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Mustard Seed: Faith, Hope, and Love

By Sasha Zarya Nexus

Chapter Seven ~ First

What will Laura's first day of being a mother bring?

April 7, 2008 ~ First

Laura awoke for her first full day of motherhood with the familiar telepathic voice of her sister, Leira.

~’I love you, Lori. How are you and our baby this morning?’~

~’I love you too Leia. I feel good and I feel that the baby is also well. I’m still basking in the afterglow of getting everything that I never expected in my wildest dreams. I’m still saddened at your loss, Sis. I wish that it were not a mutually exclusive situation. How are you doing with your recovery?’~

~’I’m going to be good as new thanks to you. They tell me that I’ll begin my cancer treatment today. That will keep me Stage 2 instead of advancing to Stage 3. They are also planning some more of the experimental treatment with stem cells when my body is up to the surgery. I’m not very saddened at the loss of the discomfort from my monthly visitor who won’t be bothering me, anymore.’~

~’I guess that will be something for me, to look forward to, after I deliver our baby. I hope that soon we’ll get to visit each other in person. The mental hugs that we can give each other are different from the real thing.’~

~Rest well Sis. I’m glad that you are only a thought away!’~

~’You too, Sis.’~

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Dr Terry was smiling as he brought the bouquet of roses and sat them on the table by the bed. Laura smiled as he came over to give her a little hug and a peck on the cheek. "Laura, good morning! How did you sleep""

"I slept wonderfully, Terry. I'm growing stronger and I don't seem to have any problem staying awake when its time to be awake now which is good. Every thing is getting back to normal only it isn't. Not only am I a complete woman but I'm pregnant too. All I have to do is keep her safe, Leira's little mustard seed, till its time for her to make her grand entrance on the world."

"I'm really glad for you, Laura. I think I may be one of the few real men who might have a little insight on what that truly does mean for you. I don't know how far back that the journey that I am on now has gone but it began for me with my sister Jaime. She was in an impossible situation, 12 years ago. Try as we like there was no medical technology that would allow both the baby and the mother to survive. Jaime leveraged the family fortune into a medical research outreach to find ways to save both baby and mother, Little Mustard Seed is the result of all that research and advances in medical technology that make this possible. Jaime died before she gave birth to Hope and from the start Hope was to be my daughter. I don't know what it was but Jaime had more hope, faith and love in her than I have ever seen in any woman in my life with the possible exception of you, Laura. Jaime was looking out for me and for Hope so I might have a companion in life and Hope have a mother. I know that Jaime left something in a box for me with our mother and she was instructed about passing it on. She died before the box was to be delivered but she had transferred the duty to my daughter Hope who now knew enough now to keep it a secret till it was time. "

"That must have been difficult for her to keep secret."

"It was and as things proceeded it got confusing. She was told that when her mother to be came into our lives that she was supposed to give the box to me without instructions and that I was supposed to figure it out. You remember I had become a test subject and I was about to become for all practical purposes Hope's mother."

"Within the box was a ring hung on a heavy chain like a pendant. It was more than just an engagement ring because it also had stones around the center on tines. There was a large centrally mounted 5 ct diamond and 2~1 ct diamonds and 2 ~ 1 ct citrines. I did some research on the exact ring design and found that it was a matriarchal ring that was supposed to have all the living female relatives of the 2 families to be joined by the wedding. First thing I eliminated was that some man was going to use the ring to propose to me. In order for me to be the recipient of the ring my birth stone (cause I'd also have to be female) which is an emerald would have to be included. Since my emerald isn't part of the ring, that would make me the groom which would mean that Hope's citrine is one of the 4 stones. We know that you two twins were born in April which are the 2 diamonds and little mustard seed's due date makes her also a citrine. That's one way to match the ring to a couple to be married."

"I don't know if you and I becoming close friends is what Jaime saw all those years ago or if the ring didn't come out at the right time and what I have deduced is meaningless. I feel like we could go about our business and do what we would have done had this prophesy not been revealed . I love you Laura and I want to spend my life with you. I'll not do anything to jinx little mustard seed's arrival in this world and I want to respect my sister's wishes on the use of the ring. But I want to seal my promise that you and I have a future together." Terry handed Laura a box containing a pair of 2ct citrine earrings and 2 ct diamond earrings.

Laura pulled Terry in for a great big hug and a deliciously sweet kiss full of passion. "I love you too Terry! I want a future together with you!" Laura reacted suddenly as she realized the truth "That would explain why Hope has been calling me mother recently and why she and I are suddenly able to be in contact telepathically. One way or another we are family right now.!!!" Laura cried tears of joy and they were all over the electronics so the tech had to chase Dr Terry out of there for a moment while they cleaned up the tears and gave her dry instruments and clothing.

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Dr Kathryn came in and greeted Laura, "Hi Laura. I've been checking your progress and everything looks fine. I'm going to be your personal gynecologist during the pregnancy and when you go home afterward, Dr Robin can look after your postpartum care. Of course being pregnant is not the best time for your first gynecological exam but yours are special circumstances. You also came into this in the middle of things so we are going to catch you up. Leira has authorized me to share the medical data with you need to know about how her cycles were which may predict how yours will be too."

"The last period that Leira had was on February 7th and she missed her period on March 7th and again on April 4th. The due date for the child is November 14th.. Ordinary time to carry a baby is 40 weeks and a month early is as early as a child can be delivered and be kept alive with the incubators. You are in your eighth week of pregnancy and on the 11th will start your ninth week of pregnancy. From now through your 12th week of pregnancy on May 2nd, you will be in your first trimester."

"Everything with your hormones are coming from your ovaries now since we discontinued the Hormone Treatment you were on when you were prepped for the transplant surgery. You wont have a menstrual period till after the baby is delivered."

"Nausea and Vomiting (in the morning) is possible, You'll notice swelling and tenderness of your breasts, frequent urination and when we let you up to go to the restroom, the nurse will teach you about Feminine hygiene and wiping from front to back. You'll notice constipation, a softening of your uterus and cervix and increased vaginal secretions. Your second trimester will be from May 9th to Aug 15th and third trimester will be from Aught 22nd till you deliver on Nov 14th. We'll go over the symptoms and other concerns for the second and third trimesters when we get closer to them".

The Nurse set things up so Dr Kathryn could do the gynecological exam and for the first time her feet were in the holders so she could be examined . Fortunately due to the surgery and the pregnancy, Laura only had a mild version of the usual exam. Dr Kathryn looked rather pleased with what she found.

"Your tests are wonderful and the baby looks in good health and you are healing nicely from the surgery."

"Thank you Dr Kathryn on behalf of me and my sister for the miracle you and your staff have performed. Its overwhelming!'

"We were glad to do it. I am going to go so I can update your charts and let you get some rest. Good bye, Laura."

"Goodbye Dr Kathryn." Laura pondered over how many firsts that she had encountered already today and the day wasn't over yet. This was her first day as being pregnant and as a fully functional woman. She'd gotten her first promise gift and her first time a man had told her that he loved her as a life partner. She'd also had her first day as a part of a new family where she was a mother with a daughter. It was her first really selfless act being Leira's surrogate after needing so much help to deal with her congenital problem and the first time that she had 2 voices in her head from her sister and her daughter. She was truly blessed.

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Leigh had texted Thomas and George on Wednesday Night after the announcement that it would be Laura instead of Jessica that would be undergoing the surgery.. Both Thomas and George had agreed to take Jessica and Leigh out to dinner. Thomas and George were Jaycee's former roommates who became so concerned when Leigh packed Jaycee's belongings that they followed Leigh to the project offices and broke security looking for Jaycee. Leigh explained that Jaycee had taken a new job where she could be Jessica 24/7and was tied up with it when they had breached security. Since nothing but talking to Jaycee could satisfy them, Leigh suggested that the pair of them take the two sisters out so they could be satisfied that Jaycee was OK and so they would quit trying to get to Jaycee at work which could get both them and her in trouble. The boys had decided that it was Thomas Gordon who would take out Leigh and the second one, George Tailor would take out Jessica..

Jessica and Leigh had started their day early since they had both been sent to the spa. It was written up as more training and Leigh would be teaching Jessica but mostly it was a thank you for her rearranging her life in case she might be needed, She only had a month more on standby duty and after that something other than a second transplant would have to be tried since the baby would be too big to transplant no matter what was taken with her Jessica came out of the spa with her hair, nails and make up immaculate. Leigh had laid out the foundations and lingerie that they had planned and purchased. She wore 3 inch black spike heels and black hose with her little black dress which fit every curve and showed off her beauty. She had a small dressy black patent leather handbag which had only the essentials instead of all the things you might ever at all need.. Along with some silver hoop earrings, she wore some silver bangle bracelets and this time on the outside, both sisters wore their lockets. Leigh was a bit more subdued and casual with her outfit but she dare not outshine her sister going out on the first date outside the project. .

Jessica was a little nervous as she walked to the security office where the men would be meeting them and Leigh tried to calm her. "There There dear. Think a happy thought! This is going to work out wonderfully tonight!"

Jessica managed a weak smile and told her that "I'll be OK. I'm over thinking things so I am trying to slow down and enjoy the experience."

Leigh smiled back, "Good girl! You'll do fine!"

All of a sudden, Jessica was calm even though everything should be in overdrive. She resolved to live in the moment and be herself and only live up to her expectations of herself and not anyone else's. It wasn't long before the men showed up and Thomas Gordon said Hi and collected a hug from Leigh while Jessica felt her shoulder being tapped as she came around into a waiting kiss and hub from George Tailor.

'Mmmmmmm, that was nice George. How have you been?" Both Leigh and Thomas stopped to see the show going on between Jessica and George. Leigh realized that her sister hadn't needed anything but confidence because she was very capable of flirting with George and keeping her poise.

"I've been missing you, Jaycee! Wow! you sure blossomed into outer beauty to match your inner beauty in no time at all"

Jessica blushed and told him," I'm used to answering to Jessica these days, but JayCee is a favorite nickname. If my luck runs true then before long I may have other nicknames as well." .

George and Jessica paused a moment so Leigh could introduce both men to Jessica and her to both of them. The ladies were led down to the parking garage where their car was waiting. Leigh rode in the front seat with Thomas while George and Jessica were comfy in the back seat. Jessica had especially appreciated that George had helped her into the car as she sat smoothing her dress underneath her on the seat and rotated both legs facing front, as she made sure her dress was gathered in. She smiled at George as he carefully closed her door then entered the back seat from the other door.

Jessica noticed that Leigh and Thomas were already deep in conversation so she decided to get right to it while they had a measure of privacy in the back seat of the car.

"George, Why did you come after me? I didn't get the idea that we were that close. Just roommates. Even though I wasn't answering my cell, I was still reachable by email and my mail was being forwarded to me. I don't get it."

"You left before I could figure out what there was between us. I couldn't figure out that when I felt something wasn't right about you that the part that didn't fit you was your attempt to be macho and the sweet kind and caring person was just the tip of the iceberg. Even though I'm not a bigot in getting along with others no matter who they are, but I do better with a female partner. I think it took you disappearing from my life along with the way you acted the last few days for me to figure it out for myself once and for all that you are a woman."

"You had me figured out to be a woman? I thought I was a good actress. I had to be most of the time to keep from being abused."

"You let slip more of your true self the last few days. Of course, in the macho guy's playbook the plan changes when its just another guy leaving versus if it is a woman who either is or might be your girlfriend is missing. Indirect methods wont work. Our instinct to be heroes demand a hands on approach and the stakes raised."

"If you were still pretending to be a guy and your girlfriend took off what would you have had to do?"

"Go after her and make sure she was OK. My Hero! You did good, George! Does that make me your girlfriend now?" replied Jessica with a giggle.

"Only time will tell, but its looking promising so far. Looks like we are here at the restaurant." finished George. when the vehicle pulled up to the curb George helped both Leigh and Jessica out of the car and escorted them in while Thomas parked the car.

The meal was lovely but try as both Leigh and Jessica did to steer the conversation on the guys, Dinner was instead full of Jessica telling her life story. Jessica had been known to recount for an hour without stopping as she told her story since she was so focused on it and she wanted so much for people to understand that such abnormal circumstances were the normal way to proceed in a situation like hers. The snatches that both Leigh and Jessica learned in between were things that Jaycee had already been told over the course of being roommates.

Leigh had decided that she would like to extend the evening by going to a movie with Thomas. Thomas drove the 4 of them to the theatre and after buying tickets for all but Jessica, sent George out with the car to drive Jessica home. Jessica smiled and mouthed a 'thank you' to Leigh for her gift of some alone time with George before the evening was over.. George parked the car and helped Jessica out of the car and they remained hand in had for the walk to the security station .

"George, Now that you know me and have spent some time with me. what do you think?"

"I would count myself the luckiest guy in the world if you would be my girlfriend, Jessica."

"I think I can arrange it, Just no more putting security thru its paces. The have been nice to me so I wouldn't want anything that I might do directly or indirectly to upset them."

"I'll be good, Jessica. I don't want to do anything to make trouble for you."

"Thank you George. Maybe you could kiss me here so we don't give them so much of a show?"

George didn't need anymore encouraging so as Jessica closed her eyes, George took Jessica in his arms and tightly embraced her kissing her fervently as his tongue reach out to play with hers. Jessica felt a warmth in her lips and mouth that was like nothing she had experienced before and a wave of ecstasy engulfed her body from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. Before Jessica could melt, George ended the kiss and steadied her on her feet till she could get her bearings again.

"Good Night, Jessica! I hope you enjoyed yourself!"

"Good Night George! Call me! I will be anticipating with glee the next time I'm near you!" Jessica wondered at the words as soon as she said them but knew without a doubt they came from deep in her heart. She smiled and blew a kiss to him as he turned to depart.

Jessica thought to herself that if this is what dates were about then she had to get her another one and soon!

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~'Hey Momma! How 're ya doin'?'~ projected Hope's thoughts to Laura. Laura was slightly startled because when Hope's mind touched hers, she felt a little jostled in a nice way in the way a child's enthusiasm can be.

~'I'm doing wonderful sweetie! Hi, Hope, How are you? Would you like to answer a question for me? Why are you calling me Momma now? It feels right to me too, darlin' I'd just like your "Thoughts" "giggle" on it'~

~''I'm wonderful, too, Momma, I call you Momma because I want you to be my Momma, now and for always. I know grown ups have ways to make things nice and proper. I love you and you are filling the place in my heart that was left vacant so long ago when Momma died before I was finished being born. I could see how you loved Theresa too and she opened a mother's place in my heart then had to go back to being my daddy before I had a daddy shaped whole as well. Did Daddy tell you about the ring? He said he was going to tell you because he trusts you to help him do the right thing with it.'~

~'Your daddy told me all about it, sweetie. I am amazed at how much hope faith and love went into everything that your mother, Jaime did for you to make sure that you and your daddy have the best life together possible and now I'm part of that life too. I agree that waiting till I am delivered is a good idea'~

~' I needed the mother hole in my heart filled and you fit perfectly. That we can be speaking this way means that some how we are family and maybe that engagement ring means that my original momma thought you would make a good mommy to me also. Its not because I feel fate has decreed this to be but because I love you so much Mommy. Love is how families are made, really. In spite of all that grownups do to make things nice and proper, If there is no love then everything can come apart and everyone go away being hurt. I'm claiming you as my God Mother for right now cause we are already related with our bond of love, faith and hope!'~

~'Yes Hope, I will be your God Mother, now and for always. Sometimes it is nice to chat this way but if you were here right now I would give you a great big hug because I am so filled with tears of joy, that I couldn't get out a single word. I'll be the best Mother to you that I can, daughter. Your daddy and I made a promise together to stay with each other 'going steady' and we'll leave the rest for the future, my dear daughter. I love you as my daughter, Hope, now and forever. If you ever need me, I'll be here for you.'~.

~'Momma, I'll be checking on you and letting Daddy know that you are OK. You know its got to be important if they have you locked down so tight that Daddy cant get back in to see you. Daddy is getting reports on your medical condition and little mustard seed is healthy and you are healing nicely. They want you to keep making good progress and no repeats of the scare you gave us on surgery day.'~

~' No more scares daughter! I want to be around to greet my niece when she enters the world and also so we can start doing all the mother/ daughter things together and enjoy my new life with you and your father, Hope! '~

~' Rest well, Momma, All my hopes!"

~"Bye Sweetie!"~

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Thru the wonders of teleconferencing, Dr Erika had assembled a host of Significant others to participate in the support group tonight. With everything that had happened with the project at large, she felt that it would be good to give voice to some of the feelings common to several of them today.

Dr Erika began, "We've got the teleconference tied into your remote control. We'll use the method that the person holding the totem is the one who gets to speak till they pass it. When your monitor flashes the ***Live*** then you have the totem and when you finish just press the select switch on the remote again the ***Live*** will leave the monitor and go to someone else's. We'll terminate either when I feel we have reached a stopping place or we run out of time. So go ahead."

"Hi, its me, Hope! Guess I got a turn first. I am thankful that Miss Laura is awake and cheerful after her surgery. I feel so glad for her that she got to help her sister fight off the cancer by carrying her baby for her. I also am thankful that Miss Laura and Daddy have promised to be best friends and I love the diamond and citrine earrings that he gave her so she would have a remembrance of it. Daddy reminds me that I shouldn't assume but I already feel that she is part of our family and that I am part of hers. Its been a happy day for me."

"Hi, it's Leira. I am thankful that the operation was a success and little mustard seed seems contented with her new mother. I was worried about my sis but I am thrilled that she got beyond that. I am glad that Laura and I can chat telepathically again and I love that it brings us closer particularly now. I am also glad to have Hope who is Laura's God Daughter part of our family and I am amazed that Hope and Laura can telepathically chat too. I'm glad that the treatment for my cancer is starting and I will be looking forward to getting rid of it. "

"Hi, It's Leigh. Jessica and I have been getting ready for Jessica's first real date. The one that Jessica had for the party however enjoyable was a simulation since her date was working security as part of her detail at the time. However, we found out that there was someone in Jaycee's life who admired from afar and the only encouragement that was needed was some confirmation that guesses that had been made about Jaycee were right. I'm thankful that Jessica was suitable and available to be backup which was a necessary part of being able to go for it. I'm also glad that things are adding up to get Jessica a full transition too even after her part as potential backup isn't possible a month from now when Laura enters her second trimester."

"Hi, Mark here. I am so glad that both Laura and our baby are alright and also that Leira came thru the surgery OK and can be treated now for the cancer. Life is good with lots of help from our friends!"

"It's Dr Terry. I am so glad for everything good that has happened to Laura and Leira and little mustard seed over the last 48 hours. I'm glad that Laura and I have a hope that something interesting might happen after the baby is born after explaining what I have guessed about my sister's plans and her becoming more and more part of our family and Hope and I becoming part of hers."

"It's Jessica. Even though I hoped to be the pregnant one now, I am glad for Laura that she got the chance to help her sister carry her child. We both are having pretty unique experiences but Laura seems to be getting a double dose with being pregnant and being wooed by some one she loves. What I feel with the guy I've been flirting with isn't clearly love at first sight but I am going to have fun sticking around and flirting with him until I know for sure and our relationship can go to the next lever. I am a happy girl!"

"It's Laura! I'm thrilled to be here and to be alive and to have all the blessings of family and a baby growing inside me and a love in my heart that is returned by an amazing man and a sister's thoughts in my head and my daughter's thoughts in my head as well. I am glad to be the mother of Hope in the here and now while I am a surrogate to mustard seed. Life is good and I look for even better things to catch up with me as I go into the future. "

"It's Dr Erika again. I think I will call a stop for now but that worked out well so we may do this again this way when it feels like the right thing to do. Till I see you all again, May all your wishes come true! Good Bye for now!" .

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Dr Kathryn along with Dr Viola Carrey (who was leading Leira's Care Team) looked in on Mark and Leira in Leira's room as she was resting between procedures. The schedule was as full as they could make it so they could get a head start treating Leira for the cancer, now that she could be sure that there was no way for the unborn child to be affected by the side effects.

Dr Kathryn said, “Mark, you certainly are lucky to have Leira as your wife. It won’t be too long before your child is born and you will have started your family.”

“I was extremely lucky to meet Leira. I was in the right place at the right time and so was she.” Mark smiled at Leira as he remembered meeting her.

"Laura told me once that Mark wasn’t just lucky, he was very skilled. I’ve learned that even Mark has a few surprises” Viola told them and smiled mischievously.

Leira explained, “I had the faith that I would meet and fall in love with the man of my dreams. I prepared for that day and when Mark came into my life, I was ready. I think that preparation runs in the family, with the kind of eye contact Laura's been making with Dr Terry. They have come a long way in very few days. And Hope is a dream daughter, and I am looking forward to her becoming a permanent part of the family soon."

Mark replied, "What words of wisdom to you have for your sister and her significant others, Leira, my sweet?"

"As Robert Heinlein said in Have Space Suit Will Travel “'Good luck' follows careful preparation; 'bad luck' comes from sloppiness” I am overjoyed that you are my husband, Mark, and that our family is about to begin.” Leira said , overflowing with joy.