Harry Dresden (![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} dresdensluck) wrote in ![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small} valarlogs,@ 2013-04-24 19:04:00 |
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Where: The clinic
What: Paternity test results
When: Wednesday morning, 04/24/13, part three of Harry's Crazy Week
Warnings/Rating: PG-13 for medical stuff
Status complete
Magius was working, and having a good day. He had seen several patients today whom he had known for their lives, seeing some kids today, and he had helped a woman leave her husband for good this morning. An abusive husband, and a woman who had always had confidence issues, in part because of that man. He had been one of those who, with the nurses and the shelter leader, had helped her take those final steps to freedom, so he counted this day as a win.
And now he had a very odd case, but with an old friend. And a new one.
he walked into the room, where the two were waiting and smiled. “How are you two doing?”
Harry smiled, nervously. “Okay, doc, nervous. But good.” One hand clamped onto Elaine’s hand.
Elaine grasped Harry’s hand, trying to quell the flutter of nerves in her stomach. She’d known Magius for as long as she’d been in California, she knew he wouldn’t be judgemental, even if their case was rather strange. She knew that no matter the results, it wouldn’t change how Harry felt about her, or how she felt about her daughter.
“Ready to answer this question once and for all.”
Magius nodded and opened the folder. Of course, he already knew the answer, but all was important. He nodded as he read it again, then smiled. “Congratulations, Harry. You’re a father.”
Harry swayed for a moment as the world seemed to rush past him. “Wow...” He had been ready, had known in his bones, but... wow.
Elaine’s heart did somersaults again, and she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. It was like a weight had just rolled off her shoulders--and though she knew there would be some difficulty ahead, she could finally stand up to that challenge. “Thank you,” she said to Magius, and then more softly, to Harry, she added, “I love you.”
Harry nodded, then, snapping out of it some. “Yes, thank you, doctor. Thank you, very much.” He hugged Elaine and looked at her with wondering eyes.
Magius smiled to them, eyes warm to see the love in them, the support they gave each other. “I’ll give you a few moments. Take your time.” he stepped out, then, leaving them in the room, and harry clutched Elaine to him with a sob. Cora was his daughter! What a fool he had been to not pursue Elaine all those years ago.
Elaine held him, remembering an awkward, tearful conversation nine years earlier. He’s asked me to marry him...I’m pregnant. Hoping Harry would object, give her a reason to turn down the proposal; not being able to get the words out and say I think it might be yours. Holding a beautiful, blue-eyed baby girl, and knowing in her heart that Harry had to be the one.
She’d been a fool to keep them apart. “Can you forgive me?”
"Can you forgive me?" He sighed, remembering those days. He had thought he was doing the right thing, letting her be with someone he thought she loved. Harry kissed her tenderly. "You didn't do anything wrong. We were both young and foolish." He stroked her face lightly.
"I love you."
How many of the world’s problems were caused by people who thought they were doing the right thing? Elaine sighed, leaning into Harry’s touch, letting go of the old hurts. None of that mattered now. What mattered was what they did with right now. “I love you. I want you to be part of our lives. I just don’t know how we’re going to tell her.”
“I don’t know either, but I think... I think we should just tell her. Honestly. I will defer to you on this. You’re her mom, and nothing will ever change that, or change how she feels about you.” He hugged her close, stroking her hair. “It might be a bit loud, and a bit wild for her, but she won’t be alone. She’s been making friends, and hopefully she can make sure she is not alone or without help, ever.”
“I think you’re right,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I think it will upset her...step-dad...worse than it will upset her.” But then, the girl was only eight, and though she bounced back from most upsets fairly quickly, she was not above getting her feelings hurt. There was really only one way to find out.
Harry nodded. “I hope so. I think so, and she is smart and strong.” He paused and took a deep breath. “We should do it today.” Harry had a feeling it was best to not wait.
“We should.” Elaine pressed her lips together, bracing herself for the unknown. “I guess we should get home, and get dinner started.”
Harry hugged her. “Sounds good. And we need to make sure she is okay before she goes over to Nate’s later for the sleepover. But maybe that will give her some time?”
He sighed and nodded. “Let’s go.”
Elaine nodded back. She didn’t want to spoil the children’s fun, but at least Cora would have something to look forward to after hearing the news. If she still wanted to go. Sometimes Cora got clingy when there were big changes.
Elaine smiled. Nate and Cora would help each other out. They’d be okay. She laced her fingers with Harry’s, and walked out of the doctor’s office, thanking Magius again as they went on their way.
FIN.