True Love Never Goes Away Ch. 05-08

After getting a nod from his patient, doctor Campion explained what the prognosis was. "Your mother has internal bleeding, and it's quite severe. She needs surgery right away. I have the consent forms, I just need you to fill them out for me," Doctor Campion said.

"I don't want surgery."

Melanie sighed. "Mom, if you have internal bleeding that means you'll die without surgery," Melanie said.

"And how did you get so knowledgeable about medical procedures?" her mother snapped. Melanie ran a hand through her hair.

"Jason's father is a doctor," Melanie reminded her mother.

"Hello Melanie," Steve said, walking through the door. "I heard your mother was here and came to see if I could help. How are you doing Ellen?" Steve asked, taking the chart from Doctor Campion's hands. He frowned when he saw the x-rays and MRI results. "Ellen, you need to have this surgery and you need it now," Steve told her. "Mel, sign the consent form for your mother, I know the way your father had the living will set up that if he isn't around and your mother is being stubborn that you have the power of consent," Steve said as Ellen protested. "Oh, Jason told me, congratulations. Carol and I are looking forward to it." Steve turned back to Ellen. "I'll see you when you wake up," he promised and walked out.

"What is he talking about?" Ellen demanded to know. Melanie shook her head. "Have the surgery and then I'll tell you," Melanie countered. "Mel, please, just tell mom. Please. Maybe she'll smile again," Leigh pleaded.

Melanie sighed. "Jason and I are getting married, two weeks from Saturday," Melanie answered. "And the baby is a girl, her name is Marine. She's almost a year old," she added. "What took that boy so long to finally agree to marry you?" Ellen demanded to know.

Melanie sighed. "Mother, any other information will have to wait until after surgery," Melanie snapped, signing the consent form. "Leigh and I will be in the cafeteria," she added, leading her sister out of the room. By the time Melanie got home that night with Leigh, Jason was pacing. "I know I should have called, I'm sorry," Melanie said quietly, rubbing her eyes. "How is she?" Jason asked.

Melanie shook her head. "She had a reaction to the anesthesia and never woke up," Melanie answered.

Jason gave Melanie a hug then gave Leigh one. "I'm sorry guys. When does your dad get in?" he asked. Melanie sank into the couch with a sigh. "Not until tomorrow evening, he's down under," Melanie answered with a fake Australian accent. Jason laughed.

"Are you hungry?" Jason asked. Melanie shook her head. "I'm just tired, I think I'd rather go to bed," Melanie said quietly. "But Leigh, you should have something," Melanie added.

Leigh headed into the kitchen as Melanie headed towards the bedroom. Jason blocked her way. "You should at least eat a sandwich. You have to think about," Jason stopped talking as Marine started to cry. Melanie sighed and sank against Jason. "The baby," Jason finished. He kissed Melanie gently. "Which I realized after you and Julie left could very well be mine," Jason murmured, hugging Melanie tightly.

Melanie sighed. "Yeah, that came to me too as we were heading for the store," Melanie said, pulling away. "You make the sandwiches and I'll check on Marine," she added.

Jason nodded and headed into the kitchen while Melanie went into the nursery. "Mama!" Marine gurgled when she saw Melanie. Melanie smiled and lifted the little girl into her arms. "God how you can make the worst day seem better is beyond me," Melanie whispered in the baby's ear as she carried her to the kitchen.

"Oh my gosh, she's so cute!" Leigh squealed. Melanie winced at the volume of her sister's voice, but smiled. How'd you come up with Marine?" Leigh wanted to know.

"Jason wanted to name her Irene after his great-grandmother, and I wanted to name her Marie. We compromised," Melanie replied, nuzzling her daughter's cheek. Jason turned the lights down so that they weren't as harsh on Marine's eyes. "What'd you guys have for dinner?" Melanie asked.

Jason held up a can of spaghettios and groaned. "How she can eat those is beyond me, they smell and taste disgusting, but they're fast and easy and she loves them," Jason answered. Melanie laughed and handed Marine to Leigh's outstretched arms. Jason set a grilled cheese sandwich in front of Melanie and Leigh and was surprised when Melanie stood up and quickly walked out of the room. Jason reached for Marine. "Back to bed you go." Jason turned to Leigh. "Eat up," he added, walking out of the kitchen. Jason took Marine back to her room and settled her down in her crib with a bottle of water. "Mel, you okay?" Jason asked, walking into the bathroom. Melanie groaned and leaned her head against the toilet. Jason knelt down beside her and rubbed her back. "Are you coming down with something?" he asked. "Do you want me to call my dad?" Before Melanie could answer her, another wave of nausea came over her and Melanie was retching again. Nervous, Jason left the bathroom and called his father. "Dad, I know this is going to sound kind of crazy, but I think Mel's sick," Jason said when his father answered the phone.

"Oh? What's wrong?" Steve asked in concern. Jason explained what had happened in the last few minutes and Steve paused before saying anything. "Is she pregnant?" Steve asked finally.

"How'd you know?" Jason asked in disbelief. Steve laughed. "Dad, seriously," Jason growled. Steve laughed again. "It's called morning sickness, and before you say anything, yes, the name is misleading and it can happen at any time of day," Steve informed his son. Jason breathed a sigh of relief.

"You missed all this with Marine." Steve paused. "What are you guys going to do with the baby? I can't imagine it will be much fun for Mel to carry someone else's baby, then giving birth and raising it," Steve mused. Jason sighed. "It could be mine dad; did you ever think of that?" Jason asked.

Steve chuckled. "I didn't think Mel would be in the mood, but you kids are young and bounce back. Tell Mel I'm sorry about her mother. I'll come look in on her in the morning," Steve told Jason. Jason thanked his father and hung up as Melanie trudged back into the living room. "Please don't tell me you just called your father," Melanie pleaded.

Jason gave a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry Mel, I was worried," Jason said softly. Melanie groaned and sank into the couch. "You okay?" Jason asked, sitting down next to her. Melanie nodded slowly. "I feel utterly drained, but I'll be okay," Melanie said, closing her eyes. "I know I should eat, but I don't think I'll keep anything down right now," Melanie grumbled.

"What's going on?" Leigh asked from the door way.

Startled, Melanie jumped at the sound and her stomach rolled. "Easy," Jason murmured. "You're pregnant again? And Jason may not be the father? Was mom right? Are you a slut?" Leigh asked.

Melanie opened her mouth to answer her sister then closed it and hurried back to the bathroom. "I can't believe this!" Leigh exclaimed, grabbing her jacket and pulling open the front door. "Leigh, sit your ass down," Jason growled, his voice low and even, but full of anger. Eyes wide, Leigh did as she was told. "Mel is not a slut. She was raped, that's why the baby may not be mine," Jason said. Leigh gasped and waited for Jason to continue. Gradually, Jason told Leigh everything that had happened in the last year. By the time he had finished, Melanie had come back from the bathroom. "You alright?" Jason asked, looking up. Melanie shook her head. "I feel really funny," she murmured. Before Jason could stand up, Melanie's legs gave out from under her and she crashed to the floor, her head cracking against the hardwood.

Jason shot over to Melanie like a dart. "Mel, sweetie, wake up," Jason said, caressing her cheek and looking around. Jason swallowed; his heart in his throat when he noticed the blood pooling around Melanie's bottom and he dialed 9-1-1 with shaky fingers. While he waited to be connected, Jason tossed his cell phone to Leigh. "My father's number is in there, speed-dial one, please call him," Jason told her. Leigh walked into the kitchen while Jason started talking to the 9-1-1 operator.

The ambulance and Steve got to the house at the same time. "What happened?" Steve asked. Jason swallowed before answering. "Mel came out of the bathroom, said she felt funny and before I could get over to her, she passed out. Dad, there was so much blood," Jason whispered.

"Did she hit her head? Head wounds bleed a lot," Steve said. Jason nodded. "That isn't where the blood came from though," he told his father. Steve gave his son's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure she'll be fine. Mel's one hell of a girl son, she'll pull through," Steve tried his best to reassure his son.

Jason nodded. "Leigh, will you please stay with Marine? I'll call you as soon as I can," Jason asked. Leigh nodded and watched as her sister was taken by gurney out of the house.

:: Chapter Seven ::

When Melanie's eyes finally fluttered open, she had to squint because of the bright light. Jason was asleep in the chair next to the bed, his head resting near Melanie's shoulder. Melanie blinked a few times and looked around. "Jace?" Melanie asked uncertainly. Jason sat up and reached for Melanie's hands. "What happened?" Melanie wanted to know.

Jason kissed Melanie's hand and hesitated before replying. "You passed out Mel. You've been out cold for over twenty four hours. How are you feeling?" Jason asked, pressing the call button on the speaker. "She's awake," Jason said when the nurse answered. Melanie shrugged and winced as pain coursed through her body. "You have a concussion, take it easy," Jason warned, weaving his fingers through Melanie's.

Steve came into the room and sat down in the other chair. "I'm glad to see you awake and with some color in your cheeks," Steve said to Melanie. "Do you remember what happened?" he asked. Melanie shook her head slightly. "I remember coming out of the bathroom, and not feeling well, but I just thought it was because of the morning sickness," Melanie replied.

Steve sighed. "It wasn't just because of the morning sickness. Your blood pressure when you were admitted was through the roof. Your stress level must have been insane. Then again, mine would be if I were you," Steve answered, examining the back of Melanie's head. "The bump should go down in a day or two, and I would take Motrin for the pain," he advised, standing up. "What about the baby?" Melanie asked. Steve turned back around. "I'm so sorry Mel," Steve said softly.

"You're sorry? What happened?" Melanie asked. Jason squeezed Melanie's hand. "You had a miscarriage Mel, the baby's gone," Steve answered finally. Tears filled Melanie's eyes. "They managed to do a DNA test on the cells," Jason began, hoping he could cheer Melanie up. Melanie looked at Jason, her eyes narrowed. "It wasn't mine Mel," he told her softly.

Melanie breathed a sigh of relief. "We can have another baby, if you'd like," Jason murmured, holding Melanie close.

Steve smiled. "I would wait a while if I were you," he advised before walking out of the room. Melanie closed her eyes and inhaled the smell of Jason's cologne until a knock on the door caused her to jump. "Easy there," Jason murmured. "Yes?" he asked.

The door opened and Melanie gasped. "Daddy?" Melanie asked, stunned to see her father standing there.

"I went over to the address that you gave me and Leigh said you were in the hospital. What happened?" her father demanded to know. Melanie sighed and studied her father. His brown hair was starting to go gray and his eyes had lost some of their light. "I had a miscarriage daddy," Melanie said softly.

Her father ran a hand through his hair. "A miscarriage. You already have one child, what were you doing trying to bring another one into the world?" her father ranted.

"I wasn't trying. I was raped," Melanie retorted, her head spinning.

Jason steadied Melanie and squeezed her hand. "Easy," he murmured.

"Raped?" her father repeated. Melanie nodded and winced. "You should stop doing that, or you're gonna need more than Motrin," Jason teased gently. Melanie stuck her tongue out at Jason. "Where were you?" Melanie's father demanded to know.

"I wasn't there Jack," Jason said.

"And what were you doing while my little girl was being raped?" Jack wanted to know. "Playing Tennis with your friends?" he spat.

Jason sighed. "I was at physical therapy," Jason told the man. Melanie's father laughed. "Physical therapy? You? Got any other more plausible excuses?" Jack snorted. Jason clenched his fist in frustration.

"Dad, he's not lying. Jace was in a really bad car accident and was in a coma for months. He's just regained use of his legs," Melanie said softly, placing a hand on Jason's arm. "Why don't you go home and check on Marine. I'm sure Leigh would like to see dad anyway," Melanie suggested.

Jason hesitated. "Are you sure?" he asked. Melanie nodded. "Go, I'll be fine, your dad's around here some place," Melanie assured Jason. Jason nodded, gave Melanie a gentle kiss and walked out of the room.

Melanie's father took Jason's vacated chair. "I want to know everything that has been going on," he told her.

Melanie laughed bitterly. "Like you care, or you would have answered the letters I sent to your office," Melanie retorted. Her father sighed. "I work from home Mel, your mother gets the mail. Got the mail," he corrected himself. "Your mother made the decision to not speak of you or about you, not me. I used to sit outside the apartment you were living in when you and Jason started dating until the landlord said you moved out," Jack told Melanie.

Tears filled Melanie's eyes. "Right after I found out about the baby, Jason's cousin got injured in a Chemistry experiment that went really wrong. On his way back from helping his cousin out, he was in a horrible car accident. I didn't find out until I was almost eight months pregnant when Jason's grandparents found me. Carol and Steve were going to take him off of life support. Carol's idea to hide him from me," Melanie said.

Jack closed his eyes. "I'm so sorry baby girl," he murmured, giving Melanie a hug as Melanie spilled the last year's events. "You never should have had to go through that alone," he added.

"She didn't, she had me," Julie announced from the doorway. "God Mel, don't ever scare me like that again!" Julie exclaimed, giving her friend a hug.

Melanie smiled and laughed a little. "I'll do my best," she promised.

Jack sighed. "You don't happen to have any pictures of my grandchild do you?" he asked Julie. Julie nodded and reached for her wallet. "You can wait until Jace gets back with her," Melanie said. Julie put her wallet back in her purse.

A man stopped in the doorway. "Hey Jules, you working today?" he asked. Melanie gasped when she heard his voice. Julie looked at her friend in concern. "You okay?" she asked. Melanie swallowed and nodded weakly. "I think the medication they gave me is wearing off because I feel like I was hit by a train," Melanie lied. Julie frowned. "I'll get you some more in a second," she promised, turning back to her caller. "No Jim, I'm not. I have the week off, vacation time. I'm just visiting a friend," Julie answered, standing up from the side of the bed. Jim nodded and continued walking. "Let me go get your nurse," Julie said, heading for the door.

"Jul, I lied, I recognize his voice," Melanie said, stopping her friend in her tracks.

"How? You've never met him," Julie said.

"Yes, I have, only he was wearing a mask," Melanie answered.

Julie turned around. "What?" she gasped.

"He broke into my house, he's the one Jul," Melanie told her friend.

Julie shook her head. "That can't be Mel, I've gone out with him," Julie said, feeling sick to her stomach.

"It is true," Melanie insisted. Julie pulled out her cell phone and called the detective assigned to Melanie's case. "He's going to get a warrant, and come search Jim's locker," Julie said after she hung up. Steve walked back into the room. "What's all the commotion in here?" he asked. Melanie looked at Julie before answering, "I want to go home, I need to get out of here."

Steve shook his head. "You're here for at least another twenty four hours," he told Melanie. Melanie opened her mouth to protest.

"Doctor Paterson, I'll stay with Mel for the next twenty four hours and keep an eye on things," Julie volunteered.

Steve hesitated but studied Melanie's face and nodded slowly. "Okay, if that will make you feel better, then I'll get your discharge papers ready," Steve answered. Melanie sighed in relief and sank against the pillow.

"I'll tear him from limb to limb," Jack growled. Melanie looked at her father sharply.

"No dad, let the police handle him," Melanie insisted. Before anything else could be said, Jason, Leigh and Marine walked through the door. "Your dad is letting me go home, and Jul is gonna play nurse," Melanie said. Jason looked surprised.

"I'll explain later," Julie promised. "I'll run down to the gift shop and get you a change of clothing," she offered. "Jack, can you come with me?" Julie asked.

Jack nodded. "Let's go Leigh," he said before following Julie out to the hall.

:: Chapter Eight ::

Melanie fidgeted with the bracelet on her wrist nervously while Julie worked on her hair. "Sit still or I'm going to end up burning you," Julie warned. Melanie did her best to hold still while Julie put the finishing touches on her hair. "Why are you so nervous?" Julie wanted to know. Melanie shrugged. "I have no idea," she admitted, laughing a little. Julie laughed too and pulled Melanie's dress out of the closet and motioned for Leigh to come help her. Leigh helped Julie pull the dress down over Melanie's head then Julie zipped up the back. Leigh smiled.

"You look so pretty Mel, you're going to make Jason drool," Leigh squealed. Melanie laughed. "I doubt I'll make him drool," Melanie said. Julie shook her head. "Girl, you look hot. He's going to want to jump you while you're half way down the aisle," Julie teased.

Melanie blushed and looked up at the knock on the door. "Hi daddy," Melanie said, turning around. Jack blinked back the tears that threatened to come to his eyes.

"You look beautiful," Jack told Melanie. Melanie smiled shyly. "Thanks," she murmured, turning back to look at her reflection in the mirror. The dress floor length and made of silk with a satin sash around the waist and the dress was decorated with a few well placed pieces of silver and gold sequence. The simple yet classy look appealed to Melanie, even if the dress cost more than she really wanted and could afford to spend. Jack turned to Leigh and handed her a bouquet of flowers. "You look beautiful as well," Jack told her. "When did you grow up so much? You look so much like your mother," Jack murmured, giving Leigh a hug. Leigh's dress was a pale blue, also floor length with a slightly darker blue sash. Leigh giggled. "I am eighteen, daddy," Leigh reminded her father. Someone cleared their throat from the doorway. "Paul!" Leigh exclaimed, breaking free from her father and running over to the tall young man. "Wow Leigh, you look amazing," Paul said softly before giving Leigh a gentle kiss. Melanie and her father exchanged looks and Melanie smiled. "Hi Paul, I'm Melanie. Leigh has told me so much about you, I'm glad you could come," Melanie said, walking up to her sister and her boyfriend. Paul shook Melanie's hand and waited patiently for Melanie to stop studying his face. Paul was quite tall with sandy blond hair and bright green eyes.

"Are you ready Mel?" Steve asked, poking his head in the doorway of her bedroom. Melanie picked up her bouquet and nodded. Steve nodded. "I'll let Jason know and we'll get into position, Julie, start leading the way in about two minutes," Steve said.