{FIC} Two Heartbeats, Chapter 4
Work was, of course, still busy for both Dave and Kurt. The long, hot Miami summer was in full effect. The babies’ room had been painted a soft mint green. That lasted three days. It was now yellow again. And there was a second crib against the opposite wall filled with blankets and baby clothes and a diaper bag. The wallpaper border was a pastel jungle theme with pinks and blues and browns. Kurt had ordered an organic bamboo woven rug in chocolate but returned it and ordered pink. He stood in the doorway of the babies’ room, early one morning, lost in thought, staring at the pink rug.
“I like it.” Dave said as he walked by.
“You would. You have no taste.” Kurt mumbled under his breath.
“I like it. The babies will like it. Stop obsessing over the rug.”
It was a miracle they were able to actually purchase anything baby-related as much as Kurt obsessed. But somehow the babies’ room was complete. The couple had plans to go with Sophie to her doctor’s appointment later that day. They were beyond excited.
Dave left work on time, as planned and typed the clinic address into his GPS.
“Call ‘my baby.’” He said as he turned onto the highway.
“Connecting.”
“Kurt Hummel. Hummel Perfect Affair Weddings...” came Kurt’s rushed voice.
“Hey, Sweetness. I’m on my way to the clinic. Are you wrapping it up there?”
“Omg, no! This has turned into the worst possible day.” Kurt was hysterical. “We’ve had serious drama all day and I think I might have a nervous breakdown. The Lincoln-Smith wedding for tomorrow is almost in complete disaster. The menu is wrong. And the flowers were not even ordered, I am so close to letting Becky go, honestly.” His tone was frantic. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m scrambling to find a vendor who can come through for me.” Kurt took a breath. “I’m so sorry, David. Really I am.”
“Wow. Sorry things are messed up over there.” Dave was genuinely saddened. “But it happens. I’ll call Sophie and tell her we can’t make it. I’m sure there’s another doctor’s visit we can make it to before the babies get here.”
“Thank you for understanding. You really are too good to me.” Kurt relaxed just a little. “Tell her I’m really sorry and we promise to make it up to her somehow. I have to go now. Love you, bye.”
“Love you too, Honey.”
Dave called Sophie’s cell and tried to prepare what he was going to say in his head.
“Hello?” Sophie answered her phone.
“Hey, Sophie, its Dave….” he began.
“Oh, hey. I’m here already. I was able to leave work early for a change.” She sounded so happy to hear from him. “Are you guys almost here?”
“Actually. Um, I’m really sorry. Kurt is stuck at work. He’s having a major wedding planning crisis and can’t make it. So, um,” Dave hesitated, hating to dampen her mood. “I guess we’ll have to cancel.”
“Oh.” She said, quietly. Silence. “Well, he can’t make it. But can you?” She asked brightly. “Where are you at?”
“Um, well. Yeah, I mean, well, I was on my way. But I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Dave felt slightly uneasy, not knowing exactly where the boundaries were in this situation. “I just got off the phone with Kurt. I told him I would tell you we had to cancel.”
“But you can make it! Come.” She sounded so eager. “It’ll be fine. Really. I want you there.”
Dave hesitated. He was still driving in the right direction. He’d be there in five minutes. Why not, he asked himself. Kurt couldn’t make it but he could. He didn’t want to miss this opportunity. And she said it was ok.
“Ok. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
They met in the waiting room. Dave wasn’t really expecting the huge hug she gave him, but he hugged back, nonetheless. Dave was sure that her belly had doubled in size in just the two weeks since they’d met. They chatted casually for a few minutes before the nurse came and got them. Sophie took off her shoes, stood on the scales, sat on the table and had her blood pressure taken. The nurse made appropriate notations on her chart. Dave stood awkwardly in the corner of the exam room. Sophie laid back on the exam table and pulled up her shirt while the nurse ran a tape measure around her belly. More notes.
Sophie looked sideways and smiled at Dave. “Relax, Dave.” She smiled. “I’m the only one getting poked and prodded today. You’re safe. Have a seat.”
He relaxed just a little and sat down. The nurse told them the doctor would be in in a moment and left the room.
“I feel like I should call Kurt and let him know I’m here….but I’m afraid he’ll be upset.” Dave said quietly.
“Why would he be upset?”
“Because he wants to be here. He would be upset to know that he was missing this but I wasn’t.” Dave spoke quietly, feeling guilty. “He’s kind of obsessed with things being perfect. Me being here, without him, is not perfect.”
Sophie laid on her back and stared at the ceiling. “Oh. Wow. I’m sorry if I got you in trouble.” Awkward silence. “I hate coming to these appointments by myself. My dad comes when he can but it’s been a while.” She turned her head back to Dave and smiled sweetly. “Sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. Don’t worry.” Dave smiled back at her. “I’ll tell him and I’ll just hope that he understands.” Dave really hoped Kurt would understand.
The doctor came in with Sophie’s chart in her hand. “Hello, Sophie. How are you today?”
“I’m good, Dr. Lee.”
“And who is this?” The doctor smiled politely at Dave.
“This is Dave Karofsky. He and his husband are adopting the babies.”
Dave stood and shook hands with the doctor. “Um, hi. Nice to meet you. My husband was supposed to be here but couldn’t make it.”
“Oh, that’s fine. This is just a standard check-up. We need to make sure the babies are developing on schedule.” Dr. Lee looked over the notes in the chart and nodded. “139lbs today, Sophie. You’re gaining a healthy amount, that’s fine. How’s your diet? Still good?”
“Yes.” Sophie answered. “I’ve cut out fast food almost completely. If it weren’t on every corner between work, school and home, it wouldn’t be a problem.” She chuckled lightly.
“Getting enough rest, napping when you can?” The doctor questioned.
“When I can. The summer class I was taking is over for right now. So I’m not as drained.”
“Good, good.” The doctor rolled her stool over to the exam table and squirted Sophie’s stomach with jelly. “Well, let’s see how these babies look today. You can pull your chair over here, Mr. Karofsky, so you can see the monitor.”
Dave did as he was told. The picture on the monitor was fuzzy black and grey and he had no idea what he was looking at. The image on the screen bounced at the same time Sophie’s belly jumped.
“Oh!!” Sophie laughed. “I think they’re doing jumping jacks in there sometimes.”
“Yes, and they’re getting cramped for space now, too.” The doctor explained with a smile. “One kicks the other and then they’ll start tussling.”
Dave stared in awe at the monitor. The doctor typed on the keyboard, clicked the mouse and made notes on the screen. “Baby A is measuring just right. He’s a healthy one….let’s see here.” More clicks and more typing. “And here’s Baby B, the girl. Measuring just a little smaller but still within what we call healthy parameters.”
Tears welled up in Dave’s eyes as he made out the image on the screen.
“Two heartbeats, strong and energetic. You’re measuring perfectly for 33 weeks.” The doctor caught Dave’s eyes. “There’s a box of tissues right behind you, dear.” She said softly.
“How ya doing, Dave?” Sophie asked, with humor in her voice.
“I’m good. I’m alright….” he lied, his voice a little too high-pitched. He sniffed and wiped his nose quickly. “So, you’re saying they’re healthy? They’re both ok?”
“Yes.” Dr. Lee answered, “The babies are doing wonderfully. I’ll copy this onto a dvd and have it ready in just a few minutes.” Turning to Sophie, she instructed, “Just keep eating well and resting when you can. Stay off your feet when you’re not at work. Your blood pressure is still good but that could spike at any time. Call me immediately if you experience any dizziness or fatigue.”
“Yes, doctor.” Sophie smiled.
“It was nice meeting you, Mr. Karofsky.” With that, the doctor handed Sophie several tissues to wipe off her belly and left the room.
Sophie sat up slowly, wiped off the ooze and pulled her shirt down, watching as Dave wiped his eyes again.
“My dad cried the first time he came with me.” Sophie chuckled. “So don’t feel embarrassed.”
“Thanks.” Dave said quietly. “But now I’m convinced….Kurt is definitely gonna kill me.” They walked out of the exam room together and towards the lobby. Dave reached in his pocket for his phone and dialed Kurt’s number.
“Hey, Muffin.” Dave began. “Is it still craziness over there?” Dave paced the waiting room floor nervously while Sophie watched.
“Major disaster averted.” Kurt replied cheerily. “My Dade Market guy came through for me and we have flowers for the wedding tomorrow. And the correct menu has been emailed. I was just finishing up here.”
“Well, that’s good.” Dave mumbled.
“Was Sophie terribly upset that we couldn’t make it today? Did she tell you when the next appointment was?”
“Um. Actually, Kurt…I, um…” Dave hesitated. “I ended up coming to the appointment without you. I’m sorry. I knew you hated to miss it but….” Dave felt like shit already and the yelling hadn’t even begun. “She said it would be ok…if I came by myself. So I did. I’m sorry, Kurt. Really.” He closed his eyes tightly and braced himself for the worst.
He didn’t see Sophie grab the phone out of his hand. “Hey, Kurt, it’s me.” She smiled cheerfully. Dave panicked. “Sorry you couldn’t make it but please don’t be upset with Dave. It’s my fault, I made him come. But hey. We have a dvd of the babies for you and the doctor says they’re both doing very well.”
Kurt was speechless. He couldn’t very well yell at her? He grumbled silently to himself. “Glad to hear everything’s good.” He managed to say without any irritation in his voice. “Do you know when the next appointment will be? I’d hate to miss another one.”
“Friday after next. Same time.” She winked at Dave. “What are you doing right now?”
“Um. Now?” Kurt hesitated. “I’m done with work. I was going to head home, I guess.”
“Well, I was planning on go shopping.” She met Dave’s eyes again and smiled. “Why don’t you meet us at Target. Your babies are getting so big, Kurt, honestly, none of my clothes fit. I need to buy some new pants for work.”
Kurt brightened. “Shopping?” Dave’s face relaxed. Yes….shopping! This girl was good….how did she know the magic word? “Well, first of all, I refuse to let you spend your own money. So, of course I’ll be there. And Target, seriously? Let’s meet at the Pea in the Pod boutique instead. I can be there in 30 minutes.” Kurt had completely forgotten his annoyance. “You’ll be getting an entire new wardrobe. You need clothes for afterwards as well, young lady.”
The call was ended and Sophie handed the phone back to Dave with a proud smile. They walked out the doors and towards Dave’s truck. “Did you seriously just call him ‘Muffin’?” she giggled as he opened her door for her.
“Yes....” Dave answered sheepishly. “He likes it.”
“You guys are so cute, but that….that’s like, nauseating. Really.”
“I like it.” Dave said as he walked by.
“You would. You have no taste.” Kurt mumbled under his breath.
“I like it. The babies will like it. Stop obsessing over the rug.”
It was a miracle they were able to actually purchase anything baby-related as much as Kurt obsessed. But somehow the babies’ room was complete. The couple had plans to go with Sophie to her doctor’s appointment later that day. They were beyond excited.
Dave left work on time, as planned and typed the clinic address into his GPS.
“Call ‘my baby.’” He said as he turned onto the highway.
“Connecting.”
“Kurt Hummel. Hummel Perfect Affair Weddings...” came Kurt’s rushed voice.
“Hey, Sweetness. I’m on my way to the clinic. Are you wrapping it up there?”
“Omg, no! This has turned into the worst possible day.” Kurt was hysterical. “We’ve had serious drama all day and I think I might have a nervous breakdown. The Lincoln-Smith wedding for tomorrow is almost in complete disaster. The menu is wrong. And the flowers were not even ordered, I am so close to letting Becky go, honestly.” His tone was frantic. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m scrambling to find a vendor who can come through for me.” Kurt took a breath. “I’m so sorry, David. Really I am.”
“Wow. Sorry things are messed up over there.” Dave was genuinely saddened. “But it happens. I’ll call Sophie and tell her we can’t make it. I’m sure there’s another doctor’s visit we can make it to before the babies get here.”
“Thank you for understanding. You really are too good to me.” Kurt relaxed just a little. “Tell her I’m really sorry and we promise to make it up to her somehow. I have to go now. Love you, bye.”
“Love you too, Honey.”
Dave called Sophie’s cell and tried to prepare what he was going to say in his head.
“Hello?” Sophie answered her phone.
“Hey, Sophie, its Dave….” he began.
“Oh, hey. I’m here already. I was able to leave work early for a change.” She sounded so happy to hear from him. “Are you guys almost here?”
“Actually. Um, I’m really sorry. Kurt is stuck at work. He’s having a major wedding planning crisis and can’t make it. So, um,” Dave hesitated, hating to dampen her mood. “I guess we’ll have to cancel.”
“Oh.” She said, quietly. Silence. “Well, he can’t make it. But can you?” She asked brightly. “Where are you at?”
“Um, well. Yeah, I mean, well, I was on my way. But I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Dave felt slightly uneasy, not knowing exactly where the boundaries were in this situation. “I just got off the phone with Kurt. I told him I would tell you we had to cancel.”
“But you can make it! Come.” She sounded so eager. “It’ll be fine. Really. I want you there.”
Dave hesitated. He was still driving in the right direction. He’d be there in five minutes. Why not, he asked himself. Kurt couldn’t make it but he could. He didn’t want to miss this opportunity. And she said it was ok.
“Ok. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
They met in the waiting room. Dave wasn’t really expecting the huge hug she gave him, but he hugged back, nonetheless. Dave was sure that her belly had doubled in size in just the two weeks since they’d met. They chatted casually for a few minutes before the nurse came and got them. Sophie took off her shoes, stood on the scales, sat on the table and had her blood pressure taken. The nurse made appropriate notations on her chart. Dave stood awkwardly in the corner of the exam room. Sophie laid back on the exam table and pulled up her shirt while the nurse ran a tape measure around her belly. More notes.
Sophie looked sideways and smiled at Dave. “Relax, Dave.” She smiled. “I’m the only one getting poked and prodded today. You’re safe. Have a seat.”
He relaxed just a little and sat down. The nurse told them the doctor would be in in a moment and left the room.
“I feel like I should call Kurt and let him know I’m here….but I’m afraid he’ll be upset.” Dave said quietly.
“Why would he be upset?”
“Because he wants to be here. He would be upset to know that he was missing this but I wasn’t.” Dave spoke quietly, feeling guilty. “He’s kind of obsessed with things being perfect. Me being here, without him, is not perfect.”
Sophie laid on her back and stared at the ceiling. “Oh. Wow. I’m sorry if I got you in trouble.” Awkward silence. “I hate coming to these appointments by myself. My dad comes when he can but it’s been a while.” She turned her head back to Dave and smiled sweetly. “Sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. Don’t worry.” Dave smiled back at her. “I’ll tell him and I’ll just hope that he understands.” Dave really hoped Kurt would understand.
The doctor came in with Sophie’s chart in her hand. “Hello, Sophie. How are you today?”
“I’m good, Dr. Lee.”
“And who is this?” The doctor smiled politely at Dave.
“This is Dave Karofsky. He and his husband are adopting the babies.”
Dave stood and shook hands with the doctor. “Um, hi. Nice to meet you. My husband was supposed to be here but couldn’t make it.”
“Oh, that’s fine. This is just a standard check-up. We need to make sure the babies are developing on schedule.” Dr. Lee looked over the notes in the chart and nodded. “139lbs today, Sophie. You’re gaining a healthy amount, that’s fine. How’s your diet? Still good?”
“Yes.” Sophie answered. “I’ve cut out fast food almost completely. If it weren’t on every corner between work, school and home, it wouldn’t be a problem.” She chuckled lightly.
“Getting enough rest, napping when you can?” The doctor questioned.
“When I can. The summer class I was taking is over for right now. So I’m not as drained.”
“Good, good.” The doctor rolled her stool over to the exam table and squirted Sophie’s stomach with jelly. “Well, let’s see how these babies look today. You can pull your chair over here, Mr. Karofsky, so you can see the monitor.”
Dave did as he was told. The picture on the monitor was fuzzy black and grey and he had no idea what he was looking at. The image on the screen bounced at the same time Sophie’s belly jumped.
“Oh!!” Sophie laughed. “I think they’re doing jumping jacks in there sometimes.”
“Yes, and they’re getting cramped for space now, too.” The doctor explained with a smile. “One kicks the other and then they’ll start tussling.”
Dave stared in awe at the monitor. The doctor typed on the keyboard, clicked the mouse and made notes on the screen. “Baby A is measuring just right. He’s a healthy one….let’s see here.” More clicks and more typing. “And here’s Baby B, the girl. Measuring just a little smaller but still within what we call healthy parameters.”
Tears welled up in Dave’s eyes as he made out the image on the screen.
“Two heartbeats, strong and energetic. You’re measuring perfectly for 33 weeks.” The doctor caught Dave’s eyes. “There’s a box of tissues right behind you, dear.” She said softly.
“How ya doing, Dave?” Sophie asked, with humor in her voice.
“I’m good. I’m alright….” he lied, his voice a little too high-pitched. He sniffed and wiped his nose quickly. “So, you’re saying they’re healthy? They’re both ok?”
“Yes.” Dr. Lee answered, “The babies are doing wonderfully. I’ll copy this onto a dvd and have it ready in just a few minutes.” Turning to Sophie, she instructed, “Just keep eating well and resting when you can. Stay off your feet when you’re not at work. Your blood pressure is still good but that could spike at any time. Call me immediately if you experience any dizziness or fatigue.”
“Yes, doctor.” Sophie smiled.
“It was nice meeting you, Mr. Karofsky.” With that, the doctor handed Sophie several tissues to wipe off her belly and left the room.
Sophie sat up slowly, wiped off the ooze and pulled her shirt down, watching as Dave wiped his eyes again.
“My dad cried the first time he came with me.” Sophie chuckled. “So don’t feel embarrassed.”
“Thanks.” Dave said quietly. “But now I’m convinced….Kurt is definitely gonna kill me.” They walked out of the exam room together and towards the lobby. Dave reached in his pocket for his phone and dialed Kurt’s number.
“Hey, Muffin.” Dave began. “Is it still craziness over there?” Dave paced the waiting room floor nervously while Sophie watched.
“Major disaster averted.” Kurt replied cheerily. “My Dade Market guy came through for me and we have flowers for the wedding tomorrow. And the correct menu has been emailed. I was just finishing up here.”
“Well, that’s good.” Dave mumbled.
“Was Sophie terribly upset that we couldn’t make it today? Did she tell you when the next appointment was?”
“Um. Actually, Kurt…I, um…” Dave hesitated. “I ended up coming to the appointment without you. I’m sorry. I knew you hated to miss it but….” Dave felt like shit already and the yelling hadn’t even begun. “She said it would be ok…if I came by myself. So I did. I’m sorry, Kurt. Really.” He closed his eyes tightly and braced himself for the worst.
He didn’t see Sophie grab the phone out of his hand. “Hey, Kurt, it’s me.” She smiled cheerfully. Dave panicked. “Sorry you couldn’t make it but please don’t be upset with Dave. It’s my fault, I made him come. But hey. We have a dvd of the babies for you and the doctor says they’re both doing very well.”
Kurt was speechless. He couldn’t very well yell at her? He grumbled silently to himself. “Glad to hear everything’s good.” He managed to say without any irritation in his voice. “Do you know when the next appointment will be? I’d hate to miss another one.”
“Friday after next. Same time.” She winked at Dave. “What are you doing right now?”
“Um. Now?” Kurt hesitated. “I’m done with work. I was going to head home, I guess.”
“Well, I was planning on go shopping.” She met Dave’s eyes again and smiled. “Why don’t you meet us at Target. Your babies are getting so big, Kurt, honestly, none of my clothes fit. I need to buy some new pants for work.”
Kurt brightened. “Shopping?” Dave’s face relaxed. Yes….shopping! This girl was good….how did she know the magic word? “Well, first of all, I refuse to let you spend your own money. So, of course I’ll be there. And Target, seriously? Let’s meet at the Pea in the Pod boutique instead. I can be there in 30 minutes.” Kurt had completely forgotten his annoyance. “You’ll be getting an entire new wardrobe. You need clothes for afterwards as well, young lady.”
The call was ended and Sophie handed the phone back to Dave with a proud smile. They walked out the doors and towards Dave’s truck. “Did you seriously just call him ‘Muffin’?” she giggled as he opened her door for her.
“Yes....” Dave answered sheepishly. “He likes it.”
“You guys are so cute, but that….that’s like, nauseating. Really.”