Marie’s Support System: A Closer Relationship

Later that night, around 2200, Marie was set up in her own room upstairs, with Simon and Aélita by her side. “How are you feeling, Marie?” Simon asked, his voice laced with concern.

“I’m doing better,” Marie replied, thinking that the IV and medications were helping her recover. “Aélita, did you happen to grab my phone?”

“Yes, I did,” Aélita said, getting up to retrieve the phone. “Here it is, Marie.” She handed it over, and Marie took it, scrolling through her contacts to find Jeremy’s brother.

Marie sent a short text message, asking if it was okay to call Jeremy’s mom, and then dialed the number. Cathy answered on the first ring, and Marie took a deep breath before speaking.

“Hey, Cathy. It’s Marie,” she said, trying to sound calm.

“Marie, is everything okay?” Cathy asked, her voice filled with concern.

“Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to talk to you about something,” Marie said, trying to gauge Cathy’s reaction.

“Okay, what is it, Hun?” Cathy asked, her voice softening.

“Well, have you heard from Jer recently?” Marie asked, her heart pounding in her chest. “Aélita heard from Theo about a month and a half ago, but we haven’t heard anything since then.”

Cathy’s sharp intake of breath was audible over the phone, and Marie knew she was getting a reaction.

“No, I haven’t heard from him,” Cathy said, her voice steady. “Which isn’t unusual, until he was placed in a low-security base the last time he was deployed. I only heard from him twice in the first year he was gone.”

Marie felt a sob rising up in her throat, but she bit it back, trying to compose herself.

“Cathy, I need to tell you something,” Marie said, taking a deep breath. “I know you’re unsure of me because Jer and I just met, and you have good reason to. But when I tell you this, know that it wasn’t my intention or Jer’s, and it was not planned – it just happened.”

“What is it, Marie?” Cathy asked, her voice gentle.

“I’m pregnant,” Marie said, the words tumbling out of her mouth.

There was a long silence on the other end of the line, and Marie felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead.

“Cathy?” Marie asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m here, just thinking,” Cathy said finally, her voice soft and reassuring.

“I’m so sorry, Cathy. I never intended for this to happen, and neither did Jer. We were careless, but I didn’t think I’d be doing this alone.”

“Everything will be fine, Marie,” Cathy said, her voice filled with conviction. “Yes, I’m worried because everything between you and Jer is happening so fast, but it will work out. Just wait.”

Marie nodded, even though Cathy couldn’t see her. “Thank you, Cathy. I’ll wait.”

Cathy continued, “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call and ask. Alright?”

“Yes, ma’am. I won’t,” Marie promised, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Cathy.

“You’re welcome, sweetie,” Cathy said, her voice filled with warmth.

Marie hung up the phone, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside her.

Aélita and Simon were watching her, their faces filled with concern.

“You don’t have to stay,” Marie said, trying to reassure them. “I’ll be fine.”

“We’re staying,” Aélita and Simon said in unison, their voices firm.

“We’re your family,” Aélita added, her eyes shining with tears.

Marie nodded, feeling a sense of comfort with her friends by her side.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Middle East, at 0500, Jer was on high alert, his senses on edge.

“Damn it, Jer, I don’t like this,” Theo said, his voice low and urgent.

“I know what you mean,” Jer replied, his eyes scanning their surroundings. “How many men do we have left?”

“There are three left: Sloan, Reeves, and Clock,” Theo said, his voice grim. “You know we need to try and get a hold of Aélita or Marie. When I called a month ago, I was hanging up when the first explosion went off, so I’m sure she heard it and she was with Marie.”

Jer nodded, his mind racing with possibilities.

“I know, but it’s too dangerous,” Jer said, his voice firm. “We thought the first attack was just random, but these last two must be related also, which means someone on the inside is probably leaking our position. Or unknowingly is carrying a tracker.”

Theo nodded in agreement.

Just then, one of their soldiers came running up to them, shouting, “Sir, there’s a chopper headed this way. Friendly, it would appear.”

Jer’s heart leapt with hope, and he turned to Theo, his eyes locked on his friend.

“Where are Reeves and Clock?” Jer asked, his voice urgent.

“What?” Sloan looked behind him, his face pale. “They were behind – are you shitting me? They’re flagging down the chopper.”

Jer’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities.

“Then let’s just hope it really is friendly and that it’s not another attack,” Jer said, his voice low and even.

As the chopper landed, Jer’s friend, Mike, got out, and Jer was relieved to see him.

He went to the chopper with Theo and walked up to Mike, his face lighting up with a smile.

“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” Jer said, his voice filled with emotion.

Mike laughed and hugged him briefly. “Let’s get out of here,” he said, his voice low and urgent.

Jer nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

“Agreed,” he said, his voice firm.

As they got in the chopper, Jer decided to phone Marie, his heart pounding in his chest.

He unhooked his headset from the central communication system and plugged it into the satellite phone, dialing Marie’s number.

After three rings, she answered, her voice sleepy and distant.

“Hello?”

“Aélita?” Jer asked, his voice firm.

“Yes, who is this?” Aélita replied, her voice confused.

“It’s Jer. Where’s Marie?” Jer asked, his voice urgent.

Jer heard shuffling in the background, and then Aélita spoke again.

“Marie, baby, wake up. Jer is on the phone. Sweetie, come on wake up.”

Jer heard Marie groan, and then her voice came on the line, sleepy and distant.

“Jeremy?”

“Yes, it’s me,” Jer said, his voice filled with emotion. “Oh, god, I miss you so much.”

“I miss you too,” Marie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jer heard the beeping of a heart monitor in the background, and his heart sank.

“Marie, where are you?” Jer asked, his voice urgent.

“Ummm,” Marie said, her voice hesitant.

“Marie, what’s wrong?” Jer asked, his voice firm.

“I’m in the hospital,” Marie said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I was dehydrated, couldn’t keep anything down. And, Jeremy, there’s something else.”

Jer’s heart skipped a beat as he waited for her to continue.

“What, hun?” Jer asked, his voice low and urgent.

“I’m pregnant,” Marie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jer’s eyes widened in shock, and he felt like he’d been punched in the gut.

“You’re pregnant? Are you sure?” Jer asked, his voice firm.

“Yes, they did a pee and blood test when I came in,” Marie said, her voice calm. “They’ve kept me overnight for observation because I haven’t been able to keep anything down for a week, not even water.”

Jer rubbed his hand over his forehead, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside him.

“I love you, Marie,” Jer said, his voice low and even.

“I love you too,” Marie replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jer hung up the phone, feeling a sense of shock and awe wash over him.

He looked over at Theo, who was watching him with a mixture of concern and excitement.

“We’re going to be fathers,” Jer said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Theo grinned, his eyes shining with excitement.

“Yeah, we are,” Theo said, his voice filled with emotion.

Later that morning, around 1000, Marie was feeling anxious and scared.

“Aélita, I’m scared,” Marie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I know, baby, but Simon and I will be here when you get back,” Aélita said, her voice calm and reassuring.

“What about the restaurant?” Marie asked, her voice hesitant.

“I gave Anh the keys to open, and I think she has a pretty good handle on everything,” Aélita said, her voice confident. “Both Michael and Sam are coming in to cook and serve.”

Marie nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

“Good, I think that’s great,” Marie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah, and if all goes well, you’ll be able to take more time,” Aélita said, her voice soft and reassuring. “You’re going to have your hands full with a baby soon.”

Marie chuckled, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness.

“I still can’t believe I’m going to be a momma,” Marie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Have you called your aunt yet to tell her?” Aélita asked, her voice gentle.

“No, I don’t know how to tell her,” Marie said, her voice hesitant. “And I have a feeling she’ll be disappointed in me.”

Aélita’s expression softened, and she reached out to take Marie’s hand.

“Why would she be disappointed in you, Marie?” Aélita asked, her voice calm and reassuring. “You’re a grown woman, you own your own restaurant, and you have a good head on your shoulders. Your aunt should be proud of you.”

Marie nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Aélita.

“I hope you’re right,” Marie said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Good,” Aélita said, smiling. “I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

Marie nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

Marie’s voice trembled as she delivered the news to her aunt over the phone. “Aunt Sarah, I’m in the hospital right now, and I don’t know how to tell you this, but I’m pregnant.”

“You’re pregnant?”

“Yes.”

“Who’s the father?”

“His name is Jeremy, he’s 32, a Sgt First class in the Army, special ops, and he’s currently deployed. He’s from Colorado, and I love him, even though it is so soon.”

“Okay.”

Marie’s aunt, Sarah, spoke in a calm and reassuring tone, “Okay, sweetie, I’m proud of you for owning your own business at 26. This may be unexpected, but we’ll get through it together.”

“You’re not mad?”

“Not at all, Marie. I’ll be there tomorrow. I’ll help you navigate this situation.”

Marie smiled to herself, feeling grateful for her aunt’s understanding. “I love you, Aunt Sarah.”

“I love you too, sweetie. Rest now, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Marie’s eyes drifted closed as she waited for her aunt to arrive. But before she could rest, a doctor entered her room. “Marie, some of your test results are back. Have you ever been diagnosed with diabetes?”

“No.”

“Well, your blood tests show you’re pre-diabetic, possibly even type 2. We’re thinking of keeping you here for observation and putting you on a special diet.”

Marie explained her eating habits as a chef and restaurant owner, “I’m around food all the time, but I try to maintain a healthy diet. I do splurge sometimes.”

“Okay, we’ll get our nutritionist to work with you on healthier options. Make a list of the foods you prepare, and we’ll discuss ways to make them healthier.”

Just as the doctor was leaving, Aélita and Simon entered the room. “What did the doctor say?” Aélita asked.

“They’re keeping me for observation, and it looks like I might be diabetic. But it’s not confirmed yet.”

Aélita and Simon exchanged worried glances. “We’ll pray for the best, Marie. What did your aunt say?”

“She’s coming tomorrow. She took the news surprisingly well.”

Meanwhile, in Germany, Jer and Theo were sitting in a lounge area, waiting to call Marie. Jer picked up the satellite phone and dialed her number. “Marie, it’s me. I wanted to check in and see how your tests went.”

“Jer, it’s good to hear from you. The tests showed that I might be diabetic, but they’re not sure if it’s pre-existing or pregnancy-related. I’m staying here for a few more days for observation.”

Jer’s concern grew. “My mom is diabetic. Have you talked to her yet?”

“No, I just found out about it. I was going to call her later.”

“Take care of yourself, Marie. I love you.”

“I love you too, Jer. My aunt Sarah will be here tomorrow.”

“That’s good. I’m glad. I’ll talk to you soon.”

When Jer hung up, he looked at Theo and smiled. “I think I’m going to marry her.”

Theo raised an eyebrow, “Oh, really?”

“I mean it. I want to make sure she’s taken care of, even if I’m not around. We’ll get married as soon as I can get back.”

Theo chuckled. “You’re all about the romantic gestures now, huh?”

Just then, their First Sgt approached them. “Gentlemen, we’re sending you on temporary leave. You’ll have a plane waiting for you in 15 minutes. Head home and take care of your personal matters.”

Jer and Theo exchanged excited glances. “Thanks, Sir. We’ll be on our way.”