Friends and Family

                            Chapter 16 – Making a Choice

Hummel-Anderson it says on the piece of paper Hummel-Anderson. Kurt and Blaine look at each other relieved and excited. Relieved because the last name question has been decided and excited because that means they are one step closer to becoming one, becoming married. They hug tightly while Emma and Lindsey cheer. “Is that okay with you Blaine?” Kurt asks Blaine not wanting him to be upset. “It is fantastic soon to be Mr. Kurt Hummel-Anderson. Blaine says with his trademark smile. “Let's celebrate.” Blaine says. “After Lindsey's appointment with Dr. Jackson we can stop and pick up dinner and some ice cream.” They all love Blaine's idea especially Emma who shouts. “Ice cweam wuv, I wuv ice cweam.”

 The boys are watching Emma in the reception area while Lindsey is meeting with Dr. Jackson in an exam room. “How are you feeling Lindsey? And I want to hear the truth.” Lindsey looks at Dr. Jackson with moist eyes and says. “I am extremely tried most of the time. Even doing little things like brushing Emma's hair tires me out. The boys have been great. Actually they have spoiled me and Emma. They won't let me do anything. Joey has been so supportive and understanding about this situation. But I can feel my energy is less and I have lost some of my strength and it worries me.” Lindsey confesses. “Okay Lindsey, let me take a listen and see what I hear.” Dr. Jackson listens to Lindsey's heart beat. “Lindsey, your heart does sound weaker so that explains you felling tired. You need to seriously consider letting us take the baby early.” Dr. Jackson recommends to Lindsey. “I can't Dr. Jackson. I promised this baby that I would do whatever I have to so it will be healthy when it is born.” Lindsey tells Dr. Jackson determined to keep her promise as she rubs her baby bump. “Lindsey, what I'm about to say to you might sound harsh and I'm not trying to be cruel. I commend you for doing everything you can to make sure your baby is healthy when it is born, but the fact of the matter is, if you die before the baby is born the baby will die also and it won't matter whether or not you kept your promise.” Dr. Jackson says bluntly getting right to the point. “How about we make a compromise? I will admit you into the hospital so if there are complications you are in the hospital already and at least we have a chance to save you and the baby. On March 1st we will deliver the baby. That way it will only be a few weeks early and the baby should be fine. Will you agree to that?” Dr. Jackson asks. “Okay Dr. Jackson, I will agree to do that.” Lindsey says. “I have one request though. Could you please tell Blaine and Kurt what we are going to do? But I don't want them to know how serious this is. Maybe tell them it's just a precaution. I don't want them to worry and I need a few minutes to understand and accept what you told me.” Lindsey says as she takes a deep breath. “Lindsey I will tell them but for your information by law I can't tell anyone anything about your medical condition unless you allow it.” Dr. Jackson tells Emma as she leaves to talk to Blaine and Kurt. Dr. Jackson calls the boys into her office while a nurse watches Emma. She explains that Lindsey will be admitted into the hospital until she delivers, but did not give them a complete explanation. After talking with the Doctor Blaine and Kurt decided it would be best if Blaine took Lindsey to the hospital while Kurt takes Emma home after they stop for some ice cream.

Blaine walks into Lindsey's hospital room after Lindsey has been connected to a heart and a baby monitor and says. “Hey” He walks towards Lindsey's hospital bed and sits down in the chair nearby. Blaine grabs her hand and says. “It will be alright Lindsey. Everything is going to be fine and work out just like you planned. Kurt and I will watch over Emma, while you take care of the baby. Before you know it you'll be home with your two kids and this will all be in the past.” Blaine says as he rubs her hand trying to reassure her. Blaine, I am concerned about something and I would like you to find out the answer. If something should happen to me what would happen to Emma? I don't have any family for her to go to.” Lindsey says. “I know the answer to that question already.” Blaine says quickly. First of all, nothing is going to happen to you, but as a responsible parent I understand your need to make sure Emma's needs are taken care of in the event of your death. I don't want you to worry about that Lindsey because you do have a family. You have me, Kurt and Joey and I promise you we will make sure Emma is taken care of, loved and lives a happy life because we would be honored to raise Emma if you were unable to.” Blaine says with moist eyes as he hugs Lindsey and she hugs him. “Thank you Blaine, you are right, you are my family.” Lindsey says happily.  Blaine says goodbye because before he heads to his class at NYADA Blaine wants to check in on Kurt and Emma. He also promises to hug and kiss Emma for her as well as bring Emma along tomorrow for a visit. After Blaine is gone Lindsey reaches for the phone on her nightstand. She dials a number and informs the person on the other end of the line that she needs to see them.

“Kurt” Blaine calls out. “Shhhhhhh, I just got her down. I think she was on a sugar high from the ice cream.” Kurt explains with a chuckle. “How is Lindsey? I bet it was a tough day for her.” Kurt says. “Yes it was. I tried to reassure her that everything would be alright but Kurt I am concerned about her. I don't think we know how serious her condition is. She asked me about what would happen to Emma if she wasn't around because she didn't have a family for Emma to go to. I hope you aren't upset but I told her not worry because we would raise her.” Blaine says waiting to see Kurt's reaction. “When you do things like that it makes me love you more. I wouldn't want anyone else to raise Emma except us if Lindsey couldn't.” Kurt says as he smiles at Blaine. “I'm glad you agree. I think I had better call Joey and let him know about Lindsey. I don't know if she has been able to call him yet.” Blaine says as he takes out his phone.  Blaine called Joey and Lindsey had already called him. He was going up to the hospital now to be with her.

Joey enters the hospital room and sees Lindsey looking sad and in need of a hug. Joey lies down on the bed with Lindsey letting her know he is there for her and he isn't going anywhere. He promises as he holds her tight as she falls asleep.