Hi Readers: And welcome to another day of chapters. I hope that you guys are ready for today's exciting new chapters, and let's just see where this story takes us. Thanks again for reading and let me know what you guys think of where I'm taking this story.
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November 3, 2019 – Casey HQ, 30th Floor: Deck & Pool
The view that came come sitting up on the rooftop deck of their office building was a nice one, a view that was also quite relaxing when you came to think of it; especially when you're a woman who has a lot on her mind right now, because that's exactly how Gabby is feeling at the moment. She just feels overwhelmed, and she has a lot on her mind when it comes to everything that she and Matt are going through at the moment. Between the twins, business, and the fact that they were supposed to have triplets; Gabby still couldn't help but wonder whether this was their future, that their luck has run out. And that was due to the fact that they were in a real good place before this, before they learned that she had a partial miscarriage; and now, things just feel different for some reason. Especially ever since they learned that it was going to be another son, and Gabby couldn't help but wonder whether this was going to be something that's even worse than she thought; and not just emotionally, but that could very much affect her life forever.
The life that she's built with Matt, and their beautiful sons Matteo and Noah; a life that she hopes to continue to build with their daughters Bella and Emily, when they meet them in a few months. But that's the thing, can she really be guaranteed a life with Matt after this? She's seen couples fall apart after a miscarriage, and this was another son; a son that she knew that Matt wanted more than anything in the entire world, because she's just been so sad since they learned that it was going to be a son. I mean, maybe they should go for another baby after they have the girls; it's not like they don't have the money, or the ability to go for another child after she gives birth. The truth is, Gabby would love the idea to go for another baby; just so that they can replace the baby boy that she lost, their son Jackson David Casey. Yes, she gave their unborn son a name because that's the right thing to do. Sure, they may never get a chance to meet their son; but that doesn't mean that he doesn't deserve to get a name, because every baby deserves to have a name.
And that's what she's given to their son, a name. The name Jackson. A name that she hopes to share with Matt, as well as the rest of their family; if only to allow them to not have to refer to the baby they lost as 'the lost triplet'. That name was playing in her head all night, and it just bothered her more than anything in the entire world; so much so, that (in her dream) she had to yell at her family to use his name. The name that she chose for their son, Jackson David Casey. And if they're done, then she would like to still name the baby that they lost; and she hopes that her family can understand, because it's what she needs them to do for her. She needs them to not call the baby 'the unborn child' or 'the lost triplet'. Those titles, those names already hurt her heart; and the babies aren't even born, yet she still hurts right now. And that was another one of the reasons why she was currently sitting up here, alone as she drank her tea; well, alone for now. And there was a reason for that. And that was due to the fact that someone else just came upstairs.
More specifically, Dr. Natalie Halstead came upstairs this morning. "Oh, uhm...sorry Gabby." Turning her head with tears in her eyes, Gabby shook her head as she saw Natalie. "No, it's okay. This is common space." Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case; but still, she couldn't help but feel horrible for her. Especially when she knew that she was crying right now. And if Gabby thought that she could hide the fact that she was in the midst of crying, then the mother was dreaming; the doctor herself could see that she was sad, and that was the entire reason that she was up here. She wanted to be here, and just cry a bit; but now that she was here with Gabby, she thought that she could also be a sounding board if she needed it. At least, until Matt came up here and joined her (if that was going to happen); but the truth was, Matt didn't even know that she was awake. Rather, he was still fast asleep in bed; and just taking it easy, for now. Gabby will probably head down there soon, just as soon as she clears her head.
And she just hopes that Natalie being here can help her do just that, as it will give her somebody to talk to; somebody that she's friends with, but not the best of friends with. Also, she's somebody who can help her as a professional; as she's probably had to have this conversation with many other mothers in her career, regardless of whether she was as close to the father as she is to Matt. With Natalie having known Matt for a long time, she probably knows how he's feeling right now; and that may mean that she can have a bit of insight as to how Gabby is too, because there's no way that she's really telling her husband everything that's going on in her head. She's learned from her time here at the company that Gabby is guarded and will always be guarded when it comes to her emotions and feelings; so, when she's crying up here...people know that she's a bit overwhelmed and may need to talk to somebody. And while not Stella (her best friend), Natalie believes that she can help her as a professional (but you already know that, based on what I said).
"I can only assume that there's a reason why you're up so early?" Gabby took a breath as she heard Natalie ask her whether there was a reason that she's up so early, as there most definitely is; a reason that Natalie probably already knows, but is just asking to be polite. And probably, to get some insight as to where Gabby's head is at; so that she doesn't offend her when it comes to what she can (and can't) say around her at the moment, because that's the last thing that Natalie wants to do when it comes to Gabby. Especially when she's so close to her husband, and because she feels like she and Gabby are really starting to become friend now; a friendship that she would really like to explore, if only she would have the chance to do so (with Gabby's permission of course). I mean, she's already the boys' doctor; and that means that they do have conversations similar to the one that she may have with Gabby up here related to the boys, but she doesn't believe that she and Gabby have ever had a conversation related to a miscarriage in their friendship.
"Listen, I want to say that I am not going to push you when it comes to what you do, and don't want to say; I know that we aren't..." Gabby just stopped Natalie as she said that, as that most definitely is not the truth; she considers Natalie a friend, as she needs to hold on to all the female friends from Chicago that she can have. "Natalie, don't you dare think that way. We are friends, and you know that; plus, it's not like we have many female friends to talk to here. I only have Stella. And you only have Alex. And they are both our in-laws as well because Kelly and Matt are basically brothers." Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "I know what you mean, but I would still be open to her." Gabby agreed. "And I am." Natalie smiled. "Good, I'm glad that's the case." Gabby smiled as she heard Natalie say that, before taking a breath as she proceeded to look out at the ocean from here; a view that is very nice, and that is very much appreciated. "Let me guess, you came up here so that you could look at the ocean?"
Gabby sighed. "Crazy to think that it would change my mind whatsoever." Natalie shook her head as Gabby said that, as that most definitely is not the truth. "Hey, I don't want you to think that way. Not when you need to do whatever you think will allow you to feel better, which this could very much do for you." Gabby agreed with Natalie as she said that, before taking a breath as that was really what she was hoping would happen. "Yeah, I was hoping that would happen." Natalie agreed with her and just smiled, trying to make her feel better; even though she knew that was a long shot, and that she wasn't feeling better right now. "I can only assume that it isn't making you feel better right now?" Gabby sighed as she looked down, as it wasn't. "It was stupid to even think that it would." Natalie shook her head. "Gabby, take a breath and relax okay?" That's when Gabby realized something. Looking up at Natalie, Gabby got a bit suspicious about something. "Did my husband send you up here to talk to me, while he's making me breakfast?"
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To say that Natalie was a bit taken aback when Gabby asked her whether Matt sent her up here while he was making breakfast, well that was an understatement; even though it was the truth, she really hoped that she wouldn't have to tell her that. But now that she was asking, she knew that she would feel bad if she lied. "Don't make me invoke the fact that you're my doctor." Natalie couldn't help but laugh a bit as she heard Gabby say that, especially since she was thinking the exact same way. "How in the world did you guess that I was thinking the exact same thing? That you were going to invoke the fact that you're also my patient." Gabby smiled as she heard Natalie say that. "Because at the end of the day, we both have a similar mindset; us both being former/current medical professionals." Natalie looked at Gabby as she said that. "You're a medical professional?" Gabby just looked at her friend. "Natalie, I hate to say this but...I'm not just a paramedic, and I hate having that label." Natalie was confused, but just listened to her semi-boss.
"I'm an EMT. I can crank somebody, I can put somebody on oxygen, and I can do any emergency medical procedures required to keep a patient alive in the ambulance. So, I am basically a mini-emergency doctor; if that makes sense." Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Plus, I did pre-med and was admitted to Medical School." Natalie was shocked. "Wait up, you got admitted to Medical School?" Gabby nodded. "I decided to stay in the firehouse." Natalie smirked as she heard Gabby say that. "I can only imagine that you will never regret that decision." Gabby laughed, before going to hold up her hand. "I think that this ring shows you that answer." Natalie smiled as she heard Gabby say that, while also being shocked that she could still wear her wedding ring. "Okay, how in the world can you still wear your wedding ring? I can't wear them anymore while I'm pregnant." Gabby agreed with Natalie as she said that. "I didn't get it adjusted yet; I'm going to do it after I give birth to the girls." Natalie took a breath.
"I was hoping not to talk about that." Gabby took a breath, sighing because she knew what she was talking about. "You're talking about the fact that you just gave us the news yesterday?" Natalie agreed. "If you want me to leave, then I can." Gabby shook her head. "No, it's okay. I like the fact that I can talk to someone who is a bit more removed from the situation, plus I have some questions that I would like to talk to you about; especially since I know that you're going to be taking leave in a couple weeks." Natalie shook her head. "I'm trying to convince Will to let me go until you give birth, so that I can be there for you and Matt; but I haven't told Will about what happened yet, so I don't want to say anything until I know that I can tell him. And I think that he'll understand why I want to wait until after you give birth to go on leave. I mean, it's only two months before I give birth." Gabby sighed as she heard Natalie say that. "I guess it's just hard to share it because it's sad. And I guess, I am not the biggest fan of Will being aware of my medical problems."
Natalie agreed. "Because of all the problems that came with the first pregnancy?" Gabby sighed as she looked at her friend. "I think that's something that I'm still struggling with, really trying to get used to being trusting with such intimate details; and the truth is, the only reason that I trust you not to share details...is because Matt's your friend and I know that you wouldn't break the law. It's just a whole big mess." Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Gabby, you have nothing to worry about. I am a medical professional, and I am not going to share details with my husband." Gabby smiled as she heard Natalie say that, glad that was the case. "Sorry for even thinking that way." Natalie shook her head as she heard Gabby say that, as that was the last thing that she wanted Gabby to think about. "It's no problem Gabby, and we both know that we need to relax and take it easy; especially when you need to take it easy for those baby girls of yours." Gabby smiled as she heard Natalie say that, as that was exactly what she was thinking. "Yeah."
Natalie then smiled. "How is Matt doing?" Gabby looked at her as she said that, well aware of what she was talking about. "I think that he has a lot on his mind, because he both wants to comfort me; and he also wants to mourn in his own way, but I am just hoping that he doesn't keep it all in. And that's due to the fact that I want him to make sure that he knows that he can always talk to me, because he's my husband at the end of the day." Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that, smiling. "What's he doing when it comes to work? I hope to god that he's taken some time off." Gabby agreed with Natalie as she said that, before smiling due to the fact that it was exactly what her husband is doing; he's taking some time off, which she is very grateful for. "He's taking some time off, and he's being very attentive to me. And I love that." Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "I can only imagine that's the case." Gabby laughed, smiling as she heard Natalie say that; after all, that was exactly the case.
Matt is so attentive to her, and she's so just so glad that's the case. "So, we are just taking it easy and relaxing right now. And I think that's what we both need to do right now, because we're both going to be happy at the end of the day." Natalie smiled as she heard Gabby say that, well aware that was the case. "I'm sure that's going to be the case, and I think that you guys are going to have some time to just talk and relax." Gabby agreed. "And we do, because we have our family watching the kids, which is exactly what we need to be frank." Natalie laughed, smiling at her friend. "I'm sure that he loves the fact that he has you alone." Gabby shook her head as she heard Natalie say that, as that most definitely isn't something that she wants to think about right now. "Shut up." Natalie smiled as she heard Gabby say that, well aware that she wasn't interested in that. "Let me guess, you're just going to take it easy and relax?" Gabby agreed. "I was thinking of working on ELLA Apparel." Natalie agreed with Gabby, because that might be a good idea.
"But before we talk about that, can I ask you something?" Natalie agreed. "Of course." Taking a breath, Gabby put her hand on her stomach. "Just curious, is it weird that I decided to name our unborn miscarried son?" Natalie just looked at Gabby as she said that, shocked that she would even ask her that. "Hey, why are you even asking me that?" Looking up at Natalie, Gabby bit her lip. "I don't know, I guess I just wanted to know whether it was weird." Natalie shook her head as Gabby asked her whether it was weird, because it wasn't weird; rather, it could easily be just another way that she mourns. "If that's how you've decided to mourn, then I am in no place to judge; I want you to know that you can do it however you can, and I think that Matt would say the same thing." In fact, Matt was going to say the same thing as he came out of their elevator. "Yes, I would say the same thing." Looking up at Matt, Gabby was a bit taken aback when she heard him come upstairs. "Hey, when did you wake up?"
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Walking up to Gabby shortly after making his way upstairs to see her and Natalie talking, Matt smiled as he watched her get up; after which, he got close to her and put his hands on her stomach. At the same time, Gabby put her hands on his chest and just smiled as she leaned in and kissed the man she loves more than anything in the entire world. "I love you." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "I love you too." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, before hugging him; after which, she proceeded to make her way back over to the couch that she was just sitting on with Natalie (who got up at the same time, wanting to hug her friend). "I'm so sorry about the news that I had to give you yesterday." Matt shook his head as he heard Natalie say that, as he didn't want her to feel bad for them; and that was due to the fact that it wasn't her fault that she needed to tell them the truth, which is exactly why Matt was here. He just had this feeling that she was up here, and that he needed to talk to her; which he will right now.
"Hey, this isn't your fault Natalie. Natalie, you had to tell us the truth because you're our doctor; and the truth is, I'm glad that you told us the truth rather than tell us a lie." Natalie agreed with Matt as he said that. "Especially since it would cause me a huge headache, and it would cost me a bunch of money." Natalie was a bit confused when she heard Matt say that. "What are you talking about?" Matt laughed. "Your medical license rates would go up, which I am paying for as part of your contract." Natalie agreed with Matt as he said that. "About that, I have some information that you need to know." Natalie agreed. "What's that?" Matt sighed. "I have been looking at all of the information that the health unit has given me for how to open a clinic, and I think that it might be a bit too expensive for us to do it yet." Natalie looked at Matt. "So you mean..." Matt sighed as he looked at Natalie. "Unfortunately, I'm not going the medical center; but I am still doing the fitness center, might even turn it into a gym that people can use."
READER INFORMATION: The Casey Fitness Center is located on the fifth through seventh floors at the headquarters. Previously, it was only the sixth and seventh floors; but with Matt having decided to no longer operate a Casey Health Clinic, they will instead be taken care of from the fifth through seventh floors. However, the top floor will be reserved for Staff only as their health benefits will be there, including access to a Hot Tub, and a Sauna. As well, as a massage center, and physiotherapy. This may change in the future.
Natalie took a breath. "I understand, and I know that it's a business decision." Matt shook his head. "That, and it's a hard process to get a medical license for the facility; add in the cleanliness standards, and where it would be. And I most definitely can't do it here, not when they have to use an elevator to get to the health clinic; and then they have to expose other people, and so much more. So, there are just too many complications; and there are too many risks. I am so sorry Natalie, and I promise that we're going to find another place to make a clinic in the future." Natalie was a bit taken aback. "You are?" Matt smirked. "Hey, it's part of your contract; and I am going to figure it out. I am going to try and buy the spot right next to the headquarters. I am not sure yet." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before going to grab his hand; after which, she intertwined their fingers and smiled at the man she loves more than anything in the entire world. "Matt, you don't need to explain everything. I know that you tried your best to make sure that it happened."
Matt smiled as he heard Gabby say that, before wrapping his arm around her some more; after which, he kissed her cheek and smiled as he proceeded to whisper in her ear. "Did you already have breakfast?" Turning her head, Gabby smiled at Matt. "I had some cereal, and I'm drinking some tea. I need to eat more later, let me just finish the tea." Matt shook his head. "No, I'll go make us breakfast. Can you keep Andy up here then? He has to go to the washroom. Maybe you can use this?" Going to grab the ball he has for Andy in his pocket, Matt smiled as he proceeded to give it to Gabby. "Only if you want." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before smiling as he kissed her softly; after which, she took things nice and slow with the man he loves. "I want some omelets." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case; after which, he bent down and kissed her shoulder softly. "I'll go make you those." Gabby smiled as she felt Matt do that, before watching as he got up to leave. At the same time, she looked at Andy. "Andy!"
Turning to look at Gabby, Andy saw the ball; after which, she threw it so that he could run after it. At the same time, Matt smiled at his beautiful wife; after all, he appreciated what she just did. It was smart, and he was just happy that she just did that. "I'll text you when it's ready." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, smiling as she was happy that he would do that. "See you soon." Matt smiled as he walked away to go back to the elevator, then he would go to make breakfast for them in the kitchen; at the same time, Gabby turned to look at Natalie. "So, looks like you're going to work at the hospital instead." Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that. "I guess so." Gabby then proceeded to grab her hand. "Sorry it couldn't work out." Natalie shook her head as that was the last thing that Gabby wanted to tell her, because it's not her fault. "Hey, it's not your fault. It's the medical board's fault, and I'm okay with it. Just means we get another floor for the gym." Gabby agreed with Natalie as she said that, before smiling as she was glad that was the case.
"I have to say, I am not going to be against that." Natalie smirked. "I can only assume that there's a reason why?" Gabby blushed, before agreeing with her friend. "Oh shut up, I'm hormonal." Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case.