Meet The Maxwells - Chapter 34

Chapter XXXIV

Reunions
~ * * * ~

Max and Madra had taken the twins on a cruise. It was a glorious three week cruise! There were so many activities for the girls that they had a wonderful time and feel asleep exhausted every night. Max and Madra got some well-needed rest, but also had a wonderful time. Max had been worried about Madra and thought the relaxation of a cruise would be good for her. She takes so much to heart, he thought. And, she's gotten so thin...he couldn't help but worry. Ever since his heart attack, Madra seemed to be "melting" under his very eyes. She dismissed his concerns saying, "a woman can never be too thin, darling," then she laughed and kissed him. But, nevertheless, he was concerned.

As they disembarked, they headed for the area they knew their car and driver would be waiting for them. Emma was exhausted from her trip, so Max carried her in his arms. The little girl fell asleep on his shoulder. He looked at his precious child and thought, she's so much like her mother! She's more delicate than Meg - nothing seemed to tire Meg. Meg was always ready for the next adventure!

As they approached the car, Madra turned to Max and said, "Darling, I hope you don't mind, but I'd really like to visit Gene before I go home. Would you mind bringing the girls home and I'll meet you there later?" Max looked at her with love in his eyes, it begins already he thought. We're not even home yet and she's worried about her friend.

Max responded, "We'll drop you off on the way home and then I'll send the driver back to pick you up. Is that alright, darling?"

Madra gave him a huge smile. "I knew you'd understand," she beamed! "I can't wait to tell Gene all about our trip and find out how she's been doing!"

With that she threw her arms around her husband's neck and kissed him. Meg wanted to go with her, but she explained that her Aunt Gene was not quite feeling up to herself just yet, and that perhaps tomorrow she'd bring her for a visit.

~ * * * ~

Madra found Gene sitting in the Sunroom, legs propped up on an ottoman and she appeared to be knitting somthing. Gene heard her approach and looked up. A huge smile came on her face and she squeeled, "Maddie! When did you get back? I've missed you so!" Madra went over to her friend and gave her a hug, "Just now you silly girl, and look at you! What on Earth are you doing? Don't tell me you're knitting?! You've never been able to learn that!" Gene laughed and told her that Mother Jamison had been teaching her to knit. She needed something to do. The house was so quiet most of the time, with Rebecca and Vanessa working on the trial, and now that Mike and Leila moved into their own home...."

Madra responded, "I didn't know Mike and Leila moved into their own home...when did that come about?" "Oh," Gene replied, "about 2 weeks ago. Mike felt that now that they had April, they should make a home for her and themselves." "Oh well," Madra replied, "I guess that's right. And you, how are you? You look wonderful," Madra said as she patted Gene tummy.

"Oh," Gene wailed, "I look like a 'beached whale' - just look at me!" "I am looking at you," Madra replied, "and you have that inner glow all expectant mothers get. Besides, you should have seen me with the twins! Max was constantly frightened that I would explode!" They both laughed then. It was good to laugh, Gene thought, as Madra poured them both a cup of tea.

Madra began, "So, tell me what has been happening since I've been away. I want all the dirt." she began, "I want to know about Rebecca's trial, Leila's new house, how it's going with April, everything, including why you out here in the Sunroom all by yourself!"

Gene smiled, "One at a time! Well," she began, "I like to sit here because I can see what's happening on the farm, and every so often, I catch of a glimpse of that handsome husband of mine with the horses in the field. There are still no new leads in Rebecca's case, which is worrying all of us! April is a delightful child, and truthfully, I think Leila is a little lonely in her new home! Mike works very long, late hours at the hospital and she's often there by herself after April goes to bed." "Hymmm....I see," said Madra. "Now, Maddie, don't go jumping to conclusions! I'm sure they are perfectly happy!" "I certainly hope so!" replied Madra. "But now, tell me, how is Jax taking to being a Daddy?"

"Oh, Maddie, I can't believe it! He's been so wonderful about the whole thing! He takes care of everything - he won't let me lift a finger! He checks on me every half hour, and he comes to every doctor's appointment with me! And, did I tell you, we're having a girl!" "A girl!" Madra replied, "a girl! Oh, Gene how wonderful! I just know she'll be a little beauty, just like her mother!"

Their reunion was broken when the door opened and the nanny walked in carrying Simon. "Sorry to disturb you Madam, but Simon wanted to see his mommy." Madra looked up at the girl and thought she'd seen her before. "A new nanny," she said. Gene said, "Oh, yes, this is Sophia, our new nanny. Sophia, this is Mrs. Maxwell."

Sophia nodded to Madra as Madra reached out and took the child from her arms. She held him up and looked at him - what a beautiful child, she thought! And, he looks just like Jax. A tear gently rolled down her cheek unnoticed by anyone else as she thought to herself, oh, I would give anything to be able to give Max a son who looked just like him. Oh, why...why...why can't I make that happen? Max says he's thrilled having our daughters, but I want so much to give him a son....She hugged Simon tight to her chest and gently kissed his cheek.

Gene could see that Madra was enjoying playing with Simon. She told Sophia to leave him there with them for a while and to come back and get him later. Sophia said that she had some of the child's laundry to put away in his room, turned, and quietly left the room.

As she left, Madra watched her and knew she had seen her somewhere before! But where? And, why couldn't she shake this feeling that she couldn't trust the girl! Oh, well, she thought, it would come to me eventually.

Sophia had recognized Mrs. Maxwell as well. She had seen her many times at the hospital, and in particular with Mike. Mike was her children's pediatrician. Besides, she was always volunteering and sticking her nose into everything. Sophia wondered how she could use her to her advantage.

The rear door blew open at that point, and Jax came barrelling in. He hadn't expected to see Madra there. He stopped short, then said, "Well, if it isn't the 'world travellers! Welcome home," as he went over to give her a hug.

Madra smiled at him and returned the hug. "Jax," she began, "congratulations! I hear you're going to have a little girl to keep this handsome fellow company!" "Yes!" Jax replied, "isn't it wonderful! A beautiful little girl with red hair just like her mommy's!"

He sat on the ottoman next to Gene and patted her tummy. "So, Madra, what do you think of our girl? She looks great, doesn't she?" "Yes," Madra replied, "I've been trying to tell her just that!" Gene laughed and replied, "Oh, you're both a bunch of liars! I'm as fat as a house!" and with that she giggled. Jax bent down, kissed her bulging tummy and whispered, I love you little angel! Gene was touched and stroked Jax's head.

Madra had been playing with Simon, but the little exchange didn't excape her. She thought she would give them some time alone together. "Well," she began, "I must be getting home now. I'll take Simon up to Sophia, you two just stay where you are and enjoy each other's company."

Gene struggled to get up from the chair. Jax helped her up and Madra noticed just how uncomfortable the poor girl was. I hope she doesn't have to go too much more, she thought! Although it was a miracle that Gene was able to hold on to the child for as long as she had. If the child was born now, she would only be about one month early. That's better odds than three months early!

Gene hugged her friend goodbye and Madra promised that she would stop by again tomorrow. Gene said, "with the girls this time, I hope!" Madra smiled and agreed.

"Now you two, just relax," Madra said, "I can show myself out." With that she took Simon and left them alone in the room.

Jax was all too happy to have Gene to himself for a while. He sat in the chair and pulled her down gently onto his lap. "Ah, this is much better," he said as he stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.

Gene surprised him by turning and kissing him full on the mouth. She moaned and whispered in his ear, "Oh, Jax, I love you so very much," as she kissed him again.

Jax' head was spinning. He loved her so much and his desire for her was so great he didn't know if he could restrain himself. But restrain himself, he did. "Gene, honey," he began, "you know what Dr. Jeffries said.... Please, honey stop."

"Yes, Jax," she began, "I know what she said, however, she didn't say that I couldn't kiss my husband, now did she?" She looked at him and smiled. He smiled back at her and kissed her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, and finally her lips. He understood....she needed his tenderness, his closeness, and his love. And he needed her, too. "I love you, Gene," he said, "I love you more than I thought it was possible to love anyone!" She put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "And, I love you, too, Jax. More than I can say."

They lay like that for seemed like hours, falling asleep in each others arms, happy and content.

Meanwhile, Madra had gone upstairs to the nursery to find Sophia. She had finally realized where she knew the girl from! Why, it was the hopital - she was Mike's "so-called secretary"! The girl had questionable skills at best, and was never where she was supposed to be! She remembered all the whispers and innuendo surrounding her. Everyone at the hospital thought she was having an affair with one of the doctors, but Madra never participated in that kind of gossip. She didn't believe in it. However, now, she wished she had listened more intently. Her gut was telling her that something was strange about this arrangement.

She walked into Simon's room and found the girl sorting laundry as she said she would be. "Hi, Sophia," she began. "I brought Simon up for his nap. Mr. & Mrs. Jamison are sharing some quiet time and I think it would be best if they were not disturbed for a while." Sophia merely nodded that she understood.

"You know," Madra began, "you look very familiar to me. Weren't you Dr. Frain's secretary at the hospital?"

Sophia's expression changed and Madra could feel the tension in the air. Then she responded, "Yes, I was. It was Dr. Frain who helped me find this job. He said I have a way with children."

Well, Madra thought, he may be right about that. Simon was very happy to see her and she seemed equally fond of him. Madra handed Simon to her and said, "Well, then, good luck with your new job. The Jamisons are wonderful people and I'm sure you'll like it here."

Sophia thanked Madra as she left the room, closing the door behind her.

~ * * * ~

Leila waited until Mike went to the hospital that morning. She was taking April to see Lauren. Leila knew that Mike would be angry if he found out, but she at least owed Lauren that much. She loved Mike with all her heart, but there was a part of her that would always love Lauren. She was so lonely when she saw her last, what harm would it do to be friends, she thought.

They arrived at Lauren's condo where Lauren was waiting for them in the pool area. She had reserved a table near the fountain, far enough away from the pool so they could talk privately, but close enough to keep an eye on April while she played in the pool.

April was happy to see her Aunt Lauren. She ran into her arms and hugged her. Lauren was thrilled to see the child again. After all, she thought, if it weren't for that meddling doctor, this child would be ours - mine and Leila's!

Lauren had arranged for a teenaged girl in the building to watch April in the pool while she visited with Leila. The girl took April to the pool, and Lauren ordered drinks for herself and Leila.

Lauren asked Leila about her new home, her marriage, and finally, her search for her daughter. Leila told her that they had hired a private detective to find her, but that he hadn't so far. They were hoping to have a lead very soon.

"I want to thank you, Lauren, for helping me find her," Leila began. Lauren cut her off saying, "Well, all I did was give you a name, and you haven't found her yet. However, Leila, I sincerely hope that you do! You know, I never meant to hurt you when we gave her up for adoption, I was just trying to protect you." Leila hung her head and said, "Yes, I know."

Lauren couldn't stand seeing her so sad. "Leila, honey, what's wrong? Please tell me. Are you happy darling?" Leila's head snapped up at that, "Why, of course, I'm happy," she said, "why wouldn't I be?! I have everything I want, Lauren," she said, stress the "want."

Lauren reached out and stroked her arm and reached for her hand. "Honey, I didn't mean anything by it. I'm just concerned about you, that's all. You know, I still love you, Leila, I will always love you!"

Lauren could see that she made Leila uncomfortable, as Leila jumped up out of the chair. "I have to check on April," she said......

Lauren jumped up and stopped her. "Leila, I'm sorry, please, April is fine. Please just stay with me a while," she said as she leaned in for a kiss.

She knew instantly that it was a mistake. She could feel Leila pull back in what she assumed was disgust.

Leila's heart was beating so fast, and she had to stop herself from crying. "Lauren," she said with a shaky voice, "I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I'm trying to tell you as gently as I can. I'll always care about you, and a part of me will always love you, but I'm in love with Mike! He's my husband now and I love him. Please understand....."

"But, I miss you honey," Lauren began, tears welling in her eyes. I can't stop thinking about you. I don't know how to stop." She tried to caress Leila, but once again was met with what she took for rejection.

In truth, Leila had felt the old "pangs" as well. When Lauren touched her it felt like hot pokers on her skin. Oh, she thought, how could this be happening to me?! I love my husband.....I love my husband......I have a family now...... She pulled away from Lauren.

Leila turned to leave saying, "This was a mistake. I shouldn't have come. I'm sorry I can't be who you want me to be, Lauren."

Lauren stopped her by holding on to her arm. "Wait, Leila, please don't leave like this. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I promise I will be better. I promise. Just promise me we can still be friends.....please!"

Leila felt like running...she didn't know what she was feeling, but she knew it wasn't good. She told Lauren that she would think about it. She then pulled her arm away, went to get April and left.

Lauren's heart sank as she watched her go. She felt as if her world was becoming unglued. She sat in the chair, her head down remembering the way it used to be and longing for those days again.

She was startled when she felt soft hands on her shoulders. She jerked her head up and said, "Leila?" only to be disappointed. "Oh, it's you, Margo" she said, "go away and leave me alone."

"So that's the little fluff you've been pining for, darling," Margo said. "Aw....you poor dear, don't worry. Fluff like her are a dime a dozen. Why don't you come upstairs with me? I'll make you a maitai and make you feel all better."

Lauren stood up complacently and Margo put her arms around her. "Come, sweetie," Margo said, "come, we'll talk and have a little fun and in no time you'll forget all about her!"

~ * * * ~

Lauren returned home to an empty house. She prepared a light supper for herself and April and then she gave April her bath and put her to bed. Mike was still not home yet. Another late night at the hospital, she thought. She sat in the chair in the study and thought about the events of the day. A tear slid down her cheek and she couldn't figure out why. I have nothing to be sad about, she thought. I have everything a woman could want! A handsome, loving husband, a beautiful daughter, a lovely home -- but in realty, she had been so lonely since they moved into this big house. Most of the time, she rattled around in it all by herself. Mike was seldom home. She missed her family. Missed her mother....

The ringing of the telephone pierced the quiet stillness in the house. She jumped up startled and answered the phone. It was Mike. He was excited and hurried, but he told her he found her daughter! He told her to ask her mother if she would take April for a few days, to pack a bag for both of them because they were going to go and bring her daughter home! Leila's heart leaped in her chest. She thanked Mike, told him she loved him and then hung up the phone.

She sat there a few moments unable to move. My daughter....she said...they found my baby....."

To be continued.......

	Madra found Gene sitting in the Sunroom, legs propped up on an ottoman and she appeared to be knitting somthing. Gene heard her approach and looked up. A huge smile came on her face and she squeeled, "Maddie! When did you get back? I've missed you so!" Madra went over to her friend and gave her a hug, "Just now you silly girl, and look at you! What on Earth are you doing? Don't tell me you're knitting?! You've never been able to learn that!" Gene laughed and told her that Mother Jamison had been teaching her to knit. She needed something to do. The house was so quiet most of the time, with Rebecca and Vanessa working on the trial, and now that Mike and Leila moved into their own home...." Madra responded, "I didn't know Mike and Leila moved into their own home...when did that come about?" "Oh," Gene replied, "about 2 weeks ago. Mike felt that now that they had April, they should make a home for her and themselves." "Oh well," Madra replied, "I guess that's right. And you, how are you? You look wonderful," Madra said as she patted Gene tummy. "Oh," Gene wailed, "I look like a 'beached whale' - just look at me!" "I am looking at you," Madra replied, "and you have that inner glow all expectant mothers get. Besides, you should have seen me with the twins! Max was constantly frightened that I would explode!" They both laughed then. It was good to laugh, Gene thought, as Madra poured them both a cup of tea.
Madra began, "So, tell me what has been happening since I've been away. I want all the dirt." she began, "I want to know about Rebecca's trial, Leila's new house, how it's going with April, everything, including why you out here in the Sunroom all by yourself!" Gene smiled, "One at a time! Well," she began, "I like to sit here because I can see what's happening on the farm, and every so often, I catch of a glimpse of that handsome husband of mine with the horses in the field. There are still no new leads in Rebecca's case, which is worrying all of us! April is a delightful child, and truthfully, I think Leila is a little lonely in her new home! Mike works very long, late hours at the hospital and she's often there by herself after April goes to bed." "Hymmm....I see," said Madra. "Now, Maddie, don't go jumping to conclusions! I'm sure they are perfectly happy!" "I certainly hope so!" replied Madra. "But now, tell me, how is Jax taking to being a Daddy?" "Oh, Maddie, I can't believe it! He's been so wonderful about the whole thing! He takes care of everything - he won't let me lift a finger! He checks on me every half hour, and he comes to every doctor's appointment with me! And, did I tell you, we're having a girl!" "A girl!" Madra replied, "a girl! Oh, Gene how wonderful! I just know she'll be a little beauty, just like her mother!" Their reunion was broken when the door opened and the nanny walked in carrying Simon. "Sorry to disturb you Madam, but Simon wanted to see his mommy." Madra looked up at the girl and thought she'd seen her before. "A new nanny," she said. Gene said, "Oh, yes, this is Sophia, our new nanny. Sophia, this is Mrs. Maxwell."
	Sophia nodded to Madra as Madra reached out and took the child from her arms. She held him up and looked at him - what a beautiful child, she thought! And, he looks just like Jax. A tear gently rolled down her cheek unnoticed by anyone else as she thought to herself, oh, I would give anything to be able to give Max a son who looked just like him. Oh, why...why...why can't I make that happen? Max says he's thrilled having our daughters, but I want so much to give him a son....She hugged Simon tight to her chest and gently kissed his cheek. Gene could see that Madra was enjoying playing with Simon. She told Sophia to leave him there with them for a while and to come back and get him later. Sophia said that she had some of the child's laundry to put away in his room, turned, and quietly left the room. As she left, Madra watched her and knew she had seen her somewhere before! But where? And, why couldn't she shake this feeling that she couldn't trust the girl! Oh, well, she thought, it would come to me eventually. Sophia had recognized Mrs. Maxwell as well. She had seen her many times at the hospital, and in particular with Mike. Mike was her children's pediatrician. Besides, she was always volunteering and sticking her nose into everything. Sophia wondered how she could use her to her advantage.
The rear door blew open at that point, and Jax came barrelling in. He hadn't expected to see Madra there. He stopped short, then said, "Well, if it isn't the 'world travellers! Welcome home," as he went over to give her a hug. Madra smiled at him and returned the hug. "Jax," she began, "congratulations! I hear you're going to have a little girl to keep this handsome fellow company!" "Yes!" Jax replied, "isn't it wonderful! A beautiful little girl with red hair just like her mommy's!" He sat on the ottoman next to Gene and patted her tummy. "So, Madra, what do you think of our girl? She looks great, doesn't she?" "Yes," Madra replied, "I've been trying to tell her just that!" Gene laughed and replied, "Oh, you're both a bunch of liars! I'm as fat as a house!" and with that she giggled. Jax bent down, kissed her bulging tummy and whispered, I love you little angel! Gene was touched and stroked Jax's head.
	Madra had been playing with Simon, but the little exchange didn't excape her. She thought she would give them some time alone together. "Well," she began, "I must be getting home now. I'll take Simon up to Sophia, you two just stay where you are and enjoy each other's company." Gene struggled to get up from the chair. Jax helped her up and Madra noticed just how uncomfortable the poor girl was. I hope she doesn't have to go too much more, she thought! Although it was a miracle that Gene was able to hold on to the child for as long as she had. If the child was born now, she would only be about one month early. That's better odds than three months early! Gene hugged her friend goodbye and Madra promised that she would stop by again tomorrow. Gene said, "with the girls this time, I hope!" Madra smiled and agreed. "Now you two, just relax," Madra said, "I can show myself out." With that she took Simon and left them alone in the room. Jax was all too happy to have Gene to himself for a while. He sat in the chair and pulled her down gently onto his lap. "Ah, this is much better," he said as he stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head.
Gene surprised him by turning and kissing him full on the mouth. She moaned and whispered in his ear, "Oh, Jax, I love you so very much," as she kissed him again. Jax' head was spinning. He loved her so much and his desire for her was so great he didn't know if he could restrain himself. But restrain himself, he did. "Gene, honey," he began, "you know what Dr. Jeffries said.... Please, honey stop." "Yes, Jax," she began, "I know what she said, however, she didn't say that I couldn't kiss my husband, now did she?" She looked at him and smiled. He smiled back at her and kissed her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, and finally her lips. He understood....she needed his tenderness, his closeness, and his love. And he needed her, too. "I love you, Gene," he said, "I love you more than I thought it was possible to love anyone!" She put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "And, I love you, too, Jax. More than I can say." They lay like that for seemed like hours, falling asleep in each others arms, happy and content.
	Meanwhile, Madra had gone upstairs to the nursery to find Sophia. She had finally realized where she knew the girl from! Why, it was the hopital - she was Mike's "so-called secretary"! The girl had questionable skills at best, and was never where she was supposed to be! She remembered all the whispers and innuendo surrounding her. Everyone at the hospital thought she was having an affair with one of the doctors, but Madra never participated in that kind of gossip. She didn't believe in it. However, now, she wished she had listened more intently. Her gut was telling her that something was strange about this arrangement. She walked into Simon's room and found the girl sorting laundry as she said she would be. "Hi, Sophia," she began. "I brought Simon up for his nap. Mr. & Mrs. Jamison are sharing some quiet time and I think it would be best if they were not disturbed for a while." Sophia merely nodded that she understood. "You know," Madra began, "you look very familiar to me. Weren't you Dr. Frain's secretary at the hospital?" Sophia's expression changed and Madra could feel the tension in the air. Then she responded, "Yes, I was. It was Dr. Frain who helped me find this job. He said I have a way with children." Well, Madra thought, he may be right about that. Simon was very happy to see her and she seemed equally fond of him. Madra handed Simon to her and said, "Well, then, good luck with your new job. The Jamisons are wonderful people and I'm sure you'll like it here." Sophia thanked Madra as she left the room, closing the door behind her.