Author: Nancy
Disclaimer: JAG and characters do not belong to me.
This is purely for entertainment
Promote
Special Thanks to Marianne, who Beta read and helped me polish this
up for this archive.
Classification: PG-13
Category: H/M others
Summary: This is part of the third part of my Trials series. It would
help to read 'Trial and Error' and 'Mostly Trials' first. The first
two stories were (hopefully) humorous accounts of Harm and Mac
babysitting the Robert's children. Warning this last part takes a
serious turn.
"Itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spider web"
"Down came the rain and washed the spider out"
"Up came the sun and dried up all the rain"
"And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the web again"
I knew I would be singing that song in the shower, in the elevator, and in my dreams and now in my car....
I laugh at myself and remember that Devil Dog Marine singing it with little AJ over and over again in the restaurant complete with the hand motions.
I guess because it's Abby Robert's first birthday. The day of her birth changed how I began to look at life. I smile as I remember all the incidents with AJ and later as Mac and I babysat AJ and Abby.
Her words echo in my mind..."If we do end up doing the five year baby deal...promise me you won't leave"
I responded, "Will you promise too?"
"Yea"
"Deal"
"Deal"
I sigh. The problem was we didn't get around to the deal. Two weeks after that fateful weekend of babysitting, Mac was offered a position she couldn't say no to.. Assistant command over a major marine base half way across the country. She had worked hard for the respect that the position would offer. She owed it to herself; she owed it to the rest of the women in the military who fought hard and sacrificed to earn positions. She was gone by the end of the third week.
I called her to see if she was going to make it to the Birthday party. She missed little AJ's and promised to make it back for Abby's party. Harriet had called too, but Mac was bogged down in work and couldn't make it today either. I was disappointed. But scuttlebutt said Brumby didn't fair out so well either. I heard he was headed back to Australia, and he and Mac broke off the almost engagement. Something about her not having time for their relationship.
I find myself spending more and more time with my godchildren. The last time Keeter was visiting I kinda tricked him into taking AJ to see the "Tigger" movie. I think he enjoyed it more that AJ. He dubbed my new call sign 'Tigger', and I reciprocated by calling him 'Pooh bear'. I think his fits him better.
I turn on the street where Bud and family live. As I pull in front of their house I notice Bud's VW is gone, but Harriet's minivan is there. I slide out of my seat and grab the bag of gifts including the ones Mac mailed to me for AJ and Abby. I tap on the door and turn the doorknob. Harriet calls me to come on in. She and Abby are in the kitchen.
"Where's Bud?" I bend down to kiss Abby on the top of her head. She looks up and smiles through a frosting covered mouth. Her face and hands are covered with pink frosting. She reaches up for me to pick her up. I smile "You are too sweet for me."
"Bud went to pick up charcoal. He'll be back in a minute." Harriet Smiles. She laughs and continues to decorate the Birthday cake with some of the pink frosting. "Abby is helping me decorate, Uncle Harm."
"I don't know about the cake, but she definitely is doing a good job of decorating herself." Abby sticks a frosting covered finger in my mouth. "Mmmmm" She repeats after me "Mmmm", and we laugh.
I look around. "Where is AJ? Did he go with Bud?"
"Oh he's in the living room. He didn't want to decorate cakes today."
I walk back towards the living room. Everything is quiet. I suddenly felt that uncomfortable feeling I had felt before Whenever I noticed AJ was quiet. The first time I found him standing on my kitchen cabinets ready to fall. The second time in the movies when I thought he had been kidnapped only to find him crawling around on the floor. I am becoming a paranoid pop.
I look everywhere in the living room thinking he had heard me and was playing hide and seek. "I'm going to find you AJ" thinking I would have heard a giggle by now.
Then I see the back door leading to the patio slightly cracked. He must have gone into the back yard. It's fenced.
The sight before me frightened me more than anything I had Experienced in my lifetime including my crash. I froze but only for seconds before my autopilot kicked in.
AJ has floating face down in a small blue wading pool. In two long steps I reached the pool and grasped the cold wet limp little body. I gently lay him on the picnic table and call out to Harriet, "Harriet, call 911, Harriet!"
I begin rescue breathing. My mouth blowing puffs of air into his blue frail lips. Harriet comes to the door with Abby still covered in frosting. She stands in shock.
I pause just long enough to yell "Lt. Sims, CALL 911, this is an order!" I know she is only reacting as any mom would, but I need her to call for help. The Navy in her will help her to respond, and she did.
I continue to breath into AJ's cold little body. Breath, Oh God please breath. Again. I then give him a sharp thrust on his chest with the heal of my hand hoping to dislodge the water from his lungs. Nothing, I continue the process hearing Harriet sobbing. As I blow into his lungs again my eye catches pieces of charcoal rolling on the patio near my feet. Bud had arrived and shocked by the sight, dropped the bag of charcoal sending pieces of charcoal all over the patio.
I can't stop. Again I try the chest thrust. This time water bubbles up out of AJ's mouth. I quickly turn him on his side as water drains from his mouth. I listen for breathing. Nothing. I begin CPR. I hear the sound of a siren. Thank God. My rhythm of breathing and chest compressions is not interrupted. I feel a hand pulling me away. "We will take it from here." The EMT's quickly check his pulse and listen for breath sounds. CPR is continued. Again the EMT checks for a pulse. "Got a weak one." The other EMT continues to breath for AJ with an ambu bag. "We need to transport him to the hospital, Georgetown Medical."
I turn towards Bud and Harriet. Bud is holding Harriet and Abby. Abby is crying. She is frightened by her mother's sobs. Bud's face is expressionless. He is being strong for them.
"Someone can ride with us." an EMT calls out. Harriet is not able to function. I take Abby and pull Harriet to me. "Bud go, I'll follow with Harriet and Abby. He nods and follows the EMT's into the back of the ambulance. The ambulance speeds away with the siren blaring.
I guide Harriet gently into the house towards the kitchen. I look around and find the keys to the van and a diaper bag. I make a quick inspection of the kitchen to see if the oven was left on. I direct Harriet into the van and secure Abby into her car seat. I tell myself to drive carefully and fight the urge to speed afraid that another crisis would result.
My mind is sending me step-by-step directions automatically, I feel numb.
We arrive at the hospital emergency room and locate Bud. Little AJ had been swept into a room, and the doors where closed. Bud and Harriet are silently holding on to each other. I see shock in their eyes. I have Abby clinging to my chest while I unconsciously stroke her hair. I see payphones along the wall and decide to call for help.
"Chegwidden"
"Admiral ah this is Harm ah...I'm at Georgetown Medical Center with Bud and Harriet." I can't seem to find the words.
"Commander, what has happened." His voice brings me back into focus.
"Little AJ has had an accident. He fell in his wading pool. No one saw him and ah..... he wasn't breathing."
"Sidney and I will be there in thirty minutes."
I then decide to make another call. "Colonel McKenzie."
"Mac"
"Harm, hey, I'm glad you called. How was the birthday party?" I can see her smiling over the phone.
"Mac"
"Harm, you sound upset. Tell me what's happened." I hear the tension in her voice.
I again explain what happened. Abby senses my distress and begins to cry.
"I'll be on the first transport out of here. Tell Bud and Harriet I love them. And Flyboy hang on."
I close my eyes as I fight the feelings threatening to overwhelm me.
A nurse then walks up to me with a wet bath cloth. "I thought you could use this." She smiles and begins to wipe Abby's face and hands.
I realize she was still covered in pink frosting and so am I....
Later that afternoon
??Zulu time
Georgetown Medical Center
ICU Waiting room
I know what hell is.
I look at Harriet and Bud, and I know this must be a parent's hell.
One minute life seems predictable and carefree, and the next it barrels out of control.
It amazes me how one person can walk into a room, and his presence commands order, and from that order, hope. Admiral Chegwidden arrived and offered no false words of reassurance. He just listened, then stretched his long arms around Harriet and let her cry on his shoulder. He met Bud's gaze, which was filled with fear and guilt without turning away. I'm glad he's here.
Sidney eased Abby away from me and sat down gently rocking her.
For some reason I find myself remembering my first car accident. I was 16. Returning home after a basketball game on a rainy night, I hydroplaned and ended up in a ditch. My short life flashed before my eyes. I was not injured but badly shaken. The police arrived and called Frank and Mom. I waited embarrassed and afraid of my parents' reaction. I can still see the headlights of their car as it pulled up near me, hear the sound of the car doors opening and closing, and feel them as they rushed up to me and hugged me. No lectures or lame excuses for what happened, just pure support.
What can you say...
Harriet's parents arrive several hours later and quietly listen as Harriet and Bud painfully repeat the events of the afternoon. Harriet lays her head in her father's lap, while her mother strokes her hair.
I go stand by Bud who is staring blankly out a window. I say nothing. I hope he knows he isn't alone.
A doctor enters the ICU waiting room. He spots our group and reports no change, but encourages everyone not to give up hope. He does say the longer little AJ remains unconscious, the worse the outcome. Bud and Harriet will be allowed to sit with him in a little while.
As the doctor leaves, Harriet is the first to see her come into the room. Harriet rushes to her friend and begins weeping again. Mac holds her allowing her to cry, then slowly guides her to sit. Harriet begins sobbing as she looks into her friend's eyes, "It's my fault, you know. I should have been watching him more closely."
Before Mac can respond, Bud walks over and pulls Harriet into his arms and crushes her to his chest. Large hot tears fall from his eyes, "I left the back door unlocked when I went to buy charcoal... I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry."
They dared confess their most painful thoughts.
Harriet places her hands tenderly on each side of her husband's face and kisses his tears.
Harriet's mom may have at one time wished Harriet had married someone else, but surprised me as she stood up, walked towards her children, then touched each on the cheek and kissed them. I see now where Harriet gets all of her compassion.
I watch Bud and Harriet support each other unconditionally. Then I see Harriet's parents holding each other, and AJ with his arm wrapped around Sydney's shoulder.
I feel very alone.
A nurse calls for Bud and Harriet to come to the ICU. Harriet smoothes back her hair and wipes away her tears. She then reaches into the diaper bag for a well-loved 'Winnie the Pooh' bear. The Roberts do not go anywhere without pooh bear.
I gave pooh bear to little AJ...well, Mac and I did.
I recall the Monday after the weekend Mac and I babysat Little AJ and Abby.
0800
JAG HQ
"Hold the elevator"
Gunny, Carolyn Imes, the Admiral, Mac and I enter the elevator.
"Commander, Colonel" the Admiral nods then looks again, "You must have had some weekend. You both look like hell."
I look over at Mac who is busy counting ceiling tiles.
"Hold the elevator"
"Mr. Roberts, its good to see someone looks well rested from the weekend."
"Yes Sir, Harriet and I had the best weekend in months. The Commander and Colonel babysat for us." Snickering could be heard throughout the elevator as it moves between floors. The Admiral raises his eyebrows and suppresses a grin.
"Oh and Colonel, Harriet said little AJ is still singing that song you taught him, 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' with the hand motions." Mac glares at Bud while I try to cover my laughter by coughing.
The Admiral looks over at Mac and smiles, "Colonel You'll have to do us the honor of performing." Snickers are turning into soft laughter.
"All ninety nine verses." I add as unsuppressed belly laughter erupts.
Marine revenge came several days later.
I walk into my office to find a small golden stuffed 'Pooh Bear' sitting in my chair. I pick it up looking for a Note, when I hear someone clearing his throat, "Excuse me sir, you have guests who are waiting to see you, but if you're busy, I can ask them to comeback" Gunny Galindez says without cracking a smile. I look up in time to see a camera flash, and Mac smiling "Got ya!" This is all followed with a burst of laughter as Keeter, Tuna, Skates and Boomer peak around into my office.
When Bud walks up to investigate, I hold out the 'pooh Bear' ready to remove yet another source of jokes at my expense as the rest of the bullpen gathers near my office. "Bud, Mac and I have a souvenir for little AJ from Mac's favorite movie."
I weakly laugh to myself, and blink away the memory. I look around finding myself in the ICU waiting room. The room seems smothering, so I head down the hall towards the outdoor patio. I lean heavily against the patio rail and look vacantly into the now dark sky.
"Harm...are you ok?" She leans against the rail beside me, her arm slipping around mine.
"You know... I was thinking...I'm thankful Bud and Harriet let little AJ become a part of my life......No matter what happens....." I can't say anything else.
Nighttime
Georgetown Medical Center
Outside the ICU waiting room
I swallow hard and avoid making eye contact with Mac. "I can still see and feel his limp little body. He was so cold." I feel hot tears escaping.
"If I had just gotten there a few minutes earlier..."
"I should have called before I left my apartment and asked if they needed anything...I could have picked up the charcoal." I shake my head berating myself.
I feel her arms reach around me and hold me. She feels so good.
"I'm glad you're here. I needed you." I whisper, my face buried in her hair.
She pulls back, allowing her eyes to meet mine. I see tears flowing down her face.
"You and Harriet practically begged me to come to AJ's birthday party...but I couldn't find the time...but I found the time when he.."
She suppresses a sob and continues softly "My priorities are all out of order. I don't make time for what is most important any more."
I hold her and understand as thoughts of my returning to fly status floated in my mind. This was something she had to do.
"I've missed you Harm."
We stand holding each other until the sound of the door opening disturbs the moment.
The Admiral looks at us and breaks into a large grin, "Bud just came out...little AJ's awake."
We walk swiftly towards the waiting room to find Bud happily telling the news we all have waited to hear. "Harriet was talking to him, and we were stroking his head when he suddenly started crying. He still had his eyes closed and said 'I want my Mommy and Daddy'." Tears were flowing freely across Bud's face as he continues, "I said 'AJ, Mommy and Daddy are right here.' He finally opens his eyes and stopped crying. Then he said 'I want my pooh bear'."
We all laugh more from relief and exchange hugs.
Harriet's parents decide to take Abby back to her house, while AJ and Sydney leave promising to return in the morning. Bud returns to the ICU to be with AJ and Harriet, so I take Mac's hand and lead her back to the patio.
Standing about a foot apart, we again lean against the rail gazing at the nighttime sky. I realize how bright the stars appear. The warmth and closeness we felt earlier is replaced by an unsettling awkwardness.
"How's Jingo" I blurt out somewhat nervously.
"He misses his friends in D.C." she smiles
"His friends miss him...and his owner."
"I think I need to bring him back."
"You do?"
"I've been offered a legal position at the Pentagon."
"You mean you are going to give up your 'kick ass, devil dog, jarhead' job?" I look playfully shocked.
"I have my priorities" she raises one eyebrow.
"Sarah"
"Yea"
"I want to renegotiate our five year baby deal."
"You do?" She looks at me with a frown.
"I think we need to change the time frame."
"To when?"
"Sooner"
"Sooner?" She moves and closes the distance between us.
"But we need to work on some things first. You remember Our last deal?"
"Yea, we promised not to leave.."
"I've been thinking about that"
"Yea"
"Yea, I think before we have 'our baby', his or her parents should agree on some things." I reach out and hold her hands.
"Some things" she repeats softly.
"Our baby's parents should agree that they love each other"
"Yea" she smiles her eyes holding mine.
"They should also be committed to each other...sometimes I think feelings can get confusing. You need to mentally make choices."
She laughs softly in agreement.
"I think our baby's parents...should be married?" I say more in the form of a question than a statement.
Tears drop slowly from her eyes as she leans so close I feel her breath on my lips.
I whisper "Deal?"
She whispers "Deal"
I lean forward gently touching her warm soft lips then gradually more forcefully with a deep passionate hunger as we meet in that long awaited kiss.
Negotiations are closed.
I lightly touch her face, "We better go check on little AJ before we leave. Maybe we can go in and see him."
"I hope so." We begin to walk back towards the waiting room.
"And you could sing him that Marine song."
She looks at me confused "The Marine Hymn?"
"The little spider song." I give her one of my best flyboy grins.
She raises one eyebrow "Only if you sing with me, Squid."
I squeeze her hand and smile "All ninety nine verses."
"Oh and Sarah, did I tell you I've become much more proficient at babysitting?"
"You have"
"While you were gone, I baby sat Little AJ and Abby all by myself."
"No way" she looks in disbelief.
I nod affirmatively.
"I'm impressed flyboy."
"I knew you would be."
Harm and Mac sitting in a tree
K I S S I N G
First comes love,
Then comes marriage,
Them comes Harm pushing
A baby carriage.
The END
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