Atherine and Mb

My Journey - Chapter 8 - Katherine and Mary Beth

A/N

- I do hope you continue to enjoy the journey of Katherine and Mary Beth. As they grow deeper in love and work through the challenges of a Sapphic relationship success and challenges arise.

What is most important and I hope that I present it in this story is that family matters. The love from family is like no other. Even when there is disapproval or disagreement, there should always be love. Love is love and must be cherished even after eternity. Maybe one day we will all be loved; equally.

Please know the last part of this story was difficult to write and think back on. In the end we are so blessed. Please forgive any horrendous grammar mistakes. I did my best with rewriting and edits.

Our love to you, KAD & MB.

January 1989

"Dr. McCaslin." I paused then suddenly started crying.

"Katherine, we are doing all we can, I know November was tough but we are doing the best we can. We will know in two weeks. In fact, why don't we wait until day 16 to have you come back for the blood test?"

We all smiled and agreed. There was a quiet knock on the door. An aide came in and said that ready to head back to the procedure room. A few minutes later, I was in the room, feet in the stirrups, the catheter was prepared and the transfer started.

***

I wasn't feeling well as I finished my shift, three more midnight shifts to go, then a few days off then day shifts would start. I knew something was wrong, or honestly something was right! Carla has asked me twice during shift if I was okay and I assured her I was fine. Veronica, our Unit Clerk said she was really worried about me as I looked pale.

I didn't want to say, "Hey, yeah! I hope I am pregnant, three days ago on January 10th; I had four embryos transferred and implanted. I mean, I am a nurse and a pretty good one, I sort of, kind of, know what is happening in my body."

Yeah

, I don't think that would go over too well considering I am single.

Dr. McCaslin did remind me about the potential spotting as well as cramping and a few other potential signs a few days after the transfer, but I was feeling horrible. I could not lead on to anyone about what was happening. We had arranged all of our appointments, both mine and Mary Beth's on my days off, or in the morning hours after working midnight shifts, or early morning when working afternoon shifts and late, last day appointments when working day shift.

The additional medication and hormones were really messing with my body. I didn't feel like this in November after the previous transfer, I was pretty certain I was pregnant. We have been fortunate so far no one has been aware of the numerous medical appointments. I had a feeling that was all about to change.

"Good Friday morning, Cpt. Dougherty" I heard Maj. Palino as I was walking into the nurse's lounge gathering my personal belongings. "A moment please?"

Two words entered my brain, two words was all I could muster,

"Oh fuck!"

No, I didn't say them out loud, I just thought them. I turned and followed him into his office. He invited me to close the door and have a seat.

He smiled, "Just a moment or two. Midnights are the worst aren't they?"

I just nodded and he continued. "I wanted to check and see if you are considering your Masters any time in the future?" He looked at me again with that inquisitive nurse's look. "Are you feeling well? You look really pale."

"I am fine Sir, just a little, well, monthly female thing." I was praying, literally in my mind he would believe me.

"Okay I don't need you wearing yourself out. I know you haven't taken time off in a while and you worked over the holidays." He paused looking for a reaction, "Just take care of you." He stood, "And think about the master's program."

"I will Sir, a few more midnight's then a few days off, then normality." I smiled, "Nothing like days shift Sir."

He smiled and told me to go home and get some rest.

I drove home without puking my guts out but trust me the desire to do so was there and was as strong as ever. I walked into the apartment, just dropping my backpack and purse on the floor. I heard her before I saw her. I walked over to the couch and just lay down in my scrubs pulling the afghan over top of my legs.

"Kathie?" She repeated, "Kathie?"

I grunted some type of response which had Mary Beth almost running into the living room to check on me.

"Baby?" I could hear the concern in her voice. "Let me get you a shake and your prenatal vitamins." I grunted something and closed my eyes.

***

Over the next three midnight shifts, Mary Beth catered to me every morning when I would get home and every evening as I left for work during this rotation. With two and a half days off, we were able to enjoy the evenings she was home with me. Then the normalization with two weeks of day shifts.

When I finished this rotation, she ensured that I continued doing what I needed to do as Dr. McCaslin expected.

On Sunday as we lay in bed together, she had me wrapped up in her arms. She was now the big spoon. Her hands were caressing my stomach, being careful not to do too much.

"Just kiss me please, kiss my neck and shoulder." Ugh, I shuddered "I feel so fat, I am bloated and my boobs hurt. How can you love someone as fat and as ugly as me." I started crying.

She lightly swatted my shoulder. "Hey, you are the most beautiful woman in the world and you are mine. Fat, skinny, tall, short, boobies or no bobbies, I love you." She kissed my shoulder.

Tears were rolling down my face, "I love you MB, just hold me, please?"

"Anything you want Kathie, anything you want." She whispered, kissing me lovingly gently touching my skin.

"How about Michael Francis if it's a boy and Frances Michaela if it's a girl?" I asked, just softly chatting in between sobs and sniffing.

She hesitated, "Or maybe Frances Mary Beth, but that is a mouthful." She snickered then took a deep breath. "Katherine, I want to ask you something and I don't want you to be upset." I nodded my head against her arms.

"I know this is really premature of me but I wish I could have twins. I want to name them after your dad and mom because of all the love they have shown me."

She kissed my neck, "It's pure fantasy at this point but I would dream of twins. Michael Kaufman and Frances Kaufman. What do you think?"

I gently turned and kissed her lips. "I love you. I am certain they will approve as I do."

***

I woke up on the morning of the 26th at 4:30 and headed into the shower. When I came out Mary Beth had my scrubs, panties and bra laid out for me on the bed. She had put out some socks and my shoes for me. I started dressing; reality hit me hard.

"MB! Mary Beth!" I said in a panic, "Mary Beth, don't do this to me this morning. Don't punk me this morning. I am not in the mood for your games." I said with greater emphasis.

She walked back into the bedroom almost in a huff. "What in the world are you talking about Katherine Aoife Dougherty? And why are you standing there topless. Put your bra and top on."

I started crying, like really crying. I fell to the bed and cried. "Mary Beth, it doesn't fit, it's too tight and my boobs hurt." I continued crying. She wrapped her arms around me and just held me.

Twenty minutes later, I walked out the door wearing a camisole with a t-shirt underneath. I was hoping that I could get through the day without anyone noticing. I was handling the nausea well, but this was new. Tomorrow at 4:30 pm "C-Day, Confirmation-Day."

***

I finished this shift and got home knowing that I wasn't able to take a nap as I had really wanted to. Mary Beth and I would be leaving to go see Dr. McCaslin for what I titled the "C-Day" as I was scheduled for a blood pregnancy test. I decided I wanted a shower.

When I got out of the shower, Mary Beth hadn't arrived home yet but I knew she would be here on time. I put on a top and forgoing the bra as nothing fit. We needed to go shopping. I felt fat, my panties were tight. I was just frustrated so I pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a shirt. I wanted my Army Nurse Corps t-shirt but I couldn't find it.

"Damnit!"

I walked out and lay down on the couch waiting on Mary Beth, just a quick nap now that I was dressed and ready to go.

I felt her soft touch on my cheek and her hand on my shoulder as she was gently shaking me awake letting me know that it was time for us to leave to go see Dr. McCaslin.

A short drive later and we were signed in and had a seat in the waiting room. Without any pomp and circumstance I walked back with the phlebotomist and had her draw my blood. Two different vials checking for qualitative and quantitative hormone levels. I waited while Dr. McCaslin would be in shortly.

There was a soft knock on the door and Dr. McCaslin came in with Mary Beth behind her. "Hi!" She smiled widely.

"I was just chatting with my other patient and she has shared a few minor details with me." She winked. "Now nothing is positive until the blood tests come back but tell me how you are feeling."

For the next few minutes I shared with Dr. McCaslin the nausea, body aches, the suspected morning sickness, the fact that I was seemingly gaining some weight, frankly my bras don't fit and my boobs were sore and very tender.

We pretty much all agreed that those were all positive signs towards a positive in-vitro and transfer and all agreed that nothing could be final without the results.

She shared with me that she would put a rush on the results but they would not be back today and that she would call tomorrow as soon as I had results. She offered that I could call any time after lunch. And with that she left me a few more instructions specific to diet and smart exercise and some other precautions.

Mary Beth held me step by step as we made our way home for a nice evening dinner.

"I want to call my mother and father." She looked at me, "I know nothing is positive yet but I want to talk to my mother."

I spent the next twenty minutes chatting with my mother; we ended the call assuring her I would call her as soon as I knew. When I finished the call I made my way back over to sit with Mary Beth and we just cuddled on the couch for a while.

The following day, I was very tempted to call during my lunch but I decided against it. I actually wanted to wait until Mary Beth got him work and we could call together. I was completely surprised when I got home to see Mary Beth already at the apartment making a light dinner.

"Love?" I questioned. She turned and smiled but I could see the redness in her eyes. I walked over and hugged her right away.

"What's wrong?"

She wouldn't go into too many details but she had explained that during lunch she had called Ben just to see how he was doing. He was still very supportive of us but whenever he mentioned

me

, to Ralph and Rosemarie they refused to discuss anything saying that until

she

changes

her

heathen ways she doesn't exist in their family.

I just held her and reassured her as much as I could that she was loved more than she knew and that my family though it wasn't her immediate blood family, they supported her and loved her every step of the way.

"I have never used the word hate Kathie but this might be the first time that I really feel hate towards anyone. "

"I love you like no other, and no other would ever fill the space you take in my heart and soul. You truly are mine and mine alone, from now and until the end of eternity." As I kissed her lips and pulled her closer into a hug; the phone rang.

Mary Beth quickly broke our hug and squealed running back to the bedroom to pick up the other phone. I was giggling but nervous when I answered.

"Hello ... Yes, hi Dr. McCaslin! ... "Oh

my god was all I could think

as the tears flowed. I started crying and was overjoyed.

I heard Mary Beth talking and she kept saying "Yes" and "Okay we will be there". I was way too emotional to even attempt to speak. I finally was able to thank her and tell her we would see her next week as we hung up the phone.

All of the emotions, the ups and the downs, the hills and valleys at this moment and in this time really came to be that it was all worth it. As I sat on the couch Mary Beth came over and sat down with me and had a gift bag with her.

"I bought this in November as I was extremely hopeful but now I can give this gift to you."

I looked at her very inquisitively. I opened the bag and inside I found that she had nicely wrapped in tissue paper a couple shirts. Printed on them were the same words, "Mom". One with an arrow pointing down towards what would be my very pregnant stomach. The other shirt had an arrow pointing to the left.

You see, I always walk on her left side. I love holding her left hand pretending there is a ring on her ring finger, one day, one day. She realized we had yet to eat dinner, so we took our time eating a nice, even healthier dinner. We then relaxed on the couch for a bit. Both of us joked about what we would do and not do, what silliness life will bring and finally how much sleep we would lose in the near future.

She put her hand on my stomach and leaned forward, kissing it and said, "Hello darling! I am your mommy and I can't wait to meet you."

My hormonal tears of joy continued as she kissed my cheek then softly kissed my lips. I finally stopped for a moment then took Mary Beth by her hands and I stood up and nodded with a big smile on my face. I helped her stand as we walked to the bedroom; expectant mothers.

***

I woke the next morning with an extra pep in my step, a new and renewed sense of urgency in my life. But as I pulled into the garage a slight little panic hit me, I would need to tell the Army and Maj. Palino I was pregnant but I decided to wait a month until I 'missed my period', then I had a reason to get an OB/GYN appointment.

I was walking out of the Nurse's Lounge after shift when Tabitha came over. She had a friendly smile on her face. We exchanged pleasantries then she asked for a second. We sat for a moment and I listened as she explained that though what transpired wasn't exactly what she wanted, but she had grown mentally and emotionally so much from it. She still loves sex and she still wanted to physically love me but knew she couldn't. It seems she had found new respect for herself.

She said, "I hope one day when we are allowed to be more open, we, as couples, could be better friends."

I hugged her and told her I would love that. "Tabitha, you are an amazing woman and if I knew a girl looking for an amazing partner I would certainly introduce you. And yes, I would love that Tabitha." I kissed her cheek and headed home. I wondered when I was fatter and really pregnant if she would still love me.

***

Well day 28 came, as did 29, and 30, I was officially late, and I could never be happier. I called and made an appointment at the OB/GYN clinic on the 5th floor. Three days later it was confirmed. According to the official Army medical record, I was pregnant. I was asked a bunch of questions regarding sexual harassment was there any physical harassment or was the abuse. I was questioned about STD's and my safety as I was single. This is the part of the Army I dislike; they want to get so damn personal. Ugh!

I mean I understand this is standard stuff but I was very nonchalant about it all. I knew the truth but wasn't saying it. Now, I had to begin that process, Maj. Palino, Sgt. Ball in training, no more PT Test, no running, no heavy lifting, and other special appointments for pre-neonatal care. Soon after meeting with my OB/GYN, I would receive a detailed medical profile related to duties and activities.

I had expected that is as I saw it from others and had known the processes. Telling Maj. Palino was slightly difficult but we got through it. "I am a nurse, Katherine." He said smiling the whole time, "I thought something was going on. I am happy for you."

He has even asked about schedule accommodations but I pushed back, no way have I wanted no special treatment.

I was even given permission when needed to wear the Army Maternity Uniform, the camouflage ones; I still wore scrubs in the ICU but purchased a pair, just in case.

***

March 16, 1989

My first ultrasound was nerve wracking. My mother and father drove in with Mary Beth and me. We introduced her as a friend of the family from home, just visiting.

Mary Beth was worried that she would somehow make a mistake and allow her emotions to ramp up too much and potentially expose us, well I wasn't worried.

I had spoken with a few people in the hospital and they knew I got pregnant and that I would be hiring a nanny to assist once the baby was born.

You see in the military, especially the Army, you have to have what they call a Family Care Plan, in the event you are deployed. Well, I have a family care plan. They just don't know I am 'hiring' my girlfriend along with my parents to care for my baby should I ever deploy.

To say my emotions weren't high on this either 9th or 8th week of my pregnancy would be an understatement. If we used T-Day we are at 9 weeks, if we used C-Day, 7 weeks. I went in between and said 8 weeks. We got set and the four of us were in the room when the female technician came in and started. Soon my OB/GYN, a very nice man, a senior Army Doctor, Lieutenant Colonel, David Haffner joined us.

His voice was gentle and soft, "Well good day Katherine! And who all do we have here?"

"Hi Sir, these are my parents, Michael and Frances Dougherty, and my best friend from home, Mary Beth."

They all stood from their seats and greeted Dr. Haffner. My father spoke, "Doctor, thank you for caring for our daughter and first grandchild." He said as they shook hands.

"Please in here you call me David or Dave. Our young Captain can't find it in her military manners to do that." He then shook Mary Beth's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you also, young lady."

"Um, Dr. Haffner, my parents are going to wait outside. Mary Beth will stay here with me. If that's okay with you, Sir."

He nodded, "Shall we get started Sergeant?"

My father and mother made their way out of the exam room and to the waiting room.

I lay there with my stomach slightly exposed as the technician was starting the prep.

And she did, the cool gel spread across my stomach, the wand moving and the distorted picture now shown on the smaller screen. He was speaking and murmuring then pointed to the screen. "There we are!"

I teared up immediately as did my mother. "Okay, as we discussed Katherine I am thinking 8 maybe 9 weeks, so let's split it down the middle and say 8 1/2 weeks. I am suggesting middle to later October. I would say your window is the 17th through the 20th."

We were all smiling. "Do you want to know if it's a boy or girl?"

I looked at Mary Beth, "MB?" She shook her head "Yes" in excitement.

"Yes, sir, please."

"Well first off," he pointed at the screen and said "We have two arms, two legs. I don't see issues with fingers or toes." The Sergeant moved the wand a little. "Okay, when you go shopping for Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving clothing, make it pink. Congratulations, you are having a girl."

He smiled and we cried.

April 1989

My father and mother had come back down to Washington DC to be with us. I was working the dreaded, which I do not like, afternoon shift, 2 pm - 10 pm. I get nothing in the house done, I feel, ugh, so unproductive. But it's better than midnight shift.

My mother and father were arriving today. Mary Beth would be home to greet them when they got there. She would have dinner ready for them and would get them settled in the guest room which they had grown to not mind. They had spent a few weekends with us previously.