A Secret Valentine...(S4-E4)

It's the Monday before Valentine's Day. Isolde and Roxie are working hard and Bull Tavern has just opened for the lunch crowd. They are both busy, hustling to get the bar ready for customers...

A man strolls in holding a single rose. He turns and looks at Isolde and tells her the rose is for her.
She is dumbfounded by it and doesn't know what to say....

*Man* "I was told to deliver this rose to a tall brunette with green eyes who works here at this bar.."
*Isolde* "Um...okay that would be me."
 *Man* "Here you go..."

*Isolde* "....Do you know who it is from?"
*Man* "They didn't leave a name..Looks like someone has a secret Valentine..."
*Isolde* "Um....Thank you..."
Then he turns and leaves, leaving the ladies standing there wondering who would do something like this.

*Roxie* "How crazy is that? So you have no clue who it's from?"
*Isolde* "I have no clue....I haven't been on a date in months. You know that.."
*Roxie* "Well, it must be someone who met or saw you working here at the bar."
*Isolde* "Yeah, yeah...it's gotta be. Oh god! I hope he is not some weirdo or something!"
*Roxie* "Don't worry if it ends up being some creep Aric and I will be here for you."
*Isolde* "Thanks, Roxie..."
*Roxie* "Oh! Don't worry about it, you know your like family to us..."
*Isolde* "Yeah....I'm gonna put this away and get to work at the bar..."

Tuesday:
Isolde is at the bar working when that same man comes in with yet another rose...

*Man* "I'm back! I got another one for you..."
*Isolde* "Seriously?!..."
*Man* "Have a great day!"
Then he turns and leaves....

Wednesday:
While Isolde is serving a couple their drinks that same guy comes with a third rose for her.

*Man* "Someone must really like you or love you..."
*Isolde a little perturbed* "Hand it over...."


Thursday:
 Again and around the same time as all the other days he shows up with another rose.

*Isolde smacks her forehead* "Oh my god!... another one!"
*Man* "Yup! Another one...enjoy!!"
Then he set the rose on the bar, then turns and leaves.....

Friday:
A man walks in and takes a seat at one of the booths. Isolde leaves Aric to tend the bar while she walks over to take his drink order...
*Isolde* "Hi, What can I get for you?"
*Man* "Can I ask you a question?"
*Isolde* "Um...Sure..Yeah...."
*Man* "So, did you throw them away or keep them?"
*Isolde* "What are you talking about?"
*Man* "The flowers...."
*Isolde* "So your the one behind all this?"

*Man* "You don't remember me do you?"
*Isolde* "Why? Am I supposed to?"
*Man* "I was here New Year's Eve my friend got knocked out.."
*Isolde* "Oh, yeah!! I remember you now..."

*Man* "I wanted to ask you out that night but I never got the chance...."
*Isolde* "So why wait until now? And why the roses?"
*Man* " I would have come back sooner but I didn't want to get thrown out thinking I might cause trouble or something....So, I just thought it would be nice way to say I'm into you..."

*Isolde* "Well, I...I...don't date the customers.."

*Man* "You can't make an exception? I'd really like to get to know you."

*Isolde* "How do I know your not an asshole like your friend Andrew you were with that night."

*Man* "I'm not! I swear! I hardly knew him....we just started working together. I decided to tag along with him for the evening since I had nothing better to do."

Isolde leans down and stares him strait in the eyes. 
*Isolde* "Listen...Um..I'm sorry I didn't catch your name.."
*Man* "James...my name is James.."
*Isolde* "Listen, James....the flowers were sweet real sweet n' all but I am not interested.  I don't go on dates with customers..."

Then she turns on her heels and walks away... 
*James* "Just give me one chance...At least tell me your name. Come on...what did I do wrong!" 
Isolde stops at the bar to fill in Aric on what just happened.

*Aric* "I thought he looked familiar....so why'd you turn him down?"
*Isolde* "He seems nice but...I'm just not comfortable with it."
*Aric* "When is dating ever a comfortable situation? I don't think he is gonna give up that easily....he's head over here."

James is not about to give up one her. He is determined to get her to agree to a date with him.
*James* "Come on just one date...You can choose the time and place. I'll meet you there. All I'm asking is just one chance to take you out."
 *Aric* "Just give him a chance, Isolde....he looks like a nice guy."

Isolde looks him over and thinks to herself. It's been months since she has been on a date. And the more she contemplates all of it the more she likes the idea of seeing him again.
*James* "Isolde...wow! I like it. So?....You gonna let me take you out or am I gonna strike out here?"

*Isolde* "I get off at 6. We can eat dinner here then walk a couple blocks down to the theater to catch a movie..."
*James* "Okay! Yes...dinner and a movie. Perfect. I'll be here. Six sharp."

*Isolde* "I'll see you at six then, James."
*James* "I'll see you later, Isolde." *he smiles and then turns to leave.*

The End!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Laura's First Doctor Visit: Part 3...(S4-E3)

Steph escorts Laura and Luke to one of the exam rooms at Dr. Bratters office, after taking Laura's weight, checking blood pressure and so on...

Laura sits on the exam table and Luke takes a seat behind her in one of the extra chairs supplied in the room for others to sit. Steph sits across from Laura and gets any last minute information and checks to make sure all her family history and health forms are filled out and in order.

*Steph* "Okay...that's all need from you. Dr. Bratters will be in to see you shortly."

Steph stands and hands Laura a sheet to cover herself with.

*Steph* "Since you wearing a dress you can use this. Dr. Bratters will want to do a sonogram."

*Laura* "Oh, okay...I didn't think that would happen today."

*Steph* "Oh, yes. It's the best way to get a good look at the baby." 

Steph excuses herself from the room and closes the door behind her.  Laura turns and hands her bag to Luke so he can set it down on the floor.

*Laura* "I am so glad you came with me. I know I gave you a hard time this morning but I..."

*Luke stops her* "Babe, I would have closed the shop anyways to be here...Don't worry about what happened this morning..."

Laura stands up to remove her jacket...

*Laura* "That's one of the things I love so much about you. You just let my ranting roll off your shoulders and you still love me..."
Then tosses it onto Luke's lap.

She then gets back onto the exam table and gets comfortable.
*Luke* "Then I guess we're meant to be, cause that is one of the things I love about you. Your so damn cute when your angry...Of course I don't always prefer that anger to be directed at me but I know you've been stressed out more lately."

Laura smiles up at him and he leans down to kiss her forehead. 
*Laura* "I feel so nervous and excited all at once..."

*Luke* "If it makes you feel any better. I feel the same way..."

*Laura smiles* "Yeah, it does...I wonder if we will get to find out the sex of the baby."

*Luke* "I don't know. You don't think it's too early still?"

*Laura* "I really don't know...I guess we wait and see what the doctor says."

 Sometime goes by and they continue to talk to each other. Finally a small knock is heard at the door and Dr. Bratters steps inside...

He greets the couple and shakes each of their hands. 

Dr. Bratters then takes a seat and looks over the papers attached to the clipboard.

*Dr. Bratters* "Well, looks like you are about 16 weeks now. We can double check that with the sonogram. Let's go ahead and take a peek at baby.."

Laura gets herself more comfortable, while Dr. Bratters gets 

ready as well. He runs the cold instrument across her belly and in the blink of an eye they are staring at the monitor with a silhouette of a baby's face across the screen.

Laura lets out a slight gasp and Luke just stares at the screen both of them are in awe of what they are seeing. Luke gently and subtly runs his fingers along the back of her upper arm feeling the sudden need to touch her. Dr. Bratters types at the key board and takes measurements of the baby. 

*Dr Bratters* "Baby looks great, strong heartbeat, and you are drfinitely at 16 weeks. So that means you are now moving into your second trimester. Your due date is July 25th." 

*Laura* "Wow! I hadn't realized I was past 3 months already..."

*Dr Bratters* "Yes, and your body is now going to be starting to show those changes as the baby grows. I'm gonna print a picture so you have something to show friends and family. Well, that about wraps it up. Baby looks healthy and strong. I will see you back in a month."

Dr. Bratters stands and asks them if they have any final questions before he goes. 

*Laura* "When will we get a chance to find out if the baby is a boy or girl?"

*Dr. Bratters* "You will have another sonogram at six months so you might have a chance to find out then. Any other questions? Concerns?"

*Laura looks to Luke* "Um...No, I can't think of anything else."

*Dr Bratters* "Okay...Kira will set you up with your next appoitment and she will also have a packet of literature and a list of foods to avoid and what over the counter medications you can take if you need to take anything but I suggest you avoid them."

The doctor takes his leave and sets the picture of the baby on the keyboard.  Luke stands and walks around to grab the picture. While Laura sits up on the exam table and gets her clothes readjusted.

*Luke* "It's amazing how he or she looks like a baby already..."

*Laura* "I know...and I can't believe I am already in my fourth month. No wonder my jeans aren't fitting me anymore. *she smiles widely at him* "I guess we need to go clothes shopping!!"
 *Luke laughs and smiles* "Don't worry Babe, I haven't forgotten what I promised you this morning. *He pulls her up and into him* "Looks like you got a picture to share with your parents. Your gonna call them right?"

*Laura* "Um...Yes, I will call them as soon as we get in the car. So, where do you want to go for lunch?"

*Luke* "How about Bull Tavern, it's past lunch so they should be slow right now and we can tell them about the baby. What'd ya think?"

*Laura* "Sure! That works for me."

*Luke* "All right then, Let's get outta here..."
Laura finishes up with Kira and sets up her next appointment. They then head out of the office and make their way to the car. Laura gets out her phone and dials her parents number. After several rings her Mother comes on the line. 

*Laura* "Hey, Mom!"
*Krystal* "Hi, Sweetie....are you off work today?"
*Laura* "Um...Yeah. I took the day off. I had some stuff I needed to do. I was calling to see if you and Dad want to meet Luke and I for dinner somewhere?"
*Krystal with some surprise* "Oh!....Well.....how about ya'll come over here? I am making your sister's favorite dinner. Benjamin is out of town this week so she has been home for a the past few days. There will be plenty of food."

*Laura* "Sure, okay....what time do you want us there?"
*Krystal* "Oh, just the usual time we eat dinner here. At 6."
*Laura* "Okay, we'll be there."
*Krystal* "Wonderful! It will be nice to have a family dinner with my two girls and your Father will be happy to hear it as well. See you later, Sweetie.."
*Laura* "See you later,  Mom..."
Laura ends the call and takes a big sigh of relief.
*Laura* "My Mom invited us over for dinner since she is cooking my sister's favorite meal."
*Luke* "So your sister is gonna be there? I thought she was practically living 
at Benjamin's place already?"
*Laura* "Mom said she has been home cause he is out of town this week."
*Luke* "Oh...well looks like you get to tell your sister too then."

Laura doesn't say anything she just looks out the window and thinks about how she is going to tell them. Luke reaches out and pats her affectionately on the leg.
*Luke* "It's gonna be fine, Babe. If my Mom was excited about it...then I don't doubt that your Mom will be as well."
Laura is silent for a long moment as he drives. Then she finally speaks.
*Laura* "Maybe we should get married before the baby is born....I mean it is the right thing to do."
*Luke* "Is that what you want? Or are you just feeling pressured already?"
*Laura* "Yes. No...I don't know! I don't want wedding pictures of me with a giant belly...but it would be nice if we were married."
*Luke* "I thought you wanted me to propose to you?"

*Laura* "Yeah!...but a baby kinda trumps all that! Don't you want me as your wife before I have this baby? I mean, I feel kinda stupid still calling you my boyfriend when we are way past that! We're not teenagers...."
*Luke* "I get what you saying..."
*Laura* "So?....."
*Luke takes a huge breath and lets it out* "There is no doubt in my mind I do want to marry you...I had plans to propose to you back before we found out you were pregnant. I was going to do it this summer on the anniversary of our first date."
*Laura in total surprise turns to look at him* "Really?!"
*Luke* "Yeah!....What if we get married now, then have a ceremony with friends and family after the baby is born..."

Luke parks in front of Bull Tavern.
*Laura with reserve in her voice* "Mmm....Yeah....maybe..."
*Luke* "Just think about it....Let's go eat and tell Aric and Roxie about the baby."

*Laura* "Okay....I'm starvin'!...think I'll eat a burger."

Luke smiles at her, she hardly ever orders a burger. Then gets out to meet her on the other side of the car. Luke wraps his arm around her  and they walk into Bull Tavern to break the news to their friends.

Meanwhile back at the Lavigne household Krystal walks into to the living room to tell her husband Scott that Laura and Luke will also be joining them for dinner.

*Scott* "Who was that on the phone?"
*Krystal* "It was Laura. She wanted us to meet her and Luke for dinner but I told her they could come over here since I am cooking Michelle's favorite meal."
*Scott* "Okay....That'll be nice to have the girls here for dinner."

*Kyrstal sits on the coffee table to face him at eye level* "Yes it will but, I think they might have some news for us, Honey.  You know?... maybe they are finally engaged!"

*Scott* "Did she say she had something to tell us?"
*Krystal* "No...but, I think that's why she called."
*Scott* "I guess we'll find out when they get here."
 Krystal beams with anticipation and moves from the coffee table to couch and nuzzles in next to her husband.

*Krystal* "I still remember the day you proposed to me...."

*Scott* "I'm sure you do, Sweetheart. I remember it as well. You looked so beautiful that day."

*Krystal* "Oh, Scott! You made me that happiest woman in the world when you proposed to me. I just want to see our girls happy as well."
 *Scott* "I know you do. And they are happy, so don't get all worked up about it. Especially if it's not what your expecting. Now, I know you thought Luke was gonna propose to her back at Thanksgiving but you got to stop jumping to conclusions.  Luke is a responsible young man. I'm sure he has got it somewhat planned out..."

*Krystal* "You're right....I think I am just more eager to plan a wedding. It's something I have looked forward to lately..."
*Scott smiles and squeezes her into his side* "I know your dying to plan a wedding but, all we can do is wait and see what they say..That's f they have anything to say."
*Krystal* "Oh...they have something to tell us I could sense it when she spoke to me..."

The End!!
^_^

Laura's First Doctor Visit: Part 2...(S4-E2)

Luke makes it back in time to take Laura to her doctor's appointment. They have just arrived at Dr. Bratter's office. 

Laura steps up to the window to check in while Luke looks over the waiting room for a place to sit.

*Laura* "Hi, I have a 1:15 appointment with Dr. Bratters."

*Receptionist* "Sure, just sign in...*she looks up* "Laura?"

*Laura* "Yeah...? *she takes a better look at the receptionist* "Kira?"

*Kira stands up* "Yes! Oh my god....I haven't seen you in like forever...How are you?"

*Laura* "Oh!...Um..good. How about you?"

*Kira* "I have been great...*she smiles* "I'm coming round to give you a hug. It's so great to see you!"

Kira comes out from behind her desk and gives Laura a warm welcoming hug. 

*Kira* "Come fill out your paperwork back here and we can catch up a bit."

*Laura* "Okay..."

Laura looks back to check on Luke and he has already made himself comfortable.

So, she goes ahead and follows Kira in through the doorway.

Luke looks down to see if there are any interesting magazines to read but decides to find something to do on his phone since they are all baby magazines...

*Kira* "So, I am guessing your pregnant...Is that your husband out there?"

*Laura* "Boyfriend..Yeah, we just found out right before Christmas."

*Kira* "Congratz! You are gonna be the greatest Mom. You still in the restaurant business?"

*Laura* "Thanks....Yeah, I'm still at Ma Cherie. What about you? Been working here awhile?"

*Kira* "I have been here for about a year. Dr. Bratters is great to work for. 

He even delivered my baby."

*Laura* "I didn't know you had a baby."

*Kira* "Yeah. She just turned 2 awhile back."

*Laura* "Wow! Has it been that long since we have seen each other? She sounds sweet. So, are you married? boyfriend..?"

*Kira* "I know...right? Neither. Marley's Dad and I didn't work out."

*Laura finishes up her paperwork and sets it down* "Oh! I'm sorry to hear that..."

*Kira* "Oh don't be sorry he is a complete ass. *she tilts her head to look out at Luke* "You seemed to snag yourself quite the handsome man. *she stares at him with a scrutinizing look* "You know, he looks familiar...."

*Laura unsure how to respond* "Really?...How so?"

*Kira* "Yes! I know now, he looks like this guy I saw in a pic in a mag I was just reading."
 Kira reaches behind her desk and grabs the latest issue of RockStar magazine that she was thumbing through right before Laura had arrived. She flips through the magazine until she finds the page she is looking for.

*Kira* "Here it is. It's an article on musicians and where they are now. *she points to a picture of Rufus Blue and standing a little ways behind her is Luke* "He looks like this guy in this photo..."

*Laura trying not to scream with frustration* "Yeah, that's Luke....He dated Rufus before he moved down here. This pic must be at least 5 years old. I'm guessing she doesn't go out it public much anymore, so they mustn't have anything more recent."

*Kira* "Oh my god! Really?!..Wow!"

*Laura dropping the conversation quickly* "Yeah, really...Well, I guess I better let you get back to work. You should call me or stop by the restaurant sometime for lunch.."

*Kira* "Okay....yeah that sounds great!"

 Laura opens the door and steps back into the waiting room. Luke looks up when he sees it is her. She looks at Luke and rolls her eyes. He can see she is frustrated about something.

*Luke* "What's wrong? I thought you knew her?"

 *Laura* "Yeah, I do. We went to college together. How come you didn't tell me about that article in the latest RockStar Magazine. I know you have it home...."

*Luke not expecting that* "What for? So you can get more stressed out. It's not important. You know that is a really old picture anyways..I don't know why they chose that one."

 *Laura* "I know...She just caught me off guard with it. She recognized you right away..I'm just tired of being reminded of you and her."

*Luke* "Let's just focus on us and why we are here today. Have you thought about when or how you want to tell your parents? You can't put it off for much longer."

*Laura* "Yeah, I have been thinking about it. Maybe we can meet them for dinner tonight since we are both free. I think telling them in public would be better."

*Luke* "Okay, I guess you can call your Mom when we are done here."

While Laura is talking with Luke. Kira can't help herself but watch them.

She is caught by Steph who sees her staring intently at the couple.

*Steph* "You need to stop staring girl....by the looks of it he is already taken."

*Kira turns her head* "Oh crap! Was it that noticeable?"

*Steph* "Um yeah!! Your mouth is agape and your drooling like he is something yummy to eat..."

*Kira a little embarrassed* "That bad, huh?" *points to the magazine* "Flip to page 62. He used to date Rufus Blue..."

*Steph grabs the magazine and opens to the page* "She looks at the picture then out into waiting room.  Oh, wow! Yeah I think your right. Still he doesn't look like he has wandering eyes. So too bad for you!"

*Kira* "He's hot but I wouldn't dream of hitting on him anyways. I know her. She and I went to college together."

*Steph* "Good cause that would be embarrassing...Who's up next?"

*Kira grabs the clipboard* "Midge..."

 Steph steps out to call the next patient and they all get up and follow her back into one of the exam rooms.

Luke and Laura sit in silence for a while. She grabs a magazine in hopes it will distract her some. Luke just sits and fiddles with his phone.

Laura can't help but notice how hard it is for the other woman to sit with her big round belly.
She turns to look at Luke....who is already looking at her...
*Laura* "Will you still love me when I get big and fat waddle all around?"
*Luke smiles* "Of course, Babe.  I think I will love you even more...just knowing all the changes that are happening to you are because your carrying my baby."

*Laura smiles* "Good answer...You saved your hide on that one..."
*Luke* "I'm being serious. I know we weren't planning this but the more I think about it, the happier it makes me. I think I'm ready to be a Dad."
*Laura smiles and feels her eyes water* "Oh! Luke....Me too..." 
*Luke* "Don't cry, Babe..."
*Laura* "I can't help it..they're happy tears. I'm glad..."
Laura looks down at the magazine she is holding and stares at the baby on the cover. She blinks and a few tears drop...

*Laura* "Sooo, you hoping for a boy or a girl?"
*Luke* "I'm happy with either....."
*Laura* "Really? Not secretly wishing for a boy?"

 As they continue to talk about the baby. Another expectant mother walks in for her check up. Then another big bellied patient exits the door that leads to the exam rooms....

Steph comes back out to call on another patient. 
The lady hands her mother her baby while she follows Steph to the back.

*Lady* "Here Mom, he woke when I got up so he might get hungry but, I shouldn't be too long..."
*Grandma smiles* "I got it sweetie..."
The mother turns and walks away leaving baby with Grandma. Laura turns her attention to the delighted Grandmother. She hopes her Mom will be happy when she hears the news. Her Mother is quite traditional and feels that couples should be married before they have children.
*Laura* "He is a very calm baby..."
*Grandma* "Oh, yes....He has such a wonderful disposition. He might fuss a little here soon, once he starts to get hungry."
*Laura* "He is precious....How many months is he?"
*Grandma* "He is going on 4 months. Are you pregnant with your first?"
*Laura* "Yes...we found out right before Christmas."

*Grandma* "Oh! What a wonderful surprise..Well, congratulations!"
*Laura* "Thank you! You seem quite proud of your grandson."
*Grandma* "Oh, yes!  I am so excited to be a grandma. I was over the moon when my daughter told me."
*Laura* "That's good to know....Cause we still need to announce it to my Parents."
*Grandma* "Do it as soon as you can before you start to show too much. Are you two not married? Is that why you are nervous?"

*Laura* "Yeah...that is exactly why I have procrastinated. I'm hoping my Mom will be okay with it all."
*Grandma* "I wouldn't worry about it. A Mother's love is a strong thing and when she finds out your having a baby she is going to be happy and want to experience it all with you."
*Laura* "Thanks....you have no idea how much better that makes me feel."

Grandma stands and pats the baby on his back.
*Grandma* "Glad I could help....would you like to hold him?"
*Laura* "Oh! No that's okay....Thank you though..."
*Grandma* "Here....he's a very calm baby and I'm right here. It's fine."
*Laura* "O-okay....What's his name?"

*Grandma* "Christopher...."
Grandma gently places Christopher in Laura's arms. Laura cradles him softly and looks down at him. She was sure he would start to fuss the second Grandma set him down in her arms.

*Laura* "Hi, Christopher!! You're a sweet lil' guy...."
Christopher gurgles and squirms a little. And it looks like he 
smiled at her.
*Luke* "See...your doing just fine..."
*Grandma* "Yes, I think you will be a wonderful Mother...."
 As Laura continues to hold the little baby boy. Steph comes out to call the next patient.

*Steph* "Laura Lavinge..."
*Laura* "Oh! That's me...you better take him back."
Laura hands Christopher back to his Grandma and she sits back down with him.
*Laura* "Thanks for letting me hold him...you have a very sweet grandson."
*Grandma* "Sure! I can see your glowing quite beautifully now....I wish you all the best. "
*Laura gets up* "Thank you and it was so wonderful talking to you..."

*Grandma* "Likewise Dear!! Now don't keep the nurse waiting..."

Laura smiles at her one last time then turns and heads in Steph's directions. Luke follows behind her.
*Steph* "Hello, how are you doing today? Ready to meet Dr Bratters?"
*Laura* "Good, thank you....and yes."
*Steph smiles* "All right then, follow me..."

Luke places his hand on the small of her back to reassure her that he is there with her as they walk though the door. Laura is comforted by his touch but after he talked more openly to her and her conversation with the kind, insightful Grandmother, she is feeling a lot more confident about having this baby. She is ready to announce to her family and friends that she is pregnant. For the first time she finally feels excited about all of it and she can't wait to drag Luke into that fancy little baby boutique....Cause he did promise to take her shopping!

^_^
Concluded in Part 3