Dreaming Of You
Chapter OneIt was a stormy night in Texas. The weather outside was terrible,damaging wind,pounding hail,ear shattering thunder. It could keep anyone awake.
Kelly was no exception to the rule.
She was sitting in her bed waiting from a call from her husband. The house was so quiet and empty without him around,though something was happening. As Kelly waited,she placed a hand on her growing stomach. A tiny kick answered back. The joy of carring a child filled Kelly's heart. She was eight and a half months pregnant with her and Justin's very first baby. She felt alone without Justin,yet she felt happy to know her baby was there. The phone rang. It was sitting next to Kelly,so she picked it up on the first ring.
"Hello?"
"Hey,baby."
"Justin! God,I've missed you so much!"
"I've missed you too,sweet thang.How are you doing?"
"Well,how would you be if you were pregnant and anxious to hear from your husband who is touring in the Midwest?"
"Kell,don't be sarcastic with me."
"Sorry baby,I'm just irritable. I wish this baby would hurry up and get here!"
"I know. I really wish I could be there with you right now,but I can't.Guess what?"
"What?"
"I'm comming home in two days!"
"Really?"
"Yeah! After the concert in NY,I'm on a plane back to you."
"But you aren't supposed to come back after the baby's born.Your fans are going to be upset."
"Who cares? I want to be there,when the baby gets here."
"But,sweetie your fans...."
"They'll understand. I mean they wanted us to get married and have babies since 2002. And know three years later,we are fullfilling their dreams."
"I see your point. What do you want to name the baby?"
"Um.....gosh....let's see...if its a girl then um.....Oh! I've got it,if the baby is a girl we'll name her Samantha Nicole."
"I don't like that.I want to name the baby Audrey Christina."
"Audrey....I like that! For a boy,how about Matthew James."
"James is nice for a middle name,but for a first names how about your dad's name?"
"Edrin?You can't be serious,he'll get beat up!"
"Just messing with you,baby!"
Justin laughed into the phone. His laughter...it made Kelly want him even more.
"Seriously,if its a boy,we could name him Shawn...Shawn James Guarini...sounds great to me!"
"Justin! You blockhead!"
"But I know in my heart,that the baby is going to be a girl."
"Why do you say that?"
"I just know.Besides if the baby looks anything like you then he or she is going to be adorable."
"I know."
"So what's happening in LA?"
"Oh,um nothing. Its been really boring since you left for the tour."
"Baby you sound like I've been gone forever and not a month and a half.I'll be home in two days so don't worry your little head."
"Well,its really late here.11:15 PM."
"Save your breath,sister its a quarter after one here in Lousiana."
"I didn't realize it was that late."
"I know.I've got to go to bed now."
"Okay.Well good night,sweetheart."
" 'Night Angel."
Kelly turned the phone off and sighed. She missed him. Kelly looked down at her stomach again and started speaking to the unborn child.
"Hey there.Daddy's going to be home really soon. Two days! You just stay inside of me till he comes home okay?"
She waited for an answer,then she kissed her stomach,turned out the light and went to sleepChapter Two
As Kelly slept she had a flashback dream...the flashback went back to when they told their Idol buddies that she was pregnant.
Flashback
It was the night of the Super Bowl,as always Justin{like every other American man} invited some buddies over to the house to watch the game and party! Kelly had invited her girlfriends {Nikki,Tamrya,Christina,and Ryan}. Justin invited EJay,RJ,AJ,and Jim,he also invited some new friends he made that were on AI2{Joshua and Ruben}. The house was set,the tv was on,the food was ready. But Kelly and Justin weren't. You see,last October {near Justin's birthday},Kelly found out she was pregnant. Although,they were excited a thought worried them.In November,RJ's wife {a woman named Elizabeth} had their first baby.But,their son was stillborn,soon after they had a huge fight and divorced. RJ missed his wife and everytime he looked at Nikki's son Tristan he sighed.
Finally everybody had arrived,they were sitting in the living room eating pizza. They were talking about old times on Idol and enjoying themselves. AJ got out some beer and passed a can to everyone in the group,but when he got to Kelly she declined.
"Is something wrong,Kell?You usually drink beer on Super Bowl and Mardi Gras",asked Josh.
"I'm fine. Justin and I have something to tell all of you."
"What?",everybody asked at the same time.
"Um,I'm pregnant.We're going to have a baby!"
For a moment everyone was silent,then Tamrya and Christina said"WHAT? Congradulations!"
Everyone congradulated Kelly and Justin.
"Why didn't you tell us before?",RJ asked.
"RJ,we know you miss Elizabeth and Carson. We thought you would get mad."
"Its okay! Congradulations!"
Then they watched the game.
Flashback ends
Kelly woke up,the sun had risen and she was okay.Only one day till Justin came home,she missed him but one hand on her stomach told her that Justin might not make it in time.
Chapter Three
That morning was just like every morning. Kelly ate breakfest,watched a little tv,and excerised for about an hour. At around one o'clock,she went into her bedroom and laid down on the bed. Lately,she had been tired for no reason. She closed her eyes and the phone rang.
Kelly answered.
"Hello?"
"Hey."
"Justin?"
"The one and only!"
"Oh my god! Where are you?"
"On a plane back to you!"
"What? You're supposed to have a concert tonight in New York."
"It got canceled because the other acts couldn't perform,besides I missed you. Every day I think you're going to have the baby and I'm not going to be there."
"Sweetheart,don't worry.I've got a doctor's appointment this afternoon. Today,we find out what the baby is."
"Cool beans."
"I know! Nikki called me a couple of nights ago,and guess what?"
"What?"
"She and AJ are getting married in Decemeber!"
"Good for them!"
"When will you be home?"
"Before supper,tonight we're going out!"
"Well,I've got to get ready to got to the doctor.I'll call you after the appointment to tell you if we have a boy or a girl."
"Sweetheart,I'll be home by then. The plane is an hour away from the airport in Texas.I'll see you at home."
"Okay. Bye Baby!"
" Good-bye sweet angel."
Kelly turned off the phone and went to the doctor.
{at the doctor's office}
Kelly was sitting in a room alone. The doctor would be in soon. She was nervous,today she would find out if their baby was a girl or a boy. Finally the door opened.Kelly turned her head and saw Justin. She got up and ran over to him.
"Baby! I've missed you,what are you doing here?"
"Kell,I've been in suspense on wheather we have a boy or a girl. I wanted to be here when Dr.Smith told you."
The doctor walked in and the visit started.
"Hello,Kelly. Justin,you're back from touring already? We weren't expecting you untill after the baby was born."
Kelly had been hooked up to a machine that showed the baby.
"Okay,so you want to know if you have a son or a daughter."
"Yes",they said at exactly the same time.
"Well,its a girl. You're going to have a daughter."
Kelly and Justin beamed with happiness.
The doctor smiled,"Do you have a name picked out?"
"Um,yes we do. Audrey Christina."
"Nice name."
After the doctor's appointment,Justin took Kelly out to eat. They had a wonderful time,but something wasn't right about Kelly.
That night for the first time in a month and a half,Kelly and Justin cuddled together in their bed. It was a peaceful evening,everything was quiet. For an early July night,it was beautiful. All of a sudden,Kelly felt a sharp pain in her side.
"Ow!"
"What's wrong?",Justin asked.
"I don't know."
The pains got worse. All of a sudden,Kelly felt wet around her rearend.
"Oh my gosh! Justin,the baby's comming!"
July 6th,the night that changed Kelly and Justin's lives forever.
Chapter Four
What? The baby's comming now?"
"Justin,do you think I would lie about something so serious?"
Justin turned on the light and helped Kelly out of the bed.
"Kell,go to the car.I'll get your suitcase and meet you there."
"Okay."
Fiffteen minutes later they were driving to the hospital,it was raining hard and Justin could barely see a thing. Kelly was in deep pain.
"Drive faster,you fricking idiot! Look at what you did to me! This is all your fault! After the baby is born I'm going to kick your ass back to Pennsylvaina."
"SHUT UP!"
"No,I'm not gonna."
Finally they arrived at the hospital,a nurse took Kelly to a room and hooked her up to some monitors. She was still in deep pain.
Two hours passed and nothing had happend. A nurse came into a room and took Justin out into the hall.
"Nurse,how is she doing?"
"Justin,um her water did break,but the baby is not responding to the labor. Its..."
"You mean she."
"She?"
"Our baby is a girl.''
"Oh,I see well her heart rate is going down slowly. We're going to have to do a C-section on Kelly."
"Will she make it?"
"Kelly's a fighter,she'll do fine.I know in my heart that the baby will make it too."
"Ma'am,before the C-section can I speak to Kelly?"
"Yes.She wants to see you."
Justin went in the room. Kelly's contractions had spread farther apart.
She felt his presense in the room.
"Hey,Kell."
"Hey."
"So um,I heard you're going to have to have a c-section."
"Yeah."
"I'm worried."
"Why?"
"I'm afraid that you and Audrey won't make it."
"Baby,don't worry. I know we will make it."
"You're so confident.I remember our first date,do you?"
"How could I forget it? You were so nervous,I was too. We went to a nice resturant and ordered supper. As we waitied we talked about stuff,finally the waiter came back. We ate and then had dessert. For some odd reason that I still don't know we split a sundae. Afterwards,we went walking on the beach. You looked so hot wearing that green sweater and black jeans."
"You were beautiful in that red blouse and black dress pants."
"As we were walking,you started humming "Timeless". I started humming it too. After a while,you took me home. We started saying stuff like'I don't want this night to end.' Finally you kissed me"
"That was the night I realized that I was in love with you."
"Me too."
Afterwards,Kelly was taken to the operating room. Justin waitied in the waiting room. Finally the doctor came out.
"Justin?"
"Yeah?"
"Come here."
Justin got up and went in the room with the doctor.
Immediately,Justin went to Kelly's side,she was holding a baby.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"Justin,this is your daughter Audrey."
She handed Audrey to Justin.
"Hey there. This is daddy. You're so beautiful,just like your mother. I can't wait till you come home with us."
"She's got your eyes."
"Yup,your nose."
"Your skin color."
"But she's beautiful like you."
Kelly's eyes filled with unshed tears.
"Really?"
"Would I lie to you? She's beautiful."
"Oh Justin."
Justin bent down and kissed Kelly on the lips. Then,he kissed baby Audrey on the forehead. She had gone back to sleep.
He wispered,"Sweet dreams,Audrey.You're my little angel."
Then Justin gave the baby back to Kelly and said,"I've got to go home."
"Good night."
"G'nite."
Justin went into the waiting room. He sighed,life was certainly changing. As he walked down the hall he ran into another new father,Ryan.
"Ryan? You're married?"
"Not exactly. Kimberley got pregnant and had this little one."
He handed the baby to Justin.
"Just,what are you doing here?"
"Kelly had a baby. Our daughter,Audrey Christina."
"Sweet.We have a son. His name is Tobias Anthony."
"Tobias?"
"Kimberley likes Tobey McGuire."
"Which Kim?"
"Locke."
"Oh. He's adorable,Ry."
"Thanks,congradulations on your new one."
"You're welcome."
Justin handed the baby back and went home. So many changes,life was anew.
Chapter Five
The next morning was the dawning of a new life for Justin and Kelly. Just the night before,Kelly had given birth to their daughter Audrey. And now Justin was trying to get to the hospital during rush hour traffic to bring home his wife and infant.Loads of paparazzi had stopped by the hospital to see the" new Idol generation",but Kelly wasn't minding it at all. She liked letting people see her baby.
Justin had finally gotten to the hospital at around 7:15 PM. The clouds were dark and full of rain. He parked the car and went inside. Kelly was sitting in a wheelchair waiting for him. When he came in,she immediately called out his name.
"Justin!"
Justin came running over to her at the sound of his name. His heart melted at the sight of Kelly. Even without makeup,she was the most beautiful woman he had laid eyes on ever. He had to kiss her. So,Justin got down so he could see eye to eye with Kelly and gently pressed his lips against her small sliky red ones. Oh,he loved it. Kelly obviously was enjoying it too. The night before,Justin had returned from an one and a half month hiatus. His kissing was something she missed.
"I missed you so much,baby."
"I was only in the hospital for a day,cutie.You kissed me like you hadn't seen me for a year."
"Love makes you do crazy things sometimes."
"I guess so."
Kelly looked down at the baby sleeping in her lap.
"Its so hard to believe....."
"I know.Its too hard to believe that we created such a beautiful baby.She's a blessing from God."
"That's for sure."
"Yeah.Last night,I saw Ryan. He's a father."
"Since when?"
"He was dating K-Lo. She got pregnant and had their son."
"Cool beans. Was it a boy or a girl
?"
"Boy. They named him Tobias Anthony."
"That's different...Tobias Seacrest....I sorta like it."
"Me too."
Audrey started to open her tiny eyes.
"Look,Justin. She's waking up."
"Awesome...I've never watched a baby wake up."
Audrey's eyes opened but she didn't cry. She just looked around the room and stared at things. Then she grabbed one of Justin's fingers.
"Strong little thing."
"Yes,she is."
"Ready to go home,sweetie?"
"Baby,are you talking to me or Audrey?"
"You. Audrey is my little angel."
"Aww.That's so sweet."
Justin took Kelly and Audrey outside. No paparazzi in sight.
"I guess they heard of the Locke-Seacrest baby."
"Guess so."
He pushed the wheelchair over to the car,and opened the passenger door for Kelly. She gently handed Justin the baby and got in. Kelly closed the door,then Justin opened another door and put Audrey in her car seat. He then closed that door and got in the car.
"Kell?"
"Humm?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
"I love you more than lifeitself."
"I love you more than lifeitself too.Please start the car,I want to go home."
Justin started the car and they heard baby Audrey's breathing.
"She's so small,so tiny and fragile.Yet somehow,she's going to become a strong adult",
Justin said as he was driving.
"I know.I was smaller than she was when I was an infant."
"Really?"
"Yes.For some incredibuly odd reason,I felt alone last night."
"So did I. I felt alone on tour too."
''Was it because we were apart?"
"
I guess it was."
Justin pulled the car into their driveway.
"We're here."
"Justin,I think this is the start of our new life as a family. Last night we were just a couple,now we are a family."
"Kell,you are so right."
Kelly got the sleeping baby out of her carseat. Audrey opened her mouth as if she was going to cry,but Kelly started humming a lullaby and the infant went back into slumber.Then Justin came up beside Kelly and they entered the house as a family for the very first time.
Chapter Six
That night was supposed to be special for Kelly and Justin. They had been apart for over a month,but they had to be responcible adults now. Caring for a baby takes a lot of work.
Kelly put Audrey in the bassinet that had been set up in a former guest room. She kissed the newborn on the forehead and wispered "Sleep tight,my little angel."
Justin was in the living room waiting in silence for his wife. When she finally returned and sat next to him on the couch,Justin gently locked lips with her. The kiss lasted for 30 seconds before Kelly pushed her tongue into his mouth. Then the kiss went on for another minute.
They finally finished.
"What was that for?"
"Sweetie,love makes you do crazy things."
''Duh,I know that."
"Well you asked."
Kelly sighed.
"What's wrong,bumblebee?"
"I think we had Audrey too soon."
"Why do you say that?"
"Justin,we were married for about two months when we found out I was pregnant. Most couples wait atleast a year to have kids."
"We're different."
"I guess we are. I mean we married in August,got pregnant in either Septemeber or October,and had our first born in July."
"You're still just as beautiful as you were the day I married you."
"Shut up."
"I'm serious.You know I will never lie to you."
"Really?"
Justin got up and got out their wedding album.
"See for yourself,Kell."
He showed her pictures of their wedding day. Kelly's eyes watered as she remembered that special day.
"You weren't lying."
Then he got out a different album. It was filled of pictures during the reception and parties they had the night before.
''Justin! You had a stripper?"
"So did you."
"Baby.I'm so tired."
"Want me to carry you to bed."
"Yes."
Justin picked Kelly up and took her upstairs to their bedroom.He gently put her down on the bed. Then,Justin went into Audrey's room. The infant was begining to wake up.
Audrey started crying.
"Shh..Baby girl,don't cry. Daddy's here."
He picked the baby up and went to a rocking chair.
He rocked back and forth as he sang a lullaby.
Soon,Kelly came in the room. She was ready for bed. Her heart melted as she watched her husband rock their infant daughter back to sleep.
She gently took the baby from Justin and placed her in the bassinet. Then the two new parents went back into their room,finished getting ready for bed,and went to sleep.
Before they slept,Kelly put her head on Justin's chest and heard his heart beating.
"What are you doing?"
"I was listening to your heart beat."
"Okay.If you want to you can keep your head there all night.''
"Or untill Audrey wakes up."
"Yeah. Good night."
" 'Night.I love you.''
"Love ya too."
Then they slept till Audrey awakened.
Chapter Seven
The annual Idol reunion was always held near
Christmas. But since the Idols wanted to be with their families{and one of the ladies was supposed to have a baby in mid-December},it was moved to October. Every one of the Idols had a little surprise for the others.
Nikki and AJ had told everyone about their engagement but what they hadn't told was Nikki had gotten pregnant after Kelly did and recently had a baby. They had eloped and AJ adopted Nikki's son Tristen as his own,the Gils were living in Seattle. Tamrya and
Jim had exchanged vows in Baton Rouge just the year before and were now expecting a baby that was due in December,they were living in California.When RJ was still recovering over the loss of his son and the divorce from Elizabeth,he hooked back up with his ex-girlfriend Montana. They were engaged and the date for their wedding was Valentine's Day of the next year,they were living in Nevada. Ryan was still single,but a mother. She had a baby named Paris and a 2 year old named India.Both of the children were fathered by the same man. Ryan knew who he was and was going to tell her friends tonight. Christina had broken her engagement with Nick and was now married to EJay. They had a baby named Courtni and a two and a half year old named Felicity.The family lived in New York.
This year the reunion was going to be at Ryan's house in Santa Fe.Everyone thought Ryan was a little crazy for living in a hot place but they all knew she had her own reasons why.When Kelly and Justin arrived,they could smell the barbeque from a mile away.Even though it was late October,in Santa Fe it was still very warm out. They went around into the backyard.Kelly was holding Audrey close to her chest. AJ and Nikki were sitting by the pool playing with Tristen,RJ and Montana were splashing eachother in the pool,EJay was barbequing.Ryan was playing with her daughters,Christina was also playing with her daughters.The only people that hadn't arrived yet were Tamrya and Jim. Justin shouted"Wazzup!"
It got quiet all of a sudden,everyone turned to look at him.Then they shouted,"Hey!"
Ryan came up to them.
"Hi.Welcome.Please just relax till Tamrya and Jim get here."
"Don't worry,we're already here."
Right behind Kelly and Justin,was a pregnant Tamrya and Jim.
Ryan got everyone's attention.
"Guys,its good to see all of you again.I see that we have some new faces and probably a lot of surprises.So before we eat let's tell what we have done over the past year."
The adults got in a circle. The children got in their parents laps.
"Okay.Um,since I'm hostess I'll let EJay start.EJay?"
"Um,Hi.This past year brought our daughter,Courtni.She was born in May.Um,I guess that's all."
"Okay,Jim?"
"Hey.As you all can tell Tamrya is pregnant. Our baby is due in December and that's why the reunion was this month and not in December."
"Nice.RJ?"
"Well,I thought that my social life was completely over.One night I got a call from this beautiful woman sitting beside me and we started dating again.Baby,tell everyone who you are."
"Hi,I'm Montana.RJ and I got back together in June and our wedding is on Valentine's Day."
"Aww.Okay,um since we already know about Tamrya let's go on to Nikki."
"Okay.Y'all are wondering why I'm holding a kid.That's because this is my daughter.Her name is Angela. Don't worry,AJ's the daddy.We eloped and Tristen was adopted by AJ."
"Aww.Justin?"
"Okay,Kelly had our baby in July.Her name is Audrey.Ain't she cute? I'm working on my second album and Kell is finishing her second."
"Sweet.Okay,my news.As you all know I have a new child.Paris was born in March. I recently found out who the father of India and Paris is."
"Who?"
"We all know him.Brian is the dad."
All the men said,"Really? Dunk?"
"Yes.Dunk is the father."
"Aww,man! Sweet!"
Then everyone ate and chatted. Soon the reunion was over,but before everyone left they sang"That's what Friends are For". That was a old tradtion.
That night,Kelly and Justin were at home in bed. Kelly had placed her head on Justin's chest and could here his heart. Her eyes closed and Justin wispered"I love you." Faintly,he could hear Kelly say"Love ya,too."
Chapter Eight
Christmas was on the horizon. As always,Kelly and Justin had plans for that special holiday. Since they were both Christians and close to their familes{that lived miles away from eachother} they decided to celebrate Christmas three times. The first time would be with Kelly's family in Texas on Christmas Day,the second time would be on New Year's Eve with Justin's parents in Pennsylavia and the third time would be in LA by themselves on the Ephiany{early January}.
Kelly was packing a suitcase for Audrey. Audrey was a rather long baby for being only five months old. She had beautiful brown eyes,an adorable little nose,really curly hair,and an irrestiable smile that you couldn't say no to. As Kelly was packing,Audrey was giggling. Kelly stared at her daughter and wondered what is she giggling about. The giggling died down for a second and then started again.
Kelly chuckled and said"Baby,what are you giggling about?"
Audrey couldn't talk yet so she just kept laughing. Kelly just shrugged and started packing again. All of a sudden she felt two hands on her shoulders. Kelly let out a scream and jumped.
"Gotcha!"
"Justin Guarini! Don't you ever do that to me again!"
"Jeez! You act like I've never done that to you before! I was just making funny faces at Audrey behind your back."
"That explains the giggling."
"Yup! We gotcha good!"
Kelly gave Justin a noggie and said"You crazy goofball."
An hour later,Kelly placed Audrey in the infant seat in the backseat of the "Ford Cherokee". Then she got up front with Justin.
He started driving to Texas. They were about an hour away when a very very familar song came on the radio.
"Miss Independent,Miss.Self sufficent,Miss keep your distance."
Kelly blushed and Justin started singing with the radio.
"Miss.Unafraid,Miss.Out of my way,Miss don't leta man interferre,No."
Kelly stared at her hubby as he finished the song in a really high girlish voice.
"So,you like that song?"
"Oh yeah! I love that Kelly Clarkson! She's pretty!",Justin replied in the same girly voice.
Kelly pinched Justin's arm.
"Ow! What did you do that for?"
"It was there!"
Finally,they got to the Taylors' house in Bruelson. Kelly seemed happy to be home. Justin pulled the car in the driveway and they got out. Kelly's older brother Jason was already there but her sister Alyssa had yet to arrive.
Kelly went up to the door and rang the doorbell. Her mother answered a mini-second later.
"Kelly! Its so good to see you."
She took Justin into a big bear hug.
"Justin!"
"Hey Mrs.Taylor."
"Oh stop with the "Mrs.Taylor" stuff.Call me Mom or Jeanne."
"Okay."
"Mom,we have a little somebody for you to meet."
"Oh? Who?"
Kelly put the carseat down on the floor and gently picked up Audrey.
Jeanne's eyes watered.
"Is this?"
"Mom,this Audrey.Our daughter."
"Oh.Can I hold her please?"
"Sure."
Gently,Kelly gave the baby to her mother.
"She's adorable.Kelly,you looked exactly like this as a baby."
"Not exactly Mom. She has Justin's eyes."
"Oh! Yes she does.Beautiful brown eyes."
She handed the baby to Justin.
"Well,Jason and Steve are in the living room watching tv and drinking beer,Justin."
Justin gave the baby to Kelly and went to the living room.
"Well,Kellbell looks like we're going to have to prepare Christmas Dinner for the boys."
"Cool beans!"
Kelly followed her mother into the kitchen.
"So,when was Audrey born?"
"July 6th."
"A little firecracker! How many hours of labor were you in for?"
"Well,my water broke and I was in hardcore labor for two hours."
"Uh huh."
"But I think that in all about oh 15."
"Jeez.That's a long time. How much did Audrey weigh?"
"7 pounds 11 ounces."
"Goodness.How tall was she?"
"Um,21 inches."
"Natural or Cesearain?"
"C-section."
"Well,she's the cutest little ol' thing."
"Thanx."
Two hours later,Jeanne and Kelly had finished making Dinner. Alyssa{Kelly's older sister} had arrived. She was tickled to death to see her baby sister's little daughter. The men came in the dinning room and sat down at the table.
"Someone should say Grace."
"I will."
"Thank you,Jason. You're such a dear."
"Ah,no prob.Bow your heads,y'all."
Everyone at the table bowed their heads.Jason started to speak.
"Dear Lord,please bless the meal that we are about to eat.Bless the hands the prepare it and the farmers that grew it.Bless everyone present at this table.And,Dear Lord bless everyone who has nowhere to go this Holiday season.Amen."
Everyone lifted their heads and started eating.
"So,Kell.How long have you and Justin been married now?"
"Um, a year."
"A year already! Seems like it was just yesterday,that our little Kellbell was getting potty-trained.Man,that was rough.We've got pictures if you're interested."
"JASON!"
"Sorry,Mom."
"Don't apologize to me,apologize to your sister."
"Sorry,Kell."
"That's better."
They finished eating and went into the living room to open presents.
Alyssa handed a box to Kelly.
"This is from me to you.I know its small but hey its the thought that counts."
Kelly unwrapped the box,opened it up and found a picture frame. The picture inside was one that was taken when Kelly was five.She was sitting in Alyssa's lap and was being read to.Around the picture frame was the word"Sisters."
"Aw.Alyssa,its beautiful.I like it.Thanks."
"You're welcome."
The next hour was filled with presents being opened,thankyous being said and tons of hugging. By the end of the night,besides the picture frame Kelly had received a bracelet from her mother and stepdad,a dvd of "Austin Powers in Goldmember" from her brother and a necklace from her husband. Justin received many gifts too. Audrey had gotten baby toys and a couple little dresses. Her parents had gotten ornaments that said"Baby's first Christmas" on it. It was a lovely Christmas.
On the way home,Kelly,Justin and Audrey listened to Christmas songs. Kelly would sing whenever one of her favorites came on and Justin did too. When they were about a half hour away from LA,Kelly's cell phone rang.
She answered it.
"Hello?"
"Hey Kell!"
"Jebbie!What's up girl?"
"Nothing much.How was your Christmas?"
"Wonderful.Yours?"
"Ours was lovely.Boo and I just received some wonderful news."
"What?"
"I'm pregnant!"
"Oh my gosh! Congradulations!"
"Thanks!I'm due in August."
"That's after Audrey's birthday."
"I know! Our kids will be a year apart."
"Cool beans! Well I've got to let you go now."
"Okay! Feliz Navidad!"
"Feliz Navidad!"
Kelly turned off the cell phone.
"Who was it,Kell?"
"Jebbie."
"What did she want?"
"She wanted to tell me that she and Boo are going to have a a baby."
"Sweet!"
"I know!"
As they pulled into the driveway of their home,Kelly thought to herself"Life is good."
Chapter Nine
{Author's note-I want to say that I don't own Kelly,Justin or any of their friends or family. This is a work of fiction.}
Seven years had passed since Audrey's first Christmas. Since then,many changes happend in the Clarkson-Guarini household. Jebbie and Brian{Kelly's best friends from Texas} had their daughter Amy Rose on August 14 2006.
Kelly and Justin were trying to keep Audrey out of the tabloids and magazines. She was only seven and a half but Audrey always looked a little older than that. She was tall for her age,beautiful hazel eyes,dirty blonde hair that came down to her shoulders{it was
always unruly and messy when she woke up},and she had that trademark smile of Justin's. Audrey was simpley beautiful and everytime her parents went to an awards show,the paparazzi was always trying to get a picture of her. Audrey was intellengent and always did very well in school.She was in Girl Scouts and enjoyed it.Audrey was a popular,friendly child.
But sometimes you can't copy perfection,that was a lesson that Kelly and Justin learned the hard way.
When Audrey was four,Kelly got pregnant with a second child. Sadly the pregnancy was filled with dozens of complications and the baby was born stillborn. Justin,Kelly,and Audrey mourned the death of the infant{that was named Melanie Victoria} in silence,shutting off the rest of the world for a rather long period of time.
One morning,Kelly woke up to the sound of the tv. She listened for a second and realized that it was just Audrey watching "Spongebob". A ritual that she did every morning. Kelly got out of bed slowly and went into the living room. Audrey sat on the couch in her father's lap. She was still wearing her Barbie pajamas.
"Hey kids."
"Mommy!," Audrey got off the couch and ran into her mother's arms.
"Audrey,today's a special day isn't it?"
"Yeah! Its my first day of first grade!"
"You excited?"
"Uh huh."
"Okay sweetie,now go with Daddy.He'll help you get dressed."
"Yes,Mommy."
Justin picked up his daughter and said "Okay baby girl,what are we going to wear today?"
"Barbie shirt!"
"You want to wear your jumper and your little yellow shirt?"
"Yeah!"
"Okay.Lets go."
Audrey got out of her father's arms and ran into her room,leaving her parents behind.
"Gosh,I wish Melanie would have lived."
"I know,baby."
"Haven't you been sick lately?"
"Yes....you think I'm pregnant?"
"Well,yeah sorta."
"Justin! I'm going to the doctor today,because I think I could possibly be pregnant again."
Audrey came running back into the room,dressed.
"Okay! Time for breakfest."
The three went into the kitchen and ate a breakfest of toast and cereal. Afterwards,they finished getting ready,got in the van,and headed to school.
"Mommy?"
"Yes,sweetheart?"
"Can we listen to one of your cds?"
"Sure,honey.Which one?"
"Thankful."
Kelly put the cd in the player and Audrey started to sing.
"Love can be a many splendored thing,can't deny the joy it brings,a dozen roses,diamond rings,dreams for sale and fairy tales."
Kelly looked into Justin's eyes as he drove and they both thought of how blessed they were to have eachother and to have a beautiful little girl.
Finally,they got to the school. Justin took Audrey inside. Audrey screamed when she saw her best friends{ Courtni Day,Angie Gil,and Paris Dunkleman}. Justin felt werid to be seeing these tiny remakes of his and Kelly's friends. He gave Audrey a hug and went back to the van.
When Justin got in,Kelly took a deep breath.
"What's wrong,babe?"
"Just,I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"I'm pregnant and I have been for about three months."
Justin stared at her....he was speechless...............
Chapter Ten
An exhausted Kelly sat by Justin's bedside. She hadn't slept a wink in a day. There he was struggling to live,how could she leave him? Her eyes filled with tears for the upteenth time.He was so alive three nights ago,then the next morning she awoke to find that he had just had a heartattack. Her heart filled with sympathy as she remembered calling her children {Audrey who was now 36,and Rose who was now 29} and telling them that their father was in the hospital and might not make it. That seemed like so long ago.
Kelly opened her mouth to speak,but was overcome with emotion and cried. She tried once more and succeded.
"Justin,baby you need to live. You're just 63 years old,that's way too young to go. I know you're suffering a lot. God knows what he's doing,honey. Just please try to live. Don't leave us now. You have two beautiful daughters,four adorable grandkids,myself,a lot to live for. Remember what Nikki said to you. You may be ready to go,but we're not.Baby,just try to live.Come on.Please?"
The monitor kept beeping and Justin made no movement. Kelly placed her head on his chest and cried into it.
"Baby,come on! Live! I love you so much,and I don't know what I'll do if you leave me now.Just try.If you don't want to live for me,live for your grandkids. Melissa,Tyler,Oliva,and Heather need you now. I need you! Rose and Audrey need you! Please."
She paused.
A miracle occured. She felt Justin's hand on her back. She walked backwards in shock.
"Justin...."
Then she heard him say in a weak voice.
"I'm not going anywhere for a long time."
"Oh,honey. I knew it! I love you so much."
"Love ya too. You kept me alive all through those tough hours. I felt like dying,but knowing that I had a lot to live for I hung on."
"I missed you."
"I missed you too,sweetheart."
"Promise me that we will always be together no matter what happens."
"I promise you."
"Really?"
"Yes really."
Justin slowly raised his head up to Kelly's.
"You look so beautiful.Gray's a good color for you."
"You're joking."
"I'm serious."
He raised his lips up to hers and drew her in for a long sexual kiss.
''Babe,I have one question."
"What's that?"
"What were you dreaming of when you were in acoma."
"I was dreaming of you."
THE END
"Cause I'm dreaming of you tonight. Till tommorow I'll be holding you tight.And there's no where in the world I'll rather be,then here in my room.Dreaming of you and me."
Song lyrics from Dreaming of You by Selena.
Epilogue:
Justin was released from the hospital two days later. Two years later,Kelly and Justin's youngest child Rose married Shawn Helton{ the only son of RJ and Montana Helton}. They soon had a baby that they named Emily Joy to join Rose's two children Oliva and Heather. Audrey and her husband Tristen Gil remarried six months after Emily's birth. They had twins two years later,their names were Jaime Hope and Jenna Helene.
Justin and Kelly shared 21 more happy years of marital bliss before Justin passed away of cancer at the age of 84. Three years later,Kelly died of a stroke at age 83.Their two daughters,their husbands,five grandchildren and three great grandchildren mourned the deaths in privacy. Kelly Brianne Clarkson-Guarini and Justin Edwin Bell-Guarini were buried in a quiet place in Flordia. They kept their promises and stayed together...even after death took Justin away.
