her until she was breathing evenly again.

- Here’s an idea - Chris said while stroking ’s hair - I’m gonna call the place where we got our tattoos, and I’m gonna make us an appointment to get the fourth bird tattooed. One month from now, okay?

- Okay - said with a little smile - Make it for the 20th. My due date.

- Yeah. That’s a good idea - Chris kissed and went away.

When Chris came back, was staring at the wall in front of her. He knew that whatever he said that day wouldn’t help much, but he was really worried because hadn’t relaxed for a single second since she came back from the surgery. He hadn’t relaxed either, but he didn’t care about that. He just wanted to keep the people he loved safe.

- Honey, you should get some sleep - Chris held ’s hand.

- No - answered looking down and Chris stroke her hair.

- The doctor wanted to give you pills to calm down, but I told her you don’t need them. I think it’s better if you just relax.

- I have to get up - said as she looked up.

- What?

- I have to get up. I can’t just stay here waiting for my son to die.

- - Chris put his hand over hers, which made her look at him - I’m sorry, but… there’s nothing you can do right now.

- There has to be something!

- Sorry , there isn’t. The doctors are the ones that have to do something now. And you can’t get out of bed, you have to rest.

- Chris. I just need to get out of this room. Even if it’s in a wheelchair, please. Because everything I can do here is either look at my empty belly, with no baby - said stuttering - Or look at this wall. The same wall I stared at for five days, when you were almost dead.

That’s when Chris realized it - They were in the same room from when Chris was in a coma. New mothers are usually in the maternity but ’s case was classified as general emergency surgery, so she was in a normal recovery room. Chris had been running around from ’s room to Isa’s room, to talking to Tom’s doctors, and hadn’t yet stopped to notice that.

- Okay. I’ll see what I can do - Chris kissed ’s forehead and left.

- Where are you taking me? - asked as Chris pushed in a wheelchair through a hallway.

- You’ll see, just wait! - Chris turned and stopped in front of the nursery, at a glass window where you could see the newborns.

- Earlier, a doctor was telling me he comes here when he’s having a bad day, to look at the babies. I thought it was a good idea.

- Yeah - smiled and looked at the babies, resting her head on Chris’ arm, that was in the back of the chair.

- See that little girl over there? - pointed to a very small baby in the front row.

- Yeah?

- She really looks like Isa when I first saw her.

- Really? - Chris came closer to the window - She is adorable.

- Can we go see her now?

- Um, no… She’s taking an x-ray.

- I thought she already had - looked confused - Is everything ok?

- Oh yeah, yeah. It was a problem with the machine, nothing with Isa.

- Okay.

After a few minutes, Chris took back to her room, and as she entered, she saw there was another gurney and Isa was on it.

- Mommy! - Isa smiled and sat up, as her pediatrician finished settling her.

- Isa! - instantly let out a smile and looked at Chris, intrigued.

- I got the doctors to move Isa here.

- Really? Thank you so much - kissed Chris.

- How are you sweetie? - reclined in bed and Chris put Isa’s next to hers.

- I’m ok, I’m just a little tired…

- Oh, I know honey. Come here - pulled Isa close to her and put her arms around her, as she closed her eyes - Are you ok? - She asked Chris when seeing his look.

- Yeah, it’s just… - Chris sat next to - I think I saw a paparazzi when we were going to the ambulance.

- Oh…

- I already talked to Jean and, she’s not gonna relelase anything. Especially about the baby. But still, there might be photos.

- Oh, honey, it’s ok.

- Yeah - Chris lied next to and put his arms on hers, holding Isa as well, and they all fell asleep. It was like magic. Well, actually, it was more like pieces of a puzzle. They all relaxed when the three pieces finally came together. Of course there was a new piece, still missing, but they were able to let their minds off of Tom through the few seconds it took for their tireness to win them over.

was awaken about an hour later, when Chris quickly left the bed and went outside when seeing the doctor that was in charge of Tom’s surgery. After half a minute, Chris walked in with tears on his eyes and the doctor was right behind him. sat up and followed Chris with her eyes, worried, as he came close and sat in front of her, while Isabella was still sleeping.

- He made it. He’s gonna be ok.

- He did? Oh my god - hugged Chris, letting out a tear, and they stayed like that for almost a minute - Can we see him? - asked the doctor.

- Well, he’s going to the NICU now because he still can’t breathe on his own… but you can see him in about an hour.

- But can we hold him?

- Sorry, , no - The doctor said - Not yet.

- Ok. Thank you - smiled and the doctor went away.

- I told you he was gonna be fine - Chris smiled and put both hands on ’s face.

- I know, I know Chris - closed her eyes and let out a tear, and Chris kissed her forehead.

After about an hour, the doctor let and Chris go to the NICU to see Tom. Chris was pushing on the wheelchair, and as they entered the room with the pediatrician, they saw Tom. Chris stopped ’s wheelchair in front of the incubator he was in, sat in a chair next to her and held her hand as they both looked intently at their tiny little baby, who was all hooked in machines. He was so small and weak he almost didn’t look real, but he felt real once had Tom hold her finger with his tiny little hands, which made her start laughing and crying at the same time.

- He’s perfect – Chris smiled and rested his head on ’s.

CHAPTER 39 - To Make You Feel My Love

woke up in the middle of the night, after dreaming about Tom. She was breathing loudly and Chris tried calming her down, which was unsuccessful. On the fourth day, he simply reached for her hand and held it tightly. Then, he pushed her body close to his and spooned her. Even though Chris was holding her, it was very hard for to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Her C-section scar and some bruises from the accident were still hurting, and her breasts were sore since she was already lactating. She knew she should be thankful for still being able to sleep through the night, but all she wanted was that Tom was in his room, crying for his mother. “I have to get him out of there”, she would say in her dreams. “He has to come home”. And as a month passed by, it got harder and harder to find happiness in their house. It was more about Chris and just sleeping and searching medical stuff on the internet, basically waiting for the next visiting hours, and Isabella spent most of the time in her aunt’s house.

- Hey - Chris hugged from behind when seeing she looked sad during breakfast - We’re gonna see him again today. And hold him. And the doctor said he’ll be out in a week or less, remember? - nodded and Chris kissed her forehead. - Okay, now, let’s go. We got some introductions to make.

Since Tom had just left the NICU, and only parents were allowed there, Chris and were the only ones that had met Tom yet, but that day everyone was going there to meet him, and Isabella was at Abby’s again. It was also the first time and Chris were going to be able to hold him.

and Chris were in a room in the hospital, for mothers whose babies were patients, but only the two of them were there. was sitting on a chair next to Chris, when Tom’s doctor handed him to her. She automatically smiled when holding her son for the first time. He had gotten a lot stronger since he was born - he now weighted 6 pounds, almost as much as he would if he was born on time, and it was a relief to see him free of all those machines. After about a minute of blindly staring at him, he opened his eyes.

- Hi, baby - dropped a tear and smiled - I’m your mom.

- Hey, big guy - Chris smiled and gently passed his hand on Tom’s head. smiled at Chris and rested her head on Chris’ shoulder, and like that they stayed, just looking at their beautiful little baby.

- Hey there - Lisa said as she walked in with Robert.

- Hi - smiled.

- Oh my god. Tom is so beautiful!

- Do you wanna hold him? - asked Lisa.

- Oh yes, I do! - Lisa smiled and got Tom from ’s arms, sitting down to look at him, as Robert sat by her side.

- Hello baby - Robert gently stroked Tom over the covers.

- - ’s mom, Emma, hugged after arriving and sat by Lisa’s side, dropping a tear when meeting her grandchild and her father almost did the same.

After about two hours, the visiting hours were over, but Chris and could stay. They took Tom back to the pediatric center, and stayed with Tom while Chris went to talk to her doctor.

- NICU. You know what that means baby? - said in a low voice while looking at Tom as he braced her finger with his hand and looked at her with his big eyes, which were starting to get a beautiful blue color - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was your first home. And now you’re in the Ped Center. But you know what? It’s fine. It’s kinda nice in here, actually.

- Well, how about we take him to his real home? - Chris said with his hand on ’s back.

- What? - turned around.

- There’s a test called Infant Carrier Test. If Tom passes it - Chris took a breath and smiled - He can go home. Today.

- Really? Oh my god! - smiled and hugged Chris, breathing relieved - How does it work?

- He has to sit in an infant carrier for an hour without apneia or bradycardia. The doctor went to get it now - Chris smiled.

After a couple of minutes, the doctor put Tom in the carrier and kept taking notes with a couple other doctors. Chris and spent most of the time just looking at him, too small even for the tiniest carrier there is, but he kept his intent eyes opened the whole time.

- 5… 4… - Chris did the countdown as he looked at the clock marking the hour - 3… 2… 1… That’s it! Tom can go home! - Chris hugged from the side and saw that she didn’t smile.

- No.

- What do you mean “no”? - Chris asked.

- I don’t want him to get in the car - looked at Chris with a crying face.

- …

- No! He is watched by doctors 24 hours a day, he can’t go, it’s not safe! The last time he was in a car he almost died!

- Honey - Chris tried to hug .

- No! Get him out of that carrier, get him out of there - said in desperation as she walked closer to Tom and tried to unbuckle his seatbelt.

- , look at me - Chris put his hands on ’s shoulders and turned her to his front - You’re right. It’s not safe. The car is not safe for a child, but nothing is. But you don’t feel this way because of the accident. You feel this way because you’re a mother – Chris dried ’s tear. – Now, our baby is ready to go home. We’re all waiting for him there. There’s his room, with all the presents, and the blue wall with the bear drawings, remember? - Chris smiled and nodded - And Isa. We’re waiting for Tom! And I will be the most careful I have ever been, okay?

nodded and Chris hugged her for a minute. Then, sat and Chris held Tom with both hands. As he was still really small, Chris could hold him with only one arm, but he thought this way would be calmer. He put the baby in her arms and sat next to her, putting one arm around her and the other below her arms.

After about five minutes, the doctor signed the release papers and cleared Tom to go home. sat in the back, next to his carrier, and Chris drove as slowly as possible, getting home after about fifteen minutes.

- Welcome home, baby - said in a low voice as she walked inside their house with Tom in her arms, after Chris had opened the door for her. Then, she sat on the couch in the living room and simply looked at Tom while Chris talked on the phone. East came running when hearing the keys in the door, and rapidly followed to the couch. But, when he saw the little baby, he immediately stopped and just stared at him, making subtle move to not scare away that tiny human being.

- Abby just called. They’re on their way - Chris said.

- Great - turned around and smiled, and Chris joined her in the couch. For the minutes that followed, until Abby arrived, Chris and just gazed at Tom’s slightest moves.

Instead of a knock in the door, that was unlocked, what Chris and heard that made them turn around was the sound of the door opening, followed by some very rushed little footsteps. Isabella ran and stopped at once in front of , exchanging a smile with her before looking down to find her little brother, who was looking at her.

- Hi, Isa - said in a childish voice while Abby, Josh and Dan approached - I’m Tom.

- Hi Tom - Isabella replied with a little laugh, her eyes fixated on Tom’s.

- Hey - Abby smiled and quickly hugged , sitting by her side after Chris had stood up to greet Josh - Oh my god! This is the cutest baby I have ever seen! - Abby gently stroked Tom’s head and smiled.

- Do you want to hold him?

- Yes, please - Abby smiled and held Tom delicately as Isabella got on ’s lap, without taking her eyes off of her brother.

- Hey, , how are you doing? - Josh smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

- Great, thanks - she smiled.

- Hey baby! - Josh smiled as he saw Tom, and little Dan sat on his knees by Abby’s side.

- He is so small! - Dan concluded after staring for a while.

- Yeah, but he’s gonna grow up to be just like you! - replied - And you used be this small, too.

- I was never this small! - Dan responded and everyone laughed.

CHAPTER 40 – Unwritten

Today is when your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

- And then, mommy bought daddy a shot of tequila and he fell in love! – Chris heard saying as he walked into Tom’s room and saw her gently rocking him.

- Hey Tom – Chris hugged from behind and put his arms under hers, looking at Tom – Mommy is already selling out, isn’t she?

- Excuse me, I was just telling the very accurate and honest version of how we met! – and Chris laughed.

- You’re being summoned in our bed by someone who just woke up and “reeeeeeeeally misses her little brother, a lot a lot” - Chris smiled and went back to their room with him, where Isabella was waiting to see Tom. For the four weeks he had been home, it had been difficult to get her to go to bed instead of just blindly looking at him.

- Hi Tom! - Isabella jumped up as sat down in the bed.

- What about my good morning? - asked Isa.

- Good morning mommy - Isabella kissed on the cheek, and then put Tom in the bed, between her and Isa.

- Oh my god, Chris, he’s smiling! Quick, get the camera! - said as Chris came back from the bathroom - Hurry up!

- Damn, I can’t turn it on - Chris answered, laughing, while sitting on the bed and trying to turn on the camera.

- Did you get it? - asked Chris after putting Isa on her lap.

- Yeah, like 20 photos now - Chris smiled - Oh, we should make a family photo!

- Oh yeah!

Chris stood up and set the camera on the table. Then, he got Tom in his lap and they took the picture.

- Now come on, we’re gonna be late for lunch - Chris said, standing up with Tom.

- Oh, do we really have to go? - got up on her knees, still in bed, and looked at Tom, who was still in Chris’ lap - Tom is still so small, only two months old… and he’s only been home for a month!

- Oh, , come on! It’ll be good to leave the house! And plus, we’re going to Hayley and Sam’s house, there’s nothing dangerous there. And if there ever was, I’m sure they got rid of it when Sofia was born.

- Right - kissed Chris - Ooh, someone needs changing - looked down at Tom.

- I’ll do it, you go get ready - Chris said as he went to Tom’s room.

- Isa, sweetie, go pick a nice dress for you to wear, okay? - smiled and Isa went to her room, so she sat down and went through the photos Chris had just taken of Tom. Then, she went to Tom’s room to find Chris finishing the diaper change.

- Am I doing it right? - Chris asked.

- Yes honey, you’re doing great - smiled and hugged him from behind while he finished, and then the doorbell rang. - Are we expecting someone? - looked at Chris and he nodded negatively, so she went downstairs and opened the door to find Hayley with Sofia and Sam, carrying some bags.

- Oh my god, guys! What are you doing here? - smiled, surprised.

- Well, after the tenth time you said we should have lunch here instead, we kinda took the hint - Hayley laughed and walked in, kissing .

- Hey Sofia - smiled, kissing her goddaughter.

- Yeah, we were at the market buying the ingredients for lunch, and we started talking about it… We almost made a bet that you would give up on going - Sam laughed.

- But…

- But we both wanted to bet on the same thing! And, since you’re still in your pajamas, I think you should pay up - Sam smiled.

- I will not! - laughed.

- Where are the others? Still sleeping? - Hayley asked.

- No, Isa is picking an outfit and Chris is changing Tom’s diaper.

- Ooh, fun! It’s good that you got him doing it too, some women do this all by themselves, I don’t understand that…

- And also, I’m better at it than you - Sam teased Hayley.

- Oh yeah? We should have a contest one of these days - Hayley replied and Sam laughed.

- Heey! - Chris exclaimed when walking down the stairs, carrying Tom - Guess you gave up on waiting or , uh? - he smiled while greeting them.

- Yeah, we didn’t quite believe she’d make it there, so lunch is here - Sam showed Chris the bags.

- Good, I was starting to think of ways to convince her - Chris joked.

- Okay, why doesn’t anyone have faith in me? - asked - I was gonna go get ready… Eventually…

- Well, it’s not just that, we’re really hungry too and your house is closer - Sam smiled.

- Okay, you know what? You boys get started on lunch, we’ll leave the babies here, I’ll dress up Isa and you go get dressed - Hayley smiled at and they went upstairs after settling Tom and Sofia in their carriers.
- Isa, did you pick a dress? - asked Isa as she and Hayley walked into her room.
- Yes - Isa stood up and showed her a red dress - Hi aunt Hayley! - she hugged Hayley and kissed her.

- Hey sweetie! That’s the dress I got you, right? - Hayley smiled.

- Yeah, it is! - Isa answered and started to walk away to her room.

- Oh, , I hope it’s okay, I invited Tom here!

- Oh, sure! I didn’t know he was in town!

- Yeah, he’s here for a week and he really wants to meet Sofia and Tom - Hayley smiled - He called just now so I told him to come here.

- Great! Is he coming for lunch?

- No, he already had plans, he’ll show up later.

- Okay - smiled and went to get dressed. When she got downstairs, about ten minutes later, she saw that Sofia and Tom were next to each other, in their carriers, which were over the couch. Isabella and Hayley were sitting on the living room floor, going over some toys, and the guys were in the kitchen.

- Hey there - smiled and sat next to Tom and Sofia - Nothing blown up in the kitchen yet? - She joked while looking back to the kitchen.

- That was my initial thought - Hayley smiled - But you know, they’re doing well! I figured we leave lunch with the boys today - Hayley smiled as she fixed a doll’s outfit.

- Great idea - smiled - Isa, did you say hi to Uncle Sam?

- Yes, and he said I look really pretty in this dress!

- Well, he should know, he picked it - Hayley smiled at Isa.

- We should have some wine! - said to Hayley.

- Oh, yes, Sam brought one! Hey, Sam - Hayley shouted and Sam appeared behind the counter that separated the kitchen from the living room - Did you bring that wine we had on your birthday?

- Um, no, it’s a different one - Sam answered after checking the bottle.

- What a shame, that one was great! - Hayley said and nodded - What was the name of it?

- Don’t remember.

- You don’t remember? Your birthday was last week! - said.

- You were there, do you remember? - Sam teased her.

- Well, no… but it was your birthday!

- Oh, okay - Sam laughed and ’s phone rang.

- Hey Abby! How are you guys? - said after picking up.

- Hey! We’re great, how about you?

- Great too…

- So, not that I don’t miss the three of you as well, but I really need to see Tom - Abby and laughed - Are you home?

- Yeah! Just come by whatever time you want! Sam and Hayley are here too…

- Oh, great, I’ll see Sofia too! Ok, I gotta go now, bye sweetie!

- Bye! - smiled and hung up - Adding two more to our afternoon guests.

- Yeah?

- Three actually; Abby, Josh and Dan.

- Oh, how is little Dan? It’s been a while since I last saw him!

- He’s doing great! All he can talk about these days is his superhero-themed party…

- Oh yeah, he’s turning four soon! - Hayley smiled.

- Hey, - Chris shouted - Where’s our bottle opener?

- First drawer! - shouted back, and after a couple of minutes Chris brought Hayley and a glass of wine each.

- Wow, isn’t this a typical Italian family house? A bunch of children, food, people shouting, guests all day - Hayley and laughed.

- Yeah, it is… My god, this is wine is so good! - said after a couple of sips.

- I know, right? - Hayley smiled.

- Well, enjoy it cause it’s your only glass! - Sam said as he started setting the table.

- Oh, that is so mean! - answered.

- Oh, excuse us for not wanting to have two drunken babies! - Chris replied and they laughed.

- Okay, lunch is ready…

- Great, just in time - said while looking at the two babies in their carriers - Tom and Sofia just fell asleep.

- Like little angels - Hayley smiled as she stood up.

- Okay, here it is - Chris finished putting the food in the table as got drinks for everyone - Mushroom pasta, grilled chicken and steamed vegetables with butter.

- Oh my god, it all looks so good! - said while sitting down at the table, where everyone had settled - Even vegetables, uh?

- I know! We’re growing up - Sam joked and they laughed.

After having lunch, everyone stayed at the table talking for a while, then the girls put the dishes in the washer and followed the boys to the living room as the babies woke up. Abby and Josh shortly arrived, and then it started to become that “mess” of a full house that always loved. Within half an hour, the men were drinking beer by pool, where Isa and Dan were playing, and the girls were in the living room with the babies while the guys still tried to figure out the sun umbrella. heard the doorbell and went to answer the door while carrying Tom, to find the “other” Tom.

- Tom! Hi! - smiled.

- Hello! - Tom smiled back and hugged , as she hugged him back with her one free arm.

- Wow, it’s been so long since I last saw you!

- Yeah, I think it was at the premiere! - Tom replied - How are you guys doing? - he supported his hand on ’s back.

- Oh, we’re doing great, thank God!

- Wow, Tom is so beautiful! - Tom said as he looked down to the baby.

- Oh, thank you!

- Oh, I brought something for him - Tom handed a small gift package.

- Wow, really? Oh, you shouldn’t have! - smiled and started getting what was inside the bag with her free hand as Hayley came by and hugged Tom.

- Hey, Hayley! I’ve missed you girl - Tom smiled.

- I’ve missed you too! - Hayley replied before un-hugging.

- Oh, my god Tom! - exclaimed as she discovered the gift, an adorable pair of tiny blue tennis shoes - This is so cute! Thank you!

- Oh, you’re welcome! There’s one for Sofia too, where is she?

- Right over here - Hayley led Tom to the living room to meet Sofia and went outside.

- Chris! Look how cute what Tom brought - showed him the little shoes.

- Oh my god - Chris laughed as he approached - Tom is gonna look so awesome in this! - he smiled and went inside to say hi.

- Isa, sweetie, get dried and come say hi to Uncle Tom! - went back and sat by Hayley and Tom’s side, after Isa said hi to him.

- Girls, I’m tweeting a “song of the day”, I need suggestions - Tom said to Hayley and .

- Hmm… a song - Hayley wondered.

- Maybe one about babies? - Tom joked and they laughed.

- Oh, there’s Bob Dylan’s To Make You Feel My Love. It was playing when I first saw Tom - smiled.

- Really? Oh my god, I was singing that to Sofia just a couple of days ago! - Hayley replied surprised.

- Wow, such a coincidence! - smiled.

- Well, that settles it then - Tom smiled and tweeted the song choice - “Song of the day: To Make You Feel My Love, by Bob Dylan. For two very tiny and very special people I met today.”

- Aw, that’s so sweet - they smiled.

- Hey, Tom, before I forget - Chris said as he sat by ’s side - We watched you on Henry IV, you were so great! Congratulations!

- Oh, you caught that? Thank you so much!

- Yeah, great job! I was blown off by your first line already - Chris laughed.

- Oh, yeah, you had a huge line! I would never get that - laughed.

- Yeah, that did take a while - Tom laughed.

- So, Tom, when does the Thor 2 filming start? - Hayley asked.

- In twenty days! - Tom replied.

- Oh, that’s why your hair’s black again! - said.

- Yes! I’m actually just here for final adjustments on the costume, I’m heading back to London the day after tomorrow - Tom smiled and the doorbell rang. Since had just handed Tom to Chris, she went to answer the door, to find her friends Liz and Matt.

- Hey, what are you doing here? - smiled and hugged them.

- We got some news - Liz smiled as they walked in - Oh, nice, everyone’s here!

- What news? - asked and everyone looked at Matt and Liz.

- Well - Matt looked at Liz and they held hands and smiled - We’re engaged!

- Oh my god! - said as everyone exclaimed surprised sentences - Congratulations you guys! - she hugged them again.

- Wait a minute - Chris stood up, still holding Tom - You two are engaged? Matt and Liz, engaged? - Chris laughed.

- Yeah, we can’t believe it either! - Liz replied.

- Haha, I win the bet! - said to Chris as he nodded in disbelief.

- You guys bet on this? - Matt asked laughing.

- Well, yeah! And Chris bet you wouldn’t get engaged for another five years, can you believe it?

- Um, yes! - Liz and Matt laughed - That’s kinda where we were headed until this morning!

- What changed your mind? - Chris asked.

- Well, we never wanted to be “normal” and get married… but we were starting to be a normal couple anyway, so we figured we’ll face marriage as a challenge - Liz smiled.

- Oh, you two and your backwards methods - laughed and hugged Liz from the side. - I’m gonna go make coffee for everyone - went to the kitchen as Liz and Matt went to the living room and everyone congratulated them.

After a while, everyone was in the living room talking. The coffee and its “supplies” were at the coffee table; Isabella and Dan were playing in the floor while in their robes, the adults in the couches and the babies going around everyone’s lap. lowered her head on Chris’ shoulder after resting the coffee mug on the table, and kept looking at Tom as Chris stroked her hair.

- This day is perfect - said.

- Yeah, it is - Chris smiled.

- I wish I could freeze this moment.

- I do too. But there are a lot of great moments to come, you’ll see - Chris kissed ’s head.

- Mom! - Isabella approached and lifted her head - Uncle Tom said he’s going to send me a picture next time he’s in his Loki costume!

- Really? Wow, that’s great! - smiled.

- Look, Tom is smiling again! - Isa said and they looked at Tom, smiling as well.

looked at Chris while he and Isabella made funny faces at Tom. had never felt happier and more fulfilled than in that moment. Was that finally her happy ending? She didn’t know. In fact, she didn’t care. All those things she went through made her finally be able to stop thinking about the future. The only thing that mattered was that she had everything she needed. She literally did have everything she needed, more than what she ever hoped for and so much more than people are even “allowed” to want. That moment brought a whole new meaning to “Nobody knows where we might end up”, something that that 23-year-old single mom always used to say. You really never know. You don’t even have a clue. Making plans is good, it feels safe, but they can always conflict with your daydreams - or, even worse, reality. The point is, your life is not gonna go the way you plan it, or the way any God you believe in did, because there’s no plan. There’s only hopes, and goals, and deadlines that get you closer to an objective. But if your main objective is to be happy, the only thing that making plans will be useful for is to make you happy at the moment you create your projection. At the moment you picture your goal being set. Because the truth is, if you think about it, you have no idea what your life requires in order to bring you happiness. So maybe it was magic, maybe it was luck, maybe it was hard work that got where she was. Maybe it was all those things. The point is, there was really no way of explaining how did she get there - or where would she go next.

- You look like it’s deep thoughts time - Chris smiled at .

- No, no deep thoughts. It doesn’t take too much depth to realize how perfect our life is now.

- Yeah. As perfect as it could be - Chris said and lied her head back on Chris’ shoulder, after Isa sat on her lap, and kept making funny faces at Tom so he would smile again, which made Isabella and Chris burst into laughs.